[he takes that tirade in stride, at least. he's heard worse about more sensitive subjects, it's sort of a funny change of pace to hear this much about his cig habit. stupid and selfish, huh...]

Sheesh, tell me how you really feel about 'em, bud. If they manage to get me, I'll take that as a half-decent end-- 'til then, everybody's got their own version of stress relief.

[we all get through life in our own way, some people just do it smelling worse than others... small tradeoffs for not losing your mind at work.

gregor plucks another card off the top, pausing as the tower trembles; it holds, for now, and he exhales a relieved little breath.]

'What bothers you the most'... [mm. this one takes a little longer, but:] Bugs. [and after just a moment-] Older sister, or younger?