No one really creates stories focused on Max and Jasper's dynamic, so I went ahead anyways UwU

I'm facing major writer's block atm, so take this :)

"David forgives you, by the way." The raven scuffed his shoe in the dirt, bored. His brows narrowed angrily when he wasn't given a response. "Listen, it's late and I need my midnight coffee. Show your ass or i'm leaving." It was coming up to 10 pm according to his watch, anf the cold breeze didn't help either.

Instantly the boy appeared in front of him, grinning widely. "Howdy!"

Max flinched, but quickly recovered. "Don't you ever fucking do that again–"

"Nothing wrong with a little fun." He winked teasingly. "Anyways, you wanna elaborate on that? What's Davey said?"

"He doesn't know you're dead. We had to white lie." The camper shrugged. "But don't worry, he still forgives you."

Jasper pursed his lips. "I don't really understand… but I'll take it!" He smiled. "I owe you one, Maxy–!"

"Don't call me that."

"Too late!" He attempted to ruffle the shorter male's hair but frowned when his hand just phased through. "Oh. Yeah, that happens sometimes." His brow quirked upon noticing Max's stunned expression. "Y-You okay…? It's a little chilly, you're probably cold."

Nervously he licked his lips. "I, uh, I just can't get my head around it." He huffed. "I always had it in my head that once you die, you're, um… well, you're gone. You never come back. But after finding out about you…" His eye twitched somewhat uncomfortably. "… I guess I was wrong."

The ghost grimaced as he scratched the back of his neck. "You sound disappointed… Why is that?"

There was a moment of silence.

"…Reasons."

Oh.

"Oh… Oh, okay, I get you." He offered a small smile, before jabbing his head in the direction of a nearby log. "You wanna chat about it?"

The raven scoffed. "Oh yeah, because discussing my issues with a ghost is really gonna help." Max rolled his eyes. "I think i'll pass." And with that he turned to leave, a smirk playing on his lips. It was pointless even talking to Jasper. He was dead for Christ's sake. He couldn't even leave the damn island.

"Y'know… I never get visiters." Max could hear the twinge of desperation in his lowered voice.

He turned around.

The two locked stares.

"It gets real lonely. If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you hung out with me for a bit."

"It's late–"

"Please–" Suddenly he raised his voice, but cut himself off in realisation; a few birds from nearby trees shot out of their nests at the disturbance, much to his dismay. Max flickered his widened eyes over him in shock, taken aback by the outburst. "Please, Maxy, I-I only want some company! I won't keep you long, I promise–"

"If I say yes, will you quit whining?"

Jasper paused, before his previously worried expression turned hopeful. "Y-Yeah, sure thing!" He beamed as he took hold of the younger's hand and lead him over to the log, not wanting to let go. His hand was smaller than his own, and obviously warmer… and also kind of soft, but not. It was weird.

He hadn't held a person's hand in years.

If there was the option to, he'd never let go.

Ever.