Sauntering through the streets, The_Dean stopped to catch his breath. He immediately pulled a cuban out of his inside pocket, bit the end off, and proceeded to light it, puffing in even short bursts till the end was a bright ember. Massive billows of white/grey smoke drifted off in the slow-moving air currents. He looked around briefly as he continued puffing, noticing several other people sparking up as well. As he looked down at the partially smoked cigar, a look of puzzlement ran across his face. 

What is it about 'this thing of ours' that makes us want to blacken our lungs with these...these things? *cough...cough*

Seriously, damn near everytime I come to the street I can barely see the people making speeches because of the huge clouds of smoke that surround them.

Hey, I'm just as guilty as the next guy, obviously, but why do we do it?

The_Dean stares at the ember as he takes another drag, mesmerized, waiting to see if anyone will comment.

Cesc came forward from the shadows and he was puffing on a cigarette as he usually was. He took a large puff of it and blew a few smoke rings before heading over to The Dean and smiling.

"Dean a fella can become addicted to these things from a young age ya know? I myself had been smoking since I was about fifteen, a mere child. I had been living in Spain until recently and everyone out there smokes."

Stubbing out his latest relaxing smoke Doubletap offers up his doctors advice.

My Doctor told me that stress is a killer. And I am under considerable stress most of the time. According to him, smoking will ease my stress and prolong my life. What kind of guy would I be if I argued with medical science? Stupid thats what.

Cesc watched as Doubletap came forward talking about how his doctor had told him that smoking was good for stress. His doctor had told him that drinking calmed the nerves and that's why he drank so much.

"Doctors will tell you anything Doubletap..."

Well, The_Dean, I think the need to have something to do other than just stand there and give a speech is what motivates people to smoke a cigar or a cigarette when they speak over.

Look at it this way, A mafioso, a dreaded and feared member of human society just stands on top of a soap box and rambles on and on about something. Now unless he/she is an obvious representation of power, that act does not look very..... mafia.

Then, a man or a woman, well in my experience it is mostly the men who are partial to the cigars, comes to these Streets,lights up and then proceeds to give a speech, taking long drags on his cigar. Well, people feel it makes them look like more of a mafioso.

I gotta say, you might be on to something there Warwick. Says The_Dean, taking another long pull of his cuban.

Otherwise we would just be standing here, with our hands at our sides, or arms folded. I myself started when I first hit these shores, it just seemed like the thing to do. I think it might be partially psycological, wanting to be like those you looked up to when you were younger. Maybe, I'm not sure really.

Because it looks badass.

Joey lights a cigar with pleasure.

"Great question I must say though it's already been covered. Cigars may be the mafia image but if you can't successfully blow a donut then you're not a true mafioso!"

He winks at The_Dean then ashes the remains of his cigar.

I really do enjoy bubble gum. The extra chewie one, preferably the mint flavored or as an alternative, sour apple. The tantalizing combination of sweet, sour and tart hits the tongue in a unique way, it's always and exquisite experience when I get the chance to chew on one of those. As for cigars... they are bad for your health. Bad for the teeth, lungs, gums, throat... just bad overall. I'd say you probably should stop smoking.

Watches as The_Dean lights this poor cuban on fire

THER_DERN WHER DERD U JERST LERGHT THERT CERBERN ERN FER?!? CERBERNS HERV FERLINS! U CERNT JERST LERGHT THERM ERN FER!

Rushes over to help the cuban

Humble walks to group that has gathered, as he approaches he pops two pills and takes a swig of his flask.

Smoking? The new thing is these lil wonders! Get yer barbituates here!

Humble waves some pills around, he then begins foaming at the mouth and passes out, waking up later in a hospital.