defector | Dream ♠ oo2

As the sun set, the land was completely barren, with nothing but rock, dry soil, and curved cliffs spreading for miles. It was the land Dominic had always known though, even if he now looked at it differently. Recent events had changed his perspective on a lot of things, especially the planet.

They changed more than just his views too: Never before had Dominic imagined this scene to ever happen. He was driving a motorcycle, meant for two, across the path with Renton Thurston sitting in the other seat, staring in the opposite direction of Dominic. All was quiet, save for the motorcycle's engine and the grinding against the road. Renton had a contemplative look on his face, while Dominic simply watched the area ahead of him through his goggles, making sure not to crash into anything. They might've made an odd sight, the civilian-turned-rebel with a soldier, but 'odd' was an accurate way to describe them overall.

Finally, Renton was the one to break the silence. "Things aren't going to be perfect." He sounded as if this was something he was still coming to terms with.

Dominic, on the other hand, had known this for most of his life. "That's reality."

The motorcycle hit a bump, but both of them ignored it. Neither of them spoke, the atmosphere growing tense despite seeming peaceful.

Eventually, Dominic couldn't take it anymore. They weren't going to get anywhere like this, so he might as well be the one to take initiative. "Aren't you going to say anything else?"

Though their backs were still turned to each other, he could practically feel the anger radiating from the boy. "Well?"

There was a pause, before Renton faced him.

"Yeah, there's a lot of things I wanna say," he retorted. "Like, why did you have to go and... 'you know what,' asshole?"

Rolling his eyes, Dominic scowled, knowing very well what Renton was talking about. He should've expected this, and part of him did, but... "You know, it's not as if I didn't try to defend myself. But it was hard to when TheEND was down an arm."

He didn't need to look at Renton to know that the boy was glaring at him. "You could've evaded their attacks!"

"Which is easier said than done," Dominic pointed out. "Especially when you're not even an actual pilot. Besides, if I'd gotten out of their way, guess who they would've attacked next?"

"But still...!" Renton said, his hands gripping the edge of his seat.

Dominic let out a sigh of frustration, as he glanced over his shoulder. "It's what I chose, all right? So just be quiet and accept it, idiot."

Surprisingly enough, Renton obeyed, choosing instead to stare into the distance once more. For a while, Dominic tolerated the silence, until it grew overbearing again. They were back right where they started.

"What's important isn't staying alive--" he began.

"--It's protecting what matters," Renton interrupted. "I know, okay?

Dominic decided not to reply to that, seeing no need to. His reminder spoke volumes by itself, even though Renton didn't notice it at first. However, after a couple of seconds passed, Renton's hands relaxed, and he added: "... Thanks."

That brought a small smile to Dominic's face, as he drove on. Even though it was just one word, the atmosphere suddenly became lighter.

"Took you long enough."

---------

[Dominic wakes up, a bit melancholy.]

I wonder if he succeeded...