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It wasn’t far from my flat to the fairground, and I enjoyed the walk. It helped calm my nerves.

Training with him was okay. As soon as I was on the ice, stick in hand, everything else ceased to exist. At the fair, I’d have no buffer or other focus but him. I bet Arne in Lederhosen was atleast as sexy as him in a suit. Throw in the overstimulation that came with the bright lights, the smells, the music, and the crowd, and it was bound to get difficult.

I was glad for my medication. That, at least, took a bit of the edge off.

Trying to keep my eyes on the tent, I pushed through the crowd, only stopping for two teenagers who asked for an autograph. Someone called,‘Hey, Raven!’from one of the beer stalls; I raised a hand in their direction but pressed on.

“Hey, Decks!” I called when I spotted my American colleague with his giant bird fiancé.

We went into the tent together and found our table in a private booth. I hated not being in control, but Arne robbing me of what little power I had over myself was weirdly exhilarating. I snagged the seat next to him.

Let’s put this down as exposure therapy.

“I’ll never get over you in Lederhosen,” Arne muttered so only I could hear him, one corner of his mouth tipping up in a smile.

“They fit you surprisingly well for a Dane, too.” I winked at him.

After the official part in the tent was finished, things got more rowdy.

“Want to have a look around? It’s getting a little too loud for me in here.”

“Oh, sure.” Arne shot me a slight smile and got up. We told the others where we were going and took off.

Outside wasn’t a lot quieter, but it brought some relief, at least.

Strolling through the fairground with my Viking was fantastic. I loved talking to him, loved his calm composure and the witty jokes.

Seriously, how is he so hot?

Thirteen

Arne

Max and I left the tent. Once we’d grabbed bottles of alcohol-free beer, we let the crowd pull us along. I loved fairs. The smells and lights had fascinated me since childhood. Sharing this with my raven was even better.

He relaxed with every step we took away from the tent. I’d spent my evenings without him reading everything I could find on autism.

I bet he finds it overwhelming. Poor baby.

I’d come here today with the intention of being his anchor. Help him cope; it was the least I could do as his boyfriend.

Oh my God. I nearly choked on my drink. We hadn’t even discussed what we were. I mean, yeah we’d fooled around…

And it was a life changing experience. I can’t just assume that makes us boyfriends though, can I?

“Hey Cap, wanna ride the Ferris wheel with me?” When I turned, Max was looking at me, all fierce and excited. He hadn’t noticed my inner turmoil. I schooled my features to keep it that way.

“Yes,” I said without hesitation.

I’ll do anything for you.

“Good. Come on.”

There wasn’t much room for the two of us in that little cabin. Our thighs were practically touching. I put my hand on the bench between us, wanting to be even closer.

“Nervous, Cap?” he asked.

Cheeky.