Mortal Kombat: The Three Titans

Chapter Seven: Can't Sleep

(Illuminated by Hurts.)
-Kuai's POV- I suddenly wake up, not feeling tired anymore. Rubbing my eyes, I look over at the clock. 3:30 in the morning. With a sigh, I turn over, pulling the blanket up to my chin. Nope. Definitely not sleepy.
I get out of bed, then out into the dark hallway. Everyone else is asleep, at least.

After that snowball fight, I realize how gross I feel. Without really thinking, I grab a change of clothes and walk over to the showers.
I end up picking the farthest stall, hoping the noise won't wake anyone. I take my time getting washed up, then look at myself in the mirror.

"Hm," I tilt my head. My hair and beard have gotten longer, almost matted. Water drips down from my shoulder-length hair. I open the drawer and pull out a pair of scissors, then trim my hair down.

I look at my appearance in the mirror again, smiling at my regular hair length. Making sure the extra hair goes down the sink drain, I shorten the length of my beard, but don't shave it off entirely.
After putting on the clean clothing, I dry my hair and go back to my room. The shower helped make me tired again, and I'm out almost instantly.
****
Waking up to the scent of bacon, I open my eyes with a yawn. Sunlight comes in through my window, hitting me in the face. I groan, pulling up the blanket over my head. I yelp when I hear Bi-Han chuckle.
"Annoyed that it is morning so soon?" He teases, walking over.

I feel him sit down next to me, then pull the blanket down. "I couldn't sleep for a while." I explain, making him frown.
"But you're okay, right? No nightmares or anxiety?"
"What?" I blink. "No, just couldn't sleep."
He sighs in relief, then leans in and sniffs me. "You smell like soap. Did you shower?" He gently rubs his fingers in my hair. "Your hair is shorter..."

"I did." I nod, sitting up and kissing his cheek. "I took a quick one. Didn't want to wake any of you." He smirks. "I love the fact that you care so much." He whispers, cupping my cheek before getting up.
"You hungry? Hanzo is making breakfast."
"Oh. Yes. Thank you." I murmur, getting up.
****
I can tell Bi-Han is still somewhat overprotective of me. I get that, he's probably scared about me getting hurt. He still continues to be affectionate, which I love.

I sit alone in the library, reading a book with a candle nearby. Bi-Han is in the training room with Hanzo. Both of them don't want me to get into any confrontation, again, in fear of me getting hurt.
I don't argue, knowing they just want what is best for me.

Tundra enters the library. "There you are," He sighs, sitting next to me. "I thought you fell asleep again. How are you?" I look up from my book.
"I'm good. Ever since Bi-Han became more affectionate, my mood has improved overall."
Tundra smiles. "That's good. When do you think you'll be able to go to the Hourglass?"

I blink. "Soon, maybe. I don't know...I kinda want to stay here a bit longer, y'know? Having the ability to control space and time itself can get stressful. But I still haven't gotten a good idea for a new timeline..." I trail off.
"I'm sure you'll think of something." He mutters, his breathing raspy.
****
Bi-Han watches me drink tea as I sit in bed.
He still seems a bit worried.
"I hope the tea will help," He states, crossing his arms. "Since you couldn't really sleep last night."
(Time waits for no one,
So do you want to waste some time?
Oh, oh tonight?
Don't be afraid of tomorrow,
Just take my hand, I'll make it feel so much better tonight.)

"I think I'll be okay," I set the empty cup on my bedside table. "But..." I look away. "Can you stay here? I'm really starting to like your affection."
I see him wipe his eyes from my corner vision. "Oh, of course." He sniffs. "I'm glad you like my affection so much."
(Suddenly my eyes are open,
Everything comes into focus, oh,
We are all illuminated,
Lights are shining on our faces, blinding
Swing me these sorrows,
And try delusion for a while,
Its such a beautiful night,
You've got to lose inhibition,
Romance your ego for a while,
Come on, give it a try.)

I move the blanket aside and he gets into bed with me. "Comfy?" He asks as he puts the blanket over me, then himself. I nod, curling up against him. I feel his arm drape over my stomach. "Will we be able to go back to the Hourglass?" I ask.
"Maybe. That depends on how you feel," he croons, his other hand going through my hair to soothe me.

This works, making me go into a relaxed state. I moan softly, shivering slightly at his tender touch. "Thank you for this," I whisper, kissing his forehead as I nod off. He takes his hand away. "No problem, baby brother..."