Grinning wryly, Basil nodded and ducked his head. He would always need and appreciate Nee more than the other probably even knew. More than he cared to admit, and in ways he didn’t even dare to imagine anymore. But at the end of the day they were both just Basil and Nee. Best friends, and determined to make their own ways in the world. Puffing his own cigarette and following suit to put it out, he threw a rather drunk arm around his friend’s shoulders. (They were broad and comfortable and he twinged, wistfully.)

“You bloody know I am…” he grumbled.

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