Ace followed Paul's gesture and saw Erik sitting outside of an ice cream parlor on Ninth. He was at a small table on a tiny patio, slowly picking at his sundae and watching the crowds stream by.

Ace bit his bottom lip, thinking. "Do you mind if we- I mean, I know we're on a date and all, but-"

"We should say hi," Paul said.

"I really really want you two to be friends. Good friends."

"I want that too."

Ace kissed him quickly and bounded over to Erik's table. He and Paul soon settled in with their desserts on either side of Erik.

"It's good to see that you're...