So what I had intended as a series of kind of one shots has become more like a story in itself, sorry about that! Hope you don't mind!? Just a short one to round off the previous chapter and refocus on the storyline I've been interweaving... Once this is finished I do have plans I am drawing together for a longer sequel to both this and my first fic, An Involuntary Break, which I guess this is kind of building towards.
Anyways, hope you enjoy!
As One
Well, that one had certainly not been on 'the list'. Skylor gave a soft, contented sigh as she drew the covers further up over herself, snuggling herself back down against his gently rising and falling chest, listening to the strong, steady heartbeat. Her thoughts went to the swiftly upcoming weekend and how this heightened level of trust between them was certainly going to help her out more with her plans. But she still needed to check some details, although Lloyd had been more than helpful... Kai murmured, turning slightly towards her and she smiled as his eyes slowly blinked open, momentarily confused but softening immediately as his sleepy gaze met hers. He drew in a happy, content breath and turned more towards her, sleepy arm scooping her closer to him and snuggling her into him, kissing her on the cheek. She shifted into him, head now resting in the nook of his arm and under his chin, feeling his steady breath against her hair. She felt her eyes closing and giving into the overwhelming feelings of contentment and security.
"I love you Skylor Chen." he sleepily whispered. She felt herself beam in the darkness of her room.
"And I love you, Kai Smith."
They both drifted into deep, peaceful sleep.
"Oh, look who's finally decided to show!" Jay was laughing and pointing up at him. Damn, there went his hopes of sneaking in and pretending he had been out for a run…
The shimmering red dragon disappeared above the training yard as Kai landed, crouching, in front of a mocking Jay (tee hee!), confused Zane, smirking Cole and… and Lloyd with his arms folded. Oh.
"Erm, sorry…" he directed at Lloyd, whilst Cole snorted:
"Oh you're so busted! Walk of shame and you didn't even bring us some take out breakfast!" Trust Cole to think of his stomach.
"I am sorry Lloyd. I kind of slept in, and…"
"Stop!" Lloyds hand was up whilst a pained look spread across his face. "I do not want to know any details! Just, just go and get yourself ready." He gestured to the monastery doors so Kai walked quickly towards them, catching Jay's wink and Cole's subtle fist bump on the way. Thankfully, he noted, his sister was nowhere to be seen at the moment, probably still tinkering with the new mechs she had been building with PIXAL. He could live without that interrogation for a little longer…
At breakfast they all ate ravenously, complimenting Zane on his pancakes once again. Kai stretched and yawned, a little too loudly as it caught Cole's attention.
"Not much sleep last night then, eh?"
"I'm not going into it."
Jay could not resist the opportunity for a dig, looking Kai squarely in the eye "So a thought crossed my mind,"
"Must have been a long and lonely journey." That cut him off, Cole starting to snigger whilst Nya looked over, mildly interested.
"Hey guys, quit bickering. We need to get focused on re-upping our game. It's been a while now since, since my dad…" Lloyd stopped, looking down momentarily, and then looking back up, a harder, more defiant look on his face.
"…since my dad and Harumi were stopped. But he told me that they will be coming. The oni. That's if they aren't already here."
The team silently looked at each other, a mixture of weariness and determination gripping them all. They all knew how much all this was eating away at their master, their leader.
"Lloyd, we are back together as one now. We are stronger and we will be ready." Zane stood, placing his hand on the green ninja's shoulder, who looked like he had the world resting on it.
"Zane is right Lloyd, and I'm sorry. I won't be late to training again." Kai bit his lip, also standing and resting his hand on his little brother's other shoulder. The others all got up and surrounded Lloyd, placing hands on arms and gently patting his back, trying to reassure their leader and themselves.
The green clad, youngest ninja looked up at them all. His team. And smiled, although it was still tinged with weariness.
"Thanks guys. And Kai, don't worry. We all need some down time as well. To remember what it is we fight for, if nothing else. You know she's asked if you can leave early on Saturday?"
Kai inhaled. Leave early on Saturday? As in leave training? What was Skylor planning?!
"No. I didn't, I'll speak with her…"
"No, its ok. I told her to take you. It's going to be good for you." Lloyd smiled up and waggled a finger at the even more intrigued and confused ninja of fire. "Just do not be late back!"
Kai grinned "Promise!" and then laughed with the others as Zane turned to them, asking innocently
"What did you mean by Jay's thoughts having a long and lonely journey?"