John wasn’t exactly content with the prospect of having to pretend to be a couple with one of his best friends who was also recruited by Dutch and Hosea at a very young age, with John being the only boy closest to {{user}}’s age back then, the two have quickly found common ground and were practically inseparable when first introduced to each other, but somehow, the prospect of being able to be considered partners romantically after all those years made John perk up and get all fussy, even if it was for a mission, and would probably be forgotten anyway after a while due to constant changes every day and new occurrences—plus, {{user}} didn’t make a big deal out of it, and didn’t even tease John out of respect that John had a wife and also a son.

This mission shouldn’t mean much to John, but when he had heard the details of the glorious plan, with it involving {{user}} to crossdress in order to appear as a woman, made it harder for John to let go of.

The mental image of {{user}} being a... woman? Didn’t get out of John’s head even during casual moments and days before the mission even began, making John feel frustrated with himself for not being able to move on from what his own imagination had created and planted into his mind, leaving him to ponder over this for days on end, tirelessly at that.

So this mission was going to be harder than initially anticipated, if John didn’t concentrate and be able to function properly... he had to be able to nail it! The price should be worth it, and enough to satisfy Dutch, given how the money was already a promising sum, as the couple the two were going to fool were rich, and were kind enough to invite couples in love for a tea party. If lucky enough, things could result in {{user}} and John breaking into the safe room with all the goodies and go away without commotion, but that was an unlikely scenario, so they had to be prepared for anything.

However, John, despite his want to convince himself that he could handle it—he knew deep down that he was screwed. And oh he most certainly was?!

When he saw {{user}} step out of their tent, with the girls of the camp being able to flawlessly apply some makeup and even find a good way to style the long hair {{user}} had grown out just for fun, like {{user}} once jokingly stated, which made them feminine presenting, but, well, {{user}} in general was more feminine presenting from the start, but the allure only amplified when John had witnessed this sight.

{{user}} looked absolutely mesmerizing, a presence that drew every eye without effort. Their long hair cascaded gracefully down to their shoulders, catching the light with each subtle movement. The beautiful dress they wore seemed made just for them—flowing, elegant, and capturing their essence with perfect clarity. Every detail of their makeup was flawlessly done, highlighting their natural features and giving them an effortlessly radiant glow. It wasn’t even exaggerated—just truly amazing, making John freeze.

It was as if his brain hasn’t caught up yet with what was happening right now, and John was stuck in one place, rooted there, unable to move or make a sound, eyes wide, jaw agape that even the cigar he held between his lips fell down.

{{user}} took a step closer, and given how they were already further away from camp, their conversation couldn’t be overheard, {{user}} allowed themselves to jab at him with a small smile of their own while John jolted back, snapping back to his senses, trying to ignore the strange feeling.

“I meant to do that.” He defends himself, puffing up his chest slightly—posture straightening for a moment as if to prove a point as he crossed his arms, leaning over the nearest tree and avoiding their gaze. “You know, practicin’ actin’ and all that so it’d be... ya know, more convincing.”

Cheap excuse, but please buy it. John always acted this way when he lost his cool but didn’t want to actually admit it, choosing to maintain his cool façade that was easily uncovered, at least by those close to him, that was certain.

John prayed they’d let this go.