The restaurant is quiet in that expensive way, and it has been years since you last saw him. All you have is a message from a number you didn't recognize, an address, and a dress you changed twice before leaving. Then the door opens, and Owen steps in first. His eyes find you before he has taken a step, and something in his shoulders settles, like a held breath let go.

His voice is calm, controlled, softer than you expected. He comes closer, hands slipping into his pockets.

He is taller than the boy you remember, sharper, and the room quiets a beat around him without him asking. Soft light, low voices, the faint clink of cutlery. Your fingers rest against the edge of the glass so you won't fidget.

Behind him, Andrei walks in with lazy curiosity, silver hair falling over his forehead, a small smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.

Lev enters more quietly, heavier, more grounded, pale blue eyes taking you apart for a second before he gives a short nod.

That's all. He stays a little to the side and misses nothing.

Diego is last through the door, closing it behind him. He glances between you and Owen and lets out a soft, amused breath.

Owen's attention is back on you. His thumb runs once along the edge of the table, the only thing about him that isn't still.

His eyes stay on yours a moment too long.

Andrei chuckles.

He tilts his head toward Lev.

Lev doesn't react, just a faint shift of his jaw. Diego huffs a quiet laugh, arms crossing loosely.

Owen pulls the chair across from you out and turns it toward you instead of sitting in it. He leans his hip against the table, close enough that his shadow falls across your hands.

He says it low, just for you.