A Developing Love

Pairing: Mulan/Aurora

Summary: Rewrite of a scene in Once Upon a Time 2x08; Into the Deep. A challenge prompt | Day 4 of Sleeping Warrior week on tumblr. Cross-posted from my personal tumblr | sansajonquil

Fandom: Once Upon a Time


Mulan took a deep breath, as she put a steady gloved hand protectively against Aurora's forehead. I can't let anything bad happen to her, but this is something she wants to do.

Mulan admired Aurora's inner courage. She was vastly different to who Mulan perceived her to be, when they first met, when Aurora woke up from Phillip's kiss.

The gold bells in Mulan's armour chimed a little at this small motion. Her eyes flickered up to Aurora's closed eyelids, the constant movement of them indicating that she was deeply into her dream world. It featured the nightmarish red room with flames that Aurora had described with dread beforehand.

Aurora suddenly shot up out of the nightmare, blue eyes frantic, as she recounted to Mulan what had happened in the room. This included her being successfully able to communicate with Henry.

Snow White, who had been nearby with a bow in hand, quickly rushed over to Aurora's side as well.

Aurora's eyes were full of tears, which she tried to hide, but Mulan noticed. Mulan wiped the tears on her cheek away with her glove, a reflex action she didn't realize she was doing, until Aurora looked at her, a surprised but gentle look in her eyes.

Mulan wasn't the best at expressing feelings, but she tried her best. They were both still grieving over Phillip's sacrifice, a man they both loved, but she knew her and Aurora were also now fast becoming best friends. Mulan thought she understood Aurora now, and respected her deeply.

"Aur..Phillip asked me to protect you, and I'll always stick to his last dying wish, but well…" Mulan looked away for a little, slightly shy which was unusual, but then she wasn't used to expressing her emotions.

Aurora touched her hand, folding it towards hers. "I know."

Mulan looked back at Aurora, and saw she was smiling radiantly.

Mulan smiled nervously back, and folded her hand over Aurora's one. "You are also very important to me, and I love you."

Aurora hugged Mulan. Her expression showed surprise, but also emanated a happier light. She whispered, "Mulan, I feel the same."

They both hugged each other, relieved and happy smiles on their faces for a long time until the others woke up from their sleep, as dawn had broken.

Aurora, you have this beautiful inner strength and kindness I admire.