December 20, 2017

New York City, New York

Front of NYPD headquarters

Wang and Braginsky stepped outside, the bitter winter stinging their cheeks. As the duo proceeded to Wang's car in order to get to the home, Wang's phone rang. Looking irritated, the Chinese man took it out of his pocket. As soon as he saw the caller ID, he groaned.

"Li Xiang got into trouble again?" He asked as he picked up the phone, not even sounding surprised.

There was a low murmur from the phone, the words lost to Braginsky.

"What do you mean he blew up the girl's bathroom?" Wang demanded.

Another low murmur.

"Aiya, look, I know he's a little jerk, but you can't sue!"

Murmur, murmur, murmur.

"Oh, thank you so much. That is very understanding of you."

More murmurs. It was really taking a long time.

"Yes, I know he's expelled. I'll go pick him up right now. If you want, I can volunteer my services to fixing the bathroom-"

Wang was cut off by the person on the other end of the line saying something.

"Really? Well, again, thank you for being so understanding. I'll make sure Li Xiang writes an apology note. Anyways, what can I do as compensation?"

Braginsky pouted. He wanted to have his Yao-yao's attention. Li Xiang really was a little jerk.

"Yes, goodbye. I can't thank you enough."

The call ended, and Wang stuffed his phone back into his pocket, an extremely furious expression developing on his face.

"Li Xiang got into trouble again. Blew up the girl's bathroom. Honestly, I don't know what to do with that child. The principal said that they wouldn't sue because I worked for the public good as a policeman, but Li Xiang was still expelled. I need to go pick him up."

Braginsky frowned. "But Yao-yao! I'm no good with mechanical stuff."

"Call up Beilschmidt." Wang smiled apologetically. "I'm really sorry about this. Can you explain to the Captain if he asks?"

Braginsky nodded, still feeling a little down. Wang's expression softened.

"How about this?" Wang asked, gently touching Braginsky's arm. "We can have dinner at my place, after you finished checking out the gas pipes."

Braginsky's expression lit up. 'Oh, yay! Is little Hyung Soo going to be home?"

Wang smiled. "Yep. The college's orchestra is going to perform in this area, and he said that he and Yong Soo would drop by."

Braginsky beamed, enveloping Wang into a crushing hug. "Yay! I'm so happy!"

Wang scowled, but let Braginsky hug him. "Aiya, Braginsky, both of us need to hurry."

Reluctantly, Braginsky released Wang. Giving his partner one last smile, the Chinese man got into his car and drove off, joining the crowd of so many cars, and slowly vanished from sight.

Poll open