Author's Note: Hello everyone! I'm very excited to have gotten around to publishing another chapter, though server issues prevented me from accessing my account... I extend my sympathy to anyone else who had to deal with problems the past few days. Anyway, I really hope you enjoy the longest chapter I've ever written. Seriously, I have no idea how this one ended up so much longer than the others... But I did have a lot of fun adding some big brother Kai moments, so I hope you enjoy reading "Awkward". It's set during and after Double Trouble, as you'll soon see.

Replies to Reviews – Oh my goodness! "Nightmare" received a record breaking number of reviews, which is super exciting! Thank you for all the support and feedback!

Jaell: Aw... Thanks! Cuteness is definitely my thing! I really appreciate that you took the time to review. Hope you enjoy "Awkward" as well.

RandomDragon2.0: Yeah, the guys are totally fine after sharing a room with each other for so long, but Nya is at a disadvantage at that point in time because she's used to being alone. Kai must've just been super exhausted? I don't know. He isn't perfect, though he might tell you otherwise. Hopefully he makes up for it in "Awkward". Thanks for your feedback! I do love fluff an awful lot! Hope you enjoy this next bit.

Lloydskywalkers: I'm pretty sure I pm'd you, but thank you SO much for the lengthy review you posted on "Nightmare"! I really love hearing from you! Hope you enjoy this next chapter.

Guest: *Hands over some tissues* thank you so much! But, I am sorry I made you cry. Maybe. Or maybe that just means my fluff was really fluffy... Anyways, I hope you continue to enjoy reading this book.

Guest: Aw... Thanks! It's nice to know that someone is watching for my next post. Bringing you joy? That's a totally amazing compliment! I really appreciate your feedback, and I hope this chapter was published soon enough for you!

Whycantifindanamethatfits: No constructive criticism? You make me blush! I will definitely keep writing for as long as possible! I really, really love writing adorable fluff between Lloyd and his family, so I'm super glad this brings you joy! Hope you like "Awkward" too!

Hazelfeather of ThunderClan: This is probably your favorite fanfic? Omg, that's one of the most amazing compliments one can receive! Thanks, so, much! And please don't die? I'd be super sad if I killed you with fluff! That said, I'm so very glad that you enjoyed "Nightmare". And there will totally be times where the roles are flipped and Lloyd is the comforter. I have plans, but if you've got a specific idea, I have been known to incorperate reader suggestions in the past, so please let me know. Hope you enjoy "Awkward"!

TheKittenQueen: Is it actually possible for something to be too sweet? :) Thanks! Your feedback is so valuable to me! Ugh, cavities are the worst... Better be careful! You couldn't stop reading? That is a wonderful comment to receive! I appreciate the time you took to review and hope that you enjoy this chapter as well!

/

Lloyd aggressively swept the broom he was using towards the broken bits of glass that had resulted from yet another failed attempt at learning to control his newfound power. He wondered if the others had completely forgotten he was still in the room. Were they seriously not going to ask him before making the decision to return to his former school? It was all fine and dandy that they had been invited to some fancy ceremony, but Lloyd had no intention of returning to Darkley's School for Bad Boys. Ever. Thank you very much. Growing up there had left him with little love for the gloomy halls, certifiably insane teachers, and bratty children with way, way too much time on their hands and far too few positive role models. The more time he spent with the ninja, surrounded by a positive environment and people who truly cared about his wellbeing, the more he realized just how sketchy Darkley's had really been. Unbidden memories of being painfully shoved into dark closets and left there for hours on end, of cackling laughter as someone's foot caused him to faceplant onto the grimy floor of the cafeteria again, filled his head, causing him to shudder slightly. No, the day he stepped foot in that horrible place willingly would be the day that Cole gave up cake.

"Lloyd's change inspired them..." Yeah, right. This was totally just a setup – a new way to humiliate Lloyd. And this time, it would be in front of people whose opinions actually mattered to him. His uncle was just too blind to see it, and so were the ninja. Going to the ceremony would not end well for him. Of that he was sure. The small boy's grip on the broom handle tightened. Snap! He looked down in surprise to find that he'd somehow managed to break the piece of wood in half. Huh. He hadn't known he had that kind of strength. If only there was a way to make them understand! Growling in frustration, Lloyd leapt forward, ready to take out his emotions on the punching bag... Only to end up headbutting it in a gloriously ungraceful manner. The others just stared, probably questioning how they'd ended up saddled with someone as uncoordinated as him. Lloyd scrambled to pick himself up off of the floor, careful not to show any lingering pain from hitting his head. Slightly woozy, he punched and kicked at his target, muttering to himself about the unfairness of life.

/

It didn't take long for Kai, Zane, Jay, and Cole to get ready to leave for the 'ceremony', the promise of glory – and cake – motivated them far more than mere words could. But, they noted as they waited impatiently by the door, Lloyd didn't seem to share their excitement. He had not moved from his station in the corner of the dojo they were currently using as training headquarters in lieu of the Destiny's Bounty, which had been destroyed by the Great Devourer not long before. Rolling his eyes, Jay tried to get the fun sized Green Ninja's attention.

"Lloyd, you gonna be ready to leave soon? We really don't want to be late..."

"Every second we stay here is one less second we get to enjoy the world's most amazingly delicious pastry – cake..." Cole added. Lloyd sighed loudly, but made no move to join them. The older ninjas glanced at each other.

"Oh, c'mon. Really?"

"Can it, Jay. I'll handle this." Kai said, opting to play the role of the responsible one since his sister had already left for the auto body shop – she'd wanted to see them off, but couldn't afford to show up to work late. He ushered the others outside before making his way over to the clearly unhappy child.

"So... What's all this dramatic sighing about, then?" Kai asked him. Lloyd crossed his arms.

"Maybe I don't want to go back to that stupid place...Did'ja ever think of that?"

"Oh, I just figured you didn't want to have to smell Cole's smelly feet on the ride over…" Kai teased, earning him an eye roll.

"No. It's not that… Though his feet really do smell disgusting… It's just…" Lloyd sighed again, making his way over to a nearby bench. Kai followed him.

"Do… Do you wanna talk about it? I mean, I'm not Nya, but I have been known to be an okayish listener. You know, every once in awhile." He said, thinking back to all the times he'd talked Nya through her own issues when they were younger. Having to raise her had given him lots of experience dealing with freak outs. And she had shared her suspicions that Lloyd's time at Darkley's had scarred him more than he was likely to admit on multiple occasions. The fact that he had been so prepared to run away after the tea pot incident awhile back, lack of any mention of what exactly had gone on while he lived there, and his obvious anxiety and trust issues spoke volumes to both of them. Kai was honestly surprised she hadn't flat out told Wu to ignore the invitation.

"I don't think you get… How bad Darkley's really was. Sure, it shouldn't have been a great place to be – it was a school for kids with villainous family backgrounds - but…It was so much worse than that…" Kai nodded solemnly.

"Why am I even telling you this?" Lloyd asked as he looked away, not wanting the ninja of fire to see him cry. That was still a little too outside of his comfort zone. But he decided to continue in spite of his misgivings.

"I hated it there. I always felt so… so alone. And somehow, everyone just kinda knew that. And they used that knowledge against me. All. The. Time! There were days I couldn't even walk down the hall without getting beat up… a-and now I'm rambling… I wish Nya were here…" He felt Kai cautiously ruffle his hair. Neither were quite sure what the boundaries in their relationship were. Lloyd had grown attached to the older boy, bonding with him over video games and watching the others do stupid stuff – and he would never forget how Kai had saved him that time at the fire temple, but the two had never really held deep, emotional conversations before. This was new territory for both of them.

"I know you do, kid. But she's not the only one who cares about you, you know. Look, I don't care if I get myself kicked off the premises for punching some idiot in the face," Lloyd eyed him, a small smile starting to form – that definitely sounded like something Kai would do, "If anyone, and I mean anyone, tries to hurt you today, I will personally end them."

"Really?" Lloyd asked, noticeably calmer. Kai smiled encouragingly.

"Of course. I'll stay right by your side the entire time. I promise." The small boy stood up and headed for the door.

"Okay. You win this round. But you owe me an entire bag of those peach rings they sell at that candy shop at the corner of First and Maple. And I get to steer the Ultra Dragon!" Trailing behind him, Kai shook his head, marveling at the kid's ability to bounce back so quickly.

" That's the spirit!" He called encouragingly. What had he just gotten himself into?

\/\/

Bzt. Bzt. Nya put down her tools and glanced at her phone – a new text message from her brother was waiting to be opened.

Be prepared for damage control if this award ceremony doesn't go well… - Kai

What? Why? – Nya

Our little green bean was kinda iffy about going back to that shady school of his. No pun intended. You know, cause the school's named Darkley's… - Kai

Very Funny… - Nya

Don't worry I already talked to him about it. – Kai

It was nice to see someone else looking out for her baby brother. Even if Lloyd probably wouldn't appreciate the nick name Kai had given him. Smiling, she typed out a reply message.

Awe, look at you! Being all supportive and stuff :) . Keep me posted. – Nya

Will do, sis. – Kai

Gtg. About to land. – Kai

K. Love you. – Nya

Same. C U later. – Kai.

The samurai sighed as she put away her phone and got back to work. If she finished her project quickly, she'd just have time to show Jay around when he got back.

/\/

Lloyd sank onto the dingy apartment's lone sofa, relieved that the visit to his former school was finally over. The others had gone off in search of food (they never did find any cake for Cole), leaving him to hold down the fort on his own. To say that his day had been strange would be an understatement. Things could be worse, he supposed. He had walked away from the experience with his dignity mostly intact, and only mildly traumatizing memories to look back on. Getting tied up a grand total of two times by his former classmates had to be some kind of record, and he had been able to make peace with some of them in the end. Most of them had even seemed to embrace their inner goodness. How would have guessed that Brad - of all people, enjoyed gardening? Still, it was safe to say that he had absolutely no interest in going back any time soon. Not when there were video games to be played, comic books to read, and death defying adventures to go on. He hoped Nya would be home soon. There was sure a lot to tell her about. They could talk it all through, and then he'd feel better and be able to laugh about it later instead of feeling all the jumbled up emotions he was currently dealing with.

It wasn't long before his partner in crime arrived, looking slightly more frazzled than usual. She seated herself next to him before asking,

"So, was it as bad as you thought it'd be?" Lloyd shrugged. Good question.

"I… I guess not. It was mostly just weird…."

"Evil ninja clones?"

"Evil ninja clones." Lloyd confirmed.

"I swear, one of these days, we'll have done so many stupidly crazy things that even something like talking rats won't phase us anymore. We'll just be like 'Okay, cool' and act like it's totally normal to be asking vermin for directions to the nearest take-out restaurant..." Commented Nya. She had a point. They did have to deal with an above average amount of bizarre occurrences.

"But how did you-?"

"Let's just say I had a little run in of my own." Nya told him.

"Really? What happened?"

"There's honestly not that much to tell. Nothing major happened. Evil Jay stopped by work on the way to Darkley's. We talked for a sec and he left. That's all." Lloyd stared at the girl beside him, eyebrows raised. There was something she wasn't telling him. Had seeing her boyfriend's doppelganger really weirded her out that much?

"Uh huh? You're sure nothing else happened?" Nya glanced away uncomfortably. Yep, definitely hiding something.

"I… well…" She bit her lip, wondering if Lloyd was really the best person to discuss this with. Maybe she should just wait until Kai got home? But no, her brother probably wouldn't want to hear about the complex nature of her love life. He wasn't a huge fan of her being in a relationship period, even if it was with one of the people he trusted most. And so, with a great deal of questioning her own sanity, Nya decided to talk to Lloyd about the bizarre experience.

"He kissed me, Lloyd." Ew…

"My boyfriend kissed me, and I didn't even realize it wasn't him until later... What kind of person am I that I don't even recognize when something's off about the people I love?" She sighed.

"I feel terrible. What am I even going to tell Jay?" Lloyd wasn't really sure how to respond to what he'd just been told. He didn't know what he'd expected her to say, but that certainly wasn't it. Was being a teenager always this complicated? It was a good thing Lloyd had no interest in girls – this whole dating thing struck him as far more trouble than it was worth.

"Okaay. So, that's a little awkward, I admit. But after the day we've had, I doubt he's gonna care that much. I mean, Jay reaaally likes you – it's actually kind of annoying just how much he likes you. And he's an awfully forgiving person... Remember that time I re-programed the training robot to go after him?" Nya shot him a look.

"I thought you only did that because Sensei told you to…"

"Meh. That's not the point. What I'm saying is - you'll survive. Who's gonna be my partner in crime if you die of embarrassment?" He asked.

"I… You know, you're right. I should be overthinking this so much. I'll just have to talk to Jay about it later. This is totally survivable..." Nya said, trying to sound confident.

"Of course it is… " Lloyd said with an eye roll.

"So... How did everything at Darkley's go down?" She asked, obviously ready for a subject change.

"Well... I got to steer the ultra dragon, so that was pretty great…" Lloyd offered. Nya made a face.

"How motion sick did you make the others?"

"Hey! It's not my fault if they can't take my sick driving skills…" He defended, arms crossed.

"Uh huh."

"Anyways," Lloyd said, ignoring Nya, "I could tell things were gonna get interesting when I saw Brad-"

"Who's Brad?"

"Sh… I'm getting to that. He's one of my old classmates. He was in the courtyard gardening. Which seemed suspicious because why would someone who loves putting fire ants in people's beds enjoy gardening? And then, he took us to see the principle – except it wasn't actually the principle, it was just another one of my classmates, Gene. And when we got to the office, he kinda… knocked us out with sandbags…" Nya looked him over, worried.

"Should I be concerned? Any signs of concussion?" Lloyd shook his head.

"Nah. It takes more that that to take down Lloyd Garmadon. Now where was I… the principle's office. Right. So, after I got knocked out, Gene and Brad took me to a classroom where a bunch of the other kids were. Don't know what they did with the ninja. We'll have to ask them later. But, Gene was all angry cause he thought I'd ruined my rep by becoming the Green Ninja, which is so not true. And then I tried to use some weird logic about being able to lie meaning that I couldn't be totally good. Not really sure where I was going with that. I don't thing they really believed me, but they couldn't do anything about it, cause that's when the evil ninja clones showed up. Everyone else went to investigate, so of course, I got right to work trying to free myself. Nya, I used my powers and they actually worked!" He exclaimed excitedly.

"Wow Lloyd. I'd say that's quite the accomplishment! Bet you're super excited. " Nya said, sharing his enthusiasm.

"And that's not even the best part! Everyone was trying to figure out how to take down the good ninja, and I was starting to get a little worried, but then… but then, I had this super wise epith… epif…"

"Epiphany?" Nya suggested.

"Yeah, that. I realized that if I had some good in me that made my life worthwhile, maybe some of the others did too! I mean, sure, some of the kids I went to school with were definitely pure evil, but most of those guys left after Darkley's started to reform… So, I talked to them, and I guess something clicked, cause after that, pretty much everyone was my side. And then we helped the ninja defeat the clones and I was basically just super awesome. You should've seen it… It was so cool! I guess Brad really did like gardening after all." Lloyd wasn't quite prepared for the bone crushing hug that Nya gave him, but he accepted it anyway. It made the last little piece of awkwardness fall away.

"Do you have any idea how proud I am?" Nya asked, "Not only did you go back to the one place I know you hated more than anything, but you stood up to the people who I know caused you a lot of pain. That was incredibly brave. And the fact that you made so many people see the good in themselves? Total Green Ninja move right there." She ruffled his hair affectionately. Lloyd smiled at her.

"Well, when you put it like that… I guess it was…" Nya was definitely going to get a more accurate story from her brother, later, but this new level of confidence, and the obvious joy on Lloyd's face as he told the story made any level of exaggeration totally worth it. It was clear that going back to Darkley's had, in fact, helped heal some of the small boys scars, just as she'd hoped it would.

Kai, Jay, Cole, and Zane returned from their shopping trip with several take – out containers of food from Master Chen's Noodle House not long after. The smell of food was enticing, but that wasn't what prompted Lloyd to abandon his spot on the couch. His eyes lit up when he saw the small package Kai carried.

"Yes! You got them!" He exclaimed happily as he grabbed his peach rings and ripped them open.

"Now Lloyd, you do realize we're having dinner in a few minutes, tops?" Nya called, not really meaning it.

"Please…" Lloyd gave all of them his best impression of puppy dog eyes.

"Fine, but only if you share…" She relented as she snatched one from him and shot her sibling a look that said did you really just bribe our baby brother… Kai simply smirked and returned with a look meaning, we'll talk later. And she knew they would. They always did. It was part of being a family. A crazy, weird family that no one else could ever hope to understand... Nya thought as she watched Jay chase Cole around the room with a pair of chopsticks, trying to reclaim a box of noodles, and shouting rather creative insults at each other – "Get back here you oversized clod of dirt!" "Not on your life, zap trap!" – followed by the maniacal laugher of Lloyd, who clearly found the situation hilarious. But she wouldn't give it up for all the world. They were happy, they were safe, and they were loved, and that was all that really mattered anyway.

/

Fun announcement time: Be watching for an "Of Milk and Cookies" holiday special within the next few weeks. I'm not sure how long it will end up being yet, but I have too many fun ideas not to give it a try! I wish you a fantastic Thanksgiving - I'm really looking forward to the small break, not to mention opening night of the play I'm in (which just so happens to be black Friday)! Hope you enjoyed the latest installment in "Of Milk and Cookies"! Thanks again for your ongoing support! As always, feel free to leave any constructive criticism or comments you may have!

~GwenBrightly