Jaded
Chapter 6
Kung Lao's jaw dropped slightly at the sight of Smoke, and his heart sank even deeper as he realized that Jade had been hiding Tomas this whole time.
He felt like such a fool.
Jade mentally face-palmed herself and had never been more embarrassed in her life. This was absolutely the most awkward and humiliating moment of her existence. The Edenian's face went beet-red and she grinned nervously.
Kung Lao immediately shoved the flowers behind his back and spat out whatever response he could conjure.
"Oh! Uh, greetings friend. I did not realize you were here…" the monk said, drifting his eyes towards Jade. The Edenian looked down in shame. "I was just, stopping by…to say hi to Jade."
"Oh I see. That's is very kind of you… May I ask what the flowers are for?" Smoke asked.
"Oh these? Yes. I'm on my way to go see Liu Kang. He had asked me to pick up some flowers for him to give to Kitana… You know him. He is too lazy to do anything else other than train…"
Jade immediately had a sad, puppy-dog look on her face as she knew that Kung Lao was not telling the truth. The Edenian was so sure that those flowers were meant for her.
Tomas chuckled. "Yes. I do know. Although Liu Kang is a great warrior and is very strict when it comes to discipline, he also knows how to be very sloppy as well."
"Absolutely. Well, it was nice seeing the both of you. I had better get going…" Kung Lao said, looking down and not able to look either of them in the eyes. The monk started to walk away when he was stopped by Jade.
"Kung Lao, wait!" the Edenian called out, before turning to Smoke. The monk halted and turned back.
"Tomas. I just need to ask him something. Can you please just give us a few moments?"
Smoke yawned and stretched his arms out. "Sure. I am going to fix myself something to eat…"
"Thank you."
And with that, the Enenra headed into the kitchen, totally unaware of Kung Lao and Jade's true feelings and intentions. The Edenian slowly shut the door and jogged out to meet Kung Lao.
"Kung Lao. Forgive me. I had no idea you were planning to stop by…had I known…"
"No. Forgive me, Jade. I did not realize that you are back together with Smoke. If I had known-"
"No, Smoke and I-"
"I never would have stopped by. I feel like such a fool…"
"Kung Lao it is not like that between him and I… He just-"
"It's alright, Jade. You have done nothing wrong. Why are you acting as if you have?" the monk said, hiding his true feeling of pain and hurt. The Edenian looked straight into Kung Lao's soul with her bright green eyes. She knew that the awkward moment between the three of them had done it's damage.
"Kung Lao... Smoke showed up last night uninvited and-"
"It's alright Jade. I do not need to know details… Whatever goes on between you and Smoke is none of my business. It is strictly between you two…and I have no reason to be here…"
"Don't say that…" Jade replied softly, placing a hand on his chest. "I know that you have feelings for me. I am not with Smoke anymore. He is a friend that stopped by last evening. I had no idea he was going to show up. I am not bound to him. I am not ready for any sort of relationship with him, or anybody else. I just need to figure things out and what I want on my own. But that doesn't mean I cannot have friends like you…"
Kung Lao sighed. "I'll always be your friend, Jade…"
"Then come see me tomorrow. Like we originally planned. Forgive me for this awkward moment today."
"Sure." Kung Lao replied with a low tone.
"Come by and meet me here at this time. Then we'll have breakfast. On me…" she smiled.
The monk cracked a small smile before turning to talk away. Jade watched Kung Lao disappear before heading back into her home, to deal with Smoke.