Sorry folks for the *insert number* hour late chapter! I started my first day of high school on Tuesday, so obviously this story went down to my bottom priorities. Anyways, enjoy the chapter!
"And so…"
Jay's head lolled to the side, his eyes shifting to a close. He couldn't stay awake any longer. The two of them arrived back at the dorm around nine o'clock. And as Cole was able to head straight to sleep, Jay was left lying wide awake on his bed.
There wasn't anything particular on his mind. He just couldn't sleep.
Jerking awake, Jay rubbed his eyes and looked around the classroom hoping he hadn't missed the rest of class. Students were still in their seats, some of them drawing, reading, taking notes, listening to the instructor or something else. No one else was sleeping, and Jay felt himself heat up hoping no one saw him.
"Why are you falling asleep all of the sudden?" Cole asked.
Jay shook his head, trying to process Cole's words. He was still tired and everything around him was slow.
"Huh? Oh… I couldn't really sleep last night…"
"How are you gonna help when we're at the library then?"
"I dunno… we can do it tomorrow?" Jay managed to get out before a yawn and a head slam to the table.
Cole flinched and lifted Jay's head, hoping the sound wasn't too loud. Jay's head hung back as far as possible, making Cole cringe at how far his neck was arched back. He decided to ignore it and let Jay copy his notes back at the dorm.
Once class was over, Cole caught Jay stumbling a bit in the corridors. He struggled to stay awake, saying things to himself every time he nearly fell over, or crashed into something.
Cole wasn't entirely sure if Jay was even prepared for the rest of the day. But then he remembered during lunch, how Jay had missed his sandwich when he went to take a bite. It didn't happen only once; Jay had missed the sandwich almost five times in total.
"Is this the library?"
Cole looked up and he saw Jay palming at the fairly large glass windows. Jay pressed his face against the glass and gazed inside, chuckling softly. The black-haired male walked over and pulled Jay away from the windows, walking towards the entrance.
"You looked like a complete idiot."
"It's not my fault… I couldn't slap - I mean sleep."
"Actually, it was your fault. If you had trouble sleeping why didn't you wake me or call your parents or something?"
Jay pinched between his eyes and squinted at Cole. "Eh?"
Cole shook his head glumly. "Whatever. Come on, you promised you'd help, remember?"
"Mhmm? I guess…"
"I am this close to slapping you."
Inside the library, the two of them had taken a seat towards the back, where there were four tables set up with two to three chairs at each table. Cole had set up his supplies. A laptop, textbook, and papers and pencils. While Cole was working, Jay had slipped away once again, head down on the table.
Frustrated, Cole pressed hard against his paper. He dropped his pencil and crumpled the paper into a ball, pushing it to the side. Pulling the laptop to him, he decided to do take a quick break from work. Jay wasn't helping at all. He had a sinking feeling something like that would happen, but he didn't want to think about it.
"Hey, Cole. Right?" Cole turned his head and saw the last person he wanted to see, walking towards him.
"What are you doing here?"
"What? A guy like me can't visit the library?"
Cole stared at Ronin and raised a brow as if to say 'really'?
"Yeah, you're right. I just saw you and Jay from outside. Man, he sure is out cold. What are you doing?"
"I'm working on homework."
"And you dragged him along with you?"
"Actually, he offered to come here on Friday just for me. But I guess now he's lost somewhere in dreamland and isn't keeping his promise."
Cole leaned back against the chair and folded his arms, staring at his computer screen. Ronin's eyes darted around the library and he pulled a chair over, sitting on it backwards.
"I don't usually offer to help people unless they give me something in return…"
"Really? You're staying?"
"Sure, if it means you can get your homework done. I was a freshman once too, ya know?"
Cole laughed.
Ronin wasn't much help, but at least he was doing something. Unlike Jay whom continued to sleep.
Feeling an awkward tension between the two of them, Cole cleared his throat.
"So, how was your weekend?" Asked Cole.
Ronin shrugged as he played the mouse on the computer. "Eh, nothing new, really. Kai yelled at me a couple times, Sunday… Nya, hah, she was snapping at me like one of those snapping turtles or something." He ran a hand through his hair and chuckled. "Anyways, I think I've done enough help. Stuff like this doesn't get you money, you know?"
Cole's lips formed a thin line. "You could always tutor."
"No chance. I like doing things on my own. Plus, seems like your little friend is waking." Ronin pointed out as he pointed his thumb towards Jay.
The ginger shifted a little and sat up halfway, rubbing his eyes. He felt much better now. Fully awake and full of energy.
"Ay, Ronin? What are you doing here?"
"You've been replaced, buddy. Cole here is my new pal. Now shoo, move along, you're sleeping powers are needed someplace else." Ronin said with a smirk as he wrapped an arm around Cole.
Cole tensed and he looked from Jay to Ronin. "Uhh…"
"Well then, good luck on your homework, Cole! My service is required elsewhere!" As if he had taken that literally, Jay stood up and started towards the door.
Ronin ran to Jay and blocked his path. "Woah, you know I was joking, right?"
"Pfh yeah. I just need some fresh air, that's all."
Jay stepped outside and took a glance around the courtyard. He had been asleep for too long, and he had been asleep during class. He pulled out his phone and started texting his parents. Soon, Cole joined Jay outside, looking over his shoulder.
"I'm pretty upset about you falling asleep when you promised to help me. But, lucky for you, I'm nice enough to lend you my notes."
"Thanks… sorry I was out for most of the day," Jay let out a soft sigh.
"Was there a reason you couldn't sleep last night?"
"No, at least I don't think so. But who cares? The past is the past! Hey, quick question could I borrow your laptop?"
When Jay had said he wanted to ask a question, he wasn't expecting something like that. "Um, no… what for?"
"Kai invited me to his dorm tonight to play a multiplayer game online! Please? I promise I won't do anything bad to it."
"No. First time you asked for my help, you promised cake, but you never got me any. Second time, you made a promise to help with my homework; but you fell asleep and I got Ronin's help instead."
Cole furrowed his brows at Jay and started to walk away from him.
"Please?!"
Remaining silent, Cole headed back to the dorm.
"Some friend you are!"
"All because I didn't lend you my laptop?"
"Yeah! I don't have my own!"
"Wow. I bet fun and games is the first thing on your list. You're in college, Jay! Do you even have a part-time job?"
Jay frowned and crossed his arms as Cole kept walking.
"I came here to learn too, obviously. You need to learn to have a little fun in your life too, Dirtclod."
Cole out a hand to his face and groaned in annoyance. "I can have fun. But I'm not for the idea of lending you my laptop."
"Fine then. How bout, you come with me to Kai's dorm and we play a bit of his game? I won't touch your computer, but you're going to play for me."
"... Fine…"
Felt a little rushed, but eh. I have some news. Due to school starting and me being at a school where my work actually matters, unlike middle school and elementary, I will be updating every other Thrusday now.
Also, I know this is still pretty early, but if you check out my profile, scroll down a bit, and you'll find my plans for a Ninjago Christmas short! Please read it! I want to hear your feedback on the idea and when the fanfic comes out. I've been planning this since I think July or either June.
Anyways, that's all for now, folks. If I have anything else I need to say, I may just message you guys personally.