Surface Pressure (Ninjago fanfiction)

11

"Damn... that hit harder than I expected!" Tox muttered after the second song number was over.

"Waiting on a miracle?" Ash frowned. "Yeah it's a good song but personally, I can't really relate I know people who can!"

"Just wait until you hear the next song!" Pale smirked. "That's a real banger!"

Karlof shrugged and kept watching. So far he liked the movie a lot. He remembered watching Disney movies with his sister all the time when they were little so this brought back some memories.

"Oh! Now the next song is starting!"

"Oh shit!" Cole mumbled. "Ehrm... Karlof grab a pillow I feel like this song is going to get to you!"

"What Cole mean?" Karlof frowned.

"Trust me I've heard this one before... we're lucky Kai isn't here!"

Karlof didn't understand a thing until some of the lyrics started getting his attention.

I'm pretty sure I'm worthless if I can't be of service

That... hit harder than expected...

Karlof bit his lip and continued watching, surely this wasn't that serious.

Give it to your sister your sister's older, give her all the heavy things we can't shoulder, who am I if I can't run with the ball... if I fall.

"Damn now I see why kai would relate to this!" Gravis mumbled.

"Y-yeah!" Karlof said, forcing a smile.

Give it to your sister, your sister's stronger, see if she can hang on a little longer! Who am I if I can't carry it all... If I falter...

"K-Karlof need to go to bathroom!"

Cole gave him a worried look before picking him up and carrying him there.

"You sure you're alright?"

"Y-Yeah Karlof fine!"

"I'm having a hard time believing you...."

Karlof shook his head.

"Karlof fine! And when Karlof think, Karlof don't need bathroom!"

Cole gave him another worried look before carrying him back to the tv.

Give it to your sister it doesn't hurt and see if she can handle every family burden. Watch as she buckles and bends but never breaks!

Karlof knew it was stupid but he felt tears in the corner of his eyes. Why did this song hit so hard?!

"Karlof, you okay?" Gravis asked, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"Karlof fine..."

Give it to your sister and never wonder, if the same pressure would've pulled you under! Who am I if I don't have what it takes?

Karlof couldn't hold it anymore. Tears were streaming down his cheeks and he could hear himself sobbing.

"Shit you okay?!" Pale gasped and paused the movie.

"I think this song hit a little too close to home for him!" Neuro answered and wrapped Karlof into a hug.

"Yeah... his parents are a couple of neglectful asses who always put their work before their kids so Karlof basically raised his sister since he was five!" Cole explained.

"K-Karlof liked it!" Karlof sniffled. "B-but-"

"Shh! Shh! It's okay!" Cole soothed.

"Uhm... do you want me to turn off the TV?" Pale asked carefully.

"N-No it fine!" Karlof answered. "K-Karlof like movie!"

"Let's just take a break to calm down okay?" Cole suggested. "There's still food to enjoy!"

"Yeah, I made a lot!" Skylor laughed. "There's still pork dumplings left for you!"

"Th-thanks!"

"Hey, Karlof..." Ash said as he started eating. "You know that if you ever need help, you can call us!"

"Yeah!" Pale nodded. "I have plenty of time!"

"Th-that very nice!"

"Hey I have an idea!" Gravis smiled. "We can draw on your cast!"

"Oh yeah! I completely forgot you can do that!" Cole laughed.

Karlof chuckled and nodded.

"Yes! Karlof would like that!"

"... Can we put the movie back on?" Jacob asked as he finished drawing. "I don't even wanna think about what my drawing looks like... why did I even try?!"

"Ehrm, sure!"

"NO!" Tox snapped. "Karlof having a mental breakdown was enough! We don't know what other type of trauma this sick movie could awaken!"

"Tox it's just a movie!" Shade groaned.

"Says the guy who cried his eyes out last time we watched ''up''!"

"Why yo- SHUT UP!"

"Encanto is a great movie what are you talking about?!" Pale snorted. "So it has some inter generational trauma mixed into it, why is that a problem?"

"I think you missed the part where Karlof started crying!"

"So, a movie is better if it's relatable!"

"Even if it makes you cry?!"

Karlof laughed as Tox and Pale kept arguing but looked back at Cole.

"Can Cole start movie? Karlof want to watch!"

Cole's eyes light up and started the movie again.

"That was the first time you asked me for something without talking about bothering me!"

"O-oh! ... Karlof didn't realise..."

"Karlof! It's okay! It's wonderful!" Cole smiled and kissed his cheek. "You're starting to realise that it's okay to ask others for help!"

"Yeah... now let's finish movie!"

When the movie was over all the masters started preparing to go home.

"Oh and Turner I'll need some money for the soda!"

"You said the food was free!"

"You drank five two liter bottles, you gotta pay for at least two of them!"

"OH COME OOOON!"

"Karlof can pay!" Karlof smiled and pulled out his wallet. "How much?"

"Oh, Karlof you don't have to pay!" Turner muttered. "I... should be able to control my own drinking!"

"You know out of context that sounds very wrong!" Gravis snickered.

"Shut up!"

"Karlof can still pa-"

"NO!" With that Turner handed Skylor some money and sped away.

"... So... Karlof and Cole going home?"

"Yeah, it's getting late!" Cole answered. "I'll just put you down on that bench so I can fold the wheelchair again!"

"Karlof ca- okay fine!" Karlof sighed after Cole gave him a stern look.

Once they were on the dragon again Karlof couldn't help but notice Cole looking back at him every other minute.. just smiling warmly.

"Ehrm.. Cole need anything?"

"No I just... I just love you so much!"

Karlof blushed and smiled.

"Karlof love Cole too!"