Author's Note: Hi there! Yeah, unexpected I know. I've been thinking over this for a while, but now I've finally got something for this new little project. So, this is essentially another character study, one-shot collection. This time featuring our very own dragon warrior! Once again, same premise. No dialogue, delving into bits and pieces of Po's life in ways I find to be interesting. This first one starts in... an interesting place. You'll understand it soon. Oh, one last thing. This one-shot in particular was inspired by the song 'Dosed' by red hot chili peppers. Interesting title aside, I'd suggest listening to it alongside this one-shot. It's calming yet bittersweet nature fits it perfectly. Anyways, lets get on with it!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN KFP!

Enjoy.

Someone Forever Warm

Are we ever truly alone? Is there ever a moment when we aren't in someone's mind? We don't know just how loved we all are even if that love is staring at us in the face. Yet, we imagine that once one of us is out of the picture, the other is forgotten. Never.

Golden streaks paint the skies, brightening the glorious canvas of the valley of peace as a single amber eye rises above its podium of clouds. Its vision takes in the beauty of the denizens below, covering them in a gaze both protective and nurturing. Above this simplistic marvel, a jade monument meets the amber eye in confidence. It basks in its glance, aware and proud in its history. In the protectors that it had helped create.

However, the amber eye pays it little mind, shifting its gaze to a simple, elegant sight. A veil of pink and white blossom around an archaic tree, one that challenges the might of time itself. Yet it is not the tree that holds the eye's attention.

A black and white panda stands under the tree, taking gentle step after gentle step as his arms flow outwards in tranquil yet measured movements. The cracks in the tree's bark mirror the wrinkles in his skin whilst its limbs remain sprawled, as if mimicking the panda's movements in aged stillness. His jade eyes remain open, admiring the beauty of his home in peaceful silence. As he glances to his side, he remembers he is not alone. A tiger mirrors his movements, her eyes closed in concentration. Not a single wrinkle blemishes her face, the putrid hand of age not daring to lay a finger on her. Her orange and black stripes meld together with her golden qipao. Yet, her fur isn't affected by the air's gentle breath. Her qipao remains motionless in spite of her movements. Po's relaxed smile gains a pang of reluctant remembrance as he continues his movements alongside his loving tiger, basking in the warmth of the summer's day.

The amber eye watches on.

Spears of gold pierce through the windows of the palace's kitchen as its inhabitants leave after a good dinner. All but one. In spite of his students' insistence on doing it, Po has opted to wash the dishes himself. A familiar, childish giddiness surges into his paws as bubbles begin their ascent out of the sink. Little remains in terms of debris, allowing him to loosen up as assortments of crumbs and stains are purged by the soap lathered water. His eyes soon shift down as a sudden warmth wraps around his belly. Two orange paws link together tightly, bringing a smile to his face. Yet again, his smile is but a marionette for his melancholy. He can imagine her leaning her body onto his, eyes closed as they would simply enjoy their closeness. But the light pressure of her body simply isn't there. Her soothing chuffs kiss his ears, yet he doesn't feel her distinct, delicate rumble on his back. A silent sigh escapes his lips as he slows down his washing, relishing this warmth for as long as he can.

The amber eye watches on.

Vapours of noodle broth glide along the air, a homely, nostalgic flavour that incites the collective salivation of the many customers entering into dragon warrior noodles and tofu. Sharing a hug with a violet-eyed panda behind the counter, the dragon warrior collects a bowl of noodles from him before heading to an empty table. Jade eyes note the decorations lining the walls. Red lanterns, paper dragons, elaborate hanzi of new discounts. Of course, the annual winter festival feast is on its way. A classic family tradition that brings a warmth to his aged heart. Hazy curtains of gold grow brighter, making the snow-capped archway shiver in fear of melting. As Po digs into his meal, the bustle of the restaurant tingle his ears further, leading him to look up. Sat around him are the members of a kung fu family, all smiling as dishes are passed around by his kooky fathers. A fire begins to burn ins his heart as he feels his tiger lay her head onto his shoulder, eyes closed and smile resting on her face. He can't kindle this flame however, for he would be lying to himself. Her beautiful face may be right in front of him, but her natural jasmine fragrance doesn't accompany her. Those dishes that his friends were eating are no longer on the menu. Regardless, he allows this palimpsest of their many winters to wash over him, their faux presence freezing him in their warmth.

The amber eye watches on.

Skeletal branches wave to the panda in unison as he meets with the legion of ironwood. A notable crunch can be heard as his feet tread through the snow with many more flakes floating along the calm wind. Jade eyes note the scars on the bark of these still warriors, smiling to himself as he knows just who the culprit was. This smile falters slightly as the sight of blackened blood dried on the bark acts as tattoos on their skin. The air's chill only kicks in as his mind comes to a realisation. The winter festival will be under way soon, and yet he is here. He doesn't need to ask why.

He misses her.

It's so simple, and yet is far from it as well. A wave of gold crashes into the skeletal forest, the amber eye knowing that it will have to give way to the ever-darkening sky soon. How long has it been? He can barely even remember. Years no longer go by for him, only the memories matter. That is what would always stay. White sheets of snow turn gold as the rays only become brighter, caressing Po's fur with an affectionate warmth. Goosebumps ripples across his skin as memories of his darling tiger flow through his mind. Why can't he have her back? Why can't he have everyone back? Why did his family have to go while he stayed?

Why did he have to be on his own?

This thought wipes the smile of his face, forcing tears to his eyes long unshed. Tears that are washed away as he feels a gentle, warm pressure on his back. As he turns, a sight he had never expected to see faces him. His love, adorned in her golden qipao, yet… glowing. A bright, beautiful smile fills her features, eyes wide open so he can see the gorgeous amber fire that he has missed so much. Jasmine dances through the air, filling Po's nostrils much to his surprise, and joy. He inches ever closer to her, expecting her to fizzle away at a moment's notice as he reaches over to her cheek with his paw.

He can feel her.

As he caresses her cheek, a gigantic smile swarms his face. Smiling back, Tigress mirrors his loving gesture before wrapping her other arm around his neck and nuzzling her forehead onto his. He nuzzles her back, not caring how this could be possible. Instead, he relishes in her warmth for the first time in over a century. Their bodies soon move on their own accord, engaging in a slow dance as the amber eye in the sky begins to set. They hold each other tight, her chuffs vibrating his body and making his heart flutter as they dance in the golden spotlight. Their fur rustles as the wind's gentle breeze intensifies slightly, conducting nature's orchestra in a symphony of shaking branches. Tears pour onto Po's bare chest, but they aren't his. Jade gazes into amber, his heart caressed by the unbridled happiness clear in Tigress' tear-stained eyes. Their heads inch closer together, the panda swearing that the snow has turned even softer, akin to the faint drop of rain. But he ignores it as their lips meet in a tender, longing kiss. It only lasts a few precious seconds as the golden spotlight fades, but to them it lasts a lifetime.

Even then, it isn't enough.

Her soft lips are gone. Her lovely jasmine scent has evaporated. Her sweet, gorgeous smile has vanished. Yet even in the wintry breeze, even as the snow patters onto his body, her warmth remains. A warmth that embraces his aching heart. A warmth that reminds him he is never truly alone. He looks up to the amber eye slowly setting over the horizon and smiles. Within the last few moments of the day turning over to night, he knows one thing.

She smiled back.

*Sighs* I can't get enough of these two, they're too adorable. And also, Po's fear of immortality. I don't know why, but I find it such an interesting topic to explore and I would love to really delve into it someday, but who knows. Maybe I'll get a chance at some point. I do hope you've enjoyed it, I absolutely adored writing in this psuedo poetic style again and I can't wait to do more of these! Fun fact: This was all written while I was at work (after doing my job, obviously). Anyways, let me know what you think of it! Until next time :)