A blue Spouse (Ninjago Royalty AU)

CHAPTER 76: Within time

Jay stared enraptured at the charm in his hand. The bonfire nearby making the golden cage glow mysteriously in the night. Jay's finger moved, following the shape of the stars and he imagined the guys' faces inside of each one. Warmth pooled in his stomach, he wanted to see them again and check if his memory was as accurate as reality after all these weeks.

What are you going to say when you get there?

That was a good question to which he had yet to find the right answer.

'Hey, it's me, your low-key homophobic friend that has just discovered he's quite gay actually and has been pining for you all since he left this palace. Hopefully, you won't hate me too much and... Oh, can I have a dish of samosas, please? I just crossed the whole country and I'm starved!'

Jay cringed at himself. Considering the nonsense that used to come out of his mouth whenever he was nervous... he foresaw something like that to happen. Although, some parts of the speech weren't that bad of an idea. He definitely wanted to apologize to the royal family, but especially to Kai before anyone else. And only if they forgave him would Jay come out to them, he didn't want this discovery about himself to meddle with the others' judgment.

No, not 'if' they forgave him but 'when'.

Remember what mom said; no wound lasts forever.

He had to keep his hopes up, or he would never make it to Ninjago city.

Mr. Tori threw another branch into the fire and he locked eyes with Jay for a brief moment. Jay smiled back at him then went back to studying the little object and yearn for his 'second family'.

"Who is it?" The man asked out of the blue. Jay's eyebrows rose with confusion. "The person who has stolen your heart," he clarified.

Jay flinched. Ed and Edna had told their neighbor that Jay had business to do at the capital. He never imagined the man would actually see through the lie before they had to part ways.

"I can tell you're not looking to make business, you're too young and inexperienced to be a big merchant. So there's only another reason why anyone would want to make such a long trip; love."

Sapphire eyes fell onto the harmony ball for a moment. Yeah, it was probably obvious given how stupid he surely looked every time he stared at the little accessory.

"I... I rather not say," Jay replied, not denying the truth but uncertain to share much more with his companion.

"Well," the man got comfortable on the rock he was using as a seat and looked at Jay curled up against the tree. "You could tell me what you like about them. I mean, they must be a keeper if you don't mind traveling so far and pretty much all by yourself. I'm curious."

Jay considered it for a while. He supposed he could share a little bit of information, Mr. Tori had been nothing but a great friend so far.

"They are," Jay finally admitted. The other man waited patiently for him to elaborate on his answer. Jay took a deep breath and thought deeply. "They are... very sweet."

"Sweet? Come on, boy, that's for cakes!" He cackled.

Jay shrugged with embarrassment —guess he wasn't going to get away by letting out random and overused excuses.

"They are... very funny, a bit crazy too." He giggled to himself, remembering that one time when Kai and Cole were wrestling on the floor and the monarch bit his husband on the ass. "They're a bit short-tempered and get vocal easily, but... they forget about it soon."