First Time Not Passing Something

Mei came home for break the third year of her being away at school, and she was angry. At 21 now, she knew she couldn't just stomp her feet and scream in frustration, no matter how badly she wanted to.

"Hey, you," Luke said, seeing her coming out of the terminal. "How was your flight?"

"Lousy," Mei answered.

"Uh oh. Someone's grumpy," Lee laughed.

"I failed the physical test," Mei said. "It's important I pass that in order to be qualified."

"Well, to be fair your brain is the best part of you," Luke teased.

"Luke!"

"Sorry. How can I help?"

"Can you train with me?"

"Sure. Whatever you need."

Three Days Later

Luke had escaped to Emma's to get away from the constant nagging of working out. He needed a break. He wasn't exactly built for that much training in a day anymore.

"She's like a machine," Luke moaned. Emma was curled up behind him in her bed. He always had time for that, of course. He would reminisce about their first kiss sometimes. They had gone for a walk when it started to rain. They ran laughing back and stood out of breath in her driveway when the moment presented itself. She had tasted like raspberry rain.

"She doesn't like not being good at something," Emma said, kissing his shoulder.

"Fine, but why do I have to suffer?"

"You offered."

"Right."

Emma's phone went off. Then Luke's. Of course they knew it was Mei.

"You should go before she comes over here and drags you away kicking and screaming," Emma whispered into his ear.

"I don't want to," he said, hiding underneath the pillow. His phone buzzed again.

"Listen to that, Luke. She needs you. Remember when you'd do anything for her?" Emma coaxed.

"I do! I just need a break."

"You had one, and it's time to go," Emma said, putting her foot on his back and pushing. He briefly fought back, causing her to laugh and shriek. Then, the door slammed downstairs.

"I know you're up there!" Mei shouted. "You have lots of time for sex later! I need you now!"

"Told you," Emma smirked. Luke groaned. He hopped out of the bed and threw his clothes back on.

"See you at dinner," he said, pointing at her.

"Fine," Emma agreed, smiling back at him. He went down the stairs and was greeted by an impatient Mei who was literally tapping her foot.

"You couldn't just let it be for a minute, huh?" he asked. "You couldn't be cool."

"No one is happier than me that you two are, uh, shagging as you call it, but this is important!" she finished.

"All right," he caved. "Let's go." He could endure a few more hours of being a punching bag.

Four Days Later

"That's great, Mei," Luke said, checking for blood. She had her hands over her mouth, looking at him in disbelief. She had actually hit him. This was Luke here. He was always fast.

"I'm sorry," she said quickly.

"It's all right," he laughed. "The point is to make you good. We're getting there."

"But I didn't mean..."

"Stop," he said, holding out his hand. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine. I promise."

They were done for the day anyway. Luke was feeling like death since all Mei had done all break was insist on training and practice fighting. She was going back to school the next day.

"I still don't feel ready," she lamented.

"Just stick to the schedule we wrote up, and find a personal trainer when you get there," Luke told her. "You'll be just fine."

"Why is it that I can memorize something instantly, but I can't run a mile?" she groaned.

"You'll get there," Luke promised. "I have total faith in you." He saw that Emma had texted and asked for him to come over. He didn't know if he had anything left to give her. They'd been dating for three years now, but they still acted like teenagers in that department.

"Go," Mei smiled, seeing him look at the message. "I am going to take a shower anyway."

"All right. I'll see you later," Luke said, patting her shoulder. He was so proud of her, and he knew that when she got with the FBI, she would blow them all away.

...

"So when are you getting married?" Mei asked at dinner. Luke choked on his piece of steak, causing Emma to pat his back. Mei popped her carrot into her mouth, hiding her smirk. Luke gulped some water to get the meat down his throat before daring to answer.

"What?" he asked.

"It's been three years," Mei shrugged. "Are you going to get married?"

"Um," Luke said, turning to look at Emma, who raised on brow at him.

"Oh, have you guys not had that conversation yet?" Mei asked sweetly. Luke shot her a glare.

"We haven't actually," Emma answered thoughtfully. "What do you think, Luke?"

"I think we could talk about it later in private," Luke replied.

"Okay," Emma nodded, going back to her food. Mei smiled to herself while Luke sat there feeling worried. He'd never thought about marriage. After Annie, he never figured he'd get married again. He took a peek at Emma while she chewed. He did love her. They had said that to each other a year and a half ago. He just didn't know about the marriage part.

...

The next morning, Luke took Mei back to the airport.

"Sorry I opened a can of worms," she said, shouldering her backpack.

"It's okay."

"Consider it payback for trying to ruin my first kiss."

"All right."

"Thanks for helping me," Mei said, hugging him.

"You're welcome. Knock 'em dead," he smiled.

"Oh, I will. Brains and brawn. I'm unstoppable," she laughed.

"I'm a little scared," Luke admitted, making her laugh harder.

"I'll miss you."

"And I you. Be safe."

"Always," she grinned. Then she was gone.


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