Disclaimer: No claim on characters, story, etc.
House Call
He admittedly recognized very little from the elegant dress, painted face, and coiffed hair. The bold eyes, clenched fists, and defiant tilt of the chin however, were all Ping. The combined effect had Shang slack jawed and genuinely reconsidering his decision to stop by unannounced.
Mulan was in deep conversation with both her mother and father in the garden. Granny Fa, however, greeted the young Captain and saved him the necessity of interrupting what appeared to be a heated discussion.
"Prophetic timing young man." The elderly woman stated knowingly. Her tone hinted at a joke only she seemed privy to.
"Oh?" Shang replied dumbly, still staring fixedly at Mulan. Her cheeks were flushed from either rouge or the debate—he couldn't be sure from his current vantage point.
"Indeed. Mulan has been to see the matchmaker today."
"Oh." Shang repeated, with equal stupor. His gaze seemed to snap to attention once the meaning of her words sank in.
"I am certain it went significantly better than last time." She chuckled, feigning ignorance at her companion's shift in demeanor. "However, out-doing a small fire and public spectacle is not much of a feat, in and of itself." He thought for a moment she might be joking, but recalling some his first hand experience with Mulan's exploits, he reconsidered. "Though it seems that the matchmaker's good opinion won't much matter. Some quite flattering reports of my granddaughter have made their way down from the capital."
The Captain hung on every word, but to no avail. He was denied his chance at further inquiry when Mulan emerged through the doorway.
Mushu listened from behind a corner, thinking that for someone with such a pleasant disposition, Granny Fa had one seriously devious streak.
Truly, neither the process nor the outcome was unexpected. Mulan had reluctantly agreed to the traditional make up and dress, and once more subjected herself to the matchmaker's scrutiny. The woman's blatant barbs rankled no less this time around.
She gracefully poured the tea, politely answered each query, and after a single snide comment slighting the honor of her house, Mulan's indignation boiled over. She stood unbidden, spoke without permission, and told the matchmaker in no uncertain terms that she did not need a husband or an approved match to bring pride to her family.
"And should you choose to announce your verdict to the entire village like last time, please remember that you would be publicly denouncing one favored by the Emperor." The comment sounded undeniably haughty, but Mulan couldn't quite regret the feeling of vindication as she all but stormed out the door.
She walked home with a spring in her step and a decision on her mind. She knew in her heart that this resolution had been forming for some time, and while her parents did not view the announcement favorably, they acquiesced. With head held high and letters to write, Mulan entered her home with purpose.
Her unexpected guest was greeted with familiarity and a smile that dazzled—"Shang!"
(A/N: Plot is gaining pace I hope-I know some of the developmental chapters can seem slow. I also tend to place description over dialogue which can be a bit daunting for some. Feedback of all forms is appreciated! -Jack)
