Just Friends

*32*

"Here you go, a vanilla milkshake with extra whip cream, double cherries and sprinkles." Pop reads back as he places the shake in front of Alice.

Her eyes light up at the sugary confection. "Thanks Pop!"

"I think that would give me a stomach ache," FP tells her with a chuckle. "And that's saying something."

"Leave me alone, I'm sad." She pouts, swiping her finger through the mountain of whip cream.

"Well then by all means, have two of them." The bell above the door signifies new customers and FP whirls around knowingly, waving down Hermione and Fred. "Over here guys."

Hermione skips over to their table and plops herself down beside FP while Fred puts in an order for the two of them. "Mind if I much?" She questions, pointing to the plate of French fries on the table. "I'm starving."

"Be my guest." FP allows. "Didn't you and Fred have breakfast this morning?"

She rolls her eyes. "That was the plan, but Fred insisted on cooking it himself, and he did not inherit his mother's culinary skills."

FP chuckles. "That bad huh?"

"He somehow managed to make pancakes that were both burnt and raw! I didn't even know that was possible."

"This one can't cook much either." Alice adds, nudging FP with her foot underneath the table.

"Hey I can make spaghetti, and macaroni!"

"So you can boil noodles and pour sauce on top?"

"It's still more than I think Fred could manage. I swear it'll be a miracle if our house doesn't burn down some day."

"Our house?" FP questions with wide eyes. "You two planning to shack up together?"

She shakes her head. "Not any time soon of course, but someday... yeah."

"You think about stuff like that?" Alice asks softly.

"Of course!" The brunette gleams. "I think I've always subconsciously thought about it, only now I'll actually admit to it."

"Admit to what?" Fred asks, joining them at their table.

"Hermione dreams of playing house with you." Alice teases.

"As long as she does the cooking, did she tell you about our little breakfast fiasco?" He blushes as he recalls the moment.

"It's a sad day when even FP knows how to cook better than you, honey." Hermione jokes, earning a defensive gasp from the boy next to her.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He gapes.

"Hey you," Fred speaks, nudging Alice with his elbow. "How are you holding up?"

She sighs. "A little bummed, but it was the right thing to do, I know I wouldn't be able to look at him the same afterwards."

"You'll find someone new," he assures her. "You're a catch."

She smiles and rests her head on his shoulder. "I hope you're right."

The group sit in silence for a few moments before Fred beams. "I have an idea!"

"What's up?" FP questions, confused by the sudden burst of energy his friend has.

"Let's all go camping!"

"Camping?" Hermione turns her nose up at the idea.

"Yeah, it'll be fun! Plus it'll probably be nice to get away from here for a few days, just us."