#tanzschein

To the entirety of Europe, or even the world, he was Cosmó, Austrian representative for Eurovision 2026, the winner of his National Selection, the pride and joy of Vienna, ready to welcome the new generation of singers in their battle for that prized crystal microphone and the chance to host next year's biggest music party in their own country.

To you, though, he was Ben. Benny, the sweetest kid who you'd met right before the hurricane of Eurovision began. You had known about him by sheer chance in a cafe, not knowing who he was, until you started seeing his name around the city and in every possible place. Your relationship was very young, but it was progressing beautifully.

A lazy sunday evening. Sunrays enter in the perfect golden hue, the most beautiful golden hour seeping though the curtains of the small apartment. Since it's late and one of those rare free days without interviews or places to be, you told him to get comfortable in the couch while you made something to eat.

There's soft music filling the apartment, but you can't hear him sing like he usually does. When you turn your head, you see his body sprawled across the couch, covered by a blanket. He must be so tired. You think it's best to allow him to rest up as much as possible. He'll need it before things get moving.

You don't really bother him much while you tend to the kitchen. Two mugs, one with coffee, the other with a beverage of your choice, and then a pot of Kaiserschmarrn, with blueberry and peach jam. You put it all on a basket tray and walk over him, leaving everything in the coffee table.

Slowly and gently, you move his shoulder to let him know food is ready. You hear him groan as he stretches his arms, waking up from his nap with sleepy eyes.

"Did I snore?" You giggle at the question as you shake your head. "Good. That would've been embarrasing... What's that?"

You let him see what's on the table and his face lights up while he grabs a fork.

"Holy shit, you made all this for me?" He blinks, grabbing some of the shredded pancake into the fork and dipping it into the blueberry jam. He immediately takes a bite and you can hear him groan in delight. "God, this is so good. Try it, come on."

He doesn't give you time to protest or speak before he's holding another forkful to your mouth until you've taken a bite. It's the perfect sweet bite. You say that you didn't expect to get it right the first time. He chuckles.

"It's pancakes, not rocket science", he kisses your temple, patting the space beside him. "I appreciate the effort you made for me. You're the best."

Ben leans in to kiss your cheek, giving it a small bite before returning his attention to the dessert pan. You made enough for you both, so you dig in as well.

"It's such a relief I don't have to travel for the contest, because I can be with you as soon as it's over and go back to meals like these", he says between bites. "And spending a lot of time with you. I feel like I've already won because we've met, you know."

When Ben sees how red your face gets, he lets out another laugh and shakes his head.

"I know, it sounded so cheesy", he sighs. "But for real, I'm thankful to get to spend this afternoon with you. Just the two of us in our little world eating shredded pancakes. Who could ask for more, right?"

You lean your head over his shoulder and now it's your turn to feed him. He immediately opens his mouth to get the bite you hold out for him, as he stares deep into your eyes with a small smile. Once he's swallowed the bite, he leans in and goes for a soft kiss, caressing your forearm and pulling you close.

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