Although it was unfamiliar to them, everyone in the monastery was getting along. Well, for the most part.
"But what if he doesn't like me? He says I have nice hair, but that's a compliment! It doesn't mean anything, does it-!"
"Jay, there is a 99.7 percent chance that Cole reciprocates your feelings." PIXAL smiled a little, trying to calm his nerves
"So there's a chance he doesn't!"
"Way to go, Pix." Kai laughed softly, rolling his eyes.
PIXAL smiled a little. It's still a little awkward around these new ninjas, but the tension seems to be easing up gradually the longer they stay.
"Jay, have you tried talking to Cole?" Nya asked.
"You say that like it's easy," Jay exasperated.
"You act like it's not," Kai chuckled.
Because it's not. He's so cute; I get flustered around him. I can barely talk around him without worrying I'm going to panic and start blabbering. What if he doesn't like that I talk when I'm nervous and think I'm too much for him to handle, or he doesn't like talking?"
"I understand why you didn't want to believe Pixal when she said you two were dating," Lloyd mumbled to Nya, who rolled her eyes with a soft smile.
"Jay, you need to just chill out, ok?" Kai hummed, moving to the redhead. "Breathe."
Jay turned, nodding and taking slow, deep breaths.
"No wonder you're a theatre kid," Nya grumbled.
"I'll have you know I'm in the theatre because of my father," Jay frowned, turning to Nya, offended.
"You make it sound like your father's important," Nya mumbled, not believing it.
"But he is," Jay countered.
"How come I don't know him then?"
"Maybe because you're uneducated?" Jay mocked.
Nya clenched her fist, lunging to punch the other in the face. Lloyd quickly stopped her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back.
"Nya, chill out," Lloyd cried, trying to calm his girlfriend down.
"Yeah, he's just joking around," Kai added.
Nya huffed, backing away while glaring at Jay.
"Who is your dad anyways?" Lloyd asked, now curious.
"Cliff Gordon," Jay replied nonchalantly.
"Cliff Gordon is your dad!?" Lloyd's eyes lit up.
"Yeah?" Jay questioned, trying to figure out whether Lloyd was a fan.
"Dude, can you get me his autograph?" Lloyd grinned. "I'm a huge fan! I love watching him in StarFarer."
"Who is he in the movie?" Nya mumbled to Lloyd.
"Seriously?" Lloyd turned to her, now offended. "He's the main character. You should know this."
"Wait, that's Cliff Gordon?"
"Yes!" Lloyd cried. "It's like you didn't have a two-year phase where he was all you'd talk about."
Nya blushed, looking away.
"Oh, he's your celebrity crush," Kai taunted.
"You're one to talk," Nya frowned. "You are older than me and still single. I've never even heard you talk about a crush."
"Maybe I'm just not interested," Kai frowned.
"Doesn't mean you can't have a crush," Nya retorted.
"She's got a point," Jay chided.
"Not helping, Jay," Kai uttered.
Kai then turned to Jay, wanting to return the attention to him.
"Isn't this supposed to be about you," Kai frowned. "You're the one having a gay panic over here."
"What do you expect!" Jay exasperated, threw his hands in the air. "I'm normally the one girls are trying to flirt with or falling over, not the other way around."
"So, you're normally the flirtee, not the flirter then," Nya grinned.
"Oh, what do you know? It's not like you seem to panic around cute guys."
"Except for the fact that I have a boyfriend and know the struggle of the crush. I grew up in a village with lots of pretty girls. Bi panic was a daily occurrence."
Jay turned and glared at Nya. "That's easy for you to say now that you have a boyfriend. And I don't even know how you two met. It's not like Kai ever talks about his sister."
"Ouch," Lloyd winced.
Nya looked offended, then turned to Kai. He was avoiding her gaze at all costs.
"Oh, I shouldn't have said that," Jay mumbled, backing away.
"Do you not like me or something?" Nya accused.
"No, that's not what it is," Kai hesitated.
"Then what is it?" Nya glared. "Do you not like having a little sister? Do I embarrass you or something?"
"N-no!" he stammered. He pulled on the drawstrings of his hoodie, pulling the hood in close to hide his face. His heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to control his breathing.
"Well, what is it? There is something there because you're trying to hide like you normally do when you don't want to say something."
"It's Dad, ok! I'm upset because you spend so much time with Dad, and he treats you like the golden child and acts like I'm just a failure!" Kai blurted out. "Like I'm a mistake and a screwup and-and-a-"
Kai started hiccupping, trying to keep air in his lungs. His eyes jumped around the faces in the room. He didn't want to cry in front of everyone, but he couldn't control himself. His anxiety was proving to be too much at this moment. Jay noticed and jumped to his feet, rushing to Kai's side to help his friend.
Nya watched, frozen in place. She didn't know what to say and didn't want to make this any worse for him.
"K-Kai, I-"
Kai quickly stood up and darted out of the room before Nya could speak. She watched, wishing she had kept her mouth shut. When she moved to follow him, a hand fell on her shoulder.
"Jay, go after him," Lloyd spoke up. "Make sure he's ok."
"Shouldn't Nya do that?"
"No, Lloyd's right," she sighed, looking down. "He probably wouldn't want to talk to me anyway."
Jay looked between the two before getting up and running out the door after Kai. He couldn't see Kai but figured he had left his bedroom to hide. Jay had helped Kai through his panic attacks, and Kai always went where he felt safe. Jay approached the bedrooms, seeing Kai's door cracked open. He peeked inside, looking for his friend.
Kai was pacing back and forth in his bedroom. His breathing was shaking as he tried to regain control. He had slowed his breathing significantly but was still struggling to control it. His hands shook as he tapped his fingers in patterns against his thumb. Jay figured he was counting his breaths, trying to slow them.
"Kai?"
He stopped in his tracks, his back to Jay.
"Just leave me alone," Kai mumbled.
Jay stepped into the room, quietly closing the door behind him. He took several steps into the room, watching Kai's expression in case the other needed space.
"Kai. You and I both know you shouldn't be alone right now."
Kai stared at Jay, unmoving, as if waiting for Jay to make a move.
"Do you want me here?" Jay asked.
Kai's lip quivered as tears welled in his eyes. He nodded, holding his arms out.
A soft smile appeared on Jay's face as he pulled Kai in, holding him close. Kai sobbed onto Jay's shoulder. Jay carefully guided them to the floor, helping Kai sit while holding him close.
"It's going to be ok," Jay hummed, rubbing circles with his palm onto Kai's back.
"No, it's not," Kai replied.
"Why do you say that?" Jay hummed, hoping Kai would open a bit.
"I just yelled at my sister, spilled everything to her," Kai hiccupped. "She's gonna know that I hate dad, and she'll tell him once we get home, and I'll get kicked out and-"
"Whoa, calm down, buddy," Jay hushed as Kai started losing control again.
Kai looked up at Jay with wide eyes but saw how calm Jay was. He nodded, taking deep breaths to try to calm himself back down.
"No one is upset at you," Jay soothed. "They're worried."
"You don't know that," Kai replied.
"Nya wanted to come after you, but she had no idea what to say. Lloyd's probably trying to help her right now."
Kai looked up at Jay, scanning his expression for any signs of deceit. He didn't exactly believe Jay, but he also had no reason to lie.
"She cares about you; we all do. Although no one can help you if you hide everything away. It's not like we can read your mind."
Kai chewed on his lip for a moment, looking away before he looked up at Jay.
"I-I-" he stammered before just looking at Jay for help.
"We want to help you. All you have to do is let us, okay?"
"But what if I upset you? Or hurt someone?"
"You won't," Jay soothed.
"But-"
"No buts, okay?"
Kai nodded, looking down. Jay smiled as he thought of a joke.
"Unless you'd like to sit, you need a butt."
Kai chuckled at the Jay-tier joke. Jay smiled, seeing his friend smile for a moment.
"Do you want to stay here for a bit and relax?" Jay asked.
Kai nodded, opting not to speak.
"How about I go get some water?" Jay suggested.
"And snacks?" Kai asked.
Jay smiled, "Sure thing, buddy."
Jay stood, patting Kai on the shoulder as he left the room.
He stepped into the hallway, closing the door behind him. He started for the kitchen, only for Cole to round the corner. He was topless in shorts. A towel hung around his neck as he approached Jay.
"Hey," Cole smiled.
"Hi," Jay squeaked out, giving a little wave.
"I was thinking about asking Wu if we can use that hot tub I saw out back," Cole hummed. "Would you be up for it?"
"Sure, sounds great," Jay blurted out before he could even think about it.
"Cool," Cole grinned. "Any idea where Kai is? I was going to ask him to join too."
"Kai?" Jay echoed, coming back to his senses. "Oh shit, Kai. Right. Gotta go!"
Jay darted past Cole for the kitchen, leaving the other confused. Cole shook it off, continuing down the hallway to his bedroom.
The door creaked open as he passed Kai's room, and Kai's face appeared.
"Hey," Cole nodded, giving Kai a smile.
"Is Jay out here?" Kai asked, his voice hardly a whisper.
"He just ran off," Cole frowned, motioning down the hallway. "Seemed like he needed to be somewhere." Cole paused, turning back to Kai. "You doing alright? You don't seem yourself."
Cole saw the 'deer in the headlights look and quickly understood what was happening.
"Hey, no need to freak out," Cole hummed. "You don't have to answer anything if you don't want to."
Kai nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Although I'd like to chat if that's alright."
Kai's heart stuttered, looking up at Cole. He didn't seem mad or upset; he was curious. He could tell him to leave. Cole seemed to be understanding of his boundaries.
"Ok," Kai mumbled.
He stepped back, opening the door to let Cole inside. Cole stepped inside, looking around. One side of the room had a bed for Kai, a night table and a dresser. The Opposite was a similar setup for Lloyd. Kai moved to sit on his bed, his movements stiff as he kept Cole in his view.
"First, I was wondering if you wanted to chill in the hot tub later," Cole started, hoping to ease the tension between them.
"Wait, is that it?" Kai asked.
"No, I have another question," Cole replied. "Just figured I'd get this out of the way so I can leave if you need space."
"Oh," Kai sighed. "I mean, yeah, sure. Hot tub sounds great."
Cole smiled, seeing the tension in Kai's posture relaxed slightly.
"The other thing," Cole hummed, allowing Kai to tell him to leave if needed. After a moment, he continued. "I was wondering what the story with you and Jay is."
"What do you mean?" Kai asked.
"I mean, you guys spend all your time together, and you seem really close," Cole explained, shifting his weight between his feet. "But I know you aren't related; as Wu said, you and Nya are siblings."
Kai was surprised to see Cole was getting nervous. The prince was fidgeting with his hands, avoiding eye contact as he spoke.
"Cole?" Kai hummed. "What are you getting at?"
"Are you two dating?" Cole blurted out.
Kai stared at him in disbelief momentarily, wondering if that was the question he was just asked or if he was hallucinating. Cole stared back, waiting for an answer, and Kai realized he was serious. Then Kai broke out laughing.
"Me and Jay dating?" he laughed. "Not a chance in hell."
Cole frowned, confused by the response he was getting. He supposed it was a good thing; it meant they weren't a thing. Didn't mean they were both single, but it was at least a chance.
"So, that's a no," Cole sighed, a faint smile on his face.
"You got that right," Kai nodded, catching his breath.
"I don't entirely understand what's so funny," Cole frowned.
Kai wiped the tears from his eyes, "it's just that we get asked so often. But it's not the case in the slightest."
"How so?" Cole asked.
"I'm Aro-Ace and not exactly looking to be in a relationship," Kai replied. "At least, not anytime soon."
"Oh, I get it," Cole chuckled.
"I'm hoping it's not me you have the crush on," Kai added.
"How did you know?" Cole asked.
"Dude," Kai grinned. "Jay is the son of one of the biggest movie stars in all of Ninjago. I see people crushing on him every day. I know how to see someone falling for him."
"Really?" Cole asked, getting a nod in response. "So, does he talk about his crush?"
"Maybe?" Kai hummed, leaning back on the bed with a smirk. "What's it to ya?"
"I mean, I was just wanting to know if he was interested," Cole replied, very clearly nervous now. "I don't wanna waste my time or his if he's not interested. He is single, right? I should have been asking that first."
"Are you that thick-headed?" Kai asked, flabbergasted.
"Excuse me?" Cole frowned, offended.
"Dude, he gets flustered whenever you get brought up!" Kai cried. "We just spent nearly an hour telling him repeatedly that he was overreacting because he thought you would never have even the slightest crush on him."
"Really?" Cole's eyes lit up.
"Yes!" Kai cried, laughing. "And it sounds like you two would be perfect for each other."
"You think?" Cole smiled.
"Oh yeah," Kai grinned. "I could play matchmaker. Make sure you two are together by the end of this."
"Hold on, let's not force it," Cole cautioned. "I don't want to try to get into a relationship only to realize it wouldn't work."
"Fair enough," Kai hummed. "I'm still going to try to set you two up, though."
"Just don't tell him," Cole pleaded. "I want to ask him out."
"But watching him get flustered anytime you talk to him is funny," Kai pouted.
"How about a deal then?" Cole hummed, an idea formulating in his head.
"I'm listening."
"If I can get Jay to confess his feelings before we return home, I get to dye your hair," Cole grinned.
"How about a streak?" Kai suggested. "Not the whole thing?"
"Alright, I'm good with that," Cole nodded.
"But if it's time to go home and you haven't gotten him to confess, you've got to admit it in front of everyone," Kai smirked. "Plus, I get to dye a streak of your hair."
"What? The embarrassment isn't enough?" Cole asked.
"Nope," Kai grinned. "You brought this on yourself."
"Fine, deal."
"Let's shake on it then," Kai extended his hand.
Cole took it, shaking hands to lock in the deal.
"I'm going to ask Wu about the hot tub then," Cole grinned. "I'll let you and Jay know if we can use it."
"Ask about swimsuits, too," Kai commented.
"Will do," Cole grinned, walking to the door.
"Oh, and Cole?" Cole turned back to Kai, standing in the doorway. "Keep making Jay flustered. It's entertaining."
"Will do," Cole smirked.
Cole stepped out into the hallway, seeing Jay returning with two bottles of water and a bowl of strawberries. Jay froze, seeing Cole stepping out of Kai's room.
"What were you doing in there?" Jay asked, nervous.
"Just chatting with Kai," Cole shrugged, trying to hide a smirk. "I'm going to ask Wu about the hot tub. I'll be back soon."
Cole walked up to Jay, extending a hand to cup Jay's cheek. Jay stood frozen, staring blankly at Cole, his face on fire from the attention. Cole scanned Jay's face, noting the appearance.
The main thing was how red his face had turned. It was like a tomato red and hot with embarrassment. But underneath, Cole couldn't help but admire him. The freckles coated his nose and cheeks and travelled toward his jaw and forehead. Not to mention the bright, sapphire blue eyes with tiny specks of gold shimmering back at Cole's dark chocolate brown ones. Stray strands of hair fell in his face, and Cole's other hand moved to brush them away, keeping his eyes locked with Jay's.
Cole smiled, pulling his hand back away from Jay.
"Can't wait to see you," Cole whispered.
He heard Jay squeak as he walked down the hallway. The redhead stood in shock for several moments, his head reeling.
Did Cole just flirt with him? That's what that was, right? Flirting? Making advances? Affection? That definitely was affection. More so than any friend would give him. But he just came out of Kai's room. What if Kai put him up to it? What if Kai just thought it would be a funny joke to pull on him? Kai wouldn't do that, right?
Snap. "Jay!"
Jay jumped, stumbling backwards as he came back to reality. Kai stood before him, looking slightly unimpressed at the situation but also worried for his friend.
"Were you having a seizure or something?" Kai asked. "You were completely gone."
"N-no," Jay stammered out, trying to regain his composure. "It's nothing, I just- I um…."
"You bumped into Cole, didn't you," Kai smirked. "And you got all flustered again?"
"It was more than that," Jay argued, offended.
"Sure, it was," Kai teased, taking the drinks from Jay's hands and turning to the bedroom.
"It was, though," Jay insisted, following Kai back into the bedroom.
"Alright then, what happened?" Kai asked, flopping onto the bed and twisting open the bottle of water.
"He flirted with me!" Jay cried out.
"He did?" Kai asked, faking innocence. Jay didn't catch on.
Instead, he started rambling. "He did! At least, I think that was flirting. I'm not so used to people flirting, just outright screaming or fangirling. But I've seen it in movies and at events with my parents. He had to be flirting. That's what he did. He touched my cheek and locked eyes with me in the hallway. Like, our faces were this close, "he held up his hands, exaggerating for Kai. "We could have kissed; we were so close. Oh god, we could have kissed. Is that what he was trying to do? Did he want to kiss me? Do I want him to even be my first kiss? Oh god, what if he ends up being my first kiss?"
"Jay, buddy, breathe," Kai called out. "You're excited. I get it. You need to breathe."
Jay looked over, quickly realizing he couldn't catch his breath. He nodded, taking a few steady breaths as he calmed down.
"So, he flirted with you?" Kai asked, smirking at the very flustered teen in front of him.
Jay walked over, flopping on his back on the end of the bed. "He might have wanted to kiss me, but I was frozen."
"I don't think he'd want to kiss you," Kai countered. "Not that he wasn't flirting, but he seems a little rushed to try to kiss you."
"That's what it felt like, though," Jay argued.
"I'm surprised, though," Kai leaned back. "He said you agreed to hang in the hot tub with him."
"I what?" Jay gasped, looking at Kai wide-eyed.
"He was just here asking if I wanted to chill in the hot tub with you two," Kai elaborated.
"Please tell me you said yes," Jay pleaded.
"I mean, the idea of you two being alone together, especially after that, is tempting," Kai smirked, pausing to see Jay's panicked expression, "but I said I would already."
"Oh, thank god," Jay relaxed into the bed, feeling more at ease with the idea of Kai being there.
"Doesn't mean I won't stop him from flirting," Kai smirked, grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Jay.
"Shut up!" Jay yelled, throwing the pillow back at Kai.