•••••

The calm before the storm

Tw: thalassophobia

Two weeks had passed and we were in the height of summer. I'd known Lloyd six weeks. More crap had happened in these past six weeks than in the seventeen years I'd been alive.
It was. Troubling.

To ease that (and to have a sweet, sweet escape from the city heat) we decided to take the Bounty on a short weekend getaway. Well, the ninja decided. They just let me tag along - after some A++ convincing mum on my part.
So, bags packed, I sat outside the front door. Even in the shade, I was sweltering.

Lloyd pulled up in his car and I hopped up, giddy and excited. I'd never been on a trip without my mother before and this would be my first with Lloyd. Sure, I don't really know his team all that well, but that's nothing a little bonding can't fix!
Mum followed me to the car and waited while chucked my bag in the back and hopped shotgun.
"Hi, Mrs. L/n," Lloyd said, only a tad nervous.
"Hey, Lloyd," mum replied, brighter than the last time they'd spoken. "How are you?"
"Oh... y'know," Lloyd shrugged. Mum nodded. "Yep," she replied.

My gaze jumped between them.
"Well, that was painful," I commented. "He needs to join us next family movie night."
Mum rolled her eyes. "Sure, sure, whatever." Then she straightened, eyeing me seriously. "Alright, you two make sure to be safe. No funny business, ya hear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Lloyd saluted. I nodded.
"I want pictures!" she added.
"Yes," I sighed. "We're gonna be late!"
"Alright, alright," mum raised her palms and stepped back. "I'll see you Monday."
I smiled. "I'll call tonight."
"If you don't, you're grounded."
"Mum!"
"I'm kidding," she chuckled. "... mostly."

I shook my head in exasperation. Lloyd started the car and we took off, pulling out into the street.
"Excited?" Lloyd asked, glancing at me with a smile.
"Yeah!" I beamed, nodding eagerly. "I've never been on a big boat before. It's gonna be weird."
"You'll love it," he grinned. "It recently got refurbished. There's now a blow up doll Dareth. It... it was Dareth's suggestion."
I sent him a look out the side of my eyes.
"And you ran with it?"
Lloyd shrugged. "It's the autopilot feature."
"That's terrifying."
"Oh, absolutely. Especially when's it's flying us through the sky."

I giggled, just imagining the sight of it. A familiar song started playing on the radio and I hummed along to it, content in the gentle silence of the car while Lloyd drove.
But then the chorus hit.
"Gotta keep your head up OHHHOHH AND YOU CAN LET YOUR HAIR DOWN EHHHHEHH."
"Oh my gOD-" I snorted at Lloyd's boisterous voice, which had initially scared the skeleton out of me. He laughed loudly, one hand on the steering wheel and the other mimicking a microphone as he continued to sing along to the words.
I tried to sing along but my giggled kept cutting my words short. I couldn't do it in the end, failing to keep my laugh in check.

The next song was another one that Lloyd knew and I got a shotgun seat to his concert. He drummed his fingers on the wheel, laughed at my often horrified expressions when his voice broke and gained many stares through his wide opened window. He just didn't care. It was nice to see him like this.
Soon enough, we were pulling up at the monastery. He grabbed my bags before I could and gestured for me to follow him through a path that cut into the woods.

"We're going to the docking station for the bounty," Lloyd explained. "We can't keep it at the city marina. Last time we left it there unattended, some nasty people spray painted the hull."
"Boo," I frowned. "Boo those nasty people."
The path opened up to a cleared section of the forest where a massive wooden ship with sails and everything sat. I stopped short in surprise, not expecting a whole ass pirate ship.
"Impressed?" Lloyd smirked and he glanced back at me. I tore my gaze from the boat to his and I wasn't even embarrassed by my reaction.
"We- we're staying on this?" I asked, pointing. Face slack in disbelief. Lloyd nodded, grin growing wider.

I slowly stepped forward, following Lloyd in shock. He led me to the side, where a ramp was letting the others haul in chilly bins of food, bags of linen and personal belongings that would comfortably let us survive the next four days without society.
"Hey, Y/n!" Kai greeted when he notice us approaching. "Like the ship? Pretty hot, amirite?"
Lloyd and I stared at him. Kai slumped.
"I'm still workshopping my puns," he said dejectedly. Nya silently bounded down the rap and pulled me up into the ship.
"Wha- where are we- oh-" I stammered as we stepped into the ship. I glanced back at Lloyd, who looked just as confused as I felt. "Bye, I guess!"

Nya hauled me down the hallways of the ship, going at a too fast a pace for me to get a good look around. All I saw was blurry wood. Nice.
"Did you bring the chocolates?" Nya asked and it clicked. My expression brightened and I gestured to my backpack, awkwardly pulling the box out whilst trying not to trip.
"Oh! Yes!"
"Perfect," she grinned, pulling me into what looked to be the main control area of the ship. The man of the hour was ticking off a checklist whilst going through the groceries with Zane.

"Jace," I announced quietly, stepping forward from Nya. I winced upon noticing his pained grimace as he turned.
"Y/n!" he grinned brightly, as if it wasn't my fault he was injured.
"I'm sorry," I held out the chocolates awkwardly. "For, y'know. Almost crushing you. I feel really bad - if there's anything you need me to do, please tell me!"
"Aw, thanks," he took the box with a smile. "But honestly, it's fine. Kid's put me through far worse."
"Kid?" I tilted my head in confusion. Nya stiffened. Zane buried his nose in the checklist, going over the contents again.
"Y'know. Master Lloyd."
Again, Kid? Jace didn't look that much older than us. He seemed like he could be in the same school year as Lloyd. Maybe he just took good care of his face?
Damn, Jace. Drop your skincare routine.

"Well," Nya clapped her hands before pushing me along with her hand on my back. "That was very touching, glad you two are friends and all but we should get back to Lloyd. You know how he gets when he's away from you for too long!"
"No-? Wait, what?" I whirled around to face Nya. My gaze shifted and my cheeks flushed. "... how does he get?
"Let's go find out!" Nya cheered, pushing me out of the room with more insistence. She glanced back at Zane and Jace with an expression that said something I couldn't read. Jace shrugged, guilty. Zane watched on with a tired expression.
Aight. Gonna ignore that.

When we got back to the ramp, Kai was throwing up old basketballs and Lloyd was tossing fireballs at them. Only a few actually managed to hit. The rest barely made a splutter from Lloyd's palm. The teenage boys were snortling like how teenage boys do. The smell of burnt rubber filled the air.
"I'll definitely get the next one," Lloyd announced confidently.
"Oh, yeah," I nodded, sending Nya a dry look. "He's very torn up about our time apart."
She giggled nervously.
"Ah, you're back!" Lloyd said when he heard Nya and I approach. He turned away from Kai, abandoning his impromptu training session. The ball the fire master had thrown landed on his head and he yelped. "I can take you for a tour, now."

"Okay!" I chirped, brightening. Kai rubbed his head behind him.
"Not cool, man," he grumbled.

Lloyd took me by the hand, picking up my duffel bag and leading us inside. He walked slowly, letting me take it in at my own time. The hallway was long, stretching from one end of the ship to the other. Closed doors lined the side and framed photos hung on the walls. They all looked to have been taken fairly recently.
"Here's the sleeping quarters," Lloyd nodded, opening one of the doors and showing off a large, messy room with bunks built into the walls. A large pinboard was stuck to a wall, multiple images and cards stuck to it. Beanbags were haphazardly thrown into the corner.
"You and Nya will be in the next room," Lloyd continued, leading me to the neighbouring door and venturing inside. I followed, taking it in while he dropped my bag on an empty bunk.

After that, he showed me the dojo, the kitchen and the control room from before, which was called the bridge. Before we could go out and explore the deck, Nya's voice broke into existence over the intercom. It was time for takeoff. The rocket motors rumbled to life.
Lloyd showed me his secret nook that overlooked an old port window that was carried on from the original design of the ship. We sat on gathered pillows and watched as the ground slipped away. I was nervous, at first, considering that this was nowhere close to being like a plane and that a girl the same age as me was piloting the entire thing. The fear soon slipped away once we began flying over the city. It stretched on for miles. All the tiny people, the little cars, the small buildings. It made me realise just how small we really are on this big, dumb planet.

My head leant against the wooden window frame as my eyes took in the cityscape below. I could tell that Lloyd kept stealing glances.
"Did you want to say something?" I hummed, eyes catching sight of a large McDonald's neon sign. Damn, now I'm hungry again.
"No," Lloyd replied. "Just admiring."
My eyes slipped from the city to an even better view across from me. Lloyd hummed, staring out the window but the blush on his cheeks was undeniable.
"Admiring?" I prompted, eyebrows jumping a little as I edged forth. He continued to merrily hum, blush growing darker and ignoring me. I rolled my eyes in amusement, leaning back and returning my gaze to the city, which had been replaced by the marina. The little, white boats flowed under the light of the sun. "Alright. Keep your secrets."

Lloyd snorted at my reference before standing and holding out a hand for me to take. He lead us out onto the deck, a strong breeze billowing across the surface. We sat down again, close to the railing. The wind threw his blond hair in fits and tossed through mine.
"I like sitting here," Lloyd announced loudly over the wind. "It gets cold. Keeps me certain and on point."
"Okay, Bear Grylls."
He sniggered. Before long, the bounty began to drift down towards the water. I watched, slipping my legs through the railings and leaning my arms over the top. The ocean grew closer and closer and it felt like we were floating to the the surface. It was such a strange, visceral feeling.

"This is amazing," I sighed, relaxing against the railing as the ship gilded into the water, crashing gently against the ocean spray. "Your life is amazing."
Lloyd joined me, dropping his chin over his arms as they rested on the wooden barrier. Water trailed along the boat's hull, the white sea foam floating by. My eyes followed the bubbles as we swayed atop the waves.
A hand shifted through my hair, gently pleating the locks by my temple. My eyes jumped to Lloyd, who was watching my face with a soft expression that made my heart ache in the best of ways. He seemed to glimmer gold in the sun.
"I'm glad you came," he said, cheek resting on his arm. I smiled, melting against his touch.
"Me, too," I whispered.

The tender moment was shattered by Jay crashing an entrance onto the deck. Lloyd and I jumped, glancing back at him as he began sprinting full throttle towards us. I squeaked, ducking against the railing as he leapt over us and the side of the ship.
"Ocean maaaan!!" he screamed before crashing into the water. I couldn't close my jaw, gaping at the bubbles Jay's interruption caused in shock.
"What the-!" Lloyd yelped, standing upright and peering over the side. Jay surfaced with a loud laugh, his curly hair plastered to his head. "Hey, no fair! We agreed that we were going to wait until we anchored before swimming!"
"Read it and weep, loser!" Jay yelled. Lloyd gasped, insulted.
"Oh, you are so on," Lloyd sneered, stepping up onto the railing.
"Oh, my god," I murmured. Lloyd cracked his knuckles before leaping, curling into a ball before hitting the water down below. "Oh, my god." They're crazy. Certifiably insane. He wasn't even wearing swim clothes. What.

"C'mon, Y/n," Nya called me over from the door into the bridge. "Get changed! The Bounty's all anchored, it won't float away on us."
I peeked over the side, where Lloyd was holding Jay's head under the water. I backed away slowly. Yeah, they'll. they'll be alright. I think.
After getting changed, I arrived back out onto the deck. The summer sun was sweltering and the water looked so inviting. Lloyd and Jay had somehow made it back onto the deck, joined by the rest of the team while Cole focused on making some rough stairs from a rock that we had anchored close by to. Y'know. Casually.

"Y/n!" Lloyd cheered, bounding over like an excited puppy. His blond hair was weighed down, soaked and dark.
"Nononononooooo," I whined as he pulled me into a hug, getting freezing water all over me. "Ah. Thanks."
"Welcome, as always," he grinned teasingly. His expression turned serious. "Are you a good swimmer?"
I shrugged a shoulder. "Reasonably." Dad had forced me to take lessons when I was younger. Lloyd brightened, exclaiming a "great!" and I was too caught up in his charming smile to realise that he had picked me up and began walking towards the side of the boat.

"Waitwaitwait- LLOYD NO!!" I screamed as he tossed me over the side. I free fell for the overwhelming long time of a second before I was engulfed in the freezing ocean water.
I spluttered, surfacing and scowling up at Lloyd while he leant against the railing with his chin in his hand and a merry smile on his face. I flicked some hair out of the way and glared.
"LLOYD, YOU JERK!!!" I screeched, smashing my hand against the water, which only succeeding in soaking myself again. "I hate you!"
"Ha-ha," Lloyd laughed. "No, you don't."
I sunk my nose under the water, scowling. Darn. He got me there.

The interrupted water sloshed against me, the smell of salt in the air. I'd never seen the sky so blue or the world so quiet. It was as if we were on a totally different planet.
My contemplative silence was interrupted by Lloyd landing in the water beside me. He broke the surface and flicked his blond hair for good measure, just because he's that dramatic. He sunk back until his chin was just above the surface.

"Hi," Lloyd chirped.
"Hello," I replied, wiping droplets from my eyelashes.
"You forgive me?" he asked, pouting slightly. I scoffed, splashing away his puppy-dog expression.
"Your boyish tricks won't work on me, demon," I valiantly claimed, kicking away from him. "Not this time!"
Lloyd immediately caught on, a teasing smirk replacing his confused expression.
"Ah, but if I can't trick you, then I'll just have to force your hand!" he announced loudly before abruptly diving down. I stilled, peering through the water and trying to spot a shimmer of blond but finding nothing. Ninja, smh. Can never keep track of them-

I gasped loudly as I felt hands grasp my ankles.
"Oh, noes," I managed to say before I was yanked under.
Noise all but disappeared. Sight was gone, too. I felt like I was floating for a second time that day, but in the water it felt more jarring. Every sense had been switched off except for the feeling of Lloyd's hands as they slid up to grab my waist.
My hands found his arms and they crawled up until I found his face, relying on touch to guide me. I risked cracking open an eye, feeling awkward and blurry in the water. I blinked a couple of times until blurs began to make shapes and shapes began to make Lloyd. He smiled as I brightened, having not opened my eyes underwater since I was young. I used to love doing this. It was uncomfortable but magical. It made me feel like a mermaid.

So Lloyd and I hovered there, floating in the dark blue while the sun glimmered against the breadth of a second world. We were on our own down here, everyone else a million miles away. It was just him and I. Bubbles ran up out faces, hair floated, I saw nothing but his eyes, felt nothing but his jaw in my hands as I gently brushed my thumb across his cheekbone. He leant into my touch.
Was this real life?
I couldn't tell anymore.

🍃🍂🍁🍂🍃

The night was still cold despite the season so we bundled up warmly once the sun had slipped below the horizon.

The kitchen was a flurry of activity. Swimming makes you hungry and even without, the ninja could each individually eat a horse. At first, I thought the amount of food they brought was ridiculous. Now I was fearing that it wasn't enough.
Everybody was helping out. People were yelling over each other. Music was playing. It was absolutely chaotic as Zane guided this orchestra of madness in cooking dinner.
I sat on a chair at the table, cutting cucumber while listening to Cole recount the tale of them finding the golden weapons to me. Lloyd was leaning on the wall next to me, peeling carrots while listening with just as much intrigue on his face as I had.

"Man, and here I thought I led an exciting life by binging marvel movies," I sighed, grabbing a new cucumber to slice.
"Batman's better than Iron Man," Lloyd murmured, peeling off the carrot skin with a careful eye. I turned my gaze to him.
"Thems fighting words," I warned. He chuckled, throwing a piece of carrot at my face. I swatted it away with a yelp.
"God, you two are such nerds," Kai snickered. "Right, Zane?"
"Affirmative."
"Ouch, guys," Lloyd pitifully frowned. "Ouch."
Kai faked a cry. He got hit in the head with a half-peeled carrot. Lloyd's just throwing carrots. Chaotic gremlin. Attractive chaotic gremlin.

Dinner was delicious, thanks to Zane's perfect guidance. The comforting teriyaki bento bowl sat pleasantly in our stomachs while Nya set up Uno at the dining table.
"That was the best food I've ever had," I moaned in delight, wishing that I didn't get full so fast. I wanted to eat more but I'd explode. Even then, my helping was far lesser in size than the others. Guess that comes with the territory of their lifestyle.
"Welcome to the ethereal gift that is Zane's cooking," Lloyd grinned, taking up my plate to the kitchen. "If you think that was good, you should try his cheesecakes."

After getting absolutely smashed at Uno (Zane taking the crown, to no one's surprise), we all meandered off to bed.
I was left staring at the ceiling. Nya was fast asleep.
I couldn't do this. Sleep avoided me like the plague. I wasn't even tired. I was so awake. My body twitched, wanting to move.
I carefully stood up, making sure to create as little sound as possible. I wanted to see Lloyd again. He was only separated by one wall, but it was one wall too many.

I silently opened the door, stepping lightly out of the room and closing the door behind me. I turned only to feel my heart leap up my throat.
Lloyd stood at his door, seeming to have just done the same thing I'd done. My gaze darted awkwardly.
"Hey," I whispered.
"Hey," he replied tightly. "Y- you, uh... you good?"
I nodded quietly, suddenly feeling absolutely overwhelmed with embarrassment. What was I thinking? It was late, of course Lloyd wouldn't want to- wait a second-

"What are you doing awake?" I hissed scrutinisingly, crossing my arms.
"I could ask you the same thing!" Lloyd whispered back, bristling. I faltered. Damn. Caught me.
"Alright," I sighed, giving up. "I can't sleep. I've got too much energy. I was going to see if you wanted to... I dunno. Waste time together, or something."
I shifted, eyes catching sight of a specific wooden panel. Ah, yes. A very nice wooden panel. The grain is exquisite.
"Funny," Lloyd whispered merrily, closing his eyes in joy. "I was doing the same thing."

"Oh," I blinked in surprise. "O- okay."
"C'mon," Lloyd whispered into my ear as he walked forwards. I jolted in surprise, glancing up at him as his hand traced down my arm. His hand clasped mine. "Follow me."
I dumbly nodded, all form of intelligence disappearing as he lead me to the deck. Lloyd glanced back at me.
"You said you have too much energy?" he asked, speaking normally now that we were on the deck. It was dark. If it weren't for the light from the mast that Lloyd switched on, it would've been pitch black, aside from the stars.
"Yeah," I nodded.
"Alright," Lloyd said, stopping in the middle of the deck. "Punch me."

I blinked.
"What?" I asked. Just in case I didn't hear him correctly.
"Punch me," he repeated, opening his arms. "C'mon, I can take it."
"Excuse me?" I spluttered in bewilderment, eyebrows furrowing. "I'm not punching you, Lloyd!"
He shrugged, pointing out at the ocean. "Hey, look at the stars."
I naively followed his gaze, glancing out at the stars that was reflected on the water's surface. They seemed to dance on the gentle sway of the sea, encompassing us in a blank of darkness and stars.
"Oh, wow- OW!" I yelped when Lloyd lightly jabbed me in the side. "What the- why!"
"If you can't sleep because you have too much energy, we may as well do something productive," he reasoned, lifting his hands in a fighting position. "Like training. Let's go."

"I don't want to fight you!" I argued. Lloyd stared at me blankly.
"Batman's better than Iron Man," he said blankly.
"You are so on, Blondie," I sneered, sending a punch towards his shoulder. He caught it.
"Too slow - too weak, are you even trying?"
"Sorry if I don't want to hurt you!" I spat, pulling back and sending another towards his gut. He caught that easily.
"You won't hurt me," Lloyd reasoned. "Seriously. Let's focus on your stance first. Gods it's so-" he snorted. "It's so bad-"
"Shut up!" I snapped. He chortled, sidling up behind me.

"Let's start with your feet," he said, using his toe to nudge mine into place. I begrudgingly followed his orders, shifting until I was in the correct place. "Better. Now twist your waist - not that much! Here."
His hands planted themselves firmly below my ribs and gently guided my body to follow his vision. His breath tingled against my ear. I just realised how close he was.
My eyes fluttered, flustered at our proximity. Lloyd stepped closer and my heart jumped in response. His hands left trails of burning skin in his wake, embarrassed but wanting him closer.

Lloyd certainly knew the game he was playing. His hand dipped around my stomach and I felt my body waver in response. What was he- did he seriously just- is he..?
I couldn't feel my knees. They'd grown numb and weak of this chemical reaction that made my body like jelly against Lloyd. His lips brushed against the tip of my ear. I flinched, inhaling a short gasp. He chuckled, the sound low and rumbling and reverberating throughout my very soul-

He swiftly stepped away and his warmth disappeared. Reeling in confusion, I didn't realise that my legs had been swept out from under me until I landed in Lloyd's arms, inches away from the wooden planks. I stared up at him with wide eyes.
"Rule number one," he said breathlessly, his green eyes bright and alive. "Never let your opponent distract you."
A gaping hole opened in my chest. It was swiftly filled with fury. I slapped his arms.
"YOU-!"
"Yeah," he shrugged mischievously. "Me."
"UGH!" I yelled, rolling out of his arms. "I can't believe you."
He laughed, full of glee at my frustration. I turned away, crossing my arms.
"You suck," I murmured angrily. His laugh turned pitiful, aweing at my pout.

"M'sorrryyyy," he drawled, looping his arms around my waist. I turned away again. "I couldn't help it. You're just so fun to tease."
I sent an irritated glare at him.
"That's a sucky apology," I belittled.
"I know," he said, nodding, not in the least apologetic. "You tired yet?"
I sighed. "Not really." I hadn't felt this awake in years.
Lloyd inhaled deeply through his nose, shuffling us towards the railing.
"How about we watch the stars then, huh?" he asked, setting us down at the edge of the deck. We leant against the wall that lead into the bridge. "It's not often we get a view like this."

"As long as you're not mean to me," I hummed, grumbly. Lloyd giggled, pulling me closer.
"C'mon," he said, tilting his head. "It was fun."
I rolled my eyes and gave a relenting exhale.
"Yeah," I admitted. "I guess it was."
He cheered quietly, digging his face into my neck. I lifted my hand to play through his blond hair and he melted against my body. I raised my brows in pleasant surprise.
"Do you like your hair being played with?" I asked, voice pitched and teasing.
"N- no," Lloyd stammered but didn't make a move to leave. "I just- it's the tugging thing!"
"Honey, that's not how the tugging works and you know it."
Lloyd huffed, silent. I continued to pull my fingers gently through his hair. He shuffled closer.

"Do you think Chen's alright?" Lloyd asked quietly into the night. "He looked pretty shaken up last week. It's been bothering me."
I hummed, dropping my head on top of his. It was soothing, brushing my hand through his hair. Just as nice as it was to receive it.
"I dunno," I murmured. "At least he isn't a jerk anymore. I'm still not sure whether I want to feel bad for him or not."
Lloyd exhaled tiredly.
"I know that he sucked as a person, but I still feel bad for him," Lloyd murmured, beginning to grow drowsy. "Does that make me weird?"

"No," I replied softly, pressing a kiss to the top of his head as he settled against me, eyes fluttering close as sleep began to take him. I was still awake, brushing his hair and staring out at the endless stars. I wouldn't sleep for a another hour, but it was alright. I didn't mind.

"That makes you kind."

🍃🍂🍁🍂🍃

"Alright," Chen said shakily as he tossed the book aside. "I did your stupid task. Is it over? Can I go home now?"

"On the contrary," Simon sneered, a wicked grin curling across his lips. His voice dripped like poison and Chen shivered, unsure how he was roped into this deed and just wanting to curl up in bed and forget ever meeting this dude.
Dark eyes opened from the shadows as a third joined their party.
The candles flickered. Simon's eyes brightened with the promise of destruction.

"It's only just begun."