(Garrett x Andrew) - For Your Entertainment

Double Date

A few months after their relationship was revealed to the public, Garrett and Andrew are still taking things slow, but they are in a much happier place now. Andrew still finds it difficult to show affection in public, but he'll occasionally allow Garrett to hold his hand as they walk down the street, despite the knowing feeling of being watched.

"Table for four, please." Shane says to one of the waiters. Then the small group get lead to a nearby table, which is placed next to a window and displays a beautiful view of Los Angeles at night.

They all choose their seats, automatically sitting next to their partners, and then each of them grab a menu.

"This place is fancy. Are you sure you can afford it?" Andrew asks as he feels a little uncomfortable with being so far out of his comfort zone.

"Yeah of course and it's my treat. I don't mind paying for all of us." Shane replies while already eating the free bread and butter that was in the middle of the table.

"Yessss, daddy." Ryland says and then picks up a more expensive menu.

Andrew wasn't a fussy eater, but he definitely preferred to have pizza rolls and fries instead of a small salad with a side of lightly seasoned mashed potato. The problem was that Garrett, Shane and Ryland have all been eating incredibly healthy recently which is why they settled on this restaurant.

"Do you know what you want, babe?" Garrett questions as he reaches for his boyfriend's hand. "If you can't find anything you like then we'll get some chipotle on the way home." He whispers in his ear.

"I think I'll have the chicken and broccoli linguine with some garlic bread." Andrew decides as he puts the menu back in the holder where he found it.

"Oh good choice. I think I might have the same." Garrett says just as the waiter appears back into view and makes his way to their table.

After they've had their orders taken and Ryland insisted on having sparkling water instead of still, there is now a sense of calm among the group. This is the first time in at least six months where they've not been stressed from work, personal matters or both, so it feels nice to be able to be this relaxed.

Shane tells a story of the time when he got mistaken for a homeless man and Ryland laughs at the occasional joke. Garrett turns to face his boyfriend who is looking out of the window at the passing cars and the bright lights.

"Are you alright? You've been really quiet today." Garrett speaks softly as to not draw too much attention.

"I am just thinking about something." Andrew forces himself to look away from the outside world and make eye contact with Garrett. "I'm fine. I promise."

That seems to put Garrett's mind at ease for a little while, even though he knows something is bothering Andrew. Although he also knows that this isn't the sort of place to talk about upsetting things, so he'll ask about it again later.

"OH MY GOD." Shane shouts and almost falls off his chair from excitement. "The food is coming."

Everyone besides Andrew lets out a sigh of relief.

"Finally, I feel like we've been waiting for ages." Ryland exclaims as four gentleman place all of their meals in front of them.

About half way through their dinner, Andrew still hasn't eaten anything. All he has done is push the pasta around on his plate and the others have noticed.

"Just try and eat some garlic bread instead, sweetheart." Garrett encourages from the chair next to him.

"Okay."

Andrew really didn't feel like eating anything and the thought of food alone is enough to make his stomach turn, but he knows he should have some sustenance, so he forces himself to take a bite out of some bread. He throws the rest of it back on the plate because he swears he can feel the beginnings of vomit crawling back up his throat.

"I think it's time we head back, right Andrew?" Garrett suggests.

"Uh...whatever you want." Andrew mutters.

Shane looks at him with sympathy in his eyes. "No problem. You guys go home and get an early night."

Garrett stands up, tucks his chair in and then patiently waits for Andrew to do the same.

"Thanks for tonight, Shane. I've enjoyed myself and the food was wonderful." Garrett says to his best friend. "It was nice to see you as well, Ryland."

"It was lovely to have you with us." Ryland smiles. "I hope you feel better soon, Andy."

Andrew lets out a little laugh at the nickname, which is a good sign. "Thanks, see you both soon."

Andrew walks off towards the exit and Garrett is about to follow him, but then gets stopped by Shane who's pulling on his arm. "Text me later." He tells him and then lets him go.

Once Garrett has caught up to his boyfriend, they are both standing in the cool evening air and it's surprisingly cold for California. The restaurant isn't far from Garrett's house, which is usually where they spend their nights, so they decide to walk rather than take an uber.

The walk is silent. Not uncomfortable, but silent. Garrett doesn't know how to start the conversation as he doesn't want to make Andrew more nervous than he already is, but he needs to know what's bothering him.

"So...are you ready to talk?"