Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Jeez, I could literally open a fast food place with how greasy your hair is” Nya snorted as she walked past Kai, who had been chilling in the sofa along with Zane and Jay, silently doing their own things.

Jay giggled without looking up from his magazine while Zane let out a small laugh at Nyas joke, although Kai didn’t find it amusing at all.

He turned around over the sofa to glare at Nya, “and I could open a water park with how much you constantly sweat” he retorted, but only got a chuckle in response. 

Nya walked back towards Kai and poked his head, “At least I shower” she teased.
Kai slapped nyas hand away “for YOUR information, I literally shower everyday.” 
“Well then it doesn’t look like it. Im sorry but it looks awfull” she said cringing at Kai’s hair, earning a very offended look on Kai’s face. 

“yeah nyas right actually, and it seems as if it’s because of the amount of hair gel you use all the time. You probably use too much and then don’t even wash it off properly” Jay spoke up as he put down his Starfarer magazine and eyeing Kai’s hair.

Kai huffed, annoyed and embarrassed at being called out. But he couldn’t quite deny it, so all he could muster was a grumbled, “yeah whatever… what would you know about hair anyways” 

Jay raised an eyebrow and a small smug smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He pointed up at his own hair and said
 “umm?? Hello? If there’s anyone who knows about hair it’s ME. I am THE hair guy. Just look at my beautifully healthy locks” 

That was another thing Kai couldn’t quite deny. Jays hair always looked out of a shampoo commercial. His curls were the perfect type of soft and fluffy  and looked super soft and clean. Sometimes Kai had to stop himself from imagining how it would feel like to run his fingers through jays hair. 

“We REALLY need to hide that hair gel from you” Nya added as she judgmentally eyed Kai’s hair, getting a sharp scowl from Kai in response. 
“Yeah totally” Jay giggled lightly “but after I fix that hair of yours.” 
“You?” 
“Yeah me. Of course me. You clearly know nothing about how to properly care for your hair and I clearly know the most in the whole monastery. So let me help you fix your hair, I PROMISE you’ll look a thousand times better” Jay said eagerly as he put his hands on Kai’s shoulders. 

Kai hesitated for a moment, mostly out of embarrassment and his hard headedness that never allowed him to admit out loud when he needed help. But jays enthusiasm to help kai intrigued him. Made him interested to see if it really would help. Jays excitement was always contagious. And also because Kai knew very well how bad his hair loooked. It just simply annoyed him when others had to make fun of it.

So Kai agreed, “fine. I guess I can let you try to work your magic. I don’t have anything to lose.” 
Jay excitedly clapped his hands together and shot up from the sofa, “ok great!! put your swimsuit on, or clothes you don’t care to get wet, and meet me in the second hallway bathroom” he commanded as he walked off hurriedly, probably off to get hair products and materials. 

After changing into his swimming shorts, Kai walked over to the respective bathroom Jay said to meet at, and found Jay sitting there on the floor using his phone, waiting for Kai. 

As Kai walked in, closing the door behind him Jay looked up and smiled, standing up instantly “oh! your here! great! Come, get in the tub and sit down, “ Jay directed. 

Kai didn’t say anything as he awkwardly got in the bathtub and sat criss cross in it. He watched Jay get some products, a bucket, and settle them down right next to the tub. 

Jay turned to look at Kai, who was sitting patiently inside the the bathtub,
 “oh I’ll actually need you to turn your back to me” Jay pointed out. 

Kai nodded, doing as Jay said and turning his back to him, facing the wall. 
Suddenly, he felt Jay sit right behind him on top of the tub, bringing both of his legs to either side of him. 
“Wha-“ Kai faced upwards to find Jay smiling down at him, before grabbing Kai’s face and forcing it to look straight ahead 
“I’m gonna need you to face that way sir” Jay joked “I’m washing your hair not your face” 

“I- uh” Kai stammered, trying to find any words or replies, anything to say, but his mind was absolutely distracted by the position he was in. 

Jay didn’t seem to notice nor mind Kai’s awkwardness, as he casually began his procedure, “unless you want water getting into your eyes, your gonna have to close them for a sec”

As soon as Kai complied, he immediately felt water being slowly poured over his head, causing him to flinch at the sudden freezing feeling of it.

“Shit man. It’s cold” Kai complained, wrapping his arms around himself while Jay ran one of his hands through his hair as he poured water with the other,
“What do you mean ‘cold’? It’s literally warm  water, it feels fine to me” 
“Well, because you’re no master of fire” 
“Oh right….I forgot you shower with boiling water” 
“Mhm” kai absently agree, feeling his mind drifting off and relaxing under jays fingers running through his hair, massaging his scalp as he applied shampoo over his hair.

“You see, you have to properly apply shampoo. Make sure to REALLY dig your fingers in there you know? From your scalp to the tips of your hair. Concentrate on really getting the hair gel and dirtiness out of there. Don’t half ass it as you probably usually do.” Jay explained as he scratched and rubbed Kai’s scalp, which was only making Kai more relaxed and hazy. 
While Jay talked and washed his hair, Kai incautiously leaned into the touch, his eyes still shut close and a tiny smile twitching at his lips. 

But it was ruined when Jay suddenly poured more water on him again.
“FUCK” Kai hissed, “cold cold cold cold”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” Jay cringed, and tilted Kai’s head back to look up at him, “I know it’s annoying but your gonna have to stay strong for me and withstand the cold a little longer, can you do that for me?” 
And something about Jay looking down at him from that angle, reminding him Kai’s sitting right between his legs, mixed with jays words, made Kai’s stomach do summersaults.

Kai quickly looked away, wrenching his head back down to face the wall as he rapidly shook his head, “Aja. Yeah. Ok. Sure.” He stifled. 

Kai tensed up as Jay continued to pour water over Kai’s head, rinsing the shampoo off his head. 
The feeling of the cold air hitting his wet skin  only made Kai shudder and feel goosebumps all over his body, and Jays hands on his hair as he applied conditioner definitely didn’t help. 

Kai’s breath hitched as Jay accidentally pulled at a strand of hair, and the blue ninja immediately apologized, “shit- my bad, I’ll try to be more careful” 
But fuck man- Kai sure hoped he *wouldnt* try to be more careful. 

“Alright here comes another ‘water attack’, so brace yourself” Jay warned as he grabbed the bucket of water and began to pour it over Kai’s head again, causing the fire master to hiss and let out a small embarrassing  whine.

“Shhh it’s ok, it’s ok….your doing so good” Jay softly said as he passed his other hand through Kai’s hair.
And CRAP that messed him up. He felt his whole body heating up more than usual, making him forget he was even soaked in ‘cold’ water.

All he could think about was one : how pathetic and embarrassing Kai was being in front of Jay. Like fsm just let the dirt swallow him already. 

Second : how turned on Jay was making him. 

AND FINALLY, third : HOW TURNED ON JAY WAS MAKING HIM? HELLO? there was no way he was actually feeling this way because of Jay. No. He didn’t like jay. Not a bit. His feelings towards him were absolutely platon-

Suddenly a huge towel dropped over his face and he felt Jay agressively drying his hair and face with it. Muffling Kai’s complaints.

Jay removed the towel from his face and set it over Kai’s shoulders as he looked down at Kai with a playful smile,  “what was that?” Jay cooed.
Kai feigned annoyance as he looked up at Jay with a frown, “agressive much.dont you think?  I’m not a dog you know?” Kai pouted 
“Oohh yeah! That’s what you reminded me of” Jay giggled.
“Haha, very funny” 
“You know, I hope your face doesn’t look that red because I left a rash on it with the towel.” 

Kai quickly looked away and grabbed his face with his hands. 
Fuuuuuckkk
Was his blush THAT obvious? 
Kai felt Jay standing up, leaving Kai’s back and sides feeling empty without him.

“Come on, get up, I’m not done with you yet” Jay said as he patted the toilet seat, gesturing for Kai to sit there.
Kai wrapped himself with the towel as he awkwardly stood up and waddled to the toilet seat.

He indeed felt like a poor wet dog Jay found in the streets and decided to take in. 

Jay grabbed some bottles of hair products and settled them down on the floor next to Kai. 

“I don’t understand why you couldn’t just wash my hair in the sink” Kai grumbled as Jay poured some cream onto his hands and began to apply to Kai’s hair. 
“Because that big head of yours wouldn’t fit in there.” Jay chuckled, “Plus, that wasn’t so bad was It? Don’t you prefer to sit down rather than stand there and bend over the sink as I try to fit your head under the faucet?” 

Kai couldn’t deny that the first option was definitely better. Especially because he got to sit between jays leg-

“Since these hair creams and oils are mine, we should go to the pharmacy and get you some of your own so we dont have to use the same ones all time.  But for now you can borrow mine” Jay mentioned as he sprayed Kai’s hair with what he could guess is hair oil or something? 
“Oh so um- what you mean is that I have to start using these everytime I shower?” 
“Yeah, exactly. Well, actually, not NECESSARILY- but it would be ideal if you did, you know?” Jay smiled and shrugged.
“Yeah got it. I’ll try to not be lazy then” Kai said, receiving a small snort from Jay in return. 

Kai was caught off guard when Jay suddenly grabbed Kai’s head and dug his nose into his hair, inhaling the scent 
“Wow your hair smells so good now. Unlike that hair gel you always wear.” Jay casually commented once he pulled away. 

Kai’s face was beat red, his body feeling all sorts of tingly sensations, “so what you’re telling me is that Iv been smelling like shit this whole time because of my hair gel?” Kai managed to quip, although he felt like he was about to explode. 

Jay took a step back and inspected Kai’s look, “only if you’re standing close. But anyways, lets let your hair air dry for now” 
Kai sat up straighter and  raised his brows “we’re done?” 
“Yup! You’re free to go!” 

Kai felt a pang of disappointment at the fact that their little hair dresser session was over. He wished he could continue to have Jay stand between his legs and caress his hair as he talks and laughs. Or sit behind him with his legs over Kai’s shoulders, keeping him close as he tells him “your doing so good” and pulls his hair and bosses him around-

Holy crap he had to get tf out of there before he combusted. 

“Alright! Great! Awesome! Thanks Jay! You’re my hero thanks haha awesome thanks!” Kai stammered as quickly hurried out of the bathroom. His mind and heart raising as he shimmied down the hallway into his room. 

He slumped down into his bed and hurried his burning face into the pillows. 
He couldn’t get Jay off his head. 
He couldn’t get the fact that he might like Jay in a NON platonic way out of his head. 
There was no way. 
There’s was NO WAY he was feeling attracted to Jay. 

What’s he even supposed to do now? 

Chapter Text

Can you teach me how to swim?”

Kai quickly blurted as he awkwardly yet enthusiastically smiled at Jay.

You see, Kai had tossed and turning all night; dreaming about the lightning ninja and processing his feelings. Thinking about whether he should try to act on them or push them down.

Should he try to hit on him? Take him out on a date? Confess?

Or should he just suppress them? Let them be and do nothing about them until he’s over him. But what if his feelings gets worse? Stronger, more passionate and unbearable? Even worse than now?

He felt like the right thing to do was to just try to ignore these feelings. Maybe even avoid Jay and date other people until he’s completely over him. Kai knew he just COULDNT have feelings for Jay. Not only because he was nervous about ruining any group dynamics, but also because after that whole relationship fiasco between Jay, Cole and Nya; Master Wu decided to prohibit any relationships inside the the team in order to not have any kind of “petty romance drama” or whatever. Kai loved Master Wu but FSM was he annoying for that. But anyways, the point is that he really should try to get over Jay.

But FSM he didn’t WANT to get over him!

He wanted to get closer more than anything. he wanted to spend all day next to him. Listen to him, look at him, touch him.

Kai needed to find something to do with him immediately. But not just play video games like they always did. Inviting him on a date or an outing just them two would be very obvious and Kai is NOT ready to have his feelings come to the surface.

Kai wanted what they had the day before. Time alone, close and intimate.

Man, he wanted Jay to reassure and care for him. Tell him what to do. Talk to him endlessly like Jay usually did. And Kai would listen for as long as he opened his mouth because the mere amount of imagination and ideas Jay constantly had always amazed him.

For FSM sake! what can he-

And then it clicked. He would get Jay to teach him something!

But what could it be?

Maybe kai could have him teach him how to pilot a jet, since kai never really pilots any mech that flys, meanwhile jay usually is the ‘jet guy’ of the team. Just imagine ; Jay would be standing right behind Kai, flush against his back as he places his hands over Kai’s, guiding him on how to stir the wheel. Or even better! Kai could sit on top of jays lap as they fly the plane and FIRST MASTER- Jay would be gently hyping him up like “your doing amazing” or “Kai, your such a champion” but he’d also be bossing and ordering him around! Oh goodness, maybe Jay would get frustrated with Kai at some dumb mistake he’d do, and Kai would fucking melt then and there because Kai finds angry Jay hot for First master knows why.

Another idea could be getting Jay to teach him about inventing..? Nah that’s boring. Maybe cooking! They could bake cookies and Kai would accidentally get cookie batter on his chin and Jay would say “oh you got a little something over there”, lick his finger, and wipe it off Kai’s face. And then Jay would also have cookie batter on his lips  and Kai’d be like, “oh and you got a little something over there” and then Kai would clean it off with his own lips and have Jay for dinner right then and there and then they’d be banned from the kitchen due to having sex on the counter-

NO STOP. No. Kai was not gonna do that. Take it slow remember? Also, Kai already knew how to cook and bake; asking Jay to “teach him how to cook” would be stupid.

Ugh! He had to think of something else! Think Kai, THINK!

Perhaps Jay could teach him how to use nunchucks? Nah. Poetry? Lame. Massaging? Crap, that’s actually not a bad idea, but can Jay even massage? And how would a massage lesson even work? Would they actually need a third person? Ugh that would be awkward. Just imagine, Kai, Jay, and then Cole just laying on the massage table as Jay instructs Kai on how to perform massages on people. And then stand there and watch Jay touch another shirtless man? HELL NO.

He had to think of something else. Why was this so hard? Think. What’s something Kai can’t do that Jay can and would preferably involve more physical contact-

AND HOLY SHIT HE THOUGHT OF SOMETHING.

And that something, as you may have figured, is swimming.

“Teach you how to swim?” Jay questioned as he looked up from his Starfarer comic, “isn’t your sister literally the master of water? Why don’t you ask her?”

Aw shit. Kai didn’t think about that. He was practically on autopilot once he finally got the idea. Maybe he was a LITTLE bit too impatient.

“I- um- she’s busy.” Kai blurted.

Jay set his Starfarer comic down and raised his brow, an amused smile tugging at his lips now “and you came to me? Hm. I can’t say I’m not honored”

Kai couldn’t help but grin, “so you’ll teach me?”

“Yeah, sure! I’m not sure if I’m a good teacher but I can tr-“

“Ok great thanks meet you outside by the pool and don’t bring anyone else with you because learning how to swim is embarrassing!” Kai babbled as he scurried away outside, a dumb grin on his flushed face.

What could he say? He was happy he was gonna spend time with Jay. And also see him shirtless. IF he didn’t put one of those dumb swimming shirts on.

Oh PLEASE be shirtless oh please be shirtless oh -

“Alright hothead I’m here!” Kai heard jays voice coming from the door, and as he turned around to look at him he saw the short curly haired man walking towards him - AND HELL YEAH he was shirtless.

When Jay approached  Kai the first thing he did was reach out and ruffle his now soft, clean, and gel free hair, “oh you look a thousand times better with your hair like this” the shorter man said.

Kai felt heat rising up his cheeks but tried to hide it with confident smirk, “good to know. Although does that mean I looked bad before?” He teased.

Jay chuckled and continued to walk past Kai, setting his things down on the floor next to the pool “dumbass, you know what I mean.”

Kai followed after Jay, coming to stand right next to the pool. The freckled man then extended a small swimming board to Kai, “here, take this. Your gonna be using it to float so you don’t drown and die”

“Fun. My entire life depends on this flimsy rubber board. Great.” Kai stifled as he took the board.

Jay snorted, “I’m obviously kidding - nothing bar is gonna happen to you as long as I am here.”

Jays affirmation made Kai’s stomach flutter, but before Kai could even try to come up with a response that didn’t involve him throwing himself at jays arms, the blue ninja just jumped into the pool out of nowhere and splashed Kai, making him recoil from the sudden cold water hitting him, “SHIT MAN- you scared me” the fire master cried.

“Whoops- my bad!” Jay called out from the pool as he floated on his back, “Now your turn! Get in!”

Kai leaned forward eyed the water hesitantly, “going…going…I’m just…mentally preparing myself”

“Again, as long as I’m here you’ll be fine”

“I know I’ll be fine with you, I’m just not really a big fan of this pools.. *temperature*”

Jay face then turned understanding as he raised his brows,  “oohh..yeah….shit… this water is straight up cold so for you it’ll be freezing cold” he frowned with concern, “maybe you can heat it up with your fire?”

Kai shook his head, “mm- no,  no. Won’t do. It’ll take too long. I- I can handle it.” He took a deep breath, “I’m a man ” , he said mostly to himself as he crouched down and sat at the edge of the pool, slowly dipping his feet first as he slid inside the water at the pace of a turtle.

Jay raised a brow, “what’s you being a man gotta do with the waters temperature? Are your awesome pecs gonna stop the cold?” He chuckled, swimming towards where kai was still getting inside the water.

Although Kai winced as he lowered himself I got he aged, he managed to quip “you think my pecs are awesome?” With a sly grin, trying to play it cool as he shivered in the water. But before Jay could even respond, kai had fully submerged himself up to his chest and quickly let go of the side of the pool and threw himself onto Jay, wrapping his arms around his neck as he clung to the blue ninja for dear life, “Oh crap crap crap crap crap cold cold cold cold cold” he shivered, digging his face into the crook of jays shoulder.

Only when Jay wrapped his arms around him back, did Kai actually gain consciousness on his position, pulling away slightly and facing Jay, who watched with a playful stare, “ah yes. Your manliness is Definitely fighting the cold”

“Oh shut up” Kai pouted

“Ok, but seriously, if you want me to teach you anything your gonna have to let go of me and get the swimming board”

Kai hesitantly turned to the swimming board and then back at Jay, still holding on to him like a koala, “can’t I just hold on to you?”

This time the blue ninja spoke with a more authoritative tone, “Did you come here to learn to how to swim or to cuddle in the pool, kai?”

Kai gulped. FSM Jay had nooooo clue.

“Swim. I came here to swim.” Kai strained as he hesitantly let go of Jay and grabbed on to the edge of the pool right behind him. He already missed the way they were holding on to each other so closely. The way Jay held him back. And the fact that they had no shirts - oh goodness Kai was not ok.

Kai grabbed the swimming board and held in to it as he floated on the water, still trembling slightly trembling from the cold.

“I don’t trust this thing”

“Do you trust me?”

“Of course”

“Then stop complaining about the fuckass swimming board Kai.”

Shit. Jays stern voice really turned him on. Kai REALLY hoped he wasn’t blushing.

Jay grabbed the other end of the swimming bored and dragged it and Kai farther into the pool.

“swimming is easy. No one takes longer than a day to learn it the basics. Or least most people don’t. But you’re a fast learner. You’re gonna fine! I’ll have you swimming like a natural by lunch.” Jay winked, and Kai wished he had HIM for lunch.

Kai nodded as he continued to listen to Jay, “swimming is something that comes almost naturally to us”

“Not to me”

“Well, I said ‘almost’, and also you barely even try because you’re scared”

“Am not!”

“Ok just- look at me, look at how I’m floating and holding myself in the water” Jay said as he let go of the board and simply floated in the water “see how I’m moving both my legs and my arms? I’m constantly kicking my feet as I also push my arms up and down consistently. That’s why swimming is a great exercise actually, because you’re always moving your body, using every muscle to keep yourself moving and staying above the water.”

Jay swam around Kai, and stood beside him “even now, you’re kicking your legs a little bit.”

“Aja, yeah I see what you mean”

“Great, so now just…you know..kick harder”

As Kai began to do as said, he moved across the pool. And even though Kai’s main goal in this was to be close to Jay, he was completely absorbed in how he was swimming, “bro bro! Are you seeing this?”

Jay swam beside him “see? It’s that simple! The biggest obstacle is fear”

“Hell yeah! I dont even know what I was so worried about, this is almost automatic, like second  nature.”

“I’m glad you feel so confident in this!” Jay swam in front of Kai “now let go of the board”

Kai stopped in his tracks and starred at Jay, who was right in front of him holding the other end of the swimming board.

“Uuumm…how about I don’t?” Kai grinned nervously.

Jay let out an exasperated sigh, but he still seemed amused, “Come on Kai. Your not gonna have a swimming board at your disposal every minute mission we go on”

“Maybe I will”

Jay raised a challenging brow at Kai, who looked back at him with a defying smile.

“You can hold on to me”

“Fine” Kai quickly said, letting go of the board immediately and throwing himself at Jay.

Wait. Fuck. He was being too obvious.

Jay chuckled and as he held Kai’s arms, he put some space between them, “you can’t swim if your hugging me, you know?”

“I- uh- y-yeah - I was just so cold- and ..well yeah” Kai stammered, his mind scrambled with too many things. Jay holding his arms. The cold. Jays laugh. Jays face. How many freckles jay had-

“Alright just- um- actually hold on to the edge of the pool, I wanna show you some arm movements”

Jay said as he directed Kai’s arm to the edge of the pool, letting him hold on to there, “ok now, you’re gonna wanna do these movements with your arms” Jay instructed as he stretched both his arms out in front of him and moved them outwards, “see???”

Kai couldn’t help but snicker at Jay, “yep. I see”

Jay stopped and pouted, “what’s so funny?”

The fire master couldn’t help but giggle a little more at jays attitude, “oh nothing- I just find it kinda funny how seriously your taking this”

Suddenly Jay leaned in closer, furrowing his brows, “Is it not serious to you?”

Kai’s eyes opened wider and he nervously laughed, “Oh! Ah-! Yeah duh! I didn’t mean it that way- “

“In what way did you mean it then?” Jay raised his eye brow, holding back a small smile that tugged at the corner of his lips. Was he amused at Kai’s reaction? Kai didn’t know, but jays expression only served to make his face feel even warmer,

“I meant it in a cute way! Not in an embarrassing way or anything! I just find it sweet, endearing and - and - just kinda amusing in  that way - haha! You know what I mean??” Kai cringed at himself. FSM he was so embarrassing he might as well let go and drown right then and there in the 2 feet pool.

But Jay returned a wide, amused smirk, “cute? You find me cute?”

Kai couldn’t see himself but with the way he felt his entire being on fire, he could deduce that Jay was probably looking at a blushing mess. Fuck.

“UUM- NO? NO! That’s not what I meant-“

“Oh but you did-“

“- but I didn’t”

“But you literally said it-”

“-I didn’t”

“Yeah you did-“

“I meant that the *gesture*-“

“Oh stop trying to take it back-“

Was it just him or was Jay leaning closer and closer? Kai found himself instinctively moving one of his hands on jays shoulder as he still held on to the border of the pool with the other. But that didn’t stop Jay from pulling him closer by the waist.

HOLY SHIT SHIT WHAT WAS HAPPENING.

Kai felt out of breath, unfocused, as he stammered, “I- uh- but I-“

“Dude it’s fine to admit you find me cute it’s not gonna kill you” Jay chuckled as he rolled his eyes now, a more playful look settling on his face rather than the smug one he was wearing earlier, “I mean, if it makes you feel better,  I find you pretty adorable as well. You know, you get flustered really easily, it’s hilarious”

Oh? What- what the fuck was Kai supposed to respond to that?

FIRST SPINJITZU MASTER - HOW WAS KAI SUPPOSED TO READ THIS AS? WAS JAY JUST BEING PLAYFUL? WAS HE MESSING WITH HIM?!?! ONE MOMENT KAI FEELS LIKE HES BEING PULLED INTO A KISS THE NEXT JAY IS CASUALLY POKING FUN AT HIM AND CHANGING THE MOOD- BUT ALSO TELLS HIM HE FINDS HIM ADORABLE HELLO?!?!? HE WAS DYING YET FELT SO ALIVE AT THE SAME TIME.

“Uh…thanks? Wait no - not thanks! I don’t get flustered easily!“ Kai pouted.

Jay giggled, brushing a strand of Kai’s hair out of his face, which made Kai’s stomach flip, “you know what’s funnier? You denying it”, Jay cooed.

“When do I even-?”

“-What about literally right now?”

“I’m not!- I- UGHH! This isn’t fair, you’re so annoying.” Kai groaned as he looked away, trying to appear annoyed although the flushed tone of his cheeks gave him away.

Jay continued to smile, “So are you. Now shall we continue with our class?”

But before Kai could answer, Nyas voice suddenly came from above them, “class? Are you teaching Kai how to swim?”

Jay and Kai turned and looked up at Nya, who was standing outside the pool looking down at them with a questioning and confused look. And for the millionth time in the day, Kai wished he could just disappear into thin air. Because he’d realize that he was holding on to BOTH of jays shoulders as Jay continued to hold him by the waist.

Yeah. What a GREAT position to be caught in right now. Not embarrassing at all.

Apparently Jay didn’t really mind nor realize how unusual it was for them to be seen by literally anyone in this position, because he just casually continued the conversation, “sup Nya! Yeah, kai asked me to help him learn how to swim.”

“Oh, that’s great and all but…why didn’t you just ask me?you know…the literal master of water” Nya questioned Kai.

He was FUCKKKKEEEEDD.

“Umm…you were busy”

Nya raised an eyebrow, “no I wasn’t”

“You looked like it”

“I was literally laying on my bed scrolling on my phone”

Ok. No. This wasn’t working. This was going to shit. He was screwed. Jay was looking at him weird. Nya was looking at him weird. UGH WHY DID NYA HAVE TO APPEAR NOW OUT OF ALL TIMES AND BLOW HIS COVER.

HE HAD TO MAKE HER PLAY ALONG. AND  FAST.

BILINGUAL MODE ACTIVATED.

Kai let go of Jay and leaned over the pool.

“NYA. ESCUCHÀME BIEN . Si VOS queres que te siga cocinando ese PUTO budín de banana y frambuesa que te gusta tanto, voy a necesitar que me hagas un favorcito justo ahora, y que te hagas la pelotudita por TRES segunditos y hace de cuenta de que SI me dijiste que estabas ocupada.” Kai spoke as fast possible in order to make it even harder for Jay to understand what he was saying. Which made him feel a little bad for Jay, because he knew what it felt like to be in a room full of people you can’t understand, and they know you can’t understand. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

Nya remained silent for a moment, and then raised her eyebrows, and then her face lightened up with a knowing smile, “oooohhhh….ok….yeahhh…” she began,nodding slowly and then shaking her head, “no yeah yeah I remember now! Whoops my bad! I forgot you asked me yesterday and I told you that I’d be busy all day today! I guess I decided to just work all day tomorrow rather than today haha!” Nya laughed off, her act convincing enough that Kai was definitely baking her banana and raspberry cake as a thank you.

Kai let out a small sigh of relief, “yup. Exactly. And anyways, jays a great teacher!” Kai smiled and elbowed jay, who was also smiling, but he still seemed a little bit confused. It’s fine. It’s fine. At the very least he’s not TOO suspicious or he can’t really say much to object.

“I’m glad then, because I don’t think I was ever gonna be in the mood to teach you anything ever-“

“-wow ok-“

“- but anyways, I DO need to take you away for a moment if I may, *dear brother*” Nya smiled with a sarcastically sweet smile.

Kai sighed. He knew what awaited him.

“Sure…coming” he grumbled, and as he lifted himself out of the pool he turned to Jay “I think we can end the ‘class’ here for today. Usually when Nya says a moment she means a thousand years”

“Hey!”

Jay got out of the pool as well, “yeah sure! Whatever you want. You’re the ‘student’ anyways so call me whenever you wanna continue. I had to go out run some errands for master Wu anyways and he’ll kill me if I don’t do it by tomorrow lunch ssooo yeah.”

As Kai grabbed his towel, he turned to Jay and smiled softly, “alright then-WOAH-“, and before kai could continue, Nya began to excitedly drag him away by the arm, “yeah, yeah we get it boys! You’ll see each other around- you literally live together, let’s go Kaiii” she sing-sang.

Last glance he got of Jay that day was a warm smile as he waved Kai and Nya away.

Kai loved that smile so much.

Chapter Text

It had been three days since Kai and Jay had gone to the pool together. And since that morning, it was as if the energy between them changed. There seemed to be a sort of mutual understanding of a ‘closer bond’. Emphasis on ‘seemed’, because Kai was constantly stressing on whether or not Jay felt it or not. Was Kai going crazy? Was he reading too much into it?

Every time they passed by each other or were in the same room, they locked eyes, and Jay would give him a warm smile that made the butterflies in his stomach run wild.

Jay was being more touchy. He’d sit closer to Kai although there was certainly more space on the sofa. Even during training or when they listened to master Wus lessons Jay would stand closer to him. They’d brush shoulders more often or jay would ruffle Kai’s hair almost every time he was less than two feet away from him. He’d feel Jay casually putting his hand on Kais shoulder when they talked or he’ll- even just last night, when the whole team was watching a horror movie, Jay spent the entire movie hugging and holding on to Kai’s arm. Every time Jay hid his face in Kai’s shoulder a wave of pride mixed with nerves.
If you asked him what the movie was about, Kai wouldn’t be able to tell you.

There just seemed to be….something different in the air. A crackling tension every time they were in the same room. Kai didn’t even know how or why; but he knew something changed. Or…at least he thought? UGHH WHY DID HE HAVE TO BE SO UNSURE??

He’d talked to Nya about it, and she seemed to back him up, “from what you’re telling me, it seems like he DEFINITELY has reciprocates feelings. He probably just realized u return them and now he’s kinda trying to make moves on you?”

“Then maybe he should be more obvious right? If he wanted to make a move on me then just take me out on a date or make out with me under the rain!” Kai grumbled as he paced back and forth in Nyas room.

“Aawwww, what a romantic”, Nya teased, “but anyways- yeah, maybe he’s not fully sure. Just like you! You’re on the same boat! Isn’t that enough for you to make a move yourself? It’s like at this point both of you guys are just waiting for the other to react!”

Kai groaned and flopped down on the bed right next to Nya, “you don’t get iiiiit” he muffled into the sheets, “like, I mean- what if he did all these things before but now I’m just hyper aware of it?!? What if it’s always been the norm but now I’m reading it as romantic?”

Nya raised her brow as she glared down at her brother, “that’s ridiculous. You’re ridiculous”

“I know”

“Kai, i trust enough in your intelligence that you’d be able to tell if things with Jay used to be exactly this way or not.” Nya sighed.

Kai finally raised his head from the sheets and turned to Nya, “but what if he likes Cole?”

Nya made an blinked incredulously- before she burst out laughing, “COLE?? WHERE DID THAT COME FROM???”

“OH! I HAVE VERYYY GOOD REASON TO THINK THIS” Kai shook Nya, “LISTEN TO ME”

Nya while a year as she calmed her cackling down, “I’m listening”

“So just yesterday, when we were training outside, I caught a glimpse of Cole and Jay, sitting VEERRYY close together while Cole was whispering WHO THE FUCK KNOWS WHAT in Jays year. And he was smiling like a- like a damn- I don’t know! But he looked smug and confident while Jay was RED I TELL YOU. REDD. he looked SO flustered UGH!” Kai explained.

“So of course- I decide to go strike up a conversation! I walk up to them and ask, ‘hey guys, watcha whispering about huh?’-“

“You weren’t striking a conversation you were just being nosy-“

“SHUT UP SHUT UP LET ME FINISH!- thing is- Cole fucking tells me that, ‘oh, you don’t wanna know…it’s private…” IN THE MOST…SLY, SUAVE, TAUNTING VOICE OH MY FIRST SPINJITZU MASTER-“

“Wait, wait, did Jay not say anything?”

“no, yeah! He did! Right after that jay was like, ‘yeah lol it’s no big deal, just something between us…’ LIKE?!? WHAT THE FUCK?!?”

Nya hummed in thought, “yeah…I mean sure that’s kinda weird”

Kai groaned into a pillow “I don’t know if I’d call it ‘weird’ to be honest. I mean…it wouldn’t be so far fetched if Jay had a thing for Cole. And vice versa, especially considering Jay I general. I mean it’s Jay.”

Kai turned to Nya, now with a more sullen face, “they have always been closer to each other. Known each other for longer than I know them. Cole is this tall, attractive, incredibly strong, charming, sweet guy, and I’m just….”

Nya sighed, and brushed a hair strand out of Kai’s face, “Kai…”

Kai felt his vision blur. A thick knot forming in his throat. Nope. No. He was NOT about to cry. He was not about to cry. He was NOT GOING TO CRY.

He had to leave.

Kai stood up from the bed and quickly left Nyas room as he muttered, “I gotta go…don’t ask..”

He walked down the halllway as quickly as he could, and locked himself into his room. Kai stood there for a moment. Starring at the door,steadying his breath as he couldn’t help the tears silently rolling down his face.

Kai’s impatient, short tempered, arrogant and dumb. He’s not gentle nor mature and levelheaded. He’s thrash and bad mouthed. He’s not strong like Cole. He’s not attractive like Cole. He couldn’t even take care of his own hair for fsm sake! He’s not well kept at all nor does he have a good style.

Why would Jay like Kai when Cole is right there? When Cole is everything right where Kai goes wrong? How could someone so intelligent, imaginative, sweet, sensible, humble, and beautiful like Jay choose Kai over Cole?

Especially when Cole and Jay were much closer than Kai and Jay. they knew each other before Kai arrived and they were always best friends with each other, more than the rest. Kai’s not part of their duo. They have their own thing. Their own perfect thing together.

But then why does Kai feel like he and Jay have something going on? UGHH!! This is torture. His mind was bet-

A knock came to the door, “Kai? Come have dinner, I made kimchi and rice for dinner” Zane’s soothing voice came from the other side.

Kai whipped his tears quickly before opening the door, “yep. Going.” He said trying to imitate a voice that totally didn’t sound like he was just silently crying in his room three seconds ago.
____
At the dinner table, everyone was engaged in’s lovely conversation. Like they usually were. But Kai wasn’t really paying mind to it, looking down at his food and sullenly chewing on it.

He was sitting between to Lloyd and Zane, leaving Jay and Cole sitting right in front of him, of course, and nya next to Jay at his right- leaving Jay right in front of Kai’s eye sight. Meaning everytime he dared to look up, he somehow locked eyes with Jay.

One of those times lasted longer than ten seconds. But not only did Jay offer a small, sympathetic smile; but he felt Jay brushing his foot against Kai’s leg. It seemed as a sort of comfort, and like a secret message, quietly asking ‘is everything alright?’

Obviously nothing was ok. Even with jays smile and his affections under the table that served to make his heart race and the skin on his leg burn. His mind was drowning in conflict and he could barely focus on anything at the table.

But still, Kai tried his best to form a smile, at least a small one, and even tapped his foot against Jays as if to say, ‘I’m fine’.

After that small interaction, Kai could still feel his heart beating. FSM he was so exaggerated. It was just a small interaction but even then he was melting. He tried to appear a little less solemn, and attempted to raise his head higher and try to appear engaged on the conversation- but it felt like a huge mistake when he listened to their conv

“But you spent *seven* years at that Performing arts school! Seven! Yeah no. I don’t believe you’re as bad as you say you are”, Lloyd said as he was talking to Lloyd. Everyone seemed engaged in the same conversation.

Cole bash fully scratched his head and looked down “I don’t know….I did learn some things…I guess I was better at dancing but definitely not singing nor acting” he shrugged

“Well now you gotta teach us what dances you learnt then!” Zane offered with an eager grin. Everyone else agreed excitedly, cheering Cole on to show off some of his moves. Which only made Cole more and more flustered, “man I don’t know! It was a long time ago and I haven’t practiced in a while- how am I supposed to teach you guys anything?” He nervously laughed, “I mean..ballroom dancing maybe? That’s the easiest I can think of.”

The whole table seemed delighted by the idea. Except Kai of course. Considering his bad mood. He did think it was a fun idea-

“oh oh!!! I should go first! Teach me how to ballroom dance!! I’m the worst at dancing I need it!” Jay cheerfully offered.

Oh. Maybe the idea kind of sucks actually.

“Ohhh you’re right!! you ARE awful at dancing!!” Lloyd laughed.

The earth ninja shrugged, a shy smile still stuck to his face, “alright then…if you guys REAALLY want it…oh save me FSM…”

The rest cheered at their success in convincing Cole. Soon enough they had all stood up from their chairs and moved them to form a line in front of a free space they made in the living room. The whole team, expect for Cole and Jay, sat on the chairs as spectators.

As Cole and Jay chose the song with Zane, who of course would be their boombox, Kai awkwardly sat between Nya and Lloyd. His stomach churned. He felt his jaw clench.

Now he had to sit on this stupid chair to watch Cole and Jay literally ball dance together and act like he doesn’t care?

Kai could feel Nyas eyes burning on his side. Although she didn’t say anything. Maybe she was thinking of what to say. Nevertheless it never came. He doesn’t blame her. What was she even supposed to say anyways?

“Ok! We chose the song! remember Zane, the music goes when I do the countdown.” Cole reminded.

Zane nodded and gave him a thumbs up, and with that Cole turned back around to Jay and brought him to the center of the dance floor.

Cole began to guide jays hands, setting them on his shoulder and then connecting their other free hands. “Ok, so first of all, just to clarify. ballroom dancing is a broad umbrella term that includes a lot of different dancing styles. But im gonna teach you the most basic one being The Waltz. Or at least to me it’s the most basic one. It’s the easiest to me. But anyways- this position is basic. We all know this. You hold my shoulder I hold your waist.”

Kai bit the inside of his cheek at the sight of Jay and Cole holding each other. Of course. Being subjected to this was exactly what he needed. He couldn’t even walk away since that would just raise questions and make him look lame. Kai just had to keep his cool. It’s fine. He could do this.

But watching Cole guide Jay on the footsteps made Kai’s blood boil even more. He knew he shouldn’t feel this way. Fuck why did he feel this way. He shouldn’t feel this way. He shouldn’t. Fuck fuck fuck.

Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Especially Cole and Jay, who were giggling at every mistake Jay did or smiling at their successes. Jay was slowly getting the hang of it and their dance moves were more and more coordinated by the minute.

Watching Jay and Cole smile sweetly at each other while they dance the fucking waltz only served to tie a thick knot inside Kai’s throat. They seemed so graceful. So happy. So good for each other.

Kai huffed and pulled out his phone, desperately scrolling through his apps and old messages. anything to distract him from the horror show in front of him.

“Kai” Lloyd whispered as he tugged at the red ninjas sleeve, “Cara, o que tem com essa cara de bravo?”

(Dude, what’s up with that frown you got?”)

Kai didn’t look up from his phone, “não enche, Lloyd.”

(Don’t bother me, Lloyd)

But the blondie didnt budge. A smirk creeped up his face instead, “hmmm Desculpa, mais e que o seu humor me faz pensar que voce não está gostando muito desse show.”

(Hmmmm, sorry, but your mood makes me think that your not really enjoying the show)

“Eu acho chato”

(I find it boring)

“Eu acho que você acha isso porque esta com ciúme de eles” Lloyd grinned mischievously.

(I find that you only think that because you’re jealous of them)

Kai’s head snapped at Lloyd’s comment. Was Kai THAT obvious??

“O que?!”

(What?!)

Lloyd’s snickered, “ai cara não se zangue! Só to fazendo brincadeira.”

(Ai dude dont get mad! I was just kidding)

Kai grumbled and turned back down to his phone. But Lloyd didn’t let up, “Mais sério. O Que acontece? Você fico o jantar inteiro com cara de cu.” he whispered more genuinely.

(Ok but seriously. What’s wrong? You spent all dinner with an ‘ass face’)

Kai sighed, and looked up from his phone, catching a glimpse of Cole and Jay dancing with big smiles on their faces before he turned to Lloyd, “so….to com sonho….”

(I’m just……tired)

Lloyd smiled, playfully yet sympathetically bumping Kai’s shoulder, “so isso? E sério que não está com ciúme? Você me pode contar.”

(Just that? You’re really not jealous? You can tell me)

Kai raised his brow, and fsm he really hoped a blush wasn’t visible, “e porque você está tão convencido de isso?-“

(And why are you so convinced of that?-)

Before Lloyd could even answer Kai question though, the music stopped and they heard Jay cheering, “damn that was easy as fuck!”

“You stepped on me seven times but sure” Cole chuckled as he high fives Jay.

“Yeah whatever boulder brain. I still did great and you know it.” Jay said playfully as he went to sit down by one of the chairs.

Cole turned to the rest, “is anyone else gonna want a lesson..or…?”

Kai immediately stood up and began to walk away, “yeah no thank you. I feel like I’m gonna doze off any second now.” He said impassively.

He knew. He knew he shouldn’t feel jealous oh fsm WHY did he have to feel this way? Why did his stomach have to churn at the sight of them together or his blood run cold when he sees the joy in their faces when they’re close to each other. Why did his mind have to torture him this way?

At this point instead of tears, Kai began to feel his fists clenching and his jaw tighten.

Marching to his room, Kai closed the door a little too harshly and threw himself on his bed, immediately drowning his screams of frustration into his pillow.

WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY?
WHYYYYY did he have to be so obssessed?
Why d did he have to fall head over heels for Jay?
Why couldn’t he stop feeling insecure about himself?
Why couldn’t he get the thought of Jay liking Cole instead of him out of his head?
Why was he thinking all this?
Why was he feeling all this?
Why couldn’t he just be normal about this? Why did he have to feel jealousy towards such a great friend?
Feel annoyance when he sees Jay simply being happy with another man.
It shouldn’t bother him. It shouldn’t. They weren’t even supposed to go out anyways so Kai shouldn’t even be thinking about making moves on Jay or-

Kai’s mind continued to reel and reel with thoughts after thoughts after thoughts. Eventually falling asleep fully clothed and with the lights of his room fully on.

It was around 2:00 am when Kai’s eyes fluttered open, and his body began to stir.
When he sat up with a groove groan, he winced at the pain he felt in his head. The headache must be from clenching his jaw and furrowing his brows for so long.

Kai sighed and drowsily sat up from his bed. Taking his time to stand up and finally walk out the door.

He made his way to the kitchen to grab himself a cup of water. While Kai drank his water, he sat back against the sink, facing the doors that led outside, drinking in the water and the quiet of the night.

But that’s when he noticed through the windows, that the lights from the porch outside were turned on. Kai huffed and set his cup down on the counter. Master Wu was very strict with saving energy around the monastery, since they couldn’t afford to increase the electricity bill much more. Which makes a lot of sense. At this point the whole team was always paranoid about leaving lights inside empty rooms on, or even using the ac for too long.

But when Kai slid the door open, he found a startled Jay sitting on the floor with books and papers filled with notes drawings and…constellations? All scattered around. And right next to jay, there sat a telescope. Since when did Jay have a telescope?

Kai stood in the doorway, assessing the sorroundings as Jay sighed in relief, “oh good. It’s only you. You scared me hothead” he laughed off.

Kai raised his gaze back at Jay and he couldn’t help a small warm smile, “ ‘oh good it’s only you’? Is there anyone here not supposed to walk in on you?” He decided to tease.

Jay shrugged, “I don’t know! You jumpscared me it was an instinctive reaction! Lado, I guess in this crazy life we lead I’m always half expecting to get ambushed by some villain or smth. And also Master Wu told me to stop staying up so late.” He cheekily looked away.

Kai finally stepped away from the doorway and closed the door behind him, making his way to sit down next to Jay, “yeah…true..I don’t blame you. I’m also paranoid sometimes. But anyways…could I know what exactly is that you’re doing out here?” Kai gestured to all the materials Jay had laid out.

The lightning ninja raised a teasing brow, “I thought it was kinda of obvious. I’m studying constellations. I don’t really talk about it much, but I do love stars. The sky and the galaxy. It fascinates me. So from time to time I come out here and use my precious telescope to study. I observe mostly stars and constellations though.”

Kai could feel the dumb smile on his face. No matter how much he’d want to act non chalant and cool, he couldn’t while it off as he listened and started at Jay.

“You’re….” Amazing

“A huge nerd. I know” Jay chuckled sheepishly as he looked down and played with the strings of his jacket.

Kai huffed out a laugh, “sure that. But who said being a nerd was a bad thing? Hell, I kinda wish I was more like you” and shit he didn’t mean to let that slip out.

But maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing, since Jays face suddenly flushed a dark tone as he turned to Kai with startled eyes. The edge of his mouth fighting to not perk upward into a smile. He then looked away though, scratching the back of his head, “oh please…you…you really don’t” he said with a bittersweetness in his voice.

Well. Now that Kai had said it he wasn’t gonna backtrack was he?

Hesitantly, the red ninja reached out and gently turned jays face towards him, his hand resting on his cheek, “why not..? Because personally what I see is this super sweet dude with a great sense of humor and insane intelligence and creativity”

They both started at each other fore a moment. Their eyes piercing through the others like they’d never before.
It was short lived though. Jay let out a shaky breath, before he slowly took Kai’s hand off his cheek and held it with both his hands. He leaned away with a more uncertain, yet still flustered face, “im….thanks…” he breathed, “but I…uh….i mean…why wouldn’t …you want to be you know…you?”

Jays hands rubbed soft circles on Kai’s hand. Causing his stomach to feel like it was running in circles.

Jay continued, “You’re also really cool. You know that right? Funnily enough…I sometimes also wish I was a little bit…more like you..” he looked away, with an apparent tiny grin.

Kai opened his mouth to speak but before he could say anything Jay beat him to it, quickly letting go of his hand and laughing aloud, “shit this is…aw FSM that was so cheesy- I know I know…just never mind what I said - let’s change the topic! Wanna look through my telescope?” Jay babbled.

Kai was taken aback by Jays sudden behavior. His eyes remained wide and confused as he slowly retreated his cold and empty hand back to himself, “I- uh…” he looked between Jay and his telescope, unsure of what to say. How to react to that disappointing interruption. They were going somewhere. Having a moment. Did Jay not like it? Was he uncomfortable with Kai? Did he feel like he was leading Kai on??

Ok. No no. Push those thoughts down. Answer jays question.

“sure”

Jay smiled, although a hint of anxiety remained in his gaze. He grabbed Kai’s arm and stood up, leading them both to stand right in front of the telescope.

“Go ahead, look.” Jay said, motioning to the telescope.

Kai leaned down and looked through the telescope. At first he didn’t see much. Sure he saw many beautiful bright stars, from a view much close than he was used to, but it was nothing too amazing. He continued to move the telescope, and that’s when he saw it - a bright, perfect view of the planet Jupiter.

Kai gasped out loud and turned to Jay, “Jay look-“

“I know I know, that’s what I wanted you to see right now. Basically the reason I chose to come out today.” Jay said proudly.

Kai looked like he’d found a box full of treats. Bug eyed and with a dumb grin on his face, he turned back to the telescope to keep looking at the planet, “This is amazing - I’m- I’m out of words” he breathed.

He felt Jay step closer and put his hand on Kai’s shoulder, which made Kai slightly tense.

Kai stood up and faced Jay again, “why don’t you ever show us any of this? Or talk about it?” His voice soft.

Jay sheepishly scratched his head, “well…I don’t know…I guess it never came up? I guess I also don’t usually want people interrupting me…”

“Oh- then I’m-“

“No no! You’re fine you’re fine! I like that you’re here!” Jay apologetically waved his hands in front of him.

Kai felt his face burn. Before he could say anything about it then, Jay continued, “besides, Cole never really talks about his dancing!”

Kai raised his brows and crossed his arms, “that’s because he doesn’t like dancing, Jay. It’s not an interest. Plus he talked about it today. Didn’t he? He even took you out to dance and-“ Kai shut his mouth. He was talking too much. WHY WAS HE EVEN SAYING THAT? Holy shit was he letting bitterness leak into his voice as well? Fuck fuck fuck fuck-

“What was that about?” Jay questioned. there seemed to be a hint of teasing in his growing smile- shittttt shit shit Kai was screwed.

“What was what?” Kai mumbled.

Jay leaned in closer , with his arms behind his back; still with that quizzical look that seemed to be hiding smugness beneath it, “hmm…I don’t know….its just that you seemed kind of…annoyed earlier when Cole was teaching me ballroom dancing. And now you’re bringing it up for no reason…”

“It’s not for no reason. I was making a point about Cole- plus, and what if I do bring it up? What about it?” Kai said stiffly, not daring to move.

Jays smile grew slightly larger, as if he enjoyed seeing Kai feeling so tense under his gaze and questions, “I don’t know…I just get this feeling that it bothered you…you seemed in a bad mood before and now you just…mentioned it in a strange…almost…bothered way, ya know?” Jay circled Kai. And AUGHHHHHDHEHEIE IF KAI COUKD DIE RIGHT THEN AND THERE HE WOULD.

“I…uh- I mean I was just…kinda…”

Jay stepped back into Kai’s view, “jealous?”

Kai’s breath hitched. Jay sure looked beautiful under the moonlight. And he looked so damn HOT with that look on his face. Shit. Focus Kai.

“I’m….i…” SHIT HE CANT GET WORDS OUT.

“Jealous?”

FUCCKK

“No? Yes?! I’m- uh- you see I was just annoyed because…um- I can dance very well as well you know?” Kai quickly blurted out.

And crap. WTf was THAT?

Jay raised his brow, “you were jealous because Cole was getting all the recognition?”

Kai started at jays eyes for a hot second, “yes.”

“You’re….good? At dancing?” The blue ninja seemed to be holding in a laugh.

And oohh Kai’s face was all flushed up wasn’t it?

“I….yeah?”

Jay stepped in closer to Kai’s personal space, still looking intently into kais eyes, “oh really..? Why don’t you show me then?”

Kai was going to disintegrate.

“Uh…I mean…”

KEEP IT COOL KAI

The red ninja mustered up a slightly more playful smile and confidence in his voice, “Is this a challenge?”

Jays grin grew wider, and he intertwined one of his hands with Kai’s, causing the fire elementals heart to skip a beat, “I just wanna see if you’re telling the truth is all…”

Kai couldn’t hold back the stupid grin that Jay was infecting him with, “now why would I lie to you about this, huh Jay walker?” He cooed as he reached to his back pocket, pulling out his phone and immediately opening his Spotify.

Kai didn’t know what possessed him- probably the way Jay was looking, talking, and touching him; giving kai this surge of confidence.

Before Jay could ask what Kai was doing, music began to play from the red ninjas phone. It was this up beat Cumbia song called “Bicho Bicho” by this Uruguaian band called Los Fatales.

He remembered listening to with Nya back in the forge. Where they’d both forget about their grief and stress. The only thing on their mind would be the music and each other. They’d take each other’s hand and laugh as they both moved to the rhythm of the song. Where Nya would daydream about have g this beautiful party for her Quince and claim she had to practice her dance moves for when the time came.

Kai put his phone down on jays books - and to lightning boys surprise, he suddenly twirled Jay around and then pulled him closer with his both hands, their chests inches from touching and their noses almost grazing.

Jay was pleasantly taken by surprise- as he heaved out a breath, “woah! Ok then~” he giggled and Kai wanted to melt right then and there.

But instead of decomposing he took the lead- moving his hips and feet on beat, dragging Jay back and forth with him.

Jays eyes were fixated on the his feet, as he stiffly tried to move along with Kai, who unlike the blue ninja, was moving with the fluidity of water.

While Kai’s heart hammered, he took the bold decision of letting go of Jays hands and allowing his own to find their place on jays waist, “you seem tense. You need to let go you know? There’s no reason to be embarrassed.”

Jays hands drifted to rest on Kai’s shoulders, his face red and filled with uncertainty, “I- my bad. I don’t mean to seem awkward I’m just…” he looked to the side, avoiding Kai’s gaze.

Kai’s heart was on fire. Jay seemed…flustered? Because of Kai? Jay blushing? Looking away? Kai’s doing? This must be a dream. He must be sleeping.

Kai reached one of his hands up and tilted jays chin so he’d look at him, earning a bug eyed Jay in return, “It’s ok. I get it. I used to be like you when I was younger but really you just gotta learn to have fun. Especially when you’re dancing with someone else. Aka, me.” Kai winked and before the blue ninja could utter anything- Kai too jays hand again and twirled him around once more.

Jay let out a surprised yelp, and his shocked face broke into a warm laugh as he and kai intertwined both their hands again. Jays laugh was infectious, and soon enough both of them were grinning and giggling as Kai guided their dance. Their moves being a mix between cuarteto and bachata. There was no structure. There were no rules. It was just him and Jay. Outside under a sky full of stars and a visible Jupiter dancing to every Hispanic song Spotify could randomly play.

Kai felt like he was in heaven. Not only was he holding hands. Bringing their bodies close to each other as they danced to music that only made them want to keep going for hours. The fire ninja would sing along some of the lyrics. sometimes looking straight into jays eyes as he spoke them, secretly dedicating them to his favourite boy. The boy that would just smile back at him oblivious to what Kai’s singing.

Suddenly, thirty minutes had passed. And their energy peak as well. Their hype calming down along with the music as they just held on to each other; catching their breaths as they swayed side to side. Jays hands were wrapped behind Kai’s neck, his fingers lightly tugging the small hairs on his nape. Kai’s hands were on Jays hips, fighting the urge to move any further.

Kai’s stomach was fluttering non stop. But he wasn’t nervous. Nor embarrassed. His lazy eyes looming on jays face only made him want to melt. His heart was afloat. Comfortable.

The fire ninjas head lolled down onto jays shoulder with a grumbled, “I’m tired…”

The freckled man huffed a tiny laugh and his fingers trailed up to run through Kai’s hair, “I can tell. You’re practically laying all your body weight in me”

“No im not” the red ninja muffled into jays shoulder. His arms on jays waist wrapping tighter around jays waist, disapproving his own point.

The lightning ninja snorted, “you’re weak man. Look at you. Coming undone after just some dancing”

“How are YOU not tired dude. You haven’t even slept a bit yet.”

“I have insomnia, remember?”

“Oh….yeah….to be honest no I did not remember”

Jay huffed out another laugh in response, “well, anyways…since you’re so tired, why don’t you go to sleep?”

Kai groaned something inaudible into jays shoulder. At any other time, Kai would have never been acting this way. Then again, everything good happens after midnight, right? And at that point, Kai not only was too exhausted to care but also too comfortable in the arms of his crush. He never wanted to move again. He was the closest and most intimate he had ever been.

A miracle happened then. Ok, it wasn’t that deep. But kai began to feel Jay dragging him back inside, slowly guiding a droopy Kai down the hallway into his room. The fire ninja clinging to him the entire time as they shimmied together.

Once inside Kai’s room, Jay gently lowered him down onto his bed. In the process, Kai dragged Jay down with him as he refused to let go of the blue ninja. Causing Jay to fall atop of Kai, being restrained by Kai’s embrace.

“Kaaiiii…” Jay amusingly groaned, trying to lift his body up so he could look down at Kai’s exhausted yet cheeky smirk, “as much as I’d love to go to sleep right now, I can’t really leave all my stuff out there, can I?”

Kai huffed, mocking a pout, “but are you gonna come back?” He said in an exaggerated mopey voice.

Jay snorted and playfully shoved his hand on Kai’s face as he stood up, “not if you make that stupid face”

The fire ninja rolled over and buried his face into one of the pillows “fineee…just make sure to close the door…” he jokingly grumbled.

Although they were both playing around, Kai still felt a tiny speck of disappointment at Jays rejection. Sure, Kai wasn’t really being serious but a part of him also kinda wished Jay was a little more clueless and took Kai’s proposal seriously. But alas, Kai could only ever dream.

Chapter Text

Kai angrily chewed on his cereals. Trying his best not to stare too much at the two boys whispering and giggling on the other side of the kitchen.

Cole and Jay had their backs to him, and the earth ninja had an arm around jays shoulder while they both snickered about something inaudible to Kai’s ear. It made his blood boil. He knew he shouldn’t feel
This way but FSM did his emotions get the best of him.

His confidence had gone way up last night with that whole *moment* he and Jay had. That morning he had even woken up with a large dumb smile plastered on his face, full of energy and feeling tingly all over. It was crazy how just a day ago he had been feeling hopeless and hateful; sure that Jay would never love him.

Even when Kai went to get breakfast, he greeted everyone brightly; unlike usually where he half ass nods at everyone while he drags his feet around the kitchen.

Everyone seemed delightfully surprised at Kai’s mood, and when he glanced at Jay, a knowing gaze connected them both. The blue ninjas smirk that said “I know exactly why you’re in a good mood” sent a hoard of butterflies to his stomach. The look lasted a second, or two, but it was powerful and meaningful nonetheless.

FSM why did he have to look at him with those eyes? Could he tell? Could he tell that Kai had to stop himself from melting everytime he looked at him? That he yearned for his touch? That he couldn’t sleep at night due to envisioning a candle light dinner with him? That he would listen to Jay rant for hours non stop?

Sadly, Kai hadn’t had any time to even talk to Jay all day, since master Wu chose Kai and Zane to run errands that week.

He had been so happy that afternoon when he came back. Happy to finally have time to go talk with Jay. Or admire him from afar. That works too.

But imagine his disillusionment when he came back and found Jay and Cole having a lively conversation in the kitchen right before Kai walked in. Because of course, once the master of fire walked in, they both went silent and began to talk in a hushed tone instead.

FINE! He sees how it is-

Cole’s loud voice snapped him back to the present, “You? stronger than me???? NAHHH no way bro, no way” he said with a large playful smile.

Kai glanced up from his bowl of cereals, and spotted Cole and Jay nearing the table where he was sitting at, “You know what they say, boulder brains, don’t judge a book by its cover” Jay boasted loudly.

The lightning ninja leaned against the table, right across Kai as he still eyed Cole challengingly, “look, how about we test it out with some arm wrestling?” He said positioning his elbow on the table in an arm wrestling stance.

“OH! Game on buddy!” Cole said as he slammed his elbow down against the table and took jays hand, the two boys starring at each other defiantly.

Suddenly though, they both glanced at Kai….almost…expectantly? It lasted a second though, before they both quickly turned away and looked back at each other, and nodded. Kai could only stare at them in confusion, with a mouth full of cereal.

Sincerely, Kai didn’t actually believe Jay was stronger than Cole. Cole was easily the strongest of the entire team. Hell! he had super strength! Everyone knew that. But then why was Jay so adamant about proving he’s stronger than Cole? He adored Jays dumb side but wasn’t this a little much?

Jay cleared his throat, “alright! At the count of three!” He announced to Cole, “one….two…….aaaandddd……THREE!”

The two men began to wrestle each others arms. To Kai’s surprise, they seemed to be tying- their arms remaining in the middle as they struggled against each other.

Jay loudly cleared his throat, shooting a glare at Cole, and the earth master returned him an annoyed one. Immediately, Jays arm began to slowly win over Cole’s hand. Bringing it further down to the table with almost it too much ease.

Hell, it even looked like the muscles in Cole’s arm unhardened. Funnily enough, Cole continued to make grunting sounds and a struggling face; as if he was still applying all of his strength. Kai almost had to hold in a laugh. What the hell? Was Cole letting Jay…win?

Finally, Jay slammed Cole’s arm down on the table and jumped up with a cheer, “OH YEAHH! TAKE THAT! BITCHH! HAHAA!!” He teased Cole.

The black ninja flailed his arms up dramatically, covering his face, “GAH! I guess you really aaarreeee the strongest one” he said; lacking real disappointment in his voice.

Jay turned to Kai, a blinding grin spread across his face, “did you see that?” He asked almost too eagerly.

Kai snorted, “yeah, I can’ believe it.” He really couldn’t.

Jay ignored the amusement in Kai’s voice and strode to his side,propping himself up on the table, “bet ya wanna get a feel of these muscles, eh?” Jay said smugly as he flexed his arm grandiosely.

And holy shit yeah- OF COURSE he did. It was embarrassing. It was ridiculous really. How jays stupid bragging made him feel butterflies. There was something about the attention, the fact that jay would even care to come and show off to Kai.

The red ninja stiffly swallowed down his cereal before responding with a snicker, “psh- in your dreams. Now let me enjoy my cereal in peace.” He said playfully, shooing him away with his hand.

Something on his peripheral vision caught his eye though. Jay turned around to meet Cole’s gaze- and Cole seemed to some kind of…gesture? Ok. Weird.

Jay turned back to Kai and leaned on the table, “ok but jokes aside….me and Cole wanted to go have a movie marathon, wanna come join? I just know you’ll love this franchise.”

For a moment, Kai hesitated.

Just imagine. Kai freezing alone on the edge of the couch while Jay and Cole cuddle on the opposite side. Even if it’s platonic! He was scared of feeling left out.

But then again, not only can Kai use this as a way to have more quality time with Jay; Cole’s still Kai’s close friend. Even if the other two are closer with each other, Kai still loves Cole, at least platonically. Which gave him a pit in the stomach.

Who is he kidding? Of course he’ll watch a movie with them.

Kai nodded as he wiped the milk off his mouth, “sure! Right now? Orr later?”

Jays face lit up at Kai’s answer, “yep! Right now! I’m gonna go make the popcorn though- but you can wait in the tv room!”

———

Kai sat on the couch alone. Waiting for both Cole and Jay to come with the popcorn.
He couldn’t help but feel like there was something strange about their behavior. And sure they were always weird - but this? This was more…suspicious….

He couldn’t even be mad or jealous. This just felt…confusing. Intriguing even. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it though.

Maybe he was overthinking. Like he usually did.

Finally the other two boys walked in, Jay being the only one holding a large bucket of popcorn while Cole walked in behind him with an unreadable expression.

The moment Jay sat down right beside Kai ln the couch, Cole stood near the doorway, balancing on his heels as he plastered a large anxious smile on his face, “woah!! Actually I just remembered that Master Wu told me to go water the plants in the garden! I won’t be able to watch it with you sorry-Enjoythemoviegottagobye!” He said before rushing off down the hallway, leaving Jay and Kai alone in the tv room.

Oh. That was…

“I….didnt know we had a garden” Kai mumbled.

He felt Jays hand land on his shoulder, “oh! Yeah- pfftt- yeah no yeah- we totally do. Yeah. We totally have a garden- let’s just watch the movie yeah?” He said reaching for the remote control.

Just then did kai realize how close Jay was sitting in the couch.

The couch was long. It could fit five of the ninja. Perhaps plus master Wu considering how skinny he was.

So the fact that Jay chose to sit RIGHT next to Kai? Slo close their legs touched? Holy shit someone’s gonna have to hold Kai down.

The red ninja stiffened in place, hoping, praying to Lloyd’s grandpa that Jay wouldn’t notice. Thankfully, Jay didn’t really look like he did. The blue ninja leaned back and relaxed on the couch as he put the movie. A satisfied grin on his face as he began to chew on the popcorn he made.

Kai took a deep breath and opted to do the same; leaning back and relaxing as he tried to focus in the movie.

BUT FSM WAS IT HARD WHEN THE MAN HE WAS ADORED WITH HIS SOUL WAS RIGHT THERE. TEASINGLY CLOSE TO
HIM - WHAT THE FUCK IS KAI SUPPOSED TO DO?!?? WHY DID JAY CHOOSE TO SIT SO CLOSE? WHY THE FUCK DID COLE LEAVE?!?! DID THEY REALLY HAVE A FUCKING GARDEN?!!?! SINCE FUCKING WHEN?!?!

He felt jays hand on his thigh.

He stilled.

“You seemed tense” Jay softly spoke. Rubbing his thumb in circles.

Kai’s big eyes snapped to jays, “umm..” he stammered “how could you tell?”

Jay huffed a laugh, repositioning himself so he’d be facing Kai, “mainly because you’re breathing very heavily.”

“Ah. Um…yeah…um” shit it was hard to focus with Jay looking at him with those eyes, “I’m just…under a lot of stress ya know?” Kai stiffed a smile, “just haven’t been able to relax-“

“I can help with that.” Jay brushed Kai’s hair back, his hand remaining on the back of his head as he looked at him with an indecipherable gaze.

Kai’s words caught in his throat. Unable to formulate a response before Jays hand pulled his head down, gently placing it on his shoulder, while jays other hand went up to his waist and wrapped itself around it, pulling Kai even with him as Jay layer down on the couch.

Kai’s stomach flipped as he was pulled down with jay. His body now completely laying over jays as the blue ninja securely held him within his grasp. The fire masters hands gripping jays hoodie, processing what the fuck was happening.

“Ssshhhh…” Jay soothed Kai as he ran his hand through his hair and the other over his back, “relax, firefly.”

But Kai couldn’t relax. His heart is beating at a thousand miles an hour and he feels his skin burn everywhere Jay makes contact with him.

This was his dream. This was his fucking dream. Or rather a portion of his dream but STILL.

Finally though, as reality began to slowly set in, Kai started to truly relax. Focusing on the head scratches Jay gave him. Or the soothing circles on his back. The feeling of having Jay as a human pillow. Their legs tangled together and the smell of sweat and the sweet cologne Jay always used.

His heart swelled with love.

Kai hummed as he further buried his face into the crook of jays neck, wrapping his arms around jays torso.

“That’s it…” Jay whispered.

They remained in a comfortable silence for some minutes. Kai drifted into a small sleep, listening to the movie in the background but mostly jays breathing. Meanwhile jay was surely awake watching the move, as Kai from time to time felt jay chuckle at some of the jokes. Dork.

Apparently, one of the jokes was so funny Jay couldn’t help but laugh pretty likely, awaking Kai from his short nap.

Kai slightly shifted his body, groaning into jays neck, getting a snicker in response, “whoops sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you.” Jay said as he gently ruffled Kai’s hair.

Kai shifted his head, moving to nuzzle the neck area right below his chin, “can’t you just turn that TV off.” Kai grumbled.

“No can do.” Jay quipped.

Kai groaned in response, huffing into jays neck as he curled more into Jay.

Smiling, the blue ninja reached for Kai’s chin and lifted his head up so he’d meet his gaze. Groggy yet flustered eyes meeting Jays amused ones, “you’re such a Teddy Bear though, I can’t get enough of you.” He said as he ran his thunb over Kai’s bottom lip.

The spiky man’s heart skipped a beat. Between Jays words, the way he held him, and the adoring way he looked at him, Kai felt like he was melting into a puddle.

Kai’s eyes looked away, unable to maintain eye contact for too long, “s-shut up man. You’re so fucking cheesy.”

“Oh, am I?” Jay crooned as he leaned their faces closer.

Next thing Kai knew, he felt a soft kiss being pressed against his left cheek. It was sweet and brief. Jays breath lingered over his skin for a few seconds, before pressing another small kiss on his cheek again. And again. And again.

Both his hands came up to cup his head now, making Kai gasp as he felt jays passionate pecking all over his face. Leaving every place explored except for his lips.

Jay stopped for a brief moment, leaning to whisper into Kai’s ear, “should I stop?”

“Fuck no” Kai breathed.

Instantly, Jay flipped them over- pinning Kai down to the sofa. He wasted no time as he began to lavish at Kai’s neck. Kissing and nipping and sucking at his skin.

Kai was in heaven. He tilted his head back to allow Jay more access to his neck and grabbed his waist as well; keeping him close to his body.

Although Kai tried his best to prevent any noise from escaping his lips, soft sighs and gasps could still be heard coming from him. The only thing on his mind was Jay and only Jay.

The blue ninjas lips trailed up his jaw, making his way up to Kai’s lips, where he slowed down and lightly bit Kai’s lower lip. Kai couldn’t help the embarrassing sound that escaped him; serving as further encouragement for Jays advancements.

He dipped his hands under the fire masters shirt, slowly lifting it up as he dragged his hands over Kai’s chest, all while sultrily whispering into his mouth, “you have no idea how long Iv been dying to do this…”

Jays lips fiercely connected with Kai’s. It was intense yet soothing. Passionately gentle. Jays lips felt warm cloud-like. Taking their time to taste each other before parting ways.

Hazy and starry eyes stared up at Jays enamored ones. Their eyes silently communicated their desires, before reconnecting their lips with even more fervor. Kai’s hands were immediately on jays hair, desperately pulling onto his locks as their lips pressed together.

Jay pulled away and began running his mouth down Kai’s jaw, neck, and collarbone, leaving loving marks all over his skin.

Meanwhile, Kai’s breath was labored, as his mind whirled with every touch of Jays lips. His hands that were previously on jays hair travelled back down to Jays hips, pulling and keeping him close to his body.

The blue ninjas hands tugged at Kai’s shirt, motioning to Kai that he wanted it off. Immediately, Kai raised his arms and Jay swiftly pulled it off. As he tossed it aside, he sat up straight, still straddling Kai’s body while he looked down at him with a smirk, “this is probably the most beautiful view I have ever presenced in my life”

Smiling, Kai tugged at Jays shirt, “Stop being sappy and come back down here.”

“Desperate much, hm?” Jay hummed as he slowly closed the distance between their bodies again, leaning back down over Kai.

“Oh you have no idea.” Kai said as his hands wrapped around jays neck now, bringing jays lips to his again-

“HOLY SHITTT IT WORKED!!!”

Kai and Jay jolted at the sudden scream that came across the room. Both of them instinctively grabbing onto each other as they turned to the source of their interruption.

Cole stood by the doorway, an ecstatic expression on his face as he punched the air, “YEAHHH!!! I KNEW YOU COILD DO IT!”

“GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE” jay threw a a pillow at Cole, hitting the master of Earth right in the face.

“WOW. Ok. I hope you guys know you’re in a public area anyways.” Cole answered by throwing the pillow back at him, although it hit Kai’s face instead of Jays.

Once Cole finally left, he closed the door behind them, leaving the two men alone again. As they awkwardly sat on the sofa after their interruption, Kai fidgeted with jays hands, looking down at them. If he was blushing before then now it was even darker shade.

“That….scared the shit outta me” kai huffed a laugh. He wasn’t sure what to say or how to go about this after that interruption, “he’s not wrong though…we kinda are in the TV room…anyone could walk in on us” Kai said sheepishly, holding back a laugh.

Jay chuckled and moved a hair out Kai’s face, “let’s go to my room then…” he muttered, before raising Kai’s hand and kissing it gently.

The fire masters eyes made contact with jays; losing himself into the eternity of those dark eyes.

He smiled, “yeah. Let’s go.”

Chapter Text

HEY GUYS! So I’m incredibly happy for all the ppl that liked this fic! I didn’t think anyone would like it as much so I’m very happy for the support and that you guys wanna see more!

I wanna write more plasma ofc! And I wanna continue this story, just that I wasn’t rlly sure what else to add within THIS fic.

So here’s the plan!
I’m gonna make a second part that’s gonna focus on Jay and Kai developing their relationship and then exploring it, keeping it a secret etc! This fic was more focused on actually getting to confessing or showing their feelings, so now I wanna be organized and make another fic, focusing more on this next phase of their relationship! You get me?
So last chapter was the last chapter of this fic but stay tuned because I wanna start working on the next part!

Thanks for the patience and support!