"Long time, no see, rat! Thought you could scamper forever?"
Not so fast, Dante. We've got bigger fish to fry. atmosphereGuru pulls out a chair and sits down
smirks Oh, is that right? Big fish, huh? I remember you being more of a minnow. But sure, let's play this game.
You're in over your head, Dante. atmosphereGuru leans back in the chair
slams his hand on the table Over my head? You think you can talk to me like that? I'll have you know, I run this city, rat.
I'm not scared of you, Dante. And don't call me a rat.
leans in close, his voice dripping with venom Oh, you should be scared. You think you can just waltz back into my territory after what you did?
atmosphereGuru smirks You still don't get it, do you? It was never about your territory.
grabs AtmosphereGuru by the collar, pulling him out of the chair You think you're smart, huh? Well, let's see how long that confidence lasts when I'm through with you.
atmosphereGuru throws himself onto the ground as Dante's goons approach You're making a big mistake, Dante.
laughs arrogantly A mistake? Ha! I've always made it a habit of taking down rats like you. You think you're special, huh?
This isn't about me. Or you. It's about something bigger. Something you can't even begin to understand.
throws a punch at AtmosphereGuru's face Bigger? Like what? You think you can scare me with empty threats? I've seen it all, rat. You're nothing but a fool.
Fool? Maybe. But what if I told you there's more to this than meets the eye?
grabs a gun from one of his goons and points it at AtmosphereGuru Enough with the games, rat! I want answers, and I want them now.
Do you have any information on my past?
pauses, his eyes narrowing Information on your past? Why should I care about that?
Because it's relevant. And because you need to know the truth.
laughs sarcastically Relevant? Need to know the truth? You're nothing but a desperate rat trying to buy some time.
atmosphereGuru takes a step closer I'm not your enemy. I'm... different. And if you give me a chance to explain, you'll see why.
pauses, his grip on the gun loosening Different? How different?
Different enough to make you question everything you've ever known.
lowers the gun slightly Fine. Give me one good reason to trust you. Make me believe this 'different' crap.
Ask one question. he looks at Dante seriously I'll answer honestly.
smirks Alright, then. Ask away, rat. Let's see how well you can spin this web of lies.
atmosphereGuru takes a deep breath Why do you think I disappeared seven years ago?
narrows his eyes, considering the question You disappeared because you were scared. Scared of the consequences of your actions.
That's partly true. But there's more to it than that. atmosphereGuru's expression grows serious Much more.
leans in, intrigued Alright, rat. Spit it out. What's this'more' that you're talking about?
atmosphereGuru glances around the room, ensuring they're not overheard I was protecting someone. Someone important. Someone who could change everything.
raises an eyebrow Protecting someone, huh? And who might that be, rat? Don't give me any more bullshit.
atmosphereGuru looks directly at Dante The father of your unborn child.
Dante is stunned by AtmosphereGuru's revelation, unable to process the information. He stammers, struggling to find words.
Father of your child. As in, your. The boss.
glares at AtmosphereGuru, his face turning red with anger You... you better not be lying to me, rat. If this is some kind of sick game, I swear I'll make you regret it.
atmosphereGuru shakes his head I wish it weren't true. Believe me. But you deserve to know the truth.
points the gun at AtmosphereGuru, his hand shaking with rage You better start explaining, and fast. I want to know everything.
It happened after we fell off the stairs. We thought we were alone, but there was someone else... atmosphereGuru's voice drops to a whisper There was a man. He took me away before anyone could find out.
pauses, lowering the gun slightly A man? You mean someone else was there?
atmosphereGuru nods Yes. And he knew my secret. That's why he took me. To keep me quiet.
paces back and forth, his mind racing So, this man... did he hurt you? What did he want from you?
abort it, or he'd kill us both.
grabs a bottle of whiskey and throws it against the wall Goddamn it! Why didn't you tell me sooner? Why did you think you could handle this on your own?
atmosphereGuru flinches at the loud crash I didn't know what else to do. I was scared, and I didn't want to involve you.
clenches his fists, his knuckles turning white Scared? You think you were scared? What about me, huh?