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The soft patter of rain against the window greeted Nace as he slipped out of bed. Jan was still sound asleep, his face half-buried in the pillow, his dark hair sticking up in every direction. Nace smiled to himself, taking a moment to savor the peaceful sight of his husband before heading into the kitchen to put his plan into motion.
Today marked three years since their wedding day, and Nace had been looking forward to celebrating it with something simple yet thoughtful. He brewed coffee first, the rich aroma filling the apartment as he carefully arranged a tray with all of Jan’s favorites: a fresh, buttery croissant from the bakery down the street, a small dish of honey for dipping, and a perfectly frothed cappuccino with a dusting of cocoa on top.
Once the tray was ready, he grabbed his coat and quietly stepped out into the crisp morning air. The rain was light, more of a mist than a downpour, and the streets glistened as he made his way to the flower shop. Inside, the shopkeeper greeted him with a knowing smile as Nace picked out a vibrant bouquet of wildflowers—golden yellows, deep purples, and soft blues. They were Jan’s favorites, a burst of color that felt like sunshine on a cloudy day.
When Jan finally stirred awake, it was to the scent of coffee and something sweet. His eyes fluttered open to find Nace sitting on the edge of the bed, a tray in his hands and a soft smile on his face.
“Good morning, Janči,” Nace said warmly. “Happy anniversary.”
Jan sat up, his hair a mess and his eyes still heavy with sleep, but his smile was radiant. “Morning,” he murmured, his voice thick. “What’s all this?”
Nace set the tray down on the bedside table and revealed the bouquet of flowers he’d hidden behind his back. “Breakfast in bed, and these for you,” he said, holding them out.
Jan’s smile widened as he reached for the flowers, inhaling their fresh, sweet scent. “Nace, these are beautiful,” he said, his voice soft. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”
“It’s not trouble,” Nace replied, leaning in to press a kiss to Jan’s forehead. “You deserve to be spoiled today.”
Jan set the flowers aside and pulled Nace into a hug, their movements unhurried. “You spoil me every day,” he murmured against Nace’s shoulder, making his husband chuckle.
“Good,” Nace said, pulling back to grab something else. “Because I’m not done yet.”
He handed Jan a small gift box tied with a satin ribbon. Jan’s brow furrowed in curiosity as he untied the ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a delicate silver necklace, the pendant shaped like a tiny cat paw. As Jan held it up to the light, he noticed the initials J and N engraved on the base of the paw.
“Nace…” Jan’s voice broke slightly, and he swallowed hard. “This is—” He looked up, his eyes glistening. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
Nace reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Jan’s face. “I wanted you to have something that reminds you of us. And… maybe of your black cat energy, too,” he teased, earning a quiet laugh from Jan.
“You’re the best,” Jan said softly, leaning in to kiss Nace’s cheek, then his lips. The kiss lingered, slow and tender, both of them savoring the quiet intimacy of the moment.
By late morning, after finishing breakfast together and spending extra time in the shower—where Nace had insisted on washing Jan’s hair for him, much to his amusement—Jan decided he needed to add his own touch to the day. While Nace was distracted tidying the kitchen, Jan slipped out of the apartment, pulling on his jacket against the chilly drizzle.
He returned half an hour later, a small paper bag from their favorite chocolatier in hand. As he stepped into the living room, Nace looked up from where he was arranging the flowers in a vase.
“You went out?” Nace asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jan shrugged, feigning nonchalance as he held out the bag. “I couldn’t let you do everything for our anniversary. It wouldn’t be fair.”
Nace opened the bag, his expression lighting up when he saw the familiar chocolates. “The sea salt caramel ones?” he said, grinning. “Janči, you know these are my weakness.”
“Exactly,” Jan said, stepping closer. “You’re not the only one who can spoil someone.”
Nace laughed, setting the bag aside to pull Jan into a hug. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice warm. “I love them. And you.”
Jan leaned into the embrace, his arms winding around Nace’s waist. “I love you too. Always.”
The afternoon found them curled up on the couch, wrapped in a thick, soft blanket as the rain continued to fall outside. Nace sat with his back against the armrest, his legs stretched out along the cushions. Jan was draped across him, his head resting on Nace’s chest and his arm looped lazily around his waist. The faint hum of soft, acoustic music played in the background, blending seamlessly with the rhythm of the rain.
Jan sighed contentedly, nuzzling closer. “I love this,” he murmured. “Just being here with you.”
“Me too,” Nace said, his hand moving in gentle, soothing strokes along Jan’s back. “Every day with you feels like home.”
Jan tilted his head up, resting his chin on Nace’s chest. “You’re so cheesy,” he teased, though his soft smile gave away how much he loved it.
“You love it,” Nace shot back, leaning down to kiss the tip of Jan’s nose.
“Maybe,” Jan admitted, his voice a low murmur. He reached up to trace a finger along the edge of Nace’s jaw, his touch featherlight. “You make me so happy, Nace.”
Nace smiled, his heart feeling impossibly full. “You make me happy too,” he said. “More than anything.”
They stayed like that for a long time, exchanging soft kisses and quiet words, the rest of the world fading into the background. At one point, Jan reached for the bag of chocolates on the coffee table, breaking off a piece and holding it up for Nace.
“Here,” he said, his eyes twinkling. “You deserve this for being the best husband.”
Nace laughed softly, accepting the chocolate. “If I’m the best, it’s only because you make me that way,” he said, his voice full of affection.
Jan rolled his eyes playfully, though the blush in his cheeks betrayed him. “Alright, fine. I’ll let you win this one,” he said, settling back against Nace’s chest.
The rain continued to fall, the room filled with warmth and love. Wrapped in each other’s arms, they knew there was nowhere else they’d rather be. Their anniversary wasn’t about grand gestures or elaborate plans—it was about these moments, the ones that reminded them of everything they meant to each other. And in the quiet comfort of their little bubble, they felt truly, utterly complete.