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It was Christmas Eve, the lights and the tree were all hung up and shining. Everyone was together. Kai, Cole, Nya, Zane, Jay, Lloyd, Pixal and Master Wu. Rarely, Garmadon and Misako would join. But it was obvious they both were hesitant.
This Christmas felt different to Kai. He felt as if bad luck would come the following year after New Years. But those thoughts were cast aside as he watched his found family open presents.
Nya had gotten a couple hundred dollars in cash from Garmadon and Mistako, a new motorcycle from Jay, and a matching helmet and suit from Zane. Cole and Kai both worked on a mosaic together, along with Pixal and Master Wu.
Jay had gotten new tools and a brand new workshop, built by everyone in their freetime. Kai and Nya mainly did the interior. Garmadon paid for all of the materials.
Zane simply stated he didn’t want anything but got new kitchen appliances. A new set of cooking knives and silverware, and a pink apron from Wu, Garmadon, and Mistako. The rest of the ninja got him ice as a joke gift. Surprisingly, he liked the ice more.
Cole got a new custom guitar, headphones, a stress ball and many other things. Garmadon got him a cake, which was devoured in 10 minutes.
Lloyd got the most presents, like a new bicycle, with training wheels as a joke. A new set of DC comics, and pyjamas. Plus other things but it was all pushed into his room after the 10th one.
Garmadon got new plants, gardening pots, and a My Melody pyjama set. The oni didn’t really mind what he got, but it was clear to see he adored the Sanrio gift.
Wu got many, many, many scrolls. Oh and a lamp. A matching Karumi to the My Melody pyjama set of Garmadons.
Misako got pictures of Lloyd’s ‘childhood.’ She teared up at the memories she didn’t make with Lloyd. It seemed that she’ll need another session with Zane later.
Pixal got tea. It was purple.
Kai didn’t want to open his gifts. It was strange to receive such pleasantries. Zane got him a heated blanket, perfect for the next winter.
“Nya got him.. Toothpaste with a note to brush his teeth more. How rude. He makes sure his breath stays clean! Jay got him hair gel. Did he not remember he was going to stay clear of hair gel..?
Garmadon gave him a pendent imbued with ice magic. With a note that said, ‘for the summer. I notice your temperature gets hotter than most flame elemental masters in the summer.’ How kind. Misako got him a pin of a fire sprite ‘cookie’ thing that stated, ‘I am the fire!!’ Strange but true! Master Wu got him small caramel bites. Kai made a mental note to save those for later. Lloyd handed him a hair brush. It was embedded with red gemstones!
“I noticed you uhm.. Broke your hair brush the other day..” Lloyd murmured embarrassingly, hiding under a pile of pillows.
“Thanks bud,” Kai smiled, before opening Pixal’s gift. Which was some new red bandanas. They all had pretty neat designs too.
There was a small pause as Kai looked around for Cole’s gift. Everyone else started to look too.
“Uh, Cole?” Nya spoke up, as everyone turned to the elemental master of earth. “Did you get Kai a gift?”
Cole, at the time, was chilling on the couch, testing out his headphones and guitar, but upon hearing his name, he suddenly tensed up. “Oh, it’s my gift now..?”
Everyone deadpanned and blankly nodded, “Yes.” Garmadon's stare of shame had fallen on the earth user, which spooked the poor guy.
“Oh! Right..” Cole murmured, before getting up and walking over to Kai and got down on one knee. “Kai.. You are my best friend, my soulmate, and… the love of my life. This christmas, I want to make you the happiest person in the world… So, what I’m asking is.. Will you marry me?”
Kai’s breath hitched. The room seemed to spin, the twinkling Christmas lights blurring into a soft glow around Cole’s hopeful face. “Yes,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion as a smile stretched across his face. Then, louder, with a joyful laugh, “A thousand times, yes!”
The room erupted.
Nya let out a shriek of pure delight, launching herself at her brother and wrapping him in a crushing hug, tears already streaming down her cheeks. “Finally!” she cried, beaming at Kai.
Zane’s eyes glowed a warm, bright blue. “This is a most optimal development,” he said, his voice soft with genuine happiness. “My calculations always indicated a high probability of lifelong partnership.”
Jay was bouncing on the balls of his feet, electricity crackling faintly around him in his excitement. “Best. Christmas. Ever! We have to plan the wedding! I have so many ideas!”
Lloyd’s initial shock melted into a wide, proud grin. He gave Cole a firm, approving nod and clapped Kai warmly on the shoulder. “Congratulations. You both deserve this.”
Pixal, standing beside Zane, offered a graceful, knowing smile. “I believe this calls for a celebration..”
Master Wu stroked his beard, a deep, contented twinkle in his eyes. “A union of fire and earth,” he mused softly. “Congragulations, Kai and Cole.”
Garmadon, who had been staring with an intensity that could wilt mistletoe, gave a single, slow nod. The stare of shame transformed into one of grim, reluctant approval. “Hmph. Took you two long enough.”
Misako wiped a happy tear from her eye, her gaze sweeping over the joyful chaos. She walked over and gently squeezed both Kai and Cole’s hands. “I am so happy for you both,” she said, her voice full of warmth.