#nell writes

SFW

They were attracted to each other from the start but were too isolated in their lives to pit a finger in their feelings

If they can, they are always side by side

It's a comfort they found on accident

Quan Chi is the only one who can touch Shang Tsung's things and vice versa

Neither of them can sleep in comfy beds - Shang Tsung prefers a pillow and some thin sheets, Quan Chi can sleep on the ground without anything

Quan Chi's mining experience comes in handy

"What is so important about this rock?" "That is black obsidian, you fool."

They will have troubles breaking apart some rocks and Quan Chi just waltzes over, takes the pickaxe and in one swift move breaks it, gives it back and leaves without any word

Shang Tsung: 'I wish that were me'

Their moves while casting magic stems from their backround - Shang Tsung is more elegant and gracious, while Quan Chi is more calculated and does not make any unnecessary moves that would drain energy

Quan Chi observes as Shang Tsung makes new elixirs and potions

At first, Shang Tsung thought Quan Chi was going to criticize him but when none came it made him even more uneasy

"Why are you here?" "Am I not allowed to watch my partner work?"

Since then it became their routine

Neither of them liked physical touch at the start

They touched each other on accident when they were reaching for the same thing

It was like they were burned

Shang Tsung keeps his distance but Quan Chi is left wanting more

Quan Chi initiates their close proximity, hand on Shang Tsung's shoulder, brushing their shoulders together

When Shang Tsung works, Quan Chi looks over his shoulder, pressing his chest to Shang Tsung's back, placing his hands next to Shang's

Just to see that soft blush

Shang Tsung wants but he doesn't know how to ask

So instead of asking verbally, he gives hints

While working, pulls his hair to the side, exposing the back of his neck

Quan Chi grows weak

And presses his lips to the exposed skin

Shang Tsung tenses up, shudder running trough him

Quan Chi thinks he has hurt him and backs away and doesn't initiate more close encounters

Shang Tsung keeps giving hints but it is like Quan Chi doesn't even see

It's Shang Tsung who has had enough and corners Quan Chi in a secluded area

And Shang Tsung can't say what he wants so he just pulls Quan Chi into s kiss

It's quick and clumsy and Shang Tsung's cheeks are *burning*

When Quan Chi doesn't react, Shang Tsung is ready to bolt but gets stopped when he is pulled into a deep kiss

The rest is a history from there

Shang Tsung is the little spoon

One wouldn't think that they would be a healthy couple, but they are

Always asking for consent

Well, Quan Chi does

Shang Tsung still doesn't know how to ask for affection so he gives hints

Quan Chi learned to understand but is trying to teach Shang Tsung to voice what he wants

They can get easily overwhelmed with affection and touches - so they learned how to show or tell

Shang Tsung finds himself tracing Quan Chi's tattoos

They love to have a quiet sit down and enjoy a book or a snack

NSFW

Quan Chi is soft

Peppers the small scars Shang Tsung with kisses

They take everything slow

Quan Chi holds Shang Tsung close while they are joined as one

Shang Tsung is crying and sobbing mess each time - not because he's hurting, it's because he's in overwhelming pleasure

Quan Chi whispers sweet things as he makes love to Shang Tsung

Shang Tsung leaves scratches on Quan Chi's back

Quan Chi lets Shang Tsung explore, earning his trust

Shang Tsung asks for no marks and Quan Chi obliges

again, no pressure at all. this is more so there are some real people knowing this is going on because maybe then the pressure i will inevitably put on myself will give me enough motivation to finish this eventually ✌️🥲

Finals were next week, and Wonwoo wasn’t sure when he had last gotten up from his desk. His hand was cramped from writing and his eyes ached from lack of sleep. Despite all of that, Wonwoo pressed forward, pouring over his textbooks and practice problems on his computer. To top everything off, the todo list that was stuck to his wall felt 100 miles long, and anytime he crossed one thing off three things were added.

Wonwoo distantly heard Mingyu making some sort of noise in their apartment, but he was too focused to pay much attention to it. Mingyu had been bringing Wonwoo tea and snacks while Wonwoo was studying over the past few weeks. Everytime he came in, he would lightly chide Wonwoo about overworking himself, and normally Wonwoo would allow himself a small break to calm his boyfriend’s worries. Wonwoo doesn’t remember when he last allowed himself a break.

Wonwoo stared unfocused at the biochemistry textbook that he’d been staring at for the past couple days. According to his detailed timetable and study schedule, Wonwoo should be working on calculus. Actually, according to the timetable, he should have finished biochemistry two days ago and should have done genetics, cellular biology, and have started his composition essay.

The words on the textbook page swam in front of his eyes, and when Wonwoo tried to focus on them, all he could see was his mile long todo list and his timetable that he was so far away from. The stress was making him feel crazy.

These exams needed to go well, otherwise his GPA wouldn’t look so hot, and he needed a good GPA if he expected to get into a good medical school. His parents would never look him in the eye again if he didn’t get into a good medical school. The entire world felt like it was collapsing around him.

Wonwoo reached for the mug that rested on the desk, only to find it empty. Sighing, he placed it back down and focused his attention on the textbook in front of him. Practice questions were open on his laptop, but he was getting them all wrong and he couldn’t figure out why. He hadn’t gotten a single one right since he had started doing them some amount of days ago.

Everything was going about as poorly as it could be going.

Mingyu probably knocked on the door like he usually did before he walked in, but Wonwoo was too lost in biochemistry and his daydreams of dropping out to hear him. Wonwoo startled when he felt Mingyu’s arms wrap around his shoulder in a warm hug. When Wonwoo tried to lean forward to try another problem, Mingyu rested his chin on the top of Wonwoo’s head, effectively holding him in place.

“Take a break,” Mingyu said, his voice vibrating against Wonwoo’s back. Wonwoo fought the urge to relax into Mingyu’s chest. His eyes burned from being held open for so long, but he had so much work that he needed to do. There wasn’t any time for him to sleep.

“Can’t,” Wonwoo sighed, trying to shrug Mingyu off his shoulders. It didn’t work. Actually, it didn’t work so spectacularly that he ended up reclined into Mingyu’s chest. Fantastic.

“Yes, you can,” Mingyu said. “You’ve been holed up at this desk for like 4 days straight. I’m not even sure if you’ve slept because you haven’t come to bed.” Guilt gnawed at Wonwoo’s gut for making Mingyu worry.

After a long moment Mingyu holding him and humming softly, Wonwoo finally set his pen down with a sigh. Mingyu made a triumphant noise and squeezed him tightly, planting a firm kiss on the crown on his head.

“Only for a little while though,” Wonwoo rushed as Mingyu pulled him out of his chair. Mingyu’s reply was lost as Wonwoo’s ears rang and his vision briefly blacked out. Distantly, he felt Mingyu’s arm wrap tightly around his waist, holding him upright. 

“I just stood up too fast,” Wonwoo said weakly as his vision came back. Mingyu gave him an unimpressed look.

“Yeah,” Mingyu scoffed, “or four days without eating a proper meal is killing you.” Wonwoo chuckled at Mingyu’s dramatics, surely he wasn’t dying. As a premed student, he’d most likely know if he was dying. At least, that was the idea.

Mingyu led them into their cramped kitchen, arm still securely looped around Wonwoo like he was going to run and bury his nose back in his textbooks if Mingyu let go. Wonwoo wasn’t entirely sure how wrong he was for thinking that. 

The moment they stepped into the kitchen, Wonwoo was assaulted with a myriad of amazing aromas. If Mingyu hadn’t been holding him up, Wonwoo’s knees would have given out beneath him.

“You… cooked?” Wonwoo wasn’t sure why he posed it as a question. The food was laid out in an impressive spread covering their kitchen counters.

“All day,” Mingyu confirmed, looking at the food proudly. “I’m surprised you didn’t notice. Normally you’re out here before it’s even done.” Mingyu chuckled weakly, still staring at the spread.

“I’ve been-”

“Busy.” Mingyu sighed, defeated. “I know.” Not able to take the guilt any longer, Wonwoo turned toward Mingyu, gently cupping his cheeks between his hands. Mingyu looked so sad, and it shattered Wonwoo’s heart. Leaning forward, Wonwoo kissed Mingu sweetly, doing everything he knew how to do to make that sadness go away.

“I’m sorry I’ve been ignoring you,” he murmured, lips barely a breath from Mingyu’s. “Let me make it up to you.” Wonwoo felt Mingyu’s cheeks heat up beneath his hands and wasn’t able to hold back his smile any longer. 

Giving Mingyu one last kiss, Wonwoo finally pulled away and looked at Mingyu properly. The sad look had mostly faded and was replaced with Mingyu shyly biting his lip and avoiding Wonwoo’s eyes. Wonwoo smiled at him fondly.

“It’s getting cold,” Mingyu muttered, gesturing vaguely toward the food. “We should eat.” Wonwoo laughed at Mingyu pushed him toward the table to sit and busied himself preparing two plates.

Wonwoo’s stomach cramped uncomfortably as he watched Mingyu fill the plates with food. So maybe not eating for so long wasn’t a smart idea, but he had been preoccupied. Mingyu set both plates down and slid into the chair across from him.

Taking a bite of food, Wonwoo couldn’t stop the moan that fell from his lips.

“This is so good, Gyu,” he said around another mouthful. “I love you so much.”

“You only say that when I do things for you,” Mingyu laughed.

“But it’s true,” Wonwoo said, stuffing another bite into his mouth. Mingyu again, the bright sound filling Wonwoo’s chest with warmth. 

When Wonwoo finished his plate, Mingyu made him eat another one. He updated Wonwoo on everything that had happened since Wonwoo had begun his self-induced solitary confinement. Mingyu updated him on what their friends were up to - apparently Jihoon and Soonyoung had finally gotten together and Seungkwan and Vernon had broken up again - and also how his classes were going. Wonwoo tried on to feel envious about the fact that Mingyu’s only finals were a couple of essays and a speech.

Wonwoo cleaned the kitchen after their meal, that had always been their deal when Mingyu cooked and Wonwoo already felt awful for having worried him so much. Mingyu’s words washed over Wonwoo like the warm stream from a shower. It didn’t matter what he was saying, Wonwoo just liked to listen to the sound of his voice.

“Wonwoo?” His named snapped him out of his revine, and he looked up from the soapy sink of dishes to face Mingyu’s questioning face.

“I asked you what movie you wanted to watch tonight,” Mingyu said, watching Wonwoo with amusement.

“Movie? Mingyu, I have to get back to studying.” He’s already wasted so much time. Mingyu’s face fell briefly, before settling into a look of steely resolve.

“No,” he said, voice leaving no room for argument. Wonwoo sighed and turned back to the dishes.

“Gyu-”

“No,” Mingyu said firmly, cutting him off. “You’ve studied enough for tonight. You can take a one night break, it won’t kill you.” Wonwoo placed the last dish into the drying rack and turned to face Mingyu.

“Finals are-”

“I am aware of when finals are,” Mingyu snapped, standing up and walking over to Wonwoo. “If you keep working yourself like this, you’re gonna make yourself sick, you of all people should know that.” Wonwoo frowned at him, but before he had a chance to say anything more, Mingyu continued on.

“Just one night,” he pleaded. “It’s not gonna hurt anything. You’re still going to ace your finals.” Wonwoo’s resolve crumbled at the puppy dog eyes that Mingyu gave him. 

“Just one night,” he agreed. “Then I have to study until my finals are over.” Mingyu smiled widely and Wonwoo’s heart skipped a beat. He was fairly certain that his heart stopped beating altogether when Mingyu captured his lips a tender kiss. Wonwoo melted into him, wrapping his arms loosely around Mingyu’s shoulders.

“Movie time,” Mingyu sang, pulling away and tangling their fingers together before dragging them into their living room. 

The movie that Mingyu chose was some cheesy romcom that Joshua had recommended. Wonwoo wasn’t at all interested in the movie, opting instead to lay comfortably across Mingyu’s lap. Mingyu’s fingers absently carded through his hair as he stared at the screen, completely engrossed in the movie.

Before he knew it, Wonwoo’s eyes slid shut. The gentle feeling of Mingyu’s fingers, the warmth of Mingyu beside him, the soft drone of the movie, and four days of almost no sleep was the perfect combination to have him out within the first 25 minutes of the movie.

Wonwoo woke up later to soft words being whispered in his ear. The words washed over him in uncomprehending, comforting waves. Slowly, he gained awareness of his surroundings. It was quiet, the movie must have ended. Mingyu’s forehead was pressed against his.

“-love you,” Mingyu whispered, breath tickling the hairs by Wonwoo’s ear. He felt a content smile form on his face and blindly reached up to grab Mingyu’s face, pulling him down to kiss him. It was a lazy, sleepy kiss, but it was so tender Wonwoo’s heart melted all the way down to his toes.

“Love you, too,” Wonwoo mumbled sleepily against Mingyu’s lips. Mingyu huffed a laugh, leaning back a little bit and placing a gentle kiss on Wonwoo’s nose.

“Bed time,” he said softly. Wonwoo made a noise of protest, curling up on the couch and pressing his face into Mingyu’s hipbone.

“But ‘m comfy here,” he slurred, curling his hand in Mingyu’s shirt and allowing his eyes to slide shut again. He felt Mingyu chuckle above him, carding his fingers through Wonwoo’s hair once again.

“You’ll be comfier in bed,” Mingyu said, gently coaxing Wonwoo up. “I’ll carry you.” Wonwoo hummed, allowing himself to be moved and carried back to bed. Wonwoo wrapped his arms around Mingyu and pressed his face into his neck, kissing sleepily along Mingyu’s neck and exposed shoulder.

“You’re so out of it,” Mingyu chuckled. Wonwoo wanted to protest, but he knew somewhere in his brain that he was, in fact, completely out of it. The combination of not sleeping and stress was probably making him a little bit delusional, but who could really blame him.

Mingyu gently lowered him onto the bed, sliding in right after and arranging them so he was holding Wonwoo. Wonwoo sank back into Mingyu’s warmth, allowing Mingyu’s familiar scent to surround him entirely.

It wasn't until 9:45 that Tony had arrived at the lab and noticed that Peter wasn't waiting patiently on his phone as usual. For a moment, Tony felt panic rise in his chest at the thought of losing the kid, though he would never show it. He called to FRIDAY quickly.

"FRIDAY, where is Peter?" He asked.

"Peter is in his room, sir." FRIDAY replied curtly.

"Why is that? Is he asleep?" Tony felt his anxiety lower a bit when he found out where the boy was.

"Mr. Parker seems to be in pain and is sweating, but his temperature is at normal levels." FRIDAY responded. "Would you like me to ring him?"

The anxiety was back again, of course.

"Yes, FRIDAY. Ask him what's wrong." Tony took a moment to sip from his coffee mug and put down the mug he had prepared for Peter on a desk.

A few moments later, FRIDAY responded. "Peter only got three hours of sleep last night. He says it is because he is menstruating, though his exact quote included a few expletives."

"We've got to get a handle on that kid's mouth." Tony muttered to himself. "FRIDAY, tell him I'm heading up."

"Yes, sir." FRIDAY's robotic voice rang throughout the empty lab as Tony started to make his way up the stairs (much to the dismay of his hip, that had been hurting for days now.)

Tony had known that Peter was trans for a little while now, and he prided himself on being an accepting, inclusive man. Each and every bathroom was equipped with pads and tampons (though those had really been put into place because Pepper had almost strangled him when she found out that the vagina-wielding people at the facility had been expected to buy their own products.) He had done plenty of research about trans teens, and next to his bed was even a copy of The Transgender Teen: A Handbook for Parents that he read over often. Pepper had taught him about period stuff and how to help Peter if he ever needed to.

Still, Tony was very nervous (but he still would deny it adamantly if he was ever asked). What if he said something wrong to the kid? The whole thing was surely stressful to Peter, especially because of dysphoria. Tony had read up a lot on body dysphoria, and it sure didn’t sound fun.

Tony walked up to the room labeled "Spider-Man" on an electronic tablet and rapped lightly on the door.

"Come in." Peter called from inside. His voice was heavy with exhaustion.

"Hey, bud." Tony smiled softly as he peeked through the door. "Playin' hooky?"

The sight honestly pulled at Tony's heartstrings a bit. Peter was laid down in bed, the tangled sheets and blankets making it obvious that Peter had been tossing and turning a majority of the night. He had grabbed a glass of water at some point during the night, evident by the glass half-drunk on his bed-side table. He was in a loose sweatshirt (his favorite, the one with the Mets' logo) and lounge pants.

"Sorry, Mr. Stark." Peter winced a bit when he tried to sit up. He muttered more apologies and curse words as he reluctantly laid back down, grasping his abdomen.

"You're alright, kid." Tony walked up to the bed-side. "Is there any way I can help?"

"Maybe a heating pad?" Peter thought of something and grinned. "And some M&Ms?"

"Now I feel like you're taking advantage of my wealth." Tony joked a bit. "But yeah, I'll get that stuff for you. Be back in a few."

After Tony left the room, FRIDAY piped up.

"Sir, would you like me to have interns retrieve Mr. Parker's supplies?" FRIDAY asked. "There are at least two interns available to help."

"No, FRIDAY, I'll get it myself." Tony walked down to one of the many hangars of the compound and grabbed a pair of keys off the wall.  

The grocery store cashier probably wasn't expecting billionaire (and also the savior of the world on several occasions) Tony Stark to stroll in and out of the store with only a heating pad, several bags of M&Ms, and some ibuprofen. (But the cashier also received a one-hundred-dollar tip and a wink from Tony Stark, so who was she to complain?)

Soon, Tony was back at the compound with a grocery store bag in hand. FRIDAY greeted him, as well as Rhodey and Pepper, who were both working near the garages.

"Tony, you know someone else could've run out to get your..." She peeked into the bag. "large amount of M&Ms. Since when did you like M&Ms?"

"It's for the kid." Tony shrugged. "Thought it would be a nice thing to grab them myself. You're always lecturing me about how to do nice things."

"Oh, is it his time of the month?" Pepper suddenly looked worried. "I could always drive him home if you want. I was talking to his aunt, and apparently, he has really bad cramps. They've even tried birth control, but it doesn’t help."

"Nah, Pep." Tony smiled reassuringly. "I think I can handle it. Don't worry too much about us."

"Alright." Pepper agreed, unconvinced. "Call me if you need help. You know you're not the only one who cares about Peter."

Tony nodded and trekked up the stairs once again. When he approached the door, Tony could hear Peter's voice.

"May, I promise I'll be fine." He spoke reassuringly. "Mr. Stark went out to get a heating pad." Tony couldn't hear May's half of the conversation. "Yeah, isn't that nice? He went out himself."

Tony knocked lightly on the door.

"I think that's him now, Aunt May." Peter said over the phone. "I'll talk to you later." Pause. "I love you too."  

A moment after Peter got off the phone with his aunt, he piped up with a "Come in!".

"Hey again. Got the stuff." Tony entered the room. "Was that your aunt?"

"Yeah, it was." Peter smiled. He seemed a little excited by the size of the bag and the promise of candy.

"Before candy, you have to take some pain medicine." Tony opened the pill bottle and handed Peter two small, white pills. Peter downed them with the leftover water quickly. Then, Tony plugged in the heating pad after a minute of grumbling and trying to find a power outlet.

Then, it was M&M time, which was obviously Peter's favorite part. He quickly devoured half of a bag of dark chocolate M&Ms. Tony had gotten a few of every type the store had, just in case Peter had a preference. Plus, Tony was a little curious of what they would taste like himself.

SFW

They are the definition of 'we hate each other so much, that we end up loving each other'

It's with a great reluctance they have to work together

And it's shenanigans all around

"I have to use this-" "Shang Tsung, no."

It's just exasperated Liu Kang

"Shang Tsung, no." "Shang Tsung, that is enough." "Shang Tsung, leave the deceased person alone. No, you cannot take them in for experimenting."

It's always Shang Tsung reaching for something in Liu Kang's hold and never being able to reach bc he's 💫short💫

Liu Kang resorted to such childish things after Shang Tsung would not listen one too many times

Shang Tsung chugs down elixirs like his life depends on it - it does

Shang Tsung gets easily sick

Liu Kang takes the elixirs away at one point bc he fears that Shang Tsung is growing too dependent on them

And Shang Tsung gets sick

We're talking that a wind blows him over and he's d*ing

He's having strong fevers and coughs

Liu Kang brings him soups and teas

When Liu Kang has to venture out for important businesses, he brings Shang a small souvenir

A hairpin, a pretty fan, a book, anything

Liu Kang is surprised that Shang actually keeps it

Shang Tsung is the little spoon

Liu Kang initiates all their kisses

Shang Tsung is flustered with all of them

Shang Tsung dislikes cold weather so he cuddles up to Liu Kang a lot

Shang Tsung is a cat lover

Liu Kang brought him a kitten he found in Outworld

Shang Tsung braids Liu Kang's hair and vice versa

When Liu Kang is stressed, he lays in Shang Tsung's lap who plays with his hair

They have tea together - in the morning and at dinner

NSFW

Liu Kang is a soft dom

When they are kissing, Liu Kang lays on Shang to be as close to him as possible

Liu Kang is praising Shang for every little thing

Shang Tsung is a blushing mess

And also gets overwhelmed easily

When it happens, he's sobbing from all of it

Liu Kang reassures him constantly when it happens

They takes things slow

Liu rolls his hips slowly into Shang, taking him apart

Liu introduces blindfolds and soft cuffs only if he's sure that Shang is comfortable enough

Liu Kang loves to admire Shang Tsung when he's all tied up

Shang leaves small marks on Liu's skin

SFW

Slow burn of the slowest slow burns

It was Johnny, who initiated all of their conversations

Bi-Han slowly and gradually relaxed around the movie star - Johnny can not be annoying if he wants to

There are times Bi-Han starts to looking forward to interacting with Johnny

They got sent into Netherrealm by Quan Chi and they had to work together to get out

This brought them closer together

After that, they started sending letters to each other as Bi-Han mentioned that it is easier to put his thoughts on paper

For Bi-Han, it was a time he could truly relax

For Johnny, it was also a down time, where he could relax

It was Johnny, who suggested a date

When Bi-Han took too long to answer, Johnny thought he messed up

Until a letter came with few words - "Dear Johnny, I agree."

Know the videos where dogs get the zoomies? Yeah, that was Johnny when he got it

They both agreed to take things slow and not make things public just yet

They were very discreet, Bi-Han had an easier time hiding things but Johnny wasn't having a good time

All he wanted to do was to gush about the date he had with Bi-Han

Bi-Han expressed that he didn't like when people touched him without his consent and Johnny respects it

Always asking if he can hold, touch, hug

Johnny says 'I love you' to Bi-Han everytime he gets the chance - sometimes he thinks he's saying it too much but the reaction he gets from Bi-Han is worth it

Bi-Han has smiles reserved only for Johnny, the way his eyes crinkle when he hears 'I love you'

Bi-Han gradually relaxes and isn't stressed - but is still frustrated

Johnny says that it is perhaps the best if they do things on their own terms - break away from the 'Defenders of Earthrealm' circle

They do - and Bi-Han parts ways with Kuai Liang and Tomas

Bi-Han sometimes doubts his decision but he had the entirety of the Lin Kuei backing him up and Johnny

When they share their first kiss, it was like they said hundred things to each other they couldn't say with words

They do have misunderstandings, sometimes they have to go a few days without talking to each other to think things over

When they try to mend things up, they are bit awkward

Johnny tries to hold Bi-Han's hand whenever he's stressed or something but backs off when comfort is not wanted

Bi-Han seeks Johnny out just for some quiet company, reading a book or just having a sit down

Johnny wanted to film a movie about the Lin Kuei

Bi-Han agreed - with that, Johnny opened a can of worms that I won't get into now

Needles to say, Johnny understands Bi-Han a lot more

Johnny even gets a few letters from other members of Lin Kuei expressing their thanks for making their Grandmaster a happier man

They are there for each other

Neither of them allow to be vulnerable or show weakness, so when one of them does, they know it's serious

They also got married - a story for another time

NSFW

For Bi-Han, it was quickest way to relieve stress

It was rough, it was fast - it did not hurt. Johnny did enjoy it at the start

Johnny started to notice, when they were laying down in the post coital bliss, Bi-Han seemed to shut down into himself

Johnny convinced Bi-Han to switch positions - riding him slowly into completion and Bi-Han fell apart - staring up lovingly at Johnny

The morning after they have a talk about it

Finding middle ground, they started to introduce BDSM elements into their sex life

Johnny goes by 'safewords are sexy'

Bi-Han always checks up on him during their sexy times - asking if he's in pain, if the binding is too tight, etc.

When they do take things slow, Bi-Han lets Johnny take charge

They like finding out and exploring new ways for aftercare

Johnny's favorite is to trace patterns onto Bi-Han's skin