After Dinner: Chapter Five

Disclaimer: I don't own Disney's Mulan.  I'm not making any profit by writing this story.

By: Susan

Summary: "Would you like to stay for dinner?" "Would you like to stay forever?" Whatever happened during Shang's dinner with the Fa family? Was it a quick meal or something a bit more drawn out?

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Shang walked slowly into Grandmother Fa's room. He closed the door behind him and pounded the wall in angst.

"Uh, I was about to ask how it went, but maybe I shouldn't?" Mushu said uncertaintly. Shang turned his head to face Mushu's little body on the floor.

"Oh..." Shang moaned.

"He didn't say no, did he?"

"No," Shang replied softly.

"So he said yes! I'm gonna be in a wedding!" Mushu yelled, raising his little fist in the air.

"Not unless you're the one getting married," Shang told him, sighing.

"Okay, what happened?" Mushu demanded.

"He said... He said that he wanted me to ask Mulan."

"Uh...Remind me again…Why are you complaining?" Mushu asked. Shang raised an eyebrow.

"Let me see," he said sarcastically. You seriously believe I could ask someone like her to marry me?" He walked towards the window for some air, but stopped when he realized Mulan was on the far side of the gardens playing with her dog.

"Well, yes," Mushu replied.

"Well, I can't. Look at her. She's so-"

"Beautiful, amazing, unbelievable, brave... I know, I know." Mushu said smiling. "Seriously, Shang, wasn't that what you were just gonna do? You asked Fa Zhou to marry her, and he said ask her yourself. If you can't even ask her to marry you, how are you gonna live with her for the rest of your life? And kids? Forget about it." Shang looked at him sadly.

"Maybe I should just go home. I'll never be able to do this."

"No, Shang, don't give up. What kind of Captain are you? What kind of man?"

"Not a good kind," Shang said glumly, walking towards the door.

"Shang- Shang, don't go," Mushu said. Shang ignored him.

"What would the emperor say? He sent you after Mulan," Mushu yelled, suddenly angry, "He knows. He knows you love her, he knows what you feel." Shang turned his head sadly. "He knows you can't live without her." Mushu pleaded.

"You know it too, don't you Little Dragon? You knew it before me." Shang said, tears in his eyes.

"Of course I do." Mushu said, "C'mon Shang, gimme a hug." Shang took the small reptile and pulled him tightly against his chest.  "Do me a favor Shang."

"Yes."

"Don't call me Little Dragon ever again."

"Is that it?"

"Ask her to marry you, please." Shang closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and stood up taller.

"I will." He strode out the door, swiftly, but turned around and popped his head back in. "Thanks Mushu." He said, then swallowed and walked towards Mulan in the garden.

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