***I super-duper promise you're going to like this one.***

***(Lloyd's POV)***

"Nya?" I ask, poking my head in Seliel's room. I just got off the phone with Jay, and...I think we need to talk over a few things. Namely, I think we need to discuss getting Jay back on the team and moving him back into the monastery.

Nadakhan...for some reason, he's trying to get Jay to wish for something. It doesn't make sense to me, but then, what about this whole situation does? A criminal Djinn is working for a crazy-smart serpentine – Pythor, as revealed by Zane – and they're up to something involving electricity.

And there hasn't been any weird electrical activity or sightings of the villains in the past two weeks. Except for Nadakhan approaching Jay this morning, that is.

Nya looks up at me with mascara-laden lashes as Seliel applies makeup to her face. "What's up?"

I smile. It's been a while since Nya's worn makeup. I'm glad she's not ruined for it forever.

However, my expression quickly wobbles as I remember the issue at hand. "So, um, I just got off the phone with Jay, and...apparently, he was approached by Nadakhan this morning."

Her eyes widen, and she stands up straight, causing Seliel's mascara wand to go flying. "Oh, my gosh. What happened to him?" Her expression turns to anger. "Nadakhan! I will actually murder that son of – "

"Nya, Jay's fine," I reassure her. I come to sit beside her on Seliel's bed.

Sel scowls. "Lloyd, you're interrupting perfection. It's extreme makeover time with Nya. Stand up to have this conversation, please."

I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "This is important, Sel."

"You just said Jay was fine!"

I ignore her. "Nya...I think we need to reinstate Jay. Like, he needs to be back on the team."

She bites her lip. "Yeah, whatever. What happened?!" She sounds...anxious, for once.

"Nadakhan approached him, asking him to make a magic wish or something. I don't know much about Djinns, but they apparently have the power to grant wishes for people. I don't know why Nadakhan would offer to do that for anyone – he's a crook – but maybe he has something up his sleeve?"

"Oh, you'd better bet!" she growls. "Have you sent anyone on the team to check things out?"

"No, I wanted to talk with you first. But Jay said Nadakhan left after his dad came outside looking for him. As long as he's not alone, I think he's okay."

"Jay's parents are nice people, but they're no match for an evil Djinn!" She shoves Seliel away. "We need to go get him, now."

"I totally agree with you – about Jay's parents and needing to get Jay and bring him back here. He says he hasn't informed his parents of what's happened yet – he didn't want to worry them. I told him that that was okay and that I would send over someone on the team for him as soon as I could. I just wanted to talk with you first."

"Talk over! I'm going to go get him right now, Lloyd." She throws on her tennis shoes.

I hold up a finger. "But you don't have a driver's – "

However, she's already running out the door. "Catch you later! Jay needs me!"

I blink. Should I...go after her?

Seliel seems to read my mind, but she rubs her hands together in glee. "Don't even think about it. She and Jay are about to have the reunion every romance novel needs, and they're not going to want spectators."

I blanch. "Wait, wait, wait. Like...you're a romantic?" Seliel, of all people? She's more closed off than Skylor and Nya, so...I never would've guessed that about her. I mean, she's more closed off than most of the guys on the team, too. She's not into emotions.

Seliel shrugs. "I'm a sucker for happy endings. Just you wait and see, Lloyd – now that Nya finally has her act together and Jay isn't treating her like an object, they'll be back together within two weeks. Mark my words."

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

Okay, so I acted all tough and capable for Lloyd, but the truth is, I don't think I can face Jay right now.

I'm not good with emotional displays.

Maybe I can just casually tell his parents I'll be hanging around outside their house? Jay would never have to know I was here. Well, scratch that, he would. He expects someone from the team to be coming over.

But I'm still going to try to avoid coming into contact with him. I don't know that I want to face him, if he's upset with me or if things are...awkward...between us. Jay and I have been acquaintances, friends, lovers, and some combination of those three, but we've never been awkward.

Goshdarn it, Seliel was right. I am scared.

I rehearse what I want to say in my head. Hi, Ed. Or Edna, if she answers the door. I'm here for Jay, but, like, I don't need to see him. Um, no, it's okay, we don't need to talk. I was hoping you could deliver a message for me. Why didn't I just use the phone? Oh, yeah, I have Jay's number. It's just that I didn't know how he was doing, and I wasn't sure calling him was the best idea. And he hasn't told you, but he was approached by an evil Djinn this morning, so I kind of need to stick around your house for a while. He wants to see me? Oh, um...

And then the scenario ends just like it does every time: Me going back to see Jay before we have a totally hot make-out session.

Yeah, that's probably not the best idea. We both are just now finding healing.

I finally park the Ultra Stealth Raider at the junkyard and climb out. It's exactly as I remember it: Rundown, a little smelly, and the closest thing to a comfort zone I know. There's so much spare material to work with, it feels like...home.

I look at the sign and can't help but laugh. "Ed and Edna's Scrap n' Junk," I muse. "I think they need to get that second 'S' fixed."

I stroll past piles of salvaged metal and parts, observing each as I go. This would be an interesting place to build sometime. Not that I can come out here regularly – Jay really does need some space until he's properly dealt with his mom's death – but it sure would be nice to have this much extra building material.

I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, reaching the door. Okay, this shouldn't be too hard. All I have to do is knock, tell his parents that Jay's back on the team, let them know I'll be hanging around to monitor evil Djinn activity, and –

"Jay, honey?" says Edna's voice from inside. "There's someone at the door! Would you be a dear and answer it for me?"

I freeze for a moment before backing away. Mission failed. Abort! Abort!

Just as I'm about to turn and make a run for it, the door creaks open, revealing a pair of all-too-familiar blue eyes.

In a moment, they're all-too-familiar, excited blue eyes.

"Nya!" Jay exclaims, throwing open the door. He rushes to me and enfolds me in a hug before I can say "let's keep our distance".

Nah. All I can actually say is, "Oomph!"

But it feels nice to have a Jay hug after two weeks apart. Plus, he's probably scared to death of being threatened by a wish-granting criminal earlier. I wrap my arms around him and give him a squeeze.

"Hey, buddy," I smile softly. "How's it going?"

"Oh, my goodness! I thought it would be months before I saw you again, Nya. I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. You were right: I was trying to get you to replace the love my birth mom couldn't give me." I feel his body shake under my touch as he begins to cry.

My heart pangs, just as I keep my own tears in check. "I don't blame you for that, Jay. You were depressed. Is it any better?"

"Much," he replies, sniffling. "But in its place, I've just been worried s-sick about you."

I open my mouth to say that he should be more worried about Nadakhan, but he rushes on.

"I'm sorry I pretended to have a stomach b-bug just to get c-close to you. I'm sorry I j-jeopardized the team when I only w-wanted to look good for you. Will you f-forgive me for that? P-please?" He continues weeping into my hair.

I laugh a little through my tears. Then I laugh a little more, and then a whole lot. I just can't seem to help myself.

"W-what?" he chokes out. "What's so f-funny?"

"Jay," I giggle, "stop."

"S-stop what? Why?"

"Stop crying."

"I can't h-help it! I'm really, really s-sorry, Nya."

I grin. "You are quite possibly the sweetest person in Ninjago."

"Why?"

"Not many people have the humility to cry and admit that they were wrong and ask for forgiveness. Even less are willing to worry about other people when they themselves just faced an uber-disturbing villain." I rub his shoulders. "Apology accepted." Gosh, it feels good to let go. I continue to laugh against him, burying my face in his shoulder.

"J-just like that?" His tone is hopeful.

"Well, yeah. You're kind of hard to be mad at."

"So...we're still f-friends?" He looks down at me with red-rimmed eyes.

"That was never even in question." I punch his arm. "I'm here to get you, Jay – to help you pack your things and take you back to the monastery so we can all keep Nadakhan away. We're stronger together."

He laughs, scrubbing his hands over his cheeks. "I really love you."

"I know." I sigh against our hug, giving him the silent knowledge that I missed him.

He pulls back, placing his hands on my shoulders and looking happily into my eyes. "You make the sun shine brighter."

"And you are getting cheesy." I nod my head toward the Ultra Stealth Raider. "Guess who drove a huge SUV here all by herself?"

"Really?" He clasps my hands. "That's great! I'm so proud of you! Wait – did you get your license?!"

"Heck, no," I laugh. "Not yet, anyway. But I do have other good news: You're back on the team."

He beams. "That's amazing!" He cradles my face in his hands. "Are you an angel? Am I dreaming?"

"'No' to both," I smile.

He laughs, raking a hand through his hair. "Um, but yeah. Hey, you wanna come inside and tell me all about what's going on with the mission and the team? While I get packed up, of course."

Aww. He wants me to do the talking, for once?

"Yeah, sure," I agree. "Your parents won't mind?"

"They love you. They wish you'd come over more." He holds out his hand, offering to show me inside.

And I don't feel guilty for taking it.

***Music Cue***

We walk inside together, the door squeaking on its hinges. I guess nobody's oiled it since I was last here in February.

"Who is it, Jay?" Edna asks from the kitchen.

"It's Nya, mom," he says happily, squeezing my fingers.

"Aww, Nya? As in, your girlfriend, Nya?"

He coughs. "Uh, ex-girlfriend." He gives me a sheepish smile. "Sorry."

"I don't mind," I shrug. And I don't.

The older woman meets me in the kitchen, pulling me into a hug.

"Gosh, you get cuter every time I see you. How are you? It's been a long time."

"Don't smother her, mom," Jay says under his breath.

I chuckle. "I'm doing great, Mrs. Walker. How are you? How's the family?"

"Oh, you know," she titters.

Um, actually, I don't.

Jay places an arm around me, guiding me to a chipped wooden table. "Don't get her talking," he whispers. "We'll never get anything done." Then, he raises his voice. "Mom, I forgot to tell you that some lady from your quilter's club called earlier. She said it was important. I think her name was...Margaret? Margie? That sounds right."

"Oh!" Edna says. "I'll go give her a ring. Thanks, honey!" She bustles away.

I raise an eyebrow. "She'll be back as soon as she realizes that there never was a phone call."

"Nah. Margie's a huge gossip. She'll rope my mom into some conversation, and she won't be back for another hour." He opens a pantry cabinet. "Do you want anything?"

I smile. It's good seeing this side of Jay – not the clingy, whiney side, but the caring and thoughtful side. And it seems he just might have his sense of humor back, too.

"Just a water, thanks." I watch the way he reaches up into a cabinet and grabs two glasses – neither of them look the same, but he makes sure both are blue.

Our favorite color.

He fills up both glasses with tap water before grabbing a couple of cookies out of a jar.

"Did you get your grades back on your finals?" he asks.

I smile at how off-topic we're getting. This is about Nadakhan, but...I don't seem to have the heart to burst Jay's bubble. "Yup. Four 'A's' and a high 'B'. My homework grades brought that last class up, though. You?"

"All 'A's'."

I roll my eyes. "I think you picked up more from watching me study than I did from actually studying."

"Yeah. Um, sorry about that." He blushes.

I play with the edge of the table. "You don't have to keep apologizing. Just because I forgive you doesn't mean I'm not going to annoy you about this for the next five years."

"Next five years, huh?" he asks, setting down a glass of water and a plate of cookies in front of me.

Um, about that. "So, in the past two weeks since we've spoken..."

"Uh-huh?"

"I've decided maybe you have a point about the whole 'running away' thing – how it's not necessary and all. I mean, I've realized there are people here who...who really want me, you know? And I don't want to hurt them by staying, but maybe...maybe I'm not at fault for some of the things in my life." I rub my temple. "I'm still going to be looking over my shoulder every moment, expecting something to go wrong, but...I'm going to stay, Jay."

He pulls my chair back so I'm facing him. "Wait – you're going to stay?"

"Um, yes."

His eyes glisten as he gasps and pulls me to him. "Nya, you – I – I'm so happy." He buries his face in my shoulder.

I sigh in pure contentment. If I'd made this decision just a few weeks back, Jay would have immediately asked if we could get back together. Now, though...he really just wants what's best for me. For us. And that thought sends a new surge of tingles through me.

"I...you really matter to me," I giggle, trying not to tear up.

"You, too. I was so worried about you being out in the world all alone." He laughs to himself, as if his worrying was all in vain.

And I guess it was.

He pulls back from our embrace to look into my eyes. "Are you going to stay with the team? Go to college?"

"Probably both," I shrug. "I confess I haven't made any definite plans yet. I just know that I always want to be with you guys." And you.

"I'm just so happy," he whispers, still hugging me. "You made the right choice, Nya. I'm proud of you."

Emotion rises in me, and I clear my throat. "So, um, we figured out that the threat we're facing is Pythor. Nadakhan's working for him."

"Pythor?" Jay exclaims. "I...would not have guessed that."

I clear my throat, grinning. "Yeah. Um, you...can let me go now." I tug a little against his hug.

"No, I can't. Uh, unless you want me to."

I use my element to draw a little water from my cup, then splash it on his head. He scowls, looking up at me.

I laugh. "Ready to let go now?"

"No, but I can take a hint." He sits down beside me. "So what's up with Pythor?"

"We don't know," I confess. "There hasn't been much to report over the past two weeks."

"That stinks. You guys will figure it out, though."

"You mean, we'll figure it out."

His face lights up. "You're right. I'm back on the team!"

"Yep. And you're moving back in with us." I will be moving back into the monastery, too – I am not letting anything bad happen to Jay. Kai and Skylor will just have to be okay with me being a remote wedding party member.

Jay pokes my arm, getting my attention. "So...how have you been?"

"Not bad," I reply. "It's kind of stressful with the wedding and all, but...then again, when are our lives not stressful?"

"True. Have you started a job or anything?"

"Nope. I'm focusing on helping the team right now. Building mechs and that kind of thing." I hitch a shoulder.

"Oh! That reminds me. Before we leave, I need to show you something I made for you!"

"You...made something for me?"

"Yeah, and I promise you'll like it." He laughs. "Gosh, I forgot I'm supposed to be packing." He runs back over to the cookie jar, pulling out a huge handful of treats and scattering them across the counter.

"What are you doing?" I giggle.

"Important missions require important snacks." He shrugs as if this is the most obvious thing ever.

I can't help but burst into a fit of amusement. Only Jay.

I have a feeling life's turning up.

***Thoughts? My Ninjago braincells are happy.***