(Trigger warning: mention of child abuse. I'll put this [*] when it comes up)

Nya watched Jay's solo from behind the curtain, smiling to herself. A part of her wished she was Frenchy, knowing that Those Magic Changes was also a little serenade to Doody's love interest. Then again, she wouldn't have the opportunity of having a solo, and Nya knew deep down she'd hate being shoved in the corner. Especially knowing that Harumi would constantly shove her role in everyone's faces.

Nobody puts Nya in a corner. She shook her head, making a face. I watch too many movies...

They hadn't finished the blocking for the scene, but Garmadon wanted Jay to sing once more. He knew how much Jay loved singing in front of an audience, even though he tried to hide it; he was a natural performer.

"My heart arranges a melody..."

Nya practically melted, utterly in love and sinking against the wall. Perhaps it was a good thing she wasn't in this scene; she'd practically faint every time. The only good thing about Harumi being Frenchy was the fact that she had to be on stage in this scene; if she caught Nya swooning over Jay, the teasing would be brutal.

Nya felt her heart ache a little. Would she even be able to get through this? She knew that Harumi was only trying to get into her head and attempt to drive her out of the role, but her words still hurt. It also didn't help that she knew Nya had a crush on Jay.

Nya peered through the curtains, watching Harumi's fake lovey-dovey face with a brow raised. I see how you act in front of Lloyd all the time, honey. That is the fakest smile I've ever laid eyes on. You aren't fooling anyone, and I thought you were an actress.

Nya took a deep breath, collecting herself. No need to become a Harumi clone. She focused on Jay's voice, his sweet yet strong vocals.

"Oh-h! My darling..."

"God, I love him." She whispered to herself.

"I see." Someone's voice appeared behind her.

"Ah!" Nya hissed, nearly tripping over a bench. "Shit, what the-"

"Oh, I'm sorry." Nya instantly recognized the voice as Zane's, even before he stepped out to the light. "I didn't mean to overhear. I was just waiting for my cue."

"H-How long were you standing there?" Nya felt her face heat up as she plopped onto the bench.

"Since the start of the song."

"God..." Nya dropped her head in her hands. "Pretend you didn't hear me, please."

"There's no need to feel ashamed, Nya. But if you insist, my lips are sealed." He gave her a genuine smile.

Nya smiled back. No wonder why Pixal liked him so much.

"Hey, sit down with me." She patted the seat next to her. "You got any gossip to trade?"

Zane took the seat. "Lots. I'm more of a listener than a talker." His face suddenly flushed. "Oh, but I'm not one to share if I know it'll harm someone. I just... know."

Nya stared blankly. "Oh, wow. Um, good to know?"

"Believe me, I'm not... Never mind." He shook his head. "Alright. I'm sure you want to know something about Harumi."

"No, I'm not one for revenge or blackmail." She laughed. "I was actually wondering about-"

"Jay?"

"Zane..." Nya rolled her eyes. "You."

"What do you mean?" Zane stiffened a little.

"C'mon, I barely know you." She glanced to the side. "Well, apart from what Pixal tells me."

Zane leaned closer, trying to face her. "What? What does Pixal say about me?"

"Just that you're sweet, and caring, and all that fluff." Nya smirked. "What, you expected something else?"

"No, no, I just- I figured it would be something negative."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes! Of course." Zane turned away, but Nya could see a light blush on his cheeks, even in the pitch-black wings. He sighed heavily and shook his head again. "I didn't think she cared about me at all, or knew my name."

"Of course she knows your name. You sit next to her in physics."

"Oh. I suppose I meant that as a sort of a metaphor." Zane glanced at his hands. "Most people treat me like a human calculator. They always ask me for the answers on their homework. Even when I'm not in their class."

"Oh, crap. That's right." Nya nodded, remembering that Sky told her the same exact thing. Zane was the guy you went to for homework help, even impossible cases like Mr. Borg's calculus class (Pixal couldn't get answers out of her own father, no matter how hard she tried).

"Do not get me wrong, I enjoy helping people. I just suppose it's nice to know that there's people that care about me, outside from the homework help."

"Trust me, Zane. You've found a home here." Nya smiled and held his hand. "You should try talking to Pix after school, you know, outside of class. She's really shy, so she hasn't tried to talk to you yet."

"Is that like... asking her out?"

"What? No, no, don't-" Nya tried her best not to giggle. "Just say hi to her first and see where the conversation takes you. But, you know, try not to sneak up on her." She winked.

Zane smiled. "Alright. I'll give it a try." He stood up. "I should start some study guides while I wait for my cue. I'll talk to you later, Nya."

Nya waved and watched him leave, when she suddenly heard someone brush against the curtains. Turning to her left, she gasped at Harumi standing next to her.

"Hi, girlfriend." She smiled, her eyes almost glowing in the dark.

Nya faced forward, her expression neutral. "You can take that expression off your face, Harumi. I think we're past fake smiles, now that you have me cornered."

"So cold." Harumi's expression darkened into a scowl. "I'm sure you're having a fun time, getting to watch Jay perform his little solo. Aw, and I bet you think he's hamming it up for you, don't you?"

Nya blinked, still staring ahead. "Did you say something, Harumi?" She asked, deadpan.

Harumi scrunched up her nose. "I will be saying something to Garmadon if you keep acting like a bitch. Something along the lines of you trying to sabotage me and drive me out of drama to have the lead roles all to yourself."

"Really? I'd doubt it."

"Oh, really now? You're doubting that I'll tell Garmadon- who, by the way, thinks of me as his other child- and he won't believe me? Really, Nya? Are you that stupid?"

Nya felt her stomach drop, but she kept her face even. "He's not going to believe you, Harumi. You can't do that."

"Come on, Nya. Skylor really didn't tell you?"

"... Tell me what?"

Harumi smirked, sitting down next to her and dropping her voice to an even-quieter whisper than before. "Before Little Shop, we did Beauty and the Beast. Skylor and I both auditioned for Belle."

"... So?"

"Obviously, I got the part. Let's be honest here, I'm a more convincing princess than her, and definitely more than you could ever be." She looked her up and down, and Nya fought the urge to break her nose.

"Anyways, she started to cry once she saw the cast list, ran to the bathroom during class and went home for the rest of the day." Harumi giggled. "So fucking dramatic. It was hysterical." Her smirk turned into a twisted grin. [*]

"Oh god, then here comes the kicker; she comes back the next day with a bruise on her cheek. I guess daddy didn't like that she wasn't the best in show."

"What the fuck?" Nya hissed out loud, standing up, backing away. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Aren't you going to ask me what that has to do with me? My power over Garmadon?"

"Go. To. Hell." Nya raised her middle finger at Harumi, her knees locking up and her heart pounding.

"Nya! It's funny, because she actually did get the part!" Harumi giggled. "They were going to give it to her, only because she had seniority. I strung together a few lies, and boom, that bitch was gone. Garmadon will listen to anything I come up with. Isn't that funny?"

Nya felt tears brim her eyes, feeling as if she just got punched in the stomach. She shook her head, staring down at Harumi. "I truly hope you go to hell, Harumi." She growled, turning away and walking to the dressing rooms.

"Where the hell are you going?" Harumi called after her, standing up. "You really aren't going to tell Skylor, are you?" She faked a pout.

"No, because I actually respect her. She'll talk to me about it if she wants to." Nya walked away from her, glaring at her. "But I'm not going to leave her side from now on. Never."

Harumi called after Nya more, sending threat after threat. Of course it scared her, especially knowing that she possessed actual, harmful power over Garmadon, but Nya couldn't focus on that.

Right now, she needed to talk to her best friend.