Author's Note: Yes for once, I'm putting at the beginning. But also one at the end. As a reminder: I decided to make Shang's father alive. Just for this fanfic. I am so sorry for my long absence! I hope all my readers enjoy this! I will release another chapter for this story sometime during this break! (spoiler) Thanks for your patience. NOW FOR THE MOMENT OF TRUTH:

It was late at night and she was running. Running on Khan. Running to Shang's parents house. Running away from Shang. Running home. But she wasn't just doing those things, what she was really doing was running from everything in her life: fear, disappointment, troubles, pain, and happiness. That voice inside her head screamed at her: You're running away from your own happiness. But Mulan wondered, what happiness? Shang? No, in fact, he had been the cause of her misery. But she knew that deep down, he loved her, and more importantly, she loved him still, no matter what he had done. Yet, what Shang had done to her was unforgivable. That word pained her as she remembered what she had said to Mushu on the way to Qui Gong, before Shang had fallen off the bridge. "What you've done is unforgivable…Oh I've got to talk to Shang, tell him I love him!" In that one moment, she went from angry and fierce to lovesick. Now Mulan rarely acted all cheesy and lovesick, but Shang was the exception. He certainly made her feel certain ways no one else made her feel: including acting silly.

Mulan knocked on Shang's parents' door in the latter parts of the night, hoping that it would be the last time she would ever have to. "Good evening Lien, and my deepest apologies for coming this late. But I wish to speak to my parents."

So Shang knew he messed up. He knew he was a jerk. But sitting around contemplating on what he did wrong would not bring Mulan back. What he did was wrong, but it wasn't enough to make her leave him. She hadn't even heard his side of the story. What actually went down. What he actually did. But she never would hear it because she was gone. Shang had to get her back, and he knew where to go.

"He did what?" Shang's father shouted in shock.

Shang's brother and sister-in-law were out for the week. They were on a trip somewhere. Her father, mother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law all sat down at the table in front of her. They had been playing a game before. Mulan had hoped they wouldn't all be awake, but from the sight of her parents, you could honestly tell that they could probably stay up the whole night.

"I didn't want you to find out and get mad at him," Mulan said softly. "I honestly meant to just tell my parents. I don't want you to get…"

"Get mad at him?" His father asked. "Oh believe me! I will!"

Mulan sighed. "Look, sir. With all due respect, this is something between Shang and me. I honestly don't want to cause anymore problems by getting other people involved. I really do appreciate your help though."

There was a quick knock at the door. Sharp and loud rasping. For a while everyone stayed motionless, staring at the door. No one wanted to move. No one wanted to look who was at the door, even though they knew perfectly well who was at the door. Because they all knew perfectly well what was going to go down in just a matter of seconds. Another knock startled them out of their daydream. They all looked to each other. Just as Shang's mother, Lien, was about to get up, Mulan stopped her and made her way to the door first. She took a deep breath and opened the door, to find herself slightly disappointed.

"Good evening sir." She greeted him. "It's quite late, don't you agree?" Mulan took a look at the man. The shadows were covering his face, but based on his body, you could easily tell this man was well-built. "What is your business here at this late hour?"

The man then lit a match into the nearby lantern which brightened up the area. Mulan found herself staring into a bouquet of flowers. But not just any type of flowers. Her favorites: cherry blossoms and magnolias. Her heart skipped a bit and she smiled. "This is a delivery for Fa Mulan." The man had a gruff voice.

She took the flowers and smirked. It wasn't a smile, but it was something. Mulan looked down at the flowers and gently inspected them looking for a note. She sighed, but still kept the smirk on her face. "Can I guess who this is from…" her voice faltered as she looked up and realized who she was talking to the whole time.

"Me," he replied, from the shadows of his cloak and the burning lantern, you could see his eyes and his smile.

Mulan shook her head and threw the flowers at him in disgust. "Get out of here! I didn't want to see you here!" She turned away and ran towards the living room, where their parents were all waiting in the back, listening.

Shang scoffed and followed her in, silently closing the door. "Really Mulan? You're hiding from me in my own house? You could have been more creative!"

Mulan spun full blast on her heels and faced him. "What are you doing here?"

"You know fully well why I'm here," he stopped right in front of her and crossed his arms boastfully.

"Well then, are you going to criticize me or apologize?" she asked sarcastically.

"None of the above," he replied. Mulan looked at him in shock. "I'm going to explain myself."

Mulan shook her head and made her way to the back door. "I don't want to hear it." She walked towards the door, but Shang grabbed her hand and stopped her halfway.

"Fine, then answer me about this. You knew perfectly well that I was standing outside the door, yet you opened it. Why? Is it because you love me still? Or is it because you love to argue with me? Or is it because you don't want to see us like this? I'm not sure I understand us anymore Mulan." He stood behind her, and she stayed there, with her back turned to him, completely silent. "Please answer me Mulan. I need to know."

"Look," she solemnly said, "I'm done with explaining myself. I don't need to anymore."

"Okay fine," he said to her, "Then you need to listen to me and stop running away." He let go of her hand waiting to see if she would run free. She didn't. But instead she turned around to face him and looked him straight in the eyes. Her eyes were red, but you could tell that she was holding back her tears. "I still love you, I really do." Mulan scoffed and looked away, acting as if she didn't want to listen. "And I'm sorry for all I've done. I'm sorry that you hate the way I treat you, or when I act overly macho, or my stupid big messy combat boots, or the way I read your mind. I'm sorry that you hate that I'm always right, even when you know I'm wrong. I'm sorry that I make you laugh. But what I really am truly and sincerely sorry for is the fact that I make you cry because I lied and because I'm not around." He hoped she would at least look at him in the face, but even then, she looked away.

Shang sighed. "That lip stain is from another girl. I'm not denying that. But I have never kissed another woman but you, nor made love to anyone else but you. Yet I'm not denying that that stain was not entirely my fault." He bit his lip and paused, pondering on how to explain this. "I got that lip stain from Yao."

Mulan finally looked at him in shock. She clenched her fists in rage and shook her head slowly. Her eyes narrowed down into a sharp glare. Her teeth clenched. Suddenly Mulan started to charge at him. Shang held her arms back. "Liar! I hate you!" She screamed. "You are the biggest liar! Stop keeping me from the truth!" She screamed and kicked violently. Mulan screamed and kicked until she couldn't anymore. Finally when she was sobbing and tired, she fell to the ground and collapsed crying. Shang picked her up and held her in his arms. Mulan suddenly punched him in the gut, causing Shang to fall back in pain.

"You said you got it from another woman! Yao is no woman!" Mulan glowered. "Just tell me the truth Shang before it gets worse."

"I didn't cheat on you," Shang seethed through his teeth trying to heal his stomach. "The worst part is that you're not even mad at me for the right reason! I love you Mulan! I honestly do! But you should know that I am at fault for the places I've been late at night. I often stayed at a bar and drink because I was always so tired from work. I know I made a mistake, I'm sorry. I should have been at home with you, especially when you waited for each night. I'm so sorry Mulan."

He waited for her to respond but she didn't. In fact, she refused to look at him. Shang sighed. "Yao was slightly drunk, so we took paint from another woman and painted it on his lips. When he realized what had happened, he tried to kiss me, but instead wiped his mouth on my shirt. I didn't know how to explain it to you without you getting angry or at least questioning me. I should have known that you would have understood if I told you, but I was already at fault. And when I angrily threw the shirt in the water, I was annoyed and irritated from work, but also afraid of how you would react to the shirt. My other fault was trying to hide it from you as if I had something to hide. I am so sorry Mulan. I understand if you find this hard to believe, but if you don't believe me ask Yao and Ling."

He looked at her waiting to see if she would say anything, but she didn't. He sighed. "Mulan, I'm sorry. I don't really know how else to make it up to you. I just want you to know that I love you and would never love another woman more than you."

"I never cheated on you at all. I still love you so much. I don't want you to think of me as a cheating husband, because I would never do that. I want you to trust me again, even though it's hard to. I know I messed up and lied to you, but I'm asking you to trust me just as you asked me that day at the palace after fighting the Huns. I know I should have trusted you, but I didn't. Please," he knelt down and held both of her hands, looking at her with pleading eyes, "please forgive me. I miss you. I don't ever want you to leave me."

All the parents stared at Mulan, waiting for her response. They silently watched her as her face remained emotionless. Everyone, including Shang studied her face, but her face remained blank, not giving away any fear or anger she held inside of her.

While at the table, the adults sat around watching her. In a quiet whisper, Mulan's mother said, "I'll bet that she'll forgive him as soon as he tells her something."

All at once, every single one of them at the table turned to look at her incredulously. But Shang's father chuckled quietly and responded, "Oh yes, Mulan will have forgiven him, but Mulan is not that easy. She'll make him work for it!"

One by one, the adults placed their bets with whomever, except for Granny Fa. Fa Zhou, who was quietly observing his mother, asked her, "Why have you not placed your bet with anyone?"

She smiled. "That's because I have a feeling, all you are wrong. Oh it'll be hard. Mulan won't forgive him that easily. And in the end, they'll both be forgiving each other. That is what is going to happen. Another fight will happen. Just wait and see."

The adults scoffed at her and turned to face Mulan.

Shang sighed again and pleaded, "Please Mulan, say something to me. The guilt is already eating at me, and I don't need you to stop talking to me also! I may be a bit brick-headed and not always know the right things to say. I may be absolutely clueless when it comes to understanding your feelings. I may be a bit egotistical, but I would never ever cheat on you in my entire lifetime. Please say something to me to let me know how you feel!"

"Mulan! Say something!" Her mother yelled at her.

Mulan turned to her mother with an angry glare then turned back to Shang and stared at him blankly. "So," she said, tapping in finger with a steady rhythm on her bottom lip, "you think you're forgiven now?"

Everyone else sighed in impatience, while Shang's face changed into a smile: the smile that made girls swoon for him behind their fans, and wish he was looking at them. Though it was really only Mulan who could resist that smile. "Playing hard to get, eh?" He laughed.

Mulan looked at him in shock, and then in anger. "What are you talking about Shang?"

Shang laughed. "Technically, I've done nothing wrong that isn't forgivable. I've told you I'm sorry, I followed you home, and I apologized and made a fool out of myself in front of my family and you. I think this is enough torture for one night. I can certainly make it up to you more, but not right now tonight. I think I am forgiven." He winked at her.

Mulan laughed sarcastically, "So you think you can just come here and follow me, thinking that this will make it all better, that I can just forgive you for all the pain you've caused me? And by just saying a few words?"

Shang shrugged and told her, "It worked all the other times, like when I followed you home, and back at the palace in Qui Gong."

Mulan scowled. "Nothing you've done, and for that matter that you've actually compensated for, can compare to what you've done to me this time. Besides," she said with a smirk, "I'm not so naïve anymore."

"Oh but I think you still are." He said smiling again, with his eyes filled with love, which had a way to surely made Mulan weak to the knees. But Mulan swore that if she hadn't been angry, she would have run into his arms right then and there. "In fact we all are when it comes to this game of love." He continued to walk closer to her, and Mulan slowly backed off also.

"You don't know what you're talking about," Mulan argued. "And love isn't a game." She moved her head and hands behind her almost every five seconds to make sure she didn't run into anything else. Even though one might think Mulan was being a coward for walking away from Shang, on the contrary, it was quite the opposite. Mulan kept that same face of mistrust on her face, the only thing she kept a secret was the fear inside of her.

"It isn't a game?" Shang asked with that same smile upon his face, as he moved closer and closer to her. "So I tell you that I love you, and you say it back. I say I love you, and gamble my chances by risking it all, hoping that you say it back and feel the same way. You keep playing the love card until you get what you want, even though you know love is a losing game."

She did not say a word, but continued to walk farther away as Shang tried to get closer. "Why do you keep walking away from me?" He asked. "Are you afraid of me?"

Mulan scoffed. "I am not afraid of anything."

Shang was taken aback. "Are you sure about that? So you weren't afraid when you failed the Matchmaker's test and wondered how in the world you would ever bring honor to your family? You weren't afraid when the Huns came charging down at us from the mountain side of the Tung Shao Pass? You weren't afraid every day in camp, praying and hoping you wouldn't get caught? You weren't afraid or scared to death when the Emperor's life was in your hands and no one would listen to you? I hope you say yes because god knows that I certainly was!" He looked at her and saw her stop for a moment and the expression she wore on her face softened a bit. "Please tell me you were at least afraid the moment I knelt down and asked you to marry me. Did you fear what your future would be like, how I would be and treat you, how we would be as a couple, or if we would even last?"

"No," Mulan replied blankly, but her face saddened and tears started to fall from her face, "because I knew I would be fine as long as you were there. But now I'm still not sure. I don't even know if I can trust you anymore." She turned her back on him and started to walk away. "You know what I was afraid of, that either one of us would think that marrying was a waste, or that this would happen, that we wouldn't know what else to do. Now I don't know what to think."

"But that's why I have you," Shang answered and started to walk after her, "Because I don't know what the future holds, but I know we can find our way together." He waited, hoping she would turn around, but found it to no avail. Shang sighed, "But I do know something is for sure. I know that what I want is to be with you until the day I die."

Mulan looked away and walked faster. "You don't know what you want Shang. You don't even know me."

Granny Fa nudged Fa Li in the side and whispered, "See? I was right!"

Everyone at the tabled then hushed her and turned to watch the couple again.

Shang ran to catch up to Mulan and finally drew her in by the waist. As she stayed in his arms, her breath hitched and she looked up at him in anger, but mostly shock. "I know you so well," he whispered softly, "When we were talking back at home, you turned around because you hate showing me that you cried, because you're afraid I would think less of you, or that you're less strong than me, have lesser control of your feelings, or even be lesser of a man for that matter. That's my job. I'm not supposed to cry. I'm supposed to be stronger for you. I want to let you know that it is okay to cry. It doesn't make you seem any weaker at all. That's why I admire you, because even in the face of danger and the impossible, you come out strong. Never think that fear or even sadness would ever make me think less of you."

Mulan scoffed and threw Shang's arm out to get out of his grasp. "I don't care."

"You don't care?" Shang asked incredulously. "You don't care?! What do you mean 'you don't care'? What in the world is wrong with you Mulan? You're acting so strangely. Since when do you not care?"

"Well I want to know is if you even care at all!" Mulan argued back. "I've never even seen you cry. I've never even see you sad. I've never seen you hurt. It's as if…"

"I don't have a heart Mulan?" Shang cut her off finishing her sentence. Mulan stared at him in awe. "As if I hadn't heard that one before." He moved his head down to look her in the eyes, but Mulan immediately looked away. "Let me let you in on a little secret of mine Mulan. Frankly, my dear, I do give a damn. I give a damn about what you wear in front of others, whether you where make-up or not, when you talk to other guys, or how the other women treat you, whether I show it or not. But why? Because I care so damn much. Our problem is, we care too much, whether we show it or not. So tell me one more time that I don't have a heart, but at least look me in the eyes to let me know you mean it. All those times that I went out late at night, I didn't think of you. I didn't think about how you waited for me late at night. I didn't realize how lucky I was to have you. I didn't realize that I was taking you for granted, that one day, you would have gone and left. And when I realized that, it was too late." He looked her in the eyes and sighed. "So what do you say, do you forgive me now? Will you take me back?"

"Shang," Mulan sighed and finally said, while looking down in shame. "I didn't mean that back when I said it and I certainly did not mean to say it this time. I mean honestly, I just blurted it out of nowhere. You were making me angry and you turned your back on me. I had hoped you and I could fix it then. I love you Shang. And I always will, no matter how many times you break my heart."

Shang laughed. "I know," he said to her, gently moving her face up to look at his. "And I know I am lucky to have you. Everyone always says that I should have married a more obedient wife, a more silent wife. Truth is, I can't live like that. I love arguing with you. It shows me that you care. I love that you fix my mistakes."

"No, you fixed them. You seem to fix a whole lot of my mistakes." She smiled. "Even though in Qui Gong, we found out exactly how different we are. You'd be surprised, we're almost alike. But that's why I love you. We're selfish, and manipulative, we're temperamental, and headstrong. We're alike in the ways that would tear even the strongest marriage apart, yet we work so well together."

"And you," he said, pulling in her closer to hug her tighter, "you've caused me to finally overlook tradition and honor and to do what I think is right. I've got a bit of you inside me." Shang smiled and kissed her right on the lips, "I love you, and I'm so sorry for my actions."

"Well I'm glad," Mulan replied coldly, "Because even though I love you, I still hate you."

Everyone at the table groaned quietly, while Granny Fa laughed to herself.

Shang laughed, "You just love to argue, don't you? You never make anything easy on me," he sighed and then contemplated on his next word, "Well let's see if I can make this any better." He paused for a moment to again contemplate on what he was going to do next. Shang then moved his eyes to meet hers and said, "How about this then? I love the way you laugh, I love the way you kiss, I love it when you smile," He paused and moved his hands down, "I love your hips." She scoffed. "I love it when you get angry, because it reminds me of what made me fall in love with you in the first place."

Mulan laughed. "Oh really? Please inform me on how you fell in love with me in the first place."

"I win! I win!" Granny Fa told everyone at the table, who then glared at her. She walked around and grabbed the money bringing it to her room. Everyone else sighed and turned to face the couple again.

"I love the fact that you are yourself," Shang said finally, "You don't act like anyone else; you're not afraid to say what you feel, and be what you want to be. Because everything you are, is what I want to be, with the exception of being a girl." They both laughed. "I love that you're fearless. I love the way you understand me, and the fact you know me so well. I love that you're not only my wife, but also my best friend." He watched as Mulan's smile turned into that of a sappy lovesick face, one that he loved to see her make. Shang then leaned in to kiss her on the lips and once they parted he said to her, "But most of all, I love the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all."

Author's Note:

p.s. did anyone see the Princess and the Frog???

Special Thanks to: (OOH haha I had a lot of reviewers!)

Hannahmgp – Castrate? Lmao. In my English class, I was trying to say that word but it was on the tip of my tongue! I honestly forgot about it! But I finally used it. Lol. Haha and this time, Mushu is not to blame! But, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read my story! Thanks!

Allimba – no she was at Shang's house and saw her parents in the window, being happy. I guess you could say it was her fantasy that she wanted but didn't get. Anyways, thanks for your review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read my story!

Newgirl5 – haha I don't meet any Filipinos either! No cute ones either, though my other friends always seem to meet some. :( And thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed my other story! And hopefully you will enjoy this story! Thanks for your review! I hope you continue to read my story!

PaTTy – haha CHI FU quote! Haha. Anyways, thanks for your review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read my stories!

Trakrat – haha it now seems that it will be a while before I stop writing because I have one more story to write lol. But thank you for being an awesome reviewer! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read my stories! Thanks! *huggs*

Handmaiden of Artemis – haha I love flashbacks too! I need to watch Mulan again. I just have the urge to! I've watched every holiday movie and every other movie, but Mulan! Man I just love these Disney movies! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!! And of course I put your scene on my profile! It was just amazingly sweet! I love old love! Haha. I WANT YOU TO WRITE MORE. Lol. You are a great writer! But thanks for your review! I hope you continue to read my story!

Mei Lin – Sorry for the long wait! But I hope you found it worth it! I'm glad you totally understand and love my stories! I just love reading people's comments and feedback on it! It just is the best! Thanks for your review! I hope you continue to read my story!

Rachel – haha eww parental control. I know how you feel. Anyways, I'm glad you came back to read this! I hope you enjoyed this chapter (which is now a big relief for you…admit it haha) And thank you! I'm glad you like my writing! I hope you continue to read my story! Thanks for your review!

Leila Wong – haha I'm sorry to have kept you waiting! But as I've told you several times, I love your reviews! Ah you know, maybe I'll continue my writing idea. Not sure. But if I go to Princeton, it'll certainly be something to think about. Haha I'm glad you've also chosen a favorite chapter. I honestly like the 3rd or the 9th one the best. I just love flashbacks. Lol. Anyways, thanks for your review! I hope you continue to read my stories!

nikkithm – haha yes he is kinda a jerk! But he'll be hearing from it more later in the story! Don't worry. But haha you get to find out whether he wasn't cheating on her or not! Big relief right? Haha yeah it took me a while for me to think of a way to make a liable excuse for Shang not cheating but also one that would still make Mulan mad at him. Haha it's just the way this story works! :) Agh thank you so much! That makes me very happy to hear that you like my writing and how I portray everything. That honestly means a lot to me! And no, they did not make love before they were married. It was during their one year anniversary and Shang invited her to an Imperial ball as a surprise. Don't worry. They were married. Or maybe you're thinking about a previous chapter…oh well. That will change I promise. Sorry. And don't worry I love long reviews! Thanks for your patience and your review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read my story!

Sapphire Destiny Rose – haha well thank you! Yes men are idiots! But you can't live without them :) well yeah you can, but still! You know you love them! Don't worry, Shang won't get out of this so easily. You will see it in the next chapters! Thanks for your review! I hope you continue to read my story!

Cute in Purple – haha well thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this story! I hope you enjoyed this story! I'm touched that you decided to read my story first out of all the other great Mulan fanfics! I hope you update soon on your stories too! I will update on this story ASAP! Haha. Thanks for your review!

GLC – no I would never leave my readers! It may take me a while, but I always finish! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and continue to read it! Thanks for your review!