Title from the lyrics of Turn Around by Malvina Reynolds.
******"Where are you going my little one, little one," her lips curled upwards into a smile, eyes bright and adoring as giggles filled the room. "Where are you going, my darling my one?"
A masculine chuckle joined them and tender eyes watched his family fondly. She danced around the room, auburn hair falling in her face, and little hands pressing against her cheeks. "Turn around and you're one, turn around and you're four..."
She gently dipped her head, pressing her forehead to the soft face of her baby. "Turn around and you're a young girl with dreams of your own..."
****
Socked feet moved across the hardwood floor, crossing the room with soft footsteps that barely made a sound. They used to be followed by a smaller pair, their steps had been much louder and they moved a lot more. Now only two shuffled through the kitchen, heavy and burdened.
"Where are you going, my little one, little one..." Lloyd murmured under his breath, the soft sizzle of eggs on the stove filling the quiet morning. "Where are you going, my darling my one?"
"Hi, Dad!" A cheerful voice piped up. Lloyd grinned and turned to see a young woman standing in the hall, a backpack slung over her shoulder.
"Good morning, kaida." Lloyd tipped the pan so the egg would slide into the plate. "Breakfast?"
She scrunched up her nose a little before smothering it with a smile. "Thank you but I'm going to stick with my smoothie." She raised the green concoction proudly.
Lloyd had noticed her slowly adding more vegetables into the fridge. She had started eating vegan dishes, her love for the world and all its creatures causing her to give up her beloved meat and dairy. Lloyd had been confident she would give up but unfortunately, she proved to be just as stubborn as he was. Now she was working to convert him over to the vegan side. She had tried to get him to eat fewer sweets as well but that had been abandoned long ago.
"Hmm..." Lloyd raised an eyebrow. "Alright." He grabbed the pepper shaker and ground some peppercorns over his food.
"I need to go on the bus now, okay?" Her tone was casual but her expression was careful, concerned. She was always worried about him.
Lloyd placed the food down and walked over to her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Okay, be safe remember? Don't hesitate to call me if you need anything."
Her shoulders sagged with relief and she smiled up at him, brushing some of her hair back. "Okay." she breathed. She went to leave but paused hesitantly at the door, a flash of fear flickered in her face.
Lloyd gave her an encouraging nod. "I love you."
Green eyes softened with warmth. "I love you too." Then she stepped out and the door swung shut behind her.
Lloyd sighed, cheerful expression dropping. The room suddenly felt very empty and very cold. He shivered a little before sitting on the barstool to have his meal. His gaze slid over to the two empty seats beside him.
A wave of sadness washed through him. It was an emotion he was familiar with. Before, it had struck him, stabbing him in the chest until his whole body collapsed in on itself with pain. Now it was a gentle breeze, like waves licking along the shore, leaving its imprint in the sand. Lloyd reached out his hand, his palm curling around empty air as his lips curled in a melancholy smile.
"I'll keep her safe," he whispered. "I won't break that vow ever again."
Turn around and you're one.
Turn around and you're four.
Turn around and you're a young girl going out of my door...
NOTE****
The song Reagan and Lloyd are singing is the song Turn Around by Malvina Reynolds. It's a song my mom would always sing to me when I was little.
I didn't use the original lyrics because the version I remember my mom singing to me is different than the lyrics Malvina Reynolds sang so I just used the ones I know and love rather than the words I found via the internet.
Also, my mom is fine, she's alive and well. ❤️
Anyways, I thought this would be a good way to start the Ninjago OC's next-gen! I know I've already done plenty of one-shots for the next generation but this time I'm moving into new territory!
They're older and wiser now and are taking on their roles in this world! This new phase follows them as they navigate being the children of heroes, elemental masters, and personal burdens and relationships!
Thank you for all the support you've given me along the way! I'm so excited to test my writing on this new series of stories!
I hope you're all doing well!
LuckyBugBooks 🐞
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Serendipity | Ninjago One-Shots II
Fanfictionser·en·dip·i·ty /ˌserənˈdipədē/ -noun- the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way. ******* Let's enjoy these spontaneous little moments that come our way. Sometimes they're sad, sometimes they're happy, sometimes...