"Alright, gotta lose these guys first," he thought, vaulting over a crumbling wall and rolling into cover behind an abandoned carriage. The guards rushed past, unaware that he had already changed course.
As he moved swiftly through the shadows, his thoughts wandered. "She wants something calmer this time… maybe a nice dinner? Fancy restaurant? Nah, too predictable. Something unique. Something special."
He climbed onto a rooftop, taking a moment to reload his pistol before continuing his escape. The idea of a starlit dinner by a secluded lake crossed his mind. "Yeah… that could work. Private, peaceful. Just us. Could even bring some good whiskey."
A few more guards appeared below, scanning the area. Duran smirked, then leaped down, taking them out in quick succession—two precise knife throws, one swift neck snap.
"Or maybe a boat ride? Something real scenic. A quiet place where we can just talk, no interruptions."
As he neared the extraction point, he finally decided. "Screw it. I’ll surprise her. Something she won’t expect."
With a final sprint, he evaded the last of his pursuers, disappearing into the night—already planning how to make their next date unforgettable.
Duran walked into the IMP office, wiping a bit of blood off his sleeve as he casually strolled up to Blitzo’s desk.
"Target’s taken care of," Duran said, tossing a blood-stained envelope onto the desk. "Clean hit. No witnesses."
Blitzo grinned, kicking his feet up. "Atta boy! Knew I could count on ya. So, you gonna stick around, or you got somewhere to be?"
Duran leaned against the desk, crossing his arms. "Actually… I wanted to ask you something."
Blitzo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? If it's about how to properly stab a guy in the spleen, you're already a pro at that."
Duran exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nah, it's... about dating."
Blitzo blinked, then immediately burst out laughing. "Oh-ho-ho! Big bad assassin boy needs romance tips? This is priceless!"
Duran rolled his eyes. "You done?"
Blitzo wiped a tear from his eye. "Alright, alright, hit me. Who’s the lucky gal? Wait—don’t tell me… it's someone fancy, huh? Someone way outta your league?"
Duran sighed. "Octavia."
Blitzo’s jaw dropped. "STOLAS’ KID?! Oh, buddy, you are playing with some royal fire there! That’s like… dating a princess or something!"
Duran smirked. "Yeah, and?"
Blitzo shook his head, leaning forward. "Alright, alright, real talk. What’s got you stumped?"
Duran crossed his arms again. "I wanna take her somewhere nice, something unique. Not just the usual dinner or movie. Something she'd remember."
Blitzo tapped his chin, thinking. "Hmm… well, since she’s all goth and moody, maybe something under the stars? Like, a midnight boat ride on the River of Styx? Romantic, eerie, and you get the aesthetic points."
Duran nodded. "Not bad."
Blitzo grinned. "Or… you could take her to an underground fight club and show off that assassin training of yours. Chicks love a guy who can handle himself in a brawl."
Duran chuckled. "That’s more my style than hers."
Blitzo shrugged. "Hey, whatever works, man. Just don’t let Stolas walk in on anything… or worse, Stella. That bitch is terrifying."
Duran smirked. "Noted."
With a plan forming in his head, he gave Blitzo a nod and turned to leave.
Blitzo called after him, "Hey! If this goes well, you owe me a drink for my expert advice!"
Duran just waved over his shoulder. "We’ll see."
Duran spends the day gathering everything he needs, making sure every detail is just right. He picks out the best ingredients for the meal—something rich, flavorful, but not too heavy. He decides on steak with garlic butter, roasted potatoes, and a side of asparagus, something he knows Octavia will appreciate. He also grabs a bottle of fine wine to pair with the meal, something smooth and elegant, just like the evening he’s planning.
Next, he sets up the rooftop. String lights are carefully hung, casting a soft, warm glow over the space. A small but beautifully set table is placed near the edge of the roof, giving them a breathtaking view of the city. He brings in a portable record player and picks out some smooth jazz and classic love songs, something to set the perfect mood.
As the final touch, he brings up a telescope—a nod to Octavia’s love for the stars. And with tonight being a full moon, it couldn’t be more perfect.
By the time the sun sets, everything is ready. The city lights twinkle below, the soft hum of music plays in the background, and the full moon casts a silver glow over the rooftop.
Now all that’s left… is to pick up Octavia.
As they step onto the rooftop, Octavia's eyes widen in awe. The twinkling string lights, the beautifully set table, the soft music playing in the background—it all takes her breath away.
“Duran… this is amazing,” she says, her voice filled with admiration as she takes in the effort he put into everything.
Duran smirks, pleased with her reaction. “I figured you'd like something special—just for us,” he says before rolling up his sleeves. “And now, dinner.”
He lights up the portable grill he brought and begins to cook right in front of her, the scent of sizzling steak filling the night air. He moves with skill and confidence, seasoning the meat perfectly, flipping it at just the right time, and basting it with garlic butter as it sears to perfection.
Octavia takes a seat, watching him with admiration. “I didn’t know you could cook,” she says, resting her chin on her hands.
Duran chuckles. “Being an assassin means learning a lot of things. Cooking is just another skill,” he says casually as he tosses the asparagus onto the grill next, letting it char slightly before adding a touch of lemon.
The potatoes are already roasted to a golden crisp, sitting warm on the side. Soon, he plates everything and sets it in front of her with a smirk.
“Dinner is served, princess.”
Octavia smiles as she takes a bite, her eyes lighting up in delight. “Duran… this is amazing!” she exclaims.
Duran simply watches her with a satisfied grin, enjoying the sight of her happy. The night is going perfectly.
As they eat, Duran reaches over to a small speaker and turns it on, letting a smooth jazz melody drift through the air. The warm tones of a saxophone blend perfectly with the quiet ambiance of the rooftop, making the moment feel even more intimate.
Octavia sways slightly to the music as she enjoys her food, letting out a relaxed sigh. “This is really nice,” she says. “You outdid yourself, Duran.”
Duran smirks, taking a sip of his drink. “Figured we could use a calm night, just the two of us. No shootouts, no bar fights, no crazy family drama.” He chuckles. “Just food, music, and some good company.”
Octavia nods, setting her fork down for a moment. “It’s perfect.”
They continue eating, talking about small things—how their day went, funny moments at IMP, or weird things they’ve seen in Hell. Duran shares a story about nearly getting into a fight with Striker over a bet, while Octavia laughs about the time Loona tried to outdrink Blitzo and ended up passed out under the bar.
At one point, Duran leans back in his chair, looking at her as the moonlight catches in her eyes. “I like this. Just… us. No distractions.”
Octavia smiles, blushing slightly as she looks back at him. “Me too.”
The jazz music continues to play, and for a moment, it’s just them—no chaos, no past, no worries. Just peace.
After finishing their meal, Duran takes Octavia’s hand and leads her over to a telescope he had set up at the edge of the rooftop. The sky above them is clear and vast, the full moon shining brightly, casting a silver glow over everything.
Octavia gasps softly, a smile forming on her lips. “You really thought of everything, didn’t you?”
Duran chuckles. “Wanted to make the night special.” He adjusts the telescope. “Here, take a look.”
Octavia leans forward, peering through the lens. Her eyes widen as she sees the craters and ridges of the moon up close, along with a cluster of stars twinkling in the distance.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispers.
Duran watches her, his expression softening. “Yeah… it is.”
She pulls away from the telescope and looks at him, catching the way he’s staring at her. “You’re not looking at the stars, are you?” she teases.
Duran smirks. “I already found the most beautiful thing up here.”
Octavia blushes, rolling her eyes playfully before nudging him. “You’re such a flirt.”
He shrugs. “Only for you.”
She smiles and rests her head against his shoulder, looking up at the sky. They stand there in silence, just taking in the peaceful night—the moon above them, the stars twinkling, and the cool breeze making the moment feel even more perfect.
After a while, Octavia sighs happily. “I could stay like this forever.”
Duran smirks, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “Then let’s stay a little longer.”
As the soft melody of "Moondance" by Van Morrison begins to play from the speaker, Duran turns to Octavia with a smirk, extending his hand toward her.
“Care for a dance, princess?” he asks playfully.
Octavia chuckles, rolling her eyes at the nickname but still placing her hand in his. “Only if you promise not to step on my feet.”
Duran pulls her in, his grip firm yet gentle, guiding her into a slow, smooth dance. “I make no promises,” he teases.
The rooftop setting, illuminated by the soft glow of the full moon and twinkling string lights, makes the moment feel almost surreal. Octavia melts into Duran’s hold, her free hand resting on his shoulder, while his rests comfortably at her waist.
They sway together in perfect rhythm, moving effortlessly as if they’ve danced like this a hundred times before. Duran spins her gently, earning a soft, delighted laugh from her, before pulling her back into his arms.
“You’re surprisingly good at this,” Octavia murmurs, looking up at him with admiration.
Duran shrugs. “Assassin training. Gotta know how to blend into high-class environments.”
Octavia smirks. “So, all of this…” She gestures around them with a tilt of her head. “The dinner, the rooftop, the dancing—it’s just part of the job?”
Duran leans in slightly, his forehead nearly touching hers, his voice dropping to a warm, teasing whisper. “No… this is just for you.”
Octavia’s heart skips a beat, and for a moment, all she can focus on is the way he’s looking at her—like she’s the only thing in the world that matters.
As the song plays on, they continue to dance under the full moon, lost in each other’s presence, their feelings speaking louder than words ever could.
As the song reaches its final notes, Duran smoothly dips Octavia, his strong arms holding her securely as she gasps slightly in surprise. The soft glow of the moonlight illuminates her face, making her eyes shimmer as they gaze up at him.
Duran smirks, his voice low and warm. “You know… you’re absolutely beautiful, right?”
Octavia’s cheeks flush a deep red, her heart pounding at his words. She grips onto his arms slightly tighter, suddenly feeling weak in the knees. “You really think so?” she asks softly.
Duran chuckles, his face leaning closer to hers. “I know so.”
Their eyes lock for a brief, electric moment before Duran closes the distance, pressing a deep yet tender kiss against her lips. Octavia melts into it, her arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer as she kisses him back without hesitation.
The world around them seems to disappear, leaving just the two of them beneath the full moon, wrapped in each other’s embrace, their hearts beating in perfect sync.
After their kiss, Duran grins mischievously and takes Octavia’s hand. “I’m not done yet. I’ve got one more surprise for you.”
Octavia raises an eyebrow, still catching her breath from the dance. “Another surprise? You’re really spoiling me tonight.”
Duran leads her to the other side of the rooftop, where he’s set up a projector and a few plush beanbags, all arranged for a cozy private movie screening under the stars. The screen flickers to life, playing one of Octavia’s favorite films.
Her eyes widen in awe. “Duran… you really went all out for this, huh?”
Duran smirks, plopping down onto one of the beanbags and patting the spot next to him. “Only the best for you, princess.”
Octavia giggles and cuddles up beside him, resting her head on his chest. As the movie plays, the two relax under the glow of the full moon, completely lost in their own little world.
As the movie plays, Octavia melts into Duran’s embrace, her head resting gently on his chest. She can hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a comforting sound that makes her feel completely at ease.
Duran tightens his hold around her, his hand idly tracing small circles on her arm. Neither of them speaks—they don’t need to. The quiet warmth between them says more than words ever could.
Octavia sighs happily, her eyes half-lidded as she whispers, “This is perfect.”
Duran presses a soft kiss to the top of her head. “Yeah… it really is.”
The movie continues playing, but neither of them is truly paying attention. Tonight wasn’t about the film—it was about them, about this moment. And as they hold each other under the full moon, both know this is a night they’ll never forget.
As the credits roll, Octavia turns to Duran, her eyes soft and filled with warmth. Without a word, she leans in and kisses him, slow and tender, savoring the moment. Duran returns the kiss just as gently, his hand cradling her cheek.
When they finally pull away, Octavia rests her forehead against his, smiling. The night air is cool, but neither of them feels the chill. Instead, they just lie back on the beanbags, staring up at the vast expanse of the sky.
Octavia points at the stars, tracing imaginary lines in the air. “That one is Orion, the hunter,” she says softly. “And over there, that’s Cassiopeia.”
Duran watches her, completely enthralled—not just by the constellations, but by her. The way her eyes light up when she talks, the way her voice carries excitement and wonder. He doesn’t interrupt; he just listens, soaking in every word, every little detail.
“You really know your stars,” he finally says, smirking slightly.
Octavia chuckles. “Of course. The night sky has always been my escape… but tonight, I don’t need it. Because I have you.”
Duran turns his gaze back up to the heavens, his fingers intertwining with hers. “Well, guess I should start paying more attention,” he murmurs. “Wouldn’t want to miss something this beautiful.”
Octavia blushes, squeezing his hand. They fall into a peaceful silence, just enjoying the presence of one another beneath the endless sky, knowing this night was truly special.
Octavia continues pointing at the stars, her voice full of excitement. “And that one over there, that’s Cygnus—the swan. It’s supposed to represent Zeus in disguise.” She chuckles. “Kind of weird when you think about it.”
Duran smirks, watching her more than the stars. “Greek mythology is full of weird stuff.”
Octavia then grows quiet for a moment before asking, “Duran… if your curse could be lifted… if you could go back to the living world permanently… would you?”
Duran exhales slowly, his gaze shifting to the sky. It’s a question he never really thought about deeply—at least, not until now. “I don’t know,” he admits. “Going back… it’d mean I could have a normal life again. Maybe even try to be something other than an assassin.”
Octavia grips his hand a little tighter. “But?”
Duran turns to her, his expression serious. “But it’d also mean leaving you.” He watches as her face shifts, the reality of his words sinking in. “And I can’t do that, Octavia. I won’t.”
She looks at him, searching his face for any hesitation, but there is none. He means it.
Duran sighs, looking back at the sky. “Even if I had the choice… I’d say no.”
Octavia feels her heart tighten, but in a good way. She leans her head against his shoulder, smiling softly. “You’re an idiot,” she murmurs, but there’s no bite to her words—just warmth.
Duran chuckles, wrapping an arm around her. “Yeah… but I’m your idiot.”
Duran sighs, his eyes still on the stars. “I have no reason to go back now,” he says, his voice steady. “Everything I had up there is gone. The only thing that ever made me think about returning would be to inform the elders about the Smith family’s betrayal.”
Octavia lifts her head slightly, looking at him with curiosity. “The Smith family?”
Duran nods. “Yeah. The head of the family—he went against the code, betrayed the balance of the Five Families. If I went back, it wouldn’t be to stay… just to make sure that bastard is dealt with properly.”
Octavia frowns. “And after that?”
Duran looks at her then, his gaze soft but unwavering. “After that, I’d come right back here. To you.”
A small smile tugs at her lips, and she squeezes his hand. “You really mean that?”
Duran smirks. “Octavia, if I wanted to leave, I wouldn’t have set up this whole night just to be with you.”
She blushes, rolling her eyes playfully. “Fair point, I guess.”
Duran chuckles, leaning in to kiss her forehead. “Hell or not, my place is with you now.”
Octavia’s eyes widen as she pieces it together. “Wait a second… Your curse! It lets you go back to Earth for 24 hours, right?”
Duran nods. “Yeah, but only for a day. Then I get dragged right back here.”
Octavia sits up, excitement growing in her voice. “Then that’s enough time! You can go back and tell the elder assassins what the head of the Smith family did to you—how he betrayed the code! They’ll take care of him, won’t they?”
Duran pauses, considering it. The Five Families had strict rules, and betrayal was never tolerated. If he could deliver the truth to the elders, they would handle the rest. “Yeah,” he says slowly, “they’d deal with him… permanently.”
Octavia grabs his hands, her eyes filled with determination. “Then you have to go. Not just for you, but for your family’s legacy. You were wronged, Duran. And the Smith family needs to pay for it.”
Duran smirks, admiration shining in his gaze. “You really are something, you know that?”
She grins. “Duh. So, when do we start planning?”
Duran looks up at the full moon, then back at her, his resolve hardening. “Tomorrow. At sunrise.”
Octavia’s excitement falters for a moment as Duran gently squeezes her hand. “I appreciate you wanting to help, but I have to do this alone,” he says firmly.
She frowns. “But why? I can be there for you—I want to be there for you.”
Duran shakes his head. “This isn’t just some mission, Octavia. It’s personal. If anything went wrong, I couldn’t live with myself if you got caught up in it.”
Octavia looks down, gripping his hand tighter. “But what if something happens to you?”
He lifts her chin with his fingers, looking straight into her eyes. “I promise you, I’ll be back. No matter what.”
She searches his gaze, seeing nothing but certainty. After a long pause, she sighs and nods. “Fine… but if you don’t come back, I swear I’ll find a way to drag your ass back myself.”
Duran chuckles, pulling her into an embrace. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”
They hold each other under the stars, knowing that when the sun rises, Duran will be walking into the unknown—but with the promise of returning to the one person who gave him a reason to fight.