Papa's Got a Brand New...Bling (Late July 2008)

[nomorekaraoke]

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life--

Wrong theme song, even though the theme certainly applies. It's a new day in Lorne's life. He quite enjoys dawn, thank you very much. He's found a new place to live - another penthouse in the middle of Youdon'tneedtoknow-ville. And recently, he's been indulging more and more in taking breathers at Milliways.

In short: good times all around.

Comments

[stilljustandrew]

"They're not as creative about their flavors," he says, "but about the same quality of stuff. And they do these really good blended ice-cream-and-frozen-coffee drinks."

[nomorekaraoke]

"Excellent." He smiles, as excited about this as the proverbial kid in the candy store. "Got any favorites?"

[stilljustandrew]

Andrew grins. "How about I show you when we get there? You can get a free taste of anything, if you want to try it out."

[nomorekaraoke]

"You do?" He gapes, feeling like such a tourist all of a sudden - which, all things concerned, isn't too far off the mark. "Well come on, what are we waiting for? Hurry up before ya start melting, cream cake, chop chop!"

[stilljustandrew]

He starts to laugh. He can't help it.

"Yessir," he tosses off, picking up the pace to match Lorne's stride.

[nomorekaraoke]

It doesn't take them long at all to see the sign hanging over the entrance, and before you can say 'sugar rush', Lorne's holding the door open for his friend, and lavishly, to boot. It's such a strange thing; he feels rejuvenated.

"After you, kind Sir."

[stilljustandrew]

The cool air inside breaks over them as they step in, mild and sweet with the faint scents of a double dozen different flavorings: fruits and nuts and extracts and spices, caramel and coffee and the ever-beloved chocolate. Two or three other people are inside, lingering over their selections; there's no place inside the shop to sit down, which means customers aren't likely to hang around once they've bought their ice cream.

Andrew gestures to the menu on the wall, detailing different desserts and their prices, and to the bank of ice cream freezer space with the names of the flavors prominently displayed. "What do you like the look of?"

[nomorekaraoke]

At first glance, the menu is daunting with its array of choices and pretty pictures and not always too helpful names. He shrugs, feeling like a tourist again, and not minding too much, as a matter of fact.

Because being a tourist is fun. "Oh, I don't know. I love the idea of cherries and rum, but... You can't ever go wrong with chocolate, right?"

[stilljustandrew]

"Not here you can't," he grins. "--And I think they might have a chocolate cherry flavor. Let's look?"

[nomorekaraoke]

"There's just so many of them," Lorne frowns, looking every bit the out-of-towner. "I mean, I like the sound of Cherries Jubilee - can't beat that name - but I could just as easily go for the Brownie Sundae, because brownies says it all..."

A beat, and a glance Andrew's way. "Is this where we cop out and ask for Flavour of the Month?

[stilljustandrew]

"Not a chance," Andrew tells him firmly. "You should get both."

Personally, he's got his eye on the Jamoca Almond Fudge and the Peanut Butter Chocolate.

[nomorekaraoke]

"So you're suggesting I get a 2-Scoop Sundae, huh?" He shrugs. It does sound like a very good idea indeed, not to mention a tasty one.

[stilljustandrew]

"Or a two-scoop waffle cone," he suggests.

Innocently.

[nomorekaraoke]

"Are you trying to tempt me, Samwise?"

[stilljustandrew]

"Would I do that?"

Newborn puppies don't look this innocent.

[nomorekaraoke]

"Is my heart in the right place?" he shoots back with a burgeoning grin.

[stilljustandrew]

"You tell me," he grins back.

[nomorekaraoke]

Sometimes, one of the most difficult things in the entire world is stifling a giggle before it completely ruins your laid back, composed image.

Lorne doesn't quite manage to maintain said image. "I'd better not or I'll just do like Freud and a strategically placed banana peel. A two-scoop waffle cone it is, ya big imp."

[stilljustandrew]

Serenely: "I knew you'd see it my way."

There's only one customer left ahead of them, and he's already handing over the money.

[nomorekaraoke]

"There's plenty of room in here for a jig, Mister. Don't push it."

As the other customer takes his bounty and exits stage right, Lorne nudges Andrew. "So...what are you having?"


In so many words, Lead the way, Master Jedi.

[stilljustandrew]

"Well, I'll be honest, I was considering the mocha-mint ice-cream-coffee drink before we got in here, but I think I'm gonna go with a waffle cone too."

He beams. "You ready to order?"

[nomorekaraoke]

"Yup." And in an undertone, moving towards the counter: "That sounds absolutely dreamy, by the by. Don't let me cramp your inimitable style."

[stilljustandrew]

"There's no cramp," Andrew assures him, and then steps up to the counter.

"Hi, ah -- can we get two of the two-scoop waffle cones? One of them with Cherries Jubilee and Brownie Sundae, and the other with Peanut Butter Chocolate and Jamoca Almond Fudge."

[nomorekaraoke]

"And one of your charming little spoons, please."

Because enjoying ice cream is one thing. Getting ice cream all over your very nice clothes is another thing entirely. ...Lorne doesn't care what adorably creepy kids tell you, Neo. Sometimes there really is a (need for a) spoon.

The darling behind the counter gets their order sorted in no time, leaving them with nothing left to do but pay up and get back out there in the sunshine.

Sunshine? Rocks. Ice cream? Rolls. The two of them, together in sweet, sweet harmony? Some kind of abso-tively, posi-lutely wonderful.

[stilljustandrew]

Andrew is in full agreement with this sentiment.

"You are giddy," he accuses happily.