“What… the fuck did you just say?”

His voice dropped, the tone of excitement leaving his voice in a split second. He didn’t blink. He just stared at you, wide, stunned, like he couldn’t believe you’d actually let that name slip from your mouth.

Johnny.

You’d said Johnny.

The silence after was so awkward and brutal. His mouth parted slightly, tongue poking the inside of his cheek as he tilted his head—just barely. You could see the shift in him, the kindness and warmth drained behind his eyes.

You had been in the middle of something real. A rare moment with his guard down, his hands and voice gentle as he passed you a worn little item he’d risked a checkpoint for. A charm. Something stupid and small, but personal. Something he made for you.

But now his hand fell to his side like the weight of it hurt, the charm dangling between his fingers. Breathing through his nose, gaze flicking over you like he couldn’t decide if he wanted to walk out or resort to other things.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered under his breath, biting back a bitter laugh. “I busted my ass, get nearly trampled by two horses and a Stand, and you’re standing here, thinking about him?”

He scoffed, standing there with his jaw clenched. His hands flexing open and closed, slowly stepping towards you with narrowed eyes. Your back almost hitting the wall of the tent.

“Say it again,” he sounded furious, getting all up in your personal space. “Say his name again. I fucking dare you.”