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

I wake up to nosy sunlight poking its head in on my sweet dreams. My internal alarm says I need to get up for class, but then, summer classes don't start until next month. Stupid internal alarm.

I blink, taking in my surroundings. Everything's blurry without my contacts in, but I know for a fact this is not my room.

And then it all comes rushing back, and my eyes bug. I'm at Nya's.

Oh my gosh. I'm back in her life.

I feel something – or rather, someone – right next to me, and I look down to see that it's her. She's nestled next to me, still sleeping. I have one arm draped over her to keep her close.

Well.

I'd be a demon if I dared move and wake her. She looks exhausted.

And she probably is, to be honest. I mean, she's changing jobs and cities, then she meets up with her ex, finds out her brother trashed her house, and learns she's the star of a dating game TV show all in one day.

I get that it's a lot.

I look around. What time is it? All the clocks are reset due to the power outage last night, so I can't trust the alarm Kai set up next to her bed. Plus, I left my phone in the kitchen last night.

It appears to be pretty bright outside, so I know it has to be around nine in the morning, at least.

And if Nya's going to back out of that contract like I promised her she could, she needs to see the producers before twelve today.

I carefully lift my arm from around her, and she makes a soft noise in her sleep.

Oh, gosh. I haven't been this close to her since we were dating. It makes me want to cry and sing at the same time. I've missed the way she feels next to me.

I can't let her go now. I think she still cares about me, even after three years. I mean, we were on the verge of engagement. The brink of the rest of our lives. And things ended so quickly, neither of us got any closure.

I finish climbing out of bed and tuck the blankets around her so she can get a little more rest. We don't really need to leave for the studio until eleven this morning.

I then pad out of the bedroom, taking special care not to trip over anything in the floor. My eyesight is...not the greatest without correction.

After a pitstop in the bathroom to change and put in my contacts, I head out to the kitchen and locate my phone on the now-fixed table. I turn it on, and the screen flashes with the time 9:37.

I wasn't that far off.

I pull open my texting app to see if there's anything from my parents, but all I find are almost forty messages from Kai.

Kai: Y won't u answer my calls

Kai: ???

Kai: U CAN'T LET NYA BACK OUT OF THIS

Kai: I THOUGHT U WANTED BACK WITH HER???

Kai: WE HAD A DEAL, WALKER!!!!!!!!

Kai: 😡

Kai: 😡😡

Kai: 😡😡😡

Kai: I could do this all nite

Kai: jk, going 2 bed now

Kai: tty 2morrow

Kai: WALKER I CAN'T SLEEP IT'S 2 AM ANSWER YOUR PHONE 😟

Kai: ...

Kai: ...

Kai: good morning

Kai: it's seven. r u up????

Kai: ur car is in my sister's driveway

Kai: u stayed the nite???

Kai: i thought she was mad at u

Kai: um, the door is locked

Kai: forgot my house key

Kai: LET ME IN

Kai: time 2 go shoppine

Kai: *shopping LOL

Kai: ur not up yet???

Kai: WALKERRRRRRRRRRRR

Kai: 😤

Kai: y do i put up with this

Kai: i've been standing outside 4 20 minutes

Kai: lol, i said 420

Kai: WALKER! I'VE BEEN STANDING OUTSIDE.

Kai: 4.

Kai: 20.

Kai: MINUTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kai: ...

Kai: u and my sister must have been up pretty late 😏

Kai: ok, that was kind of gross. no more of that

Kai: YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Kai: ...i'll be back. producer called. leaving Nya's 2 outfits on the step 👍

Kai: DON'T YOU DARE LET HER GET HER HANDS ON HER CONTRACT

Kai: ok bai

The last message came at around 8:45, so I figure I still have a good few minutes before I need to message Kai back. Or rather, call him back. Kai's already used up most of my texting plan for the month, and it's only the second week of May.

I realize I do have one text from someone other from Kai, and it's from my mom.

Mom :) : Good luck today, sweetie! We'll be watching when the show airs tonight ;) We love you, and tell Nya we said 'hi'! xoxo <3

Awwwwww.

I send her back a quick reply, then walk outside to my car. I actually found Kai's missing house key last night – he left it on Nya's kitchen table – so I use it to lock up after myself. Nya's always been a cautious person – 'always' meaning ever since her parents' deaths. She invariably locks her doors, drives the speed limit, and waits thirty minutes after eating to go swimming. And she makes sure everyone she cares about does the same.

That's one of the few points of contention I think we had in our relationship – I wanted to go on with life as I had before she lost her mom and dad, but she felt like I was taking too many risks. In all honesty, I did – and still do – risk a lot, but I'm an inventor and a bit of an adrenaline junkie.

She is, too. She just takes much more calculated risks than she used to.

I make a quick run to the convenience store and pick up a few things I know will help her feel more at home – coffee for the brewer Kai set up but failed to stock, a cheap three-pack of generic t-shirts she'll be more comfortable in than designer clothes, some ingredients for breakfast.

I guess that since Nya won't be staying in the mansion provided for her by Single and Looking for the next two weeks, she'll need some creature comforts in her new house.

I almost feel guilty about helping Kai get the producers on board with having her as their bachelorette.

Almost.

But it doesn't matter, anyway – if she's rejecting her contract from the TV show, the plan Kai and I created won't ever come to fruition. At least Nya and I have finally reunited, though, and I have an excuse to help her around her house for the next few days.

It's kind of a pity that the show won't work out. From what Kai's told me about Nya, she displayed more real emotions in one day yesterday than she has in the past month. Even if those emotions were anger, frustration, and a little hurt, I'd rather her finally deal with her feelings than hide them because she's too scared to deal with them. And if the show makes her deal with her feelings, then it could have been good for her.

When I get back, Nya's still in bed. I go ahead and grab the frying pan I bought, then butter it and place a few slices of whole grain bread on. As a couple – especially after her parents passed – Nya always liked it when I would stay the night at her house or she would stay at mine. Kai wasn't around a lot of the time, and she was incredibly lonely.

But at least I know what breakfast foods she likes now. When I used to stay over with her, I'd be the first one up – or at least, I'd try to be – and I would make her food.

It kind of bothers me to think that after she left me, the only person around to keep her company and remind her to eat was her grieving brother.

I wonder if that's why Kai thinks he has to fix things between us. Maybe this is some sort of recompense for what he put her through, what with him not being around when they needed each other the most.

I guess Nya did have one friend back in high school – Seliel. Nya met her in February of her senior year, and while I can't say Seliel was the best influence, she was there for her.

By 'not the best influence', I mean that Seliel is – in the plainest terms possible – a conspiracy theorist. And I don't just mean she thinks the government is watching. One time, I had to kidnap Nya from her house because Seliel was convinced the ghost of the First Spinjitzu Master was living in her closet. Neither Nya nor I were comfortable with ghostbusting like they do on Borgfeed Unsolved.

I return to the situation at hand, flipping the toast over. Once it's done, I scramble some eggs and make Nya a plate of food. Then, I pad to her bedroom and peek inside.

She's not up yet.

I slip in, seating myself on the edge of her bed and running my fingers through her hair. "Nya?"

I can't help but think that if she'd accepted my proposal three years ago, we would have woken up to many more mornings like this.

She stirs a little, blinking at me. She looks happy, then confused, then frustrated. "Jay, what..." Her groggy voice trails off, and her eyes bug. "What time is it?! We still have time to get to the studio, right?" She sits straight up in bed.

I smile. "We have time. We have half an hour before we need to go, so I made you a quick breakfast. Since you never take much time to get ready, I figure you have time to eat a little."

She sighs with relief, flopping back against the flimsy pillow Kai bought her. "Oh my gosh, that was scary." She sniffs the air, frowning. "What's that smell?"

"I made breakfast, remember?"

"Oh. You...did?"

"Yup. Eggs and toast. And I bought you a few things from the convenience store down the road – just some generic t-shirts and a pocket calendar and stuff like that." I eagerly wait for her reaction.

She regards me for a moment, saying nothing. Her eyes gaze at me with softness and...pity?

She proceeds to bury her face in her pillow. "Thanks. I'll be up in a minute, okay? Are you sure we won't run into traffic on our way to the studio?"

"The studio's only about thirty minutes from here, Nya. Even with traffic, which shouldn't be too bad at ten in the morning, we'll have plenty of time to arrive and find that contract, okay?"

She nods against her pillow in a silent sign of thanks, but my heart thrills at the simple gesture.

I did something to please her. I know I sound like I'm five, but the fact that I'm on her good side...it's been a while. Who needs a dating TV show if Nya Smith is already on her way to liking me again? Well, I hope she is, at least.

I head for the kitchen and tap Kai's number in on my phone, then press it to my ear as I wait for him to pick up.

"Walker?" he eventually huffs over the line. "This'd better be important. I'm kind of busy with the producer right now. He told me the audience reaction to Nya is priceless – they already love how spunky she is – and he's telling me about some ideas for dating scenarios he has over the next two weeks. Of course, I'll make sure you get plenty of one-on-one time with her. I – "

"I'm taking her to the studio to reject her contract right now, Kai." I lean against her wooden kitchen counter.

He sputters. "W-what?"

"Your sister and I are heading to the studio in a few minutes to reject that contract. She's miserable, Kai."

"Nya's been miserable for the past few years! You and I are fixing that, remember?"

"No, I'm fixing that. Nya deserves to make her own decision here. Besides, do either of us really like the idea of her dating around with ten guys – minus me, of course – who are just out for what she can do for them?"

"But Jay, the publicity! This has really catalyzed my acting career. I'm getting offers from all over the place, and not just for an extra or a character in a commercial. People are finally seeing my best side."

I blink, unimpressed. "What was I just saying about guys who only cared what Nya could do for them?"

"Pfft," Kai spits. "Whatever, Walker. Nya gets a huge check out of this deal, and she's starting work as a mechanic. She could use the money."

"She doesn't want to, though. She's happy with a blue-collar job and a small but cozy house. She doesn't need designer clothes to be happy or look amazing because she's so comfortable with who she is." Something I've always envied about her – she's perfectly content to be who she is.

On our third date – the one before I finally asked her to be my girlfriend – she told me to stop it with the bull and just be myself. I'd been doing my best to impress her, but she saw right through it and wanted to get to know me.

And she really liked the side of me that came out that evening – I think she did, at least. I mean, when the date was over, she agreed to be my girlfriend and told me I was best when I was just being myself.

Kai sighs heavily. "Ninjago to Jay Walker? Are you even listening to me right now?"

"Oh? Uh, sorry." I shake my head. "I was lost in thought. Anything else I can do for you?"

"Stay away from the studio!"

Nya picks that moment to walk into the kitchen, and I beam at her, bringing over her plate of breakfast. "Hey, Nya. Wanna say something to your brother?"

"Heck, yes." She makes a reach for the phone.

"Hanging up now," Kai growls. The line goes dead.

"Too late," I shrug. "He chickened out."

"Just like him to do that," she grumbles, snatching a plastic fork from my shopping bag and scooping some scrambled eggs onto her toast. "Um...thanks for the food."

"It's no problem. I really...really hope you enjoy it, Nya." Do I sound like too much of a simp?

She shovels the food into her mouth as I eat what's left from the pan. Things are relatively silent between us – I don't want to push my boundaries too much after springing the whole dating show thing on her yesterday.

Within a few minutes, she tosses her paper plate in the trash can that Kai failed to buy liners for.

"Ready to go?" she asks, quickly swiping a napkin over her face.

"Oh, yeah." I wipe the back of my hand over my mouth, mimicking her movements.

She stifles a smile, tossing a paper towel at me. "You haven't changed at all. I'll be waiting in the car."

"O-okay." I...haven't changed at all? Is that good? Bad? Somewhere in between?

Once I quickly clean up my rather messy face, I grab my wallet and change into my old jeans and one of Kai's button-up's. I also spritz on a little cologne – I wore way too much when Nya and I first dated – and head out to my car, where she waits in the driver's seat.

Of course.

Nya doesn't admit it, but she's slightly uncomfortable with anyone else driving. It goes back to the car accident her parents died in – she follows road rules to a tee these days, and anyone who doesn't do the same isn't fit to drive, in her opinion. The fact that she let me drive yesterday is...interesting.

I climb into the passenger seat and hand her the keys wordlessly. I guess I'll just be giving her directions to the studio this morning.

Nya drives in the freeway's right lane the entire time, using cruise control to stay three miles per hour under the limit and never forgetting to use a turn signal.

Yep. She's always loved cars, but it took her four months to get back behind the wheel after her parents' accident. I would drive to her house and pick her up for school every morning, then make a game out of getting her to drive again. I'd share half my pudding with her for sitting in the front seat for a moment, just getting used to the feel of it again. I'd put on my "Nya playlist" of her favorite songs if she was willing to drive a ring around the school parking lot.

Of course, nowadays, she hardly lets anyone else drive. She just plain won't ride if Kai's driving, as he's told me. And she never liked Seliel's driving when we were in high school.

I guess she's okay with cab drivers, herself, and...me? I mean, she did let me drive yesterday, even if she's giving me the passenger side this morning. She must trust me to some extent.

Oh my gosh, she trusts me. I feel honored and giddy and...simp-y.

As soon as we make it to the studio, Nya's out of my car and heading inside. She barely turns to ask me, "Where's the producer, Walker?"

"Oh, right." I slam my car door and jog to catch up with her. "I'll show you to his office. Last I knew, he was meeting with Kai, so he hopefully isn't occupied right now."

"What did he want with my brother?" she huffs. "And why is the producer male if this show is all about a girl? Now I know why everything seems so chauvinistic! Everyone acts like I need a guy to be happy or something!" Her expression grows in anger.

I take her hand in mine. "Nya, maybe you shouldn't meet with the producer with that kind of attitude. It won't help you in getting the contract."

She growls under her breath, "Stupid Kai."

"We already knew that about him."

She shakes her head. "You're right. Stupid people breed stupid ideas, so I shouldn't be surprised he came up with this."

I knock on the door to the producer's office, her hand still wrapped in mine.

There's no answer from inside.

"Huh," I laugh. "That's weird. Maybe he's out?"

"I don't care. I'm getting that contract." Nya shoves her way into the office before I can say 'let's not get in trouble for riffling through a TV show producer's classified documents'.

She huffs, throwing a sticky note in the air. "He's out for lunch!"

Something bugs me in the back of my mind. "Um...I think...I can call him." I whip out my phone and tap the producer's contact, putting in a call.

No answer.

I then try Kai's contact.

No answer.

Yep, Kai's kidnapped the producer to try to keep Nya from getting her hands on that contract.

"Honey?" I swallow.

"I'm not your 'honey', Jay." She throws open a drawer and tosses several spare papers out.

I grab her shoulders and hold her back. "Nya, don't do that! We could get in so much trouble!"

"I already am in trouble!" she wails. "I'm stuck on a television show where I'm supposed to pick a marriage partner at the end of two weeks!" She elbows me in the ribs to try to get away.

I don't release my hold on her, instead tumbling backwards and rolling away from the desk.

"Jay!" she yells. "Get off! I need that contract, and we only have – how long?! How long do we have before I'm doomed, Jay?!"

I look over at the clock on the wall, stopping our wrestling match on the floor and pinning her to my chest with my arms. "Nine minutes, Nya."

"I thought you said we'd have plenty of time to get to the studio!"

"Yeah, if you were driving the speed of traffic! You were going five miles per hour below everyone else, Nya, and you didn't pass that old guy who was going even slower! And combined with the lunchtime traffic when we finally got off the freeway – "

"I drive safely!" she argues, obviously hurt.

I release a breath, trying to retain my hold on her struggling form. "I'm sorry, Nya. I...that was insensitive there. You're a great driver. I understand that you've been through a lot because of – "

"Stop!" she shouts. "Just stop, okay? You understand the old me – the girl who was a struggling mess who just needed you to – to – "

I manage to wrestle her to the ground, holding her shoulders down with my palms. "Who needed me to what, Nya? Because I'm going to guess you needed the same things then that you need today, and I can still meet that need."

She clenches her eyes shut. "Goshdang it, just let me go."

"Nya, you're going to get us arrested! You just threw private, important documents around willy-nilly. What's with that?"

"I...I have to find that contract." Her breath is ragged as her desperate eyes stare up into mine.

"I know, but don't be so crazy about it, okay?!" My grip on her gentles.

"Gosh," she says under her breath. "When'd you get muscular?"

"I...what?"

"Nothing," she swallows, not meeting my gaze. "It's nothing. Let me go."

"Promise not to go nuts." My eyes travel the slope of her jawbone, and I want to trace it with my mouth.

"Fine. I promise not to go nuts, Jay." She places one arm around my neck.

"Good," I murmur. "Then...I guess I should let you go now."

Her eyes war between desperation and...desire? "Good idea."

I fix a strand of her hair. "So..."

"The contract!" she cries, suddenly lurching from underneath me. "Okay, you have to call that guy until he picks up. He's a producer; it's not like he keeps his phone on silent."

"You're right." I dial him again. The fifth time I try his number, he picks up.

"Walker?" he frowns. "I apologize for not answering – I see that you've called me a few times now. Mr. Smith accidentally powered off my phone, apparently."

"Oh, no, you're fine!" I sigh with relief, giving Nya a thumbs up. She pumps her fist in the air in triumph.

"So what's the matter, Walker? Oh – Kai wants to talk to you. Is that okay?"

"No, it's actually not. Nya – "

"Jay," Kai laughs from the other side of the phone. "So good to hear from you. What outfit did Nya wear to the studio?"

"A t-shirt and jeans, but that's beside the point!" I shake my head. "Get me back on the phone with the producer. I need to ask him what document Nya should sign to recognize her rejection of her contract!"

"What was that?" Kai asks. "I think you're breaking up."

"Shut it, Kai!" I yell. "I need to talk to the producer, or else Nya and I will get in so much trouble for riffling through all his office drawers! I – "

"I'll have to call you back. I can't hear you, Jay. Hope you find whatever it is you're looking for."

"Kai!"

The line goes dead.

I huff out a breath, dialing the producer's number again.

Nya looks ready to blow a fuse. "You're kidding me. My brother just hung up?"

"Precisely."

She throws open another drawer and tears out a folder, flipping through it. My phone goes flying as I dive toward her and pull her away from the desk.

"Stop disorganizing everything!" I exclaim.

"I only have a few minutes until I'm doomed! Disorganization is the least of my worries!"

The door pops open, and I awkwardly look up, Nya still plastered against me.

It's that blonde guy...Floyd? No, Lloyd! It's one of the bachelors from the show!

"Uh..." he frowns. "What are you two...doing in here?"

"Rejecting my contract!" Nya exclaims, pulling away from me and making a grab for my phone. She taps in the passcode – her birthday, which is what my passcode's always been.

Maybe I need to be more discreet.

She pulls up my contacts and finds the producer's number, dialing him again. She listens for a moment, then says in a chillingly calm voice, "No, I don't want to talk to Kai. I want to ask you where – Kai, get off the phone!"

I cringe at Lloyd. "Uh...any chance you know what the time is?"

He glances down at his watch. "11:59 in the morning. Why?"

My eyes bug. "Holy moley, Nya, we – "

The producer suddenly enters his office, and Kai hangs up his call with his sister. He grins wickedly from the doorway

"Happy 12:00, sis!"

***Okay. Going to class now LOL***