Emmett puffed out another long, smokey sigh, the rushing wind eagerly pulling it through the cracked window. They were speeding down the highway and the smoke trails were just another thing lost to the fast pace of humanity. You only feel wistful cause you're still hungover. It was true enough, so he decided not to argue with himself.

He glanced over at the driver's side of the SUV. The kid didn't look like he belonged there behind the wheel. But Emmett had no interest in doing any of the driving so he didn't mention it.

He took another drag from his cigarette, earning a quick glance from the driver. Tab had kicked up a fuss when he lit the first one but Emmett had refused to cooperate. He kept the cigarette near the open window though, and made at least some effort to blow the smoke out of the car. He was only willing to do so much.

"You'll want to take the next exit." Emmett said, tossing the butt of his cigarette out the window before tilting his seat back as far as it would go.

"Oh, are we getting close now?"

"Close to the interstate, sure. Destination, no."

"What do you mean?" Tab glanced over at him, looking panicked. "We'll get there today, won't we?"

"Not a chance."

"Well, how much further is it?"

"Hmmm," Emmett pointed across Tab towards the corner of the windshield. "Drive another 20 hrs in that direction."

Tab gave an involuntary jerk to the wheel, the neighboring car blaring its horn in warning.

"Shit, be careful." Emmett said nonchalantly as Tab threw an apologetic wave to the other driver.

"Are you still punishing me for this morning?"

"What are you talking about?" Emmett cast him a bored look as he lowered himself further in his seat, propping a booted foot up on the dashboard.

"You can't be serious. You're just trying to waste my time."

"Keep driving and I guess you might find out."

Tab went silent. Emmett thought he could feel an angry warmth wafting off of the guy. Maybe he had pushed too hard.

Tab took the suggested exit, but rather then continue on the highway he pulled off into a shopping center parking lot and got out of the car. "I need to make a call." He said before slamming the door shut. Emmett winced as the sound revived the throb of his hangover.

Emmett sat up in his seat again as Tab walked away. No matter the vehicle, he never seemed to have enough leg room. While sliding his seat back he noticed a wallet tucked under the dash. Time to solve this mystery.

He found Tab's driver's license front and center, the face on the card not looking much different aside from shorter hair and a more awkward smile. More importantly the date of birth revealed… twenty? That was a surprise. Now he could call him "kid" ironically without fearing the taboo.

The driver door opened again, That was a quick conversation, and Tab slid back into his seat. "So I-" He started to say before a look of exasperation crossed his face. "What are you doing with my wallet?"

"Checking how much of a child you are."

He didn't look amused. Emmett placed the wallet into the guy's waiting hand and settled himself back down into his seat.

"You don't remember asking me that, either?" Emmett shrugged. "You made such a show out of secretly buying me drinks last night." He was turning the car back on as he spoke, making his way back to the highway. "Which way is your location?"

Also surprising. "Make a right."

Tab did, following Emmett's directions until they were flying down the interstate. "I'm still not sure I believe you but a few days out of my life is worth that risk I guess."

Emmett smirked to himself, tapping another cigarette from its carton before lightning it. "I'm perfectly harmless, I assure you. "