Author's Note: Why, oh why is this 17 pages long?! I'm sorry guys, but I just couldn't stop! Please forgive me! But hopefully this entry compensates for my intermission. Unfortunately, my little girl caught my bronchitis and I've had to take care of her for awhile. Otherwise I would've posted sooner. I ask for everyone to keep in mind that I am a young, working mother who doesn't have a lot of time to frolic on the computer whenever she wants. Please keep your comments and/or reviews civil and mature. Thank you.

This was a request by CaliforniaGurls.

Ninjalogy

By: Mad Betrayal

Chapter 6 ~ Look But Don't Touch

"The product was decent enough, but that sale's guy was annoying as hell…" Kai grumbled as he tugged Zane along and away from the lotion mercantile and his ostentatious booth.

"But I thought all merchants were to demonstrate their products to consumers one way or another," Zane mused confusedly to his obviously irate boyfriend. "How else would they prove satisfaction?"

Jay chuckled under his breath when he heard Kai growl, his own hand clasped snuggly by his boyfriend, Cole. "Yeah, but he didn't have to apply the lotion for you, Zane. You should've spoken out against him touching you like that."

"The only thing that guy proved was that he was a perv!" Lloyd added, and glanced back to give the snobby salesman a dark disapproving frown. "It was borderline molesting!" He unconsciously pulled Brad closer to him when he saw the man coaxing forward yet another unsuspecting victim.

"It…was…?" More than a little bewildered but also thoroughly ashamed that he hadn't noticed such a disgusting demeanor, Zane quickened his pace to match it with Kai's. "My apologies, Love. I didn't realize what that man was doing to me." He eyed the spiky brunette's scowl with remorse. "I suppose I still do not fully understand human—I-I mean peoples' various interaction methods."

Kai's frown fell away as he sighed. He then graced his significant other with a forgiving smile. "Ah, don't worry about it, Diamond. Just promise me you'll be a little more self-aware, okay? I'd hate for anything to happen to you," he ended seriously and Zane returned a loving smile, his hand reaching up to finger the diamond pendant around his neck. The single, small stone served as a constant reminder of Kai's love and fidelity as did the ruby pendant around Kai's neck symbolized Zane's.

"Yes, I will. I promise."

Touched by the scene, but also ready to get moving, Jay suddenly cheered. "Alright! Now that we got that behind us, what do you guys say we go hit that music store upstairs? I want to check and see if that new Maroon 5 CD is out yet."

"Yeah, that sounds good," Brad chimed in, fanning himself with a brochure. "But who would've guessed the mall would be so packed on a Sunday?" He looked about regrettably. "Sheesh…"

The others looked around themselves as well as waves of people bustled about excitedly as if it were a holiday and not a typical mid April afternoon. All the group wanted was a little R&R to themselves, and going to the mall seemed like a good idea at the time, but they sure weren't expecting this. They'd only been walking around for about an hour, but given the substantial crowd and sweltering heat, they knew their exodus would be coming much sooner than later.

"But I need to grab some new kicks," Kai said, glancing down at his worn-out sneakers.

"Yeah, me too," Cole put in. "I need some decent hops for B-Ball." His stomach also spoke up, which despite the droning noise around them, Jay was able to catch. Cole blushed embarrassingly as his boyfriend laughed and patted his stomach.

"And it wouldn't hurt to grab a bite at Applebee's while we're here either." Jay winked playfully at Cole before turning to the others. "Then, we go home."

The group stopped beside a nearby pet's store. It had one of those display windows where they showcased different kinds of animals for sale, and today's pick were what looked to be mixed corgi puppies. Brad immediately pulled Lloyd over to coo and point at the adorable canines and their rambunctious play.

"But…" Jay tapped his chin thoughtfully. "…We seem to have reached an impasse. All the shoe stores are here on the first floor."

"Then it would be best if we simply compromised," supplied Zane. "Jay, Brad, and I will venture to the music store upstairs, while Kai, Cole, and Lloyd—if he chooses—peruse the shoes stores down here."

Everyone readily agreed with the nindroid's suggestion. "Good call, Zane," Cole said. "Then we can all meet up at the Food Court, grab a bite at Applebee's, then blow this joint." The ninja leader then glanced down at his wristwatch. "Say at…three o'clock? That gives us about an hour?"

When everyone nodded their consent once more, Jay motioned for the two youngest to join them. And in the end, Lloyd was pretty much forced to accompany Cole and Kai with the latter commenting that the blonde didn't own not one pair of "sweet kicks".

*~Ninjalogy~*

"C'mon Lance-man, you ain't done yet? Just pick either Justin Timberlake or Chris Brown, they sound almost exactly the same," grumbled a guy with shoulder-length auburn hair. "Jude and I are ready to go!" He ran a hand irritably through his windswept spikes, pushing back the locks and revealing two skull and crossbones piercings in each ear. Sharp cobalt eyes glared at his head-bobbin' friend beside him, the other man either too caught-up in his musical world or not givin' a rat's ass about his impatient companion.

"They're not the same," the aforementioned, Lance, countered—still jivin' to whatever beat pulsed through his headphones. "And Jude ain't ready."

Confused, the red-head looked to the other side of Lance where he last saw his blonde brother, only to see that he wasn't there anymore. "What the….?" Now even more irritated, he skimmed the small crowd amidst the rows of music genres quickly for that duck-butt hair style. Where the hell is he…?

"Max! Max!"

Recognizing his little brother's voice, the spiky-haired red-head turned around to see the blonde jogging over to him while jutting a thumb over his shoulder. "Check it! Incoming hotties at 12 o'clock!"

Max groaned while shaking his head. Geez, could the squirt be any louder…? As far as little brothers went, Jude was as cute as he was frustrating. Grinning from ear to ear and baby blue eyes sparkling with excitement, the slightly shorter male stopped in front of his elder and continued to point behind him towards the entrance.

"They're coming! They're coming! I saw them on my way back from taking a piss! There's three of them and I'm tellin' you that each of 'em could stop traffic and—"

Growling exasperatedly at his brother's excited rambling; Max poked both of his index fingers into the dimples on Jude's face. "Oww! Stop doin' that, bro! I'm not a kid anymore!"

"Then calm down, wouldja!?" Max said, pulling his brother aside so that he wouldn't get in the way of any passerby. "And b'sides, whoever's comin' through those doors probably ain't all that…" It was at that moment did the red-head look towards the entrance and saw a trio of young men enter. A trio of gorgeous young men. And he said the first thing that came sprinting to the front of his mind. "…Fuckin' hot…"

"See I told you…" Jude whispered eagerly, and moved behind his brother to reach the still groovin' Lance. He nudged the brunette with his elbow. "Psst! Lance, you gotta see this, man!"

Sighing at being interrupted a second time, Lance lowered his headphones to let them dangle around his neck, and took an unenthused glance over his shoulder to where his younger friend was pointing. Lance's lackadaisical demeanor quickly left him as his teal eyes widened a fraction. Damn…

There was no question that the three guys were descendents of Aphrodite, their attractiveness was just that tangible and overwhelming! But Lance was more fixated on the one who had to be the ringleader…the blue-eyed angel. He was the first out of the trio to descend the small flight of stairs next to the check-out counter and into the bulk of the store. Dressed in a pair of snug denim jeans that left nothing to the imagination and an orange v-neck t-shirt that exposed just a modest amount of clavicle, the living paragon outshined the other two with his radiant smile and the deepest sapphire eyes Lance had ever seen. The brunette stared shamelessly, letting his eyes rove up and down the other man's beautifully lithe frame.

Nice touch with that choker, Blue Eyes… You best believe I'm gonna get your number…

As for Max, it was the tall snow prince with the lovely hazel eyes that enraptured his attention. Despite his rather rough and rugged style, he had an eye for the classy types. And this guy was practically screaming his name—begging to be wooed and conquered. But there was something else that really intrigued Max about the posh stranger. Though the guy's hair was unique in its style and color, his face was just far too perfect, making him appear somewhat as an enigma.

What kind of secrets are you hiding, Snow…? You've piqued my curiosity already…

"…Wow…" Jude breathed dreamily as his new crush descended the entrance's steps. "…Just…wow…" An exotic long-haired beauty had decided to grace the music store with his presence. The blonde could feel his body begin to heat up from just looking at the raven's shapely and sinfully exposed legs, his khaki shorts hugging his trim waist. He looked as if he'd come fresh from the beach: his skin a comely shade of gold. And speaking of the ocean, Jude's heart skipped a beat as the raven's soft and inquisitive aqua eyes scanned the environment around him—briefly meeting his startled gaze before moving on.

Okay Jude, time to turn on the charm! He can be yours if you play your cards right!

One trio of guys watched the other trio of guys speak amongst themselves—with the brunette pointing to his watch for some reason—before splitting up and strolling off to different parts of store. And Lance, Max, and Jude thought the same exact thing simultaneously:

Hell yeah! Time to make my move!

But before either of them could follow through with their intentions, Max spread his arms wide and stopped Lance and Jude in their tracks. "Hold on, fellas…" he began warily, "…we're not goin' after the same guy, are we…?"

Lance shoved away Max's hand and proceeded to move forward. "Blue Eyes is mine," he said clearly, with an obvious hint of warning to the other two young men. "You guys can have the other ones."

Max and Jude blinked as their friend stalked off and began shadowing "Blue Eyes" from a distance. "Hmm, should we be worried, bro?" Jude asked, eyeing the dark-clothed man as he slinked from aisle to aisle. "I mean, I haven't seen Lance this interested in a guy since Shane. And we both know how that ended…" he finished sadly and Max frowned, remembering his childhood friend's tragic past.

"All we can really do is look out for him. We're a team, after all. Now c'mon…" The red-head smirked at his little brother. "Who do you have your eye on?"

"The raven," Jude answered seriously, already peering through the crowds around them to catch sight of the smallest of the beauties.

"Right on, then Snow is mine…" Still smirking deviously, Max found his target amongst the crowd and went for him.

"Heh, you and your princes…" Jude snickered at his brother's retreating back, but at once began shadowing his own prey.

Max inconspicuously followed that shock of silver-blonde hair through the aisles. Keen cobalt eyes watched from behind a magazine as his new conquest perused the "Hard Metal" section before sliding over to "Soft Rock", prompting a crimson eyebrow to cock.

You definitely are full of surprises aren't you, Snow…?

Max watched the other man for a moment as he picked up a Creed CD in one hand and a Puddle of Mudd in the other, looking cutely confused and indecisive. Seeing a window of opportunity present itself, Max quickly ran his hand through his hair one last time and checked his breath before making his move.

"They're not half bad," he said, sliding in next to silver-blonde man. He graced him with his most charming smile as the other met his gaze.

"Really?" Asked the young man, and Max felt a jolt of pleasure rip through him at hearing the smooth and even tenor. Inquisitive and curious, his new infatuation continued. "I have been trying to broaden my horizons in the music demographic and these artists were recommended to me."

Max nodded. "I see. Well like I said, they are good, but tell me…what are you used to listening to?"

The red-head never thought a simple shoulder shrug could look so graceful. "Classical and orchestra mostly, with the piano and violin being my favorite two instruments." A delicate upturn of full, soft peach lips had Max fantasizing already. "Although, I do enjoy the upbeat repertoire that pop music provides, and who doesn't like a well-versed love song from the R&B department."

"Hmm, it sounds to me like you're already pretty versatile there uh…" Max calmly and expectedly let the notion hang and gestured politely for the other man to introduce himself.

Pure hazel eyes blinked at him owlishly before catching on. "Oh yes, forgive me! My name is Zane… Zane Julien-Chernov." When a lithe, pale hand was extended Max's way, he smirked and gently took hold of the other end of the CD, lowering it.

Sly, cobalt irises kept themselves trained on the half-embarrassed, half-baffled expression on Zane's face as the French/German hybrid lowered his lips and kissed the back of the snow-incased hand. "Maximillian Astor, but I go by Max. And let me say that it's an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance, Herr Zane."

Unadulterated shock and fear stained the prince's face next, and he hurriedly released the CDs he was holding in both hands as he jerked back. Max held on to Creed, but Puddle of Mudd clattered to the floor. A few patrons glanced their way at the disturbance, however didn't comment and returned to what they were doing shortly after.

"Ah, yes—I mean, no! I mean, while it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance too, that's all you'll be. For you see, I am unavailable I…" Zane warily glanced at the red-head. "…That is what you were insinuating, correct?"

Zane was obviously flustered at Max's debonair advance, but the proud charmer played it cool and knelt down to retrieve the fallen CD. "Easy there, Herr Zane," he said, grinning. "I'm sorry if I came on to you too strong, but I just couldn't help myself…" Max got back up to his feet—confident and smooth as he offered the CD back to Zane. "…You're just so beautiful."

But instead of taking the CD back, Zane noticeably swallowed and shied away from Max, with one hand reaching up to fiddle nervously with his diamond pendant. "While I do appreciate the compliment, I have already pledged my loyalty and fidelity to another. So please…"

Not at all deterred or disheartened, having dealt with plenty of scenarios like this before, Max continued to weave his web. He inclined his head assuredly and put the Puddle of Mudd CD back in its rightful place. "Again, I apologize. Though I suppose I should've expected someone as lovely as yourself to already be taken." He then gestured to the pendant around Zane's neck. "He gave you that, didn't he? The little diamond you're so desperately clutching?"

Max just smirked when Zane nodded. "Yes, he did."

Sighing dramatically, Max ran a hand through his luxurious, crimson spikes and winked at Zane playfully. "Well Herr Zane, I have no intention of breaking-up a happy couple, so I'll keep my hands to myself. You can relax."

And Zane did, his posture gradually loosening as he exhaled. He offered the red-head an appreciative smile. "Thank you, Maximillian. I was afraid I was going to make another mistake. I am still new to romantic relationships you see."

Max's blood was quickly traveling south. Fuck…don't tell me I've stumbled upon a virgin…? He licked his lips at Zane's somewhat discomfited expression. The saucy red-head definitely couldn't let this one slip away. "You don't say…" he purred, his most charismatic smile stretching his lips once more. "Heh, well I'd hate to tell you this, but it most definitely shows."

"Yes, I know…" Max took an unperceivable step closer to the crestfallen beauty of a man, his concern winning over his lust for the time being. "…That is why Kai gets so worried about me… He doesn't want someone to take advantage of my naiveté…"

"I can relate to his concern," Max chimed in smoothly, and Zane's pure hazel eyes flitted up to his face. "If you were mine, I would what to keep an eye on you too." He smirked. "Especially if you were this cutely innocent."

The other man's gaze turned searching and wary again, and Max acted promptly to reassure him. "But hey, I can tell that behind those stunning eyes of yours lurks intelligence, and with time and experience you'll be able to read the signs of a potential threat to your…romantic relations."

Hazel and cobalt clashed. "…And are you such a threat?" Zane asked, and Max chuckled under his breath.

"Not anymore, Herr Zane," he assured and retraced that unperceivable step. "Now, all I want is to be your friend. You seem pretty interesting… But, of course, only if you're willing…" He offered his hand for Zane to shake. "And also if you think this…Kai would be okay with it…"

A neatly trimmed silver eyebrow rose. "Though I may love him, Kai has no say as to whom I may or may not befriend, Maximillian." Max grinned, the concept of "love" bouncing off him harmlessly. "And…I would like to try to advance our mere acquaintanceship…to friendship."

An elegant and pale hand was soon fitted in Max's tan one, and a proper and firm handshake ensued. Zane's hand felt…different—smooth…impeccably smooth. More so than any other texture Max could think of. And when Max glanced down at it, he had to blink. For it seemed to sparkle under the store's fluorescent lights…like freshly fallen snow kissing a sheet of ice. But despite how frozen it looked, it was still indubitably warm.

He lifted his gaze back up to meet Zane's, and felt a similar tug of inquisitiveness as he stared deep into perfect shades of blended greens and mahogany. Is that…ice blue…?

Before he could control himself, he felt his cheeks burn with red. And when Zane tilted his head cutely to side and called his name, he felt his heart begin to pound in his ears. Wha…? What's happening to me…?

Little did Maximillian Astor know that this mysterious prince of snow would be no mere conquest. Little did Maximillian Astor know…that he was actually experiencing the first signs of love.

Jude grunted in irritation as another wayward patron bumped into him. Dammit! Where did all these folks come from alluva sudden?!

However, the sudden deluge of people in the small music store wasn't just causing him grief though… Ah! There he is! For just a few feet ahead of him did he see his sultry raven perform a last-minute sidestep to avoid crashing into a rather burly, hulk of a man. The raven proved to be very light on his feet as he recovered with the grace of a dancer and continued on, and Jude was once again struck with amazement.

Wow… Just…wow… …?!

But just then, Jude spotted a stampede of children strike out from the Hip Hop section, yelling and screaming with mad glee as they made a beeline for the check-out counter stationed near the front of the store. But unfortunately, they would have to intercept the raven's path to get there…

Uh-oh…

Without thinking, Jude aggressively began pushing his way through the throng of people just as the squirt squad sprinted in front of the raven, tripping him up and causing him to falter.

"Gotcha!" Quickly grabbing the raven around the waist, Jude spun them both out of harm's way as the remainder of kids dashed passed none the wiser of the collision they almost caused. A flustered woman who was possibly the little devils' chaperone called irritably after the group to slow down, but, of course, was either ignored or drowned-out by the white noise caused by the crowd. She mouthed an apology to the two huddled young men before striding off after her bouncy charges.

"Whoa, even the mall's turned into a highway for hellions, huh?" Jude jested, grinning down into startled aquamarine irises. "You okay there, man?"

The consternation soon ebbed from the raven's face and he nodded. "Y-Yeah, I'm good," he breathed and moved to step away from the encirclement of Jude's arms. And seeing this, the blonde released his hold…albeit very reluctantly. Wary aquas darted to and fro, and a slight frown darkened the young man's countenance. "Damn was it a mistake to come here today," he uttered then looked to his rescuer apologetically. "Large crowds just aren't my thing. I didn't mean to get you roped-up in my little misadventure there."

Jude shrugged, though, his grin was sympathetic. "I feel ya," he said, glancing around at the overflow of people, bustling about. "It wasn't like this earlier, but hey, if ya want, we could stick together for a bit—keep the hellions away."

The light chuckle that followed made the blonde unwittingly blush, and he rubbed the back of his head, clearly self-conscious. Uh-oh, I really hope I didn't sound desperate or lonely there… But despite Jude's apprehension, when he met the raven's gaze again, those stunning aquas held neither mock nor repulsion, just simple acquiescence.

"Though that sounded like a lame excuse, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt since you did just save me from getting trampled." A slender hand was then extended his way. "Brad Tudabone."

Sighing with relief, Jude readily accepted and shook the other's hand. "Judeca Astor. Jude for short."

Brad blinked. "Astor? I feel like I've heard of that name before…"

Jude's dimples appeared in earnest as he grinned widely, showcasing a row of his pearly whites. "Yep! I'm part of the Astor family. My mother owns every Botanical Gardens on Ninjago while my father owns the pharmaceutical conglomerate: Oracle. Though my brother and I are heirs, all I really want to do is study to become a botanist and work alongside my mother." Another blush touched the spiky-haired blonde's cheeks, and he barely had the courage to look Brad in the eye. "I…I hope you don't find it weird, but…I love flowers. They're just so fascinating!"

An encouraging squeeze was given to his hand. And shocked, Jude met Brad's gaze squarely. It suddenly dawned on the blonde that they were, in fact, still holding hands.

"Well that's nothing to be ashamed of!" Brad assured enthusiastically. "There are plenty of men who are flora fanatics who get into botany just for that reason alone!" A happy twinkle entered aqua depths. "And you just so happen to be looking at the same dream as you! Oh well…maybe not the exact same, but yeah…"

Fine golden cheeks filled with red, and it was then Jude's turn to squeeze the warm appendage in his grasp. "I gotcha. And let me just say that it's nice to meet a kindred spirit."

Brad's sincere smile was absolutely breathtaking. "Likewise… Uh…"

It was at that moment when the raven seemed to realize that his hand was still incased in Jude's. And he immediately blushed and pulled away. "I-I'm sorry," he muttered quickly, but Jude only shrugged.

"I wasn't exactly complaining, Brad…"

Though the insinuation was there, it dawned on Jude that he was losing ground, and fast due to Brad's sudden uncertainty. Faceless people continued to mosey along around the two stationary young men as a hesitant silence ensued. Jude took a breath. "Listen Brad…it's gettin' kinda loud and crowded in here, wouldn't you say? So why don't you and I go someplace quieter and you can tell me what your favorite kind of flower is."

But unfortunately the latter shook his head. "I can't, I'm sorry." Jude felt himself deflate at Brad's remorseful expression. "I hope I didn't lead you on, because I'm sorry if I did. I didn't mean to…"

"You're taken." It wasn't a question on Jude's part. Having had his share of relationships in the past, he could read the signs.

"Yeah, his name is Lloyd, and we've been together for almost a year now. And…I don't see us breaking-up anytime soon."

Jude felt his lips tug into a rueful grin. "He's that good to you, huh?"

A firm nod. "Yes, he is."

Well…I tried… Damn…

But regardless of the raven's rejection, the blonde perked-up, flashing his dimples. "Well then, I guess I have to settle for being your friend!" He beamed brightly, causing Brad to blink. Unlike his big brother, he knew when to back-off…sort of anyway. "For the time you're here, we can still hang-out, right?"

"Um, sure! I…" Brad was a little put-off at first, but he was soon smiling himself—Jude's exuberance being most infectious. "My friends and I don't have to meet our boyfriends at Applebee's until three o'clock. So we still have time."

Baby blue eyes widened a fraction. Uh-oh… so they're all taken… Wonder how the others are fairing…? Max won't back down…and Lance won't either…

Jude mentally shook himself. Best just to wait and see what happens… He nodded at the raven. "Cool, then let's go!"

And so, the pair turned and ventured deeper into the store, unaware that something was about to go down within the karaoke booths.

Well, well, well…what do we have here…?

Lance had been discreetly shadowing Blue Eyes for about ten minutes now, and his target had finally came to rest at the line in front of the karaoke booths near the back-end of the store. Well, maybe "rest" was a poor term to use in regards to the beautiful brunette, for the guy was quite literally bouncing on his heels, clearly in a rush to be the next one to sing. Sharp teal eyes lost their stoicism and softened at Blue Eyes' cute display. Heh, I wonder if he actually can sing…? He mused thoughtfully to himself. It was private booth, though there was an option to turn the speaker on for the whole store to hear you. And although Lance wasn't an employee, he knew the staff here as well as the manager and managed procure the rights to change the settings if he ever felt like it. The same thing went for the booth in front of it too. They connected systematically, so duets could be performed if desired. But again, if one wanted to go solo and sing a different song, privacy was a feature. Both were facing each other and had glass windows to look out of. They were definitely not designed for the bashful, and with one look at bouncy Blue Eyes, Lance could tell that "shy" wasn't in his description.

And then, it was Blue Eyes' turn. Lance watched for a moment as the other brunette sauntered into the booth and began fiddling with the controls. He leaned out some to check the other booth's line and saw a group of girls giggling, blushing, and pointing at his target.

Lance rolled his eyes. One of the reasons why I don't do girls…

Flicking his long fringe of bangs out of his eye, Lance calmly made his way to the opposite booth…and consequently to the group of giggling girls, whom of which were guarding the door. Once near, he called out lazily to them. "Excuse me, do any of you mind if I go first?"

The girls immediately stopped chatting and stealing glances at the "hottie in the other booth" and turned to Lance. All of their faces went from pink to scarlet as they quite openly ogled his tall and strapping figure. Lance kept his face passive and his posture lax, knowing how to deal with the disease known as fan-girlitis.

Three…two…one…

Again, another simultaneous reaction occurred as all of the gathered girls squealed with manic glee and began talking all at once.

"Yes, yes, of course you can!"

"Can I have your number?! I'll give you mine!"

"Senpai, look at me!"

"Oh my god, you're so hot!"

"Date me, senpai!"

Lance briefly wondered if girls will ever come to realize that this sort of behavior is not attractive. Whateve's as long as they get out of my way… He took a step forward and the estrogen carriers parted before him like the Red Sea. "Thank you," he uttered lowly, deliberately making them scream louder. Lance internally winced at the sudden ringing assaulting his sensitive hearing.

"Oh my god, he's so cool!"

"I bet he can sing too!"

"Are you gonna start a boy band! If so, can I be your manager!?"

"No, I want to be his manager!"

"No! Me!"

"Me!"

"Me!"

"Me!"

Lance hurriedly closed the booth's door behind him, and was thankfully blessed with absolute silence. Rolling his eyes once more with a sigh, he walked over to the console and looked to the other booth. The brunette felt himself genuinely relax as he gazed upon the sheer perfection across from him. Blue Eyes was still bright-eyed and happily messing around with his console, but had yet to look up. However, he did have his headphones on now, and seeing this, Lance extended the retractable cord to his and plugged them into his console. With deft practice and ease, he connected his system to the other's and could only hope that Blue Eyes hadn't wired his to conduct a private session.

"Hello," he greeted and Blue Eyes' head abruptly snapped up.

"Oh hey!"

Lance was no fool. Surely, he wasn't, but when those sapphires locked onto him, his cognitive function came to a screeching halt…and his baser instincts came roaring to the front. God those eyes…that smile…those luscious lips… Why did the booths have to be so far apart…? I want to be closer to him… I want to touch him—feel his warmth on my fingertips… I want him… I want this guy badly…

Why the hell was he now acting like a fan-girl? Oh fuck, it's contagious! C'mon, get a grip, man. This isn't like you…

"Say, do you wanna maybe do a duet? Or would you rather do your own thing?"

Cognitive Function—while sweating profusely—stomped down Baser Instinct and took its place. But not before Baser Instinct got one more sly remark in: Yeah, we can do a "duet" alright…in my bed! I can have you singing my name for days… Although thankfully what he said out loud was, "Sure, you look like you can carry a tune. What do you have in mind?"

Lance watched entranced as Blue Eyes tapped his bottom lip with a finger in contemplation. And Baser Instinct fought ferociously back to the front. Hmm…I'd like to lick that lip…and suck it til' it's swollen and quivering… I promise to make you feel good, Blue Eyes… I'd be more than honored to be your one and only, and give you anything and everything your pretty heart desires…

"Well, I was hoping that Maroon 5's new album was out so I could sample a track, but it isn't. But I would really like to sing one of their songs if that's cool with you?"

Lance unzipped his hoodie and shrugged it off, revealing his Southern Europian tan and finely chiseled chest. His silver tank top proved to be much cooler than his hoodie, given his sudden spike in temperature. Seriously though, only a few sentences have been spoken between them and already he was starting to have a little trouble below the equator. He needed to calm down, he needed music.

Cognitive Function took a hammer to Baser Instinct. "Nah, their new album won't be out until this holiday season, but yeah, we can do one of their songs." He smiled at Blue Eyes' happy grin. "Which one?"

"Tch! What else?! Moves Like Jagger!" Blue Eyes gushed excitedly. "Let's go! I got the first verse, you got the second, and we'll sing the chorus together, cool?"

Lance chuckled, his heart already pounding with anticipation to the song…and among other things. "Sure, hit it."

And almost instantly did the whistling intro begin and Blue Eyes started bobbing his head to the beat.

"Just shoot for the stars

If it feels right, then aim for my heart

If you feel like, and take me away, and make it okay

I swear I'll behave…"

Lance unconsciously lifted a hand to press an earmuff closer to his ear. As it turned out, Blue Eyes could do more than carry a tune, he actually had a nice voice.

"You wanted control, so we waited

I put on a show, now I make it

You say I'm a kid, my ego is big, I don't give a shit…"

Blue Eyes winked playfully at Lance. A little cue. Not that Lance needed it since he was jivin' and getting into the music, but he smirked nonetheless and joined in promptly.

"And it goes like this

Take me by the tongue and I'll know you

Kiss me till you're drunk and I'll show you

You want the moves like jagger

I've got the moves like jagger

I've got the mooooooooves like jagger

It was electric harmony, Lance and Blue Eyes' voices synchronized beautifully as they belted the chorus.

"I don't need to try to control you

Look into my eyes and I'll own you

With them moves like jagger

I've got the moves like jagger

I've got the mooooooooves like jagger

Lance made sure to keep eye contact with the other as he sung his verse.

"Maybe it's hard

When you feel like you're broken and scarred

Nothing feels right

But when you're with me, I make you believe, that I've got the key

Oh! So get in the car

We can ride it

Wherever you want, get inside it

And you want to steer, but I'm shifting gears, I'll take it from here

Lance coyly winked at Blue Eyes and was rewarded with a gorgeous smile that reached his eyes and made them glimmer.

"Oh! Yeah, yeah!

And it goes like this—uh!

Take me by the tongue and I'll know you

Kiss me till you're drunk and I'll show you

You want the moves like jagger

I've got the moves like jagger

I've got the mooooooooves like jagger…"

It went only like this for the rest of the song…as well as three others, until Lance had to signal to his energetic infatuation that he was done. The little pout that followed made the Italian grin and he smoothly beckoned for Blue Eyes to meet him outside. It was about time they introduced themselves properly.

"You have a great voice there, stranger," he praised upon exiting and meeting the other man face to face. Thankfully the cluster of foaming-at-the-mouth fan-girls had dispersed.

Blue Eyes smiled, and Lance gazed appreciatively at just how attractive he was up close. "Thanks, and you didn't sound too bad yourself. I could tell you've had practice."

Lance flicked his long, black curtain of bangs reflexively. "Just a hobby," he replied modestly. "Music is good for the soul, after all." He offered his hand. "My name is Lance Lombardi, and you are?"

Blue Eyes took his hand without any reservation. "Happy as a clam," he grinned. "But my name's Jay Walker. Nice to meet ya."

Lance's one visible eyebrow lifted. "Seriously? Now there's a name you don't hear every day."

Jay laughed, releasing his hold. And Lance cursed himself for being so easily derailed by the other's name and not paying enough attention to appreciate the silken warmth of Jay's hand in his. "Maybe not a name, but a definite misdemeanor. And to tell the truth it's kinda funny when I catch someone in the act, it's like they're simultaneously doing my name justice and giving me a bad rap."

The two shared an amicable laugh together at Jay's joke, with Lance positively preening on the inside. He was struck with a sudden unfathomable desire to spend some alone time the beautiful brunette before him, the crowded and loud music store no longer feeling comfortable. But he didn't want to drag Jay with him against his will if he had other business here, or if he had to wait for his friends. So he would simply try to make the best out of the situation.

They moved away from the booths and to a less crowded section of the store, namely the "Classical" section. "I think I detect a bit of an accent. Where are you from?" Jay asked as Lance slipped on his hoodie once more.

"Hmm, you have impressive hearing. I spent a modicum of my boyhood in Fontanelle before my family came to Ninjago and settled in Temblor."

"Whoa! Small world! My boyfriend's roots are from Fontanelle too, and his hometown is Temblor! So you're an Italiano, si?"

Lance halted his movements as he stared at Jay. "Boyfriend?" He had no time to adhere to the slight purr of the other brunette's try for an Italian accent, for he had just been soundly cock-blocked.

Jay folded his arms and tilted his head thoughtfully. "Yeah, although Cole's accent is only present when he speaks Italian… Plus there's the matter of him being a fourth Japanese too…"

"Cole?!" A raw nerve had been struck when the familiar name had been uttered. No…not that Cole… Not that heinous bastard…

Beautiful sapphire eyes thinned and gave Lance a circumspective once-over. "Yeah…? What's up? Why do you look like that, Lance?"

A dark scowl covered the attractive Italian's face and he growled. "Sorry Jay, I just knew a "Cole" once, and he took someone precious away from me…only to discard that someone off to the side when he was done. He was despicable."

Shock then sympathy gradually took hold of Jay's lovely features and he stepped closer to the Lance to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up bad memories."

Lance eyed Jay, his hard frown still in place. "Someone like you wouldn't get involved with someone like that, right? If so…I can save you from him, Jay."

Slack-jawed and a little bit worried, Jay shook his head. "No… No, trust me, Lance, my Cole is very kind and dependable. Heh, there's not a despicable bone in that guy's body, really! So, I know my Cole is very different from your Cole."

Jay was just maybe a centimeter or two shorter than him, so when Lance moved closer—well within Jay's personal space—he was able to lay his brow on the other's. He felt Jay stiffen at their close proximity, and maybe even further when he took hold of the brunette's hips, but he was beyond caring at the moment. He stared deep into widened sapphire gems.

"You say that…but have you ever been hurt by him before?" He asked lowly. There was a sudden pressure against his chest—Jay's hands. Jay was trying to ease him back.

"No relationship is perfect," Jay replied, a wary edge in his voice. "Each one is going to have problems. He's hurt me, just as I'm sure I've hurt him. But it was never intentional… Everybody makes mistakes."

Lance's hold tightened. "Yeah, but some mistakes can be prevented… If only he'd listen to me…"

"Lance, let go." Gone was the pleasant and mellow tenor from before. Now Jay's voice was fiercely firm and brooked no room for dissent. "I don't want to cause a scene and hurt you, but I will if I have to."

Lance smirked. "I think you would've by now if you were serious… Just give me your Cole's last name, and I will…"

Sapphires flashed and hardened. "I don't have to give you anything," Jay growled. "You got three seconds… Three…two…"

Teal and blue clashed dangerously, but before anything could happen, both men were abruptly pulled apart.

"Lance! What the hell, man! You can't grab anyone like that! No matter how hot they are!"

"Jay! Are you alright?!"

The two consternated voiced belonged to none other than Max and Zane respectively, with each one holding their friend back. "I'm fine, Zane. Thanks," Jay replied, but it was clear he was still agitated as he continued to glare at Lance. In which the latter said nothing, only held Jay's gaze with his own.

It was only a few seconds later that Brad and Jude showed up, looking between the four confusedly. "Jay-Seonbae…?"

Jude glanced worriedly from Max to Lance. "What's goin' on, guys?"

But Jay was the one who answered. "Nothing. You know what? Let's just go. We have to meet the others pretty soon anyways. We can afford to be a little early." He then walked briskly over and grabbed Brad's hand before nodding to Zane. The other three males watched mutely as their infatuations made their exodus from the store.

Max whirled on Lance furiously. "What the hell were you thinking?!" He bellowed, but Lance's only response was to cross his arms and continue to stare ahead.

"Cole."

Max and Jude both stiffened. "Wait…not the same Cole who…" Jude trailed-off when his brother shot him a withering look. Dangerous territory.

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out." A teal eye swiveled to Max. "Any idea where they were headed?"

The red-head rubbed at his temples. "Lance…c'mon, man. Don't do this…"

"I'm not asking you to come," Lance shot back. "I'm only asking for info…" He turned to the blonde next. "Jude?"

The youngest scratched his cheek. "Well…Brad did say they were going to Applebee's to meet their boyfriends at three o'clock…"

Lance nodded. "Good, then that's where I'm going. And if it is him—if it's the same fucker who stole Shane away from me, then I will have my vengeance…and pay him back ten-fold."

A slow smile formed on the brunette's lips. "Yeah…I need to apologize to Jay, anyway…"

Author's Note: Again, I'm sorry about the length of this entry. I'll finish it after I've completed a few more in between for variety sake, and you best believe they're gonna be a lot shorter. XD Hope everyone enjoyed!