no subject

[Edamura's weakness isn't booze, but the cigarettes. . . at his lowest he certainly was a chainsmoker. the heat and ash does numb the senses, doesn't it. . .? making it slightly easier to face the horrors of the world around you]

Yeah. It definitely is.

[but recognizing that is a lot easier than just. . . taking care of yourself, isn't it?]

[. . .]

[a heartbeat passes, and he draws away from the hug, leaving his hand resting against her shoulder as he lifts his own smoldering cigarette back to his lips]

. . . last one?

[a pause. and then, sincerely]

For real, this time.

[not just a light joke. not just a tiny jibe at their poor coping skills. a genuine promise that means a lot more than just quitting a nasty habit]