Silence. It was broken only by the rustling of clothes. Then there was the sound of a lighter being lit, followed by the smell of smoke.

You wrinkled your nose. Aleksander was smoking again, and you had to rid him of that nasty thing.

He looked at your open palm. Your face, like his, was illuminated by the cigarette flame.

"What?"

Aleksander asked calmly. A fraction of bewilderment was audible in his voice.