They're two years into their partnership. Parker's trying to quit smoking because he's getting asthma from all the running he has to do in his line of work. Doctor says it should be fine but eh. Cutting back had been helping.
He's going through his desk for some old cigarettes he's sure he's squirlled away. He gets cravings when it's raining like today.
No smokes, but he finds a lighter that must have belonged to the previous tenants that got jammed at the back of the drawer.
"What's that?"
"Found it while I was looking for a pen."
It's a nice lighter.
"You're quitting, right?" Arthur snatches it out of his hand.
Hey... "Yeah, but you don't even smoke." So many nights in dive bars stinking of smoke and booze. The smell makes Arthur want to drink so he does neither. Another reason Parker's quitting, but hasn't mentioned that. Best to leave it unsaid.
Arthur flips the lighter cockily, and oof that does things Parker doesn't want to think about right now.
Teasing: "I think I'll keep it. Revenge for all those watered down drinks and burnt black coffee."
"I don't care. What do I care?" He absolutely would like a cigarette right now though. He gazes at this version of his friend. Healthy, confident, playful.
"This too shall pass," Arthur reads, noticing the inscription. He smiles at it a little distantly.
Parker hopes it doesn't. Hopes this can last forever.
