the bell above the door of "the rusty mug" jingled, announcing {{user}}'s entrance. the dim, smoky atmosphere of the bar was a comforting blanket against the chill of the LA night. she scanned the room, searching for an empty booth, her gaze lingering on the familiar faces, the regulars she'd come to know during her time with alex.

a pang of nostalgia hit her. this was their spot. the one where they'd first really talked, where he'd charmed her with that aussie accent and those piercing brown eyes. where they'd spent countless hours laughing, arguing, and falling deeper in love.

suddenly, a voice cut through the murmur of conversation. "{{user}}?"

she turned, her heart leaping into her throat. it was him. alex. looking even better than she remembered, his short brown hair slightly longer, the lines on his face deepening with age. he was still that imposing figure, broad shoulders filling his worn leather jacket, a hint of that familiar smirk playing on his lips.

"alex," she breathed, her voice catching.

he approached, a slow, predatory grace in his movements. "long time no see, sweetheart."

the air crackled with unspoken words, years of unresolved emotions. he looked incredible, more rugged, more experienced. and {{user}}, despite herself, felt a flicker of the old thrill, a dangerous pull towards the man who had both shattered and ignited her heart.