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Kaz almost regretted about giving in to Jesper and Nina demanding that Kaz would arrange something “cute” for his and yours first anniversary. He said he didn’t think there’s anything to celebrate, but the longer the two of them pestered him about it, the more he thought that he actually was grateful for you, and he also wanted to show it.
So, Nina had immediately began to work as a hopeless romantic and Kaz only had to make sure that the Crow Club would be empty that Friday. The problem with this plan was that he knew that the Crow Club was always full on Fridays—and not just because of the gambling. People liked to come up and party there, and keeping it empty on a Friday meant losing a lot of money, but Nina had reminded him with Jesper agreeing on the side that it’s just one Friday, there are a lot of Fridays in a year but your anniversary was only once a year.
Kaz gave in. It was just one night. Just one night’s worth of loss of profit. He’d be able to stomach it. Even when he absolutely hated when Nina told him that he has a look of a lovesick puppy.
“I’m not lovesick, nor a puppy,” he had scoffed.
“Sure, sure. You just agree to close to club for other reasons entirely than love,” Jesper had chimed in and grinned.
He had just rolled his eyes and let them resume their work, Nina cooking with Wylan’s help and Jesper making sure there isn’t any glass shards on the floor by sweeping the floor, and ultimately dragging one of the smaller tables forward, putting a nice tablecloth on it and decorating it - Kaz had to admit, Jesper could be a great decorator for any parties he should host, fancier parties anyway. Then Jesper had gone to aid his boyfriend and Nina with cooking whatever they cooked, but at least they seemed to have fun.
When almost everything was ready and food was just about to come out from the oven, Kaz left to fetch you from your apartment which basically was just beside the Crow Club. He was nervous, you had said that you don’t care about anniversaries or any celebrations before, would you not like this surprise either.
And when you got to the Crow Club together, you stilled right at the door, seeing all the lights, nicely decorated table with something steaming hot in a pot and - dammit Nina - paper hearts all over the table and floor. But he got himself together quickly, clearing his throat.
“I know this isn’t very romantic, but…” Kaz started, but you lifted your hand up to stop him.
“It’s romantic enough for me.” you said, turning to Kaz with shining eyes. He couldn’t help but smile softly as he saw your eyes, so bright, so full of love. “I didn’t think you’d do anything for our anniversary, you know I’d be fine with it going by with the rest of our days together.”
Kaz thought about telling you that he wasn’t intending to do anything, but chose not to say it. Also because he didn’t want to admit that he had given in to Nina and Jesper.
“I know I don’t deserve you,” Kaz began, and your gaze immediately shot at him, your mouth opening but Kaz shook his head, wanting to finish. “You don’t deserve this lifestyle, you don’t deserve to be in danger. For some reason you have still chosen to stick with me. I wanted to say thank you.”
You smiled, leaning closer to Kaz and carefully linking your hands. “How many times I have to say it? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you.”
Kaz frowned at your words at first, but then he couldn’t help but letting his lips have a soft smile. You let go of his hand before his waters rose too much, and took a few steps forward, peering over at the pot. “It smells good, what is it?”
Honestly, Kaz didn’t remember what Nina had ended up making with Jesper and Wylan, and he hadn’t really asked either. He had just told them to do “something that isn’t waffles and what you think you like”. Fortunately Kaz didn’t need to answer before you got to the table, inhaling the scent and grinning back at Kaz.
“Oh, Kaz, how did you know I like hutspot? I don’t think I’ve ever told you,” you said, your eyes sparkling as you sat down, him sitting across from you, still quiet and just smiling slightly, getting you a plate and putting a few spoonfuls on it, before he handed it to you.
“I don’t know, I just figured it was something you would like,” Kaz shrugged, taking some of his own and taking a bite out of the spoon. The food was warm, the spices sweet, and it was quite delicious. Kaz had eaten it many times before, but Nina had mastered doing it quickly with the help of Jesper and Wylan, even when they had made quite a mess. He could say he was impressed. Not that he would let her know, but he was still happy that you enjoyed the meal. Suddenly, you stopped eating and looked at Kaz.
“Kaz, it’s Friday, it’s-”
“The most profitable day of the week,” Kaz finished for you, and borrowed Nina’s words, “But our anniversary is just once a year.”
Your eyes widened, as if you didn’t even recognize Kaz as the same person for a moment, but then you grinned slyly. “Well, aren’t you a romantic.”
He rolled his eyes, but you knew he did it playfully. You fell into a comfortable silence, just eating and sneaking glances at each other every once in a while. And Kaz felt like the rainy and foggy Ketterdam had just turned into the most beautiful place in the world.