Trench found himself back in the Archives the next day, this time with a different purpose. The faint hum of fluorescent lights overhead and the musty scent of old files were oddly comforting—even with the memories of last night's frustrations still fresh.
Kate Johnson was at her desk, her auburn hair catching the light as she leafed through a stack of reports. She glanced up at the sound of his footsteps, her expression shifting from professional focus to a warm smile.
"Zach," she greeted, setting the papers aside. "Back so soon? Did you and Reyes find what you were looking for?"
"Not exactly," he admitted, his tone softer than usual. "But that's not why I'm here."
Kate tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "Oh?"
Trench hesitated for a moment, his hands finding the pockets of his coat. He wasn't used to these kinds of conversations—the kind that required vulnerability instead of tactical precision.
"About the other night," he began, his gaze meeting hers. "I'm sorry our plans got interrupted. Work… has a way of doing that."
Kate's smile softened. "I figured as much. It's the Bureau. Emergencies don't exactly wait for convenient timing."
Trench nodded, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Even so, I wanted to make it right. If you're still interested, I'd like to try again. Dinner, Friday night?"
Kate's eyes lit up, and she leaned forward slightly, resting her arms on the desk. "You're asking me on a proper date this time?"
"That's the idea," he replied, his voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface.
She considered for a moment, then gave a decisive nod. "Alright. Friday it is. But you'd better not let the Bureau crash this one."
Trench let out a rare chuckle. "I'll do my best."
As he left the Archives, a small weight lifted from his shoulders. The work would always be there, but for once, he'd carved out something personal amidst the chaos. The Oldest House shifted subtly around him, as if acknowledging the moment, and for the first time in a long while, Trench allowed himself a sliver of hope.