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"See ya, Li-Fen. Listen to Cammy while I'm gone, okay?" Chun-Li said, smiling as she hoisted her carry-on bag over her shoulder. The airport was bustling with travellers, their conversations and the occasional boarding announcement echoing through the vast space.
Li-Fen nodded solemnly, trying to hide her sadness behind a brave face "I will!" She promised "And don't forget to call us every night!" Her lower lip trembled a little.
Cammy rolled her eyes playfully "You know she's going to miss you like crazy, Chun-Li"
"Thanks for the vote of confidence" Chun-Li said, ruffling Li-Fen's hair "But I've got faith in you, Cammy. You're the voice of reason around here"
Cammy raised an eyebrow while Li-Fen looked at her curiously.
With a wink, Chun-Li turned and disappeared into the sea of travellers, leaving Cammy and Li-Fen to watch her retreating figure. The moment she was out of earshot, Li-Fen's bravado crumpled and she buried her face in Cammy's shirt "I don't like it when she's away..." She mumbled into the fabric.
Cammy rubbed her back gently "I know, kiddo. But she'll be back before you know it, and we'll keep each other company until then"
Li-Fen glanced at her before nodding with a smile.
============
Days passed, and the routine of Chun-Li's video calls became a comforting staple in their evenings. They'd talk about Li-Fen's school, the new recipes Cammy had tried, and the latest episodes of their favourite TV show. Chun-Li would ask about their training sessions, and Li-Fen would show off her newest moves, though she often stumbled with tiredness.
One night, as the clock ticked past midnight, Li-Fen was nodding off at her computer, her eyes barely staying open. She had a big test the next day and had studied late into the night. The blue light from the screen cast eerie shadows on her face, making her look paler than usual. Cammy, noticing her struggle, gently picked her up and carried her to bed.
"You're going to fall asleep at your desk if you don't get some rest..." Cammy whispered, placing her into the warm, welcoming embrace of the blankets. Li-Fen didn't protest, her eyes closing almost immediately. As Cammy tucked her in, she felt a sudden surge of affection, the kind that only a mother feels for her child. It was a strange sensation, but a comforting one.
"Goodnight, mum..." Li-Fen mumbled sleepily, her eyes opening a little as she said that. Cammy froze. The word hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken meaning. Li-Fen closed her eyes, quickly falling asleep.
Cammy's heart skipped a beat, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. She'd never been called 'mum' before, and certainly not by someone she cared for as much as Li-Fen. She glanced down at the young girl, her mind racing. Did Li-Fen just slip up, or was it something more? She decided not to make a big deal of it, smoothing the hair from Li-Fen's forehead and whispering "Goodnight, sweetheart..." before leaving the room.
The moment the door clicked shut, Cammy leaned against the wall, processing. The bond they shared had always been strong, but this was new territory. It wasn't something she'd anticipated, but it filled her with a sense of belonging she hadn't felt in a long time. It was clear Li-Fen saw her as more than just a friend.
Cammy decided to keep the incident to herself for the time being. It wasn't something she wanted to burden Chun-Li with during her trip, and she wasn't sure how to bring it up without causing confusion or upset. Plus, she didn't know if Li-Fen had fully realized what she'd said or if it was just a slip of the tongue.
The next evening, when Chun-Li called, Cammy put on a brave face and they chatted about their day. Chun-Li looked tired but happy to see them, her eyes lighting up when she asked about Li-Fen's progress in school "How's she been?" She inquired.
Cammy took a deep breath, trying to sound casual "Oh, she's been okay. A bit tired, but she's pushing through it!" She paused, her heart racing "There's... something I need to tell you, though..."
Chun-Li's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing with concern "What's wrong?"
"Well, it's nothing bad!" Cammy assured her, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt "It's just... something she said last night..."
"What... did she say?" Chun-Li leaned closer to the screen, her brow furrowed.
Cammy felt her cheeks heat up "When I was putting her to bed, she called me... she called 'mum'... I didn't correct her. I just... didn't know what to do..."
Chun-Li's eyes went wide with surprise "Li-Fen called you 'mum'...?" She repeated softly, her voice cracking a little "Are you sure she wasn't just half-asleep?"
Cammy nodded "It was definitely intentional. She looked right at me"
The silence on the other end of the line was palpable. Chun-Li was stunned, her mind racing with possibilities. She'd always known that Li-Fen looked up to Cammy, but this was uncharted territory "Wow..." She murmured "I had no idea she felt that way..."
Cammy nodded "It surprised me too. But it was kind of... nice..."
Chun-Li's expression softened "I know you guys are close, but this is something else entirely" She paused, her gaze drifting off-screen "You know, I've been thinking a lot lately..."
Cammy felt her stomach twist "Thinking about what?"
Chun-Li took a deep breath, her eyes focused on Cammy's "I've been thinking about us. Our family. I know I've been dropping hints here and there, but I think it's time to be more direct" She straightened her posture.
Cammy's heart began to race. She had suspected Chun-Li had something on her mind, but she hadn't expected this "What... do you mean?" She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Chun-Li took a deep breath and leaned in closer to the screen "I mean, I've been thinking about how much I love you, and how much I want to make sure you know it. How much I want to build a future together..."
Cammy's eyes grew wide, and she could feel her pulse quickening "Chun-Li, are you... are you saying what I think you're saying...?"
A small, nervous smile played on Chun-Li's lips "I've been planning to ask you something for a while now, Cammy. But hearing about Li-Fen calling you 'mum' just made me realize how much we've all grown together. And how much I want us to stay that way..."
Cammy's eyes searched Chun-Li's, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all she saw was earnestness and love "What do you want to ask me?" She managed to say, her voice quivering slightly.
"Well..." Chun-Li began, her own heart racing with anticipation and hope "I was hoping that... when I get back, we could talk... I've got a ring, and I've been waiting for the right moment to ask you to marry me..." Her voice cracked at the end.
Cammy's eyes widened even further, and she felt her cheeks flush. The room grew quiet as the gravity of Chun-Li's words settled over her. She had always known that Chun-Li cared deeply for her, but this was a declaration she had never dared to hope for "M-marry you?" She echoed, her voice barely a whisper "Chun-Li, are... are you sure?"
Chun-Li's smile grew stronger, her eyes shining "I've never been more certain of anything in my life. We've been through so much together, and you've been there for Li-Fen and me in ways that no one else could. You're already family. I just... want to make it official, love"
Cammy felt tears threatening to spill over. She had always loved Chun-Li, but the idea of becoming her wife was more than she had ever allowed herself to dream of "I... don't know what to say..." She finally murmured.
"Just say 'yes'..." Chun-Li urged, her voice filled with hope.
Cammy took a moment to let the words sink in "Yes" She whispered, her voice cracking with emotion "Yes, I'll marry you!"
Chun-Li's face lit up with joy, and she let out a sigh of relief "Really?" She asked, her eyes searching Cammy's for any sign of doubt.
Cammy nodded, a smile spreading across her face "Really" She confirmed, feeling a weight lift from her chest "I love you, Chun-Li"
Chun-Li's eyes sparkled with happiness "I love you too, Cammy. And Li-Fen. We're going to be a family, for real"
Meanwhile, Li-Fen had been lying in bed, half-listening to their conversation, her mind still swirling with the fog of sleep. But when she heard the word 'marry', she shot up, her heart racing. She tiptoed to the door and pressed her ear against it, her breaths shallow so she wouldn't miss a word. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard Cammy's quiet 'yes'.
Without wasting a second, she threw the door open and dashed into the room, her eyes wide with excitement "You're getting married!" She squealed, throwing herself into Cammy's arms.
Cammy yelped, startled by the sudden intrusion "Li-Fen, what are you doing up?" She tried to scold, but the joy in her voice was unmistakable.
Li-Fen didn't care if she was caught eavesdropping "You're getting married!" She exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement "This is the best news ever!"
Cammy laughed, holding the squirming girl tightly "Well, it looks like you heard us, Li-Fen"
"Ehehe... I did" She said, her cheeks colouring slightly "But I'm so happy!"
Chun-Li's smile grew even wider on the screen "I'm happy you're happy, Li-Fen. Now go back to bed" She said, her tone light despite the seriousness of the conversation.
Li-Fen nodded, unable to wipe the grin from her face "Okay, I will. But I can't wait for you to come home and tell me all about it, Chun-Li!"
Cammy kissed the top of her head "Me too, sweetie. Now off to bed!"
Li-Fen nodded, her eyes still sparkling with excitement. She gave Chun-Li a quick wave before scampering off to her room. Once the door was closed, Cammy turned back to the computer screen, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Wow..." She whispered, her voice shaking slightly "That was... unexpected..."
Chun-Li chuckled, her eyes full of affection "But a good unexpected, right...?"
Cammy nodded, her own smile mirroring Chun-Li's "The best kind" She confirmed, her voice thick with emotion.
They talked a little longer, their conversation a mix of excitement and nervous laughter. They discussed when Chun-Li would be back and the kind of wedding they'd want. It was a whirlwind of plans and dreams, all painted with the vibrant colours of their love.
============
Two days later, the air was thick with anticipation as they awaited Chun-Li's return. The airport was bustling with travellers, but all Cammy and Li-Fen could think about was seeing her again. Li-Fen held a small bouquet of flowers she'd picked from the garden, fidgeting with the petals.
"Do you think she'll like them?" She asked Cammy, her voice barely audible over the din of the airport.
Cammy looked down at the flowers, a gentle smile playing on her lips "They're beautiful. I'm sure she'll love them"
The minutes stretched on, and Li-Fen's fidgeting grew more pronounced "Do you think she's landed yet?" she asked for the fifth time.
Cammy checked her watch, trying to appear calm "Any minute now..." She assured her, though she was equally eager to see Chun-Li. The anticipation was palpable, a mix of excitement and nerves.
Finally, the boarding gate opened, and a stream of weary travellers began to file out. Li-Fen's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for the familiar face she hadn't seen in days. And there she was, striding through the throng of people, her eyes scanning the crowd, looking for them. When she spotted them, her face broke into a wide smile, and she quickened her pace.
Li-Fen could hardly contain herself. She bolted forward, her legs moving faster than she thought possible. Chun-Li saw her coming and opened her arms, ready to receive the usual enthusiastic greeting. But Li-Fen had other plans. With a war cry of happiness, she launched herself into Chun-Li's embrace, her small frame slamming into Chun-Li with surprising force.
The impact was enough to knock the wind out of Chun-Li, and she stumbled backwards, her heels catching on the slick airport floor. Before she knew it, she was falling, her arms full of giggling Li-Fen. They toppled to the ground in a tangle of limbs and luggage, the flowers Li-Fen had been clutching going flying.
Cammy watched, a mix of horror and amusement on her face, as people around them paused to look. But she couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up from her chest as she saw the pure joy on both of their faces. Li-Fen had always been an exuberant child, but this was a new level of excitement.
As Chun-Li and Li-Fen lay on the ground, Chun-Li's cheeks reddened from both the impact and the embarrassment. She struggled to catch her breath, her eyes watering from the force of the hug "Li-Fen, you little rascal" She managed to say, her voice muffled by Li-Fen's grip.
Li-Fen looked up at her, her smile unabated "I missed you!" She exclaimed, her voice bubbling with joy. She squirmed in Chun-Li's arms, trying to get closer.
"I missed you too, Li-Fen" Chun-Li said, her voice muffled against Li-Fen's shoulder. She managed to get a hand free and ruffled the girl's hair gently "But maybe we should get up before we cause a scene? Even more so than now?"
With a giggle, Li-Fen nodded and they both scrambled to their feet, the bouquet of flowers scattered around them. Chun-Li took a moment to straighten her clothes and hair before turning to Cammy, who was still chuckling "Hey..." She said sheepishly, her cheeks red with a mix of embarrassment and affection.
Cammy stepped forward, taking Chun-Li into her arms. The embrace was warm and familiar, filled with the comfort of homecoming and the promise of a future together. Chun-Li's arms wrapped tightly around Cammy, pulling her close as if trying to bridge the gap of the past week in a single hug.
The scent of Cammy's shampoo filled her nose, a scent she had missed more than she'd realized. It was like breathing in a piece of her soul, and she felt her own spirit lift with the contact. They held each other for a long moment, ignoring the bustle of the airport around them, lost in the warmth and love that had grown stronger during their time apart.
When they finally pulled away, Chun-Li's eyes searched Cammy's, looking for any sign of doubt or hesitation. But all she saw was love and trust, reflected in the softness of her gaze "I've missed you so much..." She whispered, her voice hoarse.
Cammy leaned in and kissed her gently, the warmth of her lips sending a thrill down Chun-Li's spine "Me too" She murmured against her skin.
They collected their belongings, the bouquet now looking a bit worse for wear but still holding on to its vibrant colours. Chun-Li took Li-Fen's hand, and together the three of them walked out of the airport into the cool evening air. The neon lights of the city flickered around them, an interesting contrast to the warm glow of the airport.