AN: I haven't watched Mulan in a while, but since many people wanted me to update, I decided to do it. For you guys. You're welcome XD

It's really short- like drabble size, but I wrote this is literally a couple of minutes because I knew if I didn't update now, I never would.

During dinner, Mulan felt her smile grow faker and faker. It wasn't that she wasn't happy, she had just saved China! The thought alone was unbelievable. Not to mention, Shang was sitting at her table. She had developed quite a crush on him since he finally warmed up to her during training. When she was revealed, she worried she would not see him- along with Chien Po, Ling, and Yao- again, not only because she fancied him, but also because he turned out to be a really great and interesting friend.

So she should've been happy that everything miraculously was turning out well, but she wasn't. The worries in her mind were too much to ignore, and even as her family told Shang stories about her childhood, she couldn't bring herself to be embarrassed.

What do I do now? she thought. I can't just go back to hiding behind the mask of a perfect girl. Rumors are already spreading, I can never be the person I was before. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. On one hand, she hated being that girl, and to finally be free of her was a freedom she never had felt before. But if she was a warrior, men probably wouldn't like to marry her. She would never be the demure bride they wanted her to be. And since she was a woman, her job in the military (if she was allowed to have one) wouldn't be the same as the men. She would never be taken seriously by some people, no matter how many times she saved China.

"Mulan?...Mulan?" her mother was calling her.

"I'm sorry, mother, what did you say?" Mulan asked quietly, her mind still filled with doubts.

Her mother frowned slightly, unaware of Mulan's inner turmoil. "I asked if you could show Captain Li Shang around the gardens."

"Yes, of course."

Her grandmother winked at her, she just wanted Mulan to woo the handsome military captain, as was typical of her.

But on her way out her father caught her hand gently, and looked at her with confidence in her in his eyes, and her doubts were momentarily put to rest.

Oh, this was awkwardness at its best. Both Shang and Mulan were attempting to make conversation, but it was stilted, as was all of their conversation after she had been revealed.

Mulan found a bit of the courage she had gained in the army and spoke up, "Look, if you're going to act like this just because I'm a woman, I guess you should just leave, because I'm not going to pretend to be your friend if you don't like me anymore."

Shang jumped up indignantly, "No! It's nothing like that! Mulan..." he broke off and looked at the ground. "I like you quite a bit-" he rolled his eyes, losing his embarrassment. "I don't know why or how, but it's the truth. You can imagine how confused I was during training." A slight blush warmed his cheeks.

"Um...wha- really?" Mulan finally said. "I mean- I do too. Like you, I mean."

Shang smiled at her. "I'm new to this, but I suppose you know where to go from here, you look like you're the age that has been to the matchmaker. Oh- are you engaged yet?"

Mulan gritted her teeth, ready for embarrassment. "Um no- you see..." and she launched into her tale, which had Shang laughing incredulously. Pretty soon their conversation returned to its easy nature before the revealing, as Mulan referred to it.

After a while she noticed Shang was staring at her with a soft look on his face. "What?" she asked.

"Oh, nothin-ummph!" Mulan had smashed her lips onto his. It was awkward and weird, but it felt right to her.

She broke away, and her blush made an appearance. "Sorry...I just..."

"No, it's okay, it was just...sudden to say the least."

"That was my first kiss." Mulan admitted.

"Mine too" Shang told her with a smile.

That was when she knew. The doubts would always be there- they'd always come back to haunt her. But with people like Shang in her life, she could control them and life the life she'd always wanted to- and was now allowed to live.

R&R! Even if I don't reply (sorry) I always read and truly appreciate your review.

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Until next time!