For Maxxie

[reformingfury]

It's strange to be on the receiving end of flirtation after what he's done to Maxxie, but right now, Dave will take it. Even if he really does think he needs to pay the dancer back from the crap he pulled when he lost his memories. It might not have been his fault that the island made him forget the past three years, but it is his fault that, at any point in his life, Dave decided to stop being a decent person for the sake of popularity and normalcy.

He's just glad that Maxxie doesn't actually think that he deserves punishment beyond what he chooses to put on himself. Maybe. Dave isn't exactly a master at figuring out someone's intentions every time.

"So, what do you think retribution tastes like? Breakfast foods, pasta or stir fry?" he asks the other boy as he goes through what is available in the pantry. His cooking knowledge is still pretty limited, but at least he's improving with lessons. Before it was a pick between making a sandwich, frying eggs and praying they don't burn or microwave dinners.

Comments

[reformingfury]

"Well, I was born in the winter, so I obviously..."

Dave's head shoots up when he processes the rest of Maxxie's statement.

"Wait, what? I didn't miss it, did I?"

[just_dance_it]

"Nope," Maxxie assures him with a big grin. "August 23rd. You still got weeks to get an awesome present sorted."

He gives Dave a very serious, somber look that's absolute rubbish. "You will be judged on quality."

[reformingfury]

He can't help laughing at him. The severity of that look doesn't at all suit Maxxie, and pair with the silly demand, it's hilarious.

"I'll keep that in mind. But you're gonna have to give me a hint, here. I'm complete shit at getting presents."

[just_dance_it]

"Let's see..." He sets down his silverware, links his hands behind his head and leans back in his chair.

"I like things about me. I like art. I like clothes. I like alcohol and drugs. I like music. And I like people having fun at my parties. So if all else fails, you can just promise me a dance."

[reformingfury]

He contemplates what he can do. The dance, obviously, but Dave always hated just doing one little thing. He preferred trying to give something, even if it's a card with a cute, corny saying on it with some clip art.

Remembering something nice that he's gotten his hands on a few months back, a slow grin grows on Dave's face when he realizes that he'll be able to actually give his friend something more than a mug of cider or a bouquet or a dance.

"Yeah. I think I can handle that."

[just_dance_it]

He should be pleased with that smile, because logically it means that Maxxie's going to get an actual thing for his birthday, and quite possibly a good thing. But the island isn't known for its brilliant shopping so he's curious, too.

"What are you planning?"

[reformingfury]

Dave shrugs and turns his attention back to his pancakes.

"Just have some ideas, that's all. Have to pull favors, but if they fall through, I'll be sure to dance more than once with you."

He's terrible at hiding his smile as he comes up with ideas and makes a mental not to check up with certain chemical properties with one of his teachers.

[just_dance_it]

Mollified by the promise, Maxxie gets back to his pancakes as well, but he's still got his eye on Dave.

"Do I get a hint?"

He really is terrible at secrets.

[reformingfury]

"Maybe," he says, but doesn't elaborate, knowing it'll irritate Maxxie.

[just_dance_it]

He narrows his eyes but doesn't miss a beat.

"May I have a hint, please?"

[reformingfury]

"Hey, it's still just an idea!" he laughs. But it's still an idea that's building and becoming more possible as he keeps considering it.

"It's music. But it's not. It's something I can definitely do. You'll see."

[just_dance_it]

"Music but not" isn't really helpful, but Maxxie's hit and miss when it comes to riddles and he's not sure he wants to ruin the surprise. Even if he is now intensely curious.

"Better be good," he says lightly. "Remember. Judged."

[reformingfury]

Dave snorts. "Yeah, yeah. I'll sure I'll meet you standards. Jeez."

[just_dance_it]

"Well I don't want to have to stop being your friend," Maxxie points out. "You make good pancakes."

[reformingfury]

He laughs at the compliment. "Thanks. Well, here's hoping I make a nice..." Dave grins again, feeling smug. "Something."