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Benji seemed a bit nervous as he and Tristan were getting dressed for their date. It was Valentine's Day and Benji had planned this all. Well, with Ivy and Zaid's help. He thanked them a lot since he had always loved taking Tristan out on these dates. Tristan loved the dates too, always liking how bright and happy going on these dates made Benji. They looked so pretty to him, even without the dress up. He adored Tristan beyond anything and just loved making them happy, not knowing his happiness is what made them happy. Benji turned to them now and grinned more when he saw their non binary colored gothic clothes. He liked seeing them dressed in the nice clothes, especially when they wear their pride like that. All he could think of was how pretty and gorgeous they were.
"You look so gorgeous in that, Tristan" Benji said with a small, genuine smile, having really wanted to compliment them. Tristan beamed at that and turned to Benji. They looked even prettier facing him, at least to him. He grinned happily at them. "Thanks, dude! And you look good in that" they said with that wink that made Benji fall in love with them so long ago. He blushed more but then laughed happily. Then Tristan kissed him gently before taking his hand and smiling more.
"Let's go, it's time for the date." Benji nodded with a big grin and they left together, just holding hands. Zaid did stop them for a moment, then let them go with a "just .. making sure." Making Benji laugh because of his own dirty mind. Zaid rolled his eyes before Ivy, who was next to him, giggled too. Benji and Tristan left now, Benji driving the car to a random cafe him and Tristan saw a few days ago. It seemed small from the outside, but they knew the inside was much larger. Buildings tended to be like that usually. They got out and Benji, like a gentleman, took Tristan's hand for a moment as they walked in, Benji pushing the door open for Tristan. He knew he didn't need to. But he felt that urge to be a gentle man.
The bell above the door chimed as they stepped into the cat café, and immediately everything felt quieter, warmer, and just calmer. The place seemed just peaceful like the world outside didn't matter. Of course, it was a Cat Cafe so naturally everything would be quiet at the moment. "Okay,” Benji whispered, like they’d entered a library instead of a room full of cats, “I already love this place.” Tristan smiled, slipping their small jacket off and hanging it by the door. “You say that everywhere we go. Of course, we usually go to comic stores or places with food." Benji chuckled softly with a big ol smile.
“Yeah, but here there are cats,” Benji said, gesturing at all the cats just laying around in piles as if it explained everything. It kind of did in all honestly. Tristan loved that they always understood him even without words. It just made them love him that much more. He also loved that fact quite a lot as it made him feel very seen. Tristan loved making him feel seen. They knew he needed it and he loved doing the same for them.
The café smelled like coffee and something faintly sweet, and sunlight spilled in through the big windows, pooling on the floor where several cats were already napping in what was essentially boneless little piles. One tabby barely cracked an eye open at their arrival, then decided they probably weren’t worth the effort and went back to sleep. Like the usual stereotypical cat. It did meow for a moment but seemed to fall asleep mid meow again. Or it could have been pretending. It was hard to tell with most cats.
A staff member waved them over, gave them the rules in a gentle voice, and handed them each a small cup of treats. Benji stared down at his like it held secrets or something. And then.... “I’ve been entrusted with power,” he said jokingly solemnly. He was also trying not to laugh though.
Tristan snorted immediately. “Please don’t let it go to your head.” The couple found a small table near the window. Before they’d even sat down properly, a fluffy gray cat hopped up onto the empty chair between them, turned around twice, and plopped down with a decisive thump. “Oh,” Benji breathed out in surprise. “We’ve been chosen.” Tristan leaned in, eyes soft. “I guess that’s our child now.” Benji giggled slightly.
The cat flicked its tail, seemingly just chill and calm, as Benji slowly offered a treat. It accepted with dignity, then promptly stretched across both their laps like it had always belonged there. Benji paused now. “I can’t move.” Tristan laughed quietly, reaching out to scratch behind the cat’s ears. “Guess we live here now.” Benji giggled slightly at that joke.
They sat like that for a while, knees touching, shoulders brushing every so often, sipping their drinks and watching cats roam freely around the café. One kitten attempted to climb a scratching post and failed spectacularly. Another was intensely focused on a dust mote like it had personally insulted it.
At some point, Tristan leaned their head against Benji's shoulder. “This is… really nice,” they murmured. Benji tilted his head so it rested gently against Tristan's. “Yeah. It is.” The gray cat purred louder, like it agreed. That made both smile big.
"This... Has to be the best Valentine's ever." Tristan said. Benji agreed happily. Outside, the world was just passing by as people walked around. Benji and Tristan did eventually leave, holding hands and looking happier than ever before.