Love in War

Love in War - Chapter 13: Reconvening

The next day started with sunlight and warmth. Both Mulan and Shang awoke with a sense of relief over them, but both knew there was still much that needed to be done. In Mulan's home no topic seemed to grace discussions that weren't somehow made relevant to the wedding.

"You know who said 'hi' to me the other day in the market? Mr. Shao! Did you see the flowers his family grows? Absolutely lovely. Perhaps he'd consider cutting some for the wedding."

"Mulan, I was about the town and I saw this young girl... beautiful girl... she was wearing the most lovely dress and I just thought of how great that color would look on you! We should go see if we could get your reception dress in that shade!"

"See them over there? That family's so stuck up! We're not inviting them! In fact, we should make a list of all the people we don't want there; that'll show 'em!"

While she was extremely appreciative of the keen interest they'd taken in the matter, she had to admit, the constant talk about the wedding exhausted her. Especially with the frequent arguments her mother got into with her grandma; the most recent of which being whether she looked better in purple or pink. She had to admit, she guiltily enjoyed watching them bicker over such trivial matters, but even she had her limits.

Shang's home, on the other hand, felt like the battle zone for a fight that had yet to occur. The entire house was filled with an unrest that only grew when he and his mother found themselves in the same room, but neither of them wanted to address it. The two hadn't spoken since their discussion about their meeting with the Fas, and both were too stubborn to initiate a conversation. As such the two exchanged nothing but quick glances that they both abruptly pulled away from whenever they caught the other's eye. Shang had no idea how to possibly manipulate the situation, so he decided he'd just tough it out until the wedding was over.

Late morning that day, Mulan and Shang both happened upon each other in the market; Mulan sent there on an errand for her family and Shang who'd retreated there to escape from his house. The two decided to continue their respective tasks together and accompanied one another through the various stands.

Once the tea leaves and ginger Mulan had been seeking were acquired, Shang decided to treat the two of them to lunch at a small restaurant at the edge of town. When the two were seated and awaiting their food, they had nothing but time.

"So... how are things going with your mother?" Mulan asked skeptically, doubtful that anything had improved.

"Same as before. She's still upset, but what are you gonna do? How about your family?" Shang asked her, quick to shift the discussion away from his mom.

"Oh, they're going insane! They want everything to be so perfect; it's adorable!"

He smiled at the thought; just picturing Mulan's family fawning over her and talking about wedding plans instead of spending their days insulting their future in-law's family and begging them to reconsider their choice. What that must be like. How nice that must be.

The waiter arrived shortly afterward with their food, and after thanking them for the deed, the two continued their discussion.