For Belgium

[deutschemann]

[He arrived an hour early before the promised time despite spending all night reading on manuals about what to do on dates. He's learned from his past experiences and made sure the books he got had some credibility. So now he's wearing something comfortable and less formal. Just a simple brown coat, beige dress shirt, light brown slacks, and clean cut loafers.]

[He's also holding a small present which he keeps inside his pants pocket for later. No flowers, nothing too big. He wouldn't want to give too much of an impression. No, never again. Hopefully, this time it would go well without any misunderstandings.]

Comments

[deutschemann]

There was ice cream outside, do you want that?

[He moves his hand to ask for the bill, the other reaching for his wallet.]

[bellabelgium]

Ice cream would be nice.

[ She's about to say that she can help pay for the food before remembering that he READ BOOKS on taking Belgian women out on a date. She sighs and sits back, offering him a kind smile instead as he reaches for his wallet. ]

Thank you for lunch. I appreciate it.

[deutschemann]

It was a good meal.

[He looks down at the bill, as expected. He drank quite a lot. He could never ask her to split, let alone pay for her own meal. Putting down the money, he hands it back to the waiter for his change.]

The service was good too. I'd probably come back and eat here if I'm ever in the vicinity.

[bellabelgium]

They sure did keep you with a full beer.

[ She smiles a little, reaching over to take his hands in hers. ]

So after ice cream I think we can go see some of the bigger exhibits. What do you think?

[deutschemann]

[Every time she touches him, he gets a little flustered.]

We can eat them while we walk. It shouldn't take long to finish it.

[He nods and peeks at his watch. Having ice cream seemed fine. They finished eating earlier than he put down. His plans for this date has gotten so many detours, he should start steering it back to the original route.]

[He pockets the change, hoisting her by the hand, and offers to put the seats back.]

[bellabelgium]

We can do that.

[ She lets him help her out of her seats, smoothing out her clothes as he pushes the chairs back in and giving him a smile, OFFERING her hand this time. ]

Let's go.

[deutschemann]

[He takes her hand with less hesitation. He'd have to get used to it. Trying to be the gentleman, he opens the exit for her.]

[The sun was a little more hot than before. It was a good decision to get buy some ice cream.]

[But the question now is, should he let her pay for herself?]

The kiosk isn't far from here. It should take us 6 minutes to get there.

[bellabelgium]

Six minutes? Precisely?

[ Did he have that calculated? Check his smart phone? Gauge it by sight? She wouldn't be surprised. ]

[deutschemann]

If there isn't anything that could delay us at the rate we've been walking, it'd be a clear estimation.

[Stuff like this was important back in the day. If you were a minute too fast or too slow, it could change everything.]

Why? Is there something you wanted to do?

[bellabelgium]

[ She laughs softly, walking along with him and giving his hand a gentle squeeze. ]

No. All I want to do is have some ice cream, see some fish and hold your hand.

[ He's a nerd but it's completely cute. Endearing even. ]

[deutschemann]

[She's incredibly honest which makes it easier for him. He doesn't need to think too much about what she wants. It's a good quality.]

[He gives a small smile, just a little crease on the side, and squeezes her hand back. He's happy that she's happy and her saying so makes him confident that he's doing the correct thing.]

That's what I want for today too.

[That settles it, he's going to pay for everything.

They appear into the little store, the brightly lit menu board displaying arrays of flavors and combinations.]

What do you want to get?

[bellabelgium]

[ It's all she can be. The more honest the easier this seems like it might be. Maybe. Sometimes honesty is brutal but for the moment, it's making life easier.

She smiles as they walk in together, looking like that couple earlier in the aquarium that she was almost envious over; happy, comfortable, at ease, almost glowing. She's happy. She's content. And they're about to make this sweeter with ice cream. ]

I think I want something refreshing and fruity. Maybe lemon sorbet?

;-; Sorry, I've been sick ugh.

[deutschemann]

Is that what you want?

What size? They have it in solo scoop and extra large servings.

[Though this may be new to him, he feels that same contentment. It would take some getting used to, but he's looking forward to it being something he'd repeat.

Provided he'd grow the courage to ask her on a second date.]

You are absolutely okay. I hope you feel better.

[bellabelgium]

Hm... the two scoop cup, please.

[ Just enough to cool her down, satisfy her sweet tooth and cleanse her palette. And maybe share a bite with him. ]

I am! I'm recovering quite well! I hope you and your family are alright too.

[deutschemann]

Two scoops? Are you going to eat it by yourself?

[First beer, now ice cream. She has quite the stomach. If she will eat it alone, he'd have to order for himself.]

Good. And we're alright-ish. Getting by.

[bellabelgium]

Did you want more than that? I figured a scoop each would be nice but if you want more we can get more.

That's good. Take care of yourself, ok?

[deutschemann]

A scoop each is fine.

[He places the order, and within a few minutes, two scoops of lemon sorbet appears...


...on one cone.]