Chapter Text
Few weeks after Nya's sacrifice to save Ninjago, Lloyd's emerald green eyes which once shone brighter than the stars that glimmered over Ninjago's horizon at the dead of night began to fade. Lloyd depressive episode have began to become more common, seemingly worsening over the loss of his older sister figure, and began to worry the already shaken up Kai and Cole. Aware of his previous mental health issues and how rapidly it can decline at times they opted to bringing him out to their beloved city they work so hard to save time and time again. Helping the blonde recluse get more in touch with reality and at least allow him the freedom of living normal life for once.
Collectively they've decided on taking a hiatus. A well deserved one. Over almost a decade of ninja work does take a toll on a person although different to each one of them. Jay not caring much about what happened anymore and last thing they could remember was the brunette mumbling about doing whatever they want and him 'trying to find a way to connect with Nya' supposedly becoming 'one with her waters' whatever that's supposed to mean. He will be fine they all agreed. Zane decided to turn off his emotions because it'd be easier to cope with the loss of a close friend and comrade. He would be the worst at comforting Lloyd causing more harm than good the duo believed, though, they wished he could come with them in their almost daily city-wide endeavours that they've been doing for almost a month now.
'I know you probably will never be able to live like a normal 19 year old and live through highschool, prom, graduation and all that, most of us didnt either, but that's beside the point-'
'Hey hey hey- can you ATleast be a bit more sensitive about it Kai, I shouldn't have led start talking about all this nonsense' Cole cut it, seemingly annoyed at his chestnut haired partners lack of fragility on this obviously touchy subject.
'No, it's fine, I get it, honestly, dont worry about it too much. Thank you though, Cole. The both of you actually, you really helped me a lot and I haven't felt this relaxed in a long while' the blonde smiled back at the duo, his hair tied back into a tiny pony tail waving side to side a little while he spoke trying to seem as earnest as he could.
The trio was sitting in a cafe by a less densely populated area in this large ever growing metropolis. They sat at a corner where it was hard to identify any of them, if any of the people there even cared for who they are. They did cause the economy and the city of Ninjago to collapse, not once nor thrice. For all they care about sometimes they did more harm than good by how their colour coded group attracts trouble like a magnet and how it always fell to the average person to pay the consequences of their actions.
'How do even find a place like this Cole?' Lloyd questioned the guy infront of him with his freshly dreaded locs, 'honestly it better not be because of their awfully delicious, soft, fluffy cakes' Kai continued ' knowing you I'm not expecting anything too crazy but I'm not against it though I really want to get more'
'Actually I used to come here quite a lot, it's one of my favourite places and I'm glad their delicacies taste even better than it used to' Cole looked proud at the both of them, as if he checkmate them both. This, however, got them both to giggle.
'I wish Nya and the others were here' lloyd whispered under his breath, he missed them both a lot, words cannot describe how much he despises loss and partings. First his dad almost 6 years ago, then Harumi, his first and probably last love of his life, now Nya the only ever sister he ever had. She felt almost like a mother by how she always looked after him, more so than Misako at times. 'Did you say something?' Kai questioned Lloyd, he however, quickly denied any claims made and decided to praise the taste of his strawberry cream bun instead. Which caused Cole to suddenly get up and order a couple more for him instead, causing the younger of the three to convince that he was full and was just reminiscing the flavour and praising the craft.
'Why think about it when it's RIGHT there, it's on me Lloyd if you're worried about spending any money aaand take as much as you want back home too! That's what I will do anyways'
'Thank you' Lloyd calmly replied back to his overly excited friend who's trying to wave to one of the owners of the establishment. He then suddenly turned to Kai with a serious expression 'I want to start working' He stated, Kai obviously shocked, tried to reason with the younger boy but was stopped by him and continued speaking 'I want to go out more. Do something for myself for once; live my life. You both made me want to explore everything for myself and I want to make more friends my age I-'
'I understand, Lloyd, I'm glad you have made this decision' Kai looked gently at the boy infront of him, a kind comforting look, reminiscent of one a father would give his son.
'You won't stop me?'
'Why would I? You are grown right? You can do whatever you want. I can't stop you from going your own way besides, I have my own plans' Kai smirked at Lloyd, truly proud to see how far he has gone, it was like seeing your own child grow- but skipping the annoying parts like changing diapers and stuff, he thought to himself sighing deeply, he continued 'I can hook you up with an apartment if you'd like I know a guy that can find you a nice place in the heart of the city, that is if you already got a job somewhere by the way you're grinning like crazy'
'It's like I missed something big whilst I was away, man' Cole stumbled back to where he was originally sitting 'anyways got some cakes and I'm gonna FINALLY try that one tea you're so crazy about Lloyd'
'I'm not crazy about tea though? And that's Iced tea you're drinking.' He retorted back, implying that he did not enjoy colder beverages, 'anyways I've decided I'm gonna start living alone and start working' Lloyd continued, looking proudly at Cole expecting a crazy over the top reaction from him. 'That's great actually' Lloyd not knowing whether he meant the Hisbiscus tea or what he just exclaimed, he stared puzzled at the older boy who was sipping his drink.
'What place you working at I would need to visit actually' Lloyd lit up upon hearing that 'was lucky that I got a job at this one joint-' Lloyd trailed off he better not tell the glutton of the specific place he worked at just to avoid his shenanigans or begging for some sort of discount (which he doesn't mind but does at the same time)
'-that sells food,' just food he decided on.
'I could never do that actually it was already like torture working for Chen's noodle factory back then imagine being surrounded by a place like that the whole day. I. Would. Die.' Cole cried out whilst stuffing some more of the desserts in his face 'Oh right Kai didn't you want this?'
'It's fine keep it' Kai replied all too used to his other half's behaviour towards any sort of food or sweets shaking his head ending with a big sigh. Lloyd giggled looking at the both of them, he wouldn't have them any other way.