once long ago he had wanted to cradle her in his arms, keep her safe from harm and keep her as his for as long as they both shall live. but as always, as unrequited love goes, it was a one way street. so he resigned himself to an all encompassing and fully accepting friendship. never to judge, never to turn away, always welcoming, always warm, always open. what else was he to do?

overlooking a valley of lights, in the shadow of some god forsaken school building, quietly contemplating the night's song as the wind blows through the trees, carrying the cricket's serenade further, they sit, sharing thoughts, resting on each others shoulders.

   he'd offered to teach her to smoke then. careful to leave the decision completely up to her. because he wished to stay blameless, and because he didn't want her to learn at all.

"the pack's just there ok? if he stresses you out enough, smoke one. but it's up to you."

" thanks... i know you're right. about him. about these feelings... but you know it's so hard... seeing him everyday..."

Puff. Ponder. React.

"... hmmmm. basta, whatever you decide. you know i'm here for you right?"

"i know... i'm glad i have a friend like you."

years have gone by, and life has happened for each of them. several flirts, flings and failed relationships later, they come back to sit quietly at a favorite spot for mutually shared solitude.

a shoulder finds its familiar pair, back to back in the summer evening's air, staring into the distant lights in the valley. each now burdened with and enlightened by their individual experiences, but relaxing with the confidence and comfort in the friendship forged years ago, over a pack of cigarettes, one broken heart, and a hopeless one. 

nearly nothing's changed. but it's not the quite the same. 

"remember when we were hear together last?"

"how can i forget" she said "you were teaching me to smoke."

"excuse me. i was merely presenting the opportunity. it was entirely your choice whether or not to go through with it". 

"tomeyto, tomahto."

"... you know, way back when, i had this ginormous crush on you. did you know that?"

"i think i did... i'm not sure anymore. but... why'd you bring it up now?"

"oh i dunno. i decided back then, that i would love you anyway. you know? even if you felt so much for someone else who couldn't and didn't return those feelings."

"..."

"what? you get weirded out NOW?" 

"well, it depends how you define 'love' and where you stand with that, and with us."

Smile. 

"you know i love you right?"

"as a friend?"

"as whatever i am to you that you choose for me to be, but yes, primarily as your friend."

"haha. ok. as long as we're both cool with that."

"always! i love you dear friend."


"and i love you! hahahah!"

"great! now that we've got all that settled, how's about a smoke?"

"didn't you quit?"