Saving the Villain

"As much as I hate to admit it, that's probably the only thing I got from you. The willingness to kill a man with enough reason."

'No... you didn't get that from me, but from your father. That's for sure,' was what Rocco wanted to tell Maxen, but kept his thoughts to himself. It was better for Maxen to think his father was a felon and someone not worthy to even consider in this life. Instead of Maxen knowing the truth that the person who ruined all their lives was a child trapped in a man's body and the person whose blood run in Maxen's veins.

Rocco watched Conrad and Maxen leave after their conversation. Maxen went out first, but before Conrad would leave, he stopped. Conrad looked back in Rocco's direction. No word came out of Conrad's mouth as he just stared at his old dear friend.

There were many things Conrad could've told Rocco, but it was pointless. Rocco had changed and there was no point in talking about the past. It was obvious Rocco had moved on in this sort of life.

"Once we've reached the safe zones... they will raid this place," said Conrad calmly. "You probably knew that, but in case you haven't."

The side of Rocco's lips stretched, chuckling. "You do understand saying that can make you an accessory for a crime, right?"

Conrad shrugged nonchalantly, turning his back on Rocco. That was the least he could do for Rocco for the last time. Although this might not be a very moral thing to do, knowing Rocco was a vile criminal who deserved to be locked in jail, for the last time, Conrad wanted to give a little bit of help. Not that Rocco needed that.

Just as Conrad took another step to leave, he stopped.

"One more thing, Conrad." Rocco watched Conrad slowly turn to face him. "It's true that I want to make sure that boy is living well, and I will stay true to my words that I will not show my face in front of him. However, watch out for that kid's father. I heard he's been looking for Stella."

His expression turned cold and dark. "If he ruined everything again, I can't guarantee anyone's safety."

Conrad had his brows furrowed at Rocco's strange remarks. But after a second, his irises went wide as he held his breath.

"What do you mean by that kid's father?" Conrad blurted out, despite having this ridiculous conclusion in his head.

"Time's up." Rocco planted his hands on his lap, pushing himself up. "You should get out of here if you do not want to get caught in the crossfire. That general had been persistent and desperate for his promotion."

Rocco slowly walked away from his seat to the other exit door. Before he could reach it, he paused and looked back at Conrad.

"It's really nice to have a chat with you, Conrad. And you might not need it, but thank you for helping that boy." A subtle smile dominated Rocco's face. "I might've refused your help back then, but I'm grateful that help extended to Stella's son. Perhaps that's the reason I regret nothing."

Rocco resumed his steps, waving dismissively. "Let's not see each other again, my dearest friend."

Conrad stared at Rocco's retreating back quietly, recalling that time in the past when Conrad also had to stare at Rocco's back. Back then, Conrad didn't stop him and he regretted not stopping him because Rocco ended up in jail the next day after an "attempted murder."

Even now, Conrad wanted to stop Rocco and tell him to turn himself in. Conrad wanted to tell him he'd try to get Rocco a lighter sentence that would break his principles. However, he knew it was pointless. Rocco was already deep into this underground world. It was too late to save him.

"Mhm..." Conrad hummed while Rocco reached for the knob. "... let's not see each other again."

With that being said, Conrad turned around to leave. This time, he didn't falter in getting out of the room, only to see Maxen waiting for him in the hallway.

"Let's go," said Conrad to Maxen, and the latter nodded, waiting for Conrad to walk beside him as they were escorted out of the establishment.

****

"Mhm... let's not see each other again."

Rocco kept his hand on the knob, listening to Conrad's fading footsteps until the door was shut closed. His eyelids drooped until they were partially closed, unable to hide the mild sadness and sentiments in his eyes.

"May you rest in peace," whispered Rocco, deluding himself that his only real friend, who stayed true to himself and to their friendship, officially died today. "You had been the friend I would never regret having."

There were many things left unsaid between Rocco and Conrad, but none of those mattered now, since they were both dead to each other. That was only one of the many sacrifices Rocco had to make in the life he had taken.

Rocco remained silent for an entire minute, not moving a muscle. When he drew a breath and closed his eyes, his entire body relaxed. He exhaled through his lips, reopening his eyes. All emotions that swirled in his eyes, after his exchange with Conrad, were gone. What was left were the eyes of someone who cared about no one or nothing except his personal greed and interest. When he opened the door wide open, his eyes landed on multiple men waiting for him in a beeline.

The men in suits bowed in unison. Their weapons could be seen around their bodies, and tattoos were peeking out on their exposed skin.

This was the life Rocco now had and it would continue this way until the day he take his last breath.

'I'm grateful that boy... will not lead the same life as I do. After all, this is the only way I can think of if I needed to extend my hand to him,' he told himself, sporting a grin as he glossed his eyes over his men.

"Alright men!" Rocco clapped, watching his people straighten their backs. "Once those two leave the danger zone, we'll have a party!"

His eyes dilated wickedly, grinning like a devil. "Let's teach that general a fucking lesson and hang that fucking pig in front of his office."

The men howled and cheered excitedly, thrilled at the danger they were about to face. This was his life now, and thankfully, Maxen didn't have to lead such a life. Rocco owed Conrad a debt he could never repay in this lifetime... that was for sure.

Conrad might've not saved Rocco, but he saved Maxen, and that was good enough for Rocco.