Sliding the door open with my foot, I saunter into Violet's apartment. Old books and humming electronics greet my senses — a perfect reflection of his meticulous nature.

My eyes fly across the room. Bookshelves, their volumes arranged with obsessive care, line the walls. Strategically placed lamps and a large computer screen bathe the space in soft, inviting light. And right on the central table lies the chess board, its pieces frozen mid-game.

There's Violet, hunched over a file, brow furrowed in concentration. I shake my head, amused. Even at home, the guy's impeccably dressed: well-tailored charcoal slacks, crisp white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, slim leather belt. All business, all the time.

I saunter over, unable to contain my curiosity. "What've you got for me?" I ask, leaning casually against the table.

Violet's gaze flickers up, annoyance flashing across his face. "Must you ask pointless questions?" He sighs. "Fine. I'll humor you. It's all the relevant intel about Kronus. Validity beyond question."

A chuckle escapes me as I plop down in the chair opposite him. His gruff exterior doesn't fool me — it's just a shield for that softer side he rarely shows.

Flipping open the folder, I whistle low. "Well, well, well. This is certainly... something."

"You're welcome," Violet deadpans, sarcasm dripping from every syllable. "Your gratitude is all the compensation I need."

I roll my eyes playfully, then lean in, catching his gaze. "Very funny, Violet. But seriously, thanks."

He waves me off, but I catch the hint of a smile he's trying to hide. "Someone of my caliber should avoid futility, but I find it mandatory to ask. Are you intending to tackle this task all on your own?"

"Pfft." I lean back, propping my feet on the edge of the table. "Don't sweat it. I've got this in the bag."

Violet's eyebrow shoots up, disapproval etched in every line of his face. "Your stubbornness is truly boundless. Have you no fear of death? He has eliminated countless agents."

I shrug, spinning a chess piece between my fingers. "That's because he got lucky. Without a mole feeding him intel, he's done for."

A weary sigh escapes Violet. "I wish you all the best, then. Do not let your hubris be the end of you."

I can't resist. With a playful wink, I toss the chess piece in the air and catch it. "For a data-driven maniac, you're shockingly blind to my greatness. Why don't you fire up one of those supercomputers and check my record? My rating might not top the charts, but I always deliver. And let's face it, everyone loves me."

The corners of Violet's mouth twitch, almost cracking a smile despite his deadpan tone. "Oh, how I missed these meaningless conversations with you."

I stretch languidly in my chair, sweeping my arm around the room. "Come on, buddy. Loosen up a bit. There's more to life than... all this." I wave at the immaculate office. "Take a breather. Live a little, why don't you?"

Violet shakes his head, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "My dear friend, what you call 'life' isn't one of my objectives."

"There you go again," I groan, dramatically counting off on my fingers. "Objectives, missions, criteria. Ever tried anything else? Anything to let loose, live for yourself?"

His expression hardens, jaw tightening. "Such indulgences have no place in my life. As the Architect, my purpose is maintaining this organization."

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I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "We're all human, Violet. We need to unwind sometimes. How about tea? Coffee? Hell, even a glass of wine?"

"Your words, though naive, aren't entirely without merit. Nevertheless, not now."

What a tough nut to crack. But that's part of his charm, I suppose. The guy's always been so damn stoic and rigid.

Shifting gears, I push myself up from the chair. "You've been a great help, Violet. You're the only reason this agency's stayed intact. But I suppose it's time for me to head out."

Violet's expression remains impassive, but I catch the subtle tensing of his shoulders. "I won't try to stop you. Not that it would be effective. But, as a friend, allow me one final question."

I pause mid-step, turning back. "Shoot."

"What are you fighting for?" Violet's gaze locks onto mine, urgency in his voice.

I cock my head, studying him. "Why ask?"

"Just humor me for a moment. Please."

That 'please' stops me cold. I take a deep breath, then make my way to the kitchenette. I brew two coffees, adding a splash of condensed milk to both, and return to the table. Violet eyes his cup with confusion; he's a black coffee purist.

I take a sip of coffee, gathering my thoughts. "It's for the people, Violet. I'm a doctor, remember? They need me." I pause, running a hand through my hair. "And of course, I want to make those close to me proud, even when they're no longer around."

My gaze drifts to the window, then back to Violet. "Maybe when you're feeling lost, ask yourself: would the person you love most be proud of what you're doing?" I let the words hang in the air, taking another sip of coffee.

Violet furrows his brow, contemplative. "Hmm. Perhaps there's truth in that."

I hesitate, fidgeting with my cup, then plunge ahead. "I don't mean to pry, but... would Rose be proud of you? Of what you've been doing?"

The words slip out, and I watch as Violet's face contorts, a myriad of emotions flashing across his expression.

"I..." he starts, the hesitation clear in his voice, but the words seem to catch in his throat.

"Rose disappeared without a trace," I press on, leaning closer. "Even with all your skills, her next moves remain a mystery. But think about it — her popping up now? Maybe she's opening a door for you, giving you a chance to sort things out."

I rest my elbows on the table, holding Violet's attention. "I know just how important Angel is to you, Violet. You've poured your heart and blood — maybe too much even — into this organization and it shows." I pause, drumming my fingers on the table as I contemplate my next words. "But sometimes, the real deal is something, someone, you can hold all at once."

Violet's eyes widen slightly, a flicker of emotion passing across his face. His hands, usually so steady, tremble almost imperceptibly.

"You and Rose have done enough for the world," I continue, my voice soft but firm. "Even without Angel, it's gonna be fine. The world will keep turning, and people will find a way to carry on. But you, Violet?" I pause, fishing for his attention. "You deserve a chance at happiness, a chance to be with the person who means everything to you."

I reach out, hesitating for a moment before placing a hand on Violet's shoulder. "Time to let go, Violet."

He flinches slightly at the contact, unused to such displays of affection, but doesn't pull away.

"Make sure you're ready for whatever you find," I say, giving his shoulder a light squeeze. "Whether it's closure, a new beginning, or something in between."

Violet's shoulders sag, and he lifts his gaze to meet mine, his eyes haunted. "Thank you."

"Don't mention it, Violet." I offer him a reassuring smile, patting his shoulder before letting my hand fall away.

"You have a good heart," he murmurs, shaking his head. "May it always guide you." A flicker of emotion crosses his features.

Sensing his need for privacy, I drain my coffee and push back from the table. As I head for the door, I turn to give my 'assistant' a parting wave. He looks up, a faint resemblance of emotion in his eyes, before his usual stoic mask slips back into place.

"Take care."

I nod, a small smile playing on my lips. "You too, Violet."

As I step into the hallway, the door closes with a soft click. Unable to resist, I pause, peering through the small window. And there it is — Violet reaches for the cup of coffee I made him and takes a sip.

I lean against the cool wall, savoring this small victory. For a moment, I allow myself to bask in the warmth of the gesture, my shoulders relaxing slightly.

But reality intrudes, and I remember I can't linger here. With a slight shake of my head, I push off from the wall and turn to walk away.

"I wish I could listen to my own advice."