'michael marcagi

TW: vomiting, intense intimacy, suggestive comments, nightmares,

The weight of him on top of me was a comfort I hadn't felt in a while. I wasn't even sure this type of comfort could exist but with Lloyd Garmadon I guess it did. Neither of us shut our eyes for the duration of the rest of the night. I think we were both tormented with the thought of the horrors that could haunt us if we did. I didn't mind so much, I got to look down at him and see him from a new angle. I watched each blink, the way his lashes fluttered across his under eyes, the way his chest rose with each breath. He truly was gorgeous. We stayed like this until we heard the others move about. It must've been about 6am. We heard Cole's grumpy voice, complaining that he always takes the 'Batman shift' which was probably his way of talking about the night shift and Kai's snarky reply. I frowned, we're they all inconsiderate when it came to rest?

On top of me, Lloyd groaned, "Up,"

I removed my arms from around him and he rose from the bed quickly. I grit my teeth and leant back on my arms, expecting him to come back down again. But he didn't. Instead he completely left the bed and started running for the door. My heart broke and I slumped back with a sigh. I already knew where he was going. It didn't take long for Jay to usher Lloyd back to bed with a glass of water in his gloved hand. Lloyd already looked pale from our experience with the undead, but he really looked flushed now.

"Don't drink this quickly," Jay placed the cup on the table next to us, "You okay Nora?"

"Yeah," I croaked, then cleared my throat.

Jay glanced at me then to the water, passing it to me after a second, "I'm sure you guys snog so sharing the same glass won't be an issue,"

"Leave," Lloyd glared at his friend.

Jay smirked, nodding at the demand but chuckled as he left the room, shutting the door behind him. I took a grateful gulp of the water then handed the cup to Lloyd who stared at it with distaste but drank from it anyway.

"Does that count as an indirect kiss?" I mustered up the courage to tease him.

He rolled his eyes, "Sure,"

I felt a little guilty, "You okay?"

I reached out and shuffled closer to him so I could place my hands on his back. His muscles were tense, pushing my luck, I gently pressed against them, tying to ease any tension in them. He breathed out heavily through his nose, I took that as a good sign. I carefully kneeled behind him, massaging his back as soft as I could. I didn't know what type of bruising had been implanted under his skin and half of me didn't want to know. Getting distracted just for a moment, I let my finger wander down his straight spine.

"As okay as I can be," He replied, his voice a lot softer then what it had been.

"That's a start," I replied, forgetting about the massage and instead threading a hand through the back of his hair.

"You should try to sleep," The subject change jarred me slightly.

"What happened last night?" I wondered, moving so I was next to him, but I left my hand still playing with the short curls on the nape of his neck.

"It was nothing," He shrugged, his eyes looking to the floor.

I didn't want to press, but the way he was holding back concerned me, "You know you can talk to me right? It's okay to have bad nights,"

"I said it's nothing Noor," He brushed my hand away and it landed in my lap.

"You might say that but I know it's not," I frowned, not impressed by his emotional cage, "You sounded so scared,"

"Nora stop," He stood up abruptly, looking forward, his stance soldier like.

I knew then I wasn't looking at Lloyd Garmadon. I was looking at The Green Ninja and he was using his authority over me, someone with a lesser title to the Leader.

"Take the mask off when you're speaking to me," My voice hardened, I didn't like this side of him.

"It's off," He turned to stare at me.

His eyes were off, they didn't seem so full of life. My heart clenched. I didn't like the way he was looking down at me, I stood up and faced him. It didn't matter who he thought he was. Something was going on with him and it was evident who caused it, but this wasn't the Lloyd Garmadon I knew.

"No it's not Lloyd, metaphorically it is not off. You hide behind it like it will protect you but you don't need protecting from me," I glared at him.

Whatever had caused this, it needed to stop. I didn't want to argue with him. I didn't want to speak to him like this, I just wanted Lloyd back.

"You need to stop," He spoke with a voice filled with authority.

"I want Lloyd Garmadon, not The Green Ninja," I ignored his tone and took a step closer.

The Leader card didn't work with me and he needed to know that.

"Nobody wants Lloyd Garmadon,"

My hard expression shattered. His words came out in a soft, broken admission but his expression still felt cold. How could he think that? Was my sacrifice not enough? Was my social sacrifice not enough? Was the way that I had completely devoted myself to life changing training and selflessness not enough for him? What would be enough for him? What did I need to do to prove to him that I wanted him!? I thought we were past all of this.

"Am I nobody to you?" I was quiet, but my expression was tangible.

"Nora no," He shook his head, pressing his hands to his face.

"I'm just trying to help you Lloyd. There's no need to be so cold with me," I stepped away from him, walking around the bed.

My legs felt shaky and my brain felt tight. My ribcage was squeezing my lungs.

"Where are you going?" He called out, he sounded regretful.

"I'm giving you space," I touched the door handle, "After yesterday you clearly need it. When The Green Ninja is gone and Lloyd Garmadon has come back then I'd love to talk,"

He made a sound like he wanted to speak but decided against it. I wished he would, I wished he'd say something, anything... but he didn't. I walked out of his room with a stoic expression. I hated walking away from him, but my stubborn side knew I had to. I didn't want to be pushed away from someone who was so gentle on the inside. The Green Ninja was made to protect people who couldn't protect themselves. That spoke volumes when it came out to defend its owner.

💫

I'd settled on the sofa under a pile of crochet blankets. It felt nice, but something was missing. I tossed and turned trying to find a way to get comfortable and not cause anymore distress to my bruised body. Even with finding a position, I was taunted every time I shut my eyes. I kept seeing the way Morro took over Lloyd at the Tea shop, I kept seeing the way the unknown features bled into the man that I knew. My skin crawled and goosebumps rose. What if Morro didn't just corrupt Lloyd's features? What if he did something a lot worse.
Misako checked on me occasionally. The first few times she spoke, after a while I didn't reply. She kept coming back every half hour, muttering things to herself about things that needed doing or finishing. Her voice was relaxing, I focused on it every time she entered the room. There was something about it that just made me feel calm. It was agonising to remember her son a hallway down from me who probably wasn't so calm. I tried to force myself to not think about him, but he was all I could focus on.

"Nora?" A gentle hand stroked the hair away from my forehead.

I opened my eyes, "Hmm?"

"Sorry for waking you," Misako mumbled softly, "I'm popping out to do some errands, Wu is in his study if you need him,"

"'Kay," I nodded, snuggling deeper into the covers and shutting my eyes again.

I blinked in and out of sleep, it wasn't much but I hoped that it was something. I couldn't wait to get back home to my own bed, my own things, my own clothes... and my own Dad. I missed him so much. I wanted him to just hug me and stroke my hair like he used to. He was always so safe. I wanted to feel safe again.
There was clattering in the kitchen but I ignored it. Wu needed to learn to make his tea silently.
To help me relax, I tried to think of all the things back at home. Even the things that annoyed me like when Dad put his keys on my hook. That sure got on my nerves but now I'd give nothing more to tell him off for it and have him wave it off. I thought of my Ice Ninja keyring hanging off my shelf, maybe I could ask Zane for a snow cone when he got back, I'd be allowed one of those right? They were only water.
I hoped Skylor was okay. I hoped she'd apologise to Lloyd and in return he'd apologise to her. She was out of line mentioning his father, but he should've controlled his anger better. I thought the Ninja had mental training as well as physical? Or maybe that's where Lloyd drew the line at his father. Honestly I didn't blame him.

"—ck!"

My eyes opened at the end of the loud curse. Was was he doing?? That wasn't Wu in the kitchen. I struggled to fight my way out of the cavern of blankets and when I did I forced myself to my feet. The lack of sleep was really taking a toll on me and I hated it. I really needed to heal up. The fact that I couldn't heal myself was insane. The hallway was daunting, my hand stayed on the wall as I walked down.
There in the kitchen, leaning over the counter was Lloyd. He seemed to be kneading dough, but his body wasn't agreeing with him. He looked unsteady, he was breathing loudly and his white shirt was stained with sweat.

"Lloyd?" I said, walking over.

He flinched and glanced at me, puffing out a breath before getting back to work.

"Stop it, what are you doing?" I stood next to him, reaching out to try to pull his hands away.

He shrugged my hands away, "Making bread,"

His voice was rough and strained, he was too unwell to be doing this, "We have bread,"

"No we don't," He shook his head, "We're out, I'm hungry, I'm making bread,"

That's why Misako was doing errands.

"The dough needs to rest. It'll take too long," I tried to reason with him, "Let's just get back to bed,"

"Nora please just let me," He squinted at me.

Without thinking, I placed my hand on his forehead. My eyebrows raised. He was burning up.

"Wu!" I called, the look on his face changed.

"What are you doing?" He questioned worriedly.

"Lloyd you're sick," I successfully pulled his hands away and held them, "If you won't listen to me then you'll have to listen to Sensei,"

"I'm hungry," He complained with a whine.

"What are you both doing out of bed?" Wu asked, his voice scolding.

Suddenly I felt like I was the one in trouble, "I'm taking him back,"

"Uncle I'm making bread," Lloyd replied casually.

"You look pale Lloyd, you're unwell," Sensei looked confused at his nephews answer.

"I'm fine!" He yelled suddenly, "Stop treating me like I can't do anything! I'm The Green Ninja! This is nothing I can't handle!"

Wu stared at his Nephew condescendingly, "Get to bed. Now,"

Lloyd hesitated, staring at the dough then back to his uncle. He pushed away from my hold and stormed back down the hallway. I stood watching him go, my heart pounding.

"What's happening to him?" I wondered nervously.

"He's been through something traumatic. He's unsure of how to handle it correctly. I'm surprised you aren't the same," He mused thoughtfully.

"I don't have an answer for that," I admitted softly, "How can I help him without being a jerk?"

"Only you know the answer to that," He replied, "Now off to bed, I'll finish up here,"

I rose an eyebrow at his blunt and unhelpful response. I was about to say something snappy but he gave me a look. How did he—? Whatever. He was an ass anyway. How dare he keep this all a secret. Now Lloyd and I were paying for the repercussions. I finally caved in and allowed myself to walk passed him and back down a different hallway. This place was like a maze, I was unsure if it was the wobble in my mind that was corrupting how I remembered it before my possession or what, but it was annoying. I continued my treck back to Lloyd's room. I didn't like being away from him, especially not now. If he wanted to be rude then I'd put him in his place, we both knew what our condition was like, there was no need for disrespect.
I pushed open the door and looked around. The curtains were still closed so it was still pretty dark, but it was still easy to see. Standing in the corner, and slowly pulling a new shirt down his chest was the boy I came in for. Sure, I wanted to comfort him but my eyes were distracted by his chest. It was super hot but that wasn't what caught my attention. His ribs were clouded with dark blotches of red and purple.

"Lloyd?" I walked towards him, "Oh my god let me see,"

He looked puzzled, his eyebrows drew in and he gazed down to where I was looking. Upon the realisation, his mouth opened in an o shape.

His eyes settled on me again, "I've got a few broken ribs,"

Sometimes I really wished I could control my urges, now was one of those times. I reached out, placing my hand under the cotton that was still being stretched by his own. He inhaled sharply, but he didn't pull away. In fact, his eyes watched my actions intensely. I traced the outline of the bruises, worry settling in.

"I could heal them for you?" I quickly corrected myself, "Actually that leaves room for rejection, I'm going to heal them for you. Sit down,"

"You really don't—"

"Shut up," I deadpanned, shaking my head at him.

He stared at me for a moment, then his expression cracked into a small smirk, "Yes boss,"

I smiled back, I couldn't control it. Who was this cocky dude? He sat ungracefully on the bed, stretching back against the headboard. Okay... now I had to touch him... under his shirt. That's okay right? I could do it and not freak out in a good way right? I mean it was just Lloyd Garmadon. No biggie...
I pinched the bottom of his shirt and pulled it up. It was hard to focus with the way his eyes were pinned onto me and my actions. God why did he have to look like that? Suddenly, his hand took over from mine, stopping my actions.

"Want me to take it off?" He asked casually, seeming unbothered.

Did I want him to take it off? Um... yes?? What kind of question was that? I nodded, not trusting my mouth and watched with caged excitement as he sat forward and pulled off the thin material and threw it somewhere off the bed. Wow. Okay just breathe. It's literally just a chest that belongs to a man. But it was a really toned chest that belonged to the man who I liked who also liked me. Oh okay. I could do this. I'm a healer, I'm just healing.

"Why don't you um..." He looked away from me, pink rising to his cheeks, "Sit on my lap or something? Not in a weird way," He stated quickly, "Just so you're not leaning over, it's a weird angle you know? Just making sure you're not uncomfortable,"

Now it was my time to blush. He wanted me to sit on his lap? I mean, I wasn't going to say no but oh my god. First Spinjitzu Master, what did I do to deserve your grandson?? Whatever I did thank you so much.

"Okay," I replied quietly, trying to stop the way my thoughts raced.

My whole body was thrumming with excitement. This wasn't supposed to be exciting, I was just taking a seat? Oh no that sounds weird. God I actually can't function. Just focus on healing. I'm just going to heal him.
I brought myself onto the bed and without looking at him I hovered over his thighs and perched there. God I felt so awkward. I peeked up at him and he was so carefree. He had a lazy smirk on his face.

"You look even more uncomfortable now," He noticed, making me blush more.

"Not uncomfortable just..."

"Embarrassed?" He guessed.

"No," I shook my head, "I don't know how to explain it,"

"Okay well," He thought for a moment, "You don't need to feel however your feeling. I kinda like it,"

"You like me sitting on your lap?" I clarified dumbfoundedly.

"Yeah," He said shamelessly, "You look cute when you're all flustered,"

Someone tell this man to shut up or I will literally combust.

"Stop talking," I clenched my jaw and tore my eyes away from his face.

Why was he so embarrassingly charming? And why did he have to compliment me whilst I was sat on his literal lap and his shirt was off? His chest rumbled with a soft chuckle as he took my clenched hands. He brought them towards him and gently palmed them open, placing them on top of the bruises. My heart was hammering so loudly. Okay now I need to focus. I shut my eyes and tried to ignore the warm skin under my hands. He was just a dude, just a really cool and attractive dude. Oh but I was just a girl. Stop it. Heal him Nora that's what you've been training to do. But how could I focus when this was impossible??? I was sitting on his lap!! We were so close and I could feel his leg muscles and oh my god if I died right no I don't think I would care.
I found the connection inside of me and let it bleed out of my hands and soak into his skin. I saw a glow from under my eyelids but ignored it. One day I'd be confident enough to watch it myself. He groaned quietly, god was this hurting him? I mean I guess so. I didn't know much but I assumed I was correcting his broken ribs and lining them up again to the right position. I hope it wasn't too painful, I didn't want to do more harm then good.

"It's working," He grit through his teeth, "You're doing so good, keep going,"

Okay I respected the praise but not right now Lloyd. I could barely handle myself now, don't make it worse.
After a few more moments, he moved my hands higher up his chest. I held my breath, his skin was so warm and so smooth. Whatever I did in my past life to deserve this it must've been incredible. I continued to focus as much as someone could in this situation, healing this boy was much more important then my silly girl obsession.
He hissed suddenly, his hands tearing off of mine and grabbing my waist. My eyes snapped open, the glow flooded away from my hands about luckily his chest looked unharmed. I didn't know what to say, I'd completely frozen. First of all, did something hurt? Did I hurt him which resulted in the pain filled hiss? Secondly, the hand placement??? Really dude!?
He sheepishly opened his eyes until they were half lidded, I struggled to breathe, we were so close. I stared directly back at him, his eyes contorted until they were red. Oh my god. Oh my god ohmygodohmygod.
He was so beautiful, his cheeks were lightly freckled, even with his black eye, he was still so perfect.

"Sorry," He whispered, but his hands still held me firmly.

"It's okay," I swallowed, pushing away how my heart bubbles up in my throat.

I took my hands off of his chest and brought them to his cheeks instead. His eyes closed slowly. He felt safe. He knew he was safe with me. My heart swelled. I actually couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't hold back anymore.
I leant forward, closing the space between us finally.
His lips were firm, soft but firm. It was hard to explain. I mean I think I had caught him off guard and that's what played a part of it, but they were so soft and welcoming. It felt so good to just kiss him. His hands tightened around my waist and that's when I actually realised what I was doing. I pulled back with a quick gasp and started at him in shock. His face was red, his mouth was open slightly. He blinked, I'm pretty sure he was just as baffled as I was.

"Sorry!" I panicked, "I'm sorry, I'm—"

His hands took my face and pulled me back. I didn't have time to react, I completely fell on him, gripping his shoulders and kissing him back as firmly as he was kissing me. One thing for sure was that this man was full of passion. His hands were warm on my already heating face, it was like he didn't want me to move away. My hands on his shoulders were just the same, although I had lost my balance, I was now holding him and trying to push him closer.  He kissed me strongly, like the silence around us just exploded and a world of colours appeared from behind my closed eyes. I didn't think anything anymore apart from him and his lips on me and his hands on me and everything himhimhim. One hand trailed away from my face and sat on my waist again, pulling me closer. I gasped, he followed. The taste of his mouth and the heat of his breath was driving me crazy.
When he finally convinced himself to pull away, his eyes were still shut and it was like he was trying to admit to himself this had actually happened. Both of our chests were rising, I couldn't believe it. My brain failed to string any coherent thoughts together that weren't about him.

"Don't be sorry," He was still catching his breath, "I thought it was great,"

"I will wipe that smirk off of your face Lloyd Garmadon," I threatened playfully.

His smile only increased.

The door opened, "Oh!"

We both turned to see Misako holding two plates of bread. I turned completely red and scrambled off of her son.

"Thanks Mom," Lloyd smiled at her, not giving a damn about our current situation.

Misako silently walked in and placed the plates down and left without a word. Lloyd rolled over and cackled, holding his chest as he did so.

"Lloyd it's not funny!" I grabbed his shoulder.

"It is!" He laughed loudly, "Oh my god,"

"I'm so embarrassed," I covered my face, sitting down next to him.

He turned to stare at me, "Don't be,"

"I was literally on top of you and you're shirtless," I stared at him blankly, "I can't imagine what she thought we were doing,"

"I can think of a few things," He winked, his smile as wide as a Cheshire.

"Lloyd," My eyes widened, I couldn't help but smile disapprovingly, "You're unbelievable,"

He snorted, "Whatever,"

I threw my legs over the bed and stood, ignoring the small pang in my head and walked around the bed to pick up his shirt. He took it off of me thankfully and shoved it on. I got back onto the bed, pausing when he offered me his arm. When I just stared at it, he rolled his eyes again and wrapped it around me, pulling me back against the bed with him. I huffed but turned so I was comfortable.
He stroked my hair and I finally allowed myself to rest. 

🐉

I literally wrote most of this waiting for my bus because it was delayed by half an hour

#christmasseason

Also the relief that they kissed bro oh my god the intimacy was much needed

Also Lloyd is lowkey giving Nora whiplash but it'll all be explained

This was the alternative ending for this chapter:

"I'm so happy we have bread now," He humbled happily.

"Moron," I reached out for a piece myself.

We sat in a small silence before he spoke up again, "Sorry for being a dick,"

I swallowed before replying, "It's fine, I get it,"

"He really took a toll on me," The pronoun usage allowed me to know exactly who he was talking about.

"I know," I reached up to my shoulder to grab his hand, playing with his fingers that sat just above my collar bone.

"I'm sorry,"

"Don't," I assured, "Lloyd nobody blames you,"

I didn't include it because Lloyd explanation had more depth then just 'he took a toll on me'

Anyway

Memes!!!