Xin Zhao sighed as he gazed at the setting sun, its rays splashing the countryside with a radiant glow. At least here, in the West tower of the Institute, he could obtain the solace he so desperately sought after.

A few moments more, and Xin's brow furrowed. The sun's crest began to vanish along the horizon, and as night slowly crept along the lands, a shadow of doubt began to grow in Xin's mind.

What if he doesn't come? What if something happened?

Xin turned, deep in thought, and almost collided with the tall figure that stood at the top of the stairs. His face immediately lit up in delight.

"Jarvan! I thought y-"

"Hey you. Sorry I'm late." Jarvan replied, slowly drawing Xin into a hug.

"I…got worried for a second there." Xin said, looking up into Jarvan's eyes.

Jarvan gazed down at Xin for a few moments before breaking into a wide grin.

"Well I can promise you won't forget tonight for quite some time. I've got something I want you to see, anyway!" Jarvan grabbed Xin's hand, leading him down the tower and outside, toward the garden.

Xin could barely mouth a single word of protest before he was whisked off. He knew Jarvan had this all planned out, he always did. He would offer some grand theatric and flatter Xin, as he did in the past. It was charming, really, and he loved it….but there was always some element of sincerity that he felt was missing. Considering that intrigue was what attracted them to each other in the first place, Xin couldn't help opening himself up to his new boyfriend.

As the pair entered the garden, Jarvan took Xin up a small cobblestone path, and sat down near a fountain. The moon had begun its nightly ascent, and light glimmered over the water, dimly illuminating the pair as they sat in each other's embrace.

Xin was expecting fireworks, maybe some sort of flashy Demacian pyrotechnics.

Jarvan simply removed his helmet, ran his fingers through Xin's hair, and kissed him.

As Xin came back to reality, he realized there were no surprises. Just him and Jarvan, enjoying every minute with each other, without distractions.

And then Jarvan smirked in a way that only a prince could, leaned in close to Xin's ear, and said,

"If you're wondering what the surprise is, you'll have to wait until later tonight. But I'll have you know that you're not the only one skilled with a spear."