Chapter Text
CHAPTER ONE: Unannounced Visit
Mulan had awoken a few hours after sunrise. She stretched and quickly brushed her hair. Of course it was quick. She cut it in order to go into the war. How would it take her a long time to brush it? She made tea for her father and mother, ensuring they were steaming when they woke up a few minutes later. "Mother father. I made tea for you both" she said, passing the cups to them before they could fully wake up.
"Ah...thank you dear" Zhao said after a moment. He took a sip, not realizing how hot the drink would be. He hissed in pain as the liquid burned his lip, earning a concerned look mixed with a snicker from Hua. "Careful, darling" she said softly before taking the cup.
There was a knock on the door and Mulan ran to answer it. Shang was standing there. Despite visiting before, Shang remained somewhat awkward every time he entered the household. Mulan didn't bother dipping her head, instead she embraced her former captain.
Shang hugged her back and stepped back after a beat. "So, am I allowed inside, or..." It was a partial joke. Shang always tried to be more light-hearted around Mulan. "Of course, Shang" Mulan stepped to the side and waited for him to enter before shutting the door.
Hua and Zhao dipped their heads in Shang's presence. "Welcome back" Mulan's mother greeted. Shang smiled and beckoned her to stand straight. "There's really no need to do that every time I walk in." He said politely. Zhao shook his head and dipped it for a second before rising. "Nonsense. You helped take care of Mulan in the war." He brought up. Shang murmured something in response, although none of the Fa family heard it.
"Come, come. We can speak over breakfast." Hua offered, bringing Mulan to the kitchen with her to help cook. Mulan didn't mind it much, although she wasn't very good at it. Breakfast was rice, egg, and bacon. As the family, plus Shang, went to sit down, Mulan remembered something with a start.
"I didn't feed the chickens. Or Little Brother." She stood up and grabbed a bone, as well as chicken feed. "I'll be back in a moment. Don't wait for me." Mulan called out after she was halfway out the door.
Little Brother was waiting for her and she gave him his bone. "You're such a good goy. Yes you are." Mulan said in a sweet voice. Then she moved onto the chickens. She opened the coop and her bag. Then she drew a long line of seeds on the ground. The chickens ran to the food without hesitation, chowing down faster than what Mulan remembered they could.
Mulan turned to put the bag of chicken feed away when she ran into Shang. Literally. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry, Shang, I didn't even hear you." Shang simply chuckled and took the bag from Mulan. "I need to tell you something. It's the reason I came here unannounced." Her ex captain said quietly. He shooed her away from the window and into the cherry blossom area.
"Well, you always come over unannounced." Mulan brought up. However this time Shang's expression didn't turn to humor. "Mulan...you're being sent to a different country."