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“Are your really going to hide right now? Just when the city needs you the most?”
Beeping of various machines could be heard in the whole building. People ran between rooms, medical items falling from their hands.
“I can’t do this anymore! My family is dead! They took control of the city and I don’t have my powers anymore!”
More people showed up with injures becoming more severe. Patients were occupying every possible space.
“You think that you’re the only person without powers? If you didn’t noticed most of us doesn’t have them and are still trying to do something. God, she really made you into a pathetic wet dog!”
A young man stood in the middle of this mess. His black hair were untamed due to lack of time. His skin became more pale and the eye bags more deeper, as a sign of lack of sleep and need of rest. His white coat separated him from patients that seek urgent care from him or one of his colleagues. If he could even call them that. Thanks to his appearance no one could assume that the person that treats their deadly wound is just a teenager. A teenager that hasn’t slept in several days trying to fill the hole in lack paramedics. Many saw how exhausted he was, yet no one wanted to loose another staff member.
The boy ran to the magazine to pick up another bottle of painkillers that just ran out. “You should take a break. When was the last time you slept?” A voice emerged behind him. There stood a young woman. She was older than him but still young. Her long blonde hair were put in a bun and glasses partially hide her own tiredness. “You personally know that we can’t do that Ms Charlotte. I need to bring those painkillers to the people in the hall. There’s also upcoming sudden surgery on the 2nd floor. I don’t remember the doctor’s name, was it Vincent? Or Valentin? Maybe Victor? Doesn’t matter, he said that he needs me to be there in five minutes, so bye”.
The woman watched as the boy ran from the room. She couldn’t help but worry about him. He was too young for that kind of job. Heck, he was too young to be in a medical school so they couldn’t treat it like his internship. She felt horrible. This kid should be outside and worry about homework and his love life, not acting as a doctor. She wanted to somehow help him, she was used to this kind of things and that’s why she wanted to keep him from it. She sighed and took the box of gloves, as she also needed to hurry as they needed her at another surgery.
~~~~~~~~~~
“Hey there Blossom! Brought you something!” A young girl entered the break room. Her dark brown hair were put up tightly, as an opposite of the way she normally wore them. The passage of time was visible as bleached ends started revealing the blond colour that was hidden under the pink dye. Her glasses gained a beaded string that stopped her from losing them in the kitchen. Thankfully, her bubbly personality wasn’t gone which was the exact thing Brad needed now.
“Morning Sal”. The tiredness was heard in his voice. It has been a couple of days since he saw the girl for the last time. Normally the meal team send someone to divide food between medical staff and other people, but from time to time the girl herself was able to swing by with a portion for him. It was hard to catch Gene as well, as he managed to snatch a spot in communication team so he was often away.
And there was Lloyd. Things… go complicated there. They saw each other some time ago and it ended far from good. They argued. Strongly. They used to disagree from time to time but it never got this bad. Brad said things that he partially regretted. He also knew that he was right. Lloyd got himself manipulated which ruined his ability to properly perceive the world. It may not be his fault but he needed to get a grip. They were in the middle of a war, other ninjas were dead and he was mopping around because he lost his powers and the girl he has a crush on wants him dead. Brad was tired of him. Lloyd was his friend since forever and he was genuinely worried about his well-begin. Normally he would let his behaviour slide, but no this time. He was tired himself. He hasn’t slept in days and everyday a bunch of new injured civilians came. Right now he lacked any energy for Lloyd. No matter how much he wished for it to be otherwise.
“Did you get any message from Gene? I’m kinda worried about him.” “Yeah, I saw him yesterday. He came by for lunch.” Sally took his chopsticks and took some of his noodles. “He said that he saw other Elemental Masters in the city. According to him it looked like they were going somewhere. Some people started speculating that they’re going to meet with Lloyd.” Thanks to her work in the kitchen she always had the freshest gossips. Many people came by to discus possible next steps. Unfortunately, some only came there to shit on Lloyd for not doing anything. Because of that Sally had to kick out some of them.
“Did you spoke to your parents recently?” On those words Brad froze completely. The truth was that he hasn’t spoke to his parents since he moved out. He was mad at Sally for even bringing them up, but at the very same time he was worried about them. They were his parents after all - no matter how much they disagreed about his life. “I…no. I don’t even have the time to leave the hospital. I’m stuck there and I have no idea when I will be free.” He felt awful for ignoring them. Thanks to one stupid argument he moved out a year ago and cut any possible form of contact with them. Almost every. His grandma was regularly notifying them about his doings, but also stopping them from visit. She was mad about the whole situation and how badly they treated him because of that one thing. The thing they weren’t able to accept. It was what stopped him from seeking contact.
Sally looked at him. She knew there’s no saving for that relationship. Mr and Mrs Tudabone cursed their child for something he has no control over. For something that has a such low importance for their own life. And yet they felt privileged to disown their only son. She also started wondering where will he go after the war ends. “Alright Blossom, how about I fill-in for you for a while? It would give you sometime for yourself. You will have the time to visit your grandma.” She looked at him, he needed a break. Sally had to admit that she wasn’t the best medic, but it should be enough. And even if it wasn’t she didn’t care, Brad needs his break and he will get it. One way or another.
The boy scrunched his brows. He didn’t want to leave the hospital in such a dire situation. But he knew that if he stayed there longer, he would simply just go insane. And he really wanted to see his grandma and talk to her. But firstly he needed to get an approval. “ Thanks Sal, you’re the best. Find a doctor named Victor and tell him the situation.”
With those words he left. The way to the entrance wasn’t hard by itself, he only needed to focus on ignoring patients in the waiting are. He listened to the complains - how they’re suffering, how the doctor must have been ignoring them on purpose as there’s no way for them to wait for so long without anyone cheeking on them. Brad stopped himself on the last second from turning back and helping everyone. It was a good thing that he changed from his work clothes, he wouldn’t be surprised if they would come to him for help. He saw their suffering yet right now he had to help himself.
~~~~~~~~~~
Brad walked through the destroyed city. Buildings lost their structure and objects were laying in different places. From time to time you could hear screaming of another group of people. He picked up the pace as the crossed another open street. He knew that using hidden passages was the smartest thing to do now, but the level of destruction didn’t always allow that. After several minutes he managed to reach his destination. He passed through the entrance and manoeuvred among the trees and graves when he reached the one he searched for.
“Hey grandma, how you’re doing?”
~~~~~~~~~~
Finding food wasn’t easy. The whole city looked like some gigantic monster had a rampage and started destroying every building that stood in his way. Fortunately for him there seemed to be a place that gave food to everyone who came by. The red head lady was nice enough to give him two portions. Now he only needed to go back to the cemetery without spilling either of the soups. He wondered how people managed to move from one spot to another with this stone samurai towering over them. After a couple of minutes he finally reached his destination. He circled among the graves when he finally managed to spot his target again. The boy looked slightly older than the last time. His hair looked more in place but still kept it’s messiness. He walked carefully to not startle him.
“You must be cold, the soup should be still warm.” He placed the bag carefully on the bench. “For First Spinjitzu Master’s sake! Don’t just spawn out of nowhere!” Brad grabbed his chest while trying to catch his breath. “Sorry, sorry-” He chuckled when Brad looked at him angrily. “I didn’t want to interrupt you.” “So you want me to die? Every time we see each other I’m almost dying thanks to you. Are you really that desperate for a companion that you decide to get the worst possible one?”
Morro didn’t like what he heard. Why Brad think of himself as a worst companion? Something must has happened since the last time they saw each other. Morro payed attention to the grave. When he spotted Brad sitting by it he wanted to bring him something to him firstly. According to the tombstone it was a woman. The dates stated that she lived for over seventy years. Could she be? “My grandma. She died six months ago.” So he was right. It must be the one he was talking about.
Brad’s eyes started to water. Morro desperately wanted to change the topic. Anyone could tell that it was still highly upsetting for him. “What happened here? And what’s up with this gigantic stone thing?” Brad sighed. “Better question is what didn’t happen.” Morro raised his brow at that comment. “Garmadon is alive again and back to the bad. Our princess ended up begin a villain and is the one who brought him back. Sensei Wu turned into a baby and now is dead alongside other ninjas. The only one alive are Nya and Lloyd, but this oblivious idiot stays hidden after losing his powers. So now we’re trying to not get killed.”
To say that Morro was speechless was an understatement. How things could go this bad? And something was telling him that it wasn’t going for long. Brad looked extremely tired, like he wasn’t sleeping for days. It may have been caused not only by lack of sleep but also the situation with Lloyd. And his grandmother.
“When was the last time you spoke to him?” Morro was curious about Lloyd well-doings. It seamed like he wasn’t doing better, but Brad by his own state couldn’t see it. “Last week? Could be more. Even so I don’t think he cares how long it’s been.” Brad wiped his nose. There has to be more to it. Brad isn’t saying everything. It could be possible for the argument to have such a strong impact in current situation. Although, last time Brad was more worried about Lloyd and how he was doing after a dangerous encounter. Right now he was more upset with him than worried, and that didn’t sit well with Morro. How someone so focused on his friend’s life is now angry with him for having a normal reaction?
“You’re quiet.” Morro looked at Brad again. The look on boys face showed that he lost himself in his own thoughts for too long. “Sorry, it’s just…you don’t seem worried about him at all…” Morro wanted to bit his own tongue. How could he said something like that? Brad eyes widened. “What do you mean I don’t care?! I always has been and I always will be! It’s him who doesn’t have time. Nor for me, not for Gene or Sally! We always try to get him to hangout, to take him from that life just for a second. But he always comes with an excuse! Always! There is always something, be it training, hanging out with team, spending time with his mom or some event in the city! But there is never a time for us, not for me!”
Brad couldn’t speak anymore. He was trying to catch his breath while tears run down his cheeks. Morro froze. He didn’t know what to say, how to help. He still was trying to understand the situation from Brad’s point. From what he got he was upset for Lloyd not having time for him and two other people, but the way he exaggerated himself before he broke down… Morro didn’t figure that one yet. While trying to solve that one part out and patting the boy’s back, he still listened to his sobs. He managed to understand some words, which put with his recent meltdown started making sense. Among them was stuff like “oblivious idiot”, “them”, “close”, “princess”, “crush”, “she” and “obsessed”. Yeah, Morro got it now. The whole reason for Brad acting that way was pretty simple - he has a crush on Lloyd. It must have gotten to the point where the feelings got stronger over years, but the time between them started decreasing. It also looked like Lloyd started crushing on a girl who may have been the princess that put their city in this state. It was a mess and Morro lost almost all hope he had for those two to reconnect. Almost.
“Life doesn’t always turn the way we want it to, I know something about it myself.” He pressed to Brad’s back, trying to give him a bigger psychical comfort while avoiding his tears. “But it doesn’t mean we should give up on archiving happiness. Maybe it’s not what we wanted at first but the results may surprise us highly. That just the life is sometimes, and we have to get the best out of it.” Morro became calmer as Brad’s sobs started getting more quiet. “And how you can know that, out of all the people?” “First of all - rude’. Morro elbowed the boy next to him, to which he laughed. “Secondly, even with my life not becoming the way I want it to-” Morro looked at Brad again, smile appearing at his face. “-I've got to meet you.”
Brad smiled at his words and rested his back against the ghost. “That’s nice to hear…” Brad sighed and rubbed his eyes. “I’m just worried about him, you know? I get that his heart is broken but he could listen to his friends from time to time. I know that neither on of us is an elemental master or powerful warrior but we still can help somehow. Especially with a heartbreak.” “I don’t think that it’s what’s affecting him now so much.” Brad turned his head towards him, question visible in his expression. “I’m mean it sure did since this girl destroyed his whole city. But his family is almost completely gone. His father is back but evil. Don’t you think that’s what’s affecting him so much. Not including the lose of powers. Right now not only he cannot fight his father but is not in a state to do so.”
Brad became quiet. Was he really this jealous about Harumi and Lloyd that he completely ignored the latter’s state of mind? He knew too well how it feels to lose someone important. Morro turned to him as he once again heard the quiet sobs. “I’m really that bad of a friend? He’s grieving the lost of his family and here I am being jealous about some girl. God, they were right, I’m horrible.” Morro catched the last sentence despite being whispered by the boy. Great, another thing to add to the “Brad has problem list”. Who the hell were those people who told him that he was horrible. And what kind of right they think they got? “Who are they.” Brad turned towards him, surprised with the tone of his friend’s voice. He slipped out. He already bothered Morro with his problems for a day and then he says another thing. “It’s nothing, don’t worry about it. Let’s just eat.” Morro wanted him to eat something. He really did. But he wanted to find out who those people were even more. “Brad.”
The boy sighed. He already found out that if Morro want’s to know something that he will. One way or another. “It’s just my parents. Let’s say that they aren’t very happy with me liking Lloyd. And since I already was so horrible according to them I’ve moved out.” “Out? Like where? Aren’t you just a teenager? Last time I checked non-adults aren’t allowed to live on their own.” “I wasn’t. I moved with my grandmother. She already suspected something and welcomed me with open arms.” To certain point it made sense, but his grandma was dead.For the past six months. And the whole “whatever the hell is happening in Ninjago again” wasn’t going for more than two months. Where did he live since then? Where was he living now?
“That’s sweet, what about after she was gone?” Morro’s anxiety started growing. Just when you think that elemental masters have it hard, normal civilians like to prove it otherwise. “I stayed at her apartment, she let me. Before she died, she left me money so I wouldn’t have to worry about the costs for a while. And since I already had a part-time job I’m able to save some of it.” “But didn’t someone figure out that you live on your own? Hasn’t police showed up or something?” Brad let out another sight. “Trust me, they have bigger problems on their minds. And besides grandma was friends with the Commissioner so he checks up on me from time to time. He’s cool.”
Morro was worried. Not only Brad was now living on his own, but also had a screwed up relationship with his parents. And there was also this case with Lloyd. Last time they meet Brad helped him a lot, now it was his turn to do so. If only he knew how to do it…
“I don’t want to excuse your parents behaviour, but maybe there is a reason why they acted that way?” Brad’s brows scrunched as his mind analysed the situation. “I don’t know, maybe. I do have to agree that this whole “gay” thing wasn’t as common in their times and they aren’t just used to it. I need to talk to them. Maybe we can reconnect…” Morro was pleased. He understood why he didn’t want to see them, but he was happy that he’s willing to reconnect. He knew far too good how it feels to loose that relationship. Now there was also this thing with Lloyd. It was much more deeper, more emotional for Brad. It included far more than just three people that used to live in the same house. Morro decided to leave it for later.
Brad finally took a sip from his soup. It wasn’t as hot as he likes it, but the warmth was still pleasurable. Morro focused more on the scenery around him. The tall buildings towered over the willow trees that surrounded the stone tombstones. Their number showed the passage of time of city's existence, or unluckiness of its civilians. How many of them will appear once it all ends? His gaze returned to the boy next to him. His reddened eyes made him look worse than when he first spotted him on the streets, but the look in his eyes was calmer. With the last sip of warm meal he turned back towards the ghost next to him.
“What about the second one?” Morro looked towards the object pointed out by Brad. “Last time I promised you that we will eat something together. Unfortunately -” Morro pointed at his body. “-I’m not in a condition to eat it with you. So take it with yourself, maybe you will have a bit of time to reheat it.” Brad smiled at him and got up. He reached his hand towards the ghost, which the latter took with a smile.
The walk towards the hospital was more enjoyable now that they had the company of the second. Even if they knew that the overground route was more dangerous, Brad wanted to use that possibility to show the ghost as much as possible. Morro listened to him closely while making mental notes for his next visit. Or so he hoped. After all it was two years since the first Day of the Departed that he appeared on, and he believed that it may happen again. Although, he had to admit - there was a desire in his heart - the one that wanted to stay next to this boy. To listen to him and be able to hold him. But he knew better, once the day ends he will be gone again. And who knew when will be the next time for his return. How many Days of the Departed will pass before his feet will stand among the living? How many years and changes will happen before he will be able to see the boy next to him? How long he will have to wait to see his smile again?
Morro felt a squeeze in his hand. He looked at Brad again, and how happy he was that he did. The smile on the boys face reassured him and its warmth filled his heart. No one ever looked at him like that. Heck, the boy’s smile wasn’t like that before. Its sincerity was overwhelming but he immediately forgot about anything that bothered his head just a moment ago. He mindlessly followed his steps, his hand still kept in the delicate yet firm hold. His mind couldn’t create a single proper thought, occupied by Brad’s humming as he lead the way. Normally he would hate that feeling, but for some reason with Brad it didn’t bother it at all.
The ghost came back to his senses once the quiet singing has ended and they both stood before a big building. In front of it were standing two people, concern not leaving their faces. The young woman quickly came to them and tightly hugged the boy next to him and the man slowly followed after her. His eyes paid more attention to the ghost, obliviously analysing the situation. The group remained silent for a while till the woman stepped away from Brad. Morro took a closer look and noticed how different yet similar they were. Brad’s hair were as dark as his, the woman on the other hand was a blonde and the man’s short brown hair had an ashy shade in them. The boy’s eyes were the same greyish blue as always, the one that belonged to the woman had the shade of amber and the man had his in the colour of the green sea. Yet, between those differences there was a pattern. The tops of their heads were equally messy and the eyes showed lack of needed sleep.
“I’m so glad that you’re back! That girl that came by earlier told us everything, but I still couldn’t not worry. It’s too dangerous out there. You could’ve got hurt!” She didn’t hide the panic in her voice as she started brushing his hair with her fingers. “I’m sorry Ms Charlotte, I lost the passage of time. I’m fine now, thanks for worrying.” “That’s good, if you don’t mind we will need a hand in checking on patients that are placed in the rooms. If you want you can take your “friend” with yourself. When you were gone we got a visit that transformed one of the rooms on the sixth floor into a resting area for staff. A friend of yours came and left something for you there.”
The man gave him both a crocked smile and guided the woman back to the hospital by her shoulder. The boys followed them to the building. The inside was a clear example of the current state of the doctors inside. People were cluttering on the floor and the doctors moved between them. Among them he could hear occasional cries of the children that hugged their parents and siblings. Morro walked after Brad to a small room filled with lockers. The boy opened one of them and put inside his dark green jacked and put on a white coat. On the way out he picked a clipboard.
Their task seemed easy but it took a lot o time. Every room was filled with at least five patients that needed to be asked very specific questions, and from time to time he changed a bandage or provided a medicine. Morro watched as Brad quickly deducted his next steps and it was something that concerned him.
“Alright, now time for the last floor. Most of the people here are in coma so I just need to check the machinery.” The boy looked at his watch on the wrist. “We have more than two hours before the day ends, we should have some time for ourselves before you will have to leave again.” Morro could have swear that he heard sadness in his voice - although, he wasn’t sure if it was his own desire to hear it. He could only bear to nod his head and followed after the boy. They quickly reached the next floor and continued the check up. Morro watched as Brad focuses on different machines, monitors the results and checks another clipboards that were laid next to the patients. His brow furrowed as he skimmed the paper.
“Morro, can you go to the room at the end of the hall and bring me a syringe?” Brad looked at him as the ghost nodded his head and leave to do his task. He walked through the corridor,passing the closed doors. He almost reached his destination, when a quiet sob got to his ears. He immediately started looking over, trying to find the direction where the voice came from. The doors of one of the rooms were open. Morro looked between his destination and this particular room, trying to figure out what to do. He took a deep breath and walked towards the sound. He slowly reached for the knob and slide them open without making a noise.
On one of the beds was a little girl. Her hair had a rather particular colour - they gave an impression of a warm shade of blonde with a reddish undertone. They were long enough to cover her face as she wiped her tears. There was another person on the same bed - a woman with the exact same hair. Her eyes were close, giving an impression of being asleep, yet the machine next to her told Morro the exact situation. His gaze returned towards the girl, unsure what to do now. Back in the day he would just ignore her and moved on. But he wasn’t that person anymore. He changed.
“Are you alright?” The girl jumped on he spot, startled by his voice. Her blue reddened eyes remained him of sky in a sunny day. She looked at him carefully. “Who…who are you? Did you came for my mama?! I…I won’t let you!” On those words the girl jumped from the bed and shielded the way to it. Morro sighed. “I’m not taking your mother, you don’t have to worry about that. Does somebody knows you’re here? Your dad is probably worried.” The girl lowered her arms and returned to the bed. “I don’t have a daddy, he left us when he found out that mom is pregnant.” “Oh….” Oh? Fucking oh? Is that really all he managed to came up with?
“You don’t have to feel bad you know? It’s not like it’s your fault.” Despite her words he still felt pity for this girl. He never found out from where exactly he came from. According to the group he stayed with before Wu took him they just found him one day. Abandoned. He sat next to her and patted her head. “Your mom is gonna be fine, trust me. You just need to let her rest and take care for yourself. I’m sure she’s not gonna be happy that you starve yourself. “I’m not hungry!” And just like a spell, on her words her stomach rumbled. Morro chuckled as her face reddened and picked her up. He quickly left the room with the girl and picked up a syringe from the storage. He walked through the hall and opened the door to the first room. Brad was still inside checking another patient. His brow scrunched as he tried to figure the mess in the cables. Morro couldn’t help but find the sight adorable.
“Brought your syringe.” “Thanks, you can lay it on the table.” The boy turned to face him, confusion planted on his face. “If I remember correctly I’ve asked you for a syringe, not to steal a child.” The boy approached them with curiosity. “Well, this little one decided to starve herself so I’m taking her to the ground floor for some nice dinner.” Morro was oddly proud of himself. “Mhm, and does this “little one” has a name?” “It’s-” The ghost become silent for a second. He couldn’t believe that he took some random child and didn’t even asked for her name. The girl in his arms giggled. “I don’t know…” He let his head fall down, accepting his mistake. “Dominique, but mama calls me Domi. You can me that.” The girl chirped with joy. “Alright Domi, do you mind being stolen by this scary looking man for a meal?”Brad looked at the ghost with a smirk on the last part. “Hey! I’m not scary, right? Right?” Morro once again looked at the girl, searching for her applaud. Girl’s sweet laugh appeared again. “Nope, you’re not. You’re just like Mrs Florence cat, he always looks very moody and scary. But it’s all an impression, whenever I come by he runs to me so i will pet him.” “Very well then, you two go first, I will join you in a second.”
The ghost and his little companion left the room. Dominique opened herself easily and now was saying everything that came to her mind. Thanks to this, their way downstairs was quick and pleasurable. They turned their way to the main hall. In the time they were gone the atmosphere has changed. People looked more relaxed and happy. They reached the meal team and took a portion of soup. He placed her on one of the window sill’s and opened the container for her. The girl started eating with a smile, enjoying the taste. Morro used the time to eavesdrop on the conversations around them.
“Did you saw it? He’s really back to fight them!” “I can believe it’s finally happening, the hope is back!” “The last time I was so happy that Lloyd was the Green Ninja was during the Final Battle.”
It looked like something has changed during their absence. Morro listened to another voices and found out about the rebellion that is lead by Lloyd and other elemental masters. He knew that Brad will be happy once he would tell him. His gaze returned to Domi. The little girl almost finished her soup. She looked back at him.
“Your boyfriend is really nice. How did you even meet? And how does it work? I mean he’s a human and you’re…you know, a ghost?” Morro looked at her with shock. Who did she mean by “boyfriend”? He didn’t have one, heck the only person she saw him interact with was- “Brad and I are not together. We’re friends, kinda. It’s a little bit complicated. But we’re not dating.” He felt a weird feeling in his stomach. Sure, he had to admit that Brad was cute and he liked his personality. But that was all. He had no romantic feelings for the boy, they were just friends. Albeit admitting that didn’t sit well with him.
“Can we go back to my mama Mr Morro?” Dominique tugged by his shelve to get his attention. “Sure…yeah, let’s go.” He picked her again and walked towards the stairs. Their way back was silent. Morro was more and more lost in his thoughts about Brad. About them. On the other hand Dominique didn’t want to break the silence. She was able to tell that the ghost that hold her so tenderly was bothered by his own head. She understood. She may have been young, but the amount of times she witnessed her mother in that state let her understood. She stayed in silence.
He put he girl next to her mother and waved his goodbyes. He went towards his direction and opened the door. The inside was simple and reminded him of the other rooms, only more cluttered. White beds were placed as close to themselves as it was possible. Many of them were already taken up, but the one at the end of the room was occupied by Brad. As Morro started getting closer to him he realised that the boy is reading some sort of note and smiling. Next to him was a flower pot with white orchids in it.
“Whatcha reading?” He dropped onto the bed next to him. Now that he got really close to him he noticed that his features softened and he looked less tense. “Lloyd rushed the resistance into work. They have a plan that they’re positive that it work out. They won’t back down now. And-” Brad cut the last part. Morro raised his brow watching him consider sharing whatever was on his mind. “He wants to apologise. He feels bad for lashing out on me and is actually thankful that I’ve said what I did. According to him my words were the ones that made him start acting in the first place. I’m glad his fine now. I’m glad we’ll be fine.” Morro watched the boy in front of him. The way he spoke about repairing his relationship with the Green Ninja… It left an uneasy feeling in his heart. “I’m glad that we're starting over again. We really need to change that friendship a bit…it’s not really healthy.” “It was all in the note?” “No, he only mentioned the resistance and my words leaving and impact on him-” Brad picked up the pot standing next to him. “Rest I know from that.”
Morro croaked his neck, focusing more on the flower. Brad could swear he could see cogs turning inside his head. He smiled lightly seeing the image in front of him. “White orchids symbolise pure intentions and commitment to make things right. They also symbolise the new beginning.” Morro listened carefully. He didn't know that Brad knows this much about flowers, or white orchids at least. “Greenie knows the meaning of flowers? Didn't take him for that kind of person.” “He doesn't know much, just one of my favourite ones. When I fully went into florist mode I talked about the meaning of flowers and how to take care of them all the time. I brought this ones the most because they are my grandma's favourite flowers. She has like seven different pots at home of them alone, not talking about the rest. She maybe the one responsible for the way I want to spend my future…” “Which is?” Morro has wondered what the boy meant. Didn’t he want to be a doctor or something? He’s working there now and knows a lot. “I’ve always wanted to became a florist. My parents don’t approve of that and some kids used to tease me for that in the past. It seems like I have to give up on that as the job of a doctor is more worth and less shameful. Maybe one day I will be able to do what I want.
So that’s what he wants to do? Good to know. Morro watched as Brad carefully creased the petals. The look on his face was hard to decipher, Morro wasn't sure if it was relief, love, anger or confusion. He couldn't blame him for the variety of emotions he had now, but the stinging feeling returned. Something about loosing another thing to Lloyd made him mad. Not only the destiny of the Green Ninja but also Brad. Even though he only knew him for two days that were set in two different years, he got attached. There was something about him that made him want to stay close, and because of that he didn't understand how Lloyd wasn't able to make some time for him. If he was the Green Ninja he definitely would make sure to see the boy regularly. It made the knowledge of passing time even more painful.
Brad felt a weight on his shoulder. He tiled his head and noticed strands of black hair hanging down. He placed his hands on his head and neck, cradling them carefully. He still remember the times when Lloyd told them their story, how much he hated him then. And now here he was, holding the one that once hurt the one he loved in his arms. He couldn't comprehend how natural it felt for him. Like they knew each other for years and it wasn't the first time. It was now that he realised that he never did something like that with anyone before. Even when comforting Lloyd after another hard event, he only placed his hand on his shoulder. When Sally had another crash out about Gene he only hugged her slightly and gave words of resurrection. With Gene it was never about being psychical, they just talked. But Morro was different. He didn't know why they clicked so well. Maybe it was the way he always listened to him, making him feel like the most important person. Maybe it was in the way how they both lost something to the destiny. How they both loathed the destiny of the Green Ninja. Or how Brad could just be himself, without worrying about being the perfect him to leave an impression. Whatever was the cause, Brad enjoyed their time. He wondered if ever the time would allow them to be together, not just for a few hours. Oh how he wished the ghost could stay by his side. How he wanted to spend the evenings together, just talking. Whatever he was - ghosts or a human - Brad would take him the way he is. With all of his flaws to him he was the most perfect being in the world.
~~~~~~~~~~
The warm light of sun reached the sleeping face. The owner rubbed his eyes and got up. Some of his joints clicked as he stretched. Sleepy blues looked over the area, searching. No matter how hard he looked the head of black hair has disappeared. Just as he realised it, emptiness filled his heart. How persistence of one person could made him so full was beyond his understanding. He slowly walked out of the room and closed the door. Just as he set his destination to downstairs he heard quiet conversation in one of the rooms. He made his way towards the voice and opened the door. Behind them he saw something he didn't expect. Two heads of reddish blond hair lost in conversation. Dominique was almost jumping on her mother's bed as she was telling her some story. The woman listened to her daughter, faint smile not leaving her face.
“Good morning Ms Laframboise and Dominique. It's good to see you both in high spirits.” Brad didn't want to interrupt their conversation but he had to spoke to the woman about her condition. Just by the looks she gave an impression of simply tired woman, not someone who just woken up from coma. “Do you mind if I ran a quick check up?” The woman nodded in response and the little girl moved to the side. She watched him carefully waiting for the right moment to ask her question and the moment soon came as the boy finished his task. “When will Mr Morro show up? I want to introduce him to mama!” Brad’s smile fell. He didn’t know how to explain the current situation to her. He didn’t know if she would understand. “He left? Like daddy?” Brad looked at her with shock. Despite being right he didn’t want her to think like that. “It’s more complicated. He had to leave, it wasn’t his choice. I’m sure if he could he would stay. You two seemed to hit it of.” Brad gave her a smile, hoping it would make her feel a little bit better. Domi smiled back at him and turned back at her mother, starting another story. Brad finished rest of his task and left the room.
The boy took his way downstairs to report the condition of Ms Laframboise. He seemed out of luck today as finding doctor Victor was impossible. It looked like the man has completely vanished. He was about to gave up and find somebody else when he felt a weight appearing on his shoulders. “How’s my Blossom’s doing? We missed youuuu!” Brad turned his head slightly, just enough to once again see his friend’s face. “We just saw each other yesterday Sal, you really missed me that much?” “Yeah? Who do you think I’m. Besides it was some time since I could have seen two of my favourite people at the same time.” Her words made him turn his head even more. Then he saw a head of ginger locks. The boy looked different since the last time they saw each other. His glasses were broken, his hair were a mess and his clothes were torn in several places. He could notice several bruises and cuts on his face and hands. But one thing remained the same - his cocky smile was still plastered on his face. “Gene!” Brad threw himself into the arms of his friend. The boy hugged him tightly which was unusual for him, but highly welcomed. “Missed me that much? I know that I’m amazing but that’s more than I’ve expected.” Brad showed him to the side with a laugh. Gene’s bratty personality and pride often kept others away from him, it was different for three teenagers that like it about him.
“You look happy, something’s happened?” Sally took a closer look at her friend. Just yesterday he looked miserable and like he was on a verge of a break down. Now his eye bags were smaller and he looked more calm. “You…could say so. I finally got some sleep and there’s a chance that me and Lloyd gonna make up.” And I got to see him again. Brad left the last part to himself. For some reason he didn’t told anyone about their two meetings and now he didn’t felt like explaining the whole situation. It was their thing, his relationship. And unless Morro’s gonna came back for good, he will keep the memory of him to himself. And when the time will finally came, he will help him be a part of the society again. Brad smiled to himself and looked at his friends who lost themselves in the conversation. He couldn’t help but chuckle a little whenever he watched Gene’s expression soften around the girl. His smile was always getting less cocky and more gentle. Brad spend many hours talking with him and trying to came up with the perfect confession to the girl. Gene wanted to go big without her finding out anything. To his demise he had to postpone his plans due to war happening. Last time they get to talk he did promise that the second he gets a chance, he’s doing it. As much as confident he looked, Brad knew he was nervous. He also knew that his friend has nothing to worry about, hi feelings were reciprocated and Sally figured out some time ago that he’s planning something. To say he was exited for his friends wasn’t enough. They were already acting like a couple so it will be just formalities. As he looked at them there was always a wish appearing in his mind. That maybe one day there will be someone who will love him as much.
Brad dragged his friends outside. The breeze of the morning caressed his face, rearranging his hair in it’s own way. He looked to the side just at the right moment for his smile to became wider. Between the buildings ran a group of people in colourful outfits, at the front of them was a boy with golden hair and green suit. His face was determined and Brad knew that soon all of this will come to an end. Soon the chance will came for them to start again, and this time they will not screw it. Maybe, just maybe his life will get better and he will let himself enjoy it to the fullest. He put his hands in the pockets and felt something in one of them. He took the object for the examination and his mouth twinkled. He couldn’t help but feel fulled with the happiness as he looked at the metal brooch laying in his hands. The same one that the ghost once wore on his costume, it was now with him as a promise of return and a beginning of a new journey. For both of them.