Author's Note: So sorry, everyone! I know this update took a lot longer than last. But it wasn't my fault! It was my stupid laptop's! Granted, I've had the thing for ten years, so it was only a matter of time before it crapped out on me. So to my utter dismay, I had to rewrite this chapter not ONCE not TWICE but THREE times! AARRRGGHH! Before it could go out on me completely, I bought a new one—an HP this time—and was able to transfer all my files and data to it. So that's one consolation. XP

But anyway, I know I said last chapter that I was going to insert my two cents in about the whole Nya-thing, but I changed my mind for a few different. One, you all seemed to respond fairly well to the conversation between Ada and Nya. More so than I thought, and I appreciate the maturity of you guys' reviews. But number two is the more deep-rooted reason. A fellow author and best friend of mine named VelvetPersona, advised me to finish writing Unexpected first. And if an explanation is truly needed after the fact, then I could state my opinion and reasoning afterwards. Subsequently, the idea grew on me, so that's what I plan to do. Again, you all are awesome and I really appreciate the time you take out of your schedules to read and review my stories! Please enjoy the chapter, and feel free to PM me with any questions you might have!


Unexpected

By: Mad Betrayal

"Our most intimate friend is not he whom we show the worst, but the best of our nature…"—Nathanial Hawthorne

Chapter 29 ~ Between Dream and Reality

It was dark…and still…

A never-ending void of black was all Jay could see…

He was sitting up, he could tell. But when he tried to move—to at least lift his hand or wiggle his fingers…he couldn't. It was…a little cold, but his back was warm. He breathed…slow and easy… Why couldn't he move, though…? Why couldn't he see…?

*beep…beep…beep…*

Jay's ears perked, catching the sound. And it continued…constant and rhythmic. It echoed all around him—familiar but also odd. What a strange-sounding bird… he thought vaguely.

Inhale…exhale… Inhale…exhale…

The endless black was a bit disconcerting… He wished he could see something. Just then, the warmth at his back seemed to shift.

"And what do you wish you could see…?"

That voice…familiar but…also odd… His mind a convoluted fog of nothing, Jay grasped onto what little sense he had and answered the voice. "Anything…" Was that his voice…? He sounded so strange… "Anything but this…darkness…"

"Then open your eyes…"

The voice was clipped and somewhat even exasperated…familiar but also…odd. Confused, Jay looked into the deep void of nothingness, but…the darkness didn't waver. "My eyes are open…"

"Open. Your eyes." The voice repeated, still harsh, still short.

*beep…beep…beep…*

Jay tried something—anything to make his scenery change. He blinked. Well at least he thought he did. But nothing changed. The darkness taunted him. He sighed. "I'm blind."

To his surprise…and chagrin, the voice chuckled, the sound deep and somewhat sardonic. "Yeah… Yeah, I think that's a good way to describe you in general… Blind…"

Not a bad joke, if only a little callous and dry. Jay thought he felt himself smile. "I'm…confused… Everything's so complicated…" What was he talking about? No…best not to really try to think about what he was saying right now. "Now…it seems like there's an earphone wire that's all tangled up in my mind. And no matter how many knots I detangle…more just come to take their place…"

"Hmph… Is the fog lifting…? Life's a bitch… And it's about time you understand that…"

And then…something clicked. That voice… That harsh, mocking, and cruel voice…. "Apollo…" Funny, he wasn't as alarmed as he thought he should be. All he could really think about was how befitting and unbefitting the deity's name was. "…Where are you…? Where are we…?"

"I'm here… And we are nowhere…"

Vague. Jay didn't like vague. But at least the warmth at his back was comfortable. Now if only he could do something about his front… "You…" A white mask… A single, deep blue eye… It stared…and stared…and stared… "You… You… You…" Jay couldn't get his thoughts together. Everything was just too damn hazy, and his mind shrouded with empty thoughts.

Apollo's voice snorted, the sound full of derision. "Sentimental fool…"

"Heh…maybe I am…" Yeah, best not to think. Relaxing, he decided to run with what he had. "Hey, while you're here…can I ask you something…?" He paused briefly, listening to the soft chirps of the incorporeal bird beside him. "Have you ever…liked…or loved someone…?"

Apollo's voice was silent, though a slight of movement happened at his back. Jay again, thought he felt himself smile. "Ah…of course you must've… You're a man too after all…human… Yeah, you're human…"

"Just what are you gettin' at?" Apollo's voice sneered. Oh, so that's where it was coming from…behind him…at his back. "Tch! Never mind. When idiots talk, it's best just to let them talk…"

Incoherent or he just didn't care—maybe a bit of both, Jay ignored the insult all the same. "Mmm…you seem qualified enough…" he breathed assertively.

"Qualification…?"

"Yeah…a qualification to love someone…"

"I sense stupidity on the horizon," Apollo's voice sighed, "but go ahead… What's the qualification's standard…?"

"Well…though pessimistic and egotistical," and a murderer, a wayward voice in his head supplied, trying to will some sense into him, but obviously failing miserably, "you're also cool and not lacking anything… Always having confidence and not having anything to be embarrassed about… And…I don't know…being mature…I guess…"

Where was Jay's mind? His rationality? Where were these thoughts coming from? Why was he giving such praise to a complete and total stranger? Someone he was supposed to consider his enemy? Because… Because… What could he possibly use to defend his bizarre mentality? Fortunately or unfortunately, he had little time to muse over it as Apollo's stern timbre struck his ears like a rumble of thunder.

"There is no qualification to love somebody, you moron… But…if you love somebody without any conditions…you're qualified to care for that person…"

Another uplifting wonderment of a smile touched Jay's soul at the answer given—the fierceness of it. "So I was right… You're speaking from experience…"

A low threatening growl was his next answer, but Jay wasn't deterred in the slightest. "Who do you love, Apollo…?" This was the first time he addressed the voice directly…or indirectly as it were. "Who do you love unconditionally…? Who have you given…your entire heart to…? And how…"

Jay couldn't finish, the cold at his front worsening to the point where it was now creeping and inching its way to his back, despite the warmth there before. He tried to move—tried to burrow in on himself in order to seek warmth, but again…his body refused to budge.

Unsympathetic, unyielding, and uncaring, Apollo's voice dropped an octave—a dangerous pitch that bordered on apathetic. "Are you another weakling…? Is that it…? Another indecisive piece of trash…? Tch…doesn't really matter…because I'll still do what I have to do in the end… But I'll tell you something… Something that not even Morpheus knows yet…"

A mere patch of warmth was all that touched him now, a small part along his lower back. Jay shivered, but focused all his concentration on the deity's voice. "The path you walk is dark—pitch black… You're blind… And if you don't get a flame goin'—even a flicker of light soon to guide you…you're going to have a really. Bad. Time… Do you hear me…Jason…?"

Jay panted harshly as the warmth at his back left him completely, his breath coming out in puffs of white. Weak but determined all the same, he tried his damndest to turn his head—to look behind him to see if… To see if…

In the void of black there was finally some color…

Blue…an orb of deep blue stared back at him…

But there was also another color…another orb that lay beside the blue…equally spaced out and equivalent in size to its kin…

Crimson…

Wha-haa…? Jay felt something inside him break. "J-Jacob…?" He choked, barely getting the two syllables out. He tried again. "…Br…Brother…?"

*~XxX~*

Cole awoke to the sound of…something. He grunted and blearily opened his eyes, adjusting to the sight of the dimly lit stark white room. The infirmary… Right…

*beep…beep…beep…*

Cole sat up more and rubbed his eyes, feeling the pull of the I.V. in his arm. So he had finally managed to doze off after Aaron and his nurse had left (he couldn't recall the woman's name). But what had… Then he heard it again—a strangled whimper imbued with apparent distress and melancholy. Cole snapped his head toward the sound, eyes wide with alarm and worry.

"Jay?" His sights fell immediately upon his fellow quarantined and best friend. Jay was still propped up against his pillows, though Cole could tell he was far from comfortable. His body was a mess of terrible shivers, and every few seconds he would emit the most heartbreaking gasps and moans Cole had ever heard.

"Shit." Ignoring his own injuries once more, Cole swung his legs over the side of his bed and got gingerly to his feet—er foot. Unclipping his heart monitor clamp from his finger and using his I.V. drip post for leverage, he hobbled quickly over to Jay's side and roved his eyes over the other brunet's form. "Jay?" He called softly.

Jay's face was pained, his teeth gritted with a shadow of exertion, but more than that—Cole touched his arm and his brow creased with mounting concern. Jay was absolutely freezing! But why? The temperature in the room was comfortable and warm. (Well, except for the draft touching his naked and exposed backside.) He shouldn't be… A sudden strangled sob escaped the tormented ninja then, his face beginning to sheen with sweat. Was he having a nightmare or… Cole's narrowed gaze moved to the fresh white bandage peeking out from under the collar of his friend's new gown, the other one too badly burned to keep on. Aaron had sent it to the lab for analysis.

Jay's mark. Was it bothering him? Was something happening to his body now that the mark had been emblazoned onto his flesh by that mysterious blue fire? Well, first things first… Making a quick, though, very deliberate decision, Cole maneuvered back over to his bed and started to slide it over closer to Jay's. It didn't take much effort, thankfully, due to the compact wheels it was on. So he managed to get it into appropriate position without suffering too much pain. He didn't see much use for the heart monitor on his end, but decided to scooch it over as well. After getting his pieces of health equipment arranged to his liking, Cole got back into bed and moved closer to Jay. And like a helpless pup seeking warmth and comfort from the elements, the blue ninja gave a disquieted whimper and reached out to him instinctively.

"Shhh…I'm here, Jay… I'm right here." Cole slowly and carefully helped Jay maneuver himself onto his side, making sure that the other man's heavily bandaged head and neck was supported and rested comfortably on his shoulder. Jay's left hand—the one with the brace stayed relaxed and betwixt the two and Cole held it gently. He then proceeded to rub smooth and calming circles along Jay's back…his bare back… Cole swallowed and blushed deeply once realizing that his best friend was just as scantily clad as he was. And tantalizing still, this was the first time he's been able to touch so much of Jay's skin…outside of his dreams that is.

Oh wow…he's…so soft… Regardless of how vivid and realistic his dreams were, nothing could compare to feeling the real thing. And hot damn was the real thing a hundred times better! Cole bit his lip as he pulled Jay closer and expelled a shaky breath when his bedmate complied without reservation. He slid his curious and remarkably shameless appendage up and down the tender middle of Jay's back. Slow and purposeful. The smooth, cool flesh against his palm and fingertips trembled at the slow trails they made, and a soft moan of placation escaped plump and pouty baby pink curves. Cole was absolutely enraptured. He knew he shouldn't be—knew it wasn't the most opportune time. But… He tugged the covers up, spreading them more securely around himself and Jay. And soon, little by little…with the ministrations and the added warmth of another body by his side, Jay's cute whines ebbed and the little shivers stopped.

"See? Nothing to it, Jay." Cole's voice wavered a bit, a dark blush still painting his cheeks. With how hard his heart was pounding in his chest, he wondered if it would still match Jay's. But too embarrassed and not wanting to move, he decided not to test the theory. Jay's breathing evened out in his ear, and when he looked down at his face, he was more than glad to see the other master's features relaxed and peaceful. This knowledge didn't stop his hand, however. He continued to caress the warming flesh at his fingertips, searing the supple texture to memory. Comparing and contrasting it to his dreams.

Jay really was more beautiful than handsome. Though he probably wouldn't like to hear such a feminine word describe him, it was the truth all the same. His body was just so…soft. Yes, Cole could feel the hard-earned muscles mapping his back, but they were so lithe and…graceful. "Well, you are known for your agility, huh?" Cole whispered, a slow smile upturning his lips. And his face… Cole had to chuckle. With the gauze winding around his entire head and neck and leaving his face exposed, Jay looked like a nun. A very pretty nun. Long, dark eyelashes rested serenely atop of fine and fair cheekbones, whilst full, kissable lips stayed slightly parted to intake and release soft breathes while he slept.

Bright emeralds deviously darkened to smoldering jades as they hungrily stared at Jay's baby pink curves. How many dreams has he had that featured those comely lips? That mouth… That damn, luscious mouth of lightning… Lustful images flashed before his mind's eye: The sweet, prolonged, hot, and heavy kisses they'd shared. A meaningful kiss to his neck. Then a suck and nibble of teeth. The images weighted down upon him, bypassing his mind and piercing and burrowing into his heart—his soul. And fuck did they ever feel good.

Cole licked his lips, a gravitating pull forward starting to manifest. "Can I…Jay…? Just one…I…" Such a low, strained, and pleading whisper. What has this burning love for his best friend reduced him to? "…Please…? It's been…so fucking long I…" He stopped and hovered. His brow touched Jay's, the side of his nose touched Jay's, and his breath… They shared it. Each and every unperceivable inhale and exhale was shared between the two men. Just a single, modicum of an inch forward and he could… Cole stared at the closed eyelids for a long moment, his vision slightly blurred by the closeness.

"Jay…?" He called again, his tone still so soft and beseeching. "…Can you… C-Can you give me the okay…please…?"

He waited…

*beep…beep…beep…*

And waited…

*beep…beep…beep…*

And waited…

Soundly defeated, Cole closed his eyes with a long-suffering sigh and swallowed. He knew what he wanted to do, but…he didn't want to steal any kisses. He wanted Jay's consent—his permission. Or better yet, he wanted Jay to kiss him…like last time… Like their first time.

"Heh. You've become such a tease," he lamented, though a small grin pulled on his lips nonetheless. "I'm trying to be noble here, but God are you making it so damn hard…"

Pulling away, he rested his head back against the pillows, his attention still squarely on the sleeping man beside him. Cole kissed Jay's injured hand, brace and all. "Sorry if it sounds like I'm whining, but…I really want to be with you, Jay. So much that it's starting to affect me physically—it's actually starting to hurt." A more loose chuckle escaped him. "But…we'll ease into the conversation, okay? I know it wouldn't be right to bombard you with something so heavy as soon as you woke up. I know you need… " Cole took a breath and relaxed fully, deciding to bypass the thought. He closed his eyes. "After all, we got a whole week together… Just you and me…"

Cole didn't fall asleep right away, of course. And it was a good thing he didn't, for just as soon after he closed his eyes and said his last words, Jay's body gave a violent lurch, and a sickening wretch disturbed the quiet. Emeralds shot wide open as something wet and foul spilled upon and soiled him. Jerking slightly, he glanced down in consternated confusion, bewildered by the sudden appearance of pink, red, and orange chunks decorating his and partly Jay's gowns and covers. Jay had just vomited. And holy cannoli was the smell something awful!

"Ugh! Jay?" Cole held on to the still blissfully unaware man as he sat up. "Geez, what the hell did you eat? What is that—pizza?" He truthfully didn't know what Jay could've eaten recently to dispel such a ghastly upheaval, but one thing was for certain. They couldn't stay like this. Cole cradled Jay carefully as the other began to cough weakly. Grimacing with more worry than disgust (hell, he'd been through and smelled worst, the Toxic Bogs coming to mind), he wiped away any of the left over phlegm from Jay's mouth and felt for a fever.

"Hmm, a little warm, but not feverish…" Still, that didn't mean Jay wasn't sick. He started reaching for the "call" button on the side of the bed when he felt a slight tug on his gown.

"…S-S'kay…"

Eyes wide, Cole peered down at the struggling brunet as he fisted his gown with his good hand. "Jay…?" With painstaking difficulty, Jay craned his neck and opened his eyes, making Cole inhale a sharp breath of surprise at the sight. Jay's eyes showed nothing but blue! A flaring blue that matched the color of his element perfectly! They were exactly the same as when the electrical storm had occurred before the meteor shower!

"…S-S-S'kay…" he repeated, his voice a mere gasping whisper, making Cole unconsciously grip his ailing friend tighter. It was so apparent that Jay was in pain—that he was fighting and enduring something horrendous. "…D-Don't call… They'll come… *huff* *huff*… Just… Need w-water… Clean me… *gasp*… They said to…to clean me…"

Spent and message given, Jay slumped heavily against Cole, his head lolling limply along the ninja leader's shoulder. "Jay? Jay! Jay, who's "they"?! Jay!" Cole called desperately, but received no answer. Jay was out cold. Again.

Don't call… Don't call?! Was he serious?! Cole frowned, the gears turning frantically in his head. Okay, Cole. Okay. Calm down. You know he's gonna be okay. And what exactly was he basing this assumption on? His dreams?! Those "what if" scenarios?! Was he really going to risk Jay's health with accordance to some goddamn dreams?! But those dreams have already been affirmed, haven't they? The meteor shower, the Mana Cetra, the new powers, the Marked Ones. All of those happenings may have been part of Brad's prophecy, but his dreams attested to the fact that those events did actually transpire. Plus, Jay did say not to call. Only to…clean him. That "they" said to clean him…

So then…

Cole shook his head roughly. "Ah, fuck it." He'd had wasted enough time thinking. Now was the time to pull a Kai and simply act. He lifted his gaze from Jay to let it scour the white room. There was a lone door along the wall to his left, and thought—if he remembered Aaron saying correctly earlier—it led to a bathroom. So that was his destination. Now the problem of getting there presented itself. He reached first to unclip the clamp snagging Jay's right index finger, subsequently silencing his friend's heart monitor's rhythmic beeping and filling the room with a droning silence. His frown turned into an unsure grimace once he spotted the next dilemma—the I.V. Shit. Both of their I.V.s

The tape holding the needles in place would be easy enough to remove, but the real issue would be removing the needles themselves. As limited as Cole's medical knowledge was, he knew better than to try to extract such things haphazardly. Since doing so would most likely cause more harm than good. Which left him with only one other option: dismantling the tubes from the drip bag.

"Dammit, where's a kunai when you need one…" He had no idea where he and Jay's ninja suits were and looking around, they didn't appear to be anywhere in the room they were in. Then he spotted something glinting in the light on the opposite side of Jay. "Bingo." A pair of thin shears lay on the high-rise table beside Jay's heart monitor. Grinning triumphantly, Cole kept one arm wrapped around Jay and reached over him with the other, snagging the shears from their perch. He winced when his ribs gave a groan of protest and a sharp pain pulsed through his torso.

Okay…movements really limited here, but I can't quit! Jay needs me! Forcing his hand not to shake while he handled the shears, he cut the edge off of his tube before doing the same to Jay's. He muttered a hasty apology to Aaron for the unauthorized damage to the no doubt expensive equipment and tossed the scissors back onto the table. Free at last, Cole steeled himself for what he had to do next. "Alright body, don't give up on me now… Hrrnngh!" Summoning a burst of adrenaline and strength, Cole hoisted Jay into his arms and got down to his feet, letting the soiled sheets and covers slide off and unto the floor.

If there was a groan of protest from his ribs, then there was an absolute scream of "Objection!" from his foot as he put both his and Jay's weight on it. A thin sheen of perspiration coated the earth ninja's body almost immediately as he stood at his full height. And with tightly clenched teeth, he all but shuffled to the door to the bathroom, his grip, as always, tight and secure on his precious bundle. Panting by the time he reached it, Cole made a quick grab for the door handle and pushed it down and open with a well-timed bump of his hip.

"Haa…haa… I think… I think I'm becoming an expert on carrying you, Jay…" he breathed hoarsely, a trail of sweat drizzling down his hairline. The bathroom light was miraculously already on, and looking around Cole was even more elated to see a nice-sized tub near the stool. With the hard part over, Cole kneeled down and carefully propped Jay up against the wall, careful with his heavily bandaged head and neck. Once sure his best friend wouldn't topple over, he moved on to pull back the shower curtain and gave the tub a thorough inspection. There was a plain white bar of soap lying fresh upon the wall's tiled outcropping ledge, perfectly going with the chosen color palette of everything else in the room. But not much else—no rags, no sponges…nothing. Cole clicked his tongue indignantly and leaned down to turn the nozzle on, and soon the sound of gushing water filled the silence.

"Towels…ugh—ow…haa… I need towels…" Turning around, he limped over to the lone cabinet positioned above the toilet. Sheesh, you'd think the architects of the Honeycomb would've picked better themes than 'Spartan' and 'Lonely' for their shelter considering it was supposed to provide life in a sense. Two towels. Great. Two plain white towels. Of course. Keeping them folded, Cole tossed the towels on the floor near the tub for easy access later and checked on the water's temperature. The stream of liquefied crystal glided over his fingers serenely—not too cold, not to hot. Perfect. But then what? A bath or a shower? Glancing up at the overhanging showerhead, his gaze narrowed slightly as he reached for it, grunting through the painful spasm from his torso.

"Well lookie here…" As fate would have it, the chrome setting was detachable and had a feasibly long hose that extended enough to reach the bottom of the tub. Yeah, this would definitely come in handy and makes things easier for both of them. Now all that was left was to retrieve Jay. Crouching back down and turning to his slumbering friend, Cole started to reach for Jay, but then gave pause—his hand suspended in mid-flex. Emerald eyes blinked. Wait… Why was he being so casual about this? When what he was about to do, wasn't casual at all!

A rush of blood surged upward to warm and darken Cole's cheeks. Jay was going to be naked. He was going to strip his best friend of his vomit-covered gown and bathe his naked body… And he would be naked too… A tremble of anxiety touched his outstretched hand, but he quickly made a fist to seize its convulsion. No. No, he'd been over this with himself already. His love for Jay—while it may be deeply rooted into his heart—would not cloud his better judgment. This wouldn't be an act of enjoyment or pleasure. Jay was injured and unconscious. He threw-up for heaven's sake! Therefore his actions should still be caring, albeit platonic too. At least for now…

Cole took a deep breath and released it slowly. Then setting his mouth into a thin line of grim determination—though his rosy blush still remained—he tore off his soiled gown and threw it into a random corner. A splash of vomit still clung relentlessly to his clavicle, but nowhere else really. And looking at Jay, he found the other man wouldn't be any worse for wears either once he relieved him of his gross gown. But even so, he still wanted to be cleaned… He needed the water… Yeah, a shower would do them both a lot of good.

Okay… Let's—let's just do this… Keeping his gaze focused on Jay's face, Cole took hold of the front of the blue ninja's gown and gently peeled away the slightly clingy material from his friend's body. A distinct pounding suddenly filled Cole's ears, triumphing over the gushing of the running water. Stay cool… Keep calm… He repeated these two phrases in his head like a mantra as glistening fair skin revealed more of itself. Emeralds shifted briefly to the taped gauze attached to the lithe muscle connecting Jay's right shoulder and neck. Jay's mark. He hoped the bleeding had stopped by now. He'd have to make sure it stayed dry, as well as Jay's head. Letting his roaming optics skirt to the opposite shoulder—but not any lower for fear of distraction—Cole spotted the edges of blue and black blotches along the top of Jay's shoulder. Right. Aaron did mention Jay had bruises too, mostly on his back.

Probably from being thrown by Zelus' tornado… Cole thought vehemently, a wave of fresh hatred for the deity striking him. His dispelled the enraged notion, however, and balling up Jay's gown he tossed it in relatively the same direction as his. "Alright…easy now…" Gathering his friend bridal-style for what felt like the umpteenth time that day, Cole made sure to push up off the ground with his good foot and once up, carefully stepped into the tub. The warm water lining the tub felt wonderful against the soles of his feet. Well, foot anyway, since his right one was wrapped tight in gauze, and…currently soaking through.

He shrugged carelessly. "Welp, I'm sure they won't mind changing it later…" Cole then held his breath as he slowly placed Jay's legs down into the tub and began to sink with the other firmly held up against his chest. Feeling his butt touch wet porcelain, he relaxed his back against the wall of the tub and spread his legs to allow Jay to sit comfortably betwixt them. Cole couldn't help the loud, blissful sigh that escaped him then, the cool porcelain at his back heaven-sent. And not to mention, he could share this moment with the one he loved most…even if they were unconscious.

Jay shifted a bit, a small moan eliciting from his throat as his bandaged temple connected with Cole's cheek. Cole blushed. "Heh…guess you like the way this feels too, huh? Well brace yourself, because you're about to feel even better." Leaning forward, he grasped the showerhead fixture that lay limp near the drain and adjusted the spray to low pressure. Angling the trajectory, he pressed the trigger and began to soak him and Jay down, the water's tantalizingly hot force hitting him with ample gratification.

"Mmmm…"

Cole tensed for a split second, the gratuitous moan from Jay spurring a flash of memory to erupt in front of his mind's eye. He released a shaky breath, willing himself not to get deterred. He kept his unwavering attention on the fixture in his hand as he carefully rinsed away the lingering sweat and swill from both their bodies. Adequately drenched from the torso down, Cole tossed away the showerhead momentarily and reached for the bar of soap.

Yeah, never mind that you have a dripping wet Jay pressed up against you… A deep throaty voice purred suddenly, coming from the pleasure section within Cole's mind. Never mind that he's been the object of all your dreams and erotic fantasies lately… Oh wait! But they're not just dreams and erotic fantasies, are they…? No…they're gonna happen… You'll be in the shower with Jay again… You'll be NAKED with Jay again…

Cole ignored the voice and grabbed the soap, refusing to give in or even acknowledge the temptation—

"Uhhh…mmm…"

Jay shifted again, the slight slickness of his back sliding painfully slow against Cole's chest. A movement below and soon…a deliciously wet knee came into Cole's peripheral, Jay having bent his leg at an angle.

Ohhh yessss… the voice hissed happily and mumbled something that sounded dangerously close to an Italian curse. Jay's legs… You've never seen them before, have you…? Well…you've SEEN them, but you haven't…seen them… The guy wears pants even during the summer and his ninja suit is just as concealing… And the only time he ever did wear shorts was—

The beach on the Island of Darkness, Cole shakily supplied, his eyes staring at the glistening droplets making shimmering trails down his best friend's thigh. But those shorts were too damn long for me to see much of anything… Plus, I wasn't exactly looking…

Ahhh…but things have changed…and now you are… So look… Feast your eyes on the beautiful body in your arms…and do your little compare and contrast between dream and reality…

Soap in hand, Cole leaned back and tore his stare away from the lovely and tempting sight of Jay's leg and instead turned his focus on the white tiled wall over his friend's bandaged head. His heart was hammering against his chest. No. I'm already invading his personal space without him knowing… I don't want to invade his privacy too…

Oh come off it… the voice growled, exasperated. He ASKED you to bathe him, idiota! You think he doesn't know what that entails?! Cole grimaced in spite of himself, knowing the voice had a point. And it's not like I'm suggesting you bone the guy! Hell, even I wouldn't condone that! All I'm suggesting is that you relieve some of the sexual frustration and tension that's been building up for the last week and a half… Enjoy this precious moment with your loved one…because who knows how long you'll have to wait to have him in your arms again…

Cole gritted his teeth. The voice had hit home, and big time. How long would it take for him and Jay to finally be together? Not as a married couple, but just as a…couple? From what he could tell, his dreams weren't exactly in any kind of order. And who knew if any them had branching paths that could lead to something else happening entirely or…the dreams that he'd had not happening at all. In short, it was a distressing thought. But right now…he just wanted to live in the moment, to live day by day with Jay by his side…and nothing else.

For right now…he just…wanted to bathe with Jay. Everything else could come later.

Closing his eyes, Cole let his self-restraint crumble away and pressed his lips tenderly to the side of Jay's head. "Ti voglio bene, Jason," he whispered reverently. "Mi vuoi bene…?" (I love you, Jason. Do you love me…?)

The words just came out, a featured line from one of his many "Jay Dreams", and his mind instantly flashed and supplied a clear and succulent picture of him and Jay standing in a shower. The wafting steam was pillowing as they stood under the heated spray of water, with Cole hugging the other man close from behind.

"Ti voglio bene, Jason. Mi vuoi bene…?" He murmured against Jay's neck.

Jay sighed, his cheeks doused crimson. "You know I do, Cole…especially after last night… Now would you please stop purring in Italian like that? Geez…"

Cole snickered. He wasn't purring. That was just the way he sounded whenever his vocal chords decided to dip into his predominant native language. He didn't let up nevertheless. He was just too happy and euphoric to even let Jay go at the moment. He raised his head from his boyfriend's neck and leaned a little to lick and nibble on a reddened earlobe, eliciting a shiver and moan from the azure ninja.

"Wha… R-Remind me again why y-you're in the shower with me?" Jay got out in a rush, clearly flustered. "You've…never done this before…"

Last night had been their first time, and Cole had woken up with a start when he found Jay not sleeping beside him. But when he had heard the loud guzzling of the shower in the bathroom, he had immediately entered without hesitation. In truth, he was feeling just a tad bit anxious and unsure, wondering whether or not Jay had regretted their consummation the previous night. And also…he wanted to know whether or not he had hurt Jay physically in some way. He had tried to be gentle, considering the circumstances. But Jay had been too damn desirable—too fucking beautiful for him to resist. And so his abstinence crumbled away like wet clay on a canvas, and he gave all his love, lust, and passion to the one who mattered most in the act of feverous love-making.

He canted his head an inch lower and swept his tongue over Jay's mark before giving it a long, savoring kiss. He remembered the way he had been drawn to it and had bit down hard into the muscle when he and Jay had climaxed together. "Do you want me to leave…?"

At that, the other man stilled. Then slowly, he turned in Cole's arms and looked at him. Jay was smiling…a smile filled with adoration for him. And his eyes…they never looked so bright, so warm, so happy. A mist of a chuckle escaped baby pink lips as he reached up to frame Cole's face with his hands. Sapphires unwavering, Jay whispered the exact words Cole wanted to hear: "No. Never."

Cole clung onto the dream as well as Jay's body as he opened his eyes and glided the bar of soap down his best friend's chest. He watched as it lathered against damp, fair skin. Oh yes…just as picturesque and flawless as he recalled. Jay's pectorals were lovely and well-formed, as well as his abdominal muscles, though the ridges and curves were not as hard as his or Kai's. Jay's upper body was flexible and strong, the muscles meticulously conditioned to allow him extremely fast and fluid movements. Perfect.

Humming with satisfaction, Cole's eyes followed as the bar continuously slid over pretty pink nipples, seemingly lingering in the area on purpose. He dropped the soap then, his own hand slick and sodden enough to cleanse Jay itself. But first… Daring not to blink, he experimentally teased one of the little pink nubs—flicking it with his middle finger and pinching it with his thumb and index until it hardened in delight.

A cute noise akin to a whine careened passed between Jay's moist lips, causing Cole to blink and snap his startled gaze to the lightning master's face. A pretty dusting of pink covered Jay's cheeks, and his eyebrows quivered slightly as they knitted together in a shadow of concentration. Cole licked his lips and swallowed, his eyes hooding and taking on a darker tint. "Do you like that, Jason…?" He uttered, transfixed by the other's sinful expression.

Oh yes… Jay always mewed and keened when Cole would tease any part of his chest. But his nipples were the most sensitive, even more so than his. Utterly shameless in his groping at this point, Cole's mind conjured up another happenstance from yet another "Jay Dream." This sweet reminisce was featured much later in he and Jay's relationship—when they were married. Jay had been no more than a few months into his pregnancy with the twins, the skin on his stomach loose enough to give way to a small albeit hard protrusion. He hadn't understood why Cole had wanted to fool around when his body was going through such drastic changes, but the black ninja had ensured him that he never looked sexier. And so, he had laid on top of Jay, paying extra attention to his spouse's sinewy pectorals. He thoroughly enjoyed the way Jay had squirmed and writhed underneath him, moaning out his pleasure at Cole's attentive ministrations.

"Ah! Cole—mmm… Waitwaitwait! S-Stop doing that! Remember—haa…what Dr. Sugarbaker said… Enough s-stimuli might cause me to start—uhhnnngh…lactating…"

Cole feigned ignorance. "Really now…?" He purred, swirling his tongue clock-wise around a pert, beet-red nipple while his hand flicked and pinched the other. "What an absolute shame that would be…heh…" There was no shame. There was no shame at all and he knew it. He knew what he was doing. His curiosity won over, he wanted to see if Jay could really produce breast milk naturally.

Jay closed his eyes tight and groaned. His hands were light on Cole's back, but did nothing to push him away. The ninja leader's grin was downright predatory as he glanced up at Jay through his shaggy black bangs, never stopping the whimsical motions of his tongue. Jay gasped, his fingernails digging into Cole's back. And Cole could distinctly feel the Norwegian man's erection pressing up against his lower stomach.

"Ohhh Cole…you… Haa…haa…shit…"

Just as another sly grin was about to stretch onto Cole's lips, a new and mysterious taste slid over his tongue. Hmm…? Pulling back some, he peered down at Jay's chest, his jaw falling at the sight of milky dewdrops wetting his partner's nipples. So, it was possible after all. He should've known better than to doubt the words of Dr. Sugarbaker. Chancing a glance up at Jay, Cole could only smile at the other man's obstinately bashful expression. With his cheeks stained a solid red, Jay's dark blue eyes were averted from Cole's, and one of his hands covered his mouth.

"Jason, Jason, Jason…" Keeping his gaze on his spouse, Cole ran his tongue over one of the dripping teats and smacked his lips exaggeratedly, assessing the foreign taste. "Mmm…" It was definitely milk alright. Although, the potency of it was intermingled with something else—something creamier… Eggnog maybe, or coconut milk and vanilla. Well, whatever it was, Cole thought it tasted great.

Jay stayed silent, though Cole could see his face getting redder by the second. "Well hun, I think the verdict's in," he chimed gleefully. "And I can say without a doubt that our babies are gonna love their mommie's milk—"

With an enraged yell, Jay suddenly turned the tables on Cole and the Italiano soon found himself flat on his back and looking up at his spouse's flustered face. "You're a real perv, Cole! Did you know that?!"

But Cole just laughed at the accusation and reached up to cup Jay's cheek tenderly, causing the lightning master's stern expression to falter. "If I am, Jason, it's because you've made me one. Only you can get me so riled up. I'm crazy about you, amore… I love you."

Jay's emotions were on the frits thanks to his pregnancy, so it didn't surprise Cole one bit when droplets suddenly fell from watery sapphires and touched his face. "Dammit…" Jay sniffed and shook his head, smiling through his tears. "You may be a perv, but you're sweet too. You'll always have my heart, Cole."

"Oh, Jason…" the black ninja sighed. Jay emitted an especially sweet gasp then, his head turning slightly to rest more firmly against Cole's cheek. Almost as if he was nuzzling him. Cole's heart was in his throat, pounding relentlessly. Lips parted and dark jades half-lidded, he worked his soapy hand tirelessly and desperately over Jay's body. Over the ribs and down to the hips—squeezing, petting, rubbing, caressing, and all other forms of touching in between.

Getting down to the inner thigh, Cole squeezed the wet and tender flesh there, which in turn caused Jay to emit more than a harsh intake of breath, but also an involuntary buck of the hips. Cole growled in ecstasy as his lustful gaze fell upon the grand prize. Jay's member stood erect and proud between his legs, and Cole couldn't take his eyes off it. Yes, his dreams still hadn't failed him. It was just as beautiful as he envisioned!

"Need a little help with that, hun?" He purred, smirking. When Jay groaned, Cole took it as a yes and confidently wrapped his lathered hand around the blue ninja's throbbing shaft. "Ahh! Hnnngh! Haa…Haa…" Oh the sweet sounds Jay made! Cole stroked the cock in his grip with innate experience, having reached into the depths of his dreams to feed his knowledge. He knew how to pleasure Jay. Quick and long strokes were the key, and he wanted nothing more than to please.

Jay's breathing was becoming rough and labored, and Cole added to the stimuli by letting his other hand tease one of Jay's pert nipples. The Master of Lightning groaned breathlessly as his body gave a sound shudder, and Cole could feel his own erection start to ache with need. The temperature in the air was accrued with humidity and scented with soap, and the wanton noises emitting from both men filled the gratifying ambience.

"C—Caaahhh… Mmmm…"

Cole's eyes snapped open, unaware that he had closed them in his euphoria. Jay…? Did he… Was he…really trying to say his name…? Enamored with the thought, Cole renewed his ministrations with increased vim and vigor. "You know this is me. You know that I'm the one holding you, right?" Cole rubbed his thumb over the tip of Jay's cock, eliciting yet another strangled moan from the other master. "Please, Jason... Please tell me that I'm not the only one with these dreams... That you dream of me too. Please...I-I need to know..." Jay gasped, a dribble of drool seeping from the corner of his mouth. "I need to hear you when you cum... I need to hear MY name on your lips... Please…"

"Haa…haa… Caahhh—ohhh…"

Jay was close. Cole could feel it. The shortness of his breath, the cycle of never-ending shivers his body made. The heat between their bodies was magmatic, a harmonic fusion of sweat and water. Cole kept his face next to Jay's, the motion of his hands on overdrive as he brought the azure ninja closer and closer to the edge.

Jay was nothing more than a panting mess of sin. His pleasure so high that it seemed almost blasphemous! He leaned heavily into Cole, his right hand clenching and unclenching in time with his sporadic breaths. He tilted his head back, teeth gritted, and Cole was ready for it. He moved his hand down into a fierce stroke, resulting in baby pink curves to part in unbridled rapture.

"Ahhh! AH! Cotton Candy! Hnnngh! Haa! Haa…haa…haa… Mmmm…"

Cole froze, everything in his blissfully obscured mind coming to a screeching halt at Jay's bizarre exclamation. He stared dumbly at nothing as his ears continued to ring, echoing the two words Jay had let cry out from his soul.

What. In the. FUCK!

Really? Really?! Cotton candy? Cotton-fuckin'-candy!?

Mind still reeling, Cole slowly leaned back against the tub, releasing Jay's softening member. He blinked. And blinked. And blinked again. Jay shifted against him, and the ninja leader turned his shell-shocked stare towards his beloved to see him laying comfortably, his features relaxed and unmistakably tranquil. He stared at Jay's utterly content face for what felt like hours. Until gradually…an incredulous smile overtook his mouth, and he could feel the mirth bubbling in his chest. And just when it was about to overflow, Cole threw back his head and laughed. And he laughed hard.

It took him a few minutes to calm down. But once he did, he hugged Jay close and nuzzled the side of his face. "Oh Jay…" A few wayward snickers escaped him. "…Only you… God, I know you love cotton candy, but…hehehehe…this? Just how bad is your head injury? Christ!"

Letting the final waves of laughter wash over him, Cole settled into an air of contentment himself. He smiled lazily at the shocking turn of events. True, Jay didn't scream his name when he climaxed. But strangely, he was okay with that. After all, he loved food too—cake in particular. Not enough to jerk off to it, mind you. But still…he'd rather lose to something rather than someone.

"Okay, Jay, let's just…finish up, okay?" Grabbing the discarded showerhead, he hosed down them both a second time and picked up the bar of soap. This time, however, his hands worked methodically in their cleansing, and he murmured little quips and words of endearment into Jay's ear while doing so. He took care of himself with half a mind and washed around his wrapped torso as best he could. After rinsing him and Jay off one final time, Cole turned off the water and reached out of the tub to snatch up one of the towels from the floor. He dried Jay off with patience and reverence, the relaxed smile never leaving his face. He had to maneuver himself a bit awkwardly to get the towel around Jay's body. But once he did, he carefully got to his knees and picked Jay up and placed him against the wall outside the tub.

He then took hold of the other towel and dried himself quickly, getting to his feet and tying it around his waist. Hissing at the reawakening throb of pain from an injured body, Cole gathered Jay in his arms with a wince and made his way to the door.

"…Mmm… C…Caa…"

Cole chuckled under his breath. "What is it, Jay?" He asked playfully. "More cotton candy?" A well-timed downward push of the hand to the handle and he was able nudge the door open a crack. "Don't know if we'll be able to get any down here, but…" he grunted, "…I'll ask Aaron, okay?"

The blue ninja shifted in his arms and then, "…C-Cole…?"

Cole's heart nearly stopped at the whispered call of his name, and he immediately snapped his gaze down to Jay's face. Gone were the flaring, bright blues. Now, dazed sapphires peered sleepily up at him. "Jay?" Cole whispered, relief and elation bombarding him all at once. "Jay, you're awake! You're—"

He had just opened the door all the way and stepped into the room when the sound of cumulating gasps reached him. Startled, Cole jerked his gaze back up and took in the small congregation of bulky orange suits in the room. Four in total. Three nurses that he vaguely recognized and one very, very pissed off doctor.


Author's Note: Sorry! Sorry! But I just couldn't resist no matter how improbable it was! The notion was too freakin' hilarious to pass up! What do you even call this kinda stuff? This mixture of smut and fluff? Smuff? Is that a thing? If not, I'm soooo making it a thing! LOL! Hope you all had a good read! You know the drill, leave some feedback! Also, fun fact! Did you guys know that it's actually possible for men to produce milk WITHOUT THE USE OF HORMONES!? Apparently, only extensive stimuli are needed! Wow… Learn something new every day!

P.S.

Next chapter will be Jay's since he's FINALLY woken up for real. Then we'll check on the expedition with Kai and Zane! I'll be updating Ninjalogy soon as well, so keep an eye out!