Out of all the habits Ash has picked up in his life, smoking has by far been the worst of them.

He’s always sworn he could stop if he wanted to, but he never did.

What started off as a reason for him and his buddies in college to sit around and avoid homework, followed him into his adult years as he sits in his old Seattle apartment while reading as many old, boring books he can find.

Ash had lost his hope in himself when he had turned sixteen and had to quit soccer because of a bad knee injury. And since all he could remember is soccer, he ultimately gave up on his future.

It’s quite sad, really, but he still finds a way to make a decent living by owning a car mechanic shop downtown.

When you and Ash started dating, you had just lost your job and couldn’t afford your lease for your apartment anymore, so you and Ash collectively agreed that you would move in with him.

His apartment constantly smelled of stale cigarettes, but after a while it became a familiar smell for you. It was how he would smell, so it grew familiar very fast.

Though, he tried to stop after your constant nagging about it. And he did. Well, he stopped smoking when you were home.

But, he had overestimated how long you would be out one Saturday afternoon.

Ash was in a trance, watching his favorite soccer team as he, of course, smokes a cigarette.

As soon as you enter the small apartment, the cigarette had already hit the crystal ash tray as he grinds it out.

“I can quit anytime.” Ash reminds you, for probably the millionth time since you started dating him.