Frank was nervous. It wasn't an official mission, or even a particularly dangerous one. He wouldn't be assessed on his performance for the purposes of promotion or suspension. More importantly, he'd be in Stella's company, and since the last victory over KORPS, he and Stella had run MI9 so efficiently that everyone swore they could read each other's minds.
But this mission was possible the most important mission that Frank had ever taken on. He'd been working up the courage for months to do this, and there was no way he would give in to fear now.
It was the waiting part that was the worst. Frank was fairly sure that the mission would be a huge success, but at the same time, the uncertainty and the possibility of failure plagued his mind.
Stella came out of her office and smiled at him, looking amused that he'd actually worn a tuxedo. They'd be undercover tonight as a couple on a date, and Frank had to admit that it would indeed be like a date. But this was so much more than an ordinary date.
Stella wore in a long, deep blue dress and she'd curled her hair for the occasion. Around her neck was her favourite necklace: a simple shooting star and a gift from Frank. She slipped her hand into Frank's and they set off for the target restaurant.
The meal was delicious, but Frank was rather distracted by the mission at hand, and Stella's stunning appearance did not help his focus. Stella, on the other hand, was completely composed and the "date" went as perfectly as it could go.
The real part of the mission was after dinner, and the target location was the dimly lit path near the river. Hand in hand, Frank and Stella took to a stroll along the path, basking in the moonlight and listening to the lyrical rush of the water in the river.
As the reached the crest of a hill, Frank knew that this was the climax of the mission. This particular location had been specifically chosen by Frank. The moonlight reflected off the river to create patterns of light on the path, and the area was sufficient bright for the mission requirements.
Frank had been nervous up until this point, but now felt a sense of calm as he engaged his mind for the task at hand. He removed the gadget from his pocket, a small black box, and, turning to face Stella, dropped onto one knee.
Stella's hands flew to her mouth in surprise and delight as Frank opened the box to reveal a sapphire ring that glistened in the moonlight. The edges of the gem had been carefully cut to resemble a many-pointed star.
Tears sprung to Stella's eyes as Frank spoke his well-rehearsed lines. "Stella, I love you and I always will. Will you marry me?"
"Yes."
Frank stood up as Stella threw herself into his arms. He held her tightly to his chest and could feel her tears of happiness soak his shirt. As Frank slowly registered Stella's response and began to glow with joy, his eyes began to sting with tears as well.
Eventually, Stella pulled back and allowed Frank to place the ring onto her left hand, sliding it up her finger where it rested snugly in its new home.
Stella looked up at Frank, tears glistening in her eyes. "I love you too," she said. "Always will."
As their lips met, a billion memories washed across them both. They recalled their first meeting as young agents, and the shy glances leading up to the first date. They thought of the missions they worked on together and they regularly risked their lives for each other. Then there was the KORPS assault, the pain and the nightmares, and the years of separation, pretending that they didn't need each other. Most of all, they remembered the recent years as they reignited the spark between them, defeated KORPS and rebuilt MI9 together in love and trust.
They separated from the kiss, gasping for breath, jubilant smiles on their faces. The future had never looked so beautiful.
Overall, a successful mission, Frank thought, now for the follow-up mission: planning a wedding.