"Alright, guys.", Johnny sat up straight in his seat. "The cameras might be a bit intimidating at first but I can tell you you'll get used to it quick."

With a soft hum Kenshi raised one eyebrow as he threw a glance out the tinted windows of the limousine.

"And why exactly did you invite us?", he asked.

"Why are you complaining?", Kung Lao frowned. "This is the Oscar's night. Who doesn't want to be here?"

"Leonardo DiCaprio.", Johnny said with a sarcastic smirk. "He's past his prime now."

"And you?", Raiden tried to give himself some air to breath by tugging at his bow tie.

"I created a masterpiece of a multiverse.", Johnny grinned pridefully. "Four nominations ain't bad."

"Which leads back to my question.", Kenshi examined the thousands of camera teams and reporters who lined up along the red carpet. "Why are WE here?"

"You were the inspiration for all of this. Besides, if you really don't want to walk the red carpet there's a way through the back door."

"Really?"

"Yeah. For shy people."

"I'll prefer the back door.", Raiden pulled a face as she pulled his head in to exit the car. "I'm still a little bruised."

"I'll go with Raiden then.", Kung Lao offered his friend support.

"Seems like you're on your own then, Cage.", Kenshi patted Johnny on the back. "See you inside."

"Fine, whatever.", with a roll of his eyes Johnny fixed his suit jacket and walked down the red carpet.

Immediately one of the coordinators rushed to his side and pointed to wherever he was supposed to stand. Camera flashes blinded him.

Voices screamed his name while reporters asked for interviews and statements.

He decided to join one of the most famous TV channel hosts and greeted her with a smile.

"Johnny Cage!", she chirped and went for a hug.

He declined politely but didn't drop the smile.

"Hello Lisa. Pleasure to be here.", he shook her hand.

"We're happy to have you! So tell me, how did you manage to return from the shadows with such a boom? I mean, the movies are INCREDIBLE. Everything is new and fresh."

"Yeah, I'm excited. My team and I put a lot of effort in. Made sure that the writing was good."

"But it lacks you on screen.", playfully, she wrapped a hand around his arm.

Once more, Johnny managed to decline politely and took a step aside so she needed to let go.

"I took the role behind the camera this time.", he huffed. "At some point it was time to hand over the opportunity to new faces."

"A great creative decision! It earned you the nomination for best director this year."

"Something I wouldn't have achieved on screen. It was a needed change. And I'm happy about it.", he chuckled and gifted the camera one of his many charming grins.

"Speaking of happiness.", the reporter came closer. "A little birdie whispered to us that you are very happy in your private life as well!"

The question didn't surprise him. It was common for everyone to ask for gossip. Or create it themselves. Rumours spread faster than wildfire in Hollywood.

And he was no exception.

"Absolutely, Lisa.", the smile on his face broadened so much that it almost beamed. "I've been happier than ever the past year. I think I really found my person."

"So... your lover. Tell us about them."

"I'd prefer to keep private things private. In respect of my partner I'd like to keep my mouth shut as well. All you have to know is that (Y/N) makes me happy like no other."

"(Y/N)?", she chirped. An interesting name. "What can we expect in the future?"

"Honestly, I hope just the best.", with a smile he tried to excuse himself but she trapped him in another question.

"Why are you alone here tonight, Johnny?", she asked. "If things are so great how come you're all alone on this important night of your life?"

Stuck by surprise, Johnny froze. But he quickly cleared his throat to regain composure.

"You know, Lisa, we both live busy lives. Each doing their own thing. We're happy the way it is now but I'm sure I won't celebrate alone today.", with a winke and a thumbs up he said his goodbye and joined the rest of the gusted inside the large ceremony hall.

There was gold everywhere. So much that it almost made him go blind.

A sigh rolled off Johnny's lips as he loosened a button on his jacket.

Kenshi glanced at him from the corner of his eyes.

"Had fun with the interviews?", he asked.

"Yeah, no.", Johnny had to massage the bridge of his nose. "I keep getting asked about my relationship. None of their business, honestly.0

Clapping filled the large hall.

"It's been a while since you two seen each other, hasn't it?", Kenshi asked with his voice lowered.

"Yeah. But I said I'll wait as long as it needs. This isn't about me but (Y/N). And I'm fine with that. We're strong and going.", his hand reached into his pocket to wrap around a small object.

A woman in a lavishly expensive dress appeared on stage. Lights dimmed and the show started.

"Welcome, ladies and gentleman, to the yearly celebration of the Academy Awards.", her voice flooded the audience. "This years nominees are a fine selection. Please give it up for the category of best actor."

Peoples faces crossed the screen. A winner was announced and speeches were made. People clapped.

This procedure repeated a few times until it was time to announce the winner for the category of best director.

Johnny's eyes nervously darted through the room. But he didn't find what he was looking for. Something inside his chest pulled together.

The hint of disappointment didn't disappear as his face appeared on screen. He waved. People cheered for him so loud that it was deafening.

This had always been what he wanted. But it didn't feel right.

Not without you.

"And today's award for best director goes to...", the hostess put in a dramatic pause. "Johnny Cage!"

There it was. The height of his career. The revival of his brand and credibility.

But Johnny couldn't help the heavy feeling that nestled inside his chest as he climbed the stairs to accept his award.

People yelled his name. Everyone was up on their feet.

But nothing mattered. Not when you weren't there to share this moment with him.

"Congratulations from the academy, mister Cage.", the hostess gave him a hug. "And today we are pleased to hand your award over to you through someone special."

A little annoyed he had to suppress a roll of his eyes. It would probably be some old Hollywood icon nobody remembered anymore.

He didn't even turn around to have a look.

But as the curtain parted and someone stepped out the enter hall was on awe. Mutters went through the crowd.

"All my congratulations.", your warm breath tickled the back of his neck. "Mister Carlton."

His heart skipped a beat. As he turned around he didn't even mind the golden award that you held in your hands for him to take.

Without skipping a beat his hand jumped into his pocket. You blinked once and he was on his knees, a small box in his hands.

"Marry me.", he asked with the softest smile. "I love you."