BEFORE STARRING on escape the night, most of Matthew and Vivienne's friends knew how they were so hopelessly in love with each other. It's been going on for four years strong. Today marks the fourth year of their friendship or/and crushing.

Every year the two would go hangout for their friendship anniversary. Most would think they're dating or looked like a couple. This flattered the two, knowing they'd look like a future good couple.

Though mostly they acted like a couple, that's why most would think they're official. They just never decided to put a label or deeply think about how they are with each other.

Matthew held a plan to celebrate their friendship anniversary. He had planned it out along with Rosanna, the one who made them meet. Vivienne and Matthew would always thank Rosanna for pairing them up. Rosanna would only smile seeing the two of her greatest friends hanging out.

Sometimes Rosanna would feel like a third wheel or the youngest despite her being the oldest. Vivienne and Matthew would act as Rosanna's parents when going out, meaning they'd made sure she won't attract creeps, or defending her if in trouble. Or simply treating her like a child.

But this specific anniversary hangout was special for Matthew, the day in which he'd ask to date his long term crush. It was crucial to make sure everything was going smooth.

To help make it smooth Matthew had gathered information over the years for Vivienne's likes and dislikes. The most obvious stuff were the fact Vivienne enjoyed eating red velvet cupcakes and snuggling with odd creature plushies. Matthew could easily tell Vivienne hated arcades and slime.

So Matthew would know that the best idea for the special occasion definitely wasn't an arcade. Or something having to do with glue and borax.

But something Matthew could easily spot of Vivienne was the fact she heavily enjoyed cats. Whenever Vivienne would come over to Matthew's house she's shown quite fondness to Skip, his cat.

So with a bit of research (a google search), Matthew could easily find a cat cafe nearby. The cat cafe offered the comfort of a usual cafe with the company of cats. Matthew could easily tell Vivienne would've love visiting the place, and was excited to bring Vivienne along for the anniversary.

Matthew booked a table, a reservation for the specific day. So he was set, just had to make sure Vivienne wouldn't known it was a cat cafe. Matthew said to her it'd be a surprise for Vivienne, so all Vivienne could do was sit and wonder where they'd go for their celebration of friendship

Within just a few days, May 1, the day they've met, was their exact anniversary.

Vivienne woke up with happiness on her face, how on earth could Rosanna pair her up with one of the most loving and charismatic guy like Mat? Vivienne was excited to see where they'd go. But she had no knowledge of what to wear. What could she wear? Would she wear a simple pair of jeans or wear a nice dress? But after having a phone call with Matthew, she knew she had to wear a casual outfit.

And so Vivienne did, wearing a simple white t-shirt covered with a vest with a big flower, and her favorite clothing, jeans. Vivienne couldn't care less about what her hair was like, just to make sure it was combed and not tangled. A casual outfit, more of Vivienne's usual everyday outfits she'd make an instagram post of.

Matthew has given Vivienne the information to wait until 11 o'clock. Vivienne could only scroll on her phone and make a Twitter post marking their fifth anniversary of her and Matthew's friendship.

Vivienne smiled seeing all the comments and replies she received in under twenty minutes. By the time she was liking comments, she's seen a reply.

Adding 'Dork' was a nickname the two would use for their relationship on the internet. When in reality they use more loving names, like for Matthew "My Anne", and Vivienne "My Mat".

Vivienne also took the reply as a reminder to just sit down on her outside deck to wait for her crush. And took the time scrolling more on the internet and finished crocheting a gift. The gift was a Winnie the Pooh plushie, a miniature plushie. Along with a Tigger plushie, Vivienne's favorite Winnie-The-Pooh character. She smiled seeing the finish product, and took a picture on her phone.

Then, Matthew was there, he arrived in his car. And called out for her name, "Vivi! Here! Come on we have a long ride!" Vivienne saw him and waved, "Hi, dork! I just finished some gifts for you." Vivienne went to sit in the passenger seat. "So, think you know where we're going?" Matthew asks.

"Honestly, not really. There's lots of places to think and guess. And my only guess was a picnic." Vivienne replied, buckling her seat belt. "Well, what was the gift you brought me?" Matthew questioned curiously.

"You have to guess that too." Vivienne smiled. "Okay well it could be something you crocheted, like most of the time. Or it could be something different, like a small painting." Matthew suggests. "Close..." Vivienne replied.

"Anyways, you think the comments on our Twitter posts suspect we're dating of some sort?" Matthew suddenly asks. "Of course, I always see fanfiction of us on the wrong side of social media. They're all funny to read." Vivienne answered. "You read fanfiction of us?" Matthew laughed. "When I'm usually bored or need a good laugh! You know Safiya does that too, she'll probably make a video of it soon. 'Reading Fanfiction of Me.'." Vivienne joked around.

Matthew laughed at the joke of Safiya, "I always see our ship name being turned into fan art, ViviPat." Vivienne laughed at their ship name. But secretly, both of them were fond of the thought of them dating.

"Okay but still, give me a hint on where you're gonna take me!" Vivienne said. Matthew knew that he could not fall for her charms and tell her, and had to distract her with different topics.

Basically, the whole car ride was Matthew bringing up random topics like pop culture and theories he had in mind for video games or films. The car ride was full of laughter and smiles. And Vivienne had slowly gotten the memo that Matthew was very excited about where he had been driving to.

The car came to a stop, "Vivi I swear close your eyes it is worth it." Matthew suddenly ordered, Vivienne followed along and covered her eyes with her hand. "Okay I'll walk you out the car and then when I tell you to open your eyes, open them. Got it?" Matthew asks, "Sure? If you make me trip I swear." Vivienne threatened, "I'll never do that." Matthew reassured.

Matthew went out the car and opened Vivienne's door, grabbing her hand. Vivienne's eyes were closed and could only trust Mathew's touch. "Okay, we're walking now." Matthew spoke, "keep those eye closed, Anne!" Matthew adds, "I am! You're more excited than me!" Vivienne chuckled. "Excited for your reaction." Matthew replied.

After a few steps, Matthew internally sighed, nervous to see Vivienne's reaction. "You can open your eyes now." Matthew spoke, Vivienne's eyes open and was met with the sight of a building. A building with a cat sign and big neon text reading, MEOW WOW.

Vivienne immediately gasped, "Mat did you bring me to a cat cafe?" Vivienne asks as Matthew only smiled, "Mat try to convince me you did not just bring me to a cat cafe! I love cats!" Vivienne hugged Matthew. The sudden affection made Matthew blush, as he could hug her back. "You're the best, thank you." Vivienne smiled, "Oh pictures! Take pictures! Yeah! I need to bring out my phone." Vivienne took a picture of the small building. "Oh yes Anne, always bring out the phone for pictures for the gram." Matthew jokes.

"Okay but really, save the photos for inside. Haven't even been inside yet." Matthew held her hand and walked inside. Vivienne could only gaze the sight in amazement. A cat cafe, a place she has surprisingly never been to.

Matthew was still totally unorganized on how he'd tell Vivienne he liked her. Would he tell her outside the cafe when they were done eating? Would he tell her during their meal? Matthew just hoped when the time was right, he'd tell her.

Vivienne noticed a small poster on the window. "Mat, there's a poster here." Vivienne points. "Adoption needed?" Matthew read, a slight confusion in his tone. "Aw, why?" Vivienne asks. "After twenty long years, Meow Wow's famous location will shut down. Don't worry, Meow Wow has many other locations open to the USA and worldwide. Adoption is needed for all sixty cats that play and live inside the cafe. If interested, please talk to workers inside the building for more details." Vivienne read.

"Well, I was interested in owning a cat..." Vivienne mumbles. "But we have skip!" Matthew spoke. "But that's your cat! I want my own cat!" Vivienne replied. "Okay just go in and if a cat is interested in you, maybe we'll consider adopting." Matthew spoke. "Sure. I'll pay for the cat if we adopt. It is our friendship anniversary anyway." Vivienne spoke, and opened the door to Meow Wow.

Inside they were met with the vibes of coziness. "Already a foot in and I feel so cozy." Vivienne comments. "It's the cats probably." Matthew replies.

The two walk to the receptionist, "Hello, welcome to Meow Wow. Do you have a reservation?" The girl asks. "Yup, right here." Matthew showed on his phone. "For Matthew?" The receptionist asks. "Yes." Matthew responds. "Okay, are you interested in adopting a cat?" The receptionist offers. "Also yes, is there more details?" Vivienne questioned. "Oh so glad! Here's a small booklet explaining all the details you need to know before you adopt. I'll lead you to your table for two." The receptionist handed Vivienne a booklet, "Please follow me." She adds.

The couple follow as the receptionist leads them to the table, "aw the cats." Vivienne cooed seeing many cats present inside the building. "There is a small standee over there if you'd like to order drinks or snacks. Have all the fun you'd like with the cats." The receptionist explained to them, and walked out.

"Well, do you want drinks?" Matthew offered, "Oh sure! Is this the one with pastries?" Vivienne asks. "Yup. There's vanilla flavored anything. Matcha, nothing chocolate..." Matthew read the menu from afar. Vivienne's ear perked up at the words of 'Vanilla flavored anything'. "Vanilla bean milkshake!" Vivienne replied.

"Okay I'll order, find a table for us!" Matthew said. "And a Kitty." He adds. "Oh yes, a Kitty." Vivienne replied and went to sit at a table. The table was near a cat's tree, and notice many cats climbing onto it. "Cute." Vivienne smiled.

Suddenly, a tabby cat with a black and white striped coat walked to Vivienne's feet. "Oh, who are you?" Vivienne asks, petting the cat as it wrapped around her legs. "This one is so cute!" Vivienne cooed as the cat purred. All could she do was talk to and pet the cat, a rule in the cat cafe was to not pick any up, Vivienne had great knowledge of that fact.

After a few minutes of waiting (the cat still near Vivienne, although she did have it now in her lap), Vivienne noticed Matthew walk back with their pastries and deserts. "Oo, what are those!" Vivienne noticed the extra pastries, she only requested a drink.

"I got us some cupcakes, and milkshakes." Matthew explained. "And who is that cat on your lap? You're really going to adopt one?" Matthew asks. "Well if he likes me so much, I might will." Vivienne replies. "But I have to make sure he also likes you. I mean you do visit quite often, and that'd be bad if the cat doesn't like you! That means I'd have to send the cat away. I don't want to do that"  Vivienne ranted. "Okay, you can stop ranting now. I'm sure the cat will like me." Matthew laughed, loving every time Vivienne would rant about any particular topic.

"Okay, let's eat and play with cats!" Matthew exclaimed. And so the two did, they laughed and took pictures of cats and the food. Matthew still had the question in his mind, 'How would he confess?'. He couldn't find a right moment yet, and wouldn't know if he ever would find a moment.

Eventually, their time at the cafe flew by. And Vivienne and the tabby cat were stuck together like glue. Matthew could notice the fondness the pair had for each other. "So, you want to adopt him?" Matthew asks. "I think yes. I will. He's so adorable!" Vivienne gushed about the cat. "Okay then read the booklet!" Matthew said, and handed her the booklet.

ADOPTION INTERESTS.

if wanting to adopt, please speak to the receptionist out front.

Each cat is worth $80 minimum, prices vary for each cat at Meow Wow.

Meow Wow wants to make sure you love the cat so much to never return it. Therefore, please think wisely before adopting your cat.

Thanks for your interest,
— Meow Wow

"Where's the receptionist again?" Vivienne asks. "Our time is almost up anyways, probably still out front. Want me to go with you?" Matthew offered. "I'll be fine, don't worry! Bond with the cat as you please." Vivienne said, and carefully lift the cat off her lap. A rule that was said to not be done, but Vivienne had no other idea to get the cat off her lap.

Matthew watched the interaction as the cat meowed seeing himself get off Vivienne's lap. Vivienne waved as a sign she was going to talk to the receptionist. Matthew was left with the tabby cat. "Hi there, buddy!" Matthew smiled to the cat, who meowed back. "That brunette girl who's lap you were in, guess what?" Matthew whispered. "I will confess to her soon about my feelings, think I'll do it right? Don't even know if she likes me back. I've been really nervous, and might fuck it up." Matthew ranted to a cat, a literal cat. The cat only nodded and walked towards Matthew, then sitting in his lap. "Does it like me?" Matthew asked himself. "Maybe does. Hopefully." Matthew began to pet the cat.

Vivienne came back with the receptionist. "Is this the fella you'd like to adopt?" He heard the receptionist's voice. "Yes." Vivienne nodded. "Okay, well, in a few days we'll give you papers to sign, receive the payment, and then you may take him home. Does Friday sound alright?" The receptionist asks. "Also yes." Vivienne nods. "Okay then great! Hope you and your boyfriend will enjoy the cat within a few days!" The receptionist smiled, and walked out.

"Boyfriend, huh?" Matthew smiled. "Soon, hopefully..." Vivienne muttered. "Time to say goodbye to the little guy." Vivienne pouted. "Don't worry, you'll see him again." Matthew chuckled, and noticed the cat's eyes were asleep. "Oh, how do we get him off?" Matthew asks. "Oh I'll call a worker! Can I get a photo of this, please?" Vivienne asked. "Go ahead, just don't want to hurt this dude." Matthew smiled as Vivienne took out her phone for a photo, then went to a worker for assistance.

With that hassle done, the two were not walking outside. "Wanna visit a park?" Matthew suddenly asks. "Sure! That was totally random but okay." Vivienne chuckled.

The two went inside Matthew's car, and peacefully drove to the park. A park that was nostalgic for the two. "Is this the park Ro decided to take us after we painted the rocks four years ago?" Vivienne gasped. "Yup! Still looks the same after a few years." Matthew smiled. "Oh we were here last time for the picnic, right?" Vivienne asks. "Also yup." Matthew replied, "Anyways let's go! Come on!" Matthew went out his car, and opened the door for Vivienne, "Thank you." Vivienne smiled.

The two walked towards a bench near the grassy and full of flowers field. Today, the park was empty, and was peacefully beautiful. "So, why are we here?" Vivienne asks, Matthew grew nervous. Why were they there? Why did Matthew suddenly ask to visit the special place?

"Okay, Anne, you have to let me breathe for a second." Matthew spoke, "Take all the time you need." Vivienne replied.

Matthew sighed, "No easy way to beat the bush. I've grown a ton of fond feelings for you. Ever since Ro introduced me to you I just thought you were the most sweetest and beautiful woman I've met. I like you. And I hadn't known why I couldn't say those simple three words but I just do. I know this will probably ruin our friendship and made this whole day totally awkward and wei—" "No! I like you too! I thought you were the most dorkiest and genuine guy I've ever met. I was very shy to tell you. But I like you, and I wouldn't change it for the world." Vivienne replied, easing the worried and rambling Matthew.

"You do?" Matthew asks, looking to her direction. "Yes. A lot." Vivienne replied, nodding. "Is this the part where we kiss?" Matthew joked. "I guess so!" Vivienne laughed.

The two's lips grew closer to each other, and then connected. The kiss was sweet and soft. The two equally thought they'd never experience a moment like right now. After a few seconds, they let go. And smiled, looking at each others eyes.

"Do we date now?" Vivienne asks. "Also yes? Maybe? Hopefully?" Matthew answered. "Yes. I'll be your girlfriend, my Mat." Vivienne nods. "Good thing I can officially call you mine, My Anne." Matthew smiled. "My Mat." Vivienne smiled.

"Photo or else it didn't happen?" Vivienne asks. "Photo." Matthew replied. Vivienne nods and takes out her phone, Matthew gave her a kiss on the cheek while Vivienne took the photo.

"I also still have the gifts I earlier crocheted you." Vivienne spoke. "Oh those! And a crocheted gift! I love those things." Matthew said. Vivienne laughed and took out the crocheted Tigger and Winnie the Pooh plushies. "They're not really huggable, and fits for a baby toy. Or display." Vivienne explained holding the two characters. "I'll have Winnie!" Matthew took the yellow crocheted bear. "Knew you would." Vivienne comments.

"Don't tell the media we're dating yet, by the way. Give us a few days of peacefulness before we do." Matthew adds. "Also thought of that. Wholeheartedly agree. Fans would go crazy once we announce it." Vivienne replies.

"Who's home do we go to?" Matthew asks. "Hey, going already?" Vivienne questioned. "If you want to! Whenever you want to! Just asking where do we go home to. Mine or yours?" Matthew asked again. "Wherever you want to! At this point I'll spend the day at your house. I have clothes there, right?" Vivienne answered. "Yeah, you still had to pick up the pajamas you left with our movie binge with Ro a week ago." Matthew said. "Well? Let's go." Matthew held out his hand. Vivienne held it and the two drove to Matthew's house.

The whole other day they cooked pizza, and watched Disney movies. This marks the day of their fourth year of friendship, and first day of dating.

rue's notes

hi guys, hope you enjoyed this Valentine's Day special 🥹 I worked hard on it and really wanted it to release on Feb. 14. This has a long word count for being an extra chapter. But also a below average word count for an actual chapter (about 3400 words).

don't really think this is considered a valentines special, nothing valentines day related is in this chapter besides the two dating 🧍‍♀️ but we're gonna ignore that and just appreciate the Matpat and Vivi content <33

and this is Vivi's cat she later adopted (don't think it's a tabby cat, if you know the breed Emma is holding please pm me and I'll correct the changes!)

more about how they met will be a later chapter. I've worked on some/majority of it, and hope you guys enjoy it when I release it.

happy Valentine's Day. don't got no one to spend it romantically with but I got people platonically xx.