Good Morning

No Secret

The first time it happens, Nya doesn't realize what's going on.

The second time it happens, she figures she was probably expecting it.

The third time it happens, she actually laughs.

"I think you're onto something," she says, grinning up at him.

"Mm? What's that?"

She pulls him forward by the collar of his gi, smirking into the kiss. "This is fun."

Nya is very fond of moments where she can see the dawning realization of an epiphany spread across Jay's face, which is why she finds herself lingering after their meal to help him wash dishes.

"Do you know what else is fun?" Jay asks, his eyes sparkling.

"What?"

"This!" He wraps his arms around her waist, hauling her up onto the counter. Nya lets out a startled squeak that quickly transforms into a laugh when he cups her chin and plants a wet kiss on her mouth.

"That's so gross," she complains, wiping her lips off with the back of her hand. "You're getting soap all over me."

"Yeah, but it's fun."

"Oh, I see how it is; you're just in it for the soap."

Jay grins, and she thinks he might be blushing a little bit. He ducks his head down, pressing his mouth to her cheek and giving it a quick peck.

"Well, yeah, but mostly I'm in it for you."

Nya wrinkles her nose, flicking him in the shoulder. "You are such a dork."

He gives her another kiss on the forehead, and then moves to clean the rest of the dishes. Nya hops off the counter and starts wiping up the sink, humming under her breath.

"So," Jay says casually, "How do you wanna go about this?"

Nya glances up at him through her eyelashes, her cheeks suddenly pink. "About what?"

"I dunno," he mumbles, fiddling with the sponge. "Like, when do we tell the others? How do we tell the others? Should we tell them?"

"Probably," Nya admits. "I mean, there's only so long we can hide it before it starts to get suspicious. And, honestly, I think they'll probably find out anyway."

"I guess," Jay sighs, his shoulders drooping. "But if they're gonna find out, I'd at least like to control it. You know? Like, 'hey, guys, Nya and I are together now,' instead of 'hey, guys, we've been secretly dating for like a month.'"

Nya giggles. "Yeah, that would be a lot less embarrassing."

"And also, maybe a little less awkward," Jay adds, wincing.

"Maybe," Nya concedes, though she seems more amused than concerned. "But I think that's okay. It's kinda cute, y'know? They'll be happy for us."

"I guess," Jay echoes, sounding unconvinced. "It's just—we're the heroes of Ninjago. I'd like to at least have some dignity left, y'know?"

"Okay, well, how about this: I'll tell Kai, and you tell Cole and Zane. We'll take turns, and then we can figure out who to tell next."

Jay makes a face. "Why do you get to tell Kai?"

"Because he's my brother," Nya retorts. "And besides, I'm pretty sure he already knows."

"What?" Jay squawks. "How could you possibly know that?"

Kai is standing in the doorway of the kitchen and gives Jay a sidelong look, quirking an eyebrow. "You didn't really think you two were being subtle, did you?"

"I mean, I thought we were—"

"You guys aren't exactly subtle about a lot of things," Kai laughs. "But I'm glad you two finally realized it."

"Hey," Nya pouts, "Don't listen to him. He's just jealous."

"I am not," Kai protests, crossing his arms. "I don't need to be jealous of you guys. I'm just happy that you're happy."

"Really?" Jay asks skeptically.

Nya narrows her eyes at her brother. "This feels like a trap."

"Yes," Kai assures her, nodding. "Totally sincere. I'm over it."

"Uh huh," Nya says, narrowing her eyes even further. "You're totally over it."

"I am!" he insists. "I'm way over it! I'm so over it that if it weren't for the fact that I'm super happy for you guys, I'd be super sad right now. See?"

"Uh huh," Nya repeats, but she sounds less skeptical than before. She smiles and shrugs. "Thanks, Kai."

"Well, I'm gonna go," Kai says, clapping Jay on the shoulder as he heads out of the kitchen. "Just wanted to let you know that I'm happy for you. You too, Nya. And I'm gonna go... not tell Cole and Zane. So you two can figure out who's telling them."

"Please, like you can resist the juicy gossip," Nya scoffs. "I know you've been waiting for this moment all week."

Kai pauses at the door, wagging his finger at her. "That's not true."

"Mhmm," Nya sings, grinning.

"Okay, fine; it's a little bit true," Kai admits. "But only because I love you guys. And I think it's great that you're finally together."

"Yeah, well, thanks for the permission," Jay calls after him.

"Permission?" Kai echoes. "What exactly are you planning on doing with my sister?"

Jay turns bright red, and Nya elbows him in the ribs. "Nothing," she lies, shooting her brother a glare. "Go away."

"Love you too, sis," Kai sings back, before disappearing.

"So," Jay says, clearing his throat, "Cole and Zane, right?"

Nya grins at him, bopping him on the nose with her soapy hand. "I think Kai is going to take care of that issue for us."

Jay rolls his eyes at Kai's antics, but is simultaneously relieved the red ninja is supportive of their relationship.

"But what is this about permission, hmmm?" Nya presses, now narrowing her eyes at Jay.

Jay's face can't turn any redder. "Nothing, I meant nothing by that!"

"Uh huh."