[Words: 567]
Prompt: In a world where emotions are considered drugs, your character is addicted to love. [won contest- 1st place!]

"How much for the smileys, mate?" A middle aged man asked gruffly to the dealer, both wearing equally thin, ragged clothing in the cold weather. The man had prominent dark circles under his lifeless eyes. After he spoke, his thin lips returned to the standard straight line.

"Same as they always are," the dealer replied with a smile—must be on some happy pills himself.

The man nodded then pulled out some of cash from his coat pocket. The dealer accepted it with another smile, because it was the only expression he was capable of at that time. He finished counting the notes and stopped his smile.

"It's not enough," he stated, tone and stare void of expression.

"Then take my watch," the man said. He took off a golden watch from his wrist and gave it to the dealer's waiting hand.

"It's old and cracked, but it will cover the rest of the fees," he said after a minute of inspecting. He pulled out a plastic bag from inside his jacket and gave it to the man. The man took it and walked away, hands shaking as he hid it inside his pocket for later, at home consumption.

Seeing the coast was clear, Heath approached the dealer. His boots made indents on the snow and his every breath puffed out smoke. The dealer took one look at his thick designer coat and smiled again.

"What can I do for you, Rich Boy?" His yellow teeth stood out in the dark night. "Ran out of your monthly allowance?"

Heath immediately wished his usual dealer—Tony, who knew if the name was real or not—wasn't down by the flu so he wouldn't have to deal with this guy instead. Sure, Tony had recommended the guy to him, but Tony was a jackass with bad judgement—if he wasn't, he wouldn't be selling things prohibited by law—so Heath knew better than to take his word fully. He would much rather buy from someone he had known for years. Over the years, Tony had learned to respect him, but this guy, he had to endure.

He stayed expressionless as he pulled out a thick wad of cash from his wallet. "Here," he said. "I want some love pills to last the night."

The dealer took the money eagerly. He checked it quickly between two fingers and chuckled.

"'Is all there," he confirmed. He rummaged inside his jacket and pulled out the product. Heath could see the pink through the plastic already, sweet, delicious and an instant cloud nine experience. His leather gloved hand took it, inspected the contents for a moment before storing it under his coat.

The man laughed at him. "Have a fun night, Lover Boy," he snickered.

Heath ignored him and started to walk to his car. He didn't have time for fools drunk on happiness. His girlfriend was already waiting for him at his apartment. She had shown up earlier that evening in a red dress, the way she tried to greet him with a kiss telling him that she had already taken her last love pill of the month. She had stared him down emotionlessly when she found out that he had, once again, overdosed on his allowance before the month ended.

Heath got into his car and stepped on the pedal. The man could be true. Tonight, they might end up having some fun.

If he could get there fast enough.