Thank you so much again for your support (reads, votes, comments etc), you're all amazing ❤️!

I'm going on holidays tomorrow, so there will be no updates for the next ten or so days (I'll still be able to read and hopefully to write as well, but I just won't upload and publish anything).

But to make up for it, I've made this chapter a bit longer 😊. And with some Jaya.

Both flashback and main story are pretty much direct continuations of the ones from the previous chapter, just from a different POV.

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Chapter 35 (Jay)

One and a half years ago (June 2017), Ninjago 'Elementary Masters' Primary School

I regret these words the same moment that they leave my mouth. Just what was I thinking, dropping such a bombshell on Katherine over a bowl of salad?

Oh, right. I actually wasn't thinking at all. Once again, my mouth has worked faster than my brain.

My friend, on the other hand, does not seem to have that kind of problem – she hasn't said anything since my big revelation, and I'm getting worried.

Maybe she's simply still processing all the information I've told her. But maybe she doesn't believe them and is just trying to decide whether to laugh at me or to call me a liar. Or maybe she thinks I'm delusional and should neither be her friend nor a teacher. Or-

"I'm so sorry." She eventually says, placing her hand onto mine. "It was one of them, wasn't it?"

Huh?

I see concern in her grey eyes as they lock with my blue ones. "The evening when you drove me home during that horrible Thunderstorm - and now I finally understand how you could feel it - you told me that your ex-girlfriend had left you for your best friend." Kath explains. "He was one of your teammates, right?"

"Y-yes." I confirm, relieved that she has accepted my story. "Cole was - well, he still is - the Black Ninja."

"No wonder you weren't impressed with my choice of weapon." She gives me a sad smile. "What happened?"

"Ugh, it's a long story." Too long for a lunch break. "And I don't want to give you the short version, you deserve to hear everything. Are you free after work?"

"I am. It's just that..." Kath drops her gaze and sighs. "he's not gonna be happy about it..."

"I-it's okay, don't worry." I assure her. "We can find another time."

"No, you're not gonna get out of this." She shakes her head. "I can just tell him that we're having another late staff meeting. There have been so many recently, one more shouldn't cause any suspicion... and I really want to hear your story."

"Okay." I agree.

I just don't know what to make of Katherine's relationship with her boyfriend. Having once made that mistake myself, I would never encourage anyone to be dishonest with the person they love – and it just doesn't fit Kathrine's character at all – but for some reason it feels like the right thing to do.

Maybe telling her my secrets will make her open up to me as well.

Unsurprisingly, time passes incredibly slowly this afternoon. It's not that I don't have anything to do - I really should be grading a class test, but my mind just keeps drifting away from fourth grade maths and to many memories - both good and painful ones - instead.

But thinking about my former teammates then actually gives me an idea for a project to do with the fifth year engineering class so, after wasting some time pretending to tidy up my desk, I start working on some sketches for a little robot.

This keeps me and my mind occupied, until a gentle knock on my door reminds me that it is time. I put the half-finished blueprints onto a pile on my shelf - only to forget about them for the next year and a half - and follow Katherine to the school gym.

As a lot of after-school activities have already finished for the summer, I was able to book some time in the sports hall, so I start my story with a little demonstration of Spinjitzu and my Elemental Powers.

Even though Katherine has believed my story right away, I still want to proof it - I owe her that much. And I admit, I also enjoy showing off my skills. After all, it's been four and a half years since I've had any kind of audience for this.

It's a nice evening – and the gym is rather smelly – so we then continue our conversation as we walk across the school campus. Well, I obviously do most of the talking, and I really tell her everything: how Sensei Wu found and recruited me; meeting Cole, Zane, then later Kai and eventually Nya; the quest for the Golden Weapons; our adventure in the Underworld; fighting Pythor and the Serpentine; my True Potential; Lloyd being the Green Ninja; the four Fangblades and the Great Devourer; the Mega Weapon; the journey to the Dark Island and the Temple of Light; the (as it turned out not-so-)Final Battle against the Overlord; becoming teachers; and finally, the Digital Overlord/Golden Master and Zane's sacrifice.

"Wow." Katherine gasps when I have finished my tale. "That's just... I mean, I was sorta following your adventures, just like everyone was, but hearing it from someone who was actually there... is just... wow."

"It was a great time." I say, slightly embarrassed of her praise. "Well, most of it."

"I know that this must be difficult for you to talk about, but I still want to know what happened, you know, between you, Nya, and..."

"And Cole?" She nods.

"When we were at Borg Industries, Nya tried this stupid Perfect Match Console that told her she should be with Cole rather than with me."

"Oh, I remember that." She states. "The famous Love Triangle, of course, it was all over the news. And every teen magazine had their own 'Which Ninja is YOUR Perfect Match?" quiz..."

"So, did you try it?" I wink at her. "Tell me, which Ninja is yours?"

She blushes. "Ah, you know how those tests work. They ask you these stupid questions, like what's your favourite food, or your favourite colour-"

"I wish the machine had taken that into account." I interject. "Nya's favourite colour would have worked in my favour."

"Yeah, and weren't we actually talking about you and her?" She obviously doesn't want to answer my question. Okay, I'm gonna accept that for now - but I won't forget about it. "So, from one moment to the next, she suddenly decided that she liked Cole better than you?"

"It wasn't exactly like that." I say in my ex-girlfriend's defence. "I guess things had already started to go wrong between us before that. Nya was pretty upset when some of the students found out that we were dating and she insisted on establishing some boundaries. Needless to say, I wasn't very good at keeping up with them, and then she got mad at me..."

"But that's no reason to throw yourself at the next best person." She states. "Which is what she did, right?"

"Sort of." I say. "She never formally broke up with me though. For a while, she was just undecided, and then Cole and me started fighting over her, which didn't really help anyone."

"So Cole must have been in love with Nya while you and her were dating?"

"I guess so." I sigh. "And I had absolutely no idea about it, even though he was my best friend. Cole just... seemed so happy for us, and never said anything that suggested otherwise. He even called Nya his cool sister once..."

"And you referred to each other as brothers, right?"

"Yeah, those guys were my family." I smile weakly. "But when we lost Zane, and Nya chose Cole, I knew that it was all over for me. Everyone would be on her side – I mean, Kai is Nya's actual brother, and the two of them had always taken care of Lloyd – so there just wasn't any reason for me to stay."

"So you left..."

"So I left." I confirm. "And cut all ties to them. Except that... I still can't get over her."

Present Day (mid-December 2018), Ninjago 'Elementary Masters' Primary School

"Thanks again for your help." I say as I turn the car into the staff car park at Ninjago City's 'Elementary Masters' Primary School. Nya and I have spent the afternoon together, first at the furniture store and then at my place, assembling some pieces for our daughter's new room.

I've also bought a couple of items for my own bedroom, but we have left those those in the Ninja's van - which in turn has been left at my house. But that's not really a problem. The team have a couple of vehicles, and Nya can go back home with Lloyd and Abby, whom we are going to meet now at 'Joey's Burgers', a nice little burger joint close to the school.

"You're welcome." She flashes me a gorgeous smile. "And it was no bother at all, I really had a great time."

"Yeah, me too." I agree. "You know, I-I've really missed this – us working together on a project." Even if it's just a bunk bed, a drawer chest and a little desk.

"So have I." Nya says. "We've always made a good team."

"Although we seem to be a bit out of practice." I chuckle. "Those drawers have taken way longer than expected. Let's hope Abby won't be too upset with us for running late."

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that." My girlfriend assures me. "She loves spending time with Uncle Lloyd."

"Uncle Lloyd..." I shake my head in disbelief. "I'm still struggling to get used to that."

I can still remember all those times that we were arguing about who's turn it was to babysit him. And now he is babysitting our daughter. Speaking of which...

Nya raises an eyebrow. "Even more than us having a kid?" She questions.

"Honestly, yes." I admit. "I mean, I always knew I wanted a family with you. Of course, I wouldn't have expected it to happen that way. Or that fast."

"Well, a lot has happened in the last six years that we weren't expecting." She says. "And you really shouldn't underestimate Lloyd, he's very good with Abby or the twins. Although I have to say that he probably acts more like an older cousin than an uncle to them – after all he's only fourteen years older than Abby. And I guess I should be expecting him to teach her some of his pranks sooner or later..."

"Well, when that happens, everyone will immediately know where she's got them from." I laugh as I park the car in my usual spot.

"Especially as the little chatterbox is most likely to tell us anyway." Nya joins in.

"You're right." I laugh. "And you were also right to not make her keep our secret." Having switched off the engine, I lean over to kiss her.

"Of course, I was right. You really should have learned that by now." She winks at me when we break apart. "But we should probably think about telling her – and the others – about us at some point now."

"Aaand you're right again. It's going to be very difficult anyway to keep up that façade when we're all together at the temple for the holidays..."

"So Christmas might be a good time then." She concludes. "Maybe after a few glasses of eggnog..."

"Ugh..." I grimace, still remembering that concoction of Cole's from our early days. "Is it still as awful as it used to be?"

"Worse." Nya states dryly. "But it's one of our Christmas traditions nonetheless."

"Alright." I smile. "And if it means I get to spend Christmas with you and Abby I'm willing to brave that tradition. That's how much I love you."

"I love you too, you dork." Nya gives me another quick kiss. "And, if you're okay with it, I am willing to brave our friends and families and tell them exactly that."

"Deal." I grin. "Now, let's go and meet our daughter and Uncle Lloyd."

It's already getting dark when we get out of the car and walk the short distance to the burger place. As we approach the restaurant, we can see them through the window. Abby and Lloyd are sitting opposite each other, chatting and laughing and – wait, is that Katherine next to Abby? But Lloyd didn't say anything about her, when she sent the location and a picture of our daughter to Nya.

Not that I mind, of course. I keep telling my friend and honorary little sister to go out more, maybe even start dating again, but – with Lloyd? Although, thinking about it... why not with him?

But as soon as we enter the diner, my thoughts are interrupted when Abby jumps into my arms. She must have spotted us through the glass front and came to meet us the door.

"These are my Mummy an' Daddy." She announces loudly, much to the amusement of the other patrons and staff. Knowing my daughter, I assume that she has told them about us.

And I am not mistaken.

"The nice lady at the bar thought that Uncle Lloyd an' Miss Kathy are my parents." Abby explains as she grabs our hands and leads us to the table.

Nya affectionately ruffles Abby's hair with her free hand. "And you've put that right, haven't you?"

"Of course." The girl confirms. "I told'er that my Mummy an' Daddy were busy getting new things for my Daddy's place so I'm having dinner with Uncle Lloyd. An' with Miss Katherine because Uncle Lloyd was late – because he couldn't find the classroom – so she had to wait an' was hungwy too."

Okay, that explains why Kath has joined them for dinner. And to my own surprise, I find myself a little bit disappointed about this completely innocent explanation. 

But what is even more surprising - and mildly confusing if I may say so - is Lloyd's behaviour. He's been absolutely silent since we arrived. He's stopped laughing and is looking very tense. And while Katherine is smiling brightly at us, he has his gaze fixed at the chequered tablecloth. Does he actually think I'm gonna pull a Kai on him for having dinner – which isn't even a date as I've just found out – with my (honorary) little sister?

"Are you hungwy?" My daughter's voice once again snaps me out of my reverie.

"No, sweetie." Nya answers. "Daddy and I have already had dinner." My girlfriend takes the free spot on the bench next to Lloyd while I take the chair at the head of the table.

"Did you have meatballs?" Abby wants to know.

Nya furrows her eyebrows in confusion. "No, why that?"

"Well, Uncle Lloyd said you went to the fun-... furn-"

"Furniture?" Nya comes to her aide.

"Yes, that one." Abby nods. "The fun'ture store. Did you have meatballs there?"

"Ah, no, sweetie." Nya laughs. "We were there earlier today, yes, but we didn't eat anything at the store; and for dinner, we've ordered Thai food to your Dad's house."

"'kay." Abby nods. "So, if you're not hungwy, we don't have to wait any longer for dessert, right?"

"No, you don't." Nya shakes her head. "And I actually wouldn't mind a little treat myself." She looks at me. "You wanna share?"

"Sure." I smile.

"I don't wanna share." Abby proclaims.

"You can get your own dessert from the kids' menu." We agree.

"Before you came, we'd just said to the lady that we were gonna wait a bit more. So, do you maybe want to go and ask her for the dessert menus?" Katherine suggests to Abby who immediately disappears under the table.

"I-I'll go as well and... uhm... help her carry the menus..." Lloyd offers eagerly, jumping up from his seat which earns him a glare from my friend.

"Lloyd Garmadon, sit down." The brunette teacher tells him in the exact same tone that is normally reserved for her class, on those rare occasions that the children just don't want to pay attention to her.

And it's amazing to watch how our famous Green Ninja even almost reacts the same way as her kindergarten kids, he dejectedly slumps back down onto the bench. Seriously, all that's missing is a little "Yes, Miss Katherine."

But as much as I've enjoyed this little display – and as tempted as I am to recommend to use Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon the next time for an even better effect – I seriously want to know what's going on here. And I don't have to wait for long, for Kath immediately turns to Nya and me. "We need to talk." She says calmly.

"What did you do?" I demand, narrowing my eyes at Lloyd. Okay, depending on what the answer is, I might have to do a little Kai after all.

"It's not about what we did – not that we did anything anyway – but what you did." She corrects me.

"And what did I do?"

Katherine smirks. "I think you know that better than I do – or even want to know – what the two of you did." And that's when I realise that Lloyd isn't actually scared of me – or even of Katherine – but of Nya.

"He knows." I conclude as I take a quick glance around to find Abby still busy talking to the elderly waitress.

Katherine nods. "He knows." She echoes.

"But Katherine didn't tell me." Lloyd quickly comes to her defence.

"Well, technically I did, but only after Abby had already revealed that you two have been sleeping together in Nya's room."

"She did what?" I gasp, feeling my face heat up. No no no no no.

"If it makes you feel better, she hasn't actually seen you two together. She's only seen you leave Nya's room in the mornings."

"It really doesn't." I mumble, burying my face in my hands. If anything, this makes me feel worse. "Because this means it's my fault."

"It's okay." Nya rubs my back. "We've agreed to tell the others at Christmas anyway. It's just one week more or less..."

"Well, I'm not gonna say anything if you don't want me too." Now that the message has been delivered, Lloyd suddenly looks relaxed again, he even gives us a huge grin. "Except that I'm really happy for you guys."

"Thanks." I mutter. "For... uhm... both."

"Yeah, we really appreciate that." Nya adds. "Again... both."

"But you'll have to talk to Abby and tell her what's going on now." Katherine insists. "We've somehow managed to avoid this topic to come up again so far, but I'm sure it will at some point. And she should really hear it from you." Which of course explains why Katherine has sent her to get the menus (and why she wouldn't let Lloyd escape from this conversation).

We let the news (and our nerves) settle a bit until after we've ordered and received our desserts.

"Abby, sweetheart." Nya then turns to our daughter. "Miss Katherine has told us what you said earlier. You know, about your Dad and..."

She looks up from her brownie. "That Daddy's paying for dinner? It was Uncle Lloyd's idea..."

Nya chuckles. "Oh, I actually didn't know that. But that is perfectly fine with me."

"And it will be my pleasure, Abby." I smile at her. "Although had I known about that earlier, Uncle Lloyd might not have gotten a dessert..."

Nya playfully nudges me. "Don't scare the kid, Jay." She says. "But jokes aside, Miss Katherine has told us that you've seen Daddy coming out of my room in the mornings when we're staying over at his house, is that right?"

"Yes." Abby nods. "So if he doesn't like sleeping in his room, it's good that Daddy's getting new furn- uhm... stuff."

"It is." Nya smiles. "But... you see. When Daddy's new room is finished, then we're both gonna sleep there."

"Why?" Undeniably her favourite question.

"Because we want to. Just like Uncle Kai and Aunt Skylor. Or Uncle Cole and Aunt Sel."

"Or Uncle Zane and Aunt PIXAL?" Abby has obviously recognised the pattern And her blue eyes light up. "So, are you getting mawwied as well then?" She asks excitedly, just like she did when we first told her that I'm her father. And again, we have to give her more or less the same answer.

"No, honey." Nya shakes her head. She blushes. "Well, at least... not right now. You see, your Dad and I haven't seen each other for so long, we're still getting to know each other again."

I put my hand onto Nya's. "But we've already realised that we love each other very much – and we love you, of course – and want to be together as much as possible."

"Like boyfwiend and girlfwiend?"

"Like that." Nya confirms. "But where did you hear about that?"

"F'om Jenna."

"Who's Jenna?"

"A girl in Abby's class." Katherine answers for her. "She has two older siblings, her oldest sister is already in secondary school. And apparently dating someone."

"Not anymo'." Abby informs her teacher. "Jenna said her sister's boyfwiend bwoke down with her. And now she's vewwy sad."

"Unfortunately, that does happen sometimes." I say. "Your Mum and I, we also broke up once when we were younger. And we were very sad about it."

"But if it made you sad, then why did you bweak up?"

"Because I was being very stupid." Nya says.

"We were both stupid." I correct her.

"But you're vewwy smart, Mummy. An' Daddy too, he's a teacher." Abby says. She beams at us. "So, if you're not stupid anymore, then you're not gonna bweakup again."