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The night only served one purpose for Shang, to get what he wants and after, run from the consequences. Inviting Raiden to his island never ended well, either in death, ruin, or kombat. The risk didn't outweigh the reward for him and he decided to go along with it despite everything.
"Bold of you to invite me here Shang Tsung." Raiden walked with his fists sparking red, meeting Shang on the bridge in the garden, the only place on the island that gave him a sense of peace.
"Even bolder of you to come, Raiden." Shang responded without the usual smirk, hands fumbling behind his back, trying to keep steady.
The light of the moon illuminated their faces, making the scenery slightly enchanting for both parties, easing Shang so slightly.
"Why did you bring me here?" Raiden folded his arms.
"I know only the gardens give you little peace, thought I could ease the moment ever so slightly." Shang gestures around at the ruins, muddy waters, and broken vases.
"Not the gardens," Raiden paused and walked closer. "Why the island?"
Shang turned his head at the taller man, wiping the smirk off his own face once he spoke. "I need a favor."
Raiden initial reaction was to snort and laugh in an attempt to embarrass the man in front of him for such a bold request. But once he noticed there was no change in Shang's fearful almost desperate expression he simply scoffed. He couldn't even respond, baffled and confused.
"I need you to listen, I need you to let me speak for once, I need you Raiden." Raiden was immediately taken aback, pushing the sorcerer off of him as he inched closer.
"I will finish you Shang Tsung, take your misguided foolishness elsewhere. " Raiden made himself appear as tall as he could, eyes red with anger and fists balled up ready to strike. This anger only seemed to charm Shang as he walked closer and grabbed both sides of Raiden's hat, slowly taking it off as he maintained eye contact with him.
Raiden's gaze softened as he felt the hands previously occupied now on his cheeks. Still confused he grabbed both wrists, resisting slightly to see what it would do, to no avail.
"Then finish me, but let me have this last moment to be a misguided fool Raiden." Shang brought Raiden down to level with him and softly pushed their lips together. He expected the be pierced at any moment, to be beheaded, or at least pushed away. But the hands on his wrists stayed, one tightening as the other slid down his arm and onto his neck. For one more breath he would allow himself to enjoy such sin, and with one last purse of his lips that was it. He pushed Raiden away from him and breathed heavily. Heart beating fast from desperation and lack of air.
The two men refused to look at each other, both preferring the looks of the bridge and the various plants growing through the cracks. Raiden made a noise signaling he wanted to speak but he could only manage heavy breaths. Simply picking up his hat he made eye contact with a wide-eyed Shang one last time before putting the garment on again, hiding his eyes from Shang as the Stood still for a moment.
Shang finally getting the courage to speak up was interrupted by Raiden turning around, walking away from him as he couldn't do anything but stand in the same place for until he died from sheer embarrassment or passed from regret. He shakingly said Raiden's name but the thunder god had long disappeared.