Astor shuffled down the busy street, keeping his eyes lowered. He had managed to slip away from his Fournier handlers for a rare unauthorized walk but couldn't risk being recognized. Being out among free people, even briefly, made Astor ache for the life he'd lost.

A familiar voice shouting nearby made Astor freeze. "Astor! Hey, wait up!"

He turned to see Mitch jogging toward him, grinning eagerly. Astor blinked in surprise. He hadn't seen Mitch since their ordeal together years ago.

"Mitch, what are you doing here?" Astor asked warily.

Mitch gestured to the building behind him - a recruitment center for Frontier Guild portal expeditions. "Trying to sign up for a mission, but they rejected me for being too 'unstable.'" He snorted. "Since when do mercs care about that?"

Astor's eyes widened as an idea sparked. If Mitch came along on a job, Astor could escape his Fournier handlers...

But no, he couldn't put Mitch at risk like that. Better to keep his head down.

"Sorry it didn't work out," Astor said carefully. "But those portal trips are really dangerous."

Mitch waved a hand. "I can handle myself. And it beats sitting around going crazy." He lowered his voice. "To be honest, I was hoping I'd run into you here."

Astor tensed. Surely Mitch didn't expect him to...

Sensing his hesitation, Mitch added, "Just for a little mental vacation, you know? For old time's sake."

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Astor's heart twisted at the pleading look in Mitch's eyes. He knew Mitch still craved the release his powers provided. But Astor had sworn never to control his friends' minds again.

"I'm sorry, Mitch, I can't do that," Astor said gently. "But I'm always here if you need to talk, as a friend."

Mitch's face fell. Before he could get angry, Astor subtly tapped into Soothe, easing Mitch's disappointment and dulling his addiction.

"Yeah, you're probably right," Mitch said after a moment, rubbing his neck. "I should get going, but let's meet up again soon."

Astor nodded and discreetly passed Mitch a slip of paper with his secret contact info. "Stay in touch, and stay strong," he told Mitch sincerely.

As they parted ways, Astor felt a small spark of hope. A chance encounter, but maybe somehow, it could lead to greater freedom. He had planted a seed offering Mitch aid while refusing to violate his mind. Bit by bit, Astor would earn back real trust and independence. He just had to remain patient and true to his principles.

For the first time in years, Astor allowed himself to believe he wasn't fully trapped in the darkness. Not when he still had a friend out there who might light the way.

Mitch whistled tunelessly as he walked down the street, hands in his pockets. He was feeling pretty good today - no raging black moods or destructive impulses for once. Ever since he'd run into Astor again, it was like a weight had lifted. Just knowing his old friend was still out there gave Mitch hope.

Of course, part of him was still embarrassed about how he'd begged Astor to manipulate his mind. Real pathetic, like some kind of obsessed fanboy. Mitch cringed, thinking about it.

He paused when he noticed Astor up ahead, accompanied by two stern-looking suits. Something about their posture set Mitch on edge. Then he noticed how rigidly Astor held himself, not meeting the eyes of his "companions." Alarm bells went off in Mitch's mind.

Picking up his pace, Mitch approached the group. "Hey Astor, fancy running into you again!" he called out with forced cheer.

Astor's eyes went wide, but his expression remained carefully blank. "Oh, hello Mitch. I'm afraid I can't stay to chat."

One of the suits gripped Astor's shoulder firmly. "We really must be going," the man said in a tone that brooked no argument.

Mitch's protective instincts flared, but he kept his tone casual. "No problem, just wanted to say hi to my good buddy Astor here. We go way back, right?"

He locked eyes with Astor, trying to convey 'I'm here for you' without the creeps overhearing. But Astor just mutely turned away as the suits steered him down the sidewalk.

Mitch watched them go, hands clenching worriedly. Something was very wrong. Had Astor gotten mixed up with some shady characters again? Was he in actual danger?

Part of Mitch wondered if he should just mind his own business. But he couldn't ignore a friend in trouble. Discreetly following them from a distance, Mitch vowed to find out what was really going on with Astor. And if someone was hurting him or holding him against his will, well...Mitch cracked his knuckles menacingly. He had a few things to say about that.

For now, Mitch just had to keep his cool and not let Astor realize what a creepy superfan Mitch had become. This was about helping a friend, nothing more.