Romance stories aren't Alfendi's cup of tea, though Lucy seems to love them. Holding a novel close to her face, she sighed contentedly before turning the page. He had read that book before, not by choice, but by his sister's - Flora's - force. It was as sappy as any love story, nothing special, and made Alfendi confirm that crime fiction with beautiful murders and pitiful criminals was more of his taste. Judging by her schoolgirl-like giggles and smirks, he could tell she was enjoying it.

Late afternoon sunlight beamed down on them, trees whispered in the wind and joyous laughter from small children kicking a ball around, rang in the air. Lucy dragged Alfendi out of the dreary lair of theirs, none other than the Mystery Room, and into this peaceful park, despite his pleads. All of Scotland Yard knows Alfendi has a soft spot for her. It was obvious he wouldn't decline, and they were right.

Patting his hands on his thighs like a drum, he noticed Lucy was on the last page of the book. Her eyes lit up, and she gasped, as if Christmas came early. She read the last few words and sank into the seat, clutching the closed novel at her heart. For a few seconds, her eyes were shut, taking in the ending.

Abruptly, she slid uncomfortably close to Alfendi, making his heart skip a beat. He forced the red in his cheeks to recede as Lucy gazed at him, her red-iris eyes full of awe. "That were t'most romantic ending I've ever read," she said, as if in a trance. She punched Alfendi lightly on the arm. "I can't believe you hated it!"

The inspector shrugged. "I never said I hated it. It wasn't my kind of book," he replied, earning a pout from Lucy. "I merely said I disliked it."

Lucy's jaw dropped, clearly offended. "How could you say that?" she exclaimed. "It's filled with heartbreaking unrequited love and butterfly tingling romance!"

"Sounds like an ordinary sappy story if you ask me."

"Well, no one is asking you. And it's not sappy, it's fluffy," she responded matter-of-factly.

Chuckling, he stood up and stuffed his hands in his pockets, the newspapers caving in on them. "Either way, we have to get back and write a file on that last case. Come on."

Lucy groaned, trudging beside him, novel in hand. He could tell she was hoping she could stay outside for a bit longer, though she knows they left that stack of paperwork. Not to mention Alfendi's loathing for the world outside Scotland Yard. 'Its torture to be out there,' he once said.

The streets were crowded, bustling with busy Londoners, most on their way home. The same group of young children from the park ran past the duo, one girl donned in purple, colliding with Alfendi's leg. "Gah! What the-?"

She gazed up and grinned. "Sorry~!" she sang in a high pitched voice. She glanced at Lucy, who was returning the smile, and back at the inspector. "Is she your girlfriend?" she asked innocently, Alfendi taken aback.

"She...she's not my girlfriend," he stuttered, trying to keep his cool, hoping no one could see the red growing on his cheeks. Calm down, Alfendi. Just lie. Just lie. He told himself that, though the previous answer he gave was true.

The girl twirled a golden strand of hair around her finger. "Really? Then...are you in love with her?"

"I... Uh... May..."

Alfendi wanted to face palm himself. With the 'stay completely calm' strategy to deal with this unexpected question out the window, the flustered inspector stared at the young girl who was patiently waiting for a response. A billion words forming only a few incomplete sentences filled his mind. Lucy was looking sideways at him, curious for the answer as well. Despite his efforts, he could feel his face becoming hot, as if he was a criminal under interrogation.

The girl smirked knowingly. "Never mind. I've already got my answer."

Alfendi was silent for a moment, then something in him snapped when he realised what she meant. Blood red locks of hair fell over his eyes, his lips curving up into a snarl.

"Who do you think you are? Poking your nose into other people's love lives?" he growled, the girl backing away, azure eyes wide. "I'll cut your tongue if you ever do that again!" The girl gasped and ran after her friends, screaming, a few people staring at the scene.

"You didn't have to say that, Potty Prof!" Lucy scolded, hands on hips, looking back at the girl. Alfendi groaned and switched back to Placid, who buried his face in his hands. "Ugh... Let's just get back."

All that was too much. Sure, he can lie to criminals and bluff, but having someone ask about the feeling deep in his heart? Definitely not. That's far more difficult to pull off. The overwhelming emotions are too hard to control.

X-x-X

It wasn't long until the Scotland Yard was in view. The sun was hiding behind the red bricked building, like a golden egg, a few golden streams of light reaching the cobbled path. By now, the couple were walking side by side, the book still held close at Lucy's chest.

The fuzzy sound of a bow gliding against strings travelled with the soft, evening breeze. Both glanced to the right, where a brunette woman in a white gown was passionately playing the violin. At her feet was an open instrument case on the floor, a few coins inside.

Lucy began to hum along, halting in front of the violinist, and pulled Alfendi back to stop as well. The constable's eyes were twinkling with wonder and admiration, the same way she looked like after reading the romance novel.

The book... She adores romance, doesn't she?

Without thinking, Alfendi wrapped his arms around her waist, causing her to drop the book into the violin case, though the woman didn't seem to mind. Her eyes were closed and her mind was immersed in the music, she was completely oblivious to the couple.

"Prof!?" Lucy yelped, palms becoming clammy and face flushing bright pink. He pulled her close, and could feel his heart pounding against his ribcage. He wasn't exactly sure of what he was doing, his mind a muddled, nervous mess. Infatuation was doing all the work.

Lucy began giggling, humming again. The couple began to sway, the universe seeming to come to a standstill. She let her arms hang over his shoulders, much to Alfendi's surprise. He expected her to push him away and run, though she was actually enjoying it, even though she was shocked at first.

"Don't they dance like this int' book?" she asked, almost like she was in a dream.

"Yes..." Alfendi whispered in her ear, strands of her hair tickling his nose. "And don't they do this?"

His face pulled away a few centimeters, and he used a finger to lift Lucy's chin. His stomach tingled when he heard her breathing quicken. She gazed into his honey eyes, as he was lost in her scarlet orbs. He leaned down, their eyelids falling, and he tilted his head to the side for obvious reasons.

Alfendi pressed his lips against hers, taking note of how soft they were. At that moment, the universe seemed to come to a standstill. His hand cupped Lucy's face, and she ran a finger through Alfendi's wavy hair. They both smiled as they kissed, the streetlights beginning to light up, the clouds above them like candy floss, the violinist continuing to play the same song, and everyone around them letting the inspector and the constable have their moment.

Everything was perfect for the couple; like a fairytale.

This is when the book says, 'The End.'

Thanks for reading!

Please give me some advice on how to improve my writing! Greatly appreciated!