“I know that, but why am I wearing a fancy-looking button down?” he complains.
“You’re going to have to trust me, John. Can you do that?” I ask, leaning back.
I give a heavy sigh, “Why not?”
“We met a week ago when you dragged me away from my dad so that I could sit in this stinky apartment. Why should I trust you?”
“It’s a penthouse. Plus, it doesn’t stink. It was cleaned just a few days ago.”
“Why should I trust you?” he repeats impatiently
“Because under that deep armor of lost memories and being pissed at me, you know you really love me.”
“Whatever,” he huffs, rolling his eyes. “All that I want to know is why you made me change out of my pajamas.”
“Seriously, just trust me,” I chuckle. “I’m doing you a favor. When Rose gets here you’re going to feel underdressed as is. In pajamas you would have just pissed on the floor and run.”
“Are you calling me a wimp?”
“I would piss on the floor and run too.”
“Still, we’re in dress pants. Nobody feels underdressed in dress pants,” he points out matter-of-factly
“I’ll bet you five bucks that you’re proven wrong in five minutes or less.”
“Wipe that smug grin off of your face, you jerk. You’re on.”
“Good. Here she comes.”
“Why do you guys always fly in through the balcony?” he mutters. “Do you have any idea how unsettling it is?”
“You came up with it, John. If I recall it correctly, which I do, you were too impatient to climb the stairs.”
“I don’t remember that,” he frowns.
“You don’t remember anything.”
“I wish I could.”
“Give it time, it’s been eighteen years since you were around the other gods,” I remind him. “You’ll remember sooner or later.”
“Hello,” Rose interrupts.
“Hi,” John greets her cautiously.
“I haven’t seen this dress yet,” I observe. “It’s part of Kanaya’s collection from Greece, right?”
“Sort of,” she says with a small smile. “She had extra lavender fabric, so she decided to try making one without any metal work involved. The flow is the same and it is fitted just as any of the old dresses, but she decided to add in one of those adorable high-low cut skirts.”
“Give her my compliments then. Come on in and have a drink,” I offer.
“Thank you, Dave, but I’ve got to help Vriska out tonight. She’s caught up with something else and I’ve got to take over sunset.”
“Oh come on,” I say with a light nudge. “John and I got all dressed up for you. I’m sure you can down a quick glass before the sun goes down.”
“Oh fine,” she says, accepting the glass. “I do appreciate a good wine from time to time.”
“‘Atta girl. John, do you want any?”
“No, but thanks.”
“Please forgive me for leaving so quickly, John,” Rose says, turning to him. “I can’t put anything off with this job, I’m afraid. Still, I’m glad to see you again. It’s been far too long.”
“It’s nice to see you too,” he replies.
“You don’t have to pretend with me,” she chuckles. “Dave has told me that you don’t remember anything yet.”
“Yeah,” he admits sheepishly
“Don’t worry, we’ll have time to talk memories later. Right now I have to head out. I just wanted to stop in and say hello, but duty calls.”
“Have a nice time dragging the sun around,” I call after her.
“Hold on,” he says, darting across the apartment.
“Where are you going?” I call after him. “John, if you lock yourself in your room again I will break the door down. Don’t doubt me.”
“Chill out!” he chastises, returning quickly. “Do you want your five or not?”
