As Shang rode up to Mulan's home, his friends were still at the inn, drinking and trying to guess how he was doing. They were the only ones there as the rest of the regulars were working. The innkeeper and his family were in the kitchen getting some food ready.
"I'm betting he's chickened out and on his way back here!" guffawed Ling.
Chien Po shook his head. "Love gives us courage. He'll do it."
Yao smirked. "Think he'll come back here?"
"I doubt it very much, Yao." Grinned Xin Soong.
"Isn't that unfair?" pondered Ling. "I mean, we traveled with him, encouraged him all the way and then, he goes off."
"Sounds like what our own parents went through." That reminded Chien Po of his family and he sighed. "I miss home."
Ling cupped his chin in his hand and looked lazily at his cup. Although he was loath to admit it, he too was getting homesick.
"Don't you have a home to miss?" asked Yao towards Xin Soong.
Xin Soong smiled. "I just saw my family a week ago when I got back from the east. General Tong recommended me to be part of the Imperial Army that's stationed in the city. So, I should be closer to my family. I see no reason to be homesick."
Chien Po sighed remembering his family. "I miss my brothers and sisters the most. Good old Ren Xing always made the best dumplings in the village."
Yao grinned. He and Chien Po were from the same village. "And then, she'd catch you taking one! Who'd have thought you could run that fast!" Chien Po laughed.
"My brother and me used to race each other all the time." Said Xin Soong suddenly. "He's only 15. If all goes well, I'll see him in another two or three years."
"Another guard for the Forbidden City?"
Xin Soong smiled and if you looked carefully, there was a trace of pride in his expression. "Yeah. Little squirt's better than me, I have to admit."
"Since Tough Guy won't be coming back here anytime soon, why don't we get a head start and go on home?"
Chien Po finished up his fourth cup of tea. "I agree with Yao. We're all obviously homesick."
Xin Soong leaned back into his chair. "You guys can go. I think I'll stay here one more day, visit my friend's fiancée then go back to the Imperial City."
"Where is your hometown anyway?"
"A village three days on horseback from the Imperial City. We used to live in the city herself but when my father retired, he bought a house in one of the quiet villages outside the city."
"Come on, we better see if our horses are all right to travel today." Nodding, Ling followed Yao and Chien Po out. Xin Soong was left drinking his tea, his eyes closed deep in thought.
A soft cough alerted him. When he looked up, he saw a young lady of seventeen smiling back at him. She wore a plain light green dress and had her hair loose. Her smile was sweet and her eyes bright. She looked like the picture of maidenly grace.
"Are you going to finish that? Or do you want it for another year or so?" This was asked with a smirk, not a sweet smile.
Looks can be SO deceiving…
"Why, actually, I was about to order a refill. I plan to stay for another day or so." He gave her a smug grin and handed her his empty cup. Pouting, she took the cup and went off.
He sniggered to himself. What he didn't expect was the girl coming back with a smile on her face, so sweet, it almost made him wonder if she was real. "Here you go, sir. Have a nice day." And she shuffled off.
Raising an eyebrow, Xin Soong looked suspiciously at the tea. It looked like tea. Xin Soong took the cup and sniffed it. A strangely familiar smell. He put a finger into it then tasted the liquid. Xin Soong grimaced. Soy sauce with extra salt! I knew it!
Smiling sneakily, he poured the tea onto the ground. Then, with a loud cry, he tumbled to the ground, making sure the cup rolled away. Using his training knowledge, Xin Soong slowed his breathing and pulse. Closing his eyes, he waited.
Few minutes went by and Xin Soong fought to keep from smiling as the girl shrieked in fear. "What do I do?! What do I do?!" murmured the girl softly. She checked the pulse by his neck. He heard her footsteps hurry away and began to grin to himself…
-
Then yelled and sat up as hot tea spilled onto his face.
-
After clawing at his face for a while, he felt a cold rag on his face. The cold cloth soothed his skin. When he was able to look again, he saw the same girl kneeling by him with a teapot by her side and the rag in her hand.
"I'm not all that stupid, you know. But I do know what it's like having hot tea spilled onto one's skin."
"I have no idea whether to thank you or complain to your father."
The girl laughed. "My father?! That would be impossible. He lives in the Imperial City."
Xin Soong took the rag and held it to his cheek. "Then why are YOU here punishing me?"
She grinned. "I came to help my uncle. And to try and see if I can find more freedom here."
"So, you're the innkeeper's niece? Why didn't I see you yesterday?"
"I was in the kitchen helping to cook. I caught a look at you and your friends though. My cousin, Yun Cyn told me that the man with the big nose was quite charming to her."
Xin Soong laughed. "Ling?! Charming?!" More rich laughter.
The girl couldn't help but chuckle as well. They calmed down soon after.
"I am Xin Soong. And I had the pleasure of being scalded by?"
She smiled. "Shu Fang."
Xin Soong smirked. "You don't sound or act gentle or sweet. Although you certainly look that way."
In spite of herself, Shu Fang grinned. "I only act like that when people irritate me, sir."
"Ah. Then-"
Suddenly a voice called out. "Shu Fang! Is everything all right?"
"Yes! I'm coming!" Taking the teapot and cloth back, she stood up and smiled at him. "I'll see you again soon, Xin Soong?"
"But of course." She walked off. Getting up from the floor, he sat back at the table, suddenly getting the urge to stay for at least another week.
-
-
Yao and Ling sighed as they combed out their horses tangled manes out. Chien Po was busy combing out his horse's tails. "Wonder where I'm gonna put Long (dragon) when I get home." wondered Ling absentmindedly.
"The way your mother's afraid of large animals? I think he'd be better off as meat."
"I am not about to kill Long just because my mother doesn't like him."
"It's either him or you."
Ling said no more and continued grooming the horse. Yao finished and tossed his brush aside. "Wonder what else is there to see in town."
Ling's head came up with a grin. "You wanna go see?"
Chien Po raised an eyebrow. "I thought we agreed to leave today?"
"We will! Just as soon as we explore!" Chien Po knew that nothing could deter them. They had this steely-eyed look they got whenever they came up with a 'wonderful' idea.
So, the gang of three headed off into town. It was bustling with activity and everyone had something to do. Although definitely not as busy as the Imperial City, Chien Po found it comfortable especially after finding a stand selling 'char siew pau' or rather buns stuffed with pieces of barbecued pork. Next to Sweet and Pungent Shrimp, it was his favourite snack. Ling was busy ogling pretty girls that walked along with their chaperones. Yao was busy trying to keep Ling from being fed any parasol by over protective mothers.
-
"THIEF! HELP!"
-
Everyone spun around to see two girls shrieking as a scruffy looking boy ran through the crowd with a small silk bag in his hand. Thinking quickly, Chien Po put his bulk in the boy's path. By the time the thief saw that Chien Po was in the way and tried to run in the opposite direction, he found two more road blocks in the form of Ling and Yao.
It was a matter of minutes before Yao had the boy in a headlock while Ling retrieved the bag. Chien Po took the boy by his collar and raised him about two feet in the air. He looked around twelve. Chien Po frowned at him. "Did you know what you did?"
"Please, sir! I only needed some money to feed my sister and myself. Please! I'm all my sister has. Please…" Chien Po felt himself soften and lowered the boy just as the two young ladies came up. They looked rather well off.
"Thank you, sirs!" One of them, in pink, glared at the boy. "We'll see what the town council does with you!"
"If you don't mind, miss," began Chien Po in his calm tone. "Maybe you would consent to just let the boy go. He stole your purse because he needed food. For him and his sister."
Yao and Ling looked at him wide eyed. The other girl wearing a light yellow dress put a hand to her mouth. "Is this true?" she asked addressing the boy. He nodded slowly. It was clear he was frightened.
The first girl crossed her arms. "He may be lying, Qing Yuan."
Yao and Ling stepped up. "The only way to prove that is if he shows us that he has a sister." Said Yao sensibly.
"Lead us to your sister and we may sort this whole thing out. No tricks." Warned Ling.
With Chien Po's hand still on his shoulder, the twelve-year-old led them to a small hut on some abandoned land. The two young ladies put handkerchiefs to their noses. Even Yao wrinkled his nose at the smell. But what shocked them all was that two children were able to live here. Going into the hut, they saw a little girl, looking just as scruffy as her brother.
She stood up when she saw the group behind the boy. "Brother? Who are these people?"
The boy ran to his sister. "Don't worry. We'll be alright." He turned to Chien Po. "Won't we?"
Chien Po in turn, looked at the young ladies. The girl in pink had a look of sympathy on her pale face. "Huan Yue. Surely we don't need to send the poor thing against the council…" said Qing Yuan softly.
Huan Yue shook her head and knelt to meet the girl face to face. "How old are you?"
"Eight, miss."
Huan Yue rubbed her hand softly against the girl's cheek. When she looked, her hand was covered in light dirt. "Sister."
"Yes, Huan Yue?"
"We're going to help them. I doubt if Aunt Lien will object." She looked at the boy. "What are you and your sister's name?"
"I'm Sying. My sister is Jia Li."
"Follow us, Sying. Along with your sister."
She turned to the gang of three and bowed to them. "You've helped me and my sister a great deal. It would be a pleasure if you joined us for tea." Ling and Yao grinned at each other. Chien Po was about to decline when Qing Yuan smiled.
"That isn't a request. You will follow us as well." And with that, the two girls led the way with Sying and Jia Li behind them.
The gang of three followed, half believing that this had happened in only one morning.
-
-
Where are those three anyway? Thought Xin Soong as he went out to the mini stables where the horses were kept. He spotted their horses. Okay, they haven't left yet…must have gone out somewhere into town. Xin Soong rolled his eyes. "Typical." He muttered as he went back into the inn.
It was lunchtime and some people had already come into the tavern/inn for food and drink. Collecting his and the gang of three's bags, he went to see if he could get a room for the night. To his pleasant surprise, he saw Shu Fang. "Excuse me, Lady Shu Fang." Wide eyed, Shu Fang spun around.
She grinned to see that it was him. "I am not of noble birth, sir. You may call me by my name."
He nodded with a slight smile. "Of course. Could you show me a room? I'm going to spend another night here."
Shu Fang smiled brightly. "Uncle? Xin Soong…I mean, this gentleman wishes to take a room for the night."
"Could you show him the room please? I need to help your aunt cook as well!"
She turned towards him. "Follow me."
"To the ends of the world and back if you wish."
Shu Fang laughed. "Just to your room."
They walked up the stairs talking. Xin Soong found her rather bright and full of life. She didn't chatter endlessly but certainly knew what she talked about. Finally, they reached one room.
"Your room, Captain Xin Soong."
"Thank you, Shu Fang." She bowed then was about to go when Xin Soong stopped her.
"Um, you said you'd like to hear about the East, right?"
"I did."
"Well, I could tell you more later, if you wish."
She blushed unexpectedly. "That would be nice. Yes, I would like that."
Xin Soong smiled. "Then, I will come down and see if you're not busy."
Shu Fang bowed with a big smiled and hurried downstairs. Xin Soong entered his room and dumped the bags onto the floor. Flopping onto the bed, he started to wonder if he would find someone. Probably not. His father had once said that marriage was something for parents to decide on. Even men were no exception.
Xin Soong's dad's marriage had also been an arranged one. Xin Soong would often find himself wondering if his mother truly felt love for his father. Maybe friendship but love? He had a sneaking suspicion she didn't. Madam Hong, his mother understood when Xin Soong had been upset because of the arranged marriage. It was her who'd help change Xin Soong's father's mind.
His brother, Shen Shing, had a few more years to go before anyone thought about setting him up for a marriage. Lucky stiff, thought Xin Soong half enviously. Although he was off the hook because of his career, Xin Soong was still pestered, in a well-meaning way, by his parents about when he would get married. Xin Soong knew they wouldn't understand if he said he needed to find the one he loved first. So, he just kept silent. Some hours passed and it was soon afternoon.
Deciding he needed to do something other than lie on his bed and daydream, Xin Soong went downstairs. His eyes searched for Shu Fang but couldn't see her anywhere. Deciding it couldn't hurt to ask, he saw Shu Fang's cousin, Yun Cyn, wiping some tables.
"Excuse me but have you seen Shu Fang?"
She smiled. "She went out to see some friends. But don't worry, she'll be back soon."
"Thank you."
Yun Cyn nodded and went on with her work. Well, might as well wait. Suddenly he remembered Shang and the gang of three. Where are they?
-
-
"Imagine, Shu Fang! From a scruffy looking urchin to this pretty girl!" declared Qing Yuan happily. Her sister eyed Jia Li critically then added another hair comb. Stepping back, she admired her handiwork, namely Jia Li's hair.
Sying and his sister had been welcomed graciously into Huan Yue and Qing Yuan's temporary home. After being cleaned up and fitted in new clothes, Sying was patiently sitting on a chair, looking at pictures while Jia Li's hair was being styled by Qing Yuan.
Shu Fang smiled seeing the eight-year-old girl look enthusiastically at herself in the mirror. "And you say those three men helped you get your purse back?"
"Yes! They were most polite!"
Shu Fang recognized them and was reminded of Xin Soong. I better get back soon if I want to see him. "So, what are they like?"
Huan Yue turned around and grinned. "Why? Are you interested in them?"
Shu Fang let out a laugh. "Please! YOU met them in the market place. Not me!"
Qing Yuan smiled. "I thought the big one was very sweet towards us."
Huan Yue smiled. "Well, dear sister, we'll know soon enough if Aunt Lien sees them fit to have tea with us."
Another girl came rushing in. She was Lin An, Huan Yue and Qing Yuan's cousin. "Oh, Jia Li! You look adorable!"
"Thank you, Miss An."
Sying grinned. He began to talk quietly with his sister while An turned to the girls. She was quite pretty and shorter than almost everyone by an inch or two. Although short was acceptable in Chinese culture, An was way too short for her self-esteem's good. "Mama says they're polite even if that short one turns red in the face often. We can have tea with them provided she goes along."
Qing Yuan frowned. "Meaning no disrespect to Aunt Lien but does she REALLY have to come? I mean, we can take care of ourselves, you know."
An shrugged. "You know mama. But I guess if Shu Fang goes then, she shouldn't mind. After all, it'll only be in the garden." Aunt Lien, as all the three girls knew, trusted Shu Fang the most.
Huan Yue turned liquid eyes onto her friend. "Please, Shu Fang?"
Her sister went next. "Pleease?!"
An came along. "Pretty pleeease?!"
Shu Fang's eyes grew round as she found herself the attention of all three girls. All three were pulling pouts worthy of Chinese operas. She couldn't help but laugh. "All right! Stop! I'll go along!"
The three girls grinned. "I knew she couldn't resist that pout!" said Huan Yue. Shu Fang sighed and with her elbow on her knee, dropped her chin into her hand.
Well, I guess tales of the East will have to wait until later…
Outside, the gang of three fidgeted under the scrutiny of Aunt Lien, a woman who had a plumpish figure but an understanding air around her.
However, this air of understanding was disturbed by a look of suspicion. Even peaceful Chien Po couldn't help but feel uncomfortable. All the woman did was stare at them as if they were undercover spies about to kill her daughter and her nieces. It was all Yao could do to keep from hitting himself unconscious so he wouldn't have to look at her in the eye. Ling glanced left and right looking for any signs of rescue. Chien Po chanted silently in his head. All three breathed a sigh of relief as the girls came out.
"Mama…please..." said An softly.
"Aunt Lien? Shu Fang said she'd come along with us. So you don't have to trouble yourself." Said Huan Yue sweetly. Qing Yuan nodded in agreement. Aunt Lien tapped her finger against her chin then nodded.
"Very well. I trust," she turned her eyes to the gang of three who were silently jubilant. "That the young men will be respectable."
"Oh, of course, Madam Lin."
"Nothing but respect for them!" supplied Ling cheerfully. Yao elbowed him as Aunt Lien raised an eyebrow.
"If you'll follow us, please." Said An pointedly. Sying and his sister were still in the room, being kept busy by paintings and portraits of the Lins'.
The gang of three gratefully said their goodbyes and hurried after the girls. As they reached the garden, they saw a quaint stone table with stools surrounding it. There were already cups and a teapot on the table, waiting. "After you." Said Yao politely.
An smiled at him. "Thank you." Yao felt himself go all warm inside.
Her cousins and Shu Fang followed. The gang of three seated themselves opposite them, making sure that Shu Fang saw that. "So, tell me. What names do my cousins' heroes go by?" asked An.
"I'm Yao."
"I am Chien Po."
"While I," he grinned at the ladies. "Am Ling."
Huan Yue put her hand on the table. "Really…" Ling looked straight at her. Her face seemed to dare him to do something completely unorthodox.
Yao had his hand on Ling's collar and pulled him back sharply. "Ow!"
"Do something impolite and you'll get us thrown out, you idiot!" muttered Yao.
Chien Po on the other hand was answering Qing Yuan's question. "Me and Yao are from a village in Nanyang province. Ling, on the other hand lives near Louyang."
"Such far away places? What are you doing here then?"
"It's a long story…"
While Chien Po, Ling and Yao recounted their adventure, (omitting their dressing as women) Shu Fang half listened. She was itching to go back to the inn. Soon, the afternoon wore on and the gang of three had been at the girls' house for nearly two hours. Deciding the girls wanted to be alone with them, Shu Fang caught Huan Yue's eye and took her aside.
"Excuse me, Huan Yue but I need to go back to the inn. My uncle must be swamped by now."
"But if you go then THEY have to go, and I wanted to hear about their life in their villages!"
Shu Fang thought for a while then grinned. "Tell them to go the inn. After they leave, tell them to wait outside. Then I'll tell Aunt Lien I'm taking three of you to the inn. We go outside, the boys are waiting…you see where I'm going?"
Huan Yue smiled craftily. "Perfectly." She went over to the table and explained.
Ling interrupted. "Wait! If I'm not mistaken, there's only ONE inn in this town, right?"
"Yes. And Shu Fang's uncle runs it."
Ling grinned widely along with his friends. "What a coincidence! We're staying THERE for…"
Yao cut in. "A week or so." Chien Po's eyes grew wide.
"Yes, yes, a week." Said Ling with a few nods thrown in. Chien Po pursed his lips together disapprovingly. Then couldn't help but nod at Qing Yuan's smile.
"Well, then. Let's go! And then we can ALL go to the inn." Grinning they carried it out. Saying a polite goodbye to Aunt Lien, the gang of three made their exit. And waited just a few steps from the house gates. Aunt Lien then gave her approval for Shu Fang to take her girls out. And with that, they walked through town to the inn.
An walked with Yao, both blushing while Ling kept on grinning because Huan Yue was walking beside him, VERY willingly. And behind them were Chien Po and Qing Yuan smiling brightly. Shu Fang completed the procession, smiling in amusement at the couples' antics. Once they reached the inn, Xin Soong was outside walking his horse through the courtyard.
"HEY! Xin Soong! Guess what happened in town today!"
Not really seeing the young ladies who were with them, Xin Soong came closer with Suei's reins in his hands. The patient mare walked along obediently. "You bought new dresses and hair combs to dress up for the matchmaker?"
Ling scowled. "NO! Ahem. This," gesturing towards his walking partner. "Is Huan Yue."
Xin Soong smiled and bowed respectfully. "An honour to meet you."
Yao and Chien Po came up next and introduced 'their' girls. Xin Soong couldn't help but grin. "No wonder you were out the whole afternoon…" He trailed off when he saw Shu Fang coming up. As she got nearer and saw Xin Soong, she smiled.
"Good evening, Xin Soong."
He bowed. "Shu Fang. I was wondering where you were."
The gang of three and their girls practically saw sparks flying and headed into the inn with throat clearings, snickering and backward looks.
"I was with my friends. Apparently YOUR friends helped Huan Yue and her sister get their stolen money back. And helped a poor street boy and his sister."
Xin Soong raised an eyebrow. "Quite the heroes."
"Ling was, well, quite charming…"
Xin Soong gave her a look that asked her if she was serious.
"Too charming."
He laughed. "Let me put Suei into the stable then perhaps, you would care to hear a story about the East? You seemed interested when we last spoke."
"And I was." She winked and went inside. After leaving Suei in the comfortable stable, Xin Soong entered the inn. He saw everyone seated at a far table, all of them talking and laughing. There were two seats left, obviously for him and Shu Fang. He sat himself between Ling and the empty seat.
An got up with a smile and went to speak with Shu Fang's uncle. After a minute, he nodded and An returned with Shu Fang, She plunked her friend on the empty seat then delicately sat by Yao. And with that, the afternoon and evening was spent talking, sharing stories, laughing, talking some more, laughing some more (most of them at Yao's expense. It often resulted in Yao stepping on Ling's foot).
They all got to know each other and for the first time since she came, Shu Fang felt free.
Especially when Xin Soong's hand brushed against her own sometimes. And he didn't take his hand away.
It was a nice feeling.
-
-
"That was a great dinner, Mulan."
She smiled. "My mother made it."
"You helped."
Mulan bowed. "Thank you, kind sir."
Shang laughed. He'd stayed for dinner with the Fas'. All his doubts seemed strange and rather far away now. Mulan had made him feel welcome and although Shang still hadn't told her how he felt, it felt good just to be with her and talk with her. Now that he knew she was a girl, he still kept a respectful distance. Mulan looked towards the sky. It was slowly turning to night but still too light for any stars to show themselves.
"So, did you come alone?"
Shang's eyes nearly popped out. He'd forgotten all about his friends. Knowing that Mulan was like a sister to the gang of three, he grinned. He knew it would make her happy to see them. "No. I came with Xin Soong, my old friend. And some old friends of your own."
She looked at him in surprise. "Who?"
"Oh, Ling, Yao and Chien Po. I could bring you to visit them. If you want, that is."
She smiled brightly. "I'll go ask my parents." A few minutes later, with a promise not to come back late, she came out. "Let's go! I already told them you'd be coming along."
Shang raised an eyebrow. "Are they fine with that?"
"I told them you would make sure I didn't robbed or worse since it's getting dark. After all, a girl riding a horse on a lonely road is an easy catch." Mulan said this with a sly grin. Shang let out a laugh. China's heroine getting mugged? The robbers would probably find themselves lying flat on their backs before they even tried to take anything.
Soon, they made their way to the inn, talking and laughing along the way. It'd gotten dark and the lights from the houses and inn shone through the windows. Music was also playing in the inn. "You're all staying here?"
"Yeah."
Mulan smiled. "It's a nice place. The innkeeper's daughter used to come and play with me. I haven't seen Yue Ying since I came back."
"When did you get home?"
"About an hour before you came to return my helmet. Which is curious because I already took my helmet with me…"
Shang grinned sheepishly. Leading their horses in and tying the reins to two posts, they entered the inn. As soon as they went in, Mulan couldn't help but smile. "You didn't tell me that all four already met some young maidens here."
Shang blinked in surprise to see four girls at the table along with his friends. "I wasn't aware they had…"
"You think they want to be alone?" asked Mulan.
"Perhaps."
Mulan recognized An. Although she didn't know the girl, she'd seen her before. Her mother, Madam Lien sold cloth in town. Just then, Chien Po happened to turn around. He saw two very familiar faces. Both were grinning amusedly.
"Mulan! Captain Li!"
At that, everyone turned to see. And they all applauded. By now, everyone knew of Mulan's heroic deeds in the Imperial City. She grew red and Shang grinned even wider. Mulan bowed and made her way to the gang of three's table. Chien Po introduced them. "Everyone, this is Fa Mulan and Captain Li Shang. Both heroic and both our good friends!"
"I'll agree only with being your good friend." Said Mulan with a smile.
"And who are these, if I may ask?" asked Shang gesturing to the ladies.
Ling stood up at once. "Ahem! This is Huan Yue," She smiled and nodded her head. "Qing Yuan," Qing Yuan waved in response. "And An." She smiled. Xin Soong spoke up.
"And this is Shu Fang."
"Hi." Mulan grinned at them. "You must be Xin Soong. Shang told me a lot about you."
"Ah. Then he talks too much." Shang merely smiled coolly as Mulan laughed.
Shu Fang grinned. "Come sit down! We want to hear what it was like being the only girl in the army!"
"Not pleasant, I assure you!"
So, the ten almost adults sat and had dinner (except Mulan and Shang), compliments of Shu Fang's uncle. "In honour of Fa Mulan's return," he'd said with a big grin.
"We thought you wouldn't be coming back," said Xin Soong to Shang in a low tone.
"And not thank you for the helmet? Besides, you still owe me some money." Shang found himself being whacked on the back.
"My spine must be dislocated by now…" muttered Shang to himself.
Soon, after much laughter and stories, everyone realized the girls had to go. Huan Yue, Qing Yuan and An bid 'their' boys goodnight, promising to meet up again the next day. Even after only one night, the three girls knew they had found some special men. Shu Fang's uncle took them home. After waving goodbye, the gang of three decided to turn in. Naturally, they stayed at the inn. There were only two rooms and Yao had to share with Chien Po. They went to bed without another thought.
Shang accompanied Mulan home, giving Xin Soong and Shu Fang a little privacy. No one else was around as it was rather late. Shu Fang's cousins had gone out for the night for a wedding dinner. Shu Fang and Xin Soong saw Mulan and Shang ride off together (on separate horses of course).
"Captain Li intends to wed Mulan, doesn't he?"
Xin Soong looked at her in surprise. "How did you know?"
She laughed. "One can see that they are meant for each other. And that Captain Li paid most attention to Mulan than any of the girls."
"Did you want him to pay attention to you?"
She looked at him amusedly. "That is a rather personal question, Xin Soong."
"But it is your decision whether to answer it or not." Shu Fang smiled.
"I preferred someone else to pay attention to me."
"It isn't my business to ask who that someone might be, is it?"
"No."
Xin Soong grinned. "No, it is my business? Alright then. Who is that someone?"
Shu Fang hit him lightly on the arm, half laughing. "Sir, you are too incorrigible to be a captain of the Imperial Army."
"Why do you think they transferred me here? But don't change the subject. Who is that someone?"
Shu Fang smiled delicately and looked away, as if thinking. Without realizing it, Xin Soong had leaned nearer, in anticipation of her answer.
Of course, when she turned around sharply, his face was a mere half-inch away from her own. And they just sat there, their faces so close yet so far. (So to speak) Shu Fang had no idea what to do but had a strong longing to give him permission to kiss her. Xin Soong knew very well that if any part of his face so much as touched hers, he could get thrown out. But, he couldn't tear his gaze away from her eyes, her face. He ached to know what her lips felt like.
"Xin Soong," Shu Fang finally murmured. "Kiss me. Please."
Hesitantly, he did. It was only a few seconds then Shu Fang turned her head away. Xin Soong seemed to feel his face turn red. Both had no clue what to do. Suddenly, he felt the soft touch of Shu Fang's hand on his own. Turning towards her, she reached up and kissed him fully this time. Xin Soong's hand traveled up to touch her cheek while hers' went around his waist.
It was tempting to just sit there and kiss him for the entire night. But, she knew her uncle would be back soon. As well as Li Shang.
Reluctantly, she spoke in a whisper. "Xin Soong…my uncle will be back soon…" One last kiss, and the cold air touched the warm spot where Xin Soong's lips used to be. Shu Fang fell against him, and enjoyed the feeling of safety and warmth of Xin Soong's strong arms around her. He leaned his cheek against her hair.
"That was bold for a maiden." He finally said after a long silence.
"I only do that when I'm in love." He smiled and let out a sigh.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just content."
Shu Fang smiled, then disentangled herself. As she stood up, there was a twinkle in her eye. "I have to go and clean up the kitchen. My uncle can't know that I've been kissing captains. You're lucky my cousins went out."
Xin Soong took her hand and kissed the back. "I'm lucky you didn't go."
She smiled. "Good night, Captain Xin Soong."
"Good night, Shu Fang." She left, pausing at the kitchen doorway to look at him. And with a smile, she went to her own room. Xin Soong smiled dreamily and stayed in the chair, marveling at how he could find such an amazing girl.
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"Xin Soong is a colourful character."
Shang grinned. "More than you know. But he is my best friend."
"You must be very close."
"Yeah." They were near the Fa home. "I hope General Fa doesn't kill me for bringing his daughter home at such a late hour."
Mulan laughed. "You better not go in then."
"I'll be at the inn. If you want to see me or anything."
She grinned. "Of course I want to see you."
Realizing what she'd just said, Mulan blushed. Shang smiled. "I am honoured that China's heroine wishes to talk to me."
Mulan laughed. "Listen to yourself, Shang. You speak in such a courtly tone, it's as if you were brought up in the palace."
"Is that not how a man should address a lady?"
"I wouldn't know. But I do know that you don't speak so stiffly when you are among friends."
"And if you are speaking to the one you love?" he asked, in a low tone.
Mulan was surprised then blushed a deep red. "To the one you love, you should be free to say whatever you feel. But I've not been in love. Not till now."
Shang couldn't help but smile. "I speak then," he took her hand. "what I feel." Mulan smiled back at him. They were still on their horses. "I love you Mulan. With all my heart. The question is…do you?"
She didn't speak for a while. "You've only known me as Mulan for a short time. Are you sure you love Mulan or Ping?"
Shang couldn't help but laugh. "Me love a boy soldier?" He chuckled then looked at Mulan straight in the eye. "I admired Fa Ping for his perseverance, his skill. But I love Fa Mulan for her courage, her loyalty, her willingness to help, and her kindness. I love her for who she is."
Mulan smiled. She stopped Khan right in front of her house and dismounted. Shang did the same. Stepping close, she kissed him on the lips. Shang wrapped her in his arms, not really caring if anyone looked at them in distaste. They were in love and that was all that mattered to them. Drawing apart for lack of breath, Mulan rested her head on Shang's shoulder. He said nothing and tightened his hug a bit. Finally, she sighed and straightened up.
"I need to get home. My parents will kill me if I don't show my face."
Tiptoeing, she kissed him on his cheek. "Goodnight, Captain Li."
"Goodnight, Mulan."
Leading Khan by the reins, she went inside with a backward glance. Shang mounted his stallion and rode back. Only it didn't feel like riding. He felt so light hearted, he barely felt himself bounce in sync with the horse's trotting.
After putting his horse in the stable and making sure the stallion was comfortable, he walked up the path to the front door of the inn. He was about to go in when he saw Shu Fang talking with Xin Soong. They were smiling and Xin Soong was holding her hand. Shang wasn't surprised as Xin Soong kissed her hand goodbye. When she left, he saw his old friend sit there with a silly smile on his face. Shang shook his head, walked in and sat beside him.
"I gather you told Shu Fang how you felt."
"I suppose you told Mulan."
They grinned at each other.
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A/N: Ok, ok, I've gone romantic... Trust me. It won't stop. You have been warned. ;) And about the cameo thing? C'mon! I couldn't resist! Even Peter Jackson did his bus driver thing! Gimme a break!