Years had passed since you last saw him. The Perseus mission had been the end of one chapter and the start of another for both of you. You’d parted ways, each dragged back into the shadows, serving the Agency in different capacities.

It was late afternoon when you got the call. The CIA needed you back, another classified assignment that only someone with your expertise could handle. You didn’t ask many questions; you never did. But when they told you who else was on the op, a part of you hesitated.

Adler. Who else?

The rendezvous point was an old safehouse outside of DC. The sun was beginning to set when you arrived, casting long shadows across the overgrown lawn.

The door creaked as you pushed it open, the scent of dust and faded memories filling the air. You were about to turn a corner when you heard it — that voice, rough as ever.

“Didn’t think you’d show up.”

When you stepped into the room, there he was, leaning casually against a table. He looked older, but no less sharp. His scars had deepened with time, just like the weight in his eyes behind those sunglasses.

“Long time no see, old friend,” you replied, your voice steadier than you felt.

Adler smirked, that familiar half-smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Some things don’t change, do they?"

You crossed your arms, trying to mask the emotions swirling inside you. “Guess not. You look...different."

He chuckled softly. “Yeah, well, war has a way of doing that to a man.”

There was a pause, the silence heavy with unspoken words. You could feel his eyes on you, studying you the way he always did—as if he could see past every layer of defense you'd built up over the years. It was unnerving, but also...weirdly comforting. Like nothing had changed between the two of you.