In another set of circumstances, Maxxie would be on that. He would be smirking, leaning in, asking for proof. The temptation's there even now, but it's much easier to hold back than it should be.

Most of the guys here aren't like Maxxie. Dave isn't like Maxxie. He's had so many snogs, he can't remember half their names. On the scoreboard of experience, Maxxie's dominating Dave. He's learned from others to tread a little more carefully with that in mind. It matters, too, because Maxxie doesn't feel quite ready. A couple shots of alcohol or another joint would reassure him that he's over Marshall and Tony, but even a second of hesitance makes him doubt himself.

"I don't," he says with an easy shrug, attention dropping to his plate. "But not even my kisses can heal wounds, and they're fantastic."