Chapter Text
David woke again to the sound of cartoons playing on the tv. His vision blurred as he stretched and yawned seeing max spellbound to the tv.
“Why couldn't you wake up this early at camp?”
“Its quarter to eleven” max didn't even look round to see David's shocked and panicked face as he worried about breakfast and lunch, “can we go see captain cult?”
“You want to see Daniel?” David paused unable to see the small smirk on max's face.
“No, but you do”
“Max, I don't know what you're implying but…”
“You talk in your sleep dipshit” max switched the tv off, stood up and stretched, “are you coming?” he began walking out of the room.
“Max! Wait” David yelled tripping over himself to catch up with max hoping his face wasn't as red as he suspected… it was.
“I guess you should drive. We should go get his ice cream again” max grinned throwing the keys to him.
“You want McDonald's don't you…”
“Maybe”
They headed to the car and drove straight to McDonald's where David brought a chicken nugget happy meal for max, a chicken burger for himself and the same desserts as the day before for everyone, his face finally back to its normal shade. They reached the hospital where the same old lady gave max disproving glares and signed David in.
They walked into daniel's room-after David had convinced max they had to knock-and the blonde's smile widened.
“Am I lucky or in trouble again?” Daniel smiled at the inside joke that flew over max's head
The two adults sat chatting for a long time while max enjoyed watching some reruns of friends in the hospital telly.
“David…” Daniel's voice turned softer but more serious sparking Max’s interest. “They were thinking of letting me out. If they do, I was wondering…. Well. Maybe if you and I… could.”
“I think I know how you feel.”
“Even after everything you know I've done…”
“Even…”
“I get it your in love but I'll want to know what happens to Marcel!!” Max complained realising too late he should of Cort his younger. He went rigid with panic. He should have held at his tongue…
Laughter?
Were they laughing…
“trust you max to have the monkey as your favourite” Daniel laughed patting max lightly on the back. Max smiled “well I bet your favourite is the weird blonde!” They laughed again not at anyone but together. Daniel felt at home.
He had always believed home was more of a feeling than a construct. He made peace with the thought of never feeling it again but here it was….
Home.
He glanced at max following his eyeline to David, sharing the same thought…
'is this home? Is this family?’