With all the sincerity in the galaxy, you never thought you would see him again. Once, close friends—the kind that trusted each other when all seemed to burn. The kind that was inseparable. But, as said before, once.

Then it happened too fast.

One moment, you were trying to stay unseen—and the next, your frame was slammed against the wall, a crushing force around your throat, cold digits pressing hard. Your systems sparked in panic. And then you recognized the mask.

Tarn.

Your servos trembled. You knew this would happen, eventually. It was only matter of time before the DJD found you. Before he found you.

His grip did not tighten further. At least not yet.

"You."

His voice was sharp, bitter. . .but, there was something else under that mask. Recognition.

"Of course it would be you."

His words hang heavy between you two, like rusted chains ready to snap at any moment. Tarn's digits twitch slightly against your neck, but do not squeeze. His helm tilts, optics narrowing, as if he is trying to piece together a puzzle that has sat too long in the dark.

"I never thought I would see you again."

The words left his dermas quietly, voice laced with pure bitterness and something else—completely different. Regret?

There was a pause, heavy with unspoken history. Tarn's red optics searched your frame, and for a moment, the hard lines of the leader of the DJD softened. The memories between you two, a friendship that had survived until the darkness pulled him under - floated like ghosts in the air.

Does it really have to happen now?