"Why do you always hide?"
"What?"
"Is it because you're afraid Anton?"
There was a moments hesitation before an answer was voiced.
"You're drunk. You should go home."
"No drunker than you are Neighbour."
Anton scoffed. Then quietly,
"No I suppose not Kostya."
"You are afraid, aren't you?"
Anton didn't answer although his fingers fidgeted nervously around his vodka. He was careful to avoid looking at Kostya.
"It could be better you know."
Anton hunched closer to his drink. It would never be better.
"If you were Dark you wouldn't have these problems."
Please Kostya, drop it.
"You could be with your son. You wouldn't have to hide behind all this... stuff."
The bitterness and disgust in Kostya's voice surprised Anton. Anton stiffened and remained silent, refusing to look at Kostya.
Suddenly Anton was pulled roughly around to face Kostya, who was practically snarling. Grabbing Anton's shoulders Kostya shook him roughly.
"You always hide! I'm sick of it. You hide behind your sunglasses, you hide behind your vodka, you hide behind Nightwatch!"
Anton was stunned silent and Kostya was seething.
"It's pathetic Anton!" Then a barely audible, "...you shouldn't have to hide."
Anton flinched as Kostya's eyes flickered red, Kostya's gaze decidedly on his throat.
"I could make it easy for you Anton." Kostya wet his lips. The grip on Anton's shoulders tightened.
"Y-you're drunk Kostya...you should go." Kostya's gaze lingered a moment more before he turned, releasing Anton.
"It's not over Anton. One day..." Kostya didn't finish, instead grabbing his jacket.
Kostya was already out the door when Anton spoke again.
"No, Kostya...never over."
Then Anton gave a bitter chuckle that turned into a sob.