Nya stares vacantly at the mirror. She's been staring for a long time now—ever since she woke up that morning and realized how much her world has changed. Or rather, ever since he came into it. Ever since they met on that fateful day so many years ago. He was so handsome then (still is). So kind (and loud). She never thought someone like him would be interested in an abandoned, rejected girl like herself. But fast forward to today, and Nya is no longer able to think straight when around him. The only thing running through her head right now is his name: Jay Walker.

"Do you like blue?"

Those words, strangled out through his frayed vocal cords, are seared into her memory forever. That first moment with him felt surreal as if something from another planet had landed down on Ninjago (or it could have been the dragon she was sitting on), but looking back at everything after the fact makes it seem more real than anything else she could have imagined before meeting him.

It all happened too fast. Everything about their relationship moved way faster than either of them expected, especially considering how different both of them were in terms of social standing and personality type. They went from strangers who barely knew each other to lovers within months, which is why it feels so nostalgic to hear those same words come out of his mouth again tonight.

"Do you like blue?" His words tickle the nape of her neck as he is holding two necklaces around her. One is a simple silver chain while the other is made entirely of blue gemstones. Both pieces hang loosely over her shoulders.

"Of course," she murmurs, "it's my favorite color."

Her cheeks grow hot, recounting their first meeting. She wonders if Jay is thinking of it too. Does he remember how nervous she looked while being rescued? How scared she was of being judged by him because of her background? What does he see when he looks at her now? A girl who can't stop smiling whenever she's near him? Or maybe one whose eyes light up every time he touches her hand or kisses her cheek.

The question burns inside her mind as she continues to stare at the necklace resting against her chest. The silver chain drops away as he fastens the other, then places a gentle kiss on her exposed back. Her heart pounds wildly at his touch. Every nerve ending tingles with anticipation as his lips move toward hers. There is no hesitation. No second thoughts. Just pure unadulterated bliss as their mouths collide and their elemental powers meld together.

She lets out a soft sigh as they pull apart. He looks so torn, like he is debating cancelling their evening plans and spending the rest of the night together.

"Stop looking at me like that," the timbre of his voice is pitched low, underscored with hidden desperation.

She cocks her head to the side. "Like what?"

"You know exactly what you are doing." He grunts softly, sounding almost hurt.

Nya laughs nervously as his eyes sweep over her with unrestrained interest.

"If we don't leave now, we are going to be late."

Nya pouts, but understands. They can't keep the engagement party waiting, they are the guests of honor after all. Still, she wishes things could stay this way forever. Just her and Jay, frozen in time, no more missions, no more world saving adventures, just two people, completely in love.

But reality will not let her escape that easily. Their lives may be filled with danger, but there is nothing more dangerous than falling for your teammate. They've learned that one the hard way. Too many times to count. Dying in the love of your life's arms? Been there. Done that. Got the T-shirt.

She used to think that the greatest love stories only end in tragedy. Because everything she ever gave her heart to got taken away from her.

She wanted to give her heart to Jay from the moment she first laid eyes on him, but she was scared. Terrified he wouldn't return her feelings, terrified he would leave her, terrified he would get ripped out of her life. So she built up walls, kept her heart safe. But he had the security codes. He knew how to get around her defenses. In the end, he stole it anyway. Sneaky ninja.

But that's okay, because she knows now that he is the only one she can trust her heart to, no matter how many times she gets scared and tries to take it back. He's always there, waiting patiently for her, giving her his heart and not caring what she does with it. Sometimes she thinks he is too reckless (like his element), wearing his heart on his sleeve for the world to play with, yet she is the only one who can actually do any damage. She supposes she has his security codes too.

His hands trail down her arms, snapping her out of her existential crisis. She is greeted by his bright blue eyes, and a devious glint sparks like lightning within them.

"Just say the word and I'll make up an excuse for us to stay here."

Nya considers his offer, but knows tonight is too important to miss. It's the next step, one she shouldn't run from, in declaring her love for him in front of their family, friends and world. In declaring that her heart belongs to him forever. And she won't do that unless she gives it her all.

So she shakes her head. "Tempting, but we have to go. Promise me you're ready?"

He grins broadly, showing off his signature megawatt smile. "I'm more than ready. I promise."

A smile spreads across her face as well as she stands up and takes his hand. Together they walk towards the door, leaving behind the past, and moving forward to a new future.