Author's Note: Hey, everyone! I'll make this brief. First, I really appreciate the time each of you take to leave reviews, favs, and follows. Each and every contribution really keeps my spirits high. Now, I'm be leaving this Friday to go out of town for a week, but I'll be back to continue writing and whatnot soon. Please continue to support me and my stories in whichever way you deem necessary, okay? Thank you and God bless! Talk to you all when I get back!
Unexpected
By: Mad Betrayal
"Remember that a gesture of friendship, no matter how small, is appreciated…"—H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Chapter 27 ~ Brad's Prerogative
"What do you mean, we can't see them yet?!" Lloyd shouted furiously, causing Aaron to wince at the volume. Jay's older cousin had come knocking on the ninja clan's door well past midnight with his fiancée, Lieutenant Ada Steiner in tow. None of them had been sleeping, of course, for they were all too anxious to hear word of Cole and Jay's condition after the injured ninjas had been retrieved from New Ninjago City's devastated surface by the Danish doctor and his team. They now all congregated in the living room of the small quarters.
"Please try to understand, Lloyd," Aaron began patiently. Though his face was drawn, the edge of exhaustion didn't touch those bright blue eyes of his. Aaron still maintained his charismatic and friendly aura. "Despite Jay's success in the mission, he and Cole are both being considered as potential biohazard threats, since they were exposed to the pollen from those green alien spores. Quarantining them seems like the best option to the regime, so that's what they decided to do. Once their physical conditions improve, they will then be subjected to a number of tests to check for any abnormalities before they can even be considered for discharge."
Brad frowned, slightly irritated. So the regime and the military have chosen to ignore his words… He had spoken outright to the government representatives and Commander Hawkeye about the presence of the alien spores and had tried to assure them that no harm would befall the people if they were exposed to the pollen. However, when they asked for concrete proof of his claim and further clarification, Brad had hesitated. He didn't know of the repercussions of the spores' pollen, only that it wasn't detrimental in any way. Obviously, that hadn't been enough to sway them from thinking otherwise. After all, who would take the word of an orphaned little boy—er young man seriously? Especially one who hadn't even seen or been exposed to the plants themselves?
Heavy-lidded aquamarines briefly closed in contemplation. Since the beginning of this entire catastrophe, Brad had felt a strange pull inside of him. Even now, a small, insistent voice was calling to him beseechingly—yearning for him to come to the surface. He had to see them… During Jay's dire mission to restart the relay stations, he had wanted his Seonbae to elaborate more about the "glowing green spores" he had encountered, but knew it wasn't the time to ask. But even if Jay had elucidated, Brad still wouldn't have been completely satisfied until he saw them with his own eyes. Thus…he had to get to the surface…as soon as possible.
"Aaron…you said that Jay had to have surgery. Is he okay? He's not in any danger, right?" Nya asked, her cherry red lips pulled into a concerned grimace.
The Danish doctor smiled at Kai's sister. "He responded very well to treatment, so he's stable now. Like I said before, out of the two, Jay's injures are much more critical than Cole's—as he's yet to regain consciousness. Cole woke up a few times…" A heartbeat of hesitation ensued as he worked his mouth wordlessly, but then he carried on. "…He was disoriented and aggressive the first time and we had to sedate him, but the second time he woke up, he was much more relaxed and aware."
"Oh Jay…" Nya's soft murmur of the blue ninja's name encompassed the room in a dreary fog. Everyone had been deeply affected by Jay's supposed farewell before the lost communication with him. And even though Brad had only been around Jay—or any of them really—for just a little over a week and a half, he felt comforted and drawn to their familial atmosphere. Jay in particular had an appealing aura that made him easily likeable. His easy-going and optimistic persona was infectious, and his snarky and humorous side brought cheer and light to Brad's rather dark existence. The raven-haired youth could practically hear the clan's hearts beat as one with hope for Jay and Cole's speedy recovery.
Aaron stuffed his hands in the pockets of his pristine, white lab coat and flicked his head to keep a few tawny blond strands from falling into his eyes. "Jay and Cole are predominately under me and my team's care, so you have my word that we'll be staying vigilant and will act accordingly when necessary. I'll also be working to get you all clearance to see them as soon as possible, just give me a couple of days. In the meantime, feel free to explore the Honeycomb to your hearts' content. Thanks to Jay's heroic efforts and the rest of you guy's contributions during the evac and his mission, all of you have been granted special permission to travel to even the most exclusive areas of the shelters if you'd like."
Kai's foot tapped upon the carpeted floor impatiently. "It's great to know that our bros are in good hands and all, but what's our next move gonna be? This doesn't seem like the most appropriate time for recreation, regardless if the meteor shower is over." His sharp golden-amber gaze shifted from Aaron to Ada. "Have you heard anything, lieutenant? How long does the regime plan to keep the people corralled down here?"
The female soldier pushed up her specs with a meticulously manicured finger. "As you all are aware, the collateral damage done to New Ninjago City was extensive, though we don't know exactly how much of the city's been ruined. On top of that is the presence of those alien plants floating about…" Ada shot a quick glance at Brad as if expecting him to comment, but surprisingly he kept quiet and allowed her to continue. "So, to survey the damage as well as collect more data on the mysterious flora, an expedition has been configured. A team of twenty are due to set out tomorrow at 6 A.M. to return to the surface and explore New Ninjago City. For safety precautions, however, they are only allowed three days to complete their mission before having to return to the Honeycomb." The lenses of her glasses gleamed in the faint light of the living room's lampshade, briefly obscuring her honey-colored eyes. "And I have been elected to lead the expedition."
"Please! Take me with you!" Brad suddenly shouted, even taking a hasty step forward towards the female officer. He recoiled a second later, however, shocked and abashed by his own rashness. He blinked. His mouth had opened seemingly at its own volition, the pull inside him stronger than ever!
"Brad…?" Lloyd touched his friend's shoulder and the raven's wide aquamarines glanced over at his former classmate before flickering back to Ada and Aaron who were both eyeing him curiously.
He worried his bottom lip and swallowed. "I…I'm sorry. I just feel like this is my chance to get up there and see them. I…" He clearly struggled to explain his reasoning. "…I'm sorry, I know it's strange. I just have to see them. It's important." Brad winced internally. Boy, even to his own ears he sounded introverted and reticent, as if he was purposefully trying to be mysterious. But that just wasn't the case! He just had no clue on how to explain his feelings, or the insistent tug inside him. Truthfully, he was a bit confused.
Sensei Wu, having disappeared momentarily, reappeared with a teacup and saucer in hand. He took a gracious sip of his brew and cleared his throat, causing all the occupants in the room to focus on him. "Hmm… The element within you, Brad, is manifesting at a rather expedited pace. Though you have not received proper training, I implore you to find synergy with your element and also to remember Jay's words and take them to heart. Your element is a part of you, and while it may become overwhelming at times, you would be wise not to let it control you."
Brad's brow crinkled with confusion. Jay's words…? …Ah! Back on the Bounty on the way to New Ninjago City, Brad recalled the inner suffering he had endured at the recurrence of his damnable precognition. His consciousness had been stuck in an otherworldly limbo of velvet black and shimmering stardust, with multiple images being presented before him in rapid, inconclusive succession. He didn't want to see those horrible pictures of dark creatures tearing through innocent lives, and had railed against his unorthodox power. But in the midst of his torment, he did remember a voice…a sweet voice telling him to be brave and that he was amongst friends who supported him. And also…to not let his element control him. He had thought that the voice had belonged to his deceased mother, but…it was Jay's…? How could he have possibly mistaken Jay's voice for his mother's? That didn't make any sense.
"Element? You mean to say that Brad has power like you all too?" Ada asked, giving the alleged kidnapped "wife" another once over.
"He's the newest member of our clan," Kai smirked, clapping Brad heavily on the shoulder, causing the petite raven to wince at the unexpected impact. "But yeah, he's like us. Brad here is destined to be the very first Master of Mana."
"And there's that word again…" Aaron removed his hands from his pockets and instead crossed them over his arms, a more pensive expression taking over his face. "Mana… Cole said something similarly. He said that that were what the alien spores had called themselves—the Mana Cetra."
Brad's heart steadily increased its tempo as he stared wide-eyed at the handsome doctor. "Only a handful of people in the world believe that "Mana" actually exists," Aaron continued. "And to be honest, I'm not one of them. However, I will attest to the fact that there are some things in this world that can't be explained by conventional means." He then gave us all pointed looks and grinned.
"Hmph. You're awfully well-informed, Dr. Walker," Sensei Garmadon put forth, though Brad couldn't tell if the grandmaster was pleased or not. "Tell me, how did you come across the name of the Forbidden Element?"
"Well, as I told you all before, I did research on the subject of Elemental Masters and the lore behind them. It was sheer serendipity, though, when the topic of "Mana" came along during my studies. Pardon the pun, but I was really outside my element while I was doing this, and didn't really understand much because it all seemed so illogical and nonsensical, giving the fact that I'm a scientific man."
"Aaron…?" Ada looked to her fiancé curiously, and he reassured her with earnest smile.
"Let me explain, babycakes. It was before I met you," he clarified shortly before turning back to address his cousin's extended family. "There was no legitimate "text" on the subject of Elemental Masters, so my research led me to pursue this knowledge by more…let's say…inconvenient means—a crap ton of legwork for one. But, I was adamant and driven. What Uncle Ed and Aunt Edna told me of Jay's whereabouts was disjointed and vague as you could probably imagine. So, I figured my first step in finding him was to delve deeper into what he had become—this ninja, this wielder of one of Mother Nature's elements. So, leaving the comfort of the city, I traveled to many villages around Ninjago asking questions about Elemental Masters and Shinobi. And that's when I was told by an eccentric tea merchant that I should set my sights on the birthplace of spiritual enlightenment and the gathering of Elemental believers or Elementalists."
"The Golden Valley." Sensei Wu and Sensei Garmadon had spoken in unison, and Aaron nodded his confirmation.
"Ja, det er rigtigt. I ventured to the temples nestled in the Golden Valley and sought the wisdom of the monks there. At first, they didn't take kindly to my presence, saying rude things like: "Your soul is impure and defiled by artificial gratifications and will soon succumb to your own hubris!" and stuff like that. But being a proud Walker of the Europian breed, I didn't give up just because of a few nasty words. It took some time, but they eventually caved once I persevered through their verbal trials and proved my convictions to learn their ways. And from their tutelage, I learned all about the Natural Elements—which you all seem to wield—but also about the Elusive Elements: Sand, Cosmic, Wind, Dark Matter, Sound, and Poison. And lastly the two Forbidden Elements: Nether and Mana." (Yeah, that's right.)
Jay's cousin stopped to take a breath, and his brow furrowed as he took his time to say his next words. "And apparently…Cole reported to being attacked by two masters of the Elusive Elements…" The deeply etched frown on the tall Danish man's usually bright face was almost alarming with its intensity. "New enemies he said—the Seven Deities that serve a powerful sorcerer named Clouse. He and Jay had faced off against a master named Athena, and another named Zelus."
"What!" Kai barked furiously. But all Brad could do was swallow as an icy tremor of fear ran down his spine. It was only a matter of time, of course, before reality would be slapping him in the face again. He was being hunted. The Seven Deities were meant to recapture and deliver him back into the hands of his initial bane and tormentor, Clouse. And then there was that ominous bit about their enemies being one step ahead of them as long as he was around.
Was that really just a scare tactic like Lloyd said? Or… Guilt settled in the pit of Brad's stomach like a rock made of lead. He was putting them all in danger! The Deities had already attacked and decommissioned Cole and Jay—two very adept and formidable warriors. So what would happen if they attacked the others too…? What if they attacked Lloyd…? Something akin to rage and fear gripped Brad suddenly. Just the mere thought of his best friend lying on the ground bloodied and beaten, with the deities or Clouse smirking over his body was enough to spark the fierce determination from within. Brad lifted his hand and stared at it. He had power inside of him—great power. But that didn't stop his body from feeling so weak. He frowned as his eyes traced the thinness of his hand, hating how utterly fragile it looked. As he was now, all he could do was rely on the others for protection. And even when he did begin his training with Sensei Wu and Sensei Garmadon, he knew formidable strength wouldn't come to him overnight. Hell, he was still in the midst of battling atrophy!
But…I WILL get stronger! And when that happens…watch out, deities! And Watch out, Clouse…
"Goddamn cowards," Kai growled, obviously livid. "Jay was already injured, and no doubt Cole got hurt trying to protect him."
"Yes, the deities are certainly lacking in honor," Zane said. "And now that the meteor shower has run its course, we would be wise to assume that they will be actively on the hunt for Brad again."
The raven soon found himself in the center of attention again. He met Lloyd's scarlet gaze, easily reading the tinge of anxiety shrouding their usual gleam. The blond opened his mouth, but Brad cut him off, already knowing what he was going to say. "I'm still going, Lloyd." Brad tried to put as much bravery into his voice that he could. "I know it'll be dangerous and I'll be taking a huge risk, but I told you. I need to get up there. The Mana Cetra… I need to see them."
Dismayed, Lloyd averted his eyes from Brad's and sent them to stare at his shoulder instead. "Do not fret, Lloyd. I will accompany Brad to the surface," Zane volunteered, a caring smile curving his lips.
"Yeah, me too!" Kai chimed in, smirking. He clapped Brad's shoulder again, and again the heavy thump caused the raven to cringe. Either Kai didn't know his own strength or he was really weak. But either way, it still felt like he was getting pummeled by the hoof of a horse. "Gotta protect the newbie! And no offense, lieutenant, but if any of those asshats do show up, I don't think guns are gonna help much."
"Ja. If they fight with the same caliber as you all, then I don't doubt it. However, if that does happen, my soldiers and I won't just sit idly by. We will do what we can to protect everyone—the scientists who are coming along especially. But nonetheless, the added security will be appreciated." Her aloof stare then zeroed in on Brad, and he shifted almost uncomfortably. Something about Lieutenant Steiner reminded him of his homeroom teacher back at Darkley's—Mrs. Grimfeld. Strict, intimidating, and armed with one helluva stare that could make all her students feel tiny and insignificant…much like the way he was feeling right now. "I will allow your attendance as well, Brad, but first there are a few questions I would like to ask you. Inquires I've been meaning to ask since you came into our custody."
A little confused, but willing to cooperate, Brad nodded. "Okay. Sure. What is it?"
That penetrating stare seemed to narrow further. Brad could almost see laser beams shooting from those molten honeyed orbs and carving deep trails into his soul. He instinctively gulped. Maybe he should've added a "Ma'am" earlier out of respect…? "You undoubtedly heard from your friends that they were accused of kidnapping you, correct?"
Brad heard Lloyd suck his teeth beside him, but thankfully he didn't say anything derogatory. He nodded. "Yes. But that misunderstanding has been cleared up already, hasn't it?"
Ada raised her hand in a placating manner. "Ja, natürlich. I only wish to hear the story from you, as you were, indeed, kidnapped, correct? By Clouse?" (Yes, of course.)
Oh… Sorrow pressed heavily against Brad's heart. "Yeah…that's right…" He guessed there was no point in stalling, as he had already told the story before. And so, he began to reiterate the tale of his tragic past once more to the female soldier. But for some reason, the words felt lodged in his throat, as each one was an absolute chore to upheaval. It wasn't as if the memory was hard to recall or anything, as it remained dangerously fresh and nestled solemnly in his mind.
But still…something felt different… He was just getting to the part where Clouse pulled him from his secret hiding spot and flung him over his shoulder. But when he recalled their descent down the stairs…and Brad had caught a glimpse of his parents' slumped bodies…his mind flashed. Not another word left his lips as crisp, clear images were thrust in front of his mind's eye. Time slowed more than usual as the memory played…his father lying face down on the wheat-colored carpet in the living room…and his mother…lying pitifully on top of him—as if trying to shield him with her own body. The moonlight had streaked through the parted drapes and dappled the small mound of corpses in cascading light. The crimson of their blood had shined, highlighting the gruesomeness of their deaths. And his mother's wedding ring…it had twinkled, as her left hand had lied lovingly over his father's.
A strangled gasp escaped Brad as he blinked out his reverie. He took vague notice of the sudden stillness of the room—the deathly quiet. He blinked again…and felt hot tears roll fast down his cheeks. Everyone's eyes were on him—worried, sympathetic—twin crimson orbs—blood. He took a wobbly step back, his shoulder colliding with someone.
"Brad…"
He barely registered the voice, his mind still in a despairing haze. He opened his mouth, trying to force words from his suddenly dry and chapping lips, but alas…none came. That only left one option… He did a quick eighty degree turn and made a mad dash for the darkened hallway that connected to the living room. Not caring, he opened the first door he came across and slammed it shut behind him.
The room was incased in absolute darkness—not a shred of light in sight. But in spite of that, Brad felt dizzy, discombobulated, and nauseous. His hands fumbled out in front of him, searching for the lone bed in the otherwise Spartan-ish room. His legs imprecisely obeyed his command to go forward, but thankfully he didn't collapse. Finally though, his trembling fingers clawed at the edge of a mattress and the woolly comforter on top. And without a second thought, he quickly repositioned himself and plopped down upon it. The bed creaked and cried in protest, but Brad only stared unblinkingly into the endless void of blackness, the sound of his rapidly beating heart the only thing he was able to make out with clarity.
Why… Why was he reacting this way now? He hadn't the first time when he had told Lloyd and the others upon awakening from his comatose sleep. Anger had encompassed his being then, not sadness. But now…the tears wouldn't stop. He covered his face with his hands and sobbed softly, trying to keep his whimpers as quiet as he could.
*knock knock knock*
Brad didn't reply to the knock at the door. And after a moment, he heard it cautiously creak open, and then shut with a soft click a second later. Brad didn't need to be a ninja to know that someone else was in the room with him. The bed he was on soon dipped as another weight was added, and warmth permeated from beside him. Brad lowered his hands and lifted his head, his nose catching the familiar scent of peppermint and pine. Lloyd. Brad was grateful for the darkness, for he didn't want his friend to see him in such a miserable state. But that still didn't stop him from whimpering his name in a choked and strangled gasp.
"L-Lloyd…*hic*"
Still silent, the warmth shifted closer and the scent of peppermint and pine got stronger. A gentle, leather-clad hand touched his cheek, while another found the side of his waist. The hands guided him forward—tugged him closer to the warmth and Brad relented. His head bumped against Lloyd's chin, but soon found the blonde's shoulder. His arms wove tightly around Lloyd's strong body, his hands clinging and clawing at the other young man's back as he poured his heart-wrenching cries onto him.
Gentle hands petted his hair and rubbed calming circles over his back. "Grieve, Brad. Grieve…" Lloyd whispered. "Time has flown by since you woke up, and so many things have happened. You haven't had the chance to properly mourn your parents' deaths. I'm sorry… I…I should've asked if you were okay much sooner."
Brad openly sobbed, feeling like the lost child he was at heart. "Their gone…" he whimpered. "My mom and dad are gone…" Bittersweet memories of his childhood came rushing back. His parents had called him every weekend while he had attended Darkley's, and every summer they came to retrieve him and brought him back to their home in Sigma City. His dad would laugh and ruffle his hair as he boisterously told his father about his and Lloyd's exploits and achievements in class. And his mother would bake her soft and frosted sugar cookies for him—his favorite—just to welcome him home. (And he had always remembered to bring a fresh batch back for Lloyd.)
He revealed all these precious memories to Lloyd in between incoherent gurgles and gasps, until his voice became hoarse, and he was left weeping in a boneless heap against his best friend. By the time he found his voice again, the cloth going across Lloyd's shoulder was completely damp and sodden with his tears and—shameful to say—drool. But Lloyd didn't utter one word of complaint…only complied to his needs and adhered to his feelings.
Breathing deeply, Brad took a moment to collect himself. How long had they sat there in each other's arms…? He didn't know, but nevertheless, his tears had run dry, leaving him thoroughly dehydrated and fatigued. He parted his face from Lloyd's shoulder and pulled away to wipe futilely at his, no doubt, red and puffy eyes. "Lloyd…*sniff*…thanks. Thanks… I really needed that, I think. *sniff*…"
"Take all the time you need, Brad. I'm not going anywhere," Lloyd said patiently, and despite the circumstance, Brad could feel his heart swell with affection for his friend. Even as a delinquent, Lloyd had always been surprisingly sweet. Maybe ingesting all that candy had some affects. "Do you need some water? Hold on…"
Before Brad could answer, Lloyd's warmth disappeared from beside him—no, from the entire room. "Uh…Lloyd…?" Did he really leave? Brad hadn't even registered the door opening. Oh right…ninja. A tiny smile wedged its way onto Brad's lips as a shred of optimism touched his soul. Yes, he had lost the only family he had ever known. But his parents gave their lives to protect him, and it was his divine right to carry on their legacy as their son and to honor their sacrifice. And perhaps…their spirits were still keeping watch over him. Perhaps…they had a hand in bringing Lloyd back into his life. Perhaps…they had a hand in bringing him into the warm bosom of another family—one he'd be sure to never forsake and always protect.
He closed his eyes and sent up a small prayer. Mom…Dad…thank you. Please rest easy, I'll be fine.
It wasn't long before the secondary warmth returned and peppermint and pine wafted pleasantly through Brad's olfactory sense. The bed dipped. "Here you go, Brad. I got you a cup of water and a cold wash cloth for your um…face."
Brad lifted his hands and started to reach out into the void towards the warmth when he stopped. He didn't want to risk knocking the cup out of Lloyd's hand just because he was a klutz in the dark. "Thanks, Lloyd. But, hey, maybe some light would be better now. I…can't really do this in the dark." He knew he probably would look a mess, but at that moment he didn't care anymore. He was terribly thirsty.
The smooth curve of a plastic cup unexpectedly touched Brad's fingers and he grasped it reflexively. "Okay, hold on," Lloyd whispered. "I'll get the light." The other boy's warmth didn't disappear this time. Oddly enough, Brad felt Lloyd creep closer until he could feel him stretching out to reach something on his left. A simple click sounded and the room was immediately filled with a dim, golden glow.
Lloyd's wavy, platinum blond locks filled Brad's peripheral vision for a moment until his friend leaned back to his original position. Blinking, the raven-haired boy's eyes quickly adjusted to the light as he lifted the cup of water to his lips. The water went down cool, smooth, and delicious, his parched throat instantly rejuvenated by the moisture. He downed the cup in seconds and placed it over on the nightstand beside the bed near the lamp when he was done. Lloyd handed him the wet cloth next, and Brad took it gratefully.
He dabbed at his face vigorously, hoping the coolness of the cloth would help the puffiness die down faster. And it wasn't really helping much that all Lloyd did was stare at him. A modicum of self-consciousness trickled back into him and his already reddened cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Those crimson eyes… He had remembered them so well. They were deemed rare around these parts, sure, but Lloyd made them seem…natural almost. He actually couldn't imagine him with any other eye color. However, despite the beauty of Lloyd's eyes, they scared him too…
Brad mentally shook himself. "What is it?" He asked, the silence (and Lloyd's staring) finally getting to him. The green ninja jolted slightly, as if knocked from a stupor. He visibly swallowed.
"Oh uh, nothing! I was just—You'll be able to function just fine in the dark soon. I—we'll help you. And uh…" His eyes searched Brad's. And after supposedly finding what he was looking for, he smiled. "You look a lot better."
Brad lowered the cloth from his face, a much broader smile curving his lips. "Thanks." He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I think I actually feel better too. But I'm still tired." He placed the cloth next to the cup. He hoped he didn't offend Lieutenant Steiner or the others with his impromptu bail. "I should get some sleep while I still can."
Lloyd got up and stretched his arms over his head, grunting. "Ahh yeah," he sighed. "We'll have to get up in a few hours, after all. We have to be alert and aware if we're gonna take part in that expedition."
This definitely got Brad's attention as he gawked up at his friend in surprise. "You mean, you're coming too? What about Jay?" Honestly, he had already ruled out the possibility of Lloyd joining them what with the blue ninja being in such critical condition. He had figured the blond would much rather stay at his mother-figure's side instead of risk being gone for three whole days.
Lloyd turned slightly away from Brad, gracing the other with his handsome profile. "Don't get me wrong. Next to my father and uncle, Jay is extremely important to me. He's the most important." Oh… Why did that sting…? "But, I know he wouldn't want me to just pace around down here, worrying enough to get ulcers. He would want me to be more productive with my time, and help the people here as much as I could. He would want me to be a ninja."
Despite his mixed feelings, Brad conjured up a smile. Lloyd showed his back and casually began shrugging out of his robes. "We'll take this room tonight," he declared. "I'm sure the others won't mind."
Brad nodded absently. He didn't know why he felt so dispirited all of a sudden. After all, he knew how much Jay meant to Lloyd. But how much do I mean to him…? Well, it was obvious Lloyd cared about him. But, he was just a former classmate from a now distorted time period. He didn't warrant any deeper feelings other than friendship from Lloyd. Yeah, that's all they were…friends.
A particularly pleasant memory surfaced in Brad's mind then, one where he and Lloyd were sitting outside during lunch at a picnic table. And like always, before even touching his main course, Lloyd took the time to devour his candy in a single gulp first. Yeah, and that time they had each received a sweet and sour string of licorice. Brad remembered shaking his head at his friend's gluttonous antics, and wondered how he never dropped dead from having such a demanding sweet tooth. Lloyd would then always ask for Brad's candy, and at first he would refuse. But then his short blond friend would pull that puppy-dog-eyed look and he would end up giving him half of whatever it was he had. And Lloyd would beam at him happily with gratitude.
They were that. Friends. That hadn't changed.
The sound of rustling clothes had Brad's gaze lift…to the sight of Lloyd's bare back. No, something had definitely changed. He never remembered Lloyd being so…free with his body. While they had roomed together back at Darkley's they were both fairly modest when changing clothes, and preferred to take turns doing so in the bathroom. But now apparently, Lloyd didn't care about modesty. Brad supposed he wouldn't either if he had a body like Lloyd's.
He bit his lip. It's only been a week and a half, but still, he should be used to this new aspect of Lloyd by now. They were both guys, after all. They didn't have anything the other hadn't seen before. So then…why did always feel flushed and short of breath every time Lloyd stripped in front of him? Why couldn't he ever…look away…?
Lloyd had really…really grown up. Brad watched, transfixed as the muscles lining the blonde's back rippled as he bent down to…lower his pants… This was bad. This wasn't… He couldn't keep doing this. Lloyd was his friend and here he was leering at him like a hungry, hormonal beast. Something akin to hot shame scorched up the raven's back and he bowed his head miserably.
No, this isn't right… He lamented, turning away from Lloyd to allow the other some privacy while he changed. This isn't right at all… What… What was I thinking all this time…?
Having changed into a simple pair of shorts and a t-shirt provided by the Honeycomb's Supply Services, Lloyd came around to the opposite side of the bed. "Hey, I thought you were ready to go to sleep?"
Brad frowned. They had been keeping it secret since Sensei Garmadon had allowed them to room together back at the Bounty, but the two of them would snuggle up together at night, talking, laughing, and reminiscing until they eventually fell asleep in each other's arms. But now that Brad thought about clearly—without his selfishness and neediness getting in the way—he realized that maybe it wasn't the best idea to behave in such a manner.
Friends don't sleep together so casually…
Making a split-second decision, Brad grabbed one of the pillows off the bed and a sheet. "I am. I'll take the floor. Goodnight, Lloyd."
He quickly wrapped the sheet tightly around himself and threw the pillow down on the ground before dropping and planting his face into it.
"What? What are you talking about?" Lloyd gawked, confused. "That floor is a killer! C'mon, get into bed already."
Brad shuffled a bit, the thinly-carpeted floor providing little to no comfort. But he still refused to budge. "No, I'm fine. Hit the light, will ya?"
"Brad—"
"I'm going to ask your dad to let me have my own room when we get back to the Bounty." There. He said it. Brad held his breath for a moment, but was only met with chilling silence. Taking a chance, he soldiered forward. "I think it may be for best." His voice didn't crack or tremble, did it? "I think…the first step to getting stronger…is for me not to rely so much on you."
Silence. Then...a click…and darkness. Lloyd had turned out the lights. The bed beside Brad groaned as his friend shifted along it, but soon the room fell into a quiet stillness. Brad tried to ignore the loss of warmth from Lloyd's body being separated from his, as well as his delectable scent lulling him to a sound sleep. He ignored it all. Even the sharp prick of tears stinging the back of his eyes.
His emotional fatigue soon did him in, however, and just as sleep was about to claim him… A sharp jerk of covers being flung off to the side sounded in his ears! And a second later he was being picked up off the ground and dropped onto the bed. "Wha?! Lloyd!" Brad floundered and sputtered as the woolly comforter was draped over his body and a warm, intense heat squeezed into the bed next to him.
"If you think I'm gonna let you sleep on a rock-hard floor just so you can wake up with a sore neck and back, you have another thing comin'!" Lloyd hissed, his hot breath gusting over Brad's sensitive neck and ear. "Just go to sleep, okay? We can talk about this later…" His voice got considerably softer. And something about it was even strange—like he was struggling or something. "Just…let me hold you like this for a little while longer… I'm sorry, Brad…"
The raven's heart pounded. What was Lloyd sorry about? He wanted to ask, but… It was so warm… Lloyd was holding him so comfortably close. And… He breathed deeply. Peppermint and pine engulfed him, flooding his senses and bringing tranquility to his troubled heart. His eyes drooped as his body moved forward instinctively, trying to snuggle as close as it possibly could to his friend's.
Blissful and drowsy, Brad let his eyes shut completely and allowed Lloyd's warmth and security to whisk him away to dream. He could worry about the consequences of his weaknesses later.