If it wasn't for the interruption, he probably would have kept baiting the guy until he was unconscious, slumped against the wall until morning light woke him up and he could stumble back to his hotel room for another fitful slumber. Then do it all over again tomorrow night. Even as he turned his face to the figure at the other end of the alley, marks both fresh and older could be seen. Fading bruises dotted his throat and what you could see of his chest around the stretched collar of his shirt. An old scratch on his cheek was harder to see around the fresh swelling from the burly man's fist and the blood still trickling down from the gash on his forehead. His eyes was starting to swell, too, yet he could only smirk around the blood in his mouth as the man got ready to fire again. But that's when he noticed the guy watching and turned to warn him off. Irritation flickered in Christian's eyes as he turned to the guy, dreading someone else wanting to play hero. He didn't need saving, damn it. Why did those types keep showing up? But he was almost elated when the man said he was just here to watch. A bruised brow arched up in curiosity as Christian turned his expectant gaze back to the burly man, waiting for him to continue. But alas, the guy was smart, probably afraid he would be recorded or have the cops called on him instead. "This isn't over," the man mumbled as he started down the alley toward the other guy, obviously wanting to drive him off before he continued. Christian sighed and brought his hand up, about to use his powers to call the guy's attention back over to him, when something interesting happened. The burly man looked ready for action...until he got to a certain point. Then it was like all the fight went out of his tense form. Christian watched his shoulders slump dejectedly before he moved past the other man, making sure to give him ample space as he retreated. Tilting his head, Christian turned to spit more bright red blood onto the asphalt before he sighed and started to heave himself to his feet. It was a slow task, and he had to lean against the wall to catch his breath as he finally righted himself, but when he did, he turned his full attention on the man at the other end of the alley. It was hard to see out of the swelling bloodshot eye, but he blinked and tried to focus enough on him as the man spoke. Did he deserve it? Christian couldn't help but smirk and even started to chuckle before he had to grab his side and aching ribs. The man repeated his question, his gaze almost intense as he focused on the warlock. Finally, he let out a shaky breath and nodded his head. "I deserve a lot more than a beating. Maybe that's why I keep going back for seconds and thirds." He admitted. His eyes sobered for a minute as he glanced down, picturing his dead fiance's face for a second before he pushed it away and looked back at the man. "So, why'd you have to be a prick and chase him off?" ![]() |