Wasn't this a strange paradox. Dean hadn't any idea what he was doing, but he could hear the tone in Dempsey's voice. It resonated down in his chest and gave him pause.

"You're right," he inhaled, taking a long drag of the cigarette, letting it out on a long sigh.

He should be leaving well enough alone. Showing his stupid now was just going to be painful for them both. Enough time had passed that the ache was dull, if persistent. No need to go tearing anything open. "Thanks for the smoke." He held it up in salute as he stepped back. He could muddle through another hour before he could reasonably excuse himself.