An unpleasant reunion

'Just do it.'

'I really have no ill will towards you... I was hoping I'd get to see you again. Although I would have preferred it to be under different circumstances.'

'Circumstances that don't involve you torturing my relatives? That's on you, you fucking shithead.'

'Aria...'

'No, don't "Aria" me! Nothing changes what you've done!'

'I know I can't alter the past. That is out of my hands. But I am very sincere when I say that I'd like it if we were on the same side. We have a common enemy. We're related. Tate robbed me of any chance I could have had to get to know you. And if not for him, I would never have committed the crimes that I have.'

'I don't care! If things were different and John had never died, I wouldn't even exist, because Tate would've had no reason to marry Sheri! I bet you're not even sorry about what you've done, are you? How do you expect me to forgive you when you're not fucking sorry?!'

'If I could go back and do things differently, I would. But wouldn't we all change things when we have the benefit of hindsight? With Edward, I acted on impulse-'

'Impulse? You impulsively broke into someone's apartment and tied them up and tortured them, just like that? Impulse is buying a new pair of shoes while you're out. Impulse is suddenly changing up your hairstyle. How the fuck is what you did impulse?!'

'...I meant hurting him. I had every intention of releasing him if Tate had complied.'

'But he didn't. He's a fucking sociopath, and your "methods of bargaining" simply had no effect on him. Even so, you can't blame the fact that you went ahead with it on him! You made that choice all on your own! If you'd had a shred of decency you would've let him go! But you didn't, you chose to torture an innocent man!'

'You have to understand how that place messed with my mind. When you spend so long with insane people-'

'Come the fuck off it! You're saying what, you were the only sane one? I think you've been fucking crazy all along. What kind of person cuts someone's face up and slits their throat?! Or cuts a teenager's eye out?! You're a fucking psycho!'

'YOU ARE INCREDIBLY MORONIC, HUMAN. AT OUR MERCY AND STILL FLINGING INSULTS. YOU ARE VERY FORTUNATE MILES IS SO INSISTENT UPON HIS RULES.'

'No, I'm just abusing my position of safety. But actually, you know what? I don't care if he makes me a victim too.'

'...Why?'

'IN THAT CASE-'

'Rikard.'

'COME ON. IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE I'VE HAD FUN. THIS GIRL WOULD BE PARTICULARLY SATISFYING TO MAIM.'

'...'

'...You aren't helping my case. Aria, why don't you care?'

'Because my life is worthless, and if giving it meant that someone would finally do something about you, I'd go for it in a heartbeat. I'll be a sacrifice. It's the least I can do to repay everyone.'

'R-Repay them? For what?'

'For being so good to me over the years.'

'I see, but even so... your life isn't worthless. You shouldn't talk about yourself like that.'

'...I'm not prepared to go over my issues with you. I'm not gonna use you as a fucking pillar of support. All you've ever done is hurt people I love. You can't say you didn't plan what you did to Tristan.'

'You're right, I can't.'

'Yeah. So fuck you, you fucking waste of space. Ever since you came into my life 20 years ago, you've been nothing but a source of pain. You don't think you traumatised me when I saw you cutting up Tate? How the hell did you ever think I'd ally myself with you? I want you dead, Miles.'

'...You know, when Tate was here, he was begging my forgiveness. Of course, I wouldn't even dream of it. Too much has happened for me to ever consider forgiving that scum. And now, this is quite the role reversal... Okay. I can't change your mind.'

'Oh good, you do understand.'

'So... you came here to kill me? Do you think you could have pulled it off?'

'I've fantasised about it for years.'

'I see...'

'I'll keep trying, you know.'

'No, you won't. While I refuse to hurt you, I will not allow myself to become a victim again.'

'Again? Oh, right, after Edward drained your blood.'

'That's right. So listen. From now on, I am under protection. I will not hesitate to have Rikard step in to defend me from further attacks. If you won't ally with me...'

'Leave me to it. Leave me to my revenge. I know you don't care about what I do to Tate. So let it be.'

'No. While you're still involving innocent members of my family, I won't let you live.'

'I'm done with using others to get at him. Tristan was a special case. Tate doesn't give a damn about anybody else. Therefore, it would be pointless.'

'...Great. You're a real class act, Miles. Have a fucking medal. I mean it when I say I'm going to kill you. I might've failed today, but I'll fucking do it one day.'

'...The door is open if you wish to change your mind. Until then, don't return with any more violent intentions. That goes for all of your friends and family too. I won't interfere in your life, don't you worry.'

'I hate you so fucking much.'

'Rikard, take Aria back to Sunset Valley.'

'AS YOU WISH.'

'...And do it gently.'

'UNDERSTOOD.'

'Goodbye, Aria.'

Oh, the barrier's down...

'Can I help you?'

'Ah, sorry! I saw someone break into your house earlier and I wasn't sure what to do! I was coming up to inform you because I saw you'd come back...'

'Oh, I see. Don't worry; it's resolved now. We found the intruder.'

'That's good... um, where did your friend take her?'

'...Well, you see, she's an old acquaintance of mine. Silly girl thought she'd just let herself in... So after I spoke to her, my friend took her back to her home. Nothing to worry about!'

'Oh, I'm glad that's the case! I was worried you'd been burgled.'

'Thank you for your concern.'

'I'll be going now, then. Bye.'

'Goodbye.'

'Anstine? Where are you?'

'Just made it into Midnight Hollow now.'

'Rikard's ported her away. Wait for me, will you? I'm on my way over. I'll explain it there.'