#they would also both be close with zane too but he also has a much more. rosy view of julien

[basicallyjaywalker]

*cracks knuckles* well if I'm gonna work on my OCs and now that someone's reminded me how actually tragic Echo is

Let's talk about Jasmine and her relationship with Echo

I feel like they would get really close if they ever met. I think Julien would tell Echo about her in a way he wouldn't tell Zane because he was scared Zane would tell others someday. Echo won't ever leave the lighthouse, so he can't tell anyone. He would know about Julien's other child, but he would figure it's Zane, the one he replaced. When they meet, once they figured out they were related, I think Echo would realize and want to tell Jasmine what he knows. Julien wanted to know her but couldn't. He left her because it's what was best for her. I think Echo would want to imagine Julien left him for those kinds of reasons too.

I think they would bond over being abandoned by Julien. Jasmine before she was born, Echo long after. I think they'd each envy each other, in a way. They both resent him (even if they won't admit it), but Jasmine resents him never being there. Echo resents him being there so much, only to leave him. Echo would fill in the gaps for Jasmine on who he was, while Echo is more eager to hear about the life Jasmine lived in the wide world, especially on her own.

I think they'd have a super close bond, I think they should visit Jasmine's home and have a snowball fight, I think she should take him to Borg Industries and watch Echo go starry eyed at all the cool technology, I think Jasmine would help replace his rusted gears and wires with ones that won't deteriorate as easily, i think she'd teach him how to garden and befriend animals and i think echo would be so thrilled to get away from the sea

I think if Echo and Jasmine ever got to meet, they'd find a comfort in each other and a confidant about some of their issues that no one else could provide

[ivyinne]

I've been thinking about this theory about Riko orchestrating Jean's sexual abuse as punishment for his attraction to Kevin, because Riko is not in the habit of sharing his possessions. And while at first glance it would seem that Riko does this because it's Kevin... looking deeper I get the feeling that his attitude extends to the rest of the Perfect Court too.

Consider Andrew.

Riko sets first Drake and then Proust on Andrew, and the implication is that Andrew cannot get away with "taking Riko's things." This obviously refers to Kevin, but I don't think it refers to Kevin alone. It's significant that Riko brings it up with Neil and Neil only, and it happens during this specific conversation.

Riko uses Andrew to taunt and intimidate Neil, immediately after Neil implies that Riko is not the only thing saving him from his father. We come to understand several things in the course of this conversation:

That Riko considers Andrew to be responsible for Neil's continued refusal to return to his place among the Ravens.

That he believes threatening Andrew's safety will be enough to convince Neil to come to Evermore.

Which means that Riko obviously has an inkling of what Andrew and Neil mean to each other (even if Neil does not yet). He weaponizes this knowledge against both of them, and while Neil ends up going to Evermore, it does not mean that Riko lets Andrew get away.

That's because he never intended to. When Riko refers to Andrew as the miniature one with the disgusting attitude who thinks he can take my things, his "things" refer not merely to Kevin but, to a heavy extent, also to Neil, and he punishes Andrew for his closeness to Neil the same way he punished Jean's closeness to Kevin.

Why am I bringing this up? Well, quite simply put, it's all because of the as-yet unexplained January incident that Jean brings up in The Sunshine Court.

We know that following Neil's departure from the Nest, Zane betrayed Jean by setting Grayson on him. What we don't know is what Riko did to Zane and Grayson afterwards, or why.

Jean brings it up several times, but only refers to it obliquely, and doesn't give us any details:

I don't think Riko cares about what happened to Jean, of course not. But it makes too much sense to me that he decided what Zane and Grayson did was an insult to him, Riko, because how dare they touch his property when he hasn't permitted it? How dare they take his things? How dare Grayson pretend he has some sort of claim to Jean?

I'm throwing this theory out because I have nothing to lose: whatever Riko did to Zane and Grayson was in retaliation to what they did to Jean, but not because Riko cares. He did so only because Jean was another one of Riko's things, and those who take his things away must be reminded of their place.

So, yes, I think all of this is an extension of the fact that Riko has an unhealthy obsession with the people he considers to be his pets or his property. Transgressions against his claim over them deserve to be punished for the insult.

Even if those transgressions are committed by the Perfect Court itself. Riko plays the part of the jealously possessive master, the one they should all devote themselves to, the only one with authority over them. No one else can have them — which means they cannot have each other either.

[luminiscented]

could you make hcs for ninja [+ pixal, morro and harumi] and their ideas for their s/o? i love your work sm,<3

ninjago characters x their perfect gn! s/o

----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------

Pairing: Ninjago characters x gn! Reader

Status: none

Summary: The perfect partners of each character (mentioned above)

Warnings: none

Type: headcanons

Note: I'm sorry if Harumi is a bit ooc!! I haven't really watched a lot after seasons 7 and 8!! Thank you for the request though!! IM VERY SORRY ABOUT THE DELAY!! IT'S EXAM SEASON AND I'VE BEEN HAVING SOME PERSONAL PROBLEMS!! :((

Lloyd

♡ Lloyd has a very unstable life, so I'm sure at one point he'll crave a partner who's very down to earth, but still has that kid in them!!

♡ Despite him being a warrior and a leader, Lloyd is very fragile. He can take just that much stress and hurt so he'd need you to be his safe space.

♡ In my eyes he'd need someone careful and gentle, but still someone who could be a kid along with him,,, someone who's willing to stay despite everything and listen to him. Someone to take him in their arms and shush him sweetly whenever the pressure gets too much,,

♡ Kai is a very outgoing, confident, fiery person, but behind closed doors he lets himself be the exact opposite. I see him having a partner that is ready to accept both of his sides,,

Kai

♡ I honestly see him dating a chill confident person who rolls their eyes at his pick up lines, but in the same time I see him having a s/o who's a bit nerdy and their eyes just light up whenever their favorite topic is brought up,, he's over there lovestruck while you gawk about your fixation,,,,

♡ Reassurment is constant with Kai - from both ends of the relationship and it means the world to him that for once he could get taken care of instead of always being the older brother, the caregiver, the parent

♡ YOUR SUPPORT WOULD KEEP HIM GOING!!!!

Cole

♡ A very simple, very very sweet guy, so I think an equally sweet s/o would definitely catch his attention!!

♡ If you have a thing for cooking, you're already his biggest crush

♡ I see Cole as a touchy person and he would def love it if your love language was physical touch and acts of service

♡ He's used to being the muscle of the team, always doing the heavy lifting, so it would be a relief to get pampered and taken care of after a tough mission,, he would melt if you took the time to tend to every scar,,,,,

♡ A sweet chill s/o would definitely be the perfect pick, since I think he would value stability a lot in his life.

Zane

♡ Zane's perfect match would be someone very patient and gentle!!

♡ He'd love a partner who's just as curious as him and someone who's willing to be patient with him,,,he doesn't have a very good grasp on all things romantic, but he's trying his best!!

♡ Zane really loves quality time over everything else!!

♡ Zane would be head over heels in love with someone who's very intelligent and interesting!! Bonus points if you're an artistic person,,,he tries his best to understand art and he enjoys it a lot!!

♡ He'd love a S/o who loves cooking or trying out new food, also one who loves to go out on small private romantic dates!! It's his type of thing, but he would be open to a slightly different type of outing if that's what you're into.

Jay

♡ He'd love a very energetic s/o who's just like him!! If you're into tech and stuff he'll be over the moon!!!!!

♡ Jay loves a sweetheart who could comfort him and reassure him that he isn't too much and that he's doing a good job,,

♡ If his s/o is into poetry he'd be smitten,,,yes of course he wants to hear what you wrote,,,,,

♡ Jay is the type of guy to want a very dynamic relationship with a lot of fun and surprises and dates!! He's always thinking of ways to surprise you and make you feel appreciated!!

♡ Physical touch and gift giivng are his love language!! Prepare to be smothered in kisses on a daily basis and have a ton of handmade gifts!!

Morro

♡ He is in denial to the very end.

♡ He isn't very vocal about his love, but he's like a puppy trust me,,

♡ Morro'd love a peaceful s/o,,, someone who could balance his temper out and keep him down to the ground. A calm partner would definitely be his best match. He would be very passionate in his love, just like Kai, so he'd appreciate a bit of spice as well.

♡ He's very into intelligence!! He is also head over heels for some confidence and cockiness.

♡ Morro pretends he's a very tough unlovable guy even after getting reformed, but the truth is that he's fragile. He's been that way ever since he was a kid, so he's not going to trust you with his emotions in the beginning. He needs constant reassurement even if he doesn't say a word about it. You need to pick up the subtle signs by yourself if you want to figure out what's with the change in his behavior.

♡ Make him his favorite dish, give him some cheek and chest kisses and some kind words and he's not going to leave your arms for the rest of the day. Make him feel appreciated and enough and it's going to be returned tenfold.

♡ This man will adore every single thing you do.

♡ Quiet dates are his thing, even if it's just laying in bed cuddling he's there and fully engaged. He'd love a fancy date tho,, you get a bit from both worlds.

♡ Quality time and physical touch are Morro's type of thing, his hand is always around you - rubbing your shoulder, holding your hand etc. His hand is on your waist outside and you're always getting kisses on the top of your head.

Pixal

♡ If Pix is in a relationship, she'd be fully invested, so she'd want a partner who's fully engaged as well.

♡ Her projects and work are very important to her, but you always come first.

♡ Pixal would be the type to fall for a person that takes interest into her own interests, or if it isn't their type of thing, pay attention to her, ask her questions, try to engage, show interest and she's going to appreciate you sm!!

♡ Her love language is gift giving and acts of service, but she's going to melt for some sweet words and reassurement!!! Sucker for pillow talk!!

♡ I feel like she'd love physical affection as well, especially cuddles!! Stroke her head and kiss her cheeks while letting her feel your body warmth and pixal will be so happy!!,,

Harumi

♡ She WILL treasure you and adore you every day!! Fresh flowers included!!

♡ She's pretentious and bratty and no one can truly please her you're perfect how are you doing this

♡ She's going to be protective of you, surely.

♡ She'd love to do things for you to express her love, since I think she isn't going to be the best with words - cleaning your room, doing your makeup, making you food, memorizing your medicine or your hair products etc etc.

♡ She'd be head over heels if you made her home cooked meals,,,,Harumi would love a partner who celebrates all her accomplishments with her and also one who looks after her even if she pretends she doesn't want to be,,, she's fussy, but painfully in love whenever you take care of her bruises or fix her makeup if it's smeared before she goes out,,,just little things like that make her day better,,<3

[kywaslost]

Sleeping With The Ninja

A/N: I guess it’s about time I finally get something posted… I’ve been in this depressive slump for a while, especially because of the way my friends have been treating me, and for some strange reason Ninjago has been my source of comfort, so here’s this. And I made them platonic, idrk why.

Kai: Person A falling asleep in Person B’s shoulder/chest/lap and Person B really needs to get up to go do something but doesn’t want to wake Person A.

Today’s tasks have taken a toll on you. It was a chore day on the Bounty, but around lunch a call came in requesting help from the ninja. You went with Cole to take care of what you thought would be a simple mission, but it ended up taking 5 hours and leaving the both of you bruised and battered. It was a bank robbery, but on a much larger scale than you thought. There were so many ‘villains’ to catch while also protecting civilians. It was a tough task for only two ninja.

You didn’t get back to the Bounty until after dinner and you were exhausted. You barely had enough energy to shower, and it took you twice as long to complete the task and change into something more comfortable. You still had a few chores to do, but Wu dismissed them for you to complete in the morning. You didn’t have enough energy to do anything other than sleep, but it was only almost 7 at night and too early to go to bed.

Stepping into the gaming room to find a way to kill time, you spot your best friend Kai sitting on the floor, sorting through the various video games and stacking them neatly. You quickly walked over to him, sat down beside him, and laid your head down on his lap.

“Oh, hey Y/N,” he greeted with a smile. “How was it?”

You only shook your head, burying your face into Kai’s knee.

“Not well?”

“I’m exhausted,” you muttered, closing your eyes. “ ‘Ma lay here a minute.

Your words blurred together slightly. Kai didn’t say anything as he finished up sorting and stacking the video games.

It didn’t take long for him to finish, and Kai needed to finish a few other chores before he was allowed to turn in for the night. You were still laying on his lap, so Kai said softly, “I’ve got to get up, Y/N. You should go to bed anyway.” Except he didn’t receive a response. Leaning over to look at your face, Kai asked, “Y/N?” Your eyes were closed as Kai noticed you were sound while resting on his lap.

Kai smiled softly, pulling out his phone. He was totally going to tease you for this later. Taking a picture of your sleeping form, Kai set his phone to the side and looked around the room. He had to finish his chores so Wu wouldn’t get on to him, but he didn’t want to move you. You looked so peaceful and you looked really worn down when you first entered the room. Kai didn’t want to disturb you.

There was a basket of laundry not too far away that needed folding. Kai was pretty sure that was Jay’s chore, but surely he’d swap chores around so as not to disturb you. So Kai pulled the basket closer and began folding laundry, careful not to disturb you. He’d carry you to bed later, or wake you up, but for the moment he was going to let you rest.

Cole: Person A falling asleep during the car ride home and Person B carrying them into the house.

The whole team was sent on a long single-day mission, leaving early in the morning and returning late into the night. You were all piled into one of the many vehicles that could carry you and soft music was playing in the background. Lloyd was driving as Kai sat shotgun, talking quietly to keep both Lloyd and himself awake. Nya was passed out on Jay’s shoulder, and Jay leaned over on Zane. The nindroid stared out the window quietly, joining in on Lloyd and Kai’s discussion every now and then.

You sat beside Cole in the back of the vehicle in a peaceful silence. You were curled up with your feet up on the seat between the two of you, drifting in and out of sleep as you watched a movie with Cole on his phone. As time passed, your feet slid off of the seat and your eyes began to droop. Your head now rested against Cole’s shoulder. Sometime later, your eyes closed for good as you slept soundly against your friend.

By the time you’d reached the monastery, you were passed out still, except you had moved to lean against your window.

“We’re here,” Lloyd called softly to those who were still awake or somewhat aware of their surroundings. Nya had just woken up, and Jay was in the process of waking up. As people started getting out of the car, Cole noticed that you were still knocked out beside him.

He contemplated waking you up, but you were hit pretty hard during the mission and he wanted you to rest as much as you could. So, in response, Cole slowly slid one arm under your knees and one behind your back. He pulled you close to his chest and slid out of the vehicle, kicking the door shut behind him.

“Aw, look at Cole being a gentleman,” Jay laughed slightly.

The earth ninja glared at Jay. “I don’t want to wake them.”

Following the others into the monastery, Cole carried you up the stairs and to your bedroom. He pulled back your blanket, gently laid you down, and tucked you in. You began to move in your sleep, and Cole froze. He was afraid he had woken you up, but watched as you rolled onto your side and buried your face into your blanket.

Cole smiled softly, then leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your forehead. He pushed the hair out of your face before leaving you be for the rest of the night.

Jay: Person A and Person B sleeping in the same bed and Person A keeps waking up cold because person B has pulled all the blankets off of them.

Having a movie night with Jay leads to you falling asleep in the same bed as him, his laptop sitting in between the two of you. You lay closest to the wall, back to Jay as you bury yourself in Jay’s blanket. You hadn’t been asleep for long, but you fell asleep before Jay. You’d say your sleep was quite peaceful, or it was until you were exposed to the chilly air abruptly. Opening your eyes, you realized that you no longer had a blanket.

Rolling over, you saw Jay with the blanket you were previously sharing. He was still asleep and didn’t seem to be aware of his actions. You grunted slightly as you pulled the blanket back towards you, enough to cover yourself as you rolled back over and closed your eyes.

It didn’t take long for you to be awoken again by Jay yanking the blankets off of you. It happened several times within the next 15 minutes, and you finally had had enough. Crawling out of Jay’s bed, you stomped over to his closet, pulled out his spare blanket, and made yourself comfortable back on your side of his bed. You closed his computer, tucked it away at the foot of the bed, and layed back down and finally fell asleep for the rest of the night.

When you were awoken by Jay in the morning, he had asked why you had a different blanket. “Where did you even find that?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.

You glared at him playfully from where you still lay. “In the closet. You kept taking the blanket we were sharing. I finally had enough so I took your spare.” You lightly kicked him off of the bed. “I’m not sharing a blanket with you anymore.” Your words only made Jay smile with a small laugh, and you couldn’t help but laugh with him.

Zane: Person A can’t sleep so Person B sings them a lullaby.

You weren’t sure what time it was. You remembered leaving your room around 1:45 a.m. but you had been out on the deck of the bounty for a while. You had tried for hours to fall asleep, but you finally called it quits and headed outside to get some fresh air. You hated how you were feeling at the moment. Your body was so exhausted you couldn’t stand, so you resorted to leaning against the railing on the edge of the ship. Yet you couldn’t seem to rest in the slightest.

You were scared out of your mind when a cool hand was placed on your shoulder. Shooting upright and wiping your head around, your fearful gaze met Zane’s blue eyes. The nindroid was kneeling behind you, looking at you worriedly. “Are you alright, Y/N?”

You blinked slowly, then turned your head to look over the edge of the railing. Shrugging, you muttered, “Can’t sleep.”

Zane’s brows furrowed. “You don’t look well. Maybe you should come inside.”

You shook your head. “I like it out here.”

With a sigh, Zane moved to sit beside you, pulling you to lean onto his shoulder. “Then I will stay here with you.”

You hummed contently, nuzzling your cheek into his shoulder. The two of you sat in silence for a moment, enjoying each other’s company. You still couldn’t seem to fall asleep, but you were much more relaxed. “Hey Zane?”

“Yes?”

You hesitated for a moment. “Do- do you think you could do something for me?”

Zane’s voice was gentle as he responded with, “Of course.”

“Could you hum something?” You hoped you weren’t asking too much from your friend, but his voice was so soothing. There would be times when Zane would be driving the team home from a mission, and he’d hum quietly to himself when he thought everyone else was asleep. And if you were sneaky you could catch him humming to himself while making dinner. There was just something about his voice that calmed you.

“I suppose I could.” Zane wrapped an arm around you so you could get more comfortable before he began to hum quietly. You could hear his voice vibrating lowly through his chest, and you closed your eyes to enjoy the peacefulness of it all. For the first time that night, you felt like you could finally close your eyes and get some rest.

After a few minutes, Zane looked down to check on you. You hadn’t said anything in a while, and your breathing had changed. The nindroid smiled softly when he saw you asleep on his shoulder. He thought you looked exhausted when he first found you, enough to make you sick. He was just glad you were finally resting. Zane wanted to carry you back to your room, but he was afraid of waking you, and it was a nice night. He did adjust you, however, so you were more comfortable. Starting to hum again, Zane watched over you for the rest of the night.

Lloyd: Person A can tell that Person B is having a nightmare because they’re making weird noises/motions in their sleep so Person A wakes them up and asks if they’re ok.

Lloyd wasn’t known to be one of the deeper sleepers on the team. In fact, he was probably one of the lightest sleepers out there. It didn’t help that some of his roommates were loud sleepers. Jay talked in his sleep, and Cole snored excessively loud. It drove Lloyd insane on nights when he was exhausted but would be awoken several times due to his brothers, but he touched through it most of the time.

You never really made noise while you slept, and that’s what allowed Lloyd to get a full night’s rest. The two of you were best friends, and the two of you often spent nights together in one of your rooms. Especially during the day, when Lloyd wants to take a nap, he’d settle down in your room for a few hours while you either napped with him, or worked on something quietly.

Afternoon training had finally ended and everyone was either in the process of showering and settling down or getting ready for dinner. It didn’t take long for you to shower, change, and curl up under your blanket while you waited for dinner, and it didn’t take much longer for Lloyd to come knocking on your door.

“Hey Y/N,” the ninja greeted with a gentle smile as he leaned against your doorframe. “Mind if I come in?”

You looked up from your phone and scooted over on your bed, patting the spot next to you. “Not at all!”

Lloyd flopped down beside you with a groan. “Man, am I beat. HIs blonde hair fanned over your pillow, and Lloyd tilted his head up to look at you, still smiling. “Whatcha watching?” He scooted further up the bed, moving to rest his head right above your shoulder to look at your phone. His hair tickled your face slightly, and you could smell his shampoo from the shower he must have just taken.

“Just social media, nothing much,” you answered, turning your phone off and setting it beside you. You adjusted yourself to rest on Lloyd’s shoulder, burying your face on the side of his clothed chest. In response, the green ninja wrapped an arm around you. “I could go for a nap right about now.”

Lloyd’s fell to rest on top of your own. With a contented sigh, he said, “Me too.” The two of you fell into a soft silence as Lloyd pulled your blanket over himself and began to doze off.

It didn’t take long for Lloyd to be woken up by you. He woke up quicker than usual, because you almost never made noise in your sleep, especially soft whimpers and whines. Opening his eyes, Lloyd immediately scans the room for any threats. There seemed to be nothing harmful that he could see. The two of you were the only ones in your room, and you were still asleep beside him. That’s when Lloyd noticed how distressed you were. Your back was to the ninja, but he could still see how quickly you were breathing. Your shoulders shook, and you kept moving slightly.

Lloyd was no stranger to nightmares, and he knew how much it could mean to someone to be awoken and comforted by a close friend. So Lloyd gently wraps his arms around you and turns you around to place your head on his chest again. He keeps one hand around your waist and moves his other to run through your hair. “You’re alright,” he said softly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head. “Wake up Y/N, you’re alright. I’ve got you.” It took a lot of gentle caresses and soft words for Lloyd to wake you up, but eventually your eyes opened and you were pulled away from your nightmare.

You weren’t sure where you were at first, but it didn’t take long for you to recognize your best friend beside you, covered by your favorite blanket and watching you with watery eyes. “Are you alright?” Lloyd asked as he placed a hand on your shoulder. “You had a nightmare.”

You took a deep breath, releasing it shakily. You shrugged your shoulders, slowly curling in on yourself against Lloyd. “I think so?”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I don’t remember it.” Part of you was grateful you couldn’t remember the dream, but you felt terrible for waking your friend. “I’m sorry for waking you up. I know that’s why you sleep in here, cause I never --”

“Hey, don’t be sorry,” the green ninja cut you off, hugging you tighter against him. “I’d wake up a thousand times every night if that meant you’d rest peacefully.” He smiled at the thought. “I really don't mind. And, besides, I think dinner is almost ready. We’d be waking up soon anyway.” He was silent for a moment. “You sure you’re ok?”

“Yeah, I’m alright.” You smiled softly, and added, “Thank you Lloyd.”

“Anytime.”

[rexecutioner]

Every time I remember that it’s been about 3 years since Vylad has seen Travis and Aphmau in person (and by extension his brothers but this is a Not Alone Buddies post) it makes me genuinely so sad. The last memories he has of them are quick snippets and the rest are from when they were in high school. He’s like canonically 28. That’s got to fuck with his brain a little bit once he sees them again and they look (and probably act) completely different after Season 6.

These two are his best friends. I know they don’t canonically hang out on screen very often, but the Not Alone Buddies title has to mean SOMETHING to them. In a post 6 mini-game, Travis mentions that he is currently in contact with Vylad and will tattle on Garroth to him after Garroth forgets about Vylad when bringing up siblings, and Aphmau and Travis immediately start mentally correcting Garroth on his mistake of only mentioning Zane.

That action alone makes the found family lover in my heart happy. When Vylad’s own brother forgets about him, the other Not Alone Buddies are there to correct him immediately, even after so long of a time passes without seeing Vylad in person. They all care about each other, which makes me believe it would hurt so much more when they all see each other together for the first time since Season 1.

Poor Vylad has so much to catch up on. Werewolf brother? His other brother can’t remember his name anymore? Weird patches of empty space in his memory that came out of nowhere? I think that is a lot of changes to process (being an affair child in an all Ro’Meave family in Minecraft had to have caused some relationship strains on their own, not even considering that Zane and Vylad have a more tense relationship canonically, and if we go off of MCD logic to fill in the gaps, well..) added to the fact that both of his only close friends nearly died multiple times, and that countless people DID die, including Travis’ dad, his only family left.

My heart aches when thinking of their reunion. Vylad just got into town and caught up with his brothers and mom, having to process that his best friends are both still in the hospital with almost no explanation other than “it’s nothing you need to worry about, also we legally aren’t allowed to tell anybody”. When his Buddies are finally back in town after months of recovery, they are so different from what Vylad remembers.

Travis’ eyes weren’t always grey, they were an unusual shade of green not possible naturally. Aphmau is also a Werewolf now, and both Not Alone Buddies are plastered in unusual scars unexplainable by his limited knowledge of the situation. They both seem less cheerful and more depressed due to Aaron’s conditions and Terry’s death. Vylad hates that he missed so much, and while he knows there was nothing he could do to help, it hurts him to see the ones he loves in pain.

Jess NEEDS to bring him back season 7. He cannot just have no closure. I don’t give a fuck what kind of trips he was on, I’m pretty sure if you got the news that everyone you know and love almost fucking died you’d return home, too. Vylad has two main characters for siblings, and even if Jess forgets that she made Vylad a Not Alone Buddy too, he at least needs to get to see his brothers on screen. I can NOT rate S7 over a 7/10 if Vylad isn’t even mentioned. I’ll consider giving it a 10/10 if he appears for more than four episodes this time around lmao

[heroictoonz]

I’m not the biggest Wu enjoyer ever in fact most the time in private friend servers and dms with close pals I joke about hating him and wanting him out the show I’ll admit to that. But like. I do think about the moments that probably were but never shown. I honestly think about Wu a lot

I think about Wu alone in the monastery with Cole, the first Ninja he recruited. A young man who was still grieving his mother even after all this time and in his own way, maybe unknowingly, grieving his father as well. I think about Wu possibly finding Cole constantly training in the main area at all hours of the day and night just to keep his hands busy. Wu sitting with him and maybe even being nervous to say anything to him. His last pupil he drove away. What if he did the same to this one? His last pupil was like a son to him and he screwed it all up and has to live with that on his hands and yet, here he is, trying it all over again, praying to the ghost of his father and anything in the heavens that will listen that he doesn’t make the same mistakes again. Maybe he sits quietly with Cole, not stopping him but letting him silently know that he isn’t alone no matter how long the monastery halls seem to feel. Bringing Cole water or a snack even when they both should be asleep. Finally, at one point, having the courage to tell him that he should sleep more. That if he wanted to talk, about anything at all, that Wu would be an ear to listen. I wonder if Cole would talk to Wu about any of it. Maybe not about it all. But maybe bits and pieces of his frustration and anguish that was clearly haunting him in those early days. I think that Wu’s words might even be enough to calm some of that in him. Maybe not all of it, and maybe Cole still pushes himself to keep away feelings and thoughts he can’t handle, but he sleeps more. He rests more. He takes breaks with Wu and has tea with him.

I think about Jay joining and being probably really skeptical about the whole thing. Probably distant with Cole cause he doesn’t know this guy. I think about Wu bringing in this second pupil, knowing by now that he was building a team that he would have to train not just in the ways of spinjitsu and their elements but also train them to be one with each other in battle. An anxious Wu trying desperately to get the two to talk and just hang out if even just for a meal or two. Wu bringing them together and having them build not just their strength and skills but their trust in each other too. Wu probably asks Jay about his parents. Seeing how Morro and Cole’s family backgrounds were he probably feared a trend settling in. Maybe Wu is plesently surprised when Jay tells him about his loving, though kinda embarrassing and smothering, parents. His parents who, even after moving out, he still writes to and stays in contact with as much as possible cause he doesn’t want them to worry. Maybe Wu smiles when Jay tells him that he’ll probably meet them someday.

I think it was very soon after that Wu found Zane. I think about Wu asking the people of that village about the strange boy who wondered their town alone, memoryless. With nothing to him but a name and a kind heart. Wu finding him and giving him a funny surprise in that lake. Pulling Zane out and offering him and permanent home. Maybe even catches the words in his throat as he feels the similarities between Zane and Morro. Strange orphaned children with nothing but their names and the clothes on their backs. Promising them a forever home. He hopped this one he could keep that promise. He’d do anything to keep that promise. Wu bringing Zane to the others, a little worried at first knowing that Zane was already very different from most people. Cole and Jay, where getting along better now, were still full of bite and fight. If he weren’t careful he would be putting this poor boy into the lions den. It goes better than he expects. Zane fits in easily with the other two. Wu is almost surprised by it, but thankful nonetheless. But this is where his real challenges begin. Training the three together, coaxing them to be more than just teammates. Knowing that it wouldn’t be enough. That they needed to trust each other implicitly. Maybe he was thinking about the tornado of creation, knowing that unless these three (and the fourth that he was still searching for) would need to be in near perfect harmony to pull off such a feat. But that they would need it in their coming battles.

I think about Wu holding back tears when he walks in to see the three goofing off. Yes they were meant to be working (maybe chores or training) but they were goofing off. They were getting along. Acting as friends and companions. And both Cole and Jay continued to argue but it was less like strangers and more like family. (They occasionally would remind Wu of him and his own brother from a long, long time ago.) I wonder how much pride Wu felt when he noticed that Cole and Jay were attempting to help Zane when he didn’t seem to catch up or understand something in a social or emotional situation. Even if they did throw in a few friendly insults at the poor boy here and there. Wu probably got a good laugh of the three pulling pranks on each other. Cole and Jay coming up with some to try and ease Zane into the concepts of practical jokes and being rightfully surprised when the future ice ninja got them back just as good.

I especially think about Wu when he meets Kai. Young and angry and a spark just waiting to ignite and explode. Violent and uncontrollable. And a spitting image of Ray. I wonder if Wu thought of his old friend when he saw Kai. The soft way he mentions the man in their conversation about the golden weapons. I wonder how much Wu misses his old friends and if he mourned them at the same time Kai and Nya did seemingly worlds apart and still shedding twin tears under one moon. I think about Wu feeling a frustration with Kai he’d probably never felt before. He sighs when he’s alone in his room. His head is his hands. “Father, how would you teach someone who seems so unreachable?” He would ask to no one. He would run his hands over his face and try to remember if Morro was this stubborn. But Morro had only become stubborn later in his trainings when his arrogance and drive for power blinded him. Kai was born stubborn and arrogant it seemed. Wu might even smile with exasperation and wonder to himself ‘how did Ray and Maya raise such a child?’

I think about Kai distancing himself from the rest like how Jay once did. Throwing himself into his training like how Cole once did. A young man alone and lost in the world as how Zane once was. Seeing so clearly how he clung to his sister and had a drive like no other to get her back. Maybe Wu even worried that after they rescued Nya that Kai would leave. That he would see no use in sticking around. Wu doubted that this soon encounter with his brother would be the last. Maybe Wu saw much of Morro in Kai and felt something almost like fear. Fear of losing Kai to a similar fate? Fear of Kai being pushed away when all Wu wanted to do was bring him close to the rest of them? Maybe even a fear that the shadows of his past would keep him from meaningfully connecting with Kai like he tried to do with the other three.

I think abut Wu bringing Kai tea. Wu pulling Kai in to eat and train with the other three. Wu trying to take the lessons he had learned from all this time and help Kai transition into the team. And similarly, help the rest of the team transition into including Kai. Kai was full of just as much bite and fight as Cole and Jay when they first met, maybe more. Definitely more. But Wu wasn’t going to give up on him. I think about Wu catching quiet moments of Kai’s sorrow. What he normally covered up in anger but sometimes was too weak to do so. Wu sitting next to him and telling him stories about when he and his brother were growing up. About how the loss of their father affected them. About how the loss of his brother affected him. Maybe Kai would snap at him. Telling him that they were nothing alike. That Wu couldn’t understand. Maybe Kai says something harsher. Says that at least Nya wasn’t trying to destroy the world. That he would get Nya back. That Nya wasn’t some evil freak. And Wu would let every word slide off him like water. Because he knew Kai was just angry. He knew Kai would be angry for a while.

I think about when they get Nya back. When Wu officially introduces himself to her. I wonder if he knew she was the water element right then and there. Did he know that she would one day show signs. I wonder if he has his suspicions but decided to wait and see. The elements are tricky things. They do not always do as expected. I think about Wu noticing just how equally as stubborn Nya is as Kai but how much better she tried to mask it.

I wonder if Kai ever apologized to Wu for how he acted. I think about Wu stopping him and reassuring him that it was nothing to worry about. Wu knew he was just upset for the fate of his sister. Wu was just thankful all turned out well in the end.

I think abut Kai and Cole both seeing a father figure in Wu that the other two probably don’t connect with as much. Maybe Cole is a bit more open about it than Kai. I wonder if, when Wu realizes this, if it worries him. Morro haunts him like a ghost. His greatest regret. In a life of mistakes the one he mourns the most. I’ll always wonder how much Morro’s impact on Wu’s life haunts his days with his new students. Maybe the ninja see Wu have his own silent moments. Days he can’t hide his own sadness. Whether for Morro or his brother. Maybe even both. Maybe even days when he remembers Aspheera or the other elemental masters. So many friends that he lost along the way.

Maybe the ninja try to cheer him up and be with him the same way Wu would for them. They bring him tea, offer to take him with them out to the city for their weekly run, ask him to tell them stories about the first spinjitsu master or about Wu’s old travels and adventures. Wu knows what they’re doing, but he lets them do it all the same.

I think about how Wu was probably constantly worried about Lloyd’s safety and health. He knew his mother had left him at that school. I wonder if Wu was against it or not. I wonder how often Wu would think about Lloyd, alone, festering in what would only become feelings of abandonment. Would Wu realize that? Or would he be just as blind to it as Lloyd’s well meaning (yet still wrong) parents? I think about Wu grabbing his dear nephew into a hug when they first reunited. Tucking him in and reading him that story. I think about Wu maybe even sitting Lloyd down and trying to talk to him about his parents. Especially his father. I don’t think it’d go over that well but I think he might try.

I think about Wu maybe feeling nostalgic when Garmadon was with them to rescue Lloyd. It must have been so, so long since the two were on a quest or adventure of some kind. Maybe he regrets the joy he feels or even hardly has the time to feel it knowing that Lloyd is in so much danger.

I wonder how much guilt Wu holds. I think about him regretting so much before the ninja and then even more so regretting being so closed off about it all and not saying anything before it’s all too late. “There was something I never told you.” “I should have told you all this long ago.” Keeping his past a secret probably out of shame or a fear of history repeating itself, only for it to cause his new family such distress and trouble. Learning the hard way that his past would always come back for him. From Morro to the Hands of Time all the way to Aspheera. I wonder if Wu regrets not being the one to tell Lloyd the truth about his heritage. Maybe he assumed Garmadon would have. Maybe he thought it was best for the young leader to not have to worry abut such things until once again it was far too late.

I think about Wu mourning his bother over and over and over again. Sometimes with Lloyd, sometime with Misako, but many, many, many times completely alone. In the silence of his own grief and regrets. I wonder if he ever sees himself and Garmadon in Nya and Kai. Or even just in the ninja as a whole. Not an exact one to one but seeing them be a family, watching them go on quests together, I wonder how often he thinks of his brother in those moments.

I think about Wu rebuilding a family and maybe not even immediately recognizing he did just that.

[kamisama1kiss]

The ninja reacting to reader suffering from a migraine? Platonic or romantic

Ooo, the writers block hit me like a brick. Having a simpler prompt to write around with is like heaven 😻🙏

Also, I am writing from experience, so if I write anything more specifically, that's why. 😚

~~~

{ Ninjago Headcanons } Reaction to their lover going through a migraine

~Lloyd Garmadon~

When he heard that you, his lover, had migraines, he'd feel bad for you. His mother has it and he knew that it could be very rought at times, depending on if there was a episode.

I'm making sure to check up a bit more regularly as in asking if the lighting is okay, or if the sounds we're too much in brig crowds. It's always become like a 6th sense, so he can tell right before an episode even starts and make sure to sit with you the whole time.

~Kai Smith~

Shows a bit concern, but as he never had known anyone who has it, he wasn't sure how to react. Whenever it became more serious, he'd panic a little on the inside but tried to stay calm, knowing it'll help you more if he was calm.

As a rule. Holding hands and small squeeze, which could signal I have to go, meaning he'd know when to go and help you out. Rubbing your back gently whenever anything went out of hand.

~Cole Brookstone~

I could definitely see him as one who has migraine himself, so when being told they've both got it hurt him. His precious lover being in such amount of pain only pained him more, but nonetheless, he was there for you, and you'd do the same for him.

Often turn down bright lights a little so it could be easier on the eyes, and doing glances of reassurance when there is anything that could be around trigger.

~Zane Julian~

There is no need to even inform him. He is simply very prepared to give his lover any resources, possibly needed. Feeling sympathy for your case as he personality have helped a few in the past which is why he knows better what you could maybe need.

When an episode is done, he will be sitting ready with a blanket and a relaxing white noises to calm down your nerves. Knowing it could move your focus and if you wished speaking company he'd happily do so.

~Jay Walker~

First instance, panic. As much as he wished to help to do better for your sake, he'd often be busy with machines and such. Of course, he will spend time, and some of those times will be when an episode starts.

To begin with, he helped find the right medication to reduce the agonising pain. Along with wrapping you in a warm blanket with a pucket close by in case it would go south. Holding you close in a comforting embrace, wishing to show that he would be there the whole time.

~Nya Smith~

Didn't think it was too bad having not grasped the whole concept but would try to be there when she could, as in being able to get you your medication that would help easing up any discomfort and such.

Most of the time, she will be busy, but hearing a crash and crying alerted her immediately, knowing it could only be you.it saddened her that no matter what she couldn't help much other then sitting by your side.

[jalluzas-ferney]

My headcannons on how the ninja met in the movie/high school au

I like to think Nya and Kai were new to the school mid sophomore year, and both of them had a hard time getting to make friends and all that. Nya for one I can see her getting really excited about making friends and trying her best to socialize, but fails miserably as she ends up being too akward or people see her as weird or ‘annoying’ . She finds the little friends she makes talk about her behind her back and are overall quite fake and mean.

Because of this Nya is left with like no friends and obvi very sad and insecure, especially since Kai barely has any classes with her and he doesn’t quite have any friends she can be introduced to either.

until one day she meets this quite guy that sits in the back of her Geometry class, Cole.

They actually meet when he sees Nya crying by herself in one of the hallways during class, and because he’s Cole, he decides to go and comfort her and stuff. As they talk they start to really vibe with each other and after that they begin to talk more often and sit together during that class. They quickly become great friends. They hang out at Cole’s house and go hang out at the park and stuff.

Nya is incredibly happy to have found such a close and nice friend, and obviously tells Kai, whom she from what she knows, doesn’t have any friends. So because of this she’s excited to introduce them to each other and get Kai and Cole to become friends as well.

Nya brings Cole to hang out at their house, and all though Kai was reluctant at first because he wanted to be alone that day, he ends up joining them and having fun hanging out with them. (At this point Nya and Cole have been friends for three weeks.)

On the meantime, Kai hasn’t actually yet admitted to having a friend as well. Probably because at first he thought they weren’t friends? But after some tutoring lessons they began to hang out more casually because they enjoy each others company and actually get to know each other personally, resulting in them basically becoming friends. This friend is Zane. He was Kais partner for a chemistry project and Zane noticed how clueless Kai was- so he offered to tutor him for free. Kai was hesitant at first but ended up caving in, since he also struggled with other classes. After some sessions every day, kai and Zane became to actually warm up to each other and drifting away from tutoring into goofing off and going out to hang out and stuff. Before Kai knew it, he finally had a friend. (At this point he and Zane would of known each other for two weeks and a half)

When Kai admits this to Nya, all though Nya at first is frustrated that Kai didn’t tell her sooner, she gets super excited at the idea of all four becoming friends. So she begs for Kai to actually bring Zane home at some point so she can bring Cole as well and shit.

The next day tho, before Nya invites Cole to her house again, Cole actually invites her to this TSA club after school. Apparently he has a friend who begged him to come along and Cole thought that maybe Nya would like the club, since it’s related to technology and all that. Nya accepts the offer, texts Kai that they’ll arrive a little later since they’re going to a club.

Guess who they meet at the club? You guessed it, it’s Jay. Cole introduces Nya and Jay to each other and all though Jay is a complete nervous wreck at the beggining, he slowly lets loose and he and Nya get along amazingly. So much that she decides to bring Jay to her house after school as well.

(Btw I should probably specify what grades they’re on.

So Nya and Cole would be freshman’s, meanwhile Jay Zane and Kai are sophomores)

Cole Jay and Nya come home to Kai and Zane who had been waiting for them as they attempted to bake smth. Very cute. Soo they all spend time together- and boom they all hit it off great because of course they do. And they all quickly become close friends with each other and form a little group- where they often hang out at Nya and Kai’s home tho sometimes at Zane’s because he’s got a banger house.

The school year ends and the next one begins, and the new freshman class comes in, brining Lloyd Garmadon!!!

As you know, the entire school hates him and is wary of the poor guy, and rumors spread quick, making everyone, including our main ninja. That’s why Cole Jay and Nya almost have a heart attack when one day after club, they come home to Kai, Zane and…Lloyd? wtf is he doing here😭

So apparently when leaving school together, Kai and Zane happened to pass by the bathroom and guess what they find there? Lloyd getting bullied by some assholes. As soon as they come in though, the kids reluctantly leave (ig cuz they might fear Zane telling the teachers or I dunno) leaving Lloyd behind. The two friends feel bad for the guy, despite what Kai might have heard. Zane on the other hand probably already knows Lloyd is pretty innocent since he as a robot has records on everyone or smth and deduces that Lloyd is probably misunderstood and stuff. Since Zane appears so sure that Lloyd is actually good and Kai trusts him probably a little too much, they agree to help the dude and uk…take him home with them.

Lloyd at first is probably TERRIFIED of going with Kai and Zane because uk, trust issues and stuff. But since he recognizes that Zane is a huge green flag and that this man has VERY low chances of actually doing smth, he agrees to go along with them. Which is how we got to Kai Zane and Lloyd sitting by the kitchen table laughing and joking around .

Obviously, Nya Cole and Jay are very hesitant of having Lloyd around, but they decide to give him a chance since Kai and Zane did. Turns out, the boys actually super sweet and quite hilarious actually. And they all hit it off with him, of course.

SO YEAH! That’s how I see them becoming friends lmao that was long and I hope it wasn’t confusing 😭 cuz I was just throwing in ideas and ideas and moments and whatever lmao. You guys see my vision right?

[illusion-of-sea-axes]

How would the other ninja + Master Wu react to see Kai as an Anacondrai?

(CW I drew some partially topless Kai in this. Also. This got way longer than I thought it would)

Well they don't really have a whole lotta time to process that initially. The first time everyone sees it is when Kai shows up on his elemental dragon with Skylor and then they immediately head off to Ninjago to stop Chen. There's time to talk on the dragon ride over the ocean and the brief stops at the underground HQ.

I feel like there'd be much more of a reaction to the Mark of the Anacondrai itself, because it amplifies Kai's betrayal. Him having it suggests he's turned not just to Chen's side, but also joined the Anacondrai cult as well. This would probably mean Nya and Garmadon don't automatically realize "oh he's playing a longer con" even after he winks at them in the snake pit. (It also means Sensei Garmadon sees another parallel with himself and Kai later on, in that they both took on the marks and then later turned on Chen)

I figure that Chen would relish in that and would actively have Kai show off the Mark. So, all the masters see Kai's mark when they interrupt the Ceremony. He has to explain himself to them very quickly after the Ceremony fight to avoid getting attacked (especially if any of them saw him going bonkers with Chen's Staff)

(I do think it'd be fun though if the guards at the factory gossiped about one of the Elemental Masters getting the Mark of the Anacondrai, though, so that the imprisoned masters are all suddenly worried that one of the few left in the fight have switched sides)

Jay would probably make a joke about Kai's new ink, Cole would point out how dangerous his plan was once he hears about it, and Zane would agree. Zane also ices the tattoo to help with the pain and swelling, even if its not as effective after, like, however long he's had it (timeline is iffy but it's not more than like three days I think).

(If you wanna keep the angst going, too, the fact that Kai essentially goes missing while searching for Skylor would probably bring up some doubts in the other masters, and maybe even his own team, about whether he could still be pulled onto Chen's side -especially with Skylor as a possible bargaining chip- at that point.)

Once Kai's been turned into an Anacondrai though, not a whole lot changes. Jay's initial reaction is also jokes because... what else are you supposed to say to your friend who has turned into a snake man? Cole is probably the one to prompt him to try and play with the invisibility ability cause That's a Cool Power, Dude. Generally looking on the upside with it. Zane's got a little bit of scientific interest in the whole transformation.

Lloyd just. Doesn't fully process it. He does promise Kai immediately though that they'll turn him back to normal (because its Lloyd. He feels responsible for his big brother being in this situation even though he shouldn't). He's genuinely relieved when they start turning back when the spell begins to wear off.

Kai does not like Lloyd putting responsibility on turning him back on himself, especially cause Kai betrayed and still definitely feels bad about it and the act he had to put on for it to work.

The Ninja all do pay close attention, though, because they're obviously worried about Kai's well being, but also... What if Kai likes being an Anacondrai (once he adjusts to fighting like one)? What if he wants to stay that way? What if Kai's turning to Chen's side wasn't entirely fake?

Kai sticks close to Skylor during their time as Anacondrai as much as possible because he's kinda freaked out by himself and doesn't want everyone to keep looking at him like.... well, like he's turned into a snake man.

Wu doesn't have any notable reaction to Garmadon as an Anacondrai, but I feel like he'd be very confused and a little freaked out on why one of his students is also one now. He gives Kai a very disapproving look when he learns how it happened because that was incredibly dangerous Kai. He doesn't really scold him though cause 1. Not the time. 2. Kai's plan worked. 3. No one knew that the mark would turn him into a snake.

Also, you didn't mention the folks at Kryptarium, but they almost definitely poke fun at Kai for being a snake now when they recognize him. Pythor finds it very funny that one of the Ninja is now a snake.

The worst reaction to Kai's Anacondrai form is definitely when they land in Ninjago City and people start freaking out because there are Serpentine on a Dragon made of Fire.

[kurithedweeb]

Since I’ve ended up filling the ranks of side characters with background NPCs and fleshing them out to the point of basically being original characters, I’ve been considering adding OCs with no basis in canon to the mix. I’m already halfway there by giving Katelyn’s unnamed brothers a story, so why not?

For example, members of noble households. Nursemaids and pages and groundskeepers and such.

Kenmur would have had at least one nursemaid when his old village was attacked who would have likely been with him at the time of the attack and therefore likely been the one first able to get baby Kenmur to some semblance of safety and possibly survived as a result. Pages were men or boys employed to be personal attendants to people of rank who might have also done chores and errands for the household or establishment they worked for, and each of the Ro’Meave brothers might have had a page around their own age growing up, Zane might even have the same page he had when he was young still on his service as an attendant when he’s grown. Meteli’s a pretty backwater and casual place, but a Lord’s household is still a Lord’s household and so the Zvahl family probably had a few servants who might have lived in or very near the household, a groundskeeper among them that I think Cadenza would have been close to and learned about flowers from.

There’s also a big thing about succession in MCD, so I’d need to add some heirs and apprentices to the Lords in the various villages, plus actually fill some of the villages we never see in canon. Nahakra needs an heir, so do the Neopolitan villages, I need to figure out Matataki’s whole situation and someone has to fill the void in Boboros’s leadership after Gene killed both the Lord and the heir and they also need a head guard.

I’ve been dabbling with how I’m handling the families of the main and supporting cast that we don’t see or hear about in canon too.

Zenix was an only child and his parents belonged to a sect that worshipped the Destroyer and he grew up worshipping Shad instead of Irene alongside the rest of their small settlement. The settlement was found and divided when he was about ten, and his parents raised him in seclusion where it was safe after that. All three of them died in a house fire Zenix set by accident when he was a teen, and after being brought back Zenix can’t remember much about them due to injuries sustained in the fire.

Nana has an absolutely massive family. In MyS she mentions being the seventh child of twelve. In her clan’s compound in Tu’la there’s the main branch of the clan which includes Nana and her siblings, their parents, a scattering of uncles and aunts and cousins, and any nieces or nephews she may have. Then there’s the vassal clans under them, at least one of which should be a clan of craftsmen so they don’t have to outsource their gear or clothing very often. They also have the servants of the household and possibly their families, any gladiators sponsored by the clan, tradesmen under contract to the clan, and possibly any orphans the household sponsors and trains to eventually make a contract with. There would also be aides and attendants and advisors. When I say massive family, I mean it.

Then we also have a few of the main and supporting cast where I completely fudge the canon. One of Cadenza’s bio parents is a Shadow Knight and that’s why Shadow Knights are always after her. Esmund and Xavier had an older sister, then Xavier had a wife and several kids that turned into the Ro’Meave line. Aaron had a brother who’s only a few years older than Jacob. Vylad has a slew of half-siblings across the continent. Travis has a twin who the Demon Warlock stole away to make his successor when they were young. Kiki and Brendan are estranged from their father and sister. Ein was the unnamed pup from the werewolf tribe near Brightport and was adopted by an older woman from the werewolf kingdom after being split from his tribe. Dante and Gene had a father who they never saw because he was always working, alongside their canon mom and uncle. Malachi has a whole line of indirect descendants because his parents had another kid after he was sent away, and they have old family stories where being turned into a ghost like their ancestor Malachi is what happens to bad kids. Enki and Kul’zak had two kids, one by adoption and the other by magickal means.

This isn’t even getting into my whole Seven Sinners of Virtue thing, which is basically the generation before the Divine Warriors if they were part of a cycle of people whose purpose is to keep the world spinning by whatever means necessary. There’s the Seven, the families, their enemies, and the gods who were worshipped before the Divine Faith came about.

This is. So Many Characters.

[petitepatateuwu]

I'm not late for my digital art challenge, time is actually extremely early. Also my sister allowed me to use her photoshop and I am just confused because I can't adapt after looking at the same one software for four years. Also I hurt myself in Paris subway and I'm unhappy.

Don't look at the colour palet thingy, it's 5:00 am and I don't know what I'm doing.

So I decided to use this challenge to develop my dumb au ideas without taking any time to introduce you to it 😈

But because I feel like I should give some context, I'm still gonna yap about it😈😈😈

So actually, Jay isn't the one I should start with, but I'm chaotic so here you go 🫠

But it originally started when I realised that Ninjago gave Cole so little screen time that I started to make my own Cole lore in my head (sometime my brain does this on its own). And basically, I went from "what if Cole had a backstory?" to "what if I gave Cole my childhood trauma because I relate to him way too much?"to "what if Jay had siblings?" to "what if Zane was the only one with a perfect childhood?". And before I knew it an alternate timeline came tickling my circuits at night.

This then became me being mad at season 7 for bringing back Kai and Nya's parents, and decided to give (almost) all the ninjas childhood traumas based on what I understood of their character.

So in this au, Jay doesn't really have any "childhood trauma", but I kinda designed his family to be problematic in a way that he would grow with many insecurities because he lacked parental attention. And this despite his parents being awfully nice and caring to him and his siblings. It's just something that can happen, especially in large families or when the parents are so invested in their work/hobby that they tend to unintentionally neglect their kids, and I think that both are happening in Jay's family.

I'm also thinking that his parents would have difficulties understanding most of their children exposing neurodivergent symptoms. I strongly believe that Jay is on the ADHD spectrum, and as a person with ADHD symptoms as well, I'm using my personal experience to explain how he could've grown with it. (I'm not very good when talking about neurodivergence, just know that I based most of Jay's childhood problems on this video, which I think explains very well how parents can have the best intentions but still hurt their children because they don't understand them)

So of course, the final personalities of the ninjas are a bit different from canon, but I did try to make them similar at best, or close from what I understand of them, which might not be correct X). In this au, Jay is very insecure about his abilities, which results in him hiding most of the time to build/model/create/whatever artistic stuff he said he did, but also in him having more difficulties to unlock some of his powers (like the elemental dragon). After spending some time with him, the other ninjas learn how to properly encourage him to open up and make him gain some self-confidence. When he is not in a stressing situation, Jay acts rather childishly, because he was used to be mothered by his parents and his older siblings, and he is more open about his emotions than others can be, he even has trouble hiding them when necessary.

[the-ninjago-historian]

Ninjago Remastered Designs!

THEY'RE DONE! After months of work!!! They are DOOOOOOOOOOONE. WOOOOOOOOOOO! Lol! Welp, these are my Ninjago designs! Basically, this is my take on the Ninja if they were in a 2d animated cartoon! And yes! I will be drawing more characters. Tumblr butchered the quality, so close ups and design notes are below the cut. They're pretty detailed, so I highly recommend checking them out. Feel free to ask questions about the designs! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ - ✒️🐉

When designing these outfits, I tried to take inspiration from the ones in the show. And in terms of art style, drew inspiration from early 2000s cartoons, (Action Adventure ones specifically,) Anime inspired shows, and even a hint of traditional Disney animation. And while I designed them with a 2d cartoon in mind, most of the designs would most likely have to be simplified for them to be used in animation. So let's get started!

Kai: Kai was a pretty fun to work with. I actually didn't plan on giving him a sleeveless outfit. But it happened! And I like it! If you'll notice, the flame pattern on his vest mirrors the pattern on his sister Nya's outfit. I thought that would be a cool detail to include. It was inspired by their March of The Oni outfits. I also made sure to include his scar and bandaid. And gave him reddish brown eyes to signify his elemental power. Him and sister I imagine being Brazilian/Taiwanese. So I hope I captured their ethnicity properly. I'm pretty happy with this design. Especially his hair, which was hard to replicate.

Jay: Jay was a hard one for sure. I wasn't too sure how to vamp up his outfit. So I started by giving him some lightning patterns on his Gi. (At least I think that's what it's called?) And I decided to make it look a little baggy and soft. It just seemed to suit him. I tried something a little more form fitting and didn't look right. Also! A fun detail I included was his half the Yin Yang pendent around his neck! And of course Nya has her half. I imagine him having Irish ancestry, so I gave him pale, freckled skin. And gorgeous curly red hair. (As a fellow red head, I'm very proud.) Overall, I think he turned out pretty adorable. And his face is spot on.

Nya: Nya I pretty much got right on the first try! I just had a really clear vision of her in my head. I gave her a grey outfit with bright, vibrant blue details. The pattern on her Gi is inspired by Koi Scales. And she has her half of the Yin Yang pendent around her neck. I really like this one, because while it is simple, it's beautiful. And I think it reflects her element nicely. The only thing I missed was to give her a symbol like the rest. But overall, I love it! One more thing is that I wanted to give her and Pixal different hair. So when I finally release my Pixal design, you'll see that while they both have ponytails, I gave them different cut and styled ones. Should be neat!

Zane: Zane was the first one of the Ninjas I redesigned! I love how he turned out. I tried to give him a splintered ice effect on his outfit inspired by his Core minifigure and gave him his faithful falcon companion. Falcon has his old greyish purple feathers, but blue icy eyes to match his owner. I also wanted to give Zane flowing sleeves, that would look very majestic waving about in a blizzard wind. He is also incredibly tall. Taller than Cole even! I was inspired by the giant humanoid robots I'd seen in movies. In his cloaking disguise, I imagine him looking German. With blond hair, blue eyes, and light skin. I also like to think Dr Julian was German. (Was this influenced by my German ancestry? Who knows?)

Cole: You would not believe how many times I had to redraw this man's face. Haha! I just could find that sweet spot! That face that perfectly encapsulated his strong, but gentle personality. But I think I did it! His outfit is based on his Oni Trilogy Gi, with orange detailing. And he has his Island ponytail and bandana. I absolutely loved that hair style on him. So I had to use it! And if you'll notice, he has a beautiful tattoo on his right arm, with his symbol in the center. I imagine him being half Maori, from his mother's side. And the tattoo was inspired by Maori tattoos I saw pictures of. I'm not too sure how accurate those images were. But hopefully I hit the mark.

Lloyd: Finally! Our green Ninja Lloyd! His outfit was inspired by two things. Dragons, and his outfit from the Secrets of Forbidden Spinjitsu seasons. I gave him a beautiful golden dragon and cloud pattern on his clothes, a leather arm guard, and shoulder pads. If you look closer, you'll also see he has cat-like dragon eyes which pays homage to his dragon and Oni heritage. I like to think that depending on his emotions, his eyes will go from slits, to big and wide. So they are good indicators for his mood. I also imagine him being Japanese. But his powers give him his classic blond hair and green eyes. I'm very happy with this design. His hair, eyes, and face all look exactly how I see him in my head.

Well, that's all. I hope you enjoyed these designs and notes! I assure you, you will see more of the them.

Bye! - ✒️🐉

[rainofthetwilight]

I'm not sick, I swear.

Summary: Kai is coming down with a cole and didn't tell anyone. Unluckily for him, Cole had noticed.

Wordcount: 1.5k

guess who also has a cold and is writing this??? ME!! third fic ever, and a suprisingly fluffy one compared to my other two! enjoy these two idiots :)) (also, this can be taken as both platonic and romantic! idm!)

posted this on my ao3 here!

For what felt like the one-hundreth time that night, Kai sneezed into the tissue loudly.

 He groaned as he wiped the disgusting snot from his nose, and then folded the tissue. Face red, he threw it on the ground carelessly, not even aiming to the small bin besides the TV. So many other tissues were stacked ontop of the bin, most of them having fallen out from the lack of balance. Kai knew he should clean it up, but he was too tired to deal with that.  

He just hopes that he would find a good excuse for it the next morning.  

He sniffed, slouching on the living room couch and crossing his arms. The TV wasn't on, so he was practically staring at nothing, but he couldn't handle staying in his warm room and needed somewhere to cool off. And with it being midnight, where the air was cooler, he assumed it should help.  

He swore this shitty cold wasn't this bad last morning.  

He hated how he felt his nose itch constantly, he hated those random tears that would form out of nowhere, and he hated how sensitive his skin felt. It was one of the reasons why he was wearing one of his hoodies, paired with black leggings that didn't make him feel so uncomfortable. It itched a little, but he didn't care. Besides, he has kept his cold a secret, and had just brushed it off whenever someone noticed something weird about him. It helped somewhat, since he'd only itch whenever he has a sickness of some sort.  

Sniffing again, Kai coughed, the mucus that was currently going down his throat annoying him so much. The taste was horrible, and from that he felt like he couldn't even eat. Pairing it with the usual inability to breathe through his nose, it felt impossible. He didn't even know if his stomach was actually full.  

Kai attempted to make some tea for himself, knowing it would help with his sore throat. And honestly, it did a little, but it still didn't help enough.  

Only Zane's warm Honey Lemon tea could help. It always did wonders.

 But of course, he was hiding this forsaken cold.  

Feeling that familiar irritating itch attacking his nose again, his mind had practically screamed 'Oh no.' as he knew what was coming. Sitting up, he sneezed louder than the last time, and he instantly grabbed a tissue from the holder next to him. He blowed into the tissue, and quickly folded it in disgust as he threw it on the ground the same way he did with the previous.  

He hated this. He hated this so much.

 Groaning again, Kai wiped the drool from his mouth using his already wet sleeve, and moved from the middle of the couch to the edge, leaning on the couch's arm as he snuggled. His arms hugged his knees, keeping them close to his chest. He should probably be going back to his room, because there should be no way someone hasn't woken up from his sneezing. But he had brushed it off, knowing Cole's bear snoring probably deafened the loud sneezing.

 Huffing, he threw his head back, staring at the ceiling. He could've brought his phone with him as a distraction, but it had sadly powered off and was still charging. He attempted to breathe in and out through his nose slowly, but he just couldn't. He'd always exhale through his mouth.  

When will this nightmare end?  

Sighing once more, he sniffed and shut his heavy eyes, trying to keep his breathing steady. He released his hands from his knees and crossed his arms, his head heavily moving to rest against the couch's backrest. He stayed like that for a while, about to fall asleep-  

"Kai?"  

Jumping, Kai yelped at hearing the sudden voice, his eyes as wide as saucers as he almost fell from the couch. He held onto the top of the backrest with a strong grip, his wide eyes quickly darting from the ground to the figure at the door.

It was Cole.  

He had his hand on the already open door, wearing his black tank top and pants. He had looked at frightened brunette with confusion, who had seemed as tired as he was.

"Jeez, Cole, you gave me a heart attack!" Kai hissed, removing his hand from the backrest dramatically putting it on his chest.

 "What are you doing here?" The Earth master spoke again, this time with a less tired voice. Kai didn't answer. He crossed his arms, not making eye contact with Cole. Cole sighed in frustration.  

"That doesn't answer my question." He said, walking over to where Kai had been sitting at and sat down next to him. Cole noticed how he attempted to scootch away a little. He raised his eyebrow, his eyes scanning Kai. His nose was red, and his eyes looked teary and heavy. Cole knew what this was, and instantly brought his hand to Kai's forehead. For the love of the First master, he was burning. Alarmed, Kai jumped slightly at the sudden touch.

"What the-"  

"You're sick, aren't you?" Cole removed his hand from Kai's forehead, resting his arms on his knees. Kai's eyes had widened, starting to fidget with his hands.  

"I'm not."

"Kai, you're burning. You're literally a hothead."

"I swear I'm not. I'm just hotter than usual."  

"That doesn't make sense. You are sick."

  "I'm not."

  "You are."  

Defeated, Kai grunted, looking down in embarresment. Sighing, he wished he could've just stayed in his room instead.  

"Fine, I am." He mumbled, still refusing to make eye contact. Cole smirked, crossing his arms. He knew that there was something off about Kai the entire time, and it turned out he was right.  

"Did you atleast get any rest?"  

Kai stayed silent.  

Well, shit.  

"..No." He muttered quickly, still looking down and hugging himself.

Cole sighed for what felt like the millionth time, "We told you one too many times before, firecracker. You need to rest-'  

"I'm fine, Cole. I don't need rest. I swear." Kai argued, shaking his head in disagreement. Cole sighed, standing up, cracking his knuckles and still having his eyes on the brunette.  

"Then I guess I have to do this the hard way."

Kai looked at him with confusion, and before he could even speak, he was scooped up by the larger man and placed on his shoulder, Cole's arm wrapping around his back and walking out of the room. Kai shrieked in alarm, trying to squirm out of Cole's grip.  

"Hey! Put me down!" The Fire master yelled, placing his hands on Cole's shoulder as he grumbled, squirming constantly. Cole kept him balanced on his shoulder, chuckling at Kai's attempt to free himself from his grip. Blushing furiously, Kai's face was redder than any of his Gis. He covered his face in his hands, not caring about the small bits of snot that got on it, too embarresed.

He was so, so very glad no one was seeing this.

He had his hands covering his red face, groaning the entire walk to the bedroom. As they arrived to Kai's room, Cole opened the door and walked inside the messy room. He avoided one of the thrown shirts next to his bed, and then carefully placed the brunette down on the matress. He sat down infront of him, and saw how Kai was still blushing, his eyebrows furrowed. He had immediately looked away from the extreme embarresment. Cole snorted, trying to hold in his laugh.  

"You caused this." Cole said with a smirk, still not earning a reaction from Kai. "You always keep this as a secret."  

"But that doesn't mean you should carry me! I can still walk, yknow!" Kai waved his hands in a frustrated motion. Cole grinned, giggling.  

"Your fault. You didn't wanna rest."  

Kai looked down at the mattress, hugging his knees. He really should've just stayed in his room. He felt Cole scoot closer to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.  

"How about you lay down, hm?" He suggested, making Kai glance at him for a second. After a moment, he sighed in defeat. Laying down on his side, he bent his knees slightly. He wasn't suprised when Cole layed down on his back next to him, turning his head to face him. Cole pulled Kai closer, having a gentle arm around him as Kai rested his head on his chest.  

"This okay?" Cole asked with a smile, rubbing the smaller man's back. He felt Kai nod, seeming a bit more relaxed. Cole's smile grew wider.  

"Aren't you gonna get sick from this?" Kai said smugly, making Cole chuckle.  

"This isn't the first time, hothead. I'll be fine. Just relax."  

Kai had chuckled aswell and shrugged. His arm wrapped around Cole's waist, sniffing as his eyelids felt heavy. Cole noticed his unsteady breathing as he breathed through his mouth constantly.  

"Don't breathe through your mouth, idiot."  

"I know." Kai replied sarcastically, feeling Cole rub his back again. Soon enough, his eyes slowly fluttered shut. Cole moved his hand from Kai's back to his hair, gently stroking the smooth brown strands.  

He didn't mind staying in his room for the night, not at all, especially if it meant Kai would finally rest.  

And of course, he'd make sure to ask Zane to make his Honey Lemon tea the first thing in the morning. Because damn, this idiot needed it.

[dragonform]

Dragons Rising Season 2 Pt1 overall thoughts!

WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS DO NOT CLICK UNLESS YOU'VE WATCHED THE WHOLE THING

In no particular order:

Wow, this season was the heaviest one yet. I'd been a bit disappointed by how Season 1 seemed a bit light on the life lessons that I found so compelling in Ninjago. Well, DR2 delivered in spades, from the theme of secrets, to the issues of mental health. Never should've doubted Ninjago writers!

WHY LEAVE SO MANY UNRESOLVED THREADS THOUGH. Not even clues for fans to speculate on?!?

Like what happened in Cole's journey to follow Master Wu?

What really is that glowing orb sprite thingy? Because it showed up in the Monastary of Spinjitzu to close the portal gate, right? How was it doing that before they'd even traveled to Mysterium? Have I misunderstood something? (Granted, I had to do chores here and there so I really might've missed something... need a rewatch)

Where did Cinder even come from? How did Ras recruit him? What's his story?

What really is Arin's object spinjitzu power?

Of course I'm sure all of this will be resolved/revealed eventually, but it seems a lot to conclude in the next 10 episodes. Oh wait, they've said they have enough material for a few more seasons right? Well, sure looks like enough for at least a third season.

I think the ones who are gonna have a falling out are Arin and Sora. It's gonna be revealed, maybe at some critical point, that he didn't actually do object spinjitzu to get them the win, and it's gonna destroy his self confidence as well as his trust in Sora.

They're gonna get all of the Forbidden Five out eventually, possibly by shoving more ninja through the gate. Which is fine, because the ninja will just meet up and come back through the Power of Friendship!

SO CURIOUS to find out what the elemental powers of the Forbidden Five are.

I was a little disappointed by the lack of Euphrasia though. I thought for sure she'd have a more major role this season, but she still remained a side character for most of it. Oh well, patience!

BONZLE. I did NOT expect her story to go this way. Still trying to wrap my brain around a sentient spell, but hey. It's Ninjago.

Love her so much though she's so precious.

Speaking of precious, ZANE. That's it. That's the whole thought.

No, I AM going to expand on that. Look at how he had such a vast knowledge of the Administration's rules and regulations. Look at how he stalled them with it. Look at the pride he had in helping them raise their efficiency by NINE PERCENT. IT COULD'VE BEEN TEN YOU GUYS. IF HE HADN'T GOTTEN RESCUED.

MR FROHICKY. I need that Frohicky plushie like YESTERDAY.

Also PUPPY COLE PLUSH WHEN

COLE. He's still protecting and trying to comfort everyone. What an amazing fight he put on at the monastary, almost a one-man army against the Adminstration's mechs, with Gandalaria's support. I bet his failure to protect Zane would have devastated him if Zane had been deactivated permanently. Fortunately Gandalaria knows more about nindroids than she should...

GANDALARIA! Endlessly positive and chirpy and disorganised. Like a more established Fungus. Wish I could be her. Loved seeing her dynamic with Cole being her straight man (hush, yes I know.)

So happy to see Kai get his focus for a change. Love Lloyd but he gets the focus like... every season. Kai needs the love. He's really cool this season.

Nya gets the least focus :( I miss her

WHY are all the ninjas' powers only as powerful as the plot calls for it :/ Zane's frozen way more than just a runaway mech back in the day!

I still think Ras looks too cuddly to be taken seriously as an antagonist. I mean would you not hug a Ras plushie? Look at those eyes. Look at that nose.

Is Ras's master a Source Dragon or the Overlord? OR BOTH?

Love Rontu, but she is such an archetypal (?) Nurturing Mentor to Egalt's Grumpy Old Master

Egalt has dragon cancer :( he looks way cooler in the show than he looked in the promotional materials and the set

I haven't talked about Jay, have I? JAY. Oh how my heart skipped a beat when he showed up pointing that gun/taser at Bonzle. I literally said out loud "OH NO OH NO OH NO".

I think that was the single most terrifying part of the whole season for me. I don't even know why it was so visceral. I think I was worried that his entire peronality had changed, though I don't know why I thought that, since in Pt1 he was literally playing video games instead of working.

So I was actually relieved to hear that he felt he didn't really belong in the Administration. Pre-merge Jay probably couldn't even fill out a single form properly. He probably had Nya or Zane or Cole do all the paperwork for him.

He clearly wasn't suprised that he had control over lightning. Why did nobody know about it? He's the kinda guy who'd use his powers for entertainment if he didn't have a good reason to hide them.

He didn't recognise his own ninja outfit D:

Lastly, the Finders - I'm also a little troubled by how Cole seems to put them ahead of his ninja family, but then again. He knows the ninja are all very capable warriors who can take care of themselves. On the other hand, for who knows how long, he had felt responsible for protecting his little newfound family. It makes sense that he would continue priotising them even after finding his old family.

In conclusion, Cole is such a dad :D

And to wrap it up, NEED PT 2 NOW 6 MONTHS IS TOO LONG TO WAIT NETFLIX /shakes fist

Sorry that was so long and rambling! Fun though.

I had wanted to do a blow by blow reaction post of every episode, but I can't seem to get clear photos from my device without major reflection issues. Still trying though!

[ghostly-knight]

random mys headcanons that have nothing to do with anything (mostly garroth and laurance tbh)

Garroth doesn’t like carrots

Laurance can’t skate

kc/nana did roller derby

Laurance has a belly button piercing (cadenza did it one night in the middle of his grade 11 year bc they were bored)

no one knew about the piercing, including garroth, for a long time, and garroth found out first anyways

Garroth found out bc his shirt rode up or he was wearing a crop top (idk which) when they were hanging out outside of school one day

dante hates socks

zane loves them

nana likes toe socks

vylad doesng like shoes and would be barefoot all the time if he could be

aphmau HATES pants but wears them anyways

vylad did figure skating before he transitioned

travis did gymnastics

Laurance is like 5’9

Garroth is like 6’2 or 6’3

sometimes the higher difference flusters laurance even if it isn’t much

when aph is being feral garroth just picks her up and throws her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes

laurance swears like a sailor

Laurance has heterchromia but i’ve already spread my propaganda about that

Laur and Gar went to prom together “as friends” but both were like ‘omg it’s like a date’

Garroth listens to pop-punk music (Zane showed it to him originally and he just ended up really liking it)

He also makes people playlists, but not of their music tastes, he makes them based on songs he likes that reminds him of them

Laurance got a CD for his birthday one year

Laurance smoked in highschool but quit early-mid university

Garroth and vylad LOVE spice

zane can’t handle it

nana likes spice too

aaron prefers sweets but gets hot sauce as gifts (he sneaks it into nanas cupboard)

aph has a full length mirror in her room bc she likes to sing and dance into it like she’s in a movie

Laurance did the rice purity test and got higher than everyone thought he would (other than garroth bc they’ve told each other everything since like grade ten)

Laurance has very feint freckles that you can only see when you’re very close to his face

Garroth loves his freckles

Laurance likes mug rootbeer

he can also do the thing where you take the bottlecap off using his shirt

garroth and laurance wait for each other after practice in highschool

zane and vylad go to every game garroth has that they can make it to because their parents don’t care enough to go (i’m a bad ro’meave parents truther)

zane has a shellfish allergy

vylad has celiacs

katelyn is lactose intolerant

katelyn is also v buff

garroth does ballet in his free time

aaron has a very big dog (like a newfoundland) and his name is rug

dante is epileptic bc i am and i said so

laur calls like everyone baby girl or something (he calls garroth baby boy sometimes and it makes him go beet red)

zane is a bluey enjoyer

i have so many more pls ask me about my random headcanons, i also have less random ones and ones that interlace but that’s for another post

[finn-m-corvex]

Whumptober Day 31: Setbacks

So. Tumblr decided to delete this one, so I had to hurriedly rewrite it just today. This is not what I originally wrote, and I'm not super proud of this one, but I would rather have something to show for the final day of Whumptober than nothing at all. This has been an amazing journey, and thank you all for taking it with me! Happy whumping, and I hope you guys loved the ride while it lasted <3

Taglist: @splinnters @abigailxoxo @tornoleander @mondothebombo @toastingpencils37 @ghostwalloper @lightning-chicken

Words: 2k

“Sorry,” Jay babbled, leaning down to try and clean up the glass shards littering the floor, “sorry, sorry, I’m so sorry—”

The ringing sound of the plate crashing against the floor rang through his ears on repeat, every loop making his anxiety grow more and more. How stupid could he be?

First his friends were just talking about how good dinner was, complimenting Zane and his cooking skills when Jay’s vision just started tunneling and his breathing was coming up short. He didn’t know what triggered it, but the next thing he knew his hand was loosening and the porcelain slipped from his grasp. So now the least he could do was try and clean it up. Maybe they would forgive him.

“Jay,” Nya tried to say from a couple feet away, cringing at his bare feet and the large pieces of the broken plate surrounding him in a rough circle, “it’s okay, I promise, just stay still and we’ll handle it.”

He cried out as the shards cut into his hands, and he dropped them back onto the ground. Why did this have to happen now, of all the times? Jay was finally starting to get used to being in a friend group, to having people to talk to, and now he went and ruined everything just because someone brushed a little too close to him in the way that he hated and his hands wouldn’t stop shaking and he couldn’t breathe and the next thing he knew the plate he was using to get food was shattered on the floor and there was no way he could step over all of the glass.

Fresh blood flowed from the small cuts in his hands, and Jay’s heart sank when he spotted Zane going for the small medkit that Lloyd kept in his apartment. The cuts stung pretty bad, but Jay would’ve put up with it. So of course, of course it was him that was going to be costing Lloyd medical supplies that he could be using to treat his own injuries instead of Jay’s. First Master knows how many bullies jumped Lloyd per day. How selfish was he?

“Hold on, bud,” Cole said, and the bigger boy used his boots to gently brush away all of the glass shards. He hooked his hands under Jay’s armpits when he reached the smaller boy, lifting and depositing Jay onto the kitchen counter. Jay felt like a child, and he hated how he couldn’t hate feeling like that. “That’s better. Just stay up here while the others clean up the glass.”

Kai came around the corner with a broom, Lloyd behind him with a dustpan, and both of them shot Jay a smile as they started to sweep up the broken glass. Zane stood next to him, rifling through the medkit, and Jay latched onto his sleeve out of pure instinct. Zane’s sweaters always felt nice.

Cole hummed on Jay’s other side, locking arms with the smaller boy and staying quiet so that Jay could gather his thoughts. Not that Jay had any coherent thoughts to gather.

“Nya, can you grab a bowl?” Zane asked, and the girl moved to do so.

She held the bowl under Jay’s hands, and Jay didn’t understand why until he saw Zane pull out the peroxide. Oh yeah, it was probably a good idea to try and clean the cuts before bandaging them up. He wouldn’t have remembered to do that if he was on his own. The bowl was also catching whatever blood wasn’t flowing past his wrists and down his arms, soaking into his sleeves.

Warmth stung in his chest, and Jay swallowed thickly to keep the tears back. The last thing he needed was to show all of them how much of a crybaby he was.

Zane dabbed at the cuts with a soaked cotton swab, and Jay had to restrain himself from flinching away. “I’m sorry, I know it stings,” Zane said, but Jay only shook his head. It wasn’t his fault, and there wasn’t really anything that Zane could do about the pain. Jay could suck it up for a few minutes; he had definitely taken worse.

He worked with precision, gently cleaning the cuts and wrapping them afterwards. Nya started talking about her latest art project to help distract Jay, and even though all of the colors and the terminology went straight over his head he still loved to hear her talk. She forgot that he was self-taught and knew jackshit about anything professional art, but that was okay. At least they had some common ground to work with.

Finishing up, Jay glanced at his hands with a guilty expression as Zane packed up the medkit and moved to put it away. Cole was still humming, tapping his fingers on the back of Jay’s hand in a beat that made Jay smile despite the anxious feeling still clawing at his chest with the world’s largest talons. He kicked his feet back and forth in an attempt to burn off some of the nervous energy, but to his dismay it only seemed to be getting stronger. It peaked when Lloyd and Kai took steps towards him, and any happy feelings that he may have had before were gone, replaced by a growing sense of dread as the two started to box him in.

Because he didn’t see Lloyd and Kai. Instead he saw two bullies, much larger than him, closing in and getting ready to hit him—

“Jay,” Nya tried, noticing the way he was curling into himself. Jay brought his arms up and over his head, scooting backwards on the counter until his back hit the wall. He was shaking, tucking his head between his legs and doing his best not to throw up all over the counter that Zane had literally just cleaned. “It’s okay, really. We’re not mad.”

“I-I-” and Jay had to shut his mouth to keep the sobs inside. He couldn’t break down in front of his new friends, not when he had to put in every effort to not look like the weak person he knew himself to be.

Zane, sensing Jay's distress, immediately moved back to the counter, bending down to meet Jay at eye level. He made sure to push Kai and Lloyd back, knowing that Jay needed some space at the moment. "Jay, it's all right. You're safe here. We're not going to hurt you."

Jay could barely hear Zane's comforting words over the rush of blood in his ears, pounding against his skull. He was trapped, caught in the grip of a memory that clawed its way to the surface and between the bodies of the girl he loved and his best friend since forever. Even if he could get off the counter, he still had to worry about getting past the other three. The vivid images of past confrontations with bullies flooded his mind, overwhelming him, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of being surrounded by people who wished him harm rather than wishing him well.

But it wasn’t just bullies.

Cole placed a gentle hand on Jay's trembling back, offering a grounding touch. "Take deep breaths, Jay. In and out. We're here for you."

Lloyd and Kai exchanged concerned glances, realizing that their attempt to comfort Jay had backfired. They took another step back but still looked on, faces filled with worry. Eventually Kai stepped away, whispering something to Lloyd about getting Jay a blanket before disappearing off into the living room.

Despite the words and the hands trying to reassure him, Jay felt the walls closing in tighter and tighter. He did his best to focus on his breathing, trying to follow Cole's advice, but the memories clung to him like a vice.Cole eventually shooed Nya away and off the counter, and Jay sobbed as his best friend’s arms wrapped around him and held him, rocking them back and forth on the counter.

"Jay," Zane's voice was calm and soothing, "we're here to help. You don't have to be afraid. You're safe."

The smaller boy rapidly shook his head, hiding into the depths of Cole’s sweatshirt and continuing to cry. He didn’t feel safe, not when he was surrounded by people with no way out. Not when he just fucked up and knew that they would be upset with him. First Master, what if Lloyd’s mom ever found out? She would be so upset. Jay would never be allowed to come over again and she would ask him to never talk to Lloyd ever again and he already knew that the others would pick Lloyd over him and Jay was going to be alone again—

“Bud,” Cole said softly, hand starting to rub Jay’s back, “I need you to talk to me, alright? What’s wrong?”

Cole was the only one here who knew Jay’s past; he was the only one that Jay could trust. He grabbed at Cole’s hoodie, the pain shooting up through his arms as he did so, but Jay couldn’t bring himself to let go. It was getting so much harder to breathe, and Jay wanted nothing more than to be back home and safe and under a blanket with his pa sitting in his armchair and his mom playing music in the kitchen. Of course, Jay’s first sleepover had to go completely awry. “I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” Cole asked, ever so patient with Jay. He always had been and Jay hoped that Cole always would be.

“I-I dropped the plate,” Jay stammered, voice soft enough that Cole was the only one who could hear it, “and I don’t want you guys to be upset with me. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry—”

“Good grief, Jay,” Cole sighed, and Jay’s stomach dropped with the thought that Cole was upset with him, “I’m not upset, I know that look on your face. It’s okay, accidents happen. No one’s angry, we’re not going to hurt you, and we just want to make sure that you’re okay.

And the anger that welled up in Jay’s chest was scorching and unfamiliar, the heat licking at his insides and making him shake even harder. He was angry with himself, for ruining the progress that he’d been making with his friends. It had been so long since he had a meltdown like this in front of them, and of course just when things were going well Jay had to go and ruin it by dropping that stupid plate.

“Let it out,” Cole soothed, one hand gliding up to Jay’s hair and tangling itself in his curly mop. “You bottle up way too much stuff, just let it out. I can take it, I promise. Do you want Nya next to you?”

Jay nodded, and Nya was quick to scramble up onto the counter next to them. She wrapped her arms around Jay’s waist, pressing a light kiss to the side of his head that caused Jay to instantly flush. Nya didn’t notice, only laying her head on his shoulder and whispering encouraging words as he finally started to get his breathing back under control.

"That's it," Nya encouraged, her voice a soft murmur. "You're doing great, Jay. We're not here to hurt you."

Sure, they weren’t here to hurt him, but he still somehow managed to hurt himself. “I was doing so good,” he said angrily, and both of his friends’ grips tightened, “and I had to go and fuck it up. All that progress and for what? This?”

“It’s okay,” Cole assured, “setbacks happen. It doesn’t make you any less of a person for having one or two or even three. It’s all just a part of the process. Stop being so hard on yourself and just let us take care of you, okay? That’s what friends are for.”. 

As the wave of panic began to recede, Jay became more aware of the warmth of his best friend’s arms, the faint hum of the refrigerator, and the concern etched on his friends' faces. It was a stark contrast to the haunting memories of cruel smiles and taunting laughter, the harsh words of the bullies compared to the kind words from the friends that he never thought that he would have. 

“Yeah,” Jay agreed, wiping his eyes on Cole’s sleeve. He could feel blood start to soak through his bandages, but he pushed out the guilt that tried to consume him when he thought about asking Zane to re-bandage his hands. “Yeah. Okay. I-I can do that.”