(I do not own the picture-I don't know who does because I saw it on a music video. If you know the music video I go it from, you get a shoutout in the next chapter! Hint-it is a NightCore song)

Hannah's POV:

The locker door slammed shut, as the day ended, my brain finally at ease. Sort of. I was still thinking about what had happened earlier, when I helped the boy named Cole down at Kai's party. I knew what the emotions were. I'd had a crush before-in fact, too many time to count. But this...this was different. There was just something about the way his gorgeous eyes stared into mine, that made me feel safe, secure, and free, all at the same time. Like I could trust him with my life. During my time at school that day, I had discovered that he was in my art class, music class(although he was just a tech guy and not performing), and that he played Football. He was also in my History, and English. I had yet to really talk to him, although a few greetings were exchanged between us. Nya was in my self-defenss class(which I was only talking because my aunt insisted, even though I could defend myself perfectly), Science class, and One-Act-Play. She was also in my Drama, along with Pixal and Skylor, so that was the time where we could hang out in class together. Jay was in my English class, and One-Act-Play as well. Kai was in my Library time, along with Art. Zane was in Math, Art, and Music. For a robot, he sure could sing, just like Pixal. Lloyd was in my History, and Computer class, but that was it. Pixal was in Math with Zane and me, and Misic as well. Plus, she was also in my Library time like Kai. Skylor was in Science, and self-defenss. Neuro was in History, and so was Griffin. Morro was in almost all my classes but Science and English. But the classes with Cole I think were the best. He was a hard worker I could tell, and I couldn't help but stare at him as he worked, watching his eyes scan the paper, or his big bands gripping the pencil, as his mouth silently said the words on the paper. He would laugh when he joked with the others, and my heart seemed to flip. But it was too soon. I just met him, so I shouldn't be thinking this way about him. But I couldn't get him off my mind. How could I not think about him? He was smart, strong, handsome...and pretty hot. I felt myself blush. Who was I kidding? Someone like him would never want to be with someone as ugly as me... But his smile...it was like- a tap on my shoulder brought me back to reality as I whipped my head around, only to be met by a chocolate gaze. 

The man of the hour stood right in front of me. It was thirty minutes after school was supposed to be out. What was he doing here? "Hannah! I was waiting for you. Um, I noticed earlier that you said you didn't have a car, so you walked. I was wondering if I could uh...walk you home?" I could feel my cheeks turn bright pink. He waited for me? He wanted to walk me home? What???

"Uh-uh, yah! Thanks! Although you'll have to keep up. I ride my skateboard most of the way." He shrugged. "And it's pretty far."

"I need a good jog anyways.", he replied as he leaned against the locker beside me, a small blush on his tanned skin. A move you only see in movies. My cheeks turned even more red from the lack of space between us. 

"W-well then. Let's go." I led the way out of the school and through the parking lot, then threw down my black and pink(my favorite colors-although pink would always be the best)skateboard, jumping atop it and placed my right foot on the ground, preparing to push off. "Let's see how fast you really are." Immediately, we were off on the sidewalk, racing each other. When I passed him the first time, I stuck my tongue out at him, acting very childish. A teasing smile was on my face. He just laughed, not even breaking a sweat. But my victory only lasted a minute as he once again passed me. We transitioned between walking and racing, as we took the hour long walk to my house. It was far out in the country, away from the city air. There weren't as many sidewalks here, so we took to walking on the grass alongside the 2 lane road. We were still about 15 minutes from my house. 

"So you walk this far in the morning? What time do you get up?", Cole asked as we walked in a content silence. I was no longer shy, although I was still a little timid around him. I had never walked with a boy before. 

"I get up at about 5:30, and leave the house about 6:30. But hopefully, I won't be for too long. I'm saving up for a car. I should have enough in about two months. I saved up for college before the car, so I wouldn't have to worry about that. Although I do have my drivers license. I would drive my Aunt and Uncle's car, but they have to work. But they're usually home by the time I get back from school. Or at least my Uncle. I don't mind the walk though." Cole nodded. "So what about you?" 

"Well-uh. I walk. I walk home. But I usually grab something from the bakery anyways, so I'm usually late." He seemed unsure of whether to talk or not. I was afraid I had said too much it asked something personal. "I live with the others in a big home. My Dad is usually busy with his work and traveling." I hummed with a smile. 

"What does your dad do?" The tall boy laughed. 

"He's the lead singer for the Royal Blacksmiths. He also does singing lessons." Cole scratched his black hair, the waves flowing over his ears. It looked so soft... "He tried to teach me how to sing. And dance. That was scary..." I nudged his shoulder gently. 

"I'm sure you're not that bad." He quickly shook his head. 

"Oh no. It's bad. Like, really bad." He chuckled quietly as I giggled.

"I'm sure it's better than me. I cannot sing. At all." It was true. I really couldn't sing. At least, around other people I couldn't. I didn't know how I did alone. I just sang to sing. Music was a special part of me, even if I was terrible at it. Now playing the piano-I knew I could do that. 

"But you did fine in Music class." My cheeks flamed. He was listening to me? "Ah...I mean, from what I heard. You were right by the mic-wait no. Actually-ah...never mind. Forget I said anything."  I laughed. How funny. It's like those lines in cartoons. Our conversation was cut short by the front door of my house opening to reveal my uncle. His strawberry blond hair was puffed up fom a hard day of work, and his grey eyes twinkled mischievously. I groaned. He must have seen me and Cole walking up to the house, because he had changed from his regular work attire, and into a tight, white tank top, and very short blue shorts. He also wore tights and sandals. 

"My Uncle is here. Prepare yourself." Cole looked like he was trying not to laugh. My uncle really did look comical. I would have laughed if I was walking with one of my friends. 

"Hannah! Hey! Who's this?"I couldn't even look him in the eyes. He had warned me that if I ever came home with a boy, he would dress like this. He had a rifle he hung over the door that he calls his "boyfriend gun". He's never used it, although he has threatened. I have never been sure if he was being funny or real. Luckily, Cole acted like he saw this every day. 

"My name's Cole Brookstone. I was just walking Hannah home." He then turned to me and nodded a goodbye. 

"No, wait! Come inside for a minute. You just walked for a whole hour. Plus, my cousin Sierra said that she was planning on making cake after school." That got him. 

"Well, why didn't you say you had cake?" Giggling, I led him past my shocked Uncle Ryan. He was shocked because he hadn't scared off Cole. The house was a small, two-story house, with a large kitchen and living room downstairs, and all the rooms upstairs. The living room was directly in front of the front door, which then led into the kitchen which was also the dining room. Sierra was just finishing putting the pink icing on her chocolate cake. "Hey, Hannah! And this is...?", she greeted, questioning the fact that there was a boy in the house. Even though she was only a middle schooler, she was incredibly smart, and extremely beatific, with her long, wavy black hair that had a hint if silver-blue to it, tanned skin, and silver eyes. She looked more like my Aunt Lee, except that she had Uncle Ryan's eyes. Sierra was also very smart, and talented. Especially when I take to baking. 

"This is Cole. He goes to Ninjago High." I noticed a song playing on the Alexa in the background. It was a romance song, one that Sierra had gotten me quite hooked on. 

Let the darkness lead us into the light

'Let our dreams get lost, feel the temperature rise

Baby, tell me one more beautiful lie

One touch and I ignite

Like a starship speeding into the night

You and I get lost in the infinite lights

Baby, tell me one more beautiful lie

One touch and I ignite

One touch and I ignite

One touch and I ignite

Like a starship speeding into the night

You and I get lost in the infinite lights

Baby, tell me one more beautiful lie

One touch and I ignite

One touch and I ignite

One touch and I ignite' 

Sierra and I had a thing for romance songs, and Gacha Life videos. We were pretty close. 

Cole and I sat on the stools at the counter, waiting to be handed a piece of cake. 

"Oh! So you want a price of cake, hm? Well. You didn't help the little red hen." I dryly sobbed. 

"Oh, Great Sierra! What must we so to earn a piece of heaven?" He gave me a look. "No! No, please!! Anything but that! Noooo!!!!!!!"

A few minutes later, Cole and I found ourselves at the sink, washing dishes, while Sierra ate a slice of cake. Our pieces sat on the counter, slowly growing cold. I groaned, my hands sliding into the sink. Cole actually didn't seem to care about doing dishes. I hated them. 

Cole's POV: 

The girls next to me groaned. Her cousin just laughed. I personally didn't mind doing the dishes. Mainly because they had become a part of my daily routine. Master Wu had us doing chores left and right while he meditated, or drank his tea. Or we were training. At least he let us take breaks. Ninjago's heroes couldn't be exhausted. Hannah was actually pretty cute with the way she complained. I couldn't help but stare at her. The way she made her lips pout was absolutely adorable, and when she leaned into the sink, she actually looked pretty hot.  I wasn't stupid. I knew I had a crush on her. But I had only met her that first day. Still, being a ninja had its advantages. I was able I watch her without her even noticing. Of course, she didn't know we were ninja, so I couldn't boast about my awesome skills. 

Oh crap. Now I sound like Kai. First Spinjitzu Master-please help me!

Finally, the dishes were done and we could eat our cold-cake. It may have been cold, but it was still REALLY good. Zane didn't make cake very often, so I often had I go to the bakery to get my fill. The bakery couldn't even compete with this. "This is really good, Sierra!", I told the young girl. "Like-REALLY GOOD!" She blushed from the praise. 

"Thanks. I made the recipe myself." My jaw must have dropped to the ground. 

"You," I said as I pointed my fork at her, "have a gift." Hannah nodded in agreement. 

"Washing dishes is totally worth this.", Hannah mumbled. Sierra simply laughed as she stood I place the dishes in the sink. 

"I better go clean my side, Hannah. Don't forget that today Mom is coming home from work early." 

"Right! I forgot about that! Thanks for reminding me." Sierra nodded as she walked up the stairs. 

"You two share a room?", I asked. Hannah sighed. 

"Yes. We both have a side of the room. I would move into the attic, but I'm too lazy I pack everything. Besides. I've lived in the same room for years. I wouldn't want to change that. Ever since I came to live with them, Sierra's always been like a little sister to me. I'm starting to think that Poxal's going to be my next sister. At least I'll get a cool brother-in-law like Zane." I chuckled as I scraped the last of my icing off the plate. "Hey! We don't have guests very often, so I never get to do this. But would you like a tour?"

"Sure. Let me rinse off my plate and then you can show me." After I cleaned he dish, I followed Hannah out f the kitchen and up the stairs. 

"You've already seen the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Here's the stairs. Please watch your step.", she said in a funny accent. The accent was hair for fun, but for a slips second it occurred to me that she sounded like Morro with the accent on. After going up the stairs, I was net with a smaller living room. "This is the other living room. It's also the playroom. Over here to your right is Sierra's and my room..." She opened a door with pink and silver duct tape covering it. A homemade warning sign was on the door. It read, "Beware. Messy girls. Enter at your own risk. PS-Sierra's feet smell so be careful" The last part looked like it ad been crossed out and then re-written. Inside was a small room, with a twin bed on each side. One side was nicely made, while the other side wa covere in books, clothes, and more books. I could have sworn I saw a few bags of WarHeads underneath the messy bed. On the clean side, Sierra was making her bed, the blue sheets crisp and perfect. And the pink bed...not so much. I smirked. 

"What a clean room, Hannah." She quickly shut the door with a blush and a cute huff. 

"Shuddup..." She opened the door next to them, and a slightly bigger room was seen where two little boys were playing trucks. Toys were everywhere, food was thrown across the floor...I'd take Hannah's side over this. 

2 little boys sat on the ground. One was a toddler, and the other a baby. They both had reddish-blond hair, and looked exactly like Hannah's uncle. "This is Zach and Jack's room." Hannah closed the door. After walking cross the hallwa, she opened up a door that had pictures drawn by little kids tape to it. Inside, a large master bed lay in the middle of the far wall, it wa very clean, which must be where Sierra got the ability to keep her room so lean from. After we walked downstairs, she stood at he door with me.

"So what does your Aunt and Uncle do for a living?" 

"Uncle Ryan is an editor, and only goes to work while Sierra is at middle school and Jack is at daycare. Aunt Lee is a lawyer. Ah usually works later."

"And what school does Sierra go to?" I wasn't trying to be nosy. I was simply curious. Luckily, Hannah didn't seem to mind. 

"Cathington Middle School. It's only about a 10 minute walk from here. It's a small town, so everyone goes to the same school. But now I had to go to Ninjago High because of the scholarship. I'm not saying irony like it. I just...miss my friends. You know? But hey! At least I have you guys!" She stuck her hands in the hoody she was wearing. 

"Well. See you tomorrow, Hannah. I'll have to bring my skateboard. Then we can really race." We both blushed as I realized I had just said I would walk her home tomorrow. I didn't mind it at all. "Bye!"

"Bye, Cole!" She shut the door quietly and I breathed a sigh of relief. As I walked off I felt a pair of eyes staring at me. Turning around, I realized it was her uncle, watching my every move. Oh, dear...

~Later that night~ Hannah's POV:

"So. Hannah. I heard you had a boy over."I choked a little on my dinner, my face heating up. Leave it to Sierra to spill the beans. I had had enough drama that day. I didn't need anymore. I looked at Sierra who shook her head. Oh...Uncle Ryan. 

"Y-yah. He walked me ho-home." Aunt Lee looked at me expectantly. I shrugged bit sure what to say. 

"And...?" I stared at the black haired woman blankly, a she closed her green eyes in exasperation. "What was he like? What are his hobbies? How appropriate is he?  I need to know these details before you start dating him." Once again, I choked on my food. I can't have one peaceful bite of spaghetti, can I? Sierra jut snickered while Jack and Zach tore into their food, making a mess on the floor that we ha just cleaned. Both my Uncle and aunt were oblivious to the two boys, their attention focused me. 

"He's uh...very nice. Hi name is Cole. Cole Brookstone and-" My aunt interrupted me with a single clap of he hands. 

"Brookstone? Like Lou Brookstone from the Royal Blacksmiths?" I carefully nodded, afraid of her thoughts. "You can have him over. If he is anything lie his father, then he is welcome on this house." I swear. Uncle Yan's jaw must have dropped down to his stomach. Even Soerra was in shock. Uncle Ryan stuttered as my air continued to eat. 

"Wh-what??? You're going to let her have a joy over-just like that?!" He waved his hand in front of her face. "Who are you, and what have you done with my wife??" Sierra and I were to in shock to giggle. Aunt Lee bated his hand away. 

"Oh, please. I have plenty of good reasons. First of all, Hannah is 17. It's natural for her to be walked home by a boy. I'm surprised it hasn't happens sooner. And second, Lou is a fine man. He is actually a good friend of mine. Very respectful, polite. And while he does have a small patience problem, he is a great person. I actually help him with his music studio, and help him keep his finances in check." Aunt Lee was a business woman, and a good one at that. She sold houses, owned a small store, and helped people with their finances in the best way possible. And I guess Cole's dad was one of those lucky people. "Besides. How old was I when you started walking me home?" Sierra giggled. 

"I know this one! 13! And you two were dating at that age!" Uncle Ryan shook his head. 

"Still. You don't even know the boy. An now you're giving him free chess I your house? Doesn't make sense to me.", he argued. 

"I have the day off tomorrow. I just need to pay a few bills and then I'm home free for the rest if the day. I'm sure I can meet this Cole tomorrow." Uncle Ryan sighed, knowing he was defeated as Aunt Lee picked up the dishes and placed them in the sink. I internally cried because there were more dishes. It never ended...

After we all are whatever dessert we could scavenge from the pantry, everyone went t take a shower. I didn't new to, because I had taken one that morning. So Sierra and I sat on out beds, scrolling through our chrome books. I was smart and grabbed my secret stash of  Warheads, slipping them into my hoodie so I could eat them upstairs. Sierra made a grabby hand motion, and I tossed her a Watermelon flavored Warhead, my moth watering at the thought of tearing into the sour treats. "Did you see your Wattpad account yet, Hannah?" I shook my head as I popped open a new tab, clicking on the boom ark for my profile. I almost screamed. 

"What?! 109 followers? I just started that book!" Sierra nodded as she checked her own account. She preferred making shirt stories, while I liked making the big books. We both lied fanfiction, and original. Sierra was pretty good at writing, but not as good as she was at baking. That was her true calling. 

"You have a talent for writing, Hannah. You refuse to admit it, but you do." She turned to me, a pleading look in her eyes. "Any spoilers? What happens to Yashi? Please????" I laughed as I hook my head. 

"I refuse to spoil this one for you. I do that for all the others. But no. Not this one, Sierra! Not today!" I lifted my head and surveyed my room. Man. It was MESSY. I didn't want Cole coming over and seeing how lazy I was. Slipping out of my space blanket, I crawled around the floor, trying to determine where to start. Sierra gasped. 

"You're cleaning?! Without being tok to? This is legendary!" She proceeded to make fun of my laziness, but I didn't care. I was too focused in he fact that I had I get laundry done so I could wear something other than tank tips under my hoody. "Oh! I bet it's for your boyfriend.", Sierra sneered. I scoffed as my face heated up. Chunking a peice of paper at her, I scoffed. 

"He's not my boyfriend! He's hit a boy I met at school, who just happens to be REALLY handsome. And nice. And-" I then realized that Sierra was silently laughing. "Whatever." A few minutes later, my Aunt knocked in the door. I was busy sorting though my collection of sketchbooks, when she popped he read in. Sierra was busy trying to figure out a new game she was hooked on. It was called 'Space is Key'. The game was actually pretty fun, and now I was starting to slowly become obsessed over it. But that's what Sierra does to me. 

"Alright ladies. Cole give hugs and kisses. You two have 40 minutes  before bed." Sierra and I raced each other out the door, and to the room across the hall, where Uncle Ryan was sitting at a desk, looking through some papers. Jack and Zach were busy trying to steal Aunt Lee's yoga ball. 

"Goodnight, Dad!", Sierra Sai happily as she hugged my Uncle. A small pain struck in my gut, but I pushed the jealousy aside. I didn't have anyone to call my father. It just wasn't he same to call my uncle my dad, no matter how much he acted like one. 

"Night, Uncle Ryan.", I said as I pecked his cheek, his stubble itching against my cheek as we hugged. 

"Night, girls." After doing the same to my cousins and Aunt, Sierra and I stepped into our room, shutting the door quietly. After pulling off my jeans, pink shirt, and (regretfully) my wonderful hoody, I slipped into some black shorts, and a pink tank top. Sierra wore a gray winsome, with little hearts on it. Anigglkng under my blankets, I pulled open my book inhale been wiring ok. It was called 'New Lighting', and was very exciting. I tried to trait the urge to peak ahead and go to two end if the book, just to find out what happens. Luckily, Sierra saved me. 

"Hannah! It's the second part if One Day!" One Day, was the name of. Gacha music visor Sierra and I had watched. We absolutely loved it, and the creator ha finally made another. Sierra slid into my bed, each of us popping an earbud into our era I listen. It was pretty funny. 

https://youtu.be/WdwgofvH2zc

"I'm just tryna' play it cool now. So I pick up my brother and run out of the shop!" Sierra laughed as I summed up the video while she closed her computer and set it in the nightstand, slipping handler her fuzzy blanket. I too laughed as I flicked the lamp off, the glow-in-the-dark stars cubs readying against the dark shadow covering our ceiling. Silence passed. 

"Hannah?" I hummed a reply. "I need help. There's this boy-" 

"Save it for tomorrow. You are so tired, and I need to sleep. We both do. And the sooner I try to fall asleep the sooner I can. Same with you. So we'll talk. About boys in the morning okay?", I asked tiredly. I had a problem where I couldn't fall asleep for hours after I laid down, so it was best for  me to try and shut off my brain quickly. Same with Sierra, except that she slept deep and snored. She was scary when she snored. Sleeping just did not like me, unless I was cuddling something. So I grabbed my body pillow, and snuggled against it. It did little to help me, but any help was welcome. 

"Mkay...", Sierra said as she yawned. "Goodnight, Hannah..."

"Night, Sierra..." An hour later, the black abyss if sleep save me from having to listen to her dealt snores. Dreams fluttered in my vision. Dragons, arts, anything you could think of. Sleep was welcome, and wonderful, but the morning had other ideas if wonderful. 

Morning was a poison, ruling my sweet he maven called night. It turned me into a zombie, limbs and brain dead, or dying. I wasn't sure of anything when I woke up. Who am I?  Where am I? What is today? An I even alive? What is life? Questions flew through my mind faster than I could process them. All I could think about was turning off the stupid alarm clock. Groggily, I pulled myself out of bed, every essence of my bieng, every fiber in my body decreasing at me to abandon my mission, and go back to sleep. Sierra snored through it all. Dragging myself across the room, I flipped the clock's switch, and silence filled the room. Then the ringing began. My head heard a piercing ringing, and my ear wanted to burst. Why are mornings so difficult?, I thought to myself. After turning on the lights, I pulled open my drawers as Sierra stirrers. Slipping ok some jean shorts, a pink tank top, and mg hoody, I walked into the bathroom connected I out room. Brushing my hair proved to be a challenge, my bed hair looking like a rat's nest. My adrenaline spiked as I heard Sierra fall out of bed, and then instantly woke up. She was a morning person. I was not in any way. I didn't know how she did it. She just pulled herself oh of bed and abro cadabro! She was happy a could be. "So! How was your sleep I turned to her, brush stuck in my bond hair, a dead look in my eyes. "Um...are you okay?" 

"Do I look okay? I just woke up. You've lived with me for a little over a decade. You should know how much of a zombie I an in the mornings.", I said irritated as I yanked the brush through my hair. Sierra wince as I pulled a large section of hair out of my skull. 

"Uh...you said I could all about the boy problem to you in the morning, and now it's morning." I sighed as I splashed water on my face. 

"Not yet. It's too early. Let me eat ain't hung and then I'll come back to life." She snickered a she buttoned up her black and blue pants, adjusting her grey jacket that covered most of her blue shirt. Her hair was easily pulled into a ponytail. I marvels at how easily she could do everything on the morning. Pulling my own hair into a ponytail, I finally have up as my attempts called. Letting by hair fall over my shoulders, I pulled my hood over my head, slinging my backpack I we my shoulder. My pack of Warheads was immediately stuffed into the bag by my own hands, muscle memory doing everything. Downstairs, Sierra and I poured bowls of cereal and milk as we waited for one of the adults to come down. When my bowl was empty, and I had some orange juice, I was finally awake and happy. "So. Tell me about this boy.", I encouraged. Sierra blushed. 

"Well. He's really sweet. Has a lot of determination, pretty cute, and he isn't afraid of hard-work. He's very fun to be around, and had an obsession with being a ninja. We play ninjas during gym on free days. He even sowed himself a ninja mask onto his hoody. He calls himself-The purple Ninja. He also knows the ninja personally, although he can't tell who the are. Make sense." I nodded in thought. 

"If he will play ninjas with you, he's a go-getter. And he has dedication. What's his name?" 

"Nelson." I nodded again. 

"What does he look like. I feel like I've seen him before."

"He has wavy, chestnut brown hair, and pale eyes that almost look purple. He's a little taller than me. Used to be in a wheel chair because he broke both his kegs while he was training to be a ninja." I snapped my fingers. "Yes! I know who you're talking about! I saw him at the Science Fair last year! Sierra, I have sipped you two since you were young." Sierra smiled giddily. 

"So, do you think I can invite him over? After school tomorrow?" I nodded. 

"Be sure to ask your mom, but I think she'll let you. But nonkissing. You're too young for that!" She blushed as she put her bowl in the skunk. I looked at the clock, noticing that it was almost time for me t go. AFTER jogging up the stairs and telling everyone good he, I grabbed my water bottle, put it in my backpack, and once again played my music. Today I was on more of a romance mood, so I played my romance playlist. Immediately, the first song that comes on is Ignite, and I'm ready to start the day as I carried my skateboard along the grass. Finally, I reached the pout where I could ride the board, an. I shot through the town, people simply acknowledging me with a nod of greeting. There weren't many people up this early though. A whoosh was heard over my music, and I skillfully looked up, while remaining balanced on my board. A silhouette of a creature forte the red sky from the rising sun, and a thought instantly clicked. We had moved this past summer, and there were natural occurrences of the Ninja. Plus, we had heard all about then where we used to live. Crazy thoughts dotted my mind as I imagined myself fighting beside them, majestically defeating then with my awesomeness. (Pfft. What awesomeness? 😛) 

Finally, I made it to the large  group of school buildings, where buses were pulling in, and teenagers were huddled together. Flipping my skateboard into the air, I grabbed it and walked into the first building. Down the hallway, open my licker, put things away, grab whatever I need...it would soon become a pattern and a rhythm. Something I could follow and control. I turned around only j knock Ito someone walking by. A tall bit with shoulder-length black hair, green eye, and a green steak in his hair turned to me. "Sorry!", I squealed as I pulled out my MP3 player, hastily hitting the off button. "Didn't mean to run into you." He shrugged, towering over me. He must have been 18-but man was he tall! 

"You're fine. I wasn't watching where I was gong." He seemed to peer at me. "Hey! It's you! Hannah!" Finally, I recognized him. 

"Oh, yah! You're Morro! Sorry, I am terrible with names. And my memory of them goes plop." I made a thumbs-down motion, signifying the loss of knowledge I felt my brain had lost. He chuckled. 

"Same here. Don't worry about it. See you later. I have to get to my class." He turned t walk away but then stopped. Looking back at me he said, "If you want, the girls are only a few hallways down. They're hanging out by the trophy case. That's what they usually do in the mornings." I nodded as I thanked him, slinging my bag over my shoulder increase again. After finding my way through the maze they call a school, I finally found them, laughing at the trophy case. Suddenly, I felt very shy. Would I be intruding? Should I w so quick to assume they would want to see me? What about-

"Hey, Hannah!", Nya waved, her raven hair swinging in her messy ponytail. Her blue eyes found mine, and an intense fire seemed to burn within them. She waved me over, and I shyly advanced. Standing beside Pixal I smiled at them. 

"Morning."

"Good morning. How was your rest!", Pixal asked pleasantly. 

"It was pretty iffy. Nothing worse than the normal." Skylor nodded in understanding. 

"I feel you. Trust me. Kai is always wondering why I can't sleep. Just stupid hormones. You know?" Now we all nodded, except Pixal looked slightly confused. The innocent child. 

"Oh! Hannah! We have a tradition that we do very month on the same day. We all have to look alike. So we would send you a picture of what we have to look like, or at least look similar to. You wanna do it with us? It's pretty fun."I thought for a moment. Then I shrugged. 

"Why not? Sounds like it would be fun. Just nothing too crazy." Skykor gasped in feigned shock. 

"What? Us? Crazy?? Never." Pixal and I shared a look, rolling our eyes. If it wasn't morning, we would have been hysterical in seconds, laughing about stupid things. I had only known these girls for a day and they already felt like family. 

"Great!", Nya exclaimed happily. She pulled out her phone. "Do have an email? So u an send you the picture." I nodded as I typed it into Nya's phone. 

"Yah. I'm still wiring on the phone. Probably won't have one until the end of the school year. What's important is college, my job, and a car." Pixal nodded in agreement as I handed the phone back to it's raven haired owner. 

"Speaking of which, you never told us your job, Hannah." Skylor ran her noodle shop so she had no problem making money. Nya worked as a pool-cleaner(a very interesting job), and Pixal worked for Mr. Cyrus Borg at Borg Tower. She also lived there, so it was a win-win. 

"Sorry! I thought I ha told you guys. I do two jobs-I work at the library on Wednesdays and The bakery on Fridays and Saturdays. They are all half-day jobs, which really helps what with all the school stuff." 

"I actually really like your financial plan you have going on. It make a lot of sense to me.", Nya said and Skylor nodded. 

"There's better ways t do it, this way is just the easiest for me. I learned a lot about inancual stuff from my Aunt Lee. She has me go over the bills for the house with her every month. You learn a lot just by writing out one check. You guys should come over soon. I don't think they'll mind." Pixal hugged me as she smiled. 

"I believe it would be fine with my father." (Her father was her creator, Mr. Borg.) 

"It would probably be okay. I just need to get permission from my parents and Wu.", Nya stated. 

"Who's Wu?"

"Our Sen-" Skylor nudged Nya, thinking I didn't see. I did. 

"I already know about the whole identity thing.", I said quietly. They all turned to me in shock. 

"What? How?", Skykir questioned, the only one who seemed able to talk. 

"Things just fell into place after I found out that Pixal and Zane were droids. After that I started watching you Gus, and I noticed that you all seem I have a more sensitive hearing. Every time someone whisper weed sketching, you seems to e more alert. And you guys are all pretty built. Even Pixal. So I figured, what if...and things just made sense. Besides. You all wear your colors. Aside from Pxal, but purple looks great on her." Nya's jaw almost fell I the floor. 

"So you mean to tell me, that after only a day you figured out we were ninjas???", she asked. I shrugged with a nod. 

"Yep. Uncle Ryan always said I had a gift for figuring things out quickly." 

"No joke...", mumbled Skylor. "So do you know who is who?"

"That I do. Pixal is Samari X, Nya is the water ninja, Jay is the blue ninja, Kai is there's, Zane is the white, Lloyd is th green, and Cole is the black ninja. Skylor took me longer to figure out, because you aren't broadcasted much. But she's the orange ninja.", I said in a quiet voice. 

"But you won't tell anyone?" 

"Absolutely not! Besides. I found out about y'all a few days ago, and though I do fangirl at times, I am not crazy about it." Pixal sighed in relief. 

"Phew. That's good. You wouldn't believe how crazy the fans are. It's creepy sometimes." Nya whipped out her phone again. "Changing the subject because that is what I do. Would this be okay for you to copy? It doesn't have to be exactly the same, just close. The more exotic the better." I peered at the picture I the screen. 

"Yah. I'll probably make a few minor adjustments, but otherwise, I can do that. Any specific colors, hairstyle...?" 

"I forgot about the hair! Here. We can do this one.", she repulsed as she typed up ale high in her phone, showing us the picture of the girl. 

"Hey! That'll be cute! Nice one, Nya.", Skylor  complemented, Pixal and I agreeing with a nod. "Should be easy enough."

Later that day after school, I was starting to think it wasn't that easy. 

"You want me to do what now?", Cole asked as he sat on my bed, a perplexed look on his face. 

"I need you to help me decide on my outift. Us girls are copying each other."

"Oh...! So that's why Athey were so hyped at lunch." Cole had rode invisible skateboard with me following on mine, all the way to my house. When we arrived, we were promptly greeted by Ajnt Lee, and a lesser greeting came from Uncle Ryan. But that's what he does. Putting my laptop beside him, I promptly showed him the pictures Nya had emailed me. 

"I have to look something like this." 

"So? Why do you need me? Why not just ask Sierra? Plus, you have plenty if clothes. I'm sure you can find something easily enough." I gave him a look. 

"Sierra's busy with her little boyfriend outside. And you have good tastes in styles." He laughed. 

"Do I now?" 

"Yes.", I said shortly as I walked into my closet, searching for something like the picture. "You wear hoodies. Wherefore, you have good fashion tastes." He chuckled loudly. I felt a blush creep into my cheeks, a small smile forming. I liked it when he laughed. There was something about it that made me feel welcome. Secure and happy. Finally grabbing a few items, I walked towards the bathroom. "Besides. I don't want it to he too revealing, an Sierra will tell me that pants are too revealing." I close the door as he entertained himself by looking through my bookshelf. Shrugging off my clothes that probably smelled of sweat, I slipped into my pink skirt. My pink and white striped top slightly came above the skirt, and the sleeves almost reached my elbows. Walking out, I held my hair up as if it wear in space buns. "I don't now if I lie this one or my. You decide." He turned to me and observed. I suddenly felt very sled conscious. After. Minute, he shook his head. 

"Nah. The shirt is a tad to short to go with that skirt. Plus, the skirt is too long." He was right. It did go 5 inches last my knees, and didn't go right with the short shirt. Smiling, I nodded. 

"Cool! Thanks!" Walking back into to he bathroom, I observed the outfit. He was right. It just didn't go right together. 

Walking out, I softly sighed. This was the 6th try. I prayed I got this one right because I was dying to get back into my hoody. I turned around in a quick circle, my hair loosely falling over my shoulders. "Well?" His eyes scanned the outfit once again, a blush growing on his cheeks. 

"I-ah...Y-yah. That ones nice. I like that." I walked over to the mirror, studying my reflection. A girl with beautiful blond hair, and gorgeous blue eyes stared back at me. Her faint freckle made me want to laugh. There was no way this pretty girl staring back at me could be...me. 

"Yah. I like this one too.", I said wit a smile. The back and pink striped short exposed my bare, muscular arms, and the pink skirt reached my knees. I would have to wear sandals, and put my hair in the cute space buns, but I genuinely liked the girl I saw. While looking at the mirror and examining if the shirt was too tight, I noticed Cole staring at my arms. I guess it was strange to see such a small girl look so strong. But I isn't just look strong. I was. Every day after school I would go tit he weight room for thirty minutes, exercising, lifting weights, etc. I had been doing it for years, at every school I've gone to. But I wasn't read I tell him that, so I pretended not to notice. "Thanks, Cole.", I said with a big smile as I went to go change. After I was down, we walked down to the kitchen, where Sierra and Nelson sat. Earlier, I had learned that Cole knew Nelson already. He was one of the few who was nice to him and the others. It was nice to how that my whole family didn't care about Lloyd being Garmadon's son either. 

When Sierra had described Nelson to me, I had thought of the tiny boy I saw a year back. Now, he looked like he was in high school.

The once small boy had grown to be as tall as me(no surprise because Sierra was almost as tall as me too), and his once frail body had really bulked up. His chestnut brown hair seemed to have slowly darkened, and his freckles were very faint. He still kept the purple hoody and pants, but there was something about then that added to his maturity. Which was strange because you would think purple would make someone look young and childish. He almost reminded me of Lloyd in a way. Just with brown hair. Even though he looked so grown up, I could still see the fun, little boy he was. Oh yah. He was going to be Sierra's boyfriend in the future, and by the looks of it they would have no problems. I couldn't help but snicker a she stared at him dreamily, a blush on both their cheeks while they talked. They send to be talking about a news route or something. Interesting...

Sierra looked up as she heard me snicker, Nelson following his gaze. Cole and Nelson had greeted each other earlier when we arrived in a very odd fashion. Or maybe it was hair because they were buys. They fist bumped and then seems to try to break each other's bones. I was seriously thinking about trying that someday on one of the girls. It looked pretty fun. Cole plopped into a seat on the other side of the counter, straight across from th middle school boy. "You've come here twice and you already act like you live here.", Sierra said, trying to distract us from the fact that she was obviously in love with Nelson. We didn't fall for it. Cole smirked at the two kids while I grabbed a cup of water, lank he against the sink with my cold drink.

"So. Nelson. You think Lloyd would like to eat that you're already dating Hannah's cousin? Hm? What would Misako have to say?" Cole looked at him expectantly. Nelson choked on his spit as Sierra erupted into a fiery mess while she covered her face with we hands.

"WhAT?! We'Re NoT d-shE-I?!?!" Nelson didn't know how to respond. Sierra made an executive decision and pulled him out of his chair.

"Come on, Nelson. We're going to my room where these weirdos can't bother us." I laughed.

"Oh! So he's already gong up to you're room huh? What do you have planned?", I asked slyly as she and Nelson ran up the stairs.

"SHUT UP, HANNAH!!!" Cole and I laughed as they ran up the stairs. I cool hear Sierra profusely apologizing to Nelson. I turned to look at Cole while we laughed, my giggles dying away as I watched him. He turned to look at me, his laugh turning to quiet breathing.

It was like those romance movies, where the two in love just stared at each other, fireworks going off in the background. After staring they would lean in, and a romantic kiss would happen. I ha never been kissed before, and wondered whatnot felt like. Was I really a good as the stories say it was? Everyone had their different views on it. Some people didn't care about how important a kiss was. They could just through them around like it was nobody's business. Some people never had a kiss until they were married. I wanted mine to be special, one that I would always remember. I wanted it to be with the person I would spend the rest of my life with. The stories and movies always described it as'It just happened.'

But right now was not the time for it to just happen. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if I was confused about my feelings? I've only known him for two days. Why is this all so confusing? But his eyes...I could stare into them forever. Secrets lurked in the cloudy brown, and I wanted to share those secrets with him. I wanted to give all my secrets, all my dreams to him. But that's not how it works when you just met someone. That's not how life works.

Clearing my throat, I turned my head to look out the window. "So...um. You staying for dinner?" Cole turned to look at his hands, a blush forming across his tanned cheeks. The red blended nicely with the light brown, while the red stood out against my pale cheeks. I had my mother's skin, which meant that it burned easily, and never tanned. So any cuts, bruises, etc. stood out brightly against my pale complexion. It was a little annoying sometimes.

"I dot want to intrude. Y'all already have a big enough house to feed."

"Oh, don't worry about that! Uncle Ryan's picking up Chinese take-out. Please stay. I dot want you I go home on an empty stomach. What kind of host would I be if I did?", I asked as I poked his arm gently.

"Well...", suddenly his face changed. "Yes, please! I just remembered that Jay was supposed to cook dinner for us all tonight! We all live together-wait. You already know that. Ugh. I'm sorry. Can I have a cup of water please?" I stood, walking over to the cabinet.

"I don't know. Can you?" He groaned.

"My dad would love you, especially if you do this. MAY I have a glass of water?" Giggling, I nodded as I filled his cup with ice water.

"You may." As I handed the blue cup to him, he stuck his tongue out at me playfully. "Yah, yah, yah. If you think I'm gonna let you get away with that then you are SO wrong!" He stood up, hand in the air.

"Hold on, missy. Let's think this through-" in an instant he had been jumped and we were tumbling across the ground, play fighting. I had him pinned down for a second before he flipped me over with immense strength. Oh no.

Earlier on our way home, I had told him I was extremely ticklish. That was a mistake.

He poke my side and I flinched, a laugh coming out of my throat. "No! P-please! Haha! Help!" After awhile of me being tickle to the point where I was crying, he started to get tired. I took my chance and landed on top of him, instantly pinning him again. He had given up as he was so tired he couldn't move. "Mwahahaha! No one can defer the amazing power of Hannah Schumann!" Ole laughed, his breath coming out in short gasps. 

"All right, Your Highness. I surrender." I felt my cheeks darken as he said that. Your Highness? He must have noticed because he smirked at me as he sat up. 

"D-don't call me that.", I said embarrassed. 

"Oh! Sorry! I surrender, Princess." I was sure I was a living tomato. I genuinely liked being called those names. It was just that only my family ever have me a nickname, and even then they didn't make me feel this way. It was almost satisfying to be called that. The simple word left my stomach fluttering, my heart melting. He just laughed, oblivious to the thoughts in my head. I tried to make a come-back. 

"W-well, ten if you're going to call me something, then you need a nickname too.", I tried as I leaned against the wall, trying to hide the blush in a shadow. I pondered it for a moment, and then it hit me. I neede down thing short, sweet, and simple, but it had to leave him embarrassed. I liked making him embarrassed. I'm a great friend. 

"Aha! I've got it!", I exclaimed on a fake accent. Standing up, I grabbed a spatula, tapping it in his shoulders and head, Cole playing along my kneeling on front of me. 

"I hereby dub you...Cookie Monster." I erupted ink laughyer, and he chuckled. Although the blush forming wasn't so easily forgotten. I got him. 

I was sure to embarrass him with the nickname at dinner. My uncle actually thought it was funny, while my aunt and Sierra were cons earned for our mental health. What a wonderful day. 

An-

Childs! I am sorry for it taking so one to update! I know this chapter probably sucked, but it was also almost 9,000 words. So I'm sorry for such a short chapter! I will try to do better in the future. I don't really have the next 5-10 chapters planned out, but after that updates should be more regular! And also...sorry for all the typos! Auto-correct is an idiot sometimes. So than you for stickin around, and I hope to see you agin soon! Let me know your thoughts on this chapter, vote, etc. Also, let me know what you think will happen! And if you have any ideas if what should happen, PLEASE TELL ME! I'll probably use them(with all credit to you for the idea of course!). So than you for listening to me!

Love ya-

Hannah