Bi Han "Sub-Zero" x F!Reader

Twelve

Chewing the last dumpling, you crouched down at Bi Han's feet on the edge of the roof and watched as the hustle and bustle in the restaurant slowly died down.

Liu Kang's two chosen ones were still sitting at the table. To your surprise, they had managed to empty all the bowls they had ordered. The man in blue had received much less than his friend.

Shock showed on his tanned face as Madam Bo held out her hand with her friendly smile to take payment for the meal.

"She knows how to take money out of people's pockets.", you remarked with your mouth still half full as she took the fourth bank note from the man without lowering her hand. "She'll take everything from him."

You chuckled quietly to yourself. The flavour of vegetables mingled with the chewiness of dough that had been made by hand.

Bi Han grumbled in agreement, raised his chin and drew his eyebrows together. His gaze travelled around the restaurant. Like a hawk, he scanned the shadows for the Lin Kuei, who would begin to play their part at the sign.

In the distance, you could see Kuai Liang hiding among the bamboo. Even with the bright yellow colour of his uniform, he almost blended in with his surroundings. He went so unnoticed that some people walked past him without batting an eyelid.

You nodded at him in acknowledgement as your eyes met.

"It's time.", you said while Liu Kang signalled at the other end of the roof.

Bi Han pulled a face. It was hard to see his expression under the mask, but the way the small wrinkles appeared on his forehead told you that he was frowning.

"Your men are awaiting their orders, Grandmaster.", you looked up at him, still with your head at his waist level.

When he looked down at you, his fingers twitched almost imperceptibly. They casually caressed your (H/C) hair. The touch sent a shiver down your spine. Inhaling sharply, you raised your hand to reach for his fingers.

He didn't pull away when you touched him without permission. Instead, you just stared at each other. Suddenly, for the breeze of a second, the brown of his eyes softened, opening like a door and letting you see a man who had been wearing a mask to hide himself since adulthood.

"Mûdān.", his voice seemed to make the mountains shake in the darkness. "Even though he was my father, I'm glad he's no longer Grand Master. We wouldn't be standing here now."

You frowned in confusion. Your lips were already half open to ask the question when he raised his hand and signalled.

Just at that moment, Tomas stepped out of the shadows. He had five men at his side.

The lights seemed to flicker. Suddenly everything was so quiet. Still confused, you searched Bi Han's gaze. But the Grandmaster had already climbed down one roof to get a better look.

Madam Bo was still accepting money from the man in blue when suddenly a gust of wind caught the paper and tore it from her fingers. With perfect composure, Smoke caught it out of the air and crumpled it in his fist.

"Madam Bo.", his voice sounded hollow through the mask, but you could hear that he was making an effort to make it sound deeper.

Perhaps that was his idea of how to sound intimidating. Tomas was not a man who worked with fear, unlike Bi Han. He was considerate and kind.

Almost like a little boy who could never be deprived of hope for the good. Except that he was a very tall boy, with a physique that could break bones.

From a safe distance, you craned your neck and listened as the spectacle unfolded below you.

"The Lin Kuei await your answer.", Smoke approached the old lady with his head bowed menacingly and an uncharacteristically grim expression.

She lifted her chin, completely unimpressed. Restlessness spread among the guests. Some stood up to leave while others ducked their heads.

They didn't want to miss anything. In a remote village like this, it was probably not often that anything exciting happened.

So why cancel out the opportunity to see a gang of thugs in action? Even if it was to the old lady's misery.

Snorting, you looked after most of the people who were smart enough to leave before they were dragged into the fray.

Only the two men remained. Liu Kang had chosen well so far. They had courage, something essential if you wanted to serve Earthrealm.

"I have been busy, Smoke.", Madam Bo gestured defiantly and shrugged her shoulders.

Then she turned round and left the Lin Kuei ninja standing there like he was nobody. You laughed quietly to yourself.

"A brave old woman.", you muttered with a grin under your mask. "She hasn't changed."

You could still remember the times when she had beaten the arrogance out of Bi Han that he was the Grandmaster's heir. She had humbled him. Now he was only vain when it came to what he had achieved.

Or could achieve.

Confusion spread between the two chosen champions.

"The Lin Kuei?", the man in blue asked his companion. "Who are they?"

"Don't know.", shaking his head, the man in the hat wiped his mouth. "But I don't like where this is going."

"What do we do?"

"Stay ready."

Still playing the little game, Smoke followed the old lady. She led him to the edge of the railing, looked up at the roof and recognised you even though you were hidden in the shadows.

You nodded appreciatively at her. A thin smile spread across her wrinkled face. Then she turned her attention back to Smoke.

"Madam Bo, it is a simple choice.", he really sounded like a born actor as he spread his arms as if he were generous. "Pay for our protection, or risk harm to this fine establishment."

She put her hands on her hips defiantly.

"You'll get nothing from me.", she replied.

"That, Madam Bo, is unfortunate.", Smoke glanced over his shoulder with a shake of his head.

That was the signal for phase two. The Lin Kuei began to demolish the furniture.