Work Text:
In the restaurant under the yellow lights that made it look much fancier than it actually was, Wylan had never felt more like a fool.
Dressed in a dark green button-up and black trousers, Wylan was waiting for his date to show up. This is what I get for trying to be a normal person and date. He had already asked the waitress for more time twice and was not looking forward to asking a third time.
Wylan looked around, noticing that some people quickly averted their gaze from him. Saints, he must’ve looked pathetic, sitting alone at a table waiting for no one to come, apparently. He caught the stare of a lady in her thirties with a kind smile.
Wylan could feel his face getting hot. Please be late. Please be late. He drummed his fingers lightly on his knee, the other hand straightening his shirt collar. Wylan should’ve known that no one would want to be seen with him. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the same waitress walk out of the kitchen with another table’s food. He knew it was only a matter of time before she came back to him.
Wylan started to stand up when he heard a voice say, “Hey, sorry I’m late. Traffic is crazy right now.”
He looked up. This was not his date. This man was tall, with short dark curls, piercing brown eyes, dark skin, and a cocky smile.
The man sat down across from him and muttered, “My name’s Jesper. Just go with it. Whoever didn’t bother to show up is a dick.”
The man, now named Jesper, opened the menu in front of him and started scanning the text. Wylan was actually kind of touched by Jesper’s deed. It was sweet of him, he decided. He saved Wylan from his embarrassment, and it was helpful that, honestly, Jesper was attractive. Very much so.
The waitress walked over. She gave a glance to the new addition to the table. “Hello, my name’s Ann. I’ll be the waitress for tonight.” She directed her attention towards Jesper. “Are we ready to order?”
Wylan glanced towards Jesper, who nodded. “Can I get the Fettuccine Alfredo with the broccoli on top?” Jesper asked with a smile as he closed the menu.
“Mhm,” she muttered, writing down the order on her notepad. “And you, hon?”
Wylan had plenty of time to figure out what the most appetizing picture looked like and try to guess at what it was. “Um, could I have the chicken…”
He had no idea what the noodle was.
“…fettuccine?”
He audibly breathed out when Ann took his order with no problem.
“So, what were you doing here?” Wylan asked Jesper, finally looking into his eyes.
“Well, originally I was here to eat too much Olive Garden solo, so…” He laughed. “Dating can be stupid at times, am I right?”
Wylan almost snorted. “Yes, it sucks.”
Jesper twirled his fork in his fingers. He seemed to be enjoying himself, despite the fact that he had dragged himself into a fake date.
They continued to make small talk and lively, fun banter until their food arrived.
“Yum,” Jesper exclaimed before taking a bite of his Parmesan-coated pasta.
“You weren’t kidding about liking the Garden,” Wylan teased, eating his own chicken dish, pleasantly surprised at how good it was.
Jesper cleared his throat before answering. “No. No, I wasn’t.” He chuckled.
So did Wylan.
Wylan was disappointed when the food ran out and the check came. They split the check, despite Wylan’s protests that he pay for both of them. Wylan almost didn’t want the fake date with the sweet, funny, very attractive man to end.
They both stood up and walked out the restaurant doors. The air was warm against Wylan’s skin.
“Thank you so much. I had fun. Plus, you saved my dignity.” Wylan chuckled with sincere gratitude.
“No problem. I had fun too. You’re a good fake date,” Jesper joked.
Wylan’s cheeks slowly grew pink.
“Any idea when I can take you on a real date?” Jesper asked, his cocky smile replaced with something sincere.
Wylan turned red, and he laughed at the bluntness of Jesper’s words. But he knew he didn’t mind the idea of another date with him.
Wylan gave him an almost shy smile. “Tomorrow?”