Chapter 23: Spring Cometh

Dai spent only a moment with her lips on Po's, but they both swore time stopped. Both of their minds were sent racing. Dai broke the silence with: "I'll be right back."

"I'll keep the fire lit," said Po.

Dai ran out on two legs and fell into the snow, face first. She rolled in the snow, trying to cool off. "He likes me that way?" she asked aloud. She groaned and lay on her side. She stayed that way until the cold became unbearable.

When Dai returned, Po asked, "You okay? You're shivering."

"I just needed to clear my head," she replied. "I've never had a relationship that's gotten serious before."

"Do you want us to slow down, take a step back?"

"No, I want to go further with you. I've just never done it before with anyone else."

"It's scary for me too." Po pulled her close to help her warm up.

"Maybe it would be better if we did take it slow? Then, it wouldn't be so scary. We'd see it coming and be ready."

"Okay. So, we should probably set boundaries so that neither of us gets scared or uncomfortable. Is this still okay?"

"Holding me? Absolutely. I also like holding hands."

"Me too and I don't think either of us said anything to each other that was over the line."

"I'd agree with that. What about… kissing? Did I take that step too soon? I crossed that line without asking first. I'm sorry."

"Well, I didn't dislike it. It took me off guard, but I wouldn't mind doing it again."

"Are you sure? I don't want to pressure you."

"I wouldn't want to do that to you either. So, if you're comfortable with kissing my panda lips, then I'm comfortable kissing you."

Dai pulled away. "Po, do you ever feel ashamed of me? Maybe you'd rather be dating another panda or maybe Tigress?"

"What? Tigress is my friend. Plus, Mei Mei is a little too focused on herself. That wouldn't make for a good relationship. You're different from anyone else. You're awesome. Who else broke free from her torturers to get the keys of freedom? Who else got thrown over a cliff and still lived? You're the best partner I've ever had and more. Never think I am embarrassed or ashamed of you. I love you."

She nuzzled him as she replied, "I love you too, Po. You are very dear and awesome to me."

"I'm not a deer, I'm a panda."

"No. Bad joke," she said, lightly punching his arm. They both laughed and enjoyed the warmth from the fire. They switched watch times until the early morning sun shone through the cave. They then doused the fire and headed out.

When the Valley finally came into view, it was as if they had walked from winter to spring. The weather got warmer as they climbed down into the valley. Mr. Ping elected to fly ahead. It was still early in the day and there was money to be made and customers to serve. This left Dai and Po to walk alone.

Dai brushed her hand against Po's and he grasped it. They smiled sweetly at each other. This was nice, just the two of them. They could only hope this peace would last.

"You know, Po, I think we learned a lot on this adventure. You should teach the villagers how to use chi. It'd certainly be useful the next time a bad guy comes to town or some other disaster happens," said Dai.

"Dad did talk about bringing the villagers down this summer for a visit. Maybe then we can all do it together," proposed Po.

"Sounds good to me," replied Dai. "Until then, what do you want to do?"

"Wanna go on a picnic date?"

"Where do you want to take me?"

"How about under the peach tree?"

"I'd like that." With that said, they continued walking hand in hand until they reached Mr. Ping's restaurant. Po decided to pack the food. Dai, meanwhile, tended to customers in the restaurant.

While Dai was waiting tables, Temutai and a few of his warriors came into the restaurant. Temutai bowed to Dai and said, "It is good to see you again. I must thank you again for recovering the horn of our people. We are in your debt."

"It was my pleasure. I understood its importance and knew I had to get it back for you and your people," replied Dai with a bow.

"Yes! It is just that sort of care yet bravery that I would like in my queen."

"Well, I hope you find someone fit for you with those qualities."

"I already have." Temutai got down on one knee and grabbed one of Dai's hands in his. Dai felt herself lurch forward, but still stayed a little apart from him (as much as she could manage anyway). "Daiyu, it would be an honor if you would accept my offer and become my queen."

"Temutai, I am sincerely flattered, but I must decline. I am already in a relationship with Po."

"Are the two of you married?"

"No, we're still dating. I don't think I'm ready for marriage."

"I understand." Temutai was about to stand when he had a thought. "I will simply try to win your affections through gestures, gifts, and song." He stood and clapped his hooves. "To the gift shop!" He and his warriors left.

Dai brought a hand to her face. "Oh boy," she said. Clearly, I'll have to be clearer, she thought.

It was then that Po came behind her with a basket and blanket in his arms. "What was that about?" he asked.

"That was just Temutai," Dai replied.

"I could tell that. The guy's pretty loud. What did he want?"

"It's silly."

"You can tell me if he made you uncomfortable. I can make him go away and leave you alone."

"It's nothing so severe as that, Po. He's grateful for my help in recovering the horn and finds the qualities I showed queen material."

"Wait, he wants to marry you?!"

"Well, he did propose. I told him I was in a relationship with you, but when I also mentioned we're not married, he took that as a sign of encouragement."

"Do you want me to…?"

"I wouldn't worry about it. The next time I see him, I'll set him straight. For now, if you're ready, let's go on that picnic."

That's all for now. Please keep reading and reviewing, thanks :)