Promises (Ninjago's Kai x Reader)

Episode 3 - Look What the Cat Dragged In

I cant remember the last time the sun's rays warmed my skin. And the brightness is even worse than when nurse Melissa stuck that flashlight in my face. It takes me a moment to muster the strength to sit up, and when I do I instantly regret it.

I'm vomiting off the edge of the roof before I can even think to stop myself. Images from last night's haunting flash before my eyes, squeezed shut, and my chest feels like it's caving in.

I lost them again.

They were in trouble, and all I could do was stand and watch. Again.

Kai was gone and it was all my fault.

I sit up and wipe my face, cringing at the awful taste that marinates my mouth. Part of me wonders if the ghosts presence was to prove this point all along. What I mistook for friendly visits were actually horrendous hauntings. That they were only there to remind me of what I'd done, and when I didn't get the memo they had to up the ante.

Standing almost made me throw up again, but this time I was ready and choked the bile back. I need a shower and some water.

And then I'm gonna start drinking again.

         ~

Those plans are foiled when I run into Harumi in the hall.

"There you are!" she shouts. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you all morning."

Her voice feels like a hammer being smashed against my brain, and I cant help but groan and cover my ears, which just frustrates her more.

"Oh don't give me that concussion crap. It can't bother you that much if you're wandering the halls drunk at night."

"How did you--"

"You're not as stealthy as you think," she says, crossing her arms. "Not when you're wasted, at least."

I roll my eyes, but make a mental note to work on masking my alcoholism better.

"What do you want, Harumi?"

"Lord Garmadon has requested your presence in the dining hall."

Ugh. I don't have the energy. "Why?"

"Something about meeting with a new general," she says in an exasperated voice, as if delivering this message to me was the most difficult part of her day.

"And why can't you do it?" I say, resting a hand against my forehead as if that would help my ever worsening headache

"I offered and he told me no," she says, and I can tell my questions are beginning to annoy her. "Just go do it, please. I don't wanna deal with the fallout if you don't."

"Fine. After my shower."

"Great! I'll let him know."

~

Half an hour later, I find my father and Harumi waiting for me in the dining room, a buffet spread across the table. But judging by the lack of steam, it's been there for a while, likely waiting for me.

"Took you long enough," Harumi snarled. "The audacity you have to leave Lord Garmadon waiting--"

"Leave us," my father's booming voice cuts her off.

She clenches her jaw and shoves away from the table, white-blonde hair becoming tousled at the harsh movement. She stands quickly and marches away, but not before grabbing a blueberry muffin off the platter at the center of the table, glaring at me as she takes an aggressive bite off the top. I swallow a laugh, wondering if she thinks she's intimidating. When the door slams behind her, I turn my attention back to my father.