"You are a godsend," he mutters after downing a scorching mouthful of coffee, having listened silently to Nick explain his unexpected arrival. John makes a quiet, "Mmm," sound before allowing his expression slip into one of mild annoyance when posed with a question about his ears. He pulls the one earbud in his ears out and quirks an eyebrow.

"Terrible." He shakes his head and folds his arms across his chest, his voice dropping in volume as he leaned closer to Nick. "I'm starting to think the water problem was easier to deal with. At least it was avoidable." He takes another (smaller) sip of his coffee. "You?"