Chapter Text
** Thomas' POV **
I can't believe I'm doing this.. I'm actually hanging out with Andreas for the first time since god knows how long. He says we're going to a restaurant. Restaurants are loud, but he says that he reserved a special spot for the two of us. How thoughtful... I get into my nicest clothes, a brownish sweater and some black jeans, and head out. I haven't been outside in a while... I must've needed the fresh air, because my throbbing headache is gone! Since the restaurant is a walk's distance away, I had no trouble finding it. Thank god I live in a small town. I look around to try and find Andreas. I can't find him, so I sit on a bench nearby. I breathe in the autumn air, and look at my surroundings. It's beautiful; the red, orange, and brown leaves falling, the golden sunset....I haven't noticed stuff like this in years. I hear children laughing. It makes me shudder slightly, but I direct my focus on something else. Children are loud, but they can't exactly control it. I look up to see someone walking towards me. It's Andreas..!
"Thomas." His voice made my heart beat fast. Not extremely fast, but it was noticeable.
"Oh! Andreas!" I reply. I quickly get up and follow him into the restaurant. The walk to the reserved table was quiet, and a bit awkward. When we sit, I finally speak.
"I really appreciate you reserving this seat for us. I don't think I would've survived in the area where everyone was at..!" I giggle. Andreas smiles slightly.
"It's nothing. I know it's hard for you to go out, so I wanted it to be as comfortable as possible for you." My heart flutters. He cares that much..? I start to become nervous at the sight of him. Andreas must've noticed, since his gaze softened into a more concerned look.
"Are you okay, Thomas? Your hands are shaking." He asks.
"Ah-! Yup, totally fine!" I quickly hide my hands under the table and try to change the conversation.
"So...how's life been?"
"I'm not so sure, actually. Jennifer and I divorced recently, about a month ago, and Junior's been miserable ever since..." Andreas sighs. I see the smallest tear from his eye. I attempt to comfort him. (sorry gng idk how to write comfort gulpp)
"Well...things like this happen in life all the time. It will all be sorted out, you just need some time." I look down to see my hand on Andreas'. My stomach drops. When did I do that?! Blush crawls up my face.
"I am figuring things out..." He says. "You're right." He looks at our hands, and back at me. God, what if I look like a mess...? He smiles.
"You know, it's nice being able to hang out with you again. We should do this more often- I-If you're up for it, of course!" He stutters.
"Of course we can! I haven't felt this happy without...you know...in forever!" I said. It was genuine, too. Ever since I stopped taking the Happy Meds, I was so depressed, I couldn't even get out of bed. I had massive withdrawal symptoms, and I felt like I was nothing. The past couple of days I finally had the motivation to go out, but only for short periods of time. When Andreas asked me to hang out, I couldn't make up my mind... I decided to go out, expecting it to be a one and done situation. When he told me that he wanted me to be as comfortable as possible, everything changed... he went out of his way to make my experience enjoyable. At that moment, I had an epiphany...
I believe I have fallen. Hard.
I realized this earlier in my life, when we first met, but I have not fallen as much as now. Besides, I didn't want to get in the way of Andreas' and Jennifer's relationship... Hm?
"Thomas..." Oh, must've zoned out. I look to my left to see the waiter asking for my order. I forgot we were at a restaurant-! I tell her and she walks off with a notepad in her hand. I look down in slight embarrassment. Andreas laughs.
"It's okay to zone out, Thomas!" He grins.
"Y-yeah...hah." I mutter. I have no idea what to say now. The only thing I can do is sit there. My thumbs twiddle. I feel a drop of sweat rolling down my face. I make eye contact with Andreas. I want to say something, but I can't. God, snap out of it...
"I'll- I need some fresh air, I'll be back." I finally blurt out as I get up. Andreas slightly tilts his head in confusion, but nods. I hastily walk off and make it outside. I sigh as I sat on the bench I was on earlier. I was right, I needed this air.
"He must think I'm a mess..." I mutter to myself. I had to bring myself together.
"You know what... I should tell him the truth..." I decided to stay here for a couple of minutes, until I heard someone call my name.
"Thomas..?"
END OF PART ONE!