Warning: Steven Universe spoilers!

Max had to admit he was impressed with Gwen's acting skills... although when she burst into uncharacteristic sobs at the sight of him lying broken on the bed, he got the feeling she didn't need to pretend.

David and Steven visited him every single day, and Max got very sick of them very quickly. Steven had offered David and Gwen a place to stay in the temple, and while Gwen had politely declined, saying she wanted to get home as soon as humanly possible, David accepted gracefully.

Max left the hospital two weeks later. His right leg was in a cast and he used crutches to hobble around. His jaw was no longer bandaged, and most of his colourful bruises had faded. They were more difficult to see anyway because of his darker skin- David, on the other hand, was fair skinned and bruised like a peach. His wrist was still bound but he looked and felt much better.

Steven had made up the large sofa for them to sleep on. That evening, David helped him made some hot chocolate while Max watched the fire. The gems were out on a mission. The trees outside were licked with gold and night was settling fast over the calm ocean.

"Here we go," Steven said, coming in with two hot steaming mugs of cocoa.

Max took his and stared gloomily into the cream and marshmallows.

"What's up, buttercup?" David asked, following Steven with his own mug. He sat down cross legged before the fireplace and looked at Max thoughtfully.

"Nothing," muttered Max, and took a slurp of the hot drink. It felt like sweet liquid flame in his throat but he didn't cough. He swallowed and it filled his stomach pleasantly.

"If you're sure," David said. "So Steven, tell me about yourself."

"Oh, well," Steven looked pleased. "My dad lives in a van and washes cars, my mum was a Diamond who invaded Earth but saw it's organic life and instead of destroying it she faked her own death and made a new identity: Rose- that's who my dad met. I have a pet lion, by best friend is called Connie, I like doughnuts, cartoons, and music: I play the ukulele."

"You don't say! I play the guitar!" David said, delighted.

"That is not the part of the story you should be focusing on, David!" Max shouted.

"How about a duet?" Steven asked.

"Why, that sounds lovely!" David replied. "But I'm afraid I don't have my guitar."

"Good," Max snarled.

"Don't worry, my dad has one I'm sure he wouldn't mind you borrowing," Steven said.

"No..." Max groaned.

"Gee, thanks!" David said.

"No, no, no..."

"No problemo! I'll run and grab it now."

"Oh Jesus, no..."

"Sure thing!"

"I fucking hate musical numbers."