Transgender Jay : A Ninjago Story

25 - Opposition

"You two are coming with me to Chen's Noodle House. No complaining."

Kai complained about Zane's plan at first, but after his friend was adamant that they were going, he gave up and went along with it without complaint.

Nya didn't say anything. She understood Zane's intentions and understood that it was for the best.

The three of them headed into the centre of Ninjago City, in the general direction of Chen's. While the restaurant indeed used to belong to Chen, ownership had since moved to his undoubtedly nicer daughter, Skylor. The name had not changed though, for whatever reason, nobody really cared.

On the way there, they were relatively silent. Kai had the occasional passing remark or complaint, but was at loath to say them, since every time he did, Zane would either completely ignore him or shut him down with composure and tact.

"... I don't even see what we'll do there. It's not like we have any money to spend. We'll be kicked out for loitering."

"As if Skylor would do that to us. She'll be happy to see us. Especially you, Kai."

"Yeah yeah, Skylor's a friend and all, but it's still a business she's running."

Zane simply smiled and turned to him, continuing to walk.

"Unlike you, Kai, I have a job on the side. I'll pay for whatever you chose to order."

"... you have a... job?"

"Yes. Haven't you wondered where I have been going some mornings and afternoons?"

"... I thought you were just having some time to yourself, to be honest." Nya added. It was the first time she had spoken all morning.

"Well, I was not. I have been working with Cyrus Borg, you see. He wants to do a lot of extensive research on Artificial Intelligence. Pixal was the only one he ever managed to create, and he wants to make the science of AI much more widely available. I have been helping him. He pays me quite well for my time and work."

"Jeez Zane, could've told us, huh?"

"None of you asked, so I assumed that none of you would care."

They approached the restaurant, and Zane chuckled as he said one last thing.

"I know as a fact that you have certain feelings for Skylor, Kai. You should be thanking me."

Kai's cheeks flushed temporarily.

"I do not!"

Zane laughed and walked faster, and Kai couldn't help but grin too.

"You're a cheeky bastard, aren't you!"

"I've learned from the best, dear brother!"

The corners of Nya's mouth turned up too. After such a dismal evening last night, seeing her brother finally relax and give in to Zane's calm and friendly demeanour, made her really quite happy.

A bell on the door rang as Zane opened it, holding it as Kai and Nya walked in. They both smiled a thanks, and they headed to a table. Skylor, who was conveniently in the main part of the building at that point, spotted them and waved.

Kai didn't expect her to come over right away, but, readied himself for how he would act. Zane was right, no matter how much he would deny it. He did have... some... special feelings for her.

He didn't want to say the wrong thing.

"Kaiii, you're blushing." Nya remarked cheerily, determined to contribute to the growing positivity.