Had it really been three years since they'd defeated Jack Noir? it seemed much, much shorter than that. Dave sighed inwardly as he scanned through his chum list, his eyes coming to a stop on 'ectoBiologist' ...John... just seeing his chumhandle brought memories to Dave's mind, and he realized just how much he missed that dorky smile. Glancing to the status symbol next to the name, Dave was pleasantly suprised to find him online and in a 'Chummy' mood. Double clicking his name, Dave began pestering John.

TG: Sup Egderp?

EB: Hi Dave!

EB: Long time no talk huh? i haven't heard from you in forever!

Dave could practically see John grinning ear from ear as he through the text, smiling softly, Dave Responded:

TG: I've been busy

EB: Oh! Strifing with Bro?

TG: Nah, i got a job as a DJ

EB: Congrats Dave! That's great news!

EB: Maybe i'll come to one of your gigs

EB: If...that's okay of course

TG: Sure, whats your number? I'll text you the details.

EB: 529-8694

TG: Cool.

-[TG] has ceased pestering [EB]-

Grabbing his phone from his pocket, Dave fired off a text to John.

To: Egbert

Next gig is tomorrow at Nelsons. 10pm. See you there.

Tossing his phone onto the table, Dave sat back in his chair and looked up at Lil Cal, one of the few things of Bro's that he kept. Damn he missed him... but hey, as long as he was happy right? Dave knew that Bro was happier with Jake in England. After all, they'd known each other for 6 years, and they'd been going steady for almost 2 years. Missing him was okay, but wishing he'd drop Jake and come back just wasn't the Strider way. Maybe Dave would get a girlfriend eventually. Wait... 'girl'friend? No...that doesn't seem right... oh well... better get some sleep, that gig aint gonna play itself. Getting up from the chair, Dave shuffled to his bed and, dropped his shades on the nightstand next to his bed, then flopped facedown onto the red sheets.

Getting up early REALLY wasn't Dave's motif, but, he had shit to do, so Dave dragged himself out of bed after a mental promise of a mocha later on. Trudging around his apartment Dave pulled on some clothes, then brushed his hair. Stopping at the nightstand, Dave grabbed his shades and put them on, the darkened glass concealing his candy red eyes. Sighing outwardly, Dave left his apartment, keys in hand, off to Starbucks for a mocha.

After a nice cup of mocha, Dave was sort of ready to do the gig, but not before he sent another quick text to John

To: Egbert

You still coming?

Dave had just put his phone back in his pants pocket when it rang with a reply from Egbert.

From: Egbert

Sure am! I wouldn't miss it for the world!

Laughing to himself, Dave continued walking down the sidewalk. A smirk plastered on his face.

Scanning the massive crowd of people, Dave barely managed to locate John. It didn't help that John had grown taller by 5 inches since SBURB, or that his Umber hair was messier than normal. It seemed that John was having trouble finding Dave, and when he did find the Strider, he waved a hand excitedly, then made his way to the DJ's platform. John looked up at Dave a smile on his face. "Dave! This is SO cool!" John exclaimed, his eyes twinkling in the dim room, "Thanks for inviting me bro!"

"Welcome, and i'm glad you like it." Dave smirked and motioned for John to join him on the DJ platform.

At about three am, the last clubbers had left, leaving the dance hall empty and eerily silent, The DJ and his friend were the only ones left. John had found a nice wall to lean against and had fallen asleep while waiting for his friend to finish packing. Dave's footsteps echoed loudly throughout the empty space as he put his equipment away then took it to his car. Putting the last case into his trunk, Dave went back inside the club once more to collect the sleeping Egbert. "Egbert. It's time to go." he said as he shook Johns shoulder lightly, getting only a grunt in responce, Dave tried again, "Egbert, c'mon bro." Sighing, Dave slid an arm behind John's back, and another under his knees, and lifted the sleeping Heir.

Placing John in the passenger seat, Dave closed his cars door, then, fishing his keys from his hoodie pocket, he slid into the drivers seat and started the car. The smooth purr of the Mustang didn't even bother John as he slept peacefully next to Dave. Shutting the door, Dave drove for home. Putting the car into park, Dave removed the keys and got out, then went to the passenger side and removed John carefully. Opening his front door was difficult while balancing John on his arms, but being a Strider, he managed. Dave carried John's sleeping form into his living room and then placed the still sleeping heir on the couch. Sitting next to the sleeping heir, Dave watched John breathe until sleep claimed him too.