Johnny Cage x Reader

Forty

The next morning came gently, like the kiss of a loved one after not having seen each other for some time.

Purple flowers were carried into the open room by the wind. Curtains danced to the gentle breeze, creating a melody of living fabric.

Only when the first rays of sunlight managed to fall on your face did you curl your nose. One eye opened a crack.

It was light, but not yet noon. There was a scent in the air, baked cakes and sweet honey.

You grumbled tiredly and tried to turn around, away from the light and back into the cosy shadows of sleep. Someone stirred behind you.

One arm was wrapped around your body while a forehead pressed against your neck. You could feel Johnny's chest rising and falling evenly with each breath.

Carefully, you tried to catch a glimpse of his face without waking him. How peaceful he looked, his eyes tightly closed and his lips pressed against your skin. He was warm. His embrace felt like a rock protecting you from the raging surf.

With a soft sigh, you turned onto your back. His eyes flickered open for a moment.

"Stay still.", you bedded his head on your chest.

You ran your fingertips through his messy hair. Although he looked completely dishevelled, you couldn't say that it made him any less attractive.

Sleepily, he nuzzled his cheek against your bare skin and let out a long sigh. His arms wrapped around your torso.

"You're so warm...", he murmured with a smile. "I can hear your heartbeat."

Amused, you chuckled. His hair felt silky in your palm.

Your eyes wandered out of the room and into the garden. The water of the pond rippled with the harsh gusts. Petals covered the surface with a patchy carpet of pink and purple.

This was a good morning. Possibly the best of your life.

"I like it.", he murmured after a while of silence.

You frowned.

"What?", you asked and kissed his forehead.

"Your laugh. It makes me happy."

You had to chuckle again.

"Are we feeling extra cheesy today, Mr Cage?", you teasingly nipped his ear gently.

He shook your hand off with a grin.

"Carlton.", he said and opened his eyes to look up at you. "Jonathan Carlton to you."

"Hm... I actually quite like Johnny."

"My nickname."

"That's Hunny Bum."

Groaning in annoyance, he rolled his eyes and flopped onto his back.

Your gaze immediately jumped to his abs. They were particularly pronounced in the morning when he hadn't eaten yet. You couldn't believe you'd ridden it the night before. It still felt a little unreal.

And yet you knew it hadn't been a dream. Your legs, which were sticky all over, testified to that.

And the look in his eyes. You couldn't describe it, but Johnny looked at you differently now. There was something in his gaze, so bright and sure whenever he looked at you.

When your eyes met, the corners of his mouth curled upwards and he smiled.

How loving could a person be?

The sight of him would have been the answer to that question.

"I would bring you breakfast in bed.", he sat up with a sigh, the blanket falling into his lap and covering only the bare necessities. "But this isn't my house and I have no idea where to get food."

Shaking your head with a laugh, you rolled your eyes.

"We broke in here.", it was strange, but somehow it seemed funny to you.

"I know!" Crazy, right? I've never committed a criminal offence. And nothing but trouble since I've known you."

"Bad influence.", you whispered and let yourself slide back into the sheets.

A sigh escaped your lips. How nice it would have been to lie like this now and forever.

Johnny grabbed your face and planted a few kisses on it before slipping out of bed and going in search of your clothes.

Confused but also amused by the sight of his bare bum, you had to smile.

"Hunny bum doesn't seem so inappropriate.", you realised.

Pulling a face, he threw your trousers and shirt in your face.

"Now that we're official, it would be appropriate to give me a cuter nickname. Look at me. I deserve cute name.", he muttered and got into his pants.

"What are you thinking about?", you pulled your shirt over your head.

"Something. Like normal people pet names."

"Darling?"

"Too old-fashioned."

"Honey?"

"You make fun of that all the time."

Shaking your head, you also got out of bed to look for your pants.

"I'm not particularly creative.", you admitted with a shrug.

"But I am.", a smug grin appeared on Johnny's face.

You tilted your head. One eyebrow rose.

"Oh? Let's hear it, mega screen writer.", you teased him.

The one button that was now missing from his shirt did you some favours. The neckline was now so wide open that you could see half his chest and not just the neckline. You knew he didn't have a change of shirt with him. So you would be able to enjoy this sight for the rest of the tournament.

With a smirk on his lips, he approached you to take your face in both hands. Your eyes met.

"Mine.", he said and kissed you.

You couldn't help but smile.

"Incredibly selfish of you.", you joked and gestured to him to help you put your shoes on.

With a sweeping bow, he got down on his knees in front of you and offered you one shoe after the other so that you could slip them on.

"Your royal highness, Cinderella.", he purred.

Rolling your eyes, you playfully tried to step into his face. But he caught your ankle with ease, tugged at it and made you stumble. Surprised, you fell towards him, but he caught you and lifted you into the air as if you were a bride.

His bride.

He seemed to have had the same thought. Grinning, he wiggled his eyebrows and nodded. Embarrassed, you had to look away from him.

"You're a menace.", you murmured with a soft expression.

"YOUR menace.", he shrugged. "You chose. No return service."

"I did.", you kissed him.