I sighed, bringing the cigarette from my lips, holding it between my fingers. Damn, Alex would totally kick my ass if she found me smoking... But I mean, to be fair, I only smoke when I'm stressed.

The problem was that I don't know what I'm stressed about.

Usually a cigarette or two would do it, but not this time.

I tossed my third to the ground, crushing it under my boot.

I itched for another one. Giving in, I dug in my pocket, grabbing my lighter and a pack of cigarettes. I took out out and lit it, then shoved both lighter and and cigarettes deep into my jacket pocket.

I swear, this was gonna be my last one...

For today at least.

"Gray?"

Aaaw shit. There goes not getting caught.

"Alex? What are you doing out here?" I asked, putting my hands behind my back, hiding the cigarette.

"I could ask you the same thing." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

"W-well I..." I'm totally gonna get busted...

She looked down at the ground at the crushed cigarette and frowned. "You smoke?"

"O-only when I'm stressed." I admitted, hanging my head shamefully.

Alex sighed, holding out her hand. "Give it."

"Give what?"

"The one your hiding behind your back."

I, reluctantly, handed it over to her. She tossed it to the ground and crushed it.

"Aw come on. You could have let me finish that." I pouted.

"No, I couldn't. Cigarettes are icky. Didn't anyone ever tell you that?"

I nodded, blushing lightly. I felt so embarrassed, but it was true.

"Next time your stressed come talk to me, okay?" Alex said, folding her arms.

"Okay. Then let's talk. I'm obviously stressed now, if you haven't noticed." I said, looking at the other cigarettes laying on the ground.

Alex shrugged. "Okay. What's bugging you."

"The problem is I don't know."

"Okay then... uhm... work?"

"I'm used to it by now. I don't get stressed over work anymore."

Alex bit her lip and made a really cute face as she thought. She always had a tendency to make the more adorable faces, and she didn't even realize it.

"Not enough sleep?"

"I sleep fine."

"How 'boout..."

"You?"

Alex looked up at me. "Huh?"

"You. I'm stressed about you."

I looked over at her and she looked utterly confused. "Why would you be stressed about me?"

"Because I can't work because I'm thinking of you. I don't sleep much because all I dream about is you. I can't do anything because of you." I said, a sharp tone in my voice.

"M-me...?"

"Yes, Alex! YOU! Don't you get it? And you say I'm the stupid one!"

"Then explain it to me! You're making no sense, Ringmarc!"

"I LOVE YOU, IDIOT!" I yelled.

Silence followed.

Complete and utter silence.

The April snow began to fall lightly as she said the words.

"I love you too. Oh, and you are the biggest idiot on the planet."