The Tiger Inside
By Nasu Hasami
"Your momma's the toughest person I know."
~Macklemore~
54. Theirs
Mulan has never held a baby. The closest she's come is Shang's two-year-old niece, and she's reluctant to cradle her best friend's newborn. Just looking at the small thing is making Mulan a little broody, and she is definitely not ready to give up her career to be a mother.
'Yingpei won't bite,' says Su. She looks exhausted, but she's glowing and loves watching the small wiggling limbs kick in the crib next to her. 'Even if he does, he doesn't have any teeth yet. It won't hurt.'
'I'm okay,' says Mulan. 'I just thought I'd say goodnight to the new mama.'
Su smiles against her pillow. She doesn't look like someone who's just spent fourteen hours in labor and been sewn back together by obstetricians.
'Do you need anything before I go?' asks Mulan.
'I'd kill for a Grizzly from Amboy.'
'Just a burger?' asks Mulan as she's thumbing the order into her phone. She texts Shang to see if he wants anything before she submits the order. He's on-call for Emergency, but he responds almost immediately.
Royale and two Ordinaire. Tasunka wants two Picante. Get Chien two Grizzly. Put it on my card.
The food arrives not long after. Mulan catches Shang hovering in the ED break room, guzzling a bottle of vitamin water. He seems to be more appreciative of the kiss she gives him than the food she hands over. For a few peaceful moments, he simply holds her in his arms and nuzzles his face into her neck.
'Eating with Su?' he asks.
'Yeah,' Mulan nods. 'I was going to leave, but I think I'll just hang out with them until your shift's over.'
'Babysitting duty already,' Shang laughs.
'Or I could go home now,' Mulan threatens. 'Break in Modern Warfare before you get the chance.'
The hold on her hip grows firmer. 'Stay,' Shang pleads. 'There's only two hours left of my shift.'
Two hours disappears pretty quickly as Mulan chats with Su and admires little Yingpei "Eric" Chien.