Image #2,766: Gideon Adler, A Man Out of Time

“This city has really gone to hell,” Frank muttered, his voice tinged with the exhaustion of years spent in its trenches. “Why does a misanthrope like you even still live here, anyway?”

“Misanthrope? Wow." Gideon smirked. "No--actually, that would require a level of emotional investment I gave up on decades ago. I'm too old to be a misanthrope.”

Flatly. “No, Gideon… I’m old. You still look 25.”

Gideon rolled his eyes. “Now you’re just being pedantic.” He sighed, glancing at his watch as if it held the key to existential questions. “God, you actually expect an answer, don’t you?” He took a moment, gathering his thoughts. “I usually try to avoid this level of introspection, but I guess it’s just... honestly, where else would I find the right backdrop for my particular brand of indifference?”

Frank laughed. “You know you’re an odd bastard, right? I’m not going to miss this in my retirement.”