#just as a friendly park date under some shady trees

[tallgh0st]

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[twilighttunes]

Fun and affordable date ideas for couples

When it comes to dating, it's not always about lavish dinners and extravagant outings. In fact, cheap date ideas can be just as enjoyable, if not more, for couples looking to spend quality time together without breaking the bank.

Why cheap date ideas are perfect for couples

One of the main advantages of cheap date ideas is that they allow couples to focus on the experience and each other, rather than the cost or extravagance of the activity. By embracing affordable options, couples can create meaningful memories and strengthen their bond.

Another benefit of cheap date ideas is the opportunity to explore new activities and interests together. Trying out a new hiking trail, visiting a local museum, or cooking a meal at home can be exciting and provide a chance to discover shared passions.

Cheap date ideas also encourage creativity and spontaneity. Planning a picnic in the park, having a movie night at home with homemade popcorn, or going stargazing can bring out the playful and imaginative side of a relationship.

Additionally, cheap dates can help couples prioritize their financial goals. By choosing affordable activities, they can save money and allocate it towards more significant milestones like vacations, purchasing a home, or starting a family.

Furthermore, cheap date ideas often involve simplicity and a focus on the simple pleasures of life. Taking a scenic walk, having a picnic by the beach, or enjoying a homemade dinner together can create a sense of intimacy and connection that expensive outings may not always provide.

It's important to remember that the value of a date doesn't lie in its price tag but in the quality of the time spent together. Cheap date ideas allow couples to concentrate on the essence of their relationship and build a solid foundation of love, trust, and companionship.

So, the next time you're planning a date, consider the beauty of simplicity and the joy of cheap date ideas. You'll be surprised at how much fun, romance, and lasting memories can be created without spending a fortune.

Outdoor date ideas on a budget

When it comes to planning a memorable date, you don't have to break the bank. Outdoor date ideas on a budget can be just as romantic and enjoyable as expensive outings. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can create unforgettable experiences without spending a fortune.

One budget-friendly outdoor date idea is a picnic in the park. Pack a delicious homemade lunch, grab a cozy blanket, and head to your favorite local park. Find a shady spot under a tree or by a picturesque pond, and enjoy each other's company while savoring the delicious food you've prepared. This intimate and relaxed setting allows you to connect with your partner and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Another idea is to go hiking or take a scenic nature walk together. Research local trails or nature reserves in your area and embark on an adventure. Not only will you get some exercise, but you'll also have the opportunity to explore new surroundings and admire the natural beauty around you. Don't forget to bring water, snacks, and sunscreen to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outing.

If you live near a beach or a lake, a beach day or a lakeside picnic can be a perfect budget-friendly date option. Take a dip in the water, build sandcastles, or simply relax on the shore while enjoying the calming sound of the waves. Bring along a frisbee or a volleyball for some added fun and friendly competition. The beach or lake provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for a romantic day out.

For a more active and adventurous date, consider going biking together. Find a scenic bike trail in your area or simply explore your neighborhood on two wheels. Cycling is not only a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's also an excellent opportunity to bond with your partner. Stop by a local café for a quick refreshment or explore a nearby park along your route.

Lastly, stargazing can be a magical and budget-friendly date idea. Find a quiet spot away from city lights, spread out a cozy blanket, and admire the wonders of the night sky together. Download a stargazing app to identify constellations and learn more about the celestial bodies above you. This date idea allows for intimate conversation and reflection while marveling at the vastness of the universe.

Remember, the most important aspect of a date is the connection and quality time you spend together. Outdoor date ideas on a budget provide the opportunity to explore new experiences and create lasting memories without the financial burden. So, get creative, step outside, and enjoy the simple pleasures that nature has to offer.

Creative and unique indoor date ideas

When it comes to planning a date night, sometimes staying in and getting creative can be just as exciting as going out. If you're looking for unique indoor date ideas that won't break the bank, we've got you covered. These cheap date ideas are sure to add a touch of fun and romance to your evening.

1. Movie Marathon: Choose a theme or your favorite movie series, prepare some popcorn, and cozy up on the couch for a movie marathon. You can relive your favorite films or discover new ones together. Don't forget the blankets and pillows for extra comfort!

2. Indoor Picnic: Create a romantic atmosphere by setting up an indoor picnic. Lay out a blanket on the living room floor, prepare a selection of finger foods, and light some candles. You can enjoy a picnic-style dinner without worrying about the weather.

3. DIY Wine Tasting: Visit your local grocery store and pick out a variety of inexpensive wines. Blindfold each other and take turns tasting and guessing the type of wine. It's a fun way to explore different flavors and test your taste buds.

4. Board Game Night: Dust off your favorite board games or try out new ones. Whether it's a classic like Monopoly or a cooperative game like Pandemic, a board game night can bring out your competitive spirit and create lasting memories.

5. Cooking Challenge: Turn your kitchen into a cooking competition. Choose a set of ingredients and challenge each other to come up with a delicious dish. You can even set a time limit and have a panel of judges (or just yourselves) decide the winner.

6. Arts and Crafts: Tap into your creative side and engage in some arts and crafts. You can paint, draw, or make DIY projects together. This not only allows you to express your creativity but also provides an opportunity for bonding and laughter.

7. Book Club Date: Select a book that interests both of you and take turns reading chapters aloud to each other. Discuss the plot, characters, and your favorite parts. It's a unique way to share a literary experience and engage in thoughtful conversations.

8. Indoor Camping: Set up a camping experience right in your living room. Pitch a tent, bring out sleeping bags, and create a cozy ambiance with fairy lights. You can roast marshmallows over a candle flame and share spooky stories for a memorable indoor camping adventure.

9. Dance Party: Clear some space in your living room, create a playlist of your favorite songs, and have a dance party. Let loose, show off your moves, and enjoy a night of laughter and fun. You can even learn some new dance steps together.

10. Movie Trivia Night: Put your movie knowledge to the test with a movie trivia night. Create a list of questions or use an online trivia platform. Compete against each other and see who can answer the most questions correctly. It's a great way to challenge yourselves and discover new movie recommendations.

Remember, the most important thing about a date night is spending quality time together. These creative and unique indoor date ideas are not only cheap but also provide an opportunity to connect, have fun, and create lasting memories.

Remember, the key to a successful date is not the amount of money spent but the quality time and connection shared. These budget-friendly date ideas will not only help you save money but also create lasting memories that you'll cherish for years to come.

[shirophantomvox]

Tie the Knot

Hello, anon! Thank you for this request. I have to say, writing for another character is very exciting! Keep in mind that I am still watching season 1 where Joseph Joestar is introduced, and we learn that Lisa Lisa is his mother but he is unaware of the fact. I am going to try my best to portray Dio. If I am correct, Dio is a self-absorbed brat as a teenager who always fought Jonathan because he secretly admired him and was quite jealous of the bond he and Jonathan’s father had. So Dio killed Jonathan’s dog. Because of his abusive father, he reciprocates those feelings, thoughts, and actions and has caused him to reign like hell for 100 years more. Although the story takes place in the late 1800s in England, I’ve pushed it forward to the 1950s in New York. Hopefully, I do well. I would love for JJBA fans to give me a follow!

Story navigation

THIS EVENT IS OVER

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July 6th, 1958

Wedding bells rang and sang, echoing their joyous strains throughout the city of Manhattan. The town was usually silent, but it erupted with laughter, crying, and a mixture of both as the two newlyweds made their way out of the chapel. It felt like yesterday was the day Dio Brando laid his eyes on you; something so majestic it had him conflicted. Given his shady past, he felt humans were cold and spineless; they deserved to be in pain and suffer just like he did. He even admitted to contemplating crudely pranking you when he saw you sitting under an apple tree reading. Your innocent demeanor drove him mad; both out of admiration and wanting to tease you. The people scrambled like flies when Dio towered over the tree you laid carelessly on, but you were oblivious to the fact. Seeing everyone run for their lives struck a nerve, but even if their actions were correct; you’re doomed anyway.

Goodness gracious, who could forget that day? He had to be at least 24 years old with a chest as hard as armor. Dio stood over you, tall and strong; not budging at all to assert some sort of dominance. His thighs were as large as you if you had a clone and merged them together. His arms were so muscular that at the slightest touch of glass or anything fragile, it would simply shatter. The force from just a mere touch was too much to handle. A green plastic heart covered most of his forehead, probably red underneath due to it being tied much too tight. Dio was beautiful, no doubt about it, but his insane dominant behavior was radiating off his body. He didn’t have to say a word, his actions spoke for him. Finally, he crouched down at your level, smiling widely as usual. The touch of his index finger gently grazing your chin felt satisfying beyond recognition, but it didn’t matter. Dio was far out of your league; there was no way he’d take dating you seriously. He chuckled silently at your cute, surprised gaze.

“Close your mouth. You don’t want a fly in there, do you?” For such a healthy man, his deep booming voice didn’t surprise you, but what did surprise you were the length of his nails and the softness of his eyes. Such a monstrous man would have eyes like the devil, but he did not. Dio lifted your chin so you could make eye contact with him. Gazing into one’s eyes while the other is speaking is a sign of respect and confidence.

“That’s better,” he said, chuckling again. “Tell me, what is your name, lovely.”

As burly as he was, your strike of fear seemed to fade away, as you felt a sense of familiarity. The color of his blonde hair was a key identifier to who he was. His eyeliner was rather thick underneath his eye, almost portraying he had a thing for the gothic lifestyle. From that moment on, the conversation that you held lasted for hours underneath that green apple tree in an empty park as the sunset. At that moment, the idea of marriage never crossed your mind, but thank heavens it did. As your friendly relationship advanced, you couldn’t bear the sight of him being with someone else. You grew to love his childish pranks, irritating actions, and overbearing passes, but, hey; what did you expect from a man from a questionable past? Everyone wished nothing but joy for your lifetime commitment. The additional wishes for love and happiness gave you hope Dio would remain your partner forever.

At the reception, the photographer insisted on taking several photos of you both. Being in a dark room and the flash of a camera nearly blinded you both to the point you almost stumbled over your dress. Dio, being the vigorous man he is, caught you in an instant. Your tiny hands, compared to his bulging arms, gripped him, trying your best to act like you hadn’t tripped at all.

“Careful, there,” he said. You weakly smile, blushing a little at his sly comment. Of course, he sincerely meant it, but just a petty part of him wanted to be funny. He couldn’t resist being childish.

A shiny, brand new Rolls Royce parked outside of the reception hall. The bumper had pop cans taped to it barely hanging on for dear life. The back window had white chalk marker all over it, written in cursive to once again remind you of your lifetime commitment.

Just married, it read in big and bold cursive white writing.

Everyone cheered, throwing rice at you both as you entered the limo. The view of your friends and family disappeared as it swallowed the limo in the darkness. The ride to the hotel was rather smooth; as far as traveling went, but the silence exchanged by you both was rather odd. For years, you and Dio would have conversations under the same apple tree in Manhattan and even at the reception, but on the ride there, you remained silent. Was it contained excitement? Were you scared? Was it shock? Either way, the adrenaline in your system was ranging; it was all these emotions bottled ready to explode.

The hotel was rather silent, assuming everyone was asleep for the night. It was 2 am after all. After boarding the freight elevator, Dio held you in his arms, back in his right, and legs in his left. The light of the elevator lustered your skin; exposing the tiny muscles running through it. Spending several hours jogging, lifting household items, and being rebellious against roles and stereotypes for that time made you all the better. Your legs, perfectly shaped, would be eye candy and would distract any man if they entered the elevator. A wolf whistle escaped Dio’s lips, slightly growling in your ear. You blushed slightly, hiding your face as if anyone else had been in the elevator with you.

“You are so adorable . Do you know that? You always seem to get so flustered, it boosts my ego.”

“Don’t toot your own horn, Dio. You have an entire night to woo me.”

“Just one night? What about the countless years we’ve spent together?”

Carrying on with your conversation, he temporarily put you down to open the door. As you entered, the staff decorated the room with freshly lit candles, rose petals, roses, and a welcoming basket the staff left congratulating you on your newly made nuptials. You gasped at the beautifully arranged room, seeming to forget about the man you just married. The sight of one candle diverted your attention; it was the touch of Dio’s lukewarm hands around your waist that put you back into reality. You gasped at his touch, earning another chuckle from him. He could tell that you were nervous, but he was ready to release all the love he’d developed for you.

“You’re so jumpy. Are you alright?”

You gaze into his eyes completely for the first time in a while. There was a strike of fear piercing through your core, but it wasn’t out of imminent danger but more of a question of how you’d handle pleasure throughout the night. It was scary, but once it happened, the fear would disappear once it started.

“I’m fine... just a little nervous. This is my first time being intimate.”

As egotistical as he was, this didn’t boost his ego in the slightest. Being a virgin, even during that time period, meant nothing. He viewed you as an equal; something many men didn’t do then. It only fueled his ego during certain interactions; this was not one of them. As you turned to walk towards the bathroom, he bent down and placed a soft kiss on your cheek, and moved to your lips. It surprised you how long and how placed his lips were against yours. Believe it or not, a kiss hadn't been shared since the wedding ceremony. How could two newlyweds last over 9 hours without kissing? Dio was a bold man; regardless of any religious pressure, he would have swallowed you whole, but the only thing preventing him was his temper. He didn’t want to ruin your day by being arrested, so he swallowed his pride and let it slide. He placed his large hands on your waist. His hands were so big that they were overlapping themselves. His groin grazed gently against yours, moving his lips from yours to our neck. You smiled, grazing your nose against his.

“That was rather intense,” you said, smiling.

“I will not let you go to bed without giving me some sugar. That kiss earlier was a ritual. This one was pre-game. There is more to come.”

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[lily-drake]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TIMOTHY JACKSON DRAKE-WAYNE, THE BEST BAT BOY OF THEM ALL!!! YOU CAN’T CHANGE MY MIND!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Tim

Tim never really cared for his birthday, afterall nobody ever remembered it, and he doubted that Bruce would care.  He had never shown much of an interest in him, which was fine since he wasn’t supposed to get close to him.  His entire job as Robin was to make sure Batman didn’t go crazy, he wasn’t supposed to get attached.  So he didn’t, at least that’s what he told himself.  It was around 10:45 PM when Tim went upstairs at Alfred’s request.  Timidly the 14 year old walked into the kitchen only to be met with a small white cake.  Upon closer inspection the cake had red and green letting that spelled out in neat scroll, “Happy Birthday Timothy” with perfectly cut strawberries decorating the sides.  Tim stared at the cake in awe, he’d never been given a birthday cake before, except at galas; but that didn’t count as he wasn’t really aloud to eat any.

“Good to see you up here Master Timothy.  Happy birthday young sir.  I apologize for the others absence, but I’m afraid that they are ‘busy’.”

Tim swiftlet lifted up his arms in a placating manner,

“Oh no, it’s fine.  Don’t worry about it, I wouldn’t want to bother anyone.”

Alfred gave him a small smile and nodded.

“Well, I believe that it is time for a bit of cake.”

Alfred walked around the counter and pulled out a plate, for, and knife before he cut a large piece and plated it.  Tim held back tears as he took his first bite of the cake.  This was the best cake he had ever had, and this was definitely his favorite birthday.

*******

Tim stared at the computer screen in front of him trying to figure out what he was missing.  He was tired, he hadn’t slept in a few days, and he was on his 8th cup of coffee from that hour alone.

“Tim, come with me!”

Dick said, suddenly on his right side.  Out of habit he turned and threw a punch at him.  Dick quickly ducked and laughed.

“Your getting faster baby bird.”

Tim sighed and rolled his eyes turning back to the computer.

“What do you need, Dick?”

He asked typing something onto the screen and scrunching his brow in frustration at the facts in front of him.  Dick rolled his eyes and sighed before he grabbed Tim and pulled him from the computer chair and onto his feet.  Tim groaned and tried to pull away in protest, but Dick overpowered him and he was dragged up the stairs.  Tim looked around to see where he was so he could make a quick escape if necessary.  When he looked forward again he saw he was being dragged to one of the main room doors.  He was thinking and going through all of the things he could have missed or forgotten, but nothing came to mind.  When the door opened the lights were off until they suddenly turned on and loud voices screamed,

“Happy birthday!”

From all around the room.  Tim blinked a few times everything catching up to him as he looked around and saw his family; Bruce, Alfred, Barbara, Stephanie, Cass, and Dick all around him.  The room was covered in decorations and on the table sat a decent sized 3 tier cake, just like the one he had had when turned fourteen, but bigger.  Tim ran through his memory and tried to recall what the date was and froze.  Oh, it was his 16th birthday, he had forgotten all about it.  He was pulled out of his stooped by Steph grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the table were 16 candles lined the rim of the cake and in the center it said, “Happy 16th Birthday Tim!” in the neatest cursive with a robin made of frosting right below it.  There was also neatly plated and perfectly made sushi on another table near them.  Tim smiled as everyone began to sing happy birthday to him and when he was done he blew out the candles happy and content with his day.  There was so much warmth that spread through his chest as he talked and ate cake with his family.  So much joy that surrounded the manor, he even saw Bruce smile.  Tim didn’t need to wish for anything, he was happy, and that’s all he could ever wish for.

*******

Tim looked at his watch and frowned.  He was now officially 19, but it didn’t matter, nothing mattered much now.  He was alone in Paris training with Lady Shiva, and his family didn’t care.  They were the ones who kicked him out afterall, he wasn’t wanted.  He sat under a shady tree bench in the park and watched as people talked and interacted with eachother.  It was peaceful, but that didn’t fill the hollowness he felt in his chest.  As he stood and began to walk away he felt someone crash into him and fell foreword, someone landing on his back.  Quickly the person got up and began to call out apologies obviously embarrassed.  Tim got up and turned around and came face to face with a girl about his age with dark black hair that tinted blue in the light and show startlingly bright bluebell eyes.  The girl was still talking and he wasn’t sure if she had even breathed yet.

“Hey, it’s ok.  Don’t worry about it.”

The girl immediately bit her lip and bowed her head as she tried to hide her face.  Tim smiled at the girl who was slightly shorter than him.

“I’m Tim.”

He said casually as he held out his hand.  The girl gave an awkward smile before excepting his hand and giving it a firm shake.

“Marinette.  Sorry again.”

“It’s nice to meet you Marinette.  Do you know where any good coffee shops are, I haven’t slept in a while and I really need a pick me up to finish my things.”

Marinette lit up and nodded.

“I totally understand.  I design and commissions keep me up all night half the time.  I live in a bakery and have concocted the best wake up coffee.  My friends say it’s very dangerous and I’m going to kill myself with it one day, but all well.  Why sleep when you can get things done?!”

Tim smiled at the girl as she began to walk and talk.  She was cute and was very dramatic in the way she spoke and expressed herself.  They walked across the street to a small bakery, the one Marinette must live in, and walked to the front where a short Asian woman stood near the register.  When the woman saw Marinette her smile grew as she welcomed them.

“I’m gonna make one of my specials for him!”

Marinette called out as she went to the back and started making some kind of coffee concoction.  The woman rolled her eyes, but she still held an amused smile.

“Hello, I’m Sabine.  Please choose a sweet, you’ll need it if you’re going to drink her “Miracle Cure”, as the college students like to call it.”

“Thank miss.  Please, call me Tim.”

He said giving her a small smile back as he browsed the selection.  In the display he noticed lots of animal themed treats and smiled.  There were many ladybug and cat themed ones as well as an orange fox, a turtle, a bee, a blue snake, a monkey, and a red dragon.  It was an interesting choice of animals and he wondered if they were important in some way here.  He found a small tarte aux fruits with an assortment of fruits that formed the red dragon.  When he looked up he saw the woman waiting for him still wearing her friendly smile.

“Could I please have the Tarte aux fruits du dragon please?”

“Of course dear.”

Carefully she opened the door to the refrigerated case and grabbed one of the fruit tarts and carefully put it in a small box.  Tim went to the register right as Marinette had finished and placed the large drink in front of him.  He pulled out his wallet but was stopped by Marinette’s hand.

“Nope, on the house.  An apology for earlier.”

She said with a bright smile.  Tim was shocked and felt a warmth he hadn’t felt in years begin to bloom once again.  He gently took the coffee from her hands and carefully picked up the small box with a plastic fork atop it.

“Thank you, Marinette.  That’s very kind of you.”

Her smile brightened and before Tim could stop or even think of what he was saying the words had already left his mouth,

“If you’re free, do you want to walk around Paris with me?”

Marinette blinked for a moment shocked, but then smiled again and nodded.

“Sure, that sounds nice!”

She took off the apron she had been wearing while making the coffee and hung it up on a wrack before walking out from behind the counter snd grabbing his arm and almost dragging him out the door.  When she realized what she was doing she quickly dropped it slightly blushing and scratched the back of her neck in embarrassment.

“S-sorry.  I should have asked first.”

Tim snickered a little, she was adorable.

“No it’s fine, so where to first?”

Tim asked as he gently placed the tart in his satchel and sipped the coffee.  When he did he felt his mind begin to clear and he felt more awake than he had in a long time.  He understood why it was called Miracle Cure now, this stuff was amazing!

“Well, where were you thinking of?”

“I was thinking of going to the Arc de Triomphe then head towards the Effiel Tower.”

Marinette beamed and nodded and began to walk towards the Arc de Triomphe.  She knew the path by heart as she often went there for inspiration.  The two talked the whole way there and bonded over their love of coffee and insomniac tendencies.  As they arrived at their first destination the sat on the steps and watched people pass them.  Tim pulled out the small tart and began to slowly eat it and smiled.  It tasted like Alfred’s cooking, though he didn’t want to admit that this might just be a bit better.  He glanced over at Marinette and noticed that she now had a sketchbook out and was drawing something.  He didn’t want to disturb her as he didn’t like being interrupted when he was really into something and let her draw as he watched the people.  Suddenly there was a loud crash.  He looked up and was shocked to see a giant child walking around smashing and destroying buildings.  He looked over and saw that Marinette had disappeared and he began to panic.

He stood up and began to move so he could get a better place to watch and analyze what was happening so that he could see if he needed to interfere.  He watched silently from a roof and saw a bunch of people begin to surround the child all with the same theme.  His mind flashed to the animals in the bakery and connected the dots as he glanced at all of the different people in animal costumes.  He watched as the Ladybug ordered everyone on the plan and on what to do which lead him to believe that she was the leader of this group.  It only took a few minutes and he watched the cat hero completely destroy a toy car from the giant child’s hand and a purple feather and butterfly flew out.  The ladybug hero quickly caught them and released them into the air.  She threw the object she had summoned into the air and he watched in amazement as thousands, maybe millions, of small ladybugs flew around the damage done and repaired all of it, including the bodies that had not been moving moments ago.

Tim ran back to the Arc de Triomphe and waited there to see if Marinette would come back.  It took a few minutes and then he saw her figure running towards him with panic and worry.

“Tim, I’m so sorry!  Are you ok?  I shouldn’t have left like that, I’m so sorry.”

Tim gave her an awkward smile and nodded.

“It’s fine, you came back afterall.”

She smiled at him and he lifted his arm out for her to take,

“Shall we continue our walk Mademoiselle?”

Tim asked with a slight bow.  Marinette giggled and gave a small curtsy before she placed her hand atop of his.

“Why of course Monsieur.”

They both laughed as they walked.  They enjoyed the silence for a bit before Tim asked what had happened.

Marinette gave him a sad sigh and explained the situation that had been happening in Paris for about 4 years now.  Tim was shocked that this hadn’t made it to the Justuce League, especially if it had been happening for four entire years.  Tim asked a few more questions that Marinette happily answered and they felt happy and content in the warm companionable silence.  Tim thought of all of his past birthdays, and he knew that this one was on the top 5 best list of his favorite birthdays.

[thefloorisbalaclava]

Idea for Mechanic!Frankies first outside date. In our town there's a vintage car dealer and every spring you can enter a contest and win a ride in a vintage car, afternoon Picknick included.

So what if reader enters on a whim because she heard that Frankie enters every year and is bitter cause he loses all the time - and she wins?! but doesn't dare drive the old expensive car? Frankie to the rescue

Pairing: Francisco ‘Catfish’ Morales x F!Reader

Warnings: Just some friendly competition...and some more kissing. Also some singing in the car.

A/N: This is such a cute idea, Sonja! I love this for our favorite mechanic!

[mechanic!frankie masterlist]

“...and they have this contest where you can win a ride in a classic car. I enter every year and I never win,” Frankie tells you, voice slightly muffled since he’s under your car.

“Well, I’d love to go with you,” you say and he rolls out from beneath your car.

“Really?” The smile on his face grows as you nod.

“Yeah.” You help him to his feet and laugh. “You got a little grease...right...here.” You wipe the tip of his nose but that only seems to add more. You look at your hands and scoff. They must have gotten dirty when you helped him up.

“Every time,” Frankie says. “Sorry.” He takes out his rag and tries his best to wipe your hands clean.

“It must be our thing,” you tease.

“Our thing?”

“Yeah, you know how a couple in movies or TV always have a certain thing that happens between them?” You jump slightly when he looks up quickly.

“Couple?” he asks.

“Y-Yes...couple. This can be our...thing,” you say with a smile.

“You’re gonna be completely covered in grease if I keep this up.” He moves in for a kiss and you gladly meet him halfway.

“I don’t mind.” You two stay close to each other, both in a dreamlike state. “Thanks for coming by to check on my car.”

“No problem but I really didn’t see anything wrong,” he admits.

“I know.” You giggle when he realizes that you just wanted to see him outside of work again.

“So, I’ll pick you up on Saturday around noon. That okay?” he asks as you walk him back to his truck.

“That’s fine. I’ll see you then.” You close the truck door after he climbs in then he leans out the window to kiss you.

“See you then.” He tips his cap and starts the car, waving once more before driving off.

-Saturday-

The car show is bustling just as you expected--the weather is warm and the sun is out so everyone is looking to get out. You and Frankie walk side by side not exactly holding hands but every now and then your hands brush up against the other’s and you look and smile.

“Hey Frankie!” someone calls and Frankie excuses himself to go talk to his friend. You walk over to where you can sign up to win the ride in a vintage car and end up entering your name. You won’t win but it doesn’t hurt to try. You walk over to the car that is up for a drive this year and look at it in amazement.

“Beautiful, isn’t it?” Frankie asks, walking up behind you. “1969 Camaro ZL1.” He shakes his head, “Doesn’t get any better.”

“Are you gonna enter this year?” you ask, locking your arm with his.

“Nah, I’ll just stick to dreaming about driving down some long road in the desert, listening to the engine purr.” He chuckles and takes his arm from yours only to put it around your shoulder. You look at him and just admire him. He is wearing his aviators today and, you have to say, he looks goddamn good in them.

“And now for the winner of our drive and picnic contest...” A drumroll plays over the speaker and when the man says your name you freeze. Frankie looks at you, eyes wide.

“You entered? You won?!” he asks in disbelief.

“I guess so.” You’re still in shock as people around you cheer and you walk up to get the keys. 

“You’re one lucky lady,” the man says and you look out at the crowd only to find Frankie. You meet his eye and smile.

“Thank you but...uh...this is for Frankie,” you say and you can see his eyebrows fly up from behind his dark shades. He pushes them up off his eyes and looks at you.

“Well, Frankie, you’re one lucky guy with an amazing girlfriend.” The man tells him to get up there and Frankie walks up in a daze. As everyone cheers, he pulls you close.

Standing by the car, Frankie still seems to be in shock.

“I believe these are yours,” you say, grabbing his hand and dropping the keys into them. “Come on.” You walk over to the passenger side and get in. He climbs in slowly and just touches the steering wheel.

“Is this real?” he asks, turning to you.

“It’s real. Start it!” you say excitedly. 

He puts the key and starts the ignition. It roars to life and Frankie puts a hand over his heart. “Do you hear that?” Before he pulls onto the road, he plays around with the radio, stopping when he hears Uptown Girl playing. He turns to you with a grin and you smile back.

“Good song.” You dance in the seat a little before singing along quietly. Frankie looks over at you every chance he gets before joining in.

“And when she’s walking she’s looking so fi-i-ine. And when she’s talking she’ll say that she’s mi-i-ine,” he sings loudly and you stare at him in shock before bursting into laughter.

“You surprise me every day, Mr. Morales,” you say.

“I hope in a good way.”

“Definitely.”

He drives in silence before turning into the park and finding a nice shady spot. “We get a picnic too, remember?” He gets out and opens the trunk to find a basket already packed up for you.

“What if I was alone?” you ask.

“More food for you,” he jokes and you laugh. You walk over to a nice spot under a beautiful tree and hold the basket as he places the blanket. “Ma’am.” He gestures to the blanket and you sit.

“Why, thank you, sir.”

He sits beside you and leans against the tree. You inch closer to him until you are able to lean against him comfortably. “This is nice,” he says, taking his aviators off so you can look into his brown eyes.

“It is. Are you hungry?” you ask, reaching for the basket.

“Wait...I have something I wanna ask you.” He grabs your hand.

“Okay.”

“Earlier you, uh, said something about couples...and when the guy called me your boyfriend, you didn’t try to correct him. I was just wondering why.” He looks at you nervously.

“Why would I correct him if he was already right?” you ask him and Frankie laughs once in shock. “I mean...if that’s okay with you. If you think this is going too fast then we can just continue the way we were. No labels.”

“I haven’t done this in a while, you know?”

“I know. That’s why I said we can slow down. I don’t mind but I do want you to know that you’re the only one I’m seeing and it’ll stay that way even if we don’t make it official or anything.” You reach for the basket again and he watches you--the way the sun shines down on you, the way you smile at him, the way you do everything.

You two sit there for a little over an hour talking and eating and just enjoying each other’s company. And just like any other date, neither of you ever want it to end. He helps you pack up the basket before standing.

“Help me with the blanket?” he asks.

“Of course.” You grab the opposite end and walk up to him. When you do, he kisses you and you sigh.

“I want you to be my girlfriend,” he says against your lips and you open your eyes.

“I’d be honored, Frankie.” You kiss him, dropping your end of the blanket to reach up and cup his face.

After a few more kisses, you two finally make it back to the car. Frankie starts it and puts his aviators back on.

“Let’s take the long way, hm?” he suggests and you nod. It may not be the long, empty road in the desert, but this is the start of road trip he can’t wait to take with you by his side.

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[katrinawritesthings]

Jonghyun/Taemin; Volunteer Work; PG

theres a lagoon by my house and u can volunteer there on saturdays and do nature and gardening stuff so like au where taem runs one of those and jonghyun comes to volunteer on saturdays and jonghyun also may or may not be mafia brought to u by gq

tw for like vaguely gang related references

Jonghyun opens Taemin’s truck, tosses his jacket inside gently, and comes to join him at the tree pots, pushing his pristine white dress shirt sleeves even further up his arms. Taemin glances at the suspiciously stab-wound-esque scar on his forearm and decides not to ask about it this time. He’ll bug Jonghyun about his secrets later.

ao3

“Um… excuse me… where’s--? The thing again? Sorry.”

“Oh. Uh, over here.” Taemin gently steps around the high school kid and reaches over his desk to pull out the volunteer sheet again. They’re small; a classic freshman, he thinks. Getting their volunteer community service hours done early but a bundle of nerves about it. “I thought you signed it already?” he asks, handing it over. He could have sworn that he saw them scribbling their name down earlier with their other three friends.

“Oh, I did, but, uh,” they say, squinting at the paper for their name. “I forgot to put the date,” they mumble.

“Ahh,” Taemin says. Yeah. That makes sense. They hand him back the clipboard and he tosses it on his desk again, then leads them out of the education center and onto the gravel of the little parking lot. Their friends have already clambered into the bed of his truck and Taemin smiles at them as he heads to the driver’s seat.

“You’re gonna be raking leaves and then pulling weeds by the middle bridge today,” he tells them. He gets a chorus of nods and “yeah, okay”s and nods back. Nice. It’s still wild that kids actually listen to him here. He’s used to his brother’s kid being a little dingle to him all the time. These kids would probably fish litter out of the lagoon by hand if he asked them to, to be honest. He makes sure that all of them are secure in the back before he clambers into the front seat. As he backs up to putt them down to the supply shed at the other end of the reserve, he catches sight of a shiny white lamborghini in the queue at the stoplight out front, waiting to turn into the little parking lot. A smile tugs up the corner of his lips. Right on time.

Jonghyun is waiting for him when he gets back, leaning casually on the hood of his car. His white dress shirt is loose and rolled up at the sleeves, his expensive jacket is hung over his shoulders, and his hands are shoved lightly into pressed pockets. A heavy bronze wristwatch is set around his wrist and simple black studs dot his earlobes. When he looks up and catches Taemin’s eye as Taemin steps out of his truck, his grin is wide and lopsided and the crinkle at the corners of his eyes under his dark brown hair is gorgeous. Not for the first time does Taemin shake his head and muse about how this man is way too fucking clean and loaded to be volunteering at a place like this every Saturday.

“Morning, boss,” Jonghyun says anyway. Taemin exhales softly in amusement, leaning against the hood of his own considerably less pristine car.

“Hey,” he says back. “Wanna help me repot some apple trees?” he asks. He points lazily over his shoulder back the way he came, towards the tool shed and the baby trees growing in the back. It’s either that or re-varnish the front bridge, and Taemin doesn’t feel like doing that today. Maybe he’ll get the kids to do it next week. Jonghyun shrugs, nodding easily, and pushes off of his car.

“Sounds fun,” he says. He taps the hood of Taemin’s truck when he passes, gives him a quick wink, and invites himself easily into the passenger seat. Taemin rolls his eyes fondly as he gets back into his own seat. Jonghyun thinks he’s so fucking smooth.

“So how’s the family?” Taemin asks conversationally as he drives them passed the ponds. He throws Jonghyun a glance and a wiggled eyebrow, just to make sure that he really caught that emphasis. Jonghyun smiles back at him, pleasantly amused, before he shrugs.

“They’re good,” he says. “Mom is lovely. Sis is wonderful. They’re both shining stars in my life. The usual.” His voice is a touch too light and friendly to be normal and Taemin snorts.

“No important family business things to take care of lately?” he asks. This time at his pointed question Jonghyun chuckles softly, resting his elbow on the armrest of his seat.

“You think you’re so subtle,” he mutters.

“Not at all, actually,” Taemin hums. He is very obviously trying to pry into Jonghyun’s secret illegal life. It’s fascinating.

“I took my dog to the vet the other day,” Jonghyun says, very obviously denying his prying. “She’s doing great.” Taemin grins, pulling his truck to a stop next to the shed.

“Grab some spare gloves from inside,” he says, pointing to the shed and wiggling out of his seat. Jonghyun nods easily, jogging inside and grabbing his work stuff without needing to be shown around. When he comes back outside, his jacket is off of his shoulders and draped over his arm instead. He opens Taemin’s truck, tosses it inside gently, and comes to join him at the tree pots, pushing his pristine white dress shirt sleeves even further up his arms. Taemin glances at the suspiciously stab-wound-esque scar on his forearm and decides not to ask about it this time. He’ll bug Jonghyun about his secrets later.

For now, he goes through the motions of repotting the trees with him, making regular smalltalk as they work. They cover the usual range of topics, from “it’s supposed to rain tonight” to “you know how sometimes when you masturbate it’s like the best thing in the world and you feel pure and clean like the angels themselves had their heads between your legs, but then other times it’s like, ��wow, when did Satan crawl into my bed and lick my asshole,’ you know?” They laugh and catch up and just have a nice time together, Taemin pulling his red hair into a ponytail so it doesn’t get all sweaty in the sun and Jonghyun making overexaggerated noises of exertion when he moves a sapling from one pot to the next. It’s comfortable and familiar, all the way up until a jazzy little tune starts playing from Jonghyun’s pocket.

“Oh,” he mumbles, looking down at it. “Sorry, one sec.” He flaps off his gloves and pulls his phone out, smiling quickly at Taemin before jogging into the tool shed to take the call. Taemin wonders blandly if he realizes that there are so many cracks and holes in the wood of it that it’s not soundproof at all, even with the door closed.

“What?” Taemin hears him snap. “Why are you bothering me? Are you gonna pay me or what?” Ooh. Taemin raises his brows, switching from not particularly trying to hear to completely, absolutely eavesdropping. He loves Jonghyun’s threatening phone calls. “Yeah, I know I have money already,” Jonghyun says. “But we both know that it’s not about the money. It’s about respect. As in, if you respect me, then maybe the next time we meet my foot will decide to respect your fucking teeth, and let them stay inside of your mouth.”

Taemin snorts. That wasn’t one of Jonghyun’s best threats. Still, though, he’s sure it has whoever’s on the other line stammering and shaking right now.

“Shut up,” Jonghyun snaps. “I don’t want to hear it. You know where to find me. And, more importantly, I know where to find you.” Taemin laments the fact that flip phones went out of style years ago because he would have loved to hear that satisfying little snap of an ended conversation. Instead, there’s just silence for a few moments before Jonghyun comes out of the shed, fixing up his shirt sleeves and smiling at Taemin. “Hey, I’m back,” he says. Taemin snorts. He sure is.

“Mafia problems?” he asks sympathetically. His grin widens when Jonghyun huffs at him with a sharp glare.

“It’s not--mafia,” he snaps, the hesitation an obvious tell.

“What is it then?” Taemin asks.

“None of your business,” Jonghyun grumbles. Taemin cocks a brow. Mmhmm. Sure. He’s heard that before.

“What if it is, though?” he asks as Jonghyun pointedly ignores him and reaches for another tree pot. “What if they’re, like, my dentist or something?” He doesn’t think a dentist with missing teeth would do very well in the business. At his question, Jonghyun laughs himself, an escaped little chuckle that he muffles into the back of his hand.

"They’re not, trust me,” he says. “Pass me the spade,” he says next, holding out his hand. Taemin hands him the little shovel easily, watching him dig gently around the base of a tree and loosen the dirt up. After a moment, he sighs exaggeratedly and goes back to his own work. Jonghyun is playful, but once he’s moved on to a new topic he starts just blatantly ignoring Taemin’s prying questions.

Oh, well. Taemin holds the pot while Jonghyun gently pulls the tree out, grinning at his dramatic grunts of effort. He’s good. Situationally, at least.

They continue down the lines of saplings, getting into a rhythm of work and jokes. At some point another of Jonghyun’s shirt buttons comes undone and Taemin takes his time in looking at his chest, the soft muscle, the golden skin. Very lovely. There’s also the smattering of small, circular scars that are very obviously cigarette burns, not that Jonghyun will ever admit it. “None of your business” is a very popular excuse for them, which really just proves Taemin’s theory about them. Jonghyun only ever grumbles when Taemin asks about something shady. Sometimes Taemin finds things out that he wasn’t even trying to just because Jonghyun refused to answer his innocent questions. Taemin sure hopes that he’s a better liar around people that actually matter.

He’s about to open his mouth to ask about the scars again, just to bug Jonghyun, when his phone vibrates in his pocket. He hums shortly, pats his pocket, looks up at Jonghyun and opens his mouth for a different reason.

“What time is it?” he asks.

“Uh,” Jonghyun says. He lifts his fancy watch and squints at it under the sunlight. “Ten twenty,” he says.

“Ooh,” Taemin hisses, glancing over his shoulder. He squints through the trees and bushes, looking for the kids down there by the lagoon. He almost forgot about them. “Almost snack time,” he says, leaving the tree he was working on and pulling his gloves off. With his own little noise of excitement, Jonghyun follows him back to the truck.

“Ice cream?” he asks, shaking out his sweaty hands. Taemin grins and nods, driving them back to the visitor center to grab the cooler.

“And other snacks for everyone’s dietary needs,” he says. “But mostly for me,” he adds. It’s only ever around one in ten kids that can’t have ice cream and has to take a popsicle or some form of fruit, honestly, and Taemin enjoys hogging all of the good shit for himself.

“Nice,” Jonghyun says. He taps his hands excitedly on his knees as they roll passed the ponds. Taemin throws him a quick glance and a fond smile. Sometimes he’s way too cute.

At the center, Jonghyun follows Taemin inside with his hands stuffed in his pockets, smile easy and relaxed. It’s silent, but it’s a comfortable silence, just Jonghyun looking at all of the science stuff while Taemin digs in the mini kitchen for the cooler he prepared earlier. Lugging it onto his desk in the main room, he snags a strawberry shake for himself first, then offers it to Jonghyun.

“Take your pick,” he says, uncapping his bottle. Jonghyun hums in contemplation, looking everything over before taking a water bottle and a chocolate coated ice cream bar. He peels off a corner of the wrapping and takes a small bite, watching Taemin organize things in the cooler a little better. Taemin doesn’t know why he tries; they’re gonna get all fucked up in the back of the truck anyway. When he closes the lid, he looks up to find Jonghyun just staring at him instead, a fond smile on his thick lips. It’s the kind of look that makes Taemin feel like he’s being searched and judged and he scrunches his nose, meeting Jonghyun’s little smile with his own little frown. “What?” he asks.

“You know,” Jonghyun hums. “I’ve been thinking.” His words are slow and measured, a little lower and smoother than they usually are. “You’re, like. Drop dead fucking gorgeous,” he says, “and really fun to be around, so, you know, if you wanted to be around me more later, I know this nice restaurant that we could--”

“Nooooo,” Taemin says, cutting Jonghyun off before he even finishes that question. He laughs at Jonghyun’s shocked and confused expression, but shakes his head anyway. “Nooo,” he repeats, picking up the cooler in his free hand. “No no no.” Not in a million fucking years would he go out to dinner with Jonghyun. Just the thought makes him want to double over with laughter. Holy shit.

“Ahh, come on,” Jonghyun says, following Taemin as he backs out of the visitor center. “I’d buy you like. So many cute things. Little leaf earrings. You’d love that shit.” He helps Taemin push the cooler far into the bed of his truck even as Taemin giggles and shakes his head.

“Listen,” Taemin says, pushing the tailgate up and making sure it locks into place. “You’re a babe. And super loaded. And I’m sure it would be wonderful to date you and let you buy me things and touch your butt.” He’s admittedly thought about that last part a lot. He smothers another giggle into his hand as he slips back to the driver’s side door. “But I’m just not gonna have a mafia boyfriend,” he says, shrugging simply and clambering inside. Before he shuts the door he hears Jonghyun huff loudly.

“I’m not mafia,” Jonghyun hisses when he opens the passenger side door. Taemin snorts.

“Okay, well, whatever line of work it is that you’re in that involves you taking phones calls that include the phrases, ‘Pop out one of their eyes, that’ll make their friends talk,’ and ‘Just take care of it,’” he says, cocking a brow as he starts up the truck again. “I’m not having that shit as my babe.” No thank you. He’s good. Jonghyun scoffs, crossing his arms and grumpily nibbling his ice cream.

“Alright, now you’re just making shit up,” he says. “I have never once said ‘just take care of it.’ I am not that cliché.”

“You absolutely fucking are,” Taemin says. “You said those exact words, like, three weeks ago. I heard you.” He doesn’t have proof or anything, but still. He knows what his eavesdropping heard. Jonghyun huffs again and grumbles, frowning at his ice cream as Taemin turns them down a side road and up to the second bridge. By the looks of things, the kids on the other side of it have been working hard. All of the leaves are piled into two big bins and about half of the weeds have been plucked up. Their sweaty souls absolutely deserve a break. Before Jonghyun can pull him back into their conversation, he rolls down his window.

“Hey, angsty teens,” he calls. The two that hadn’t already noticed his arrival look up as well and he grins. “Snack time,” he says, waving them over with one hand and unlocking the trunk with the other. “Pop the cooler in the back and grab a water,” he says when they all eagerly come closer. “You’re doing really well,” he adds, just for the pleased smiles that brings to their faces. Nice. He loves supporting kids and shit.

“Anyway,” he says once the four kids are all clambered into the back of his truck. They can’t hear their conversation inside of the car and he turns lazily to Jonghyun, cracking open his strawberry shake again. “You buying me expensive gifts is not worth me potentially being kidnapped and held hostage and, like, possibly being tortured or whatever just to fuck with you,” he says. He’s not about that life. He takes a sip of his drink as Jonghyun winces.

“That’s not… probable,” he says. Taemin just raises his brows at that until Jonghyun sighs. It turns quickly into a grin, a breathy little laugh, and he lifts his free hand to run through his hair. “Good point, I guess,” he says.

“Mmhmm,” Taemin hums. “No offense, but I want like. As little to do with you as humanly possible when you’re not being an innocent volunteer at my place of employment.” He shakes his head and waves off whatever thoughts always come into his mind when he thinks about big scary mobsters finding out that Jonghyun has an easily kidnappable kind-of-friend, let alone an easily kidnappable boyfriend that Jonghyun loves and cherishes. Jonghyun sighs heavily, but he’s smiling around his ice cream anyway, grinning at some internal probably kidnapping-related joke that Taemin would probably be horrified to hear.

“Cockblocked by the job,” Jonghyun says, shaking his head wistfully. “The job that totally isn’t, like, mafia or gang related or illegal in any way, by the way,” he adds, turning to Taemin and pointing at him with his ice cream. “I don’t know where you come up with these absurd ideas.” He tsks and shakes his head disapprovingly. Taemin chuckles into his own drink.

“If the police or whoever actually do manage to trace you back to me, you better not get mad at me when I expose your ass,” he mutters. “I’m not going to jail or being murdered just because you’re garbage at keeping a secret.” He meets Jonghyun’s arched brow with his own for a few seconds until Jonghyun shrugs and looks back to his ice cream.

“Yeah, fair enough,” he says.