Good Morning

Thirty-fifth Morning

They sit on the roof, and it becomes a habit of theirs. She likes that she can count on Jay to be there despite the fact that he claims he can never sit still. They find it easy to talk about the little things, the little victories. They never mention their fears or their worries or really the moments where she wishes that he wasn't so selfless, so stupid. She still can't tell him how thankful she is that he's alive. She can't even tell him how terrified she is that he's become such an integral part of her life now.

The air is still but chilly, and Nya wraps her arms around her knees, hoping to hold onto whatever heat she has left.

"You know, I can't believe we're sitting on a roof of a monastery."

Jay laughs. "It's the safest place I can think of."

Nya smiles at this. He's right. They've faced dragons and snakes and all sorts of villains. But the calm she feels here...it's a different kind of safety. She understands now why it was important to Master Wu to come here.

"Hey," Jay says softly, scooting closer to Nya. "Are you cold?"

She nods her head. Without hesitation, Jay wraps his arms around Nya, pulling her into his chest. She lets out a squeak, surprised at the sudden contact, but she doesn't push him away. She leans into his embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.

The stars shine brightly above them, their reflections glimmering in Nya's eyes.

Jay kisses the top of her head. He doesn't need to say anything. He knows Nya understands what he's trying to tell her.

They stay like this for a while, relishing in each other's warmth and gazing at the stars. And the best part is, neither of them complains about it.

They simply enjoy the moment.

***

She wakes up with the sun, or rather the sun decides to wake her with bright rays shining through the window. It takes her a moment to register the fact that she's in Jay's room. It takes her even longer to realize that she's practically on top of Jay.

Her cheeks burn as she untangles herself from him and hops off the bed. She sneaks a glance. His mouth is hanging open as he snores loudly. Nya giggles. She covers her mouth, afraid that she'll wake him.

She sighs. She knows she should leave before anyone sees her, but she can't bring herself to leave Jay's side. Not yet.

Nya takes a seat on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb him. She studies his sleeping face. It's peaceful and calm, unlike when he's awake. Nya smiles. She loves watching Jay sleep. It's nice to see him so relaxed.

Gently, she brushes a strand of hair out of his face. Her fingertips linger on his cheek. She traces his jawline, memorizing every curve and bump. Her fingers trail down his neck and across his collarbone. Her hand rests on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.

Her own heart pounds rapidly. Is this what being in love feels like? She's never felt like this before. It's new and exciting, yet terrifying at the same time. It's confusing and strange and wonderful all at once.

Her hand starts to tingle as sparks of blue lightning flitter over Jay's body. The sensation is strangely pleasant and soothing. Her hand moves down his torso, coming to rest on his abdomen. She's not sure what possesses her to do so, but she leans forward and plants a soft kiss on Jay's forehead.

The blue sparks intensify, swirling around Nya like a tornado. Her hair flies wildly around her face. The energy flows through her veins, igniting every nerve in her body. She feels invigorated, empowered, alive. It's intoxicating and exhilarating and she can't get enough of it.