summerwritesfics

[summerwritesfics]

🏮I’m A Prayer For Your Loneliness, Chapter 1 - And Death Climbs Up The Steps One By One

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang Length: 4835 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Vampire AU, Vampire!Kuai Liang, Vampire!Hanzo Hasashi, Vampire Hunter!Bi-Han, Vampire!Shang Tsung, Vampire!Quan Chi, Mugging, Assault, Vampire Bites, Vampire Turning, Violence, Blood And Injury, Attempted Biting, Hurt/Comfort, Stabbing, Stabbing Through A Hand, Someone Needs To Give Both Kuai Liang And Bi-Han A Hug TBH

I’m A Prayer For Your Loneliness Masterlist

Notes: It feels like it’s been ages since I posted, but it’s only been like a month tf lmao. Anyway, first fic from the giveaway I did on tumblr, this one for @hellsbellssinclub who asked for a vampire au. You can probably tell from the fact this is chaptered that I plan to continue this haha. Fic title is from “Nymphetamine (Fix)” by Cradle Of Filth, and the chapter title is from “Dig Up Her Bones” by The Misfits.

Kuai Liang groaned, pushing himself off the floor. His arms gave out under him and he fell face down into a puddle. Spitting out a mouthful of disgusting dirty water, he chose instead to shove himself hard enough to flip over onto his back. He gave a pained moan, and stared up at the night sky and edges of the rooftops, trying to remember what happened.

He had an exam coming up in about a week, and had decided a late night study session at the college library would be a good idea. It was about 1am when he finally left, or rather, the tired librarian who just wanted to go home for the night kicked him out. Given how late it was, he wanted to get home as quickly as possible, so had taken a shortcut down the alley he was currently lying in. And then?

Then someone grabbed him from behind. He must have hit his head or something, because he didn’t really remember much after that. Someone attacked him, then he woke up in pain on the floor.

I was mugged. 

He slipped his hand down his jacket, reaching into his pocket in the hopes of checking for his wallet and keys, the only things he’d had with him other than a notebook in his bag. To his surprise, both items were still in place. He pulled out his wallet, even more shocked to find the $10 cash and his debit card were still inside. Oh great, I got mugged by the world’s worst mugger. 

Curiously, he grabbed his book bag, pulling it up to him and flicking it open. His notebook was thankfully still in place, and weirdly he was more relieved at that than he was about his money. His money and bank card could be replaced, those notes had taken him all fucking night, and he was not about to redo them.

He pushed himself to at the very least sit up. His body protested the action at every turn, but Kuai finally managed to get himself up straight. What now? He hadn’t brought his phone with him, so he couldn’t call anyone, not that he knew who to call. Not the police, they were infamously awful in this part of town. Certainly not Bi-Han, big brother would absolutely lose his mind and never let Kuai Liang leave his sight again.

His only real option was to limp home, clean himself up and hope the damage wasn’t too bad.

He supposed the good thing about getting jumped in this particular alley was he wasn’t too far from the apartment. He struggled to stand, but after crawling towards a large dumpster and using it to haul himself off the floor with a lot of effort, he managed to get onto his feet. He was unsteady, but remained upright. He chanced a step, still holding onto the bin, and when that went okay, he tried a second, and another. Eventually he was limping down the alley, clinging to the walls for stability, and making it back onto the sidewalk.

He went as quickly as he could manage, which wasn’t very fast. Every so often he would need to stop and lean against a wall or fence when the pain got too bad or he felt out of breath. Managing to finally get to the apartment building’s front door and slipping inside, he was confronted with the knowledge he had a couple of flights of stairs to get up now. The thought made him want to cry, but he had no other choice. He struggled, holding onto the railings like his life depended on them, but eventually he got to the 2nd floor. As he finally reached his apartment, a wave of relief washed over him.

The second he shut the door behind him, he threw his bag to the floor, followed by his jacket. He didn’t bother turning the light on, and stumbled through the dark towards the bathroom. He wasn’t exactly quiet, but that didn’t matter too much. Bi-Han would still be at work, so he had no fear of his brother finding him like this.

When he entered the bathroom, he finally turned the light on, shutting the door behind himself. He began slipping his clothes off, and went over to their full size mirror in the corner to assess the damage.

He looked a mess, but thankfully it was mostly bruising across his torso and a few scrapes. All easy enough to hide from Bi-Han. The only real problem was a few bruises on his neck and a nasty gash on the side of his forehead. He gingerly reached the gash, it looked like it had bled quite a bit, but hopefully once he’d gotten rid of the blood, it wouldn’t look that bad. He could always bullshit that he accidentally walked into a door or something. Bi-Han would probably believe that. Maybe? 

As for the neck bruises? Well, he could possibly wear a scarf or turtle neck for a couple of days. The more he looked at it however, the more he realised one side of the bruising was darker than the others, and it looked like there was blood. He stepped a little closer to the mirror and moved himself to one side to get a clearer view. He gasped when he realised what he was looking at.

A bite mark.

A fucking bite mark! 

Someone had just fucking assaulted him, and then bitten him!

“Oh god! Gross!” He loudly complained, grimacing both at the sight and the thought at a stranger deciding to have a nibble on his neck. Looking even closer, he realised it seemed to get worse the more he looked at it. The teeth had clearly dug in deep, the wound raw and still bleeding slightly. “Shit, am I going to have to go to the doctors about this?”

He really didn’t want to. He was on Bi-Han’s insurance and he would flip his shit when he got his bill for the month. At the same time, this could be really bad right? With how deep the wound was, it could potentially get infected if he wasn’t careful. Not to mention he was fairly sure there were more than a few diseases that could be transferred via saliva.

“Okay, okay. Calm down.” He rubbed his forehead. “I’ll take a shower, get cleaned up, and sleep on it. If I feel bad tomorrow, I’ll go to the doctors. Otherwise I’ll just keep it clean and hope it clears up on its own.”

That seemed like the best plan. He was sure it was probably just some weirdo, and he didn’t have to worry too much. When he managed to get to the shower, he didn’t really do much more than clean himself up, and let the warm water soothe his aching body. It felt good, but he didn’t want to stay standing up longer than he had to at this point. Soon he was out, drying himself off and making his way to his bedroom. He didn’t even bother turning the light on again, just threw on some sweatpants and a tank top, and let himself flop down onto his bed.

His sleep was anything but restful, nightmares of the attack plaguing his mind.

Things had mostly been fine after he got up in the morning.

He managed to hide the majority of his injuries from Bi-Han, the only one he couldn’t was the gash on his forehead. Surprisingly Bi-Han had accepted his excuse of walking into a door fairly easily, even calling him an idiot for it. Aside from that, he hadn’t really had any issues, except a few aches and pains.

Well. There were two other things, but he was certain they were unrelated.

For some reason, he’d felt extremely itchy all day. Initially he thought it was just his injuries healing, but when he examined the area, there were red rashes over his skin. Even stranger the itching seemed to go away when he kept out of the sun. So… Some sort of weird skin rash? An atypical presentation of Sunburn? He wasn’t sure but he tried to stay in the shade as much as possible after putting the connection together.

The other issue was he was hungry. Which didn’t sound too unusual, but it was impossibly so. He had eaten, and eaten, and eaten, but nothing seemed to fill him up. He’d eaten so much he almost threw up, and even then, he still wanted to eat more. It was really strange. He wasn’t experiencing lightheadedness or any other symptoms, so clearly he wasn’t actually as hungry as he felt.

He’d mostly managed to put it to the back of his mind for the majority of the day. He’d been to college, attended his lectures and even ran a few errands that Bi-Han had texted him about. He felt fine, considering how brutal the night before was.

Now, he was sitting at the breakfast bar in their kitchen, partially watching Bi-Han cook dinner for the both of them on the other side. He had some homework to do, but it wasn’t anything too hard. He could probably get it done before Bi-Han was finished with cooking.

“So, how was college?” Bi-Han absentmindedly asked while cutting up a carrot.

“It was alright,” Kuai replied with a shrug, not really sure what to talk about. “I have an exam coming up next week, so it’s just a lot of cramming at the moment.”

Bi-Han hummed, and then seconds later sucked his breath between his teeth like he was hurt. When Kuai looked up, he could see him holding his hand and grimacing.

“Are you okay?” Kuai put his homework down and clambered over the bar toward his brother.

“Yeah, I just nicked my finger with the knife.” That sounded about right. Bi-Han might have been older, but he was a bit of a disaster when he was in the kitchen.

Bi-Han held up his finger, and there was a small trickle of blood seeping out of the cut. A minor injury at worst. Yet Kuai couldn’t stop staring at it. Something about the crimson red hypnotised him, his breath hitching and mouth watering and all that was going through his mind was how hungry he was.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Bi-Han asked, but Kuai didn’t really comprehend it. Bi-Han reached a hand forward to try and place it on Kuai’s shoulder.

Kuai grabbed Bi-Han’s wrist before he could touch him, and he lurched forward. His mind was blank aside from some fucked up chant of hungry. Aiming for Bi-Han’s jugular, his jaw unhinged as he attempted to sink his teeth into his brother's neck.

Bi-Han’s movements were swift, grabbing the back of Kuai’s neck and wrestling him away. Nothing would stop Kuai however, he was ravenous, and Bi-Han’s blood looked so tasty. He attempted to attack again, only for Bi-han to side step, sweeping his leg and kicking at the back of Kuai’s knees as he did. Kuai fell backwards, groaning as his head collided with the wooden floor. Suddenly, there was a pressure on his chest, and he began to claw at his brother, who was using his entire weight to keep Kuai pinned to the floor.

A hand grabbed his wrist, and seconds later there was a sharp pain in his palm.

His head snapped over, finding the same knife Bi-Han had been using minutes ago, stabbed straight through his hand and into the floor below, keeping it trapped.

Kuai hiccuped. Bi-Han stabbed me! 

It was like all control suddenly returned to him after being controlled by an outside force. He looked towards his brother, still sitting over Kuai’s chest and panting to catch his breath. Bi-Han had stabbed him, but only because Kuai had attacked him first. But why? Why did I attack Bi-Han? All he remembered was seeing the blood and that hunger he’d felt all day took over.

He sobbed, “what’s happening to me?”

Bi-Han stared at him, before reaching for the neckline of Kuai’s sweater. He pulled it down, revealing the bite mark from the day before. Hissing loudly, Bi-Han’s heavy breathing only worsened, baring his teeth in anger.

“When did this happen?” He demanded, and Kuai whimpered at the harsh tone. “Kuai Liang, when did this happen?”

“Last night,” he admitted quietly, wanting nothing more than to curl up into a ball. “I didn’t want to worry you.”

Bi-Han made a frustrated sound, screwing his face up. He took hold of the knife, before roughly yanking it out of Kuai’s hand, causing him to howl at the action. Before he could ask what was going on, he felt Bi-Han grab his shirt and pull him to his feet. He quickly realised he was being dragged across the room, towards the door.

“Wh-Where are we going?” Kuai held his bleeding hand to his chest. Most likely the hospital right? Clearly something was wrong with Kuai, and maybe a doctor could help.

“We’re going to cash in a favour,” Bi-Han mumbled miserably, before opening the door and pushing Kuai out of the apartment.

There was no other explanation, just Bi-Han silently and firmly guiding Kuai down to his car.

The silence was suffocating.

Bi-Han had not spoken a word since they’d left the apartment, and Kuai had lost track of how long they’d been in the car. Kuai’s mind was reeling. He couldn’t comprehend what had happened to lead them to this point. Attacking his own brother? Why had he even done that? He looked down at his bleeding hand. He was lucky Bi-Han had only done that, rather than outright slit his throat.

“Bi-han,” he whispered, screwing his eyes shut and not wanting to see his brother’s face right now. He couldn’t handle the disappointment Bi-Han no doubt felt. “I’m sorry.”

“This isn’t your fault,” Bi-han muttered, sounding like he was trying his best to be reassuring but falling just a bit flat. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Kuai was silent, but eventually replied “I didn’t think it was that bad.”

“Have you noticed anything else since it happened?” Bi-Han sounded like he knew something Kuai didn’t. Opening his eyes again, he could see his brother had a focused look on his face, his hands gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly.

“I- I don’t know?” Kuai thought back to the rash and hunger. Could they be related? “I’ve had a rash since it happened. And I feel so hungry, but nothing I eat seems to help.”

“Does the rash come when you’ve been in direct sunlight?” Bi-Han asked, and it cemented in Kuai’s mind that he knew what was happening.

“Yes.” He tried to gauge his brother’s reaction, but there was none. “What-“

“We’re here.” Bi-Han slammed his foot on the brake and Kuai was thankful he’d put his seatbelt on as it stopped him from being thrown forward and into the dashboard.

Before Kuai could question anything, Bi-Han was throwing open the door and getting out of the car. Kuai scrambled to the door handle, pushing it open and following suit. When he looked around, he found they were in front of a very ornate looking mansion in the middle of the forest. Kuai had seen it from a distance before when he explored as a teenager, but he’d never been close enough to realise just how big it was.

He felt Bi-Han grab his arm, pulling him along to the front door. Slamming down the large knocker, Kuai flinched at the bangs. Seconds later, the door opened, and a man peered out at them, narrowing his eyes at Bi-Han.

“I need to talk to Lord Hasashi,” Bi-Han announced, actually pushing his way past the man.

Kuai was dragged into the house, even as the man tried to object to the intrusion. Bi-Han didn’t care however, and strangely seemed to know where he was going. Eventually they walked into a room, where a tall man wearing a yellow waistcoat was standing and talking to another man.

The man in the waist coat looked displeased by the interruption as he questioned “what do you want Bi-Han?”

“I need your help,” Bi-Han replied, stopping a short gap from the man. Kuai could feel the grip on his arm tighten.

“I don’t see why I should, if you’re going to be rude about it,” the man dismissed, waving a hand as he did. “You know I don’t appreciate surprise visits. Especially surprise visits where you barge in like you own the place.”

“You owe me, remember?” Bi-Han’s fingers dug into Kuai’s arm painfully, pushing down exactly on one of the bruises. “I turn a blind eye to your little operation here, and you assist me as I request.”

The man regarded this for a couple of seconds, before rolling his eyes. “Fine. What do you require help with?”

“This is my brother, Kuai Liang.” Bi-Han pushed Kuai forward ever so slightly. “This is Lord Hanzo Hasashi,” Bi-Han told Kuai, finally letting go of him. “Show him your neck.”

Kuai didn’t understand what was happening, and Hanzo’s gaze was suffocating. Still, with his non-injured hand, he reached for the neckline of his sweater and pulled it down slightly. Somehow, Hanzo’s face immediately softened.

“Sit down,” he gently instructed, gesturing to a couch behind him. Kuai went and perched on the edge, as Hanzo sat beside him, hands immediately going to Kuai’s neck to examine the bite. “When and how did this happen?”

Kuai’s eyes flicked to Bi-Han, who nodded to encourage him to speak.

“Last night.” Kuai winced as a finger pressed down against the wound. “I don’t… really remember how. Someone attacked me from behind, and I think I passed out.”

Hanzo’s eyes flicked over to Bi-Han, “has he fed?”

“He tried to, but was not successful.” Bi-Han rubbed the front of his neck, where Kuai had attempted to bite into him.

“Go get a blood pack,” Hanzo ordered to the man he’d previously been talking to, who bowed at the request and walked away. Hanzo returned his attention towards Kuai again, eyes looking down at his bloody hand. “Did that happen last night too?”

“No. Before we came.” Kuai lowered his head in shame, he still couldn’t believe what had happened. “I tried to hurt Bi-Han, and he stabbed me.”

“What happened before you attacked him?” Hanzo asked, now reaching to bring Kuai’s hand to have a closer look. “Was he bleeding, by any chance?”

“He cut his finger.” Pain blossomed through his hand as Hanzo’s fingers explored the wound. Kuai jumped and pulled his hand away. “I- I don’t know what happened, all I could think when I saw the blood was how hungry I was.”

Hanzo looked at him sympathetically, but before he could say anything the other man had returned, a blood pack in his hand. Kuai wasn’t sure what they were going to do with it. Hanzo took it off him, cracking it open before holding it out to Kuai Liang. His mouth salivated at the thought of it, but he didn’t go to take it.

Hanzo sighed, shuffling forward slightly. He placed the opening of the pack into Kuai’s open mouth, before squeezing it. Blood surged into Kuai’s mouth, causing him to gasp. While some part of his mind screamed that this was wrong, he could not deny how good the blood tasted as it coated his tongue. He began to suck at the pack, eager to get more of that sweet liquid into his mouth. The more he swallowed, the more he realised that hunger he’d felt all day was beginning to fade.

Eventually, there was no blood left, Kuai having drank every drop he was offered. As the pack was pulled out of his mouth, the horror at what he’d done hit him. He threw his hands over his mouth, nausea bubbling in his stomach.

“W-What is wrong with me?” He cried, looking between Bi-Han and Hanzo, desperate for some sort of answer to why this was happening to him. “Am I diseased? Am I going to die?”

Hanzo made a pained sound, reaching to grab Kuai’s hands.

“Oh, Kuai Liang. I’m so sorry, but… You are already dead.”

A cold washed over Kuai. “What do you mean?”

“The person who attacked you was a vampire,” Hanzo explained and Kuai almost did a double take. He was far too old to believe things like vampires existed. And yet, somehow, that would explain so much of what was happening to him. “And during their attack, they killed and turned you.”

“You mean I’m a-“ Kuai trailed off, remembering Bi-Han’s reaction to everything. He turned to look at his brother. “D-Did you know?”

“Father tried to keep this life away from you.” Bi-Han cleared his throat, looking down at the floor to avoid eye contact. “We come from a long line of vampire hunters, but neither Father or I wanted that life for you.” Bi-Han gestured to Hanzo. “Lord Hasashi is a vampire lord, but as he tries to be ethical about his feeding, using blood donors rather than hunting, we allowed him and his brood to stay in the area.”

Kuai’s head was spinning, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“What was it you wanted from me, Bi-Han?” Hanzo suddenly asked, squeezing Kuai’s hands slightly. “Because I doubt you came all this way just to feed him.”

“I need you to keep him safe.” Bi-Han stepped forward, taking Kuai’s face in his hands. “I know how dangerous this world is for vampires. I don’t want him to live in fear.” He pushed their foreheads together. “He did not deserve this.”

“We rarely do,” Hanzo agreed, thumb stroking along Kuai’s knuckles. Kuai felt his heart race at such an intimate gesture from a stranger.

“And… I need to find out who did this.” Bi-Han pulled away, but did not let go of Kuai’s face. “I need your help to find the son of a bitch who sired him.”

“The thought occurs that this could have been a targeted attack.” Hanzo placed a hand on his chin, looking deep in thought. “You have likely made enough enemies in your time as a hunter. Ones who would not hesitate to use your brother as leverage against you.”

“That does not narrow it down by much,” Bi-Han mumbled, letting go of Kuai and walking away. “But until I can figure it out, I need you to keep an eye on him.”

“Wait,” Kuai finally chimed in. He still couldn’t believe what was going on, and maybe he was focusing on the wrong things but he couldn’t help but see a problem. “What about college? If I suddenly stop going, it’s going to seem suspicious. And I have exams coming up!”

The last part likely seemed petty to both of the other men in the room, but it was important to Kuai. He’d been studying so hard, he didn’t want that work to go to waste.

“We’ll help you call in for an extension based on ill health,” Hanzo assured him. “Just until we find your sire. But even when you return, you will have to take night classes.”

“That rash you mentioned,” Bi-Han took over, turning back to Kuai Liang. “That is how the sun sensitivity starts. Eventually it’ll get to a point where being in the sun will outright burn your skin. It won’t kill you, but it will be extremely painful.”

“I will also need to teach you how to curb your hunger.” Hanzo pushed himself to stand and went to join Bi-Han’s side. “Otherwise whenever you see even so much as the smallest amount of blood, you will go into attack mode.”

Kuai grimaced at that. He was very lucky he hadn’t hurt Bi-Han earlier, he hated the idea that he could hurt anyone else, even accidentally. He looked between the two men, feeling guilty and pathetic regarding his situation.

“I’m never going to live a normal life again, am I?”

The question lingered in the air, causing Kuai to bow his head in shame. He should have never gone to the library. He definitely should not have gone down the alley. He’d ruined his own life in seconds with a few stupid decisions.

“Kuai Liang, listen to me,” Bi-Han’s voice called to him. A pair of hands brought his face up again. “This was not your fault. I should have known that eventually you’d have been in danger. Father should have taught you how to defend yourself. I should have taught you to defend yourself.” Bi-Han’s face screwed up like he was in pain. “We failed you.”

“Don’t say that,” Kuai whispered, hating how devastated his voice sounded. “You didn’t…”

“I will find who did this to you,” Bi-Han firmly declared. “I will find them, and I will make them pay. They will never harm you again. No one will.”

“Bi-Han…” His brother pulled away once again.

“You should look into your recent jobs,” Hanzo told Bi-Han, patting his shoulder a couple of times. “It might help us thin out the suspect list.” He then turned to Kuai and held out a hand. “Let’s fix up your hand, and then I can make up a room for you, Kuai Liang.”

Kuai nodded, taking Hanzo’s hand and allowing himself to be pulled until he was standing.

He made eye contact with Bi-Han one last time as his brother said, “I will be back soon.”

“Bye big brother.” Kuai waved him goodbye, before turning to follow Hanzo further into the house.

“Well, this is a frustrating turn of events.”

Shang Tsung watched in the vision as Lord Hasashi sat Kuai Liang down on a bed, cleaning and tending to the wound in his hand. He was being so gentle with the younger vampire. Shang Tsung scowled like there was poison in his mouth. That should have been him tending to Kuai Liang, not Hasashi. He didn’t like to think he was a jealous person, but something about this situation was proving him wrong.

“I suppose we know how Hasashi has avoided being hunted for so long now,” Quan Chi chimed up, waving his hand and making the vision disappear. “And I did say we should have accounted for Bi-Han potentially having allies.”

Shang Tsung shot him a glare. Given how ruthless Bi-Han was, how much of a lone wolf he was even amongst other hunters, he had no reason to think he’d have anyone to turn to. He’d hoped that desperation would have led Bi-Han to seek out assistance, at which point the deadly alliance would have swooped in to assist. To help poor confused Kuai Liang acclimate to being a vampire.

If he’d known this would be the result, he’d have never left the brat in the alley.

He needed a new plan, one that would swing things back around to their favour. The search for Kuai Liang’s sire would no doubt eventually lead back to them. He needed to find a way to intercept before the connection could be made. Misdirect the investigation in a way that would bring both brothers to heel. Preferably one that would eliminate the threat Hanzo Hasashi presented also.

An idea came to his mind.

He chuckled to himself, the plan forming might be difficult to pull off, but if they were successful? Then he’d have both brothers exactly where he wanted them.

“What’s so funny?” Quan Chi questioned, raising an eyebrow as Shang Tsung’s laughter got louder.

“Oh, just a thought that it’d be such a shame if after putting so much trust in Hanzo, that it turned out that he was Kuai Liang’s sire.” He intently watched Quan Chi’s face, hoping he’d understand his meaning. Thankfully, it did not take long for the other vampire to begin smirking back.

“Ah. Well. If that were the case…” Quan Chi waved his hand again, conjuring a new vision. One that showed Kuai Liang being attacked in the alley by none other than Lord Hasashi himself. “It would surely be our duty as concerned bystanders to inform Bi-Han of such a betrayal?”

Shang Tsung lent forward, watching as the vision of Hasashi sunk his teeth into Kuai Liang’s neck. He licked his fangs, memories of blood rushing into his mouth surfacing, how cold Kuai’s skin got as the life was drained from his body. In the vision, Kuai’s eyes rolled back, body going limp before Hasashi threw him to the floor.

Even knowing it was nothing but a lie, it was a very convincing deception indeed.

“And with a vision such as this, who is he to deny it as truth?”

Both men burst into triumphant laughter. Actually, this worked out better than it would have otherwise. They’d get both Kuai Liang and Bi-Han’s trust, just as initially intended, while taking out the region's most powerful vampire lord in the process.

Shang Tsung loved when a plan came together.

#mortal kombat #subscorp #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #hanzo hasashi #bi han #noob saibot #🏮i’m a prayer for your loneliness

[summerwritesfics]

🏮I’m A Prayer For Your Loneliness Masterlist

Masterlist for my fanfic, I’m A Prayer For Your Loneliness, a SubScorp Vampire AU.

Current Status: Ongoing!

And Death Climbs Up The Steps One By One - 🧡 Mature - 🔥❄️Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang - Chapter 1

#🌸masterlists🌸 #🏮I’m A Prayer For Your Loneliness

[summerwritesfics]

🫧So Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want This Time

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang, Sektor/Kuai Liang, Original Male Character/Kuai Liang Fandom: Mortal Kombat Length: 6966 Words Rating: Explicit 🔞 Warnings: Abusive Relationships, Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Choking, Rough Sex, Rough Oral Sex, Anal Sex, Gentle Sex, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Controlling Behaviour, Angst, Angst With A Happy Ending, One Night Stands, No Aftercare, Aftercare, Self-Esteem Issues, Nicknames, Kissing, Bathing/Washing, Unhealthy Relationships, Healthy Relationships, Degradation, I know a lot of these contradict each other but they happen in different sections, All sex is consensual but definitely not healthy, None of the bad or unhealthy stuff happens with Hanzo/Kuai tho @hurtcomfort-bingo: Nickname(s)

Hurt And Comfort Bingo Masterlist

Notes: I wanted to write a fic sort of exploring Kuai’s growth in terms of relationships, and I actually felt the nickname prompt on this bingo card was an interesting way for me to do that. Basically this fic is from various points of Kuai’s life, framed around nicknames he’s received at some point. I really wanted to focus on the transition from unhealthy relationships to healthy ones, and how despite Kuai initially not coping in a healthy way, he eventually finds love and healing. So, head’s up, like it says in the tags, this fic does focus on some of the abuse Kuai’s suffered and it’s somewhat explicit in this one rather than implied or discussed as being in the past like it has in previous fics. I will say that the worst of it is relegated to the first part, so you might be able to skip ahead to the first line break and be fine, but be aware that it’s kind of a big part of the fic. Title is from “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths.

“You never learn, Snowstorm.”

Kuai Liang felt himself being thrown against the wall, pain blossomed in his side where hours earlier he’d been struck with a metal pipe. Seconds after he hit the wall, a hand wrapped around his neck and began to squeeze. He choked slightly, hands reaching up to claw at the hand while he stared Sektor straight in the eyes.

Kuai didn’t really remember when Sektor started calling him snowstorm, but now that he thought about it, the nickname really told how Sektor viewed Kuai. He was an oncoming storm, wild and out of control, completely unpredictable and impossible to tame. Unruly. Destructive. Uncooperative. Something that Sektor desperately wanted to get under his control.

“S-Sektor,” Kuai whispered, hoping that wouldn’t cause him to do anything rash. “Please.”

Sektor laughed bitterly, “oh now you want to grovel.” He lent in closer, face practically touching Kuai’s. “You were so mouthy and proud of yourself in front of my father.” Kuai just stilled under Sektor, not really wanting to provoke him further. “You realise that because I was assigned to dish out your punishment, every time you act out like a little bitch, it makes me look bad in turn?”

“Oh no, what a shame,” Kuai sarcastically replied before he could stop himself. The second it slipped from his lips, his eyes widened, watching the way Sektor’s face warped. “I- I- I didn’t mean that, I’m sorry.” Kuai felt the panic rise in his chest when his pathetic apologies were clearly not being accepted. “I am so sorry, I’ll be better next time I promise.”

To his relief, the hand around his throat retreated, only to feel himself being yanked forward. The world spun as he was thrown in a completely different direction, side protesting the action. He fell back onto something soft. Lifting his head, it took him an embarrassing couple of seconds to realise he was on Sektor’s bed, with Sektor himself standing above him.

He looked so god damn pissed, face twisted and teeth bared, his chest heaving from how heavy he was breathing.

“I-I really am sorry.” He didn’t know if this would work. He just didn’t want this to escalate, especially when he was already injured. He scrambled to sit up slightly. “I’ll make it up to you.”

“You’d fucking better,” Sektor hissed between his teeth. “This shit is why you haven’t earned a name yet.”

Kuai flinched at that. Somehow that hurt more than any physical blow Sektor could have delivered to him. Actually at this point Kuai wished it had been a punch. That would be easier to deal with. The fact he still had not received his codename was a very sore point. Most Lin Kuei got theirs in their early to mid teens, and yet Kuai Liang was 19 and had still not done enough in the eyes of the Grandmaster. He really didn’t know how much more he could give.

“Did I hit a nerve?” Sektor asked, voice dripping with poison. “Now you know how I feel every time you do stupid shit that reflects badly on me.”

“I’m sorry,” Kuai whispered, keeping his head low. All he’d done was ask for clarification on an order he didn’t fully understand. He’d just wanted to make sure he got it right, he really wasn’t trying to be disrespectful or disobey. Was that really a crime that justified this screaming and berating?

“Oh, you are always sorry, Snowstorm.” Sektor took a few steps forward, and then there was a hand hooking under Kuai’s chin and forcing his face up. “The problem is you’re never sorry enough to actually make any changes.”

He tried. As the Elder Gods themselves as his witness, he swore he tried. The expectations of him just always seemed to change, they constantly moved the goal posts and he couldn’t keep up. He swore they didn’t seem to do this with anyone but him. They’d already decided he was a failure, and they were determined to make that a self-fulfilling prophecy.

“I know. I’ll do better. I will.” He knew that he couldn’t. He would never be better, and they’d never accept he was even trying to be better. But if saying it would placate Sektor, it was worth lying his ass off about.

Sektor didn’t reply, just pulled away with an annoyed sigh. Thankfully Kuai was well versed at this point in distracting Sektor from his anger. He knew exactly what would turn this situation around.

He slid off the bed, allowing himself to kneel on the floor before Sektor. His hands reached to Sektor’s hips, loosely clinging to Sektor’s belt. He tried to ignore the throbbing pain in his side from the bruising lacing his ribs.

“Let me make it up to you,” Kuai purred, carefully tugging on Sektor’s trousers.

Sektor huffed, reaching down to slap Kuai’s hand away. Initially, Kuai assumed his advances were being rejected, until Sektor hissed at him “hands behind your back.”

Kuai gave a relieved sigh, putting his hands behind his back like he was told. As he did so, Sektor reached for his belt, undoing it and moving the fabric of his trousers down just enough for his cock to spring free. He was already half hard, clearly Kuai Liang’s pleading had begun to get him fired up. Typical. 

“Open your mouth,” Sektor ordered, reaching one hand to stroke his cock slightly, trying to coax it to further harden. Kuai did as he was told, letting his mouth hang open, ready and waiting for what Sektor intended to give him. Sektor tutted. “Of course you can follow these sorts of orders, whore.”

Before Kuai could do or say anything in retaliation, Sektor surged forward, lining his cock up with Kuai’s open mouth and thrusting in. With one swift motion, Sektor’s cock hit the back of his throat, causing Kuai to gag.

There was very little ceremony and certainly no foreplay. Sektor grabbed the back of Kuai’s head, using his hair as an anchor. The thrusts were fast and rough, barely giving Kuai a chance to prepare for the onslaught. He gagged a few more times, something he hadn’t really done in a while.

Sektor didn’t pause, and Kuai was okay with that. He could handle it, actually he rather enjoyed it. Being dominated, being subservient and submissive. It excited him in ways it probably shouldn’t. The fact his own cock was stirring in his pants was a testament to that.

“Fuck. At least there’s one thing you’re good at,” Sektor growled, throwing his head back and shoving himself in as far as he could.

Something about that made Kuai happy. It wasn’t exactly praise, but it was the closest to it he’d had in a long time. He purred around Sektor’s cock, pushing the flat of his tongue against the length as Sektor continued to thrust in and out. The loud groan told Kuai his efforts were appreciated. With Sektor setting the pace so thoroughly, it was the only way he could really contribute.

He wasn’t sure how long they were there for, time seemed to mean nothing when he could feel his knees start to ache from where they rubbed against the stone floor. His jaw painfully locked in place as Sektor used his mouth. The taste of precum smearing across his tongue with every thrust. Kuai desperately kept his hands clasped together, nails digging into the opposite hand in an attempt to stop himself from reaching down for his own cock. He hadn’t been given permission yet, and he knew Sektor would be displeased if he disobeyed now.

Suddenly, Sektor pulled Kuai forwards, until his nose was touching Sektor’s pelvis. Hands kept him still in place, as his mouth was filled with cum. The salty taste hit his tongue and the back of his throat immediately. Sektor rocked his hips back and forth a couple of more times, before finally pulling out with a wet pop. Kuai closed his eyes and swallowed, hearing the unmistakable sound of fabric.

When Kuai reopened his eyes, Sektor was turned away, fiddling with his clothing, replacing his cock in his pants. Kuai gave a happy sigh, and whispered “I love you.”

Sektor stilled, going completely rigid for a few seconds. He then continued to put himself back into place, completely ignoring what Kuai Liang had just said. It was always like this, but that was okay. Sektor didn’t have to say it back, Kuai Liang could vocalise it for the both of them.

“I need to go talk to my father, to fix your mess,” Sektor snarled, finally turning back to Kuai and pointing at his face. “You will stay right here and wait for me to return. I am not done with you. If I find out you have left this room at any point, you will regret it.”

Kuai took the hand in front of him, pulling it to his mouth as he kissed Sektor’s knuckles. “I’ll wait for you.”

Sektor gave a cruel laugh, the sort where it was clear that Kuai was exactly where the other man wanted him. He patted Kuai’s face a couple of times, before straightening himself out, and striding towards the door.

With a slam of the door, Sektor was gone, and Kuai was left still kneeling on the floor. He smiled to himself, letting himself lean back against the bed. He held his hands to his chest, as if his feelings were so large they were about to burst out, and this was the only way to keep them contained.

But… there were no feelings.

There were no butterflies, no heart palpitations, no feelings of breathlessness. All he felt was a deep sinking emptiness. Like his chest was completely void, his entire soul having been carved out of his body. His hand curled up into a fist, taking a deep breath to try and ground himself.

This was fine. Everything was fine. This was just how he felt after every encounter they had, he was used to it by now. He’d wanted it this way. Sure, Sektor wouldn’t say those three simple words back to him, but that was just what Sektor was like. He couldn’t say them, he couldn’t show affection because if anyone found out it would be seen as a weakness. Definitely not something the next Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei should be showing.

Yet Kuai could not deny that he craved it. He craved Sektor telling him he loved him. He craved soft touches and lazy mornings. Just the two of them holding each other close. Maybe if he was lucky, when Sektor became Grandmaster, he’d get what he wanted.

He closed his eyes, ignoring the hollowness and the tears that rolled down his cheeks, and imagined a future where he and Sektor did not have to hide anymore.

“From this day on, you shall be known as Tundra.”

Kuai bowed in respect towards Grandmaster Oniro, despite knowing full well this code name was yet another indication of all his deficiencies.

Tundra. Hardly the most intimidating of names, it sounded like it belonged to a cuddly puppy than a trained assassin. Maybe to some it would bring to mind harsh conditions and barren wilderness, but to Kuai Liang it just sounded… Soft. Like The Lin Kuei’s elders accused him of being far too often. They wanted him to be harsher, yet they gave him a name like that?

And the way Grandmaster Oniro looked at him, sneering and spiteful. As if this name was meant to twist in the knife representing the fact Kuai Liang would never be Sub Zero. He had accepted a long time ago that Bi-Han deserved the title far more than he ever would, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t hurtful to have it thrown in his face. That he’d never be good enough to be Sub Zero, even if something were to happen to Bi-Han.

But what could he say? He couldn’t voice displeasure at the name, that would just earn him even more trouble. They could even take his name away from him. Even if Tundra was given to him as an insult, he’d still worked hard to earn the name, he couldn’t lose it now just because he wanted to be a spoilt brat about it.

And really, he should be thankful that Sektor hadn’t wormed his opinion in and ensured his codename was Snowstorm. As in love as he was with Sektor, sometimes the way the man made every action he took towards Kuai into some weird power play made Kuai’s skin crawl. So, at the very least, for now Sektor didn’t have that kind of control over his life.

What the fuck will it be like when Sektor becomes Grandmaster? 

He pushed those feelings aside, straightening up from his bow and stating “I am honoured to be assigned my codename, Grandmaster.”

“As you should be,” the Grandmaster spoke in a condescending tone. “It took you far too long, but I will admit, you actually did a good job on the Benjamin Ward assignment. Maybe there is more to you than we initially thought.”

Kuai fought so fucking hard to not let his surprise show. The fact the Grandmaster even remotely acknowledged that Kuai had actually done something well was shocking. He had to remain passive however, he couldn’t let it show how much the praise actually meant to him. That’d be a good way to ensure he never received any recognition ever again.

“I hope to continue to prove my worth to you, Grandmaster.” He wasn’t stupid. He knew this would likely be the only time he’d ever get that kind of compliment on his work.

“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves,” the Grandmaster grumbled, and any high Kuai might have been feeling from the compliment went crashing down around him. “You still have a long way to go before I will accept we made the right choice in not executing you a long time ago.” Despite the urge to lower his head at that, Kuai kept it held high, knowing that the Grandmaster was saying these to get a reaction. “But, your bloodline is a prestigious one, and even one such as yourself could pass on your cryomancy genes to the next, and hopefully better, generation.”

Kuai almost bit his lip at that. Passing on my genes. He wondered how the Grandmaster would react if he knew that most likely wasn’t going to happen. Sektor had made it pretty clear to Kuai that once he became Grandmaster, his intent was to keep Kuai as his consort. And well…

Children between them wasn’t exactly possible, biologically speaking.

Though he supposed there were always other ways for him to have children. Not that Sektor would ever let him do those. He was far too possessive for anything like that.

“Regardless. The title is yours,” the Grandmaster continued, blissfully unaware that his son was fucking Kuai senseless most nights. “I do hope that I won’t come to regret giving it to you.”

“You won’t, Grandmaster.” Kuai bowed again, and the Grandmaster gave a rough sigh.

“You are dismissed, Tundra.”

Kuai didn’t stick around to be reprimanded for disobeying such a clear direction. He turned on his heel and made his way to the exit of the throne room. Once he stepped out into the corridor, shutting the large heavy doors behind him, he let out a sigh of relief. He’d made it through that with only a few hurt feelings. Despite his disappointment at himself, it could have gone so much worse.

A grey blur caught his eye, seconds before Tomas' face loomed in front of his own, hands grasping Kuai’s shoulders and eyes wide.

“Well? What happened? Are you okay? What did they want? Can I do anything to help, Kuai Liang?” The questions came at a mile a minute and Kuai almost laughed in poor Tomas face. It was nice though, that someone was concerned about him.

“I think you mean, can I do anything to help, Tundra,” Kuai corrected with a small grin, watching Tomas' face fall in confusion before it lit up in pure delight.

“You got your name?” He asked, and Kuai nodded in response. “Yes!”

Tomas suddenly grabbed Kuai around the waist, hauling him up into the air and spinning him around. Kuai giggled, even knowing that if anyone caught them they’d both get in trouble for it. Tomas seemed to remember himself and his surroundings, and quickly placed Kuai back on the ground.

“Sorry. I was excited,” he explained, reaching to brush his hair out of his face and revealing a bright red blush across his features.

“You seem more excited about it than I am,” Kuai joked, although really, Tomas did seem to be more elated by the news.

“So, how do you feel, Tundra?” Tomas asked gleefully, bouncing a little on the balls of his feet and grinning ear to ear. Kuai gave him a small smile, it was hard not to with the energy that Tomas was radiating.

“I’m proud,” he said shortly, hoping the sweet smile was enough to hide his real thoughts. I’m a failure. 

“You should be,” Tomas cheered, throwing his arm around Kuai’s shoulders. He pulled Kuai close and lowered his voice to a whisper. “So, Cyrax and I were thinking about sneaking out later, and now we actually have something to celebrate, if you’re feeling like it.”

“Ah, you mean I get to break my first rule now I’m officially Tundra,” Kuai replied quietly, trying not to giggle too loudly. “You know I can’t resist that.”

“Great.” Tomas pulled Kuai into a small alcove. “We’re gonna slip out about 9pm, separately and then meet at the old watchtower. We’ll wait for about 20 minutes, so try not to be late.”

“Got it,” Kuai claimed with a grin.

Sure, he still felt useless, but at least he could try and put that aside by celebrating this minor achievement with two of his favourite people.

“Fucking take it, you slut!”

Kuai hissed as the man thrust inside him with speed and power. The man was holding Kuai’s wrists above his head with one hand, the other being used to occasionally grope and slap various parts of Kuai’s body. The problem was this man was obviously still holding back somewhat, and Kuai did not want that. He wanted to be absolutely ruined by this man.

He didn’t know the man’s name. He never knew the names of anyone he slept with, and he was just fine with that. In turn, they never knew his name either, in this setting he was exclusively known as either slut, or whore, or bitch. He made sure to find men who just wanted one night of rough no-holds-barred sex. One night where they could be as degrading as they wanted to be, because that’s exactly what Kuai Liang desired. He was tough enough to take anything they could throw at him.

Which is why it was annoying to him that this man was clearly holding back.

“Is this all you’ve got?” Kuai taunted, rolling his hips in time to the man’s thrust. When he saw the way the man’s face warped into displeasure, he knew he was about to get the reaction he wanted. “I can barely feel anything.”

The man responded by slamming the palm on his hand against Kuai’s face, hard enough to make Kuai’s head snap to one side.

Kuai laughed, “that’s more like it.”

“Fuck, you’re a masochist,” the man groaned, grabbing Kuai’s chin and forcing him to look at him again. “You really just want to be used as an object, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Kuai replied with a dreamy sigh, a lewd moan escaping his lips as the man's cock hit his prostate. God he was so close, he just needed a little more.

The man pressed Kuai’s wrists harder against the mattress, free hand roaming Kuai’s body, now with renewed purpose. Feeling at Kuai’s pecs, the touch was far more demanding, hard enough that it could possibly leave marks or bruises. Plucking at Kuai’s nipples and stretching them far longer than he should have. Running his nails down Kuai Liang’s sides, hard enough that Kuai could feel blood bead from where the skin split. Occasionally returning to Kuai’s face to slap him again.

This is what he needed. This is what he deserved.

All it took was one more hard thrust and Kuai Liang was coming. He arched his back off the bed and groaned. The man didn’t stop though, just kept thrusting and chasing his own pleasure. It was only when he gave a loud groan that Kuai knew he’d also reached orgasm. There was no feeling of being filled, the condom made sure of that. He would forever be thankful to Cyrax for pulling him aside as a teenager and teaching him of the dangers sex could present. No one else would have done so.

The man jerked his hips back and forth a couple more times, Kuai could feel him growing soft inside him. Eventually, he released Kuai’s wrists, pulling out and away.

Kuai lowered his arms to cover his face, making a satisfied noise. It had taken some provoking, but he’d gotten what he wanted in the end. He smiled to himself, panting and really soaking in the afterglow. The pleasure was still there, deep in his stomach, even as various parts of him began to ache from the rough treatment. That just amplified the bliss for him.

He was brought out of his stupor when he heard the sound of fabric rustling. He brought his arms down and shifted onto his side, watching as the man collected his clothes off the floor and began to put them back on. Kuai pouted slightly.

“Not going to stay for a second round?” Kuai questioned, resting his head on his hand and giving the most smolderingly lustful look he could give at that moment.

The man gave a tut and replied with “fucking hell, a bit insatiable, aren’t you?”

“So I’ve been told.” And he had. By many of the men he’d brought back here. Thankfully a lot of them were as sexually hungry as he was, and were more than willing to go all night until Kuai just couldn’t physically handle any more.

“I have work in the morning,” the man explained, and Kuai couldn’t help but feel it was a weak excuse. Who goes out to a bar on a night they have to go to work? “So… Yeah.”

“Right. That's… fine.” He tried not to sound disappointed. He was, but he didn’t want it to show. It’d been a while since he found someone up for an all nighter, and he’d hoped this would be one. But hey. When exactly did Kuai ever get what he wanted? “Thanks for the night.”

“Uh. Yeah, you too.” The man finished putting his clothes on, doing an awkward half bow and half wave as he turned to leave out the door. Kuai watched him go, no point in chasing after someone who didn’t want to be there, especially someone Kuai had no intent on ever seeing again after that night.

But now, he was left alone in his room with only his thoughts for company.

And quite frankly, they tended to be fucking awful company.

He pushed himself onto his back, and stared up at the ceiling. The pleasant feeling in his body began to fade, and all that was left was the ache. His sides stung from where the man's nails had dug into his skin, his chest was tender from how hard the man had squeezed it, his wrists were red and starting to bruise, his cheek was throbbing. And god damn, his ass was sore, deep inside as well, not enough that he was concerned there was damage but enough that it was hard to ignore.

But… this was what I wanted right? To be held down and used like a sex toy. To have someone dominate him so completely. To be fucked so hard he couldn’t breathe or walk right for weeks.

So… why was that empty pit in his chest opening again? The same one he used to get with Sektor. Why did he just want one person to stay with him after the fact and make sure he was okay? That was such a selfish wish, wasn’t it? The world didn’t revolve around him, it was unfair of him to ask for more, especially from strangers.

He ran his hand down his chest, wincing slightly when his fingers hit something wet. He brought his hand up to look at the cum now lacing his fingertips. He just stared at it, his previous high coming crashing down around him.

It wasn’t like he didn’t like the sex, he fucking loved it. At least, he loved it when it was happening. Yet somehow, every single time it was over, he was left feeling like this. Used, useless, craving for something more than the harsh hands he sought out. Something no one seemed to be able to give him. Something no one was willing to give him.

Maybe even something he would never receive.

He wanted to be loved. Some days he felt like his chest would burst from how much he wanted to love someone and have them return those feelings. Even now, after everything Sektor had put him through, he still fucking loved that bastard. But did Sektor love him back? Had Sektor ever loved him back?

Or was a sex toy all Kuai Liang could ever be to someone else?

His breathing hitched and his eyes began to sting. When he blinked to clear his eyes, he felt tears rolling down his face. This was so pathetic. He was a grown man crying over the fact no one would ever love him.

“I’m so fucking stupid,” he muttered to himself, placing his palm against his forehead. “So stupid.”

He closed his eyes, chanting the words so stupid to himself like a fucked up lullaby, waiting for sleep to claim him so that maybe in the morning he wouldn’t feel like such a piece of shit.

If love really did exist, it was clear that it was something the Elder Gods did not intend for him to experience.

“Hey! Grandmaster Blueberry Ice!”

Kuai smirked to himself, eyes closed and lying on his back in the middle of The Lin Kuei’s training courtyard. There was only one person foolish enough to call him by that nickname.

“Hello Jonathan,” Kuai greeted, opening his eyes to see, indeed, Johnny standing over him and looking down with a large grin on his face. “Can I help you?”

Johnny was a creature of habit. One of those habits was giving people the most ridiculous nickname’s Kuai Liang had ever heard. He was the only person who could give people those nicknames and walk away alive too. Kuai would never admit out loud that he was beginning to become fond of the Blueberry Ice nickname. Johnny was still the only person he’d allow to call him it, however.

“Just coming to ask a bit of a favour from my favourite Cryomancer,” Johnny claimed and Kuai gave a sly smile.

“I’m your favourite Cryomancer?” He teasingly questioned. “Or are you just trying to butter me up to get me to go through with some stupid plan you’ve come up with?”

“Excuse you, when have I ever come up with a stupid plan and tried to rope you into it?” Johnny asked, placing his hand on his chest in mock offence.

“Do you really want the list?“ Kuai sighed, pushing himself to sit up, before scrambling to try and actually stand. Johnny held out a hand, and Kuai took it, the other man helping haul him off the floor. “What do you need?”

“So, y’know I’ve been putting together a team with Special Forces?” Johnny asked and Kuai hummed in confirmation. From what Johnny had told him, the team consisted of 4 recruits, and while it sounded like they still had a long way to go in terms of working as a team, they did have a lot of promise. “Well, I was thinking about setting up a little test for them. Just to see how they might handle a difficult situation.”

“And I’m guessing you want The Lin Kuei to be their test?” Kuai assumed, with an eyebrow raised.

“Exactly. But I’m thinking of making it look real to them, y’know. Say that we lost contact with you, and need them to investigate.” Something about that caught Kuai Liang’s attention.

“Are you sure this is a test?” Kuai tilted his head slightly, trying to stop himself from laughing. “Because it rather sounds like you’re asking me to help you prank them.”

“Well, it being a prank doesn’t negate it being a test, it can be both those things.” Johnny shrugged dramatically and stuck his tongue out, and Kuai quickly put a hand over his mouth to hide his amusement. “So, what do you say? Wanna help me prank these kids?”

Kuai couldn’t stop himself from chuckling, shaking his head and saying “you son of a bitch, I’m in.”

“Great,” Johnny cheered, pumping his fist in excitement. “I haven’t worked out all the details yet, but it’ll be easier now I have you on board. I’ll let you know more as I know.”

“Well, why don’t we have a cup of tea and at least discuss some ideas.” Kuai gestured towards the temple.

“God that sounds good.” They both turned and began walking towards the temple, with Johnny bringing up his hands to his biceps and making a brring sound. “I always forget how fucking cold it is up here.” Johnny glanced Kuai up and down. “Doesn’t help you’re constantly walking around with your tits out.”

“Yes, well, I don’t feel the cold like you do,” Kuai said with a shrug. “I’ll light a fire for you, if you’d like.”

“Sounds good.” As they stepped inside, Kuai glanced at Johnny to notice an evil grin emerging on his face. “Speaking of fire…” Before Johnny could continue Kuai groaned, knowing exactly what was coming next. “How’s the Alliance with the Shirai Ryu doing?”

“It’s going well.” Kuai rubbed the back of his head, he wasn’t stupid enough to think the alliance was what Johnny was genuinely interested in. “Hanzo still seems a bit skittish around me, but it’s getting easier I suppose.”

“Uh huh,” Johnny drawled, closing his eyelids slightly and placing a hand on his chin. “So… You still haven’t told him yet, huh?”

Kuai choked on the air, face growing hot. Even knowing it was coming, the discussion of that particular topic still managed to get him flustered.

“No,” Kuai squeaked, hoping they wouldn’t run into any of his students. He didn’t exactly need them seeing him acting like a shy school girl over his crush. “I- I mean, it just seems like a bad idea, especially right now.”

“Is it a bad idea because you don’t think Hanzo will be able to handle your feelings, or a bad idea because you still have hang ups on if you deserve to be loved?” God damn, Johnny knew exactly which hard hitting questions to ask, and more importantly, how to ask them in a way that didn’t mean Kuai felt like he wanted to run for the hills rather than answer.

“A little of both, I guess.” He opened the door to his private quarters, stepping aside to let Johnny in first. He followed and shut the door behind him. “If there’s something that’s very clear to me, it’s that Hanzo very much still loves Harumi, and I do not wish to do anything that would get in the way of his grief.” He paused and sighed, “and well… You already know about the second one.”

“Okay. I am going to let you off this once, cause I agree that Grandmaster Grumpy Face is probably not ready for a new relationship.” Johnny reached forward and gently patted his shoulder. “But I do think you need to tell him how you feel at some point. Because otherwise, those feelings are just gonna eat you alive, and it’ll just get harder to say as time goes by.” Johnny gave him a smile. “And despite what you think, you do deserve to be happy, Kuai Liang.”

Kuai nodded, and smiled slightly. Really his feelings for Hanzo were new and, for the first time in his life, terrifying. He wanted love so badly, but he felt so guilty even thinking of asking that of Hanzo. Then there was that scary thought that even if Hanzo did accept his feelings, it would just end up how it did in the past. Mindless sex with little to no emotion. Kuai Liang giving his all and wearing his heart on his sleeve just for it to be stomped all over.

He didn’t truly believe that Hanzo would be so cruel and callous with him, yet there was a traitorous part of his mind that whispered “but what if he is?” 

“I will keep that in mind.” He would, he supposed. One day he’d have to get over his fears. But for now, he could push it away. That was something for future Kuai Liang to worry about. “I’ll get the fire started.”

The conversation thankfully returned back to the subject of the test. Still, even as Johnny and he discussed the details, there was a part of Kuai thinking about Hanzo, and wondering if there really was any possibility that he could be with him.

“I love you, Snowflake.”

Kuai did not stifle his moans as Hanzo kissed along his neck. He was on his back, being gently pressed against the mattress by Hanzo’s body. The pressure was just right, he didn’t feel like he was being smothered, it was more reassuring than that.

One of Hanzo’s hands was on the side of Kuai’s face, the other hooked under one of Kuai’s legs, lifting it up. Kuai’s hands were wrapped around Hanzo’s torso, resting on Hanzo’s back and pushing him closer. Holding him like if he didn’t he’d just disappear from his arms. Another kiss, sucked into the skin of Kuai’s neck reassured him that would not happen.

Hanzo thrusted his hips, gently but expertly aimed. Hitting Kuai’s sweet spot exactly and making his toes curl. He whined, rolling his hips a little to meet Hanzo’s own movements. Everything about this felt amazing, the way Hanzo stretched him out, the way he managed to hit that bundle of nerves every time. Hanzo’s lips were still practically glued to Kuai’s neck, showering him with kisses.

“Hanzo,” Kuai breathed out, arching his back and closing his eyes. “Hanzo.” The name came from his lips like he was giving a sermon. This experience was holy, sacred and Kuai Liang never wanted to stop feeling this way.

Their sex could get rough, they had fun figuring out their shared kinks. But even then it was different from the experiences he’d had before. Hanzo cared about his comfort, it was important to him to know exactly how Kuai was feeling throughout. And when everything was over? He never just left Kuai Liang to deal with the aftermath alone. He was there, doting on Kuai, spoiling him and showering him with adoration.

But then there were nights like this. Nights where there were no harsh touches or words. Only softness that frightened Kuai Liang at first for how foreign it was to him. He was so used to roughness that Hanzo being gentle, like Kuai Liang may break in his hands if he weren’t, was something he was genuinely unsure of at first. Could someone like him be gentle? Did he deserve it?

As Hanzo reached down between their torsos, gripping Kuai’s cock firmly and stroking, Kuai decided he no longer cared if he deserved this or not. This was wonderful, everything Hanzo did was wonderful, and he knew that he would be addicted to the other man's touch for the rest of his life. He couldn’t live without him.

“Hanzo,” Kuai gasped out desperately, fingers working his cock so wonderfully. “Please.”

“Let go, Kuai Liang,” Hanzo whispered in his ear, thumb reaching the head of his cock to circle it.

Kuai couldn’t hold back any longer, he gasped loudly as he came, closing his eyes as the pleasure flowed through him in waves. Hanzo continued to stroke him, helping him chase the aftershocks of pleasure. He knew throughout it all, his hole clenched around Hanzo’s cock, and given how snappy his thrusts were getting, it wouldn’t be long before he was coming too.

Hanzo desperately searched for Kuai’s lips, locking with his own, muffling his own loud moan. Kuai Liang could feel himself being filled, and god, it felt so weird how much of a blissful experience it was. Knowing that even once Hanzo pulled out, that part of him was still deep inside. That meant so much to Kuai in a way not even he could comprehend.

Hanzo broke the kiss, only to pepper a few more light pecks across Kuai’s face. Another display of affection that Kuai Liang adored. He giggled, even as he felt Hanzo remove himself. There was a very brief spike of panic, the fear this would be the day that Hanzo just up and left him. It was quickly snuffed out, when Hanzo’s hands cupped his face.

“Are you well, love?” Hanzo asked, and Kuai almost cried that such a small action made his heart sing.

“I am, thank you.” Kuai lent up to give Hanzo another quick kiss. “Thank you.”

Hanzo chuckled, clearly holding back from telling Kuai that he didn’t have to thank him. “Come on, let’s get cleaned up.”

He moved off the bed, before scooping Kuai up in his arms. Kuai wrapped his arms around Hanzo’s neck, partially for stability, and partially because it helped him feel closer. Hanzo navigated the room, quickly reaching the ensuite bathroom. He carefully placed Kuai down in the tub, running the taps.

“I’ll get the soaps.” Hanzo stood up to go and walk over to the cabinet. He called over his shoulder. “Is there anything else you desire?”

“Could I have some mochi ice cream? Chocolate flavour, of course.” He felt a little silly about the clarification. But Hanzo didn’t say anything, just gave a small amused sigh.

“You can have anything you wish for, Snowflake.”

Snowflake. Hanzo had several pet names for Kuai, but Snowflake was the one that always stood out to Kuai. It felt so much more personal than any of the others.

Kuai thought back at the various names he’d been called over the years. He’d always just accepted them, never really thought about it. Most of the time, the reason for the name was obvious. And while he could think of at least one reason for it, the curiosity on if there was more to Snowflake than he realised was all too much.

“Hanzo,” Kuai softly spoke to get his lover's attention. Hanzo looked over his shoulder, still trying to get out the things he wanted for the bath. “Why do you call me Snowflake?”

Hanzo’s face dropped a little, and in a worried tone he asked “do you not like being called that?”

“Oh, I love it,” Kuai assured him, holding his hands up as if to try and reassure Hanzo. “I was just curious if there was a particular reason for it.” He tilted his head. “Other than it being winter related, that is.”

“I see.” Hanzo finished grabbing what he needed from the cabinet, walking over to place them by the side of the bath. “Well, I guess I call you that, because snowflakes remind me of you.” Hanzo knelt down on the floor beside him. “They float through the air so gracefully, like you on the battlefield. They are delicate, and yet so strong in the right circumstance. They have a tendency to bring delight to those who witness them. Your mere presence in the world changes it. Everyone is different and unique, just as you are amongst our peers.” Hanzo looked straight into Kuai Liang’s eyes and smiled softly as he answered with “and most importantly… They are beautiful, as are you.”

Kuai hiccupped. There they were, the butterflies. There were tears in his eyes, but this time, they were good ones. Even now, the way Hanzo talked about him left him feeling like his heart genuinely could beat from his chest. He was not used to it, and he hoped he never would be just so he could never take Hanzo’s love for granted.

“Are you okay?” Hanzo asked, placing his hand on Kuai’s cheek carefully. Obviously the tears were concerning him.

“I’m wonderful.” Kuai smiled, letting Hanzo see that it was just overwhelming happiness flowing through him. He reached forward himself, placing his hand on Hanzo’s cheek in turn. “You are wonderful.” He lent forward, pressing his lips to Hanzo’s. When he felt the other man kiss him back, he couldn’t help the exhale from his nose. He wrapped his hands around Hanzo’s neck, resting his head on Hanzo’s shoulder, and he happily sighed “I love you.”

“I love you too,” Hanzo replied, his own hands now reaching to cradle Kuai gently. “I am so grateful that you are mine.”

Somehow, all those years of dreaming could not prepare Kuai Liang for how this felt. It wasn’t everything he imagined. No. It was better than anything he’d thought possible for him.

To love, and be loved in return. 

Maybe the Elder Gods were smiling down on him after all.

#hurtcomfortbingo #mortal kombat #subscorp #seksub #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #hanzo hasashi #sektor #mk sektor #🫧hurt and comfort bingo

[summerwritesfics]

Thank you everyone who entered the giveaway! You can watch the wheel spin here if you are interested, otherwise let’s announce the winners

Winners!

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1000+ fics - @scorpionsmyb & @avi17

Congrats to all 5 winners, I will be contacting you shortly to discuss your prize :)

Once again, if you didn’t win this time don’t worry, there will be more chances! I do really enjoy doing these giveaways so >:) Hope to see you all next time 💕

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[summerwritesfics]

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Tumblr Prompts

“I Have Your Ring On My Finger, But I’m Still Waiting For Your Heart.’, Rain/Kuai Liang - @/Christmassummer

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“Must You Always Sacrifice Your Happiness For Your Sense Of Duty?”, Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang - @/Evasivaardilosa

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[summerwritesfics]

🏢I Wanna, I Wanna Stay ‘Til The End, Chapter 2 - However Long You Stay Is All That I Am

Pairing: Rain/Kuai Liang Length: 6361 Words Rating: Explicit 🔞 Warnings: Neighbours AU, Modern AU, Friends With Benefits, Implied/Referenced Abuse, Self-Esteem Issues, Medical Procedures, Grief/Mourning, Implied/Referenced Cheating, Past Cheating, Cockblocking (especially relevant in this chapter LMFAO), Anxiety, Eventual Smut, Is it slowburn if the sex is fast but the emotions are slow, Minor Tanleena, 70% of this fic is me cockblocking Rain

I Wanna, I Wanna Stay ‘Til The End Masterlist

Notes: Hurray! Another chapter of another fic I havn’t updated in a while 😭 I’m doing it guys. Heads up, this chapter does have some discussion of past domestic abuse and past infidelity, but it’s kind of still tame atm. As a note before anyone leaves me a comment about it, I am aware that as of MK1 Rain has been given an actual name. I will however, still be referring to him as Ranjit for this story. I already started with that name and I don’t want to change it now. Chapter Title is from “All The Same” by Sick Puppies.

“Rule one of the getting laid guidebook, don't try to fuck someone who has something in the oven.” Mileena sat back in her chair, putting her feet up on the desk. “Rule two, don't have your phone with you, and if you do, don't answer it.”

Rain glared at her, head on the desk. The report had taken him far longer than he'd liked. He hoped to get it done quickly and then return to Kuai's apartment again. He was so close, Kuai was even fighting whatever anxieties he had and flirting back. But by the time he finished the report it was 3am, and somehow he doubted a booty call at that time would go down well, no matter how into it Kuai was.

“Hey, look at the bright side,” Tanya started and Rain aimed his scowl at her now, because what bright side? “You know he's gay, single and, for reasons I can't fathom, down to fuck you.”

Rain stuck his tongue out at her. She had a point though. Kuai was flustered by Rain coming on so strong, but seemed open to it. He flirted back. He looked genuinely disappointed when Rain had to leave. God fucking dammit a hot guy was going to fuck him and then the universe decided to cockblock him. That seemed fucking typical.

“Are you three actually working or are you just having a circle jerk?”

Rain sat up. His glare now on Reiko, standing in the doorway and looking at the three of them with disgust. Why the hell Shao Kahn continued to hire him, Rain had no idea, especially given what he did to Mileena while they were dating.

“Don't you have to be a douchebag somewhere else?” Tanya hissed, and it was obvious she was trying to resist the urge to walk over there and punch him. Rain wouldn't hold her back if she did.

“Don't you have work to be doing?” Reiko sneered back. Rain clenched his jaw as Reiko's gaze landed on him. “Sorry to hear your plans didn't go ahead last night.” Rain snorted, how long had Reiko been listening in to know the details? “Guy must be pretty desperate though if he considered fucking you.”

It was one thing for Tanya to tease him about something like that, but Reiko's tone made it clear this wasn't just friendly ribbing. This was malicious. It was quite frankly gross, how Reiko tried to tear him down for daring to side with Mileena after the breakup. Like Reiko wasn’t the cause of it in the first place.

“Sounds like you're jealous no one wants to touch you,” Tanya snapped back. He wanted to tell her that stooping to Reiko's level wasn't exactly the best idea.

“That's not what your girlfriend thought.” And that was why engaging seemed like a bad move. Mileena was shrinking into her seat, looking like she did not want to be here. Tanya looked like she was about to rip Reiko's head off.

“You know what, my personal life is none of your business,” Rain interrupted, hoping to god he could put an end to the argument before it really got ugly. The last thing they needed was being reprimanded for getting into a physical brawl in the office.

“Maybe you shouldn't talk about it so loudly then.” Okay being the bigger person really isn’t working. Of course it wouldn’t when the person you’re trying to put yourself above was such a condescending asshole. “I really don't want to know the details of some old guy you're going to swindle into having sex with you.”

“Then put your hands over your ears and walk away, no one's forcing you to listen.” Rain tried to ignore the weird twist of doubt now in his head. Swindle into having sex... Was he swindling Kuai into having sex with him? What did that even mean in this context?

“Whatever, I hope the guy figures you out before he gets himself hurt.”

Rain didn't get a chance to retort before Reiko disappeared, turning his back on them and leaving the room. He gave an annoyed sigh, shaking his head as he turned back to look at his friends. Tanya still looked ready to gut someone, while Mileena was staring down at her hands.

“You okay, Milly?” He asked, and Tanya's anger finally faded as she turned to her girlfriend.

Mileena looked up at them and gave a forced smile, “yeah. Let's just pretend that didn't happen.”

Rain wanted to agree except that nagging doubt was back. Mileena and Tanya were his best friends, but didn't coddle him. If he asked if they thought he was in some way tricking Kuai Liang, they would tell him their truthful opinion.

“Do... Do you guys think I'm 'swindling' Kuai to sleep with me?” He asked. He didn't particularly like the look the pair shared.

“I mean, you do seem a little preoccupied with sleeping with him, rather than getting to know him,” Mileena said, rubbing the back of her head.

“I can be interested in sleeping with him and getting to know him,” he argued. “Those two things aren't mutually exclusive.”

“I just think you need to talk to him first, see what he wants from this,” Tanya advised. “I mean he's what? A single 40 year old man? He's probably more interested in someone he can settle down with, rather than rampant sex.”

Rain hadn't really considered that. He'd been so distracted by the fact Kuai was hot and gay he hadn't really thought about what the other man could potentially be looking for in a relationship. Maybe he just wanted someone to fool around with too. But maybe it was like Tanya said and he'd want something serious. Rain wanted something casual, but that didn't mean everyone else did.

“Just be careful,” Mileena said, “he seemed really anxious, and if you aren't on the same page about this, it could really hurt him.”

Rain was a bit of a fuckboy, he openly admitted that, but he never really intended to hurt anyone. Maybe I need to slow it down a bit. 

“Alright, I'll see if I can talk to him.” He wasn't sure if he should do it before or after he had sex with him. He'd just see how things went the next time he saw him, he guessed.

“Good, until then though, we should probably get to work before someone who isn't dickface comes and yells at us,” Tanya said, picking up a pile of paper on her desk. “Did you want to go over the newest marketing pitch again before I send it off?”

“Yeah we should do that,” he agreed, although he knew that part of him would be thinking about the man living opposite to him, and how to figure out what he wants from a relationship.

Kuai hummed to himself walking down the street. It had been a good day. He'd managed to get a good chunk of the first draft done, spoken to Johnny about the scripting of the next book-turned-movie, and managed to get his bubble tea order in one take without stumbling over his words. It seemed a little silly to call that last one a win, but when you were used to always saying the wrong things, getting things right seemed like an accomplishment.

He had mostly been able to put the night before to the back of his mind too. He had thought about it though, while he sat in the park and drank his bubble tea. He really needed to figure out what Rain wanted.

Well, other than sex because that much was completely obvious.

It seemed like Rain wasn't looking for serious commitment. Just because that was how it appeared didn't mean that was what was really going on.

He'd been committed for 15 years, rushed into marriage at 20 and never really knew what it was like to not be in a long term relationship. And look what that had given him? Nothing but pain, emotional and physical. He was still healing from what had happened to him. He wouldn't rush into another serious relationship, he wouldn't let himself be hurt like that again.

He didn't think that Rain would do terrible things to him, but then he hadn't believed his husband would either. The possibility was terrifying to him.

If they could keep things casual in some way, he would appreciate it.

As he approached the apartment, he noticed the very man he needed to talk to was at the door. He looked like he was trying to figure out the trick with the door. The door clicked open and he gave a loud cheer as he did.

“I'm the best around! Nothings ever gonna keep me down!” He sang triumphantly, pumping his fist as he did. It was very endearing.

Kuai bit his knuckle to try and stop himself from laughing. Unfortunately, he snorted very loudly as a result, and Rain's head snapped around. He looked extremely embarrassed that Kuai had just seen that.

“Oh uh. You saw that, huh?” Rain sucked in a breath as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Don't worry, the secret of your dorky side is safe with me,” Kuai teased, trying not to grin. Rain gave a sheepish smile before holding the door open for him. Kuai thanked him as he slipped inside.

“So, I was actually hoping I'd catch you,” Rain finally said, following Kuai over to the elevator. “Given that I still owe you for the cakes, and I was thinking about ordering takeout tonight, I was wondering if you cared to join me?”

Huh. I wasn't expecting that. Maybe he had been wrong about Rain just wanting something casual. Or... was just having a meal together still considered casual? Kuai really didn't have enough experience with dating to be able to say.

Still, I can't really go wrong with free food, can I? 

“That does sound good,” Kuai answered with a smile, just as the elevator doors opened. “What did you have in mind?”

“Maybe a Chinese or pizza, whichever you prefer.” Rain lent against the wall of the elevator and the smile he wore made him look so handsome Kuai had to physically restrain himself from swooning.

“I could definitely go for a pizza right now,” Kuai replied, brushing his hair out of his eyes. He bit his lip. “I was hoping to talk to you, actually.”

“Huh, no kidding?” Rain hummed, pursing his lips. “There was something I was hoping to talk to you about too.” He grimaced slightly, “although it's a little personal, and we should probably wait until we're in my apartment.”

Strange. But Kuai smiled still and answered “ah, what I wanted to talk about may be better for a private place too then.”

Rain looked like he wanted to ask, but then the doors opened, and the subject was dropped and they exited as Rain asked “so, how was work today?”

“Pretty well, actually,” Kuai replied, “I made good progress on a couple of my current projects.”

Rain pursed his lips, “I don't think I've actually asked what you do for your job?”

He was right, now that Kuai thought about it. Between the questions they had asked each other and the growing sexual tension between them, the nature of their work life hadn't really come up.

“I'm a writer,” he explained, trying to figure out how in depth he wanted to go. He was well known, although not to the level of being stopped in the street like Johnny was. But at the same time, a few of his books had been made into blockbuster movies. “Currently working on a first draft of my next novel, as well as helping a friend with scripting a movie based on one of my others.”

He maybe shouldn't have mentioned the last bit when he noticed how wide Rain's eyes had gone.

“Wait, one of your books is being turned into a movie?” Rain sounded completely astonished. Even as he got his key out and tried to put it in his lock he was still looking at Kuai.

“Technically it's the third to be adapted,” Kuai admitted sheepishly. He didn't usually talk much about the movies. Not because they were bad or for lack of involvement, they were actually fairly faithful and he was involved every step of the journey.

No, it was more because after learning just who was involved, people suddenly were a lot less interested in Kuai Liang and far more interested in using him to meet world famous actor Johnny Cage.

Johnny was understanding. The last thing he wanted was Kuai being hurt because someone had carelessly used him as a gateway into fame.

“Wow, holy shit, that's amazing,” Rain stated, finally looking away long enough to actually get his key in the lock. “My brother is an actor.” Kuai felt a little apprehensive. He'd heard “my family members an actor, can you get them a part” before. Kuai still followed Rain into his apartment regardless. “Well... He's been in movies... as an extra.” Rain sighed as he shut the door behind Kuai and threw his keys onto a little table beside the door. “Although the way my family talks about him, you'd think he was Johnny fucking Cage.”

Kuai laughed nervously, partially at the mention of his dear friend, and partially because Rain's tone sounded extremely bitter. I get the feeling things aren't good with his family relationships. Still at least Rain wasn't pushing to know more about the films, or if Kuai could get his brother a better role in future ones.

“So, you never told me what you do?” Kuai tried to divert the conversation as he looked around the room. Observing at Rain's furniture, he suddenly understood the comment about Kuai's matching. There was such a mismatch of different styles and patterns.

If he was completely honest it was all extremely hideous but he knew that was just his personal opinion and definitely not a welcome one.

“Oh. Uh, nothing as exciting as you, by the sounds of it,” Rain replied, walking over to a drawer in his living room, and rooting through it. “I'm a Sales and Marketing executive.” He pulled out a pizza takeaway menu. “I'm basically behind a bunch of adverts and selling our products to clients, y'know basically making sure people actually want to buy our stuff.”

“I don't know, I think that sounds extremely interesting,” Kuai said, accepting the menu when it was offered to him. He already knew what he wanted, but it didn't hurt to pretend to look. “The closest to a normal job I've ever had was when I was 16 and doing weekends at the gas station.”

“Huh, you must have lived the starving artist life for a while then?” Rain questioned, flopping down on the couch and patting the seat next to him.

“Ah, not really. I married my ex-husband at 20 and he was ridiculously rich.” Kuai absentmindedly sat down, eyes still on the menu, trying to make sure the pizza he wanted was still available. “I technically didn't have to work, but I got bored quickly, and began writing to keep myself entertained. Sent my first draft to a couple of publishers one day on a whim, lo and behold one of them loved it and the rest is history.”

“I- Oh. Your ex-husband?”

Kuai paused.

He hadn't even realised he'd mentioned his ex. Shit. It had been a slip up, not a major one mind, but enough to make him feel apprehensive. Because usually when he mentioned him, people immediately felt entitled to know why they split up. Kuai didn't enjoy talking about that with his therapist, let alone to people he barely knew.

“Yes I was married for 15 years,” he explained, “we divorced 5 years ago.”

“Oh, sorry to hear that,” Rain said sympathetically. “Why did you split?”

“We-“ Kuai stopped himself.

He was going to say they drifted apart but that just felt wrong to say. They didn't drift apart, Kuai just finally grew tired of the cycle. His husband berating and hurting him and then showering him with adoration and gifts. The promise that it would never happen again, only for a few days to go by and it to all start over. He would never forget the night he finally attempted to leave. He'd never forget hands on his chest, pushing at him and the sensation of falling down the stairs. He'd never forget waking up in the hospital to his husband swearing up and down Kuai had slipped and fell. He'd never forget the desperation he felt when he finally managed to slip the nurse a note that just read “he's lying, please help me”.

He took a deep breath, now was really not the time he wanted to talk about this.

“He just wasn't the man I thought I'd married,” he settled on.

Thankfully, Rain didn't seem to push for more info than that. Maybe it was clear the subject was too painful for small talk.

“Anyway,” he said with a cough, seemingly wanting to move on. “Did you decide what you want?”

“Vegi-surprise, please.” He passed the menu over to Rain, trying to smile and put the memories to the back of his mind.

“Vegetarian?” Rain questioned as he took the menu and got his phone out and started putting the number in.

“Ah, no, I just prefer vegetables on my pizza,” he explained, just before Rain put the phone to his ear.

He kept quiet as the order was made, wondering what the rest of the evening would bring.

“I can't believe you are partially behind that jingle,” Kuai exclaimed after swallowing a mouthful of pizza. Rain had been telling him about some of his previous advertising campaigns, and a very well known and annoying jingle for Outworld Superstores he'd had a part in creating. “It was stuck in my head for months!”

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Rain said with a grin. He wasn't the person who performed or wrote the jingle, but he was the one who had suggested it and given it the green light. He had been repeatedly told it had ruined people's lives with its earworm nature.

It was weird. Rain didn't consider his job exciting at all. Not that he regretted it, just normally when he talked about the ins and outs beyond specific adverts, people tended to zone out. Kuai on the other hand seemed fascinated. And here was Rain thinking he'd be the one asking all the questions about Kuai's job.

Actually, Kuai had barely talked about his work, it was a little strange. He was accomplished enough to have movies made from his books. Surely that was something to brag about? Kuai was probably just more humble than Rain could ever be. Years of his accomplishments being completely ignored in favour of his brothers meant he felt the need to be bold and push them to the front.

Now that I put it like that, maybe that is more a me issue. 

He was sure Kuai would open up more as time went on. Both on his work and the mysterious ex-husband he mentioned. Rain wasn't an idiot, he could tell whatever caused them to split up was painful. He hadn't pushed, it wasn't his place. The only thing about it that bothered Rain was Tanya and Mileena's earlier warnings that Kuai might be looking for something more serious.

And 15 years sounded pretty fucking serious to Rain.

He turned to Kuai with the intention of finally bringing the subject up, only to stop when he saw the other man. He had a small amount of dip on the corner of his mouth.

“Ah, you uh- you've got a spot on you,” Rain informed him, tapping the corner of his mouth, as an opportunity came to his mind.

Kuai reached his hand and wiped his mouth, "is that better?"

Rain scooted forward, reaching a hand to Kuai's chin. "Here, let me~" he purred, before leaning in to kiss the other man.

So much for talking about things first. Kuai made a surprised huff, but it didn't take long for him to lean into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Rain's shoulders. Kuai opened his mouth and Rain took the chance to slip his tongue in. He was delighted to feel Kuai's tongue mingle with his own.

He began to shift, gently pushing Kuai back down against the couch. Rain's hands fumbled with Kuai's shirt, trying to undo the buttons. He released Kuai's lips, trailing kisses along his neck instead. Kuai moaned as Rain managed to brush aside Kuai's shirt. He pulled back slightly, just enough to observe the other man below him. Kuai was surprisingly fit, not too muscular, not too lean. His chest was covered in scars, some looked like they had potentially been from surgery, while the others he had no idea what could have caused them. Now was not the time to ask. He'd been so distracted by the scars, he'd barely registered that the other man's nipples were pierced.

Holy shit, how the hell does this man seem to fit every niche I’m into? 

“God, you're so fucking hot,” he muttered, before leaning down pressing his lips between the other mans pecs.

“R-Rain,” Kuai whimpered as Rain continued to kiss down Kuai's torso. He mostly followed one of the scars that seemed to go mostly down the middle. Kuai continued to make sweet little noises, even arching his back as if to push himself closer. He continued down, meeting Kuai's navel and slipping his tongue out and swirling it around the man's belly button.

Rain searched for the buttons on Kuai's jeans, undoing them before hooking his fingers in. He lightly tugged on the item of clothing and-

He jumped a mile when his door buzzer went off.

He sat up and stared at the intercom, before looking down to Kuai Liang. His face was bright red as he looked across at the thing that had interrupted them.

“S-should you get that?” Kuai asked, looking up at him while biting his lip.

“They can wait,” Rain decided, turning to settle back between Kuai's legs. He trailed his hands down Kuai's sides, leaning down about to kiss him. He stopped when the buzzer went off again. He grit his teeth, wanting to ignore it, until the buzzer started to rapidly go off, like someone was repeatedly pushing the button in quick succession. He gave an annoyed sigh as he pushed himself up. “Sorry, I'll just deal with this.”

God he was so fucking annoyed. As he got up and walked over to the intercom, he couldn't help but mentally berate whoever was on the other end.

He clicked the button and sharply answered with “Yes? What do you want?”

“Nice to talk to you too, Ranjit,” the familiar voice spoke back. Rain mentally groaned.

“What are you doing here Taven?” He reached a hand up to rub his temples. The last thing he needed was his brother coming over to pass judgement on how this place really wasn't up to scratch.

“I mean, I am your brother,” Taven replied. “But mostly I need to talk to you about something important.”

“Can't it wait? I'm kind of in the middle of something here.” He glanced over his shoulder. Kuai was sitting up on the couch, fiddling to redo his fly up. Shit shit shit. He wasn't going to let Taven ruin this for him. Not again. He thought he was done having family members walking in on him “accidentally”.

“No not really,” Taven said, sounding annoyed. Not as annoyed as I am. “The sooner you let me up there to talk, the sooner I'll be out of your hair.”

Rain made a frustrated hand movement, before dragging it down his face and finally biting out “fine, but you'd better be quick.” He hit the button that would let the door open, waiting to give Taven enough time to get through.

He turned back to find Kuai had already done up his shirt, although he was still sitting on the couch. He looked extremely embarrassed and Rain couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

“Should I leave?” Kuai asked quietly.

“No, no, it's okay. Hopefully this'll be a few minutes tops.” Rain held his hands up, hoping it might help calm Kuai down. There was a knock on his door, and he went to open it. He was rather thankful that it was just Taven on the other side.

“So, uh, this place is where you're hiding huh?” Taven said in greeting, looking around the place like he was expecting someone to jump out at him. Rain wanted to roll his eyes so badly. “Am I allowed in?”

Rain didn't want to let him in, but he supposed it would be rude not to. He reluctantly moved aside. Taven stepped in, looking around like he was trying to scope the place out. He did a bit of a double take when he spotted Kuai.

“Oh, uh, hello?” Taven sounded confused, and Kuai looked completely out of his depth.

“Hi?” Kuai squeaked out, looking desperately towards Rain for help.

“That's my neighbour, Kuai Liang, and this is my brother, Taven,” he introduced, gesturing to each of them as he spoke.

“Oh, you didn't say you had company,” Taven said, biting his lip.

“I did say I was in the middle of something,” Rain pointed out to him, trying to not just scream in frustration.

“Uh, would- would it be better if I left?” Kuai asked again, clearly getting nervous.

“Yeah, that might be for the best,” Taven said before Rain could open his mouth to reassure Kuai it was fine.

He watched as Kuai nodded in defeat, before pushing himself up and grabbing his bag. As he made his way towards the exit, he paused briefly to give Rain a small smile.

“I'll see you later,” he whispered, before turning and leaving, closing the door behind him.

Rain just glared at Taven as he growled, “well now you've cockblocked me, you might as well tell me what the fuck you want?”

Taven shook his head in shock as he muttered “coc- huh?” He blinked a few times, “oh, my god, Ranjit, you weren't actually going to have intercourse with your neighbour were you?”

“Why do you have to refer to it like that?” Rain groaned. Why can't he just call it fucking like everyone else? “Yes, I was going to fuck him, but seeing as you've kind of ruined that plan could you please tell me why you're here?”

Taven looked like he wanted to say more on the subject of Kuai Liang, but eventually settled against it when he said “Mom's birthday party is next Friday.”

“And?” Rain rolled his hand to try and get Taven to get to the fucking point already.

“Well, I've been texting you asking if you're coming, and you've just left me on read.” Much to Rain's annoyance, Taven walked over to his kitchen, and settled down on one of the stools at the breakfast bar.

“I don't know if you know this, Tav, but I've been rather busy lately,” he snarled, while flailing his arms to the apartment around him.

“So too busy to send me a one word text, but not to try and seduce your new neighbour,” Taven replied, crossing his arms. “Seriously, you've been here two days. You don't even know the guy.”

“I know he's hot and I want to fuck his brains out, the rest is none of your fucking business,” Rain argued, storming over to the kitchen counter. “As for the party, I don't know yet.”

“She's your Mom-“

“No. She's your Mom! I'm nothing to her! The only reason I'm around her is because Dad couldn't keep his cock in his pants!”

The outburst lingered in the air, thick and heavy. It was a button Rain hated being pressed, Taven knew it was and yet he still insisted on bringing it up. In Delia's defence, on some level she had tried to be a supportive step-mother to Rain. It was clear, however, that her priority lay with her biological children. He knew that on some level she resented him, the constant reminder of her husband's betrayal.

He supposed she had at least tried, unlike his father.

He closed his eyes in defeat as he mumbled out, “when is it?”

“Next Friday at 6.” Taven was still looking at his hands. “If it helps, you can bring a plus one.”

“Fine, I'll be there,” he whispered, still not closing his eyes. He had a feeling Mileena and Tanya were busy next Friday, he might have to hunt for another plus one. “And I'll be with someone.”

“Thank you.” Rain opened his eyes, and hated how genuinely grateful Taven looked. “I know she'll be happy to see you there.”

I doubt that. 

“Was there anything else?” Rain asked, rubbing his face with his hand.

“No, I guess I'll leave you be,” Taven jumped off the seat and began to walk towards the door. “But, promise me that you'll be careful with the neighbour thing?” Rain just furrowed his brow at him. “We've been here before Ranjit. You rush into things, it's great for a while and in the end everyone just gets burned because they want commitment you can't offer them.” Taven reached to place a hand on Rain's shoulder. “I know it doesn't feel like it sometimes, but I do care about you and I don't like seeing you get hurt.”

There were so many things Rain wanted to say about that, but just couldn't. He resigned himself and just said “I'll be careful.”

Taven just nodded, wishing him a final farewell and then he was thankfully gone. As he closed the door, Rain rested his forehead against the door, resisting the urge to slam his head against it repeatedly.

Kuai sat on his couch, staring silently at his TV, despite it being turned off. He was more watching himself in the reflection. He was rubbing his fingers across his lips repeatedly, trying to soothe his nerves.

Rain had seemed very upset to see his brother. He wasn't sure if he should have stayed as a mediator, or if he'd made the right call by leaving them to it. Either way, it seemed his talk with Rain was going to have to wait. Well, not that it seemed talking was where things had been going.

It had been 5 years since Kuai last had sex. He’d thought about it a few times, but never worked up the courage. The way Rain kissed him, touched his body. He couldn’t believe how good he felt. It wasn’t until he was in that moment that he realised how much he missed that kind of intimacy. Even when he was married, that softness was limited to his ex’s good days, that man was a very selfish lover.

He didn’t want to think about that, he wanted to think about how wonderful it had felt for Rain to touch him.

So much for talking about things though. He sighed, and rubbed at his face. All it took was a kiss and I was spreading my legs for the guy. It did rather indicate that Rain was more interested in something casual, or at least, more interested in the sex aspect. If that was indeed the case, Kuai could handle that.

He jumped a mile when he heard a knock on his door. He scrambled to get up and rushed over to it. As he expected, once he opened it, there was Rain, looking extremely apologetic.

“I am so sorry,” Rain immediately told him before Kuai could even begin to utter a word. Kuai simply smiled and stepped aside to let him in.

“Don’t worry about it,” Kuai tried to assure him, shutting the door as Rain entered the apartment. He felt a flutter in his chest, realising it was probably going to be now or never in regard to that talk. “Um… So, I think now would probably be a good time to have that conversation.”

“Yeah. Yeah, you’re probably right.” Shang Tsung reached up to rub his face with his hand. “Um. Shall I go first?” Kuai nodded in confirmation. Honestly even bringing it up first was a big step for him, he didn’t think he could handle going first as well. “What exactly do you want from… whatever this is?” Rain gestured towards the both of them as he spoke.

So, we wanted to talk about the same thing. Funny. 

“That is what I wanted to discuss with you too, actually.” Kuai began to rub at his wrist, swallowing as he tried to think of how to explain. “I’ll be honest, I was hoping for something… casual.”

“Casual?” Rain asked, tilting his head. He didn’t look put off though, more hopeful if Kuai was reading him right.

“I don’t think I’m really ready for anything extremely committed.” Kuai bit his lip, trying to ignore how hard his heart was beating. Even though Rain showed no sign of being upset by this, the little voice in Kuai’s head wouldn’t stop telling him the other man was going to leave and never talk to him again over this. “I’d like a companion but not a partner… I don’t know if that makes sense?”

“No, no, that makes perfect sense.” Rain stepped forward, taking Kuai’s hand in his. “That’s what I’m wanting too. Just someone to have fun with.”

“Oh.” Kuai chuckled awkwardly. “Well now I feel stupid for being worried.”

“Pth, don’t. My friends kinda got in my head about how you’d probably want something more serious.” Rain rubbed the back on his neck and gave a handsome smile. “So, uh, something like friends with benefits good for you?”

Kuai laughed. Aren’t I a little old to be having friends with benefits? Still, it did sound nice. He didn’t really get to have the awkward early adult phase, it’d be nice to experience a little of what that would have been like. Even if he was about 20 years too late.

“Friends with benefits sounds perfect to me.”

He was surprised when Rain suddenly took hold of his hips and pulled them close. Kuai giggled as their lips almost touched.

“Well then, with that out of the way, where were we?”

Kuai felt a little bold, confidence brought on by the previous conversation, bringing his arms up and around Rain’s neck. He felt Rain pushing him backwards until his back hit the wall. How he resisted the urge to grind against him he had no idea. Rain’s lips were on his, and he opened them hoping for their tongues to meet again. He quite enjoyed that the first time.

It really should not have surprised Kuai when a ringtone started to sound from Rain’s pocket.

Rain pulled away, and grimaced. “I cannot believe this.”

“I’d have thought after yesterday, you’d have learnt to leave your phone behind,” Kuai teased a little, snorting when Rain pouted at him.

“You would have thought I'd have learnt my lesson, wouldn’t you?” He sighed and reached into his pocket, frowning at his phone. “I have to take this.”

Kuai nodded as Rain stepped back and answered the phone. He just stood and watched as the other man got more and more exacerbated. There was a part of Kuai that felt sorry for him, being interrupted yet again, but the other part of him that felt a little bitter that he hadn’t done the obvious of leaving the stupid device behind this time.

By the time Rain was done with the conversation, it was clear he was more than a little annoyed by it.

“Work?” Kuai gently asked, and Rain gave him an apologetic look.

“Unfortunately.” He grimaced and shook his head. “The universe really does not want me to fuck you.”

Kuai laughed despite the situation. It really seemed that tonight was not going to be the night again. But there would always be more opportunities.

“It’s okay, I understand.” Kuai pushed himself away from the wall, stepping forward and giving Rain a quick kiss on the cheek. “I promise I will still be here tomorrow.”

Rain nodded, not hiding the somewhat goofy smile on his face from Kuai’s display of affection.

“I will see you tomorrow,” Rain assured him, patting his arm slightly. All Kuai could do was sigh as Rain made his way back to the door.

As soon as it shut behind him, Kuai flopped backwards against the wall, letting himself slide down it and staring at the ceiling. Honestly, if he were a little more superstitious, he’d genuinely think the constant interruptions were the doing of Bi-Han’s ghost. Big brother always was very protective, and a little too distrustful of just about anyone who found Kuai attractive.

It was a shame he wasn’t there to stop Kuai from getting married. He was certain if Bi-Han were still alive, none of the terrible things that happened would have. He’d have beat the shit out of his ex the second he suspected so much as a finger had been laid on Kuai’s body.

But Bi-Han hadn’t been there, and he wasn’t here now. Kuai just had to believe that all of this wasn’t some kind of bad omen. Like the universe was trying to stop it from happening to protect him.

Not like the universe protected me before. 

He was due to see Johnny again tomorrow, and work together on the next script. He was generally pretty decent at relationship advice. Maybe I should ask him tomorrow? At least get some idea on what to expect and how to maintain the boundaries to keep them both safe.

Until then, well, the whole experience was starting to give him creative inspiration. He finally stood up, and rushed over to where his laptop was, determined to write some notes before he forgot everything he’d just experienced and felt.

⋞ Previous Chapter ≛❀≛ Next Chapter ⋟

#mortal kombat #kuai liang #sub zero #rain #mk rain #subrain #🏢i wanna i wanna stay ‘til the end

[summerwritesfics]

🫧Hurt And Comfort Bingo Masterlist

Masterlist of works written for the Hurt And Comfort Bingo. Get your own card here!

Current Status: Ongoing!

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Accept Injury To Protect Someone

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Blood Loss

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - 🔥❄️Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang - Forehead Kisses

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Hazing

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - 🐍❄️Shang Tsung/Kuai Liang - Forced To Rely On The Enemy

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Hospital Stay

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - 🔥❄️Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang - Arena

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Experiment

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Quality Time

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Healers

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - 🔥❄️Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang - Skeletons In The Closet

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Falling Asleep After A Rough Day

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Comfort Food

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Forced To Hurt Somebody

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - 🔥❄️Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang - Hallucination/s

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ⚰️&❄️&💨Gen - Taking Care Of Somebody

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - 🈲❄️Sektor/Kuai Liang - Stockholm Syndrome

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Neglect

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Corporal Punishment

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Delayed Reaction Time

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Nightmare/s

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - 🔥❄️Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang - Stroking Someone’s Hair

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Stranded/Survival Scenario

So Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want This Time - 🔞 Explicit - 🔥❄️&🈲❄️&👤❄️Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang & Sektor/Kuai Liang & Original Male Character/Kuai Liang - Nickname/s

Fic Title - 🖤 Rating - ❓Ship - Cursed

#🌸masterlists🌸 #🫧Hurt And Comfort Bingo

[summerwritesfics]

THIS IS NOW CLOSED! Thank you to everyone who entered! :)

Happy New Year!!! I decided to see in the new year, it’d be fun to have another fanfic giveaway! It’s also a bit of a thank you for those who’ve stayed with me during the hiatus I took last year! :) There’s 5 fics up for grabs this time, to really celebrate the new year & my determination to make it a good one!

Prizes!

1x 4000+ word fic

2x 2000+ word fics

2x 1000+ word fics

Rules!

To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is like this post! Please feel free to reblog to spread the word but know that your reblog will not count as an entry!

One entry per person! Please only like the post once and please don’t give yourself an unfair advantage by liking from a second account.

You must be following this blog (@summerwritesfics). You are welcome to follow and then enter, you don’t have to have been following me for a long time.

Please familiarise yourself with my request rules as those still apply to this giveaway! Since the last giveaway, I believe my rules have been updated yet again so please go and take a quick look through. These rules are there to keep myself safe when taking requests and I ask that you respect my boundaries. If there’s something you aren’t sure about with my rules, please feel free to ask and I’ll try my best to answer :)

This giveaway is for Mortal Kombat fanfiction only. I will write a wide range of ships providing they don’t go against my rules!

I have still not seen any of the recent animated movies or MK2021. I still do not have an excuse for this at this point. I will not really be able to do any requests set in these universes or with any of the movie exclusive characters (still lookin’ at you Cole.)

The + on the word count just means that the fic I write may go slightly over that but your request will at least meet that word count.

I will stop accepting new entries on the 31st of January. Winners will be announced and contacted on the 1st of February. Winners will be publicly announced when I draw names, and a screen recording of the draw will be linked so you can watch the wheel spin. I will also contact the winners privately so we can start talking about your request! Don’t worry if you only have a vague idea we can brainstorm together when we get to that!

You are welcome to enter even if you won something from my previous giveaways. Part of the reason I do the screen recording of the wheel spin to to dispel any accusations of favouritism, so please don’t feel like you have to sit out if you won previously.

More a clarification than rule, the requests don’t have to be new years related or themed, that’s just the title of the giveaway.

If you have any questions please DM me or contact me over on @summertrapped which is my main account. Thank you for your continued support of my work and good luck with the giveaway :)

#mortal kombat #mortal kombat fanfiction #subscorp #🌸giveaways🌸

[summerwritesfics]

🎇The Sky Is Falling On Me, Chapter 2 - A Nightingale In A Golden Cage

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang Length: 7015 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Magic/Fantasy AU, Mages, Anxiety, Isolation, Codependency, Elemental Magic, Mentions of onesided Sektor/Kuai Liang

The Sky Is Falling On Me Masterlist

Notes: Sup guys, hope you all had a good holiday whichever you happen to celebrate :) Time for another chapter for one of my long fics, I know, idk what’s happening to me either lmfao. This time, Hanzo gets a little closer to earning Kuai’s trust, and we learn a little more about Kuai & Bi-Han’s circumstances and their upbringing. Chapter title is from “The Escapist” by Nightwish.

Kuai could hear the ice crack around him, and no matter how much he tried to reel it back in, he just couldn’t.

His fingers tangled into his hair, nails digging into his scalp. It didn’t matter that he could feel the sting of his flesh breaking, or blood slowly beading from the wounds. His breathing hitched and he sobbed, he just could not stop himself. Thoughts of how this was the end would not leave his mind, his life with his brother and friends was over, and he was going to be taken away from all that he knew. The thing his Father had warned him of was going to finally catch up to him.

Everything was over.

“Kuai Liang,” Bi-Han’s voice broke through his thoughts, and even though he looked up, he could barely see his brother through his tears. “You need to eat.”

Kuai screwed his eyes shut, feeling tears roll down his cheeks. He shook his head vigorously. He heard something being placed on the floor, and seconds later hands wrapped around his wrists, firmly pulling them down. Kuai didn’t try to fight it, and opened his eyes in time for his brother to gently pat his head.

“He won’t take you,” Bi-Han muttered, although the shake in his voice told Kuai Liang he wasn’t all that confident in that statement. “I will not let him.”

“B- b- but- but-“ He wanted to slap himself for how pathetic he felt right now. What would Father say if he could see you right now? 

“Shush. He won’t.” Bi-Han sounded firmer now. Still nervous, but a lot more sure of himself. Kuai watched as he picked up a bowl full of noodles. “Now. You need to eat.”

“N- Not- Not hungry.” His stomach was doing too many flips for him to believe that he could keep anything down.

Bi-Han gave a frustrated sigh, causing Kuai to curl up on himself. He really thought that he’d throw up anything he ate right now, but he also couldn’t stand the thought of Bi-Han being angry at him, especially after everything that had happened. As Kuai forced himself to straighten out, Bi-Han’s posture relaxed, realising Kuai was going to comply with what he wanted.

Bi-Han silently passed the bowl to Kuai, and he accepted it without complaint. Kuai took a bite of the noodles. They were a little bland and flavourless. Bi-Han never was that good at cooking, neither was their father actually. The best either of them had ever been able to manage was edible. Kuai had taken responsibility for that particular chore when he was around 10, after he’d found his Mother’s notebook of old family recipes. Neither Bi-Han or Father had complained, and had happily let him take the reins.

Kuai was never sure exactly how he felt about his Mother’s death. Every time his family told him he was just like her, both in personality and looks, it caused pangs of guilt to spread through his chest. Technically, he was the one who took her from them. But when the guilt finally died down, all Kuai could think was how he wished she could have been there with them. That she could have taught him how to cook her recipes, that she could have been there to guide him, that she could have also been there to protect him from the world.

How strange it is to long for a woman I never knew. 

“How did he find out?” Bi-Han asked as he shifted until he was properly seated on the floor next to Kuai, rather than the awkward squat he’d been in previously.

“I- I didn’t-“ He grimaced, knowing before he’d even spoken it was going to sound like he was making excuses for being careless, rather than things being genuinely out of his control. “Arch- Archmages can- can sense magic.”

“Shit,” Bi-Han hissed, slamming his fist against the floor. Kuai jumped slightly, ducking his head down as he continued to eat. “I guess this is why Father wanted you to never be anywhere near any of them.”

“What- What are we- we- going to do?” Bi-Han could claim that he wouldn’t let Archmage Hasashi take him, but Kuai wasn’t convinced. Hasashi was surely powerful, if he wasn’t he wouldn't be an Archmage. He’d probably be able to kill Bi-Han easily. Just the thought made Kuai’s heart clench.

He’d already lost his Father, he couldn’t lose Bi-Han as well, especially not indirectly caused by him, like his Mother.

“I don’t know,” Bi-Han admitted, rubbing his fingers over his lips. “But we should stay on the farm for at least the next few days. You should stay put until the Archmage is gone.”

“What if- if he comes here?” Because now he knew where they lived, it was extremely likely he’d show up unannounced again. Most likely hoping to catch Kuai alone. Kuai shuddered at the thought.

“I’ll fucking stab him.” If this wasn’t such a desperate situation, Kuai would have laughed at that reply. “I can say he was trespassing on our property then I won’t be prosecuted.”

“I don’t think- think that’s how it works, Bi-Han.”

“Well we hopefully won’t have to find out.” Bi-Han rubbed his eyes, baring his teeth. “But I will make sure you’re safe, Kuai Liang, believe me. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

“Thank you, Bi-Han.”

Kuai finished off the noodles, placing the bowl on the floor beside him. Once that was done, he flopped over to rest against Bi-Han, an arm reaching up to rest on his chest. Bi-Han in turn wrapped an arm around Kuai’s shoulders and held him close. They were still surrounded by ice, but thankfully there was nothing new being added to it.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” he whispered sadly, pressing his face against Bi-Han’s shoulder.

“My life only has purpose because you are here,” Bi-Han admitted, squeezing Kuai and pulling him closer. “You are the most important thing, nothing matters like you do. I promise you, that Archmage will not take you from me.”

Kuai closed his eyes, praying to the Elder God’s that it was a promise his brother could actually keep.

Hanzo was going to have to try and gather more information if he had a hope of even attempting to get into Kuai’s good graces.

Now that the brother’s knew that Hanzo was aware of their big secret, it was likely they’d find a way to completely shut him out. He needed to know more about the pair, more in depth than a random towns person would be able to provide. He needed someone close to them. Someone who was a friend.

Someone like Cyrax.

Hanzo remembered the yellow clad man from his first meeting with Kuai Liang. He recalled how he’d protectively stepped in when Kuai felt uncomfortable. It was clear there was a friendship there. Not trusted enough to know Kuai Liang’s secret of course, Hanzo doubted anyone was, but enough that he might know more about their personal circumstances.

He walked through the town square, eyes landing on where Cyrax’s stall was. Thankfully, the man was there, adding some stock to his display. Hanzo debated how he’d start the conversation, not wishing to make it seem like he was fishing for information once again. He’d start with general chat, and hope the conversation could be steered to the brothers.

“Hello again, Cyrax,” Hanzo greeted once he’d walked close enough, and Cyrax’s head shot up to him. “I hope you are well today.”

“I am, thank you Archmage Hasashi.” Cyrax finished placing down his wares and turned around to face him. “I hope you are as well.”

“I am doing well, thank you.” Hanzo gazed across Cyrax’s produce, as if he was trying to decide what to buy. In all honesty, some of the fruits he sold looked delicious. Are they from the farm? It did look like Kuai was selling some to him. “Have you managed to sell much today?”

Cyrax hummed and sighed, “with respect, Archmage Hasashi, I already know that is not why you are talking to me.” Hanzo looked back to him, where he now had his arms crossed. “Bi-Han was here earlier and seemed… most upset about your visit to his farm.”

“Ah. Yes, I did rather anger him.” That was an understatement, and it worried him that if Bi-Han ran his mouth too much, it could potentially affect his deal with the Zhou’s. “I am rather hoping for some insight on how to fix it.”

“Good luck with that,” Cyrax muttered under his breath, shaking his head. “Out of curiosity, what exactly is it about Kuai Liang that has caught your attention?”

Cyrax was giving him a knowing look, like he suspected exactly why Hanzo was so keen on getting in Kuai’s good graces. Still, Hanzo knew he could not confirm those suspicions. If the brother’s found out he’d told anyone it would completely kill any chance he had at earning their trust. The least he could do was keep their secret until they were ready to reveal it.

“I am just concerned for his well being,” Hanzo decided to reply instead. The look on Cyrax's face seemed to indicate he’d taken that as confirmation of his beliefs.

“Aren’t we all?” He breathed out, seemingly aware that his revelation needed to remain unspoken. “Well, then, speak. What do you want to know?”

“Well, my main question is regarding the relationship between Kuai Liang and Bi-Han.” He paused to think of the best way to word the question. “How exactly did they get so entangled?”

“I think it all stems from their father’s grief.” Cyrax reached a hand to rub at the back of his neck. “Their mother, rest her soul, died giving birth to Kuai Liang. I think their father, and by extension Bi-Han, saw Kuai Liang as the only thing they had left of her.”

That made a disturbing amount of sense to Hanzo, and was sadly understandable. In a strange way, embracing Kuai Liang and protecting him was the kinder way that situation could have gone. They could have shunned him, blaming him for the death of his mother. At the very least, they saw him for what he was.

His mother’s last gift to her family.

“I think they were scared of losing him, like they lost her. Their father, Jian, used to tell those who knew of Kuai’s existence that he was a sickly child, which was why he kept him on the farm.”

“Was he a sickly child?” He couldn’t decide if that was a convenient excuse or legitimately a worry.

“I don’t know.” Cyrax's gaze left Hanzo to stare towards the path that led to the farm. “When I went to visit and play with Bi-Han, I remember seeing and speaking to him every now and then. I don’t know if I’d say he seemed sick, as such, but he was always ice cold to the touch.”

An untrained cryomancer being cold to the touch? That sounds about right. That was his powers desperately trying to escape him. The worst bit was, it probably strengthened the lie that he was sick. Assuming it was a lie, which at this point, Hanzo was fairly convinced of.

“I understand why they have been so overprotective of him,“ he sighed, rubbing his chin with his hand. Understanding didn’t mean condoning, and Hanzo absolutely believed that their good intentions completely hindered Kuai’s ability to live a normal life. “But that level of isolation can’t be healthy for someone’s psyche.”

“Well, you’ve clearly seen it isn’t.” Cyrax didn’t sound annoyed, just sad and resigned. A man who knew he had no way of helping someone who clearly needed it. “He’s terrified of his own shadow. For the love of the Elder Gods, I adore Kuai Liang, but I have no idea how he’s ever going to function if something happens to Bi-Han.”

“That… Admittedly has been one of my concerns as well.” Kuai Liang was so reliant on his brother for almost everything in his life. The man would probably completely shut down without him.

Or… 

“If Bi-Han died, I could see him latching onto Sektor just so he has someone to tell him how to think and feel.” 

That had been what the woman Hanzo spoke to yesterday had said, hadn’t it? Hanzo bit his lip, he needed to know more about that particular situation, but even on the surface it didn’t feel like a good one.

“I have heard rumours since coming to town,” Hanzo slowly started, looking towards Cyrax and trying to judge any reaction. “That Sektor may have eyes for Kuai Liang.”

Cyrax’s eyes widened momentarily, before he looked away in alarm. He worried his lip between his teeth, eyes darting around slightly like he was trying to figure out how to reply to that.

“It… Is no secret that Sektor desires Kuai Liang, no matter what Sektor may tell himself.” He continued to stare off into the distance, shifting his stance ever so slightly. “But it never occurred to me that he may swoop in after Bi-Han’s death.”

“Would Kuai Liang be receptive to his advances?”

“I… I don’t know.” Cyrax turned to look at Hanzo. “What I do know is that Sektor has been asking Bi-Han for Kuai Liang’s hand in marriage for many years now.”

“I assume Bi-Han has turned it down at every turn?” That was what the woman had implied anyway, the reason that Sektor was choosing to bide his time.

“Yes. To the point I’m not sure Kuai Liang is even aware that Sektor thinks of him like that.” Hm. That’s a point, would he even be able to identify if someone was interested in him like that with how sheltered he is? Hanzo tried to think back to their first meeting when Sektor had been there. Kuai had looked extremely uncomfortable, but given that seemed to be his natural state it didn’t really help that much.

“So, if Bi-Han were to die…”

Cyrax was silent for a moment before muttering “if Bi-Han were to die, I believe that Sektor is devious enough to seize the opportunity to make Kuai Liang his.” He looked to the ground. “And I don’t think Kuai Liang has enough personal autonomy to be able to refuse.”

That was what Hanzo feared. It sounded like his entire life Kuai Liang was not allowed to think for himself, let alone decide his own fate. Trying to convince him that he could be in control of himself, trying to teach him to have his own autonomy, that would be half the challenge.

“Can I give you some advice, Archmage Hasashi?” Cyrax questioned, tilting his head slightly. Hanzo nodded hesitantly. “I do not fully comprehend what exactly it is that has you fascinated with him, although I can take a guess.” Hanzo kept silent and as neutral as he could. Even if it was now an unspoken truth between them, Hanzo still couldn’t find it in him to verbally confirm it. “But you need to be a lot more careful than you are currently being.”

“I am aware.” How could I not be? Between Kuai’s panic attack and Bi-Han’s rage? It was impossible to miss that the way he’d handled things did not go well.

“Bi-Han is not the only person to whom Kuai Liang is precious.” Cyrax brushed himself down. “It upsets me greatly to see him in such distress.” Hanzo swallowed slightly. “I do not think you have malicious intent, however, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” He reached out a hand, placing it squarely on Hanzo’s chest. “If you insist on continuing your attempts to reach out to him, he tends to be more receptive to conversation when he’s working.”

Hanzo raised an eyebrow at that. “Really?”

“Yes. It’s like the physical work distracts him from his emotions.” Cyrax shrugged a little. Actually, once again, Hanzo could see the logic of why that might be the case. Having Kuai focused on something other than the conversation might be just what he needs.

“I will keep that in mind.” So I’m going to have to try and catch him while he’s working? That was easier said than done, but would be something he’d keep in mind.

“Also, for your own sake,” Cyrax continued, now wearing a smirk on his face. “Maybe try avoiding Bi-Han from now on. I don’t think he’s bluffing when he says he’ll kill you.”

Hanzo chuckled and said “oh believe me, I am taking his threats seriously." Sure, technically Bi-Han was of no real concern for Hanzo, but that didn’t mean he didn’t realise that the man would absolutely try his luck. Having to dispose of Bi-Han, even in a non-fatal way, would not go down well and he’d rather avoid it if possible.

Cyrax nodded, eyes flicking over towards a woman who was approaching them. “Well, if you’ll excuse me, it appears I have a customer.”

“I thank you for your help.”

Hanzo didn’t stick around to find out what the woman wanted to buy, but he did politely bow to her as he walked past.

With a little more context in his armoury, he now needed a new plan of action to approach Kuai Liang again. He would wait a few more days before trying again, letting the dust truly settle from his first attempt. Besides he was still here for other reasons, and there was a lot left for him and Sektor to discuss. Catching Kuai working while Bi-Han was not present would be the difficult part, but it sounded like his best chance to make any progress. Maybe if he caught wind the elder brother was away from the farm, he’d take his chances and hope Kuai Liang was busy when he turned up.

For now though, he’d go back to concentrating on the official reason he was here.

Days had passed without any sign of Archmage Hasashi.

While that definitely didn’t mean he could relax, it did put his mind at ease slightly. Maybe he had given up? He was certainly still in town, as Tomas had mentioned seeing him. Apparently he appeared quite busy dealing with Sektor, which was good Kuai supposed. It meant he wasn’t bothering him.

Bi-Han had calmed down considerably in the last few days, no longer hovering over Kuai at every waking hour. Kuai loved his brother, but he was glad that he’d finally backed off slightly. He was starting to feel a little suffocated by his brother’s unwavering attention.

Kuai was out in the fields, checking over their crops for ripe tomatoes, peppers and chilis. Bi-Han decided it was safe enough for him to leave the farm for a few hours to get the week’s orders sorted out with the town's various vendors. He’d put it off for as long as he could at this point, and it really needed to be done.

Kuai wasn’t sure what it was about picking crops that he found so relaxing, but aside from looking after their animals, it was probably his favourite thing to do on the farm. He plucked a ripe tomato from the vine, resisting the urge to bite into it. Father used to tell him off for constantly eating their merchandise. Bi-Han was a little less strict with him, and had made a deal that once Kuai had harvested everything ripe, he could choose one item to snack on.

Sure, Bi-Han wasn’t here right now, yet somehow he always seemed to know when Kuai had gone against the rules. It was uncanny.

“Kuai Liang.”

The sudden voice made him jump a mile. Twisting to where it had come from, he found himself face to face with Archmage Hasashi. He hadn’t even heard footsteps. It’s disturbing how easily he can sneak up on me. 

“What- what are you doing here?” He tried to sound intimidating, but he was certain he just sounded scared instead.

“I understand that I am not exactly your favourite person right now,” Hasashi softly said, and Kuai actually snorted at that, “but I did say I still needed to talk to you further.”

“I- I- I-“ Kuai winced, growling at the fact he was stuttering over this. “Um. I don’t see- see what’s left to talk about.”

“You cannot keep hiding yourself forever.” Hasashi reached a hand out, and Kuai flinched away from him. When he observed Hasashi’s face, he absolutely hated the look of pity being thrown his way.

“Who says I- I can’t?” He hissed, and turned on his heels. He’d kept his powers hidden for this long, the only reason he’d been found out was because Hasashi had an unfair advantage.

“One day, you’re going to lose control.” That was said in such a matter of fact way that it made Kuai bare his teeth. He just about managed to stop himself from squashing the tomato he was picking. “If you don’t learn to harness your powers, you could end up either hurting yourself or someone else.”

Kuai bit his tongue to stop himself revealing he had hurt himself before. It had never been a big deal. Just some icicles erupting through his skin. It had hurt, but his Father had managed to find a way to deal with the injuries, usually giving Kuai a scalding hot bath to encourage the ice to melt. He hadn’t hurt anyone else though, not even his Father or Brother. The thought did make his heart twist a little. He thought back to his Mother. Was it my ice that killed her? His Father had always been vague about what happened, and Bi-Han had not been present. For all Kuai knew, it could have been the case.

“What would you do if you hurt your brother? Or Cyrax?” Hasashi’s question just made him feel worse. As he went to pick another tomato, he could see one of his fingers begin to ice over. He swallowed, breaking the ice and deciding to focus on the work rather than what the Archmage was saying. “Wouldn’t being able to control your powers be worth it for the assurance of their safety?”

“You- You’re trying to guilt me,” Kuai hissed, picking two more tomatoes. He was sheltered, yes, but he wasn’t dumb. He could see what Hasashi was doing.

“I’m trying to make you understand why I am concerned for you.” Hasashi followed after him as he went around to the next row of crops. “I’ve known many mage’s over my time. Some who, like you, have not mastered their powers and it ended in tragedy for them. If there’s a chance I can save you from that misery, I will take it.”

“Why do you care?” Kuai finally looked at him, trying to read his body language. It was hard for him to do so. Hasashi’s stance didn’t particularly give him any clues as to how he was actually feeling.

“Because you clearly need help.” That didn’t answer Kuai’s question if he was being honest. Even if Kuai did need help, how was that any of Hasashi’s concern?

“But-“ Kuai gave a frustrated sigh. He wasn’t going to get a proper answer. Of course he wasn’t. No one ever gives me proper answers. 

“But what?” Hasashi questioned, tilting his head.

Kuai hesitated, focusing on picking as he did, before finally saying “I just do not understand why it would be your place to help me.” A glance at Hasashi revealed he was frowning quite deeply at that. “I’m a stranger to you.”

“Are people not allowed to care about strangers?” Hasashi raised an eyebrow.

“In my experience, people don’t care about people they don’t know.” At least, that was the impression he got from the townsfolk. If the way no one had ever really stepped in to help when he was obviously overwhelmed was anything to go by at least.

“I am sorry that is how you’ve experienced the world,” Hasashi once more attempted to reach a hand forward, placing it on Kuai’s shoulder. “I wish someone had taken notice of your struggles sooner.”

Kuai wasn’t sure what to say to that, he was more focused on the hand on his shoulder. He was surprised by how nice it felt. Usually he hated being touched by anyone other than his brother. And given the circumstances, he had every right to hate Hasashi’s touch.

Why does it feel… Okay this time? 

“Kuai Liang, I need to ask you a very heavy question, one that I know will upset you greatly, but still one that I would like an honest answer to,” Hasashi softly spoke and despite how kind his tone was, Kuai could feel his magic begin to swell inside him. Once more he returned his attention to the crops. Somehow that was keeping him grounded in this situation. “What will you do when your brother dies?”

Kuai’s head snapped around to him and he couldn’t help the burst of magic from his hand. Glancing at it, he’d ruined a perfectly good tomato by freezing it solid.

“How- How could you ask such a question?” Kuai tried to hold back his tears. The mere suggestion of his brother meeting his demise was despicable.

“I know, I’m sorry that I have to ask such a thing.” In Hasashi’s defence he did look apologetic. “But from what I can see, you are highly dependent on him. I worry about what you would do if you were suddenly alone.”

Kuai turned away, throwing the frozen tomato on the ground. Despite not wanting to think about such a horrible possibility, he still tried to consider it. The truth was… he didn’t know. Their Father’s death had been sudden and unexpected. The only reason the brothers had gotten through it was by having each other. Kuai had felt so terrible leaning so much on his brother when he was also grieving, but Bi-Han always told him that having Kuai to focus on made the grief easier to deal with.

What would I do if Bi-Han wasn’t here? 

“I- I don’t know,” Kuai quietly admitted, rubbing his wrist with his hand. “I guess I’d just… find a way to survive.”

He knew how to take care of the farm at least, even if it would be a lot more work with just one person. He knew how to cook so he didn’t have to worry about that. He was sure Cyrax and Tomas would check in with him. The real issue was keeping his powers in check and money. Money in particular. Bi-Han kept him so in the dark regarding their finances, he barely knew how anything related to it worked. He knew they paid rent to the Zhou’s, but had no idea how much, and that wasn’t even considering things like taxes. The only reason he suspected their finances weren’t exactly good was how often they seemed to owe others money.

“What if you were to get married?” Hasashi questioned and Kuai had to do a double take. It was such a weird question, and he almost thought Hasashi was offering. That… can’t be it. The thought made his face feel so hot, and he didn’t know why.

“Why- Why would I get married?” He swallowed, as he watched Hasashi’s face screw up slightly.

“I have heard rumours around the town.” Rumours? What kind of rumours? “That you have caught Sektor’s eye and affections.”

Kuai’s eyes widened and he quickly turned away. He knew Sektor was taken by him, although he could never figure out why. He thought he was the only one who knew, or at least, the only one who saw how Sektor looked at him. The idea this was well known enough for the townsfolk to whisper amongst themselves made him want to crawl into a hole and never face any of them again.

“I- I- I-“ Elder God’s help me. “I wasn’t- wasn’t aware anyone knew of that.”

“So, you are aware of how he feels?” Hasashi seemed surprised by that. Kuai couldn’t blame him for believing him to be that naive.

“It is… hard to not notice.” Kuai felt himself shudder at the thought. Those dark eyes staring him up and down, hungry, starving even. Wanting. Planning how to get what he yearned for. Thinking of all the things he’d do once he got the object of his desires in his grasp. “He looks at me like I am a possession to own.”

The noise Hasashi made was like an animalistic growl. Loud enough that it made Kuai Liang flinch once again.

“Just so you know, that is not what marriage and love are supposed to look like,” Hasashi informed him, and Kuai just nodded. He wasn’t an expert in relationship’s at all, his knowledge coming from observing others. He never saw that possession and obsession in the eyes of the couples around him. It was the only clue he had that the way Sektor looked at him was not normal. “Marriage is a partnership, not an ownership.”

The way Hasashi said that made it sound like he had a lot of experience with the subject. He didn’t appear to have a wedding band on his finger though.

Kuai looked around the field, realising they’d come to a bit of a stop. He still had a lot more work to do. Archmage Hasashi didn’t show any sign of wishing to leave him alone. An idea came to his mind, one that could seem quite bold, but at this point it might test just how serious Hasashi was about talking with Kuai.

“You know, if you insist on staying and talking with me, there is another basket over by the shed.” Kuai pointed towards the building in question, glancing over to see where the basket was visible and leaning against the wall. “Go get it and then get picking.”

When he turned his attention back to Hasashi, his eyes were wide, mouth open slightly, looking completely dumbstruck that such a thing was being asked of him.

“What?” He muttered, his voice flat and as confused as he looked. Kuai giggled at that. He felt weirdly proud that he’d managed to get such a reaction out of the man.

“Well, if you refuse to leave you can at least give me a hand with my work.” He smirked triumphantly as Archmage Hasashi’s mouth opened and closed as he tried to come up with an answer. “So?”

“I-“ Hasashi’s mouth finally quirked upwards into a fond smile. “I’ll go get it.”

He walked past Kuai to navigate the rows of plants, Kuai watching him go. Maybe he was a little foolish to let the man stay. Bi-Han was definitely not going to be happy if he found out.

Kuai could deal with that oncoming storm later, for now, he had an extra pair of hands to help get through his work.

“How much more do we have left to do?” Hanzo groaned, wiping his face with his sleeve. His robes were really not the optimal clothes to wear for this. They were heavy, hot and kept getting in the way.

“I guess- guess the Archmages don’t do much physical labour,” Kuai said, and despite the slight stutter it was said in a light teasing tone.

Truthfully, this entire afternoon had been incredibly enlightening. Hanzo couldn’t describe how he felt when Kuai had invited him to help. It was such a shock, but once that wore off, Hanzo couldn’t help but see it as progress. Kuai was still clearly on guard, but over the couple of hours they’d been together, Kuai had gotten a lot more comfortable with giving him orders and bossing him around. It was kind of cute, if he was being honest.

“Uh, no, not exactly.” Hanzo huffed, shifting the basket in his hands, now heavy with tomatoes, peppers and chilis. “We do fighting training, but this is a completely different set of muscles.”

The look Kuai gave him indicated he didn’t quite believe that, but honestly that was fine. Kuai had every right to judge him, really. The Archmage did tend to live very cushy and privileged lives.

“You are in luck.” Kuai turned to pick a particularly large chili off the plant. “I think this is the last one.”

“Thank the Elder Gods,” Hanzo breathed out, causing Kuai to giggle.

Kuai gestured for Hanzo to follow him, and he did so without question. They were heading back towards the shed. Hanzo hadn’t really seen much of the farm on his first visit, it was mostly a glance before entering the house. The brother’s had a lot more land than he expected. He wondered how just the two of them managed to keep up with even just the plants, let alone the animals.

“How big is the farm, out of curiosity?” He finally asked, guessing Kuai might at least have an answer for that. “You seem to have a lot more land than I expected.”

“Ah, I’m not sure of the exact size, but…” Kuai screwed his face up slightly. “There’s about 3 crop fields, 2 grazing fields for the animals, the orchard, and the greenhouse.”

“How do the two of you keep track of it all?” He was genuinely curious. Admittedly he was very ignorant to this sort of thing.

“Ah, it really isn’t that much when we’re working together.” Kuai glanced around the field again. “I think watering the plants is the hardest task. The actual picking isn’t too hard.” Maybe for you it isn’t. Hanzo’s back was actually starting to hurt from everything he’d done. “And our animals are very well behaved so looking after them barely feels like work at all.”

“What animals do you have?” He’d seen a few chickens around the place, but he assumed there were more.

“We have a herd of cows, some sheep, a couple of donkeys, chickens and rabbits.” That was a lot more than Hanzo expected. He was relieved Kuai was able to look after them all, to be honest.

“Do they all have names?” By the Elder god’s, did Hanzo feel like such an idiot for asking a question like that.

“Ah.” Kuai hesitated, his face going slightly red. “Yes? Sort of? I mean I name them all, but Bi-Han doesn’t know that.” He turned away as if he were embarrassed. “He thinks it’s a waste of time, but I like it. It feels like I have a bond with them.”

Cute. That was the only word that went through Hanzo’s mind. Absolutely adorable. Despite all the anxiety and fear, there did seem to be a genuinely interesting person underneath. Hanzo could only hope to continue to build the trust between them, and uncover more of who Kuai really was.

They finally came to the shed, and Kuai placed his basket down on a small work table outside. Hanzo followed suit, placing his own next to it. Placing a hand on his chin, Kuai stared down the two baskets as if he was contemplating something. Then, he reached forward, and took hold of two tomatoes. He held one of them out to Hanzo.

“As a thank you for- for your help,” Kuai told him with a smile on his face. Hanzo blinked, he hadn’t expected anything in return for what he’d done, but refusing felt rude.

Also, I am curious about the quality of what they grow. 

“Thank you.” He took the tomato off Kuai, rolling it in his hand and observing it. It did look like a particularly juicy one. He watched as Kuai took the one he’d kept and took a big bite of it. Well. I guess I should follow his lead. He took his own bite, granted it was slightly smaller than Kuai's, just wanting to test it. The flavour filled his mouth. “Wow.” He said absentmindedly, before taking another bite. He hadn’t doubted that the brother’s crops would taste good, he just hadn’t anticipated how good. “This is delicious.”

Kuai hummed cheerfully at that, his posture straightening in a way that made him look so proud of his hard work. He clearly had a lot of love for the farm.

And frankly, Hanzo was starting to feel more and more aware just how much he could fuck up the man’s entire life if he wasn’t careful.

The sad truth was, he would probably have to take Kuai back with him for an audience with the head’s of the Archmages. He definitely did not want to bring them here straight away, that’d make things even worse and he doubted any of Kuai or Bi-Han’s boundaries would be taken into consideration. From there, it’d be a matter of working out how training would work. Maybe Hanzo could swing it so that Kuai could be trained here on the farm. It’d probably be the kinder option for him. It was just convincing the others of that.

“Kuai Liang!” The new voice caught Hanzo’s attention. To his relief it wasn’t Bi-Han’s, but the voice still didn’t sound happy. As Hanzo looked in the direction it came from, he saw a man with long silver hair storming towards them.

“Tomas?” Kuai questioned, and finally Hanzo had a face to that particular name. Actually he had seen him around town in the last few days, always seeming to scowl when Hanzo was near. I suppose I know why now. 

“Are you okay?” Tomas asked in a hurried tone, taking hold of Kuai as soon as he was close enough. “Has he hurt you?”

“N-No?” Kuai shook his head. “He- he- uh- he helped me gather the c-crops.” Tomas' glare landed on Hanzo, like somehow helping to gather crops was a terrible offence rather than an act of kindness. “Tomas, I- I- asked him- him to help.”

“What?” Tomas turned back to Kuai, voice thick with confusion. “Why would you do that when he upset you so much?” Tomas squeezed Kuai’s shoulders. “Bi-Han’s going to be furious.”

“I-“ Kuai hid his hands behind his back. Hanzo remembered the action from when they first met. He had a suspicion it was an attempt to hide his powers when he was losing control.

Hanzo clicked his tongue, as much as he wanted to stay, maybe it was better to call it a day here. He’d made progress, which is what he was aiming for. His presence in this moment was going to just make things worse, so that was a battle for another day.

“It is not my intention to cause unnecessary stress,” he finally chimed up, trying to ignore the way Tomas’ eyes narrowed at him. He brushed himself down. “I will leave you both to it.” His eyes flicked over to meet Kuai Liang’s, wide with a mix of relief and pleading. “Please think about what we’ve talked about.”

Kuai nodded, bowing his head slightly, “I- I will.”

Hanzo sighed as he turned away, the second he did he could hear Tomas lightly scolding Kuai about how Bi-Han was going to react to this. Kuai was weakly trying to defend himself, but it didn’t sound like it was doing much. Soon however, he was too far away to hear anymore, and back out around the front of the farm. He stopped and looked around again.

If the brother’s had as much land as Hanzo believed, there was at least plenty of space for Kuai to practise. The issue would be finding a qualified Archmage willing to drop everything and spend the time here to train him. Hanzo would do it himself, but he wasn’t qualified to train other Archmages, he could only teach lesser mages. Yet, at least, he was working towards that but still a fair way away.

At that moment, within the order, there were only four people who could. Out of those, Hanzo’s first choice would have been Archmage Raiden. He would have the patience to properly deal with Kuai Liang’s nerves. Archmage Fujin would be his next choice, being Raiden’s younger brother, who shared his qualities. Archmage Cetrion… Well… Hanzo couldn’t remember the last time she took on a student, so unless she was particularly drawn to Kuai Liang’s cryomancy, that was unlikely to happen. Finally, there was Archmage Shinnok, and if Hanzo had any say about it, he would not be anywhere near Kuai Liang. He didn’t know what it was about the man, but he always gave Hanzo the creeps.

And if that was how Hanzo felt, then poor Kuai Liang didn’t stand a chance.

I’m getting a bit ahead of myself though. He still needed to find a way to even persuade Kuai to leave the farm and meet any of them first. He put today down as a win, he was confident that this was the first step in the right direction.

Well… So long as Bi-Han doesn’t put Kuai Liang into a complete lockdown after today. 

And it seemed Cyrax was right about Bi-Han not being the only one who cared deeply for Kuai. From their short meeting, Tomas displayed the same protective attitude. At least Cyrax seemed open to Hanzo’s interference, but the fact it was 1 against 2 didn’t fill Hanzo with much confidence. That wasn’t even accounting for Sektor either. If he was obsessed enough with Kuai to have spent years pining for him, it would be unlikely he’d give that up without a fight either.

A chicken sauntered past him, pecking at the ground.

“What do you think I should do?” He asked her, although he wasn’t entirely sure why. I wonder what Kuai Liang named this one? The chicken looked up at him briefly, tilting her head and making a slow clucking sound, before returning to her task of finding food. “Thank you for your input.”

There wasn’t much point in hanging around any longer. He had much to think about and much to plan. As he turned around to return to the town, all he could do now was figure out the next steps in aiding Kuai Liang.

⋞ Previous Chapter ≛❀≛ Next Chapter ⋟

#mortal kombat #subscorp #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #hanzo hasashi #🎇the sky is falling on me

[summerwritesfics]

💥And I Know You Won’t Remember Memories In Ember, Chapter 2 - Call My Name And Save Me From The Dark

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang Length: 4428 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Canon Divergence (Takes place instead of the MKX comics Kamidogu Saga), Whump Torture, Canon-Typical Violence, Non-Consensual Drug Use, Abduction, Hostage Situations, NSFK (Not Safe For Kuai), Hurt/Comfort

And I Know You Won’t Remember Memories In Ember Masterlist

Notes: Ayyyy, Summer updated one of their chaptered fanfics instead of writing 1000 more oneshots? Wtf is going on? Yes it’s true, although I guess this was kinda of a cheat as it’s a rewrite of the WIP I initially had for this one. 🤷🏻 Quick warning: This chapter does involve torture, while a lot of it is offscreen some of it is described in a fair amount of detail. So. Like… heads up I guess. Chapter title is from “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence.

His eyes fluttered open for a brief moment, only to close them immediately at the far too bright lighting in the room. He tried to reach a hand up to his face, only to find that they were caught under something, not allowing them to move. He chanced opening his eyes again, glancing down to find that his wrists were bound against armrests with thick leather straps, keeping him bound to the chair he was sitting on.

Blinking a few times, he tried to let himself get used to the light, so he could glance around the room.

This place was completely unfamiliar to him. It was a blank white room with an oddly clinical feel to it. The only other things in the room were a table in front of him, and on the other side of it, it looked like a video camera was set up and pointed directly at him. There was a large metal door positioned at the other end of the room.

Trying to move one of his legs revealed they were also strapped to the chair. The majority of his armour and clothing had been removed, leaving him in only his tank top and his trousers.

His mind raced as he tried to remember how he got here. He remembered the feeling of being watched, the confrontation with the man in the suit, going to the inn to get a drink of water and… Well, it was all a bit of a blur after that, only the vague memory of feeling dizzy and someone lifting him up off the floor.

Shit, I was drugged. 

How they’d managed to do so, he wasn’t sure. From what he remembered, the inn had been mostly empty, aside from a handful of patrons. The only person who touched his drink beside himself was the bartender. So… was she in on it? Fuck. He hadn’t stood a chance if that was the case.

Regardless, he didn’t exactly want to stick around and figure out why someone had drugged him. He gripped the armrests with both hands, intending to freeze and shatter them, freeing his arms and allowing him to get away.

Except, no ice was coming. He grunted and tried to concentrate harder, but all he could feel was a strange tingling sensation through his veins. He tried again, harder this time, the tingling became a full out sting and he sucked air in through his teeth. What’s going on? Why are my powers failing me? Why now of all moments? 

Suddenly the door opened, a fair skinned man in a black suit and wearing sunglasses walked in. Kuai didn’t recognise him, he wasn’t one of the men who’d been following him at least. But the second this man’s eyes landed on Kuai Liang, he was grinning.

“Ah, I see you’re finally awake, sleeping beauty,” the man said with a chuckle as he shut the door behind him. He walked up to the table, placing down a suitcase on it. “It’s good to finally meet you in person, Sub Zero. I have heard a lot about you.” The man tilted his head slightly. “Do you mind if I call you Kuai Liang instead?”

Was this man some sort of government agent? But for which government? It was concerning that he knew Kuai’s name. Not just his codename, but his birth name, the name only those he was closest to knew about.

“Am I supposed to know who you are?” Kuai questioned, trying to keep his head high, but it was lolling around slightly, still heavy from whatever drug he’d been slipped.

“Oh, no, you have no idea who I am. I know who you are though.” The man was smirking to himself as he sat down on the table. “You can call me Agent X if you would like.”

“My apologies,” Kuai started in the best bored tone he could muster in the moment, “I wasn’t aware I’d walked into a cliché convention.”

To his surprise, Agent X began to chuckle, “for someone so cold, you have quite the fiery tongue.” 

Kuai clenched his fist, trying to summon even the smallest amount of ice, but all that came was that sting. X tilted his head, eyes flicking down to Kuai’s hands, clearly knowing what he was trying to do.

“Ah, I’m afraid you’ll find you do not currently have the ability to use your powers.” X reached forward, placing a couple of fingers against the side of Kuai’s neck. Glancing to where they were, Kuai could just about make out a bruise. “We’ve been working on this serum for a long time. To help make people like yourself more… Well… Agreeable to work with.” He pressed the fingers in harder, and Kuai bared his teeth at the dull ache. “You’ll find they’ll be out of commission for the next few hours. Most likely longer since I’ll be giving you top ups.”

“You seem to have gone through a lot of trouble to get me here,” Kuai stated, glad when X moved his hand from his neck.

“Yes. Although, not for the reasons I would have liked.” X pushed himself off the table, slowly meandering around it to reach the camera. “But it’s my higher up’s choice. They aren’t as interested in you personally as I am, they have rather different reasons for you being here.”

“What reasons?” He watched as X started to set the camera to record. Or at least, that’s what he assumed the now blinking light on it meant. “Who are you working for and what do they want from me?”

“Well, I can’t tell you who I work for, but I can tell you that we don’t want anything from you as such.” X walked off from the camera, making his way back up to where Kuai was tied to the chair. He looped back around behind the chair, placing his hands on Kuai’s shoulders and causing him to tense up. “You are familiar with a man named Hanzo Hasashi, correct?”

“What does he have to do with this?” His first thoughts were that whoever these people were had been hired by the ex-wraith to take Kuai out. But he highly doubted Hanzo Hasashi would want Kuai to succumb to anyone’s hand beside his own.

“He has information that we require.” One of the hands on his shoulders tightened while the other came to cup his chin, forcing him to look at the camera. “You’re going to be the motivation for him to give us that information.”

That didn’t make sense to Kuai. Given how intently these people seemed to have been watching him, surely they would know that Hasashi wouldn’t fold to his bitter enemy being tortured. At least, Kuai assumed he was about to be tortured, he highly doubted if they were going to offer him some sort of deal they’d drug him and keep him tied to a chair.

“Sorry to be the bearer of bad news,” Kuai started, attempting to shake the hand off his chin. The grip just tightened further and continued to force him to look towards the camera. “But Hanzo Hasashi doesn’t care one way or another what happens to me.”

“Perhaps,” Agent X practically purred in his ear. Kuai definitely got the impression whatever was about to happen was deeply intimate to X. It was extremely unnerving if he was being honest. “By the time I’m done with you, you’ll wish he did.”

Finally the agent’s hands released Kuai, and he hadn’t realised how uneasy the unwanted hands on his body made him until he gave a sigh of relief. X went around the side of him, back towards the suitcase on the table. He clicked it open, revealing all manner of weaponry and torture implements. Knives, hammers, power drills, some vials of something, some things that looked like they could give a nasty electric shock.

So, I was right, he is going to torture me. 

The Lin Kuei had vigorous training in regards to torture, making sure none of their assassins would ever break under the hands of their enemies and give access to their deepest secrets. Except Agent X wasn’t after Lin Kuei secrets, and it wasn’t Kuai he was banking on breaking.

If Hanzo Hasashi is smart, he’ll know I’ve been trained to take this. 

“Now then.” And once more, X’s hand was gripping Kuai’s chin. Kuai had no idea why that was worse than the thought of the torture he was about to go through. “Which of my toys shall I start with first?”

He could feel blood dripping down his body, although he couldn’t pinpoint which of his many injuries it was coming from. He was just barely holding onto consciousness throughout the pain and blood loss.

Agent X had not held back on his torture, and Kuai would have been impressed if it wasn’t him that it was being inflicted on. It had started with electrocution, increasing the strengths of shocks a little at a time until they practically burnt him. The knife had been used to cut and stab him, he’d had his skin ripped by the claw of the hammer before the flats had been slammed against his fingers. With how swollen they were, he’d definitely broken more than a few. The worst so far had been when X had brought out the power drill, placing it against his biceps and thighs and pressing the button to full power. How the fuck he’d managed to stop himself from screaming when he felt the drill bit hit his bones, he’d never know.

He wasn’t sure how long this had been going on, just that he’d been injected with whatever was in the vials several times throughout everything. He’d come to the conclusion that it was the so-called serum. If it lasted a couple of hours at a time, he had to be at least 10 hours into the torture, and he was actually somewhat amazed he hadn’t blacked out yet. The camera had been removed at some point, presumably to send the footage to Hasashi. That hadn’t stopped X however. Currently, they seemed to be taking some sort of break, just for X to decide what he wanted to do next.

Kuai was starting to get the feeling that Agent X was far more interested in hurting Kuai than whatever information it was they needed.

“I must say, I’m almost disappointed,” X spoke for the first time in a while. He was standing off somewhere to Kuai’s right, but he didn’t have the energy to try and look in that direction. “All these things I’ve done to you, and I haven’t managed to get one scream out of those pretty little lips of yours.”

“You’d have to take me to dinner first,” Kuai just about managed to mumble out, his voice slurred. It was probably not the best thing to say in this situation, but it was all he could possibly do to still show what defiance he had left.

“Oh, still so much fire,” Agent X chuckled. Kuai felt the other man’s hand trail across his collar bone, then suddenly he was in front of Kuai once more. He was looking down at Kuai with a positively evil grin, and Kuai got the distinct feeling he was going to regret provoking him. “I’d like to try one last time.”

Kuai was surprised when he felt Agent X’s weight pressing down on his thighs, the other man now straddling his lap. Kuai jerked in his chair, hissing at how it caused his injuries to start hurting again. X took hold of his face with one hand, forcing it to one side. All Kuai could see in the corner of his eye was X’s manic face and the knife being slowly brought towards the top of his head.

The knife was pressed against his skin, and slowly X began to drag it down, hard but slow. Kuai began to quake from the pain, closing his right eye, blood immediately pouring down his face. He could feel the blade scraping against his skull, hell, he could fucking hear it echoing against his brain. By the time the knife was at his eyebrow, Kuai couldn’t hold back any longer, as a blood curdling scream ripped from the back of his throat.

“Yes! Yes that’s what I want,” X exclaimed cheerfully. The knife kept travelling down, and he could feel it push against his eyelid, splitting it effortlessly. He kept screaming, terrified that it had broken past and damaged his eyeball. “Keep going, you’re doing so well.”

His cheek was next, the knife dug so deep into his flesh Kuai wouldn’t be surprised if it broke through to his mouth. All Kuai could do was scream, the agony was just so much. Too much. They said everyone had a breaking point. Kuai guessed this was his.

The pain was so great, he didn’t even notice when X finally finished his work and removed the knife. Kuai felt his face being forced forward again. He didn’t dare try to open his right eye, he could feel his flesh beginning to swell up, that entire part of his face still burning.

“There, that wasn’t so hard, now was it?” X patted Kuai’s hair in a condescending manner.

Kuai hiccuped, his left eye welling up with tears. He tried to hold back, he refused to cry in front of this man the way he did as a child, but his body betrayed him completely. He began to brokenly sob, pulling on his restraints like that would help him.

“W-why?” Kuai got out between his cries. “Why are- are you st-still doing this?”

The camera was gone. There was no reason for X to still be torturing him. Why was he still going?

“Oh. I think I’ve given you the wrong impression here.” X’s hand tangled in Kuai’s short hair, yanking on it and causing him to yelp. “I do apologise, let me explain it to you more clearly.” X lent forward, until his eyes were directly in front of Kuai Liang’s. “You are never leaving here.”

Kuai’s stomach dropped. “What do you mean?”

“The deal with my higher ups was that once your use to them had come to an end, that I get to keep you,” X explained, voice full of giddy glee like a child who’d been given a new toy.

“Keep me?” Kuai choked on his own spit, now feeling rage boil up. “I’m not a pet.”

“Oh, but I had the loveliest baby blue collar selected out for you.” X released his grip, hands going to Kuai’s tank top. He took the knife to the top of it, using it to start slicing through it. “You see, you are extremely fascinating Kuai Liang, even amongst others with your power set, you are so very unique. I would be a fool to let you walk away when I have the chance to really understand how you work.”

“Fuck you,” Kuai growled, teeth bared as X cut away the remains of his top.

“Don’t worry, I won’t kill you.” X slowly began to carve something into Kuai’s chest. A glance down revealed he was cutting in the same sort of pattern that’d be used to perform an autopsy. “I just want to study you. And well, if I have to tear you apart and put you back together to do that effectively? It’ll be worth it.”

The knife now dug into his stomach, like X intended to gut him right there and then. He could feel his entire body shudder, shaking his head vigorously. Fuck, god, this is a dream, just a really bad dream, please I want to wake up now away from all this. Please, fucking please… 

He felt the knife push deeper inside him, and it was enough to remind him this was all unfortunately, very very real.

Then, the room started to flash red, and a loud alarm blared.

Agent X immediately pulled away, and Kuai choked on his own breath from relief.

“What?” X hissed, but Kuai barely registered it between the ear piercing sound of the alarm and the sudden respite it had managed to bring. Right up until X was angling his head to look at him again. “We aren’t finished here. I’ll be back for you, Kuai Liang.”

And like that Agent X was at the door, practically running out of it. Kuai let his head slump down against his chest. The alarm had saved him for now, but he highly doubted it would last that long. His head was pounding, brain screaming at him to do something, to find some way to free himself and get out before X came back and ensured Kuai would never feel freedom again. But he was so tired, all energy had been sucked out of him. He closed his eye, hoping desperately that he’d just pass out and not have to endure anything more, at least for a little while.

His hopes were dashed when he heard the door open again, a set of footsteps slowly approaching him. He did not react, not even to open his eye, just sat in unease, awaiting those unwanted hands all over him. The footsteps stopped, and a hand touched his shoulder. He involuntarily let out a gasp, baring his teeth and bracing himself. The hand lingered, but there was nothing more.

“Sub Zero?” A voice asked, familiar and definitely not Agent X’s.

He opened his eye, turning his head as best he could to see who it was.

Staring down at him was Hanzo Hasashi.

What is he doing here? Hasashi’s face was blank as ever, a man so trained in hiding his emotions and yet there was a stiffness to his body that suggested he wasn’t happy with what he saw in front of him. There was no way he was actually worried about Kuai, it couldn’t be possible. The sickening thought was that he wasn’t actually here, just a hallucination Kuai’s exhausted mind had come up with to give him false hope.

He began to giggle brokenly to himself.

“Oh. I’ve gone insane, haven’t I?” He questioned between laughs, delirium taking hold and his head slumped back down. “Positively mad.”

The hand finally let go of his shoulder, reaching down to his wrist and he felt the strap being undone. He suddenly found he was able to move his right arm. Oh. 

“I’m quite real, I’m afraid,” Hasashi grumbled, bending across to undo the other strap, and then undoing the straps around his ankles. “Can you stand?”

Kuai had no idea, he highly doubted that he could, but decided he was going to try anyway. He pushed himself up onto his feet only for his knees to immediately buckle under his own weight and he went tumbling forward. He was caught by a pair of large arms, snaking around him, falling head first into Hasashi’s chest.

“Okay, okay, I’ve got you,” Hasashi soothed, holding Kuai to his chest with one arm, while he hooked the other under Kuai’s knees and he effortlessly hauled him into a bridal carry. If Kuai was slightly more coherent, he might have made a comment about how easily he was being man handled but his body was feeling heavy in Hasashi’s arms.

The smell of cinders should not have been as comforting as it was in that moment, but Hasashi was warm and after everything he’d just been through it felt like being rescued by an angel. He closed his eye, letting himself be lulled into a peaceful state by the slow rocking of Hasashi’s arms as he began to walk.

Wait, aren’t I bleeding? He had no idea why that thought came to him, but his eye flicked open to find Hasashi’s yellow uniform stained with red.

“Sorry about the blood,” he slurred, closing his eye once more as he heard Hasashi give a somewhat bitter-sounding laugh.

“That is the least of my problems right now, believe me.”

Kuai could believe that, but he didn’t get the chance to say it, as finally his body and mind gave out on him, and his world faded to black.

When he woke up in a soft bed with warm sheets all over him, he was extremely confused. He could feel bandages all over his body, with one wrapped tightly around his head, particularly focused on the right side. He went to push himself to sit up, until his entire body protested the movement with an ache that burned right into his bones. He gave a pained whine, and instead tried to turn his head to look around. He was in a small room, it was decorated in a manor that he recognised as being traditionally Japanese in origin.

That might confirm that Hasashi wasn’t a hallucination or dream.

But the question of why he came to Kuai’s rescue remained.

The sound of a door sliding open caught his attention, and he turned his head to the opposite side of the room to see Hasashi standing in the doorway.

“You’re awake then,” Hasashi stated, sounding strangely reassured by that fact. “How do you feel?”

“Like I was hit by Shao Kahn’s hammer,” he admitted, once more struggling to try and sit up. Hasashi quickly made his way to his side, gently pushing him back down onto the bed.

“Try not to move too much. Your injuries are severe, you need to take it easy and rest.” He sat down on the edge of the bed. “You are also extremely susceptible to infections right now, so we will need to keep a close eye on you. If anything feels wrong at any point, please tell us, even if it doesn’t seem significant.”

“I see.” Kuai agreed, although internally wondering who Hasashi meant by we. A glance around the room told him they were alone, and he hadn’t missed some other third party. He blinked, realising he still didn’t actually know where he was. “Where are we?”

“The Shirai Ryu fire gardens,” Hasashi answered and Kuai couldn’t help but frown. He didn’t want to ask the obvious question. As if he knew what Kuai was thinking, Hasashi mumbled, “I am re-building the Shirai Ryu.”

“Oh.” Good for you. He didn’t voice that thought, his input on such matters wouldn’t be appreciated. “Why did you rescue me?”

Hasashi was silent for a while as he looked away. What little Kuai could see of his face was that impassive blankness that Hasashi wore so well.

“The information they wanted from me had nothing to do with you. It was unfair and dishonourable of them to drag you into it.” That wasn’t the answer that Kuai was expecting, especially the part about it being dishonourable. It did make him curious just what exactly they had wanted to know. “And despite our past animosity, I don’t believe you deserve what they did to you.”

“Oh. Good.” He had no idea how to actually react to that. He guessed it was a good thing that Hasashi didn’t think Kuai deserved cold blooded torture or being kept as some sort of fucked up science experiment. He felt bile in the back of his throat, as the weight of that second part actually hit him. Hasashi would not have known that they wouldn’t have released him. “They weren’t going to release me. Even if you gave them the information, they intended to keep me there.”

Well, Agent X intended to keep him there, but it seemed like the entire agency was enabling his sadistic desires, so it was fair enough to say they were behind it.

Hasashi’s head snapped around to him, eyes wide at this news. There was a weird emotion in his eyes, something like guilt but that couldn’t possibly be it. Hasashi would have had no way to know what was going to happen, given that plan had only been revealed after the camera had been taken away.

“Just before you got there, that… Agent X guy, or whatever the fuck stupid ass name he gave himself.” Kuai could feel his eyes stinging, the humiliation at the thought of being so weak as to end up in that position. “I- He told me he was planning to keep me and… study me or something. I- Just- I-“

He remembered those hands gripping him so tightly, the pressure on his thighs, knife cutting into his face, his shirt being torn away. The condescending way X spoke to him. Kuai began to struggle to breathe. Had the thing about the collar just been a way of taunting him, or had X been serious? Kuai could see it going either way and that thought made him want to throw up.

I- I can’t breathe! 

“Shh, Sub Zero,” Hasashi’s deep voice cut in through his hyperventilation. A gentle hand cradled his face. Hasashi looked at him far kinder than he’d ever seen before, not just at him but at anyone. “You are safe now.”

Kuai tried to slow his breathing, gulping back the lump in his throat. His body was quaking still, but his breathing was starting to get under control.

“I-I’m sorry.” He wasn’t sure why he was apologising. “I- it just hit me and- I- I-“

“You have nothing to apologise for,” Hasashi reassured him. “I understand that this entire ordeal has been traumatic for you. None of this is your fault.” He clenched his fist and a small amount of flame emerged around it. “Believe me, they will not get away with what they have done to you.”

That was odd, but Kuai quickly decided that it wasn’t for his sake. It was more likely that whoever this group of people were, they had used underhanded and disgraceful methods to get what they wanted out of Hasashi. Or at least, that’s the only way it made sense in Kuai’s head. He just couldn’t tell what was happening anymore, his head hurt as much as the rest of his body.

“I should let you get rest,” Hasashi quickly declared, pushing himself up off the bed. “I will be back to check on you later.”

“Right,” Kuai agreed, watching as his saviour walked off towards the doorway. “Um… Thank you.”

“Try to get some sleep,” Hanzo advised, briefly turning around to offer a small smile and nod.

Then, he was leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. With nothing left to do, Kuai closed his eyes and allowed sleep to claim him once more.

⋞ Previous Chapter ≛❀≛ Next Chapter ⋟

#mortal kombat #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #hanzo hasashi #subscorp #💥and i know you won’t remember memories in ember

[summerwritesfics]

🎃I’ll Dig Through Sorrow And Disgust, Ashes To Ashes, Dust To Dust

Pairing: Shang Tsung/Kuai Liang Length: 3373 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Canon Divergence, Major Character Death, Temporary Character Death, Resurrection, Blood, Blood and Gore, Non-Sexual Nudity, Manipulation, Emotional Manipulation, Hurt/Comfort (In a very fucked up way I guess lol), Amnesia, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi once more resorting to psychological warfare, Lies, NSFK (Not Safe For Kuai), Accidental Death, Like to be fair to Bi-Han this isn’t what he wanted @halloweenhorrorbingo: Resurrection Ritual

Halloween Horror Bingo Masterlist

Notes: I do realise I have posted two fics in as many days where the plot revolved around Kuai dying and being resurrected. … Don’t… Don’t worry about it okay? Just… Shhh, it’s fine :) Kuai is fine. I am not being mean to him :) Title is from “Funeral Derangements” by Ice Nine Kills.

The first thing Shang Tsung heard as he stepped out of the fortress was an anguished scream.

He observed the scene in front of him. Sub Zero standing tall over the body of Scorpion, red blood seeping into the floor around him. General Shao’s minions had obviously caught up quicker than Shang Tsung himself, holding back Smoke from attending to his brother’s corpse. He decided to get closer, and as he officially joined the scene he could see the look on Bi-Han’s face. With his mask on, only his eyes were visible, but they told the entire story.

Bi-Han hadn’t intended to kill his brother.

“You- You monster,” Tomas screeched, trying to fight against the grip of the guards. “You killed him! You killed him!”

“I didn’t want to,” Bi-Han muttered lowly, his eyes narrowing clearly deciding it was better to try and hide his emotions. “He gave me no choice.”

“I will never forgive you for this,” Tomas loudly hissed, his struggles getting stronger. “If it is the last thing I ever do, I will avenge him.”

“Take him away.” Bi-Han cast his gaze aside, refusing to look at the scene any longer. The guards looked to Shang Tsung, who nodded his approval at the command.

Tomas screamed the entire time he was dragged away. It was honestly a little bit pathetic, if Shang Tsung was being honest. His gaze landed on Kuai Liang’s body, eyes still wide open and blood dripping down his chin, a large wound in his chest. Shang Tsung could only imagine Bi-Han had stabbed directly through him with his spear.

“I will gather The Lin Kuei,” Bi-Han announced, as he began to walk away, refusing to look back at his brother. “We will be ready and at your command within the hour.”

“Excellent, Grandmaster.” Shang Tsung briefly looked at Bi-Han before his eyes were drawn back down to Kuai Liang. “We will await your return.”

Bi-Han’s footsteps slowly got further away until the fortress grounds returned to a state of relative silence, the only sound the howling wind as it swirled around him.

Shang Tsung knelt beside Kuai Liang, hand reaching forward to gently brush the hair from the dead man’s face. What a waste. It was a shame that Kuai Liang could not share his brother’s vision, he would have been a powerful ally in the fight ahead. Shang Tsung cradled his face, he was already starting to lose his warmth. Yes, a complete waste. He would have looked magnificent working to accomplish Shang Tsung’s goals.

Suddenly, words Quan Chi had recently spoken suddenly creeped into the forefront of his mind. A discussion on how he had just about perfected the art of bringing the dead back to life. His eyes looked Kuai Liang up and down. This would be two birds with one stone. A real test of Quan Chi’s abilities and an attempt to not let Kuai Liang’s life be in vain. Fingers trailed down Kuai’s jaw, staring into those eyes aimed lifelessly up at the sky.

Shang Tsung smiled.

First, he wanted to secure Kuai Liang’s soul. He could feel it was still within his body, and Shang Tsung wanted to ensure it didn’t get lost or accidentally become a part of Ermac. He held his hand in front of Kuai Liang’s chest, focusing on the soul within. Slowly he was able to coax it away from its tethers, and soon the green energy was pulling away from Kuai Liang’s body. He held his hand up, the soul swirling around it like it wanted to escape but was forced to orbit the limb instead. Reaching for his belt, Shang Tsung brought up an empty bottle, carefully guiding the soul inside it. He corked it up, and observed it for a second. It was amazing how resilient mortal souls could be.

Now it was time for stage two. He carefully replaced the bottle onto his belt, before bending forward towards Kuai’s body. He hooked one arm under his back and the other under his knees. His body was still quite malleable, meaning Shang Tsung could lift it up with relative ease. Excellent. He turned to make his way back towards the fortress.

Third task, locate Quan Chi and explain his plan. Thankfully this stage was easier than he had anticipated, as when he walked through the entrance, Quan Chi was striding towards him.

“I’ve been wondering where you had got to,” Quan Chi commented, eyeing up Kuai’s body with suspicion. “Where is the Grandmaster?”

“He has gone to gather his men.” Shang Tsung shifted Kuai’s body in his arms. “Until he returns, however, I have a request.”

“Is it related to the younger brother currently in your arms?” Quan Chi tilted his head, the previous distrust replaced with curiosity instead. He reached out to inspect the wound on the dead man's face. Shang Tsung wasn’t entirely sure why, but he felt a strange fire in his chest at the action. Almost as if he were a child angry that another child had touched his favourite toy without permission.

“I just feel it would be a shame to allow such a strong warrior go to waste.” He tried not to scowl as Quan Chi’s hand roamed lower, now inspecting the hole in Kuai’s chest. “I have his soul safely stored, if that will help.”

“It will certainly make it easier,” Quan Chi mused, finally removing his hands. Good. “I will warn you that it might not work.”

“I still think it would be worth an attempt.” His grip on Kuai Liang tightened. It was strange how a passing thought had turned into his most important mission. He needed this to work, he needed this strong warrior by his side. He couldn’t even begin to explain why.

“He did not exactly agree with his brother’s viewpoint. I highly doubt death will make him more likely to cooperate.” That was one of the only possible drawbacks to the plan. It also seemed unlikely that he’d be so grateful for his rebirth he’d follow their orders blindly. “I could try and exert some form of mind control over him.”

“No, I think I’d rather try and convince him to join us of his own freewill first.” He was often told that he was extremely charming, he’d been able to work his way into Sindel’s inner circle with his charisma after all. He was sure if he could find the right angle, he could sweet talk Kuai Liang to join them.

“If you insist,” Quan Chi sighed, sounding thoroughly unconvinced. Regardless, he flicked his hand, creating a portal presumably to the Netherrealm.

Quan Chi bowed slightly, gesturing for Shang Tsung to go through first. He rolled his eyes slightly but didn’t object. Adjusting Kuai’s body to make sure he had a good grip on him, he entered the portal.

So… time for part four of the plan. 

Shang Tsung looked at Quan Chi as he carefully arranged Kuai Liang on the altar. His clothing had been removed, Quan Chi insisted it would make it easier, as he would be able to have a full overview of his injuries. It really was just the gaping hole in his chest and wound on his face however.

“Ready?” Shang Tsung asked, holding out the bottle containing Kuai Liang’s soul.

“Ready as I will ever be.” Quan Chi gingerly took the bottle from Shang Tsung. He carefully uncorked it, pouring the soul out into his hand. He stared at it, watching as it weaved between his fingers, before he stepped forward to Kuai’s body.

He held out his hand with the soul towards Kuai’s chest, raising his other in the air. Lips began to move, chanting ancient words once whispered by only the most powerful of the Netherrealm’s necromancers. As he chanted, magic began to visibly flow through his body, and Shang Tsung could only watch in fascination. Oh, if this works I have got to get him to teach me how to do this. 

Kuai’s soul began to move erratically, before slithering away from Quan Chi’s hand, surrounding Kuai’s body instead. The power began to lift Kuai from the altar, making his limp body float aimlessly in the air. Magic soon flowed from Quan Chi to join the soul in orbiting around the corpse.

It was at this point that Kuai began to breathe. It was a single loud gasp initially, but turned into a slow and laboured wheeze. Magic began to enter his body, fire began to rise from his hands.

Suddenly his eyes opened, and he let out a blood curdling scream as the fire completely engulfed him. Through the flames, Shang Tsung could just about make out a skeleton. His eyes widened, his stomach dropping, earnest in his belief that Quan Chi had failed.

But, as suddenly as the flames came, they were extinguished, and Kuai Liang fell back down onto the altar, groaning as his head slammed against the strange stone structure.

Quan Chi returned to a neutral stance, and in unison with Shang Tsung stepped forward to observe. Kuai Liang began to cough, pushing himself up. Blood dripped from his mouth, as he trembled.

“Kuai Liang?” Shang Tsung chanced, and the man’s head jerked upwards. It was a little shocking to see his eyes completely white.

“W-What did you do to me?” He growled, voice slurred but still thick with barely concealed rage. “What did you do to me?”

“We brought you back to life.” Shang Tsung took another couple of steps forward, convinced that Kuai Liang would attack him in some way. When he didn’t, he attempted to press his hand to Kuai Liang’s cheek, only for him to jerk backwards with a snarl. “What do you remember?”

“I-“ Kuai Liang paused, his face screwing up ever so slightly. “I don’t… I don’t remember…” He looked up at Shang Tsung, a strange innocence on his face. “I died?”

Oh. He doesn’t remember dying. Shang Tsung had to fight the urge to begin smiling at this turn of events. This played perfectly into his hands.

“Do you remember anything?” He enquired, fishing for information on just how much Kuai Liang remembered, and how much Shang Tsung could get away with twisting the truth.

“W-we were asked to go to the fortress,” Kuai slowly recalled, shifting on the spot. “I- I don’t remember beyond that.”

Shang Tsung could not have asked for a more fortunate turn of events than this.

“You were betrayed, Kuai Liang,” Shang Tsung gently told him, once more reaching forward, this time to brush some hair from his face. “Tomas betrayed you and he killed you.”

“N-No.” Kuai Liang shook his head, tears immediately welling in his eyes. His hands desperately reached for Shang Tsung’s shoulders, fingers digging in so hard Shang Tsung wouldn’t be surprised if it bruised. “No, he wouldn’t- He wouldn’t do that to me!”

“I’m afraid it is true, Kuai Liang,” Quan Chi interrupted, holding his hand up to show a vision of an event that never occurred. A copy of Kuai Liang was attempting to hold back Tomas' attack, finally succumbing when the dagger was driven deep into his chest.

“No, no, no, no,” Kuai chanted, now openly weeping at the sigh of his beloved brother murdering him without remorse. His hand reached for his chest, rubbing at the large scar that now occupied where the gaping wound had been.

“Even worse, the one who orchestrated your demise?” Quan Chi continued, shifting the vision to now show Tomas and Liu Kang, clearly discussing something in secret. Shang Tsung felt himself smirk slightly, oh that one is genius. He would have to compliment Quan Chi on his work later. It was all extremely convincing. “None other than Lord Liu Kang.”

Kuai Liang’s face crumpled further, and he practically began to fall apart. Shang Tsung embraced him, holding the sobbing mess to his chest as he slowly stroked his hair and cooed in his ear.

“Shh, it’s not your fault,” he assured, fitting the comforting saviour role astonishingly well. “Liu Kang has been plotting against The Lin Kuei for a long time now. He and Tomas were in on this from the beginning.”

Kuai suddenly gasped, pulling away enough to look up at Shang Tsung with large pleading eyes.

“Bi-Han. What about Bi-Han?” Kuai’s grip on Shang Tsung tightened, practically hyperventilating at this point. “Did he kill my brother too?”

“No, darling, your brother is still alive, we managed to stop Tomas before he could take him too.” At this, Kuai Liang collapsed against Shang Tsung again. He couldn’t help it, he lent down and pressed a light kiss to Kuai Liang’s forehead. “He is safe with us, and seeking revenge as we speak.”

As loath as he was to break the embrace he currently found himself in, he gently pushed Kuai Liang back slightly. Those empty but somehow still beautiful eyes looked up at him. He looked so lost, so broken. Shang Tsung would be the one to guide and fix him.

“Come with us, and we will aid you in seeking the justice you deserve.”

Kuai Liang blinked, hands slowly sliding up to Shang Tsung’s face.

“What do I need to do, Shang Tsung?” Kuai Liang asked, voice airy like he was in a daze.

Shang Tsung laughed slightly, “just follow me. I will guide your way, Kuai Liang.”

When Kuai Liang gave him a teary smile in return, Shang Tsung knew that now he had the other man, he would never let go.

“Our apologies for making you wait gentlemen,” Shang Tsung announced as he, Quan Chi and Kuai Liang stepped through the portal and back to Ying Fortress. There was a small circle consisting of General Shao, Bi-Han, Rain, Nitara, Havik and Darrius. All of them turned to look at them. “May we introduce you to our newest initiate, the new and improved Scorpion.”

Shang Tsung and Quan Chi stepped aside, revealing Kuai Liang to the group. Clothed now, in a new outfit that in Shang Tsung’s mind fit his new hellish origin. It was a shame that the hood covered his beautiful hair, but the idea that was now for Shang Tsung’s eyes only excited him in ways he couldn’t imagine.

The majority of the group reacted with mild interest. Except, of course, Bi-Han. He looked like he’d just seen a ghost, his entire body going rigid. So still it didn’t even look like he was breathing.

“Bi-Han,” Kuai Liang called out, rushing towards his brother. Bi-Han flinched, expecting an attack of some kind. Instead, Kuai embraced his brother in a tight hug. The confusion on Bi-Han’s face almost made Shang Tsung burst out laughing. “I’m so relieved you’re okay and Tomas did not harm you too.”

“I-“ Bi-Han hesitated, eyes landing on Shang Tsung and narrowing slightly. He wrapped his hands around Kuai Liang’s back, holding him close. “I am relieved you have been returned to me, little brother.”

The glare Bi-Han shot at Shang Tsung demanded an explanation.

“A touching reunion,” Shao spat out sarcastically. “But we need to enact the next part of our plan.” He turned to the circle, “we shall return to Outworld. I have no doubt Liu Kang will be making moves to secure Sindel’s loyalty.”

“We will stay here with The Lin Kuei and continue our work,” Shang Tsung announced. “Good luck, general.”

Quan Chi created a portal, and all in question left through it. That left only them, Bi-Han and Kuai Liang. The two brothers finally broke their embrace, with Kuai Liang turning around to Shang Tsung, eagerly awaiting an order. Oh, it was so adorable, like a little puppy that just learnt how to give its master its paw.

“Kuai Liang, be a dear and assist Quan Chi with his work,” Shang Tsung instructed, delighted at how readily Kuai bowed to him in respect.

“Yes, Shang Tsung.”

And with that he was off, following Quan Chi to some other part of the fortress. Shang Tsung watched with a fond smile. He just couldn’t keep his eyes off him. So much so, he actually jumped when a furious Bi-Han stepped into his field of vision.

“What did you do to him?” Bi-Han demanded, his voice a menacing growl.

“We brought him back to life.” Shang Tsung shrugged as if it were no big deal. “Really Bi-Han, I thought you’d be grateful. After all, you didn’t mean to kill Kuai Liang, did you? I’m just fixing your mistake.”

“Does he know I-“

“No. No, as far as he is aware his death was planned by Liu Kang and committed by Tomas.” He chanced patting Bi-Han’s shoulder, only for the other man to pull back dramatically. “And it would probably serve you well to perpetuate that lie, Bi-Han. I mean, you wouldn’t want him to disobey and betray you all over again, would you?”

“And if he discovers the truth by other means?” Bi-Han shifted on his feet, crossing his arms over his chest and looking over his shoulder. Shang Tsung had to admit, he was surprised by how nervous Bi-Han seemed to be over the entire thing.

“Well, you are correct that he won’t be happy about it.” Kuai’s cries and sobs at the thought that two of the people he trusted the most betrayed him echoed through Shang Tsung’s head. He could imagine the anguished rage at discovering that was all a deception. “We’re just going to have to make sure he never finds out, now aren’t we?”

Bi-Han silently stared at him for a few seconds. His stare was cold, but his anger was just barely concealed. He knew Shang Tsung was right, and that fact seemed to make his blood boil.

“Look at it this way, Bi-han.” Shang Tsung actually placed a hand on Bi-Han’s shoulder, and although he didn’t pull back this time, he did look at it with disgust. “So long as he believes what we tell him, you get the obedient little brother you’ve always wanted.”

It was clear from the way Bi-Han’s face moved that his mouth was twitching under his mask.

“You’d better hope that he continues to be obedient,” Bi-Han growled, lifting his hand to point at Shang Tsung. “Because if he for a second begins to suspect what really happened, I will make you regret desecrating his corpse.”

And with that, Bi-Han turned around and began to stalk off. All Shang Tsung could do was sigh as he watched him go. As Bi-Han was about to exit, Kuai Liang was walking through. The two seemed to share a look for a few seconds, but neither stopped to talk.

Once Kuai Liang was close enough, he questioned “is something wrong with Bi-Han?”

“He is just struggling to comprehend Liu Kang’s deception,” Shang Tsung lied, pressing the back of his hand to Kuai Liang’s cheek. The way he lent into the touch made Shang Tsung’s heart sing. “He will come to terms with it, and together you will be able to seek your revenge.”

Kuai Liang nodded, glancing behind him to where Bi-Han was. There was an ever so slight air of doubt surrounding him. If that was simply an extension of his concern for his brother, or maybe a part of him that did not believe Shang Tsung’s story, he could not tell.

“Did you need something?” He decided to ask, attempting to distract Kuai Liang from whichever of those thoughts was clouding his mind.

“Quan Chi believes he’s ready for the next stage,” Kuai Liang informed him, that doubt dissolving away when he looked towards Shang Tsung. Maybe it had been just over Bi-Han after all.

“Excellent, then we should join him.”

He placed his hand on Kuai Liang’s back, gently pushing him to lead the way to where Quan Chi was. Kuai Liang got the message, and began to walk, all the while Shang Tsung maintained contact between them. Maybe eventually, Kuai Liang could come to crave his touch so much that the reality of the situation wouldn’t even register him.

The truth could send everything crashing around him, but Shang Tsung was cunning, he’d find a way to make sure Kuai Liang’s loyalty lay forever with him.

#mortal kombat #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #shang tsung #kuaishang #🎃halloween horror bingo

[summerwritesfics]

🎐Tolerance

Pairing: Shang Tsung/Kuai Liang Length: 723 Words Rating: Explicit 🔞 Warnings: Orgasm Denial, Orgasm Control, Cock Warming, Rope Bondage, Anal Sex, Kuai Liang is a tsundere, Overstimulation

Everybody Loves Kuai Liang Masterlist

Notes: Another lil smut fic, not quite as soft this time but hey *shurg*

Shang Tsung chuckled as he felt Kuai Liang nuzzle his face into his neck. He knew Kuai was trying to hide the tears from overstimulation. They’d been like this for hours. Shang Tsung relaxed on his throne, Kuai Liang naked, bound in his own ropes and sat on Shang Tsung’s lap. His own cock was buried deep inside the pyromancer, while his hand kept working Kuai’s cock. Every time Kuai started to show signs of reaching climax, he’d stop. Gods, he loved the frustrated and needy squeal that came from Kuai’s lips every time he denied him satisfaction.

His thumb rubbed over the head of Kuai’s over sensitive cock, causing him to gasp and shudder. He felt another bead of precum leak out, smearing around the tip. He ran a hand through Kuai’s hair, turning his head just enough to press a kiss on Kuai’s forehead.

“You’re quite docile like this,” he casually commented, smirking against Kuai’s skin when he heard a frustrated growl. “Who would have thought that all it takes to tame the fearsome Scorpion is a cock inside him and being denied an orgasm.”

“Screw you,” Kuai grumbled, squeezing his eyes shut. He began to tremble as Shang Tsung gently stroked Kuai’s cock.

“Ah, there’s my feisty boy,” he chuckled, gently kissing Kuai’s head again. “I was starting to get worried.”

Kuai mumbled something in his mother tongue, burying his face into Shang Tsung’s neck to muffle himself. Shang Tsung continued to caress the other man's member, alternating between keeping his touch soft and gripping tightly. The precum had made his cock slick, and Shang Tsung’s hand practically glided along the length.

He could feel the way Kuai’s body trembled, muscles locking up so tightly it was clearly causing him to strain. Shang Tsung licked his lips, pushing Kuai right until he was on the edge of an orgasm and then releasing his grip. Kuai gave a small needy whine.

As much as he wanted to continue like this, and he could do this for many more hours, he decided to show Kuai Liang some mercy. He wrapped both of his arms around Kuai’s waist, trying to keep him still. Slowly, he began to thrust his hips up, Kuai groaning from the sudden feeling. He moved with purpose, searching and aiming his cock at various angles, trying to find that certain spot that would turn Kuai into a complete mess.

When Kuai gave a loud moan, Shang Tsung knew he’d found the right spot.

He used his grip around Kuai’s waist to begin to lift him up and down in time to the rhythm of his hips. Speeding up, his movements were strong and rough as he practically bounced Kuai on his cock. Kuai felt heavenly around him, and every time that bundle of nerves was hit, the prettiest sounds escaped from his lips. His body was once again trembling, once more close to orgasm, and if Shang Tsung was being honest, he wasn’t that far behind.

Kuai’s hole suddenly clenched around him, before Shang Tsung felt the clothing on his torso growing wet. Kuai’s eyes were practically rolled to the back of his head, as Shang Tsung continued to fuck him through the orgasm. The way Kuai’s hole clung to him with every thrust added to the heights of his pleasure.

He groaned, pushing Kuai back all the way down, burying his cock inside him as he released, filling the other man to the brim. He lazily thrust a few more times, chasing after the remaining pleasure and making sure every drop of his cum was emptied into his lover.

Eventually he stilled, but did not pull out, settling Kuai back into their previous positions. Kuai’s chest heaved with laboured breaths, and Shang Tsung had to take a moment to catch his own.

“I love you,” he sighed, pulling Kuai close to him, wrapping his arms around the other man in a possessive manner.

“I tolerate you,” Kuai said almost under his breath. Shang Tsung could only laugh at that. It was a long standing thing in their relationship that Kuai refused to admit his true feelings. Shang Tsung didn’t mind, he could say it enough for both of them.

Besides, the amount of time it would take would just make those words finally coming out all the sweeter.

#mortal kombat #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #shang tsung #kuaishang #🎐everybody loves kuai liang

[summerwritesfics]

🎐Let Us Take Care Of You

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang/Harumi Hasashi Length: 981 Words Rating: Explicit 🔞 Warnings: Threesome (F/M/M), Oral Sex, Blow Jobs, Bodyguard AU, Bodyguard!Kuai Liang, Minor Injuries, Fluff and Smut, Soft and Sweet, Light Praise Kink

Everybody Loves Kuai Liang Masterlist

Notes: Aaaa short soft and sweet smut. ngl, I have been struggling with smut since I did kinktober last year, so I think I might do a few of these smaller fics just to try and get back into it :)

Kuai moaned and pushed himself back into Hanzo’s chest. The elder man chuckled, pinching at his nipples. He was sitting on Hanzo’s lap, while Harumi was knelt in front of them both, her lips stretched around Kuai’s cock, bobbing up and down along his length.

Her tongue trailed along the underside, causing him to whine and squirm in Hanzo’s grasp. Hanzo’s hands ran along his sides, being careful not to put too much pressure on the bruises across his ribs. Finally, they paused at his hips, holding them tightly and stilling him just as Harumi pushed herself forward, swallowing around his cock as she did.

“M-Miss Harumi,” he breathed out, his hands reaching back to Hanzo’s biceps. Given the vibration against his dick, he had a feeling Harumi was laughing at him. God, it felt good though, sending a shudder down his spine.

“Shh,” Hanzo whispered in his ear. His thumb rubbed circles in Kuai’s hip bones, and he dipped his head lower to kiss his neck. “Let us take care of you, like you take care of us.”

Kuai wanted to point out the two situations were nowhere near comparable. He was their bodyguard, it was his literal job to lay his life down for them. They didn’t need to do this just because he’d been stupid and fallen in love with them both. But when he opened his mouth to voice this, Harumi’s tongue swirled around the head of his cock and it turned into a choked sob instead.

“I know,” Hanzo muttered against his skin, squeezing his hips. “I know you think you don’t deserve this, but you do.” As Harumi descended on his dick again, she hummed in agreement, reaching one of her hands up to gently pat his stomach. “We’ll spend the rest of our lives if that’s what it takes to make you see that you deserve this.”

“Mr Hanzo.” Despite the name that came out of his lips, his eyes were down, fixed on Harumi and her slow deliberate movements. The way she hollowed out her cheeks when she pulled back, suckling at him, before she dove back down almost making him bucking his hips up to meet her. Hanzo’s hands stopped him though. “P-Please.”

He wasn’t sure what he was pleading for. His hands clenched, pressing into Hanzo’s biceps.

When they had hired him, he could never have imagined this was what would end up happening. He’d tried to stay as impartial about them as possible initially, like he did with all his previous clients. It had been so easy with those in his past, they all tended to be rude and dismissive towards him. He knew it’d be different this time, when on the first night he’d worked for them, they invited him to sit and eat with them.

From there, the feelings snowballed. He told himself it was just a crush. The pathetic sort that lonely people like him got, the sort where all someone had to do was to show him a base level of kindness and he was putty in their hands. He’d vowed he couldn’t act on these feelings, even as they continued to grow. He would complete his contract with the Hasashi’s, and then not renew it.

At least, that was the plan until that night.

It was the first time in their employment that he’d needed to act to protect them, and he’d gotten badly injured in the process. Past clients expected him to take care of his own wounds. Not the Hasashi’s. They’d both taken it upon themselves to gently tend to him, and somehow it broke the dam and all his feelings came flooding out. He’d never felt more pitiful than the moment that through sobs and tears he told them he loved them.

“We love you,” Hanzo growled into his ear, as Harumi sucked hard on the head of his cock. “We love you so much.”

Kuai gasped, partially at what Hanzo just said and partially at the feeling of Harumi’s lips gliding back down his cock. Pleasure coiled deep in his stomach, and he had to close his eyes and grit his teeth to try and stop himself from coming right there and then. He felt Hanzo’s laugh as a hot breath against his cheek.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to hold it back.” Lips pressed against his cheek in small bursts, the pace of that skilled mouth began to increase, making him begin to quake from the need to finish. “Cum for us, Kuai Liang.”

It was like those words were a command, one that his body was eager and ready to obey. As Harumi took his entire cock inside her mouth, so deep he could feel the back of her throat stretch to accommodate the intrusion, he couldn’t hold it back. White hot pleasure rolled over his entire body as he reached climax. His hips jutted up slightly, chasing the aftershocks, whimpering from just how good it felt.

“That’s a good boy,” Hanzo purred, continuing to kiss Kuai’s cheek and neck.

He felt Harumi pull off his cock with a wet pop, and finally he opened his eyes, watching with blurred vision as she rose to her feet. She lent forward, gently pressing a kiss to his lips.

“You’re wonderful,” she whispered against his lips, kissing him again. “You are so very wonderful.”

Kuai opened his mouth to try and argue they were the wonderful ones, but as if sensing what he was about to say, Harumi silenced him with another kiss. Once she broke away, Kuai felt a hand on his chin, tilting his head to one side and soon Hanzo’s lips were meeting his own as well.

He decided even if he protested, they’d probably shut it down anyway. Instead, he let himself bask in how content he felt in the embrace of two people who loved him.

#mortal kombat #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #hanzo hasashi #harumi hasashi #harumi shirai #subscorprumi #🎐everybody loves kuai liang

[summerwritesfics]

🍪Fool’s Paradise

Pairing: None Length: 1483 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Family Dinners, Family Drama, Past Character Death, Resurrection, Implied/Referenced Murder, Past Murder, Denial, Bàba Zero & Mama Zero are both in heavy denial, Bad things happened to Kuai Liang, No one in this is coping in a healthy way @sweetspicybingo: Family Dinner

Sweet & Spicy Bingo Masterlist

Notes: Today on Summer is mean to Kuai Liang… Altho tbf I’m more torturing his family via him in this one so… :)

Tomas poked at his dumpling with his chopsticks. It looked delicious, as Mother’s food always did, but his appetite was none existent. Every time he looked up, he saw the rest of his family, happily taking portions from the various dishes in the centre of the table. Well, everyone except Kuai Liang, who was blankly staring at the wall opposite him. No one seemed bothered, Mother just occasionally placed some food on Kuai’s plate, only for him to not eat any of it.

How was he the only person unnerved by all this?

“So… Are we all just supposed to pretend nothing happened?” He finally asked, trying not to slam his chopsticks down on the table in frustration.

Mother turned to him and gave him an uneasy smile. “What do you mean?”

He ground his teeth together, eyes landing on Kuai Liang again. There was still no reaction, and the food Mother was placing on his plate just kept piling up. He looked to Father and Bi-Han. Father sat with his hands clasped together, looking at Tomas expectantly. Meanwhile Bi-Han had his head low, scowl on his face like he was trying to avoid all of them.

“I mean-“ He stopped himself, taking a deep breath. He lowered his voice as he said “I mean what happened with Kuai Liang.”

It was like that sentence somehow paused time itself. No one moved, and certainly no one spoke. It was like everyone stopped breathing. Mother and Father shared a glance, it looked like they were having a silent conversation. Bi-Han pointedly looked away from everyone, while Kuai’s empty stare never wavered. Tomas swallowed, trying to hold back tears.

“He died,” Tomas stressed when no one answered him. “He died and we watched him die.”

Granted, his memories of that day were blurred at best. He remembered Lin Kuei running around the temple, before Father had come to collect Bi-Han and him, telling them something had happened to Kuai Liang. Tomas believed nothing could ever come close to what he witnessed the day his birth mother and sister died, but what waited for them in that hospital room was definitely up there. Kuai’s battered and brutalised body, so many wires attached to him trying in vain to keep him alive. The second Tomas walked into that room, he knew there was no coming back.

He would forever be haunted by the sound of Mother screaming for her baby as Kuai Liang flatlined.

Yet here Kuai Liang was. Sat at the dinner table. Alive. 

“The Doctor’s just got it wrong, that’s all,” Mother tried to excuse, voice strained and tears in her eyes.

Father sighed softly, reaching over the table to take her hand as he whispered “Yawen.”

Mother blinked, tears rolling down her cheeks as she looked at Father. She hiccuped slightly, before violently jerking her hand from him. Father looked hurt, but did nothing to stop her. Gut twisted further, Tomas suddenly got the feeling Father had something to do with this.

That unfortunately clicked into place far too well.

After all, who else would have been able to access Kuai Liang’s body for it to have gone missing?

“What did you do?” Mother was addressing Father but looking at Kuai Liang instead. She gently placed a hand on her youngest son’s cheek. For the first time since he’d come back, Kuai actually reacted, even if it was just a small flinch at the contact. “I’m grateful he is back, but what did you do to him?”

“What I had to,” Father replied simply. Tomas didn’t understand what that meant.

And if he knew a way to bring someone back from the dead, how come he never brought my Mama or Tamara back to me? 

Although, given the state Kuai Liang was currently in, maybe it was a blessing in disguise that they were never subjected to all of this.

“He’s been through something traumatic,” Father continued, refusing to elaborate on what exactly he’d done. Tomas bit his lip, resisting the urge to question if Lord Liu Kang knew of this turn of events. “He just needs time to adjust. We just need to be patient with him.”

“So… You really do expect us to just pretend like nothing happened?” Bi-Han hissed, and the glare he was giving his Father was deadly. Tomas had been on the receiving end of Bi-Han’s anger far too often, and even he’d never seen this amount of hatred in his brother’s eyes. “We’re all just supposed to retreat into a fucking fantasy where some bastard didn’t murder him in cold blood?”

Father’s face tightened and he reached a hand up to rub his temples. “When he’s recovered, then we can focus on what happened to him, and seek vengeance against those who did this.” He placed both hands on the table, looking around at everyone one by one. “Until then, we need to reduce any stress for him. Putting too much on him, too soon, will be catastrophic.”

Tomas bowed his head slightly. What on Earth did you do, Father? He loved his family, truly he did, they took him in when they really had no obligation to. He would never say a bad word about any of them. But by the Elder God’s, he had doubts that what Father had done in this instance was a good thing.

“Bi-Han,” Father directed, clearly trying to defuse his eldest son’s anger. “I promise, we will find out who did this, and we will make them pay.” Father looked towards Kuai Liang, where Mother was gently stroking his cheek with the back of her hand. “But you need to have patience.”

Bi-Han glared at him, before his own gaze landed on Kuai. He was still shaking with rage, but took a deep breath and bit out a bitter, “fine.”

Silence settled once again, and while Tomas was sure no one was feeling it anymore, they all returned to their meals. The dumpling he placed in his mouth was delicious even if not as hot as he’d have liked it to be.

When Tomas saw Kuai move from the corner of his eye, his head shot up. Slowly, Kuai was lifting his hands, while lowering his head slightly to stare at them. His face was still blank, but his brow ever so slightly scrunched up like he was confused.

“Kuai Liang?” Mother whispered hopefully. She reached for Kuai’s face again. This time he didn’t flinch, but slowly turned his head towards her.

“Mama?” His voice croaked, small and pretty much devoid of life. Tomas' heart broke, none of them had referred to Mother as Mama in years. It was too embarrassing in front of the other recruits, who’d often make fun of them for it.

“Yes. Yes, it’s me, my little flame,” she whispered, cradling his face in his hands. “It’s okay, I’ve got you.”

Kuai blinked a few times, “D-Don’t… Understand.”

“I know.” Mother laughed slightly, tears rolling down her cheeks as she blinked. “But you’ll be okay, Mama’s here.”

Kuai still looked blank, but his eyes were more focused now, and even from afar, Tomas could see how wet his eyes were getting. It was like he was completely lost, searching for an answer to a question he couldn’t even ask.

“Why don’t we go for a walk,” she suggested, and as she stood she took Kuai’s hands in her own. He let Mother guide him to his feet. “That’s it, come with me.”

Tomas didn’t say anything, neither did Bi-Han or Father. All three just watched as Kuai awkwardly followed after his Mother, legs stiff and not bending properly like he’d forgotten how to actually walk. All the time, she gently coaxed him to keep following with words of praise.

Once the pair were gone, Father, Bi-Han and Tomas continued their silence. Even though Tomas’ mind was screaming at him to say something, anything, he just couldn’t seem to conjure any words. All he could do was bite his lip, and look down at his plate. His dumpling’s had long since cooled.

He placed his chopsticks down on his plate, pushing it back onto the table. He hadn’t been hungry in the first place, but now he felt downright sick. Neither Father nor Bi-Han attempted to stop him as he also stood up and walked out of the room.

His footsteps echoed throughout the halls, in the distance he could hear Mother still talking to Kuai, occasionally he heard his voice, although short and sharp. When he heard a high pitched whine, and Mother cooing softly, he decided that it may be for the best to allow her to deal with whatever was going on.

He turned the corner in the opposite direction to where their voices were coming from.

“It’s okay, Kuai Liang, it’s all going to be okay,” Mother assured him.

Tomas was not so optimistic.

#sweetspicywinter #mortal kombat #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #bi han #noob saibot #tomas vrbada #smoke #mk smoke #🍪sweet & spicy bingo (winter edition)

[summerwritesfics]

🌎Born From The Sea And The Waves

Pairing: Shang Tsung/Kuai Liang Length: 3107 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Pirate/Merpeople AU, Pirate!Shang Tsung, Merman!Kuai Liang, Pirate!Quan Chi, Minor Character Death, Captivity, Rescue, Abduction, Magic, Language Spells, Deals

Meanwhile In Another Universe Masterlist

Notes: This has been sitting in my drafts for like a month honestly, so… Haha. I feel like Kuai came out vaguely threatening in this, he’s just a bit devious and willing to play Shang Tsung’s games until he can come out on top tbh. Title is from “Goddess” by Cepheid.

“Don’t leave anyone alive,” Shao ordered as Shang Tsung surveyed the situation on the deck.

The majority of the ship's crew had been dealt with, corpses littering the floor to the point it was hard to step over them all. Still, it was necessary. This ship supposedly was carrying great treasures, and Captain Shao had wanted to claim it for his own. Somehow, despite the nature of the ship's cargo, it seemed no one had expected a pirate attack, leading to one of the easiest takeovers Shang Tsung had ever experienced.

Still… That did make Shang Tsung dubious on if what they’d find in the cargo hold was worth it after all.

“Shang Tsung, Quan Chi,” Shao directed towards the two men, they both straightened up and stood to order. “With me. Let’s go see what this ship was carrying.”

“Yes Captain,” they replied in unison.

As Shao made his way past them towards the trap door to the hold, Shang Tsung shot Quan Chi a look. Neither of them particularly liked being subordinate to the brute of a captain, but it was undeniable that this was a better position than most in their profession. Since Sorcery had been prohibited, they only had the choices of suppressing their gifts or becoming outlaws. Shao had been eager to get magic in his arsenal, and so mostly let them do whatever they wished aboard his ship or during their rare expeditions on shore. Hell, if they were lucky and the Captain was feeling particularly generous they may even get some of the riches within this cabin.

For now, this position benefitted them, but that didn’t mean it would forever. They just had to bide their time.

Regardless, they both turned to follow their Captain. He’d already opened the trap door, and was making his way down the stairs. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi followed him down into the darkness, lit only by the light let in from the trap doors, and a few cracks in the wood. Shang Tsung flicked his hand, and several lanterns within the hold flickered to life. They didn’t add much light, but enough for them to see what was in the hold.

Or rather… to see the hold was more or less empty.

Oh I knew it. There’s nothing even here. There weren’t even any boxes, just something at the very end of the hold covered by a large cloth.

“What a bountiful treasure,” Quan Chi sarcastically commented, wandering around the room and folding his arms over his chest. “I can barely move there’s so much.”

“I do not understand,” Shao growled, head jerking around and teeth bared. “I was assured there was a particularly rare treasure on this ship.”

Shang Tsung’s eyes landed on the large cloth, and he raised an eyebrow. Rare treasure. Not treasures. Maybe whatever it was would be under the cloth. He went to approach it, blocking out Shao and Quan Chi bickering between themselves on how they could have been fooled so easily. The cloth was within reaching distance, and he grabbed at it, gently pulling until it slowly cascaded down and onto the floor. Underneath was a glass tank of some kind, completely filled with water.

It was what inhabited the tank that was truly interesting.

At first glance, you would have thought that it was a human man. That would be until you’d see the large fish tail, adorned with beautiful yellow scales, and the gills on the sides of his neck. His dark hair floated within the water like it was liquid itself. His head was hung low and eyes closed, but Shang Tsung could make out a muzzle or something strapped to his face. In fact, he had cuffs around his neck, wrists and the end of his tail, all attached to chains linked to the bottom of the tank. They barely gave the poor creature room to move, and what he could see of the skin underneath the cuffs looked red and raw.

Shang Tsung ran his hand along the glass, slowly getting onto his knees.

“Hello beautiful,” he half whispered, eyes captivated by the sight in front of him. Oh, I was so wrong. This was indeed a rare treasure, far more so than any amount of gold would have been.

“Is that a Mermaid?” Shao questioned, and Shang Tsung could hear two sets of footsteps approach him.

“Well, a Merman, by the looks of it,” Quan Chi confirmed quietly. Shang Tsung could see their faces reflected in the glass. Quan Chi looked shell shocked, he would be as aware as Shang Tsung was of the significance of what was in front of them.

“That is the great treasure?” Shao snarled, he looked far less impressed than either of his companions.

“Captain, I do not think you understand what you are looking at here.” Shang Tsung’s eyes never left the creature in front of him. He was captivated. Stories of Merpeople always told of their otherworldly beauty, but he could never have imagined just how stunning one would look in the flesh. “Merpeople have long been the subject of myth and legend. Many sailors and pirates have claimed to see them, but none have ever been captured for study.” He laughed under his breath, using a finger to trace the merman’s form. “A living Merman. Oh, he could bring us so much power. People would kill just for a glance at his beauty.”

“Are you sure he’s alive?” Quan Chi asked, tilting his head slightly. “He hasn’t moved at all.”

Shang Tsung blinked, that was a good point. He clenched his hand into a fist, and gently knocked on the glass. As if awoken from a deep slumber, the Merman’s head jerked upwards, his eyes shooting open. Two yellow eyes with slit pupils stared at Shang Tsung from the other side of the glass. His eyes were wide, as they darted around slightly, like he was trying to work out what he was looking at.

Suddenly he began to thrash, the chains and cuffs keeping him mostly in place.

Shang Tsung pressed his hand against the glass again as he whispered “shh, it’s okay, settle down now.”

The merman didn’t listen, just continued to try and break free of his confines. Shang Tsung clicked his tongue, he needed to find a way to calm the poor thing down. He stood up, looking towards the top of the tank and trying to find how to open it. There were no obvious latches. Had they ever intended to let this unfortunate creature out?

“We need to find a way to get him out of there,” Shang Tsung summarised, still trying to look for a way to get into the tank.

Captain Shao groaned loudly, and Shang Tsung turned just in time to see him grabbing his warhammer and lifting it. Shang Tsung’s eyes widened as he realised what he was about to do. He just about managed to dive out of the way of Shao’s swing as the hammer went slamming into the glass. The force was so great it shattered instantly, sending the water pouring out onto the floor.

The merman ended up on the floor of the tank, breathing heavily as he tried to adjust to the air. His wet hair hung over his face, but even so, Shang Tsung could see those yellow eyes looking at them with suspicion and fear.

Shang Tsung stepped back up to approach it. The merman yelped and tried to pull back, once more stopped by the bonds.

“Shh, shh, it’s okay, I won’t hurt you,” he tried to say softly, but if the merman could understand him it didn’t do much to help. He reached to the back of the merman’s head, finding the straps of the muzzle and carefully undoing the latch. Despite the struggle, he was able to pull it from the merman and reveal the rest of his face.

There were thick red marks where the muzzle had clearly been cutting into his skin, but other than that, he could now take in just how spectacular this creature was. His face looked like it had been carved by some divine being, features somehow strong yet soft looking. Something Shang Tsung hadn’t noticed before was a large barely healed scar over his one eye.

The merman snarled at him, before speaking in a strange language that Shang Tsung did not recognise.

“Do you understand me?” He asked, but the merman didn’t react. Hm, well, at least the stories of Merpeople being able to speak human languages seem to be untrue. 

He reached forward, taking the merman’s face in his hands. Fingers reached behind one of the mermaid’s ear’s, letting his magic flow and brand his flesh. The merman screeched, attempting to pull away from him, but Shang Tsung held him tightly, refusing to let him.

“I know, I know, just a little more.” Finally his spell was complete, and he let the merman jerk away. “There, you did so well.”

The merman’s eyes widened, and his eyes shot up to Shang Tsung’s face. He spoke in that language again, and while Shang Tsung didn’t know for sure what was said, he could at the very least tell it was a question. No doubt about the fact that he could now understand Shang Tsung as clear as day.

“One more spell, okay beautiful?”

He grabbed the back of the merman’s neck with a single hand, once more he tried to pull away from him. As the fingers on his free hand made contact with the delicate skin around the merman’s Adam’s apple, he could feel the merman begin to shiver. Once more, the magic flowed, and this time the merman whined as slowly a green symbol began to burn itself into his throat. The merman’s cries got louder and louder, his tail trying to fight the chains that held him.

And just like that, once more the spell was done. Shang Tsung released the merman, letting him shuffle back once more. If the chains were long enough, the merman would have no doubt reached to rub his neck, but they were far too short to even let him bend his elbows.

“What was-“ The merman paused, eyes widening in horror as he realised those two words had just come from his own mouth. Shang Tsung almost winced at the venomous glare he was given. “What did you do to me?”

“Just a few spells to allow for easier communication between us,” he assured him, but the merman didn’t seem to be having it. “Language spells. One so you can understand us, and one so we can understand you. Nothing terrible.”

“I do not wish to speak your filthy language, land-dweller!” The merman’s tone was as bitter as his stare. “Return to me my real voice.”

“Or what?” Shao questioned, glaring the merman up and down. “You are in a pitiful situation, creature. You are no threat to us.”

The merman spat at Shao’s feet. “I will drag you to the bottom of the ocean with me, scum!”

“Now, now, gentlemen, there’s no need for all this,” Shang Tsung interrupted, hoping Shao was not about to bring his hammer out again. He turned to the merman. “I believe there is a misunderstanding, we are not the ones who captured you.”

“That does not matter.” The merman bared his teeth, and for the first time Shang Tsung could really see just how sharp they were. Well, he guessed the species needed a way to tear through the flesh of the fish they ate. “All that live on the land have no regard for the beings of the ocean.”

“We are different from most land-dwellers.” His claim just made the merman scoff. “We have been cast out from the land, the ocean is our home and our freedom.” He chanced reaching his hand forward, brushing some of the merman’s hair out of his face. “We respect that which gives us refuge.”

The merman’s eyes narrowed, but he didn’t speak. While the trust was clearly not there, the fact the merman allowed Shang Tsung to gently pet his hair was a signal he was maybe at least willing to hear them out.

“What is your name?” Shang Tsung asked, watching as the Merman fought the urge to lean into his hand.

“Kuai Liang,” he mumbled in response, closing his eyes as he did. “My name is Kuai Liang.”

“Kuai Liang,” Shang Tsung repeated, the name sounding melodic on his tongue. Truly a beautiful name to fit such a beautiful creature. “How exactly did you end up in this position?”

Kuai Liang’s face screwed up slightly but his mouth was tight. Eventually a single eye opened and he explained “my brother was caught in a net, I went to rescue him, only to get tangled in it instead. He could not reach me before I was dragged above the waves.” He shifted slightly, once more pulled against the chain. He grimaced as he looked down at the bonds. “The men who pulled me aboard their ship… I could not understand them. But they passed me on to other men, who put me in here.”

“Then I suppose if you could not understand them, you do not know what they were going to do with you?” He asked, and Kuai Liang shook his head in confirmation.

“What are we going to do with him?” Quan Chi suddenly asked, and Shang Tsung just about managed to tear his eyes away to look at his crewmate. Shao clearly opened his mouth to reply but Quan Chi cut him off with “selling him off is not a viable option. Anyone who would pay what he’s actually worth would not do business with the likes of us.”

Kuai Liang hissed and jerked back. Well, there went any progress Shang Tsung was making on getting him to trust them.

“Easy.” He pulled Kuai Liang back towards him, once more stroking his head to try and calm him down. “Maybe we can come to some kind of arrangement that would benefit us all.”

“Arrangement?” Kuai Liang growled. He moved his head forward and Shang Tsung stilled, thinking he was possibly lungeing to take a bite out of him. However, instead, Kuai Liang just rested his forehead against Shang Tsung’s shoulder, shuddering slightly as he did. Hm, maybe we didn’t lose his trust after all. 

“Yes, an arrangement.” He ran a hand down Kuai Liang’s spine, feeling its subtle curve. Despite looking somewhat scrawny, he could feel powerful muscles under Kuai Liang’s skin. “They say a merperson’s voice can enchant even the most hardy of men.”

“No.” Kuai Liang’s short answer caught Shang Tsung off guard. Initially he believed the merman was just flat out refusing to come to an agreement, until Kuai Liang pulled back and looked Shang Tsung in the eye. “It is sirens who possess those abilities. I am not a siren.”

“I see.” He clicked his tongue. Well, he was learning from this, he supposed. Siren’s and Merpeople were two different species, and given Kuai’s sharp reply they didn’t like being mixed up.

“If it is an arrangement you wish, then allow me to propose this.” Kuai Liang shuffled forward, or as forward as the chains allowed. “Release me, and I can guide your crew to treasure your kind has only ever dreamed of.” His mouth quirked upwards into a smile. “Land-dwellers do so love their trinkets. And I know of so many, untouched for centuries, waiting for someone foolish enough to search for it. Impossible to reach, unless you have a guide, like myself.”

“What kinds of treasure are we speaking of?” Shao asked. Of course that would get his interest. Although, Shang Tsung had to admit, his curiosity was also peaked.

“Gold coins, jewels worn by monarchs long deceased.” Kuai Liang’s eyes flicked over towards Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, eyes narrowing slightly. “Magical artefacts with power beyond anything you could possess now.”

“What are your conditions?” Shang Tsung was not a fool. This all sounded so tempting, far better than if they’d just found actual treasure in the hold instead. But that was the point. It sounded far too tempting, far too generous for what the merman would get in return. “Because I doubt you would give us such information for your freedom alone.”

Kuai Liang tilted his head slightly, those golden yellow eyes staring him down.

“You say you are different from other land-dwellers.” Kuai’s mouth split into a grin. “Then prove it to me. Show me how much better than the average men you all are.” The way Kuai Liang looked at him, it was clear he knew they were no better than any other man. He was giving them a task he knew they would fail. “I will take you to all the treasures your heart can desire, so long as you display your so called superiority.”

“You are a devious thing, aren’t you?” Shang Tsung fondly commented. He had to admit, he liked Kuai Liang’s style. He’d make a good pirate in another life. “Fine, we’ll agree to your conditions.”

He half expected an objection, at least from Shao. He wasn’t usually the type who liked other people taking the lead. It seemed the promise of treasures was more than enough for him to agree.

“Excellent,” Kuai Liang purred, gesturing with the chains.

Shang Tsung didn’t need to be told what the hint was. He held onto the chains, once more letting the magic flow. After a bit of resistance, the cuffs unlocked and fell off to the floor. Kuai Liang lifted one of his hands and looked at his wrist. It looked very raw and painful, but Shang Tsung was sure a bit of ointment would help it heal nicely.

He reached forward, hooking his arms around Kuai’s torso and waist before hauling him off the floor. The merman wrapped his arms around Shang Tsung’s neck. Looking at his face, he looked incredibly smug, like he’d just won some sort of game. In a way, Shang Tsung believed he may indeed have done so.

“Gentleman,” Shang Tsung addressed to Shao and Quan Chi rather than dwell on the strange feeling that Kuai Liang had them all at his mercy. “Treasures untold await us.”

The three of them laughed, stalking off to return to the deck and then their own ship. Still, as Shang Tsung observed the merman still in his arms, and the gleeful mania shining in his eyes, he began to get the sinking feeling they may have been making a terrible mistake.

#mortal kombat #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #shang tsung #kuaishang #🌎meanwhile in another universe

[summerwritesfics]

🌎A Truce

Pairing: None Length: 1669 Words Rating: Teen Warnings: Modern AU, Child!Tomas Vrbada, Child!Bi-Han, Baby!Kuai Liang, Adoption, Adopted Children, Adopted Sibling Relationship, Fluff, Family Fluff, Past Character Death, Babies, Childbirth, Hospitals, Jealousy, Tomas has very little concept of how long childbirth can take, Bi-Han is a little shit (But a little shit with a soft spot for Kuai Liang so)

Meanwhile In Another Universe Masterlist

Notes: You know, at this point MK1 could explicitly tell me Tomas is the youngest and I would still be here like “yeah but he has middle child energy so idc” lol. For ages in this I was thinking Bi-Han maybe being 9-10 and Tomas being 7-8. Kuai is obviously a newborn, somewhere between half-and-hour to an hour old.

Tomas didn’t really understand why the Song family had adopted him.

Not that they treated him badly. In fact, despite his new elder brother’s complaints, his new parents treated him extremely well and had gone out of their way to make sure he was happy and comfortable in his new home. They’d done everything to make sure he knew they adopted him because they wanted him. He had his own room, filled with toys and clothes, Father always helped him with his homework, Mother would sit up and sing lullabies when he had nightmares. They’d even found Doctor Ashrah, the nice lady who Tomas talked to about the deaths of his Sister and Mother.

But he still didn’t understand, mostly on the grounds that his new Mother had been very clearly pregnant when they first met. If they were expecting another child already, then what was Tomas for? They could clearly still have their own children, so why did they need Tomas too? It was confusing, even if he was thankful for their strange decision.

But that was why he was now sitting in a hospital waiting room, Bi-Han explicitly ignoring him. Mother had gone into labour some time ago and Father had gone straight to her. Madame Bo, the kindly elderly lady who ran a nearby cafe, had brought Tomas and Bi-Han to the hospital from school. Tomas wasn’t exactly an expert on babies and childbirth, but they’d been here for an hour, their parents even longer, surely the baby had to be out of her by now, right?

As if to answer his question, the door opposite them opened, and their Father stuck his head out of the door. He looked tired, but excited, so that was probably a good sign. He smiled at them both.

“Come on, there’s someone who’d like to meet you both,” Father gently told them, moving aside to allow them through the door.

Bi-Han immediately jumped off the chair and stepped forward. Tomas scrambled to keep up. As they entered, Father shut the door behind them. Across the room, Mother was sitting up in the bed, holding a bundle of cloth to her chest. As she looked at them, she smiled brightly. Although, if Tomas thought Father looked tired, she looked positively exhausted. Her usually immaculate hair was a complete mess, and her eyelids looked heavy.

“Hello boys,” she greeted softly, as they both approached her. “Meet Kuai Liang, he’s your little brother.”

She moved the bundle slightly, and indeed, wrapped up inside the cloth was a baby. His eyes were shut and it seemed he was fast asleep, not making a sound. Kuai Liang, huh? That was a nice name.

“Would you like to hold him?” Father asked them, and Tomas froze. He’d never held a baby before, what if he dropped him? Father clearly saw the fear on Tomas’ face as he gently chuckled and continued with “I’ll help you support him.”

He turned to Mother as she held out Kuai Liang for him to take. He turned to Bi-Han first. Gently instructing Bi-Han on how to hold his arms. Once he was in the acceptable position, Father placed the baby in his arms. His hands didn’t leave completely, holding Bi-Han steady and telling him how to hold the head.

Bi-Han stared down at his new baby brother. Tomas wasn’t sure how he’d react. He did not like Tomas' presence, he likely couldn’t stand yet another brother fighting for their parents attention.

Then, to Tomas' eternal surprise, Bi-Han actually began to smile.

“Hi, Kuai Liang,” he softly said, his eyes never leaving the baby in his arms. “I’m Bi-Han. Your big brother.”

Tomas hated that he felt a pang of jealousy at Bi-Han referring to himself as that. He shouldn’t be envious of a literal baby, Kuai had barely taken a breath and didn’t even know what a brother was. And yet… Tomas wished Bi-Han could have said the same thing to him when he arrived at the Song’s house.

“Tomas, do you want a turn?” Father asked, taking Kuai Liang back from Bi-Han. Tomas nodded, still a little unsure and scared he could accidentally hurt him. “It’s okay. I’ll help you, okay? Hold the head with one hand, and the lower half with the other.”

Tomas did as he was told as the baby was passed to him. Father kept hold of his arms, making sure to give him a little bit of extra support.

Now he was up close, he could see Kuai Liang better. He felt his heart pounding in his chest. He was cute, in the ugly sort of way that only a baby could be. As the baby squirmed slightly in his arms, all Tomas could think was how this was his brother. His little brother.

When his sister, Tamara, was still alive, they both agreed they wanted a younger sibling. Being twins they were exactly the same age, so even though Tomas was slightly older he didn’t have the age gap to be a typical elder sibling you’d see on TV. So, they had agreed that if their Mother ever became pregnant again, they would be the best big brother and sister the world had ever seen.

But his Mother and Tamara were gone now, and he was with this new family who loved him despite him not being of their blood.

Kuai Liang wasn’t his blood, but he was his brother, and he owed it to Tamara to be the absolute best big brother he could to Kuai Liang.

I won’t let you down, sister. 

“Hey Kuai Liang,” he finally spoke aloud, letting himself smile. It was amazing, how in just a few seconds he knew he’d adore his new brother for the rest of his life. “I’m Tomas, I’m your other big brother.”

To his surprise, there was no cutting or sarcastic remark from Bi-Han about that.

He let Father take Kuai Liang again, feeling sad at the loss but realising that Mother was really the one who deserved the most time with him. She’d done the majority of the work after all. When she took hold of him again, he made a small fussy sound, but settled quickly. Mother lent down and gently kissed Kuai Liang’s tiny forehead.

“Why don’t you boys go get yourself some snacks from a vending machine?” Father suddenly suggested, reaching into his pocket to get his wallet out. He took out a few dollars, and pressed them into Bi-Han’s palm.

Bi-Han silently looked at Tomas, gaze so neutral that Tomas could not tell at all what he was feeling at that moment. Still, when he turned to leave the room, Tomas followed obediently. As he stepped through the door, he took a look over his shoulder, just in time to see Mother and Father kiss each other on the lips. They looked so happy, despite the air of exhaustion.

He followed Bi-Han through the halls, both boys keeping silent. Tomas kept stealing occasional glances at his brother. He still couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and it was making Tomas’ gut twist. They rounded a corner, finding a vending machine behind it. Before they reached it, Bi-Han turned on the spot and stared Tomas down. He felt himself shrink. Why did it feel like this was how he was going to die?

“Alright, let’s get this over with,” Bi-Han snarled, pointing at Tomas threateningly. “I don’t like you, and you don’t like me.” Tomas actually whimpered at that. He had no idea why Bi-Han thought he didn’t like him, he’d tried his best. “But… I think we can both agree that we both like Kuai Liang.”

Well… That’s true. Where is he going with this? 

“So. I am offering you a truce.” A truce? Tomas knew what one was, he’d learnt that in school quite recently, but it was usually in the context of war, and as far as he was aware, he and Bi-Han were not in a war. “From this point on, everything we do is for Kuai Liang.”

“Agreed,” Tomas said simply with a huge grin. He didn’t even need to think about it. He already knew he was going to look after Kuai Liang, and if that came with the benefit of Bi-Han maybe being nicer to him, then that really was just a bonus.

“Good. We should shake on it.” Bi-Han suddenly spat into his hand and held it out to Tomas, much to his disgust. “Now you spit into yours and then we shake. It’s how adults make deals.”

“Do they really spit into their hands?” Tomas questioned. He’d seen plenty of adults shaking hands, especially while he was in the orphanage. He couldn’t recall ever seeing anyone spitting.

Still, Bi-Han seemed insistent on that detail, so reluctantly, he spat into his hand. He hated how it felt, and hated even more how when his hand met Bi-Han’s there was a weird squishing between their palms. Bi-Han shook their hands vigorously, which only seemed to spread the saliva. Eventually he let go and Tomas pulled his hand back, grimacing at it.

“Right, now that’s done.” Bi-Han was wiping off the spit on his shirt, and seeing no other option, Tomas reluctantly did the same with his own. “What d’you want from the vending machine?”

“You’re actually letting me get something?” Tomas questioned, he’d genuinely expected Bi-Han to just get snacks for himself.

“Well, yeah,” Bi-Han drawled, like it should have been obvious. “You can’t look after our brother on an empty stomach, moron.”

“Oh.” He didn’t know what to say to that, but he did step up to the vending machine and check out its wares. “Hm. Can I get that chocolate bar? Uh, B3?”

“B3 it is.”

Tomas watched Bi-Han put the money into the machine. His elder brother really was a weird boy, but maybe he wasn’t as bad as he first thought.

United with a goal, maybe they really could put their differences aside for Kuai Liang.

#mortal kombat #tomas vrbada #smoke #kuai liang #sub zero #scorpion #bi han #noob saibot #🌎meanwhile in another universe

[summerwritesfics]

🌎We Are The Fallen

Pairing: Hanzo Hasashi/Kuai Liang Length: 1652 Words Rating: Mature Warnings: Fallen Angel AU, Fallen Angel!Bi-Han, Fallen Angel!Kuai Liang, Demon!Hanzo Hasashi, Drinking, Alcohol, Past Child Abuse, Past Abuse, Past Self Mutilation, Self-Mutilation, Demon Deals, Minor Violence, Guilt, Betrayal

Meanwhile In Another Universe Masterlist

Notes: Fun fact, this was actually my 100th work over on AO3 :3 Anyway, I think this kinda makes up for Bi-Han being a crappy brother in the last fic.

Bi-Han downed another drink, even though it did nothing to him. He may have fallen, but he still had angelic qualities to him. And being immune to the illicit substances of humanity was one of them.

“You should probably go a little easier on the drinks.” Bi-Han blinked and stopped breathing. I know that voice. “I’ve heard they can be deadly.”

The person who was talking to him walked up from behind, circling round to sit at the chair opposite. Bi-Han couldn’t believe who it was, even when face to face with him.

“Kuai Liang?” He questioned, and his brother softly smiled at him.

“Hello Big Brother, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

It had been a while. He hadn’t seen Kuai since their father cast Bi-Han out of heaven. Funny, given it was always Kuai he threatened to send down. Bi-Han made one mistake, just one, and that was it, he was cast away. That wasn’t Kuai’s fault though, it was their fathers. He still remembered the agony as his wings were torn from his body, his own screams harmonising with Kuai’s wailing cry, before the weightless feeling of him falling down to Earth below.

If Kuai was also here, then it seemed father had finally gone through with his previous threats.

“He threw you out,” Bi-Han whispered. Kuai looked a lot worse for wear since the last time he’d laid eyes on him. That scar across his one eye was new, as was the beard. Most alarming, his wings were gone, and while he could have just been hiding them, it seemed far more logical that they were simply no more.

“No, I es-“ Kuai hesitated, swallowing and looking away. “I left.” Kuai blinked a few times before he looked back at his big brother. “Gēgē, I need your help.” He was fidgeting with his hands, and Bi-Han knew that he was nervous about something. “I am… working for someone now. He is trying to find someone called Quan Chi. I know you know where he is.”

“What?” Bi-Han did know where Quan Chi was, but how Kuai knew that he didn’t know. More pressing was whomever Kuai was working for however. “What do you mean, working for someone?”

“When I fell, he found me, and helped me. I made a deal with him, Bi-Han, and that’s why I need to help him find Quan Chi.”

A deal? The only beings really known for making deals were demons.

“What kind of deal?” Bi-Han asked, afraid of the answer.

“I think you know what kind, Bi-Han,” a third but alarmingly familiar voice spoke out. A hand touched his shoulder, and Bi-Han turned his head to look up in disgust at Hanzo Hasashi.

“I thought we agreed I’d sort this out?” Kuai desperately questioned, and somehow that made everything slot into place.

“You were taking too long,” Hanzo claimed, looking down at Bi-Han with a bored look.

Bi-Han knocked the hand off his shoulder, jumping to his feet and summoning his sickle to hold at Hanzo’s throat, shoving the demon against the wall as he did. Hanzo huffed, but otherwise looked unbothered.

“What sick game are you playing Hasashi?” Bi-Han hissed, resisting the urge to push the sickle into Hanzo’s flesh. “What are you forcing my brother into?”

“There is no force involved,” Hanzo replied in a bored tone, before his mouth broke out into a cruel grin. “I don’t do anything to him that he doesn’t want.”

Bi-Han saw red. He suddenly pulled his hand up, sickle still in his grip preparing to slash at the demon’s throat. Kuai’s hand reached out to grab Bi-Han’s wrist and stop him.

“Bi-Han, stop, please.” Kuai struggled to keep Bi-Han’s hand at bay. “When I fell Hanzo found me, and he helped me.”

Bi-han’s eyes flicked over to his little brother, his eyes were wide and watery, practically begging Bi-Han to stop. There was more to Kuai’s falling that he wasn’t telling him. He knew his brother, he knew when he wasn’t being completely truthful.

“What happened?” He asked, pulling away from Hanzo and turning to face Kuai instead. As Bi-han lowered his arm, Kuai let go. “What happened when you fell?”

Kuai blinked a few times, mouth going tight and conflict clear on his face. He cleared his throat a few times.

“After you were gone, Father’s actions got worse.” Kuai’s hand reached up to his face, fingers rubbing at the scar like it was hurting him. Did Father do that to him? “Everything I did was wrong. Everything I did made him angry.” Kuai closed his eyes and swallowed. “One night, I overheard him making plans. He wants you back Bi-Han, and he was going to use me to get to you.”

“But then…” Bi-Han was confused. If their Father was going to use Kuai as bait to bring Bi-Han back to heaven, why would he banish him?

“I couldn’t let him do that to you,” Kuai explained, holding his hand up and summoning a knife. “So. I escaped. I cut my own wings off, and I let myself fall.”

Bi-Han stumbled backwards, hand flying over his mouth, feeling like he was about to throw up. His brother. His beloved little brother. Forced to cut his own wings off to protect the elder. To escape the abuse he suffered. It should have been the other way around. Bi-Han should have been Kuai’s protector, and yet all the evidence in front of him proved that he had failed.

“It’s not your fault,” Kuai cut in before Bi-Han could react, already aware of Bi-Han’s guilt complex and habit of self blame when it came to these things. “It is our Father who shoulders the burden for both our suffering.”

Somehow that did little to comfort Bi-Han. But for the moment, all he could do was put his own feelings aside.

He’d make plans on how his father would suffer for all this later.

“What about him?” Bi-Han hissed, and gestured towards Hanzo with his head. “Where does he come into it?”

“He found me when I fell,” Kuai explained, his eyes briefly glancing over to Hanzo. The demon was leaning against the wall, arms crossed and looking a little bit annoyed at all the talking. “Father wasn’t going to let me go easily, he sent men after me. Hanzo has kept me safe from them since. In turn I aid him in matters such as this.”

“The sex is just a bonus,” Hanzo smugly added, and how Bi-Han resisted jumping him and beating the shit out of him, he really did not know.

“You aren’t helping,” Kuai growled between his teeth, shooting his own glare towards Hanzo. The demon just laughed. He shook his head and returned his attention to Bi-Han. “We need to find Quan Chi, big brother. He’s responsible for a lot of hurt towards a lot of people and we need to stop him. We know you’ve been doing work for him here and there.”

“I have, and that’s why I can’t just tell you where he is.” Bi-Han reached to take Kuai’s shoulders in his hands. “Like Hanzo has helped you, Quan Chi has aided me since I fell. I can’t betray his trust.”

“He is working with Father.”

Oh, how that simple sentence completely shattered Bi-Han’s world.

“It seems with me no longer a viable option, he was willing to make a deal with Quan Chi for your capture,” Kuai explained, his own hands reaching to cradle his brother's face. “Maybe not tonight or tomorrow, but eventually, when you’re no longer of use to him, he will hand you back over to Father.”

Bi-Han swallowed, “he’s going to betray me?”

“Quan Chi is loyal only to himself,” Hanzo roughly added, grimacing slightly. “Believe me, I found that out in a far harsher way than you have.”

“Please, Bi-Han,” Kuai whispered. “We need to stop him.”

Bi-Han grit his teeth. He hated this, everything about this situation was heinous. But Kuai was looking up at him with large pleading eyes and he just could not say no to that.

He couldn’t say no after what their Father had done to both of them.

“Quan Chi lives in a condo on the other side of the city,” Bi-Han spoke, addressing his brother, rather than Hanzo. “I can take you there.”

“Thank you,” Kuai replied, resting his head on Bi-Han’s shoulder. It was the same action they used to do when they were children and Kuai had been punished by their Father. Bi-Han closed his eyes, and gently pet Kuai’s hair.

“We have no time to waste,” Hanzo told them, completely spoiling the moment, although Bi-Han couldn’t say anything in return. “Let’s go.”

And with that Hanzo was walking back towards the exit of the bar. Bi-Han watched him go with nothing but loathing in his heart. If Kuai Liang wasn’t here he’d have killed the bastard.

“Please tell me you aren’t actually having sex with him and that he was just trying to piss me off,” Bi-Han huffed at Kuai Liang, who looked up at him sheepishly. “I know your taste in men has always been terrible, but I refuse to believe it’s that bad.”

Kuai gave an uncomfortable smile, one with a few too many teeth showing as he replied “maybe it’s best I let you keep believing that.”

“Are you two actually coming or what?” Hanzo shouted across the room, not giving Bi-Han chance to argue further on what the hell was wrong with Kuai.

Bi-Han gave Kuai a look that he hoped screamed “are you serious”. All Kuai did in turn was smile and pat his chest a few times. He moved past Bi-Han to go and catch up to Hanzo. Bi-Han grumbled to himself, but still went to follow after them.

Elder Gods give me strength to not strike that demon down before this night is done.

#mortal kombat #bi han #noob saibot #kuai liang #sub zero #hanzo hasashi #scorpion #subscorp #🌎meanwhile in another universe