#starhat

And then, Raiden had canceled on him, telling him that Princess Kitana had requested to meet with him and that he couldn’t refuse. So now, with blurred vision and a festering bitterness, Kung Lao sat on the rooftop and took a drink from the bottle, grimacing at the taste and trying not to throw up his stomach contents. He just wanted to forget the pain, the loneliness, everything really. Raiden had always been around, never had left his side, and they had done everything together. But ever since they had gone to Outworld and Raiden met Kitana, he was almost never around anymore, abandoning his friend to make puppy dog eyes at the princess.

It made Kung Lao’s stomach twist every time he had to listen to Raiden gush about the princess, and he cradled the bottle close to him, trying not to focus on the feeling inside of him. He was going to drown his sorrows tonight and deal with the consequences tomorrow. It’ll be okay. Everything will be okay.

“You good up there?”

Kung Lao turned his bleary gaze toward the edge of the roof and found Johnny Cage clambering up onto it, heavy footsteps stopping before the actor sat down next to the Shaolin and took the bottle from his hands to take a drink. The monk just grunted in complaint, reaching for the bottle again, but Johnny held it away, a furrow between his brows as he noticed the red eyes and tear tracks on his face

“Hey, woah there, don’t you think you’ve had enough to drink tonight? I mean, I know I drink a lot, but this doesn’t even taste good.” Johnny Cage twisted the cap onto the bottle as Kung Lao clumsily tried to fight for the bottle, but with the swaying world and the heaviness in his body, it was more of a weak-willed grab for the alcoholic pleasure.

“I’m completely fine. Just give it back.” Kung Lao’s words slurred and blended together, and he crawled into Johnny Cage’s lap to try and grab the bottle, but the actor sighed and threw the bottle off the roof, listening to the glass smash on the ground below.

“Hey, whaddya you do that for?” Kung Lao bemoaned, going to the edge of the roof to look at the damage, but Johnny Cage held on tight to his waist and dragged the monk to the actor’s lap.

“This isn’t healthy. I should know. What’s wrong with you Kung Lao?” Johnny Cage kept a tight grip on Kung Lao as he wriggled in the actor’s grasp. The monk looked back and glared at the actor, and for a second, a thought filtered through his hazy mind. Maybe he could use Johnny Cage to forget Raiden, to forget his sorrows and pain. Kung Lao leaned forward and smashed his lips against Johnny Cage’s, drawing a surprised sound from the actor’s throat as Kung Lao tried to deepen the kiss.

The actor pushed at Kung Lao’s chest, face slightly flushed and lips parted as he stared at the monk in surprise.

“Kung Lao. Stop, you’re drunk. You’re hot, and I’d love to-”

“Then, what’s stopping you? Please, let me just forget everything tonight, please, Johnny.” Kung Lao rested his forehead on Johnny’s shoulder, panting loudly and holding tightly onto Johnny’s muscular arms. He could feel Johnny shift underneath him, hear his throat clear and his skin warm as the actor’s hands ghosted over Kung Lao’s back.

For a moment, Kung Lao thought he had Johnny in his grasp, that he was so close to getting what he wanted. Then, the actor sighed.

“Look, let’s just get you some water and food and some sleep. I don’t think you’re in the right headspace for this.” Johnny stood up, supporting Kung Lao and picking up the drunk monk and helping bring him down from the roof. The actor led the monk back to his room, steadying his stumbling and keeping him from running into the walls and falling flat on his face.

Tucking Kung Lao back into bed, he left for only a moment and came back with a bottle of water and some fruit slices and pushed them into the monk’s hands.

After spilling water over himself and barely being able to pick up the slices, Johnny sighed and sat down and helped to feed Kung Lao, making sure he chewed enough and didn’t choke on the food. Kung Lao’s head spun as he laid his head on the pillow, the blurry version of Johnny Cage hovering over him and the muffled sounds of his footsteps leaving the room.

“Wait, please. Please stay with me.” Kung Lao whimpered, his hand reaching up and out for the actor, seeking warmth and comfort. Johnny Cage looked back, wincing at the pained expression on Kung Lao’s face and how desperate and sad he looked for something, anything. He sighed and walked back to the bed, tucking himself under the blankets, and Kung Lao grabbed onto Johnny Cage, holding him close and burying his face into the actor’s much too expensive shirt. His tears leaked onto the fabric, staining it, and he tried to stifle his sniffles and sobs, fisting Johnny Cage’s shirt until his knuckles turned white. The actor just pet Kung Lao’s hair, rubbing circles into his back and listening to the muffled sobs and cries until the monk fell sound asleep, eyes red and puffy and lips turned downward in a watery pout.

Kung Lao woke up very warm, enveloped in something comforting and gentle, and he cracked his eyes open and found Johnny Cage, face still and relaxed. The monk’s head pounded with pain, and the sunlight streaming through the cracks in the window blinds had a sharp pain blooming in his eyes and his head. Letting out a loud groan, Kung Lao closed his eyes and leaned his head forward to rest in Johnny Cage’s chest. The actor seemed to wake up at the sound and his hand found Kung Lao’s back and started rubbing circles.

“How you feeling, sleeping beauty?” Johnny asked, voice quiet enough to not grate on Kung Lao’s ears, and the monk just groaned and asked for a few more minutes of sleep. The actor chuckled and just kept on combing his fingers through Kung Lao’s hair, and it was relaxing. Kung Lao could feel his headache ease and the tension in his muscles disappear as the actor massaged his scalp and cuddled in closer. It was a nice feeling, and Kung Lao quickly fell back into sleep.

When he woke up, Johnny Cage was gone. But, on the drawer were some pills, some water, and some peeled fruits sitting on a plate. Kung Lao picked up the note by the food and scrawled in Johnny Cage’s handwriting was the note asking him to meet him in the courtyard after he freshened up. Running a hand over his face, Kung Lao suddenly remembered how he had propositioned Johnny Cage for a hookup, and his face flushed warm and his heart stuttered in his chest at the thought. It was a stupid request, an idiotic drunk request. How the hell was he supposed to face Johnny now?

Kung Lao quickly popped the pills into his mouth and washed it down with some water before making his way to the bathroom to clean himself of the grime from yesterday. He would deal with that later. He would apologize, ask the actor to forget any of that ever happened. It was fine. Totally fine. Not like anything was going to happen between them anyway.

Kung Lao prolonged his morning routine, trying to stall for time, but as he stepped out of the bathroom and stared at the peeled fruits sitting on his dresser, he figured he may as well try and get the confrontation over with.

Entering the courtyard, Johnny sat in the middle, doing his normal stretching and poking fun at Kenshi, but when he noticed the disgruntled Kung Lao entering, he left Kenshi’s side and went up to Kung Lao, clapping a strong hand onto the monk’s shoulder.

“So, is everything okay?”

“Huh?” Kung Lao had been expecting a teasing remark, some mocking, some jokes made at the expense of his drunken self last night. Not a question asking whether he was alright.

“Oh yeah, I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong. Look, what happened last night-”

“Already forgotten. Don’t even worry about it. I’m just worried about you.” Johnny Cage gave a small smile to Kung Lao, and the monk’s heart thumped in his chest and a flush creeped up on his face. What was this feeling?

“Yeah, yeah, I’m completely fine, just needed a break and…” Kung Lao trailed off when he saw Raiden enter the yard, hair mussed and shirt collar drawn up high. Not high enough to hide the hickey on his neck, and Kung Lao’s mood immediately dampened. His heart was being squeezed painfully, and Kung Lao excused himself, saying he needed a glass of water as he stumbled out of the courtyard and to the bathroom.

He scrubbed at his face, willing himself not to cry, to not spill tears over Raiden. It was fine. Raiden was allowed to love whoever he wanted to. He just couldn’t love Kung Lao. The thought was like a spear going through his heart, and it bled onto the floor as his will broke and broken sobs filled the small bathroom. Kung Lao pressed the heel of his palm into his eyeballs to try and stop the flow, but the tears slipped out and wet his hand despite his efforts. His throat hurt and closed up, and he struggled to breathe through the hiccups and sniffles as he hunched over the sink.

The door creaked open, and he felt a hand rub his back, the familiar weight of Johnny’s hand pressed into the top of his back. Kung Lao doesn’t know why, but it was all he needed to let go of his pride and wail out his lungs, crying out his feelings and his pain as the actor sat next to him and stayed with him.

Finally, the tears stopped, and the cries had been reduced down to small sniffles. Kung Lao kept his gaze downcast, ashamed to face Johnny after such a display of emotion.

“Hey, look. I’m not sure what you’re going through, but I’m always here if you want to talk.”

Kung Lao looked up at Johnny’s face, soft and caring and worried. Everything was okay. It would be okay. And so, Kung Lao spilled his feelings to Johnny, how he loved Raiden, how he wanted him, but Raiden would never be Kung Lao’s. That it hurt so much to see Raiden in love with another.

And Johnny listened, never joking or mocking, and it felt nice. To release his feelings. To talk to another. To get the weight off his chest. And it was the first step for Kung Lao to heal.

After that day, Johnny stuck close to Kung Lao, keeping him away from Raiden and making sure that the champion wouldn’t be able to see the monk. It was nice to see that Johnny cared, that he tried his best to keep Kung Lao happy. It warmed his heart, mended his wounds, and sparked something new inside his chest.

A year had passed, and Kung Lao sat atop the cherry tree, eating slowly as Johnny explained something new to him about his newest movie. The monk had moved on from Raiden, mostly at least to not have his heart ache in his chest every time he saw Raiden leave the compound to see the princess. But right now, Johnny had his hands waving in the air as he made dramatic and exaggerated sounds about some action scene that he was going to film soon, and Kung Lao snorted at some stupid joke that he made.

“Was that a laugh, oh great Kung Lao?” Johnny Cage smirked at the monk, and Kung Lao rolled his eyes and flicked some rice onto the actor’s face.

“Whatever, just got distracted. You aren’t that funny.”

Johnny made a dramatic gasp, the back of his hand pressing to his forehead and his other hand splaying across his chest, but the small smile on his face and humor in his eyes gave it all away.

“I can’t believe you just said that! Oh! I’ve been hit, I’ve been hurt, save me!” Johnny draped his body over Kung Lao’s, pressing his entire weight into the monk, and Kung Lao laughed and tried to push off the actor.

“Stop, you’re going to make us both fall off the-” It was too late as Kung Lao’s body weight pitched forward and off the tree, he flailed about a bit, trying to steady himself to land on his feet, but he felt strong arms wrap around his torso. Johnny Cage let out a loud grunt as he landed on his back, Kung Lao encased in his arms and on his chest.

Kung Lao could hear his heartbeat pumping through his ears as he realized how close he was to Johnny Cage, how if he just leaned forward a bit they would kiss. He could feel Johnny’s chest pressing into his and breathing hard. He could feel the adrenaline running through his veins as Johnny’s eyes glanced down to Kung Lao’s lips and into his eyes.

Fuck it. Kung Lao leaned forward and pressed his lips to Johnny’s, hands holding on gently to the actor’s clothes as he groaned and pressed his tongue forward. The actor wrapped his hands around Kung Lao’s back, trying to bring him in closer, to feel his warmth and his strength against his body.

The monk groaned into Johnny’s mouth, lips moving together hurriedly and frantically, as if it would be their last taste of each other. Kung Lao’s lungs burned for air, but he wanted to keep kissing Johnny, to sink his entire body into the actor’s and have them envelop his body entirely. Johnny pulled away first, resting his forehead against Kung Lao’s and panting into the air as he tried to catch his breath.

“So, uh, what does this make us?” Johnny broke the silence first, voice a little strained as his hands tightened on Kung Lao’s waist.

“I mean, if we date, could we-could we take this slow? Please?” Kung Lao mumbled, hoping that he didn’t sound too desperate, too needy. He really hoped that Johnny would agree, that he would love Kung Lao completely and wholeheartedly because Kung Lao was already falling in deep.

“Yes, of course, as long as it’s with you.” Johnny squeezed Kung Lao’s waist before leaning his head forward to kiss Kung Lao again.

The months passed by much more quickly as Johnny took Kung Lao around the world on dates and to movie sets and to premiers. The monk had taken his leave from the White Lotus to get away from Raiden but also to spend more time with Johnny, using his martial art skills to help choreograph fight scenes and be a stunt double. But the days that Kung Lao enjoyed the most were lazing around the house, watching one of Johnny’s old flicks and laughing at the acting while eating chips and popcorn. It was a good few years, traveling around the world and filming and directing movies with his boyfriend.

It was nice. It filled Kung Lao with a warm feeling, and whenever he looked upon Johnny, smile wide and eyes sparkling with some sort of mischief, he couldn’t imagine being with anyone else. No, this was so much better than anything he could’ve imagined.

Kung Lao trudged around the kitchen, looking for something to eat again. He had been particularly hungry lately, and when he heard Johnny’s familiar gait walk through the kitchen, Kung Lao turned around and came face to face with the actor. Johnny held onto Kung Lao’s hips and drew him in close, resting his head in the crook of Kung Lao’s neck, and the monk chuckled and pet the back of Johnny’s hair.

“What’s got you all in a fuss today?”

Johnny remained silent at Kung Lao’s question, swaying back and forth to a silent song, and Kung Lao let him take his time to say what he wanted to say.

“Nothing. Just thinking about marrying you one day.” Johnny murmured, and Kung Lao’s face heat up at the thought, images of being dressed in a red wedding dress while Johnny wore a dark black tux filled his head. A future flashed in his eyes, one of love and laughter and their children.

“Are you proposing to me?” Kung Lao teased, and Johnny pulled away.

“Do you want me to?” Johnny’s face was serious. Kung Lao’s breath stuttered.

“Yes, I want to marry you.” Kung Lao breathed out, head still reeling when Johnny gave him a wide smile and picked him to spin Kung Lao in a circle, laughing and cheering. Johnny brought their lips together, teeth clashing together in the excitement of the proposal, but that was okay. Because Kung Lao had never been so happy in his entire life.

The months passed by in a blur, planning the wedding, picking out the rings, dealing with the paparazzi. But as Kung Lao cheered at the bachelor party, climbing onto a table and popping open a champagne bottle and spraying it onto his friends, Johnny Cage pulled him in for a deep kiss and all the stress melted away. It had been such a chaotic few months, but he couldn’t deny that he was excited, ready to marry Johnny, ready to start a new chapter, to have kids with the love of his life.

Kung Lao climbed down from the table, Johnny giving him a helping hand to hop down and easy, and he gave his fiance one last kiss before he stepped out onto the balcony of the mansion to catch a breath. It was good, the party, everyone was here. It was just a slight bit overwhelming with all the noise and the smell of alcohol in the air.

Kung Lao didn’t drink anymore. Not after that night. But that didn’t mean he didn’t enjoy a good fizzy drink. As he sipped on his drink, breathing in the cool night air, he heard the doors open behind him and spun around, expecting to see Johnny smiling and crying again at the fact that he was going to marry Kung Lao.

It was Raiden instead, face flushed and steps drowsy as he stumbled over to Kung Lao and collapsed into his arms. Kung Lao let out a nervous laugh and pushed the champion off to the railing, not really feeling too comfortable. It had been a few months since he had talked to Raiden. Their friendship had faded into obscurity and now they were nothing more than acquaintances, so Kung Lao felt a bit confused as to why Raiden had so willingly thrown himself into Kung Lao’s arms.

“Is everything okay? Raiden?” Kung Lao tapped on the champion’s shoulders, trying to bring him out of whatever stupor he had drank himself into, and Raiden turned to Kung Lao, eyes wet and cheeks red.

“Why are you marrying him?” His voice was spiteful, bitter, and Kung Lao stepped back in surprise, bringing his arms into his body at the angry tone of voice. That was strange. Raiden was always so soft-spoken, kind, gentle. And yet, Raiden lumbered forward almost threateningly, plopping his head onto Kung Lao’s shoulder and holding him close, causing the drink that Kung Lao had to spill to the floor.

“I miss you. I miss you so much.” Raiden murmured into Kung Lao’s skin, hot breath fanning over his skin, and Kung Lao squirmed in Raiden’s grip, patting the champion’s back as he tried to step away.

“Haha, yeah, I miss you too Raiden, but uh, I should get back-”

“I love you. I love you so much. Please don’t marry Johnny.” Raiden muttered, hands coming up to hold onto Kung Lao’s waist. Perhaps years ago Kung Lao would’ve been elated to hear those words from Raiden’s mouth. But, he didn’t feel for Raiden anymore, no, not when he had Johnny.

“Raiden, I think you’re drunk. You’re not thinking straight. Let’s find a couch and lay down, yeah?” Kung Lao removed Raiden’s hands from his waist, but the champion stubbornly kept his face in the monk’s neck, breathing in his scent and getting heavier by the second.

“I shouldn’t, I should’ve gone to you instead of Kitana. I want you, Kung Lao.”

Kung Lao frowned and pushed at Raiden’s chest harshly, forcing the champion to stumble backwards and look Kung Lao in the eye.

“Raiden, back off. I don’t love you like that. Go back inside, or I’m getting Liu Kang to retrieve you.” Kung Lao stepped away from the balcony, turning the handle roughly and ready to walk away from Raiden when he felt the champion grab onto his hands.

“I’m sorry. I liked you back then. I knew you liked me. I was just scared. Scared of my own feelings. I couldn’t deal with it. Please, come back to me.” Raiden pleaded with Kung Lao, dropping to his knees as he pressed feverish kisses to the back of the monk’s hand.

Kung Lao withdrew his hand, a feeling of pity settling over his sense as he stared at the pitiful sight.

“You know I can’t do that, Raiden. You’ll find happiness one day, I’m sure, but I’ve moved on. I don’t love you anymore. Please let me go like I let go of you.” With that, Kung Lao closed the final wound of his past and went back to the party, walking up to Johnny and bringing him in for a hug. The actor gave the monk a dopey smile and kissed his forehead, shouting to his friends around him to meet his beautiful husband. Kung Lao laughed, the interaction from earlier disappearing from his mind, as he stuck to Johnny’s side for the rest of the night.

A few weeks later, Kung Lao walked down the aisle, red dress flowing behind him as he stared at Johnny ahead of him. He could feel tears pricking at his eyes as he arrived at the altar and Johnny moved the veil back to reveal Kung Lao’s face. Johnny raised up the monk’s hand to press a gentle kiss to the back of it as the official started talking. It was an overwhelming feeling. One that filled his head and his body with something warm and comforting, and neither of them could help themselves as they started crying during their vows.

And when the official let them kiss, Johnny immediately dipped Kung Lao low to the ground and kissed him deep and slow and sweet. It sent his mind spinning, and his hand up to cup the back of Johnny’s neck to keep him there. But finally, they stood back up, chests heaving as they stared into each other’s eyes as the crowd behind them cheered loudly.

The rest of the wedding passed by in a blur of tearful speeches and terrible dance moves, but all Johnny and Kung Lao could stare at was each other, the rest of the world in the background as they held each other’s hands. When they finally arrived back home, Johnny picked up Kung Lao and carried him to their shared bed, plopping him down on the bed and crawling on top of him to kiss him again. Kung Lao laughed and slapped away Johnny’s fumbling hands to untie and unzip the laces and zippers that held the dress together.

Johnny’s eyes filled with tears as he watched Kung Lao’s skin reveal itself, and he pressed his lips to the monk’s skin, worshiping him fully and completely. It was a new chapter in his life, and Kung Lao was glad that Johnny had come and gotten him from that rooftop that day. He wouldn’t change a single thing.