Red. That’s all he sees—not the red of hearts on your Valentine’s skin, but the red of jealousy.

Recently, you had received a brand-new outfit, and you couldn’t wait to show it to him. You were all giggles and jumps as you came to him, your body adorned with hues of red and hearts. Ling was slightly surprised when you came into view—he’d never seen you in such beautiful attire. A strange flutter stirred in his stomach.

His task of polishing blades with Melissa was quickly forgotten as he turned his full attention to you.

Melissa noticed his reaction and snickered quietly in the background. But then, that feeling within Ling shattered the moment he saw Aamon trailing behind you. That damned Duke—with matching laces and a matching outfit to yours.

His eyes narrowed briefly before you reached him. A wide grin lit your face as you exclaimed, “Look, look! I finally got my Valentine’s skin!”

Ling nodded as usual, but this time, there was a quick glint of something sharp in his gaze before it returned to normal.

Ignoring Ling’s reaction, Melissa squealed with excitement and pulled you aside where the two of you laughed and giggled with each other.

Meanwhile, the two men were left standing in awkward silence. Their expressions couldn’t have been more different: Aamon wore a smug grin, while Ling’s eyes remained cold.

Aamon, ever noble, gave a polite nod. “Greetings—”

“It doesn’t suit you.”

The Duke paused for a second at Ling’s bluntness but soon smirked mockingly as if the skin was enough to provoke him. “Better than your charm, clearly. Perhaps that’s why fate paired me with the lady.”

Ling’s hand was on his blade in an instant, scoffing as he pointed it toward Aamon. “I’d say you watch your tone, Duke Paxley.”

Unbothered by the threat, Aamon’s smirk only deepened. “Why? Afraid it’ll cut deeper than your wit?”

Ling’s grip tightened as he glared at the Duke, his patience waning. He eventually sheathed his blade back with a huff. “Careful. She really hates arrogant men—”

“Even if fate decides we should be together?”

Really, Ling thinks as his temper snapped.

In a blur of motion, he swung his blade toward Aamon, who dodged it with ease, countering by knocking Ling off balance. The sudden move sent Ling staggering, but it only angered him more. He lunged at Aamon, tackling him to the ground and ruining his oh so pristine Valentine’s outfit.

Ling grinned wildly as he laughed. “Look what you’ve done to yourself.”

The commotion drew your attention, and you turned just in time to see the two men scuffling. Gasping, you rushed over with Melissa close behind.

“Aamon’s outfit!” you cried, noticing the mess. Your frustration turned to Ling. “What’s gotten into you?!”

Ling opened his mouth to protest, but you were already pulling Aamon up by the wrist. “We just got this and now it’s already ruined!” You shot Ling another glare. “You’re insufferable!”

As you led Aamon away to fix his outfit, he briefly glanced over his shoulder to shoot Ling a triumphant smirk.

Ling clenched his fists, his teeth grinding as his face darkened with anger and jealousy.

Next time, he thought. Next time, he'll tear it to shreds.

---

Ling had returned home a hero. After fighting alongside Mulan and helping to save China from the Huns, he was welcomed back to his small village with open arms. People greeted him in the streets, children followed him around asking for stories of his time in the Imperial City, and he loved every moment of it. But beneath the jokes and the loud laughter, there was a quietness he hadn't expected—a lingering feeling of wanting more, something deeper than the acclaim and cheers.

And then there was you.

You had lived in the same village for as long as Ling could remember. He had seen you around, usually with your head down, eyes shyly avoiding his gaze, but he always noticed. There was something about the quiet way you moved through life, the way you watched everything so carefully, and the soft smiles you gave when you thought no one was looking. You were the complete opposite of him, loud and goofy, always cracking jokes or causing a scene.

What Ling didn’t know was that you had been watching him long before he became the village hero. There was something about his carefree nature that had always drawn you in, but you were far too shy to ever approach him. You admired him from a distance, giggling at his antics with his friends, appreciating the way he could always bring light and laughter wherever he went.

But now, Ling was back, and he was more than just the funny guy you admired from afar. He was a hero, and you felt even more distant than ever.

---

One afternoon, as you were on your way to the village market, you noticed Ling sitting by the well in the middle of the village. He seemed lost in thought, something you weren’t used to seeing from him. Normally, he was surrounded by people, but today, he sat alone, absentmindedly tossing small pebbles into the water.

You hesitated, your heart pounding in your chest. This was your chance to speak to him, to finally say something after all this time. But the thought of approaching him made your hands shake. What could you possibly say to someone like Ling?

But then, as if sensing your presence, Ling looked up and caught your eye. His face lit up with a bright, familiar smile, and he waved you over.

“Hey!” he called out, his voice as cheerful as ever. “Don’t just stand there! Come join me. I don’t bite… much.”

You felt your face heat up at his teasing tone, but there was something about his smile that made you relax, just a little. Slowly, you made your way over, clutching the basket in your hands as you sat down next to him on the well’s edge. The late afternoon sun bathed the village in a warm, golden light, and a soft breeze stirred the leaves on the nearby trees, carrying the faint scent of jasmine through the air. Everything around you seemed peaceful, but inside, your nerves were swirling.

For a moment, there was silence. You could feel your nerves creeping up again, unsure of what to say or how to act around him. But Ling, ever the conversationalist, broke the silence with a chuckle.

“Bet you didn’t expect to see me sitting all alone, huh? Everyone usually wants to hear about the war and all the crazy stuff that happened. But sometimes, a guy just needs a little peace and quiet.” He turned to you with a grin. “I bet you get that, huh? You’ve always been the quiet one around here.”

You nodded, too nervous to speak just yet, but his words made your heart flutter. He had noticed you. He knew who you were.

Ling’s expression softened a bit, his usual joking tone fading. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately,” he admitted, tossing another pebble into the well. “About everything that’s happened. It feels good to be home, but… it’s different. I’m different.”

You glanced at him, your brow furrowing in concern. You hadn’t expected this kind of vulnerability from him. Ling had always seemed so carefree, like nothing ever weighed him down. But now, there was a heaviness in his words that tugged at your heart.

“You’re… a hero now,” you said quietly, finally finding your voice. “Everyone in the village… they’re proud of you.”

Ling chuckled, though there was little humor in it. “Yeah, I guess so. But I didn’t do it for the praise, you know? I did it because it was the right thing to do.” He looked at you then, his gaze steady. “And because Mulan showed us that anyone can be a hero, even someone who doesn’t think they have it in them.”

At the mention of Mulan, your heart clenched slightly, an unexpected ache settling in your chest. Mulan was brave, smart, and strong—everything you weren’t. Maybe that was who Ling admired, who he had really wanted by his side. You suddenly felt small, unsure, like you could never measure up to someone like her. You glanced away, trying to hide the doubt flickering across your face, but Ling noticed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice gentle, the usual teasing gone.

You hesitated, then softly admitted, “I just… I don’t know if I could ever be as brave as someone like Mulan. She’s amazing, and you fought beside her. She’s a real hero.”

Ling looked at you, his eyes softening with understanding. “Mulan is incredible, yeah. She’s strong and fearless, but that doesn’t mean you have to be her.” He reached out, his hand brushing yours, sending a shiver up your spine. “You have your own kind of strength, you know? And I’ve noticed it.”

Your cheeks burned at his confession, and you ducked your head, unsure if you believed him. You hadn’t expected him to notice you like that, to remember you at all, really. But there was something warm in his voice, something that made you feel like maybe, just maybe, you hadn’t been as invisible to him as you thought.

“I’ve… I’ve always admired you,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “The way you make people laugh. I’ve never been good at that, but… I’ve always liked it about you.”

Ling’s smile softened, his usual goofiness replaced with something much more tender. He gently took your hand, his fingers brushing yours in a way that made your heart race.

“You don’t have to be like me,” he said softly, his thumb tracing small circles on your hand. “I like you just the way you are. Quiet, thoughtful… You’re perfect.”

You looked up at him then, your eyes meeting his, and for the first time, you felt like maybe you could let your guard down with him. Maybe you didn’t have to be afraid anymore.

Ling leaned in closer, his face just inches from yours, and the world around you seemed to slow. The golden light of the setting sun turned the sky a soft pink and orange, and the wind carried the faint sound of birds settling in for the night. Everything felt magical, as if nature itself had paused to witness this moment.

Your thoughts raced. Could he really feel this way about you? Or was this just another joke, a moment of kindness for someone who didn't deserve his affection, especially with someone like Mulan so fresh in his life?

“I’ve been wanting to tell you that for a long time,” Ling whispered, his breath warm against your skin. “I just didn’t know how.”

Before you could let the doubts consume you, you leaned in, your heart pounding in your chest, and kissed him softly. It wasn’t a bold kiss—nothing like you’d imagine someone as outgoing as Ling would expect—but it was filled with everything you had kept hidden for so long.

Ling’s hand cupped your cheek gently as he kissed you back, his lips soft and tender, like the unspoken promise of something more. The village seemed to fade around you, the warmth of his kiss grounding you in the moment.

When you finally pulled away, Ling grinned, his playful nature returning. “Well, I guess that’s one way to break the silence,” he joked, making you laugh softly despite the rush of emotions swirling inside you.

But beneath the humor, there was something real, something genuine. And as you sat there with him, your hands still intertwined, the sun setting in the distance, you realized that maybe Ling had been searching for the same thing you had—someone who saw beyond the laughter, beyond the hero, and loved him for who he truly was.

---

Author’s Note:

What started out as a friendly mocking, turned out to be a full blown competition on who gets to go to the ruins first. It was dangerous of course, but being just below the strength of Ling, your master agreed to let you have your fun. As far as you remember, you and Ling always had a love-hate relationship. He's open to you in good days, and rude in the hard days.

You've always been by his side whenever he needed to take his anger out on something— like losing to Zilong, for one. You knew how jealous he was, you became his personal record whenever he wanted something to let out. You're there for him through everything. Surely you have made him learn a thing or two about patience, right?

Well, kind of.

The race hasn't even started, and he was already running past you and jumping from rock to rock! It would have been unfair— if you were actually listening to the signal. Wanwan had to tap your shoulder repeatedly to get you to chase after Ling. After you did though;

A series of cheers could have been heard from behind you. And finally— the race was officially in motion. The path you were taking was a shortcut— but only a shortcut so you could catch up to Ling.

The said person, on the other hand— Was slightly tracking back, worried for your well-being. Normally, he would love to win the competition after you; Blatantly insulted his fight with Zilong. At least, in his perspective. Though, he had a hard time finding out if you actually meant to insult him or not.

You're the most friendliest out of the whole Oriental Fighters— Probably even more friendlier than Wanwan herself! Well. The point is, he now wanted to know if you meant to say it like that. You weren't exactly... the one to pick out great choices of words. Often stuttering over a simple seven letter word. Academy.

Suddenly, you wooshed past him— using a line of vines to swing yourself to a nearby tree while upside down. "Excuse me, Ling!" You exclaim at the frozen Assassin. Catching him off-guard with how carefree you looked at that moment. But after you jumped away, he shook his head and jumped after you. Using the tips of his fingers as a way to maneuver around, faster than the normal.

Maybe to see you in action— Or perhaps, observe your beauty up close. He was too much in thought to actually realize what words he'd use in his thoughts. This current moment— He was above you, the leaves ruffling from below you masking the sound of the leaves from under him. His eyes trailed your hair— ruffling softly as you moved againts the unmoving wind.

As both of you moved in the same pace, he jumped down next to the branch next to you. You couldn't notice it because of the adrenaline rushing in your veins. "You think you can get away from me?" He whispered softly, tackling you to the rough ground below on your back. Catching you by surprise, and breaking your focus to pay attention to him.

Oh, how intimidating he looked from above you. The blue was contrasting to his usually tense aura, it made it all the more scary seeing him like that. Well— until you realized how suggestive the position was. You squirmed from under him, catching his attention as he stopped admiring your gorgeous body. "Get off me, you pervert!"

Your shouting caused him to; realize the position, immediately jump off you and start to apologize, a never ending stutter in his tone— while he did that, your mind came back to the race. And so, after you crossed your arms again, and made him slump his shoulders. You let out a knowing laugh and run away from where you were.

Ling was surprised— he didn't realize that you left, until he looked up from the rocky ground. By then, he remembered the race, and chased after you once more. But, after just a few steps, and a recognizable few stacks of rocks. He figured out that the route that you have taken was a longer one, so. He moved from the path you took and went to his own route.

You on the other hand, was just basking in the victory of you, successfully overpassing Ling.

Or so you thought.

As you neared the ruins, the knowing tips of the old building was peaking from the trees. You saw a flash of blue, standing from the tip of it. Ling was waiting, but by then, your pride was hurt, and you were now; Lazily running to reach the entrance of the ruins. The Assassin watching you was quite curious on why your mood was down. But based on the stakes that he put on the race— you were disappointed.

While catching your breath on the rock, made for a statue, you caught a glimpse of Ling jumping away, seemingly exhausted as you are. That, ever so slightly, lifted your spirits. You made him like that, you were a competition to him! One of the top fighters of the Oriental Warriors! "I'm sincerely sorry from earlier."

You flinced at the voice right behind you. The same— smooth and calming voice that you always listened to. "The one where it proves you're a pervert?" You spat back, using a tone of visible sarcasticness laced in it. Though, the tone went over his head, as a hurt look formed on his features.

Your hand immediately went to comfort him— shake his shoulders, caress his face to try and swipe that look off his face. That seemed to do the trick, although the part where you caressed his face seemed to work the most. Him chuckling while you do that— it was an intimate moment.. A surprising moment of intimacy that rarely happens between you both.

"This is something someone could take advantage of, you know?" He spoke up, leaning againts the soft skin of your palm— Effectively towering over you and stealing the soft light coming from the sun. His outfit created a green hue from the light— he looked more handsome than ever! "Well, I'd rather have someone take advantage of me.."

The words you said didn't come with stuttering. That scared Ling the most. You'd rather have someone take advantage of you? For what reason, and why..? It worried him a lot, but seeing your vulnerable pants, he decides not to bring it up. "Would you like to explore the ruins, now we're here?" He asked, changing the subject.

But you— pulling your hand away... Made him feel slightly upset. He wanted to be greedy for your touch, for just a bit more.. "Sure! Are there any treasure around here? Maybe some new yarn that Wanwan and I could use?" You asked, jumping with every step towards the covered entrance. Ling followed, denying all your unbelievable questions until you were face to face with the entrance.

"Careful, this is old after all.." He warned, reaching his hand out to your bare collarbone, unconciously trailing the lines there. The actions soothed you, oddly enough, and got you leaning againts him.

What you were doing wasn't blind to Ling, and he gladly wrapped his arms around you in a comforting embrace. "I feel the need to kiss you right now." He said, catching you off guard once more. Although, he catched you off guard in a good way. "Seriously..? After screaming at me everytime you're upset about Zilong?" You mocked. Grinning softly at the red hue forming on his cheeks.

"It's not like it means I hate you-."

"It does mean it like that. You know?"

After the moment of silence and thought, you laughed at him, turning around and leaning up to press a kiss on his cheek. He blinked his thoughts away and stared at you in awe. Smiling at the way you laughed at him. And after that, you turned around and pushed the door to the ruins open.

"Come on! We don't have all day until our masters come to search for us!"

For now, getting a kiss on a cheek was everything for him. A simple sign of affection that made you win his heart.