"I know this is going to sound fucked up," he said as he started to walk, hands at his side and lighter in one, "but can I go back with you guys? I ..." he hesitated, then shrugged again.

He caught sight of the tussle between the barracks, but he kept walking. They were seeking now, right?

Jan continued to walk before she shrugged invisible shoulders. "You can come. It won't be our call if you get to stay though."

John nodded, but he hadn't expected anything much. He glanced over his shoulder toward the pink-haired girl. "I'm John."