Song: FlowerCHiiLD

Artist: Willie Hyn feat. Musiq Soulchild

Album: 13 Roses

Genre: Neo-Soul, Alternative R&B

Couple: Raven & Tatyana, aka Master Raven (Tekken)

Another day, another late night crusade.

Tatyana, otherwise known as Master Raven, unlocked her front door and shuffled her way inside. Her workload had considerably lessened over the past few months, with the war finally coming to an end. That didn't stop the mounting paperwork over her office desk.

Court dates, witnesses, leads, you name it.

The first thing Tatyana wanted to do after these tedious tasks were head to the nearest lounge and unwind. She could count on her hand how many times she let her hair down for a night, hell, go out on the town and enjoy what New York had to offer. Alas, the job as a UN agent never was easy.

Unwinding from the monotonous day, Tatyana changed into an oversized shirt and sweatpants before sitting on the living room couch. She had a cup of water in her left hand, a tv remote in the other surfing through channels. Rarely anything of note was on during this Friday evening. Yet, what was on television didn't have her attention as her guest should be arriving shortly.

Her phone began to vibrate - right on schedule.

Picking up the device, Tatyana saw the text message that read, I'm here.

She sent a reply. Door's unlocked. Secure it after you enter.

A few moments later, Raven walked in with his usual mission garb. "Evening, Ty."

Tatyana smiled after hearing her nickname. "I'm surprised you didn't just teleport in here."

"Wouldn't have been using my manners. Plus, I didn't know if you were finishing a shower or getting dressed."

Her eyes rolled. "Chivilarous as usual."

"Always." Raven sat next to her. "The usual?"

"Same stuff, different day. Though there was an interesting comedy showing," she replied. "Any problems out in the field?"

"None to speak of. Pretty quiet, which is a relief."

"Hmm." Tatyana paused. "Busy tonight?"

Raven raised an eyebrow. "Depends on what you're asking."

Excusing herself, Tatyana disappeared behind her kitchen to retrieve what looked to be a flyer. "Downtown bar that opened last week."

He glanced over the flimsy paper, hearing about the new establishment from acquaintances while out and about. It had been some time since Raven had been able to relax and welcome a night out.

"Don't tell me this is another undercover mission," Raven guessed.

Tatyana shot him a glare. "No. It's something for us to do that doesn't involve work."

Raven pondered it for a moment. "Well, it would be a nice change of pace."

"See? That's better. And I already have an attire picked out."

"You thought this out, didn't you?'

"And what if I did?"

He put his hands up in mock surrender. "You win. I suppose I should go home and change."

"Be here in an hour or so. I'll be taking a shower and should be ready by the time you're done."

With a wordless nod, Raven left out the door. Tatyana sighed. She's waited for the right opportunity for something like this to happen. No work, no villains, nor fieldwork. Just her and Raven together.

Like they've always been.

An hour later:

Raven arrived within the hour as promised, looking quite dapper in a fitted gray dress shirt and nice dress slacks. He honestly couldn't remember the last time he wore anything besides his ninja gear. A trip to some clothing stores was needed after tonight if his closet was any indication.

He knocked on the front door. "It's me."

The entrance opened, and Raven found himself frozen in place.

Tatyana stepped out in a sheer black clubbing dress that reached just below her calves, hugging her curves in all the right places. Her hair, customarily bunched into a ponytail, was let down around her face, stray bangs framing her left eye. Light makeup surrounded her eyes and just a tad on both cheeks.

"What do you think?" Tatyana asked, hoping for his honest opinion.

Her agent slowly nodded. "You look amazing, Ty."

She gave a smirk. "First time I heard you use that word. Here I was hoping it was a bit much."

"Not at all."

"Well, thank you, Raven."

"Of course." He held a hand out. "Shall we?"

Another smile, this one sincere and without cheekiness, graced Tatyana as she accepted his gesture and allowed Raven to lead her to his car. Nothing expensive, a 2020 midnight black Nissan Maxima - a most fitting color. He opened her door and made sure she was inside comfortably before getting in the driver's side and drove to their destination.

As expected, the grand opening of this new lounge did not disappoint. The soft noir of Jazz music filled the building, setting a calm, serene atmosphere to which the Raven' preferred. The looks Tatyana received from many eyes did little to deter her from having a good time, especially since her arm glomped onto Raven. He also got his fair share of flirtatious glances from various women but paid them no mind.

For most of the evening, the two agents sat at their reserved table indulged in conversation away from the UN. Yes, it was a job each took seriously, but even they had to decompress every so often. The sound and comfort made this the perfect... date?

Neither Tatyana nor Raven knew what to call this exactly. A get-together? Stress reliever? An excuse to drink? There wasn't a clear answer from either side, though it wasn't necessary. What did matter was that they were here enjoying each other's company.

Raven stole a glance at his partner and realized the beauty she held. Not once did it cross his mind just how elegant and radiant Tatyana actually was, a far cry from their childhood days. They protected each other from then until now and vowed to continue doing so. The same thoughts ran through Tatyana's mind, her daiquiri barely touched. It didn't take a lot of effort on her part to convince him to attend this gathering. Yet, she wondered why he was inclined to accept. Raven didn't owe her anything.

Perhaps...

(Start Song: Could not find the lyrics anywhere)

Raven decided to take a chance, offering his hand to his date. "Would you like to dance?"

Tatyana stared at the invitation. "I do."

Fingers slowly interlocked, an influx of emotions rushing to the forefront. Raven led Tatyana to the middle of the floor, where other couples were huddled nearby. Cautiously, he placed a hand on her waist. The other was still holding onto her hand as they swayed in perfect step and unison, never straying from her ebony eyes. Unable to help herself, Tatyana leaned in closer, her head against his chest, pulling him closer to her.

Time seemed to stand still. Not once did either ninja feel this close to anyone despite entertaining other people. No connection on Earth could compare to what was shared in this setting.

Tatyana almost wanted to laugh at this predicament, being swept off her feet. But it happened, and she couldn't find it in her heart to complain or scoff. Raven cherished this more than a successful mission, knowing he and his superior were entering uncharted territory. It was dangerous in the long run, yet he refused to let this chance slip away.

"Tatyana..."

The murmur of her name caused Tatyana to gaze deeply into his eyes. "Yes...?"

"I've..." He struggled to find the right words. "...enjoyed myself tonight. And I... hope you did as well."

As if some magnetic force was at hand, Tatyana found herself inching closer to him, more specifically, his lips. Raven stood mesmerized at the sight of her half-lidded eyes as his lips were enveloped by her own.

Not letting his surprise show, Raven accepted it and soon became lost in her embrace, Tatyana's arms circling around his neck. The feeling was comfortable and not awkward as some first kisses were. It almost felt... familiar.

Reluctantly, Tatyana moved away. "I did, Raven. More than you ever know."

For the of the rarest occasions, Raven smiled. "I'm glad. Shall we continue?"

Tatyana's own smile grew. "Yes. Then..." She leaned in to whisper in his ear. "...you're taking me home."