Through his drunken haze, Dahlia's harsh words, for the first time, seemed to have a real impact on Ben. Usually, when someone threw insults his way, he'd brush it off or not bother listening at all. But ever since their earlier fight, all he could think about was the harsh reality. Contrary to the public's belief, he was not a good person. He killed Jayme, Alphonso, Fei, and Christopher, all because he was so desperate to prove he was a better leader. His father was right, he was reckless, and it led everyone around him to their inevitable downfall.

"She's right, I am the ass. No wonder you like the old Ben." He looked back at Klaus with a rare twinge of sadness and regret. "Yeah, we love the other Ben," Klaus nodded.  "What was so special about him?" Sparrow Two inquired. Klaus breathed, explaining that the Umbrella Ben was a know-it-all, a scold, a tiny dark cloud on a perfect sunny day. To this timeline's Ben, all of those descriptions sounded so negative. "They might be bad. But they all looked great on him!" Klaus chuckled as he drank from his glass. "Okay, you know what? I am so much better than that other Ben! I was Number One twice, and Dad doesn't give a shit! He was too busy hanging out with you!"

"Aw, I think you're trying a little too hard. Look around, no one's polishing their boots or pressing their tights. We're a complete shitshow! And our Ben, my Ben was just that kind of a disaster, and that made him ridiculously easy to love," Deep down, Klaus hoped that it would be enough to convince him that everything wasn't so bad. And with the slightest nod, it looked like Ben seemed to understand. But maybe in his drunken mind, Klaus said something completely distorted that sounded completely different.

"So, how about having a little fun later, yeah? Maybe it'll cheer up your mood!" Klaus patted his head before skipping away like a happy bunny. As the elevator dinged and opened, the Hargreeves slowly turned in their seats at the sound of Reginald's footsteps. He glanced around the banquet hall, briefly making eye contact with the siblings, but most of them either went back to eating their dinners or continued to glare. "Psst!" Klaus called out to him, The old man turned in his direction, and Klaus gestured for him to smile. Reginald seemed to get the memo as his gray mustache tilted up, his thin lips created an upward curve. But that smile alone made some of the Umbrellas feel uneasy.

I thought Luther uninvited him. What the hell is he doing here? Dahlia squinted. If he thinks he can act all 'buddy-buddy' so we'll submit to his will, then he is sorely mistaken. Dahlia reached for another piece of shrimp on her plate, trying to brush off his harsh presence as she reached for another glass of champagne. As the ominous silence lingered for a little too long, Reginald tapped his glass with his spoon, the sound capturing everyone's attention. The monocle stood up and grabbed a nearby microphone, the feedback a little too loud for everyone's liking.

"I know it is customary for the father of the bride to give a speech. And keeping with tradition, I have some words I would like to say," Reginald took a sip from his glass of champagne, the edge of the glass bumping against the microphone and causing more feedback. "Sloane, ever since you were a little girl, I've always known you were exceptionally bright. And though I can't say I know Luther all that well, from the few moments we shared, it seems you found yourself an adequate partner,"

Dahlia couldn't hold back a snicker at her father's choice of words. Adequate was the best word he could use to describe Luther? He hardly ever gave Dahlia or any of the other Sparrow's compliments, most of the things he considered compliments were considered insults to most people. Why he was suddenly sucking up to Luther, she had no idea, but his sudden act of kindness did not arouse suspicions. "I acknowledge that as a father, I was not without my faults. I hope these shortcomings, will be seen as only a rough patch on an otherwise verdant lawn,"

"I'm proud to call you my children. Even those whom I raised in a revenant version of myself. I hope tonight we can create a few special memories in whatever precious little time we have left," Reginald seemingly finished. But when he reached into his pocket and pulled out a slip of paper, it became clear he had one more thing to say. As the monocle read from the sheet of paper, the words he spoke were full of darkness, and although the words he recited were meant to sound uplifting or some other twisted form, it ended up sounding like one of Edgar Allen's poems.

"With shallowed breath and time eclipsed, I pray you miss death's gentle kiss," Reginald lifted his glass in the married couple's direction before he took another sip. "That makes no sense!" Dahlia spoke up, her voice slurred as she took a sip from a fresh glass. But everyone else stood up and started clapping for Reginald, telling him that the speech was beautiful. Who the hell calls retelling a morbid poem at a wedding beautiful? Y'all are not right in the head. Dahlia rolled her eyes. 

Reginald placed the microphone back on its stand and walked towards the elevator, taking it back to the floor of the White Buffalo Suite. "Alright! Time to turn those frowns upside down!" Chet announced from the DJ Booth. He started up the music again, the blaring from the speakers made Dahlia's head pound. She gripped the edge of the closest chair, trying to steady herself, but with the other Hargreeves slamming into her as they made their way back to the dancefloor, Dahlia had to get out now.

"Sloane! Luther! This is for you!" Dusk's voice boomed from the speakers as the beginning of the next song played and she started performing. When Dahlia finally had enough energy, she stumbled back outside, lying down on the ground and staring up at the orange and debris-filled sky. Strangely, it was comforting. It may not have been the way she wanted to die, preferring to be an old lady snug in her bed when death knocked on the door. If the end happened while they were all asleep, she was fine with it. She'd be at peace and maybe see Christopher again.

If heaven did exist, she was sure Jayme and Alphonso were sitting together and watching all the cringiest movies and snatching the pizza box away from each other. Marcus, of course, would be there to break up the ensuing fight. And Fei... one only knows what she would be doing besides feeding her crows. Maybe Christopher finally regained his human form. That gently tanned skin, his eyes the color of hazelnuts, and a genuine smile that made everyone warm and fuzzy.

"Dahlia?"

She stiffened, a knot forming in her chest as Ben towered above her, also looking drunk out of his mind. "Just minding my own business, what else?" Dahlia muttered. Ben chuckled, making her raise a brow as a small smile formed on his lips. "Must you always be so hostile?" Dahlia rose from the ground, and turned away from him, wanting to get his condescending voice out of her head. But his drunken rambles only continued. "Y-you know, you weren't always so mean. I remember when you were just this... uh, quiet and shy girl. S-s-so caught up in her own bubble,"

"Well, that girl is dead! And you and I both know who's responsible for that!" Dahlia glared. "Now, if you'll excuse me..." She tried to move past him, but he blocked her way. "Look... can't we just talk? For once?" Ben asked, his eyes pleading. The usual sarcastic glint was replaced by a vulnerability she hadn't seen since... well, before the mission. "Talk? What is there to talk about? You made it abundantly clear years ago that you don't give a shit about anyone besides yourself. You didn't even look at me for months after what happened to me and Christopher!" Dahlia scoffed.

"That's not true!" Ben protested, his voice rising slightly. "That's not how it was..." "Oh really? Then enlighten me, Ben! Because from where I was standing, it looked an awful lot like you were actively avoiding us! You'd rather act like the incident never happened! Like the physical and mental scars from that day weren't burned into everyone's minds!" Dahlia spat. Ben flinched, his face paling under the orange glow of the night. "It wasn't like that, Dahlia. You have to believe me," He whispered.

"Why should I believe a word you have to say? All that comes out of your mouth is empty promises and failed schemes," the icy blonde folded her arms across her chest. He looked pathetic, falling to his knees and begging like a puppy waiting for a treat. Part of her took small satisfaction in seeing him so miserable, but the other half of her just wanted him to stop. Rolling her eyes into the back of her head, she finally caved. Maybe then, she'd finally get the closure she had been looking for six years.

"Two minutes, that's all you've got. And you better not tell a single lie," She sighed. Ben sighed with relief as he ran a hand through his hair, trying not to meet her icy glare. He hesitated, then took a deep breath. "To tell you the truth, I was a coward. I could've, no I should've, pulled you away from those falling canisters, but I-I just panicked. And then... after the incident, every time I looked at you, all I could see was... was Christopher. The way he was... the cube. And your screams... it was all I could think about," He swallowed hard. "I should've done something. I failed you both..."

"So, instead of facing it, instead of dealing with it like an adult, you ran? You hid? You left us to pick up the pieces ourselves?" Dahlia squinted. "YES! OKAY?! I FUCKED UP, AND I'M SORRY! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW?" Ben's voice cracked. "No, I'm not happy! No number of apologies in the world will ever make me forget what you did!" Dahlia shook her head, an icy tear tracing a cold path down her cheek. "Lia, I..." Ben stuttered. "You what?" Dahlia snapped. "I'm sorry, I really really am. But that's not the only reason why I avoided you for so long," He stood up, slowly walking towards her.

"Really? What's the other reason? Why else have you been avoiding and been so short with me?" Dahlia inquired. Ben looked down at the ground, trying to steady his breath before finally locking eyes with her for the first time. "Because..." He muttered. "Because what?" Dahlia persisted.

"Because I love you,"