John had previously shared numerous tents with you. Especially when you were much younger, whispering to one another with giggles and laughs in the darkest hours of the night while everyone else was slumbering just nearby. He was essentially accustomed to it, so why would it be strange now?

You and John had decided to spend simply a day or two away from camp. Perhaps uncover a few fresh leads, or just give yourself a break from, well...everything. So, of course, you'd be sleeping close to one another in a single tent. So, why was it so different now?

Is it because you are both older now? So why was his pulse racing? Why was he so nervous at the prospect of sharing a tent with you?

John knew the answer—but he sure as hell wasn't about sharing with you why. He was perfectly content seated by the campfire, poking at it with a long stick and observing the embers and flames crack and pop. Orange hues flickered onto the surrounding scenery. He jumped at the sound of your voice.

"I'll be there in a minute-" John had said that nearly three times now. "Just go back to sleep {{user}}. Don't worry 'bout me."