A/N: I think it's important for me to mention this series was heavily inspired by Fanfiction authors DietCokeIsLife and EMPFangirl02. I have no affiliation with either author, but if you're looking for some good Ninjago reads I recommend you check out their work.

As for the most recent request, I won't be overlapping this story with the show universe. I want to keep this focused on the movie-verse characters and how they go through situations of normalcy and crisis. Some characters from the show will be included (Harumi is the first example) but that's about the extent of it.

Thank you so much for the reviews, guys. Your encouraging words mean a lot. :)

One-Way Spark, Part 2

The light of his phone was irritating him in his dark bedroom. That, or Lloyd was too anxious to figure out the best way to go about his current situation. The phone number was added to his contacts, appropriately labeled "Harumi," but that was as far as he had gotten. For two hours he stared at the empty text box, watching the cursor blink at him, taunting him. The unspoken rule for getting a girl's number was to never use it on the same day you received it. But he hadn't asked Harumi for her number; she slipped it in his backpack without him gaining a clue. Did that make the rule null and void? Lloyd didn't know.

He stared at the phone contact. Calling her was out of the question. Lloyd wasn't comfortable enough for that, and he might stumble over his words. Texting was his safest bet. His heart thumped. But what if his timing was off?

Lloyd groaned and threw an arm over his eyes. This was stupid. It was a school night; he should think about sleeping within the hour. He moved to put the phone on his desk.

Ten minutes later, the phone was back in his hands.

"Okay," Lloyd breathed to himself, sitting up in bed. "I can do this. Just get it over with. Don't even think about it."

He tapped the letters on the screen. He reviewed his message, cringed, and tried again. This process repeated an innumerable amount of times until Lloyd was satisfied. Before he could psych himself out, he shut his eyes and hit send.

Hi, this is Lloyd. Harumi?

And he waited.

His heart skipped a beat when he got a response.

This is Harumi. Hi :)

Giddily Lloyd threw himself stomach-down on his bed, phone clutched tightly in both hands as his mind raced for a reply. She had sent him a smiley face; that meant she was open for conversation, right? It was practically an invite waiting to be taken. He didn't take as long to type up his next sentence.

Hey! :) I didn't get a chance to talk to you after school. How are you?

Sorry about that. I guess growing up in a palace, I try to be as punctual as possible. And I am fine. How are you? :)

Lloyd rolled over energetically. He couldn't keep still.

No, it's fine! Punctuality is important, haha. I'm doing great. You like the rest of your classes?

The conversation continued to flow as smoothly as it had started. They went back and forth for thirty minutes, building off of each other's sentences to discuss new topics, never running dry for things to say. They asked each other questions, gave each other answers, even dived a bit into each other's personal lives. Lloyd was hesitant to explain the more sensitive ends of his life over text messages, so held off for now, content to simply be there for Harumi's side of the spectrum. Their one-on-one had to come to an unfortunate end when Harumi explained to Lloyd that she did not wish to dishonor her parents by staying awake all night, and he respectfully understood and they closed it at that. Lloyd was just setting his phone on the desk again when it buzzed once more.

Oh! Before you go, could we meet tomorrow before school? I don't like to be alone.

Lloyd didn't hesitate.

Sure, of course! See you tomorrow!

This time he left the phone where it sat. Lloyd dropped himself on his bedding, elated. It was far past midnight when he finally managed to get to sleep.

0o0o0o0

Lloyd didn't have the mind to hate the bus ride. He stepped outside with the rest of the kids, watching a few tear across the schoolyard and others move at a slower pace. He took a moment to survey his surroundings, hoping Harumi would be quicker to spot than last time. Maneuvering through the bustle, Lloyd camped out at the front of the school and off to the side, hands clasped behind his back and rolling on his heels as he waited. Multiples of students walked past him inside while others, mostly the punk teens, lingered in the courtyard a bit longer, pulling off crazy stunts despite the "no skateboards" policy. Lloyd wasn't sure how long he stood there by himself, but it was much longer than he expected from someone as punctual as Harumi.

His positive smile crumbled when a particular student noticed him by the doors. "What's the matter, Lloyd?" the boy teased, a smirk planting over his face. "Not allowed inside without an invitation?"

"Looks like you'll be waiting for a long time!" crowed another boy just as humorously.

Everyone who heard them combusted in laughter, and Lloyd ended up feeling ridiculous. Desperately he looked around the yard once more, eyes flicking left and right, but still there was no Harumi. Struggling to get a hold of his despondency, Lloyd dragged himself into the building right as the warning buzzer made itself known.

His thoughts overcame his very vision. She must have had a good reason. Perhaps she got sick and was bedridden until further notice. Maybe her ride to school broke down on the road. Lloyd clung to the possibilities, refusing to believe someone as sweet as Harumi would ever ditch him so suddenly, especially after their heart-to-heart the night before.

Lloyd's theories came to a screeching halt when he found himself in history class. There Harumi was, sitting properly at the desk beside his, acting as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Lloyd forced himself in his seat, his mind running a million miles per second. He was too stupefied to even try acknowledging her.

Just like yesterday, he didn't have to. Harumi sounded innocent and friendly as ever. "Hi."

Lloyd swallowed. "Hi." Should he ask her about it?

Harumi appeared to notice his closed-off nature. "Is something wrong?"

Lloyd dared to look. She seemed genuinely concerned. Did she simply forget to meet him? That didn't make sense. She asked him to meet her. He shouldn't have been waiting for her just so she wouldn't show up. His expression guarded, he responded carefully. "No, I was just… in the courtyard for a while."

That didn't spark any sign of recognition. Harumi didn't even blink. "Oh." she leaned a bit closer. "Were you waiting for someone?"

Lloyd stared at her. The final bell went off before he had the chance to say anything, and the teacher resumed yesterday's documentary, ultimately shutting down all conversing students. Lloyd wasn't sure if he was grateful for it.

Harumi's behavior of ignorance continued at lunch. She continued to follow Lloyd around, remaining shy but cheerful. Politely she asked to sit with Lloyd and his friends, in which the five immediately accepted, bestowing Lloyd a few knowing looks. He didn't respond to them or her, merely scooting a bit to give her room. He stayed out of whatever conversation they indulged in.

Lloyd was pulled to reality when Harumi gave him a slight nudge. "Are you sure you're okay?" she whispered, low enough to keep the others unaware.

The one question that taunted him since that morning came spilling out. "Are you sure you're comfortable being around me?" he blurted. He had concluded long ago that the reason she didn't meet him was because his dad was Garmadon.

Harumi was flabbergasted. "I… what?" The hurt over her face was enough to make Lloyd feel guilty. "Of course I am. You've been nothing but nice to me."

Now Lloyd felt like an idiot. Perhaps he had blown the situation out of proportion. And, truth be told, she had been nothing but nice to him, too. But that didn't explain why she left him dry. He sighed, deciding it was best to let it go. Whatever the reason, there was no way Harumi had intentionally meant to hurt him, and even if she did Lloyd wasn't about to seek revenge.

"Sorry." he muttered. "I'm not being fair to you."

Her expression was filled with understanding. "I'm sorry, too."

Lloyd snapped up to look at her.

"People judge you because of your dad, don't they? It must be hard for you to trust anyone."

Okay, so she wasn't apologizing for the courtyard incident. Even so, Lloyd couldn't help but feel warmed by her words. He nodded slightly, permitting the smallest of smiles.

"Thanks, Harumi."

And she smiled back. "Call me Rumi."

The incident was officially forgotten as time went on. Every day the two texted each other, their separation not strong enough to keep them apart, and eventually Lloyd was comfortable to tell her almost anything. They would converse over text messages all night, and at school Lloyd would work to make up for lost time by spending all available hours with her. Oftentimes Lloyd worried he was excluding his friends, but they only encouraged him to pursue Harumi, as it was obvious they had an attraction for each other. So, gladly, he did just that.

Within a short time Lloyd felt like they knew everything about each other. The relationship was so surreal to him; it was almost too good to be true. Lloyd had a lifetime of bad luck, so to have any friend who accepted him for who he was was an incredible opportunity. Truthfully they had some awkward moments; whenever Lloyd referenced a conversation they had over text to her in person, Harumi would get fidgety, as if not wanting to discuss them. He didn't understand it, but felt he didn't have the business to ask.

Monday, exactly two weeks since they met, Lloyd was definitely aware that something about Harumi was off. They talked with reckless abandon over text, but in person it was like she was a completely different person. He didn't want to push her into speaking when she didn't want to, but he also didn't want to exclude their meaningful discussions to just text messages. They learned a lot about each other, sure, but every time Lloyd saw her it was like Harumi pretended their increasing relationship never existed. By Wednesday he summed up the courage to confront her.

"So," Lloyd tapped his plastic fork on the edge of the table, having brought a lunch that day. He had found a spot alone with Harumi in the corner of the cafeteria, wanting a more private place to discuss the matter. Testing the waters, he forced a chuckle when he remembered the story she texted him last night. "Who knew the length of your fingernails used to be a sign of someone's wealth."

Harumi shot him a strange look. Lloyd's heart plummeted; she always looked that way when he mentioned their text-versations. "If you say so," she said eventually, but not rudely, turning back to her lunch.

Frustrated, Lloyd put the fork down. "Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" Now she was confused.

As if she didn't know. Lloyd couldn't stop himself from being a tad bitter. "I don't know," he looked from his hands to her eyes. "We keep having these great discussions, but whenever I bring them up you act like you don't know what I'm talking about." Despite everything he attempted empathy. "You don't have to be scared around me."

A flash of realization passed in Harumi's gaze. Her face thereafter hardened, surprising Lloyd. Never had he seen her in a bad mood. "Haven't we gone through this already? I'm not scared of you, Lloyd. It doesn't matter to me that your dad is Lord Garmadon! Why don't you trust me?"

Lloyd gaped. She was misunderstanding him.

"I thought you were different; and I thought you saw me as different," Harumi's eyes started to water and she packed up her things. "But I guess I was wrong." Without hesitation she left the table.

Horrified, Lloyd found his feet. "Wait! Rumi, no! You don't understand!"

"No!" Harumi snapped. Her gaze was cold. "Apparently, I don't!" She stomped away, not caring who watched. Those who did see it started to whistle and applauded Harumi's exit, several turning to jeer at Lloyd. He hung his head, making no moves to defend himself.

Thankfully his friends witnessed the upheaval and came to Lloyd's rescue. The five led him away from the cafeteria grounds, offering words of comfort, but he barely acknowledged them. All he could think about was how his chances for Harumi's friendship were now at dead zero.

0o0o0o0

Things were going back to normal. And not in a good way. Lloyd's focus on his classes were consistently disrupted by a sneering classmate, comparing him to a peasant who fell in love with the princess. The jaunts didn't die down, either. All day, every day, it was the only thing anyone would bring up to him. Forgetting ever having a connection with Harumi was impossible at this rate.

Harumi had requested a change of seats in history class, not that Lloyd was surprised or complaining. She avoided him like the plague, just like the rest of the school, leading Lloyd to ask himself what he had done wrong to deserve this. His friends insisted Harumi was at fault, saying she overreacted and was just craving for drama, but Lloyd couldn't chase away the distinction that it was all because of something he did. He didn't know what that could be, but why else would someone so sweet and so perfect desire to tear his heart in so many pieces?

He was in the cafeteria again, sitting among his friends, mindlessly stirring his food. His depressant mood spread to the rest of the Ninja, putting all of them in a world of quiet. They might have stayed that way all hour if it wasn't for the sudden buzzing of Lloyd's phone.

It was a text message. Lloyd's body went rigid. From Harumi.

The group noticed his distress right away. "What is it?" Nya pressed, the five closing in around Lloyd to see.

Shakily Lloyd showed the message to them.

I'm sorry for everything. You should come sit by me. :)

Kai was practically on top of Lloyd. He snarled at the device. "Oh, no she didn't!"

"Ignore it," Cole suggested, passionate but not as boisterous as Kai. "She's probably trying to draw you in for more hurt."

Lloyd knew it was wise to listen to them. And, after everything that went down, the thought of talking to Harumi again was… intimidating. He studied the message tentatively. First, she gives him her phone number in secret. They have countless meaningful conversations over it, but when confronted in person, Harumi acts like they never happened. And, after fighting and not wanting to talk to Lloyd again, she claims over text to want to reconcile in person, the object of communication she seemed to despise all along. None of this was making any sense.

"Look at her over there," Jay commented, grabbing a firm hold on Lloyd's attention. He followed the scarf-wearing teenager's gaze, spotting Harumi at a table with other girls, presumably new friends she made. Her back was to them, but judging by the looks of her company she was spilling out some form of gossip. "She doesn't look like she's sorry."

Lloyd inspected Harumi closely. Jay was right; she didn't even look prepared to give an apology, let alone rekindle a lost friendship. The girls at the table laughed as Harumi finished her story, and after scrutinizing the situation Lloyd's heart lurched as something new occurred to him.

Harumi didn't have her phone out.

Vigorously Lloyd's eyes jerked about their table, spotting her backpack at her feet. Her phone was very visibly tucked away in an outside pocket.

At that moment his phone buzzed again. Another text from Harumi.

Please? I miss you. :(

Lloyd stared at his phone. He then stared at Harumi's phone, untouched, unused. The princess was busy focusing on her friends. The message echoed against the walls of Lloyd's skull. Whoever was texting him was not Harumi.

It never was Harumi.

He had poured his whole heart out to a stranger.

Lloyd's countenance shattered. He was suddenly aware of the speed of his heart, of the pounding in his ears, of the blood that drained from his face. Bouts of hideous laughter caught Lloyd's heed, and appalled he faced the other side of the cafeteria. A heavy crowd of his classmates gathered around the center table of the room, their faces twisted in sneers and barbs, and every single one of them was staring at Lloyd. The loudest one of them all was Chad, and when Lloyd caught his eye Chad snorted and pointed to one of the cheerleaders.

The cheerleader had a phone. She grinned at Lloyd evilly, pressed a few buttons on the device, and waited.

Lloyd's phone hummed with a notification.

Gotcha. ;)

His face must have changed, because even more guffaws were emitted upon his discovery. The Ninjas grasped on to what was happening moments after Lloyd did, but they weren't fast enough to respond. Lloyd struggled to keep his composure as he ran out of the cafeteria.

A/N: Don't you just hate it when people storm off without context? It's one of my major pet peeves. So, since I wasn't about to make Harumi an evil mastermind in the life of a High School, I made her a bit of a drama queen instead.

Again, story suggestions are encouraged. Who do you want the focus on? What do you want to happen to them? Let me know in a review. :)