So I don't watch OUAT anymore. (too fed up with the writers) And I only get updates through my Tumblr dash. So this is my version of what I think could've, or should've really, happened before Mulan set for an "adventure" with Neal.

Also, I just really wanted to write something of Mulan back-hugging Aurora (whoops spoilers).

And no, I still don't own OUAT or the characters. Just this plot right here.

Tired. She was just so tired. Why now all of a sudden was it so hard to control her emotions? Why now when she agreed to travel with the foreigner? Why now, her last day at Aurora's castle, when she knew this may be her last? Too many questions floated in her head. Shameful as a warrior, shameful to herself, Mulan had tried to shush these thoughts by drinking alcohol. But instead of quieting down, the questions only rumbled louder. Her feelings pounded in her mind and heart at even higher volumes. Mulan pinched the bridge of her nose. She was not drunk, but she consumed more than a decent enough of alcohol to feel a headache. She groaned. She knew she'd have an even worse one the next morning.

"Mulan? Is everything alright?"

Startled at Aurora's voice, Mulan immediately jumped up from her place on the bench.

"Princess! I mean, Queen Aurora…!"

She watched the elegant woman in front of her tilt her head to the side with a disapproving, but teasing smile.

"Haven't I told you to just call me by my name? After all we've been through, you should know I don't like to be disagreed with."

Mulan looked away and scratched the back of her head as she mumbled an apology. She glanced back at Aurora when she heard laughter.

"I guess you are a bit intoxicated since you didn't say sorry while bowing to me. Not that I want you to. Nor do I think you drinking is dishonorable."

Mulan smiled softly. The woman knew her well. Her smile faltered a bit when Aurora moved closer, into her personal space. Aurora's hand came up to her cheek. If she were a little more drunk, she would have believed that Aurora was caressing it.

"Are you alright? You are a bit noticeably red."

Mulan merely nodded. She did not trust her voice at the moment. Her voice would crack, no doubt. She noticed Aurora's look. Aurora was silently asking, again. Mulan took in a breath and let it out. Her hand reached up to hold Aurora's. At this point, she couldn't tell if the heat off of her face was because of Aurora's touch or because of the alcohol. Though albeit unwillingly, Mulan brought their hands down.

"I may have drank a little more than usual, but there's nothing to worry about. It is actually common for my face to flush easily after drinking."

"Is it?"

"I received a low tolerance for alcohol from my father's side."

Mulan's ears went nearly deaf at the sound of her own heartbeat which raced as Aurora giggled at her answer. She had come out to the garden for fresh air, hoping to sober up. But she felt getting drunk by Aurora's presence. Her feelings were getting harder to restrain.

"Aurora, it, may be best for you to go back inside." Mulan paused, thinking of a reason she could use without hurting Aurora's feelings or pride. "It's getting colder and I don't want you to get sick."

She expected for a quick reply, a snort even from Aurora. She expected Aurora to retort that she's perfectly fine. But instead, Aurora blushed in the most adorable shade of pink and agreed. Mulan watched, a slight dumbfounded, Aurora bid goodnight and walked out of the garden.

Maybe she did drink too much. Maybe she was drunk. Maybe she just didn't want to think anymore. Maybe that's why Mulan walked purposefully to Aurora. But when she saw Aurora turn her head by just a bit, she stilled in that split second. She recalled all of her turmoils earlier. All the reasons of restraint, especially the biggest one of them all.

'What if she doesn't love me back?'

She saw Aurora make a curious worried face and say her name. But all she could hear was her racing heart, thumping wildly. Taking in more shallow, shaky breaths, Mulan slowed her strides. She came to a stop as she hugged Aurora from behind. She burrowed her face in the crook of Aurora's neck. She took in more breaths, but more slowly this time. She allowed herself, for at least now, to feel. Aurora's familiar fragrance filled her mind. Aurora's warmth filled her body.

"I will miss you."

Mulan stated once she felt her heart returned to its normal, steady rhythm. She felt. She felt Aurora relax.

"As will I."

And with Aurora's response, Mulan clenched her eyes shut. Her emotions were overflowing. Her rationale had no control, not now. Mulan burrowed her face into Aurora as a last attempt to stop herself. She felt Aurora's hands squeeze her own, not in a painful way, but in a reassuring manner. It was the simplest gesture, but a powerful one - one that let Mulan's tears fall freely. And in that moment, Mulan let herself be Mulan. Not the warrior. Not the guardian. But Mulan, a woman who fell in love with a princess. She was Mulan who loved Aurora.