Chào các bạn! Vì nhiều lý do từ nay Truyen2U chính thức đổi tên là Truyen247.Pro. Mong các bạn tiếp tục ủng hộ truy cập tên miền mới này nhé! Mãi yêu... ♥

When It's His Birthday - Kai

I sighed, standing in front of the large double doors that led to the monastery. There was an eerie silence looming outside the doors the wind was thick, making me feel even more nervous and anxious about being there. But finally, I worked up the courage to knock lightly on the door and stepped back to wait for someone to open the door.

A moment later, the door peeled open and Cole stood in front of me with his eyes wide. "Hey! What are you doing here? Is Kai expecting you?" I slowly nodded in response to his question, then taking a quick step back as he stepped forward to check the front door area, seemingly searching for someone or something. Cole noticed my hesitation and gave me a soft and very sorry smile. I guess Kai told him I wasn't doing so great.

"Well, uh, this is awkward," Cole sheepishly said while opening the door farther and allowing me to enter the quiet monastery. "Kai is actually out right now," he added. I frowned, my once happy demeanor quickly diminishing to a dark sadness inside of me. "He and Lloyd are running errands for Sensei. I'm surprised he didn't call you if he expected you here," he said while entering the game room with me following at a safe distance behind. I stopped at the entryway of the room and observed Jay, Nya, Zane, and now Cole all relaxed on the couch with a video game playing on the television. I assumed all their girlfriends were busy on this dull Saturday.

"I turned my phone off," I said softly. Nya turned around and smiled, "Come sit with me, Y/N!"

I softly smiled at the invitation and sat down uncomfortably on the couch in between Jay and Nya. I scooted closer to Nya and she gave me a nudge with a big smile. "Here for Kai's birthday?" she asked. I nodded, "I was supposed to take him for lunch since he's having friends over tonight but now I don't know. Maybe I should just head home and try to make a therapy appointment," I muttered. Jay smiled, "Kai should be back in ten minutes. He and Lloyd left an hour ago and it doesn't take any longer than that to get Sensei's tea," he chuckled. "Jay is right," Zane spoke up, his fingers quickly pressing buttons on his remote to try and defeat Nya's avatar. "Kai and Lloyd are returning shortly."

I nodded and relaxed a little on the couch. I was still uncomfortable without Kai here. I felt as if I was intruding though I knew I wasn't. I wanted my boyfriend next to me. I felt all my doubts and anxiety ticks rising to the surface. I felt awful. I wanted to go home. "Are you coming tonight? I mean I assume since you're already here but I wasn't sure," Cole asked, joining the game as Jay tossed him his remote. I shrugged and picked at the cuticles surrounding my skin, "Parties aren't really my thing. I think I would just dampen the light so I'll probably go home before it starts," I said, my voice a soft whisper.

"I know," Nya grinned, glancing at me. "I mean Kai doesn't tell us much about it because it isn't our business but I know you're still not okay from what happened and no one is expecting you to be. But if you're up for it, Kai would love having you here tonight. And if it gets too overwhelming, I'll personally fly you home, or I'll bail on the party with you and we can hang out in my room. Believe me, Y/N, I get it," she told me while placing a soft hand over top mine to stop me from picking at my fingers. I stared at her hand and she smiled before letting go and bringing her attention back to the game. "Any one of us would bring you home, Y/N. You are important to all of us," Zane added while pressing a button and defeating everyone in one swoop.

Jay slung an arm over my shoulder and patted my head, "Yeah, kid, you're one of us now," he said in a goofy accent. I smiled and a giggle left my mouth to which Jay beamed proudly at. "Hey oh! What did I just walk in on? Making a move on my girl, Jay? I've got J/G/N's number," a new voice warned. I smiled and whipped around on the couch to see Kai and Lloyd waltzing in. Lloyd had a bag of candy in his hands and he smirked at Jay's eyes rolling. "Just making sure your girlfriend is comfortable and okay over here while you're out bailing on your plans with her, man. What a great boyfriend you are," he scoffed while turning back around. I stood up and walked over to Kai who wrapped his arms around me and pecked me on the lips. "Did you not get my texts? How did you get here? I was going to pick you up," he frowned.

"I turned my phone off," I whispered, leaning my head on his chest. He nodded in understanding and gave me a sympathetic smile. "And I walked. I enjoy the peace," I added, giving his cheek a pat and he squirmed away in protest to which I laughed. "Kai isn't a bad boyfriend," Cole spoke up while handing the remote back to Jay and Nya handing hers to Lloyd. "Yes, he is arguably one of the best boyfriends out of all of us, actually," Zaid said monotonously. "After Lloyd and I, of course."

Cole and Jay scoffed, "What are these calculations based off of? That's ridiculous!" Jay whined, making everyone but Cole laugh. "Yeah! We treat our girlfriends great!"

"I will not reveal my formula," Zane simply replied. I smiled and kissed Kai again to which he was surprised and leaned into it happily. When I pulled away I smiled proudly at him. "If it counts, I think you are all great to your girlfriends. But I am biased and I think I got the best one," I giggled. Kai beamed and picked me up to spin me around and I laughed happily. "I think I did, too."



•••




We had gone out to lunch earlier that day and I think I deserve a best girlfriend award for planning my boyfriend's birthday. We had gone to his favorite pizza joint in Downtown Ninjago and then went on a stroll around the park. Obviously Kai needs some thrill in his life, after all he is the fire ninja, so I took him to a laser tag arena where we spent an hour trying to find each other in a large map with no other players. I lost, which is not at all surprising, but Kai enjoyed himself and laughed every time my vest powered down because it needed to recharge. I loved his laugh. I wish I could hear it all the time.

After we hung out, it was time to go back to the monastery for the party. I say party loosely because the ninja don't really have other friends so it's just supposed to be them and their girlfriends - if they can come - and some people that helped the ninja defeat villains that they became close with. It was going to be a pretty large amount of people. And after karaoke last weekend I planned to spend more time with myself and smaller groups of people to try and recover faster but clearly, that wasn't happening.

I sighed as I walked into the kitchen where Zane was busy cooking and looked around. The lights in the courtyard were dim and lanterns in fun colors were hung up instead. On a table to the side, there was a large bowl of punch sitting that reeked of vodka and whatever else the guys tossed into the bowl, and beside it was complete empty space. "Oh, Y/N," Zane smiled in surprise as I joined him by his side and peered over to what he was making. He was frosting the last of a cake with red lettering: Happy 19th Kai. I smiled warmly. "Hi, Zane," I beamed, paying attention to him closely as he concentrated. "Did Kai leave you alone again? I must scold him after today," he grinned.

I giggled and shook my head, "He was showering so I thought I would find something to do. Do you need help with anything?"

Zane's eyes brightened and he nodded, setting aside the frosting and grabbing three large bowls down from the cabinets. "Would you mind putting the snacks in these? It would save me some trouble."

I nodded, "Yeah, no problem."

Zane went back to decorating the cake as I took the bags of pretzels and chips and poured them into different bowls and then set them on the table near the punch. The doorbell rang in the middle of my task and Cole walked out from the game room to answer it, then paying who turned out to be the pizza guy who was standing outside after climbing a ton of steps. He put the several boxes on the table next to the chips and then disappeared again.

I found myself yet again bored and leaned back on the table to chill on my phone where I found myself texting my groupchat with the other girls to see if they were coming. I found out that L/G/N was at her dad's so she wasn't and Z/G/N had to study for a test but C/G/N and J/G/N were both coming and were on their way as Jay was picking them up.

I was about to sit down at the table when Kai slid in with concern on his face. "There you are! I couldn't find you! I thought you left or something," he frowned. I softly smiled and shook my head, "You could've stayed in my room, you know," he grinned while pressing his lips to mine. I hummed and pulled away, then ruffling his hair to which he leaned down to allow me. He didn't let anyone touch his hair but since I help him style it, he allows me. He knows he needs the help. "I wanted to help Zane," I explained who silently stood next to me while finishing the cake. "Can you help me?" He asked while tugging at the bottom of his polo.

I nodded with a giggle and looked at his ensemble. Black jeans. Red-collared shirt. Black sneakers.

But he buttoned it wrong. "How do you get dressed without me helping you?" I smiled as I delicately unbuttoned the front of his shirt and then smoothed it out. Kai blushed as my fingers skimmed his skin and he looked away quickly. "Stop being squirmy," I chastised while tugging him closer to me so I could finish helping me. "I do not think I need to be in the room for this," Zane monotonously said from behind us. Kai glanced over and smirked, "Oh like you and Z/G/N don't make out in the kitchen."

"We aren't making out," I muttered under my breath but Zane just seemed to breathe out deep and long, "Okay, that's fine," he said, a hint of a smile on his lips. I laughed and Kai beamed in pride. I finally worked my way up to his collar where I flattened it down and then trailed my finger down his chest to the button I left undone. Kai stared down at me, worry on his mind as I stood still, my fist clenched and resting on his chest. "Hey," he whispered, "Tell me if you want to go home. I'll take you home, Y/N."

I shook my head, "I want to stay for you. I'll just stay here tonight if that's okay," I said quietly while leaning into his chest. "It's dark and it's your birthday, you know. I want to stay for your birthday." Kai smiled and nodded, then taking my hand in his as the doorbell started to ring.

He glanced up and looked at Zane who began to walk to the door where guests were smiling with and being welcomed into the monastery. My heart rate began to rise and Kai turned me around and pushed me against the wall of the kitchen as I stared into the open courtyard that began to be filled with people. "Look at me, Y/N," he told me, staring into my E/C eyes with concern. "The second you think this is too much, you get me o-or any of the guys or Nya to take you home or hang out with you away from all this. I'm not asking you to put your progress on the line for a stupid birthday."

"It's not stupid, Kai," I whispered, "It's your birthday. Your nineteenth birthday and I am not missing it."

Kai sighed but ultimately knew he couldn't change my mind and instead turned to saying hello to all his guests and allies from his many battles and the other ninja filed out of their rooms and started to join the party. It was interesting to see the guys all interact with other people. I've seen them with the girls but no one else really.

I stayed isolated in the kitchen while Kai chatted with his friends but when I saw C/G/N and J/G/N walk inside with Jay in front of them, I smiled and entered the courtyard. "Hey, Y/N!" J/G/N chirped while pulling me in for a hug. I returned the gesture and hugged C/G/N as well before she was completely whisked away by Cole while he tossed a "Sorry!" over his shoulder. "How are you? Is this totally strange to see the guys with friends that aren't us? I thought they were loners," she giggled. Jay was standing next to her and rolled his eyes before playfully pushing her shoulder to which she beamed and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm going to go get some drinks. Do you want anything, Y/N?" he asked me to which I politely declined and returned my focus to the bright girl in front of me. "No it's totally strange," I agreed while glancing at Kai with his arm slung over who I think was Ronin. "I didn't think they were loners but I didn't think they were social either," I shrugged.

Jay returned shortly with a red cup of beer for himself and one for J/G/N, too. "Also didn't know you guys drink," she smirked while sipping her own cup, her face twinging into disgust. It was my turn to giggle. Jay scoffed, "Well we have to relax somehow after kicking ass all the time," he said while basically chugging his cup. I was stunned and Jay saw my uncomfortable glance. "Hey, I'm kidding," he said lightly while smiling. "Underage drinking isn't something to take lightly but when we have parties like this it's the only time we get to feel and act like teenagers, you know? We don't party much, but... this makes it feel normal."

I nodded, "I'm not judging, Jay. Before what happened... I was partying like this, too. But now... It just doesn't seem right..." I trailed off, staring down at my fingers and watching as I picked my cuticles. J/G/N noticed and grabbed my hand with a smile, "Come dance with me. In the corner over there where no one can see. Just us. You don't even have to be good. And then I promise after this one song you can go bury yourself in Kai's bed and lock the door. But come have two minutes and thirty-three seconds of fun," she pleaded, tugging my hand slightly. I glanced at Jay who just shrugged with a grin and then at Kai who was now talking to a girl with vibrant red hair and who I believed was Dareth. Finally, I nodded with a sigh. "Okay, fine. One song."

J/G/N squealed in delight and twirled around as we entered the darkest part of the courtyard where no one could see us. I laughed loudly as she threw her hands in the air and moved around so-not gracefully. She grabbed both my hands after her little solo and twisted her hips back and forth and tried to get me to do the same, which I eventually did after a little persuading from the vibrant girl. We danced ridiculously, having no rhythm and no actual dancing capabilities. Still, it was the most fun I have had in a while. I was able to throw my hands in the air and sway with an unlikely friend. We danced for a long time, more than just one song, before we excused ourselves to get some water breaks. And when we returned to dancing, Jay joined us, and then Zane, and then Nya, and soon I was enjoying myself much more than I thought I would.

I had friends. 

Real friends.

For the first time in my life.



•••



It had been hours, maybe two, when people finally started to leave. Kai introduced me to some friends - Skylor and Karlof - and some others. I, of course, had stood silently by his side while awkwardly smiling at the people in the room as I was shown around. But two hours later, it was just the ninja, Nya, Dareth, Ronin, J/G/N, C/G/N, and Skylor left. I felt out of place, naturally, since I always seemed to. 

I was in the kitchen cleaning the bowls that had snacks in them earlier when Ronin approached me. I had never actually had a conversation with the man but he seemed to be a frenemy to the ninja so I obviously had to play nice. He was leaning against the doorframe when I noticed him and I slightly jumped as I was taken aback at his presence. He didn't say anything.

I continued to silently wash the bowls with the brush in the sink, my back turned to Ronin, when he let out a "hmph."

I slightly turned my head to glance at him before turning back to the sink. "You're jumpy," he said aloud. What was he expecting me to respond to him? "You know your boyfriend is drunk. He might spill all your secrets if you don't monitor him," he chuckled while sipping his own cup of beer. "I don't have secrets. And Kai can handle himself."

Ronin scoffed, "You jumped at my mere presence. You, princess, have secrets."

I rolled my eyes and continued washing my dishes. "A strange man in an eyepatch is staring at me while I wash dishes. Yes, I'm jumpy."

"I wasn't staring. I was paying attention. You've got baggage, kid."

"Everyone has baggage," I replied.

He shook his head, "Not kidnapping-hostage baggage."

I froze, my hand still in the sink and my demeanor tense. He grinned. "Yeah, I thought so," he whispered while walking away while drinking more of his cup. I gently laid the brush down in the sink and stood with my hands on the counter, bracing myself for the impact I knew was not coming. I had a million thoughts. Did Kai tell him? Or one of the guys? Why would any of them tell him?

I wasn't able to think for long because Lloyd skidded into the kitchen with his eyes perked and his blonde hair pulled out of his face. I jolted in my spot when he made his surprise appearance and he reached out a hand to steady me as I flinched. "Hey, you alright?" he wondered, concern evident on his face. Kai must have sent him to find out where I was. I nodded, "Yeah," I smiled fakely. "I'm great."

Lloyd rolled his eyes, "I'm not stupid, Y/N. What's going on? Do you want a ride home? Or the key to Kai's room? Anything, what's up?"

I stared at his green eyes. I didn't respond. I just stared at him. "You're not tipsy," I softly said while noticing his very composed demeanor. He shrugged, "Zane and I didn't drink. Designated supervisors tonight. It was the only way my uncle let me throw this thing in the first place."

I smiled slightly, "You don't have to lie to me, Lloyd. You don't drink, and that's great. I like having an escape if I need it."

Lloyd grinned, "Yeah, I-I don't drink. Don't see the appeal and don't want to lose control. Powers like these and you can't slip up."

"Yeah that would do it," I awkwardly agreed, then turning around to continue scrubbing the dishes. Lloyd sighed, "Seriously, you don't have to do that. Zane and I agreed to trick Cole into doing the dishes since he's about to pass out anyways. Kai sent me to look for you and I promised not to return empty handed."

I smirked and turned around while wiping my hands off on a towel, "He is such a clingy drunk. What's Jay like?" I asked while following Lloyd to the game room. He groaned, "Loud. Loud and obnoxious. He's telling so many lame jokes and J/G/N is only slightly making him less calm. And Cole," he began with a hearty laugh, "Cole gets grumpy. Insanely. Like multiple his regular grumpiness by ten. He won't let anyone near him and C/G/N keeps having to scold him, but she's drunk, too, so that just makes it more fun."

"Is anyone in that room not drunk?" I questioned. Lloyd shrugged, "Nya had one drink so she's fine. She probably would have had more but Kai pulled her cup away from her and gave her a juicebox instead. That was a scene. She's seventeen and Kai wasn't having it. And Zane is fine, also J/G/N since she's only drinking what Jay is pouring for her and he's kind of out of it. But I guess Skylor, Dareth, and Ronin are all tipsy."

I let out a huff of air as we stood in front of the game room doors where everyone was hanging out and talking, "Great, let's go be adults."

Lloyd smirked and pushed open the door. I walked in on Jay shouting over everyone in an argument over who the best Marvel character was and with an underrated perspective, he was making some solid points on why Star-Lord was the best. It was an interesting take.

"Excuse me! Excuse me!" he screamed while standing up from his spot on the couch with a red cup in his hand. "H-How are you going to sit here and tell me that I am wrong?! Star-Lord lives in outer space, okay? He has a cool gun, and his friends are a freaking tree and raccoon! You're all just living in denial! Fools, you are! Fools!" he yelled. Cole then rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at the blue ninja who landed on his girlfriend's lap with a whimper. "Shut up, Blockbuster! You, you!- you're just like.... totally blue," he trailed off while laying his head back on the couch cushion. "Okay, looks like Cole lost that round. Good try, buddy," Nya giggled while watching C/G/N curl into Cole's side and his arm loop around her. "Oh my gosh!" Jay yelled, "Y/N's here! Look, Y/N's here!" he yelled while jabbing Kai with his finger. Kai pushed Jay off the couch before opening his arms for me. I smiled and looked at Lloyd who raced to help Jay up and made my way to my boyfriend who tugged me into his lap. "I missed you," he whispered while nuzzling his face into my neck. I smiled warmly and ran my hands through his hair, "I saw you thirty minutes ago, Kai."

"And I missed you for the past thirty minutes," he smiled. I giggled and placed a kiss on his lips, then pulling away to see him staring at me with love and adoration. "Have some," he blurted out while handing me his cup. "I'm full."

I grinned, drinking the rest of his beer while sitting on his lap and listening to the ramblings of his drunk friends. 

I had fun tonight. I celebrated my boyfriend's birthday surrounded by people I trust. I'd say it was a win.

Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: Truyen247.Pro