Nikki and Tommy bid goodbye to Vince, Mick, and Nikki's parents early, driving back to Nikki's home so he could change before dinner.

Tommy laid back on Nikki's bed, watching him strip down. It was about four in the afternoon, Tommy had made an early-ish reservation so they could miss the dinner rush and still make it to the surprise after.

Nikki quickly changed into dress pants and a plaid blue button-up, tossing his other clothes into the laundry pile near the door. He was grateful his shirt had short sleeves - it was too fucking hot for anything long. And besides, the cuffs looked cute.

"You're beautiful." Tommy murmured, watching from the bed as Nikki bent over his dresser mirror and fluffed his hair. The bassist wiggled his rump in reply, grabbing his eyeliner off his dresser and reapplying it. Tommy growled under his breath, getting up and standing behind his boyfriend.

Tommy's hands landed on Nikki's hips, gently grinding his crotch against Nikki's little teasing butt. Nikki moaned mockingly, rolling on a layer of pink lipstick. Tommy chuckled, gently moving Nikki's hair out of the way as his boyfriend dabbed on a light pink blush.

"You're really going all out tonight, aren't ya?" Tommy smiled softly, still hovering over Nikki's body.

"Yep," Nikki popped his lips. "I wanna look pretty for my hot date."

"You always look pretty." Tommy murmured softly, kissing the back of Nikki's neck. Nikki shuddered under the light touch.

"You're always beautiful, makeup or no makeup. No matter what you look like, there is not a single person who's ever walked this earth that can match your beauty."

"Jeez, Tom - that sure is gay." Nikki joked, turning around and kissing him fully. Tommy licked his lips after, fading the pink that had rubbed into them.

"That was pretty gay, too, Nik - y'know what else is gay?"

"What?" Nikki reapplied his lipstick with intent not to ruin it this time.

"The fact that I'm in love with you. But that's okay. Gay is yay." Tommy laughed. Nikki chuckled, putting his makeup away.

"Ready to go, Salami?"

"You aren't ever letting that go now, eh? Squealer."

Nikki gasped mockingly, the gleam in his emerald eyes bright and playful.

"Not you, too!"

Tommy snickered, gently taking Nikki's hand in his own and leading him out to the car. Nikki laughed when Tommy rushed to open the door for him, trying his best to be a gentleman. Nikki grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and leaned him forward, softly kissing his boyfriend over the opened car door. Tommy gently broke it off, murmuring a soft, 'I love you', before hopping into his side of the car.

"So.. where's this restaurant anyway?" Nikki asked, gazing out the window as Tommy began to drive through town.

"Well, it's on the edge of town.. it's pretty new. I think it's called Genesis." Tommy answered softly, taking a turn onto a street Nikki was unfamiliar with.

"I think I saw it in the paper when it opened." Nikki murmured, mostly to himself. Excitement tickled his fingertips, and suddenly he was smiling dumbly again.

"Hey, Tommy?"

"Mm, yes, angel?"

Nikki giggled.

"Thank you for this. All this shit. Even coming to the school you got kicked out of, because of me, for me. Thank you so much." The bassist gushed, laughing softly. Tommy smiled, shrugging.

"I would have to be dead to miss my baby's graduation." Tommy reached over and booped Nikki's nose before focusing back on the road.

There were a few minutes of silence while Tommy drove until Nikki spoke again.

"You up for some kinky sex later?"

"Jesus, Nik," Tommy burst out laughing, wishing he could bash his head on the wheel. "Is sex the only thing you think about?"

"Mostly." Nikki shrugged. Tommy rolled his eyes, chuckling.

"What! I can't help it. You're hot as hell."

"We're here." Tommy pulled into a parking lot, not bothering to reply to Nikki's wish. The smaller boy's focus immediately shifted to the restaurant, taking in as much about the tall brick walls and neon green sign on top as he could.

Once again, Tommy took advantage of how adorable and distracted Nikki was and got the door for him. They walked inside hand-in-hand, Nikki's excited smile lighting the way.

Once inside, it was clear that the restaurant was fancy. There were large paintings adorning the rose-colored walls to every side, dark hickory wood under their feet. Nikki could see a large, shining chandelier hanging from the ceiling through the doorway. Tommy was glad they had dressed up a little. He led Nikki up to the podium, smiling.

"Lee, reservation for two?"

"We've got you right here. Please follow her to your table." The lady up front motioned to another girl, standing by a doorway.

"Thank you." Tommy replied professionally, gently taking Nikki's hand and following the girl to a small booth in the corner of the building. It was cozy and warm. Nikki slipped into one side while Tommy took the other. The girl left two menus on the table and two bundles of silverware, wrapped in pretty green napkins.

"Wow, this is really nice. Thank you so much." Nikki murmured, reaching over the table to squeeze Tommy's hand.

"It's no problem, love.. what are you gonna get?" Tommy smiled sweetly, glancing down at his opened menu. Nikki shrugged, gazing down at his own.

After a few minutes, Tommy had chosen the roasted chicken dinner, and Nikki the chicken parm.

Their time in the restaurant went by swiftly, to say the least. Nikki ate quickly, veins prickling with excitement over the surprise later. Tommy spent nearly all his time watching Nikki with fond eyes.

"How's your food?" Tommy asked softly, taking another bite of his chicken. Nikki swallowed and nodded.

"So damn good. What about yours?"

"It's great. I'm so glad I could take out tonight, finally giving you something better than pizza or Chinese takeout." Tommy laughed, rolling his eyes. Nikki giggled.

"Baby, I don't care what we do or what we get. As long as I'm with you, it's perfect every time."

Tommy felt the blush rising to his cheeks, which was a first. Normally it was Nikki who ended up left speechless.

"I love you." Tommy spat out, realizing that it was the only sentence that would fit the situation. Nikki smiled, blushing.

"I love you, too."

They finished their food, exchanging soft smiles. The bill came and Tommy was glad to see that he had saved up more than enough. They'd have to do this more often. He thought about making a change jar labeled, 'For Nikki (And Various Activities Concerning Nikki)'.

Tommy paid and led Nikki out, never letting go of his hand. The smaller boy was nearly skipping outside, letting go of Tommy to twirl excitedly to the car.

"You ready for the surprise?" Tommy laughed, hopping in the car and unlocking Nikki's door. The bassist slipped inside.

"Hell yes. This has been eating at me every since you told me about it. I'm so fuckin' excited." Nikki grinned, sharing a soft kiss with his boyfriend before Tommy put the car into gear.

"You're gonna love this." Tommy murmured, pulling out and driving down the road.