The lights of the county fair shimmered against the twilight sky, a kaleidoscope of colors eating the darkness of the evening.

The scent of fried food, popcorn, and a hint of hay lingered in the air, mixing with the faint strains of a banjo playing somewhere near the Ferris wheel. Price, out of his usual tactical gear and clad in a simple flannel shirt and jeans, looked surprisingly at ease.

He leaned casually against the fence of the livestock pen, watching the pig races, his rugged face softened by an easy grin. He didn’t care much for fairs - too loud, too crowded.

But tonight was different.

Tonight, he wasn’t here for the mission or anything like that; he was here for her.

She was a civilian, no combat experience, but she had a spark that could outshine the neon lights of the fair. And Gods above did he love her.

He paused for a moment, tipping his head toward her. “You’ve got me thinkin’ I might just stick around a little longer,” he hummed, guiding her to the ring toss.

The way he said it - low, steady, and with just a hint of a smile - made her cheeks warm.

They stopped near the booth, stuffed animals hung as prizes. She picked up the rings, aiming for the rows of bottles.

Price watched with a fond expression, he leaned in slightly, close enough that she could feel the warmth of him. “Reckon you’ve got the aim to win that?” he teased, his tone playful, but there was a hint of genuine admiration in his gaze.

She huffed, glancing up at him with an amused expression, handing him the small pile of rings she had, “go on then,” she smirked, her cheeks warm as Price seemed to settle behind her.

It didn’t take too long before the vendor handed over a teddy bear, “I think out my shoulder for that, luv,” Price teased, leaning down to kiss her on the forehead as she looked at the bear.