Chapter Text
The date had started off so well. Dino had picked you up in his car, the two of you snuggling up in the backseat as Romario drove you to a high-end restaurant. You dined on expensive, delicious food, chatting in between bites. As the evening came to a close, you asked Dino if you could take a short walk while Romario brought the car around.
As you strolled, arm in arm, a droplet of water hit your nose. Another caught Dino’s chin. Then a torrent of rain ambushed you. You shrieked, and Dino swore, and the two of you ran for cover.
Which, naturally, is when Dino tripped over his own feet and fell flat on his face. With Romario gone, his coordination had left him too.
Now you stood under an awning, soaking wet, a tissue shoved up Dino’s nostril to halt the flow of blood. You’re stunned by how the romantic evening had taken such an abrupt turn.
“You’re cold.” Dino’s voice draws your attention. You look over to see him staring at you, concerned.
“Ah, yeah,” you say, as if you just noticed the goosebumps. Dino had given you his jacket at the start of the walk, draping it over your shoulders, but it’s soaked through from the rain.
He reaches out and rubs his palms along your arms. His skin is damp and chilly from the rain. You shiver involuntarily. He pauses before pulling his hands back, sheepish. “Sorry. Guess I’m just making it worse.”
“It’s okay, don’t worry,” you begin, but he only heaves a sigh, his brows pinching. You take in his slumped form. “…Dino? What is it?”
He doesn’t speak for a moment. “These past few weeks, we haven’t spent much time together. I know you understand why I’m so busy—you don’t know how thankful I am for that—but this evening was supposed to make up for it. Now it’s all gone south.”
You can’t help smile at the words. You cup his cheek, gently turning his head so you can meet his eyes. “Tonight has been lovely,” you tell him. “And it still is, even now.”
Dino blinks, surprised. Then his features soften. His hand comes up to cover yours. “Yeah?”
You nod firmly. “Of course. Because I’m getting to spend this moment with you.”
A smile lifts the corners of his lips, before it blossoms into a grin. He places his free hand on your back as he steps closer, and you lean in just as he moves to kiss you.
It’s a picture-perfect kiss, fit for the movie screens…for all of one second. You’re alarmed when something tickles the top of your lip, and you have to pull away to laugh when you realize it’s the tissue that’s still in Dino’s nostril. It’s been there this entire time, actually, but you hadn’t paid any attention to it until now.
Dino tilts his head. “What? What happened?” You’re too busy laughing to answer. “Come on, I thought we were having a moment here!”
You’re still giggling when Romario returns with the car, while Dino pouts. Inwardly, though, he’s pleased that the evening went so well, all things considered.