Frankie Xiao

.. twenty minutes later..

I sit on the dewy park bench, shivering cold and sad..
Where now? What should I do?
I don't know my way around the City, and I can't go back to China Town..

Think, Frankie! Think!

I struggle to collect myself, after such a long day, my body is so tired and my head doesn't want to co-operate..

"Maybe if I just lay down for a minute and rest--" I mumble to myself, curling up on the bench..

"Lilly?! Lilly?!" I hear an urgent echoing call of a name that's not mine, although I almost wish it was.. The strained shout comes from the distance, a needy, apologetic plea..

I really shouldn't have lied about myself.. But if I tell him the truth, he will know who I really am..

What if he sends me back?
I can't go back..
I won't!

"Master River?" I stand and squint into the darkness until I can make out the silhouette of The Tiger jogging towards me.. I wipe my eyes, making my way back to the path to meet River, huffing and out of breath..

"I'm-- I'm sorry I upset you.." He slows to approach me cautiously.. "I didn't mean for you to leave with nowhere to go, Wallflower.."

I sniffle and bow my head.. "My fault, Master River.."

He shakes his head, gently reaching for my hand.. "Ney, it's not yer fault, Lilly.. You're lovely.. It's a little complicated is all.."

"Lovely?" I sniffle..

What does he mean by that?

"Aye.." He smiles down at me, sweet and sincere.. "Lovely."

I think he literally just means 'lovely'.. As in, he likes me maybe?.. Or rather, that he doesn't hate me.

"Oh." My cheeks heat and my knees wobble..

He huffs out a breath, rubbing his hands together, apparently cold.. Or nervous.. Maybe both? "Look, I was thinkin'-- If you were goin' to do somethin' crazy, you probably would'a already done it while I was asleep.. And I mean-- I can't argue you have'nae been-- helpful.. So.. Maybe-- I mean, If you really need a place to stay--"

"I can stay?! " I squeak..

He rubs the back of his neck, an unsure expression carved into his features.. "If that's what you really want-- I could pay you a proper wage.. You know-- To help, I mean-- Lovey seems to like you, and lord knows I haven't eaten a meal that good since I dunno when.."

I've never had my own money before.. I wouldn't even know what to do with it!

"Oh, for money? Master River, no.."

He holds up a hand.. "The salary is not negotiable.. And one more thing.."

"Yes, Master?" I nod..

"I really wish you'd stop calling me that, Wallflower.." He sighs..

I mentally pinch myself, trying to remember that he prefers to be called River.. Just River..

Li Jun had insisted upon the title of Master for so long, I can't stop myself from deferring back to it.. Almost like a default setting he had hardwired into my brain with his fists.. "I--I'm sorry-- mercy.."

He nods patiently, rubbing at his stubbled jaw.. "It's alrite'.. Just-- kinda makes me sound--"

"Bad?" I tilt my chin up to puzzle over his passive expression..

"Aye.. Just a wee bit.." He chuckles..

A weak smile is all I can manage in return.. "I will work harder--"

River rocks back on his heels, digging his hands deep into his jeans pockets.. "I don't need ya to work any harder, Wallflower.. But I do need you to tell me what it is you're so afraid of.. And don't say you 'can't say'.. You can.. I can protect you.. You've seen what I'm capable of.."

I have seen what River is capable of, it's true.. I have also seen what Li Jin can do, and it by far outweighs anything I believe the Tiger would do.. I chew my lip reluctantly and shake my head.. "Too big.. Too bad--"

"If you tell me, I can keep you safe, Lilly.. I know you're scared, I promise, I'll protect you.." He gazes at me with honest eyes and my resolve cracks..

I quiver nervously and whisper the truth.. "Li Jun."