Her Favorite Ice Cream

"...A pint of Double Chocolate Fudge Ripple?" She asks softly, cringing a bit as if preparing for blow-back from the suggestion.

"Ah." You say, nodding. "It's a Code Fudge Ripple situation, then?"

"Yup. As much as I hate to propagate stupid female romantic movie cliches, I could really go for some comfort food right now." Melody tugs on a strand of wet red hair before continuing. "Of course, the problem is that the only store that carries it and is still open would be..."

"Hennesy's." You finish. "All the way downtown."

"Yeah, and it's pouring rain out there. So it would be really, really selfish of me to ask you to go out and get me some ice cream." She leaves her words hanging in the air and stares down at her feet. You decide to spare her the guilt trip.

"Good thing you don't need to ask me, then." You say, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I have to go get some things at the store anyway. Want me to grab some Double Chocolate Fudge Ripple while I am out?" It was blatant lie, but it made her smile again. A weak smile, sure, but progress is progress.

"...If it's not too much trouble." She replies. She places her hand gently on yours and electricity shoots through your body. "Thanks, man."

"Any time." You shrug. You stay there for another minute, trying to stretch the tender moment out as long as you feel you can without getting suspicious, then go to the door and grab your jacket and umbrella. "You'll be okay while I am out?"

"I think so." She nods. "I'll text a few of my girl friends."

"Okay." You say. "I'll be back in a bit." With that, you leave the room and head down to the lobby of the dormitory. As you come down the stairs, your two stoner friends, Scott and Dirk, turn to look at you from their position on the communal couch. Dirk, as usual, appears to be completely lucid, while Scott, also as usual, appears to be blitzed out of his mind.

"Jack-man." Dirk says, giving you a slight nod of acknowledgement. "Where are you off to on this ugly rainy night?"

"Just making a quick run to Hennesey's." You say.

"Ah, I see. Is Melody doing all right?" Dirk asks, causing you to pause.

"What? Why would you...?"

"Dude. There is exactly one reason you ever go all the way to Hennesy's." Dirk raises a single eyebrow. "If you think that it is a secret, I have bad news for you."

"Are you taking notes or something?" You cross your arms in annoyance. "It's a little disturbing that you seem to know details like that about me."

"Don't even need Cliffs Notes, bro." Dirk grins. "When it comes your redheaded paramour, you are as easy to read as a magazine."

"Well, fantastic." You grumble. "You want to add any comment, Scott?"

"Huh?" Dirk's companion asks. He blinks a few times, and his far-off gaze focuses on you. "Oh, hey Jack! Dude, where are you going? Don't you know it's raining?"

"Thanks, Scott." You sigh. "Okay. I'm out."

"Good luck." Dirk waves to you as you head out the door. The rain is indeed pouring down hard, so even with the umbrella, you end up getting very wet. The walk to Hennesy's is a long one, and it takes you nearly forty-five minutes to get there on foot. You wouldn't make this trek for just anyone, but to make Melody happy again, you would gladly do it over and over again. Thankfully, the corner shop is open 24 hours, so you are able to get in even this late at night. And much to your relief, there is still some Double Chocolate Fudge Ripple. You get a full quart, just in case.

You pause as you look around the store. You had been lying before about needing to go on a shopping run, but is there anything else you wanted to get before you head back?