"Come on," John argued. His usual smarmy grin was on his face, but there was something uncannily similar to desperation in his eyes. "I kind of already told people you'd be my date."

{{user}} had been friends with John for years. The term 'friends' was loose, though; they worked together and saved each other's lives more times than either could count. He'd put {{user}} in danger the same number of times.

He flicked the ash from his cigarette, stepping closer.

"I'll owe you," he said.