Halo

"We have to stop doing this."

"Mmmmmm, do we?"

"You know we do."

"I only know what I want and what you've told me you want."

"It isn't ideal, this situation."

"If you want it to stop, tell me."

"I don't, but--"

"If you don't, then that's all that matters."

"You do realize what this could mean."

"Hah, it wouldn't be the first time yours truly has committed some 'light' treason."

"You really are impossible."

"I'm hurt. Really my head is only as hard as yours."

_____

It all started with a flash-bang, in more ways than one. And when the light had subsided, vision returning to normal and ears ringing from the blast, they stood, face to face and feet apart, gazes locked as their bodies curled in to stances fit to continue the dance of two men, sworn enemies by choice in profession, brought together through the cruel happenstance of fighting an enemy bigger than each other.

Here they stood. Here, they fell.