#𝟎𝟎𝟕.

★ ⋆ 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐭 ⋆ ★

★ ⋆ ━━ "Some people seem...different, what are they?" Jessie is awestruck by the world in front of her. It is vibrant, colorful, and the parade was something else. It seems the people have their own tradition. From what she recalls, LA doesn't have a tradition, more like a bundle of traditions. Many people from different places among earth reside there.

   Her fascination in the unfamiliar land, kept her mind off the latter she so desperately wanted to avoid...Johnny. She had no clue what was going on with the past week at the Wu Shi. Yeah, he's flirtatious and all but it didn't mean anything...right? It obviously did, she just chose to ignore it. Ignore what she actually felt. She needs to find someone else in outworld to keep her mind off him.

   Leaning against the seat, she holds onto the structure behind her as it trots along. Sitting on the right end of the carriage, she pokes her head out, gazing. Johnny sits on her left, with Kung Lao on his left. Kenshi sits by Kitana on the other seat in front of the three.

   Princess Kitana grins at her subtlety, amused at the woman's rising fatuation with the realm. "Our festival is comprised of many. Centurians, Shokans, Naknadans, and much more. We welcome..." Jessie hears her cough with a cryptic meaning, she looks over to see Kitana smile at her forcefully. "We welcome all."

   Jessie nods and continues to look out, shaking her left leg against Johnny's in anticipation. Feeling a hand squeeze her thigh, she turns to see Johnny giving her a heartfelt smile, not tearing his gaze. She decides to reach and grasp his hand, just enjoying the moment while it last. Seeing his eyes light up as he looks at their hands clasped together.

   "I'm not supposed to speak off topic but," Kitan loosens her stiff stature and leans foward. "Earthrealm couples do fascinate me the most."

   "Huh?" Jessie questions, she turns her gaze to Kitana, still holding Johnny's hand.

   Kitana gestures between her and Johnny. "You are a couple, yes?"

   "Oh-" Jessie quickly tears her hand away from his, not seeing the displeased face he plasters. She stammers over her words and points amongst her and Johnny. "We're not- it's not like that, we're just-"

   "If you like the typical Earthrealm couple," Johnny interupts, he leans foward, rubbing his palms together. "wait till you watch Hallmark movies, princess."

   She bows. "They must be worthwhile, whatever it is." Kitana commented.

   Jessie watches as Johnny scoffs. "Trust me, they are."

   "Are they?" Kung Lao asks. Jessie figures out that neither he nor Raiden watches much movies since their hometown wasn't keen on it.

   "Did you not just hear me?" Johnny insists. He places his weight on his right leg and faces Kung Lao. "Just watch most of them during Christmas, they hit different."

   Jessie scrunches her face. She hates hallmark movies, same plot, different settings. Jessie moves Johnny out of her sights by reaching a hand over his chest and pushing him backwards, his back hitting the backboard of the seatings. He looks at her, baffled at her actions. He rest his hands flatly on his lap, not knowing what to do with them.

   Giving Kung Lao a sympathetic smile, she ignores Johnny's stare. "That's if you hate your love life and you're single, and you imagine yourself in a world that's fictional. Which explains this man." She pointed at Johnny.

   A very feminine laugh came from Kitana, she has a hand over her mouth, her eyes squeezing. "And they're very quick witted too. Adds to why Earthrealmers fascinate me the most." She added.

   Johnny quickly swats Jessie's hand away. "Not true, that was one time Jess, one!" Jess saw a tint forming on his face, he met his eyes with her and looks to his left, away from her. "And just so you know, princess." He stubbornly says, he eyes her from his peripheral. "I am single and ready to mingle."

   "I'm done," Jessie quickly deflates in her seat and looks to the people watching them pass by. That totally bummed her mood.

   Does he have to hit on every woman he sees?

   Kitana laughs and waves Johnny down. "Not ever if your lifetime, Earthrealmer."

   "Apologies for our freind here," Kenshi butts in. He points to Johnny. "He has...relationship issues."

   "Oh please," Johnny sarcastically replies. "when was the last time you've dated Mr. Perfect?"

   Jessie covers her mouth and silently laughs as she watch their commotion. "I do not have time for that Cage."

   "Not need worry," Kitana says, simmering the friendly banter down. She straightens her back and waves to the people. "He simply...amuses me."

   Jessie feels Johnny cling to her shoulder, whispering in her ear. His hot breath fanning her ear and neck. "She'll fall for me eventually, they all do."

   Jessie throws him away by putting her hand on his cheek. "You keep saying on saying that to yourself Johnny, the girl you're looking for will definitely fall for you with that kind of mindset."

   Johnny smiles sadly and took out his phone and starts to record the festival. "Hrm...sure she will."

.⋆｡⋆˚｡⋆｡˚｡⋆.⛓ 🎬 ⛓.⋆｡⋆˚｡⋆｡˚｡⋆.

   The afternoon was quiet packing. First, meeting a giant named General Shao. Jessie presumed he was the militant to Edina due to his choice in armor. And his concerning choice in weaponry. An axe that big would have no Earthrealmer stand a chance against him.

   She also thanked Johnny mentally for breaking the ice every now and then. The Shao guy also tried to belittle her kind into thinking they weren't trained enough for the competition. Liu Kang of course talked him down against his own ignorance.

   She also couldn't go one second without hearing Johnny's comments on Mileena, Kitana and the Empress, Sindel. As they walked along to their designated seats, he would mutter to her how he would totally date the mother if Kitana didn't work out. Johnny really needed to get humbled at some point, his yapping was starting to get to her.

   Especially his responses on Raiden's first outworld competitor, Li Mei. He would practice pickup lines on Jess with Li's full name. Let's just say, Jessie wasn't opposed to being put in a coma right about now.

   Raiden no doubt had beaten Li Mei and advanced towards his next. Reiko. Jess congratulated the young man for his upbringing but was warry. If he was raised by that giant general then the man is most likely not friendly and strictly a militant person. She had to steer clear of him. Though for a young man that fought in many wars, it was shocking to Jessie that he'd lost in the end against Raiden.

   After that, Empress Sindel had said that they all meet at the evening banquet, and that the Earthrealmers were allowed to wander only within the festival. So that's what Jessie went to go do, apart from Johnny. He wanted to take more pictures of the area, starting from where the fights took place.

   Jessie exited out of the palce and walked along the steps to the festival. When she makes it down, she went in a full circle when walking forward, astonished by its etheral impression. Hearing the foreign music and different people dance around makes her feel she was back at prom.

   She went to different vendors, either they consist of food or clothing. She went to them all. Ultimately finding a piece of clothing that caught her eyes. It was a silver, glitter dress. It seems foreign, not many or none dress like it at all. But then again it looks like something from earthrealm. Maybe the earthrealm protectors from years before them, influenced some changes in clothing.

   She decides to get it but unsure on how to pay. Luckily it was given to her for free by the old vendor, she thanks the old lady gratefully. Being led to the back of a more private area, she changes into it and came back out. With matching heels too. She went back out and walks around with her other clothes being between her arm and the side of her chest.

   For a few minutes she had a great time walking around, listening to the music the festival played. Until she saw military men walking in a line, heading back to the palace. She recognized a face in the front, Reiko. Quickly putting her head down she tried to pass without him seeing her but the earthrealm dress quickly made her stand out.

   Reiko urge his men to keep walking as he advances towards Jessie. Not ashamed for looking at the woman's body, how her hips danced with the dress.

   "Earthrealmer!" He commanded at her.

   Well....shit.

   Jessie turns and smiles at him, his reaction making her emotions turn sour. He looks at her as if she was an obstacle in his way, awaiting the perfect moment to subdue her. She places her hand in front of her, fumbling them together. "Yes?"

   He gets closer than needed, making Jessie step back in discomfort. "Do not think for a second just because you are a woman that you are my equal. You haven't fought in wars like I have. Do I make myself clear?"

   Jessie gulps, frighten at his sudden anger. "Yeah, could you leave me alone now?" Maybe Jessie's quick dismal of Reiko made him more angrier than intended. He looks around for a second then grasps her by the forearm. Making her stand on her toes due to their difference in height, even with the heels on.

   He gets near her ear and spoke lowly. "Do not speak to me as if-"

   A hand slips between Reiko's hand and Jessie's forearm. It roughly moves Reiko's and stands in front of her. It was Johnny, no doubt. From the comb sided brown hair to his purple-grayish dress shirt, down to his dress shoes. "Dude, when a woman asks you to leave her alone just do it. Put aside your military ego and be a decent man."

   She looks up as Johnny gave her a quick reassuring smile, griping her arm in comfort.

   He brings his attention back to Reiko. "Or maybe that's too much to ask from someone who looks up to stock villain daddy."

   The situation starts to capture the festivals eyes, everyone around them watching with every emotion at hand. Reiko looks around, then gave Johnny a distasteful stare. He jams a finger on Johnny's chest. "I will not falter at your petty words, earthrealmer."

   "Reiko!" Jessie hears the buff up guy named Shao, shout from afar. Reiko let's out a 'hrmp' before departing swiftly.

   Jessie sighs contently and shakes Johnny arm. "Thank you, thank you! Dude was annoying."

   Johnny gives her arm a squeeze and lets go. "Any day Jess, any day. And seriously, that Rei-do needs a release..." Johnny have her a mischievous look. "Jess? You think edians get laid-"

   Jessie rolls her eyes, mentally gaging. "I do not want to think about that man. Why don't you ask them. I'm sure they'll understand your humor."

   "I might just do that. Maybe I'll ask princess Kitana." Jessie knew that question would earn a slap from her. Even if she wasn't an princess, it's an absurd question to want to know the answer to.

   Johnny then looks at her holding her clothes and grabs it from her. "Here, let me carry that-"

   She takes a step back. "You don't have to-"

   Johnny carefully takes it from her and walks away, towards the outskirts of the festival. Finding a place near a pond and sitting on the edge by the water. Jessie stared in confusion, standing still.

   "Come on Jess. Gotta talk to you for a sec." His sudden change in emotion lit fear in her. For one, she knew serious Johnny is rare and one she doesn't see often. He only showed this side when Cristina made his day rough.

   She picks up her dress and walks to where he sat. She slowly bends down, with her legs in front of her. Not crossed but in a 'A' shape, hugging them, latching her face on her knees. Watching Johnny from an angle, her hair covering parts on her face. "I hope I'm not in trouble." Making the most of out the situation, she gave out a comment to ease the tension.

   "Trouble?" Johnny asks. He places her clothes by his side then loosens his dress shirt by one button. He stretches his right leg out and leans on his right elbow. As his left leg bented in a 'A' shape with his left arm resting across his chest connecting to his other on the ground. He scoffs and looks to the ground. "Jess, you benevolent human being. Now why on earth do you think you're in trouble? Because I have my serious voice on?"

   Jess shrugs and looks at the pond, the sun reflecting a glare in her direction. Making her squint her eyelids. "Dunno. This is the only time you got serious-ish and it's not about Cri-" She didn't want to sound like she pinpointed blame all on Cristina. "Doesn't have Cris in the bunch."

   "Yeah," Johnny agrees. He shifts in his position and places a hand on her glittering dress, on top of her knees. She watches as his face contorts from a displeased emotion to a questionable one. "I just- don't wanna think about her right now you know? Just me and you in this whole ass other world, beating the odds. Just like the old days."

   Jessie hums and rocks slowly in her place. Welcoming the silence that echoes between them. His hand still resting on her knee. She slides her finger on top of his masculine, hardened hand as if she were drawing. Johnny paid no mind to it and rested his head on his other hand looking at the pond.

   Jessie then imagines drawing a dog. "So...get any good pictures while you were out and about?"

   Johnny squeales and retracts his hand from her knee, reaching into his back pocket. "Hell yes, I convinced Kenshi, Raiden and," Johnny face filled with disgust as he mentioned the next name. "Kung Lao. And he had the audacity to say he'd only take it if you were right by him. Like, who the hell does he think he is? Look-" Johnny scoots closer and holds his phone right next to Jessie.

   She picks up her head from her knees and leans towards Johnny. In the picture, it shows Johnny with his signature smile, holding Kenshi around his neck, as Kenshi held a irritated smile at him. Raiden stood behind them, waving at the phone, while Kung Lao looked pissed off. "He really likes getting under your fingernails. It's like watching two youtuber's apologies and seeing which one is worse." Jessie commented.

   "Are- are you serious right now?" Johnny slowly gets closer and jabs at her knee. Putting his phone on the ground. "How dare you compare Malibu Johnny to youtuber apologies."

   "You're right." Jessie states. Swatting his hand away, she leans back. Resting her hands behind her and closing her eyes. Feeling the heat from the sun. "They're far more entertaining than you."

   "Ha!" Johnny laughed and rubbed his neck. "You truly are a wonder, woman."

   He is the type of person to compliment with a DC reference...

   A hand slips around her waist as she keeps her eyes closed. She opens them when she felt it. "What are you doing?"

   "Simmer down Jess, just wanna take a picture with you. Save the moment." When she faced him, his face was inches away from hers. He looks at his phone in his other hand, getting to the camera. She finally notices a faint darkened spot he had on his right lower cheek. It wasn't a mole, just a slight imperfection he had.

   He hugs her tighter and she feels his cheek touch her left one. "Say Temple of Kartra Vala!"

   Jessie wasn't having it. "...No."

   Johnny grunts, shifting his phone in the air. "Good god- fine. Say Johnny is the sexiest man alive."

   With the most deadpan voice and expression Jessie speaks, giving a quick smile at the end to the phone. "Johnny is the sexiest man alive."

   With a click of a button, Johnny takes the picture and smiles at it wholeheartedly. Putting it away, he still holds onto Jessie by her waist. Turning his face as much as he could, his pink dried lips right next to her glossy ones. He stares at them, then to the dress she wore. "Did I ever mention how hot that dress makes you look? I mean who knew they had those types of dresses here."

   "Yeah," Jessie states. She saw how he kept drooling over her dress whenever he got the chance. "You're eyes speak louder than your words Johnny."

   "Eh, that's true." Johnny agrees. With his hand resting on her waist, he brought his other and put some strands of hair behind her ear. His hand lingers on her cheek.

   That same feeling came when he was on top of her at the Wu Shi. She didn't want to expand more on it so, she dismisses it. "We should uh...find Kenshi. Seems like the type to get lost and be antisocial with the people here." She gently took off his hand and stood up, grabing her clothes along the way. "I'll change and meet you back at the palace to find Kenshi alright?"

   Johnny hides his disappointment with a smile, his lips pulling tight to its ends as he holds up a thumbs up. "Yup, just gonna sit here and think more."

   "Alright, see you then Johnny." Jessie then left.

   Johnny sighs. "The hell am I doing?" He opens his phone and went to his gallery. Looking at the picture they just took, finding Jessie quite beautiful a second time. This picture in particular was in his favorites. He smile turned into a frown, the next picture he saw when swiping left was him and Cristina smiling at the camera at his mansion. "Time to move on Johnny." He mumbled to himself. He deleted the remaining pictures of him and Cristina. Only having his and Jessie's picture under his favorites.

   His places his phone on the floor and threw his head in his hands. He groans. "I feel like I'm back in highschool..."