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Laughter filled the chilled February air in downtown London. It was late afternoon as the young, oddly paired couple walked through the park. They ignored the stares they received.
(Name) knew when she agreed to a date with Lau that it was uncommon, near unheard of in modern day London for an English woman to be seen as romantically linked with a Chinese man, no matter how well off he was. But she didn’t care. She had met him once at a party her cousin was having. Her cousin was wanting to get in good with Lau to try and ply trade in the East End. Lau was less than receptive.
She didn’t mourn that cousin’s death. He had been given charge of her when her parents died and was planning on marrying her off to some cruel bastard that he was associated with. Thankfully when Lau killed her cousin...that bastard was ‘collateral damage’.
Well at least that’s what Lau claimed...even to this day that was how he recalled it to others.
But she knew, one look in his amber eyes she knew.
He had seen her with that man and she had been introduced not only as the host’s cousin but as that man’s fiancée. Lau didn’t seem to like that. When she remembered it she could still picture the way his smile had dropped just subtly enough that anyone less observant than she wouldn't have noticed. But she had. He had eliminated both of their headaches that night.
It was only chance that they ran into each other a second time. She was at a seamstresses storefront that was dangerously close to the East End for someone of her status to be visiting when the girl that traveled with Lau everywhere appeared to pick up something for herself. (Name) remembered her name as Ran Mau, Lau had referred to her as his sister.
She wasn’t going to say anything, but Ran Mau spoke up, noticing her look of curiosity as they were left alone when the shopkeeper went to gather up their things. She mentioned that Lau often mused about her, hoping she was doing well. (Name) said she had been doing better since her cousin and finance were now underground. Ran Mau chuckled softly at her blunt words.
They spent about half an hour chatting and when they left Lau was waiting outside for Ran Mau. (Name) felt her cheeks flush at how he looked over at her with a smile. He recognized her quickly and chuckled at what a small world it was.
He ratcheted up his natural flirtation after a moment, making Ran Mau roll her eyes. After a short few moments of casual conversation she had agreed to getting a cup of tea with him the next afternoon.
That had been a year ago and they had been happily dating ever since. And today was his birthday. She gripped his arm as they reached their destination. The art museum was having a special exhibit on ancient Chinese art and the pair thought it made a nice date idea and she thought it would be nice for his birthday to teach her more about his culture. He had adapted to and learned so much about her country’s culture...she felt it only fair to become more worldly and learn about his.
They walked through the displays of intricate silks and gorgeous vases along with statues of creatures of legends she had never heard before that Lau was only too happy to discuss and teach her about. She kissed his cheek as they looked at a lovely ancient silk robe worn by an old ruler. He looked over at her and smiled widely.
“What was that for, love of my life?” He murmured.
“I just love you.” She breathed and pecked his lips, “Happy birthday, Lau.”
“I’m sure you will make it even happier when we get back home, won’t you?” He purred against her lips.
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” She purred right back and kissed him once