#drive thru

CLICK. benito switched on the radio in the car, it now hummed a soft spanish tune. he quietly mumbled the lyrics while he pulled into your local mcdonald’s.

usually the singer wasn’t one to go for fast-food, but it was late at night and you both were hungry.

he arrived in a slow roll at the ordering machine. “hello?” benito spoke in a thick accent. his body was leaning out the window in order to provide a greater volume for the worker.

a small tap came through and suddenly, “hello! what can i get for you today?” a young girl called out. she sounded overly cheery for the egregious hour which it was.

you softly giggled to yourself as benito carefully studied the menu, the foods seemed gross for his taste. “umm . . . may i please get a . . . regular hamburger . . . ?” anyone would be able to tell his confusion at all the colorful options.

the girl’s voice crackled over the intercom once more, “yes you may! would you like anything else?”

swiftly, he turned around to face you. “¿qué quieres?” he asked.

instead, you pushed yourself towards the window to talk to the girl directly, “yes please!” you nearly shouted. benito’s warm hand laid over your back rubbing comforting circles up and down.

after you ordered, you sunk back into your seat. “¡puedo pagar! ¡desde que lo hiciste la última vez!” you kindly offered.

in return, benito shot you an offended look. “cariño, soy tu novio, es mi trabajo pagar por ti.” he repeated the same monologue he told you whenever you offered to pay. you thought he was just too sweet.

you stayed silent in response. letting your eyes drift off into the trafficked streets of los angeles. benito grabbed ahold of your palm and interlaced your fingers smoothly.

as he arrived at the purchasing window, the same teenage girl peeked her head out. the shy expression she wore was abruptly replaced with one of shock. “sandy!” she called for her coworker.

“oh my god. are you bad bunny?” she inquired with her mouth widely agape.

“oh uh . . . yeah!” he answered with a laugh. you changed your focus to his sheepish expression. you then moved your free hand to cover your lips, containing a giggle.

“can i get like a photo? oh right, paying! um, you know what? don’t even bother you can like . . . just take the food.” she stuttered out her words. you could tell she was nervous.

instead of covering up your grin, you let out a small laugh at her actions. squeezing benito’s hand.

he also chuckled softly, “no! let me pay, please!” he extended his credit-card out for her to take, smiling kindly at her.

“oh well . . . okay!” she grabbed the credit card and turned towards her machine. she entered a couple codes and then swiped the card which was greeted with an approving beep.

“could i . . . get a photo?” she repeated

“yes! yes you can!” you suddenly chimed in, scooching in closer to your boyfriend. he wrapped an arm protectively over your shoulder, letting his hand rest on your forearm, bringing you closer.

she brought her phone out and the two of you smiled brightly. “thank you! for like . . . everything” she giggled nervously.

her coworker brought out your food as you both exchanged gratitudes. benito waited until the window slid shut before pulling away slowly, the bag of food crinkling softly in his lap.

“she was shaking,” you teased, nudging him.

he glanced over at you, smiling in that shy way he only ever did when it was just the two of you. “i think you were more excited than her.”

you gasped. “please. i see you every day.”

“exactly,” he replied, squeezing your hand again.

fame followed him everywhere with cameras, questions, flashing lights around every corner. but right now it was just the low hum of the radio, greasy paper bags, and your intertwined fingers resting on the center console.

he lifted your hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to your knuckles.

“we should never go back there again." he murmured. you agreed with a small laugh through your bite of food.

and somehow, even in a mcdonald’s parking lot, it felt perfect.

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