I feel you, Cage.

I.

An undesirable situation, that being the only way Kenshi would openly describe an experience like living with Johnny. Not for any particular reason either, the celebrity was barely around. He didn't know if that bothered him or not, or why it even came to mind in the first place. And yet another morning would arrive, Johnny already awake as per usual.
     Kenshi had just started to get comfortable, all his items moved into one of Johnny's guest rooms. He had been shuffling around in bed before finally deciding to arise from the comfort below, stretching as he stood up. With a sigh, he contemplated the rest of the day ahead, unsure what he'd do to pass time while Johnny was off doing who-knows-what in his fantasy world. As he made his way to the kitchen, Johnny's boisterous voice echoed through the house. A constant reminder of the celebrity's presence. He refused to go seeking out for him, continuing to the kitchen.
     Kenshi went about his morning routine, making himself a cup of coffee and grabbing a quick breakfast. From what he could remember, the house was grand, a reflection of Johnny's extravagant lifestyle, it was both impressive and overwhelming at times. Kenshi often found himself questioning the nature of this arrangement, as the two shared little in common, and it wasn't clear why he was tasked with staying with Johnny in the first place.
     As Kenshi impatiently tapped his finger on the table, he contemplated how his life had taken this unexpected turn. Johnny was in his own world, pursuing fame and fortune, while Kenshi had always preferred a more solitary, disciplined existence. This peculiar cohabitation left Kenshi wondering if he should be searching for a way out of this situation or if there was some underlying reason for his purpose in being there.
     Whatever the matter may be, Kenshi couldn't deny the peculiarity of his current circumstances. He pictured the mansion's manicured gardens, a stark contrast to his usual quiet and disciplined life. The subtle tension between their worlds, the swordsman and the extravagant celebrity, weighed on him.
But as he sipped his coffee, his thoughts were rudely interrupted by Cage's sudden entrance, who strode into the kitchen with his typical swagger, wearing an ostentatious silk robe and a mischievous grin on his face. He slung a hand onto Kenshi's shoulder, nearly spilling his coffee in the process.
"Morning, buddy! You wouldn't believe the wild night I had last night. You missed out on all the fun!" Johnny exclaimed, completely unfazed by Kenshi's disheveled morning demeanor. Kenshi, feeling a mix of irritation and curiosity, arched an eyebrow. "Fun?" he questioned, his tone revealing his skepticism.
Johnny leaned in closer, lowering his voice ever so slightly. "Let's just say, I came home with more than I bargained for," he said, giggling. Kenshi couldn't help but roll his eyes at Johnny's antics. Although he seemed uninterested, he couldn't help but find the brunette's adventures entertaining. It was like Johnny had some kind of magnetic charm he just couldn't help but feel attracted to.
     "What did you bring home this time, Cage?" Kenshi asked, his curiosity piqued. He knew that Johnny had a knack for getting himself into amusing and sometimes absurd situations, and today seemed no different. Johnny, with a theatrical flourish, reached into his robe's pocket and pulled out a a peculiar-looking, glowing crystal. It shimmered with an otherworldly, ethereal light, casting intriguing reflections across the kitchen walls. Kenshi couldn't hide his surprise; despite being unable to see the crystal, it's energy radiated throughout the room.
     Johnny Cage, now with a mischievous glint in his eye, placed the crystal on the kitchen table, carefully avoiding the pile of Kenshi's breakfast dishes. "I found this beauty in the most extraordinary place last night," Johnny began, his tone tinged with excitement. "I was at a high-stakes poker game in a secret underground club. I won it off a guy who claimed it was some sort of ancient artifact with mystical powers."
     Kenshi's curiosity intensified, despite his initial reluctance to be drawn into Johnny's world. The crystal seemed to pulse faintly, as if it held secrets of its own. He held out his hand to examine it more closely. "What's so special about it?" Kenshi inquired, his voice edged with a hint of skepticism.
     Johnny Cage shrugged, his roguish charm in full effect. "No idea, bud, but it's got this crazy energy about it. I thought, maybe, you might know something. You've always had that mystic, Zen thing going on."
     Kenshi couldn't deny that his life had taken an interesting twist yet again. He reached out to touch the crystal, and a rush of energy coursed through him, tingling his fingertips. It was like nothing he had ever felt before. "..I'll have to take a look at it later." Kenshi finally said, drawing his hand away from the crystal.
     Johnny leaned back, looking slightly disappointed but intrigued. "Buttt... in the meantime, it makes for a cool centerpiece on the kitchen table, right?" Kenshi couldn't help but smile, appreciating the whimsical side of his housemate. "Of course, Johnny, it does."
     Johnny's smile doubled in size, the swordsman's approval fueling his enthusiasm.
For a moment, it was completely silent between the two. Kenshi sensing Johnny's presence looming behind him. The deafening silence was cut short by the brunette's proposal. "You should go out with me someday. We've kicked enough ass, let's celebrate!" Kenshi was taken aback by Johnny's invitation. Going out with the Johnny Cage was not something he had ever considered, but there was an earnestness in Johnny's voice that made it difficult to refuse. Perhaps it was time to step out of his comfort zone, if only for a night.
"I'm not one for crowds, Cage." Johnny sighed and leaned against the kitchen counter, his charismatic smile undiminished by Kenshi's response. "I get it, Kenshi, you're a man that holds his peace! But just this once, let's break the routine. You might find it more enjoyable than you think." Kenshi hesitated, the idea of venturing into a bustling world of nightclubs and lively crowds contrasting sharply with his usual lifestyle. The silence that followed was filled with contemplation.
"How about just me and you? Tonight! No crowds, no fans... Just me and you." A soft, almost imperceptible smile crossed Kenshi's face, now he couldn't say no. He sighed in defeat, "Fine, Cage. Just me and you, no crowds, no fans." Johnny cheered in excitement with Kenshi's reluctant but willing agreement, He clapped Kenshi on the back with such vigor that it nearly sent the swordsman stumbling forward.
"Fan-fucking-tastic! You won't regret it, Kenshi," Johnny exclaimed. "I promise you, we'll have a night to remember, you'll be wishing you did this sooner!" Johnny's voice faded into the distance as he must've started exiting the room, leaving Kenshi alone in a new deafening silence. He rubbed his temples, placing his coffee back onto the table.
     God, what did I just agree to.