Johnny Cage x Reader

Sixteen

"You seem to get along with Johnny quite well.", Raiden noted while he held onto a bamboo pipe that was placed on top of two more pipes.

Your arms crossed in front of your chest, face grim, you hung from one of the very same pipes cut from a bamboo tree. But instead of doing it line Raiden, clinging to it with your hands, you let yourself dangle from your feet.

A soft breeze caressed through the strands of your (H/C) hair. Blood made your brain feel heavy and your cheeks burn with heat.

Even though some of the things the monks taught were only myths from times long ago, you still thought it was nice to give everything a try at least once.

Apparently this technique was supposed to help with blood flow and concentration. In return it made your body more residence to struggles since it got used to the state of emergency that the lack of blood caused.

You seemed to need both because you couldn't grasp a clear though no more. Your mind was occupied with Johnny.

He was odd, weirdly friendly and so comfortable around you. Or maybe it was better to say especially around you. And it made you feel some kind of way.

"Hey!", Raiden's arms started to tremble.

He was supposed to train the strength of his grip and arms by hanging from the bamboo pipe. Sweat shimmered on his forehead, ran down his temple and across his neck.

"Huh?", torn from your thoughts, you blinked a few times before gifting him a glance.

"Are you even listening to me?", he asked, teeth clenched.

"Obviously not. You were saying?"

A gasp made Raiden's feet sink further to the ground. His entire body started to tremble. Every breath out of his mouth was so shaky that it made you feel physical pain.

"Johnny.", he gasped.

You shrugged. A weird feeling while dangling upside down.

"What about him?", a hint of amusement reflected on your face as Raiden kept on struggling. "You know if your arms grow weary do a few pull-ups to stimulate the muscle. Should reset their strength by a few secs."

Irritated, he stared at you, one eyebrow raised. But he was too exhausted to question your advice any further. He did as you said and pulled himself up a few times.

Groans made his throat vibrate.

All of a sudden you wondered how Johnny would sound like doing the exact same thing. Maybe it was just the blood that gathered in your head but your eyes quickly jumped over to where Kenshi was.

The swordsman was busy being instructed by a monk. You knew this one, not by name, but by his skills. Upon your arrival he had been instructed by Liu Kang to teach you in weapon combat.

You had been a terrible at it so the monk had quickly dropped the attempt. You were now instructed by another, who was skilled in close range fist fighting.

However for Kenshi he seemed to be the perfect fit. It was rather impressive how he moved, quick and harsh but also with a certain kind of force that felt shattering.

But it wasn't Kenshi who attracted your attention.

It was Johnny.

With his hands rested on each side of his body, he stood at the edge of the arena and watched with a smug expression. Occasionally his lips moved, probably muttering some teasing. Kenshi only ever replied with twisted lips and an expression of annoyance in his eyes.

"You're still not listening.", Raiden noted drily as his feet hit the ground again.

Torn form your thoughts, your eyes moved to look at the young man. You gifted him a smile, opened your arms and swung yourself up to sit on the bamboo pipe.

Immediately, it felt like your head lost all its weight. It was a strange feeling how all the blood went from the top of your head all the way down, into your limbs and fingers until it made your toes tingle with life.

Your legs dangled in the air.

"You know, Raiden, I'm not very fond of unnecessary long chatter.", you rested your chin in the palm of your hand.

"I asked you if you get along with Johnny.", he said with a smile, shrugging his shoulders. "Seems quite simple to me."

Agreeing, you hummed. Your gaze jumped over to Kenshi and Johnny once more.

Wind caressed your clothes and made your body feel warm and at ease. It was a nice day, not at all urging for training.

You felt the urge to lay back and rest until night fell, but knew that the monks would have disapproved. In fact, they disapproved of anything you did.

"He's a bit annoying.", you admitted after a moment.

"So are you.", he replied with a sarcastic look on his face.

"I know. That's why I like him.", you smiled smugly. "And yourself?"

Your gaze wandered on to catch a glimpse of Kung Lao.

You weren't quite sure what his way of fighting could have been called but it was neither as precise as Raiden's nor as raw as Johnny's.

Kenshi was out of the picture, as someone who was armed he played in a whole different category.

"I'm trying to get along with him.", Raiden wiped the sweat from his forehead. "He's not bad."

He needed to sit down to relax his legs. One look at him was enough to know that he was exhausted already.

"What? Giving up so soon?", swiftly, you jumped down from your position high up and whistled with two fingers in your mouth. "Anyone in for a fight? Winner gets a reward."

Interested, Johnny and Kung Lao stretched their necks. Only Kenshi shook his head. But he didn't let himself miss an opportunity to see others get absolutely wrecked.

"What's the stakes?", Kung Lao asked with a nod.

Your eyes jumped over to the monks. They were busy with their meditation. From experience you knew that you had about ten minutes before they'd notice that anything was going on.

"What do ya want?", you asked back, curiosity sparkled in your (E/C) eyes.

"I'm good with a meal.", he replied.

"Don't fall for that. He's hungry.", Raiden warned.

"Fifty bucks says I win.", Johnny said towards Kenshi.

"Make it interesting.", the swordsman crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Bet me Sento."

Johnny huffed.

"Ha! Not on your life."

"Alright, gentlemen. Winner gets what they want. Let's settle the guidelines then.", excited, you rubbed your hands together.