So much easier said than done. Maxxie has never had reason to listen to the jeers and insults of most people, but he knows how loud and painful they are. He thinks a lot of Dave, but he knows that the possibility of him overcoming his fears in a small span of time is pretty fucking unlikely.

He lets himself be kissed and held, and it's nice, but it doesn't have the effect Dave wants. Maxxie worries more, if only now in a way that makes his heart ache rather than showing on his face.

"I'll be safe," Maxxie promises. He feels like it's empty words; no one is going to be completely safe come Halloween. But he doesn't want Dave to worry more. "And you will come back to me. You just will."