***Yes, this is a songfic ;) I will use lyrics as needed. Don't turn on the music until I start including lyrics! LOL***

***(Nya's POV)***

Stupid day. Stupid people. Stupid detention. Stupid society that thinks your stupid worth is found in your stupid body.

I slide off the bike behind Lloyd, and he pulls me into his arms.

"Listen to me, Nya," he whispers, his chin rested on my head. "It's going to be okay."

Oh, right. Because someone sneaking into your room and taking pictures of you in only your underwear is "okay". Lloyd's an 'A'-student. He should know better than this.

He goes on. "I'll talk to Kai for you so he won't take his anger out on you directly."

That sparks hope and relief in me. "Really?"

"You bet."

I squeeze the life out of him. "You're the best. I love you, so, so, so, so, so much."

He squeezes me back, then steps away. "I love you, too. Now let's go see Jay."

I immediately feel guilty. I promised the guy I'd be there for him after he got his tonsils out, and here I am, showing up half an hour after he should've woken up.

Oh, well. Not like Lloyd and I could help it.

I snatch his hand and drag him inside. "Which room is Jay in?"

"307."

"Good. We're taking the stairs."

"Because you don't want to face your big brother?"

"Because...stairs are healthier than elevators? And in the case of an emergency, you should always take the stairs. I would definitely count today as having a butt-ton of emergencies."

I can hear his eye roll. "Whatever you say."

Two minutes later, we stand before Jay's room, and I fiddle with the edge of my shirt. "Um...I need a minute, Lloyd." I whip my phone out of my pocket. I need to do something mundane, like check my social media.

I pull up Chirp and blanch.

Bbhead02: daaaaaaaaaang girl! u should be in my bed

camchange;) : what an attention seeking ho

tsong17: News flash: Nerdy grandma girl gets a bod

"Nya..." Lloyd trails off. He grabs my phone and turns it off.

But it's too late.

Lloyd grabs my shoulders. "I'm so sorry, Nya. If I could, I would – "

I wrench out of his grasp, letting anger overcome my heart. I scrape the weak tears from my cheeks. "It doesn't matter, Lloyd. What's done is done." I begin to push into Jay's room.

Lloyd grasps my wrist. "It's customary to knock first."

"Stupid rules," I growl.

I guess everything's stupid today.

I rap on the door.

"Come in," Jay's mom says.

I steel my tear-stained face and march inside, smiling for the world. This is about Jay, not me.

Jay's eyes light up when he sees me. "Nya," he croaks, his voice enthusiastic. "You're here! And – you're crying." His entire expression morphs to distress.

I let out a humorless laugh, staring at the ceiling to avoid tears. "It's okay, Jay. How are you feeling?"

"Not good," he sniffs, "and it's all because you're sad. Wanna come sit with me?"

I smile a little. Jay never says this many words to me at once. I think it's because he's not comfortable around girls. He must be more confident on anesthetics.

I slowly sit on the edge of his bed, taking care not to jostle him.

My brother's on high alert. "What happened, Sis? Is everything – "

"It's fine, Kai," I snap. "Everything's fine. It's just something that happened at school."

I feel fingers twine with mine, and I look over. Jay's eyes are brimming with tears.

"Who made you sad?" he whispers.

I debate my answer. "I don't know. Somebody did some really mean things, though. It's okay now. Cole and I took care of it." And got detention for beating up the two freaks who propositioned me, but I'm not going to bother Jay with the details.

My brother clenches his fists. "Did you get the principal involved?"

Oh, you'd better believe it. "Yes, Kai," I sigh. "The principal was involved. And I don't intend to go back to school any time soon." Or I will get expelled for issuing death threats to every freak who approaches me.

Jay tugs on my hand, bringing me back to look at him. "You can stay with me, since I can't go to school."

I squeeze his fingers, about to thank him for his sweetness, but he continues.

"And I can make you feel better. Do you want me to tell you all the things that are amazing about you?"

"When the night has come

And the land is dark

And the moon is the only light we'll see,

No, I won't be afraid, no, I won't be afraid,

As long as you stand, stand by me."

I let out a sob of a laugh. I never knew Jay was so...easy to connect with. His kindness is entirely unexpected, but I think it's just what I need.

What am I saying? I don't need anyone. I can take care of myself.

"One thing that's amazing about you," Jay smiles, "is that you're like a living nightlight."

A...what?

"Whenever you're around me, you make the whole room shine brighter. And you make me so happy inside, I just want to laugh for the whole world to hear and give cotton candy to everyone who wants some."

I can't help it: I'm full-on ugly crying. I'm ugly crying over a drugged-up boy's sweet words that only come from a place of dreamland. He can't really mean what he's saying right now. When he's sober, Jay says whatever he's thinking, and I've never heard him tell me this kind of thing before.

But I'm still bawling.

"And darlin', darlin', stand by me,

Oh, now, stand by me,

Stand by me, stand by me."

His eyes caress my face. "Don't be upset, Nya. These are good things. Another really amazing trait about you is how you never give up. It makes me want to try harder, too. You also take charge when nobody else wants to, and you're so smart and witty. And I think other girls get jealous because you're always the most beautiful one in the room."

I open my mouth to say words, but all that comes out is a pitiful squeaking noise.

Oh, come on! I'm usually great at keeping my tears in check. Why does Jay make that any different?

But I really don't want to be anywhere else than with him right now. Lloyd's my best friend, but he doesn't know how to comfort me like this.

"If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall,

Or the mountains should crumble to the sea,

I won't cry, I won't cry, no, I won't shed a tear,

Just as long as you stand, stand by me."

Jay strokes my hand with a thumb, making my heart swell. "And you wanna know something else that's special about you? You're magic."

That makes me laugh, just a little. "How am I magic?"

His eyes gleam. "When you touch me, it's like the stars all align and everything's right in the world. And all I wanna do is – "

My brother clears his throat. "Wow, Jay, that was...something else."

Cole, who's taping the whole scenario, lets out a groan. "Kai, you ruined the moment! And to think, it was going to be the perfect video."

I glare at him for thinking he can just exploit me and Jay like that. "It's not like Jay actually means any of what he's saying. He's drugged up. He probably thinks I'm Reese Witherspoon in princess form or something." I shudder at the thought.

Jay pulls on my hand again, and I give him my attention. "Wow!" he exclaims. "Really? I never knew you were a princess. But...I meant every word, Nya."

That does it. Something in me breaks, and I wrap my arms around him, weeping miserably. I try to choke out as many 'thank-you's' as I can, but I can't make words. All that come out of my throat are sobs.

Okay, note to self: Jay brings out the most emotional side of you, so if you don't want to break down in front of your team and totally humiliate yourself, do not engage him.

I just wish I knew what's different about Jay. Then I could attack that weak part of me so I'm not so vulnerable anymore.

"And darlin', darlin',

Stand by me, oh, stand by me.

Stand by me, stand by me."

I hear the door open, and I wipe all the tears and snot from my face. I seriously hope Jay's okay with having it all over him.

I take his hand, pulling back from our hug. That gives me the ability to form coherent, if not a little shaky, sentences. "Thank you, Jay. You made me feel all better." Even if it was due to him being on anesthetics.

"I did?" he gasps, the most jubilant look I've ever seen in his eyes. It suddenly dims.

"I don't feel so good," he frowns. "Like, my throat hurts, and I'm kind of cold. And achy."

My heart twists. What he said to me...it meant so much. The least I can do is make sure he isn't in so much pain.

I glare at the nurse. "You heard your patient: He's cold and achy. Do your job for once and fix that." Was I clear enough?

Lloyd cringes. "Um, sorry, she's had a bad day." Understatement of the century. "But it would be really nice if you could maybe give Jay some more medicine."

"O-of course," the nurse swallows, giving me a wary look. "But I must insist that, uh, a few of you leave the room. There are technically only supposed to be four visitors in here, given that Mr. Walker, um, is easily excitable."

"What's there to be excited about?" he rasps.

I smile, filled with the urge to answer his questions and ease his pain. "You get to pick four people to stay in here and hang out with you," I explain. "Who do you want?"

"You," he sighs happily, staring into my eyes. "Definitely you."

My stomach tingles for some reason. I've been getting that way around Jay sometimes ever since this summer. Don't ask me why. Maybe it's because we connect so well emotionally.

Jay points to his best friend. "And I want Cole, since he's the best."

Fluttery feeling gone.

Cole chuckles. "And it's a good thing I'm staying, because I'm getting this on video. And I'm making copies, lots and lots of copies!"

I look back down at Jay to see his expression has fallen to sadness. "I want my mom," he mumbles.

"I'm right here, honey," Edna reassures him.

"No, I want my other mom."

I wince. He must be referring to his birth mother.

Let's just say I have a feeling she won't be showing up any time soon.

I squeeze his shoulder. "I promise, Jay, that if she comes, she can stay in here."

"Really?" he asks, giving me a watery smile.

"Really. Now, you get to pick two more people who are here right now."

"Two more?" he grins.

I ache at his swollen expression, moving a little closer. "Mm-hmm."

The nurse pops back in, a shot in hand.

Well, good for him. He's doing something worthwhile. I knew intimidating that guy would work.

"What's that?" Jay asks, referring to an instrument in the man's hand.

The nurse rubs antiseptic on Jay's forearm. "It's a shot," he states.

"I don't like shots," Jay whimpers.

I squeeze his fingers. "Hey, look at me." I wait until he listens. "Jay, we want you to have the shot because it'll make you feel better." The idea of him in pain...I can't stand it right now. Not after how he's been so kind to me this afternoon.

Of course, he did make me cry, so I'm sure these fuzzy feelings will be replaced with awkwardness later. But whatever.

He gazes into my eyes, and that butterfly feeling returns. "Do you want me to have it?" he asks softly.

I stroke his arm. "Yes. You made me better, remember? And now this shot can do that for you, and I'll be even happier to see you feeling good."

His eyes brighten. "Okay. I'll do it for you, as long as it makes you happy."

I chuckle. "Thank you, Jay."

Before he knows what's happening, the nurse is injecting the shot into Jay's arm. His muscles relax under my hands, and his eyes cloud a little.

"Much better," he exhales.

"Um, about the people limit..." the nurse tries.

I pull Jay's curls away from his forehead, trying to get his attention. "You get to pick two more people to stay with you, Jay."

He gasps, the goofiest grin on his face. He points to the nurse. "Can he stay? You were right, Nya, the medicine they give you here really does feel good!"

Ed clears his throat. "Edna, I'm afraid our son might be becoming an addict."

I burst into giggles. Jay's not an addict; he just likes a little pain relief. And honestly, after having your tonsils removed, who doesn't?

I try to explain things to him. "Um...Jay, you get to pick two more people, plus the nurse."

"I want mom and dad!" he says excitedly.

I wave to my best friend. "See you in a few hours, Lloyd."

Kai moans. "Come on! I get to miss seeing dopey Jay?"

Protectiveness rises in me. I may be a great deal prouder than Jay, but I don't think he'd like having his emotions played when he's so vulnerable.

Cole laughs. "Trust me, Kai, I'll be posting this on BorgTube. You won't miss a thing."

Lloyd wraps an arm around my shoulders. "You'll be okay, right?"

"Just fine," I grouch. It's not like I'm weak just because Jay messes with my feelings so much!

I swat Lloyd's arm before I say something I regret. "Now, get out of here, you rulebreaker."

Lloyd reluctantly rises, and I know he'll be talking to Kai about the photos of me as soon as they leave the room. I mentally prepare myself. Kai's going to be –

Jay pulls me back to reality. "Nya, do you think they can top me off on this medicine stuff before I go?"

I simper. "We'll see, Jay."

He shivers. "I'm cold. Can you climb in next to me?"

I bite my lip. I don't usually...

Oh, whatever. It's Jay. He's harmless. I think he's the kind of guy who flips bugs over when they're stuck on their backs, suffocating.

"Of course," I reply, patting his hand.

I swing my legs over the side of his bed, curling into his side. He snuggles up next to me, and I try hard not to laugh at him.

"You're my favorite," he whispers, his breath tickling my ear.

"I am?" I ask.

"Mm-hmm."

"Thank you," I wink. "Did you rest well while they were doing your surgery?"

"I did! It's the best I've slept in a long while. You know, with the road trip we just had and all, it was really hard to get sleep."

Said road trip would be Kai's genius idea to pile the whole team, plus Skylor, into a van, then take us to see sights in Ninjago for two weeks. It sounds great on the surface, but when you add in the fact that we got back the weekend before school started...we were rushing to get ready.

"But I'm glad we had that trip," Jay goes on. "And I'm glad I got to sit next to you. Cole never wears deodorant – okay, at school he does – but anyway, you smell a lot better than him."

"Thanks, Jay."

"You're welcome!" He places his arms around me. "You make me feel all warm. Thanks for coming to see me."

"We're a team, Jay. That's why Cole and Lloyd and...well, everybody came."

"Then where's Zane?"

I bite my lip. The truth is, he's at the computer lab trying to get those inappropriate photos of me off the Internet. I'm not about to tell Jay that, though.

"Um, Jay..." I trail off. "How about you tell me about..."

"My pet narwhal I met in my dream?" he exclaims.

I swallow. "Yes, Jay. Tell me all about him."

"Well, it's a 'she', actually. And I named her after a laxative, because laxatives have such catchy names."

I bury my head in his chest and guffaw.

"You think I'm funny?" Jay asks, joy lacing his tone.

When I can finally speak again, I nod. "Jay, you are absolutely hilarious."

***(Jay's POV)***

I realize I have absolutely no idea how I got here.

I'm standing in the lobby of the hospital, leaning heavily against Cole. Actually, I'm walking out of the lobby.

Huh.

"I'm driving," Cole says. "And Edna can have the front passenger seat. And since Jay so ardently campaigned to sit next to you on the way back, Nya, I'm afraid you're stuck with him."

I blanch. I did what?

She smiles. "I don't mind, Cole."

She...doesn't?

I try to process what's going on as the fresh air hits me like a train. I stumble a little, and Cole grabs my arms.

"Whoa, buddy," he says. "Take it easy, would you? We don't need you back in the hospital."

"Sorry," I mumble.

That's when I realize my mouth hurts. Really bad.

And I just don't feel good at all.

We make it to the earth drill, and Nya opens my door for me. I manage a "thank you" before flopping into my seat.

Nya pops her head in the other side, then crawls over the seats and buckles me in. "You okay, buddy?"

"Don't feel good," I mutter.

"Aww. I'm sorry. I guess the last time they gave you pain meds was a few hours ago. It's getting late." She fastens herself into the seat right next to me, laying her head on my shoulder.

I blink. That's...new. A nice kind of new, but I'm wondering what in Ninjago is going on.

"Do you need anything?" she asks softly.

Having her this close is messing with my mind even more, and I can't form a coherent thought.

So the words just spill out of my mouth. "I need to snuggle."

I take a moment to let that stand, not sure what that actually implies. Was that forward at all?

Why would I even think to say a thing like that?

But she laughs. "I'm not very good at snuggling, but I'll try." She nestles under my shoulder, curling her arms around my waist.

Wow. Nya has upped her touchy-feeliness since I last saw her. Especially with me. Like, she holds hands with Lloyd and gets piggyback rides from Cole, but not with me. I've always thought it was because she believed I was gross.

Maybe not?

But I feel gross right now.

She strokes my face. "You're looking a little pale. Are you going to get sick?"

Wow, it's amazing to have her this close.

But I still feel the urge to spill my guts. "I...think so," I manage.

She squeezes my hand. "Cole, roll down his window and pull over!" she orders.

But I just don't make it that far. I get sick on Cole's seat.

And on Nya.

As soon as I stop retching, tears push against my eyes. "I'm sorry," I sniffle. "I – I didn't mean to get that on you. I know it's disgusting, and you probably never want to see me again, and – "

She rubs my shoulders, her face only a little grossed out. It's more...concerned.

"It's okay," she says soothingly. "You can't help it."

"Okay?" Cole exclaims. "Okay? You got barf all over my seats! My poor baby!"

"Don't listen to him," Nya encourages me. "Do you need to throw up again?"

"No," I swallow, unable to do much more. I just feel awful.

Nya unbuckles her seatbelt and crawls into my lap, pushing my hair from my forehead. "I'll help hold your head over the window next time," she reassures me. She wraps her arms around my neck and holds me for a moment.

I bury my face in her shoulder, even though I know I don't smell good. I just need something to focus on besides this nausea.

"It's okay, Jay," she whispers, massaging my back.

My body begins to relax as I dwell on her. "Why are you doing this?" I sniffle.

"Doing what?"

"Being so nice to me. You don't even know I exist."

She runs her hand through my hair. "I know you exist, Jay. We're a trio: You, Cole, and me."

"But you never pay attention to me. So...why are you taking care of me?" I start crying uncontrollably.

Cole raises his voice from the front seat. "Guys, you need to be less emotional. This video is losing steam, fast."

"No one cares about your stupid video, Cole," Nya growls. She turns her face toward me. "Shh, it's okay."

"No, it's not. You don't deserve to have my puke all over you. You don't deserve to be stuck taking care of me when you obviously don't want to."

"Of course, I want to take care of you, Jay. You're so sweet and innocent. I hate to see you hurting so much."

"Why?"

"I just said that you're sweet and innocent."

"That doesn't justify me throwing up all over you! You shouldn't want to be anywhere near me!"

"Shh. It's okay, buddy. You're going to make yourself sick again." She continues to rub circles on my back. "Just relax. Everything's all right."

"No, it's – "

I feel the urge to barf again, and I have just enough time to get the floorboard this time.

"Oh, come on!" Cole mewls.

Nya uses an old napkin to wipe off my face as I slump against my car door. She kneels down next to me.

"Try to stay calm, Jay," she says softly.

"You're literally squatting down in my throw up!"

She scrunches up her nose, looking down. "Yuck. But...well, there's nothing I can do about it now." She squeezes my hand.

I sniffle. "Thank you."

"Don't worry about it, buddy. Just don't make this a regular thing, okay? There's only so much barf I can take. I may have been raised with my slob of an older brother, but I have my limits."

I tear up, and she wipes the droplets from under my eyes. "Hey, I was joking. Are you feeling sleepy at all? Do you think it'd help to rest for a little while until we're back?"

"No," I mumble. "I want to remember this."

"Why would you want to remember being sick?" She gives me a worried look.

"Because I've never been this close to a princess before." Now that I remember happening. It still blows my mind that she's royalty. But then, it shouldn't. I mean, she can be whatever she puts her mind to.

She chuckles. "Thank you for the compliment, Jay. I do give autographs."

"Oh, it's okay, but thanks. I still have those notes you let me borrow for algebra last year, and you wrote all over those."

"Huh. I didn't actually remember doing that, but I guess you're right. You've got a good memory."

"I always remember when it comes to you." I close my eyes, enjoying the warm fuzziness I feel.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she giggles.

"It means I lo- owwww! My mouth hurts," I choke out.

"I'm sorry, buddy. You said snuggling would make you feel better?"

"Uh-huh."

She climbs up next to me, holding me close. "How's this?"

"Better," I exhale. "Are you gonna take care of me at the monastery, too? Because I don't know if I can do two weeks of recovery without your help."

She smiles. "Yes, Jay, I'll take care of you. I have a feeling you and I are going to be getting to know each other a whole lot better very soon."

"And darlin', darlin', stand by me,

Oh, stand by me,

Whoa, stand now,

Stand by me, stand by me.

Whenever you're in trouble, won't you stand by me?

Oh, stand by me.

Whoa, just stand now,

Oh, stand, stand by me."