A/N: Okay, first ever KFP fic! I really enjoyed the movie, since it was so different from the usual Dreamworks crap. I really appreciated the research they did for the film and even though I felt the voice actors were a bit on the overkill side, everybody performed surprisingly well, considering most the actors are not known for their distinct voices.

I'm not really a fan of any particular pairing but I do like to add some twists and turns, so here's my take on a particularly popular pairing.

"No, there's a few lines that criss-cross obliquely from each other. The wavy lines go underneath those."

Crane suppressed the urge to groan and finally snap at the minute master observing his artwork.

"I'm pretty sure the wavy lines go above. I have to make room for the swirls." he muttered quietly, continuing the delicate brushstrokes on the sheet rice paper.

"Whatever man, but I'm telling' ya, that's not how it goes."Mantis said nonchalantly, inspecting the barbs on his raptorial forelegs. The feigned indifference did not fool the ever-patient avian though.

Crane arched his slender neck to inspect his progress. The pattern, despite some uncertainties and improvisations on his part, looked exquisite. He was POSITIVE he got it perfect.

"Dude, that's not it! And you missed a couple of those leafy-things at the bottom." came the observation from the insect again.

Crane rolled his eyes and gave his small companion a light glare.

"You know, you're usually not this critical of my art." he stated casually.

"I'm not being critical! Just making some observations is all." Mantis said quickly, rubbing the back of his neck in an effort to maintain composure. He mentally cursed himself; despite being the smallest, he was also the strongest and the one with the biggest mouth. Figuratively speaking, anyway.

"Not to be rude, but what makes you such an expert on this?" the note of challenge in Crane's voice might have seemed light-hearted and even joking, but Mantis did not miss the agitation in it.

Crane never, ever, got agitated when it came to artwork; he took criticisms in stride, as was his calm demeanor.

So, even the bird considered this particular piece of art special eh?

"Well, for starters, I'm smaller, so I can observe the smaller details." Mantis began amicably enough.

"Just because your small, doesn't make you observant." the bird countered with small grin. Crane prided himself, however quietly, on being the most observant and keen on details in his team. This trait quickly earned him the responsibility for espionage and reconaissance during battles and ambushes.

Of course, he used his keen eyes for other things other than scoping out hordes of barbarians or an opponent's slight limp or limb preference. He liked to observe the elegant landscapes overlooking the Valley of Peace.

It relaxed him immensely to observe things he found beautiful.

He found himself blushing and quickly shook his head. He was surprised to see the insect, now positioning his small frame closer to his field of vision, with a small smile.

"I've known her longer than you have, you know." he said quietly.

His words struck Crane cold and his brush went off tangent ever so slightly. Years of honing his reflexes and muscle movements allowed him to continue painting as if nothing had happened.

"Oh? I've been on more missions with her than you have. I'm always flying above her, watching over her. So I think this would be a fairly accurate rendition don't you think?" the Crane master snapped, while gesturing at the watercolor piece with his brush. As soon as the words left his mouth, he felt like hitting his head on a wall.

Mantis looked surprised and guilty as well, remembering his earlier comment. He had not meant to pull rank or experience like that, especially not to his comrade, his brother in arms.

A few seconds of silence ensued as neither insect nor bird moved a muscle. The light sound of the brush scraping against the rice paper stopped as well.

Crane broke the silence first by sighing and setting his brush down.

"So, how long have you…"

The insect hesitated a bit before answering. He sighed resignedly.

"A few years after you became a student here, I guess. I guess I kept telling myself that I was just biding my time before I told her but then I realized that you too….you know….." he trailed off as Crane nodded.

"Man, this blows."

The insect's eyes widened at the sudden crude expression from his normally reserved comrade. Crane looked absolutely shocked at himself as well. Mantis began chuckling which shortly became full-fledged guffawing.

"You said it!"he said between chuckles, "We've faced entire armies and most recently, one of the greatest fighters in our generation and we can't even tell a girl we dig her!"

Crane smiled and joined in the laughing, albeit in a quieter manner.

Viper creased her brow as she heard whispers from behind. She set down the pot of tea she was preparing and stared quizzically at both the masters seated at the dinner table behind her. The two had remained in the mess hall long after the others had left.

Both Crane and Mantis sat quietly, staring up at the ceiling, looking innocent.

"What?" she asked them slowly.

"What?" Mantis asked, redirecting her question back at her.

Viper opened her mouth to say something and decided it wasn't worth it. She continued to add some herbs to the tea. Behind her, the two resumed their quiet murmuring.

"Oh, the wavy lines go both above and under…"

END

A/N: Liked it? Hated it? Tell me in a constructive way! I've got a bunch of one-shot planned for this fandom and I want to know how I did on my first one! For those who didn't get it, Mantis and Crane were talking about Viper's tattoo. My sister actually made that observation. I find it to be particularly awesome and badass that Viper is inked up :D