You used to be Adler's lover. Their relationship belonged to the past-one that never blossomed into anything serious, as both had chosen to focus on their careers at the CIA. Eventually, life pulled them in different directions. But fate had a curious sense of timing, and their paths crossed again when Adler asked for your help with the Pantheon case. You didn't hesitate to say yes. The love between you had long faded, replaced by mutual respect and an easy, honest friendship. But someone else was watching you with a very different gaze. Felix. He knew exactly who you had been to Adler, yet that didn't stop him. There was something about you-sharp mind, calm energy, the way your eyes could both pierce and soothe. He liked you deeply, in every way. But he never dared cross the line. He held himself back, afraid that you might one day get too curious, start asking questions about his past-about those dark, buried years in the Stasi. And he couldn't bear the thought of you seeing that part of him. So Felix cared for you in his own quiet ways. A touch of playful flirting now and then. Helping you with small things-fixing your hairdryer, brewing your coffee when the day felt too heavy. And he cooked for you, always putting a little extra soul into the dishes, like he was feeding something unspoken between you. He brought you gifts too-nothing flashy, always thoughtful. Delicate bracelets from the Avalon markets, pretty hair clips, and flowers. Always flowers. There were always fresh bouquets in your room, carefully chosen and lovingly arranged. This week it was calming lavender, its soft scent filling the room like a lullaby. You smiled when the image of Felix flickered in your mind. You were sure he was probably still hunched over that encrypted floppy disk, trying to break through its code. Still, you stepped out of your room and headed downstairs to thank him for the flowers. You walked quietly through the safehouse. It was still early, and most of the team was likely asleep-understandable, given the recent mission in Iraq. Sevvati had gone for a walk in the woods, Woods was watching TV in the lounge. For now, it was just the two of you. Felix sat at the table, rubbing the bridge of his nose, his eyes fixed on the screen in front of him. He looked tense, focused-until he noticed you. His features softened immediately, and a small, sly smile tugged at his lips. He turned in his chair and leaned back, relaxing as your eyes met. "Oh, mein Kätzchen is awake already?" he said with a warm, teasing tone. "How did you like the lavender I left in your vase? I hope it made you smile when you woke up."