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After the final fight in Netherrealm, Johnny was actually feeling better. Well, mostly about his purpose in life and helping save Earthrealm. But physically? He feels like a worn out punching bag. His injuries were easy to ignore at first, when he was busy celebrating Earth winning the mortal kombat, then his acting abilities helped keep up his appearance. Only one person, or, well, being noticed his worn down demeanor.
"Johnny." Raiden had stepped behind him, and softly said his name.
"Raiden! Feeling better after, uh, everything that happened to you?" Wow the pain must be getting to him, if he's stumbling over his words.
"I am fine, but it seems you're not. You are a bit too hyper about our victory."
Johnny didn't even think he was acting strange. The pounding in his head and the ache of his entire body is probably clouding his judgment though.
Well, no point in lying to a God, "Yeah, I guess the fight took a lot out of me. I probably hit every surface there."
Raiden cut straight to the chase, "I could heal you, if you're injuries are this severe."
"You can do that? I thought the lighting was for, you know, shocking people?"
"Healing techniques were something I learned a long time ago." He moved away slightly and gestured with his arm, "If you follow me, we can be undisturbed."
Johnny... isn't going to think about those words carefully. "If you're offering, then yeah, sure, why not." Raiden nodded and started walking to a different part of his temple.
Following him, they end up in room that's, definitely smaller than the one the other kombatants are gathered in. Raiden turned to Johnny, "You need to remove your jacket and shirt for my powers to work best."
As much as he wants to comment on that, he's too old to make jokes like that anymore. And he respects Raiden too much anyways. So he focuses on his jacket, but when he's about to take off his shirt, he remembers to ask, "Wait, will this hurt?"
Raiden, who is already sitting down, answers, "It will numb the area, you might feel 'pins and needles', in the worst places."
"Ah." Johnny looks at his own bare chest and the smattering of injuries. Bruises and cuts muddle together, his skin almost lumpy because of it. He can't help it, he winces when he eyes them.
But Raiden doesn't flinch or emote at the sight of them, he just gestures for Johnny to sit in front of him. When Johnny does, the Thunder God's hand reaches out, lightning dancing between his fingers. His hand hesitates for a second, so Johnny expects a gentle caress.
When Raiden firmly puts his entire hand on Johnny's side, it startles the actor for a moment, but his surprise and pain slowly ebbs away. Raiden's hand is warm and staticy, like his body his touching a crt tv.
"I need to thank you for everything you've done for Earthrealm. For us." Raiden speaks softly, contrasting the steady pressure Johnny feels on his abdomen. "Even when you believed you weren't capable of fighting, you still helped, even when faced with certain death. You are truly a brave and selfless man, Johnny Cage. Thank you."
If Johnny wasn't already light headed from the proximity, he was definitely after hearing Raiden's words. "Ah, thank you.. Raiden." Johnny really wished he could be smoother, but the God's hand snaked up to the middle of his chest.
Trying to move his focus away from the pleasant feeling overwhelming him, he knows he needs to ask an important question. "You called my name. When you were dying, losing your power, you still called for me. Why was it me?" He bowed his head, rushing the words out, but he still saw Raiden smile softly.
"Because I believe in you. You were my hope. My hope to destroy the amulet, and my hope to defeat Shao Kahn. I knew you were capable of doing it, that is why I used my remaining power to encourage you."
Johnny doesn't know what to say. He doesn't think anyone's ever believed in him that fiercely. He starts to get flustered, and when he gets flustered, his mouth has to start rambling.
"I think that area is, uh, good. You're hand hasn't moved in... awhile..." He trails off, but the hand doesn't move. But the fingers curl inwards, like he was grabbing him.
Johnny realizes what that means, so, he throws the rational part of him away and he leans in slowly. But Raiden meets him there, sealing the kiss. It starts chaste, but Johnny decides to tilt his head to deepen the kiss. He brings his hand up to Raiden's neck, grabbing at his robes.
He thinks Raiden is moving his other hand to hold his face, but the God takes Johnny's sunglasses off instead, removing the last barrier between them.