#cold star

SFW

Slow burn of the slowest slow burns

It was Johnny, who initiated all of their conversations

Bi-Han slowly and gradually relaxed around the movie star - Johnny can not be annoying if he wants to

There are times Bi-Han starts to looking forward to interacting with Johnny

They got sent into Netherrealm by Quan Chi and they had to work together to get out

This brought them closer together

After that, they started sending letters to each other as Bi-Han mentioned that it is easier to put his thoughts on paper

For Bi-Han, it was a time he could truly relax

For Johnny, it was also a down time, where he could relax

It was Johnny, who suggested a date

When Bi-Han took too long to answer, Johnny thought he messed up

Until a letter came with few words - "Dear Johnny, I agree."

Know the videos where dogs get the zoomies? Yeah, that was Johnny when he got it

They both agreed to take things slow and not make things public just yet

They were very discreet, Bi-Han had an easier time hiding things but Johnny wasn't having a good time

All he wanted to do was to gush about the date he had with Bi-Han

Bi-Han expressed that he didn't like when people touched him without his consent and Johnny respects it

Always asking if he can hold, touch, hug

Johnny says 'I love you' to Bi-Han everytime he gets the chance - sometimes he thinks he's saying it too much but the reaction he gets from Bi-Han is worth it

Bi-Han has smiles reserved only for Johnny, the way his eyes crinkle when he hears 'I love you'

Bi-Han gradually relaxes and isn't stressed - but is still frustrated

Johnny says that it is perhaps the best if they do things on their own terms - break away from the 'Defenders of Earthrealm' circle

They do - and Bi-Han parts ways with Kuai Liang and Tomas

Bi-Han sometimes doubts his decision but he had the entirety of the Lin Kuei backing him up and Johnny

When they share their first kiss, it was like they said hundred things to each other they couldn't say with words

They do have misunderstandings, sometimes they have to go a few days without talking to each other to think things over

When they try to mend things up, they are bit awkward

Johnny tries to hold Bi-Han's hand whenever he's stressed or something but backs off when comfort is not wanted

Bi-Han seeks Johnny out just for some quiet company, reading a book or just having a sit down

Johnny wanted to film a movie about the Lin Kuei

Bi-Han agreed - with that, Johnny opened a can of worms that I won't get into now

Needles to say, Johnny understands Bi-Han a lot more

Johnny even gets a few letters from other members of Lin Kuei expressing their thanks for making their Grandmaster a happier man

They are there for each other

Neither of them allow to be vulnerable or show weakness, so when one of them does, they know it's serious

They also got married - a story for another time

NSFW

For Bi-Han, it was quickest way to relieve stress

It was rough, it was fast - it did not hurt. Johnny did enjoy it at the start

Johnny started to notice, when they were laying down in the post coital bliss, Bi-Han seemed to shut down into himself

Johnny convinced Bi-Han to switch positions - riding him slowly into completion and Bi-Han fell apart - staring up lovingly at Johnny

The morning after they have a talk about it

Finding middle ground, they started to introduce BDSM elements into their sex life

Johnny goes by 'safewords are sexy'

Bi-Han always checks up on him during their sexy times - asking if he's in pain, if the binding is too tight, etc.

When they do take things slow, Bi-Han lets Johnny take charge

They like finding out and exploring new ways for aftercare

Johnny's favorite is to trace patterns onto Bi-Han's skin

'I hope this isn't a mistake.' Johnny rubbed the back of his neck as he stepped foot into Madam Bo's teahouse, looking around the lower floor that was quite full with patrons. 'Damn it...Perhaps I should have called in advance. Does Madam Bo have a phone here?"

"Ah, Johnny Cage!"

Johnny nearly jumped out of his skin as Madam Bo approached him, smile on her face. "What brings you to my teahouse?"

"Uhm...." Johnny cleared his throat, tugging at the collar of his simple button up. "Is there any table for two, one that is secluded? With the most privacy?"

Madam Bo arched a brow, placing her hands on her hips. He did not answer her question and they both knew it, but Johnny did not want to talk about it to anyone. Not unless the other party agreed.

"Come with me." Johnny followed her onto the upper floor, where she led him into s far away corner that was bit in the shadows, far away from the rest which garnered no reason why would anyone look over.

"Thank you, Madam."

"It is my pleasure, Johnny Cage. Now, while I'm here with you, do you have anything in mind that I could make you?"

"Jasmine Tea for two and some snacks, please and thank you." Madam Bo gave him a smile, which he returned. Only when she walked away did he take a seat, pulling out his phone and sending a quick text message.

I'm on the upper floor, in a far corner. Found us something secluded. Text or call me when you get here so I could wait for you.

The response is quick, which makes Johnny grin.

Do not worry about me. I can find my way.

"Happy thoughts I take it?"

Johnny pocketed his phone and looked up at Madam Bo, who carried a tray with two tea cups, a steaming kettle and a plate full of sweet snacks, setting it on the table. "Yes, you can say that."

"Leave the tea sit for a little longer. This one is special type of Jasmine, reserved only for special moments."

"Madam Bo-"

Madam Bo tapped Johnny on the head, wagging her finger at him. "Now, now, I wasn't born yesterday. You, my dear, wear your emotions out in the open. An easy book to read if you will."

Johnny rubbed the back of his neck, flush to his cheeks. "That obvious?"

"Truly. I'll be tending to the rest of the patrons. If you need anything, wave me down or come find me."

With that, Madam Bo left Johnny alone and he had no idea what to do now. Nerves started to set in, his leg bounced and Johnny checkes his phone. No new message.

This was their first official date - Wait. Can he even call it official if no one knows about it? They both agreed to keep it under wraps for the time being. Johnny had to convince his manager that he wanted to take pictures of Fengjian for his upcoming project. Needless to say, she was a bit skeptical but let him go.

He wondered what kind of excuse Bi-Han had to do in order to get her. Johnny figured the Lin Kuei would not bat an eye st their Grandmaster leaving but Kuai and Tomas? They knew Bi-Han like the back of their hand.

Taking the sweet snack and nibbling on it in thought, Johnny thought he was going to bolt if he had to wait any longer.

"Dining without me?"

Jerking in his seat as if he was caught doing something illegal red handed, Johnny looked up at Bi-Han, who was wearing jeans and a hoodie, hair done into its usual bun.

Putting the entire snack into his mouth and chewing quickly and swallowing, wiping his hands on his trousers, Johnny stood up, smiling at Bi-Han awkwardly. "Sorry, I uh... Nerves got the better of me. How was the way here?"

"Pleasant."

They looked at each, awkwardness hanging in the air. Johnny usually greeted his date with kiss or a hug but he was unsure with Bi-Han.

"May I?"

"Oh, yes, yes, of course!"

They took a seat across from one another, Bi-Han poured them both tea, sliding the cup towards Johnny, who raised it up in a toast, Bi-Han mimicking him with a quirked brow. "On our first date."

"On our first date."

They both took a sip, Bi-Han's brow furrowing slightly. "It is not often Madam Bo serves this type of tea. What exactly did you tell her?"

Johnny choked and coughed, covering his mouth with his sleeve. "Nothing really. She read me like and open book."

Bi-Han looks at him, then his lips pull into a small smile, shaking his head with a chuckle. "She is right about that. Before I agreed to have a date with you, you were obvious in your advances. Cyrax offered me to get rid of you permanently."

"Talk about your clan having your back."

"I am their Grandmaster, it is expected. Me, Cyrax and Sektor grew up together, for the three of us it is different kind of loyalty."

'Must be nice.' Johnny thinks. 'To have someone to be there for you trough thick and thin."

"What about you, Johnny?" Bi-Han spoke up, taking another sip of his tea. "How did you get into Fengjian?"

"Made up an excuse, that I need to take some pictures of scenery for my upcoming movie. I guess it wasn't easy for you too to get here?"

Bi-Han shook his head, taking one snack and taking a small bite. "Not really. Had a mission here. If I want to stay a few more days, it is my decision."

Taking a sip of his tea and a snack, Johnny drummed his fingers against the table, a pit growing in his stomach. "Do they... Do they..."

Bi-Han waited, running his finger over the rim of the cup. "Does Tomas and Kuai Liang know?" Johnny managed, nerves taking over once again. He can imagine how everyone else would react if they found out about the two of them but Tomas and Kuai Liang? They would probably hunt him down and make him 'disappear'.

"No. They do not. They were also aware of your advances. I do not think they would ever dream of us..." Bi-Han gestures and Johnny understands.

"I...have a hard time understanding too...Why?"

"Hmm?"

"Why did you agree?"

Bi-Han paused, looking into Johnny's eyes, searching, which made the latter swallow thickly.

"You are easy to talk to. For me, conversations do not come easy. When we started to exchange letters, it was a break from my Grandmaster duties I started looking forward to. All I wanted to say went on paper, without anyone else reading it, just the one who it is intended for. If it were not for those letters, I would not be speaking to you the way I do now. We would be only sitting in silence."

Lump got lodged in his throat and Johnny reached over, taking Bi-Han's hand into his own, Bi-Han going stiff, looking at their joined hands.

"I love hearing you talk. What else is there? Tell me?" Johnny spoke lowly and Bi-Han inhaled shakily, carefully holding Johnny's hand back.

"You are making jokes and making light of a situation that warrants in. But when it is serious, you get serious - as shown when we were thrown into Netherrealm. You fought well, saved my life and in turn, I saved yours. But ultimately, it was the letters that insinuated everything."

Nodding his head, Johnny pulled back with a smile, drinking his now lukewarm tea, pouring himself another cup.

For the rest of the evening, Johnny was the one who did the talking, less for himself, more for seeing Bi-Han's small smiles and chuckles.

-----

Johnny was not used to silence but this was pleasant.

He and Bi-Han walked side by side down the dirt road, Bi-Han had his hands in his pockets, while Johnny was fidgeting with his.

They came to an intersection a small sigh leaving his lips. "I guess this is where we part ways." They turned to look at each other, Johnny noticing how Bi-Han's gaze was soft. "I enjoyed tonight. Thank you."

"I enjoyed tonight as well. Thank you, for... This experience."

Johnny laughed softly. Leave it to Bi-Han to make it formal. "See you soon? Also..."

"Yes?"

"Can I get a hug?"

Johnny hoped he did not overstep. He promised Bi-Han to takes things slow, let them know each other first before doing anything. He was already pushing it back then when he held Bi-Han's hand unexpectedly at Madam Bo's -

"Come here."

'Oh.'

At first, the hug was awkward, both of them tense, Bi-Han not knowing where to put his hands but then they eased into it and it was the warmest hug Johnny has ever received. "Thank you...." Bi-Han whispered into Johnny's ear. "For not giving up on me."

It was Bi-Han who pulled away, their touches lingering just a tad bit longer. "Well...um...See you soon?"

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, Bi-Han."

Geras: Did you foresee this, Lord Liu Kang?

Liu Kang: This was not supposed to happen.

--

Shang Tsung: You insolent little-

Johnny Cage: Struck a nerve with me dating the hottest guy in Lin Kuei.

--

Shang Tsung: What does that Earthrealmer have that I don't?

Bi-Han: Integrity.

--

Syzoth: Heard about you and Bi-Han. Kudos, Johnny.

Johnny Cage: Hey, you're learning pretty fast.

--

Kitana: You have...an odd choice in partners.

Bi-Han: No one is interested in your yapping.

--

Tanya: You and the Earthrealmer?

Bi-Han: As if you are the one to judge.

--

Mileena: I guess there is something to you, after all.

Johnny Cage: Oh, NOW you say it!

--

Johnny Cage: Can you go easy on me? Everything aches.

Bi-Han: You said you like it rough.

--

Bi-Han: I won't star in any of your movies.

Johnny Cage: Aw, come on! It's going to be fun!

--

Johnny Cage: When I win, you're taking me on a date to Madam Bo's.

Bi-Han: Heh, who are you trying to impress at Madam Bo's?

--

Bi-Han: I see trough your lame excuses.

One of the sorcerers thought it would be funny to teleport him and Grandmaster Sub-Zero to the butt of Hell or whatever this place is called - seriously, he should have payed more attention at the Wu Shi Academy lessons.

Johnny complained, Sub-Zero argued and then they started to bicker, which would go on for hours, rinse and repeat.

Surprisingly, it was Johnny who said that they needed to find a way out and preferably work together to find it.

Treading trough Hell was hard and fighting the Demons was harder - they were basically swarming the place so no matter where Johnny and Bi-Han went, there was a group at least ten of them.

Then there was the matter of food and water.

It seemed that both of them came to the conclusion that they had no other choice but to eat the Demon's flesh they defeated. Neither of them were thrilled, cooking it over the many fires that was there and the meat tasted foul.

Then there was the question of water.

"Why don't you just let your ice melt?"

Bi-Han looked at him like he grew a second head but tried it nonetheless. He was first to try it, licking his lips, nodding his head, dropping an ice block into Johnny's hands.

And it was like this for days.

The heat was getting to them, both of them sweating like crazy, Johnny's stomach ached from the foul meat and the ice Bi-Han could produce was getting smaller and smaller, which meant they could drink only when the thirst was unbearable.

Another few days went by and they were at the end of their rope.

They were exhausted beyond exhausted, to the point they could barely hold their own in a fight.

It was after they managed to barely win a fight and get away, Johnny collapsed against one if the sharp rocks, eyelids growing heavy. He couldn't even speak, lips painfully cracked and mouth dry.

Bi-Han knelt in front if him, shaking his shoulder. "Look at me."

His body was growing so heavy and he was in pain, all he wanted to do was to close his eyes but Bi-Han shook his shoulder again. "Cage, look at me. Keep your eyes open. Cage!"

Johnny's head was being lifted up and Bi-Han was pressing his hand to his lips. "Drink." As if pressing a switch, the moment the melted ice touched his lips, Johnny grabbed Bi-Han's wrist, lapping it up, tongue running over Bi-Han's palm to get every drop. "Easy, easy." Bi-Han's voice is soft, creating another small block of ice and Johnny doesn't wait for it to melt.

There's a hand at the back of his neck, grounding him in the moment. His mind clears and Johnny has enough strength to stand up.

Neither of them speak about what happened.

--

They are running, freedom just a climb up and they can go home. If they survive.

Johnny climbs up first, helping Bi-Han up and they don't waint to catch their breath, running again towards the open portal.

One of the Demons hurls something at them and if catches Johnny in the leg, making him fall on the ground.

Bi-Han could leave trough the portal, just a few steps towards freedom, instead, he comes running back, helping Johnny up, arm over his neck, both of them walking towards the portal.

They are swarmed with their friends on the other side, Lord Liu Kang closing the portal and once Bi-Han sees that Johnny is being taken care off, only then he blacks out.

--

Johnny tries not to think about the days they spent in Netherrealm - Johnny knows it now, thanks to Raiden - and the way Bi-Han put him back on his feet and helped him trough the portal. Johnny saw him collapse, wanting to be there for him like Bi-Han was for him but they told him that he was just exhausted.

Johnny was overthinking everything at night before he went to sleep do he spontaneously wrote a letter addressed to the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei, giving it to Tomas, telling him that it was a letter expressing his thanks. Johnny was glad that Tomas didn't question it.

Johnny got a letter back about week later, a Lin Kuei ninja standing in his living room, extending his hand with the letter, keeping everything formal. Once Johnny took it with a 'thanks', the ninja disappeared into the shadows.

Upon reading it, if Johnny wasn't recovering, he would be squealing like a school girl.

He will have to plan a trip to Arctica, where the Lin Kuei resided.

Then he stopped dead in his tracks, feeling his heart beating mile a minute and a blush rose to his cheeks.