[center][img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/301690986252206080/379376209395712010/Max.gif[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/KuIZYZy.gif[/img][/center]

The atmosphere around them seemed to be very different than table three and it was only then that Ice realized Felix and Daimyon were both out on the dance floor. While Ice may have been a stick in the mud, that didn't mean he was some abhorred character as to interrupt their dancing. It was strange to him how they could seem so joyous stuck in this hell and he actually took a second to stop and stare. Ice himself had never really danced, so it wasn't something the Blood Donor knew much about. After a few more moments, Ice scanned his eyes around the room for someone else to ask before landing on Max, still sitting at the almost empty table. 

[color=orange]"Past the ballerina stage?"[/color] He asked the police officer. He still was a bit wary of his occupation's mortal enemy, especially after their spat at the door, but he'd definitely know the answer to Ice's question.

[color=0076a3]"I can't afford it; can't keep an eye on everyone when I'm distracted."[/color] Max was a bit surprised that Ice chose to interact with him of all people, but was still in a generally good mood just seeing everyone enjoying themselves. [color=0076a3]"But you don't have to worry about that, raising morale is why we hosted it, so enjoy yourself."[/color]

Something about Max's words made Ice want to throw on either an awkward smile or a devilish smile, but both of those were far out of character for him. It must be his thug blood crying out to be defiant or something along those lines. Again, he didn't exactly want to disrupt the harmony, but after the shintock that just happened earlier, it might have been beyond saving. Trying to prolong this moment, he watched the dancers more closely. [color=orange]"Is that noel out with Daimyon? I didn't peg her as a Daniella."[/color]

Max eyed Noel for a second before turning to Ice. [color=0076a3]"Looks can be deceiving."[/color]

And with that, Ice ran out of things to say. Honestly, the question had been more to the air than to the police officer and now the Blood Donor was feeling self-conscious. It wasn't like he had ever talked about girls to another guy, and would a proper righteous man of society even do something like that? On the inside, Ice was a wreck of nerves and he stayed silent for a few moments. [color=orange]"How's Daimyon's character? I haven't interacted with him much, but he seems like a wild card..." [/color]

His thoughts wandered, mixing in and out of his logic side and imagination, what would Alice dance like? Had she ever danced with the Quack? Why was he even thinking about this in the first place?!

Ice couldn't make it more obvious, social interaction was [i]not[/i] his strong suit. Max was actually starting to feel a bit bad for the blood donor; enough to warrant small talk at least.

[color=0076a3]"He definitely acts kind and mature, but you're right, there's more to him than meets the eye. At least that's what my gut is telling me."[/color] Max motioned his hands for Ice to take a seat; although unconvinced that Ice will actually sit down. [color=0076a3]"clouded thoughts huh?"[/color]

Ice's eyes, which had been following the dancer's immediately moved to meet Max's. [color=orange]"You... hold up..."[/color] The Blood Donor was blushing like mad, trying his best to compose himself quickly, but it was blatantly obvious what he was thinking about. After a certain amount of agonizing moments, Ice went back to scowling, [color=orange]"...Blunt much?"[/color]

Not bothering to take a seat, he stared the Officer down, [color=orange]"The both of you really are buck wild, do you compare notes when you spar?"[/color] He motioned over to Noel, still dancing.

Max's gave a short chuckle, it seemed like Ice was starting to find his ground. [color=0076a3]"It's a great way to start the day, and a lovely lady like Noel only makes it better...Now I was going to respect your privacy, but seeing as we've thrown that in the trash, Who would you spend the morning with?"[/color]

If it had seemed like Ice was blushing before this moment, that was entirely wrong. If this had been a cartoon, puffs of smoke would have been blowing out of his ears and his mind immediately went to that traumatizing moment. Ice opened his mouth to say something, only to close it once again. Max had officially gotten the jaw drop reaction he must have been going for. [color=orange]"No comment,"[/color] he hissed. His image of Max as some justice driven righteous person had been completely thwarted.

[color=0076a3]"I see."[/color] Max already had an idea where the smoke from Ice's ears was coming from. Contrary to popular beliefs, Max was quite aware of Ice and Alice's interactions these past days and it wasn't hard to connect the dots from there. [color=0076a3]"So when did you first start feeling that way?"[/color]

Now Ice was just getting more and more annoyed, [color=orange]"Stop stabbing the dead horse."[/color] He dropped his palm onto the table and bent closer to Max, [color=orange]"I have a request."[/color]

It seemed like Ice wasn't going to soften up any time soon so maybe it was time to start taking him serious. [color=0076a3]"Alright, go ahead."[/color]

The desire to teach Max the meaning of respect drove into Ice's head for a split second, but he knew that wouldn't stand. He took a step back, knowing he would definitely need the extra space. Trying to move on to the more serious topic Ice put his emotionless mask on and gave another glance at the dance floor before saying, [color=orange]"I need my chain back."[/color]

As soon as the words left Ice's mouth, Max tensed up. All kinds of  thoughts went viral in his head as he considered the implications of Ice's question. from the outside it must have looked like a death glare appeared on Max's face, but soon after changed to a more neutral expression.

[color=0076a3]"If you want it, you'll have to leave the party. But consider staying a while longer, at least [i]try[/i] to have fun."[/color]

As expected, the look on Max's face could a many of Ice's former colleagues start confessing, but this was Ice's element. [color=orange]"I'm not planning on staying, wouldn't want to ruin the party."[/color] He was leaning his hip against the table, his fingers stretching in and out as it felt the absence of his deadly companion.

[color=0076a3]"Look I know you don't feel safe without it, but we were [i]very[/i] thorough, you have nothing to fear."[/color] Max was trying to sound comforting, but his undertone seemed almost like a warning.

If there was such a thing as police dialect, then Max's last line would definitely hit the mark. [color=orange]"There's no such thing as absolute trust in this hell."[/color] He stopped his hand from balling into a fist, not wanting to seem too violent or else his weapon really would never be returned.

Max knew of Ice's struggles, the last trial made it very clear. Isaiah Matthews had lost the ability to trust. It was dangerous, but trust goes both ways, so maybe, by giving him the chain, Max could get one step closer to his heart.

[color=0076a3]"Talk to Faith if you want your weapon back...I just hope it will be worth it."[/color]

Ice gave him a questioning look, he had thought that Max would be a lot harder on him and draw it out... It seemed like his Honeypot method had worked! Well, maybe honeypot wasn't the correct term, but in the end, his small talk had paid off! Not knowing what else to say, Ice gave the Officer a quick nod and started for the hallway. 

But before he moved out of earshot, he said over his shoulder, [color=orange]"Keep them all safe."[/color]