-Disclaimer: I do not own Kung Fu Panda or any of its characters.-

New Feelings, New Ambitions

Part 5

Tigress spent the rest of the afternoon curled up on the floor in her room. She was so confused about what had occurred in the training hall. How could that have happened? yes, Po was the Dragon Warrior, but that didn't mean she should've gotten pinned so easily. And why hadn't Master Shifu sounded mad? He didn't even lecture me. Why? Has he just given up on me? No... he wouldn't. He's cared for me ever since Baogu...

"I thought you did well" Once again Po's words echoed in her head. He had said that with such truth that there was no way he could have been lying. He really did think that she had done well, and she smiled at the thought. He was proud of me, the Dragon warrior was proud of me. She let out a sigh as she reveled in Po's kindness.

KNOCK KNOCK

The sudden noise startled Tigress, someone was at her door. "Yes?"

A soft, concerned voice called, "Tigress? Would you like some dinner? I mad Secret Ingredient Soup for everyone." It was Po. He sounded like he was almost frightened.

Getting up, Tigress stepped towards he door and opened it. "Yes, Po, I would like some dinner." She looked in the panda's eyes and saw what almost looked like hurt. "Po? Are you ok?"

Po looked startled now, "Huh?! OH yea... I was... I just.. wanted to make sure you were... ok ya know? After... you spent all day in your room and... and I was... worried ya know?"

Feeling her blush at Po's concern, Tigress let out a slight smile and responded, "Yes Po, I'm fine, thank you. Lets go eat." She stepped out of her room and stood in front of Po for a moment. She looked up into his eyes and now saw relief within. He had a smile that made her entire body feel warm. She smiled up at him and turned to walk down the hall.

They walked to the dining commons in silence, and Tigress enjoyed every moment. The peace, the calm, and the feeling Po's presence gave her. He gave off an aura of peace and bliss. She glanced his way and saw his eyes, his smile, his face. He looked so happy. I wonder what he's thinking about. After a moment Tigress found she was staring and turned her head. She smiled and continued walking.

By the time Tigress and Po had reached the dining room, Master Shifu and the rest of the Five were already seated. Po surprised Tigress by pulling out her seat for her before taking his own. The rest of the evening was spent trading stories and jokes, laughs and gasps. Tigress found that she was truly having a good time. Her friends were making her laugh and smile, the food was delicious, and Po was constantly sending smiles her way. She looked around at all her friends, and could not think of a place she'd rather be.

As the looked, her eyes fell on Shifu. He raised his head to meet her gaze and smiled. He was smiling at her. He looked happier than ever. What was he thinking? His eyes held no disappointment, only happiness and pride. He was not upset about her performance today in training, in fact, he looked at her as though she herself was his greatest student. Tigress smiled at her master, and knew that he had not given up on her. He still cared for her, he still cared.

Turning her head round again, she caught Po staring at her. He quickly looked at his plate and started eating. Feeling her face heat up again, Tigress couldn't help but wonder why he was staring.

After dinner, Master Shifu bid his students goodnight and that he would see them in the morning. The Furious Five and Po left the dining room and began to make their way back to the bedrooms.

Tigress walked behind everyone, smiling while she listened to Mantis begged Monkey for knowledge as to the location of his almond cookies. She saw Po striding ahead and sighed with content. These were her true friends and she was lucky to have them in her life.

By the time they reached the bedrooms Tigress was very tired. It had been a long day and she was ready for bed. Evryone said goodnight aloud and retreated to their rooms. Tigress was about to close her door when Po said, "Goodnight Tigress, thank you for coming to dinner, it was... really nice." His voice sounded very warm, and it made Tigress turn to face him.

Tigress gazed into his jade eyes and felt her her heart skip a beat. He was looking at her in a way she had never seen. He looked as though he could die happy right then and there, while he was with her. Tigress stood there for a moment staring at Po. They both made no motion, just looked at one another. Tigress' lips slowly curled into a warm smile and her body was toasty warm. Her cheeks were on fire and she could barely respond. "I... I had a nice time too. Thank you for cooking. Goodnight Po."

Po smiled warmly as he closed his doors. Once they had shut, Tigress felt almost empty. She turned and reached behind her to close her doors. As she laid on her mat, Tigress replayed his words over and over. She couldn't remember the last time someone described her company as "nice". She couldn't comprehend how such a small word made her feel so happy. And the look in his eyes... the look he was giving her. She wanted it to last forever. She had never felt so elated. At the same time however, she now felt alone. Without him there, her chest was clenching.

Po...

-Alright then, Part Five. This is getting really deep for me and I love every last bit. I hope everyone is enjoying the ride and is loving this as much as I am. Please leave comments and critiques, I truly enjoy reading them all. Now, be prepared for the next chapter because things are gonna start getting a little more... interesting. I'm sorry if anyone feels as though this is dragging on, I'm just trying to make sure the characters stay true to the originals and not become something they aren't. Thanks for reading!-