Work Text:
Mulan pauses under the old cherry tree, and her lips curve upward as she remembers the day her father sat with her under the fresh spring cherry blossoms and told her in his own way that he loved her.
It is spring again, and the blossoms are opening their fragrance to the breeze. She is no longer that awkward girl on the cusp of womanhood. She is soon to be married.
"Mulan!" Her mother comes bustling out of the house. "We need you for the planning."
"Yes, mother." But Mulan hesitates for one last moment until she spots the late-blooming blossom, still closed, still waiting for the right moment to unfold. She smiles and goes into the house.