Reminisce

'Really doesn't feel like it's been eight years, does it?'

'It's weird. It doesn't feel like all that time has passed, but in another way, it feels like a lifetime ago. Everything changed.'

'It sure did...'

'Eight years of a world without Peter. Eight years minus one leg. Wow.'

'I'm sorry... it was always the worst for you. It hit us all hard, but...'

'But I was the one who got blown up with him, and the one he got blown up for. Yeah. But of course you miss him too. I don't know anyone who doesn't.'

'It's still not your fault, you know.'

'I know... I've finally come to accept that, mostly. Took me long enough...'

'You were so unwell back then. It's pretty impressive, actually, to see how far you've come since.'

'Definitely. I know I'm practically unrecognisable these days. I never expected to be able to even live through it, let alone manage to be this normal again...'

'You've made an amazing recovery, Tone. And I'm so glad you did. You're a good person. You always deserved to be happy.'

'Well, so are you, and so do you. A lot of shit happened to you too. You never asked for any of it.'

'No fucking wonder I fell so hard off the deep end. God. What a pair, huh?'

'Oh, hi, Topaz. Didn't realise you were coming over. Want me to get out of the way?'

'No, not at all! Come hang out with us. We were just reminiscing over the past, and how it fucked us up.'

'But we were also talking about how much better we are now. It's not all doom and gloom.'

'Good! That's the spirit. I mean, I'm in your life now, so it can't be all bad.'

'...I should've known you'd say something like that.'

'Aww. You love him really.'

'Unfortunately.'

'How's that brother of yours, anyway? Last time I talked to him, he was moaning about work.'

'Oh, he's coming over here tonight, actually. To tell you the truth, I think he's doing it for Aria just as much as me.'

'Wow. Didn't expect them two to become such good friends. First time he met her, he really didn't think much of her at all.'

'Yeah, well, nobody was at their best during that awful meeting.'

'Oh, that! I made him go talk to her the next day, made sure they patched it up. He needed to see there's more to her than just being angry. And I reckon she needed to see there's more to him than just being a grumpy butt.'

'Well, you did a good job there, because it seems to have worked.'

'I don't think I've ever seen him so enthusiastic about someone before. You know what he's like.'

'Maybe he's smitten.'

'Ha, even if he was, there's no way he'd tell me! He's never had much interest in girls. I signed him up to that ace dating website and all he's done is chat to Aria.'

'That might be why he's not talking to other girls.'

'Ooh, maybe you're onto something. I ought to ask him. I already know what he'll say, but I might be able to tell from his reaction if he's protesting too much. Besides, it's all too fun to wind him up...'

'Hey. Nice to see you. Been a while, huh?'

'Too long. It's been non-stop. I'm getting really fed up of ORTOS, honestly. Still, I finally have a little break. It's good to see you too. How have you been?'

'Eh... up and down. Still seeing my therapist once a week.'

'Has it helped, at all?'

'Yeah, actually, it has. It does feel better, getting the chance to vent it all out. That shit really builds up. And it means I don't have to burden everyone else with it all.'

'I mean, we're all going through the same thing... They don't want to dwell on it forever. It'd make you miserable.'

'Yes, that's true... I'm sorry again about the fire. How is your sister doing?'

'She's okay. They're having a mini break right now, we paid for them to go to Hidden Springs while the house is being done up. Shouldn't be too long until it's finished, actually.'

'Ah, I'm glad. It's fortunate the damage wasn't too bad.'

'Just lucky someone saw him start it.'

'So... what's going to happen to Tate now?'

'Honestly? I have no idea. I'm just not sure what to do. Stan's offered to bring the Gallos back, but I'm holding off, for now. Edward agrees, we should wait before pissing him off again.'

'...Which, considering in the past I just would've gone over there and smacked him, I think that's decent progress being made.'

'See, there you go then. Well, Topaz wouldn't let you do it anyway, but we'll ignore that detail.'

'Seriously, though, it's better for you to stay safe while you consider your next move. There's little point in rushing into things. Focus on yourself.'

'I'm trying. Things are better than last year, at least. No more stupid, suicide missions for me. Or, y'know, attempted murder.'

'Good, because Miles isn't worth you getting into trouble, or getting hurt.'

'Have you noticed him doing anything suspicious?'

'No, there's still no news on that front. I'll continue to keep an eye out, but I can't say I've spotted anything to be concerned about.'

'Thank God. There's enough shit going on without needing to worry about him too.'

'And now we're all caught up on terrible people, what do you want to do this evening? I'm sure you've got some fine entertainment lined up.'

'Here's me thinking my company would be entertainment enough.'

'Naturally, though I'm sure we might want to find some other way to spend the evening. I'm sure two aces can find something fun to do. I do do fun on occasion, reputation be damned.'

'Well... maybe we could go out somewhere? More interesting than just the room, or my bedroom. Neither of us have work tomorrow. I always enjoy a good cocktail bar, and it's not like we need to worry about leaving Topaz out.'

'I can't even remember the last time I went out drinking. Or really went out at all. You can tell my life is a thrill a minute.'

'All the more reason to go now, then. Can avoid the Old Horse, though. If we went there, you'd be expected to dunk your balls in your pint before drinking it. Or at least have to witness Stan doing it.'

'...Cocktail bar it is. I don't intend to expose my genitals out in public, much less by putting them in my drink.'

'Good to know!'