Nya was proud to know that her two favorite boys got along very well. Cole and Kai had their differences, yes, but even so the two behaved like brothers. It always warmed her heart to know that Kai approved of her boyfriend. He had been extremely overprotective of her at first, but as he grew to knew Cole, the fire master had backed off significantly.

As mentioned earlier, the two were vastly different, although both had one person in common: Nya. Both boys had an intimate connection with the water master than the other ninja did for evident reasons. These two ninja knew Nya better than anyone else, which meant that they shared a much closer bond together.

Kai and Cole weren't just best friends at heart, but brothers. It was mostly due to the team, yes, but Nya still caught the quick glances and the silent conversations that were exchanged between the two. No one else noticed these brief contacts with the exception of the Senseis and Misako, whose perceptions had developed with time and years of experience. Nya knew that would have been the case.

Even though the two constantly picked on and pushed each other around, Nya could tell that both cared for the other deeply. It sent a smile to her face to see the two interact.

Currently, Nya is curled up with Cole on the couch, her head on his chest and her feet pressed against Kai's lap on the other side of the sofa. She feels her big brother absent-mindedly picking at the hem of her fuzzy socks. Cole has one arm draped loosely around her torso and the other one propped up on the arm of the couch. That hand is intertwined with her hair as he gently plays with it, green eyes focused on the movie onscreen.

It was times like this where Nya felt most at home, when Jay was fiddling with some invention on the other couch, Lloyd reading manga next to him, with Zane silently watching Jay from the other side of the room. It was never truly quiet with all of the ninja, and on the rare occasions when it was, it felt…well, just plain eerie.

Oftentimes, Nya finds herself wondering how in the hell she got here. There were glimpses of what her life was like before teaming up with these dorks, but she couldn't fully remember.

Now she thinks that's a good thing.

…

With a sigh, Nya picks her way through the crowded streets. She turns her head this way and that, trying to find her destination. After a few more minutes of wandering, she finally finds the house she's looking for.

Remembering Cole's advice to use the doorbell, she gingerly presses the button in. A song emanates from the button, one that must have been sung by none other than The Royal Blacksmiths themselves.

"Weeelllllcooooommmme~!" the ringtone sings. Nya shakes her head fondly, a small smile on her face.

Before she knows it, the door swivels open, revealing the figure of Lou Brookestone himself.

Nya finds herself smiling at her boyfriend's father. Even if Lou wasn't fully aware of their relationship (at least, Nya didn't think he was, not yet), Nya still adored the old man.

His eyes light up upon seeing her. "Ah! It's you, my son's girlfriend!"

There goes their hope for telling him. Eh, it doesn't matter now. With a chuckle and red cheeks, Nya nods. "Yep. It's little old me."

With a smile, he beckons her inside. "Come in, come in!"

…

"So, Nya dear, what brings you all the way here?" Lou asks, sitting down beside her.

"Cole, um…he's in the hospital," she answers, her smile fading as she says that.

His face falls. "What? Is he okay?"

"Yeah, he has a pretty bad concussion and a few broken bones. He'll be okay, but he's going to be out of training for a while. None of us could find a phone number we could reach you with, so I decided to come and tell you myself."

Lou nods. "Thank you. I'm relieved he'll be okay. What happened?"

"They were battling a large group of thieves, but Cole was focusing on something else. Long story short, he fell off of a roof," Nya responds, shaking her head again. She planned to have a long talk with him about paying attention later on.

"You said he has a concussion?" Lou asks.

"Yes, sir," she states.

"Then won't he need to be somewhere quiet? Without distractions?" Lou questions.

"He will. We were planning on letting him use my room while he gets better."

"Why don't you bring him here? I could take care of him while you all continue. I'd…I'd like a little time with my son, if that's alright."

She chuckles lightly. "Of course, it is. I'll let the others know." She stands up, but Lou stops her once she has reached the door.

"Miss Smith?"

"Yes, Mr. Brookestone?" she replies, turning to face him.

"Cole…please take care of him," he requests suddenly, "he's too hard on himself, and he doesn't…if he gets too bad, it takes its toll on him. I saw him like that once. I can't bear to see him like that again."

Another nod escapes Nya. "I know…he…he told me."

"He must really love you then," Lou observes. "I hope you know that I'm truly grateful for everything you do for him."

"I know you are. I'm glad we have your blessing."

"You truly are a good woman. Cole speaks the truth about you," Lou notes, sighing. "I won't hold you up any longer."

…

Cole smiles softly upon seeing the reunited family. Both children are tightly embraced within their parents' arms. Nya and Kai had spent so many years thinking they would never see their parents again, and now that they're back in the flesh, Cole can't help but wonder how much things will change with them back.

Suddenly, he grows nervous. Kai, at first, had been reluctant to let Cole near Nya after he found out of his interest in her. It'd taken him a while to come around, but how would that work with Ray? The guy seemed way more stubborn than Kai, and even though Cole could most likely hold his own against their father, he was still intimidated. He shakes thoughts out of his head as Nya sneaks a glance at him. She smiles quickly before turning back to her family.

Their parents had caught the exchange. Cole feels Ray's hard glare burning into his skin. He thinks he hears Maya giggle before she whispers something to her husband.

After the ninja finally leave the scene and go back home, Nya steps up to Cole. She giggles before leaping into his arms. He chuckles, embracing her.

"You found them," he murmurs, closing his eyes.

He feels something wet drip onto his cheeks before he opens his eyes again. Nya's eyes are filled with tears, but she's smiling.

"Cole, I'm…" she trails off for a moment before shaking her head like she's in disbelief, "I'm so happy. I'm so tired, but I'm so happy."

Cole almost begins to cry upon seeing so much joy in her eyes. He holds it back because he knows she's just happy to see her family together again.

"I'm so glad. You deserve every bit of it and more."

Aaaaaaand BOOM all of the sudden I have a Discord and a Tumblr. Where is my life going? Anyone interested?

Anywho~ I hope you like this chapter!