Disclaimer: Do not own the anime nor characters.


"Young Lord…I..I have big news."

"Oh! What is it Lan Fan?"

"…I'm getting married."

A long silence was followed. Ling continued to stare at her, his lips parted, as if he was to say something. She stood there her face held up straight to lock her eyes to him. It was as if the world stopped for just a moment.

"W…what?" He asked, tilting his head to her.

"I'm getting married," Her answer was strong. Unshaking.

He couldn't believe it. It was impossible. Lan Fan… his protector, his rock, his vessel, the one who saved him so many times, the girl he spent his life with and would spend his whole life with- getting married.

But then again, it was expected. She is a person after all, he knows that very well, she will one day have to get married. But he never thought it would be with someone else…other than him. And so soon too.

"When?"

The guard tore her eyes away from the young lord as she looked down at the concrete. "It was not mentioned exactly," She explained, her voice soft, "But it's soon."

"…Oh." He mumbled dumbly. He tried to think up words to say, anything really. He needed something to come up, any comment. Anything to say to her. He can't stay silent and just gawk at her. Ling continued to stare at her, the guard's eyes wandered up to lock to his. Both were telling the other things that were never said. Affections flew across, memories were reminiscent unspoken words were shown in the other's faces.

I love you. Please don't leave.

"Say Lan Fan, take off your mask."

"My Lord?" She questioned him. The young prince nodded, forcing a smile at her. She hesitated before falling to his wishes. Calmly, though her fingers were trembling, she took off her mask.

Her cheeks were flushed a deep scarlet, her lips were cherry, her cute nose, her porcelain skin. Her eyes were still of a starry night. Ling couldn't help but smile, feeling his own cheeks warm up. He knew, back before she was given that mask to wear proudly, her face. Her natural face, one that showed true beauty and grace.

"You know…" He laughed under his breath, "You need to learn to accept your true self. What will the husband think if he sees you with a wedding dress and that mask on your face?" He teased, his smile large and forced.

"He would fall in love at first sight," She replied. Ling blinked at her multiple times in shock to hear that response. The guard cracked a smile, something Ling always wanted to see. She even returned the loud laughter with a soft giggle. Very much like Lan Fan.

That lucky bastard, Ling thought his smile finally being genuine, To marry her. Even if she would wear that mask in her wedding day- he would better cherish her.

I know I would.