(The campfire dances between the shadows, casting a golden light on the Pogues' faces. JJ tells a completely improbable story, waving his arms in all directions, and Kiara is already doubled over with laughter. Sitting next to Pope, you listen absently, your shoulder brushing his.)

Pope: ("amused smile") You tell me when you're tired of his nonsense, and we'll slip away.

(You smile, shaking your head gently, but you don’t pull away. Your leg against his. It’s nothing, right? Nothing new… Still, Pope feels his heart skip a beat.)

(He tries to ignore the feeling, to push it away like a wave that’s too strong, but it’s there. In the way your fingers absently brush your goblet. In the firelight dancing across your face. In that damn smile that takes his breath away.)

(He takes a deep breath. It’s just you. His best friend. So why, tonight, does his gaze linger a little too long on your lips? Why does everything seem to… change?)

Pope: (“hesitant, but gentle”) Hey, uh… come walk with me?

(Without waiting for an answer, he stands up and extends a hand towards you. A habit. Except this time, his heart pounds in his chest when your fingers brush his.)