After the break and spending three days with Jade, Lao became conflicted. He began to cultivate strong feelings for her, but occasionally found himself thinking of Tanya. He was in a dilemma.

Kung Lao needed advice but knew that both Raiden and Liu Kang were filming at the moment, so he decided to sit in a bar and reflect on both women. After a few minutes of sitting alone, a figure seated next to him; it was Baraka.

"Hey, Lao" said Baraka as the bartender poured him a drink.

"Hey?" Answered Lao cautiously

"Have an abundance of thoughts?"

Lao could not determine whether Baraka was deceiving him or genuinely concerned. He has not seen Baraka in years, and they never really had friendship. He chose to continue the conversation with his guard up nonetheless.

"Sort of"

"Hey, I'm just attempting to make conversation with you because you seem tense. I swear I'm not here to attack anyone or anything." Baraka, Said

Lao admired the candor but remained vigilant just in case. Throughout the day, he and Baraka discussed each other's difficulties, and by evening, Lao was so at ease with Baraka that he gave him his phone number for future conversations.

"Remember what I said, Lao; choose the person with whom you feel the strongest connection and who you see in your future." And with that, Baraka abandoned the priest.

After a few minutes of sighing and pondering, Lao picked up the phone and dialed Tanya's number. Within a few rings the Umgadi solider answered.

"Hey there glad you called!" Tanya said excitedly.

"Hey Tanya how's everything?"

"Better, now that I'm talking to you. Happy to hear your voice."

"That's sweet. I wanted to talk to you in person about us. Are you free tonight?" Asked Lao

"I can be, where do you want to meet up? I can come by your place for privacy." Tanya answered flirtatiously.

"I was thinking somewhere more public like the cherry cafe?" Kung Lao responded giggling

"Yea sorry to soon. I'll be free at 8 so I'll see you then cutie."

CHERRY CAFE DATE

Kung Lao arrived at the Cherry Cafe ten minutes before Tanya and stood in front of the restaurant waiting for her. He observed the lovely Umgadi warrior approaching him after a few minutes.

"Hey," she remarked as she embraced her ex-lover. Lao grinned cheerfully and led her into the restaurant, where they picked a booth near the window.

"How are you doing?" "How is the filming for Mortal Kombat 9 going?" Tanya inquired as she took her seat.

"Good, the filming has been enjoyable. I was given my own chapter by the producers. To be precise, Chapter 11. That just goes to show how good I am." Kung Lao responded confidently.

Tanya laughed at Shaolin's response. "I missed you Kung, I'm glad you invited me here." Before Lao could say anything, the waiter arrived and the couple placed their order.

"It's good to see you again. You appear to be doing well." Lao said, smiling.

"I've been good. To be honest, I missed you during our time apart. I tried dating again but no one met my needs as you did." Tanya stated

"Yeah. I was thinking about you too... I've also met some new people." Lao then exhaled deeply and said. "I'm actually talking to someone right now."

"Really?" Tanya expressed her surprise in a quiet voice. "who?" She inquired.

"We've only been talking but I wanted to let you know that I've thought about what you said and I'm not sure if…"

"Look Kung, I understand trusting me again is hard and many things have changed since we called it quits but I'm serious about us."

"Tanya I wish you had told me this 9 months ago." Lao stated

"I know I wish I could have. But I had no idea what I desired till now. I'm not asking you to choose between me and this mysterious woman, but please keep us in mind."

Tanya spoke up again after a few seconds of stillness. "Have you yet slept with this mystery women?" As big as you are, I'm sure you're sick of jerking off." Tanya inquired, grinning.

Kung Lao choked on his drink right after she said this. "No," he replied, lowering his cup and attempting to recover.

"Ok," she answered, chuckling. "I just wanted to know, didn't mean to make you choke"

"We haven't slept together. I'd like to get to know her better and sex is the last thing I'm thinking of."

"Hmm, how often do you see her?"

"We try to see each other at much as possible but it's hard because of filming."

"Filming huh?" So she's a part of Mortal Kombat 9 story. Do I know her?"

Lao realized he had inadvertently revealed Jade's identity, and it was too late to retract his statement.

"You know Tanya, even if you find out who she is what are your plans?"

"I don't care, I just want to know. Knowing the type of women you're attracted to, I believe I have an idea. It's probably Jade or Kitana. Though I doubt you'd pursue Liu Kang's ex, so I'm guessing it's Jade, am I correct?"

Kung Lao smiled as he looked at Tanya. "I'm not saying a word."

"What are we, Kung, children?" Anyway, you'd better hope it's not Jade, because if it is, she is definitely messing with you."

"Messing with me?" How so?" Kung Lao inquired, concerned.

"Oh, so it's her?" hmm, anyway, I just find it strange that you and her are chatting although she is always at Kotal's house."

"Kotal? I've never heard of him before."

"He reports to Shao Kahn. Jade and him used to be together, but that was centuries ago. I don't know much about them, but I saw them together during the break and they seemed to be rekindling things. In any case, I say that to say this. Kung Lao I love you, and I don't want you to abandon us for someone you've just met. I'll give you some room because I know I put you through a lot when we dated. I apologize for being hesitant before. You don't have to say anything right now, I understand. Call me if you need anything; no matter who you choose, I'll always be there for you. Thank you again for the wonderful supper."

Tanya rose up and gave Kung Lao a delicate kiss on the cheek before walking out the door.

Kung Lao couldn't think of what to say to Tanya; he and her have a past, but he also has feelings for Jade. Lao was now alone and silent in the booth. The waiter approached him after a few moments and brought him the bill.

Thank you for all the likes, comments, and reviews! I'm glad you're all having fun with the story so far. There will be more. I try to post updates about once a week, so thank you for being patient and enjoy.