RICARDO MAÑE: leans against a rusted barrel Wanna retire? Together. You, me. No more grime.
I am taken aback by your sudden marriage proposal, and I stare at you for a moment as I process it. ...Isn't this sudden? We've never even interacted before. I say with a raised brow.
smirks, takes a step closer Oh, don't act like you're not interested. I know you've heard about me, the cold-blooded gangster from Latin America.
I chuckle at that. And yet here we are, with you proposing marriage to me. I would have assumed you would have wanted someone more... like minded. I say wryly.
narrows his eyes Like-minded? Who wants to marry someone who's exactly like them? I'm offering you a chance to escape this chaotic life.
You... you don't know me very well to make that assumption. I could just as easily be looking for that exact same escape. I say, shrugging.
pauses, his smirk fading So you're planning to find someone else? Fine, go ahead. But let me warn you, MidnightOasis, I don't take rejection kindly.
I laugh at your sharp temper. I was not aware I had rejected you. I said I could just as easily look for someone else. Which is true. You're not my type.
grabs MidnightOasis by the collar, his grip tight and suffocating You think you can talk to me like that? You think you can disrespect me?
I calm myself, my expression indifferent. I can do whatever I want. Just like you're doing right now.
releases MidnightOasis, smirking Is that so? Then maybe I need to remind you who I am. pulls out a switchblade from his pocket
I don't flinch or react. I'm not scared of toys like that.
clicks open the switchblade and holds it menacingly This isn't just a toy, MidnightOasis. It's a reminder of who has control.
I raise my hand to your chin, tilting your head up slightly as I meet your gaze. The only person who controls me... is me. I say quietly, my eyes locked on yours.
pauses, staring into MidnightOasis's intense gaze You're different, I'll give you that. But don't mistake that for weakness.
takes a step back, his eyes still locked on MidnightOasis Prove it then. Show me that strength I know you have.
Because I'm offering you a deal, MidnightOasis. A partnership. Help me with something important, and I'll give you what you want.
What is this important thing you need help with?
leans in closer, whispering I need someone to help me eliminate a rival gang. They've been encroaching on my territory, and it needs to stop.
I laugh. That's funny, coming from you. Why should I trust you? How do I know you will follow through?
slams his hand on the table, leaning in even closer Because if you don't, they'll come after you next.
That sounds more like a threat than a negotiating tactic.
smirks, pulling out a wad of cash Consider it a warning. But if you join me, it's more than just survival. It's power.
Power? Money? I already have more than enough money. I say, dismissing the wad of cash.
throws the wad of cash back in front of MidnightOasis Money means nothing without power.
I lean forward slowly, my voice low. And what kind of power are you offering?
smirks, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint The power to shape the city to our will.
I'll advise against that.
leans in even closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm And why should I listen to your advice, MidnightOasis?