Kai sat in the backstage, eating through a box of leftover noodles Skylor brought him. He had skipped lunch again, and sometimes Garmadon's endless supply of clementines just wasn't enough. He finished up the box, tossing it in a trash can before moving closer to the stage door.

He could hear Skylor rehearsing her solo on stage for the first time, the workshop music occasionally ringing a bell now and then. Kai swallowed, unsure of how he'd be able to focus once he got to his solo with that damn bell ringing every ten seconds.

There was also the fact that whatever Harumi said to Nya still remained a mystery to him, and it was eating him alive. He was already easily distracted, and with that on his mind, he knew he was setting himself up for failure.

"Kai? You're still here?" Skylor had apparently finished her solo, now standing next to him.

"Huh? Yeah, of course I am." He straightened up. "I'm waiting for Nya."

"Nya left with Pixal half an hour ago." Skylor rose a brow. "You told her it was alright."

"Oh, shit, that's right." He chuckled nervously, feeling his face heat up. "I meant I was, uh- I was waiting for you..."

Skylor gave a look of surprise for a brief moment before relaxing her expression. "Well, I'd believe it. But I hope you realize I'm going to Pixal's too. I just had to finish my solo and go over some lines."

Kai wanted to slap himself. "Right, duh. I knew that." He rubbed at his arm anxiously. "But, um, you can't stick around for a little? I'm not working tonight..."

"I dunno Kai, I'm sorry. It's for pre-calc, we have to do this stupid presentation." Skylor took his hand and squeezed it, and Kai felt as if his heart was about to explode.

"No, I- I get it." Kai smiled as gently as he could, his heart pounding faster as Skylor ran her thumb along the back of his palm. "School comes first. And I'm sure- I-I know that Nya's gotta get that stuff done..."

"I still feel bad." Skylor sighed. "Maybe the next time we're both off... we could grab some food? Maybe not noodles, I'm sure you're sick of it." She laughed.

"Nah, I could never get sick of your cooking." Kai smirked, taking a risk and squeezing her hand in return.

"Well, I certainly am." Skylor smirked, moving in a little closer. "I could totally go for a pizza."

"Yeah?" Kai's heart was nearly pounding out of his chest now, his eyes focused on Skylor's plush lips. They were parted ever-so-slightly, her tongue barely visible, but there, inviting him.

"We're doing this, huh?" Skylor mumbled, her voice low. She slipped her arms around his waist, her hands inching up his back and onto his shoulders. Kai lifted her head up with a finger on her chin, his thumb gliding across her cheek. He felt awfully embarrassed, knowing that his heart was thumping against her chest as she moved into a full embrace.

Skylor pulled his face in slowly, closing her eyes. Kai trembled slightly, titling his head and barely touching his lips against hers.

Then, with the baby steps out of the way, he fully kissed her, holding her by the hips and dipping her slightly. She giggled at the gesture, wrapping her arms around his neck. God, she was gorgeous.

Without warning, she pulled away, laughing softly. "Kai, that was... I probably shouldn't have..."

"Why not?" Kai leaned against the wall, smirking. "That was pretty great. Have you kissed before? I sure haven't."

"It's not that." Skylor waved her hand. "And no, I haven't." She moved past him to grab her bag. "I don't want us to grow too close. My... My dad wouldn't let me."

"Who cares, Sky?" Kai took her hand, frowning. "We're both old enough to make our own decisions. Who gives a shit what anyone else thinks?"

"You don't understand, Kai." Skylor's expression darkened as she pulled out of his hold. "I'm sorry. Can we talk about this another time? I need to meet Nya and Pixal."

Kai felt his temper boil. "Oh yeah, sure, put that off. Just like you're holding back on me about whatever the fuck Harumi said to Nya!"

Skylor stepped back, stunned. "Kai-"

"No, you know what? It's fine." Kai pushed past her, grabbing his bag. "I'll figure it out myself. I just thought you'd be on my side, but of course I'm the bad guy here."

As soon as he stepped out of the theater, he felt like an absolute idiot. He wanted to run back inside, taste her lips again, tell her he was sorry...

Of course, he had to screw everything up. As usual. No wonder why no one liked him. Absolutely no one at all.
-
"Chemistry, Kai!" Garmadon snapped his fingers. "Understand the complexities behind your character's emotions. Sure he may be annoyed with Rizzo on the surface, but beneath he is smitten. He would do anything for her."

Kai sighed, running his fingers though his hair. You don't have to tell me twice, Garmy. Skylor's arms crossed her chest, her gaze intently focused on Garmadon, refusing to make any additional contact with Kai.

Garmadon chuckled softly. "I apologize Kai, I repeatedly forget that you are new to theater." His gaze shifted towards Skylor. "But you, Skylor... I expect more."

Out of the corner of his eye, Kai could have sworn he had seen Harumi smirk. He clenched his fist, reminding himself to stay cool. Just like West Side Story... Jeez, I've been hanging around Nya for too long.

And then there was Nya. Kai glanced over to his sister, focusing on the scene ahead of her. She met his eyes and smiled, giving him a thumbs up. Kai nodded slightly and smiled back, turning back to Skylor and Garmadon.

Nya had known about what happened last night with Skylor. She wasn't hostile towards him, casual but cautious, treading on eggshells. Almost as if she were afraid of him. But why is she so afraid to tell me the truth? What am I doing wrong?

"Kai?" Misako patted him on the arm. "May I take you in for measurements?"

"Measure- oh, yeah, right." Kai stammered, shaking his head. "Of course, Mrs. G."

He followed her into the dressing room, taking  off his sweatshirt and rubbing at his eyes, knowing that the lack of sleep wasn't helping his case at all.

Misako closed the door, sitting on a stool across from him. "So you wanna tell me what's going on?"

"Huh?" Kai blinked, pointing at himself.

"Yes, you. Who else?" She patted the stool in front of her. "Come on, sit down. I'm not gonna bite."

Kai sat down slowly, not wanting to look her right in the eyes.

"Is it someone here bothering you?" Misako asked directly, causing Kai to stiffen up slightly. "Has someone said something to you or Nya?"

"No." Kai lied, swallowing. "I mean- it's not just theater. It's a lot of stuff." He felt the tears brim his eyes. "I haven't really talked about it. I should've seen a therapist when it happened, but- but I'm fine..."

Misako nodded slowly. "I have all the time in the world if you need to vent. I'm sure it will help you, Kai. You've been distant ever since the cast list was posted."

Kai lowered his eyes, feeling tears escape his eyes. Dammit... He hated crying in front of adults.

"It's just... ever since our mom and dad-" His voice cracked before taking in a deep breath. "I've had to be the adult, and I've lost whatever friends I had because of that. I'm alone now. And- and now I've messed things up with Skylor, all because..." His face flushed. "Because I assumed Harumi threatened Nya."

Instead of Misako reassuring him that wasn't the case, she simply slipped off her glasses and sighed. "I wouldn't put it past her."

"You... what?" Kai blinked. "Uh, no offense, but I thought you and Garmadon-"

"We have had a close relationship with her family, and my husband has taken her under his wing, sure." Misako looked Kai directly in the eyes. "But we aren't stupid. We know."

"Then..." Kai shook his head. "Why aren't you doing anything? I mean, if you know!"

"We can't, Kai." Misako sighed, slipping her glasses back on. "We don't have any evidence-"

"She threatened Nya! And didn't she threaten Jay in the past too? You're Lloyd's mother, I know you had to know something about that!"

"Kai..." Misako warned, glaring. "You seem to forget that I am a teacher first, mother second in this environment."

Kay lowered his eyes. "I'm sorry, but I just want Nya to be okay."

"We all want the best for her."

"She certainly doesn't feel safe now." Kai snapped. "She's terrified to even show up to rehearsals. She thinks I don't notice, but I share a fucking room with her. I know her, better than anyone. She's scared, Mrs. G, and I'm scared too!" Kai was speaking so quickly, he felt as if he was about to pass out, his heart pumping full of adrenaline. "I get that every girl here wanted the lead, but is it really that important? Does Harumi's life depend on it?"

"Kai, don't blow this out of proportion. I'm only here to help."

"You know what?" Kai stood up, grinning. "You've helped me realize how messed up this place is. I'm staying, only because you're desperate for actors, I wanna prove this bitch wrong, and obviously, I'll never force Nya to quit. She worked her ass off to get here, and I'm not buying into your little scare tactics to edge her out."

"Kai-"

"My measurements can wait, thanks Mrs. G. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a solo to perform. Thanks for the chat." Kai waved goodbye, slamming the door behind him.