TRIGGER WARNING: This theme talks about smoking, so if it triggers you, please skip this one.

Requested by Paradigm of Writing, here's Smoker! Paradigm also requested a few more, so be prepared for it!

3. Smoker

Little Mac was a nervous wreck if he doesn't get a cigarette. Ever since he said 'yes' to that one cigarette when he was eighteen back in Bronx, he had been addicted to smoking. Whenever he was nervous or scared, he grabbed one and smoked it, which had calmed him down. He knew that it wasn't healthy, but it was the only thing that could ease him.

Ryu, however, was worried for his best friend's health. He spotted the boxer smoking one day after a match, and he grew concerned ever since. Whenever he convinced Little Mac to stop smoking, the boxer agreed, then turned around and grabbed a cigarette when Ryu's back was turned, breaking his promise.

One day, Ryu simply had enough. If he doesn't stop his friend from continuing this habit, it could ruin his boxing career due to his failing health from smoking.

The martial artist walked down the corridors of the Smash Mansion, looking for Little Mac. He spotted the boxer at the corner, smoking a cigarette.

Ryu's nose scrunched up in disgust and coughed from the smoke that entered his lungs. He approached Little Mac.

"Hey," he greeted.

Little Mac jumped and he whipped his head to face Ryu, his face red. "Ah! Ryu…I-I didn't see you there—"

"You're smoking again, aren't you?" Ryu asked.

Little Mac's eyes widened. "N-no! I-I was just…"

Ryu slapped his hand holding the cigarette, and the boxer dropped it from the impact of the slap. Ryu stomped the still burning cigarette with his foot, destroying it as smoke rose in the air.

Little Mac glared at him. "What was that for?!" he yelled, gritting his teeth and his face growing redder by the minute.

"Mac," Ryu said sternly. "I think it's time you need to quit smoking."

"But Ryu," Little Mac attempted to convince him. "It calms me down. It helps me."

"But it's also killing you," Ryu reminded him. "If you keep this up, you'll be dead before you hit forty."

"Ryu—huh?" Before Little Mac could say anything else, Ryu placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.

"Mac, I care about you. I don't want you to kill yourself. I love you. You're like a younger brother to me. If you die…I don't know what to do with myself."

Little Mac stared up at Ryu, tears threatening to fall. "Ryu…"

"Mac, you need help," Ryu said, "I want you to get help. Please…for me."

Little Mac's gaze focused on the destroyed cigarette on the ground, and he nodded. "I promise…and this time, I will keep it."

Ryu smiled, hugging him close. "Thank you Mac…"

Ever since their heart-to-heart talk, Little Mac had been getting help to stop smoking. Each day, he struggled to not grab a cigarette, but Ryu was there, helping him resist the temptation. One day, the boxer had completely stopped smoking. Ryu was proud and glad that his friend became healthy again.

Their bond grew stronger that day.

Constructive criticism is welcomed! And requests are still opened!