Flames to Ashes (TnF Trilogy Book 2)

Chapter 19: Smoke

Cole POV
I woke up, laying in my bed for the first time in literal weeks. Something was off, though. Oh, right. Kai was there, too. On the bed. I scrambled away, my face reddening. I fell backwards off the bed and groaned. First time I wake up since... I don't know when, and I'm already a mess. Wait, what did happen yesterday? I tried to recall the crazy things that went down at the monastery the day prior. All I remembered was getting beat up, and a large Spinjitsu of fire. My head hurt. Probably not from the fall off my bed, though. I stood up, steadying my bearings. So, I was in my room, presumably the day after the monastery fight with Atikin and Cleo. I glanced over at Kai. Is he breathing? I panicked. Calm down, he's breathing. I took a deep breath. Kai looked so peaceful. He was sleeping on his side, his chest rising and falling evenly. Feeling exhausted myself, I slid under the covers and snuggled in next to him. Sleep came for me instantly.

When I opened my eyes next, I saw Kai tiptoeing around my room, doing what I guessed was cleaning. He was humming a song, one I was very familiar with: Marry You by Bruno Mars. Ironic, seeing as though all this started when he was proposing to me.
Kai put some folded clothes in my dresser, smiling and singing quietly to the music.
I laughed in my head, then decided it was time to get up for the day. I stretched and popped my neck.
Kai turned, a smile on his face. "Oh good, you're awake!" He walked over to me. "How do you feel?"
"I dunno," I shrugged. "My head hurts a little, but other than that I'm okay." I looked around my clean room. "What were you doing in my room?"
"Oh, you know, cleaning," Kai suggested with a gesture to the room. "If it wasn't obvious."
"No, I meant what were you doing in my room before cleaning. During the night," I added.
Kai's face grew red. "Um... I wanted to, um..."
I chuckled. "It's okay, I didn't mind it."
Kai blushed even more. "Yeah? Can I, uh, come over more often?"
"We'll see," I teased. "Now, let's get some breakfast!" I grabbed Kai's hand and ran to the kitchen.

When we entered the kitchen, we saw Beckett and Lloyd talking. I stuck out my arm to stop Kai from running in. "Shh," I whispered.
"It's nice to get some peaceful time alone," Lloyd said, taking a sip of coffee.
Beckett raised an eyebrow. "Coffee?"
"Yeah," Lloyd defended. "What's wrong with it?"
"Eh, it's too bitter for my taste." Beckett took his glass and drank. "I prefer milk."
"Hm. To each his own." Lloyd sighed. "Do you think Cole's okay?"
"I hope so. So I can tell him I'm sorry for messing with him and his friends."
Lloyd placed his hand on Beckett's, causing him to blush. "We know you didn't mean it." Lloyd looked down and drew his hand back, his face turning red. I gasped and glanced at Kai, who smiled proudly. I looked back to the boys.
Beckett's expression became confused. "Why did you forgive me so quickly?"
Lloyd shrugged. "I dunno; I don't have a good track record with people who I think I can trust."
I nodded. Harumi.
"But I know full well you are remorseful of your actions," Lloyd said.
Beckett smiled. "It's nice to have someone as understanding as you."
Kai stepped into the kitchen. "Hey, guys," he greeted as he walked to the sink.
Kai!" Lloyd yelped, but his eyes shone.
I strolled in, humming. "Hey there, lil bro." I stood next to Kai, making a PPJ sandwich.
"Cole, you're alright!" Lloyd gave me a side hug then sat back down. "You're not bleeding or anything, right?"
"Nah, just bruised."
"...and your powers," Beckett asked quietly.
I nodded. "I still have 'em. Don't worry your pretty little head, kiddo."
"What the heck does that mean...?" Beckett whispered to himself.
"It means 'don't worry', dummy," said Kai, ruffling the boy's hair. "I dunno about pretty," he teased. "The prettiest guy here is obviously m-"
I jumped Kai from behind and squeezed him in a hug. "We all know that, idiot! But you don't have to rub it in!"
We all burst into laughter, and I let go of Kai. "So, where is everyone?"
"Out," Lloyd answered vaguely. "Dunno what they're up to, but they said they'd be back later today, so..."
Kai slugged Beckett in the shoulder. "Why don't we play cards?"
Lloyd gave Kai a sideways look. "Why not videogames?"
Beckett made a confused face. "What are...'video games'?" Kai, Lloyd, and I looked at Beckett. "Did I say something wrong?"
I shook my head. "Nah, it's cool." I tossed my deck down. "Here, Lloyd: deal. I'll be right back."

I walked slowly to my room, and dropped my backpack down next to my nightstand, causing a picture frame to fall over. I gasped, and carefully turned it back up. I sighed with relief. "Hey, mom," I whispered. I started taking my stuff out of my backpack and putting it into its rightful places. "I'm sorry I've been gone so long. I had a crazy month. You won't believe it, though!" I chuckled and folded a shirt. "Ninjago approves of me and Kai!" I opened my dresser and placed the shirt in it. "And dad... he supports me." I glanced at the picture of my mother. "You picked a good one, mom." I smiled at the photo before turning to leave my bedroom. I glanced back before I turned off the light. I nodded. I was home.

We'll be done soon, guys! How does it feel? Don't worry, I have some memes I'll give you— next chapter. Enjoy Valentines Day coming up (assuming I don't post till then X_X)