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The way that the Tarkatans court their potential mates and the way humans pick their significant others are far different. Baraka knew very little of the courting rituals and how things were done. You knew that when you entered into a relationship with him. There were times that Baraka struggled to be romantic. You understood, and you didn't judge him. You did tell him and show him some of the romantic things that you did. Through the months, he did try, and he was doing better than he was before.
Baraka slept with his fellow Tarkatans in the cave. Very rarely would he sleep in the castle. If his people couldn't have luxury, neither would he. It was hard for him at first to love you in the same way that you loved him. You stayed in the cave with him. Some nights, it was freezing cold. Other times, it was super hot. Baraka got a blanket for you from one of the markets in town. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.
You had spoken to Baraka a few times about marriage and getting married. He didn't understand, as he had no intention of leaving you. He wouldn't want to either. He knew what to do to propose, like you had told him. The issue was that he didn't know where to find a ring. He also didn't have money. He only got the blanket for you from a trade. He didn't get paid to work for Shao Kahn. He couldn't ask him for it either.
He stared out the window of the castle. His thoughts went to you. He wanted to make you happy. He couldn't help but think that maybe he wasn't good enough for you. He wouldn't be able to do enough to keep you happy. He looked down. He wasn't going to let any possible person see the sadness in his eyes. He wasn't going to steal from the castle, either. He knew he was a monster. He wasn't going to give Shao Kahn another reason to hate his people.
He walked out the doors of the castle and made his way through Outworld. He looked at the sellers, and he looked at the things they sold. It wasn't good enough. He wanted something better for you. He couldn't find anything. He was going to give up. He found a single flower on the ground, and he knelt as he picked it up and carried it safely to the cave. He wasn't going to let it get damaged on its way to you. It was the best that he could do, and you didn't mind. You didn't judge him. You understood.
“Y/N.” He said.
You turned and looked up at him. You smiled, and you could see the slightest sparkle in his eyes. He couldn't smile, but you could tell he was happy.
He got down on one knee and looked up at you.
“Will you marry me?”
You smiled as tears formed in your eyes and slowly made their way down your cheeks.
“Yes.”
He didn't know how else to do the stuff, but he would figure it out. It was a start.