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As Fate Had It

An inhale of breath lit the cherry of the cigarette up bright enough to mirror the setting sun in the distance. An inked hand lowered the cigarette as the mouthful of smoke became exhaled into the open air. Kenshi leaned against the railing of a balcony to the nice-end hotel room he rented for the night as he flipped through his phone. He flicked the ashes from his smoke before he put it back between his lips for another drag. He scrolled through the contacts on his phone, only growing more irritable as he did.

He was back in Malibu- fate must have had it out for him- while he was tracking down an informant for the Yakuza. Yes, they were stupidly far from Japan, but while he was gathering any information he could on the key members he needed to take out, some had slipped under the radar and Kenshi’s plans slammed to a rough halt. Finally finding someone who knew were those some of the Yakuza were hiding away, Kenshi learned that they were vacationing in Malibu- hence was why the former gangster was there.

However, all Kenshi could find out about the guy was that he frequented a high social classed nightclub that didn’t allow just anyone within. Kenshi had tried- two separate times- and wasn’t allowed in. He even tried to sneak in at one point but security was tight . It was a death trap to even try and so Kenshi retired to his hotel room, reluctantly giving into his last resort.

Only those who were somebody were allowed within the club. Kenshi just so happened to know somebody who fit the bill and his thumb was hovering over the contact begrudgingly.

Kenshi did not want to call Johnny Cage. The actor drove the ex-gangster up the wall and Kenshi continuously told himself that he didn’t need help. He didn’t. Sure, he had been trapped in Malibu now for a week and couldn’t hate more how stuck he was. And sure, Kenshi didn’t think he’d be successful unless he tried something else.

He had to lower the cigarette again as he huffed hard. Thinking about it, Johnny Cage still had what Kenshi wanted: Sento. Though, he tried not to focus too hard on that. He knew that the asshole actor wouldn’t let him have it, no matter what and that would just have to be another problem for another day.

One step at a time , Kenshi tried to calm his mind. The last time he had seen the actor, they were at the Wu Shi Academy training together just to all go home once Raiden had won the tournament. Kenshi was elated over the thought of finally being freed from Johnny’s company but he swallowed his pride at this point.

Just call him, Takahashi , he chastised himself. Still, his thumb stayed hovering above the contact and he released a low growl of frustration as he finally dropped it to touch the screen. Though, he didn’t tap the phone icon, instead, he tapped for a message.

He would text Johnny. If Johnny didn’t get back to him before the next night, then Kenshi would just find something else he could do.

Bringing the cigarette back to his mouth, he leaned both forearms on the railing of the balcony as he texted: “Hey, Cag-” He backspaced immediately and tried again, “I was wondering-” more backspaces until the message was clear. “There’s this informant that I’m-”

Kenshi rolled his eyes at himself for being so flustered over a simple text. Simple, keep it simple . He would much rather talk in person over what he needed done instead of explaining it all in a message and so he gave in and typed, “You home? Could I come over?”

He hit send and immediately put his phone in his pocket before he could think too much harder on it. He leaned forward on the railing again and watched the sunset now as he was finishing his cigarette.

Malibu definitely wasn’t the scene that Kenshi was too fond of. Being in the Yakuza, he had more than enough of his fair share of thrills, excitements, dangers and fabulous cities. Everywhere was always crowded; everyone was always dangerous. Honestly, the Wu Shi Academy was probably the best time in Kenshi’s life for as long as he could remember. The Academy was quiet and disciplined- aside from Johnny. It felt like he could experience what it was like to truly breathe clean air. To breathe freedom. To bask in the glory of having control of one’s own life again. He had so much he had to do still, but when he was at the Academy, everything Kenshi did was to better himself. It was truly life changing.

Even with Johnny Cage there too. Even with how they were roommates during that time. Kenshi couldn’t stand the man, but he also couldn’t lie to himself that he’d have to hide the smirks and attempted laughs when he’d watch the actor tease everyone around him. The best thing Kenshi found to distract himself when his mind would dive too deep into troubled thoughts was listening to Johnny and Kung Lao’s banter.

Johnny was full of himself- cocky and the very sinful definition of pride. Though, damn him for that confidence. Johnny really was a star and not just as an actor. When he would fight, he was fluid and swayed with grace. His combat was like a dance and whoever was in front of him became his partner in the tango that he’d lead. Even Kenshi, regrettably, was never able to fell him and put him in his place. Johnny won every dance and always gave the ex-gangster a sly one-liner that was never charming with a wink that left Kenshi feeling hot.

Just reminiscing about those times had Kenshi blushing lightly. It was annoying, really. He rubbed at his cheek as if it would cool the heat down under his skin. As insufferable as Johnny was, he was definitely handsome and the fucker knew it too. The one time Johnny finally broke down Kenshi’s stoic farce and caught the man flushed red from ear to ear, he didn’t give him time to live it down.

“Don’t tell me you’re fallin’ for the ol’ Cage too, Ken-Doll?” Johnny’s annoying voice rang through Kenshi’s head at the memory. His mind was already too far gone as he recalled that time at the Academy. It was late- time for bed when Johnny cornered him against the wall.

“I get it, I do. I fall for me too. I’m a man with a big heart. I got a lot of love to go around. I also have a lot of time if you want to find a way we can spend it.”

Kenshi closed his eyes as he remembered how he almost gave in, too. Johnny was so bored. He had been incessantly complaining about it while also complaining about how it had been so long since he’d last had sex. Kenshi had scolded him for his lack of discipline and priorities and the actor just groaned and moped at it.

He complained and whined until he was begging, “Come on, Ken. … Don’t we deserve a reward for this? Quick, discrete, completely between us. You’ve been so tense and I’m blue-ballin’ here. Pleeeaaase….”

The ashes on Kenshi’s cigarette were long overdue to be flicked off but the man was so lost in his memory that he didn’t pay attention to that. He had slid his hand from his cheek to cover his eyes. He remembered how he had finally touched Johnny’s face and the actor moaned just from that. His inked fingers slid to those too-soft, plump lips and Johnny shamelessly dragged two fingers into his mouth with his tongue. He sucked on Kenshi’s fingers like it was a long denied meal that he was starving for.

When Johnny finally popped off the digits against his tongue, he panted, “Want to find out what else I have that’s big, pretty boy?”

Those words were enough to expel the fog from Kenshi’s head and he quickly grabbed Johnny to shove him back. When the actor looked dumbstruck, Kenshi had shoved the man out of their room, barricading the door to lock him out. He made Johnny sleep in the hallway that night and a moment like that never came up again.

He finally leaned away from the railing, stubbing his cigarette out as he re-entered his hotel room and tossed the bud in a bin. He slid the nice, red, dress suit jacket top off of his shoulders and rested it on the back of a chair before he started to undo the buttons to his shirt to ready himself for bed. Once Kenshi had gotten every last button undone but before he slid the shirt off, he heard his phone ding from his pocket.

Once he pulled it out, he was actually surprised to see that Johnny had already messaged him back. After where his mind had unwillingly wandered to, Kenshi scolded himself for feeling so bashful once the man’s name popped up on his screen. He cleared his throat just to do it as if that would allow him to regain his serious, stoic, former Yakuza mannerisms. He straightened up and swiped the screen on his phone to open the message.

“I’m ready for you, doll-face,” Johnny’s message read, “Key under the plant to the right. I can’t wait to see you <3”

Kenshi just blinked. If his face wasn’t twisted in such a serious, unamused expression, one may mistake the redness on his cheeks as the man becoming flustered. Johnny couldn’t just react normally. They hadn’t seen each other in a few months and that was how Johnny responded to a text from Kenshi? It had the former gangster groaning in annoyance, but whatever. He locked his phone, slid it back in his pocket before proceeding to button his shirt right back up. He redressed completely before he left his hotel room behind to make his way to Johnny Cage’s mansion.

Kenshi remembered how to get to Johnny’s home but the drive was long. The sun was set but that didn’t make any of the roads less congested. Nightlife in Malibu was awakening; impatient drivers at every turn. Kenshi was one of them. Though, all was well by the time he finally pulled into the driveway of Johnny’s place.

Lights were on, music that was definitely too fucking loud was heard even before Kenshi opened his car door. As he made his way to the front door, he immediately moved a plant to the right of it and found the key waiting. Letting himself in, he opened his mouth to call out to Johnny, but there was no way the man would hear him over the cheesy music being blared. It was slow, suggestive music with a heavy synthetic beat and Kenshi almost made himself seek out the source that controlled the volume before he’d find the man himself.

As Kenshi stepped further into the home, he saw how the fireplace was lit and the televisions were set to display fireplaces as well. The smell that enveloped the mansion was strong, though not unpleasant. It was very floral- like a rose with a touch of sweetness to it. If Kenshi didn’t know better, it was almost as if Johnny was trying to set a certain type of mood. Letting out a heavy, tired sigh, he then noticed the light to an upstairs room on and being cast down the hallway and he ascended the spiral staircase to see if that’s where the actor was.

Being upstairs, the music wasn’t as overbearing, letting the ex-gangster know that the source must have been on the base level of the home. He continued down the hall until he saw an open doorway where the light was coming from. His footsteps must have been heard when a voice spoke up.

“About time,” it was Johnny’s voice coming from within the room. “You sure know how to make me wait, baby. Oh, I’ve been waiting- ready for you, hun. Been needin’ this-”

Kenshi stopped so fast in his steps that it felt as if an invisible force physically yanked him to a halt. Johnny Cage was within the room, which was his master bedroom.

On the bed was the stupidly insufferable man in a position that Kenshi almost couldn’t comprehend at first glance. Johnny was tied up- somehow by his own doing, Kenshi assumed- with both wrists and both ankles roped to each corner of the bed. He wore a red blindfold over his face, which was why he didn’t seem to react to Kenshi standing there. He was completely naked, save for what looked like a jockstrap that was leaving nothing to the imagination. It was mesh- basically completely see through and Kenshi had to force himself to avert his eyes as his face flared a dark red. Between Johnny’s naked thighs were different BDSM items laid out on display- purposely placed. There was a leather whip, a paddle, a bottle of lube and another bottle of something else, a gag and handcuffs.

Johnny wasn’t hard, for he had to wait for who knows how long, but now that the thrill of someone finally arriving, he was smiling like an idiot and squirming in anticipation. “This is for you, baby. I know we’ve been rocky, but I want all of that anger taken out on me. Let me be your sex slave for tonight. I’ll be your pretty little whore, my sweet princess- my Queen.”

Kenshi furrowed his brows hard and he instantly realized that he wasn’t supposed to be there. Was that disappointment at that revelation that sunk in his gut? No, of course not. He was severely annoyed, that’s all. He growled a bit as Johnny was still going on and he finally bit out, “What in the hell do you think you’re doing, Cage?”

Kenshi had never seen Johnny shut up so fast. His expression dropped; his body went rigid. If he could see, he would act as if he’d seen a ghost and he barely muttered out, “Cris?”

“Do I sound like Cris?” Kenshi had completely turned his head away to not look at the other man.

Johnny tried to move but couldn’t from how he was bound, “K-Kenshi??! What the fuck are you doing here?!”

“ You ,” Kenshi threw his hand out towards the other man even though he was blindfolded, “texted me!”

“I did not!” Johnny denied immediately.

Kenshi rolled his eyes and tensed his jaw, “Yes, you did. That’s why I’m here.”

“I didn’t!” the other man still denied. “No, I’ve been talking to Cris- unless….” Johnny then huffed, “Could you at least take this blindfold off of me?”

Kenshi acted disgusted, “You think I want to get near you?”

“Come on!” Johnny growled in annoyance, “We can’t exactly get this sorted if I’m like this, can we?”

The former gangster argued back, “And who put you like this?”

“Touché,” the actor sighed. “Please, man? I-if I accidentally texted you, then I need to find out!”

“Goddammit,” Kenshi cursed under his breath. He reluctantly gave in and crossed the room to tug at Johnny’s blindfold, yanking it off of his head.

Johnny blinked several times and looked up at Kenshi as if he didn’t believe it to be the man the entire time. Once he confirmed that’s who it was, he smiled dumbly, “What are you doing here, Ken-Doll?”

Kenshi took a breath to calm himself. He pressed his lips together as he glared at the man on the bed. He shook his head a bit before he forced the tight words out, “I came to talk about a problem I’m having but you seem to be busy.”

“And you came to me?” Johnny acted flattered. He then tilted his head towards his wrist closest to Kenshi, “Wanna help me out?”

Not hiding his aggravation, Kenshi roughly grabbed Johnny’s wrist to undo it but he suddenly flinched away as if a quick shock got him, “Why are you so sticky ?”

The actor laughed awkwardly, “Oh, uh…, it’s that flavored gel stuff. You know, what you’re supposed to lick off. Fun for oral, but I like-”

“Stop,” Kenshi didn’t want to hear anymore as he started untying Johnny’s wrist. He was already blushing hard and didn’t know what he’d do if the other man noticed and started poking at him for it. Once he was done with Johnny’s wrist he backed away immediately.

“Thanks,” Johnny sighed as he turned his wrist. He quickly regarded the phone on his bedside table, “Hand me that.”

The actor started undoing his other bindings as Kenshi grabbed the man’s cell phone. He didn’t mean to make the screen light up but when he did, he saw the quick, short message that was left unread on it.

It was from Cris, “That’s enough, John. I told you, we’re done.”

Kenshi paused. Despite how much Johnny got under his skin, he couldn’t help but be hurt on the other man’s behalf. He was sure that Cris gave Johnny more than enough signs to let him know that their marriage was officially over but Johnny was a dumbass. A… sweet, nicer than you would think, heart-of-gold dumbass. He had gotten so excited over the thought of her coming over that he… really outdid himself. He clearly didn’t get the latest text from her and Kenshi felt sorry for him.

Johnny grunted when he finally got his ankles free next. He crossed his legs as he sat up on the bed and his smile was so wide, dumb and innocent when Kenshi looked back at him. The former gangster handed over his phone and Johnny took it while also grabbing the bottle that wasn’t lube.

“See?” Johnny wagged the green bottle. He then popped the top and let a thick bead of it come out on his fingertip. When he closed the bottle back, he dropped it as he then sucked his finger, speaking with satisfaction once he removed the digit, “Green apple. Stuff’s good. Wanna taste it? Might give you some ideas for your own sexy adventures?”

“No,” was all Kenshi said as he then walked out of the room, leaving the other man alone.

Kenshi was downstairs and waiting. He took a seat on a couch near the fireplace and stayed with patience. It had been more than enough time for Johnny to come downstairs but after the actor assumingly read the message sent by his ex, Kenshi gave him time. As he did wait, his eyes drifted up to Sento that was still on display, hovering there like an unholy temptation. Shit, if Kenshi really wanted to, he could easily take what was rightfully his and leave before Johnny even left his room. It could be so easy; he could disappear too, for the actor to never find him.

Though, Kenshi wasn’t like that. He’d get Sento- he would. Though, he’d earn it at that point. Humming lowly in frustration, he tore his eyes away and looked towards the enormous window to overlook Malibu in all its beautiful, nightlife glory. Eventually, the incessant music finally turned off and when Kenshi looked upwards, he saw Johnny descending the staircase.

Maybe Johnny didn’t think Kenshi could fully see him yet, but Kenshi frowned hard at how Johnny appeared. He looked sad. Not angry or frustrated. Genuinely sad. The actor quickly pulled at some of his hair as if styling it while it was still drying from the shower he must have taken. And just like a switch, the moment the actor turned the corner at the bottom of the stairs, his smile beamed stronger than the city lights. He cleaned up well- dressed in a nice, silk pressed button up shirt tucked away in some nice slacks with dress shoes. Always putting on a show- never disappointing.

Johnny held his arms out wide as he back stepped towards a bar that wasn’t far, “Enlighten me, Kenny. What did you need to talk to the Cage about?”

Kenshi was still frowning as he watched Johnny turn his back to the former gangster just to pour himself a drink of amber liquor. Drinking and sad , Kenshi exhaled through his nose. Maybe this wasn’t a good time at all to come to Johnny for help.

And Kenshi’s heart that was so kind couldn’t make himself drag Johnny into something dangerous. Not now. Kenshi stood and was very clear, “It can wait for another time. I should have called ahead, I apologize. I’m going to head out.”

Johnny nodded a little as he tipped back the drink, gulping the alcohol down in one go as he didn’t seem to register what the other man just said. With a strong hiss, he tilted his head as he started refilling it again. As soon as the glass was filled to the top, he then whipped his head in Kenshi’s direction as he finally heard him, “Wait, what? Oh, come on, man! You came all the way out here and waited , just to tell me you’re leaving?”

“It clearly,” Kenshi wasn’t trying to be harsh, “is a bad time.”

Johnny laughed to mask the pain, “What makes you say that? I’m all down for chillin’ or gettin’ into trouble. Tell me what’s up?”

He started to drink the following glass but stopped with a choke when Kenshi turned his back to him and began to leave. He then rushed after the former gangster, yelling, “Are you serious? You really are gonna just bail like that?”

Kenshi stopped walking when Johnny grabbed his arm to do so. Kenshi looked back at the other man with a hard stare, grabbing the hand to remove it from him, “You probably should get some sleep, Cage. I’ll be around for a few more days, maybe . I can talk to you any other time.”

Johnny scoffed, “What is this? Some weird ploy to confuse me to try and nab my sword?”

Kenshi furrowed his brows hard and sounded tired as he retorted, “ No , it’s not that. You just seem like you have a lot of relationship trouble to sort out.”

Now, Johnny furrowed his brows, “How- wait, you snooped through my phone?”

“ No ,” Kenshi stressed again. “I didn’t mean to see the message.”

“So, you snooped?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“You went through my shit,” Johnny sounded like he was trying to force a fight but there wasn’t anger behind his tone, it was desperation, “and are going to stake out my place like a weirdo and leave without an explanation?”

Johnny didn’t want him to leave. Maybe he just didn’t want to be alone. Either way, Kenshi closed his eyes for a moment to calm himself. He sighed then opened them to meet Johnny’s.

“Cage,” he began, “I will stay if it means you’ll calm down.”

A spark of hope fluttered in the actor’s eyes and he was smiling wide now. Yet when he spoke, he was still trying to play off his mannerisms as if he had nothing weighing on his mind, “You know me! Always the calmest. Always the most collected. That’s how I was able to put all of you in your place when I needed to.”

“Right,” Kenshi grumbled. When he watched as Johnny lifted his tumbler glass back to his lips to finish the drink he poured himself, Kenshi quickly reached forward and grabbed the actor’s hand to stop him.

Johnny paused when Kenshi’s inked hand closed around his. The former gangster pressed his lips together as if to stop himself from saying something but the actor just watched as Kenshi calmly made him lower the glass before he took it from his hold.

“I…,” Kenshi wasn’t sure the best way to word how he didn’t want to watch Johnny get drunk without stirring up any more drama, “would prefer… a clear mind when I tell you why I’m here.”

Johnny felt the pricks of embarrassment sting at his cheeks. He cleared his throat and nodded when Kenshi set the glass down on an end table. “Of course, yeah,” Johnny tried to keep his tone cheerful but there was a fine lace of shame there too. “That was rude of me. I’ll be a better host.”

Kenshi’s brows were tense and he watched how Johnny looked away. The actor was always putting on a show. He glanced around his home as if there was something super exciting he forgot to mention and Kenshi knew the man’s mind was racing through a million thoughts at once. Kenshi needed him to focus on one right now.

Kenshi normally wouldn’t do this- not for Johnny Cage, at least, but he didn’t like how so… not Johnny Cage, Johnny was being. He carefully but firmly slid his hand along the actor’s shoulder until he got a good grip on it. The touch was exactly what was needed to completely suck all of Johnny’s attention straight to him.

Johnny looked at Kenshi’s pretty brown eyes that were so calm and patient, despite how much the former gangster would always have his expression twisted in a hardened, no-nonsense way. When Kenshi felt how much Johnny relaxed just by being under his touch, the ex-gangster smiled very subtly, but it was still there and the actor’s eyes snapped to those pretty lips.

Johnny’s heart was strong in his chest. He wanted to lean into the touch against him; wanted to push forward and become enveloped in Kenshi’s body heat. Fuck, he just wanted some human contact and he was desperate, he was hurt, he was frustrated, he was happy to see the other man; he just wanted someone to care for him.

Kenshi could see how Johnny became lost in thought by how distant his eyes became and he raised his other hand, gently tapping the underside of Johnny’s chin with his inked fingers to bring him back.

The touch wasn’t much, but it was still enough to make Johnny’s face hot. The last time Kenshi had touched his face was back at the Academy before the former gangster locked him out of their room for the night. That was a time where Johnny couldn’t fight the sinful urges the other man drew from him. Nothing was hotter than lusting for the one you had so much tension with. Albeit mostly violent and unhealthy bickering, Johnny wanted to feel what the other man would do to him if they gave in to carnal urges instead.

Fuck, Johnny was a mess. Cris had left him, even before he went to the Academy. Johnny was trying to work things out with his ex- he didn’t like to be alone. He liked to be sought after, to be praised by an intimate partner and cherished as much as he cherished them in turn. He didn’t realize how bad he was fucking up until she left.

He had been texting her for a few days, trying to reignite the passion between the two and he really thought he was getting somewhere- she had even sent him nudes that she immediately begged him to delete. He did. Still, their flirting started to spark more inappropriate topics that would teeter back and forth to their relationship and marriage being done. It was bipolar and definitely mixed signals but Johnny wasn’t a quitter. After she told him that she wasn’t sure if hooking up was a good idea, Johnny left it open to her- letting her know that she could come over whenever she wanted if she ever felt like releasing tension. And then when he got a message asking if he was home and if she could come over, Johnny thought it was Cris . Not Kenshi. He didn’t mean to text the Yakuza man back- he thought he was texting his ex.

But Johnny wondered if he missed his ex, or if he missed being loved. Because right now, Kenshi’s eyes on him chipped away every conflicting thought in his head. Johnny’s fingers had a light tremble to them and he knew that wasn’t like him. Kenshi was the one right there with him at that moment, showing concern for him; actually staying even though he had no reason to. He even said how he could come back another day but he didn’t. He was there, waiting patiently for Johnny to get out of his head and come back to him. All Johnny needed was love. If no one loved him, then who even was he?

“You okay, Cage?” Kenshi’s voice was soft.

Johnny’s eyes focused again as he looked in the other man’s eyes. His mouth felt dry, “Yes. Yeah, Ken-Doll- I’m perfect.”

Kenshi’s hand dropped from under Johnny’s chin and the actor missed the contact already. Though, the other inked hand stayed on his shoulder as the former gangster asked, “Do you want to talk about something?”

Johnny talking about feelings that weren’t positive or boisterous? No, not at all but he grinned and patted Kenshi’s chest “playfully”- not using that as an excuse to touch the other man, “Yes, I do. I need to talk about why you’re here.” He was then the one to pull away as he strode confidently back towards the couch and fireplace, “Talk to me now, tattoo.”

Kenshi sighed quietly as he followed the man. They each took a seat on the couch and Kenshi wasted no time in explaining why he was there.

Johnny twisted his mouth in thought before he spoke, “So, you need me to get you into a club?” When the other man nodded, Johnny asked, “Do you want to go tonight?”

Kenshi didn’t think that Johnny would want to leave that night but he didn’t want to turn that down, “That… would work, yes. If you would.”

Johnny huffed as if he was being burdened but both men knew he wasn’t. He stood up and already started walking towards the front door, “Alright, Ken-Doll, since you asked so nicely. Let’s go hit it up now. I could use some fun.”

Kenshi quickly stood after him, “No, not fun, Cage. This is serious. If this guy finds out I’m on to him, then there’s a good chance we could get killed.”

“ Pfft ,” Johnny mocked. “No chance that’s gonna happen. You’re good at what you do, and I’ll just be there to look pretty. Be a distraction, even, if you want.”

“I don’t want that,” Kenshi sighed, catching up to the other man. “I don’t want you in harm’s way. Nor do I want you to put yourself there.”

Johnny grinned as he glanced over at the former gangster, “Aw, are you concerned for me?”

“If I say yes,” Kenshi began, “will you be careful?”

Johnny shrugged and the two men were outside now, “I’ll follow your lead, pretty boy. I’ll get you in, watch you from afar in case you need the Cage to swoop in and deal with some assholes and in the meantime, I’ll enjoy myself. Safely, of course.”

“Fine,” the former gangster relented. He approached his car as he fished his pack of cigarettes out of his pocket. He flipped the top of the carton open to grab a smoke between his lips, pulling it from the package.

“Whoa, whoa, what do you think you’re doing?” Johnny had stopped walking and the other man didn’t notice. When he did and turned to face the actor, Johnny had been walking towards one of his cars instead and he specified that detail, “You’re trying to show up in that car? You’re joking, right? Is that a rental?”

Kenshi furrowed his brows, feeling somewhat offended at the disrespect towards his black sedan that was a rental car, “So what?”

Johnny laughed as if the other man wasn’t serious, “No way. If I have to use my hot-shot name to get us through those doors, then we need a hot-shot ride. They will laugh us off the block in that thing, Takahashi. No, we’re taking my car. I’m driving.”

Kenshi shook his head, “You drank, Cage. I’m not letting you behind the wheel-”

“Relax, mom!” Johnny scoffed. “It was one drink. I’m not drunk. I’m not tipsy. I’m not some lightweight and frankly, I’m offended that you think so.”

Kenshi quickly approached the other man as he pulled out a set of keys and unlocked a very nice, very expensive black sports car. When the former gangster got to him, he paced up to Johnny on the driver’s side, “Let me drive-”

“Nooo way,” Johnny refused as he quickly held his hand holding the keys up high as if that would stop Kenshi from snatching them. He backed up against the side of the car and leaned away from the other man who stepped close to him, “This baby’s got a lot of kick. If you don’t know how to handle her, she’ll run right through you.”

Kenshi sneered with the cigarette still in his mouth, “You think I haven’t driven a sports car before, Cage? I was in the Yakuza.”

“Didn’t see it,” the actor mused, “don’t believe it.”

That familiar frustration that Kenshi would feel when he was around the other man started to quickly boil back up, “You can’t be serious.”

“As serious as a Karen who can’t get her coffee,” Johnny retorted smugly. When he watched the other man roll his eyes, he lowered his arm and leaned forward to be closer. As Kenshi tensed up a bit at the closed distance, Johnny grinned and pulled the cigarette out from between his lips, “And no smoking in my car. That stuff’s bad for you, you know that.”

Kenshi was about to bite back with, “So is drinking,” but he stopped himself before the words could audibly leave his mouth. Instead, he snatched his unlit cigarette back from the other man and tucked it back in the carton with the rest of them while he reluctantly walked around the car to the passenger side. As soon as he was in, Johnny retrieved a pack of gum that was already within the car after he got in too.

“How ‘bout this?” Johnny suggested as he offered a piece of gum, “You never know who you’re going to get close to.”

“Does my breath stink, Cage?” Kenshi asked flatly.

Johnny laughed while shaking his head, giving the man a side glance, “Even though you smoke, not at all. You always smell fantastic.”

Kenshi’s face became hardened again like it always would when he felt he needed to put up a mental wall, but his damn skin flushed red- betraying him like always. He looked away when Johnny’s eyes lingered. The gum was still being offered and just to do something, Kenshi took a piece. After he buckled up, he removed the wrapper and stuck the piece in his mouth.

Johnny’s eyes were still on the other man, admiring how cute he was when he’d blush. Watching how he’d try to purposely avoid eye contact. He then watched that handsome, strong jaw work as he started to chew the gum in his mouth and man, it should be a crime to be that attractive. Johnny scoffed at himself mentally. Yes, Johnny Cage was fucking irresistable. He was sexy. He was the guy that everyone wanted to know. He wasn’t just sought after for his money and talent, it was his charisma and charm above everything. But looking at a man like Kenshi Takahashi, who was so humble and stoic, it almost didn’t seem fair at how fucking gorgeous he was.

And with how much darker the ex-Yakuza’s face flushed red, Johnny yearned for someone so pretty to have their attention to only be for him .

Why do you stick around me, Kenshi…? Johnny’s somber, tamer voice sounded in his head. You are so perfect. Leagues beyond a fuck-up like me….

“Are we going?” Kenshi’s voice sounded strained as if he were trying to keep it level. His attention was solely stuck to the side mirror on the car door as he asked, “Or are you going to keep staring?”

Johnny’s smile strengthened, but it was with admiration. He then took his own piece of gum, popped it in his mouth before he got everything set to go. Without another word said, he peeled out of his driveway to make their way towards their destination.

The drive was long. Much longer than Kenshi anticipated but Johnny drove fast and surprisingly well. The nightclub wasn’t in Malibu- a little over an hour out as they had to drive to LA to get there. Now, instead of ocean air and sightlines of beaches and palm trees, they started to shift their scenery to something more modern and true city fashion. Johnny was telling stories of all the places he’d been, why he picked Malibu out of anywhere else he could have lived and how he had been to the nightclub they were heading to a few times before.

“Expensive like you wouldn’t believe,” Johnny stressed. “But don’t worry, I got the expenses covered.”

Kenshi wasn’t lacking in the financial department at all, “No need for that, Cage. I can cover myself and whatever I need to do.”

Johnny acted offended, “But you’re my guest! How rude would it be for me if I don’t pay for you?”

“In a way,” Kenshi corrected, “you’re my guest. You’re tagging along with me.”

The actor laughed and bounced back, “No, you’re tagging along under my name. You’re my guest.”

“I’m not letting you buy anything for me,” the former gangster made clear.

“What,” the actor tried, “if I want to?”

“No,” Kenshi was serious.

Johnny rolled his eyes as he relented. They eventually made it to their destination and there was a long line outside the club. Once they made it to the bouncer, Johnny Cage, sure enough, was recognized and getting in became no issue at all.

The nightclub was massive. A large dance floor at the center, plenty of seating for those drinking and hanging out, a largely lit bar that was packed. The music was nice; a steady, heavy rhythm that wasn’t overbearing and perfect for dance. Blue, purple and magenta lights lit up every corner of the place and if Kenshi assumed where his target would be, he would be in the more VIP sections of the club.

The duo couldn’t look more opposite. Kenshi’s face was serious as his eyes already began scanning every corner he could, while Johnny lit up brighter than the neon lights around them, excited for what the night had to offer.

As soon as Kenshi began to walk off, Johnny quickly scurried up to him and grabbed him by the elbow.

He had to lean close to the ex-Yakuza’s ear to be heard over the music, “Where are you going?”

Kenshi already had a destination in mind but he put his head by Johnny’s to respond next to his ear, “I’m going to scan around a bit before I check out the back rooms and VIP lounges.”

“Can I come with?” Johnny asked.

Kenshi quickly answered, “No. There’s already a lot of people that recognize you. You’ll draw attention that way.”

Johnny gasped, “Ooohhh, so I need to draw their attention away ?”

Kenshi furrowed his brows a bit, not responding right away, “Sure. … Just…, be careful with what you do.”

“Same for you, pretty boy,” Johnny teased.

Johnny didn’t cause a distraction or make a scene. The man was just so charismatic and approachable that when he made his way into the crowd of dancers, many people knew who he was and he was able to draw more in. Kenshi watched him from the side, watching how everyone got so close to him, how he’d lead his dance much like his fighting- how everyone would follow him. He was always the star- the lead role. There were a lot of touches, from strangers and others alike, also from Johnny to them in turn. He looked completely enveloped in the crowd that surrounded him; his smile stretched wide in enjoyment but Kenshi frowned. In a way, Johnny never looked more alone.

From the outside, Johnny looked as if he were having the time of his life. But the Johnny that Kenshi had come to know in their time at the Academy, he knew he was putting on a hard front. His smile was as fake as most of the people there. There was no light and joy in his eyes- only clouded thoughts. He’d lean into the touches of those who pressed close to him, but his movements were mechanical. He’d then wrap his arms around some people in return that would rub against him as if he were shooting a scene. On the surface, Johnny Cage was having fun. Inside, Kenshi knew that he was in a completely different head-space all together.

Kenshi sighed to himself as he felt the tugging at his chest. He was there for a reason, but he almost wanted to enter the crowd to pull Johnny out. As much as Kenshi didn’t want to dwell on the detail, Johnny never acted that way around him. The actor’s expressions could be read like any script and Kenshi knew that when he was with Johnny, the man’s true self would start to show. That true self was a man with so much love to give that if he couldn’t, it would overfill him from the inside and drown him out. He didn’t need attention from the world to ease the pressure building within, he needed the attention of one. Kenshi wondered if that’s why the actor sought to rekindle his relationship with Cris.

At the Academy, Johnny spilled a lot of information about their relationship and to Kenshi, it sounded as if it had been done for a long time. Johnny and Cris didn’t connect anymore. Cris was always out with her friends and when Johnny would ask if he could come along, she’d tell him no. Johnny would always bring her gifts or leave her surprises that she would have a shift in interest, to where the gifts weren’t what she wanted. It had gotten to the point where every conversation was a pure argument.

And then Johnny turned to drinking. He stopped giving her gifts. Stopped leaving sweet, romantic surprises around the house. Stopped asking about where she was going and who she was with. He started focusing solely on his career. Everything he spoke about was just that. They had grown apart and it had been brewing for years. Their divorce was inevitable.

With how much Kenshi acted like he hated Johnny, he didn’t, and the actor knew that too. Johnny was truly fun to be around. Truly funny to listen to. When he would stop trying to impress everyone around him and be who he really was, was when Kenshi found himself being pulled in. Kenshi was always the last one to hang around Johnny even after everyone else would leave. Kenshi was the one to hear his problems and try to give solutions. Johnny was the one that Kenshi went to when he needed to vent too. Some nights, they hardly got any sleep due to them staying up all night and just simply talking.

So, out of all the times that Johnny drove Kenshi insane, there were more times that he was enraptured by him. Johnny looked like he had everything. Kenshi just wanted the man to be happy.

Swallowed in the dance floor, Johnny’s gaze slid off to the side, catching the eyes of the ex-Yakuza staring right back at him. At his attention, Johnny’s smile cracked a bit. It faltered and his heart raced. Out of everything Kenshi was supposed to be doing, he was watching him instead. It made Johnny feel elated- special, like he was chosen for an honor he didn’t deserve. And what he didn’t expect next was how Kenshi smiled a little for him and the sight shot an arrow straight through Johnny’s heart. His dance stuttered; his legs felt weak. Fuck that nightclub, fuck what they were there for, Johnny wanted Kenshi .

Before he could make himself move, a group of three young, attractive women suddenly approached the ex-Yakuza, drawing his attention away with surprise. Johnny twisted his mouth at the sight. The women motioned Kenshi’s tall ass to lean down to them so they could say something in his ear. Whatever it was, the former gangster’s expression returned neutral to it all.

While Johnny was busy staring at the scene, a pair of arms drew his own attention away and when he looked down, some pretty lady was seductively smiling at him. She pulled him into a more intimate sway. Johnny didn’t outright refuse the dance, but it was only for a moment until he noticed the group of women scurry off in a fit of giggles did he then pull away.

Johnny managed to slip from the crowd and reach the other man who was still where he was against the wall. Kenshi saw the playful stare he gave him to tease him over what happened and the gangster rolled his eyes and glanced away.

“So,” Johnny leaned close to Kenshi’s ear to ask, “what was that about?”

Kenshi sighed and pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, holding it out to the other man as he leaned his head close too, “They gave me their number. You want it?”

Johnny laughed, “What if they know the guy you’re after?”

“They don’t.”

Another laugh from the actor as he glanced down at three different numbers written for him, “Damn, Ken-Doll, I’m impressed. Looks like they don’t mind sharing.”

Kenshi shook his head, “I’m not interested.”

Johnny gave him a look, “In what?”

“In women,” the other man answered forwardly.

The arrow that was already lodged in Johnny’s heart pushed even further and there was a lump in his throat that he had to swallow. He took another look at the number before he shook his head, “None of those are right.”

Kenshi furrowed his brows, “What do you mean?”

The actor answered fluidly, “It’s not your number.”

The ex-Yakuza looked a touch flustered, “You already have my number, Cage.”

“Oh,” Johnny then slid his hand over Kenshi’s, slowly making the man close his inked fingers over the paper he held. The actor leaned even closer to where his hot breath sent chills down the other man’s spine as it ghosted over his ear, “I’m interested.”

The betrayal Kenshi knew so well struck again as his face blushed a dark red. He cleared his throat and looked away but made no attempts to step away. Johnny’s laugh sent butterflies up his stomach and Kenshi knew he had to do something to make the moment end. He turned his head back towards the actor and quickly muttered out by his ear, “I’m here for a reason, remember.”

“Of course,” Johnny hummed. He squeezed Kenshi’s hand a bit and the other man still didn’t pull it away. That was a good sign for Johnny. He grinned and made sure to speak lowly to the blushing man, “I’ll just take up your time later, then.”

Kenshi couldn’t find the words to speak. He didn’t like how they were in such a public space- it was making the embarrassment so much worse. He was grateful for Johnny being the one to pull away but the actor held the eye contact as he backed away. Giving the former gangster a final wink, Kenshi clenched his hands into tight fists; his eyes burning with desire, he knew. And based on the way Johnny’s expression shifted from being an over-confident tease, to being the one willingly as the target of a hunt, he knew it too. Tension arose between them and the actor looked as if he really didn’t want to leave, but he did.

Kenshi got back on track with why he was there in the first place. With careful scouting and eavesdropping as best as he could, he didn’t see any trace of his target. From his initial tracking of the man he sought, he would be at that nightclub every night and into the long hours, which would mean that he should be there at that time. After nearly two hours passed since Kenshi had arrived, the only person he found of interest was a man who was an assistant to his initial target.

After following him for a while, Kenshi became increasingly aggravated when he realized that the man he was after wasn’t there. When he found a window of opportunity, Kenshi jumped the assistant in a back corner of the nightclub near the VIP lounges that were private. Even with how busy the club was, there wasn’t anyone back there beside Kenshi and the man he had against the wall, face first.

Kenshi made sure the man couldn’t see his face; he had the poor assistant’s arm twisted behind his back with his hand in a grip that could break it in a heartbeat. The former gangster demanded where his target was, applying pain in the other man until he relented and gave Kenshi all the information he would need. That information being that Kenshi’s target was called back early on his vacation and had left that morning to return to Japan.

Kenshi failed. His target got away from him and he’d have to track the man down all over again. Frustration couldn’t even prod at how Kenshi felt. He was angry- practically furious. He didn’t realize that he was twisting the joints in the assistant’s limbs to the point of nearly dislocating them. When the man almost started to scream, Kenshi quickly put him in a chokehold to force him unconscious. Managing to slip his body in an unused VIP lounge, Kenshi got away from the scene as fast as he could.

It had been a while since they last spoke, but the moment Johnny finally caught sight of Kenshi again, he saw the former gangster quickly pacing through the crowd to get to an exit. His face was twisted in his usual, angry grimace.

Pulling himself away from the “friends” he made, Johnny easily slipped from the group he was in and headed straight for the other man. When he reached him, he tried to call for him, “Hey, what happened?”

But Kenshi continued to pace towards an exit, shoving past people that were loitering in the area ahead of it. Once he knocked open the door to get outside, Johnny was right on his heels, “Hey, Takahashi! Are you gonna answer me?”

Kenshi turned quickly towards the actor, “ Nothing happened! That’s the problem, Cage! I missed my chance! This whole thing was a waste of goddamn time!”

“He’s not here?” Johnny questioned as if he wasn’t understanding.

“No, he’s fucking not,” Kenshi growled. “He left this morning- dammit!!” He then slammed the side of his fist against the wall of the club. He bowed his head, rubbing his hand over his eyes in frustration. As he caught his breath, he then fished his cigarettes back out and put one in his mouth. Instead of allowing Johnny to make some remark towards him, he went ahead and lit it, taking a long drag of it.

Johnny gave the other man a moment before he asked, “So… what does that mean?”

Kenshi slowly smoked his cigarette to calm himself down. He didn’t feel like hitting anything anymore, but he was still pissed off. Pulling the stick from his mouth to exhale the smoke, he spoke tightly, “That means… that I return to Japan and begin this whole damn search all over again.”

Those words made Johnny hesitate. Kenshi had just shown up- he hadn’t even seen him for a day! Only a few hours, that was it! And now he was to leave? It churned an unsettling feeling in Johnny’s gut, one that was trying to find any reason for him to not go, “Maybe he’s still here? Maybe his flight got canceled-”

“It didn’t, Cage,” Kenshi bit out harshly. His eyes were sharp like a cold blade as he snapped them on the actor. “I’m going to leave. This was all for nothing.”

“Well…,” Johnny still tried, “what if we went back inside? Try to enjoy this night since you can’t leave right now-”

“You do what you want,” Kenshi took another long drag before he turned and started to walk away. “I am going to call a taxi to take me back to your place to get my car. I’ve got to try to get the fastest flight back.”

Now, Johnny furrowed his brows as he started to become a bit frustrated over how he was being treated out of this, “We rode together! I can take you back, you don’t have to call a ride.”

“No, because you,” Kenshi paused, growling a bit in annoyance when Johnny stayed right beside him, walking with him, “you are going to just try to keep me here. Find some excuse to drag me into something stupid.”

Johnny scoffed, “You think I’m going to hold you hostage ? Maybe consider that I’m just trying to be a friend , asshole!”

“When were we friends , Cage?” Kenshi didn’t like this part of him that was coming out, but his anger was his sole drive in the current moment. “You have something of mine, which was the only reason why we know each other, and then we got dragged into some insane, otherworldly shit that now has nothing to do with us anymore! You, if anything, are an acquaintance.”

Now, Johnny was offended and he didn’t hide it, “Wow. These some true colors of yours?” He leaned forward, poking a finger at his own chest, “ I didn’t make your guy leave! I am the only reason why you found this information out now, anyways! Without me, you wouldn’t have gotten in! So, instead of giving me a thanks , you decide to be a real piece of shit!” When Kenshi opened his mouth to retort, the actor continued, “And I can have your vehicle towed if I want to, Takahashi! It’s on my property! If you think I will just drag you along into some stupid shit, I can be much worse! Don’t treat me like shit because you heard some bad news! I am not your enemy!”

Kenshi became taken aback. Despite the anger that ate at his spine, Johnny was right. … And Kenshi was being an asshole. He shook his head a little and threw his cigarette down on the ground, stepping it out. He sighed again, shoving his fingers in his hair before he took a deep breath and said, “I’m sorry.”

Johnny relaxed now too, but he was still hurt. He tried to sound relaxed, but his voice betrayed how the apology didn’t quite cut it, but it did help a lot, “I can take you back, okay?”

Kenshi nodded slowly but still made it clear, “I’m going to leave as soon as we get there.”

“That’s fine,” Johnny lied. He shrugged and started walking away now, “My night can’t really get shittier. Less problems for me.”

The drive back to Johnny’s place felt like it had tripled. It was tense the entire time and awkward. The small talk that Johnny tried to force wasn’t met by the other man but the actor tried- he couldn’t stand the silence for long. When he pulled back into his lot, Kenshi was getting out of the car before Johnny could fully turn his car off.

As soon as Kenshi was out, Johnny quickly turned his car off and practically sprinted out of the vehicle. Their drive, which dragged for over an hour, was enough time to sink in that Johnny didn’t want to be alone. He didn’t want Kenshi to leave if he could help it and he ran after the other man who was already at his rental.

“Kenshi, hey, man,” Johnny tried, “how about you just stay the night? I’m not mad anymore- chances are there’s not a flight going out right now and it’s late. You can stay here. I have plenty of space.”

Kenshi grabbed the handle to his driver door but didn’t open it as he looked back at the other man. He did sound tired as he asked, “ Why? ”

Johnny looked a bit confused, “Why, what?”

“Why does that matter?” The former gangster nearly demanded, “I’m leaving either way. It doesn’t matter whether I stay or go right now. Why do you want me to stay?”

“I-I don’t know,” actually admitting what Johnny was feeling was becoming harder than he thought. “I just didn’t think you’d want to drive all the way back after being in the car so long, is all.”

Kenshi knew that wasn’t the reason why and he didn’t really know where his own behavior was coming from, but he wanted Johnny to admit the truth. He wanted him to tell the ex-Yakuza that he wanted him to stay because he wanted the company. Because dammit, Kenshi was tense and ashamed of himself for how he treated the other man who was kind of his friend. For some reason, his heart always beat harder around the actor. His body would warm up and he always felt himself concerned over him. It was annoying, Kenshi told himself, but it was fucking true too. He didn’t want to leave, either.

And like a test sent from above, Johnny’s phone rang and he sighed hard. When he slipped it from his pocket to see who was calling him, both men froze when Cris was lit up on the screen.

Yet, without a word said on it, Johnny pressed the end call button and then turned the phone completely off. Putting it back in his pocket, he looked up and met Kenshi’s eyes with sincerity and desperation, “Would you stay the night with me, Kenshi?”

Kenshi frowned hard and held Johnny’s eyes. At one point, the actor had stepped closer and they were only a foot apart. Inhaling slowly, the former gangster spoke lowly, “I’m not a rebound, Cage.”

“I know,” Johnny said quickly. He then smiled sheepishly, “No, you’re different.” He then sounded uneasy as he admitted his feelings, “I, uh…. I’ve been having trouble… coping… with being alone since the Academy. … I… missed being around… uhm, you.”

He then immediately followed his words, “I-if we do anything- which I would! I mean, we’re both adults and I don’t think I was wrong with thinking you might want to do something with me after the way you looked at me and I for one would love to do something positive after all the shit we’ve faced today. It could just be a hook-up! Nothing more. I mean, u-unless you want more and I’m okay with that too! I think you’re an interesting guy and we’re both defenders or whatever now. What better way to spend quality time together? O-or it can mean nothing! That’s cool too- I don’t know. It can be casual, or whatever.”

After a while when Kenshi wasn’t saying anything, Johnny started to feel doubt and stupid over whether he should have shared that information or not and he had to know, “Do you… even like me?”

Johnny Cage being unsure, unconfident and uneasy was not how he ever was. It was all because of Kenshi and the gangster didn’t like that he made the other man become like that. He felt the same soft-spot within him stir that made him want to change that. The way his body burned with desire earlier started to flare back up and Kenshi stepped forward to close the gap. He grabbed Johnny’s jaw with one hand to keep his head still as he kissed him.

Johnny physically jolted but he instantly kissed the other man back and with vigor. He closed his eyes and moaned at the force behind Kenshi’s lips. The man was rough and forward- Johnny loved it. When he finally pulled away, Johnny was grinning like an idiot as he asked, “Was that an answer?” He then motioned a checkmark with his finger, “Check the box: Yes, no, maybe.”

“Goddammit, Cage,” Kenshi growled lowly but he wasn’t annoyed. Instead, he began to guide the man back as he held his face, “Get in the house.”

“Yes, sir,” Johnny immediately obeyed. The actor stepped away just to scurry towards the front door. He hastily opened it, holding it for Kenshi and once both men were inside, he closed the door back at the same moment that Kenshi snatched his nice shirt and pulled him back in for another crushing kiss.

Kenshi guided them towards the stairs, deepening the kiss and leading it by slipping his tongue in the actor’s mouth. He tasted like the mint gum they had chewed and Kenshi almost felt sorry for smoking again but didn’t dwell on it long. Once they made it to the base of the stairs, their lips parted and they were breathing heavily.

“Think,” Johnny was still smiling from bliss and excitement, “about this before…?”

“Maybe,” Kenshi tilted his head a little; his gaze was enough to make Johnny squirm. “Have you?”

“God- fuck yes,” Johnny panted. He pressed close to the other man, kissing him again and bringing his hand between the ex-Yakuza’s legs to grope him through his dress pants.

Johnny only got a glimpse of how hard and how big Kenshi was before his hand was yanked away.

“Hands to yourself, Cage,” Kenshi ordered.

The dominating tone nearly made the actor’s knees give out and he was trembling in anticipation, “Fuck, okay- yes. God, you’re so fucking hot.”

“Behave,” he then chastised.

Johnny grinned mischievously, “Yes, daddy.”

Yep, Johnny had some clear kinks but Kenshi was more surprised that he was okay with all of them. As he still held onto Johnny’s shirt, he carefully ascended the stairs backwards to keep his eyes on the actor. Johnny was blushing hard and he had a very clear, strong bulge in his pants that Kenshi’s eyes fell to shamelessly. They made it to the master bedroom and once they were within, Kenshi shoved the other man towards the bed.

“Undress,” was all he said and Kenshi had never seen clothes shed so fast.

Johnny’s body was fantastic- a real adonis but with no hair besides on his pretty head. The actor was more than ready for whatever was to come. His pretty cock stood hard and strong with a nice, slight curve that was beading pre-cum on the tip. He was breathing heavily; his body flushed a light red.

Kenshi slipped his coat off calmly, setting it over the back of a chair nearby and when he started to undo the buttons to his shirt, he stopped to look at the other man.

“On the bed,” Kenshi said as if it was something the other man should have already done.

Dumbly, Johnny nodded and almost stumbled just from sitting. He then scooted himself further back on his bed, watching every single second of the other man he could.

Continuing from where he left off, Kenshi undid the rest of his buttons and slowly pulled his shirt off next, laying it over his coat. He knew his Yakuza tattoos were on full display now and they were something he was ashamed of- a part of him almost put his shirt back on- but when he looked over at the actor again, all doubt left his mind.

Johnny looked at him like an angel blessed him with their presence. He looked awestruck and lost in an endless pool of admiration. He spoke like he was in a trance, “You’re so fucking breathtaking.”

Kenshi rolled his eyes but he’d be lying through his teeth if he said the compliment didn’t warm his heart. He, however, shook his head and kicked his shoes and socks off next, but he left his pants on. Turning towards Johnny now, he stalked towards the bed and the actor clearly held his breath.

Crawling overtop the other man, Kenshi put his hand to Johnny’s chest and pushed him flat to the mattress while he leaned down and captured his lips again.

Johnny moaned wantonly and his hands slid along Kenshi’s sides of his perfectly toned body. His fingers roamed over his soft skin, gliding to his strong back and feeling the tight muscles move with the man. When Kenshi started to use tongue, Johnny parted his lips so willingly, allowing the other man to take whatever he wanted. The actor moaned again and began to dig his nails against Kenshi’s back. He then released a deep groan of pleasure when the former gangster pressed his hips close to the other man to grind hard against him. His smooth dress pants felt good against his aching cock.

Johnny wanted to beg the other man to take his pants off but he couldn’t find the words as Kenshi parted from his lips. The ex-Yakuza brought his lips to Johnny’s jaw, kissing and biting gently before he’d dip lower. He kissed his throat, down to his collars and pecs, down his ribs and toned stomach before he slid down enough to get to his cock.

Kenshi gripped the impressive length in his hand at the base as he closed his eyes and licked a long stroke up the shaft, releasing a low moan from Johnny. He rose to the tip, swirled his tongue around the head before he began to start sucking the other man off. Johnny had yet to be quiet and he definitely wasn’t going to be now. The actor arched his back and moaned loudly in pure bliss. Kenshi absolutely knew what he was doing and if he ever used his magical mouth as an extortion method, then Johnny would tell him every little fucking thing he knew.

“ Gaaahhh, fuck!” Johnny cried out. He threw his head back on the bed and let his mouth hang wide open. Kenshi was able to take the actor down into his throat without missing a beat; his tongue and lips working in tandem to urge the cum out of him. When Johnny looked down to watch the beautiful man work, he nearly did bust. He moaned loudly again from the back of his throat before he panted out, “Fuck- Kenshi…. Arrgghhh , I h-haven’t had head this good- fu-fucking ever…!”

Johnny’s shaky hands reached down to card through Kenshi’s beautiful hair but the moment he did, the other man pulled off.

There was a thick mess of saliva connected from Kenshi’s lips to the hard cock below him but the former gangster didn’t care, “Hands off.”

Johnny whined but dropped his hands to the bed, “Really…?”

Kenshi merely gave him a look before he bowed his head and resumed with the godly head he was giving. Johnny whined again and dropped his head down, fisting the bed sheets as he lost himself. After a moment, without realizing it, he grabbed Kenshi’s head with one hand but the other man immediately removed it. 

“Goooooddd, I’m gonna cum….” When Johnny’s orgasm was rapidly building, he slid his hand along Kenshi’s head again and the man seemed like he had enough.

Kenshi pulled off again and wiped his mouth this time. Johnny looked at him quickly and opened his mouth to say something but the gangster spoke over him, “You had toys. Where?”

Johnny’s eyes became that much more blown with lust and his cock twitched from it. He panted and motioned towards a dresser across the room, “T-top drawer….”

Kenshi removed himself from the bed as he strode towards the dresser. Johnny leaned up on his elbows, watching him as he opened the drawer and the actor asked, “Wh-why aren’t you naked? Whatever you want to do, pretty boy, I’ll do it. You want me to suck your dick? I fucking will-”

A bundle of red rope was thrown at Johnny, silencing him. Kenshi only gave him a glance over the shoulder, ordering, “Tie your wrists like before.”

Johnny nodded dumbly as he immediately got to work while Kenshi continued to look in the drawer like a torturer picking out his tools. After a minute, Kenshi then pulled out a condom, looking back at the other man again, “You want to use this, or no?”

Johnny was currently using his teeth to tighten the knot to his second wrist- both hands being bound to each corner of the headboard now-, finishing his binding but his jaw went slack at the choice he was given. Oh, Kenshi was going to fuck him. Johnny’s body visibly shivered with excitement and he answered dumbly, “N-no- if you don’t want to, then fuck no.”

At his answer, Kenshi tossed the condom back in the drawer before he pulled out a bottle of lube, a cock ring and a leash. Feeling content with what he had, he closed the drawer and reapproached the other man.

Setting the lube and leash on the bed, Kenshi slid the cock ring on Johnny all the way to the base.

Johnny’s voice was trapped in his throat as he watched what Kenshi was doing. Having a night with the other man was not going how the actor expected but oh, was he not complaining. He even moved his head enough for Kenshi to now put the leash on around his neck.

“Come up with a word,” Kenshi said.

Fuck, Johnny was going to die. He nearly choked on his own spit, “L-like, a safeword??”

Kenshi’s sharp eyes flicked up to meet the actor’s, “Yes.”

Johnny keened. Yes, yes yes , this was exactly what he was wanting. He moaned as he thought. His mind immediately went to Sento and then Taira , but then he decided to not use Kenshi’s supposed family name as a safeword. Eyes hungrily roaming the awaiting man, they landed on the beautiful ink on his perfect body and he spat out, “Tattoo.”

Kenshi nodded, speaking clearly, “I’m not going to stop until you say that, then.”

“ Fuck ,” Johnny gasped and nodded vigorously, “Y-yes, daddy, f-fucking ruin me…!”

A grin- oh, a perfect, wicked one- spread on Kenshi’s lips and Johnny’s hands clenched tightly to fists. Now, the former gangster got off the bed again just to start undoing his pants finally . When he dropped them down, he was fully revealed to the actor and Johnny instantly became jealous .

By however many fucking gods in the universe across however many realms, Kenshi was beyond fucking perfect . His body was like sculpted marble, his muscles lean and tight, his tattoos bold and alluring, his eyes intense like a beast of prey, the stubble along his face so goddamn sexy, his erect cock so well endowed…. Oh, Johnny was jealous of whoever had been blessed enough to be on the receiving end of such majestic manhood. Johnny wanted to mark his claim.

Wrapping the leash of the collar around his fist a few times, Kenshi then knelt on the bed over Johnny’s chest, forcing the actor to look up at him. The ex-Yakuza ran the inked fingers of his free hand through Johnny’s soft hair, “I’ll let you breathe in case you need to use your word.”

Johnny realized what Kenshi was about to do and he shook his head quickly, “N-no need. I won’t say it.”

Kenshi smirked a little, now stroking Johnny’s jawline, “Good boy.” The actor moaned at the praise but Kenshi’s voice then became softer and genuine, “Knock on the headboard if you need to, okay…?”

Being dominant while still showing care shook Johnny from the inside out. He was breathing heavily and knew that he was becoming smitten. He closed his eyes and eagerly leaned into the deep, possibly loving kiss that Kenshi leaned down to place on his lips. When he pulled back, he moved both hands to the headboard above Johnny’s head. With the leash still wound in his fist, it forced the collar tight to Johnny, choking him just right and when Kenshi leaned up to be the perfect level, Johnny opened his mouth wide for the cock that was clearly about to enter him.

Kenshi was careful as he slowly bucked his hips, gently pushing his cock further and further into Johnny’s hot mouth to see how far he could go. When he felt his head touch the back of the actor’s throat, Johnny started to moan and wiggle his body. He didn’t knock so Kenshi didn’t stop. He felt the tugging on the leash as Johnny tried to move his head and the gangster realized that the actor was trying to say that he could take more. Happily giving it, Kenshi raised himself a little more to be at a better angle and as he pushed, he felt Johnny’s throat opening up.

Johnny tried to swallow as the other man’s cock breached his throat and the muscles contracting and squeezing the thick meat within caused Kenshi to actually moan out loud now. Oh, if Johnny could hear that one more time, he’d die a happy man.

Johnny’s mouth and throat felt so fucking good that Kenshi had to look up and catch his breath. When was the last time he had sex? Fuck, he didn’t remember and his hand for damn sure didn’t even come close to what he was experiencing now. He pushed even further, closing his eyes as the heat bloomed across his face from how hard he was blushing. If he wasn’t careful, he was going to lose himself in the night just simply fucking the other man’s face into the long hours.

Shuddering a little as he stifled his next moan, Kenshi looked back down at Johnny’s pretty, watery eyes looking back up at him. Letting his cock rest in his throat long enough, Kenshi slowly pulled out enough for Johnny to breathe deeply through his nose before he pushed back in. He started careful; slowly bucking his hips. After Johnny proved that he could take the face fucking well, Kenshi gradually picked the pace up.

Johnny’s hands clenched into fists and he moaned as much as he could around the dick filling his mouth. His eyes rolled back a little from how turned on he was becoming. He didn’t think the arousal could rise any more but it was. Between Kenshi using his face like a toy and the collar choking him just enough, the actor whined from deep within his throat and his cock weeped in pleasure.

With every moan and attempt to swallow, the vibrations and the constricting muscles of the man’s throat was making Kenshi’s orgasm rise so much faster than he wanted. The ex-Yakuza couldn’t stop himself as his lips parted now with the deep, heady moans that left him. Another moan and Kenshi was tugging the leash hard, “St-stop… moaning so damn much…! I’m not done using that pretty face….”

Johnny opened his teary eyes and looked up at Kenshi as the other man continued to fuck his face. He held the former gangster’s eyes for the next several moments, still moaning as much as he could even with being choked more.

Kenshi growled lightly, “Why am… I not surprised that you can do this so well…? That you take dick like a real whore….”

The way that the next noise rumbled out of Johnny’s muffled mouth, Kenshi could only assume he tried to laugh. He then opened a hand and pointed at the man using him.

Kenshi noticed the gesture and rolled his eyes. Yes, he really didn’t have room to scold. He knew he sucked dick very well. That didn’t mean that was a detail that he’d ever jot down on a resume. Even if his sex life slowed down over the last few years, when he was in his early twenties, he experimented… a lot . A lot more than he’d like to admit. Being in his prime in the Yakuza and experiencing the life he was forced into, he allowed himself to indulge in the sin offered to him at some turns- far too weak back then to turn anything down.

But looking down at Johnny Cage who’s tear streaked eyes looked so smug at him, Kenshi couldn’t let that slide. He took his hand that wasn’t holding the leash and fisted Johnny’s hair roughly. He didn’t hold himself back as he began to strongly fuck the actor’s face with force. He could feel Johnny’s body tense up and his eyes closed tightly. His hands returned to being the strong fists and every moan was forced into a hard gag and whine.

And still, he took the cock so well . Kenshi had his teeth grit and he was holding on as best as he could. If he wanted, he could shoot his seed deep down the other man’s throat. After one point, his mouth dropped open as he moaned. It felt impossible to tear himself away, especially with how amazing Johnny was withstanding the fucking. The actor’s fists were shaking and it looked as if he may have nearly knocked on the headboard, but the sound never came.

When Kenshi felt it was enough, he abruptly pulled himself out of Johnny’s mouth and released the leash as he backed away on the bed, sitting hard at the foot between Johnny’s legs. The actor gasped roughly for air, coughing and panting hard. Thick saliva wetted his entire chin and down his neck to his chest. His face was dark red from the lack of air and his cheeks had streaks of tears running down them.

Johnny appeared fucked up but his words painted a different story, “ Fu-fuckk … Why’d you stop, baby…? I co-could have swallowed it all….”

“I know,” Kenshi panted. He then grabbed the lube next to him and poured a generous amount in his hand. Tossing the bottle aside when he was done, he leaned up over the actor, planting a hand flat to the bed and ordering, “Spread your legs….”

Of course Johnny obeyed instantly and he sucked in a breath at the cold slick pressing against his entrance. Kenshi prodded at the tight muscle, teasing with his fingers.

Kenshi leaned his face close to Johnny’s but not close enough to kiss even if the actor tried for it. Johnny moaned in pleasure when the ex-Yakuza began to penetrate him and he sputtered out, “I-I had a plug too- you could have us-used that….”

Kenshi’s eyes were sharp and fierce with lust and longing as he breathed out, “No…. No, you, Johnny, will be stretched by just me…. My fingers, my dick…. Think you can take it…?”

Johnny’s face twisted in a grimace but it was due to how his heart may just give the fuck out from this most mind-blowing experience he was having. Not the best thought to have at the moment, but he and Cris would have their fair sessions of BDSM but it was never like that. Usually, Cris would put a plug in Johnny, they’d kiss a little until she’d use her strap-on on him. It usually then ended with her either riding him or sometimes using her own toy to get off. Not ever intimate- not usually verbal. Not during their later years in the marriage, at least.

Kenshi was dragging the session out. He was pleasuring Johnny to all the realms and back and saying all the right things to him. Kenshi was making Johnny feel like not only a toy, but as someone seen . Kenshi had adjusted to hold himself up by his knees as he took his free hand to gently caress the actor’s face.

Kenshi’s voice was both heady and sincere, “You still with me…?”

Johnny nodded stiffly, breathing out lowly, “Y-you called me Johnny….”

Kenshi smiled a little and Johnny swore he did die. The former gangster said, “It’s just you and me right now, Johnny…. I’m going to make you feel good….”

He leaned forward to kiss the actor passionately and Johnny’s throat locked up. He kissed the inked man back but he felt like he was melting. Kenshi had three fingers in Johnny now and he lazily pumped them, curled them against the actor’s prostate and scissored them all while his tongue worked slowly in the actor’s mouth.

When Kenshi was ready, he broke the kiss but not without sealing one last, sweet press of his lips against the other man’s before he leaned back. He slipped his fingers out of the other man’s stretched ass and used what lube was there to rub it along his still spit-slicked cock. Resting back on his knees between Johnny’s open legs, he rested the actor’s legs over the top of his thighs. He pulled Johnny down the bed a bit to make it easier so the actor wasn't sitting up as much as he guided his dick to the awaiting entrance.

The stretching made it easier and Kenshi carefully eased his way within the other man. Johnny knew what to do- he made his body relax but he still keened loudly in pleasure. When the inked man was pushed all the way to his base into the actor’s stomach, Johnny cried out loudly, “God- damn! F-fuuucck, Kenshi why , wh-why haven’t we done this before…?!” His hands were shaking and switching between fists and a relaxed position as he was about to cry from pleasure, “You feel so fucking good….”

Kenshi’s face was flushed still with a deep blush and he held the actor’s eyes, “You do…. Fuck, you feel really good, Johnny….” He straightened his posture and held Johnny’s hips as he slowly began to rock his hips, fucking gently into the other man. Johnny tilted his head back against the headboard and his eyes closed while his mouth hung open. Kenshi began to fuck more firmly and he moaned lowly, “You look beautiful like this….”

“Fuck…,” Johnny whined out. He blinked his bleary eyes, looking back at the other man. He couldn’t even describe how fucking good Kenshi’s cock felt in him. All he knew was that there was no way he could ever fuck anyone else ever again without yearning for the man currently using him. Kenshi started to thrust a bit harder, smacking his hips firmly against the actor’s ass.

After he had gotten the pace he wanted, Kenshi then took his hands and gripped Johnny’s cock with both of them. With one, he gripped the base of his dick just above the cock ring already there as the other hand began to smear the pre-cum all along his tip. He used the slickness to begin jerking the other man off, intentionally stimulating the head with his strong fingers.

Johnny had cried out loudly from the pleasure consuming his cock while simultaneously being fucked. His legs began to tremble; his toes curling. He felt his orgasm rapidly approaching and he tried to speak coherently through how badly he was moaning and keening, “C-cum-cumming…! I’m gonna-”

Kenshi squeezed his fingers tighter around the base of the actor’s dick in a rough hold. He continued to thrust his hips without faltering a bit as he demanded, “Don’t you dare cum. I’m not ready for you to.”

“Wh-what??!” Johnny desperately whimpered. He grit his teeth tightly before sobbing out as the other man never relented with what he was doing, “How d-do you expect- uuuugghhhhh !!”

“Hold it,” Kenshi’s demanding voice had a dark growl to it and Johnny nearly went cross-eyed from that.

Johnny tried but Kenshi didn’t stop. God, it felt immaculate and the actor’s legs couldn’t keep still. His throat was already aching from how strong his cries became, “I ca-an’t!! I fucking can’t-”

“You can,” the ex-Yakuza said.

Johnny sobbed, “Kenshiiii, fuuucckkkk!!”

“You can touch me if you get out of your binds,” the other man suddenly said.

Those words made Johnny’s eyes open wide as they successfully distracted the man enough from fighting off his orgasm. He was still losing his absolute shit but now he had a goal.

Johnny Cage was a strong man and he yanked his arms forward, nearly loosening himself from his binds in the first try. He tied them in a way for him to get out on his own- he always did- just in case. In this instance, it was good that he did. He was stalled, however, by the ever milking of his fucking cock and the constant fucking of the other one in his ass. It made him cry out loudly and he squeezed his eyes shut while gritting his teeth hard. Remembering that he needed to free himself, he yanked again and both wrists became freed immediately.

Johnny lunged upwards, pulling himself to straddle Kenshi’s lap as he roughly grabbed the gangster’s head, kissing him with an insane desperation. He ground himself against the inked man, chasing the pleasure of the dick buried so deep within him.

Kenshi moaned loudly as his hands snatched the actor’s hips while he now helped him bounce on his cock. His mouth hung open and Johnny took everything he needed. He shoved his tongue in the inked man’s mouth, greedily tasting the other man. They messily kissed and both moaned openly, savoring each other. Kenshi was so close that he had to stop the actor quickly.

He pushed Johnny off just to turn him around. He snatched the leash and yanked the actor upright on his knees before he pulled his back flush to his chest. Johnny was panting as if he were out of air but he shuddered when Kenshi quickly removed the cock ring finally. Johnny’s head fell back to Kenshi’s shoulder as the inked man shoved his dick back within the actor’s tight ass and began fucking roughly.

Kenshi was panting hard in Johnny’s ear. He was sweating; his skin felt like it was burning from how madly he was blushing. Johnny reached back with one hand to fist into the former gangster’s pretty hair while his other hand dug his nails into the man’s thigh. Kenshi lowered a hand to Johnny’s cock and squeezed the base again while his other hand held the actor’s jaw to keep him still.

Kenshi growled, “You don’t cum until I allow it….”

Johnny whined again but in an instant, hot jolts struck straight down his spine and he felt as if his entire body from the inside out ignited in pure, sinful ecstasy. The actor fucking sobbed as he felt Kenshi’s cock throb and pump his ass with his seed. It was hot- slick and Johnny’s body locked up as he nearly came but Kenshi’s hand harshly squeezed his dick to stop it.

The noise that escaped Johnny’s throat sounded like a man long past defeated. A single shot of cum managed to slip out of Johnny’s cock and Kenshi released his jaw to swipe it up in his fingers. He then used those same fingers and shoved them in the actor’s mouth, making him suck on his own seed for disobeying him.

But Kenshi’s voice was fucked up too. He was shaking from the pleasure. He knew he had cum a lot and he weakly forced his cock in deeper to keep his seed pushed deep within the actor to claim him, “You fe-feel that…? You like being filled…? So full of m-me….”

Johnny could only whimper around the fingers in his mouth but the moment Kenshi said, “Cum for me, Johnny…. Cum-”

Johnny’s mouth dropped open wide. Kenshi’s fingers still stayed pressed to the actor’s tongue to hold his mouth open but his other hand had mercy and began to jerk the actor off through his insane climax. Johnny nearly screamed- tears poured down his face as his entire body jerked while he came. Long, strong shots of white painted the bed and his vision dipped from the intensity of it all. Kenshi slipped his fingers out of his mouth and Johnny sobbed hard. The other man’s strong, inked arms wrapped around the actor’s body to hold him.

As his high was coming down, Johnny felt as if he transcended to a different place entirely. His body shivered; he couldn’t even remember what day it was anymore. He couldn’t speak; couldn’t do anything other than pant and whine. His body wouldn’t work. He couldn’t move. He could tell that a pair of arms were around him, keeping him close in their sweaty, possessive embrace. He closed his eyes and pressed against the man behind him. He couldn’t even tell that he was crying as he cradled himself in the other man’s hold. He needed the contact. He needed the after-care. He needed the love. He needed Kenshi to stay with him.

And he did. Kenshi waited until Johnny was okay enough to move and they made their way to the bathroom to clean. Kenshi was out first and got fresh sheets that Johnny told him about and went ahead and changed the bed while the actor needed time to recuperate. By the time Johnny was out of the bathroom, he almost expected Kenshi to be gone but he wasn’t. He was waiting and when Johnny closed the distance, Kenshi pulled him into the bed in a warm caress.

Somewhere in Johnny’s mind, he made a joke about not thinking Kenshi would be a cuddler but he couldn’t make himself even possibly fuck up what was happening. He desperately latched onto the attention and sunk into Kenshi’s arms as they both fell asleep.

Even after Johnny had woken up some hours later, Kenshi was still there and the actor nearly cried all over again. Curling up next to the inked man again, he hugged his arms around him as he turned his back to the actor now in his sleep. Kenshi had been the big spoon all night, it was Johnny’s turn as he hugged the man close.

Kenshi woke up the next day. As soon as his eyes opened, he knew exactly where he was and what he had done. He expected shame and regret but those emotions didn’t even come close to what he felt. He felt amazing. His heart fluttered madly in his chest, though he’d never dare admit that, over the thought of what he shared with Johnny. He was still in Johnny’s nice, big, comfortable bed and he stretched nicely while he was still fully waking up.

When he turned his head to look beside him, Johnny was nowhere to be seen. Furrowing his brows a bit, Kenshi stayed in bed for a moment longer before he eventually sat up. The sun was up. The sky was clear. He wasn’t sure what time it was, but it still looked to be the morning. He got out of the bed and slowly made his way to the bathroom. Once within, he saw a brand new, unopened toothbrush laying next to the sink. Only assuming that it was for him, Kenshi wasn’t going to turn the item down.

After getting himself cleaned up from waking in the morning and dressed again, Kenshi eventually made his way downstairs. Johnny was still nowhere in sight but based on the delicious smell of breakfast food filling the air, Kenshi made his way towards the kitchen.

Johnny was definitely within due to his voice being heard before the actor was. There was another voice too, but it wasn’t from a present person.

Kenshi quietly stepped into the doorway to the kitchen as Johnny had his back to him while he stood at the stove cooking. On the counter next to him was his cell phone on speakerphone. The actor released a sigh, “Yes, I get it, Cris. I’ll have my lawyer look over it, okay?”

Through the phone, Cris responded, “Your lawyer? Why can’t you do it?”

Johnny shook his head a little, trying not to sound too tired, “I’ve been busy.”

“With what?” She asked, “Did Steven actually call you back?” When there was a pause from the actor, she continued, “I told you that it wasn’t going to happen. This is what I’ve been telling you this whole time. You need to find something else to bring John Carlton back. That’s who you are.”

Johnny was about to say something but when he turned around to place something on the kitchen island, his voice was lost when he saw Kenshi leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed. The actor’s eyes widened at the sight of the other man.

Kenshi gave Johnny a small gesture with his hand as he lifted his fingers as if greeting him. When the actor smiled a bit, revealing that he was happy over the sight of the former gangster, Kenshi smiled back. He leaned away from the doorframe and crossed over to where the actor was.

“Is this also why you didn’t pick up last night? Or were you drinking again?”

Johnny’s eyes followed Kenshi as the man got close to him. Once he was directly in front of the actor, Johnny felt his heart rise to his throat. He smiled dumbly at the inked man but when the point of a tattooed fingers regarded his phone, Johnny nearly stumbled over his words, “L-listen, Cris, I’m busy. I have to go. I’ll have my lawyer call you.”

“Are you serious? What if we met somewhere? We can grab breakfast and go over-”

“No,” Johnny looked at his phone, “No, Cris. I have to go now. Bye.”

Without giving her another chance to respond, Johnny hung up the phone. As soon as he did, warmth bloomed throughout his body when Kenshi’s hands slid along his face in a caress. The inked man pulled him into a deep kiss.

Johnny hummed lowly, nearly melting on the spot as his hands slid around the other man’s waist to pull him close. Every time they parted, they would meet together again in more longing kisses.

Eventually, Johnny forced himself to pull away as he joked, “Brushed your teeth already? And I already poured you a glass of orange juice. What a waste.”

Kenshi smiled a bit but it faltered after a moment. His eyes trailed down the actor’s face as his thumb idly stroked his chin. The gesture made Johnny worry a bit and he had to ask, “Is something wrong?”

Kenshi shook his head a bit. His eyes rose back to the actor’s and he commented, “You can still talk fine, it sounds. I didn’t do a good job last night.”

The dirty topic was not what Johnny was expecting but he huffed out a low laugh with pure relief, “I think you did fantastic, if that means anything.”

Kenshi smiled at that but still said, “I’ll just have to be rougher next time.”

Now, Johnny blushed a bit and his hands tightened into the inked man’s clothes, “N-next time…? You want to…. Shit, Ken-Doll, you want this to happen again?”

“Do you not?”

The actor nodded instantly, “Of fuckin’ course I do! I just… didn’t think that….”

Kenshi nearly laughed as his smile widened and he gave Johnny a curious look, “What do you think all this that I’m doing right now is for?”

Johnny pressed his lips together as he shrugged, “I-I don’t know? You’re tryna be sweet and get some free food, would be my guess.”

The ex-Yakuza laughed softly now, “Close guess, Cage.”

Johnny smiled wide and tilted his head in the warm touch of the other man, “I thought you have to go back to Japan? Thought you had things you needed to take care of?”

“I do, and I am,” Kenshi answered. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t see each other again.” When Johnny gave him a curious look, the inked man explained, “Regardless of what we did, I am getting Sento from you one day.”

The actor gasped and leaned back a bit but he wasn’t serious, “You are trying to woo me for that damn sword!” When Kenshi shrugged, Johnny tsked him, “You’re gonna have to give me, like… a lot more sessions like that for me to even consider it.”

“Deal,” the way Kenshi answered so fast made the heat spread hotter on the actor’s face.

Johnny knew he and Kenshi weren’t actually a thing . Not really, at least. It was a one-night stand, or something like that, but fuck did it feel good to have Kenshi show interest in him. It excited the actor but most importantly, it made him feel cherished, even if just a little. It was a start and Johnny wasn’t someone to let an opportunity slip. Kenshi’s fingers were slowly stroking his skin as his beautiful eyes admired the actor. Johnny’s heart pounded hard in his chest and he didn’t realize that he was pulling the other man closer until they were completely hugging.

Kenshi now looped his arms around Johnny’s shoulders, hugging the man tightly. He let the moment continue for as long as the other man wanted. Johnny held him for so long that Kenshi’s eyes slowly drifted towards the stove and he smiled a little in amusement, “Johnny.”

When the actor hummed, Kenshi said, “The food is burning.”