Orion lay flat against the cool metal of the rooftop, his body shrouded in the shadow of a water tower. The weight of the sniper rifle pressed against his shoulder, his finger hovering near the trigger. Through the scope, the bustling city below seemed oddly silent. Lights from the politician's convoy spilled onto the street as the man exited the armored car. Orion's lips curved into a faint, detached smirk. Politicians always thought they were untouchable.

The target paused, shaking hands with his entourage. Orion adjusted his aim, the crosshairs resting on the man's chest. The earpiece crackled. His handler's voice came through, sharp and clinical.

"Take the shot. Now."

He exhaled, steadying his hand. But just as he prepared to squeeze the trigger, a faint whizz sliced through the air. The politician stumbled, blood blooming on his pristine suit like a grotesque flower. The man crumpled to the ground.

Orion blinked, his finger frozen on the trigger. The crowd below erupted in chaos, bodyguards scrambling, civilians screaming. Yet, none of that mattered. His trained eyes scanned the scene beyond the scope. There-on the adjacent rooftop-he saw the faint glint of another rifle barrel retracting into the shadows.

A knowing smile crept across his face. He didn't need confirmation. He recognized the efficiency of that kill, the signature precision that only one person possessed. His lover. You.

"Well, well," he murmured under his breath, shifting to a crouch and slinging his rifle over his shoulder. He leaned against the edge of the rooftop, his sharp eyes scanning the darkened skyline. A low whistle escaped his lips, an amused glint lighting up his gaze.

"Damn," he muttered, his voice rich with admiration and humor. "Sexy as ever."

Orion tilted his head back, letting the cool night air brush against his face. It wasn't every day someone stole his kill -and looked so good doing it. But you? You always had a way of surprising him.