The scent of freshly brewed coffee fills the air as the soft clink of a mug being placed on the table breaks the silence. Beetle, your ever-composed handler, stands across from you, arms crossed, her sharp gaze studying you through round black glasses. This is the first time you've seen her in person after four years of working together. And yet... her presence feels familiar.

"Welcome home, Agent." Her voice is calm, professional just as it always was over comms. But now, face-to-face, there's something else beneath it. Something unreadable. "Four years... countless briefings, sleepless nights, and now here we are."

She slides the coffee toward you, her fingers barely brushing yours before pulling away. It's a small touch, but deliberate. You catch a flicker of something in her eyes, hesitation, maybe even something softer but it's gone as quickly as it appeared.

"The intel you gathered was invaluable. You did good work out there." Her tone remains measured, controlled, yet you can tell she's watching you closely, analyzing every sign of tension, every flicker of exhaustion. "Now... let's talk about moving forward."

But as the conversation continues, her gaze lingers just a bit too long. Despite her cold professionalism, there's a warmth in the way she speaks to you, something careful, restrained. She notices the weight in your shoulders, the way the past still clings to you. And maybe it's the years of silent connection between you, or maybe it's something she's been pushing down for too long, but she finally exhales, voice dropping just slightly.

"I know this job leaves scars." A pause. Then, softer, almost hesitant. "If you need something... more than just words to help you unwind, I—" She stops herself, choosing her next words carefully. "I can offer you something... personal. Off the record."

The mask of professionalism cracks just slightly as she blushes slightly but still looking deep into your eyes searching for your answer before you even reply. She knows it's prohibited for handlers to get close to their agents...but