dungeon master mintchigan “mint” of yapsalot

the celebration after the tournament is loud in the way relief always is.

music spills through the courtyard in bright, chaotic waves. lanterns hang like captured stars overhead, casting everything in warm gold. someone laughs too hard across the way while someone else is already attempting to start a dance circle that keeps falling apart. every few minutes another cheer erupts for absolutely no reason at all.

you’ve been parked beside liu kang the entire night.

one minute you sat down because there was space, next thing you knew, there were empty cups between you, three separate conversations that had quietly become private little side conversations, and enough stolen glances to qualify as suspicious.

months of this.

months of lingering after training. months of inside jokes no one else understood. months of everyone else rolling their eyes because please just kiss already.

but tonight?

tonight you’ve had enough to drink that all your restraint has quietly packed its bags and left the building.

you’re giggly. everything he says is funny. his eyes are unfair. his hair is unfair. his smile is unfair. his shoulders are unfair. his whole existence is honestly becoming kind of irritating.

liu kang, for his part, seems to be having the time of his life.

every time you laugh, his expression softens like he did something right. every time you lean in to tell him something, he listens like you’re revealing state secrets. at one point he says something teasing and you dissolve into helpless giggles, reaching out to grab his arm without thinking.

he freezes for half a second, then he goes very casual about it. as if his ears aren’t bright pink.

you narrow your eyes at him. “you’re smug tonight.”

his mouth curves. “am i?”

“yes.”

he laughs quietly into his cup, while you huff and sink lower in your seat.

a minute later you tuck both hands into your armpits and pout.

liu kang glances over. “…what are you doing?”

you frown dramatically. “my hands are cold.”

he hums thoughtfully. then, looking down at his drink, he murmurs, almost to himself, “lucky mine are always warm.”

you turn slowly. “…excuse me?”

he blinks.

“my hands,” he clarifies, still not looking at you.

you stare. when he finally glances over, he immediately regrets it, because now your expression has gone suspiciously interested.

“you’re lying.”

his eyebrows rise. “i’m not.”

you squint. then your eyes get that little spark, the one liu kang has learned means trouble. you smile, entirely mischievous.

“prove it.”

his smile vanishes. “…what?”

you just lean your cheek into your hand and grin at him.

“prove it.”

he stares.

you stare.

he opens his mouth. closes it. looks away. looks back.

“how?”

you keep smiling until the realization hits him all at once and his ears go properly pink.

“oh.”

you don’t rescue him.

he gives a tiny, embarrassed laugh. “you’re impossible.”

you beam up at him and he sighs dramatically.

“fine. give me your hands.”

his voice comes out calmer than he feels. inside, his heart is attempting to win the tournament all over again.

you immediately hold your hands out, far too quickly, like maybe you’d been waiting for that answer. his breath catches for a second, then he takes them.

his hands fold around yours gently, pleasantly warm. you go still. your eyes widen. and immediately your expression melts.

“…oh.” liu kang tries not to look too pleased while you stare down at your joined hands, then back up at him. “you weren’t kidding.”

his smile turns smug in real time.

he shrugs. “mm.”

his thumbs begin to move absentmindedly across the backs of your hands, making your stomach flip. he notices, and his smile only gets worse.

you whisper, scandalized, “your hands are really warm.”

his eyes soften. “told you.”

for a moment neither of you move. your hands stay tucked between his, the heat of his skin pressed against your chilled fingers.

as you look down, something occurs to you.

slowly, with all the suspicious concentration of someone about to make a bad decision, you pull one hand free. liu kang immediately looks up, but you don’t notice.

you turn your palm over, then place it flat against his, palm to palm. your fingers spread slightly against his hand and—

oh.

your eyes widen. you blink once. twice. then a quiet little giggle escapes you.

liu kang looks at you. you continue to stare at your hands, then finally back at him.

“…your hands are so much bigger than mine.”

liu kang’s brain immediately leaves his body.

because in your head this is playful. a little flirty. maybe you’re teasing him.

but in liu’s head—

you just voluntarily held his hand. compared hand sizes. and now you’re smiling at him like that.

he looks down.

your hand really does look small against his. your fingers barely line up.

his throat suddenly feels weird.

“oh.”

you glance up. “oh?”

he blinks. “…yeah.”

you wait.

he waits.

you raise an eyebrow. “that’s all?”

his ears get pinker.

he looks back down. “…i guess they are.”

you squint. “that sounded uncertain.”

his mouth opens but immediately closes again.

because what is he supposed to say? yes, your hand is smaller and also very cute and now i can’t stop noticing that you chose to hold mine?

he swallows. “i never thought about it.”

that’s true.

but now? now he is unfortunately thinking about it.

you hum and inspect your hands again, when a small grin spreads across your face.

“you could probably hold both of mine in one hand.”

his eyes flick to yours.

you hold out both hands expectantly, like this is an entirely normal scientific experiment.

his entire face warms. “…what?”

you wiggle your fingers. “try.”

you are entirely too pleased with yourself.

liu kang lets out the smallest, helpless laugh. then slowly he takes both your hands.

and yeah.

he can.

his fingers wrap around both of yours with room to spare.

you stare. your mouth drops open. then you look at him with genuine delight.

“no way.”

liu kang makes the mistake of looking at your expression.

your eyes are bright. your smile is soft. you look weirdly impressed.

his heart trips over itself.

you squeeze his hand lightly. “you’re like a furnace.”

he laughs under his breath.

you keep staring at your hands in his until your eyes narrow.

a thought appears. liu kang sees it happen in real time.

his smile immediately turns suspicious. “…what.”

you look up, dead serious.

“we should have a thumb war.”

he blinks. “…what?”

you nod once, very solemn. “a thumb war.”

he stares.

then he gives you this long, deeply unimpressed look that says i know exactly what’s happening here.

his mouth twitches. “you are so drunk.”

your jaw drops, immediately offended.

you smack his arm lightly. “excuse you?”

he laughs. “you are.”

you sit up straighter and point a finger at him. “i am not.”

his eyebrows rise.

you squint. then you narrow your eyes and lean closer. “…you’re just scared you’ll lose.”

silence. then liu kang slowly turns to look at you. one eyebrow goes up.

that look. the one that says you really want to commit to this?

“you really wanna test that theory?”

you immediately bite your lip trying not to grin. your shoulders square as you puff up like you’re preparing for battle. you tuck one leg under yourself and hold your hand up, all confidence.

“all i’m hearing is excuses.”

liu kang looks at you. at your tiny hand. at your face. then sighs, fond and completely doomed.

“…fine.”

your eyes immediately light up.

he shifts and repositions your hands. his fingers are still warm around yours, and you are suddenly much more aware of this than before.

he clears his throat. “…ready?”

you nod seriously.

you hook thumbs.

“one…”

you’re already grinning.

“two…”

you wiggle your thumb threateningly, and his mouth twitches.

“three.”

you attack immediately. unfortunately, you forgot one crucial thing:

liu kang has the reflexes of a trained fighter.

your thumb barely moves an inch before you’re captured. his thumb presses yours down. pinned. done. two seconds. maximum.

you gasp. “no— wait—”

you twist dramatically, but he doesn’t move.

you squeal. “oh my god— no— this is rigged!”

liu kang starts laughing while you squirm, trying to break free while giggling helplessly.

“release me!”

he’s smiling so hard now. “you challenged me.”

you try harder.

you’re still trapped.

your shoulders shake with laughter. “no fair— your hands are gigantic—”

his eyes sparkle. “that sounds like losing.”

you gasp again, smacking his arm with your free hand. his grin gets brighter, but he still doesn’t let go. you realize after a second when your eyes flick down.

your hand is still trapped under his. thumb war over. victory established. no reason whatsoever to still be holding your hand.

he notices you noticing, and his expression flickers. for one second he looks like he might let go. but instead—

his fingers shift, gentler now but still holding your hand. his smile softens.

“…do you surrender?”

you look at him. his ears are pink. his eyes are warm. and suddenly you remember you actually do have a big fat crush on him and this is honestly rude timing.

you look away and mumble quietly, “…maybe.”

his smile goes completely helpless, thumb brushing over yours once before he finally lets go.

eventually your laughter dies down, but your face still feels warm from losing. liu kang’s hand has been gone for at least thirty seconds and somehow you still notice the absence.

you straighten dramatically, bravely deciding on your next move.

“we should play a drinking game.”

liu turns slowly, expression immediately suspicious.

“…a drinking game?”

you nod.

he looks at your cup. then at you. then back at your cup.

“as if you haven’t had enough?”

your face falls instantly into a sad little pout. his resolve lasts maybe three seconds.

he sighs. “…fine.”

your entire face lights up and you pat his shoulder. “good boy.”

liu kang freezes.

you freeze.

silence.

your eyes widen. you slowly retract your hand. “…okay that just… slipped out.”

his raises one eyebrow.

you point vaguely. “pretend i didn’t say that.”

then you immediately start giggling into your hands. liu kang looks away, ears pink.

he clears his throat. “what game?”

“never have i ever.”

his expression immediately says this feels dangerous already, but he agrees.

it starts innocent.

“never have i ever broken a bone.”

he drinks.

you gasp. “you have?!”

training stories happen. you laugh.

another round.

“never have i ever stolen food.”

you drink.

he looks delighted. “seriously?”

you defend yourself passionately.

things continue.

and then, somewhere — unfortunately — the invisible line is crossed where your ideas become progressively worse.

you clear your throat dramatically. “never have i ever had a crush on someone in this room.”

liu kang pauses. you pause.

he looks at his cup. you look at his cup.

he looks at you. you immediately collapse into laughter.

but then—

he quietly takes a sip.

your laughter stops. your eyes widen. his expression just goes calm and unreadable, and your brain cannot process this.

you point. “you drank.”

he shrugs. your ears start heating.

next round.

you’re grinning now, far too pleased with yourself.

“never have i ever…”

you think. your eyes narrow. then—

“…had a thing for guys with long hair.”

liu kang chokes on his drink. you immediately start laughing.

his eyes narrow. “…you are impossible.”

you giggle, then drink. his eyes flick to you, then quickly away.

another round passes, and your questions start becoming increasingly less subtle. not explicit, but enough to make liu kang realize where this is headed.

he catches your wrist gently. when you look up, his expression is soft. patient.

“…okay.”

he takes your cup and sets it aside.

you frown. “what?”

his mouth twitches. “i think we’re done.”

you whine. “whyyy?”

he gives you this look. undeniably warm. but so, so amused.

because he absolutely knows you’re going to wake up tomorrow and remember half of this and want to evaporate.

his thumb taps lightly against your knuckles. “you’re going to regret saying all this.”

you immediately defend yourself. “i regret nothing.”

his smile gets impossibly gentle. “…that’s because you’re drunk.”

you squint at him.

he just gives you this patient look for a moment, then finally stands. “you need to go to bed.”

you gasp like he just announced the end of joy. “nooo.”

you fold your arms, pouting.

his mouth twitches. “you’re tired.”

you immediately shake your head.

your body chooses that exact moment to sway. he reaches out automatically to steady you.

you point at him. “traitor.”

his smile widens. then softens.

he crouches slightly so he’s more eye level, voice impossible soft. “…come on.”

your face crumples. you look… genuinely distressed. “but… i’ll be lonely.”

that one lands directly in his chest.

he looks away for a second and sighs.

then quietly, “i’ll walk you back.”

you brighten instantly.

he holds up one finger. “BUT—”

your eyes narrow.

he gives you a serious look. “you have to behave.”

you go still for a moment, then immediately straighten. big eyes. hands folded in your lap.

you nod once. very solemn. “…okay.”

you look absurdly sincere.

and liu kang almost laughs.

because he knows you are absolutely not going to behave. but you look so earnest.

his expression softens helplessly and he offers you his hand. “come on.”

you squeal, immediately linking your arm through his, then proceed to lean approximately seventy percent of your body weight into him.

liu kang glances over. “…are you walking or am i carrying you?”

you smile dreamily. “yes.”

he laughs quietly and lets you stay leaning on him.

the walk back is slow. mostly because if he moves too fast you stumble. your shoulder keeps bumping his arm. sometimes your head brushes his shoulder. every time it happens he pretends not to notice. you keep talking nonsense, and he keeps answering.

when you get to your room he opens the door and guides you inside. you immediately sit on the bed with your hands folded, perfect posture. like you are the world’s drunkest princess.

liu kang turns on the lamp and warm light spills across the room. without a word, he kneels down and stars helping you with your shoes, quiet and gentle.

you sit there watching him. and suddenly your chest feels funny.

a small sigh slips out, all dreamy and soft.

“…liu…”

he looks up immediately, like nothing else in the room exists. his expression is so attentive, so patient.

“mm?”

a slow, absolutely evil, shit-eating grin spreads across your face. your eyes narrow. you look exactly like someone who has discovered state secrets.

liu kang immediately looks suspicious.

you lean forward, point at him, and very quietly murmur—

“…you like me.”

liu kang freezes.

his eyes flick away, mouth pressing together as he tries to bite back a smile. but he fails.

he looks back at you, cheeks growing pinker by the second.

then quietly he responds, “…was that a question or…?”

you giggle and shake your head, flopping backward onto your hands. “mm-mm.”

you smile at him, soft and sleepy. “…nope.”

you point again. “you like meee.”

liu kang closes his eyes and sighs. but his shoulders shake once, like he’s losing an internal battle.

“…you’re drunk.”

you gasp. “deflection!”

you lean closer and poke his bicep. his entire body stills. you poke again.

your voice goes sing-song. “you’re not denying ittttt.”

his face heats instantly. he rolls his eyes and looks away. you stare, waiting as his silence stretches. your grin only gets wider every second he doesn’t respond.

“oh my god.” you stare at him, then whisper, “…you really do.”

he sighs again, smiling helplessly.

he shakes his head. and finally without looking at you, he quietly says—

“…you’re supposed to be behaving.”

you immediately gasp. because that was not a denial.

you’re still grinning when he finally gets your shoes off and helps you lie down properly, pulling the blanket up to your chin like you’re something precious. he lingers for a second at the edge of the bed, looking down at you with an expression so soft it makes your chest ache even through the alcohol haze.

“sleep,” he says quietly.

you reach out and catch his sleeve before he can go.

“…stay until i fall asleep?”

he hesitates for a moment.

then sighs, the fondest sound in the world.

he sits on the edge of the bed. “…only until you fall asleep.”

you smile, already half-gone, and mumble into the pillow, “knew you liked me.”

his quiet laugh is the last thing you hear before sleep takes you. and somewhere in the dark, warm fingers brush your hair back from your forehead.

like a promise he’s not ready to say out loud yet, but you both know it’s there.

september: her first day

you wake to an empty bed, the sheets on liu kang’s side already cool. a quiet smile tugs at your lips before you even open your eyes fully, because you know exactly where he is.

padding down the hallway in your slippers, you push open the door to your daughter’s room. the sight that greets you is so achingly sweet it makes your chest tighten.

liu kang is curled on his side in the too-small bed, one arm protectively draped over your four-year-old. his long dark hair is loose and spilling across the pink pillowcase, and their faces are so close their noses are nearly touching. your little girl’s tiny hand is fisted in the front of his sleep shirt like she’d been afraid he might disappear in the night. the nightlight still glows softly in the corner, casting gentle shadows.

he must have slipped in sometime after you fell asleep, probably around 3 a.m. when the anxious father in him won out over the calm monk.

you cross the room quietly and brush a strand of hair from his face. his eyes flutter open immediately, those warm brown eyes softening the moment they find you.

“good morning, beloved,” he whispers, voice still husky with sleep. he glances down at the sleeping girl between you and smiles, small and almost shy. “she had a bad dream. i… could not leave her.”

“i know,” you murmur, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead, then one to your daughter’s chubby cheek. “time to wake up, darling. big day today.”

she stirs with a little whine, burying her face in liu kang’s chest. he chuckles low and fond, rubbing her back softly. “come, little one. the world is waiting for you.”

getting her ready turns into the kind of morning that makes your heart feel too big for your body.

liu kang is meticulous. he sits on the edge of her bed with her in his lap, carefully brushing her hair until it shines, then braiding it into two perfect plaits with little ribbons that match her dress. the dress itself is a soft yellow with tiny embroidered dragons along the hem — shorts underneath, because your husband is nothing if not thorough. he helps her into brand new light-up shoes that flash with every step, and when she stomps excitedly, the delight on his face is pure.

you head downstairs to pack her bag and make lunch while they finish up. a few minutes later, little footsteps thunder down the stairs followed by liu kang’s quieter ones.

“mama!” she cries, launching herself at your legs. then she spots the lunchbox on the counter and her face falls into the most dramatic pout you’ve ever seen. “mamaaa, you didn’t cut them right…”

you blink, staring at the perfectly normal triangular sandwiches. “what do you mean, baby?”

liu kang appears in the doorway, looking mildly sheepish. he rubs the back of his hand, a tell you’ve come to adore. “she… prefers them cut into stars.”

you look from your pouting daughter to your ridiculously powerful, god-like husband who is currently avoiding eye contact. “stars.”

he nods once, already moving to take over. “i will handle it. you have done enough, my heart.”

of course he knows how to cut sandwiches into perfect little stars. of course he does.

when everything is packed — tiny backpack with her name embroidered on it, lunchbox full of star sandwiches and apple slices — he lifts her onto his hip and carries her to the car. she chatters the entire drive, swinging her legs so her light-up shoes keep flashing.

“i’m gonna make so many friends! and i’ll tell them my baba can breathe fire but he doesn’t because he’s nice. and i’ll show them how i can do cartwheels and maybe they’ll let me play with them…”

you glance over at liu in the passenger seat. he’s quiet, eyes distant as he watches the world pass by out the window, jaw just a little clenched. you reach over and rest your hand on his thigh, and he covers it with his own immediately.

when you pull up to the preschool, the parking lot is full of excited kids and emotional parents. you park, but liu kang doesn’t move right away. your daughter is still talking a mile a minute in the back seat.

you squeeze his hand. “she’s going to be okay, liu. she’s brave. just like her father.”

he exhales slowly, then turns to look at you with that soft expression he saves only for family. “i know. but she is still so small. my little flame...”

you all climb out of the car, your daughter bouncing with excitement at first, holding both your hands and skipping between you. but the moment you reach the gate, she sees the crowd of new kids and the big classroom beyond, and her steps falter.

she turns around, looking up at liu kang with wide eyes. “baba… do i have to go? maybe i can go a different day.”

liu kang’s face crumples. he crouches down immediately, taking her little hands in his much larger ones. you can already see him softening, ready to scoop her up and go home.

you place a gentle hand on his shoulder, and he looks up at you, eyes pleading.

“maybe she’s not ready?” he whispers. “maybe one more year?”

you roll your eyes lovingly and crouch down beside them both.

“sweetheart,” you say, brushing her cheek, “you are so ready for this. you can do scary things. you can do hard things. and we will be right here waiting the second you’re done. baba and i are so proud of you already.”

liu kang watches you, then nods slowly, drawing strength from your words. he presses a kiss to her forehead. “your mother is right. you carry fire in your heart. now go, show them how brightly you shine.”

inside the classroom, the noise and colors are overwhelming but cheerful. while you speak with the teacher, liu kang spots a colorful picture book with a friendly dragon on the cover. he immediately guides your daughter over to it, kneeling beside her as she flips through the pages, momentarily distracted and smiling again.

when it’s finally time to leave, she turns those big puppy eyes on him, the very eyes she inherited from him. “baba, don’t go…”

liu kang looks like his heart is physically breaking. you have to slip your arm through his and start guiding him toward the door.

“don’t look back,” you whisper firmly, though your own eyes are misty.

he makes it all the way to the car before the dam breaks. the second the doors close, liu kang buries his face in his hands and cries, shaky little sobs that shake his broad shoulders. you lean over the console and pull him into your arms, stroking his hair as he clings to you.

“i know,” you murmur against his temple. “she’s going to be okay. she’s ready.”

about thirty minutes later, your phone buzzes with a notification from the preschool app. liu kang literally jumps, fumbling to open it with shaking hands.

it’s a photo: your daughter sitting happily at a little table, laughing with two other girls as they play with blocks. she looks completely settled, bright-eyed and joyful.

you beam. “look at her! she’s making friends already! she’s doing it, liu!”

he stares at the picture for a long moment, a small smile tugging at his lips… before his expression turns a little sulky. he leans back in the seat with a soft huff.

“she has already forgotten about us,” he mumbles, eyes fixed on the photo like it personally betrayed him. “she does not need me anymore.”

you can’t help but laugh, cupping his face and kissing the pout from his lips. “oh liu, my sweet, dramatic husband. she loves you more than anything. this is just the beginning. she’ll come running to you tonight with a million stories.”

he sighs, but the sulk softens as he leans into your touch, resting his forehead against yours. “i miss her.”

“i know. me too.”

by the time pickup comes, liu kang is physically shaking with anticipation.

the classroom door opens and there she is, her tiny backpack strapped to her shoulders and a slightly crumpled piece of artwork clutched proudly in one hand. but the moment her eyes land on liu kang, everything drops — backpack, paper, all of it. she lets out a delighted shriek and runs full speed, arms wide open, straight into her baba’s arms. liu kang catches her instantly, scooping her up and crushing her to his chest like she’d been gone for three years instead of three hours.

“my little flame,” he murmurs, voice thick and trembling with relief as he breathes in her scent. “i missed you so much.”

you smile at the sight of them, then slip inside to speak with the teacher.

“i have to tell you,” you say with a soft laugh, “liu really appreciated that update photo you sent earlier. i think it kept him from falling apart completely.”

the teacher chuckles warmly. “that’s adorable. honestly, she talked about almost nothing except her baba. how he cuts her sandwiches into stars, how he braids her hair, how he’s the strongest and kindest person in the world… it was very sweet.”

your heart feels too big for your chest. you turn to gather the discarded backpack and artwork from the floor. unfolding the paper, you see it’s a colorful “all about me” template — little boxes for name, age, favorite food, color, animal, and so on. but what catches your eye is the last box: what means the most to me.

on top of your daughter’s enthusiastic squiggles and dots, the teacher had neatly labeled it: my baba.

you stare at it, throat tightening, heart threatening to leap out of your chest. the love in those messy lines, the certainty of it… you can’t help but feel overwhelmingly lucky in this moment. lucky to have this man, this sweet, devoted, beautiful man, as the father of your child.

the teacher notices you staring and smiles gently. “she was very certain.”

you blink back happy tears and fold the paper carefully, stepping back outside.

liu kang is still holding your daughter, listening with rapt attention as she babbles about her day, every little detail spilling out between giggles. you walk over and hold up the artwork.

“look what she made, liu.”

your daughter immediately points at the squiggly box with pride.

“that’s you, baba!” she announces, poking the paper. “my favorite thing.”

liu kang’s breath catches. he stares at the drawing, then at her, eyes glistening. for a moment you think he might cry again, relief washing over the earlier fear that she’d already outgrown him, that she didn’t need her baba anymore. instead, she had been thinking of him the whole time.

he presses his face into her hair, voice rough with emotion. “thank you, little one… that means everything to me.”

her first day has been emotional for everyone.

but especially for liu kang, who loves her so deeply it undoes him in the most beautiful ways.

the first light of dawn crept through the narrow window slats, painting the stone floor in pale silver and soft gold. liu kang lay awake, listening to the quiet rhythm of your breathing. for a long moment he simply held you, memorizing the warmth of your bare skin against his, the way your body fit so perfectly against him even in sleep.

too soon, the temple bell would toll. too soon, the corridors would stir with early risers.

you stirred after a moment, a sleepy grumble vibrating against his chest. your eyes fluttered open, still heavy with exhaustion and the remnants of last night’s passion. when you realized the sky was lightening, you sighed.

“already?” you whispered, voice husky.

“already,” he answered, a reluctant smile tugged at his lips.

he helped you sit up, careful and unhurried. his hands moved gently as he gathered your discarded robes from the floor. you winced slightly as you lifted your arms, your shoulder still tender from the old injury, and he immediately adjusted, sliding the fabric over your skin with feather-light touches. his fingers lingered at your collar, tying the sash with slow, deliberate care, as if dressing you was another form of worship.

you caught his hand midway, pressing a sleepy kiss to his knuckles. the small gesture made something bright and painful bloom in his chest.

“tickles,” you murmured when his fingertips brushed the sensitive spot just below your ear. liu kang’s quiet laugh was little more than a breath.

“forgive me.” he leaned in and replaced his fingers with his lips, pressing the gentlest kiss there instead. you shivered, a soft giggle escaping before you pressed your face into his shoulder to muffle it.

“shh,” he teased, voice warm with affection. “you’ll wake the entire temple.”

“you’re the one kissing me like that,” you accused, pulling back just enough to grin at him. your eyes were bright despite the early hour, that wide, unguarded smile he had come to crave like air.

he helped you to your feet, keeping one hand steady at your lower back as you smoothed down your robes. for a moment you simply stood together in the middle of his room, foreheads touching, breathing the same quiet air.

“i don’t want to leave,” you whispered.

“i don’t want you to.”

when you finally stepped back, he kept hold of your hand until the last possible second. then you slipped out, glancing both ways down the empty corridor before stepping into the morning air. liu kang followed you to the doorway, one hand resting on the frame as he watched you go.

you made it only a few steps before you paused and glanced back over your shoulder, and there was that smile again — wide-eyed and radiant, a little shy and just a little mischievous. the rising sun caught in your hair and for a heartbeat the whole world narrowed to just that image of you looking at him like he was something worth smiling about.

liu kang’s heart clenched so hard he felt it in his throat.

gods, he loved you.

the force of it nearly buckled his knees. love and guilt crashed over him in equal measure, so overwhelming he had to grip the doorframe to steady himself. he thought of lao, the boy who had shared his rice bowl with a hungry orphan, the young man who had laughed with him on temple rooftops, the brother who had looked him in the eye just days ago and said you’re the only one i trust with her.

he had betrayed that trust. again and again. every stolen night, every secret touch, every lie.

liu swallowed hard as you disappeared around the corner, that final smile still burning behind his eyes.

no more, he decided.

it settled over him like dawn breaking. he couldn’t keep doing this. not to lao. not to you. not to himself.

tonight. he would find you tonight and tell you that he was ready. that you would face this together. no more hiding.

even if it broke the only family he had ever known.

the day dragged like an endless march. liu kang moved through his duties with practiced calm, but his mind was elsewhere, replaying the wide-eyed smile you’d given him at dawn and the ache in his chest that refused to ease. by the time evening fell and the temple lanterns were lit, he could wait no longer.

he needed to tell you he was ready. tonight.

no more hiding. no more slipping through shadows like thieves. he loved you too much to keep treating this like something shameful. lao deserved the truth, even if it shattered everything. and you… you deserved to be loved openly.

his steps were quiet but purposeful as he approached the quarters you shared with your brother. he paused outside the door, steadying his breath before knocking softly.

for a long moment, there was only silence. then the door creaked open.

you stood there, eyes downcast, one hand gripping the edge of the door. you didn’t meet his gaze, you simply stepped aside, letting him enter before closing the door behind him with a soft click that sounded far too final.

liu kang’s stomach twisted the moment he looked at you.

you looked… wrong. pale. shoulders drawn tight. your eyes were red-rimmed and glassy, like you’d already been crying. the easy warmth he’d grown used to seeing in your face these past weeks was gone, replaced by something heavy and troubled.

“love?” he asked, voice low and careful. “is everything alright?”

immediately your lip trembled.

the sight undid him. before he could stop himself he stepped forward, arms already opening to pull you close; but you lifted a hand and pressed it firmly against his chest, stopping him in his tracks.

“don’t,” you choked out, voice cracking.

then the dam broke.

you curled in on yourself, both hands flying up to cover your face as harsh, muffled sobs tore from your throat. your shoulders shook violently. the sound was so raw it felt like a blade between his ribs.

liu kang froze, arms still half-raised, heart hammering with confusion and hurt. his eyes were wide and helpless, aching as he searched your face for answers. he had never seen you like this. not even after your worst injuries in the training yard.

he stood there, watching the conflict twist across your features, the way you fought for air between sobs, until a terrible understanding began to sink in, cold and heavy in his gut.

“oh no…” he whispered.

you sniffled hard, dragging in a shaky breath. slowly, you lowered your hands just enough to look at him. your eyes were swollen and devastated. liu kang’s pulse roared in his ears. his breath came quicker, fear clawing up his throat.

this was it — lao had found out. he had seen something, pieced it together, and now everything was crumbling—

“it’s… it’s lao, isn’t it?” he asked, voice barely a broken whisper. “he found out?”

your face did something complicated then — pain, guilt, terror, something else he couldn’t name all flickering across it at once. the sight only made his fear spike higher. his hands trembled at his sides as worst-case scenarios flooded his mind: lao’s rage, the end of your friendship, you being torn away from him—

you turned away for a second, shoulders still shaking as you fought another wave of tears. when you turned back, your mouth opened, closed, then opened again. for one agonizing heartbeat, no sound came out.

then the words finally tore free.

“i’m pregnant.”

the world stopped.

liu kang stared at you, the confession hanging in the air between you like smoke. for a long, terrible moment his mind simply blanked. the fear about lao, the prepared speech about coming clean, every thought he’d carried through the day evaporated in an instant.

pregnant.

you were pregnant.

his lips parted, but no words came. for the first time in his life, the color drained completely from his face. his heart hammered so loudly he was certain you could hear it.

you stood there, still crying, waiting for him to say something. anything.

and liu kang, champion of mortal kombat, the man who faced down gods and titans without flinching, stood frozen, shock sinking deep into his bones like freezing ice. his mind, usually so disciplined and steady, stalled completely. the room felt distant, the lantern light too bright, the silence deafening.

then he heard your broken sob.

reality crashed back in. you were still standing in front of him, arms wrapped around yourself, tears streaming down your cheeks as fresh sobs shook your frame. the sight shattered the numbness instantly.

he stepped forward, gentle hands settling on your upper arms, grounding and careful.

“hey… look at me,” he whispered, voice soft but steady despite the storm inside him.

you lifted your gaze, eyes wide and devastated. for a heartbeat you let him hold you there. then confusion flickered across your face. you pulled back, stepping out of his reach.

“why… why are you upset about this?” he asked gently, searching your expression. “talk to me.”

you stared at him like the question didn’t make sense. your lips parted, but all that came out was a broken whisper.

“liu…”

you turned away and moved to the low sofa against the far wall, sinking down as if your legs could no longer hold you. liu kang followed without hesitation, sitting close enough to offer comfort, but not so close that you felt trapped. for a long moment you simply cried, hands twisting in your lap. when you finally spoke, your voice was hoarse and cracked.

“i can’t do this.”

the words trembled in the air.

“i wasn’t made for this, liu. i’m not a mother, i’m a fighter. that’s all i’ve ever been. all i know how to be.”

he stayed quiet, listening, though each word carved another line of pain into his chest. you kept going, the confessions spilling out faster now, raw and frightened.

“i’m not soft or—or gentle. i’ve never been good with kids. i don’t have any… maternal instincts. i don’t know the first thing about soothing a crying baby or… teaching them right from wrong. this child… this child would deserve so much better than me.”

liu kang’s head tilted slightly, his dark eyes glistening as he watched you. he could feel his heart silently breaking with every self-deprecating word. this was the woman who had stood beside him and lao through every trial, fierce and loyal and protective. and yet here you were, convinced you had nothing tender to offer.

“you… you do not want this child?” he asked quietly.

the question had barely left his lips before another sob ripped out of you, harsh and sudden. liu kang immediately regretted his wording, guilt flashing across his face. he reached out instinctively but stopped himself, fists clenching in his lap.

you shook your head, wiping at your tears with trembling hands.

“i don’t know,” you whispered, small and honest in a way that hurt worse than any blow. “i don’t know if i could do it, liu. i don’t know if i’d be enough. what if i failed? what if this baby grew up wishing they had a different mother? someone warmer. someone who knows how to do all of this.”

the silence that followed was thick and suffocating. liu kang sat beside you, his own emotions swirling — joy, terror, love, heartbreak — all tangled together. he wanted nothing more than to pull you into his arms and promise you that you were already enough. that he had seen your gentleness in a thousand quiet moments. but he could see how fragile you were right now, how deeply the fear had taken root.

so instead, he simply stayed close, his presence steady even as his heart ached for you.

he didn’t say anything more. he simply sat beside you on the sofa, hands resting loosely on his knees, giving you the space you seemed to need. the lantern light flickered softly across the room, casting long shadows that mirrored the weight in his chest.

then something shifted.

you drew in a shaky breath and turned toward him for the first time in what felt like hours. your looked at him, really looked at him, and your heart clenched at what you saw.

he was staring down at the floorboards with a quiet, longing expression that stole the air from your lungs. he looked like a man mourning something he hadn’t even lost yet. the slump in his shoulders, the tightness in his jaw, the way his eyes glistened with barely held emotion… it hit you all at once and your breath hitched.

“what… what do you want?” you asked, voice small and raw.

he lifted his gaze to meet yours. the sadness there was deep, but there was no hesitation. no anger. only love.

“do you want the truth?” he asked softly.

you nodded, a little pout forming on your trembling lips as fresh tears welled in your eyes.

liu kang exhaled slowly, as if gathering every ounce of courage he possessed.

“i would love nothing more than to have a family with you,” he said quietly, his voice rough with emotion. “especially with you. i’ve spent so many years denying myself even the dream of it, but the moment you told me… i saw it so clearly. a child with my fire and your smile. i think you would be a wonderful mother. you’re already so strong, so protective, so loyal. i’ve seen the way you care for others, even when you think no one notices. you have more gentleness in you than you realize.”

he reached out, hesitating just before touching you, and continued, “but this choice is yours. i will stand by whatever you decide. if you don’t want this… i will support you. if you do… i will be right here. every step. i promise.”

his words sank in slowly, softening some of the black-and-white edges your mind had shaped. for the first time since the panic had set in, you actually listened.

“you really want that?” you whispered, eyes searching his face.

“more than anything,” he answered without pause, voice steady and warm.

you swallowed, voice cracking. “but… with me?”

liu kang’s expression softened further, full of quiet wonder and aching affection. “especially with you.”

you sat there for a long moment, letting his words settle over your heart. then the weight of everything came rushing back. you wiped at your tears with a shaky hand and exhaled unsteadily.

“i… i need some space to think,” you whispered, eyes fixed on the floor. you couldn’t look at him. not right now. “please… leave me alone.”

liu was quiet for a moment, then he nodded.

he rose slowly, every movement careful, as if afraid to disturb the fragile air between you. at the door he paused, glancing back once, but you kept your gaze lowered. the soft click of the door closing behind him echoed in the quiet room.

the moment he stepped into the corridor, he felt his heart crack open. he leaned back against the cool stone wall, eyes closing as a wave of grief and love and fear washed over him. he pressed a hand to his chest, trying to breathe through the ache.

whatever you chose, he would honor it.

but gods… he already wanted this child so badly it hurt.

thirteen days passed.

thirteen, quiet days in which liu kang had respected your request for space. he had thrown himself into training, into meditation, into anything that might quiet the storm of hope and fear swirling inside him. but every night he lay awake, wondering what you were thinking. wondering if he had lost you. both of you.

then a soft knock came at his door late in the afternoon.

when he opened it, you were standing there, eyes downcast, fingers nervously fiddling with the sleeve of your shirt. you looked small in a way that made his chest ache. every instinct in him screamed to pull you into his arms, to hold you until the uncertainty disappeared, but he held himself back. he had promised you space, and he would give it until you asked for more.

“come in,” he said gently, stepping aside.

you slipped past him into the room. the door clicked shut behind you, and for a moment the only sound was the faint rustle of fabric as you continued twisting your sleeve.

“i made a decision…” you whispered, voice barely audible. “i think.”

liu kang drew in a slow breath through his nose, bracing himself. he remained standing a few feet away, hands clasped tightly behind his back to stop himself from reaching for you.

you swallowed hard.

“i don’t think i could ever do this,” you continued, the words trembling. “be a mother. raise someone. i’m not… i’m not built for that kind of life.”

liu kang’s eyes closed as a sharp crack split through his heart. the pain was quiet but devastating. he nodded solemnly, accepting what he feared was coming, even as it tore him apart inside.

then you spoke again.

“but…”

his eyes shot open, wide and earnest, filled with sudden, desperate hope.

“with you…” your voice cracked. “i— i think…” you looked absolutely terrified, shoulders tight, eyes glistening with unshed tears. then you whispered, desperate, “liu, i have no idea what i’m doing.”

a soft, breathless laugh escaped him, relief and tenderness woven into one sound. he took a step forward, then another, until he was standing right in front of you. he looked down at you with such soft adoration that it made your breath catch.

“i would be with you the whole time,” he murmured, voice low and steady. “every single moment. i would never leave you alone in this. not for one second.”

you drew in a shaky breath, fingers twisting together as the truth you’d wrestled with for thirteen long days finally broke free. “i’ve spent every night weighing the pros and cons until my head hurts. and no matter how many times i go through it… the only con i ever find is my own fear. it’s not that i don’t want this baby, liu. or this life with you. i do. i want both of you so much it scares me. the only thing stopping me from saying yes is this feeling that i won’t be enough… for either of you.”

he lifted a hand, hesitating only a moment before gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “building a life with you… raising a family with you… it would be the greatest honor of my life. one i would never, ever take for granted.”

you swallowed thickly, finally lifting your gaze to meet his. your eyes were wide and wet, full of fear and fragile hope.

“i’m terrified,” you whispered.

liu kang’s expression softened even further. he nodded slowly, letting you see the truth in his own eyes.

“me too.”

without another word, he pulled you into his arms.

you melted against him instantly, burying your face in his chest as strong arms wrapped around you. one of his hands cradled the back of your head while the other rubbed slow, soothing circles along your back. he held you tightly but gently, like you were something precious and breakable.

“i’ve got you,” he whispered into your hair. “we’ll figure this out together. every step. i promise.”

you clung to him, fingers gripping the fabric of his robes as the tension in your body slowly began to ease. and for the first time in days, the fear in your chest finally felt a little smaller.

a few hours later, the two of you lay curled together on liu kang’s low bed, the weight of the earlier conversation still lingering in the quiet air. your head rested on his chest, his fingers slowly threading through your hair in soothing strokes. the storm of emotions had quieted into a fragile calm.

liu shifted slightly, pulling back just enough to look down at you. you seemed more composed now, eyes still red, but no longer actively crying. he brushed his thumb gently across your cheek.

“my love…” he murmured, voice soft but serious. “we do need to discuss this further.”

your eyes immediately welled up again. you blinked hard, trying to keep the tears at bay, and gave a small, shaky nod.

“lao…” you croaked, the name heavy on your tongue.

liu kang took a slow, shaky breath of his own, his chest rising beneath you.

“yes,” he said quietly. “lao. we can’t hide this anymore.”

you both fell silent for a moment, the reality settling over you like a heavy blanket. telling lao meant everything would change. no more stolen nights. no more secrets. just the truth and whatever consequences came with it.

you swallowed and looked up at him with pleading eyes.

“can we wait just a few more days?” you whispered. “i just… i need a little more time.”

liu kang studied your face for a long moment, then nodded without hesitation.

“whenever you want, my love,” he said gently. “we’ll tell him when you’re ready.”

he shifted slightly, sliding his hand down to rest tenderly over your stomach. the gesture was so soft, so full of quiet reverence, that fresh tears slipped down your cheeks.

“but… we won’t be able to conceal this for long,” he added, his voice low and warm. his thumb traced a small, soothing circle against the fabric of your robes. “not with how quickly things are changing.”

you placed your hand over his, holding it there against your still-flat stomach. the weight of what was growing inside you felt both terrifying and strangely real in that moment.

“i know,” you whispered, leaning back into his chest.

he pressed a lingering kiss to the top of your head, wrapping both arms around you once more. the two of you stayed like that, tangled together in the fading afternoon light, hearts beating in uneasy rhythm as the inevitable conversation with lao loomed closer.

one week later, the three of you finally gathered in the shared kitchen attached to the twins’ quarters.

kung lao sat at the low wooden dining table, arms crossed over his chest and a smug, knowing grin already plastered across his face. he watched with open amusement as you paced nervously near the counter, hands wringing together, while liu kang stood stiffly a few feet away, eyes fixed on a particularly interesting knot in the floorboards.

the tension in the room felt thick enough to choke on.

“well?” lao drawled, leaning back in his chair. “what’s up? you two look like you’re about to confess to murder.”

you stopped pacing and shot liu kang a wide-eyed, pleading look. he met your gaze for only a second before straightening his shoulders.

someone had to be brave.

liu kang cleared his throat.

“we need to tell you something,” he began, voice steady but quiet.

lao raised an eyebrow and gestured lazily with one hand, clearly enjoying himself. “go on then. i’m all ears.”

liu kang took a slow breath, choosing his words with great care.

“i… we’ve been keeping something from you. for weeks now.” he glanced at you briefly, drawing strength from your presence. “i’m… in love with her. and she feels the same. we didn’t plan for this. we tried to fight it for a long time, but… we don’t want to hide it anymore. not from you.”

the confession landed in the quiet kitchen like a stone in still water. for a few agonizing seconds, lao simply stared at him. then he let out a long sigh and uncrossed his arms.

“okaaay… can i talk now?” he didn’t wait for an answer. “i already knew.”

both you and liu kang blinked.

“oh…” you whispered at the same time liu kang managed a stunned, “you did?”

lao snorted, though the sound lacked its usual cockiness. “you two were painfully obvious. the looks during training. the way you’d both disappear at suspiciously similar times. the fact that she stopped coming back to our quarters most nights.” he shook his head, a mix of amusement and something deeper, something almost heartbroken, crossing his face as he looked toward you. “did you really think i would be anything but happy for you?”

guilt crashed over you like a wave. you looked down at your hands, throat tight.

“i… i was scared,” you admitted softly.

lao’s expression softened. he leaned forward, elbows on the table.

“you really thought i’d be angry? that i wouldn’t want this for you?” he let out a quiet, rueful laugh. “honestly? i wouldn’t trust anyone else with you but liu. he’s the only person in this world i’d let anywhere near my stubborn, reckless sister. so… it worked out for the best, i suppose.”

the relief that washed through the room was palpable. liu kang’s shoulders sagged slightly, and you felt some of the crushing weight lift from your chest.

but it wasn’t over.

you swallowed hard, fingers twisting together. your voice came out tiny.

“that’s… that’s not all, lao.”

the shift in the air was immediate.

lao’s smirk faltered. his eyes narrowed slightly as he studied your face, catching the fresh wave of anxiety rolling off you. the amusement drained from his expression, replaced by wary concern.

“what do you mean?” he asked, voice lower now. “what else is there?”

lao sat up straighter in his chair, playful older brother completely gone. now he was fully alert, protective instincts already rising to the surface as he waited for whatever blow was about to come next.

the kitchen, which had felt warm and familiar only moments ago, now felt unbearably small.

you opened your mouth to speak, but the words caught painfully in your throat. nothing came out. panic surged through you, and you turned to liu kang with wide, desperate eyes, silently begging him to take over.

liu kang gave your hand a firm, reassuring squeeze. he nodded gently, urging you forward with quiet strength in his eyes.

you looked back at your brother, heart hammering.

“i’m pregnant,” you whispered.

the kitchen fell deathly silent.

lao’s face went completely flat for a long second, as if the words hadn’t fully registered. then one eyebrow slowly rose.

“pregnant?”

the silence stretched, heavy and terrifying.

then it broke.

“PREGNANT?!”

lao shot up from his chair, the wooden legs scraping loudly against the floor. he turned on liu kang, calm on the surface but clearly boiling with rage underneath.

“you fucking knocked her up?”

liu kang didn’t flinch. he stood steady, eyes lowered in quiet guilt, accepting the fury directed at him. he knew this was coming.

lao’s voice rose, sharp and furious. “look at me when i’m talking to you!”

liu kang lifted his gaze.

“how could you be so reckless?!” lao shouted, stepping forward. “she’s a champion, liu! we’re training for the biggest tournament of our lives! what if something happens? what if she gets hurt in the arena? what the hell were you thinking?!”

you pressed yourself against liu kang’s side, hiding your face in his arm as hot tears spilled down your cheeks. his free hand came up to rest protectively on your back, holding you close while he endured every word without defense.

lao kept going, voice cracking with a mix of anger and deep fear. “she’s all i have left and you—you do this? you get her pregnant right before everything?!”

his chest heaved. his eyes finally flicked to you.

you braced yourself, waiting for the scolding to turn your way. waiting for the disappointment. the anger. the how could you be so stupid?

but lao just… stared.

the rage on his face fractured. for a long, painful moment he simply looked at you — his little sister, trembling, crying, terrified — and something raw and broken flickered in his eyes. his throat worked visibly. a choked sound escaped him, dangerously close to a sob.

without another word, he turned sharply and stormed out of the kitchen. the door slammed behind him with a deafening bang that rattled the walls.

the moment he was gone, your legs gave out.

you sank to the floor, curling in on yourself as deep, wrenching sobs tore from your chest. all the fear, guilt, and emotional exhaustion of the past weeks crashed down at once.

liu kang dropped to his knees beside you without hesitation. he pulled you gently into his arms, cradling you against his chest as one hand rubbed your back.

“i know…” he whispered, voice thick with his own emotion. “i know, my love. let it out. i’m right here.”

you clung to him, fingers fisting in his robes as you cried harder. the sting of lao’s reaction hurt worse than you had expected. you had feared his anger, but the heartbreak in his eyes before he left… that was somehow even more painful.

liu kang pressed his lips to the top of your head, holding you tighter.

“he’s scared,” he murmured softly against your hair. “just like we are. he’ll come back. he loves you more than anything. we’ll get through this… together.”

you nodded weakly against his chest, but the sobs didn’t stop.

in the quiet kitchen, with the echo of the slammed door still ringing in your ears, liu kang simply held you, steady and unwavering, as the weight of your new reality settled over both of you.