Griffin watched as Nathan took the first bite of his tortellini with roasted kulan, a chicken-like bird with green and purple feathers. He felt a small satisfaction at the look of delight on Nathan's face.
"Like it?" He asked.
Nathan nodded enthusiastically. "Ish weally goo'!" he exclaimed, his mouth full.
Griffin had a hard time restraining himself, wanting to laugh at the display. "Glad to hear it," he said, a few chuckles escaping in the process. "But please try to not choke on the food."
Nathan struggled to swallow. "Sorry. I just haven't tasted anything like this before." He grinned sheepishly.
Unwrapping his own silverware, Griffin reached over, taking a small bite to try. As he chewed he cut a small portion of his wihun steak and put it on Nathan's plate.
"Mmm, that is good. Either the chef got better or they hired someone new since the last time I was here. Here, try some of mine."
Nathan's eyes almost glowed as he savored the meat that seemed to melt in his mouth.
"Wanna switch?" Griffin asked, laughing lightly.
Nathan's gaze shifted rapidly back and forth between the two plates before shaking his head no.
"I want to eat what you picked out for me," he said shyly, a light blush spreading across his cheeks.
Griffin felt the corners of his lips curl slightly at the quiet statement. He simply brushed his knuckle across Nathan's red cheeks before tucking into his meal, encouraging his mate to do the same.
They ate quickly, sharing looks rather than words, as if they were at home where the only sounds were their utensils.
**********
Nearby, watching the silent harmony between the two, Diane couldn't help but yearn for someone like that in her own life. Determined, she marched to the break room where the host from earlier was eating his own meal.
"What's wrong with you?" She demanded as the door closed behind her.
The host looked up from the book he'd been reading. "What are you talking about?"
"Why were you so rude to that couple you seated in my section?!" Diane practically screeched.
The host rolled his eyes as he snorted in disregard. "Who comes to a nice restaurant like this while carrying someone?" He snorted again. "Fucking psychos. They bring a bad image to this place."
Diane was fuming at his callous words. Your attitude brings a bad image! They've been nothing but polite since they got here! I swear, if they say anything about your attitude before they leave, I'm going straight to the manager!"
The host rolled his eyes again, but internally, he was panicking. He was already on thin ice with the manager for his attitude towards certain customers. "Whatever."
Diane gave him one more hard look before leaving to check on her tables. Seeing the smiling faces at her current favorite table, she relaxed, her smile returning.
**********
"How was everything?" A warm voice asked from behind Nathan.
Turning his head, Nathan smiled when he saw their waitress. "Great. Your chef is excellent."
Diane gave him a wide grin, "I'll let him know. He loves hearing any kind of praise. Did we save any room for dessert?" She asked as she picked up the empty plates.
Nathan looked at Griffin, his eyes silently pleading.
"We'll split a slice of chocolate cake," Griffin sighed in resignation.
"Absolutely, I'll be right back with that."