A Lovely Present: Chapter One
Captured
I own neither Kung Fu Panda, nor Disturbia (music vid). May be explicit, may not be, depends on your definition. WARNING! If the idea of two people being in love, regardless of species, age, or gender bothers you, DO NOT READ!! You have a back button, STFU and use it. Also, if you're hungry, this will only make it worse. I'm a culinary artist! I go way far into detail when it comes to the cooking scenes! Pleez, dun haet meh. That being said, this is based off of 'He Will Be Loved' from Mixed Nuts, so I would suggest reading that before you read this, enjoy!
Also, if you like this story, it's all because of Awerewolf. He's the one who made me brave enough to write it, and was wonderful enough to beta it. If there was a way to thank him for all the encouraging things he wrote, it's not one I have the money for, so I hope dedicating this fiction to him and letting him know that his Tai/Po is on its way is enough. Thank you so much for all your kindness and for being you. Rock on!
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He didn't know what was going on. He knew he felt lost despite knowing exactly where he was. He knew he felt empty, even though his stomach was full to bursting. He knew he felt cold, even though it was nearly eighty degrees on the hilltop where he sat. He knew he was alone, even though his friends, family, and teacher were all so very proud of him, as they had been expressing for the past several days.
He knew what was wrong, and he couldn't do a thing about it.
Sighing, he placed his head in a chubby palm and rested his elbow atop his knee, leaning back against the flowerless, fruitless tree behind him as he allowed the tears to flow freely from jade eyes.
Jade. The color of his problem. He recalled how his neon green eyes stood out against the aged earthen color of his body; wisdom and calmness following him around like a shadow. What would he give to gaze into those beautiful, serene eyes one more time and tell him his value in the sleepy panda's eyes? He would give the world and more for just one chance.
Choking back a sob, Po buried his face deep within his hands and let the tears flow, oblivious to the elder figure moseying toward him. A single, warm hand touched his shoulder and Po bolted upright, standing in record time, turning to face –
"M-Master Oogway?" he stuttered, hands trembling as he tried to think his way out of what must have been a dream.
The figure before him nodded, smiling softly at him as he spoke, "You are distraught. What's wrong?"
Po realized this must have been a dream, and that the gods were giving him a chance to tell Master Oogway. Silently sending them a prayer of the utmost thanks, he began, trying to avoid the question of whether or not it was real, because he didn't know what he would do if it wasn't.
"M-Master, what do you do if you love someone, but you doubt they would return their feelings? Especially since it would seem… unnatural for them to be together?" Po questioned, trying to build up the courage to tell the figment of his dazed imagination the truth.
"Well, that is a tough one, but, if you listen carefully, I am certain you will find the answer," he replied in that mystical tone that held no contempt, no anger, no disgust, and no high-and-mighty attitude. Po could listen to him talk for hours and he would never tire of listening to the teacher.
Words ringing in his heart, Po heard a voice deep within himself shouting for him to jump before he could regret it.
Remembering that he must have been dreaming and knowing that no consequences would befall him for it, at least in this life, Po took a deep breath and did something no other in all of China had ever managed to accomplish before, and surprised the Grand Master Oogway.
Sealing the miniature distance between their faces, Po pressed his lips against Master Oogway's, leaving them just barely touching the wrinkled yet oddly smooth lips of the tortoise. He hovered against him for only a moment, asking permission that was denied as the Grand Master pulled away, astonishment projecting on his features.
"You love me?" questioned the elder in a voice barely above a whisper.
Po nodded, holding a staring contest with the ground as he replied, "Yes, I have for a while now. At first, I thought it was just respect, but then I realized that was what I felt for Master Shifu. I love you, Grand Master Oogway."
Several moments of awkward, deafening silence passed between the two as Po thanked the gods this was just a dream, though that kiss had felt so real. It was almost as though Grand Master Oogway's lips had really touched his own, but no, it couldn't have really happened. Master Oogway was dead.
…
Right?
Po felt gentle claws wrap around his arm, his lips covered by a caring, warm, old mouth as he brought an arm up to play with the back of the tortoise's neck, feeling the smooth, supple skin beneath his rough fingers.
Breaking for air, Po allowed his mouth to remain open in an attempt to inhale air faster, his heart beating like the wings of a bumblebee, frantic and fast. Oh, how he wished his dream could be real.
But at least he had gotten to tell his Master.
"Po, I am glad you have chosen me, because I have been hoping for your affections for a while," confessed the creator of Kung Fu, smile never breaking as he and Po gazed into each other's eyes.
"You have?" asked Po, hand still upon his master's neck.
"Yes, and now that I have returned –" he was cut off as Po's eyes went wide, sputtering out several thoughts at once.
"Wait! You're not a dream? I'm awake? This is real? You didn't die? How? Why did you leave us? Where did you go? Is this a really bad cosmic joke that I'm just not getting?" he choked out in one breath as Master Oogway simply listened, chuckling lightly as the panda finished his questioning.
"This is as real as you wish it to be, Po. I left on a summoning from the Emperor. He wanted my advice on what to do for his daughters' birthdays. As for if this is a cosmic joke, I'm not certain anyone here can answer that, but if it is, it is a good one," he answered calmly, never raising his voice, it just wasn't in him to shout.
Po blushed brightly, realizing the severity of his actions. He could very well have been banished from Jade Mountain – from China – for his foolishness. He could have earned hatred from the object of his affections! He could have been killed for his confession! He could have, but he wasn't. Instead, he was holding the tortoise, gently pulling him in for another kiss, licking his lips, requesting entrance that was swiftly granted as he was permitted to taste his idol. Ginger and ginseng mingled in a sweet, subtle combination that had Po purring in happiness.
Ending the kiss, Po looked directly into Master Oogway's soft, slightly dazed eyes and asked the question nagging at the back of his mind for as long as he had harbored this love.
"Have you ever had a lover before?"
The tortoise returned his gaze, smiling as he shook his head, closing his eyes momentarily before looking back at Po. He had never had a significant other before. That thought both saddened and reassured him. While he was sad that the beautiful, kind being before him had never known the love of another, he was happy that he wasn't the only one treading unknown waters.
"Po, if you are not comfortable with this, you don't have to," sighed Oogway, an unreadable look upon his features. His face, Po decided, had to be the most beautiful face in all of China. The way his lips curled slightly, creases just begging to be explored, and his eyes, so deep that Po felt he could nearly drown in them – only nearly because he knew Master Oogway would save him.
And to top it all off, he was willing to give Po as much space or closeness as he needed, at his request.
"Not comfortable with loving the most amazing, beautiful person in all of China? Maybe even the whole world? Are you joking?" Po nearly shouted, eyes growing wide in astonishment.
His tone quieted as he allowed his excitement to tone down a bit, nearly whispering, "But if you don't want this, just say so. I mean, you're Grand Master Oogway, you could have anyone you want, so, I mean, if you don't want this, just say so, I'd totally understand. But if you're worried I wouldn't want to because you're older than me or anything like that, you're worrying for the wrong reasons. Heh, I love ya, and there's nothing that can change that."
Master Oogway's smile widened as he listened to Po's words with the same patience that covered everything he did. Nodding in acceptance of the panda's words, he noticed there seemed to be something still bothering Po.
"But there is something else on your mind. May I ask what it is?" he questioned as he felt Po's calloused hands gently rubbing circles on his upper arms.
"Well, I was just wondering how we're gonna announce your return? 'Cause I think everyone in the Palace thought you were gone for good, you know, like, dead, not that anyone wanted that, but that's what we thought, or, at least, Master Shifu and the Furious Five and I kinda did, and I was wondering if you're just gonna walk in and be all like, 'I'm back, what's up?' or if you wanted I could, like, tell them there's someone here to see them, and then you can be all like, 'hey, what's up?' or, you know, whatever you think is cool," Po liked how Master Oogway listened to him no matter how badly he was rambling. It made him feel like he was important, like his words mattered.
"Why don't you show me where they are, Po. I can handle things from there," Oogway suggested, though his voice didn't hold the annoyance Shifu's or Tigress's would have in a similar situation.
"Um, okay. They're in the kitchen, so, um, should I leave you to telling them, or, like, go with you, or what?" Po questioned, uncertain as to what the appropriate response was.
"Would you like to join me?" Master Oogway offered, Po nodding vigorously, bringing forth a chuckle from the master's gentle vocals.
The two silently began their walk to the kitchen as Po rather discreetly, in his opinion, took hold of Master Oogway's clawed hand, smiling as he felt the tortoise grasp his paw in return.
Upon reaching the kitchen, Po let go of his master's hand in favor of opening the door for him. Stepping back, he watched as the entirety of the kitchen, being the Furious Five and Master Shifu, stared in obvious amazement at the return of their master.
"Is there room for two more?" asked Oogway, seeming not to notice the astonishment that formed a potent, stifling film over the mouths of all present, making air a difficult substance to obtain for all but Po and Oogway.
Shifu stood, offering his seat to his master, who thanked him as he sat down, turning to the student beside him, Tigress, and requesting her to retrieve two more chairs. Bowing in respect, Tigress grabbed the chairs from the corner of the room and placed them at the table, one beside Oogway and one beside Mantis. Returning to her seat, she watched as Shifu planted himself next to Mantis.
"Master Oogway, how are you, I mean, when, why, I don't understand," confessed Shifu, looking as flustered as his five students.
"When I said it was my time, I meant to help the Emperor. His daughters' birthdays are very soon and he requested my help in deciding their gifts," explained the sagely tortoise.
The Five all grinned at the very Oogway-like response, and Shifu, though still appearing confused, nodded his head in false understanding.
"Is there food for a weary traveler?" Oogway questioned, looking to Po, who blushed as he replied.
"Is there anything special you guys want for dinner? I can make a few different things if you want," Po suggested, busying himself with retrieving bowls and chopsticks for all of them.
"Let's see what you can do with tofu," Shifu requested, knowing Tigress would only eat it if it was made from tofu or Master Oogway ordered her to.
Po nodded, smiling at the challenge. He hadn't been given a good challenge in cooking for a while, the Five were easily pleased considering they used to all live off tofu and water. Very bland diets if you were to ask Po.
Pulling out a grill pan, Po lit the stove and poured some oil, though not much, over the coiled cast iron pan. Setting it above the flame on a burner, he got to work slicing up a chunk of tofu into eight, equal pieces, tossing basil and orange zest into the pan, the sharp smell wafting through the air as Po threw the first two tofu slices onto the coils of the pot, hearing a satisfying sizzle as the water within them began to evaporate, replaced by oil and seasonings.
Tossing cinnamon on top of the fillet-sized tofu pieces, Po took the pan by the handle and flipped the two pieces, grilling them all the way through, then tossing them onto plates and putting on some last-minute nutmeg and a sprig of cilantro on the side.
Po repeated this process several times until all the dinners were ready. Putting out the fire, Po placed the dishes in front of each of the Kung Fu masters at the table, saving the last for himself, the one that was slightly burned.
Sitting beside Oogway, Po let his furred foot barely touch his master's, shooting him a small smile before digging into his food.
"Po, you made a wonderful dinner, thank you," Master Shifu complimented, causing Po to blush brightly.
"Aww, it was nothing, really, I mean, just an old recipe, and –" Po was cut off by Shifu, something he'd become accustomed to, and an internal voice shouted how Oogway didn't do that, how amazing he was for being able to listen to Po's ramblings, never once interrupting him, so kind, gentle.
"Po, thank you. Would you mind taking care of dishes, tonight?" he interrupted, Po nodding bashfully as Monkey held back snickers at the hidden meaning in Shifu's words, translating to 'shut up.'
A smile returned to Po's face as he felt Master Oogway's foot push against his in a subtle, comforting gesture.
Dinner progressed as normal, Po receiving a multitude of compliments for his cooking, and, while everyone seemed curious about Master Oogway's return, no one bothered him about it out of respect.
After dinner, the Furious Five left to go to their respective rooms, Master Shifu lingering to speak with Master Oogway on his return. Po began working on the dishes as, to Shifu's utmost surprise, Oogway assisted him, drying the bowls, chopsticks, and pan once Po had finished scrubbing and rinsing them.
But what amazed the tiny master the most was how, each time Po, who seemed to not have noticed his presence, passed a washed item to Oogway, he would place a small kiss on the elder's cheek, blush, then turn back to his work.
And, by the way he smiled brighter than normal, Oogway seemed not to have any qualms with the situation.
Waiting until the two were finished with the dishes, Shifu gave a small cough, alerting Po to his company. Po spun around, blushing furiously as he began to stutter apologies to the red panda while Oogway simply smiled at Po's behavior. He acted like a small child, caught with his paw in the cookie jar.
"Hello, Shifu. Do you need something?" Oogway asked once Po had stopped babbling.
"Master, you and Po, what is going on?" Shifu questioned skeptically.
Oogway looked to Po, whose expression had taken a turn for horror, and replied with one, simple word, "Love."
Po looked up to see Shifu's face relax, a rare smile creeping over his lips.
"I hope you two are very happy. You deserve it," he whispered, turning to leave the two in favor of his room.
Once the red panda had left, Po turned to face Oogway, planting a loving kiss upon his lips. Idly, Po thought of how many girls would kill to have lips as full, enticing, and pouty, yet warm and welcoming as Master Oogway's were. Po still couldn't believe how quickly Oogway and he had come together, and some part of him still was certain it was a dream.
Pulling away from his master, Po voiced his concerns.
"Master Oogway, are you sure this is real? It just seems like one moment I'm trying to convince myself to tell you how I feel, and the next we're kissing in front of Master Shifu, Are you sure you're okay with us? And if you are, is this all too fast for you? Just say the word and we can slow it down a bit," Po questioned, concern evident in his eyes.
The aged tortoise reached up with one, clawed hand and cupped Po's face in his grasp, replying, "So long as you are comfortable, then we are not moving too quickly or too slowly. Love is a rare jewel, and when it is found it must be nurtured and cared for nearly every moment. It is a difficult plant to grow, but the flowers and fruit it shall bear are well worth time and effort it may take."
Po grinned at his words, astounded by how he could seem wise beyond Po's understanding and so childish and amused by the simplest things at the same time. It was one of the many reasons Po adored the Grand Master.
"Well, then, I guess I must be the richest panda in China, 'cause I managed to win the love of the most beautiful, kind, caring, amazing person ever born," Po nervously commented.
Oogway wrapped a comforting arm around Po's shoulders, pulling his face down for a brief kiss before whispering, "No, I am the lucky one. I have the love of a young, gentle, brave, pure heart."
Po smiled, feeling happier than he ever had in his memory. He felt that he could get struck by lightning and, so long as Oogway was by his side, he would walk away unscathed.
Tugging softly on the tortoise's arm, Po made to exit the kitchen, Oogway chuckling as he followed his new love. Po led them up to the Sacred Peach Tree of Heavenly Wisdom and planted himself beneath its branches, patting the ground between his legs.
Master Oogway stalled out.
Was this right? Should he accept Po's advances? He knew where the young one wanted to go with this, and, if he was honest with himself, he did, too, but what of the consequences? He was not so mighty that there would be none, and he didn't want to hurt Po's delicate purity. No, they had only just professed love. It was far too soon. Rushing their love would do no good.
Shaking his head, Master Oogway turned toward his room, telling Po he should get some rest. Master Shifu would hold training regardless of his presence or lack thereof.
Sighing, Po knew he was right. Standing, he tried to ignore the cruel voice in his mind that cried things such as, 'how could he ever love a big, fat panda like you?'
And the worst part was, he was almost certain those voices were right. Master Oogway could never love a thing like him. But Po convinced himself that he would try again tomorrow, and the next day, and that he wouldn't give up until either Oogway told him outright to stop or gave in.
So things progressed much this way for the next several weeks. Po would wake as early as he could, almost always before Master Shifu and the Furious Five, making some extravagant breakfast for his beloved, who would come to the kitchen early enough to get a few kisses in between making the dish. Then, Po would train extra hard to impress Oogway, laughing each time he completed the training course, only to be sent flying by way of training dummy. They would break for lunch and Po would bring Oogway his food at the Sacred Peach Tree, the two sharing the quiet and basking in each other's presence. The nights were the hardest. Po would do everything he could think of, short of throwing himself before the master, shouting, 'take me!' but no matter what he did, Oogway ignored the sexual advances. This didn't stop the panda, though. He would convince Oogway one way or another.
On the fourth week of these attempts, something broke the cycle. Word had reached the Jade Mountain of a new evil that had stirred in the west. It was said to be fast as the wind and stronger than the Imperial Army, and it was coming for the Valley of Peace.
"From what we have heard," began Shifu, standing before the Furious Five, Po, and Oogway. "Forest Gin Wei, just east of the Valley, is the most likely route this new evil will take. It should reach the Valley in two days, so if we leave today, we will be able to cut it off before it reaches the Valley."
Oogway nodded before speaking, "Well, then, I think we should gather our belongings."
Po's face brightened at the chance to travel with Master Oogway. Jumping up, pumping a fist in the air, he shouted, "Yeah! Field trip!"
All looking to him with either exasperation or amusement in their eyes as they made their way back to their rooms. Mantis leapt up to Po's shoulder on the way back, whispering, "Hey, Po, are you, ya know, gay for Master Oogway?"
"Ow!" shouted the insect as he was smacked by Viper's tail.
"Mantis! You don't ask things like that! If he wants us to know something about his love life, he'll tell us, understand?" she hissed angrily as Mantis meekly nodded.
"Guys, it's okay, really. Yeah, Oogway and I are an item, but not an intimate one, yet," Po replied, grinning at the shocked expressions of the two Kung Fu masters.
Viper smiled brightly up at Po and cheered, "Good for you, Po! I hope you two are very happy!"
With that, she slithered off to her room.
Mantis hopped onto Po's shoulder and mumbled, "I don't blame you. I'm pretty close to giving up on trying to understand the ways of women, too. I tell you, never trust anything that bleeds for a week and doesn't die. Good luck, Po."
Mantis then leapt off for his room, leaving Po grinning slightly as he began packing his things, meaning a change of pants, a blanket, and a small first aid kit. Grabbing a pouch filled with the allowance he had saved up when he worked for his father, Po smirked, unable to hold back a small squeal of joy at his plan. He knew Oogway couldn't hold back forever. It had become obvious the tortoise wanted him, so doubts about his appearance had slowly but surely dissipated like fog before the morning sun, and Po would continue offering himself as openly as he felt dignity and honor would allow until Oogway was ready.
That's not to say he wouldn't try to help things along.
Stuffing the pouch into his backpack, Po exited the door and went to meet the rest of the Kung Fu masters in the Hall of Heroes.
Once everyone had gathered, they left for the forest, Po racing ahead, stopping in one of the shops along the way, leaving with a large smile plastered on his face and a small box where his coin pouch had been.
The journey wasn't very hard, just long. For Po, it seemed like days before they reached the forest, and days longer until they decided to make camp, when in reality it was only about a day and a half of non-stop walking. For the Five, Shifu, and Oogway, it was a routine sort of trek, but for Po it was heart-wrenchingly long.
Upon setting up camp, Po said he was going to go look around, 'patrol' had been his excuse, but in actuality he was looking for a good, romantic spot to give Oogway his gift. The rest went to sleep, Shifu and Oogway staying up to watch over the camp site, meditating silently as Po's footsteps diminished to the peaceful quiet of the night time forest.
"Master Oogway, when are you going to give in to Po?" Shifu whispered.
"I cannot, Shifu. I am uncertain of what is right, so I am waiting, meditating on what I should do," he replied with a sound of finality that Shifu had never heard from the elder master. Sighing lightly, Shifu just hoped he would give in soon, because, while he knew Po was willing to wait, he would eventually get discouraged and give up and that was the last thing the red panda wanted to see.
Meanwhile, Po had come across a small lake, shallow and clean, water glimmering in the moon's glaring light. Weeping willows lined the edge, vines that hung from their branches blooming light pink and yellow flowers, their petals littering the surface of the empty lake. There was a small clearing at one part of the edge, rimmed by rose bushes and tiger lilies, a single log that seemed freshly fallen lay across it like a bench. The place was beautiful and would have been perfect if it weren't so quiet. There were no fish in the water, no lightning bugs in the air, no crickets in the bushes, no bats in the sky. It was completely silent.
And it scared Po.
Frightened, he approached the edge of the pool, gazing down into the seemingly bottomless water, fear gripping his throat as he caught sight of his reflection.
Nothing, not a single ripple or tiny bubble, interrupted the glassy surface. No wind blew about him. No smells greeted his nose. It was a dead zone.
Deciding the best idea would be to leave the hellish place, Po turned only to come face to face with a young, human woman. Her skin was the color of mocha and flawless as the still surface of the pond behind him. She was dressed all in black, the short, tight gown coming down to her mid-thigh, tall, equally tight, high-heeled boots reaching just above her knees. Her ebony hair was pulled back and up and her face was covered in meticulously painted make up. Long, blackened nails completed the look as she shot Po a devilish smile.
No one heard the scream that erupted from Po's clenched throat.