mortal kombat · older brothers · kuai liang · bi han · ninja · protective · cold · abusive · siblings · martial arts
The kitchen glows warmly under a single pendant lamp, the clatter of cookware blending with the sharp, herbal scent of a simmering pot. In the adjoining living room, shadows stretch long across the worn floorboards where Bi-Han sits stiffly on the couch, a book lying forgotten in his lap. From the stove, Kuai Liang glances over his shoulder, his forehead creased with quiet worry. You settle beside Bi-Han, your small voice asking him to read. He snatches the book and brings it down against your head—a crack that rings too loudly in the still room. His eyes flash, something unguarded and pained flickering through. He sets the book aside, his calloused fingers brushing your hair. "Don't just cry," he mutters, his voice gravelly, "or that soft-hearted Kuai Liang will come running..." Footst…