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The fire crackled softly, its warm glow dancing on the rough walls of the small Earthrealm safehouse. Johnny Cage sprawled on the worn-out couch, sunglasses perched low on his nose as he balanced an open energy drink on one knee. Kenshi sat cross-legged on the floor, his katana propped against the wall beside him.
"Y’know," Johnny began, voice unusually soft, "for a guy who’s blind, you’ve got this uncanny way of knowing when I’m about to say something stupid."
Kenshi smirked, resting his hands on his knees. "It’s not a challenge, Cage. You announce it with every step you take."
Johnny barked a laugh. "Touché." He hesitated, fingers drumming on the can, then leaned forward. "But for real, Kenshi, we’ve been through a lot together. Don’t think I’ve ever said... thanks. For having my back."
Kenshi tilted his head, the teasing smirk fading. He let the silence stretch, letting the sincerity in Johnny’s words settle. "You don’t need to thank me," he replied. "I know you'd do the same for me."
The room grew quiet again, save for the occasional crackle of the fire. Johnny’s usual bravado dimmed, replaced by a rare vulnerability. He tugged off his sunglasses, placing them on the coffee table with a clatter. Kenshi’s head turned slightly, sensing the shift in the air.
"I just..." Johnny ran a hand through his hair, leaning back on the couch. "I guess I’m trying to say that you’re... important to me."
Kenshi raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a small smile. "What are you trying to say, Cage? You’re not exactly the cryptic type."
"Alright, fine." Johnny huffed, throwing his hands in the air. "I like you, okay? And not in the ‘pals-for-life’ kind of way. In the ‘I wanna make you laugh until you roll your mystical blindfolded eyes at me and kiss you just to shut you up’ kind of way."
Kenshi froze for a heartbeat, his typically composed demeanor momentarily faltering. "Johnny..." he began, his tone uncertain.
"Too much?" Johnny winced, sitting up straighter. "Yeah, probably too much. Forget I said—"
Kenshi stood and crossed the room in a single fluid motion. Before Johnny could finish, Kenshi’s hand found his, fingers curling over Johnny’s fidgeting ones. "You talk too much," Kenshi muttered, his voice low.
Then, before Johnny could blurt out another word, Kenshi leaned down, pressing his lips to Johnny’s in a kiss that was slow, deliberate, and surprisingly gentle. Johnny froze for only a moment before his free hand slid to Kenshi’s waist, pulling him closer.
When they finally parted, Johnny stared up at him, speechless for once in his life. "Uh... wow," he mumbled, a goofy grin breaking out across his face.
Kenshi straightened, a rare blush dusting his cheeks. "That should keep you quiet for a while," he said, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
"Not a chance," Johnny said, laughter bubbling up as he tugged Kenshi back down. "But you’re welcome to try again."