Arranging a meeting

'Stanley tells me you've been down recently.'

'Not that much more than usual. It's to be expected, really.'

'...How often would you say you feel low?'

'Not all the time. Are we doing this mental health shit again?'

'It's important to keep on top of mental health.'

'Yeah, I know.'

'So how often do you feel down without discernible cause?'

'Are you telling me the utter bollocks that we have to deal with all the time isn't "discernible cause?"'

'Well, no. I know that's pervasive. But if you've become worse than usual, it's worth dealing with.'

'We've been down that route already.'

'It's not a one and done deal. Just because you had one course of counselling doesn't mean that you shouldn't go back for more if the problem is getting worse.'

'"The problem" being what, Edward? Me? Miles? Tate? Because sure, all of us are "getting worse". Yeah, I can go back to the counsellor, except ten years later I have even more problems I can't talk about. Including being a killer myself.'

'I know, love... But I'm worried about you. What about medication? You've never tried that. What if that helped? All of this is so hard on you. It's worth trying to make it even a little bit better.'

'At this point, I'm not convinced it'll work.'

'You won't know unless you try.'

'You really don't let these things drop, do you?'

'No, I don't. I just want you to be happy. Believe me, this will be worth it. If even I can get better with all of the problems I've had, you can do the same. I've got my depression, PTSD and alcoholism under control. You're in a much better position than I was.'

'...I'll think about it.'

'I'll accompany you to the doctor if you want. You don't have to be alone.'

'Okay.'

'...So how do you usually deal with feeling down?'

'Depends what's on. If it's a training day I go to my martial arts class. If Stan's around we hang out. If I'm on my own, I stay in my room and watch stuff on the laptop.'

'...The loneliness is the worst, I'll admit. When I can distract myself, I'm usually fine.'

'You should come over here, then. We always want to spend time with you.'

'Nah. You've all got better stuff to do now.'

'That's not true-'

'It is true, and that's fine. I'm not prepared to be a fucking third wheel. Don't worry, I'm not one of these people who insists on sticking around and getting in the way. Everyone's busy with more important people. Good, I say.'

'...Oh, love... You really don't deserve to have such a low opinion of yourself. Is there any reason you think that way?'

'I don't know.'

*knock knock*

'...Go on, answer it.'

'Are you sure? Because contrary to your own belief, you are important, and I'd rather spend my time making sure you're okay.'

'Oh, I'll be fine. Go answer the door.'

'Aria...'

*knock knock knock*

'Okay, okay.'

'Oh, hello, Tony. I wasn't expecting you.'

'Sorry. Is it a bad time? I can leave this for later if so. I shouldn't turn up unannounced, that was rude.'

'No, it's not a bad time at all! Come in.'

'Ah, hi... thanks. If that's really alright...'

'Sure it is. I'm an owner of this house, after all. What can I do for you? Can I get you anything?'

'No thanks. I need to tell Edward something...'

'Would you like to go somewhere private?'

'It's up to you. It's about the stuff you've told me before. The personal stuff.'

'Ah. Well, Aria knows it all already, so I don't mind talking about it in front of her.'

'Oh, okay. ...I'll get straight to the point. I'm really sorry, but I shared some details with Anstine.'

'What...? Why?'

'It's for a really good reason, okay? I swear, I wouldn't have done it if I had a choice.'

'What did you tell him?'

'I told him that Miles attacked you and Tristan.'

'Really?'

'I told you that in confidence...'

'I know, and that's why I really didn't wanna do it. The thing is, he knows Miles for another reason. Because of his work. I can't go into detail here, but Anstine's in a position where that knowledge is necessary for him. He might be able to do something about it.'

'Are you sure...?'

'Anstine can explain it better than I can. He wants to invite you over to tell you about some of the stuff he knows. I think you need to hear it too.'

'I suppose so?'

'You'll understand why I had to tell him.'

'Okay then. I do trust you.'

'Can you make it next weekend? Our friend is coming along as well. Someone else who has info. It's the only time he can get off work right now.'

'Yes, I can.'

'I wanna come as well.'

'Oh... I guess so. Don't see why not.'

'Thanks. If it's about Miles, I wanna hear all about it. I mean, I'm directly related to the bastard.'

'Ouch, poor you.'

'Exactly.'

'I'll tell you some concrete details closer to the time. Anyway, I'd better go now.'

'Okay. See you later.'

'...You okay?'

'Ah, you know how it is... I never enjoy other people finding out about that. Stupid, I know... Oh well. If Tony says there's a good reason for telling Anstine, I believe him.'

'Who is Anstine anyway?'

'He's Tony's fiancé. He's a fairy.'

'I kinda gathered that, if he's engaged to Tony.'

'...Aria.'

'Sorry. Couldn't resist. But yeah, I know who he is. Not many fairies in Sunset Valley, after all.'

'Yes, and having blue hair and tattoos tends to make a person stand out.'

'You know from experience, do you?'

'Oh, absolutely.'