I don't own these characters; Disney/ABC does.

A/N: the chapter gets with some sexy times, but it's not very graphic. Still, if that bothers you, don't read the last section.

7: The Loudest Sound

For the first time in a long time, Mulan felt hope. Hope in having a partner in life, hope in having someone to love, and hope in having someone to share the good and bad times with. Kissing Marian had been wonderful, but the promises afterward had been better. They agreed to be together, together-together. And, they knew it was not weird or dishonorable, as Robin tried to make it seem, since Emma and Regina definitely had something going on. They did not admit it, but Mulan could understand that. Some people like to keep their personal business as private as possible. Of course, she wanted to shout it to the mountains that she was with Marian.

It was not necessary to shout anything from the mountains, though. The important thing was just having Marian there, being able to spend time together as always, but also hold hands, cuddle, and kiss. They were careful about doing it in front of Roland. Mulan was not sure how he would react, but she did not want to disturb him or trouble him, as Robin seemed to make it out. But, they were not as discrete as they wanted to be. It was so hard to keep their hands to themselves at home.

Mulan chased Marian around the kitchen, as Marian tried to make breakfast. Mulan held Marian close to her and Marian kissed her. They laughed a little. It felt so good. Marian kissed her again.

"Mama, I'm hungry," Roland said, rubbing his eye as he marched into the kitchen.

The pair jumped a part. "I'm fixing breakfast now," Marian said. She stared at Roland, as if waiting for him to freak out.

He shook his head. "Nah-uh. You was kissing Mulan."

Marian blushed. "Well, yes." It felt just as amazing as the first time they kissed.

"But, breakfast is on the stove," Mulan chimed in.

Roland nodded. "Can I watch cartoons?" The question turned into an open-mouth yawn.

"Okay, but we're reading after breakfast and you have to cover your mouth," Marian said.

He nodded again as he finished his yawn, barely getting his hand over his mouth at all. "Mulan, you wanna watch with me?"

Mulan had other things she would like to do, but did not mind spending time with Roland. She eased away from Marian, holding her hand briefly and letting her fingers glide against Marian's skin, before going into the living room with Roland. She turned on the television and cartoons appeared on the screen. Roland squealed and flopped onto her.

"We could do that. Have Regina give us powers and stuff and we could do that," Roland said, pointing to the superheroes on television.

"I am not sure Regina could do that. I mean, if she gave us, then she would have to give everyone, right?" Mulan replied.

The bright expression on his face did not waver. "But, then there's be super villains to fight, too. We could do that."

Mulan smiled. "Yes, but innocent people could get hurt."

That got to him and he pouted. "Oh, yeah. That's not good."

"Yes, so you leave the villain fighting to me and Sheriff Swan, okay? At least, until you get older." She rubbed the top of his head.

He nodded and Mulan smiled even more. They watched cartoons until breakfast was served. Mulan went to get ready for work while Marian prepared Roland for the day. She would have to return him to Robin at lunch and Mulan planned to be there. She would not allow Marian to face him alone, even though Marian did not think Robin would show. Mulan did not want Marian to face any Merry Man that might show up alone as well, though.

-8-8-8-8-

Marian clutched Mulan's hand and held Roland in front of her as they waited in front of Town Hall for Robin or whoever might come in his stead. It was the designated exchange place. Robin was late by almost fifteen minutes, which would not be so bad if they did not have work. Mulan managed to keep a stoic face, but Marian glared at him.

"Hey, Roland," Robin said, grinning at him. It would seem he was not even going to acknowledge that he was late.

"We've been waiting for fifteen minutes, Robin," Marian said.

Robin shrugged. "It's fine."

"It's not fine. We have work." Marian motioned between her and Mulan. Well, she had training, but Mulan had actual work to get to and sometimes that could mean the difference between the town living another day or not.

He looked at their hands and then openly sneered. "Of course you do." He then locked eyes with Mulan. "How's the sheriff's office treating you?" He tilted his head, looking down his nose at her.

"Like a person," she answered, staring right back at him.

Marian smiled and then hugged Roland. "Now, you be good for your father. Mulan and I will see you next week, okay?"

Roland nodded and grinned. "Can we feed the ducks again?"

"We'll do all that and more," Marian promised and the light in his eyes made her heart leap. She rubbed his head.

"More cooking?" He flashed all of his teeth in his smile.

"Of course more cooking." Marian was overjoyed he wanted to do that with her. The memory of his little face when he baked the cookies would always be a favorite. She needed more of that in her life.

"Well, time to go, pal." Robin reached for Roland and he stepped over to his father. Robin looked back at Marian and Mulan. "I hope you haven't done anything untoward with him."

Marian glared. The nerve of him! "I hope you don't do anything untoward him while he's with you." She wanted to punch him in the face.

"The judge will hear of it if you have."

"The same to you. He didn't seem impressed by you in the first place," Marian said. She had confidence that if Robin did anything negative toward Roland, like badmouth her to him, Judge Marahuté would change the custody arrangement. She would not say it felt like the judge was on her side, but that it felt fair, balanced. Robin did not have all of the power like he seemed to think he did.

Robin scowled, but he left with Roland, who grinned and waved to them until he turned a corner and was out of sight. Marian sighed and Mulan squeezed her hand. She smiled at Mulan.

"Can I treat you to lunch, my lady?" Mulan asked.

Marian chuckled. "Of course. Thank you." They had a little bit of time before they had to be at their places of businesses and she could use something to relieve the tension in her belly.

They went to Granny's. They were both still getting used to the fast food of this place and era, but Emma helped Mulan understand eating at Granny's was not just about food and she let Marian understand that. It was about being part of the community and getting to know people, which helped in so many ways. Ruby greeted them at the door and showed them to a table.

"You guys want a menu or you want me to surprise you?" Ruby offered with a grin.

"You can surprise us," Marian replied with a nod. The menus rarely helped. They did not know what a lot of things were and everything looked delicious in the picture.

"So, you guys going to Regina's baby shower?" Ruby asked. Marian flinched and Mulan's eyes went wide.

"Emma said she would be killed over that," Mulan replied.

Ruby gave a goofy laugh. "Oh, yeah. Don't worry. Emma's being overly dramatic, as she always is when it comes to Regina. And Regina can't kill Emma. Who the hell would help with the baby?"

Mulan nodded. "That is true."

"It'll be cool. We're putting money on Emma dying or not. It'll be fun." Ruby winked.

"This is all a joke, right?" Marian asked to be sure. Regina seemed very different and she would not imagine this Regina killing Emma. Maybe someone else, but not Emma.

"Oh, yeah. Totally a joke. Regina seriously could not live without Emma. Not to mention, according to the town, Emma is her baby daddy now. Can't kill the daddy before the baby shows up. That's just poor taste and we all know Regina is about class. Please, you both should come. I'm sure Roland would love it," Ruby said and then she was off.

"Roland would love it," Mulan said.

Marian nodded. "He misses her."

"Are you all right with that? I know you and she have…" Mulan trailed off.

Marian shook her head. "I think we're fine now. Well, as fine as we can be. Maybe this would be a good way to show it." They might never be friends. Hell, she might never fully trust Regina, but she could see Regina was not the same woman who dragged her to a dungeon so many years ago for not telling her where Snow White was.

"Then, we will go?" Mulan seemed like she was trying to hold back a smile, but her face twitched. Mulan wanted to go, which was fine. They should see Emma, support Emma, and be there for Emma.

Marian nodded. "We should find out if anything's expected of us. Do you know what to do at a baby shower?"

Mulan shook her head. "I would ask Emma, but she has been jumpy about it."

"We can ask Ruby."

Mulan nodded. Ruby wandered back with their surprises. "Garlic shrimp and linguine." She placed the dish in front of Marian. She grinned as she turned to Mulan. "Now, I figure since you hang with the sheriff so much, you have to be curious about her diet. At first, I was gonna bring you a grilled cheese."

"Emma does swear by them," Mulan said.

"Yeah, but she got all high-class about it since taking up with Regina. Apparently, Regina puts different types of expensive cheese on them and can toast the bread to perfection without the aid of magic. Now, she usually comes in here for burgers. I brought you one of her favorite Everything Burgers. Pick off whatever you think you won't like," Ruby told her.

"Okay. Can you tell us more of this baby shower?" Mulan asked.

"You'll wanna talk to Snow about it. She's registering them and everything. She'll explain it all to you," Ruby answered.

"How do we get in contact with her?" Marian asked. They were not very familiar with Snow White, even though Mulan worked with Snow's family. Snow White always seemed busy with her child.

"I'll give her a call for you."

"Thank you," the both said.

"It's never a problem for you guys." Ruby gave them a wink. "I hope you like the food."

They nodded and Ruby went back to work. Marian looked at the sandwich in front of Mulan, who studied the tower of meat like she wanted to take her sword to it. It was a beast of a sandwich.

"How does Emma even fit this thing in her mouth?" Mulan wondered aloud, eyebrow arched, and mouth dropped open.

"Maybe it's to be eaten with a knife and fork," Marian suggested.

"I know Emma. I'm not sure she uses a knife and fork… for anything."

Marian snickered. She did not doubt Mulan on that. But, in the end, Mulan took a knife and fork to the burger. It was one of the rare moments where Marian got to see Mulan actually use a fork to eat. Marian could guess what Mulan would want to talk about with Emma as soon as she got back to the station. Marian smiled through the whole event, enjoying her shrimp.

-8-8-8-8-

The baby shower was… yellow. Mulan did not expect that, but the more unexpected thing was how Marian handled being near Regina. It was brilliant to watch her address Regina with her head held high and no hostility in her gaze. Their exchange was not chilled or brisk. It was like they found common ground and Mulan was proud, maybe even happy for them.

Mulan was also happy for Roland. He was overjoyed to see Regina and spend time with her. He was more overjoyed when she told him that he could have some of her balloons. He ran around with his balloons, popping them every couple of minutes. No one seemed to mind.

Mulan got introduced to many new people, most whose names she could not remember right after they stepped away. But, everyone was friendly and kind. They made sure she knew they appreciated her working for the Sheriff's Department and they were happy to have such a skilled warrior fighting to protect them. Her shoulders might never un-square after this. Emma and Ruby appeared out of nowhere every now and then, making sure she had food or drink in her hand. They let her watch Marian work.

Marian was better with people than Mulan, a social butterfly. She smiled, sometimes beamed, in conversations, there were always small touches to those she spoke with, and she seemed completely engaged with every person. It was exhausting to watch, but people flocked to Marian because of it. Mulan did not have a problem with people, but she did not have a way with people either. She felt a kindred spirit in that with Emma, who seemed to be zip in and out of conversations quickly unless she was with Ruby.

"You're ready for baby shower games?" Emma said, putting a piece of cake in Mulan's hand.

Mulan's face tensed a bit. "What are those?" They did not seem like good things if Emma's expression was anything to go by.

Emma laughed, but her forehead was wrinkled and she looked ready to hide. "We may suffer together, my friend."

Mulan was not sure what that meant, but with the way Emma stuck close, she doubted it was good. And, when the games started, she understood why. It was a little weird. Everything was so baby centric, even a word jumble. Emma mostly talked and drank through the whole thing.

"I do not understand the purpose of these games," Mulan said. She understood the purpose of the baby shower, especially when Snow White directed her and Marian on what gift they should purchase. The shower was to give the expected parents things they might need to help care for the new baby and also to celebrate this wonderful occasion with them. Why play games, though?

Emma shook her head. "I can't help you. They don't make sense to me. And I never win anything." The final sentence came out as sort of a whine.

"You never win, do you?" Mulan felt like she knew Emma fairly well after so much time together.

"I never win anything!" Emma groaned, dipping a little.

Mulan snickered. "I should have guessed. But, you have won, haven't you?" Her eyes turned to Regina, who did look quite regale on her big chair with her head held high, even with a bit cake on the corner of her mouth.

Emma smiled. "You haven't done so bad yourself." She nodded toward Marian, who held Roland to her as he tried to play one of the games.

Mulan felt a blush burn her cheeks. "It's nice."

"I'm glad for you. You deserve love," Emma said.

"And so do you and Regina." Mulan patted Emma on the shoulder. "Congratulations on the baby."

Emma's shoulders squared. "Thanks." She cut her eyes to Marian and Roland. "Congratulations on finding your home."

"Thanks." Marian was her home, but it was more than that. There was Emma and Ruby and just friendship. She had purpose, a job, and caring. It had been so long. She was grateful for everything she had. Storybrooke was home.

-8-8-8-8-

"He's finally asleep," Marian said as she sat down on the couch. She leaned into Mulan, who put her arms around her. Marian pressed herself to Mulan more and Mulan kissed her cheek. She smiled.

"He had a lot of fun today," Mulan said, shifting to lie down. Marian followed her, content to cuddle with her.

Marian settled in close, head pillowed against Mulan's shoulder. "Yes. I'm glad you said we should go."

"You seem very comfortable with Regina."

Marian nodded. "Kathryn told me this world offered them all a second chance. Some made use of it. Regina seems to be one. I wish to make use of it as well." She squeezed Mulan around the middle.

Mulan ran her fingers through Marian's hair. "That seems wise. I am trying to make use of a second chance."

"I think you're doing a good job. You're a good person, Mulan."

"You are, too." Marian pushed herself up to kiss Mulan on the lips. It was nothing short of amazing to be able to do that whenever the urge overcame her. "I feel like people don't tell you enough, but you are a good person."

"The people I need to hear it from tell me enough."

Marian sighed and settled comfortably against Mulan. She wanted to tell Mulan something, but she was not sure if she should. Rumors were already going around about it, but Marian wanted to keep her word and she signed a contract.

"Have you heard about the father of Regina's child?" Marian asked. Robin had practically shouted it to the mountains. She was not sure how she felt about it, did not understand why he would do such a thing. Regina did not want anything to do with him and it was clear to everyone Emma was the baby's "father," so to speak. Why was he trying to ruin what Emma and Regina had as well mess with the baby's family before the child was even born?

Mulan grunted. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Marian's brow furrowed a bit. "Have you been holding back on my account?" Mulan would never bring up a topic she thought was hurtful to Marian, so she would never think to ask about Regina's pregnancy being connected to Robin.

"I figured you would talk about it when you were comfortable. I'll listen if you want to talk, of course," Mulan said.

Marian smiled. "I know you will." That knowledge made her heart light for a long moment. Mulan listened to her in ways no one else did.

"Was that the thing that put everything over the top?" Mulan asked.

Marian shook her head. "No. Robin and I were on the road to ruin anyway. We didn't see it, but I don't think there was anything that could've saved our marriage. He's just so different now and I don't think there's anything I can do to prove to him that I am myself."

Mulan sighed. "I am so sorry."

"You shouldn't be. I don't mind now. I'm happy where I am now." She caressed Mulan's stomach and kissed her nose.

Mulan grinned and stroked Marian's side. The gentle sensation managed to send sparks dancing down Marian's spine. She leaned in for more kisses. Mulan was more than happy to oblige. She wiggled and twisted without breaking the kiss and Marian ended up lying on top of her. Her hands roamed Mulan's sleek, muscular form, but settled on her breasts.

"Is this okay?" Marian asked in a low breath. She wanted to feel all of Mulan, but she did not want to pressure Mulan either.

Mulan nodded and her hands ended up on Marian's ass. "Is this okay?"

"Yeah." She came back in for another kiss. She could not get enough of Mulan right now. She hoped it would always be like that.

As the kissing continued, Mulan pulled Marian closer, causing her to grind into Mulan. She moaned as Mulan clutched her ass. She pulled away.

"Too much?" Mulan asked.

Marian nodded. "I like you, Mulan. I don't want to go too fast and risk taking a wrong turn." She wanted them to last. She wanted this to be it for her. Mulan was her one.

Mulan took a shaky breath and ran a hand through her hair, which settled on her cheek. "I appreciate it. I do want this to work out. But, can we stay like this?" Her hand moved from Marian's backside to the small of her back.

Marian giggled. "And kiss a little more?"

"I would very much like that. But, before we return to that, you were going to tell me something?" Mulan asked.

Marian sighed. She needed to run this idea by someone before she proposed it to the parties who would be involved. It might be a ridiculous idea.

"Do you think Regina would mind allowing Roland to get to know her baby?" Marian asked. They were siblings, but Regina had written Robin out of the baby's life and Marian had no plans to do more than co-parent with Robin now. Would the children really have a connection? She was not sure, but Roland would undoubtedly enjoy being around Regina again and she finally did not feel threatened by the mayor. Roland and Regina's baby would eventually understand they were blood brothers if nothing else. They might want a connection.

"I assume it would be more if you are open to it. Regina seems to like Roland enough and would not mind his presence," Mulan replied.

Marian nodded. That was true enough. She hoped this would save heartache if/when Roland figured out Regina's baby was Robin's child. She imagined Regina would eventually tell her child who the father was, as well. She heard tales of how things went with Henry, but she could not see any mother keeping that from her child if the child asked and the mother knew.

"I should let Roland spend time with Regina as well, hmm?" Marian still felt a little squeeze in her heart over her son and Regina, but she felt like that would always be there. Regina had time with Roland that she did not. It would never seem fair to her, even if she could live with it.

"They would both probably appreciate it. In the Enchanted Forest, Regina seemed quite happy to watch him most of the time."

"Was she good to him?" Marian asked without thinking.

"She was very good to him from what I could see. He was probably the only thing that kept her from using her magic to strangle Robin. She did not like him."

"So I keep hearing." It did not make any sense to her. She did not see how they ended up together here if Regina wanted nothing to do with him in the Enchanted Forest. "Do you know how they… why Regina…" She shook her head.

"I do not know. I suppose we could ask if it is something you truly want to know, but I am not sure Emma or Regina would want to discuss it. Remember Emma arrested Robin not too long ago and Regina was not bothered over it. Either way, I think Regina would like to spend time with Roland. Regardless of her feelings toward Robin, she does like Roland. She would never hurt him."

Marian nodded. The fact that Mulan trusted Regina helped Marian get over things. Mulan never really weighed on her issues with Regina, which was nice. Mulan let her process her pain rather than trying to convince her otherwise.

"Hey, have I told you how much I appreciate you?" Marian moved to kiss the end of Mulan's nose.

Mulan nodded. "Well, I appreciate you, too. You and Roland."

Marian never doubted that. She snuggled into Mulan a little more and sighed. She felt settled, content. Life was good.

-8-8-8-8-

Mulan could see Marian laughing at her as Emma eased baby Nathan into her arms. Babies were not a part of her long list of experience and she had refused to hold the baby in the hospital, but Emma showed her how to do it and she could not get out of it during their first home visit of the expanded Swan-Mills family. Marian came to sit by her on the couch, which put her at ease. Mulan stared at the baby, somewhat in awe and somewhat confused.

"You look good with that baby in your arms," Marian commented and Mulan felt a hot blush burn her face.

Regina chuckled from her space, tucked in close in the armchair with a fluffy blanket and a mug. Emma stood by her and it looked like her hand went right to Emma's. They were cute. Mulan looked at Marian and wondered if they came off as cute.

"It was nice of Henry to show Roland his comic book collection," Marian said. The two had disappeared upstairs several long minutes ago.

"More like show him Nathan's comic book collection because he made sure my clone got one," Emma replied.

"Your clone?" Mulan looked at Nathan. "He does look like you."

"Why not? His diet is hers, after all," Regina commented.

Emma frowned at her partner. "I do not drink boob milk."

While Mulan was very used to Emma, she did not expect her to say something like that in front of Regina. Marian snickered and looked away. Mulan tried to focus on Nathan and hoped the awkwardness would pass. Regina did not seem bothered.

"I was referring to my carvings throughout the entire pregnancy, but, yes, I'm sure you would if you could," Regina replied.

"Do you really want to have this conversation in front of company?" Emma countered.

"You brought it up, thinking you could be cute because company was here."

Emma smirked. "I'm always cute. Right, Mulan?"

"I think your crown has been claimed." Mulan held Nathan up.

"Yeah, I can't compete with that. He even gets the boobs." Emma dared to motion down to Regina.

Regina snarled at Emma. "Why not just undress me right in front of them while you're at it?"

"She is going to kill you when we leave, isn't she?" Mulan said.

"I'm sure she's plotting my demise right now. So, you guys have to live here now," Emma replied. Right on time, Roland let out an excited squeal from upstairs. They all glanced at the stairs, but when neither Roland or Henry appeared and there were no other noises, they turned their attention back to each other.

"I'm sure if we stay here long enough, Roland will be more than happy for it," Marian remarked.

Mulan smiled. It was good that Marian could joke like that. She was so much more comfortable with Regina now. Mulan dared to think they might even be able to be friends.

"Thank you for agreeing that Nathan and Roland should know each other," Marian said.

Regina waved it off. "While we only consider Robin a sperm donor, I know how children can be with birth parents."

"How are you going to handle that?" Marian asked, looking back and forth between Emma and Regina. Emma shrugged.

"We have time to work out what we're going to say," Regina replied.

"I hope it works out for you," Marian said.

"Thank you."

"Mulan, if they become friends, we are gonna get into so much trouble," Emma grinned.

"You're going to get into so much trouble. I know how to behave," Mulan remarked.

Emma snickered. "Not for long with me and Ruby around. We can't get in trouble alone, after all."

Mulan shook her head, but she could already guess she would not be able to resist. She enjoyed Emma's open and guileless friendship. Emma accepted her and supported her. Emma was practically family, a mischievous sister. Marian gave her a smile, as if she knew.

Marian leaned in close. "You deserve to have a little fun and you know Emma would love to be the one who helped you do that."

Mulan smiled and from the way Emma grinned, she definitely heard Marian's whisper. Regina snorted and sipped from her mug. Mulan shook her head and turned her attention back to Nathan.

"I will try to keep your mama in line, so she can see you grow up," Mulan promised the baby. Regina offered her a smile at least, but from the twinkle in her eye, Mulan suspected it was an impossible task.

-8-8-8-8-

"You looked real good with that baby in your arms," Marian said, coming up behind Mulan in their kitchen. Mulan was doing the dishes from earlier that day. They had dinner with the Swan-Mills family and then had to drop Roland off to his father. Now, they were alone.

Mulan blushed. "Is that… is that something you want?"

Marian snuggled into Mulan's shoulder. "I have Roland. Have you considered children?"

"Not really. Since I've taken up the sword, I've mostly just considered protecting people."

"You can protect people and parent at the same time. Look at Emma."

Mulan nodded. Marian did not press. Their relationship was still too young to worry about children of their own, but Mulan was amazing with Roland and maybe there could be something there one day. But, there was something else on her mind and she hoped their relationship was not too young for it. Being together almost three months should be enough time or so she hoped. She did not know how to approach it with Mulan, though.

Marian coaxed Mulan away from the dishes to the couch. It was not hard, which was nice. They cuddled and Marian put on a movie she had no intention of watching. She went right in for a kiss after she put the remote down. Mulan returned the kiss and her arms went around Marian's waist. Marian's hands eased under Mulan's shirt.

"I thought you wanted to watch this movie," Mulan said.

Marian stared into Mulan's eyes. "I really just want to be with you."

Mulan smiled. "You are with me."

Marian cupped Mulan's face and brushed her thumb against Mulan's cheek. "No better way to end the day."

Mulan leaned in for a kiss. "I love you." She blinked, as if she did not mean to say that.

Marian kissed her again. "I love you, too."

From there, they lost themselves in kisses. Marian was not sure what the future held for them, but she had a good feeling. This second chance might actually be her best chance. She would have to remember to thank Emma, but for now, she just wanted to focus on Mulan.

"Is this all right?" Marian asked, fingers right underneath Mulan's breasts. She wanted to know what they felt like, what they tasted like. She had never had such a carving in her life.

Mulan took a breath. "I want to, but I've never…" She shook her head.

"Never at all or never with a woman?" Marian had never been with a woman, even though she had small attractions throughout her life.

"Never with a woman. And, it has been a very long time since anything." Mulan glanced away.

Marian kissed her softly. "It's fine, my love. It's our first time together and we can learn each other in ways no one else ever has."

Mulan's hands wandered to Marian's ass and gave a squeeze. "Are you sure?"

"Yes. If you want."

Mulan actually grinned. "I want."

Marian laughed and leaned in for a kiss while her hands filled with Mulan's breasts. Mulan moaned into her mouth and she felt it all the way down to her toes. She bucked against Mulan. Why had she stopped this when they started a couple of months ago?

"Bed," Mulan said, pulling her sweet lips away.

"Hmm?" Marian leaned forward, trying to follow delicious kisses.

"We need to go to the bed. I want to do this right the first time." Mulan did not give Marian a chance to object. She stood up, holding Marian with her. Marian squealed. She had no idea Mulan was so strong.

"I'm not too heavy?" Marian asked.

Mulan scoffed and walked the short trip to her bedroom with Marian in her arms, like she weighed nothing at all. Where was compact, thin Mulan hiding all of this muscle? She found out once when Mulan put her down on the bed and pulled off her shirt. She got a chance to look at what Mulan hid until her tank tops. Yes, she knew about the tight biceps, but she had not expected the cut abs. Mulan's body was lean, but everything was cut and so clearly powerful.

"Can I…" Marian moved closer to Mulan, reaching for her sweatpants.

Mulan nodded and Marian pulled down her pants and underwear. Mulan was before her, bare and beautiful. Marian's breath caught in her throat while her fingers brushed up and down Mulan's slender hips. Mulan purred, which made emboldened Marian. She caressed all of Mulan and Mulan allowed it.

"Marian, I would like to touch you as well," Mulan whimpered.

Marian blushed. "Oh, forgive me. You're just so fascinating. I want to touch you all night."

"I am fine with that, as long as I can do the same."

Marian nodded and shivered. She wanted nothing more than to feel Mulan against her and to touch Mulan at her leisure. Marian shed her clothes and Mulan joined her on the bed. They stared at each other for a long moment, not touching, not breathing. Without words, they went with something familiar, kissing each other.

Kissing Mulan in the nude was very different than kissing Mulan with clothes in between them. Being able to completely feel Mulan made Marian's whole being fill with radiance. She was flooded with emotions and it made her want to press against Mulan all the more. Mulan welcomed her, arms around her, making her feel safe and loved.

She was not sure how long they kissed, but soon enough, their hands explored, wandered, and charted each other. Nothing was rushed or frantic. It was like they had all the time in the world. Mulan's skin was perfect, hot and smooth, except for battle scars. Puffed, raised skin did not bother Marian, as she had her own as she felt Mulan trace each of hers with tender care. And all the while, they continued to kiss.

Somehow, they ended up lying down, first on their sides, but then Mulan was over her. It was only then that the kissing stopped. Mulan pulled away.

"Is this all right? I am not too heavy, am I?" Mulan asked, so sweet to check in.

"You are perfect. This is perfect," Marian replied. It was the truth.

"The same." Mulan leaned in for a new kiss.

Marian smiled into Mulan's lips, accepting all of her. In the new position, Marian was able to feel so much more of Mulan. Her hands remained busy, one making home at Mulan's breasts, thumb enjoying flicking Mulan's nipples. But, her legs were also able to feel Mulan and she ran her feet and calves all over Mulan's legs.

Marian's head clouded with pleasure as Mulan was far from idle, hand trailing all over Marian's torso. Mulan adjusted her body, thigh now between Marian's legs. She pressed against Marian and Marian was certain she gushed from the feel of Mulan's wonderful skin. She threw her head to the side as a loud moan escaped her.

"You okay?" Mulan's voice was low, almost panting.

"So good." Marian moved her leg, wanting Mulan to feel the same. Feeling Mulan's desire against her made her brain more foggy. "God."

Mulan groaned into her ear. "Should I move?" It was as if she had no idea she was already moving, thigh gliding against Marian.

Marian cried out, clutching Mulan to her. She let go of her new favorite body part, Mulan's breasts, needing to hang onto something sturdier. She grabbed Mulan by the waist, directing her without words to move faster. Mulan panted and moved with purpose. Marian was caught off guard when she climaxed, wanting this to go on forever. Bliss erupted through her and lights danced before her eyes, as well as down her nerves. Her heart swelled and hammered in her chest, but felt amazing, felt like it pumped amazing all through her.

When she came back to her senses, she realized Mulan's dense weight covered her, but was not on her. Mulan was curled up against her. She kissed every part of Mulan she could reach.

"Are you all right?" Marian asked.

Mulan smiled. "I'm great. You're great. That was great." She laughed.

Marian chuckled. "I'm glad you think so." She tried to pull Mulan closer.

"I do not want to crush you."

"I want to feel you." She wanted to feel as much of Mulan as possible, all the time.

Mulan shifted and then pulled Marian to her, so they were on their sides with Marian's back pressed against Mulan's front. It was good enough.

"I'm so happy I'm here," Marian said. Despite everything, this worked out so well. She would have to remember to thank Emma for everything.

"Me too." Mulan kissed the nape of her neck. "I love you so much."

Marian turned, needing to face Mulan. She kissed her lips. "I love you as well. I want a life with you."

"We will make a life. A good life." Mulan caressed her cheek. "Me, you, and Roland."

Just when Marian did not think her heart could get any lighter, it did. Mulan was in this to be a family. This was their second chance together. Or maybe it was Mulan's third chance. It did not matter. They would build something together and there would be no need for other chances.

"I will always be so grateful for you," Marian said. "You made me realize there is so much more to life."

"I am grateful for you, as well. You are a gift to me, Marian. I will always cherish you," Mulan replied and Marian could only believe her.

"I will always cherish you, too. You're my best friend as well as my partner." That was what they were, partners. They were there for each other through everything, always. Mulan nodded and pulled her close. Nothing could separate them if they could help it, even though they knew the world was uncertain and horrible things happened. They would support each other as best they could for the rest of their lives.

-8-8-8-8-

The end.

Well, folks, we're at the end of another tale. I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading. I'm returning to my padded cell. I hope to see you again for the next story. Come say hi to me on Facebook. Commercial break: this Lunatic is published. Please, go check out my books on Amazon under the name SL Kassidy.