Okay, here is chapter two, slightly longer than how I wanted it... but thank you, thank you for all the fave, the follow, the review! And of course, my beta : crackers-me (at tumblr), she deserved a lot of credit on this story.
Me : Po tells them.
Po : She owns none of us... NONE! We all belong to Dreamworks.
Me : That's right, and Tipo not canon yet, I remind you.
Po : I know. I am working on it here! Be patient will ya?
That night, inside the Jade Palace's students' quarter...
Almost habitually, Po had to wake up at night to satisfy the demand of his belly.
Grumble.
"Yeah, yeah… I know…. I'm gettin' there," he said.
He crept out of his bedroom, sliding the paper door as subtly as possible. He tiptoed and meandered around the corridor prudently as if entering enemy territory. After nearly a decade living in the students' quarter and painstakingly charting the weakest points on the wood, he'd mapped the creaky part of the damning floorboards. But that cost him a lot of swift, merciless punishment by a certain tiger whose slumber was as light as feather (Po even suspected Tigress could sleep with her eyelids open).
Grumble.
"Patience is a virtue, my friend," he chastised his belly.
He snuck inside the kitchen and let out an explosive sigh of relief, but this mission was far from over. If he was caught, he'd be dead in less than three seconds… well, depending on who caught him. He moved his paws quickly, and hastily interrogated the contents of each cabinet one by one.
After locating what he wanted and satisfying the demand of the demon that dwelled in his rotund belly, the panda stealthily returned back to his room. Well, he tried to anyway.
Alas, Tigress's bedroom door was uncharacteristically left slightly ajar. As if that alone didn't pose enough temptation on the panda's curiosity, under the moonlight (which by divine intervention fell right on her table), Po could see her personal belongings—an assortment of paraphernalia, a quill and an ink pot sprawled in a mess. But the item of interest was a piece of parchment, sitting innocently in the middle of her desk. From where he stood, he could see his name written in what was undeniably Tigress' handwriting.
He hesitated for a moment, weighing the risk of the thing he was about to commit. But his inquisitiveness proved to be a much greater enemy than the prospect of being mauled half to death by the tiger. With the best stealth mode he could muster, he prowled carefully and made his way inside the room. He quickly combed through the parchment.
W-what? What the h—
He covered his mouth, completely left awestruck by what he read. It was Tigress's pros and cons list, and the person she wrote about was none other than himself.
He had to admit, some of the cons were true, but how Tigress figured out about the smell of his morning breath was beyond him. Her cat sense of smell must have been a lot sharper than he thought.
Geez, she could probably smell my musk after training on hot summer days.
And he frowned when he read that he looked attractive when angry.
I guess I have to look completely miffed more often from now on. Say goodbye to the friendly Dragon Warrior! Keeeerchaw...! Wait yeah, had to be silent. The panda reminded himself.
And then the remark about his lips, being soft (and succulent)... invited a rush of blood through his head. He suddenly remembered the conversation in the kitchen earlier.
Riiiight, so she wants to know how my lips feel on hers?! Hhmmm… she may not dislocate my jaw after all. The only way to know is to give it a go.
But halfway through the list, he caught a glimpse of the sleeping Tigress. She looked so serene in her slumber, with no intimidating glares, or vicious stares that normally clung on her facade, leaving any trace of evidence on her face now. She was like an angel, dainty and flawless. Her posture was perfect, and the sleeping robe she wore made him feel a little uncomfortable. The length was mid-calf, but the existence of a slit up to her upper thigh was undeniably kindling something unknown inside him, inviting the fur on his neck to stand up (and so was other part of his anatomy). Although her robe was slightly loose, he couldn't help but imagine the curves accentuated beneath the cloth, it was almost like the game—connecting the dots, the thrill to the mystery was up to one's ingenuity.
Curse my creative imagination.
He quickly averted his gaze before his mind wandered to some forbidden area, but of course her imaginary figure was still unwittingly glued onto his brain. The panda felt lightheaded from the combination of reading strings of praise (written by his heroine herself… imagine that!) and looking at the most exotic creature sleeping peacefully in front of him, but he was quickly brought back to the land of the living when a stern voice came from behind him.
"What are you doing here?" Po jumped and quickly turned around to find Viper hissing at him menacingly. Po knew it was because he was in a woman's bedroom at an unsocial hour in the night, which surely looked like it had some profane testosterone-driven intention. He was lucky Viper wasn't Shifu, or else part of his anatomy would be missing by tomorrow.
"Po, what are you doing inside Tigress's bedroom!" the snake demanded again. The panda finally snapped out of his reverie and left the room.
"I, eh... I-I was just… just curious," he stammered at the snake's vindictive stare.
"You know what would happen to you if Shifu found out?" she reprimanded. "Fortunately it's just me. Now… what were you looking at just now?"
"The list," he replied tersely. Of course, Po wasn't so naive to share the whole truth with the serpent, that he was actually looking at Tigress and the list. The snake smiled impishly at his answer.
"Right… so you know what to do," she said, batting her eyelashes rapidly, and jabbed Po's corpulent torso with the tip of her tail to emphasise her words. "You need to ask her out on the lunar festival, and do what we discussed in the kitchen." She leant closer to the panda's ear until Po could feel her reptilian tongue tickle his ear lobe. "...And Tigress will know how your lips feel like." With that, she retired to her bedroom, leaving one flummoxed and horrified panda in the corridor.
I am as good as dead.
Today was the eve of the lunar festival (or as the Chinese called it, harvest moon festival, or mid-autumn festival). In the Dragon Warrior Tofu and Noodle shop, likewise, the ambiance of jubilee and celebration filled the air. Numerous hanging lanterns, red and gold ribbon, and of course… not missing the pile of mooncakes from normal size to Dragon Warrior size ― were ready to join hand in festivities.
Normally, Mr Ping ― as the senior person in that household ― would cut the mooncakes into pieces and distributed them to each family member, signifying family reunion. Teacups were placed on tables in the courtyard, where families would pour tea and chat, waiting for the moment when the full moon's reflection appeared in the center of their cups. However, one of great cultural observance that had not happened yet in recent decades celebrating moon festival, was the romance side of it. The festival legend, after all, was about a couple, Hou Yi and Chang'e, who were madly in love and devoted to one another. Normally, girls would pray to Chang'e to help fulfilling their romantic wishes, but of course…. the girl Ping had in mind would never do that.
"Hi, dad…"
"Oh… hi, son!" the old goose happily welcomed his son, and extended his withered wings across Po's ample belly.
"Ready for tonight?" The goose prompted outrightly at his son, who shrank mentally in reply.
"Er… yeah, sorta… you know…." Po stammered, trying to hide his uneasiness from his dad.
"Just remember, Po, if you love someone, tell them, because hearts are often broken by things left unsaid…" The old goose advised, but trying not to sound too patronising. "Anyway… you are quite a charmer… I am sure Tigress isn't immune to that cute smile of yours," he laughed, watching the temperature of Po's cheek subsequently rise.
"Dad…!"
"I will be waiting here after you all finish browsing the market. I have reserved the best seat for Shifu and all of you."
"Thanks, Dad."
Moments later, Tigress came into the establishment. Her eyes easily found the Dragon Warrior's large silhouette behind the kitchen counter, just like she had perfectly depicted in her absurd fantasy. He was still wearing his usual patchy pants, but pairing it with a dark-green sleek looking robe with a sash, which securing it to the front of his robust torso. It was modest and simple, but enough to make her heart flutter. He was sauntering between cutting onions, bok choy, carrots, laughing heartily with that generous husky voice of his, while exchanging frivolous banter with his goose dad. Upon seeing her, he abruptly halted his dialogue and excused himself out of the kitchen.
And within a blink he was there in front of her, smiling goofily with no apparent reason, with one of his paws behind his back.
"Hi Tigress…." and he pulled out his other paw, "this for you,... happy mid-autumn festival." A bouquet of flowers, lilies, her favourite, was presented neatly in front of her nose. The fragrance from the flowers tickled her nose, but even from where she stood, she could smell something else that clearly wasn't part of the bouquet. Upon closer inspection, she realised the distinct smell was actually coming from his breath.
Had he just chewed a kilo of mint to smell like that? Not that Tigress had anything to complain about, in fact, she was genuinely pleased.
Did he do all these for me?
Po judged her reaction while his eyes perusing her amazing looks. Tigress was wearing a silver jacquard tunic, adorned with red and gold lotus fancy stitching, which ran around its trim. The material wrapped nicely around her slim figure, giving it a modest curve along a certain point. It was Shifu's gift on her 20th adoption day.
She blushed and shyly received his gift, "That's so sweet of you, Po. Thank you," and a subtle smile formed on her maw. Her unintentional, bashful expression didn't go unnoticed by the panda, who snatched the opportunity to impress her further.
Heck, she could make me have a brain damage just by existing.
Po, concentrate! He chided himself.
This is it, either now or never.
Po mustered all his courage while praying to Oogway that he could have his way without being killed in the process.
"Tigress… errr… I know this kind of impromptu, but… would you, go out with me, tonight?"
"Po, I thought we are going out. Shifu and the rest already down there in the market place." She said tonelessly, trying to hide all the eruption of fireworks and confetti inside her head to surface on her stoic face.
Did he, just ask me…. on a date?
"I mean, later on… just you and me." He said, quickly wrapped his act and stuffed all the show of grogginess under his feet.
No… Noooo! Tigress, what other masters would say? It'll be too obvious!
And what about Shifu?
"Yes, Po. My pleasure." Even Tigress couldn't believe what she said, and a tender, generous smile gripped her muzzle once again.
My ears and my eyes must have deceived me, did she say 'yes'? No punch, no kicks? No trek up and down the thousand stairs? No training? The panda was dumbstruck for a moment.
And that sparkle in her eyes, is it… happiness? She is actually pleased I asked her out?
Tigress, you fool, you fool, you fool…. What have you done? You even SMILED!
For crying out loud! This is ludicrous...immensely...utterly...ludicrous! She rebuked herself for fallen hopelessly and badly besotted to the panda.
Nevermind, I have a feeling this gonna be perfect. She thought.
"Ok, I just need five minutes to wrap up my cooking, and I'll be with you." With equal radiance in his eyes, he replied her. Tigress could feel her heart slamming on her ribcage, whatever Po did tonight was inexplicably hitting all the sweet spots of her emotions, not knowing that the panda obviously had read her list, hence the result.
But Po's plan to further wooed the feline had to be postponed, for here come Mr. Ping.
"Oh… Tigress, lovely to see you dear, oh my goodness… look at how stunning you are tonight." He praised with over the top sweetness in his voice. "Son, don't you agree… huh?"
"Yes Dad, I agree…."Po rolled his eyes, knowing where his father drove the conversation to," Now look, I and Tigress have to go, the others are waiting."
"Tigress, Po had dressed up tonight especially for you… and he had profusely taken a bath every 2 hours. Not to mention how much mint he had chewed…" The goose chuckled.
"Dad…!"
"Just remember dear, you and Po are not getting any younger… and childbearing age won't stay forever." Mr. Ping continued blabbing mindlessly, disregarding his son word of protest.
"DAD…!"
Po pinched the bridge of his nose and grunted in overwhelming frustration. Heavens, pleeeease just end my misery! Meanwhile, Tigress' smile had long evaporated into a painful grimace.
"Alright...alright...have fun you two," the old goose finally released his captives free, receiving a grateful expression from both the embarrassed parties. And before long, both warriors exited the restaurant, leaving one hopeful goose, who quickly burn his incense and planted it by the altar next to the counter.
Dear Quan Yin, Oogway… or whoever it is, please make me a grandad...real soon, and give me a grandcub with a noodle dream. The goose followed the silhouette of the tiger master that just disappeared by the arch of the courtyard.
But kung fu dream is also acceptable. He amended.
Similar way how the news about Po's certain crush to a tiger master had become the public secret, so was the news about his latest endeavour to finally confess his ultimate sentiment to the girl he fancied. Out from the depth of panda village, even Li Shan adamantly had sworn to help his boy to finally win the heart of his heroine. But even the most well-devised plan sometimes had flaws, Li Shan had brought some 'help' with him ― a love cupid.
"Hi, Ping…. Look who I brought with me." Li Shan amiably waved his paw as he entered the courtyard.
"Uncle Ping!" The little panda who was lugged to Li's leg, immediately bolted and knocked out the air out of the old goose lungs.
"(Gasp) Lei Lei… ho-how good to see you h-here." He struggled to breathe, Li swiftly scooped Lei Lei into his arms.
"Ohh… look, poor uncle Ping." Li Shan commented, a false note of sympathy entering his voice.
"I bet I know who you're looking for Lei Lei." Mr. Ping smiled, rubbing his sore neck and chest from the previous assault. Ping put a bowl of dumpling in front of the little panda, and turned into Li with a disapproving look.
"Li…" The old goose sauntered and tugged the elder panda's wrist. "Po and Tigress are on a date… how can you bring this child here, she'll jeopardise everything!" With a sharp whisper, he chastised him.
"Don't judge a book by its cover so quickly, Feathers!" he rebutted imperiously. "Lei Lei might be small, innocent and apparently clueless, but watch this." He called the young panda to come hither.
"Lei Lei… who is your mommy?" Li asked the little panda, lacing his voice with patience.
"Stripy Baby! Big Stripey Baby!" Lei Lei answered without hesitation.
"And...?" Li left his sentence open-ended, waiting for the little panda to complete it, a triumphant grin began to pull a curve on his maw.
"I want a daddy too! Pweasss… pweeass..."
"Who do you want to be your daddy?"
"CUDDLES!"
Li laughed hysterically witnessing Mr. Ping was left dumbstruck. Yes, Lei Lei might be little, but she had the same idea as everyone else about a certain panda and tiger. And her naivety, plainness, and honesty would be just the lethal weapon that would seize the couple to the point of no return. Just seeing her big begging cerulean eyes that would make any heart flutter with an 'awwww, how cute' kind of sentiment, how could anyone resist and reject any word of her wish?
"Well… that is absolute genius, I must say," Mr. Ping admitted. "So what are you waiting for, find them before the crowd piles up… we have a mission to accomplish tonight!" He hastily expelled both pandas, pushing them to the edge of the courtyard.
That evening, the valley was bathed in the beautiful ashen light of the solitary full moon. The masters already headed down to the village square. The immense darkness of the night was gradually lifted by golden lantern light, hanging and swaying in the late autumn wind. The place was rife with creatures. The masters of the Jade Palace stood in awe for a moment to take note of their surroundings, savouring the heartwarming scenery before them, and soon decided to immerse themselves in the spirit of festivities.
In the clearance of the market place, a dance was taken place. The rule of the game was simple, young women were encouraged to throw their handkerchiefs to the crowd, and the young men who caught and returned the handkerchief, would have a chance in romance.
"Dude, you and Tigress should completely do this," the insect prompted.
"But what if someone else caught her handkerchief?" Crane as usual representing the voice of skepticism in a group. Po risked stealing his glance briefly at the tiger master, who was debating with Monkey about the philosophical lesson behind the legend of princess Chang'e ― completely unaware she was the subject of the matter.
"No… I don't think Tigress would ever agree with this…., this is just a very worse form of matchmaking." Viper deduced, after knowing Tigress since she was a mere teenager, the serpent had come to know Tigress loathed the feeling of losing her control over any situation.
"Think about it, you threw your handkerchief with absolutely no control over who will get it. At least when you sit during proper matchmaking, you know who you deal with and you can reject or accept accordingly. And you won't be expected to accept everyone." She added her reasoning.
"I don't mind accepting everyone," the insect cackled, receiving awful sounding groan from the rest as a collective response.
"You…. Mantis, you can go and build your own harem elsewhere."
"Why can't you reject the guy who picks up your handkerchief?" Crane asked offhandedly.
"Yes yes… theoretically, but won't that be terribly cruel… and very much uncouth situation, like, ermm…. I don't think I will ever date you, but can I have my hanky back?"
By the time they returned back to the conversation, both the panda and the tiger had absconded into thin air, and nowhere to be found.
"I guess they just want to get away from us, the interlopers…." snorted Mantis.
"I don't blame them if they wanted to get away from you," the simian nudged the back of the insect, pretty much appalled by his lack of sensitivity over the situation.
"Ok guys, let not spy on them," Viper preempted what was going to happen next, with the foreknowledge exactly what the boys - apart from Crane - was plotting of doing. "For once, just give both of them peace, ok?"
At first, Po took Tigress to the classy part of the market place, where it was not as crowded and the ambience was more suiting for a couple to share an intimate conversation and joining paws. Gentle romantic rendition floated in the air, numerous stalls that lined up was also dressed accordingly ― coordinated colour that was very much pleasing to the eyes, cobble floor underneath was brushed until it shone like marble roof of Jade Palace, some shops even hire a band of musician to stir one's desire to spend. As Po was thinking to get a better looking trousers than what he had - now that he knew, it was Tigress deepest desire to see him in better slack ― so, he purposed to please.
The shop assistant was a glamourous looking rhino, dressed with finest silk trousers, and neatly woven vest, adorned with a complicated looking embroidery pattern running across his chest. Upon seeing both of them entering, he came hither, striding pompously and greeted his customer with an exaggerated bow of courtesy. With her calculative mind, Tigress could straight away tell, the rhino wasn't from anywhere near here, he must have been a travelling merchant or such. He spoke with a very weird accent, welcoming both of them into his shop, but his friendliness ceased there, right after he swept his imperious gaze, up and down on Po's slumpy figure and taking mental note on the overall impression of his 'modest' attire. His nose visibly flaring, eyes narrowing and snorted overbearingly, indirectly announced that Po had come to the wrong store with such a lowly taste. "Pardon me, Mister, in my humble opinion… the shops you are looking for are on the next road down from here," he mentioned, and pressed his lips into an unfriendly smile. Tigress knew that was where all the street vendors were.
Felt appalled by the rhino brutish bigotry, she growled and sheathed her claws in retribution, but the rhino didn't read the clue, neither did he realised his customer were the illustrious Dragon Warrior and the most feared female Kung Fu master in China ― Master Tigress, whose mood of romance just being inverted into murder.
It was Po who quickly intervened. "Tigress, that's ok, I don't need awesomely expensive trousers to look awesome anyway..." He laughed humorlessly, and pulled Tigress' wrist forcefully outside the establishment before she decided to eviscerate the rhino and carved his horn into a chopstick for Shifu's birthday.
But before they wander any further, a rather exquisite object caught Tigress' attention. It was a dark coloured cloak made from thick woolen material, married with a contrasting golden dragon embroidery stitched on its centre, cleverly twisted to a yin-yang symbol, it was a truly classic resemblance. Capturing Tigress sudden spark of interest, the shop owner, a graceful leopardess with an outfit as sizzling as those in Viper's magazine, greeted both warriors with her fluency….. and this time, she knew who they were.
"Ah, what's my luck to have such distinguish heroes coming to my humble boutique."
At first she coaxed two of them to contemplate the unrivalled craftsmanship, the unique design, the versatility and the usefulness of the spoken garment. Then she started to tell the story behind its legendary beginning (a cloak had a story? seriously?), from the humble sheep' wool that was woven meticulously with the amount of dedication that could be more than the years Tigress spent to gain inner peace.
"The best are elegant and timeless, such as yourself Master Tigress," the leopardess fondled the material of the cloak and run it through the digits of her paws, letting the sound of absolute pleasure spewed from her mouth upon touching its luxurious surface, "This… could be the armour of your day, and a shelter of your night." she continued her eloquent rhetoric. "Whether you are on the way for a mission, or simply going for a date such as now - this will help you hit the right sartorial note," she said again, as she tried the cloak on herself and gave it a dainty spin, to cajole Tigress even more to see how nice it drape along the curvature on her slender figure, which pretty much similar to her.
By then Po had been completely enraptured, Tigress wasn't sure was it because of the leopardess outstanding storytelling capability, the cloak…. or her cleavage.
Look at the cloak, but don't look at her. She mentally protested, glaring dagger at the ignorant panda.
But Po quickly lost interest and told Tigress that he would wait outside until she was done. Satisfied with her choice, Tigress went to pay for the cloak, only to meet the leopardess feminine giggle.
"Your big-hearted boyfriend has paid for it," she smiled widely, "... quick, go out there and give him a kiss!" Her proposition invited a sudden blush under her orange fur.
What? Was that oaf not even attempted to bargain for the price? But of course, deep down her heart swell with pride upon knowing how thoughtful Po could be. Not even bothered to deny the truth of their relationship, Tigress thanked the shop owner and rushed outside to look for Po, only to find him in a furniture shop with a pig, Mr. Chung.
Tigress knew this man, he was a rich tycoon with a collection of antiquities from all around the world. But she did wonder, what he could possibly try to sell to a person as simplistic, unsophisticated person like Po.
The valuable relic the pig was offering Dragon Warrior to consider was a chair! Yes, Tigress saw it with her own eyes. In fact, it was a bamboo chair, to be precise, made by adroitly twisting and heating two bamboo stalk and cover its seat with opulent looking cashmere and silk that could fit a maharajah.
He explained how this piece of chair was a unique engineering invention, a piece like no other. He showed Po how the chair could recline, by adjusting the catch in the arm, which slots into notches in the frame. There was a harmonious marriage between clever design, curves and luxury. "This is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and ergonomic," that was his words, only if he knew…. The only thing a panda could do to a bamboo furniture was to eat them. (Or to use it as a rocket launcher like what Po did when he found out he was locked outside the palace arena).
Registering her presence, Po excused himself smoothly and politely, and timely enough, Li appeared with Lei Lei on his arm.
"Stripy Baby! Cuddles!" Lei Lei shouted a blustering cheer upon seeing her idols.
"Oh, hi Dad."
"Hi, Mr. Li."
After three of them (well, four) exchanged a few words, Li decided to leave them.
A few minutes into the stroll, Lei Lei already had her eyes fixated into the pink, sweet and fluffy cloud that hanging innocently from the ceiling of one of the snack vendors.
"Cotton candy! I wan those!"
"And those you will get." Po smiled, "You two stay here, I'll get you some," before Tigress even rebutted any word of protest, the large panda had disappeared into the crowd. Suddenly, she heard Lei Lei squeaky voice.
"Stripey baby, can I stay with you?" Tigress felt a gentle tug on her silk trousers, only to meet Lei Lei large, gleaming, (should she said 'merciless'?) begging eyes. Tigress cursed herself, where all her disciplines had gone in the face of this little panda fervent plea.
"Yes, you can stay in Jade Palace for a few days, I will ask Master Shifu for permission, but I think it should be ok." She condoned.
"No… I mean, fow-ever…." her nonsensical request caused Tigress to raise her brows in complete bewilderment.
"Forever?" Tigress repeated, making sure she understood the panda's request (which she learned later on, more like a demand).
"Yes… I want to be wif you fow-ever." Lei Lei replied plainly as if requesting for an ice cream.
"I...I… no, I don't know Lei Lei," the tiger tore her gaze, if anyone would understand how a little girl yearned for a mother's love, that would be herself. Yes, she had Shifu, although for the most part he hadn't been outrightly giving her the paternal love she hoped for, but she knew, if it wasn't because her estranged brother ― things might have been a very different between herself and Shifu. But again, a man would never be quite a replacement for a mother, even when he tried.
"You can be my stripey mommy…. can't you?" she inquired, her azure eyes inspected into the depth of tiger's soul. Though it was a simple request, Tigress could feel the intensity of her words. For once… Tigress listened to her heart, putting aside all her worry, concern, and decided - if she really loved Lei Lei, she would find the way to be together with her.
"Yes...yes, of course."
"Can cuddles…. be my panda daddy?" she inquired again, and of course Tigress already had an inkling where the conversation was heading to. However, there was no false pretension in that little voice, neither was her eyes danced with mischief, either Lei Lei was a very good child actress or she was terribly sincere in saying all these.
No kidding, this girl really KNOWS how to ask for something.
Tigress took Lei Lei by the paw with her amber eyes watching her tenderly."Well, he can, but you see… mommy and daddy normally lived in the same house, and they…" she paused, attempting to find a clever retort to convey the complexity of husband and wife relationship to a five-year-old.
"Hug? and Kiss?" Lei Lei offered, completing the sentence causing Tigress' crimson eyes narrowing alternately.
"Uh… yes, they….ehm….love each other," Tigress stammered, clearly chastising herself for underestimating Lei Lei level of knowledge.
And as if those weren't hard enough questions, that little monochromatic creature was just proven how she could make the mighty Master Tigress succumbed into submission, nervous, tongue-tied and flushing a few shades of scarlet on her own confession.
"Stripy baby dow-esn't wike Cuddles?"
Not only she KNOWS how to ask for something, she is very persistent indeed.
"No, no.. I. I mean yes... No, that's not what I meant." Tigress let an explosive sigh, looking at the little hellion with a face of an angel, before admitting her defeat, "Yes, I do like him."
"Den… why can't you bwoth hug and kiss and wif in the swame house?"
"...because…" the tiger took a pause to kneel down and look into the little panda cerulean eyes, "...because he doesn't know that Lei Lei, I haven't told him….. yet," Tigress said softly.
"Tell him den…" She quipped, short and biting. If it wasn't because that chaste little face, Tigress would be convinced there was a demon behind that cute, big, twinkling eyes, that currently laughing victoriously as the little panda just check-mate mighty Master Tigress on her little tactical manoeuvre.
Tigress froze where she stood, why was it so difficult for her to confess? Was it her pride and ego stood in the way? Was this all about her image as the pinnacle of an unbreakable, dispassionate and unemotional warrior?
But the truth was, Tigress wanted the world for Po, she wanted him to be the well recognised warrior he deserved to be, she envisioned him to reach all of his dreams, to settle down with the prettiest girl, and bore the most gorgeous cubs, and for that she felt…. she wasn't that woman that would deserve to win a grandiose title as Dragon Warrior's wife, especially when she recalled how she treated him with unwarranted, dismal prejudice when he first came. Even when at the back of her mind, she knew very well that the panda requited her sentiment, and he would just want a string of her love and affection in return, and that would be enough to make him the happiest man, but she couldn't do it. How could she? All her life she was trained to protect, to fight, to sacrifice and eventually to die for those she held dear. Accepting hugs, kisses, and other intimate gesture of affection definitely didn't sit right with her vocabulary of love.
However, Po's round, kind and his goofy face snapped her mind back from momentary reverie. Po handed two large cotton candy.
"You can eat one here, and the other one you can take home," Po said. Lei Lei giggled, but shook her head as she handed the other cotton candy.
"Cuddles and Big Stripey Baby share!"
Both masters were caught in an awkward silence, while Lei Lei grinning triumphantly.
"Right… we'll share then..." Po took the cotton candy out of the bag, and offering Tigress to take the first bite. "...ladies first," he smiled.
Watch out you little lady. Tigress smirked at Lei Lei who pretended to ignore them completely. Tigress was well aware the little panda risking to steal a glance every time she or Po took a bite.
"Shall we visit the…-" and his statement was cut mid-sentence by a growling demand underneath, this time not just coming from Po, but Lei Lei as well.
Tigress chuckled sinisterly,"I think we need to feed two of you before those noises caused an earthquake."
...to be continued...
