June 15th, 1998.
Jasen's birthday.
The day had been a whirlwind of calls, cards, texts, and unexpected gifts. Marvin had stopped by earlier with a bottle of expensive bourbon, saying it was from the whole RPD station. Rebecca had shown up with a custom-made book of notes and data—the culmination of their viral compatibility research bound in leather, even embossed with his initials.
Robert Kendo gave him a newly modified sidearm—matte black, laser sights, and personalized engravings. Even the Birkins had called in to wish him a good year, Sherry shouting a cheerful, "Happy Birthday, Uncle J!" over the phone.
But none of that compared to what Jasen had planned for the night.
He had celebrated the evening before with everyone—friends, drinks, laughter, and stories shared well into the night.
But today?
Today was for Jill.
She didn't know what he had in mind. Just that they were driving out of town.
By early evening, they arrived at the hotel—a sleek, modern luxury resort tucked into the edge of a private mountain range overlooking a scenic valley. A high-rise of privacy and prestige.
Jasen pulled into the valet, and as they stepped out, Jill looked up in stunned silence.
"You got this place?" she asked.
Jasen grinned. "Suite. Top floor. Balcony with a view."
Jill turned to him with narrowed eyes. "You're ridiculous."
"No," he said, guiding her gently toward the lobby. "I'm lucky."
They checked in, dropped their bags, and within the hour were out again—first to the spa where Jill got her hair done in short cascading curls with soft framing around her face, followed by Jasen getting a fresh edge-up with just enough flair to keep his low fade clean and tight. Then came the surprise shopping trip.
Jill picked out a slim, deep blue cocktail dress—tight around the waist with a thigh-high slit, the neckline just low enough to show off her collarbone and curves while keeping it elegant. Paired with silver heels and a soft nude lip, she looked like danger wrapped in silk.
Jasen, on the other hand, went for classic confidence. A black button-down with the top two buttons undone, sleeves rolled just enough to show his toned forearms. Tailored charcoal pants, matte black dress boots, and a subtle gold chain resting against his chest.
"It's your birthday," Jill teased as they stepped out of the elevator, "but I'm the one being spoiled."
"This is what I want," Jasen said, taking her hand. "So thank you for going along with my selfish desires."
Jill laughed softly, pulling close to whisper. "You're lucky you're so damn handsome."
The restaurant was nestled on a cliffside overlooking a lake, candlelight glinting off the water like scattered stars. A string quartet played soft jazz in the background, and every table was occupied by couples or families wrapped in their own little worlds.
They sat near the window, the city lights behind them shimmering like constellations.
They ordered wine. Jill got a steak glazed in red wine butter; Jasen chose blackened salmon with wild truffle risotto.
As they sipped their drinks and the food arrived, their conversation turned quiet, genuine.
"Do you think we'll still be doing this a year from now?" Jill asked, playing with her wine glass stem.
"You mean dinner dates or dodging bioweapons?"
She smiled. "Both."
Jasen leaned back in his chair, watching her. "I don't know what the world will look like by then. But I know who I want next to me."
Jill blinked, caught off-guard. Her eyes softened. "That might be the best thing anyone's ever said to me."
The waiter came by to top off their drinks, and offered to take a photo. Jasen handed over the hotel camera. They leaned in close, Jill kissing his cheek as he smiled, both framed by candlelight and skyline.
A perfect moment.
They returned to the suite around midnight. Jill kicked off her heels the moment the door shut, sighing with relief and stretching.
Jasen laughed, loosening the buttons on his shirt.
She looked at him over her shoulder. "Hey... I have one more gift for you."
He raised a brow. "Yeah?"
Jill walked over slowly, hips swaying with practiced confidence, her eyes gleaming with something electric.
"But first," she whispered, leaning up into his ear, "you have to do one more thing for me."
He turned to look at her. Her cheeks were flushed, pupils darkened with intent. Her breath against his neck sent a chill down his spine.
"Let me make you feel good," she whispered.
He swallowed, heart thudding.
Jill stepped back, slowly lifting the hem of her dress, revealing the toned line of her thigh and the lace edge of her thong. She led him by the hand toward the bed, her heels clinking softly on the floor as she walked backward.
Jasen followed silently, drawn to her like a man possessed.
As she unzipped her dress and it dropped at her feet, she smiled.
And then, the lights dimmed.