A/N: Hey, guys. Sorry for the lack of updates. It's purely because I've had a seriously bad case of Writer's Block for a while now. I'm out of it now though... well, hopefully. I can just see myself being the same with the next chapter... Let's hope not, anyway. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Aurora tugged her wrap closer to her chest as she led Mulan into the cold night air. It was pretty late; it had just gone 2am. Aurora was surprised how fast the time had gone. They say that time flew when having fun, yet she had had anything but.

The night had been pretty much a blur. Perhaps it would be better that way. All Aurora wanted to do was go home, take a nice hot bath, then hit the hay. But she had a friend who could barely walk, so attending to her own selfish needs were out of the question. A friend in need had always been her priority, no matter what the situation.

Mulan staggered forward. In her own little world, she completely missed the second step of the stairs, resulting in her body collapsing suddenly to the ground.

"Jesus Christ, are you alright?" asked Aurora, kneeling down for her best friend's aid.

Aurora could see that Mulan's heel had snapped off her left boot. Both of her arms were severely bruised purple and grey. But Mulan was laughing. When Aurora helped her to her feet, she snorted loudly causing her to chuckle even more. "I got a boo-boo," chuckled Mulan.

A smile spread across Aurora's face. Mulan almost stumbled over once more, but Aurora grabbed onto her just in time.

"I can manage on my own," said Mulan, pushing Aurora's hands off of her hips. She staggered forward, clutching a lamppost for support.

Being the responsible adult here was Aurora's position. Truth be told, she wasn't exactly sober herself. Her drunkenness had led to the argument with the bitch, and her boyfriend. She stumbled towards Mulan, pulling out her cell.

"It's freezing out here," complained Mulan. "Call for a cab already."

"I'm calling for a freakin' cab!" shouted Aurora.

"Well, do it faster then!"

Aurora rolled her eyes. It took a while, but she managed to dial in the number for the cab service. "Hi, uh, can I get a cab to…?" She trailed off, and put her hand over the speaker. "Where the hell are we?" she asked Mulan.

Mulan simply shrugged.

Unconcerned, Aurora returned to the call. "Umm... Some dodgy nightclub in the middle of nowhere. You know the one."

"Sorry, ma'am. Could you be a little more specific?" The woman on the other end questioned further.

Aurora hung up before answering. She then joined Mulan, who was now sitting alone on the steps.

"How are you feeling?" asked Aurora.

"Drunk," said Mulan. She released a rather loud and unfeminine belch.

"Me too," said Aurora, gleefully. "It's awesome. Walking around without giving a single fuck."

"Apart from the feeling of needing to barf, then yeah, it's great."

Further down the road, a cab beeped its horn.

"That was fast," noted Aurora. However, all faith was lost as they spotted an old lady making her way towards it. "Shit, Mulan. That woman is stealing our cab! What are we gonna do?"

"There's only one thing we can do." And with that, Mulan darted towards the cab.

Aurora called out for her, but there was no use. Mulan wasn't listening. Scoffing at her friend's determination, all Aurora could do was chase after her. They both touched the door handle at the same time. Entering the cab, they watched as the old lady outside cried out "Hey!" and flipped them off.

Feeling accomplished, the two girls smirked and chuckled at each other.

"Excuse me; I believe that this cab was for that wo-"

"Shut your pie hole!" scolded Mulan.

The driver pulled a face. "Listen, ladies. It's been an awfully long day. All I ask for at this late hour is for a little respect."

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T," sang Aurora and Mulan simultaneously. "Find out what it means to me. R-E-S-P-E-C-T."

"For God's Sake—I have a headache!"

"Take us to our destination, taximan," demanded Mulan.

"Unless you want another round of the lovely Aretha Franklin," added Aurora.

The driver grumbled to himself. "Where do you want to go?"

"Home," said Aurora.

"Where do you live?"

"Personal question, much."

The driver cursed under his breath. "Stop being so ridiculous."

"I think I'm gonna be sick…" mumbled Mulan. She opened the door just in the nick of time. The vomiting noise was horrific to Aurora and the driver's ears.

"I really hope your house is nearby," said the driver.

Compared to ten minutes ago, the mood in the taxi had mellowed. Mulan was still nauseous, and the bumpiness of the roads weren't doing her so good. Silence filled the cab, much to the pleasure of the driver.

Aurora was scratching her at palm, a habit she donned when anxious. She did have something to get off her chest. Now that the atmosphere was calm, it was the perfect time to say what was on her mind.

"Mulan, c-can I tell you something?" she stuttered.

"Sure. I'm all ears," said Mulan, her voice draining. Her head was rested upon the car door, her eyes barely open.

"I haven't been completely honest with you. There was a reason why I said I wasn't up to going out tonight. I went to the doctor's today, and well…" Aurora built up her courage. Looking down at her lap, unable to make eye contact, she convinced herself that she could do this. "I-I can't have children."

She bit her lip. Now that the words were out, she felt her eyes water. "We've been trying to get pregnant for months, but nothing came out of it." Aurora continued. "When my doctor confirmed what we had already feared… I broke down. I couldn't handle it. Phillip was devastated more than anything. When I told him, he just sat there for a couple of minutes, before standing up and telling me it was over. For good, this time. He walked out, slammed the door, and that's when the tears started flooding down again. All I could do was just drink. I kept drinking until you called me. When I told you I wasn't coming, I regretted it later, so I called a cab. Upon arriving I saw a couple walking down the street with a stroller. A sudden feeling of envy overcame my body. I got a drink, and just hid in the restroom. I don't know why I lied to you. I should have told you the truth right away. I'm so sorry. I'm a horrible friend."

Awaiting Mulan's response, it dawned on Aurora that she had been rambling. She tended to do that when nervous, along with the palm itching. Aurora turned to her friend. Of course, Mulan had been sleeping the entire time. It was okay though. Nobody really tended to listen to Aurora anyway. She was used to being ignored. She wasn't as brainy as Belle, as flirtatious as Ruby or as loyal as Mulan. Her only known quality was her motherly nature. If she couldn't be a mother, what could she be? Honestly, she didn't know what her future held, if it didn't involve having children.

Back at Aurora's place, Mulan seemed fascinated by every little ornament displayed above the fireplace. She lifted a white one that had an obscure shape. It fit with Aurora's artistic persona, and decorative manner. "Penis," chuckled Mulan.

Aurora sighed. It wasn't a penis; it was art. Art intrigued Aurora. Not necessarily the painting kind, per se, but the physical, peculiar kind that others claim as odd, but Aurora viewed as imaginative. Sculpture, for example, fascinated Aurora. Phillip wasn't at all interested, saying that the whole idea of fine art was poppycock, but Aurora ignored him. She used to imagine taking her son/daughter to art museums, teaching them the history of each sculptor or artist. They too would be engrossed in all of the wonders of art. Now, that was merely a fantasy. A dream that could never come true.

The way Mulan held the objects made it seem like she was going to drop them. It nerved Aurora. "Please, put them down. They're really expensive," said Aurora.

Mulan scowled, the ornament remaining loosely in her hand "Miss Bossy Pants."

"I'm serious."

Groaning dramatically, Mulan placed the object back where it was. She then blew a raspberry at Aurora, childishly.

"Look, you're welcome to sleep on the couch, said Aurora. "Just don't drool over my silk cushion covers, alright?"

"I don't drool,"

"Puh-lease. The cab door you were leaning on was practically covered in saliva."

"Ew. Nice mental image. Remember, I vomited less than half an hour ago."

"Don't remind me. The sheer memory is making me want to vomit right now."

"Hey, could you get me a bucket? You know, in case I throw up in the middle of the night and ruin your precious cushions."

"One vomit bucket coming up…" Before Aurora left the room, she watched as Mulan set herself down on the couch. "And lay on your side!" she commanded.

...

Picking up the bucket from her ensuite bathroom, Aurora caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Being the first time she'd seen her reflection all night, she was startled. She looked rough, to say the least. Her eyes were red and puffy, mascara ran down her cheeks. Her skin was blotchy as she didn't have the time to do her foundation. Her appearance pretty much summed up her emotions. She didn't care anymore. There was nothing in life to aim for. Who cared whether she looked pretty or not? None of it mattered.

Tired, restless and utterly broken by the endless day, she began to sob. She let herself collapse to the ground, falling to her knees, letting loose all of the feelings she had bottled up. She grieved over the children that never existed in reality, but had existed in her dreams. The dreams of being a mother, caring for a child she called her own. Yet nature had other things in mind. The world was cruel, and relentless. Her hopes and dreams had been destroyed in the timespan of one day. There was nothing worth living for anymore.

Aurora returned to the living room with the sick bucket, only to discover that Mulan was already asleep. Frankly, it was amazing how quickly Mulan dozed off. Aurora smiled at the sight. Mulan held one of the cushions to chest. It was most likely half out of comfort, half to annoy Aurora. Her legs dangled off the couch, and her mouth was open slightly. She looked so content, so peaceful. The complete opposite of Aurora. Mulan wasn't a silent sleeper, either. She was a quiet snorer, but a snorer nonetheless. It was a cute snore, though. All the muscles in her face and body were totally at peace, the only movement being her chest as she slowly inhaled and exhaled. Something about the innocence upon her face assured Aurora that there was still some hope left in the world.

Even when placing the sick bucket at her best friend's side, Aurora's smile did not fade. Maybe there was something worth living for after all.