Word Count: 964

Rated: PG

Description: Guang suggests activities for Leo's first Chinese New Years

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   The country awoke with elated faces. Every neighbor greeted each other with pleasure and generous smiles. Marketplaces were unfolding, prepared to sell their goods for this festive day. Bakeries were as well prepared with traditional Chinese dishes. From steamy Dumplings to scrumptious Tang Yuan, they had it all. The whole country was dressed in red and gold, its traditional colors. Red lanterns with Mandarin and Cantonese calligraphy hung from each building. Families pasted red couplets on their door frames, walls, and windows. No one swept nor washed just greeted those who passed by and wished them luck for this Roster year. It was a custom and I was prepared to celebrate Chinese New Years with Leo, which I had left about a minute ago sleeping. He still wasn't accustomed to the time zone of my native place, but on a date so big like this he must be awakened. I wanted to teach the foreigner how to properly celebrate the Year of the Roster. 

In the little neighborhood of Yau Ma Tei was where my mother's house stood. The same house which I've lived in since a toddler. Mother and I were quite fond of every neighbor we had. Whether someone just moved in or an old friend, we knew them all. It was peaceful and quiet out the dusty street. No one seemed to greet us yet, despite it being 6:02 AM. 

At the kitchen, was her great elderly posture. The same one that protected me throughout the years. I heard the snap of her mincing something. Followed by the steam of heat clouding the small space. My feet slowly walked towards my mom. Her faint caramel locks were up in a bun with gray streaks popping out. 

"新年善良母亲 [New Year goodness mother.]" My head hung from my shoulder, bowing down with respect. I stayed down for few seconds before facing my mother. She turned by the sound of my voice and smiled. Her soft molded wrinkles around her lips appeared. She was a fragile mother only in her 40s with the sweetest voice like honey. I noticed her qipao shining in red and gold. The same one that stood in her closet for special occasions. Her hand patted the top of my messy hair saying, "新年好我的孩子 [New Year goodness my child.]"  I mimicked her grin. 

Her dedicated face disappeared, continuing cooking. The chopping continued in a rhythmic movement. "这是雄鸡的一年，你大概烹饪。你休息怎么样 [It's the year of the Rooster and you're cooking roughly. What about you rest.]" I told her, placing my hands on her shoulders. I messaged them while she continued mincing. Then, she ceased mincing. "那么谁会为她准备农历新年晚餐呢? [Then who'll cook her for the Chinese New Year dinner?]" My mom's honey-like voice sassed. "除了,[Besides,]" She guided the shredded bits of celery down the brewing pot of soup. With her spoon, she swirled the celery along with the other ingredients. "谁会在这个节日里做你最喜欢的菜? [Who'll cook your favorite dish on this festive day?]" 

I bit my lip. A meal would sound nice. I shook my greedy head. My poor mother must've been gnarled by cooking yet she won't commit it. She, along with many other Chinese residents must rest and take the day off. "请妈妈，你一定累了... [Please mother, you must be tired...]" 

Mother's fingers snapped the stove off and sighed. Her tired face glanced at me. "好，我会在祈祷的寺庙 [Fine, I'll be at the temple praying then.]"  Her lanky body passed me as she was grabbing her purse from behind. "我不会走了太久 [I won't be gone for too long.]" I heard her shout by the door. I turned to wave goodbye at my mother.

 Once the door shifted close, I ran for Leo in my room. His pumped body laid on my futon with careful sleepy eyes. I must've woken him up, for now, an eye cracked open. The Mexican-American yawned beneath his breath. Kneeling down, I took a closer glance at the beauty that presented itself. "Good Morning sweety," I spoke first. My hand lingered around Leo's chestnut hair. The tip of my fingers stroke each thread of hair with ease. "You know I'm glad you're here." Began I. I felt him observing my goodness of my freckled face. "Why's that?" His hoarse voice asked. 

"Well," I turned to my boyfriend. "It's Chinese New Years and you're going to celebrate it for the first time with me." I curved my lip upward. I noticed how Leo's hands crept up to the sides of my speckled face. His thumb caressed my freckles. 

My voice returned with a quieter tone this time. "I'll teach you everything about Chinese New Years, how to properly greet others, what to do and what not to do. You'll greet everyone saying 恭喜发财." My finger swirled the American's bangs as he stared, adoring it when I speak Chinese. "Which means 'wishing you happiness and prosperity.' I think 吉星高照 [Fortune will smile on you] will be nice as well. No 大吉大利 [Lots of luck and profits] suits better and it's easier to le-"

"Guang," Leo said sternly, pausing me. 

"Yes?" 

His half-lid eyes observed me. "I would love to learn more about your tradition, but I don't think I can say those difficult words cariño." 

"Well, then what word do you know?" Asked I. 

"我爱你 [I love you]" Leo de la Iglesia said in perfect Chinese. I assumed he must've been practicing how to say that phrase since it came out flawless. I blushed at the thought. "Y-Yo también t-te amo." I strutted between the lines.

The tanned adult chuckled. "Let's go celebrate Chinese New Years before I attack you with kisses baby." He suggested. I smiled. I think to teach him my traditions will wait because I'm in the need for kisses~