Chapter Text
“Tell me about China.”
They’re lying on their stomachs on Ruby’s bed, dressed for the summer that the spring breeze drifting in through the opened windows promises. They’re close, but not touching; just staring from dark into dark. Mulan smiles.
“Why do you want to know?” She asks softly, and Ruby sighs wistfully as she shifts on the bed, stretching out her legs a little more. Her head is cradled in the crook of her own arm, and the fingers of her other hand are playing with the bed sheet as eyes flutter down and she thinks about her answer.
“Because…” She finally answers non-committically, and Mulan observes her a moment. China is magical if you compare it to Storybrooke. There are so many cultural differences, the lives of the people so entwined with the past, with the spirits of the family and land. Honor, compassion, and bravery—traits instilled into every single citizen. China is where her soul rests, Mulan knows. She loves the country beyond almost anything in all the realms. She would lay down her life to protect it in a heartbeat.
Reaching out with the hand of the arm Mulan’s head is not currently propped up on, she takes Ruby’s hand lightly, interlacing their fingers and observing the differences in skin color and wear. Her calloused sword hand up against Ruby’s softer but equally strong one. They match well, and Mulan knows the desperation Ruby still feels over escaping this town. She debates telling her everything there is to know about China, but then decides against it.
“It’s nothing special.” She confessed lightly, and squeezes the hand in hers. Ruby’s eyes narrow a moment, but then they read Mulan’s expression and Ruby smiles, her eyes becoming moist as she squeezes back. They don’t move closer, don’t kiss, but they know. Deep down, they know that Mulan isn’t withholding anything: she’s stating her priorities—and her main priority is Ruby. One day, Ruby will hear all about China, but today, all she needs to hear is that Mulan would gladly give up the chance to see it again if it means staying with her.