Grace went on to finish her school. The summers and winter breaks were used for her many different dancing parts in multiple ballets. She followed that dream till the end and even further when she graduated. Grace was a star in many different ballets, and kept that going even after her and Shang got married. He was the greatest support system she could ever ask for. Grace did it, she found someone to help her see the greatest in herself and to love her for who she was. Each day she learned to love herself just a little more, just as he loved her. She made the full circle from self hate, to self love.
When she started to have children she slowed down. Her dream of opening her own dance studio happened. “Li Studio’s” was very busy at all times, and Grace loved them all just as she did her seven beautiful children, twins and all. Living life on a farm and owning her own dance studio kept her very busy for the rest of her life tucked away in the middle of no where with Shang.
Grace knew the kids were hurting just as much as Shang and herself over the loss of Yong Qi, and Daisy. Yong Qi had always been a hurt part of Grace’s life, as well as her relationship with Shang. Daisy, just added to it when Grace decided she needed a pup thinking she’d never have the chance to ever be with Shang again.
“Alright! Now that we have everyone here.” Grace said as she mentally did a headcount to ensure all the kids were sitting in front of them. “Your father and I would like to tell you something.” Grace looked over at Shang for some sort of moral support before taking in a deep breath and grinning at her little ones. “We’re gonna have another baby!” Of course, Grace was over the moon over it. Having another baby was just her way of getting over the loss of her first two fur babies.Also, baby fever was hitting the girl pretty hard now that the young ones were growing older. Regardless of the puppies they left behind, they also left a gigantic hole in her heart.
The emotions were mixed. The older children of course understood a lot more than the younger ones about what had happened to Yong Qi and Daisy, while the younger ones just giggled, or threw a dramatic sigh out. It was Chastity, their oldest, who voiced her opinion loud and clear. “Seriously? Another one? Another child isn’t going to bring Yong Qi, or Daisy back.” With that a huff was left from their child who rolled her eyes just the way her mother would as she took off to her room.
Shang moved first. Of course he would, Chastity was a ‘Daddy’s Girl’ without a doubt like him in every single way. Though, that being said Grace knew what she needed to feel better. Setting a hand on his chest she shook her head looking up at him. “I’ve got this one.” She gave him a small peck on his cheek before following after Chastity.
As Grace reached her door her mind raced back to the times she herself would lock everyone out when she didn’t feel like dealing with the plate of emotions she kept to herself. The times she would lock Denahi out, and her mother. Knocking softly she turned the handle and pushed. At least Chastity was smart enough not to try and lock the door. “Chastity… sweetheart, can I come in?” She asked poking her head in to find her daughter’s nose already stuck between the pages of a book.
“I’m studying.” she replied not bothering to look up.
With a heavy sigh Grace walked in and sat at the foot of her bed. “Chastity.. Can we talk please?” She asked her hand lifted to pull the book from her daughter to get her attention.
“Mom..” She whined out crossing her arms.
“I will give you the book back after you talk to me for a little bit, deal?” Grace gave a small smile as she sat the book down on Chastity’s nightstand. Shifting her body weight to lay next to her. “I know you’re hurting over the dogs. Trust me, I understand. You were with them the longest - and Yong Qi is easy to make best friends with. But I also know… there is a lot more in that head of yours than just losing the pups and being upset about the baby. What’s wrong?”
Chastity sank more into the bed looking away from her mother. Who’s arms have already started the pull on the little girl. Giving him she turned and hide her face into her mother.
Grace held her breath, waiting for the wet feeling on her shirt, though when nothing happened to let out a sigh and rubbing her back softly.
“I .. You and dad keep having these babies and I’m scared you’ll just forget about me. I’m gone at school most the time, and they get to stay at home with you. And since I’m the oldest I always have to set the perfect example or everyone will be disappointed in me.” Grace’s heart broke a little hearing her - though it did bring a small resemblance to a very dear friend to the family. Her God Father to be exact. “...Now Yong Qi and Daisy are gone and they were my best friends.”
Grace sighed softly holding her little girl tighter. “Chas.. there is not a chance in the world that your father and I will ever forget about you. You’re our first, the original baby Li, and we could never ever be more proud of you.”Hugging her closely she pressed a small kiss on her forehead. “We love you to the moon and back, and always will. I don’t care how old you are, you’re always going to be our baby girl.” Smiling down at her she kept her hand moving against her back. “You also have no idea how much you mean to your father. When you were a baby - I was playing with you on the ground and I noticed you had your first tooth. I didn’t know what to do! I just started screaming and jumping around, of course out of excitement, but your father… pretty sure he had a heartattack. He’s fast, and well built, but I never ever in my life seen him more so quickly and look so scared. You’re the world to us, don’t ever think you’re anything less. Each of you have a piece of us, and are all special and loved in your own ways.”
Chastity rolled her eyes pulling back to look up at Grace. “You and dad are so dramatic, it was a tooth mom.”
Grace let out a roaring laughter as she herself rolled her eyes right back at Chastity. At least she would know where it came from.
“I just.. Want to make you guys proud, and not have it get lost.” She admitted softly clinging back to her mom.
“We know. And we are beyond words proud of you. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of children. Now…” she said with a growing grin. “Do I need to tickle to yuck out of you, or are you feeling better?” Grace said with wiggling fingers against Chas’s side.
“Mom… no.” She said with a serious face, all too much like her father. “I’m fine. But can you just lay here with me.”
Grace had to fight back the aw that wanted to leave her as she nodded pulling the blanket up over them. “Of course, sleepovers are my favorite.”
Grace spent the rest of the night laughing and talking with her eldest. They talked about almost everything until conversations started to slow, and the two of them shut their eyes for the rest of the night. Shang would come along to say his goodnights, and tuck in the rest of the Li’s - only to find the two of them snuggled up and asleep.Tucking in his girls he pressed a small kiss on their foreheads watching both their brows frown and nuzzle back into the blankets at the small disturbance.
Grace was a little sad she couldn’t be holding Shang’s hand or something to calm her nerves with having to break the news to her mother. Being the only child, Grace was the baby- of course her mother was going to be emotional. Grace knew those emotions enough already and she had only been knowingly carrying a few weeks.
Knocking softly she opened the door with a grin already plastered on her face. Grace was completely horrible at trying to keep a secret. “Mom?” She yelled out and heard a small drop, most likely a spoon of some sorts from the kitchen. Grace didn’t, nor could she, wait for her mother to make her way into the living room. “Mom... “ she said again with a cheesy grin across hr face.
“Oh! Grace! I wasn’t expecting you!” Her mother didn’t waste much time in hugging her tightly. “How are you? Everything alright? Shang treating you good still?” Grace couldn’t hold back the eye roll.
“Mom… it’s been nearly five years of being completely spoiled and loved. I doubt Shang will ever give up on trying to make things up to me, and make up for lost time. Stop worrying about that.” Taking in a deep breath she nodded. “Everything is going great… just wonderful” How did someone break the news to their mother that their little girl was about to have her own little girl?”
“I’m glad to hear that, lovebug. So, why the special visit?” She asked knowing her daughter well enough to know that grin on her face meant a little something else.
“Oh.. just.. What arte you cooking?” Grace said with a nervous smile on her face. Finding her head wondering to the thought of how Shang was giving the news. Most likely a lot smoother than this.
“Grace…”
Grinning she took in another deep breath. “Well.. mom.. Uh.” Grace let out a squeal before jumping a little. “I’m pregnant! We’re gonna have a baby.” She said before covering her mouth to hold in another squeal. Biting her lip she watched her mother’s reaction carefully.
“Wha… I’M GOING TO BE A GRANDMA?!” Mama Thorne jumped just as much as Grace did as she grinned from ear to ear lightly putting her hands on Grace’s stomach. “Oh sweet Merlin… my baby’s all grown up.” Grace looked up from her stomach to see her mother was crying and playfully rolled her eyes. “So dramatic mother.”
Marrying your best friend had many perks. One being waking up next to them, and being able to do little things just to see a small smile on their face. Grace wasted no time beating Shang to the kitchen that morning letting him get the bed to himself to stretch out and have a last hour of perfect sleep. Humming to herself she danced around the kitchen making pancakes, eggs, bacon- the whole breakfast and some. Off in her own world she didn’t catch her other half leaned against the doorframe watching her with a small smile.
Turning as she slid the pancakes on a nearby plate she practically jumped from her own skin. “Shang! What are you doing!?” She squealed a small annoyance bubbling that he was ruining her adorable idea of breakfast in bed. “You are not very quite while cooking, Grace.” Rolling her eyes she huffed turning to finish making his plate with a pout over her lips. “Oh, Do not be so grumpy. I am still very happy to have you make me breakfast.” Grace just rolled her eyes even more making sure he watched. Grace handed him the plate before her stomach flipped. Was she about to be sick? “I.. Um.. I’m running late?” She spoke between fighting her insides down. Grace didn’t want Shang hovering over her as she was sick. Gosh, no. She was trying to be cute all morning, what kind of cute moment would that bring? Watching his brow raise she pecked his lips softly. “The studio is calling me!” She sang out as she bolted to the bathroom.
Grace turned on the water to drown out the sound of her leaned over the toilet. Groaning she pulled herself up and brushed her teeth. Looking at her complexion she didn’t look green, or clammy. Putting the back of her hand against her forehead she didn’t feel hot either. Frowning she stood still for a moment waiting to see if she was going to be sick again. Nothing. Taking in a deep breath she shook it off. Maybe she just ate something that didn’t settle with her the night before? Looking over at the clock she jumped. The girl really was running late and it was far too late to call in someone to take over her 10 a.m. class. Grace ran around the room like a chicken with her head cut off.
With her bad over her shoulder she leaned down and gave Yong Qi a kiss on the nose, patting Daisy who was curled up next to him. “You cuties” She laughed a little before finding Shang to give him a quick kiss goodbye. She used tons of mouthwash he was safe. “I’ll be back in a few hours.” She smiled and was off for the day.
“Mrs.Li..” a girl from her class walked up to her on their break for the lesson. She looked so concerned. Sitting on her stool, Grace frowned reaching out for her. “Hi, Susan… you alright?” She asked softly trying to keep hush unless the other girl heard something they shoulder. After all a bunch of 13-15 year old girls could be the worst of them all.
“I..” Grace kept quiet her eyes darting behind her to watch the others every once in awhile. “I.. I think I started… I um.. The girl thing..” She said softly. Instantly Grace’s eyes went wide and she knew what Susan was talking about. “... and I don’t have.. Anything.”
Grace nodded and quickly moved to her purse. “It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, Susan. It means you’re a woman now.. You know why you have these right?” Susan shook her head and Grace bit the inside of her cheek. Would it be wrong to give the girl a small reasoning before her own mother? “Well.. you at least know what they are.. I take it your mother told you or you have and older sister.” Grace said as she fumbled through her purse pulling out a few things that could help her. “It just means you’re not preg..” It hit. Grace was sick this morning, these pads and tampons have been in here for… what seemed like forever. Trying to think quickly but still give Susan an explanation she felt her heart start to race. Grace couldn’t pin point being on her period last month, let a alone the one she was suppose to have last week. “Pregnant… it means you’re not pregnant.” Grace said with a small laugh as she covered her mouth feeling a few tears perk up in her eyes.
Setting a hand on her stomach she gave Susan a smile. “It’s..your mom should be giving you this talk. I know if I had a little girl I would want to be the one to teach her about becoming a woman.” The grin on her face could be seen for miles as she looked down at her hand on her stomach. Maybe she just would have that little girl. Grace just needed to see her mother, and fast. “Here… I’ll help you escape this little nightmare okay?” Grace took her hand and gave it a soft squeeze as she stood. “Class is over early today ladies.” She winked at Susan as she turned around to start gathering her stuff. “Mrs.Li… are you okay?” Susan asked completely confused to why her teacher almost started to cry and was now calling off class.
Sniffling she nodded rather quickly. “I’m fine, really I’m… very happy. I just know you probably want to hide in bed with some chocolate and shower. We’ve all been there, just take some time today to figure this all out okay, sweetie?” Susan looked at her like she was crazy and just nodded quickly hiding the things Grace gave her as she made her way towards her bag shoving them away as she left the classroom. As her students packed up and were talking among themselves Grace started to pace. What if Shang wasn’t ready for kids? Would he be just as excited? Grace knew he always said he wanted a lot of kids, but never when he wanted a lot of kids. Biting on her lip she started to think how to tell him. How was grace suppose to tell Shang she was pregnant? She shook her head with a giggle as she rubbed her stomach. Of course she didn’t know for sure… but she had a very strong feeling.
Grace waited for the studio to clear before shutting all the curtains and locking the doors to rush to the store to get a test. The girls little legs couldn’t move her quick enough as she ran back to the studio to take it. At first she debated running home and having her mother help her, but Grace wanted Shang to be the first to know. Grace honestly was afraid to tell shang there was possibility and have it not be true. Of course , she was going to tell him about taking the test regardless of the results. Though her heart was pounding with the possibility that it could be true. Doing all the business she let the stick sit as she did everything she possible could in the few moments. “Bloody hell.” She grumbled as she found it impossible to just sit still as she paced the ground watching and checking every two seconds if there was anything.
Out of the corner of her eyes she saw a pink flash moving over the white stick. Squealing she picked it up. There it was, a little pink plus across the small screen. Covering her mouth the emotions came rushing right back as she started to cry softly in the studio bathroom. Looking down she laughed softly. “Hi baby.” Biting her lip she couldn’t stop the tears on her cheeks. Grace was having his baby, their baby. “... you’re so loved already, it’s crazy.” She laughed feeling a bit crazy to feel so much love in such a split second for something she didn’t even know was there a few hours ago. “Time to tell your father though, I’m sorry for all the crying I’m about to do.”
As Grace made her way inside she smiled stuffing a few things she bought away and out of his sight. “Shang… Shang I know you’re home.. Can you come here please?” She said as she started to set up her little plan. It was cheesy, and stupid, but adorable nothing less. At least she thought so, and as the pregnant one, what she said went. Shang would certainly be smart enough to know that much. At least she hoped. Tapping her finger impatiently she waited for what felt like forever. This might be worst than the pregnancy test itself. As Shang came around the corner into the kitchen she didn’t waste a moment to wrap her arms around his neck and kiss him with a grin. “Hi.” he laughed as she pulled away. Grace didn’t bother to answer him as she sat him down. “So! I need your help to tell me which of this sauces or whatever taste the best. Though I know one is you favorite so you have to be blindfolded so you don’t just say that one, got it?”
Shang laughed shaking his head. “Grace.. Do we have to do this right now? You just got home. Do you not want to just sit and relax?” Rolling her eyes at him she shook her head with a grin on her face as she pulled the blindfold over his eyes. “Trust me, you’ll enjoy this. But stop talking! I need to know which one you like the best.” Grace grinned as she placed three jars in front of her. One was apple sauce, another was vanilla pudding, and lastly banana baby food. She never told him why type of sauce, or what it was for, so she at least tried to make them sweet and enjoyable. “Okay, open your mouth!” She ordered as she took a spoonful of the applesauce. Grace waited, as she saw the opening she grinned from ear to ear setting the spoon in his mouth. “Okay…. This is the first one.” Biting her lip she sat back and watched him.
“Apple sauce… okay…” Shang said looking as if he was making notes of it in his head.
“Ready for the second?” She asked her voice rising in excitement as it was almost time for the baby food. “Yes, Grace.” Laughing Shang was simply going along to make his wife happy. Little did he know this whole thing would make him the happy one. “Open.” She said as she lightly set a hand under his chin to lead the spoon in trying her best not to laugh or let the pudding fall off the spoon. “Oo… pudding? What kind of sauce are you trying to make?”
Grace just laughing and shook her head. “Just keep thinking of those two, but this one is the last okay?” The moment she let this spoon of baby food enter his mouth there was no going back. Grace couldn’t lie to him and just say it was a prank. Her legs shook a little bit with the nerves. Taking a deep breath though she tried her best to just keep calm, the baby would appreciate it she was sure. “R-Ready?” Her voice cracked a bit as she just bit her cheek hoping he’d just open his mouth and let her get this over with. Tapping her foot again she saw her opening and took it. “Alright…” She said as she stepped back. Grace instantly started to laugh at his facial expression. From what she heard banana was one of the best! Though his face knew it was something odd. “Grace… is this baby food? Why do we have baby ….” Watching the gears turn in his head Grace grin was growing hoping he would start to catch on. “...food… Grace who is going to eat baby food?” Shang’s light bulbs must have been going off as he pulled the blindfold off and moved closer to Grace. “Grace…”
Grinning her eyes were already filling with tears as she looked up at him. “Guess.” Was all she could say as she did her best to not hold her stomach and just give it away. The light shown brightly across her husband's face, “Are you….” Grace giggled with a nod as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. “I’m pregnant.” She mumbled through her happy tears into his chest.
Grace was as clam as she could be. Honestly, she knew she’d probably write out her vows on the limo ride to the venue… or just wing them on spot. Though she could tell her fiance was sweating it. Grace noticed the pacing around, the puzzled faces at random times - it was all adorable and she knew no matter what he said she’d fall in love a little more. Simply because he actually went along with it and tried.
As she looked down at their hands she tried her best to not cry as she listened to him speak. Her heart was fluttering too quickly to care about anyone else around them. All she could focus on was the man in front of her and the roller coaster they had been on. Once it was her turn to speak she cleared her throat a little trying her best to not get too emotional.
“Shang... “ She giggled already before biting her lip and looking up at him. “There was a time when I thought I lost you completely - your mother was almost certain I’d see the day were I would call you mine again… she was right obviously.” She mumbled knowing she was starting off on a ramble that wasn’t as well throught out as his. “Since the day you carried me home, I knew I needed you in my life. The night of the storm - I didn’t see it right away, but I knew our love story wasn’t over. I may have had to wait a little big longer for you - but it was worth it. I could have never loved someone the way I love you. I’ve watched you grow into an incredible man your father would be completely blown away by. I’m even more happy to say you’ve become more than the boy who told me what you were about - you turned into someone that can tell me who you are.” Biting her lip she grinned.
Shang finding who he was had been the highlight of her life with him. Mostly because she felt like she helped push him a little in the right directions. “You’ve made me feel every single emotion possible to a human being, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life feeling them all over again with you. You’re going to be an incredible husband.. And father someday. I’m beyond in love with you, here’s to forever.”
Shang shook his head, “You would,” Shang got up and grabbed some more food before returning to his seat. “And what would you do if you had a son first? Could he still take the dance classes?” Shang didn’t think it was customary for boys to take dance at such young an age but he was going to have fun messing with her anyway. It was his birthday.
“Spoiled,” Shang said sternly to her comment. “Spoiled. The both of them.” Yong Qi was still pretty well behaved. Daisy would fall in line soon enough. Or at least Shang hoped so.
Shang stood up and slipped his plate into the sink as he appraised his final gift, “Well, then. How about we get to that part of my present?”
Grace looked at him and nodded. “Of course! My little boy or girl will help me with classes. Can you imagine all the girls that would love our little boy if he was a pro dancer? I mean I have to make sure he doesn’t dance like his father.” She giggled scrunching her nose at him before blushing. “I mean.. if that’s in the cards for us or something..”
“Oh whatever! Loved!” She said back at him before she leaned against the counter looking up at him. “Zippers in the back..” She said softly as she turned around and pushed her hair out of the way.
“I will take whatever I get,” Shang rolled his eyes. He would prefer a son first but a daughter would be just as amazing. Kids in general would be nice in the not too distant future.it would certainly make things much easier on him at family functions. Although, he had a feeling that if he went through with the large brood he wanted, people would comment about it, too.
He had a feeling the eye rolls weren’t going to end. “I will take whatever food I can get.” Shang shoveled more food into his mouth as it fueled the empty pit that was his stomach.
“They have their own food,” Shang snapped his fingers and Yong Qi sat as Daisy watched Grace, “Spoiled dog.” He muttered under his breath.
“So, what else did you have planned for tonight?”
Grace giggled. “Good, cause if I had it my way in life I would have a little girl first. She’d be so cute all dressed up all the time. Seriously. She’d be adorable. And when she’s old enough little dance classes.” She sighed softly and lovingly at the thought It was everything she wanted and more someday. Even if she was at the age where her culture would already be starting the stay at home wife and mother thing. Which was creepy to think about.
Grace laughed hearing him. “You’ll just take a whole bunch of whatever you can get huh?” She giggled looking over at him. Grace leaned over and pressed a kiss to his forehead as she finished up her plate and started to get up to clean the kitchen a little. “Shh, they’re not spoiled, they’re loved.” She giggled.
“mm.. well. um.. I mean.. “ Grace looked down at her dress and than back up at him. “You know whats under this, you at least get to unwrap one more thing.” She teased with a small giggle.
“It is always a good thing,” He gave her a chipmunk cheeked grin as he pushed the food to his cheeks to reassure her any time spent in a kitchen with his mother was good. “There were many times she said she wished they had a girl.” Shang knew the comments were about having another child in addition to, and not meant to be a wish for a female replacement. “I will let her know you sent me.”
Hearing Grace call herself his girlfriend was wonderful. Single life wasn’t for him. It was fun, but the instability of it got him lost. He was much happier with Grace than he ever was without. “I still appreciate it. You are more than welcome to come and use my kitchen for your cooking needs.
“Do not even think about it, Grace,” He dropped his gaze from her to the dogs. “Do not feed them from the table.” He looked back at her, “You fed them scraps while you were cooking?” He watched her face to see the flicker of guilt that would surely come.
Grace watching him grin and reached over squishing his cheeks. “I’m glad you see it that way. I’m sure I can wiggle some deep dark embarrassing childhood stories of you. Maybe she’ll pull out the baby pictures. At least that’s what I hope for.” Grinning she looked over at him. “Guess you better cross all your fingers your first baby is a little girl.”
Laughing she nodded. “I’ll remember that. Maybe just surprise you with dinner from time to time so you’re not just eating all that take out. Seriously. I don’t care how many abs you have, that has to be taking it’s toll on you.” She mumbled before taking a bite.
Quickly her eyes jumped back to him. “What! No I wasn’t going to give them anything from the table... just maybe their own.. plate or something.” She quickly shoveled in more food and gave him an innocent grin. Nodding she looked anywhere but at Shang knowing it was going against everything he dose to train them.
Heath ducked into Privendel’s Parchments, nearly wanting to tear his hair out, and brushed the snow from his hair and the shoulders of his coat. Since classes were starting soon, or had started, or would be starting any day now, who really knew, the Hogwarts students had quickly begun to flood back into the school and onto the grounds. This, unfortunately, included Hogsmeade, and just after he had grown accustomed to relative silence in the village, too. How awful.
Equally as unfortunate, he had errands to run, but he could, at least, look forward to brief respites within the shops not as popular among the students. They couldn’t be avoided, of course, but shops like Privendel’s weren’t completely overrun, and that was all that mattered.
Grace was jumping trying her best to reach what she needed. Of course everything was over her head. She shouldn’t be all to surprised by this. Looking around she moved through a few isles to see if she could find a stool or really anything to lift her up. With a small frown she looked around again till she spotted someone tall. “Hi.. excuse me.. can you.. “ She pointed up to the box that was half out from her jumping efforts and gave him an innocent smile. “ Please.”
“You will walk out of that kitchen knowing more about Chinese cooking traditions than I do,” Shang laughed as he blew on the first bite of the Romani Goulash. “I will have to ask your mother to make me some if you are too busy at school.” The smell alone made Shang’s hunger deepen.
“Thank you,” Shang said after taking a few bites of the birthday dinner. “You did not have to. I appreciate it.” If it wasn’t for Grace it would be noodles and some take out from Hog’s Head, not that it was a bad alternative but nothing was better than home cooked food.
“Is that a bad thing?” She asked looking over at him. “I do need to learn how to cook more than the things my mother taught me. I’m sure your mother will love to teach her secrets to someone given she only had a boy.” She teased scrunching her nose up at him from her seat. “Please do. I’m sure it’ll make her day to have someone to cook for besides my father.”
“What kind of girlfriend would I have been if I didn’t at least try to do something special for you. Plus it’s nice! To be able to cook instead of baking. Also, the kitchen needed some love. I doubt you do much in there.” She laughed a bit as she ate. Her eyes going from Yong Qi to Daisy.
“You have to ask her,” He said with a shrug as he pulled a shirt over his head. he felt odd wearing it because when he was home, it was his domain to be in as little as he pleased but hot food on a bare chest didn’t seem all too appealing. “She has done them for my birthday for every year and even longer for the Lunar New Year. Maybe she is just tired and knows you can make them?”
He took a seat and drummed his fingers on the edge of the table. “So, what do you call what you made?” The only place to get Romani food in Hogsmeade was from either Grace or her mother so having her cook was like having a rare treat that he would love to devour in a heartbeat.
Grace nodded happily. “I would love to ask her about them. I’m sure she’d love to talk my ear off for hours about them, and make sure I know every traditional proper step to making them just right.” She laughed softly. Not that Grace really minded. She loved her time with Mama Li. “Aw, well.. I’ll figure it out. It’ll be fun to learn how to make them and stuff. I’ll be sure to only make them on those days though.”
Setting his plate in front of him and taking her seat she smiled over at him. “I wouldn’t exactly call this a Romani dish. It’s something that was sorta a modern twist to something older, but my mother makes it a lot. Calls it Romani Goulash. It’s like a chili with noodles and stuff. It’s good you’ll like it.” She laughed.
Shang realized his big boo-boo and shouted from the shower, “Make! I meant MAKE!” He slapped his face while under the water. He was thinking he hadn’t eaten them yet and it slipped. He was grateful he was in the shower because he was able to drown his mix up in the hot water.
Once out and wrapped in a towel he attempted to talk about the noodles. “The longevity noodles are a symbol of good luck. My mother makes them for my birthday and the Lunar New Year.” He walked over to where he stored them earlier, “See,” Shang opened the box and headed to the room to get dressed. He was starving and really wanted to dig into whatever Grace made.
“Whatever you say, Shang!” She shouted back at him with a small giggle. It was something she wasn’t going to just let slip and let him get away with. It was too funny to just ignore.
Hearing the shower end Grace jumped and wiggled to grab two plates from the cabinet moving ahead to start making his plate first and then hers. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him walking into the kitchen. “Ohh, that’s cute. There’s a special noodle for that!? Wait.. why do I have to make them? I mean not that mind, just.. wouldn’t your mother like to do that for you?” She said softly before looking at the box and then nodding. “Hurry up and get dressed! Dinner is ready.”
Shang tried to remember, “The first time I met you was at a party the day before my birthday.” He remembered it fairly well. It was a crazy night to say the least. It definitely changed his life, “Yeah, they change their waistline.” Shang joked. “I love Romani food.”
“Oh,” Shang poked his head out of the bathroom door, “My mother said that next year I have to ask you to eat my birthday noodles. It is sort of a big deal. So yeah,” He closed the bathroom door again and turned on the water for his shower.
Grace let her smile grow on her face looking up at him. “So what you’re saying is we can pretty much celebrate a one year, and your birthday!” She squealed a little bit before bringing herself back to normal. “What?! They do now. Only if people don’t understand how to work out.” She grumbled before grinning hearing he loved the food. “Good.”
Hearing him she looked over at him. “Eat your birthday noodles?” She giggled before wiggling her eyebrows. “Sure I’ll eat your birthday noodle.” Unable to stop herself she busted out laughing. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. You said it’s a bit deal. Okay, why is it so bi-” She heard the door close and sighed to herself before finishing up dinner.
“Nah, just not used to it,” He walked over and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Last year I did not make a big deal. I saw you a few days after and you made up for it since you did not know.” Sometimes he wished he was more romantic so he could tell her in a romance story type way instead of listing off facts. “I think that was the first time I had a Grace cupcake and Romani food.” Shang finished by peeking at what she was cooking.
“Are you trying to suggest that I stink?” Shang took a whiff of his practice shirt and cringed. It could’ve stirred the dead. “Okay, I stink. I get it. I will be out in a few minutes,” Shang gave her another peck before making his way to the bathroom, depositing his duffle bag into a hamper along the way. The whole thing needed a good washing.
Grace smiled more as she watched him look over everything. It made her happy all her efforts didn’t go to waste. Biting at her lip she leaned into the kiss on her cheek. Laughing a little more as she heard him. “Really? So it’s only been a year since I changed your life forever. You know Grace cupcakes do that. Change people. For the better it seems - at least that’s what I’m going to tell myself. Also, you’re getting Romani food again. Mostly because it’s all I really can cook that I know will be amazing.”
Grace looked up trying to hide her displeased face as she nodded. “I love you and all, but you smell horrible. Seriously. You smell like the whole locker room after a summers day practice, Shang.” She teased before nodding as she shooed him off. “Good. It’ll be done by then.” She smiled as she watched him walk off giggling to herself.
Shang’s birthday was productive. He didn’t let the fact he was another year older get in the way of his daily routine. He knew he would have to at least call his mother once he got home and thank her for the gifts.
When it was time to go home, Shang grabbed his things and a few gifts from his teammates and headed out. Aside from calling his mother, he assumed Grace was going to be over at his place. It was pretty clear, actually, from the package she sent to him.
The smell of dinner warmed Shang’s heart as he looked around his flat and found the puppies untangling to pounce on him and Grace in the kitchen. If she still wasn’t in school, he’d marry her just for making dinner. His kitchen saw too much take-out without her in it. He would really be doing a service to not only his kitchen but to himself. “Whoa,” He finally spoke looking at everything else she set up, “You really do set the bar high for decorations.”
Grace jumped practically out of her heels as she heard the door open and the dogs start their attack on him. She laughed shaking her head as she kept her eyes on everything making sure it didn’t burn and go to trash. Not that take out was anything new and boring to him. But it was Shang’s birthday, and Grace loved to cook every now and ten. It was better than cupcakes 24/7.
Looking around for a moment she bit her lip than let her eyes move over to him. “What? Too much? Sorry.. not really actually. I don’t know if you had a good birthday last year, so I’m making sure you do now. Besides, it’s not even that much.” She shook her head with a playful eye roll. “Hope you’re hungry, Birthday Boy. It’s almost done if you wanna take a shower.”
