Chapter Seven: Absolutely Zero

so who am I to say this situation isn't great?

when it's my job to make the most of it

of course I didn't know that it would happen to me

not that easy, no, no no no

if all along the fault is up for grabs, why can't you have it?

if it's for sale, what is your offer?

I will sell it for no less than what I bought it for

pay no more than absolutely zero

neither one of us deserves the blame

because opportunities moved us away

it's not an easy thing to learn to play

a game that's made for two that's you and me

the rules remain a mystery

see how it's easy?

absolutely zero jason mraz

Shang was having trouble taking his eyes off Mulan, especially now her hair was pinned up in such a feminine way that perfectly fit her role as warrior. It was almost as bad as the time when he'd first seen her in a dress, so hard to believe he was deceived. It was painfully obvious that she was a woman, of course it was.

She looked up, smiling in a confused way. "What?"

He blushed a little. "You...You look very pretty. Especially with your hair up...I...How did you manage to pass as a man for so long?" He blurted.

She frowned a little, although her smile stayed in place. "What do you mean?"

"I mean...Mulan, you know how beautiful you are, I just don't understand why I didn't see it..."

She was embarrassed now, but smiling broadly and leaning against his side. "I suppose you weren't really looking..."

"I always knew there was something different, though...especially when you told me that you thought I was a great Captain...it was, uh, worth a lot."

"Oh?"

"Well, most men don't say things that girly. Or try to be so overly macho."

"Oh. Wow, how did you miss it?"

He laughed softly as they made their way through the village to the horses. "Sure you're ready to get back on the road? You don't want to dance again?"

"I'm sure. Seeing Sakura with her parents made me homesick."

Shang nodded a little. Part of him, a very selfish part, was saddened-he didn't want this to end. He never wanted to say goodbye to her. Although, an optimistic part of his mind whispered, you might not have to, if you can get her father's blessing.

Her father's blessing. He'd forgotten that.

Nobody ever said the path of true love ever ran smooth...

They carried on through the night. Although it was dark, it seemed that Caustos had kept his guard over them-they went unattacked, and could see fairly well. Still, the conversation was kept to a minimum, and even then it was whispered.

They paused only at the dawn.

Mulan yawned and dismounted. "We should rest."

"If only for an hour." Shang agreed, sitting next to her. "How much longer do we have?"

"We should reach home by dusk today. You will have to stay for a few days, we have guest rooms."

Shang smiled. "I'd like that, if it's not too much trouble..."

"It won't be. You know, there's a village about ten minutes from here. We could ride down and buy some breakfast."

"I've got my salary from the Emperor, that's more than enough. I'll treat you. Come on."

They rode down together, finding one stall offering tea and crullers-deep fried bread. In the end it was free-the heroine of China seemed to be able to get whatever she wanted. They got enough to feed Mushu and Cri-kee, too, mainly to stop them complaining.

Since they weren't awake, however, their share was left aside. Mulan and Shang sat and watched the sunrise. They ate in a comfortable silence, occasionally making a quiet sentiment about the beauty of their surroundings, or how good the food was. It seemed to be a warm day, perfect for a journey. Mulan lent against Shang's shoulder, her eyes closing. Shang privately wondered whether he'd ever get used to it, since Mulan seemed fond of doing it. He enjoyed the warm feeling he got when she did it, though, even if it was unexpected. He leant his head on hers and let his eyes close, just for a moment.

Mushu sighed happily. It was going to be a good day. Of course, after twenty minutes had gone by and they hadn't moved, he had to wake them (luckily, he was well practised) Ten minutes later they were on their way and making great time.

As they neared the local town, Mulan was able to point out landmarks, such as the tree she had climbed as a young girl and got stuck in. The town seemed to spring up around them by surprise, and Mulan's return elicited a large response. People crowded around them like they were celebrities-which, of course, they were. Finally they gave up and dismounted the horses. Again.

Mulan felt a surge of pride at the amount of little girls who enthused about what she'd done, although it hurt a little to hear some of the more traditional men and women condemning her-although at that point Shang appeared by her side and gave her a furtive look that she most appreciated-he also went on to speak loudly of her skill.

"Fa Mulan, I never thought I'd see the day when you would be a China's Heroine." The voice was male, and the speaker leant against a wall with his arms crossed.

Shang turned in a threatening manner, but Mulan had already gone over and thrown her arms around his neck. "Eha Leng! It's been so long."

Shang raised his eyebrows.

"Shang! This is Leng, he was my best friend growing up. Everyone believed we would be married-hah!" She laughed out loud.

Leng scowled playfully. "And why is that so laughable?" Leng was tall, had fairly broad shoulders and his hair was tied in a loose pony tail. He was very striking-handsome in a classical sense-and it was clear from his smile that he had a wicked sense of humour.

Mulan rolled her eyes. "I wouldn't want to marry you."

"Really?" He raised his eyebrows.

"What excitement would be left in my life if I got married?" She challenged. Shang felt a painful feeling in his gut, a pang of rejection before he'd even asked, even though he knew this was just light-hearted banter.

"I could make our lives exciting..." She hit him playfully. "So. Shang. Were you the one to make my Mulan into a killing machine?"

Shang nodded darkly, not liking this man at all. He reminded him of a snake, crawling along in the grass waiting for its prey. "She was an impressive pupil, after a while."

Mulan smiled. "I didn't take that long..."

"I almost sent you home..."

"But then I became the best soldier you had."

"That's true."

"So tell me, Shang, how did you not know that Mulan was a girl? You don't meet guys this cute. Well...apart from me." Leng smirked.

"She disguised herself well...but I knew she wasn't like the others. She smelt good for a start, and she seemed a little too interested when I took my shirt off." It was Shang's turn to be punched in the arm, although a blush rose in her cheeks. "Oh, you know it's true."

She raised her eyebrows. "I smelt good?"

"Compared to the others…"

"Oh. Yeah. But anyway, you were the first man I saw without his shirt on, of course I'd look..."

Leng laughed. "Mulan, I thought I was the only one for you."

She glared. As did Shang.

They were sat in Leng's home, and Shang was feeling rather put out. For the last hour Leng and Mulan had been talking, and Leng had been flirting in a most disgusting manner. It was vile, blatantly obvious, lewd, and even worse, it seemed to be working. What was worse than even that, it seemed that they were well suited. Leng genuinely cared about her, and it was clear that she held him in great affection.

Shang even found himself liking Leng, despite himself. In many ways, Leng was completely different to Shang-he joked and laughed all the time, didn't seem to take much seriously and seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve. He had an easy going nature that Shang envied, although at times Leng did seem somewhat apathetic. He wasn't the snake he'd seemed-although Shang remained convinced that he could have serpentine qualities at times.

"I'm gonna go check on the horses." He forced a smile, and left the house-without them seeming to notice.

This was stupid, Shang knew he was close to Mulan and he'd always have a place in her heart, but he felt like Leng owned her heart completely. They seemed to fit together, like two sides of the same coin. He knew her so much better than Shang ever would, and it seemed he could care for her in a way that Shang never could.

He neared the horses, and for a moment he considered just leaving and going back home. But he knew he wouldn't, that he couldn't. He had made a commitment, and he would uphold that. Even if she was in love with Leng, he should want what was best for her.

And he did. He had been brought up to be noble, self-sacrificing, to the point where he would mask his feelings for the benefit of others. He would be Mulan's friend. It wasn't his fault this had happened, nor hers, really. Much as it would be torturous to make do with the friendship, he would. If Leng was the one to make her happy, so be it. But there had to be a chance. There had to be a chance for them, surely.

He sighed deeply, returning to the house.

"So what do you think of Shang?"

He paused outside the door. He shouldn't listen to this. He should walk over there.

"You mean the man from the military? He has rather harsh, angular features, doesn't he? Harsh guy, really… He could lighten up a lot more."

"He's been through a lot."

"So have I. He had you."

"Leng…"

"Mulan, when I told you-when I made my offer-it still stands."

"I know. I want to marry for love, but I don't know if that's possible..."

"We'll make it possible. I promise."

If you listened closely, you could hear Shang's heart breaking. He walked away, did the noble thing and kicked the nearest tree. Which shook.

Ho boy! Sorry about the long wait…school and all, ick.

Cookies to all who noticed the Sakura thing. Truth be told, I was lazy, and it was the first name I thought of. And in my true "YEAH SURE WHATEVER" style, it stuck, lol.

I am the first to admit I'm not entirely happy with this, however, I feel awful for leaving you with nothing! I'll try and work on this at some point…;;