The Captain's Bride | Ninjago Jaya AU [Complete]

Inner Turmoil

A/N

Lowkey the last chapter might be one of my most favourite ones I've ever written. I'm really proud of it.

Irl might be really busy and meh lately, but I'm glad I have this to fall back into every weekend. Even if the show's recent seasons didn't exactly please me, it's good to know that I have a small community of good folks here.

This chapter may feel like a bit of 'filler', but it was more about some subtle lore drops + some inner thoughts after what happened last time... I was originally going to write up until we meet a certain pair of characters, but I guess you'll have to wait for that fanservice next time ;).

Enjoy <3

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It was quite hard to get the thoughts out of her head. They had almost become intrusive.

Just keep working, she had been telling herself during the entirety of the previous night, hoping to get rid of her memories, somehow block her brain. Alas, she didn't succeed.

Said thoughts brought along such a warm, fuzzy feeling; one that she loved (and hated) at the same time. Her cheeks would warm on their own, giving her some protection from the freezing night breeze.

His touch was unlike Nadakhan's; it was so soft, so gentle, so safe. Gone were the tight grips and harsh pulls, instead being replaced by a warm, loving embrace.

Had he enjoyed it as well? She toyed with the thought, but her insecurity got the better of her. They would pass by each other on occasion, she would open her mouth, but no words would come out. He was the same.

She played with the ring on her finger as she pondered. Oh, how she would have liked to toss it into the sea, never to be seen again. Funny how what was essentially an orange gem was her last connection to her old life. She didn't dare to look at it, however, for it brought out memories far worse than her current ones.

She decided to keep it; not because of love, but because of its worth.

"You okay?"

She hadn't heard his voice since the previous night. It was almost impressive how they had managed to gather their things, test the boat, and set sail without exchanging more than a sentence.

Their little island was far from their view by that point. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for her, it was just them, their little makeshift boat, and the endless depths.

She knew he was staring at her. She waited for him to look away until she met his gaze. He was panting.

"Let me row the boat," she said.

"Nope, I'm doing just... fine."

"You've been doing this for like an hour, let me help."

He waved his hand dismissively, a smile on his face. "A gentleman never lets a lady tire," he recited. "That's what my father always told me."

She crossed her arms. "I appreciate the macho sentiment, but it doesn't apply here," she said. "We're a team."

"We are," he said, his smile becoming sheepish. "And I'm letting my teammate rest at the moment."

"Your teammate is well-rested," she said. "Come on, give me the paddles."

He sighed. "I can't fight you on this, huh?"

"No."

He gave her the paddles. "I like that about you," he said casually. "I mean, not just that, but you know."