Jaded

Chapter 3

Kung Lao and Liu Kang exited the Outworld restaurant to meet up with Kitana and Jade, who were sitting outside on a nearby bench. The green-eyed Edenian wiped away the last of her tears as the princess consoled her. The two girls stood up as they saw the men approach.

"I apologize once more for ruining your evening, guys." Jade said.

"You have nothing to apologize for. If there is anything we can do for you, we will. Kung Lao replied.

Kitana patted Jade on the back.

"That's right Jade. We are here for you, right Liu Kang?" she said, quickly shooting her partner a hard glance.

"Uh, yeah… Absolutely!" Liu Kang hesitated, before smiling nervously and scratching the back of his head.. The champion fighter completely hated dealing with drama and emotions.

"Thanks guys. I appreciate it. But I'll be alright. I think I'm just going to head home and take it easy tonight…" the sultry Edenian stated.

Kitana's eyes quickly darted towards Kung Lao, who was also nudged by Liu Kang.

"Kung Lao, why don't you be a gentleman, and give Jade some company? I am sure she would appreciate a tall, handsome man such as yourself to walk her home."

Liu Kang was really driving his elbow hard into Kung Lao's arm now.

"Oh no, it's alright I'll be fi-" Jade started to say before she was interrupted.

"No I insist!" the monk quickly spoke up. "Please, allow me, Jade. It is dark and getting rather late. You'll never know when a stray Tarkatan will jump out of the shadows and try to harass you." Kung Lao joked.

Jade cracked a small smile, before taking a deep breath.

"Sure… why not? You're right. You may need my company. I would hate for you to be frightened by one of those things." she replied with a joke of her own.

Kung Lao gave the happiest laugh he could give. The monk was happy we was able to make his dream woman smile - also getting Jade to crack jokes of her own - as well as achieve some alone time with her.

"Well that settles that. Good night you two, catch you next time. Oh, and thanks for dinner buddy!" Liu Kang said quickly, as he was eager to get Kitana home and give her some luvin.

"Are you sure you're going to be alright?" the princess asked her best friend, with genuine concern in her eyes.

"Yes. I'll be fine. It's really Kung Lao you should be asking. I am not sure if he will be alright, what with all the scary Tarkatans running around." Jade replied.

Kung Lao smiled, popping his elbow out to offer the green-eyed Edenian an arm link.

"Well you'd better hold me tight then, Jade."

The Edenian smiled as she took it, before turning towards her friends. "Goodnight, you two… And behave, Liu Kang."

"I should be saying the same to you." he replied with a wink.

Jade rolled her eyes and shook her head, as she let Kung Lao lead her away. Although the conversation on the way home was mostly about Jade and her relationship with Smoke, Kung Lao was just happy to be beside her and nowhere else.

Jade continued on, opening-up and spilling her thoughts out to the monk, who was just extremely thankful for every second he had alone with the Edenian.

"…so while Tomas and I loved each other dearly, we ultimately wanted different things in life and decided to end our relationship." Jade stated.

"I see… So when was the last time you saw, or spoke to Smoke?" Kung Lao asked, wondering if they had still kept in touch.

"Not since we broke up. I cannot bear to see him at this moment, and I believe he feels the same way. It'll be very difficult for both of us, to see each other right now."

"How come?"

" Because of how the way things ended between us, and I just don't feel… strong enough yet. Seeing Smoke now would make be awkward for me. Do you know what I mean?"

"Yes. So you still have feelings for him…?"

"Yes of course I do, but I am happy being alone now, and moving on with my life. Things seem much less… complicating."

Just when things started looking bright for Kung Lao, his heart sank when Jade reiterated that she was quite content being single.

"So no dating or seeing anyone for awhile huh?" he asked.

"Nope. Not for a loooooooooonnnng time. I am really just happy doing my own thing for now. And who knows? I may end up just passing away as a single, ancient Edenian… Which I wouldn't mind… I'm just tired of all the heartbreak and drama, ya know?"

Although Kung Lao looked down in defeat, the monk did his best to hide it.

"I see…"

The two had reached the front of Jade's door. The Edenian let go of Kung Lao's arm before turning to face him.

"Well here we are… my place. Thank you for dinner and a wonderful evening, even though I did make a little mess of myself… I apologize again." Jade blushed, looking away like a shy little girl.

"Your welcome, Jade. Anytime. And do not apologize to me for anything." Kung Lao bowed slightly.

"And thanks for walking me home… and for listening to me talk about my… issues." she continued.

"I am here to help." the monk smiled politely.

"Thank you. That is very sweet. Well, I'll see you around. Goodnight, Kung Lao." Jade said, as she gave him a quick hug before heading towards her door. The Edenian shot one last sweet-smile at the monk before slowly closing her door.

Kung Lao sighed inwardly as Jade disappeared from sight.