I'd Punch you before I Kiss You • NINJAGO MODERN AU

[ xxiii ] | Bonding

"So you're going to dinner with Cole?"

"It's just a casual meet up" Kai blushed, trying not to show his excitement. Zane nodded and leaned on the railing. The two were looking out on the roof of the garage, Zane was standing and leaning on the railings while Kai was seated with his legs dangling between them and kicking the air. "I'm surprised that you weren't sticking your face two inches from a computer screen" Kai muttered. Zane scowled and Kai laughed, "You know what, I'm curious," he got up and leaned on Zane's shoulder with a grin, "I know zero things about you" He went straight to the point. "Not to mention that you threatened to shoot me in the leg multiple times when we first 'met'; that was one hell of an experience" Zane went red- Kai figured it was from embarrassment, "T-that's one way to put it"

"Sooo- indulge me sir" Kai jabbed his elbow playfully. Zane raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. He paused and sighed, a small smile on his lips, "Do you consider me your friend? Given the circumstances I mean-" He added in a rushed tone. The other boy paused, surprised at the question but he smiled to himself and fiddled with the edge of his t-shirt, "Yeah, maybe I do"

"I see- I'm glad then" Zane lightly messed up Kai's hair. The boy didn't feel the need to push Zane away like he had done before. At that moment the white haired boy looked so relaxed and his eyebrows weren't furrowed in a permanent face of disapproval- he has come a long way.

"Okay then," Zane turned away and leaned in, resting his elbows on the railing and looking into the distance. Kai did the same and looked to his side, Zane's icy blue eyes didn't look so sharp anymore nor where they threatening to him. The boy sighed and chuckled, "Where do I even begin with this..."

"Anywhere you like, I don't mind" Kai smiled and brought himself closer. Zane tensed but relaxed just as fast, "...S-sure" he blurted out, his paler cheeks tinted pink.

"For as long as I could remember I've been in the foster system. No one wanted me- as expected. I was smart but on the downside I was... socially awkward and didn't quite fit in," Zane sighed and ran a hand through his air, Kai opened his mouth to say something but hesitated, "That must've been rough"

"That's fine. At least I got through school pretty okay- going through a couple of families through the years. Then after 16 years in foster care I... got out and well, I needed the money so I got up side jobs here and there." His gaze darkened and Kai knew exactly what he was implying to...

7 years ago ...

"You said you'll have it by two days- your time is up. Come on boys" The men shoved Zane into a dumpster. Zane didn't say anything- his white hair was soaked with his own blood. He couldn't feel his legs and his arm hurt-badly. He coughed up blood and spat it at the nice shoes. "What did you just say?"

"Did I say anything?" Zane lowered his gaze- his tone with no emotion. The guy went red and grabbed him up by his collar to look him eye to eye. He shivered as Zane still kept a neutral face, "Creepy bastard" He muttered. Zane chuckled, "At least I don't beat people up for a life"

"How dare you!?" the guy punched him. Zane took the impact, his eyes expressionless as always. He didn't care anymore- it was just so pathetic. The thugs dropped him. "We're done here boys, this bastard can rot!" He nudged Zane with his foot, he didn't do anything as he watched them all laugh and walk away, leaving him in the cold and dark alleyway with no money and nowhere to go. It happened all too often to him and now he had come to just ignore himself in these situations...

Present day...

"I learned two things that day. One: I was never going to let anyone see that they got to me...," He lowered his head. Kai bit his lip and leaned further, "And...two?"