[Gift] summer lovin'

Manamea had noticed that whenever she visited her girlfriend in the café she worked at, Maeve would be sighing wistfully at the flyers announcing the upcoming fair in Burrowgatory. She'd also linger close to tables with customers that had just come back from said fair, listening to their excited chatter about all the games and rides.

The tipping point was when a couple sat at the table next to Manamea's. They were all over each other, giggling, clearly in love. At least the girl was. The other one had a blush and was trying very hard to pretend to be uncaring, but the way they had entwined both their tails together and had the girl sitting on the window side so she could look out the window, and not risk any server spilling anything on her, was telling.

Mind made up, she talked directly with Maeve's boss, requesting the next Friday off for shark. Her boss was a bit confused, but when Manamea said it was for a special date, they immediately agreed.

"That girl really does need to go out and enjoy herself! Shark keeps sighing all over the place."

And that was that.

—

As Maeve arrived home after her shift on Thursday, Manamea greeted her by nuzzling into her fur.

"You have tomorrow off," she said, pulling Maeve closer. "And I'll be taking you out on a date," she finished, giving her girlfriend a quick peck.

Said girlfriend immediately perked up, growing increasingly excitable. "A date? Where are we going? Should I dress up or dress down? Should we pack snacks? If we pack snacks we should get started on them now–"

Manamea kissed her again, earning a squeak.

"I have it all figured out already, you don't have to worry about anything, just be your cute self," She placated as she guided her girlfriend further into their home. "C'mon, tell me about your day?"

Her girlfriend blushed, and giggled, squeezing her hand, before recounting her day at work.

Manamea just gazed at her, in adoration, excited for the surprises she had ready for the next day.

—

Their day began early. Manamea made them breakfast that they shared in bed, occasionally abandoning it in favor of loving kisses and teasing touches that led to them almost being late for the rest of their day, but Manamea had taken that into consideration and prepared accordingly.

Their showers were separate, just to make sure they didn't fall victim to each other once more, but she couldn't help but sneak a few pinches and handfuls while they dressed.

It was only when they were almost to the fair that her girlfriend realized just where Manamea had taken them.

She had been watching her carefully, so she didn't miss the way Maeve gasped loudly, squealed, and squeezed the paw shark was holding onto before turning to her with a wide, beaming smile. "You remembered?!"

As if she could possibly forget.

She pulled Maeve closer. "Yes. Of course I did."

Maeve's blue eyes turned watery and her lip wobbled. She all but tackled Manamea in a big embrace, words too garbled to really understand.

She expected this. She prepared for this. Manamea just held her, letting her paws soothe Maeve.

Finally, she guided her now-bouncing girlfriend into the fair. There was so much to do and see, and Manamea wanted Maeve to experience it all.

She made sure to play at all the totally-not-rigged games, even if her paws fumbled with the fishing rod and some of the hoops. Not too surprisingly, Maeve got them some prizes at the same fishing game Manamea had been struggling with. She made sure to give Maeve the tightest hug she could and the sweetest candied apple possible.

After the games, they made their way to the rides. She screamed the loudest on the rollercoaster, making Maeve laugh whenever she remembered. They even had a picture of the moment, with Manamea gripping the safety bar for dear life as Maeve laughed.

The carousel and the spinning teacups had them both teetering dizzily once they were off. And, for a moment, Manamea was worried that they had both gotten a concussion due to road rage on the bumper cars.

As their afternoon passed, and the evening began, she guided Maeve to the huge ferris wheel, making sure to slip extra carats to the bun in charge so that their cabin would stop for an extra long moment when at the top.

As their cabin slowly rose, she and Maeve cuddled to watch the view through the glass pane. Exhaustion was beginning to cling to them, but it came with bone-deep satisfaction and happiness that made it all worth it.

Once they were at the top and the movement stopped, Maeve threw her a glance. It told Manamea everything she already knew. It told her thank you. It told her I treasure you. It told her I love you.

So she held Maeve closer and settled comfortably in silence as they watched the fair buzz below. Their tails entwined, their hearts beating in tandem, and their breath synchronized. 

It was perfect. Peaceful. Lovely. Just as the bun she held so dearly in her arms.