Author's Note: Finished! I'm finally finished with this one! I'll see which ones from previous chapters that I want to continue and the others I'll axe. I decide and let all of you know by my next update. Now, please enjoy the rest of this ridiculous Christmas fic!

Ninjalogy

By: Mad Betrayal

Chapter 25 ~ The Wonders of Eggnog (FINAL)

Lloyd opened the door for Kai and the other entered the vacant bedroom sideways with a still unconscious Zane cradled in his arms. Lloyd closed the door, blocking out the rowdy commotion happening in the halls. The party was obviously hitting that nighttime peak when everybody just got stupider.

When Lloyd turned around, Kai was laying Zane down on the bed, his brow pinched in obvious concern. "I'm not sure about taking him home like this," he said, adding another pillow under the nindroid's head. "No tellin' how his old man might react."

Lloyd shrugged. "Just tell him it was for scientific purposes. He'll buy that in a heartbeat."

Kai sat down beside his prone boyfriend and glanced up with a thoughtful expression. "That's not bad… And…" he shifted his gaze back to his opposite's blissful, comatose grin, "…it does look like he's just sleeping. But still," his attention returned to Lloyd, "I'm not sure how much longer we'll be staying. So if you still have some unfinished business to take care of, you better light a fire under yer ass. Or you can just get home on your own. Whatever."

Lloyd leaned back against the door and folded his arms. The tapered sigh that followed had the older ninja quirking his eyebrow at the blond.

"What?" He asked, slowly. "You already talk to him?"

"Briefly," Lloyd confessed, recalling the encounter with his crush. "It was a passing thing, though. He was looking for Chris, and he looked upset."

Even when angry, Brad had been gorgeous. Those aquamarine orbs alight with fire and irritability were still a sight to see. And that plump, perky ass sashaying in those tight, white skinny jeans… God! And his turtleneck had been near painted on! And it was green! He looked good in green, Lloyd decided.

And Brad's hair. That long braid… It was the first thing Lloyd had wanted to reach out and touch. The way those red and green ribbons had been intricately woven into Brad's raven locks had been lovely, of course. But Lloyd always wondered what Brad would look like with his hair down…

"And you didn't go after him?"

Lloyd snapped his head up. At Kai's incredulous look, he frowned in confusion. "No. Why would I want to get in the middle of that? It wasn't any of my business. Plus, I had to tend to Jay."

"Jay?" Kai's brow furrowed. "What for?"

Lloyd started to open his mouth, but then closed it, unsure. Though they all knew there would be alcohol here and that they'd all probably try some, Lloyd had been floored when he had discovered Jay had been drunk before and was supposedly drinking regularly unbeknownst to everybody else. And even though he didn't know how bad Jay's drinking was per se, he wanted his mother-figure to stop immediately.

But the question remained: Should he spill the beans to Kai? Jay hadn't forbidden him or anything. But seeing how the red ninja was always so protective of everyone and how he currently had his hands full with the one he loved most being incapacitated, Lloyd didn't see the need to add on to the fire ninja's worry.

"Just a little tipsy," he said instead. "Had to get him some water."

Kai smirked and let out a sharp peal of laughter. "Really? Oh, fuck! Is that why he kissed Cole earlier?"

Lloyd's lips pulled into a tight smile, not willing or wanting to join in on the mirth since he knew the truth. Though he did have to wonder about how much Jay's inebriated state had influenced his actions…and what Cole was doing to him right now. Regardless if Cole was their leader and his elder, he had better have enough tact and decency to let Jay down gently.

Or so help him…

After seeing Lloyd's deadpanned response, Kai sobered up quickly, though a few fleeing chuckles did escape him. "Okay, okay. Jay aside, you're wasting time, bro. Don't you see this as an opening? More than likely Brad's upset with Chris. And if you're there lending your support…" he trailed off smirking, "…Well, never look a gift horse in the mouth."

Lloyd shook his head, uncomfortable with the notion. "I'm not looking to be a rebound, Kai."

"Who said anything about being a rebound?" Kai cast the younger a look that clearly read "Are you stupid?", and pointed his finger at the blond. "I'm not sayin' you prey on his vulnerability. I'm just sayin' lend your shoulder—let 'im know you have his back if he needs it. Then go from there."

Oh. Now that sounded more doable to Lloyd. Not only would he be coming from a position of friendship with Brad, but of equal footing as well. The ball would still be in the brunet's court, so he'd still feel in control of the situation and what came after.

Lloyd straightened up off the door, his mouth set in a grim line of determination. "Okay. I'm—I'm gonna go find him."

Kai gave him a thumbs up. "Good luck, lil' bro. And don't worry, we won't leave ya hangin'."

Lloyd nodded, smiled appreciatively, and left the room. When he stepped out into the hall two recognizable seniors from the kendo club were gossiping with cups in their hands. Lloyd raised a brow at the sight of the red eggnog, rumored to be the strongest of the eggnog in the joint.

"You hear? That dancer chick was pissed," the red-head was saying, his cheeks flushed and green eyes glazed in a drunken stupor. "Heard it goin' down in da game room."

"What dancer chick," his buddy asked, thankfully his words weren't nearly as slurred as the redhead's.

"You know that bombshell in the white skinny jeans," he emotes, gesturing crudely with his hands. "Damn, what a fox. Love ta cut that cake," he slurred, taking a gulp from his drink. "Kinda flat-chested, though."

His buddy on the other hand looked pensive. "Dude, that ain't a chick, that's a dude."

"Word, I know, right? Dude…"

"No man, I mean that's a dude."

"I know, right?"

"Dude."

"I know, right?"

"Dude!"

"I know, right?!"

Rolling his eyes, Lloyd decided to leave the peanut gallery behind and made his way back towards the room he was in last before helping Kai tend to Zane. From what he could gather, though, something had happened—or probably was still happening—between Brad and Chris. And yes, Brad was a dancer—a belly dancer, in fact. It was set up in their school to allow both boys and girls to join and was connected to Drama class in a sense. It was originally going to be taught separately between the two genders, but since so few boys joined, it was decided that the boys would simply dance with the girls.

And it just so happened that Brad was the best dancer in the entire class, bar none.

He even outshined the girls in both beauty and grace. It was rumored that flowers hid their faces and bowed in respect to the gorgeous brunet—something straight out of a fairytale. But after attending Brad's concerts one after the other and being enthralled by those comely hips and taut stomach and chest, Lloyd was driven to believe the folklore.

He wondered if Brad ever spotted him among the crowded audience, lending his support. It may've been his imagination, but it seemed that those aquamarine pools always managed to find him through the throngs of people.

Too bad Lloyd—the Green Ninja of Creation, the Elemental Master of Energy and the strongest of the Ninjas…was just so damn shy.

Pathetic, he thought but shook his head to dispel the lingering doubt upon entering the crowded room. Music still blared from further away, as this was one of the more "quieter" rooms littered with drinks and refreshments. He was just about to move towards the connecting hallway on the opposite side of the room when he spotted Jay from afar. His mother-figure was leaning despondently against the wall, his deep blue eyes downcast and the lower half of his face tucked into the folds of his orange scarf.

Rushing over, Lloyd called the other's name as he neared. "Jay!" When peerless sapphires snapped up to lock on him, the blond stopped in front of him, already looking him over. Jay wasn't holding a cup of eggnog, thank god. And he looked unharmed—no redness or puffiness of the eyes to give away the signs of shed tears. Plus, he looked sober, his eyes clear and alert and lacking that confounded indigo haze from before. Cole must've given him the water.

But even though he looked okay, Lloyd had to ask. "Are you alright, kaasan?"

Jay nodded and lowered his scarf, his baby pink lips pulling into a small, faint smile. "Yeah, and thanks for the water."

"You're welcome." Lloyd continued to fret, however, not entirely convinced. He looked around for their nonchalant leader. "Where's Cole?"

Faint smile still present, Jay shrugged and averted his gaze somewhat. "He's…gonna need a minute. I may've overwhelmed him when I expressed my feelings."

Overwhelmed him? Now that was surprising. Cole was just so passive at times Lloyd had to wonder if the guy had a pulse. But, the music-lover was their leader for a reason. Despite his idiosyncrasies, he was most known for his composure and levelheadedness. But now Jay was here claiming that he had overwhelmed him?

Lloyd suddenly felt proud.

"So, he…what? Took everything in stride?"

"More or less," Jay replied vaguely, folding his arms. "Though I'm certain he was expecting something else—something he could control. But I have no doubt I've made myself clear. But enough about that, Lloyd," he said, his expression turning pensive, "I've heard through the liquored-up grapevine that something big is happening between Brad and Chris."

Lloyd frowned, a little worried. "Yeah, I was just on my way to the game room. That's where they're apparently at."

Jay nodded towards the exit hallway. "Then go. We'll have your back if you need us. But this is definitely something you have to do on your own. It's the only reason you're here."

Determination brightened Lloyd's ruby irises once more. And with a minute nod to his mother-figure, he continued on his search for his crush.

*~Ninjaglogy~*

Kai kept vigilance over Zane, watching the slight rise and fall of his chest as the beautiful nindroid slumbered peacefully. The fire ninja smiled and stroked his opposite's pale cheek, the flush of alcohol having left some time ago.

"Well, Diamond, as fun as it was for you, I have to advise never drinking again," he sighed with a shake of his head. "Or at least not in rapid succession."

Zane gave a slight moan to his words, but otherwise remained blissfully unaware and cocooned in his dreams. Kai chuckled and leaned down to lay a kiss on Zane's cool cheek, when an incoming message notification chimed from his cell. Quirking an eyebrow, he retrieved his phone from his pocket, unlocked it and opened his message app.

Rockman: need to talk where are u?

Eyebrow still quirked, Kai replied.

Kai: hell if I know bro. one of the bedrooms with Zane. Try sensing for us

Within a few seconds, his phone chimed again. Twice.

Rockman: right.

Rockman: you guys arent…DOING anything right?

Kai rolled his eyes.

Kai: if we were do u really think Id waste my time talkin to u?

Rockman: right. On my way.

Though a little bemused as to why Cole would need to talk, Kai shrugged and pocketed his phone. It didn't take long for him to hear a few sharp raps on the door, however, and for Cole's head to peek through. Kai gave his leader and brother a welcoming nod.

"Sup, bro. What's eatin' ya?"

Sporting a pensive frown, Cole slipped inside and shut the door behind him. He didn't say anything right off the bat, and instead looked to the prone white ninja lying asleep on the bed.

"Is he okay?"

"Yeah, just restin'." Kai gave the other boy an inquisitive stare, watching as Cole paced a few steps and rubbed the back of his neck, looking as stressed and put out as Kai had ever seen him. "The fuck wrong with you, man? You said you needed to talk, but you sure as hell ain't sayin' nothin'…"

The long-suffering sigh that followed had the fire ninja quirking his eyebrow again, but he chose to remain silent and wait for Cole to collect his thoughts. Stuffing his hands in the pockets of his hoodie, Cole turned to regard Kai. Other than his introspective demeanor, Kai could also discern the warring conflict reflected in his brother's emerald green depths.

"…Jay…I… I think he's in love with me."

Though Cole's voice was clear albeit hesitant, Kai still released a baffled, "Huh?" In which, Cole ran his hand through his hair.

"Are you talkin' about the kiss under the mistletoe?" Kai asked. "Wasn't he just drunk?"

Cole shook his head. "No, not really. And I'm talking about after that—when I confronted him alone about it. When I let him have his way with me for a bit."

Kai nearly had an aneurism. "What?!" He cried, aghast, his amber eyes impossibly wide. "What the hell ya mean you let him have his way with you?!"

He only realized he was yelling when Zane grunted and shifted in his sleep. Kai shot his slumbering boyfriend a quick apologetic look before snapping his incredulous stare back to Cole. The shaggy-haired boy sighed heavily and leaned against the wall, propping his foot up.

"Maybe it wasn't the best idea, but…I just thought he had a wayward crush, ya'know? I just wanted to help him get me out of his system, since I couldn't return his feelings."

Kai just stared at Cole for a moment, soaking everything in. Finally, he exhaled, leaned back, and said, "So what's the problem?" When Cole looked at him, he continued. "You just said that you couldn't return his feelings. So why're you frettin' over it?"

When Cole didn't answer and only hunched his shoulders, the red ninja clicked his tongue. "He got to ya, huh? When the freckled lil' jaybird conveyed his feelings through…action, I take it, it awakened your own feelings for him." When Cole tried to deny it, Kai cut him off. "Feelings. You didn't know you had." He punctuated each of his words with a point in the earth ninja's direction.

Conflicted still, Cole gritted his teeth. "It's just…when he kissed me and touched me the way he did… God, I just… I just never felt anything like it. I don't understand why it felt so different with Jay then with anybody else. Any girl."

Never one to beat around the bush, Kai came out with his assumption. "Yeah, well, being a closet gay is never easy." He shrugged and gave his shocked leader a roguish smirk. "What, gonna try to deny that too? Let me tell ya somethin', bro. You never once looked happy when you were with any of your girlfriends. And yeah, before you say anything, I know that dumb-ass frown is like your default expression. But at least with Jay, you obviously appear happy and relaxed. I would even say you glow."

Cole's brow crinkled. "He's my best friend, Kai. Of course, he brings out the best in me. That doesn't mean I'm attracted to him."

"Then what exactly felt so different, huh?" Kai countered. "How did your body react when Jay was doin' all those things to you?"

A bright red flush immediately filled Cole's cheeks and he abruptly averted his gaze to the ground. Shaggy dark curls obstructed the black ninja's face somewhat and he muttered, "What're you trying to say, Kai? That I'm lusting after Jay?"

"Hey, don't put words in my mouth. I don't have any idea what's goin' on through that thick skull of yours. But what I do know is," the smirk gave way to a sympathetic grin, "you need to be true to yourself, bro. To your heart. The sooner you start doin' that, the sooner you'll start feelin' way better."

A reflective silence ensued between the two ninjas with nothing but Zane's deep breathing to fill the ambiance. Finally, Cole got off the wall, lifted his head, and took a single deep breath. He regarded Kai with his trademark sincerity and earnestness.

"I need to talk to him. I need to tell him how I feel."

Kai chuckled, nodding at his brother. "You do that, bro. And one other thing…"

Cole grasped the knob to the door but stopped to glance back at the red ninja's smirking face.

"…You and Jay may look pretty good together, but no way in hell you'd be able to top me and Zane! Everybody knows we're the OTP yaoi couple in the school!"

Cole just sighed and rolled his eyes before exiting the room, throwing a "See ya" to the boastful spike-tard and closed the door. Once his leader left, Kai continued to smirk.

"Alright, Zane-baby, you can drop the act now. It looks like your sixth sense was right after all…"

Slowly, the white ninja sat up, wearing a proud, saccharine grin. And softly chortling, he leaned against Kai's side and intertwined their fingers, resting his temple against his opposite's.

"And you doubted me," Zane chided lightly.

"I just wasn't sure," Kai sighed, looking down at their laced fingers—summer tan against winter pale. "Cole's so fuckin' hard to read, and Jay's fake-ass smiles were just plain sad. I…I was gettin' worried."

Zane turned his head and placed a chaste kiss along the other's jawline. "As was I, love. But it seems our little subterfuge has given Jay the opening he needed to get his feelings across. All we can do now is wait."

"What about Lloyd?" Kai suddenly asked. "Sense anything about him?"

The Master of Ice smiled knowingly. "Oh yes… him and Brad will come together in time. But for now, they must dance an arduous albeit passionate waltz."

*~Ninjalogy~*

Jay had left the interior of Dareth's mansion some time ago, choosing instead to meander in an isolated part at the corner of the courtyard. The snow fell in thick, heavy flakes in the night sky. But the blue ninja was content, perfectly snug in his long, blue coat and orange scarf.

Well…warm, yes, but not content. Jay's mind was a tumultuous storm of melancholic thoughts. Yes, he was able to express his feelings to Cole. But the chances of the earth ninja reciprocating those feelings seemed slim at best.

The snow crunched lightly under Jay's boots as he ventured toward a lovely bushel of winter jasmines. He lifted a finger to brush it against a yellow petal idly, deep blues hooded in thought.

"He… He kissed me back… He held me close… That had to count for something, right?" His voice came forth in an uncertain whisper. Doubts and regrets swimming rapidly through his head. He plucked a petal and sighed. "Or maybe not… Sorry…"

Jay couldn't let go of the possibility that instinct had been the only reason Cole had responded. That and he had allowed Jay to ravish him in the first place. He shivered in remembrance of the heated kisses, searing the chocolaty and vanilla taste of Cole to memory.

"Why does being in love have to be so hard…? …And what business do I have falling in love with my straight best friend anyway? God, I'm just asking for heartbreak." Smooth, baby pink lips quirked up in a quivering smile, his sapphire eyes quickly pooling with tears. "Maybe…it would've been best if I hadn't done anything at all…"

"I hope you don't mean that. Cuz' I'm really glad you did."

Jay's entire body gave a massive spasm of alarm at hearing Cole's rich, deep voice from behind him. Placing his hand over his rapidly beating heart, he peered over his shoulder to see his leader standing a few yards away with his hands in his hoodie pockets, amongst the orchards of English marigolds.

Just seeing him again and the way the falling snowflakes would powder his hair and clothes made Jay's heart flutter with yearning. He hurriedly turned away and palmed his eyes, but remained silent. The last thing he wanted was to appear weak and unstable in front of Cole if he decided to reject him.

But…did he hear right…? Did Cole just say he was happy Jay had expressed his feelings?

Feeling torn and uncertain, Jay kept his back to the black ninja. He tried to relax as he heard the heavy crunch of snow underfoot. He could feel Cole creeping closer. The crunching soon stopped and Jay could practically feel the heat radiating behind him at Cole's proximity.

"You're in love with me."

Jay closed his eyes, heart hammering so loud he knew Cole could probably hear it too. And Cole…the big lug. Ever blunt. Ever straightforward. Ever earnest. For a ninja, he really lacked subtlety to an absolutely painful degree. But it was one of the things Jay adored about him. While he sometimes stressed and panicked over dire or even mundane situations, Cole was there to always calm and assure him.

I need him… But he doesn't exactly need me…

Deep sapphires revealed themselves. "Yeah… Yes, I am."

It was actually nice to say—a relief to say.

"…Why won't you look at me?"

Because I'm a coward and that blasted eggnog has completely left my system. But Jay didn't voice such thoughts. It was shameful to admit that the eggnog had provided some liquid courage. And now that it was depleted, the insecurities that had kept him from confessing for so long came careening right back into him.

"Sorry," he breathed instead, a soft plume of white streaming into the air. "I just need a moment to collect myself." Prepare myself…

He felt Cole grasp his elbow and firmly coax him to turn around. He was then captured by bright emerald eyes and a handsome, staid face.

"Sorry, but I refuse to say this to the back of your head."

Jay's mouth opened and closed, heart rabbiting in his ribcage. He then blinked and nodded, waiting for Cole to say his piece. He didn't have to wait long.

"Jay, you're my best friend—my very best friend. You're always there to lend an ear when I need it. And even better, somehow you just know how to get me to smile. I cherish you—I…" Cole's chiseled cheeks tinted a deep red, "…I'm always glad to have you by my side on and off the battlefield. Your strength, your courage, your everything…is amazing. You're amazing, Jay. Ugh, I don't even know if I'm saying this right! Shit!" The usually composed ninja leader ran his hand once more through his thoroughly disheveled locks and licked his lips. "Jay, I—"

But Jay couldn't hold back any longer.

With the astounding speed he'd always been blessed with, the other master wasted no time grabbing hold of the drawstrings of Cole's hoodie and yanking him forward until his lips landed soundly on his. This kiss was just as sweet and heated as their last one was and both boys relished in the feelings it wrought. Although he wasn't the most articulate member of their clan, Cole's words had hit Jay square in the heart.

Releasing the drawstrings, Jay's hands reached up to comb through the soft dark strands of Cole's hair. The pleasured moan that followed rumbled deep in Cole's chest and traveled like a current through Jay. Strong arms wrapped tightly around Jay's waist, refusing to let go. Not like the loquacious ninja was complaining. He would've giggled if not for the small yelp that escaped him instead, as Cole had nibbled on his bottom lip, shocking him enough to open his mouth.

Cole's tongue eagerly met his. And as the kiss deepened, Jay's knees became weak and he buckled backward. Ever the persistent one, Cole chased after him and they landed with a soft thud onto the snow. After what felt like an eternity that wasn't nearly long enough, the two boys parted, flushed and hot. Emeralds stared longingly into sapphires and the pair smiled.

"Thanks for waking me up, Jay," Cole whispered sweetly and leaned down until their lips were just a breath apart. "You're more than I ever wanted."

The two young masters decided to stay under the stars a little while longer.

*~Ninjalogy~*

The confrontation between Brad and Chris appeared to be coming to a head when Lloyd entered the game room. Although bad techno still pounded from the speakers and drowned out most voices, Lloyd didn't need to hear them to know that vitriol was being shouted back and forth between the two. The argument had summoned a large crowd to watch the spectacle, but others simply ignored and partied on.

Lloyd pushed through the throng of liquored up teens until he stood at the outer rim of the quarrel between boyfriends. He was just hearing the words "dickless manwhore" from Brad's mouth before the unspeakable happened. Chris reared back and struck Brad across the face, causing the long-haired boy to stumble back in pain. The insult to his manhood being the straw that broke the camel's back. But Lloyd didn't care, as his eyes flashed red at that very moment.

However, before he could make a move to defend his crush, Brad lashed out at Chris unexpectedly, grabbing his shoulders and kneeing him in the crotch. The cheater's face twisted in crippling pain as he crumpled to the floor, hands cupping his injured groin. Some laughed and cheered, while others "oooo"ed in sympathy. Brad, on the other hand, tried to flee the room. But he couldn't, the surrounding crowd leering and jeering around the squabbling couple and closing in on him, wanting to mess with him.

Growling, Lloyd had enough. Using more force than was necessary, he pushed aside many until he was at Brad's side. The other looked to him fearfully, but Lloyd just grinned and took his hand. He then turned a much more sinister expression on the crowd of inebriated interlopers.

"Get out of our way," he snarled. "Now."

The crowd immediately blanched, sensing the green ninja's killing intent. "Oh fuck, that's Garmadon," one muttered. And like the Red Sea, the now intimidated drunkards parted before them. Not really trusting any room to be unoccupied at the moment, Lloyd took Brad away from prying eyes and onto an empty balcony. Finally alone (although the bad music could still be heard through the glass door albeit muffled), he then regarded the brunet by his side.

"Are you…" Lloyd trailed off, a frown coming over his face. The corner of Brad's mouth was already starting to bruise and a cut on his lip oozed blood. Lloyd dug into his coat pocket and retrieved the handkerchief he had gotten from Zane as an arbitrary gift. It was made from some pretty rare material according to the nindroid. But what Lloyd had liked most about it was the design. It was predominately a shiny gold in color, but it was embroidered in the same green as his suit. The body of a long, green dragon was stitched in the center and his initials were lined underneath it in curved script.

"Here." Lloyd handed Brad his handkerchief and the other boy took it with wide eyes.

"Wow, this is…" he placed it on his busted lip with a wince and smiled sadly. "…Thanks, I really didn't feel it…until just now…"

"Adrenaline does that," Lloyd said in way of an explanation. "And uh…good attack, by the way. That bastard wasn't expecting you to retaliate at all. You handled yourself pretty well."

Brad's grin turned a bit wry. "Anger does that," he said before his expression dulled. "I'm a fool, aren't I, Lloyd? I just…fall in love too quickly, I guess. As soon as I feel that magical spark, I'm just ready to give my heart away."

"I…think you're being a little too hard on yourself. Some people are too afraid to even admit they like someone in fear of rejection." Lloyd rubbed the back of his neck subconsciously, more than aware of the irony. "So…I think you're courageous, Brad. The only thing wrong is that you gave your heart to the wrong person… He's not worth your tears."

Brad wiped his eyes with Lloyd's handkerchief. "Shit…" Moist, forlorn aquamarines met crimson depths. "God, I feel so stupid! But you know what, Lloyd? I have to thank you. Not only for tonight but…for all the times you supported me." The brunet's expression turned so soft that Lloyd instantly flushed.

"Uh…huh?"

"You were there," Brad whispered. "You always came to my performances. I could never understand why. It didn't really seem like something you would enjoy watching. And yet…you always came."

Lloyd stared, eyes wide. "You…noticed…?"

Brad nodded, his lips still curved contently. Not even the raw cut and clotted blood there could diminish the other boy's beauty. "I have horrible stage fright and performance anxiety. I didn't know how I was supposed to dance in front of so many people. When I wasn't by myself, I was fine. But alone…it was terrifying. But as soon as I found your face amongst the crowd—as soon as I found your intense red eyes locked onto me so expectantly… I…" Brad suddenly blushed then and averted his gaze to the ground, "…I…didn't want to disappoint you," he ended bashfully. "Ugh. Sorry if what I'm saying doesn't make any sense. Just thank you…for being so kind to a simple acquaintance."

Lloyd floundered internally and externally. His face felt molten as he stumbled over his words, trying to figure out the right ones to say. He wanted to explain how watching Brad dance was the only chance he had to (indirectly) spend time with him. And how timing, in general, just wasn't on his side. And then the whole Chris debacle. Although that really shouldn't have stopped Lloyd from sparking a friendship with Brad, it had inadvertently did.

But in the end, all the great Green Ninja of Creation could muster was a weak and pitiful, "You're welcome."

An uncertain silence fell over the pair with Lloyd wishing he could crawl into a tiny hole and die. What broke it was a rather loud sneeze from Brad. Wordlessly, Lloyd shrugged off his green pea coat and draped it over the other boy's slender shoulders.

"Thanks…" Brad muttered, putting his arms through the warm sleeves and pocketing the handkerchief. His brow creased in concern, however, when he caught Lloyd's rueful ruby eyes. "Lloyd? What's wrong?"

"Nothing." Lloyd shrugged, helpless to do anything else. "I just really like you and don't know how to tell you."

Brad stilled. "What?"

But Lloyd, so far gone in his self-loathing, just shrugged again and turned away. "Sorry, I'll just—"

"Lloyd!" Brad grabbed his arm, forcing him to look back in shock. The brunet stared incredulously at him. "What're you—did you hear what you just said?"

Confused, Lloyd just stared back at Brad for a beyond awkward amount of time before realization finally dawned and the entirety of his face, starting from his neck and expanding upward and to his ears, the reddest blush of Lloyd's life made permanent residence. Mortified, Lloyd covered his flaming visage with both hands, the falling snow doing nothing to quell the embarrassing heat his body had suddenly been engulfed in. How in the hell could he just blurt out his feelings in such a stupid and lame way?!

"Oh no, Lloyd," Brad couldn't help the barely contained chuckles that escaped from him. "No, I didn't mean to laugh at you. It's just…" he giggled and placed his hands on top of Lloyd's, trying to get the other boy to lower them from his face, "…you should've seen the look on your face."

Seeing how his consoling wasn't doing much, Brad opted to hug Lloyd instead. "It's okay. Really."

They stayed that way for a while until Lloyd's hands slowly came down and returned the hug. "Sorry," he mumbled into Brad's hair. He unconsciously took a deep breath and stored the fresh scent of jasmine and honey to his memory. Who knows when he'd get the chance to be this close to him again.

"S'okay," Brad whispered back, his nose pressed into the other boy's shoulder. "I'm not upset or anything. Far from it, actually… But, Lloyd—"

"I know. I know." They both pulled back, meeting each other's gazes. "Shitty timing. That's why I want to be your friend first. I want to get to know you better, Brad. That is…if you want to…"

The brunet's smile stretched so wide a row of straight, white teeth appeared. "Ow!" Brad's hand flew up to his bruised cheek, his face contorting into a pained grimace.

"Here." Lloyd cupped Brad's cheek and closed his eyes in concentration. Soon, although his palm was already somewhat cool, it chilled more to the temperature of a cold compress. Brad gasped, his mouth falling open. Wide aquamarine eyes stared in shock at the ruby orbs that revealed themselves.

"Um…I want to," he said, breathless. "To—uh…get to know you, that is."

A loud ruckus sounded from beyond the glass door behind them and both boys rolled their eyes at the commotion. "Do you wanna bail?" Lloyd asked. "I can take you home if you want me to."

Brad exhaled despairingly. "Yeah, but I'm not looking forward to going through that cesspool again just to get to the bottom floor."

"Who says we have to?" Hoping to be bit suave and debonair, Lloyd picked a wide-eyed Brad up into his arms bridal-style and smirked. "I know a shortcut."

Brad could only gape at the blond in return, his cheeks pinkening into a blush. "Wha?"

Smirking still, Lloyd jumped up onto the banister. "Ready?"

"Lloyd, are you an acrobat or something?"

"Only when the situation calls for it."

Brad squinted at him. "What have I gotten myself into…?"

Lloyd's confident smirk melted away into a genuine smile. And without another word, he leaped off the balcony with Brad held securely in his arms.

Author's Note: Not sure which story I'll update first, but please keep the requests and reviews coming in! I appreciate them all! :)