"They're going to write stories about us." Tanner leaned against the cold, wet surface of the brick wall. The alleyway was dark, but he knew there was only one way out. It was past him, and his foe wasn't going anywhere. "Tanner and Dominic - Hero and Villain, to the death."
A few feet away, Dominic laughed. It was a low laugh, filled with amusement before it turned into weak coughing. Although Tanner couldn't see him, he knew that Dominic was a crumpled mess on the ground, blood slowly draining from his stomach. The thought made Tanner smile, and he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, despite the rain dripping down on him.
"Little Sarah would be proud." Dominic groaned as he spoke.
Tanner imagined that the man's lips were covered in blood from coughing, his internal organs slowly killing him as they failed. He cringed at the thought before shaking his head and turning in Dominic's direction. "A bit too late to taunt me, no?"
There was a low snort from the alleyway. "Bitch was too good for you anyway."
"That she was." Tanner held the cigarette out in front of him. With a crooked smile, he wandered over to Dominic. Reality was similar to what he had imagined; Dominic was leaning up against a dumpster, his hands and shirt covered in blood. The rainwater was struggling to wash it all away, causing a trail of blood to flow towards the nearest storm drain.
Dominic looked up, his struggling features still managing to look smug. "What would she say now?"
Tanner leaned down, placing the cigarette in the dying man's lips. "Oh, I don't know." His eyes wandered, finding nothing more interesting than his fallen companion. "Probably argue that a good man would never kill - that you twisted me."
Dominic rolled his lips, spitting the cigarette out. "That I won."
Tanner nodded, his eyes locking with Dominic's. Despite his pale features, Dominic looked as wild and fierce as ever. Tanner laughed, shrugging and patting the man on his head. "Maybe. But I have to thank you."
Dominic seemed confused, some of the ferocity giving way to curiosity. "Thank me? For what?"
"Giving me a reason to kill." Tanner pulled out a knife, the blade still dripping with blood from recent use. "Some men don't deserve a chance to live. I never would have reached this conclusion without you."
The curiosity on Dominic's face wilted away into fear - something Tanner had never expected to see on the man's face. "Wait - you wouldn't."
"Time to say goodbye, old friend." The dagger spun in Tanner's fingers. "It's okay. In the end, I forgive you." The dagger zipped forward, cutting Dominic's neck as he tried to speak out. Tanner smiled weakly, wiping the blade on his enemies coat. "Tell Sarah I'm sorry, if you see her."
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Boom boom boom boom. Getting better. I think. I'm enjoying the recent ones more. Original thread here. Have a good oneeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
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