Twilight *Mulan and Ruby*

Ruby flopped on the ground and rolled onto her back.

"You said there was an inn nearby," she grumbled.

Mulan smirked as she towered over her friend. "I did, and it is. You're getting lazy," she teased.

Ruby rolled her eyes. "Is wanting to sleep in a bed asking for too much?"

"Yes," Mulan replied with a chuckle. She extended her hand to the werewolf. "Come on. It's less than a mile away."

Ruby groaned, but took Mulan's hand.

This expedition to find a pack was taking longer than Mulan originally thought. She didn't mind being on the road for so long, but money was becoming an issue. The last time they ran out of coins, the ladies had to pick up odd jobs for a few days before they could move on. Mulan made a good impression at the blacksmith's and Ruby's skills as a waitress were put to good use.

Mulan had never met anyone like Red. She was . . . special. Not because she turned into a wolf. It was something Mulan couldn't quite put her finger on. Ruby just, well, she made Mulan's heart lighter. Her smile was like starlight, drawing the warrior in. Ruby captivated everyone's attention. It was entertaining to see her pour drinks and flirt with customers a week ago. Entertaining, and heartbreaking.

Mulan shook her head. She should have learned her lesson with Aurora. Thinking about her first love made Mulan swallow thickly. She would never forgive herself for not telling Aurora how she really felt. A part of her wondered if she would ever see her old friend again.

The travelers reached the inn at twilight. Mulan used part of her earnings to get a room for the night. Ruby offered to purchase the meals. Thanks to her generous customers, she could afford it.

"Only got one bed," the grizzly innkeeper said as he handed over the key. "Be out of here after breakfast." He grabbed his broom and walked around the desk to the kitchen.

Mulan and Ruby tossed their bags near the single chair. Mulan opened the small window across from the door. Ruby unbound her hair from its braid.

"You can have the bed tonight," Mulan said, still facing the window.

Ruby snorted. "Nonsense! It can fit two."

"No, really, it's fine. I don't mind taking the floor."

Ruby crossed the room in a few steps and placed her hand on Mulan's shoulder. Mulan turned to face her.

"Come on, Mulan. I'm not changing tonight. You'll be fine," Red said with a reassuring smile.

Mulan opened her mouth to protest but sighed. "Fine."

Ruby beamed. "Great. I'll go get the food."

Once she was gone, Mulan's shoulders sagged. She unclipped her red cloak and hung it on the chair. Mulan carefully pulled off her armor until she was in her loose, cream top and black trousers. She pulled off her boots then grabbed her brush. She couldn't remember the last time she gave it a good brush.

Ruby nudged the door open with her hip as she balanced the tray on her head. Her hands held two cups of watered-down wine.

When Mulan saw her, she chuckled. "You're going to drop that."

"No, I won't!" Ruby said, sticking her tongue out. "Get your drink."

Mulan slid off the mattress and took both cups. The two sat by the window on the hardwood floor, letting the night breeze cool their warm skin.

"He may be grouchy, but this guy can cook," Ruby said between mouthfuls of duck.

Mulan agreed. "I'm just glad we have somewhere dry to sleep. It's going to rain tonight."

Ruby's nose crinkled. "I hate sleeping in the rain."

"I can't say it's one of my great pleasures, either." She ripped the last of the duck off the bone. "Phillip and I used to ride all day in the rain."

Ruby shoved the empty plates aside. Mulan went back to the bed and sat cross-legged as she continued to brush her hair. Ruby went to her bags and began to undress for bed. Mulan kept her gaze on the sheets as Ruby loosened her corset.

Not long after, a second pair of hands worked on Mulan's hair. She tensed until she realized it was Ruby. She handed over the brush.

"I love your hair," Ruby raved. She started piling it atop Mulan's head.

"Leave it loose. It's been up all day."

"But if you put it up, you'll have waves tomorrow!"

"So?"

Ruby clucked her tongue. "How do you think I keep my hair so stylish? Just trust me."

Mulan playfully rolled her eyes. "Fine."

Once the hair situation was taken care of, the ladies blew out the one candle and crawled under the thick quilt. It hung around their hips, letting the breeze cool them down.

Mulan faced Ruby, staring at her as she shared one of her famous stories of Storybrooke. Apparently, her granny made her the current, blood red nightgown that she wore.

"Ruby."

"Yeah?"

"Did you ever meet Aurora when you lived in Storybrooke?"

Ruby raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Mulan lowered her gaze. "I was just curious. You mentioned her once." She rolled over to face the window, shutting her eyes.

"What happened between you two?" Ruby asked quietly.

"Nothing," Mulan said as her shoulders tensed. "Goodnight."

The room was silent. Ruby sighed. "She came over during one of the curses. She has a son. Phillip Junior. When I saw her at the diner, she was happy."

Mulan felt her heart take a deep breath. "Good. I'm glad."

"Are you okay?"

Mulan nodded, a tear running down her cheek. "Perfectly. Goodnight, Ruby." She swallowed before her voice could crack.

"Goodnight."

Sometime in the night, Mulan must have rolled over in her sleep. When she awoke, her hand was covered by Ruby's. Mulan didn't move. She shut her eyes quickly. It had to be a dream. She peeked. Not a dream. Mulan shut her eyes again and took a deep breath. She could use a little more sleep.