Author's Note: I didn't mean for this one to stretch so long. Oh well, it should be fine. Thanks to all of you for reading, reviewing, and other good stuff. Everything is most appreciated.

Guest Review Replies:

GUEST (Chapter 6 Apr. 29) – Alright, will do and thanks for the support. I'm glad you like it so far.

gUeSt (Chapter 6 Apr. 30) – Thanks so much for the praise, I try really hard on each chapter. Hmm, I'm not quite sure what the last pairing means. Is it when Jay and Nya are fighting over Cole? Sorry for such a stupid question. I'm new to this.

Mdj – I will continue, so don't you worry about that. Other people's ignorance is not my prerogative.

Guest (Chapter 6 May 9) – Thanks so much for the praise and you're welcome.

Unexpected

By: Mad Betrayal

"It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them..."—Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chapter 7 ~ A Mother Within the Brotherhood

Jay groaned as the first light of dawn touched his face. He snuggled closer against his firm makeshift pillow and tried his best to block out the brightening rays from disturbing his slumber. But unfortunately for the sleepy, blue ninja, since the bed that he and Cole currently shared was positioned right under the glass dome, the sun's influence would have no trouble rousing him awake.

Jay pouted cutely and tightened his hold on his warm pillow, laying his head comfortably against it. Hmm…comfy… Maybe I should bring this pillow back to the Bounty with me… The ones on my bed are way too soft…and this one has just the right amount of firmness…

Jay grinned in utter contentment as his body fully relaxed. His mind was about to fog into log-sawing euphoria when he felt something rather peculiar. Hmm…? Kinda creepy, though, that a pillow has a heartbeat… But whateve's…it's very soothing… Gliding his hand downward, it suddenly got tangled in the sheets, and he irritably brushed the cloth aside. Free, Jay's wandering appendage came to rest on something very warm, smooth…and solid as rock.

Huh…? What is this…?—!?

Jay's eyes snapped open in alarm and came face-to-face with Cole's chin. The black ninja lied prone on his back with Jay practically glued to his side, his head resting on the black ninja's shoulder. Trying not to scream, Jay bit his lip, his body going as stiff as a board. What Jay had first thought was a sheet, was actually Cole's pajama top. And he had snaked his hand under his best friend's shirt to rest his palm on the hard, smooth muscles of Cole's abdomen. Cole shifted in his sleep and Jay squeaked in a very unmanly way.

And that's when he felt it...Cole's hand on his hip, his fingers teasing the elastic waistband of his bottoms. Jay's heart went to his throat and stayed there, beating rapidly and sending manic shockwaves reverberating throughout his body. He squeezed his eyes shut and gritted his teeth.

Holy hell! How did this happen!? This is so not a good way to start the day!

With his fear and mortification on the rise, Jay utilized every bit of discipline and restraint he could muster to calm himself. Okay, okay—okay…there has to be a logical explanation for this, right? So just calm down, Jay, and think rationally…

Taking several deep breaths, Jay tentatively reopened his eyes, but immediately squeezed them shut again once he felt Cole's hand start to wander off the curve of his hip and toward his pelvic region. Blood instantly rushed to his cheeks. How can I think rationally when he and I are groping each other like two merry lovers on a warm summer morning?!

Swallowing hard and subsequently forcing his heart back down to its rightful position, Jay tried to think. Wait—wait…he's still asleep, right? There's still time for me to get out of this with some dignity, right…?

Cautiously opening his eyes a third time, Jay attempted to block-out the excessive pounding of his heart and focused on the sound of Cole's breathing. Slow, deep, and at even intervals, the blue-eyed young man accurately deduced that his fellow ninja was—indeed—still asleep. Thus, he slowly pulled away from Cole and sat up. He eyed the other's sleeping face quickly before looking over his shoulder—at all the extra space behind him.

Jay rubbed his eyes and groaned. He was afraid of this. For when he slept, he always moved closer to warmth and liked to grab on to things. It all started when he was little: from his stuffed Pegasus, Bolt, to his favorite blanket, to his electrified golden nunchukuu, then finally…to his best friend, Cole.

But what made the whole thing so odd was that Cole didn't push him away or at least wake him up for invading his personal space. He simply…reciprocated. Even now, Jay couldn't inch away from Cole any further due to the other's firm hold on his hip. Maybe he thinks he's holding Nya… Jay thought a bit ruefully.

It was a possibility and Jay didn't know if Cole was a deep sleeper or not. Having been trained in Ninjitsu, they were all taught to "cat nap", especially in foreign environments. But even while meandering on the planes of one's subconscious in a safe haven, a ninja must always be aware of their surroundings. Jay always had a hard time grasping that concept—and apparently Cole did too.

Jay placed his hand atop of Cole's to try to peel the other's appendage from his person, but stopped when he noticed how warm it was compared to his. "Too warm…" Jay mumbled. Their electric blanket was only on "3"—not nearly high enough to bring Cole's body temperature to this degree of heat. He looked anxiously back to his friend's face and stared.

"Cole…?" Not at all wearing the "goofy grin" he usually wore while sleeping, Cole's mouth was pulled into a discomfited frown. Perspiration peppered his face and his frame shook with exertion as he released a sickening wet cough. It was obvious the black ninja was sick—Jay moved his hand to Cole's forehead—and feverish.

"Maybe I asked for too much last night, but I just…didn't want to be alone…" Jay lamented, retracting his hand. He peered down at Cole sadly. "But I thought for sure that we'd be okay up here. Besides, since when do you get sick?"

His embarrassment long-forgotten, Jay roused himself to action and threw off their covers. He was going to take full responsibility for Cole's condition, and that meant taking care of him until he was better. The soft pinks and pale blues of dawn were steadily receding. It wouldn't be long before the day was clearly on its way and the observatory was turned into an oven. Better get him back to my room and let him rest there…

Carrying Cole wasn't too much of a problem despite the fact that his body was heavy with muscle. Jay never told anyone—especially not Cole—that he somewhat envied the ninja leader's physique. He had trained just as hard as Cole, but could never achieve the girth in which the other did. No, Jay's body was lithe, sinewy, and ripped—a swimmer's build is what Zane called it. But anyway, he managed to get Cole tucked under his covers in his room just as the other was stirring awake.

Hooded emeralds looked at Jay blearily. "Jay…? Wha…what's going on…?"

"Shhh… Don't worry about it," Jay soothed and neatly folded the covers over Cole's stomach. "Just tell me what hurts. You have a fever," he clarified shortly.

Cole blinked owlishly before replying. "No—*cough*—I'm fine." His lips curved in a lopsided way as he regarded Jay lazily. "So what are we going to do today?"

Jay promptly rolled his eyes. "We are not doing anything," he countered, mentally taking note of Cole's congested cough. "You are going to rest in bed today. Got me?"

Cole frowned and sat up straighter, attempting to look more alert and aware. "Don't be a mother hen, man, I'm—" Cole's hands suddenly flew to cover his mouth as he expelled a loud sneeze. And Jay rushed to his bathroom to retrieve a box of tissue, handing the sick ninja a few first before placing it on his nightstand beside his heirloom.

Cole blew his nose and wiped his hands with a disgusted grimace. Jay cocked a wry eyebrow as the other peered at him through watery eyes. "Doesn't mean anything," Cole retorted stubbornly, throwing the tissue away in a small neighboring wastebasket. "I don't want to be cooped-up here all day long doing nothing." The obstinate leader then tried to remove the covers and stand, but was thwarted by Jay's quick reflexes and coaxed back down.

Geez…and I thought Kai was a pain in the ass when he got sick… Re-tucking his grumbling elder back in bed, Jay stood up and handed Cole the remote to his T.V. "Just chill and watch some tube for awhile, okay?" He smiled patiently. "I'll take care of you."

The frown didn't waver from Cole's face despite Jay's sweet tone, and knowing green eyes thinned. "You don't need to feel responsible for me, Jay. I wanted to stay up there with you last night."

Another blush started to creep up Jay's neck and onto his cheeks, but he fought it down with a quick shake of his head. "Yeah, well…did it ever occur to you that I want to take care of you, genius?" He deftly countered, feeling at ends with being so easily figured out. He met Cole's eyes with his own hint of stubbornness and the two ninja interlocked in a rather pointless battle of pride.

Jay was shocked to see Cole back down and turn away first. "Whatever you say, man," Cole relented. "Just don't do me any favors; it's not your fault. My hair was still wet after my shower last night, so most likely I caught a head-cold or somethin'…"

At the other's distant and despondent look, Jay seated himself beside Cole again and reached out to run his hand purposefully through his hair. Cole whipped his head around to face him, but Jay chose to ignore his friend's widened eyes and allowed his genuine concern to shine through.

"Well…it's dry now," he pointed out softly. He caressed the thick noir locks methodically, marveling at their velvety shine and soft texture. He knew the action was more or less gratuitous, but he also hoped that it would help calm Cole some. It had when the ninja leader did it to him, so…

Cole was absolutely silent, and when Jay looked at him, he saw a blush reddening his tan-olive cheeks. Jay replaced his hand atop of Cole's. Maybe he was touching his friend a little too much, but the result left the earth ninja very compliant and less fussy, so Jay milked the effects.

"Okay so…how's your stomach? Can you eat anything?" He asked, still using a gentle undertone.

Cole seemed to struggle for a second, his blush darkening and reaching his ears. "I-I think my stomach's f-fine," he stuttered. "It's just my nose and throat that's…that's bothering me—congestion I think…"

Jay nodded and stood up. "Give me a sec, I'll come back with some medicine and breakfast for you."

"You don't have to do that," Cole got out in a rush, and opened his mouth to say more, but then Jay's hand brushed aside his bangs, making him swallow his words.

"I know I don't have to, ya big goober," the blue ninja teased and graced the other with another beautiful smile. "I want to, okay?" He winked. "Besides we promised each other…I'm here for you too."

Cole smiled, his embarrassment melting away. "Yeah, you're right, Jay…thanks."

And with that, Jay turned and left. The house was dark and quiet except for the sound of the T.V. emitting from his room, but Jay didn't bother with the lights this time as he made his way down stairs to the kitchen. Should be something in the medicine cabinet…

As soon as Jay entered and snapped his fingers, a note caught his eye on the kitchen table. Curious, he picked it up and read it:

Dear Jason,

I left early this morning to head for Dialchrome City for my doctor's appointment. So I'm sorry I won't be there to make breakfast for you and Cole. But, I know you'll manage just fine since you're such a great cook, Jay-lly Bean. I'll be back soon.

Love You, Mom

P.S.

Are you sure Cole is with Nya now? Because you two looked mighty cute together all snuggled up!

Jay's face turned crimson. His mother saw him spooning Cole?! "Oh man…" Jay groaned. It seemed like no matter what, if he ever suffered an embarrassing moment in his life, then his mother would either witness it or learn about it. And then, of course, bring it up later. He put the note back down with a sigh and made his way towards the medicine cabinet. Luckily, a bottle of decongestants and a bag of sore throat lozenges were the first things he saw when he opened the cupboard.

"Sweet…" Jay breathed and placed the medicine on a tray near the stove. He also grabbed a bottle of painkillers since they would help lower Cole's fever thanks to the antihistamine, as well as remedy any other aches he might be feeling. "Now all that's left is breakfast." But as Jay made his way to the fridge, he couldn't help but think about his mother's note.

"Geez, just because Cole makes a decent pillow doesn't mean I have feelings for him. I mean, I have feelings for him, but they're platonic feelings. He's my best bud. Besides, he probably was dreaming about Nya…" Jay grasped the handle, but paused before opening it, a strange twinge emanating from his chest. He placed a hand over the point of pain. "I'm hurt because of Nya, right? Not because… Not because…I wanted Cole to dream of…me…"

Jay's heart pounded hard against his ribcage, alerting him, but also confusing him. He shook his head. "No, no, wake up, Jay…*sigh*…wake up…" He then resumed opening the fridge and got out some eggs, bacon, sausage, butter, milk, blueberries, and a carton of orange juice. He frowned and rattled it some to hear the slight sloshing within. It didn't appear to have much in it, maybe enough for a single glass, but that's it.

"Well, the big lug needs it more than I do."

Shrugging, he closed the door and set to work. Retrieving a griddle and two skillets from the cupboards, Jay cooked the meat first since that would take the longest. He smiled proudly at what he was about to do for his friend. After all, it wasn't every day that Jay would prepare his famous blueberry pancakes. He sliced the blue berries thinly and grabbed a mixing bowl and the pancake mix from an overhead cabinet. He combined the ingredients and whipped them up thoroughly until the batter had a creamy texture.

Jay started to hum. Cooking always helped ease his nerves and relax his mind. He happily recalled his time in the kitchen with Zane preparing their clan's Thanksgiving dinner a few weeks back. His nindroid brother was, indeed, a master chef and a great conversationalist if you knew what to ask him. They had a marvelous time together, and Kai and Cole made it even funnier when they showed up out of nowhere and requested to be their "connoisseurs". Jay laughed to himself. Recently, it seemed like all Kai wanted to do was be near Zane, which was extremely baffling to Jay since the two ninja were polar opposites in every way imaginable. But despite their differences, Jay would often find them talking to each other or whatnot. And usually it would be just the two of them.

Jay stopped humming; recalling something else—the way Zane would stiffen if Lloyd was nearby. Or to be more specific…if Kai and Lloyd were in the same vicinity as him. Jay frowned in thought. He had witnessed it a few times, but a few weeks ago, during Thanksgiving, it became extremely obvious to him that something was off. Whenever Kai and Zane were talking and Lloyd made an appearance, Zane immediately clammed-up. And most of the time, Lloyd requested something of Kai or Kai excused himself and followed Lloyd out…leaving Zane alone. Was there something going on?

As far as Jay could tell, Zane and Lloyd had a pretty good rapport with each other. It's just when Kai comes into the picture, something triggers within the white ninja and he shuts down, resulting in his attitude to be very melancholy. Jay remembered Zane's sad smile to him when Kai left with Lloyd out of the kitchen while they were cooking. He had tried to get Zane talking again after that, but…his efforts were for naught in the end.

Jay stacked another flapjack on a plate and poked at the sizzling meat. Was it fear or wariness that consumed Zane when Lloyd appeared to take Kai away from him? "Hmm…I hope everything is okay back there… I should call. Plus, I don't think anyone knows Cole and I are here since we left so abruptly."

Jay finished preparing breakfast with diligent efficiency, placing each plate of picturesque deliciousness on the tray along with the medicine, a bottle of maple syrup, and some silverware. He poured the last of the orange juice in a glass for Cole, and grabbed himself a water bottle before departing from the kitchen and returning upstairs to his room.

He entered to find Cole exactly where he left him, and the other put down the T.V. remote and turned to him with a smile. "I thought I smelled your blueberry pancakes. Thanks, Jay. I was starting to salivate."

Jay chuckled lightly and came around to Cole's bedside. "You better be glad you're my best friend. You know I don't make these often."

Cole's eyes sparkled with gratitude as Jay placed the tray in his lap. He was just about to dig in when Jay stopped him. "Wait a second, take your medicine first." Cole's stomach growled loudly in protest. The smell and sight of Jay's cooking had him literally licking his chops like a hungry wolf.

"I'll take them after I eat," he reasoned and hurriedly lifted the bottle of syrup. Jay snatched the bottle from his hand, however, and handed him the bottle of painkillers instead. He kept the syrup out of reach.

"No, medicine then food. It's best to have the pills already in your stomach before you shovel it in. That way they won't cause any harm to your digestive tract later." Cole sighed in disappointment, but took the offered bottle while Jay opened the other one with the decongestants in it.

Once Cole had pills in hand, he swallowed them with a sip of orange juice. "You're such a mother hen," he chided with a smirk, but Jay just shrugged.

"So sue me. I don't like seeing my friends injured or hurt, whether it be emotionally or physically." And it was true. Jay hated seeing any of his brothers depressed or in pain. That's why he always tried to make them feel better with either a well-timed joke or simply lending an ear, or just taking care of them. Attentiveness was definitely one of Jay's strongest attributes.

Cole eyed him as the blue ninja came around to sit on the other side of the bed, his smirk gone and replaced with an adoring grin. "Yeah, I know. It's good to have a "mother" in the group; it makes my job as the "father" a lot easier."

Jay nearly choked on his water. He turned to Cole furiously, lightning flashing in his deep blue depths. "What the hell is that supposed to mean, huh?!" He raged, a deep blush assaulting his cheeks. "We're the parents and the other three are our "children"?! Kai would eat you alive if he heard you say that?! And Zane's the oldest out of all of us, and Lloyd well—s-sometimes I do picture Lloyd as being a little boy again…especially when he starts whining about something… But still—what are you laughing at?!"

Cole had leaned back against the headboard and had exploded into guffaws. Jay fumed, not seeing at all what was so funny, only knowing that Cole was laughing at his expense. His anger dissipated however, when Cole unexpectedly leaned forward and started coughing violently into his hands; his eyes shut tight in pain. Jay scooted closer to his friend and patted his back in an effort to soothe his convulsing body.

When Cole's coughing fit had passed, Jay moved some pillows behind his back, so that he would have better support. Cole cleared his throat and grabbed a tissue to wipe his mouth. "You okay?" Jay asked, clearly concerned.

Cole nodded, the pain fading from his face. "Yeah, I'm fine," he wheezed and coughed again. "I think that actually helped to loosen the phlegm…" He smirked and moved the tissue closer to Jay. "…Wanna see?"

Jay recoiled in disgust. "Eww! No, I don't wanna see, ya sicko!" He exclaimed hotly and Cole chuckled. "Ugh! Just eat and shuddup…sheesh…" Jay then reached over and retrieved his own stack of pancakes. "And give me my plate, dammit! I didn't make all of this just for you!"

Jay glared heatedly down at his plate, the butter on top of the blueberry-imbued disks of golden-brown melting deliciously. Cole had made an art out of riling him up, and the lightning ninja growled at hearing his elder's continued snickering. He was about to fire-out another retort, when he felt Cole's hand come around his waist and tug him to his side. Jay's eyes widened enormously at his friend's sudden action, and an unknown heat surged through his body when he felt Cole's warm breath ghost along his neck and ear.

"Heh heh heh…you really are amazing, Jay... Stay by my side…okay?"

Rendered speechless by the whispered praise and request, Jay nodded numbly, and the warmth of Cole's hand left his side. Both young men fell into silence after that, and began to eat their breakfast in earnest. The T.V. was playing some type of sitcom, but Jay couldn't focus on the voices coming from the nameless people on screen.

'…Stay by my side…'

The words kept repeating in Jay's head like a mantra, penetrating his core and touching his soul, and his skin tingled from where Cole had touched him. The earth ninja's words and actions were beginning to utterly perplex Jay to no end, and beneath the confusion was the loud throbbing of his heart. Jay snuck an unsure glance at the one beside him, watching as he happily munched on his food. The pancakes were already gone, Cole having devoured those first and he had moaned his appreciation all the while.

Jay forked the final slices of his pancakes in his mouth and chewed slowly. He had to admit that Cole's words were nice to hear, especially after what happened yesterday with Nya. It was nice to feel wanted…needed. Yes, that's what it was, just their friendship being brought back into the light—a simple yet heartfelt plea to always stick together no matter what.

Blinking upon this realization, Jay breathed much easier and swallowed his last mouthful.

"So where's your mom? I thought I would've seen her by now."

Jay turned his head to see Cole looking at him expectedly. He furrowed his brow in bewilderment for a moment before catching on, remembering the note Edna left for him in the kitchen. "She left for her doctor's appointment. I guess…it's for the blood test."

Emeralds searched sapphires fretfully. "How are you feeling?" Cole asked next, and Jay found a smile curving his lips at his friend's concern.

"I'm okay," Jay replied softly, his heart light and resolute. "Last night really helped…thanks again, Cole. And uh—" Jay faltered, recalling the last bit of his mother's note, "—t-thanks for s-staying with me."

For some odd reason, Cole suddenly blushed and looked away. "Yeah, uh…about that… I don't think I did, but…I just want to be sure…" He frowned and returned his attention to Jay, completely serious. "I didn't do anything weird, did I?"

"Huh?!" Jay yelped. Heat pooled inside his stomach and spread throughout his body like wildfire. He was hoping to avoid bringing up his humiliation from this morning, but, of course, fate had other plans. "Uh—heh heh…umm…"

At Jay's nervousness and hesitation, Cole guessed instantly that he had. His eyes widened and his shoulders slumped. "Man…not again," he whispered regretfully. He gave Jay a beseeching look. "I'm so sorry, Jay—really. The dream I was having just felt so real."

Jay nodded. He figured as much. A wry smile touched his lips. So he was dreaming about Nya. His heart felt like it was in a vice, the twinge had returned. Despite his painful break-up with Nya yesterday, he knew he should've been feeling at least a little relieved. So why did he feel so strangely hollow.

Jay decided to bite the bullet. Just let it go, Jay. "Forget about it, Cole. It's okay. I've dreamt about Nya plenty of times in the past, so…yanno," he shrugged. "The torch has been passed, I guess, huh? And I kinda…moved in my sleep so…I was out of line too."

Cole frowned, his brow puckered in confusion. "You moved in your—so that was… Wait—Nya…?" Realization then dawned and he winced. "Right…Nya…"

Jay blinked. Wait a second… "Are you saying…that your dream wasn't about Nya?" He asked, but instead of answering, Cole busied himself by removing the tray from his lap, taking Jay's empty plate, and finishing off his orange juice. He then licked his lips and picked up the T.V. remote.

Curiosity indubitably piqued, Jay eyed the blush reddening Cole's face as the other stared straight ahead at the T.V. "Hey, you know it's no big deal if you dream about other women, right?" Jay supplied, hoping to unhinge Cole's jaw. "I mean, it's just a dream. Every guy has their fantasy girl—perfectly normal...and healthy."

"Jay…" Cole's voice was low and brooked no room for dissent, "…can we just drop it, please?"

Jay scratched the back of his head. "I was just sayin'—"

"I know what you were sayin'," Cole interrupted sternly. "Now I'm asking you to not say anymore. Got it?"

"Fine…sheesh…" Jay uttered, and folded his arms over his chest, his mood turning sour. It was quiet for some odd and awkward minutes with nothing but the sound of the T.V. to fill the silence. Jay glared at the news reporter woman on the screen. "Can't see why you won't just tell me what she looked like—"

Not as soon as the words were out of Jay's mouth did he find himself on his back and looking up into Cole's intense green eyes. "It was you, Jay, alright!? It wasn't a woman, it was you! Your hair was longer, but that's it! Everything else was the same—your eyes, your laugh, your smile! You were you, but I still wanted to hold you! God Jay, are you happy now? Why did you have to keep on pushing?! Do you want another rift to come between us?! Huh?! Why couldn't you have just kept your mouth shut?!"

Jay's throat felt tight. Cole was angry—angry and frustrated. The position they were in reminded the blue ninja so much of their awful time in New Ninjago City as rivals that it made him sick to his stomach. "I'm…I'm sorry, Cole. I...I don't—I don't want us to go back to that… I'm sorry…" He sounded so small and weak.

Cole huffed furiously and got off of him. He lied down on his side, showing Jay his back. Jay stayed where he was and closed his eyes in remorse. Sorrow soon followed, as well as the familiar sting of tears. However, he held them back with a forceful swallow. He knew he shouldn't have pushed. He saw the warning signs of Cole's rising temper, and yet his curiosity won over his common sense. A muffled cough caught Jay's ears, making him feel worse.

And to top things off, he's not feeling well… Ugh… Jay, what's the matter with you…?

In spite of what Cole revealed to him, all Jay wanted at the moment was to mend the friction between him and his best friend. I best give him some space… I should go downstairs or somethin'…

Moving to sit up and do just that, Jay was halted by the ringing from the mobile phone on his nightstand. The lightning wielder bit his lip, the bulk of Cole impeding his quickest path to answering it. He was about to stand up and make his way around on the second ring, but Cole suddenly snatched the phone from its cradle and extended his arm behind him. "Here…" he muttered and Jay took the offered phone with trembling hands.

"Thanks," he said in an equally subdued tone. He pressed the "TALK" button and held the receiver up to his ear. "Hello?"

(Jay? Is everything alright?)

It was Zane. Jay sniffed and rubbed quickly at his eyes with the back of his hand, a few tears having slipped down his cheeks. "Y-Yeah, I'm good. I actually—um…meant to call you guys."

(Yes, we all heard from Nya yesterday that you and Cole were traveling to the Sea of Sand due to a familial issue. We were informed that Cole was supposed to check-in with us once the two of you were settled.)

"Oh, uh…" Jay glanced at Cole's back. "Sorry, I'm sure he meant to. It's just that yesterday was a bit…hectic…"

There was a brief pause on the other line. (…You sound stricken, brother. Does something ail you? Is it your parents?)

Jay cleared his throat as quietly as he could. He was unaware that his voice had gone thick with emotion. He pulled his legs up to chest, but then changed his mind and swung them over the side of the bed, planting his feet firmly on his navy blue carpet. "N-No it's…it's not my parents. I mean, yeah that's why Cole and I are here, it's just…" Jay sucked in a sharp breath and ran a hand through his hair in an effort to calm his frayed nerves. He tried again. "My parents' relationship is a little rocky right now, but…I don't know what the outcome is as of yet… Though that's not what's bothering me at the moment, it's…" More tears traveled in thick rivulets down his cheeks. "…Sorry Zane…*sniff*…can we talk about something else instead? How is everybody? Still in one piece?"

Another brief silence. (…Yes, I believe so. Everyone is mostly concerned about you, Jay. I…hope Cole is treating you well?) There was a slight edge in Zane's voice at the end of his sentence—a protective sharpness.

"Oh yeah, he's been great," Jay assured and wiped at his eyes again. He wished he would stop crying. After all, his current grief and predicament was his own fault, not Cole's. "How about you, Zane? Are you okay?"

(Yes, I am. Thank you, Jay. My core no longer troubles me.) Resigned acquiescence—that was the only way to describe Zane's tone. (I have decided to…stop.)

"Huh? What do you mean?" Jay asked, fretful.

There was no hesitation in Zane's reply, only cold, distilled truth. (I have witnessed firsthand how friendships can be torn asunder if certain issues were to progress too far, and I do not want to experience that horror personally. Moreover, there is no point for someone of my…being to yearn for something that was never meant to be in the beginning.)

Zane's words were cryptic to Jay, and the latter shook his head. "Wait, Zane, I don't understand."

(Yes, I suppose you wouldn't… Anyway, the Bounty is currently en route for the main continent. We are set to arrive near the city limits of Albatross City to replenish our supplies at 16:00 today. I wish you and Cole well, Jay. Please come back home soon. I miss the solidarity our completed brotherhood begets.)

Jay felt like he was missing something, but responded anyway. "Uh, yeah…thanks. We'll return as soon as we can. Tell everyone to stay safe. Bye, Zane."

(I will. Goodbye, Jay.)

At the following dial tone, Jay pressed the "TALK" button again to end the call. He sat poised on the side of the bed for a long moment. He had never heard Zane sound so solemn and withdrawn before, and he just knew it had something to do with Kai and Lloyd.

"Boys! I'm home! Jason, come down here, precious!"

Jay had nearly jumped at his mother's chipper shout. He stood up, wiped his eyes one last time, adjusted his disheveled p.j.'s, and made his way towards the door. He glanced back to cast Cole's covered form one last fleeting look before facing forward again and heading out the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Author's Note: Please leave your thoughts!