Guys! Stuff is happening and there's real dialogue! Be impressed. Just kidding. But this is mostly dialogue, and I really hope that it's coherent. I've been mentally writing this all day, and I hope it transferred logically to the actual chapter. If something doesn't make sense, please let me know and I'll try to clarify.

Thanks for all the continued reviews/follows/favorites! They've really been pushing me to get a move on and write when I have it in my head, so that is awesome!

Only warnings are for cursing, which is going to be a given in this story. And a little blood, I suppose, but nothing major. Anyway, enjoy!

To his credit, Antonio recovered quickly to the situation. Impressive, considering that the situation was an Italian practically straddling him with a razor to his throat. Yet all he revealed was a moment of surprise, a flash of anger, and then he reverted back to a neutral expression.

Romano couldn't help but show a little bit of grudging admiration.

"Nice recovery. About five minutes too late though."

Antonio cocked one eyebrow. "I've been out for that long? Impressive."

Romano snarled at his calm countenance. "Don't condescend to me, bastard. You got the drop on me last time, which is completely my fault, but remember who has the knife at whose throat."

Antonio smirked. "Going to kill me, Lovino?" He drew out the name like a taunt. "Didn't think you had it in you. Well, go on."

"You're in no position to act cocky, so please shut the fuck up."

Antonio shifted slightly, raising his head by the tiniest amount, just enough so that the razor nicked the skin. Slowly he shifted, creating a thin line of blood across his neck, daring Romano to put in that last bit of pressure. When he spoke, it was slow, measured.

"You're not going to kill me, Lovino."

"No, I'm not. But I could. I've killed Spaniards before and I sure as hell can do it again." At the mention of Spaniards, Antonio's eyes flashed the same kind of rage that Romano had seen earlier when he had been pinned against the wall. Deciding that it meant he had actually gotten through to him, he pressed on. "And as long as you sleep like a rock, I can kill you at my leisure. Like I believe you said to me. If I want you dead, you will be dead. I'm mafia. Don't underestimate me."

Antonio shook his head lightly, wincing at the pain in his neck. "Never said I did. I'm actually quite impressed."

"Well, don't be. I'm not a trained lapdog who just did a new trick. I'm the man who has a razor at your throat. So now I'm going to talk and you're going to listen."

Antonio acquiesced, remaining quiet, but kept a somewhat amused expression.

Romano continued. "I think we need to establish a few things. You said yesterday that you could kill me at any moment. Obviously, that is not true, and I am still very much alive. There could be two reasons for that. One, you want me dead but actually don't have the capability to kill me."

Antonio chuckled. Romano glared and continued to talk.

"And I doubt that, because I know you. The second is that you won't kill me because you need me. You need me for your plans, whatever they are. And I think you want to rule this prison as much as anyone can. To become a leader, not just of your gang, but of everyone. But to do that, you need me-either as an ally or an enemy. If I am your ally, I can help you. It's obvious by the way you sleep that you're not used to working alone. You need someone to watch out for you, much as you'll never admit you. As an enemy, I could provide a countering force. Give you someone to use as an example,to dominate and showcase your power. At least that would work on the outside. But in this room, if I am your enemy, we will kill each other.

That's the other thing. You don't like killing. You'd rather use people that eliminate them. Yesterday you were in a rage about something, but today the fire is gone. You could kill me if worst came to worst, but you'll do anything to avoid it. I was safe, but now that I know your game, I'm in danger again. You could try to eliminate me at any moment, and you might very well succeed. But I will have you as soon as you go to sleep.

I'm used to working alone. I can guard myself, asleep or awake. Do you think the mafia relies on teamwork and all that stuff? No. You survive, and if you survive on your own, then you're in the family. You may be stronger than me, and just as clever, but I know how to survive without anyone else. And I don't think that you do.

So here's the offer. I become your best ally and your worst enemy. We'll use the time to strategize, and once we get out, I'll play whatever part I need to. We will take over this place, and once we are the only two at the top, then we can share power, or see who falls.

Or I could slit your throat now. Once your people see your corpse with the Vargas crest carved on it, they won't dare oppose me. And if they do, they'll be easy pickings without their leader. And then there would be no one to share with at the top.

But that would be boring. You and I are bound for life in here, and we're both much to clever to rot with these thugs. So let's make this interesting and play prison politics. I intend to have this prison in the palm of my hand by the time I die, and I think you have the same idea. I can do it with or without you, but without you, it will be maddeningly simple.

So, what do you say? An agreement-I help you and you don't try to kill me. I won't murder you in your sleep and we'll rule together, at least for a while."

"You're crazy." Antonio looked somewhat dumbfounded.

"So? What did you expect in here? Someone well adjusted?" Romano gave him his most scorching sneer.

Antonio remained silent for a moment, calculating. Suddenly, he threw Romano off him and went in for an attack. For a moment it appeared that Antonio had him overpowered, but he soon recoiled at the razor slicing at his arms.

Romano grinned. "Remember who's the one with the knife in this partnership."

Antonio laughed, strangely pleased for someone bleeding from the arms and neck. "Just crazy enough. Crazy like me. You've passed all my tests, and some that I didn't set. Lovino. I look forward to dealing with you."

"Hey, Spaniard. Who gave you permission to call me that?"

"Well, we'll be spending a lot of time together. I think we can be on a middle name basis, don't you?"

Romano rolled his eyes, a surprisingly childish action for someone who was so lethal. "Whatever. Remember, this doesn't mean that I don't still hate you. And once we've played this out, I make no promises."

Antonio laughed again. He supposed that they really were both crazy. "I know, Lovino. I know. Now let's sleep for real please, without the death threats and all that?"

The playful way that he said it belied the fact that they were indeed in a prison with potential intent to murder each other some time in the future. It was so absurd that Romano actually cracked a smile.

So I feel like a short note is necessary for clarification. No, they're not friends. They still hate each other. But they're both twisted bastards who like power, and are resigned to a life in prison, so why the fuck not make it interesting. The liking each other comes later. Now it's kind of a grudging cooperation with some wry amusement at the absurdity of it all. And if Spain can't seem to stay in one character, it's because of backstory. You'll find out why later, I promise.

Reviews are always welcome and appreciated!