Jade and Kung Lao by RamArtwork on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Even if he "lost" their little spar, Kung Lao proved strong and skilled enough to help Liu Kang protect Earthrealm... and also earn the heart - and body - of a deadly Edenian defender like Jade. Her face towards him in the third panel (in which Lao is without his hat) is one of "you're a worthy warrior, pretty boy, now have your sweet reward!"

Hey, the idea works after all! Liu Kang with Kitana and Kung Lao with Jade, the "main defenders" and their "right-hand friends" in respective love.