Laughter [Garrett Watts x OFC]

[Intro]

Don't we just love setting the scene? Intros are always a bit of a drag, but read on and let me know what you think!

The fact that I was closing out a sold out show was unnerving. Granted, it was just a local comedy club, but still. There were a good 200 people in the small area and it wasn't until I was actually on stage that I began to feel any sort of ease.

Maybe it was because my "comedic persona" kicked on or the fact that the stage lights were so bright that I couldn't really see anyone, but I always felt more confident on stage. It was even better when there was a receptive crowd, which I was lucky enough to have during this show. The previous comedians had warmed them up nicely and my 15 minute set was proving to be the best I'd yet to experience. Before I knew it, I was getting into my last bit.

"Alright, so this is probably the most important question you'll ever hear me ask. Are you ready?" Different Yes's and Hell Yeah's came in my direction. "Okay, good. Now, without getting too heated, who out there is the biggest Harry Potter fan?" Normally, when I would start this bit, I had to wait a few seconds for the audience to process my question and then get the courage to speak up. That was not the case this time.

"ME," a voice shouted, followed by some sort of crash and hushed What the Fuck's from the others at his table. I put my hand to my eyes, trying to block out the glare of the light.

"Is everything good out there," I asked, trying not to laugh too much.

"I just ruined our entire table, but yes! And I love Harry Potter," he replied happily, smiling the biggest smile I think I'd ever seen on a person.

"I'm pretty sure your friends are hating this. I can't really see faces with the lights, but I can tell that they're covering theirs."

"They're 100% embarrassed of me, but whatever. Luna Lovegood never cared." One of his friends said something to him that made him giggle infectiously. It was hard to keep my composure.

"You're a Hufflepuff, aren't you? You're too sweet not to be."

"Don't even get him started," another voice from his table called out.

"Shut up, this is my time," the original shot back at his friend. "How did you know?"

"Us Ravenclaws just know things," I said with a wink and a shrug. Not wanting to go too over my time, I continued into my bit about Hogwarts houses, focusing heavily on Hufflepuff this time since that's what the mystery man was. Before I knew it, I was thanking the crowd and running backstage.

A few of the other comedians congratulated me on a successful set, but the mood was noticeably different for me than it had been on stage. This was always the case when I performed. I had my unwavering confidence onstage, whereas I was a shy mess when it came to any real life interaction. I'd been in LA for six months and had yet to make any actual friends within the comedy community. It was lonely and definitely weighing on me.

Rather than drink myself stupid surrounded by strangers, I decided to go home to self-medicate. It was there, after a few drinks, that I decided something on a whim. I drunkenly got my setup ready and started recording a video for my YouTube channel.

"Hi, everyone! As you can 100% see because I'm awful at faking anything, I'm a bit tipsy. Or a bit drunk, depending on whatever scale you use. BUT that's not why I'm doing this right now.

The reason I've called you all here is to confess something. Something a little heavy, but my good, cheap friend Evan Williams is taking the edge off a bit." I lifted my glass of whiskey to the camera before taking a drink.