The Liverpudlian mage cupped his hand over the glass before picking it up, raising it to the other man in an empty gesture before knocking back a quarter of the drink. He barely had time to let it settle before he inhaled sharply, a little shocked by Scarlet's appearance. He knew Scarlet would be around, he just hadn't expected her to appear beside him the way she had.
"Took your time to show up, luv" John replied, rolling his eyes at her comments. He knocked back another quarter of the glass and took a drag from his cigarette. The drink and the nicotine helped keep him somewhat grounded, and it was amazing what magical feats he could accomplish with those two things alone and the right information.
"Well, now that we're all gathered here..." he paused and looked from Scarlet to Blank. "Why do you two really want to tag along? Most people don't tend to volunteer for things of this nature" he asked, his tone more serious.