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summerwritesfics · 3 months

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🏢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.

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

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summerwritesfics · 2 years

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🏢I Wanna, I Wanna Stay ‘Til The End, Chapter 1 - But In The Morning, It Might Just Change

Pairing: Rain/Kuai Liang Length: 5483 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, Eventual Smut, Is it slowburn if the sex is fast but the emotions are slow?, Minor Tanleena, Anxiety, NGL like 70% of this fic is me cockblocking Rain lol

I Wanna, I Wanna Stay ‘Til The End Masterlist

Notes: Once upon a time, Summer had a rarepair that made no sense to anyone but them and they went “fuck it” and decided to make it everyone else’s problem. Again, I wrote this back in like December as some weird self indulgence, because I literally kept daydreaming about it so started writing stuff down. I actually have chapter 2 mostly written out too but that’s gonna wait to be finished until after October so lmao. Fic will mostly be kinda light hearted, but both Rain and Kuai have pretty rough pasts and while I do not intend to explicitly write that past, they will think and talk about them eventually. I will put warnings in the chapter notes if any of those darker subjects do come up :) (Why Do I always go with modern au’s for my rarepairs, wtf is that all about?) Fic title is from “Heavenly” by Pale Waves and chapter 1’s title is from “Television Romance” by Pale Waves, because once again, I am clearly going through something here lol. There’s some very vague hints towards past domestic abuse in this chapter, as well as a direct reference to past infidelity.

Rain finished pouring his coffee, turning around to survey his new surroundings.

It wasn't the biggest apartment in the world, and it definitely wasn't the best looking, given the majority of his furniture was brought last minute from a thrift store. But it was all his. He had worked his ass off, saved up his money for the deposit, made sure he's be able to pay the rent and bills every month. He hadn't needed a penny from his father, unlike his brothers. He had done this on his own.

He was so proud of himself, even if no one else was.

If only mom could see me.

He shook his head. He hadn't even known his mother, she'd died when he was an infant. Yet he often wondered what his life would have been like had she lived. If he's not been forced to live with his dismissive father, Rain a symbol of his infidelity that needed to be swept under the rug.

He shook his head. That didn't matter any more. What mattered was the future and how now he's made such progress he wasn't going to let anything stop him.

First however, he needed to finish his coffee and then get to work. All of this wouldn't pay for itself after all.

He drank it as quickly as he could, did a quick double check to make sure he'd got everything and he hadn't accidentally left anything on. Satisfied he grabbed his keys and headed to the door. He locked up and went down the corridor. As he got to the stairwell, he headed to the elevator.

There was another man standing outside waiting for it to come, though even as Rain approached he didn't acknowledge him. As Rain stood next to him, he couldn't help but take a curious peak at him. He was asian, looked a little older than him but shorter by quite a few inches, short black hair, blue eyes and a trim beard. He had a large and striking scar on the one side of his face. He was wearing a blue jacket with a fluffy white fur trim.

The more he stared, the more he felt something stirring in him. This man was undeniably gorgeous and the more Rain observed him, the more details jumped out to him. Rain sure wouldn't mind having a man like that on his arm.

The man's eyes flicked over to him, and he looked quite startled. Rain couldn't blame him, he had been staring rather intently.

"Ah, good morning," he awkwardly greeted, hoping it would stem some of the creepiness.

"Good morning," the man returned, smiling and nodding his head slightly.

"So... Do you live here?" Rain realised how absolutely weird he was coming across. He wasn't normally this awkward when it came to people he found attractive, why was this man so different?

"Um. Yes?" The man said wearily, raising an eyebrow. Rain grimaced realising once again that could be quite an ominous seeming question. "Do you?"

"Yeah, I uh, just moved in over the weekend," Rain informed him, hoping maybe that would stem any potentially menacing vibes and make it seem more like he was anxious about meeting his new neighbours.

The man seemed to relax at this a bit, as he asked "ah, number 33?"

"That's right." Rain scratched the back of his head. "Guess you noticed the movers."

"I did." The man looked over his shoulder towards the corridor. "I'm in 34, so it was hard to not notice."

"34? So, you live in the apartment opposite then?" He asked, trying to not feel as giddy about a hot guy living across the way from him as he did. The man nodded. "I'm Ranjit, but everyone calls me Rain."

"Kuai Liang," was the reply he got, followed by him reaching his hand out. Rain took it and shook without question.

Seconds later, the elevator rang out and the doors opened. Rain gestured for Kuai to go first, seeing as he'd been waiting longer. He got an appreciative smile. Rain couldn't help but look down slightly as he followed behind. Kuai's trousers were fairly tight, and along with the rest of him, he had a really quite nice ass too. He made sure not to look too long however, nothing like introducing yourself to your neighbour and then completely alienating him by acting like a horny teenager.

Kuai clicked the button for the 1st floor, standing back as the door closed behind them. Rain got this far he might as well continue with the small talk.

"So, how long have you lived here?" Rain asked, leaning against the wall.

"About 3 years," Kuai stated, fiddling with the zipper of his jacket. "It's a nice enough place, no one really causes any problems."

"Good to know." It was a relief. Before this he'd lived with his friends, Mileena and Tanya, for years and to say they had troublesome neighbours was an understatement. "Do you live with anyone?" Rain couldn't see a ring on Kuai's fingers but that didn't mean he didn't have someone.

"No, no it's just me," he confirmed, shyly pushing a strand of hair behind his ear. "What about you?"

"Just me as well," Rain said with a grin. "First time living without room mates."

"That's nice," Kuai said softly but genuinely. "It's strange to get used to, but it's nice to just have your own space, y'know?" He stopped fiddling and just stared down for a minute. "A bit lonely, sometimes, but..."

Kuai never finished his sentenced, just stared down with a frown on his face. There was something odd about that, but Rain had a feeling whatever was causing such a wistful look was off limits, at least for now.

"Well, at least I have a nice neighbour to keep me company," he tried instead, trying not to laugh at the way Kuai's head snapped up.

He stammered slightly, a light blush coming over his cheeks. He finally settled on a small smile that somehow managed to make him look even shyer, and a whisper of "I guess you do, yes."

The elevator doors slid open, and Rain yet again let Kuai go first, trying to not let his eyes linger on that perfect ass too long. As they reached the front door, Kuai pushed it open, this time letting Rain go first.

"Well," Kuai sighed as he stepped out himself, letting the door lock behind him. "I'm off that way." Kuai pointed in the opposite direction from where Rain was going to have to go for work.

"Ah, well, this is where I'll have to leave you for now then," Rain tried to not sound too disappointed. "Hopefully I'll catch you later."

"Hopefully," Kuai agreed, "until then."

Both men turned away and went their separate ways. Rain couldn't help glancing over his shoulder, taking one last look at Kuai's ass as he walked away.

I have got to fuck him.

He sighed, looking straight and continuing his walk to work. If there was any time he wanted his life to devolve into a romantic comedy, it was right now.

"So, is everything to your liking?"

Kuai no longer had his coat on and could no longer play with the zipper, instead playing with the hem of his t-shirt instead. His eyes were fixed on Hanzo across the table as he read through Kuai's latest article.

He had no idea why this still made him nervous. He'd been doing this for years, he'd known Hanzo for years, both socially and professionally. The man had very rarely requested changes.

So why were his hands shaking so much?

"This all looks good, like always," Hanzo replied with a smile. "I'm sure my editors will do some nitpicking like always but there are no major re-writes needed." He put the papers down. "I'll have Ayame send the rest of your paycheck." Hanzo reached for his phone to call her.

Kuai let himself breathe again. Freelance magazine articles weren't really his main income, but the extra money between novels certainly didn't hurt. He didn't even really need to keep working or writing, he could probably live off the money he got from royalties, but he liked keeping himself busy.

"So, how are things?" Hanzo's voice cut through his thoughts and made him jump slightly. The other mans brow saw drawn together. "We didn't really get to talk last time you were here."

"Fine," Kuai tried, desperately trying to maintain eye contact so Hanzo might think he was telling the truth. Still the intensity with which Hanzo stared at him was a little too much. Hanzo was an intense person in general, and sometimes talking to him felt like being in a burning room, inhaling smoke and ash.

"Kuai Liang," Hanzo said quietly, his features softening but that fire was still burning away in his eyes. "I know you don't like to talk about these things, but if you're struggling-"

"It's not- I'm not struggling, not really." Kuai bit his lip, hard enough that he could feel it ache. "Things have been actually kind of okay lately. Anxiety aside." He bunched up the hem of his shirt, trying to find anything to keep himself distracted while he had this conversation. "I'm almost finished the first draft of my next book. Johnny is looking to turn another of my books into a film. I have this. Things are... things are good."

"You know your work isn't what I'm talking about." Kuai winced because yes, he did know that.

"I know," he said lowly, rubbing the back of his head slightly. "I really am okay though. Doctor says I may need another surgery but he's happy with how I've healed from the last one. I'm leaving the house more, I don't feel as trapped..." He paused desperately trying to think of something else that might provide evidence things were improving. His mind went back to that morning in the elevator and the man who seemed extremely eager to talk to him. "Oh! I have a new neighbour and I actually talked to him this morning!"

Hanzo blinked a few times, "you begun a conversation with a stranger?"

"I- Well," Kuai stuttered, before giving Hanzo a sheepish grin. "Technically he started the conversation." It was a start though, at least in Kuai's mind. There was a time where he'd have just completely ignored the conversation. Granted it would have been more out of fear for the consequences should a certain someone catch him, but that was a whole other barrel of issues. "He was a bit... awkward."

"No offence Kuai, but that's a bit rich coming from you," Hanzo teased, thankfully all that intense worry disappearing. It seemed Kuai had said enough to convince Hanzo he was okay.

"I'm not awkward, I'm anxious, it's two completely different issues," Kuai dismissed with a wave of his hand. "He seems nice though, so hopefully he won't be a problem neighbour."

"Well, if he ever does become a problem, I'll sort him out." The declaration wasn't an unusual one, but still caught Kuai off guard slightly.

"You sound like you're intending to beat the shit out of him," Kuai exclaimed with a snort.

"No," Hanzo said in a tone that indicated that's exactly what he was intending. "Well, only if I have to."

"You know when Bi-Han asked you to look after me, I'm pretty sure beating the shit out of people who upset me wasn't what he had in mind." It was strange, how seriously Hanzo took a promise from so many years ago. But Hanzo and Bi-Han had been best friends, and maybe after Bi-Han's death, this was the one thing he felt he could do for his late friend.

"Really? The amount of people he beat up for you?"

Kuai paused at that, before grimacing "yeah in retrospect that's probably exactly what he meant."

Maybe it was better that Bi-Han wasn't around for Kuai's divorce and the subsequent criminal trial. Kuai's ex would have been dead the second the details of their relationship entered his ears. But then, maybe if his brother had been there, things would have never gotten to the point they had.

Kuai didn't really want to think about that right now though.

"Anyway, I'm sure you have work to do, and I have a few things I need to do while I'm out," Kuai announced, thankful that Hanzo didn't seem offended by the fact he was standing up and putting his coat on. "We should probably meet outside of a work environment at some time, right?"

"There's that film wrap-up party Johnny's throwing at the end of the month," Hanzo mentioned, "but I would like to see you before then." He paused and walked around the desk, placing a hand on Kuai's bicep. "I do worry about you, you know."

"I know." The only reason Kuai didn't try to fight that fact was that everyone who knew him had expressed worry for him. And in their defence it wasn't completely unfounded, given everything that had happened to him over his 40 years of life. "There's that new coffee shop opened up in town, if that interests you?"

"Sounds good to me." Hanzo lent in to give Kuai a hug, he returned it, maybe clinging a little too tightly. "I'll let you know when I'm free." They separated, and Hanzo added, "take care of yourself."

"You too," Kuai said. Hanzo may worry about him, but that gave Kuai free pass to worry for Hanzo too. "Say hi to Kenshi and Takeda for me!"

"Will do."

And with that Kuai grabbed his bag, and with a short wave turned to leave the office. He held his breath, right up until he left the building. Once out in the fresh air he let it out, breathing deeply.

Okay, okay, task one done. Task two, check in with my agent and make sure there's no deadlines I'm at risk of missing.

He nodded to himself, and set out in the direction he needed to go in.

Rain grunted as he jiggled the key in the lock. No matter what he did, the door just wouldn't open. He begun swearing under his breath, as he tried to get the damned thing to unlock.

"So as fun as it is to watch you struggle, are we gonna get to see your apartment any time soon?" Mileena asked, leaning against the wall as she watched him. Tanya snickered at her girlfriends comment. He wanted to show them his new space, but that was hard unless he could get inside the building.

"I'm trying, there must be a trick to this door that I don't know about." He furiously twisted but stopped for fear the key would break in the lock. He slammed his palm against the door, "god fucking dammit."

"Uh, there is a trick to the door, actually," another voice interrupted from the other side of him. Standing next to him was Kuai Liang, looking at him with a somewhat amused smile on his face.

Rain moved aside slightly, ignoring the strange looks Mileena and Tanya were giving. Kuai took the key in one hand and the other under the handle. He lifted the handle up slightly, while twisting the key. The lock clicked and the door swung open.

"It takes some getting used to," Kuai explained, removing the key from the lock and handing it to Rain. "After a while it just sort of becomes second nature."

"I see. Well thank you," Rain said, watching as Kuai held the door open for him and his friends. As they entered, Mileena gave Rain a rather expectant look and Rain knew what she wanted. "Oh, yeah, uh, this is my neighbour, Kuai Liang, and these are my friends, Mileena and Tanya."

"It's nice to meet you," Kuai softly greeted, closing the door behind him and bowing his head slightly.

"Ah, you too," Mileena said with a wave of her hand. As Rain went to hit the button for the elevator, she added "we promise we're just here to be quietly nosey around Rain's apartment, we're not gonna have a crazy party or anything."

"You realise saying that makes it sound like we're totally about to have a crazy party, right?" Tanya stated. Rain hissed but looking at Kuai he seemed to realise they were joking.

"Sooo, did you have a good day?" Rain tried to move away from whatever his friend's were talking about. Kuai's head snapped to him, as did Mileena and Tanya's.

"It was good, thank you for asking," he replied. Rain ignored the knowing look paired with a dark smirk that Tanya was now giving him. "How was yours?"

"Good. I mean I was at work so it was boring, but other than that good."

The elevator doors opened, and Rain made his way in, the others piling in behind him. Kuai hit the button for their floor before standing against the wall.

Tanya cleared her throat slightly, "so, Kuai Liang?" Kuai looked to her and Rain was suddenly dreading what she was about to say. "Sorry if this is rude to ask, but, how old are you?"

How Rain managed to stop himself from making a strangled sound, he wasn't sure. Earlier in the day he's decided Kuai was older than him, but he wouldn't dare just ask him like that.

Kuai for his part, chuckled nervously and said "I'm 40, why do you ask?"

That surprised him. Rain was 34, and he thought Kuai would be 36 at most. He had a very young face, he’d clearly aged extremely well. Yet somehow knowing he was older than he looked somehow made Kuai more attractive to him.

"Just curious," Tanya spoke innocently, a small smile. Rain knew what she was doing, fishing for info for him. Dammit. "Is there a Mrs. Kuai Liang then?"

Kuai blinked a few times, face going rather red and making the most nervous sound Rain had ever heard a human being make.

"No. I don't have a partner." And that reply gave Rain two points of interest. One was he was single, thus it was totally fair game for Rain to pursue him. The second was the use of the term partner. Granted it wasn't a confirmation he was gay, but it was ambiguous enough compared to Tanya's use of "Mrs" that it gave Rain a spark of hope.

The elevator opened and Kuai looked like he was trying so hard to not just run out the doors and down the corridor to his room. Rain made note to apologise to him later. When they reached their respective doors, Kuai turned slightly, keeping his head low so to not make eye contact. Yeah, I definitely gotta make it up to him.

"I hope you all have a nice evening," Kuai said despite his clear embarrassment.

"You too," Rain called out just before Kuai managed to open his door and slip through and out of sight.

He sighed, opening his own door and holding it open for his friends. After he walked in, and he closed the door and lent against it. He stared at Mileena and Tanya, both looking at him with tilted heads.

"I am going to fuck that man so hard," he announced. A little crude, sure, but it was how he felt.

"If Tanya hasn't completely frightened him off, you mean," Mileena said with a roll of her eyes. "Babe, I love you, but the poor guy looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him whole!"

"I'll find a way to make it up to him later," Rain stated, pushing himself away from the door. "Anyway, shall we start the tour of Château Rain?"

The two girls looked at each other, before shrugging and letting Rain guide them around the apartment.

It had been a couple of hours. Kuai had no idea why he still felt so mortified.

He poured the cake batter into the cupcake tins he had prepared. He felt like he wanted to just curl up in a dark corner and cry. It had become somewhat of a ritual for him to bake when he felt like that, an idea brought forth by his therapist. It helped, having something to do with his hands often let him think about whatever had upset him more rationally.

Except there wasn't any real rational reason for why he felt like this.

It was just two questions. Two very simple questions, that in the grand scheme of things, were completely innocent.

He wasn't embarrassed by how old he was, that was just the nature of time after all and completely out of his control, so why worry about it? As for his relationship status? He wasn't particularly bothered about being single. After his experience being married, he didn't really want anything serious, and being able to focus on himself for what felt like the first time in his life was so freeing.

So why did those two questions asked together fill him with such a strange sense of despair?

He finished up putting the batter into the cupcake tins, walking it to the oven and slipping it on the middle shelf. He sighed leaning back against the counter, and staring up at the ceiling.

The only part of the questions that he could say might have upset him was the used of "Mrs" and the assumption on his sexuality. Even then it was very much a minor thing, and not something to be this troubled over.

He was about to make himself a cup of tea when there was a knock on his door. He frowned. Given he hadn't buzzed anyone up, that meant it had to be someone already in the building. It wasn't unusual for his neighbours to knock and check on him. He slowly walked away from his kitchen and towards the door.

He swung it open to find Rain stood on the other side.

He felt all that horror come back to him, even as he gave a weak "hello."

"Hi, sorry, I just wanted to apologise for Tanya," Rain went straight to it, leaning against the doorframe. "I really hope she didn't upset you with her questions, I think she was just being nosy."

It had upset him, but he didn't have the words for it, especially with someone he didn't really know. So instead he just gave an uneasy smile and said "it's okay, I know she didn't mean anything by it."

What was social protocol in this situation? Should he invite Rain in for a cup of tea? He supposed it wouldn't hurt, would it?

"I was about to make a cup of tea," Kuai blurted out, quite surprised with himself if he was honest. "If you like, you could join me?"

"If I'm not interrupting or anything," Rain said with a non-committal shrug, and Kuai's mind was screaming.

"No, not at all," Kuai said, breathing deep and trying to keep calm as he moved aside for Rain to come in.

Rain looked around the open plan room, laughing slightly "your furnitures nice, at least it all matches."

"Admittedly I like things to be coordinated." Kuai walked back to his kitchen, flicking the switch on his kettle and reaching into the cupboard to get an extra cup. "I'm one of those people who get's really annoyed when a pattern is slightly off, you know?"

Kuai looked over his shoulder, expecting to see Rain still inspecting his apartment. Instead the other man was standing off behind him, looking him up and down. He didn't seem to realise Kuai was observing him. It was strange, Kuai couldn’t understand why he would be, there had some be something next to him that Rain was looking at.

Then, a light clicked on in his head. Rain was looking at him, it was a gaze Kuai was mostly oblivious to when it came to himself, but he’d seen it when people had crushes on his friends.

He’s checking me out.

No. There was no way. He was looking at something else and Kuai was misinterpreting his actions. That had to be it.

But… What else could he be looking at?

Was this why his friend was asking if Kuai had a partner? Was Rain attracted to him? If he was... Why? Kuai was nothing special in terms of looks.

He jumped when he heard his phone go across the counter.

As he turned around, Rain was looking straight, staring at the phone with a frown on his face.

"Uh, caller ID says it's someone called Sareena," Rain informed him, and Kuai felt a little uncomfortable that he was looking at his phone.

"Ah, I'm sorry, I'd better get it," Kuai excused reaching for the phone. He ignored Rain's double take, likely over how red Kuai's face was. He hit answer. "Hello?"

"Hey Kuai, hope I'm not interrupting anything?" Sareena sounded quite chipper this evening, that was good. It probably meant she wasn't ringing about anything too serious.

"Ah, I have a new neighbour over." He glanced at Rain, who seemed to be watching with intent. "Is something up?"

"Sorry I won't keep you long, promise," Sareena's voice was apologetic, "can I have your chocolate cake recipe? Pretty please? I've tried ones I've found on the internet but it doesn't taste the same as yours."

"Hmm, I suppose I can divulge my secret's to you," he teased, remembering his own cakes in the oven. He took a quick glance, they had risen but weren't brown yet. He reached for the cook book on the counter, "I'll take a picture of it and send it over."

"Thank you so much, you are an absolute darling," Sareena squealed.

"No problem." They both hung up, Kuai flipping to the recipe in question. "Sorry about that, my sister-in-law. Sometimes she rings me about work stuff, but this time it was just a cake recipe she was after."

"I see," Rain said with a hum. "So, you have a brother then?"

Kuai flinched slightly. It was reasonable conclusion for him to come to, but it was far too early in knowing him for Kuai to go into detail about all that. His brother’s death still hurt him, even so many years later. It was so hard to talk about him.

"Had," Kuai corrected, choosing to concentrate on taking the photograph of the recipe.

"Oh. Shit. I'm sorry."

"You weren't to know," Kuai sighed, finally sending the photo to Sareena. He finally turned to Rain who was looking rather unsure what to do with himself. "Ah, I should finish that tea shouldn't I?"

Rain silently nodded, watching as Kuai put his phone back on the counter.

"I- uh. I have two brother's myself," Rain spoke up, clearly not entirely sure where to go with the conversation. "Well. Half-Brothers. Twins." Kuai was turned his back to Rain, focusing on the kettle and the tea, but he could hear Rain tapping his foot. "I don't really get along with them. One's a self righteous prick and the other is currently in prison."

Kuai finished the tea and turned to Rain with a puzzled expression. "I- that's... quite a family you have then."

"Trust me, you have no idea," Rain muttered somewhat bitterly, but accepted the tea regardless. "Thank you." He took a sip, leaning back against the counter. "So, um, can I ask you something?"

"Okay." He felt a little unsure, given that Rain had already been asking him questions, so why did he feel the need to request permission now?

"Earlier when Tanya was asked if you were in a relationship you said you didn't have a partner," he began and Kuai was already feeling a little regretful for agreeing to the question. "Was the use of the word partner for any reason?"

Kuai opened his mouth and closed it, before taking a sip of his tea. It wasn't the question he expected, but paired with Rain staring at him so intently only minutes ago, it was clear where this was going.

"I'm gay." Well he hadn't intended to put it quite so bluntly, but it was out there now. "I said partner because I'm gay."

Rain smiled at this news. A sultry smile, as he licked his lips. Kuai felt his entire face go hot. It felt like he was on fire. Was the room always this hot? Did... Did Rain always look that attractive? The other man lessened the gap between them. Kuai stopped breathing.

"I was hoping that was the answer," Rain purred leaning closer. Kuai felt a hand lace his side, and he gasped. "You're a very attractive man, Kuai Liang."

"Thank you?" Kuai squeaked out. Rain's hand was firmly on his hip. They were so close Kuai could see nothing but Rain's eyes. Oh shit, he has really fucking nice eyes. Rain's lips brushed his and Kuai shuddered. He wanted to kiss him, to see just how far Rain was willing to push this. Was he really this desperately lonely? He didn't even know Rain.

The smell of cinnamon overwhelmed him.

Cinnamon?

"Oh fuck! My cakes!" Without thinking he pulled away and rushed over to the oven and threw on an oven mitt. He pulled the cakes out and put them in top of the stove, turning the oven off as he did.

The good news was his cakes weren't burnt. The bad news was they were still looking overdone.

"Are they okay?" Rain asked, standing next to Kuai.

"They'll probably be dry, but still edible," Kuai explained with a sigh. He hadn't messed up his baking in a long time. He stared at them like maybe that would help them suddenly not be overcooked. When he finally decided that wasn't going to help, he turned to Rain and matter of factly stated "you owe me."

Rain blinked and shook is head, eyes wide. "Huh?"

"You owe me. You distracted me, thus, you owe me for these cakes." Kuai placed a hand on his hip and lent against the counter. He wasn't entirely sure what he was trying here. He believed he was attempting to flirt.

If it was what he was trying, to his surprise it actually seemed to work, as Rain had that smile on his face again. "Ah, I see." He closed the gap again, arm looping around Kuai's waist. "What can I do to make it up to you?"

Before Kuai could reply, a phone went off. Not Kuai's this time. It wasn't his ring tone. Rain backed away and pulled out a phone from his pocket. He looked frustrated and glanced up to Kuai.

"Sorry I really have to take this," he said, not sounding happy about that fact at all. Kuai just nodded as Rain turned away and answered the phone. "Hello? What do you need?" There was a pause. "Alright, I can-" He shook his head. "By tomorrow? That's a bit short notice isn't it?" He started pulling on his hair. "Yes, yes. Alright okay, I'll see what I can do. Alright, see you tomorrow. Bye."

If it wasn't a mobile phone, Kuai swore it would have been slammed down. He gulped slightly.

"Everything okay?" He chanced, feeling a little better when Rain's face softened at the sight of him.

"Yeah, it was just my boss. He's sprung a last minute report on me that has to be done by tomorrow." Kuai hoped his disappointment didn't show on his face too much. "I'm sorry, I really need to do this."

"No, it's... I understand, you need to do it," he agreed, biting his lip as it threatened to tremble.

He led Rain back to his door, sliding it open and letting the other man out into the corridor.

"Don't forget you owe me!" He called out. Rain turned to him with a sly smile, winked at him, and then like that was gone.

Kuai closed the door, resting his forehead against it after. He sighed, pushing himself away and slowly making his way to the kitchen. He stood in silence, staring at his almost ruined cakes and then the two half drunk cups of tea.

"I just flirted with him." The realisation smacked him in the face so hard he almost got whiplash. "Oh. Fuck, I just flirted with him."

He wasn't sure why, but he slowly dropped to his knees and curled up into himself. His fingers tangled in his hair as he tugged on it. He wasn't sure where his boldness had come from at all. And now it was over? He felt completely stupid. Granted, Rain clearly enjoyed it, and for whatever reason, really seemed to want to do him. But he still felt foolish.

He flopped over onto his side, laying on the floor, questioning his life choices for the evening.

≛❀≛ Next Chapter ⋟

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

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