First Date

Bram didn’t ever think he would end up going to matchmaker, and yet he had. He really didn’t think the matchmaker would find a match, and yet she did. And he most certainly hadn’t expected that match to be everything that he had been dreaming of, and yet she was. 

Bram had taken his time getting ready that afternoon- combing his fur and making sure there was not a hair out of place. He had even worn a tie that perfectly complimented his eyes. He had been talking to this female for a little bit now and he wanted to impress her. 

Belle had done the same, tying a lovely satin ribbon around her neck and adding a glistening silver bell. Nothing wrong with accessorizing, after all!

She had arrived at the restaurant first. What could Bram say, he was perpetually late. It was just one of his many flaws. He worried that perhaps that would be that. She would decide he was unworthy of her company, and there would be no way to win her over after that. And yet, she had smiled warmly when he arrived, her eyes full of kindness and understanding.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you Bram.” She had said. Belle was her name- a beautiful name for an even more beautiful creature. 

His smile matched the warmth in hers as he sat across from her at the table. 

“So tell me Bram, what kind of things do you like to do?” Belle had asked- and there wasn’t a moment of silence after. They began talking about everything under the sun. They learned that they both enjoyed music- Bram had quite a lovely voice, and Belle loved to sing harmony. They learned that they both had a deep appreciation for all creatures- Belle loved all animals, and Bram often found himself wishing he had an animal companion. They learned they both had a nerdy side- each one enjoying books and shows that others might describe as a little nerdy.

Bram was exceptionally funny, Belle found. She was constantly in a fit of giggles at his jokes, which only encouraged Bram to make even more jokes. Bram was… quirky… but in a way that made Belle feel that her own quirkiness was safe around him.

Belle was exceptionally smart, Bram found. She was so knowledgeable on topic after topic. Bram found himself deeply intrigued in the way that she shared what she knew. Book knowledge was never something that had come easily to him, so he admired the trait in Belle.

Their food had gotten cold before either of them had remembered to take a bite, and yet neither of them minded. The conversation was far better than any food could be. They had ordered the same thing- a creamy pasta dish that reminded each of them of their childhood. Even though it was cold, it had still tasted lovely.

Night had fallen without notice, and it was getting late… but neither of them wanted to part, coming up with more to say every time it seemed the conversation had come to a natural end. Finally, they had no choice, the restaurant was about to close, and neither was the kind to expect a worker to wait on them past closing. 

As they moved to part ways, Bram couldn’t keep the wide grin from his face.

“I’ve had a lovely time, Belle. I hope you’ll let me see you again.” He said, the feeling of butterflies fluttering in his stomach almost unbearable as he waited for her response.

“I’d like that very much, Bram.” Belle replied, a deep warmth filling her eyes. 

Who would have thought that all these years later, that’s how their love story began- a seemingly endless night of conversation that left a desire for more. And to this day, both Bram and Belle would eagerly admit that that desire has never faded.