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

[ xxv ] | Friendly Competition

[♪♪]

"Ready for the big day?" Nya adjusted Lloyd's shirt collar, "Is this really necessary?"

"Yes. You look great!" She pinched the blonde's cheek affectionately. "Come on Nya, I feel like this is a bit over the top-"

"Nya! How do I tie a bowtie?!" Kai yelled from the other room. Nya scowled, "Coming!! How does he not know how to do a tie that??" She added with a roll of her eyes. She brushed Lloyd's shirt, "Why does he even need a bow tie??"

"My big tournament isn't it?" Lloyd scoffed. "It's a...well socializing event- in uhh highschool- with crazy teenagers," Nya shook her head, "but you'll do great! Remember, we're rooting for you" she kissed his cheek. "NYA!!" Kai yelled again. "Alright! I'm right there!" Nya yelled back.

Lloyd nodded and patted her on the shoulder, "yeah, I'll do it"

"That's the spirit"

"Go and talk some people! I can introduce you to some of my friends if ya want" Kai threw his arm around the shorter blonde and brushed his shirt, "N-no, I think I'll pass" Lloyd chuckled nervously. "Alright, I'll see you around Lunch time bud!" Kai winked at him and ran to his own boxing buddies. "...heh...yeah, have fun brother- I guess " he held his arm as he begun walking through the stands. He wore a collared button down under a green flannel with ripped jeans and sneakers. He also wore a cap since the heat bothered him. It was rather humid but not very sunny but the boy tended to show less skin when he was out.

He looked at some barbeque to try out. "I'll have one please" he smiled. "Hey, you usually sit at the library at lunch right? " The guy said, Lloyd paled, "Y- yeah, I guess I...do that.... sometimes"

"Cool, cool- uh, you know what, this is on me- hope you enjoy! I- it's my mom's recipe" the boy chuckled and handed him the stick of barbeque. Lloyd paused but took it, "Careful- it's hot" Lloyd gasped, he slowly looked up. His eyes were met with the stall boy's. Blue eyes looking right at him, curiously pouring into his. He panicked and looked away, covering his face with his cap.

"...I uhm.... Thank you"

"No problem" the boy smiled. "Oh, I recognize your shirt, you're from the badminton club right? I'm trying out at the tournament today; will you be there?" His eyes were basically filled with stars. Lloyd felt his ears turn red as he avoided his gaze, "I g-guess I'll see you there"

"Oh I'm counting on it buddy" the boy waved back as Lloyd awkwardly walked away. He pulled out his phone once he was a good distance away and snapped a picture of the stall boy. Just then he got a text from Nya, asking how he was doing. He figured that it was better to send a picture of the free barbeque stick he got to her.

Later:

"You were so amazing out there! I can't believe you beat me" the boy took Lloyd's hands and smiled. The blonde turned red, "Thanks, Y-you were pretty good too"

"Yeah but I guess you had your siblings cheering for you" the boy chuckled and gestured towards Kai and Nya talking to some other people. Lloyd nodded half-heartedly. "Oh uhm, I didn't catch your name before" the boy let go of Lloyd's hands as he realized that it was awkward.

"Lloyd" he nodded, "Jay, short for Jayson Walker" he saluted causally. Lloyd smiled, "Nice to meet you"

"Yup, same here" they shook hands and Jay pulled him in for a tight hug, "I finally have a friend" Lloyd smiled and hugged him back, staying on the tip of his toes in order to reach his shoulder.