No backing down

'Oh, hello again.'

'Hello, Nalini.'

'Erm, are you alright? I'll get out of your way if you're busy.'

'No, it's fine. It's just been... a difficult day.'

'Ahh. I'm sorry to hear that.'

'Thank you. I hope you've had a better day than me?'

'Not too bad, thank you. I thought I'd go for a jog, because it's not like I get enough exercise chasing criminals about all day.'

'May as well stay prepared for the real thing. When did you finish?'

'Not that long, I left work and immediately changed for a run.'

'Ah, I see. Sorry, I don't want to hold you up.'

'Oh, it's fine. I can carry on any old time. ...Although, don't let me stop you if you need to go.'

'I'm in no rush... To be honest, though, I'm probably not very good company at the moment.'

'...Do you want to talk about it? Although, shit, can you? Confidentiality.'

'Oh, no, it wasn't a session... It was a student being quite, well, abusive. To me.'

'...Oh, I see. I'm sorry to hear that.'

'I mean, I'm being overly sensitive. God knows why I'd let it get to me.'

'Is it possible to be oversensitive to someone being abusive?'

'No, but it's ridiculous to let a seventeen-year-old upset me. It's just that she went straight for the jugular...'

'How charming.'

'There's a very long story behind it.'

'Ah, I see. I won't press you to tell me if you don't want to, then.'

'Thank you. B-because I just had to explain it all to my colleague, and it's quite a draining experience...'

'Oh right... Erm, do you want to go somewhere, maybe? For a bit of peace. Once you've picked up your son, I mean.'

'Oh! Okay. That sounds nice.'

'Great. Anywhere in particular you feel like going? If it was just me, I'd probably go over to a park, or something.'

'I think I fancy a drink. If that's okay with you. We could still go to the park if you prefer.'

'That's fine.'

'Good.'

'Hi.'

'Hello, love. Vin, this is Nalini, she's a friend. And this is my son Vincent.'

'Hello there.'

'Are you a vampire?'

'I am. It's nice to meet you.'

'Cool.'

'We're going out for a drink with Nalini. To the bistro. You can have some dinner there too.'

'My treat.'

'Really? Are you sure..?'

'I wouldn't have offered otherwise, it's fine.'

'Well, thank you very much.'

'Not a problem. Do you want to lead the way, then? I haven't been.'

'Alright, we'll take a walk over. Let's go, Vin.'

'Okay!'

'Father, can I have a word?'

'Of course you can. What is it?'

'Look, I understand that the Fortescues have helped you out, and pissing them off isn't the best idea, but... you can't make Carmella marry Quinn. You have to call it off.'

'Why?'

'Because she doesn't want to. It'd make her miserable, having to stay there and follow all those ridiculous, outdated rules. We're in the modern age, aren't we?'

'It's not about that. Sometimes, sacrifices have to be made. This is for the good of the family. I'm sure she can put aside some personal discomfort for the rest of us.'

'It's more than that though! Nobody wants to be... um.'

'Nobody wants to be what?'

'...Stuck in a loveless marriage.'

'You know this is a prestigious family. Farringtons don't marry for love. It's just how things are.'

'So why is she the only one? You haven't picked out a woman for me or Zeus, have you?'

'No. But it's not a terrible idea. I couldn't bear to see you with someone who wasn't good enough, after all.'

'Well jeez, Father, I'd hope to have some input.'

'Don't worry, I'd take your opinions into account.'

'But not Carmella's?'

'Why are you so bothered?'

'She's my sister... I love her, and I don't want her to be upset. You get that, right?'

'Oh, Tristan. I understand where you're coming from. But we can't let our futures be ruined for sentimental reasons. There's just too much riding on this investment. You have to learn to put your feelings to one side.'

'...I guess it helps if you don't have them.'

'To be honest, yes. It does.'

'Okay. I get it.'

'Good. Just let this go, alright? Ultimately, I'm the head of this family and I make the final decisions.'

'I know. I wouldn't question that.'

'I'm glad.'

'Yeah...'