Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Zane handed Lloyd another cucumber. Lloyd grabbed it and placed it down on the cutting board. Lloyd picked up the knife on the counter and sliced the cucumber in half. He cut the two halves of the cucumber into 4 rectangles.

Lloyd grabbed his knife tightly and placed his free hand down on the cucumber sticks, curling his fingers like Zane had told him to do. Lloyd let the knife slice through, making small fine pieces of cucumber.

Zane was at the sink washing the tomatoes. They were making pasta salad at Cole’s request. Normally it was just Zane, but Lloyd hadn’t been one to cook before, so Zane had offered to start teaching him to cook. This was the second time he and Zane were cooking for the team.

Lloyd finished slicing and laid the knife beside the cutting board. He grabbed the cut-up cumber slices with both hands and threw them into the bowl. There was salad in it already. The only vegetable left was the tomatoes.

Lloyd turned to Zane. Zane gave the last tomatoes a rinse before handing them to Lloyd. Zane had always preferred using giant tomatoes over the smaller ones.

Lloyd accepted the tomatoes, making a cup with his hands. He turned to the cutting board, tomatoes in hand and hungry. As he turned, his elbow graced the knife handle causing it to fall off the counter. It landed straight on Lloyd foot. Lloyd had no shoes on and the sharp blade cut right trough his socks.

Lloyd yelped in pain and dropped the tomatoes. He looked down instincvilly. The side of his foot burned with pain. Lloyd could see blood soak his socks where he had been cut.

Zane looked down with him, already alert when Lloyd yelped in pain. “That is not good,” Zane said, worry in his voice. Lloyd suppressed the tears and lifted his foot, not wanting to put pressure on it. “I know,” He croaked.

Zane had turned off the water. He directed Lloyd to a chair by the kitchen table. Lloyd sat down, wincing and holding his injured foot in the air. As Zane quickly cleared the kitchen table. The other ninja stumbled into the kitchen.

Kai was the first to speak. “What happened?”

Lloyd turned his head to the ninja and opened his mouth to answer. Before he could say anything Zane removed his sock. Lloyd hissed in pain, whipping his head towards Zane, who was crouched down in front of him.

“Sorry, Lloyd.” Zane apologized. He threw the sock to the side. “I need to remove the sock to see your injury,”

Lloyd gripped the chair and exhaled. “I know,” He said, voice strained. “I was just surprised,”

“You never answered, what happened?” This time it was Jay’s turn to ask. He didn’t bother controlling how panic coated his voice. “Is it serious?”

Lloyd looked down at his foot. Zane was scanning it, a blue laser going up and down his foot. Lloyd shrugged, “Come see yourself,”

Jay did just that, stumbling over. He turned the table and gasped audibly when he saw Lloyd's foot. “Oh first master it's really bad- are you okay?!”

“Calm down, will you, Jay?” Cole interrupted, “All you’re doing is making Lloyd think it’s bad,”

“But it is bad-!”

Kai groaned loudly, “How about you get the first aid kit since you’re so worried, motormouth,”

Zane nodded. “Yes, the first aid kit would be appreciated.”

Jay hastily walked out of the kitchen and down the hall. Lloyd sighed and leaned back into his chair, clenching his teeth when Zane prodded at the wound experimentally. Zane apologized swiftly, saying something about nerves that Lloyd didn’t fully catch.

A few minutes passed and Kai was getting impatient. Seeing his brother hurt didn’t sit well with him. “How long can it take?” He said annoyed. Cole muttered something along the lines of ‘getting back Jay’ before also walking down the hall.

Merely 30 seconds later, they could hear the chatter of Jay and the heavy steps of Cole. They walked into the kitchen, Cole carrying the first aid under his arm. He placed it on the table. “Thank you,” Zane said and began rummaging through the medical supplies.
Jay was standing on the other side of the table. He shifted as he stood, “I swear I couldn’t find it- it was like it just disappeared!” Jay exclaimed.

“How can a big red box ‘disappear’?” Kai snapped.

“I don’t know!”

Cole grumbled. “Lloyd’s the one that’s hurt, yet you’re reacting more panicked than him.”

Lloyd looked down at Zane as he crouched again. Zane was holding some alcohol wipes and a gauze roll. Zane prepared the alcohol wipes before looking up, “This might sting,” He warned. Lloyd nodded, knowing fully well that ‘might’ meant ‘will’.

Zane rubbed at the wound. Lloyd hissed in pain, closing his eyes. He swore he could hear Jay gasp.

The pain became bearable again as Zane removed the wipe. He rolled out the gauze and began tightly wrapping Lloyd’s wound with it.

“What if there got a bacteria in the wound?” Jay asked, not able to be quiet anymore.

“The alcohol wipe cleans the wound,” Cole commented.

“Yeah, I know, but what if it got into the flesh?” Jay paled, his thoughts scaring him. “What if he needs to get his foot amputated?! Oh first master how would that even work- wouldn’t there be so much blood-”

Kai sneered, “Jay.” He gave Jay a sharp glare, “You’re overreacting, seriously.”

Jay snapped his head to Kai, his eyes wide. “No, I’m not! Do you realize that Lloyd getting his leg amputated would ruin his chance of being a ninja and then we wouldn't stand a chance against anyone and we would crumble as a team just like back when Zane-”

“Jay!” Cole interrupted, voice booming. He gave Jay a shove, making Jay turn towards him. “Enough, alright? Just go away,” He said, words burning. “You clearly can’t handle a simple injury.”

Jay gaped and Lloyd prepared for another rant, but Kai cut him off.

“Go.” Kai seethed, pushing him towards the door. Jay stumbled as he got pushed. He looked over his shoulder, seemingly wanting to argue, but the mean looks from both Cole and Kai made him retreat down the hall without another word.

Kai sighed and turned towards Lloyd, “He just doesn’t know when to shut up, does he?” He joked the angry wrinkles disappearing.

Zane finished wrapping Lloyd’s foot. He tightened the bangagde before standing up. “There we go,” Zane said as he closed the first aid kit. “Should we finish dinner?”

Lloyd chuckled and hesitantly stood. His foot still thumped with pain, but it was bearable. “As long as another knife doesn’t fall on my foot, yeah,”

Jay cracked his knuckles. He was sitting on the bed, his behind feeling cold and tingly from sitting so long. He checked the clock. It had been about 40 minutes since he left the kitchen. He sighed and swung his feet.

He truly hadn’t meant to freak. It wasn’t like he wanted to worry Lloyd on purpose. No, he would never.

Someone knocked on his door. Jay got up. He opened the door, Lloyd greeting him with a half smile. “Dinners ready,” Lloyd said.

Jay nodded. A few awkward seconds passed as Jay waited for Lloyd to move out the doorway before Lloyd tilted his head. “Are you not gonna apologize?”

Jay’s eyes widened and his lips twisted into an awkward smile. “Sorry I just thought-”

Lloyd sighed, “Never mind, just come eat dinner.”

Jay deflated. “Right, sorry,” he muttered. Lloyd didn’t say anything.

The two silently walked down the hall. One not bothering to start a conversation and the other too scared to start one.

Chapter Text

2 am. Jay was usually sleeping by this time, yet here he was, sitting in one of the team’s cars with Lloyd. The air conditioner was blasting, hoping to cover the fact that it was minus degrees outside.

Lloyd had told Jay the day prior that they were doing a stakeout. Someone part of an illegal fighting ring should be rounding the street they were parked in about this time. The police were too busy, Lloyd had said. Jay scoffed, they’re always busy, aren’t they?

But that was that. It wasn’t like Jay could change it. It was weekly the ninja was rung up by the police, hoping that they could fix whatever mess they needed help with. They were ninja, so they should help. That’s what Lloyd always said. While Jay agreed, he wasn’t one to enjoy sitting in a car at 2 am, waiting for someone who might not even show up.

Jay had tried compromising with Zane a mere hour before they would set off to leave. Zane was a nindroid, Jay was not. Zane could sit for however many hours in a boring, hot car and not feel tired or exhausted. Hell, he could even charge in the car. 

But no, because apparently, Zane had better things to do. So did all the others. Lloyd had urged Jay to take the positives out of the situation. What positives are there even in sitting in a car?

At least it was actually inside a car and not outside. Jay glanced out the window. Despite the warmth on the inside, the outside corners of the window were tinted with frost. The street lamps were dim and flickering, creating a creepy atmosphere. “Of course, it’s on a creepy street like this a criminal would decide to go.”

Lloyd chuckled lightly. He was sitting by the steering wheel. “It wouldn’t be wise to go to a populated street, would it?” 

Jay groaned and propped his feet onto the dashboard. “It would be a lot more enjoyable for us, at least,” He said. Lloyd huffed, “I’m not sure they’re aware someone is waiting for them.”

“Let’s hope not,” Jay said, slightly huffy. He pulled out a Fritz Donnegan comic from the glove compartment in front of him. He flipped over to page 34 and began reading. At least he could use the time to enjoy some comics. Jay would count that as a positive.

Lloyd propped his elbows onto the dashboard and leaned forward. His eyes darted across the street and at the few people walking past, scanning for any signs of the criminal. 

Two drunk teenagers, both trying to support each other as they walked, failing miserably. They stumbled along the streets, Lloyd could hear their drunken laughter and slurred speech. 

A stressed man with a suit on. He paced in one spot with the phone up to his ear, hissing out some words at the person on the other end. An elderly woman, seemingly on a late walk. She walked past the man, accidentally bumping into him. The man seethed and shared his words of anger with the older woman. 

She kept staggering forward. Lloyd guessed she was too old to hear his complaints. A taxi drove up beside the man and he jumped in, slamming the door shut. 

Lloyd watched the taxi drive off and sighed. He turned his attention to Jay who was engulfed in whatever comic he was reading. Lloyd stared at him with a dirty glare. Jay felt the eyes on him and looked up. “What?”

Lloyd bit his cheek and shrugged, “I don’t know,” He said, a little anger seeping into his tone. “I guess it would just be nice if you paid attention to the mission.”

Jay scowled and closed his comic in offense. “At least I came,” He sneered.

“It was an order,” Lloyd said.

“ Still! I could’ve just stayed back with everyone else,” Jay said. He frowned, whining and dragging his hands over his face, “ Oh - everyone is probably sleeping soundly in their beds right now!”

Lloyd grumbled, turning back to watch the street, “Yeah, and you’re on a mission, pay attention.”

Jay rolled his eyes into the sky and placed the comic back into the glove compartment. He’ll just save it for another time.

Jay folded his arms over themselves and laid them on the dashboard. He looked out the window his eyes looking over the boring street. 2 minutes passed and Jay felt his impatience grow. He sighed deeply and obnoxiously.

A man walked down the street. He didn’t look auspicious, more like your local supermarket cashier. Jay tilted his head. “Is that him?” He asked. Lloyd followed his gaze. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, “No,”

“Okay,” 

The silence became heavy again as the two ninja kept scouting. Jay yawned and rubbed his eyes. This was getting more and more boring. He adjusted in his seat and kicked his feet as he felt them group numb.

Jay sighed, “Is it him?” He asked, jerking his head in the direction of a young teenager walking down the street with headphones on. Lloyd blinked in surprise, “That’s a child.”

Jay shrugged, “You never know,” He muttered. Lloyd opened his mouth to argue but Jay cut him off. “Her! How about her?” Jay asked, pointing at a young lady who rounded the corner.

“No- what?! The suspect is a man, not a woman!” Lloyd argued. Jay looked toward him with raised eyebrows, “Just because they’re a criminal doesn’t mean they can’t be a woman!” Jay crossed his arms and leaned into the seat.

Lloyd’s face turned angry. “Did you not listen when I read the subject report?” 

“You read a subject report?”

Lloyd sighed in desperation and annoyance. “I get that you’re bored, but take it seriously will you?” Lloyd grabbed a piece of paper that was lying on the dashboard. He glared at Jay, “This time, actually listen.” He sneered.

Jay scoffed. He ignored how Lloyd’s words made him upset. He swore he had listened the first time. Maybe it had just slipped his mind. 

Lloyd had no reason to be upset, it wasn’t like he wasn’t taking this mission seriously. 

Was he taking it seriously?

It was late so of course he wouldn’t want to be here. He would rather be in his bed, dreaming of Fritz Donnegan or literally anything but this.

“Jay!” Lloyd snapped, slamming the paper on the dashboard. “Are you serious?! I can see you’re not listening to what I’m saying!”

Jay ignored how LLoyd was right and furrowed his eyebrows in offense. “I was thinking!” He snapped back. Lloyd growled and clenched his fists, “You’re getting my nerves,” He announced.

Jay hissed and opened his mouth to start ranting, letting his feet fall off the dashboard as he got more fired up. Lloyd sighed and turned to watch the street again. 

“Listen, It’s not my fault the police want us to stalk some random criminal that isn’t even our problem! Not to mention it’s super late and I could be anything but this! I’m tired and my head hurts and I know we’re just going to sit here for hours on end without success because that's what happens every time we get a mission from the police! So excuse me if I don’t want to pay attention to-!”

Lloyd inhaled a sharp breath and turned to Jay. “Shut up!” He seethed, jerking his head violently towards the street. “The suspect is right there!”

Jay physically flinched at the words. He furrowed his brows in fake anger, trying to distract himself from the tears forming in his eyes. Lloyd paid no mind to him, lifting his ninja hood and jumping out of the car. 

Jay quickly dried his eyes from unshed tears and did the same. He landed on the pavement, making a silent promise to himself to take the next mission with Lloyd seriously.

Lloyd was right, he did need to shut up.

Chapter Text

Jay watched the popcorn bag spin around inside the microwave. It had been an hour since they had eaten dinner. All five of them were preparing for a movie night. Jay felt his heart squeeze with excitement, a smile crept onto his lips. The ninja had let him choose a movie for tonight, Jay hadn’t hesitated. Fritz Donegan it was.

The week had been filled with problems. The ninja hadn’t been able to catch their breath at all. 

Monday was a call about a murder. Jay shivered, remembering how the scene looked when they arrived. Police were there already, but the murderer had escaped. Of course, it was then a job for the ninja.

Jay's heart thumped as he ran through the alleyway. His feet felt light and quick, and so did his breath. The murderer was running in front of them. The rest of the ninja were behind Jay.

The alleyway was beginning to end meaning the murderer could get away. “Jay!” Lloyd barked. “Use the wall to get in front of him! We can’t let him escape!”

Jay nodded swiftly, “Heard it, Lloyd!”

Jay looked up, spotting a mess of laundry ropes above him. Jay sped up and let his knees bend before jumping. He gripped the laundry line and swung himself forward. Then the next.

He breathed quickly as he felt his arms grow tired, but he ignored it. The murderer looked up as Jay swung over him. The wild eyes the murderer had was enough for Jay to flinch. 

Jay swung himself fully forward with a grunt. He landed long before the murderer and turned to face his direction. Jay almost took a step back at the sight in front of him. “Now’s not the time to get scared, Jay!” Cole yelled from behind, clearly exhausted.

“I know!” Jay called back, bracing himself as the Murder approached with rapid speed. Jay felt his hands charge up, lightning flickering in his fingers. He clenched his fists before throwing them forward and opening them, letting the lightning escape.

The lightning zipped through the air. A yelp of surprise was the only thing that came from the criminal before the lightning hit him. Jay watched as the murderer collapsed to the ground, they tried getting up, but failed, their legs still buzzing and spasming.

Tuesday wasn’t any better. There was a giant fire in a factory building and the ninja were called to come help save people. It had been a stressful day. Kai, despite being the fire ninja, had gone in one too many times and had gotten smoke in his lungs. He was still healing.

Wednesday was an alright day. It was just some construction. Jay and Cole went alone, due to Wu’s request of needing a few hands to clean up the monastery. Him and Cole had just helped move some planks for a new bridge in downtown. 

Thursday called for Jay only. The whole news station was down because of a power outage in the building. They had been told it could take hours until it was back. Jay had offered to help fix it, but they insisted that he should just power their source while they waited for the mechanic to finish it.

Jay gasped and lowered his hand. It tremored uncontrollably and Jay stared in horror. He bit his lip and held in another groan as he felt his body shake. Jay lifted his hand again, placing it on the panel. He let the lightning flow through his body and into the machine.

Jay breathed heavily and leaned up against the panel. There was no way he could do this for hours. It had only been 10 minutes and Jay felt like all his life force was being sucked away.

Jay felt his hand cramp and he pulled it away with a sharp yell. He stared down at it. He tried to send some lightning out, but his hand cramped again making him curl inward in pain. 

He sat for a minute until the cramp had passed. Slowly, Jay got up, he couldn’t do this.

He had left the building after expressing how he couldn’t just use his powers for hours on end. Gayle gossip had argued, but eventually, Jay had left.

Now it was Friday. Nothing had happened today and the ninja hoped they could catch a break. Jay’s legs were still sore, and so was his whole body from yesterday.

“Jay!” Kai exclaimed, pushing past his brother and opening the microwave. Kai reached into the microwave and pulled out the popcorn bag. It was on fire. Jay gasped as Kai handled the bag between both his hands. He slammed it into the sink and turned on the water. 

Kai sighed as smoke filled the room. “Man,”

“Sorry! My mistake, I was just thinking-” 

Kai waved him off, walking past Jay and slinging a hand arm over his shoulder. “Yeah, yeah,” He said as the two walked towards the living room. “We got enough already, doesn’t matter,”

Jay grumbled but his face lifted as they entered the living room. They were all in their normal clothes, slinging on the couch. Lloyd and Zane were sitting up against each other and Cole was sitting beside them. 

Kai let go of Jay's shoulder and threw himself between Cole and Zane. He exhaled as he sat down on the couch.

Cole motioned for Jay to come sit beside him. Jay smiled and did exactly that. He sat down beside Cole. All 5 of them sighed deeply. “Rough week, am I right?” Cole said.

“Yes,” Zane said, leaning back into the couch. “We have done double as much work as we normally do.”

“A little extra training doesn’t hurt,” Jay said. Kai leaned forward and sent him a glare, “At least you didn’t get smoke in your lungs!” He said, bumping his hand on his chest. He grunted and leaned back.

Jay rolled his eyes. He had refrained from telling them what happened yesterday. All they knew was that he left early. 

“While I do agree with Jay,” Lloyd said and grabbed the remote, “a little relaxing time never hurt anyone.”

Lloyd threw the remote to Jay. “Jay’s turn to pick a movie,” He said.

Jay whooped as Cole groaned. “Let me guess, Fritz Donnegan.” He asked although it came out as more of a statement than a question. Jay laughed and scrolled through the Movies, “Yup!”

Lloyd and Kai groaned in unison. As Jay was about to press play, the phone rang. 

This time, everyone groaned.

Lloyd got up and trudged over to the phone. He picked it up. “Hello? Lloyd here,”

Jay grumbled and kicked his feet, “Are you serious?! Finally, we get to rest and someone needs help?!”

Kai exhaled long and slow. “We never get a break, do we?”

“Maybe they do not require help. They might have called the wrong number.” Zane said optimistically. 

Lloyd nodded along to the words of the person on the other end. “Of course, we’ll send someone right away.” He ended the call and turned to the others with an exhausted look.

“Someone needs help,” 

Cole slumped onto the couch and crossed his arms. “Great, just great!” 

Kai shot up, “I vote for Jay!” He pointed at the lightning ninja.

“What?! Why me?!” 

“You did the least this week!” Kai exclaimed. Zane winced, “That is not a kind way to say it, Kai,” He said, turning to look at Jay. “But I do agree.”

Jay stared at them with wide eyes, “Seriously?! But just yesterday I-”

“Just yesterday you left your mission early with no excuse,” Kai said bitterly. Jay threw his arms in the air, “I did have an excuse! I-”

Lloyd sighed. “Quiet.” He said sternly.

Jay fell eerily quiet. Cole gave him an odd look. No one else seemed to notice Jay’s sudden obedience.

“Jay is going,” Lloyd announced. Jay frowned deeply. “Will you at least watch the movie I chose?”

“Sure buddy,” Cole said and yawned. He leaned back and gave Jay a light push on the back. “Off with you,”

Lloyd nodded at Jay. “It’s a powerline that collapsed. You fit the task best.” Jay grumbled, despising how they still sent him off alone.

“I’ll send the coordinates to your mech,” Lloyd said as he flopped onto the couch. He waved his hand lazily and yawned, “Good luck.”

Jay rolled his eyes and left the room.

Kai picked up the remote as soon as Jay left. “I am not  watching another Fritz Donnegan movie.” As Kai changed the movie, Cole said softly, “Jay asked us to watch it though.”

“It’s just a movie,” Lloyd said dimly. “I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“Besides,” Zane said. “Jay is not present, what Joy will he get from us watching the movie?”

“Yeah, he probably won't mind,” Cole said as he leaned back into the soft couch.

Jay would do anything do sit in the couch right now.

He stood beside the power pole. It wasn’t just one as Lloyd had said. The power pole had in its fall brought down two others with it. Jay stared at the mess. How was he supposed to fix this?

A construction worker came up to him. He scratched his neck, “You can absorb electricty, right?” Jay turned to him. He nodded hesitantly. 

The construction worker gave him an awkward thumbs up. “Great, alright,” He said, “If you just cut the power lines that are connecting the fallen ones with the ones that are still standing and then take the destroyed poles' electricity, we’ll remove the rest.”

Jay stared at him for a second. He felt fear swim in his heart. “Yeah! No problem, I’ll- I’ll just do that, I guess.” 

He couldn’t just do that!

Jay sighed and grabbed his sword from his back. Inhale out, Inhale in.

Everything is gonna be fine, he can do this. 

He approached the poles, feeling the electricity the closer he got. Normally, this would be deadly, but Jay allowed his body to take it in. He felt a small zap in his hand he used yesterday.

Jay walked over to the first pole connected to another pole that was still upright and intact. He lifted the blade over his head and cut the wire. Electricity exploded in a zap. Jay closed his eyes. A buzzing filled his body, it was overwhelming. 

Suddenly it went away. Jay panted. Holy shit.

Jay turned. Now he just had to do that again. 

Jay walked over to the third pole. He glanced up at the pole that was still standing. He breathed inward before looking back at the wire. He lifted his blade and held his breath as he cut down.

The same feeling. Electricity moved around inside him, buzzing and zapping. He felt dizzy. Jay stumbled a little, then looked over his shoulder. The construction workers were watching, he couldn’t embarrass himself now. 

Jay walked as steadily over infront of the middle pole. He looked hesitantly at the three electricity poles. The were all ruined and on the ground, but Jay knew there was still electricity in them, he could feel it.

“You can release the electricity after.” Jay reminded himself in a hushed tone. He inhaled sharply and lifted his hands. He held them towards the poles and closed his eyes.

In, In, In.

Overwhelming buzzing. Jay felt all the electricity enter his body at once. He gasped and ground his teeth. He felt his arms begin to cramp and panic surged through his blood. He couldn’t afford to give up now. He pulled the electricity further in. 

A sharp pain in his head. Jay kept taking the electricity. He felt his body begin to curl into itself. Jay kept going. 

His heart skipped a few beats and Jay pulled away. 

All electricity was drained from the poles and was instead stored in Jay’s body.

Jay’s heart was beating fast. He felt his hands spasm. 

The thank you’s and good job’s didn't help. Jay felt his heart squeeze as he couldn’t handle the electricity. 

Jay panted and looked over the construction zone. His eyes locked onto a pile of planks. On wobbly feet he made his way over. He silently hoped no one was watching.

Jay fell into the planks. He panted heavily and let out a whine. This was too much. His legs cramped and gave up under him, making him fall and slam his chin into the planks. He groaned and clenched his teeth. 

He lifted his hands and placed them on the planks. He needed to get it out, now.

Planks couldn’t transfer lightning to something else, but Jay could transfer his lightning to the planks. 

Jay let it all go.

Jay wanted to scream. His arms shook as the electricity went out of his body and into the planks. His mind became hazy with pain. He felt his body slump. 

Out. It needed to get out.

Jay groaned and released more lightning. He kept on forcing it out until suddenly, it stopped. 

Jay panted and heaved for air. He let his head fall onto the planks.

His headache wasn’t getting better and his muscles felt weak. Jay didn’t mind the stares. He was too tired to mind. 

He just needed a little rest. 

A few minutes turned into hours. Soon, it had been 2 hours since he left the movie night.

Jay had moved from the planks and back in his mech an hour ago. He just hadn’t expected to pass out as soon as he sat down. 

When Jay woke, the headache had faded. Jay blinked and brought his eyes over to the clock. He sighed, the chance of actually joining the movie night was low. 

Jay strapped himself down and pressed down on the gas. One could only hope.

Jay walked into the living room. He felt all hope drain. Everyone was sprawled on the couch and asleep. 

“Welcome back, Jay.” Zane said from the couch. 

Jay almost screamed. “I thought you were sleeping,” Jay whispered, “Your eyes were closed,”

“I don't sleep, “ Zane said quietly, “I save energy. How did the mission go?”

Jay blinked. He shouldn’t lie. Yet he didn’t want to seem weak. 

He shrugged awkwardly. “It was fine.” 

“It took you longer than I would have expected.” Zane said.

Jay stiffened. “I got.. sidetracked.” He lied.

Zane was quiet for a little. “Alright.”

The two were quiet for a little. Jay’s eyes darted over to the TV. The movie it was displaying wasn’t Fritz Donnegan.

“Did you watch the movie?” 

“What exact movie are we speaking of?

“The one I chose… Fritz Donnegan?”

Zane shook his head. “No, we did not.” He said. “We found another movie.”

Jay fiddled with his hands. “Alright.”

Silence.

“I’m going to bed.”

 Zane nodded. “Okay, goodnight, Jay.”

Jay hummed weakly.

Chapter Text

The ninja were in the city. For once they were not going to fight crime, but instead going to a party. 

In the busiest and fanciest part of Ninjago City, some of the most famous people in all of Ninjago had invited other celebrities to one huge party. The ninja didn’t consider themselves as celebrity (except for Kai) yet the invitation had still landed in their mailbox.

It was a late evening. Jay parked his mech in the specially reserved parking spot. Outside the giant building the party was being held in was a ginormous parking lot. Each parking lot had its own sign with its own name and photo on it. The amount of parking spaces indicated just how many people were gonna be at the party.

The rest of the ninja parked in the parking spaces around Jay’s. Zane was the first to step out of his mech. Jay followed suit, exiting and locking his mech.

Lloyd sighed as he got out. He had a dark green suit on. They were all dressed nicely for the event, wearing their representing colors in suit form. 

“Remember,” Lloyd said as the Ninja gathered around him, all having parked their mechs. “We aren’t just here to party. With so many important people in one place, there’s a good chance something will go wrong.”

Jay fiddled with his hands. Yes, there were gonna be so many people. He shuddered. Jay had never been one who was too fond of large social interactions.

Kai sighed and leaned against Lloyd. “You need to relax, Lloyd,” Kai said casually. “We’re at a party, we gotta enjoy ourselves!”

Lloyd gave Kai a look. “No alcoholic drinks either,” Lloyd said sternly. Kai’s face morphed into disappointment. He leaned away from Lloyd and crossed his arms in an angered manner, “Party pooper,” He pouted.

Zane nodded, “Lloyd is right,” He said, looking at the other ninja. “Being in a drunk state will not be helpful if there happens to occur an emergency.”

Cole shrugged and adjusted his tie, “I wasn’t planning on drinking either way.” He said highly.

Jay scoffed and raised his eyebrows, “Cause’ what? Your body is a temple?” He mocked. Cole sent him an annoyed glare.

“Could we please refrain from bickering? The party starts in 13 minutes.” Zane said softly. Lloyd nodded and motioned with his hands for the Ninja to follow.

As they approached the large building they could begin to hear faint music from inside. Jay’s gut churned as they got closer. He was beyond nervous. 

Cole had promised beforehand that Jay could stick with him during the evening if Jay felt like it, so Jay was going to hold Cole to that promise.

The only entrance to the party was through a metal detector and security guards. It wasn’t heavily guarded, but it was guarded enough to be deemed sort of safe. 

“See?” Kai said, “This’ll sort out all the bad guys for us.”

The ninja got in line. They had all left their weapons in the car. As they passed through the metal detectors and the guards gave them a nod of assurance, Jay felt the anxiety grow. 

They fully entered the party. The only lights were from the flashing rainbow colors lights going across the ballroom. It was large enough to store over 500 people according to Zane. Zane had also said that there were in fact around 500 people in here.

The music thumped and people were chattering off. It was impossible to see past the large clumps of people. Some sat at tables while others stood. 

Kai’s eyes gleamed. “Oh, how exciting!” He exclaimed before vanishing into the crowd. Zane turned to the remaining Ninja, “I will go with him.” He said, beginning to hurry after the fire ninja. “For safety measures…” Jay heard Zane mumble before he too vanished in the crowd. 

As the other three stood and gawked at the scenery, a group of people in their early 20’s approached Lloyd eagerly. They gasped and quickly surrounded the green ninja. 

“Lloyd! Wow, I’m such a big fan!” One exclaimed. The others nodded along, beginning to talk over one another. Cole and Jay stared as Lloyd was practically swallowed by the crowd forming around him.

Cole shrugged and patted Jay on the shoulder. “Guess it’s just us, buddy.” He said as he turned. Jay gulped and followed suit, “I guess so.”

The two ninja made their way through the crowd. People were all dressed in nice dresses or suits. Almost everyone had a fancy drink in hand. Some gave Cole and Jay a nod or a wave as a greeting, others didn’t pay mind to them.

Jay tagged along behind Cole as they walked around the ballroom. All kinds of decorations were hung on the walls. Tables were scattered all around yet most of them were filled. A stray balloon flew over Jay’s head. He raised an eyebrow and reached up to grab onto the string.

Jay pulled down the balloon by the string. Cole glanced over his shoulder. He chuckled softly, “Found a balloon?” He asked innocently.

Jay grinned and walked up beside him. “Yup!”

Cole laughed and gave Jay a playful shove. Jay let out an airy laugh. 

Jay felt the atmosphere switch as Cole got a glimpse of a duo standing a little away from them. Cole’s eyes beamed with excitement and without warning he set into a run. Jay didn’t move and watched Cole from afar with confusion.

Cole sprinted over. He opened his arms and slung them around one of the two people standing there. They had their back turned to Cole, so when he wrapped his arms around them, they gasped. Cole laughed and Jay saw the person's shoulders go slump.

“Cole?” Jay heard the person ask. Cole laughed and let go of them. They immediately turned to face him. Their face morphed into a smile.

Cole threw out his arms. “Elio!” He greeted. Elio smiled brighter and wrapped Cole in a hug. The second person approached and joined the hug as well. “Gus!” Cole exclaimed as the other person hugged him as well.

Jay fiddled with the balloon string as he watched Cole. These were obviously people he knew well, he didn’t want to interrupt. 

Cole pulled away from the group hug. He ran a hand through his hair, “I never expected to meet you guys here!” He exclaimed happily. Gus laughed and grinned cheekily, “We’ve finally gotten on your league, huh?”

Cole flushed and groaned, “You know it’s not like that,” 

Elio set his hands on his hips. “Famous people party and me and Gus are here? I would say we’ve finally gotten that recognition we wanted,”

Cole smiled. “Well? I’m guessing you got the jobs?”

As the three broke into chatter Jay held the balloon tighter. He tried not to feel forgotten as he slowly walked over to the group.

Gus looked at him as he approached. Cole noticed Gus’s gaze shift to behind him and looked over his shoulder. His face morphed into regret before quickly switching back to a smile. As Jay got up to Cole’s side and stopped, Cole grabbed Jay’s shoulder with one hand. “Gus, Elio, meet Jay,” 

Elio smiled. “I’ve seen the man all over the news, it’s not like I don’t know him.”

Cole removed his hand from Jay’s shoulder and scratched his own neck, “Right,”

Jay tried to ignore how Cole hadn’t introduced the two strangers to Jay. Jay was still holding onto the balloon as the three began talking again. 

Time passed like a snail. Soon, about 30 minutes had gone by with just them talking. Jay hadn’t said a word. It felt like this wasn’t his conversation. From what he had gathered, Elio and Gus were Cole’s past friends. Gus and Elio had then studied to become judges, now both known in Ninjago as some of the best judges.

Jay swayed back and forward in boredom as he stood. His tongue felt dry and he longed for a drink. He glanced over the crowd searching for a place to get a drink. 

“Are you thirsty?” Gus asked. Jay looked back at him. He bit his cheek, “Uh, yeah.”

Gus pointed behind him. “If you go past me there should be a place where you can get something to drink,” 

Jay nodded. He looked up at Cole, hoping he would get the message that Jay wanted him to come with him. Cole met his eyes and shook his head in silent disagreement. Jay felt his stomach churn with anxiety.

Jay sighed quietly. He looked at the crowd behind Gus and silently handed his balloon to Cole.

Jay walked past Gus. He heard the three go back to talking as he walked further away.

Jay eventually struggled through enough crowd of people to reach the drink bar. It was pretty crowded, like he had expected. That was one of the reasons he wanted Cole to come with him. 

Jay fought his way over to the bar. He stood in front of the bar counter and patiently waited for a bartender to ask him what he wanted. 

There were many people he recognized from magazines or from TV shows. They were all laughing and chugging whatever drink they had in hand. Some were stumbling into each other.

Jay frowned in disgust. He had never been one to enjoy alcoholic drinks. At least it was a relief that Kai wasn’t amongst the other drunken.

Jay waited. He was beginning to get slightly impatient, but seeing how the bartender hurried around the bar back made him sigh with sympathy. 

Someone walked beside him. They stood close to Jay, their bodies almost touching. Jay gave them an odd look before turning away. They didn’t mean any harm, Jay reassured himself. 

“You’re Jay, yeah?” The man said. Jay couldn’t resist turning his head to look at him. The man was looking at Jay as well. Jay hummed quietly, “Mhm,”

The man put on a strained smile. “Thanks for saving the city all the time,” He said. The man tilted his head, “Why don’t I buy you a drink?”

Jay shook his head and laughed lightly. “I’ll be fine, there’s no need,” He said. Jay had heard enough about creeps at bars never to accept a drink from a stranger.

The man frowned but quickly replaced it with a smirk. “Oh, come on,” He said. “It’s just a drink,”

“Yeah, and that’s why I can buy it myself,” Jay said angrily. The man furrowed his brows in annoyance. Jay realized his tone and quickly put on an awkward smile, “Sorry, that came out wrong,”

The man huffed and turned to face the bartender who had come to take their request. Jay felt himself pale, “I- uh, I’m not allowed alcoholic drinks,” He excused himself quickly. The man gave him a look. Jay blinked, “It’s, Uhm, protocol,”

The man waved his hand, “I’ll buy you a water,”

The man gave his request and as the bartender left to prepare it Jay was internally panicking. He scolded himself for even engaging with the man, why couldn’t he just say no? Was Jay really that desperate not to come off as rude?

As the bartender returned with the glass of water, the man paid with some cash he pulled out of his pocket. The man handed it over and the bartender accepted it before disappearing to take the next order.

“Lightning, yeah?” The man said. Jay wasn’t paying attention. He saw the pill the man had taken up from his pocket as he grabbed the cash. 

No way this is happening.

The man kept talking and Jay kept his gaze only on the man. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw it. He saw how the man sneakily dropped the pill into the water. He saw how it quickly dissolved and how it looked like any other glass of water. 

Jay’s heart was thumping like a rabbit's. Is this man really trying to spike his drink? Even after he knew who Jay was?

“I’m guessing that’s pretty hard though,” The man said, breaking Jay out of his thoughts. Jay stared at him. He tried to keep his voice calm as he answered, “Yeah,”

The man shoved the glass closer to Jay. Jay stared down at it. 

“I’m gonna go now,” The man announced and began walking past Jay. He patted Jay on the shoulder as he walked past. “Have a good night, Jay,”

The man left and Jay stood dumbfounded. He grabbed the drink and felt his fingers lock tightly around it. Jay walked over to the first trashcan he saw and poured all the spiked water out. He placed the glass cup on the bar counter.

Jay felt his heart beat out of his chest. Adrenaline was pumping. 

What the fuck just happened?

He should’ve stopped the guy before he had left, but Jay had been too shocked to even think of that. 

What would have happened if he hadn’t seen the guy put the pill in? Would he have passed out, or worse, died?

Jay shuddered. He looked around him, but the man was nowhere to be seen. Jay gulped and began speed walking back. He pushed through the crowds of people, begging that he could find his way back to Cole.

Jay spotted the familiar hair of Cole. He pushed through the last crowd and spotted the three. Jay must have walked a different way back in his hurry because Cole was facing away from him. 

Jay hurried over. He grabbed onto his brother’s sleeve and tugged like a little kid. “Cole!” He exclaimed, “Somebody was-”

“Just wait a sec,” Cole said and reached down to pull Jay’s hand off his arm. Jay gaped in disbelief. He grabbed onto Cole’s shirt again and tugged harder, “Cole, I’m serious! Somebody-” 

Cole growled in annoyance and gave Jay a light shove, letting go of the balloon in the process. Elio was busy telling a story and Gus was too invested to notice Jay and Cole arguing. 

Jay hissed in anger and shoved back, “Will you listen to me!?”

Cole’s face morphed into anger. He snarled and looked at Jay. “No! I’m in the middle of something, you can’t just interrupt.” 

Jay stared in bewilderment. Cole continued, “Just shut up and wait until we’re done.” He said bitterly before turning back to Gus and Elio. 

Jay blinked a few times before letting his arms droop to his sides in defeat.

2 hours passed and Cole hadn’t asked what Jay wanted to tell him. 

They left and Cole hadn’t asked what Jay wanted to tell him.

Jay was lying in his bed. Everyone was sleeping and he should be too, but Cole still hadn’t yet asked what Jay wanted to tell him. Jay sighed and closed his eyes.

Chapter Text

Great. Just great.

The ninja were chasing a thug. They had been called out to catch him and seeing as the others didn’t have anything else to do, everyone came. But now, it was a good thing that everyone had come. Because as soon as they had him corner in an alleyway, three others showed up.

They were on motorcycles. Their vehicles were dressed up with skull markings and whatnot. They had revved their engines and drove directly into the alleyway. The ninja had jumped to the side in order not to get hit and in the time they were on the ground, the three thugs at picked up their friend and had driven off.

Luckily, they didn’t get far. 

Jay pressed down on the gas. The other ninjas were driving either behind or in front. Their mechs took up the whole street. 

The ninja had gone to chase after the thugs as soon as they got into their mechs. They were not escaping again.

The motorcycles suddenly turned. The ninja followed after, their wheels screeching. They had turned into an open parking lot. It was old, there wasn’t anyone else. As the ninja pulled into the parking lot, they spotted the thugs.

They were hurrying off their bikes. The parking lot was connected to a string of alleyways. Jay groaned in annoyance.

Lloyd scratched through the earpiece, “They’re splitting up!” 

True to his words, the thugs were splitting up. They were running into their separate alleyways, abounding their bikes in the parking lot. Jay stopped his mech. He pulled up his ninja hood before jumping out. 

Jay could hear the other ninja jumping out too. He began running towards the alleyway the original thug had gone into. “I’m taking this one!” He said into the earpiece. He felt his heart begin to beat faster as he ran.

“Return to the parking lot when you’ve got him!” Lloyd said through the earpiece. 

Jay reached the alleyway and ran in. The walls were tall and ugly. They were either worn down or splattered with graffiti. Jay almost tripped over a loose rock as he ran.

Long in front of him was the thug. He was a large man, no offense. Jay could see how he struggled to keep going. 

“Stop now or get electrocited!” Jay yelled through the alleyway. The thug looked behind him, seemingly not knowing Jay was behind him. He scoffed and picked up his pace. Jay snorted in disbelief, “Are you serious?” He said to himself.

Slowly, Jay was gaining on the thug. The end of the alleyway was nearing and Jay was closing the distance between the thug and him quicker and quicker. As the alleyway stopped, the thug made a last attempt.

The thug bent his knees and sprang. His hands grabbed onto the bricks that were hanging out from the wall. The thug began climbing. Jay stopped abruptly at the bottom of the wall.

Before the thug could crawl any higher, Jay fired a sharp bolt of lightning at him. The thug yelped as the lightning hit his leg. He lost grip as his leg cramped with pain and fell down. The thug bit his lip and kept in a groan as he hit the ground.

Jay snickered loudly, “Not so fast now,” He mocked. The thug’s leg was spasming, but despite the shock from the pain, he fired back. “Have ya’ got no manners?” 

Jay walked toward the thug, grabbing the rope that was strapped to his belt and taking it off. He held it in his hand, giving the thug a shove with his foot. “That’s rich coming from someone who stole from an elderly woman.” Jay sneered.

The thug tried to stand by pushing his arms against the ground. Jay let a small spark hit the thug. The thug grunted and fell down again. Jay wrapped the rope tightly around the thug’s wrists, making sure to tighten the knot for good measure.

“Where’s ya’ leader, ninja?” The thug said as Jay tried to heave him up on his legs. “Did he really trust a squit like ya’ to drag me all the way back?”

The thug refused to stand. Jay grumbled at his remark but didn’t reply. He eyed the thug, waiting for him to stand. The thug narrowed his eyes back, “Guess he’s leaving the dirty work to the mutt, huh?”

Jay snarled in offense. The thug only chuckled, his laugh hoarse from what Jay guessed was years of smoking. Jay grabbed the thug under the arms and began walking backward, dragging the thug with him and over the ground. The thug didn’t say anything, but Jay could feel his chest vibrate with a quiet laugh. Jay felt his ears turn red. This looked stupid, didn’t it?

Jay dragged him along the alleyway for what felt like ages. The man squirming the whole way didn’t help either.

“Jay?” Cole asked, “What’s taking you so long?”

Jay groaned and pulled harder. They were almost at the start of the alleyway. “Relax-” Jay panted, “I’m just- I’m just dragging him back,” He said, voice strained from pulling at the man.

Jay turned the corner to where they had parked their vehicles. Jay could hear the other Ninja voices and looked over his shoulder, stopping his dragging. The 3 other thugs were lying in a pile not long away from the Ninja. Jay felt the thug in his arms squirm and send a weak bolt of lightning through his fingers to make him stop.

The thug growled lowly, Jay ignored him and dragged him the rest of the way. He forcefully shoved the thug into the other thugs, grinning cheekily at the glare they sent his way. 

Jay turned on his heels, comically dusting off his hands as he approached the other Ninja.

Cole gave him a nod of acknowledgment and Kai rolled his eyes. Jay said, “All we gotta do is take them back to bounty and missions over for the day,”

Lloyd interrupted him with a simple shake of his head. “No,”

Jay blinked. “What do you mean, no?” He asked bewildered. Kai pinched his nose, “No means that we aren’t doing your idea, Jay,” 

Jay shook his head and threw out his hands, “I know that!” He steamed. 

Zane took a step forward. “Lloyd planned to leave the thugs with the police.” He explained, his voice the normal cold it always was. Jay argued, “What happened to interrogation? Wasn’t that the original plan?”

“They’re still gonna getting interrogated, Jay,” Cole said, slight desperation in his tone, “Just by the police.” 

“They couldn’t even catch them! How do you expect them to interrogate-”

“Jay,” Lloyd said sternly. “This isn’t a discussion, the police are already on their way.”

Jay opened his mouth to argue but Kai’s voice interrupted him. “Not like we would have time to interrogate them anyway,” He said, clearly siding with LLoyd. Jay closed his gaping mouth.

Zane piped up. “I, too, agree with Lloyd.” He said, “It’s the more rational decision.” Jay didn’t get the memo and argued again, “But-!”

A loud scratchy laugh came from the thugs.

The ninja all turned to the pile of thugs, staring at them. The thug Jay had fought was taking his time, laughing loudly and obnoxiously.

“What are you laughing at?” Cole said, his tone strong and curt.

The thug coughed, stopping his laughing. “What I’m laughin’ at?” He wheezed, “I’m laughin’ at you guys!”

“What’s there to laugh at?” Kai said angrily, taking a step forward. 

The thug sneered, “At the green ninja’s leader instinct, that’s what there is to laugh at.” He jerked his head at Lloyd, “Kids got no control over his sidekick!”

Jay yelled, “We’re not sidekicks! We’re-!”

The thug laughed loudly at Jay’s outburst, cutting him off. “See what I mean?” He slurred, “So spiteful, and you” He looked to Lloyd, “do nothin’ to make him shut up! You’re lettin’ him walk all over you!”

Jay stumbled over his words, struggling to form a coherent sentence. The words the thug said felt like a slap to the face. The rest of the Ninja were uncomfortably quiet, none of them having any idea of how to respond. Perhaps they thought the thug was right.

“You’re just mad you got caught!” Jay snapped, feeling thunder crackle inside him.

“So angry,” The thug huffed, “Nothing but a rabid mutt, you gotta learn to muzzle him, Green ninja.” He spat on the ground.

Jay felt himself deflate. All the anger was replaced by shame, and his ears burned with embarrassment. 

Sirens could be heard and around the corner, a flock of police cars came to a halt. Nobody said anything as they watched the Police drag the thugs to their cars. Jay could hear the police chief thanking Lloyd.

Cole punched him softly in the shoulder. “Come on, motormouth.” He said, his voice lined with concern.

Jay followed behind the others like a dog on a leash.

Chapter Text

Maybe Cole was overreacting. 

Maybe, after all, nothing was wrong with Jay. Perhaps nothing was bothering him at all. But the more Cole thought back to the times he had either hurt or had watched Jay get hurt by the team, not just physically, but mentally, it became harder to ignore how Jay was beginning to withdraw from them.

The whole team was gathered around the table as Zane cleaned Lloyd’s wound. Cole was watching as Zane began wrapping it up with gauze.

“What if there got a bacteria in the wound?” Jay asked, not able to be quiet anymore.

“The alcohol wipe cleans the wound,” Cole commented half-heartedly, his gaze still on Lloyd’s wound.

“Yeah, I know, but what if it got into the flesh?” Jay seemingly got scared of his own words, paling. “What if he needs to get his foot amputated?! Oh first master how would that even work- wouldn’t there be so much blood-”

Kai sneered and turned towards him, “Jay.” He gave Jay a sharp glare, “You’re overreacting, seriously.”

Jay snapped his head to Kai, his eyes wide. “No, I’m not! Do you realize that Lloyd getting his leg amputated would ruin his chance of being a ninja and then we wouldn't stand a chance against anyone and we would crumble as a team just like back when Zane-”

“Jay!” Cole interrupted, voice booming. He knew what Jay was about to say, he noticed how Zane tensed up. Cole gave Jay a light shove, making Jay turn towards him. “Enough, alright? Just go away,” Cole said, words burning. “You clearly can’t handle a simple injury.”

Jay gaped but Kai cut him off before he could speak.

“Go.” Kai seethed, pushing him towards the door. Jay stumbled as he got pushed. He looked over his shoulder, seemingly wanting to argue, but the mean looks from both Cole and Kai made him retreat down the hall without another word.

Kai sighed and turned towards Lloyd, “He just doesn’t know when to shut up, does he?” He joked the angry wrinkles disappearing. Cole only sighed in annoyance and looked at the wound again.

Cole stared at the wall. He was lying in his bed in the shared bedroom as the others slept. Instead of sleeping, he was currently going through every memory where Jay got hurt because of something he had been told. Cole had felt horrible after seeing Jay’s eyes as he looked over his shoulder, but Lloyd was hurt and he was the main concern at that time.

Cole had forgotten all about Jay. He was pretty sure everyone had, too focused on fussing over Lloyd.

Lloyd and Jay had returned from patrol at around 4 am. Cole was still awake. He was sitting on the couch and watching TV as the two walked into the living room.

Lloyd only said a small ‘hello’ before disappearing down the hall. Cole didn’t pay much mind to him. He was probably tired. His eyes glided over the TV and onto Jay who was standing in the doorway. 

Jay looked angered and regretful at the same time. Cole lifted an eyebrow, “What’s wrong?” He asked softly, not wanting to wake the others. Jay’s face twisted but he kept quiet. Cole watched as Jay walked over to the couch and sat down beside him.

Jay sighed, “It’s just-” He groaned and rubbed his eyes, cutting himself off. Cole quietly reminded him to keep his voice down. Jay let out a quiet apology. 

Cole and Jay sat on the couch for a good minute. Cole was too tired to press Jay to tell him what was wrong. He yawned and got up from the couch. He blinked away the sleep and began walking toward the hall, “I’m going to bed,” He said.

Before Cole could leave, Jay interrupted him. “Lloyd- he, uh, got mad at me,” Jay said. Cole stopped in the doorway and turned to face Jay. Jay had moved to rest his arms on the backrest of the couch.

Cole’s migraine was killing him. He just wanted to go to bed. “What’d you do?”

Jay was slightly taken aback by the fact that Cole had accused him of doing something wrong, but he quickly wiped the surprised look off his face. “I wasn’t taking it seriously, but-”

Cole waved his hand dismissively. “That solves that then,” He said sluggishly. “Just take it seriously next time,” He said. Jay fell quiet but Cole didn’t pay any mind to it, too exhausted to do anything but walk down the hall and collapse into his bed.

Cole would agree with anyone saying he handled it badly. Jay was upset and he just discarded his feelings to go to sleep. Cole sighed. He had never apologized for it. He always seemed to forget, or it felt too awkward to just come up and say sorry. 

It shouldn’t be like that, should it?

Someone had called the phone. Lloyd nodded along to the words of the person on the other end. “Of course, we’ll send someone right away.” He ended the call and turned to the others with an exhausted look.

“Someone needs help,” 

It was supposed to be a calm movie night after a long week, but it was never that easy, was it?

Cole slumped onto the couch and crossed his arms. “Great, just great!” 

Kai shot up, “I vote for Jay!” He pointed at the lightning ninja.

“What?! Why me?!” 

“You did the least this week!” Kai exclaimed. Zane winced, “That is not a kind way to say it, Kai,” He said, turning to look at Jay. “But I do agree.”

Jay stared at them with wide eyes, “Seriously?! But just yesterday I-”

“Just yesterday you left your mission early with no excuse,” Kai said bitterly. Cole leaned further into the couch, making himself comfortable as the two argued.

Jay threw his arms in the air, “I did have an excuse! I-”

Lloyd sighed. “Quiet.” He said sternly.

Jay fell eerily quiet. Cole gave him an odd look. No one else seemed to notice Jay’s sudden obedience.

“Jay is going,” Lloyd announced. Jay frowned deeply. “Will you at least watch the movie I chose?”

“Sure buddy,” Cole reassured him and yawned. He leaned back further and gave Jay a light push on the back. “Off with you,” He said.

Of course, they hadn’t watched the move Jay had picked. That’s just how selfish they were. Cole sighed like he had with every other memory he went through. 

He sighed because he knew fairly well that they had messed up time and time again. Sending Jay off alone on a mission was one thing, but Cole almost threw himself against the wall with anger as he thought back to the party.

Cole had missed Elio and Gus so much. It was an amazing feeling to get to speak with his friends again. They had so many stories to tell. Elio was in the middle of one of his stories when Cole felt someone tug on his sleeve. 

“Cole!” Jay exclaimed, pulling harder “Somebody was-”

“Just wait a sec,” Cole said and reached down to pull Jay’s hand off his arm. Cole tried to return to Elio’s story but Jay grabbed onto Cole’s shirt again and tugged harder, “Cole, I’m serious! Somebody-” 

Cole growled in annoyance and gave Jay a light shove, letting go of the balloon he was holding in the process. Gus was too invested in the story to notice Jay and Cole.

Just as Cole tried to listen to the story again, Jay hissed in anger and shoved back, “Will you listen to me!?”

Cole’s face morphed into anger. He snarled and looked at Jay. “No! I’m in the middle of something, you can’t just interrupt.” 

Jay stared in bewilderment. Cole continued, “Just shut up and wait until we’re done.” He said bitterly before turning back to Gus and Elio. Jay would have to wait, there were things more important than him.

Cole had been too self-obsessed to realize the fear and panic in Jay’s eyes. He was so stupid to put his old friends above his best friend. Was he even Jay’s best friend anymore? Friends shouldn’t act like this.

Friends shouldn’t excuse each other’s emotions. Friends shouldn’t let other people walk all over their friends. Cole ground his teeth as he thought back to the event that happened a mere few days ago.

“They couldn’t even catch them! How do you expect them to interrogate-”

“Jay,” Lloyd said sternly. “This isn’t a discussion, the police are already on their way.”

Jay opened his mouth to argue but Kai’s voice interrupted him. “Not like we would have time to interrogate them anyway,” He said, clearly siding with Lloyd. Jay closed his gaping mouth.

Zane piped up. “I, too, agree with Lloyd.” He said, “It’s the more rational decision.” Jay didn’t get the memo and argued again, “But-!”

A loud scratchy laugh came from the thugs.

The ninja all turned to the pile of thugs, staring at them. The thug Jay had fought was taking his time, laughing loudly and obnoxiously.

“What are you laughing at?” Cole said, his tone strong and curt.

The thug coughed, stopping his laughing. “What I’m laughin’ at?” He wheezed, “I’m laughin’ at you guys!”

“What’s there to laugh at?” Kai said angrily, taking a step forward. Cole was worried he was about to light the guy on fire.

The thug sneered, “At the green ninja’s leader instinct, that’s what there is to laugh at.” He jerked his head at Lloyd, “Kids got no control over his sidekick!”

Jay yelled, “We’re not sidekicks! We’re-!”

The thug laughed loudly at Jay’s outburst, cutting him off. “See what I mean?” He slurred, “So spiteful, and you” He looked to Lloyd, “do nothin’ to make him shut up! You’re lettin’ him walk all over you!”

Jay stumbled over his words, struggling to form a coherent sentence. Cole fell silent and so did the other ninja as Jay tried to spit back. The pure hatred in the thug’s words was making them turn quiet.

“You’re just mad you got caught!” Jay snapped after finally finding his words.

“So angry,” The thug huffed, “Nothing but a rabid mutt, you gotta learn to muzzle him, Green ninja.” He spat on the ground.

Cole hated how they hadn’t given that thug a real lesson on what happens when you insult a brother. Cole hated how the only comfort he had given Jay was a pat on the shoulder.

They weren’t being good friends, they weren’t being good teammates. Brothers.

Cole bit his cheek and stared at Jay. He was lying in the bed beside his own. His chest was rising and falling slowly. Cole gripped his blanket tighter. Tomorrow, they were gonna fix this mess.

The next morning had been no different than any other morning this past month. They had woken up at their usual times. Zane was awake at 6 am, then Lloyd, Jay, Kai, and lastly, Cole. 

Zane was preparing breakfast with Lloyd. Kai was in the bathroom fixing his hair while Cole and Jay sat by the table.

Cole watched Jay with weary eyes. Jay was scrolling on his phone, his hair was messy. Jay always fixed his hair after Kai. Cole was sitting beside him. They always sat in the same chairs every single morning.

The mornings had begun getting quieter. A month ago, the kitchen would be bustling with sounds. Jay would be chattering away about something while Cole would comment. Zane would usually be making breakfast, but Lloyd had begun helping him.

Kai would be in the bathroom and would be back around the time breakfast was ready. Today, everything was quiet, like it had been the past month. Jay wasn’t talking. Cole felt how his best friend was pulling further away from them.

Kai was early back, his hair spiked like every other day. As he walked into the kitchen, Jay looked up from his phone. Kai greeted them with a good morning before sitting down across from Jay. 

Jay got up from the seat, phone still in hand. “I’m gonna use the restroom,” He said half-heartedly before walking out of the kitchen. Cole watched Jay with his eyes. As soon as the ninja left the room, Cole looked back at Kai.

“We need to talk,” Cole said sternly. Kai shifted uncomfortably in his seat, he glanced awkwardly at his hands. “About Jay, I’m guessing,” Lloyd said from the kitchen counter. He had turned so he was facing Cole and Kai.

Cole turned his head to Lloyd. “So you noticed it too?” He asked. His soft tone quickly turned sour, “Why haven’t you apologized then?” Cole said. Lloyd gave him a look.

“Jay came and told me about what happened during that mission-” Cole said, letting his anger direct to Lloyd instead of himself for not comforting Jay better that night. “Why haven’t you apologized?” He snapped.

Lloyd crossed his arms in an offended manner. “I was tired,” He excused himself. “And it felt… awkward to apologize the next day.” He said, his voice wavering a little when he realized how bad it sounded. 

Kai scratched his neck. “Do you remember the second time Lloyd was helping Zane?” He said.

The group turned to look at him. They hummed in agreement. Kai rested his chin on his hands and grumbled, “Just thought I would bring that up,” He said bitterly and sent Cole a pair of judgy eyes.

Cole snorted and furrowed his brows. “Wow,” He said angrily, “You act like you didn’t say anything to him as well.” 

Kai rolled his eyes at that. Cole grunted, “And, remember what happened on our most recent mission?” He sneered. Kai watched him with narrow eyes, ready to snap back. Cole said, “You didn’t even try to comfort him! You just-!”

Kai cut him off with a hiss, “ Seriously ? Not like you did anything!”

Cole bared his teeth, “At least I tried !”

Zane cut them both off before things could get too heated. “We are all at fault.” He said coldly. Kai and Cole sent each other a glare.

Lloyd sighed and let his arms fall to his side. “Zane’s right, we’re not acting responsibly.” 

Zane began lifting the pot off the stove. He poured the boiling water out and filled the hot pot with cold water. Cole sighed and removed his eyes from Zane. “We should apologize.” He said, all previous anger replaced by regret.

Kai didn’t say anything, but Cole saw how he looked away in shame. Lloyd nodded sternly and turned to help Zane with the breakfast. 

Cole sighed and turned back to face the table. He rubbed his eyes. This was stupid. It was stupid how despite the amount of times they had caused Jay to get hurt, they only thought of apologizing now. 

The only reason they hadn’t apologized was because they forgot or didn’t feel like it. Forgetting how you hurt someone isn’t okay. There are bigger problems than being a ninja. They should stick together, help each other, and not let someone sit alone with their hurt for a month.

Now, they had to fix it. Jay was hurting, he was withdrawing himself from them because of things they had done to cause him harm. Cole promised himself to never do anything like it again. He wasn’t going to let awkwardness hold him back from helping his brothers.

Jay returned from the restroom not long after. His hair was fixed. He walked past Lloyd and Zane and sat down by the table beside Cole. Cole noticed how Jay’s eyes landed on him. Cole turned his head slightly and met Jay’s eyes. He flashed him a small smile, but Jay only turned away.

Zane broke the silence. “Breakfast is ready.” He said, coming over with a bowl of eggs and a basket with slices of bread. Lloyd came after butter, plates, forks, and egg cups. Everything was evenly distributed across the table before Lloyd and Zane sat down.

As the others began taking plates, Cole noticed how Kai grabbed an extra plate. Jay looked at him with slight confusion when Kai handed him the extra plate with a weak smile. Jay accepted it anyway, placing it in front of him.

Cole grabbed a piece of toast for himself and an egg. He placed the toast on the plate before grabbing the butter. As he spread the butter out on the bread, he still watched Jay out of the corner of his eye.

No one had said anything as they ate. Cole tried to make eye contact with someone so they could begin the long-awaited talk with Jay, but they all avoided his eyes. 

Cole decided he wouldn’t let awkwardness control whether or not Jay was going to feel better and began. 

“Jay,” Cole said. His voice rang in the room. Jay turned his head, “Yeah?” He said. 

Cole couldn’t contain it anymore. “I’m so sorry,” He said, straightforwardly. Jay blinked in surprise. The rest of the group looked at him as well. “What are you apologizing for?” Jay asked softly.

Cole stared at him. “For everything,” Cole said. “For not listening to you, for telling you to be quiet, for not protecting you.” He listed, counting on your fingers. He looked up at Jay again, “Just- I’m so sorry for everything I’ve done to hurt you.”

Jay couldn’t get a word out before Lloyd spoke. “I’m sorry too.” He said looking at Jay. Jay met his eyes. “I’m sorry for… for getting so angry back then. I was acting irrationally.”

Zane spoke up when Lloyd finished. “I, too, have to apologize for my behavior.” He said. “I saw how you had been hurting, yet I did nothing to help you.”

It went quiet for a little, then Kai exploded. He held both his hands together tightly as he talked, “I'm so so sorry!” Kai exclaimed. Jay stared at him with wide eyes. “I wasn’t acting like a teammate- no, like a brother should! I was too caught up in my thoughts to even realize that you had feelings too.” Kai said.

It was quiet for a few seconds. Jay was letting his brain comprehend all the apologies said at once. His eyes flickered from one person to another before Cole noticed how Jay was beginning to tear up. 

Before anyone could react, Jay broke. Tears formed in his eyes and began sliding down as he cried.

They all stared dumbfoundedly as Jay struggled to hide his face in his hands, embarrassed from breaking down in front of his friends. Cole came to his senses and got up from his seat. He turned Jay’s seat around to face him. Jay looked at him through tears.

Cole didn’t hesitate to wrap his brother in a tight hug, pulling him up from the chair in the process. He held his arms tighter as Jay cried harder into his shoulder. 

Another pair of arms surrounded them. Then another, and another. 

As they all hugged it out, Jay tried to talk through his tears. “I- I-m sorry-” He hiccuped, “I don’t- don’t know why I’m c- crying-” He said, his voice wet and shaking. 

“Dude,” Kai said, despite his face being mushed against Jay’s head. “You’re crying because you’re upset, that’s normal,” He said, hoping to comfort.

Zane hummed in agreement. “Crying is a normal trait in humans when they get hurt, upset or happy.” He said.

Lloyd chuckled and hugged tighter. He was beginning to tear up himself. “Yeah, thanks, Zane.” He said softly, his voice laced with sarcasm.

There they stood. Eventually, the hug ended and they went back to continue their day. Everything ends at some point, so they were gonna enjoy the time together as much as they could. They promised themselves to never let anything get between them again. 

And so, the mutt was unmuzzled. 

The bird’s feathers grew back.

The cat found a way to function without its claws.

The person was encouraged to talk again. And they did. They talked until their voice became hoarse. Their friends didn’t care that they kept talking, as long as they were happy, talking was the least of their concerns.