Chapter Text
Nya was a bit of a problem child. Ok, correction, both her and her brother were problem children. They were well behaved, generally kind and respectful towards other people, but they abided by the laws of ‘talk shit get hit.’
After all, it’s what her hero – Lady Iron Dragon – would do. Disrespect her or her brother and you were in for the beating of a lifetime. The thing is, when Kai fought, it was ‘boys being boys’ and he’d get a slap on the wrist, detention at worst. Nya though? When she’d punch and pull the hair of a girl or boy in her class, she was at risk of suspension.
Luckily, her good behaviour in class and decent grades let her skid by with detention.
She slumped in the uncomfortable plastic chair. The air condition was too cold and her leather jacket was doing little to keep it out.
“You’re only in the ninth grade.” They said, “Middle school delinquency was fine, but high school could actually affect your life.”
On and on about how she was an excellent artist, a talented swimmer, a genius with tech. Recommended to join sports clubs as a way to let out any teenage angst. No thank you. She was fine just the way she was. She had her parents and her brother and that’s all she needed.
Man, they were going to be so pissed when she got home. Or maybe not. Her dad would definitely give her a thumbs up, her mom would give her a lecture but not get too on her case about it. Her brother, though – the hypocrite – would scold her. Tell her she should’ve come to him instead of facing it on her own. He may be her brother and a few minutes older than her, but they were still twins. And, as much as she loved her brother, she didn’t want to have to rely on him all of the time.
No, she could handle this all on her own.
Aside from Nya, the only people in the room was a teacher at the door on the phone, and a boy hidden under a dark green hood. She’d finished her homework and wasn’t too interested in listening to whatever the guy was talking about, so her attention naturally was drawn to the boy.
He looked to be around the same age as her, maybe a bit younger but that wasn’t all too unusual. Something about him seemed very familiar, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint what. She couldn’t quite discern much about his face. He was doing his own homework, biting the end of his pencil as he pondered the question.
What a coincidence. It was the same assignment she just breezed though a few minutes ago, or maybe an hour ago, time had no meaning in detention. He was struggling with one of the harder questions. Nya had to confess, it stumped her for a bit too. That specific math teacher was really bad at wording the questions, it almost seemed intentional to trip the students up.
Stealthily looking over his answers, she could see he got quite a few right, but some of the answers were wrong. Mistakes that were easy to miss, a small miscalculation or something you had to word specifically in your calculator to get the right answer.
Glancing over at the teacher, she tapped the kid with her own pencil, causing him to flinch.
Jumpy, huh?
He seemed to ignore her at first, so she poked again.
“Hey.” She whispered.
Eventually, he sighed deeply and looked over. His face was still mostly hidden by his hoodie, but she could make out some details. She was struck again by how familiar he looked. Bright green eyes and light eyelashes. In fact, he had a mop of blond hair sweeping over his forehead in a side part that reached the space between his chin and his shoulders.
Wow, this kid had nice hair. She had to ask him about his routine.
He raised an eyebrow in a silent question. She shook her head and pointed at his paper. His gaze followed as she then tapped her own paper. He seemed confused at first, so she clarified.
“Answers.” She whispered, “Do you want them, or not?”
Suddenly understanding, he scrambled. Carefully eyeing the teacher, she leaned away, allowing him to see her paper.
“Huh.” He breathed, writing down the same answer (with the necessary work of course), “Thank you.”
She noticed he wasn’t erasing her previous answers. In fact, he had only looked at her page for that one question that was giving him trouble. She must’ve been making a face, because he explained.
“I uhh… Don’t want to give the teacher a reason to accuse me of cheating.”
“Come on, I saw your paper, you’re not atrocious at math.” Nya snorted, “Besides, teachers are usually proud when the delinquent kids are good in their class.”
The kid bit the inside of his cheek, frowning, “Maybe for you, but I’m worse than your average bad kid.”
Ok, Nya might actually burst out laughing. This kid? Scrawny bundle of nerves hiding in a hoodie like a vampire hiding from the sun. Sure, looks may be deceiving, but so far everything about this interaction pointed to a non-confrontational good kid who probably was just late to class or was caught in the halls without a hall pass or something else ridiculous.
And yet, he didn’t have the average ‘good kid’ stance when sent to detention. You could always tell it was someone’s first and probably last time in detention. They’d look around as if surrounded by criminals. The teachers would look at them with pity, or mild amusement. It was like a mouse in a lion’s den.
No no, he seemed resigned. The skittishness just seemed a part of his normal personality, same with the closed off posture. When they walked in, she remembered the teacher glaring at the kid with utter disdain. As if he was a spawn of Garmadon or something.
“Ok, tough guy.” She leaned forward, “So what are you in for?”
He shrugged, “Existing. The official reason was that I disrupted a test… Because my chair skidded against the ground too loudly.”
Nya’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. For something that small? Really? She almost scoffed at the ridiculousness.
“Who’s class was this?”
“Ms. Laudita’s English class.” He sighed.
“Well, I haven’t had her yet but she sounds like a bitch.”
Nya almost burst out laughing at his face. Pure shock that anyone, let alone another freshman, would be so brazen against a teacher. A teacher she hadn’t even met yet. He looked around at the guarding teacher, who was still on the phone, oblivious to the backtalking they were doing. And yet, he didn’t deny her claim.
“I’m Nya by the way.” She leaned forward with a grin. His eyes widened.
“Nya Smith?” He asked, “Like, the Smith twins?”
Huh, guess they were already making a name for themselves.
“Yessir.” She puffed her chest out. The kid smirked, leaning against his hand.
“Well, now I know why you’re here.”
She sputtered. For how anxious and socially awkward this kid seemed, he was a bit of a smartass. Maybe it meant he was warming up to her! She couldn’t help but get excited seeing his posture relax, a cheeky grin on his face. Perhaps this was the real him, under that veneer of your typical quiet kid.
Nya opened her mouth before being interrupted by a siren. It blared through the halls and outside on the street. It must be another attack from the self proclaimed ‘Lord Garmadon.’ She honestly should’ve expected it, the forecast today did say there was an 86 or 87 percent chance for him to attack. That was enough for her parents to debate keeping Nya and Kai home from school that day.
She was glad they didn’t since then Nya wouldn’t have punched Maggie so hard she got a black eye and she wouldn’t have met this kid.
Speaking of the unnamed student, she noticed his whole demeanor had changed again. His posture straightened and his expression hardened. He honestly looked pretty badass, like a warrior about to leave for battle.
The teacher, finally hanging up his phone, turned to the two students, “Hey, detention isn’t… Actually, y’know what, get out of here.”
He grumbled something under his breath that she could barely make out. Sarcastically thanking Lloyd Garmadon.
The kid next to her stood up, taking his bag and making a run for it, before looking back at Nya with that sheepish smile.
“Thanks, again for the help. And… For the conversation.”
Before she could say anything, he was out. She picked up her bag, shoving her papers in with little regard, then glancing at the boy’s desk. He forgot his paper. Nya picked it up and tried to follow him, but by the time she reached the hallway he was long gone. She smirked, shaking her head and looking back at the paper.
She looked for a name, and she found it. Top corner.
Lloyd Garmadon.
Her eyes widened, looking back in the direction he ran.
When she got home, she didn’t say anything to her parents or brother. Kai scolded her, even more now because she was out during the Garmadon attack. Thankfully, the Green Ninja was there to stop him once again.
Nya, however, couldn’t get her mind off of a different Garmadon.
She sat in her room, looking at the boy’s paper as if it would grow a mouth and start talking to her. That was Lloyd Garmadon? Son of the evil Lord Garmadon? She connected the dots in her head. That’s why he was so familiar. She’d seen him on the news a few times, watched him get picked on by teachers and students alike.
From what everyone said, she’d just assumed he was as evil and maniacal as his father, destined to one day join his side and fight the Green Ninja. His shady behaviour only confirming that fact in her mind. But now, after actually talking to him, she just couldn’t see it that way.
Yeah, he was closed off, but no more than any other shy or anxious kid. She gave him an opportunity to cheat, and he didn’t. He’d thanked her multiple times with total sincerity. Hell! She at first thought he was a good kid who was in detention by total accident.
It was hard to wrap her head around, though it explained his resignation and the teacher’s total disdain for him.
Honestly, she felt… bad.
Bad that she’d never thought to think of it all from his perspective. Must suck to have an evil dad hell bent on ruling Ninjago by force. Then, everyone in Ninjago hating your guts for just existing. She honestly wouldn’t even blame him for turning evil. But, by the way he stood when the attack started, she somehow knew that would never happen.
Nya stood up, pumping her fist in the air, “It’s settled!”
She was going to befriend Lloyd Garmadon.
Step one, the introduction was already complete. He knew about her and she knew about him, though he didn’t seem to know she knew. Step two would fix that.
Step two, return his paper. That was a good conversation starter. They’d talk, exchange contact information, hang out, and boom! Be friends.
…
Ok, she didn’t actually know how to make friends.
She’d only ever had Kai. She only ever needed Kai. Now, she was about to not only befriend a new person, but Lloyd Garmadon of all people.
Take a deep breath.
At this rate, she was going to psych herself out. She’d separated from Kai to go to their respective classes. First and second period passed without issue. Unfortunately, no matter where she looked, she couldn’t find the boy from detention. It was almost like he was actively avoiding her.
Maybe he didn’t want her to talk to him. Maybe she had totally misjudged his character.
She shook her head. They had the same math class, they would HAVE to see each other.
So, the day went on as usual. At lunch, Kai seemed to notice her scattered thoughts.
“What’s up, sis?” He asked, taking a bite of his homemade bento.
Nya jumped. Was she really so lost in her own head? She sighed.
“Uh oh, I know that sigh.” He teased, “Something’s on your mind.”
The two sat at one of the smaller tables in the cafeteria. After Lloyd brought it to her attention, she did notice the reputation the Smith twins carried. Nobody stole their designated table, even when the cafeteria was bursting with people. People eyed them in the halls, as if any misstep would cause one of them to pounce.
“Was it really that obvious?” She asked.
“I mean, yeah. Twin telepathy and all.” Nya rolled her eyes with a smirk, but he continued, “Plus, you keep looking around for something.”
She leaned back on her hands, carefully reminding herself that the bench had no back. Apparently the benches used to be moveable, but after a few too many Garmadon attacks that left benches flung all over the place, they had been bolted down.
“Fine, you’ve got me.” She grumbled, pulling the paper out of her bag to show Kai, “I am trying to find someone.”
He raised his eyebrows, “My sister, making friends?”
She snickered and gave him a shove. Kai shoved her away in turn and looked at the paper.
“We met in detention yesterday, he was struggling a bit with the assignment and we realized we were in the same class so I helped him out. We started talking and–”
Kai’s playful expression soured as his brows furrowed, “‘Lloyd Garmadon?’”
Nya cleared her throat, glancing around to make sure no one heard.
“You’re kidding, right?” Kai looked back to her, his hand hovering over the paper and holding it hostage, “Listen, Nya, I’m happy for you. I’m glad you want to make friends, but…”
He sighed, “I mean, he’s the son of THE Garmadon. I’ve only ever heard bad things. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Nya huffed. Classic overprotective Kai.
“Trust me, you wouldn’t think that if you actually met him.” She was as surprised with herself as Kai was, but she continued, “Besides, I can handle myself.”
He looked like he was about to say something else before she was saved by the bell. She stood up, stuffing the rest of her lunch and the paper in her bag. Before she could run off, he placed a firm hand on her shoulder.
“Just… Be careful, sis.”
She smirked, “Yeah yeah, whatever.”
Finally!
She walked into the math classroom and, low and behold, Lloyd Garmadon was sitting in his usual seat, wearing the same green hoodie he wore yesterday. His leg was bouncing anxiously. Now that she thought about it, Nya realized she must not have seen him because he was looking for the missing paper.
Luckily for him, she had it right here.
She carefully placed the now slightly crumpled paper on his desk. His eyes widened. He examined the paper carefully, and seeing there was no significant damage or changes, he looked up to thank her.
“Alright, everyone to your seats.” The teacher announced before Nya or Lloyd could say anything. She hurried to her desk, glancing back at Lloyd.
“Talk to me after class.” She whispered just loud enough for him to hear. He held onto that shocked expression before nodding and turning to the teacher.
Class went on as usual, hardly keeping Nya’s focus. She kept glancing back at Lloyd, itching for the class to finally end so she could talk to him.
When the teacher walked around and did a homework check, he seemed surprised and a little suspicious when Lloyd passed over his paper. She remembered he rarely had homework to show or it was damaged in some way. Along with that, he was genuinely stunned when Nya handed back his homework unscathed.
Did he often lose his homework? Or would it be taken and destroyed?
She didn’t quite understand why that made her chest bubble with rage.
The bell chimed and class ended. Nya leapt out of her chair and approached Lloyd. Totally not nervous.
Lloyd finished packing his bag, turning to see Nya right behind him. He jumped, quickly recovering and shifting awkwardly.
“Hey…” He mumbled.
“Hey.” Her voice sounded a bit odd. She cleared her throat.
There was a pause before they both spoke at the same time.
“I’m sorry–”
“Do you wanna be friends–”
They stared at each other.
“Sorry, you go first.” Nya waved her hands, listening intently.
Lloyd took a deep breath, “I’m so sorry about the attack yesterday. Thank you for returning my homework, I was so focused on–” He cut himself off and cleared his throat, “My mind was a bit scattered and I totally forgot. Then, when I couldn’t find it I thought–”
Wow, and Nya thought Kai’s friend Jay had a blabber mouth.
“Hey, it’s all good. There’s no reason to apologize.”
“But, my father–”
“That’s your dad, not you. If anything, I should apologize to you.” Nya sighed, Lloyd was surprised into silence, “I saw how you were treated and didn’t do anything to stick up for you, even though you did nothing wrong aside from being born.”
Before Lloyd could interrupt, she cleared her throat, “So, I was wondering if after school you wanted to hang out. Get some boba or something.”
“I–” His words seemed to get caught in his throat. He looked around, “But, what about your brother? He probably wouldn’t be happy with you hanging around… Me.”
“Pfft, he’s hanging out with his friends after school today. Besides, if he tries anything, he’ll have to face my wrath.” She grinned. Lloyd was still a little stunned before laughing. He scratched the back of his neck.
“If you’re sure… Ok, that sounds fun.”
During the last period, Nya was absolutely buzzing with excitement. She texted the family group chat letting them know she was hanging out with a friend after school. She also made sure to text Kai separately that if he tried anything she’d do unspeakable things.
Once class was over, the two met up in front of the school.
“Are you sure about this?” Lloyd asked, glancing around. People were staring, whispering to each other. Nya scoffed, wrapping his arm around hers and dragging him downtown.
“Who cares what those guys have to say.”
He kept his hood up downtown, clearly trying to not be recognized in public. It made Nya a bit sad. She couldn’t imagine how hard it was to be scowled at and harassed every time you went outside.
When they reached the boba shop, he hung back. She turned to look at him with a raised brow.
“I think it’s better if you go in alone. I’ll wait out here and find us a table.”
With a resigned sigh, she agreed. They’d probably refuse him service. He passed off his order and she went inside. She ordered herself a classic black milk tea and Lloyd his matcha tea. Sure enough, when she left the shop, he had found them a table.
He still hid in his hoodie and had a reserved posture, but he seemed to relax when Nya returned.
“Thank you.”
Nya laughed, sitting down, “Thank you for finding us a table.”
The two pulled out their respective homework and worked on it together. This was how Nya learned that Lloyd had a pretty good grasp on math and science, though he struggled a bit with English.
“It’s not that I don’t get it, it’s just that there’s no one solution.” He complained. She nodded, she also liked when there was one simple solution to things.
They started bonding over their shared interest in robotics, Lloyd particularly interested in giant mechs. Nya also learned that he had an almost encyclopedic knowledge of history. He helped her easily with her homework. When she looked over at his homework, it was either at an AP level or a higher grade.
She whistled, “History buff, huh?”
He shook his head, taking a sip of his matcha boba, “My mom’s an archeologist and works at a museum on weekends, plus my uncle talks about history like he was there.”
“Uncle on your mom’s side or…”
“Dad’s side. Uncle Wu.” He then panicked, “He’s not evil. I promise.”
“Oh yeah. Isn’t he the mentor to the Legendary Green Ninja?” She looked in awe. It must be weird to have your uncle train the guy who fights your dad on a weekly basis. She wondered if he had ever met the Green Ninja. Maybe he knew his secret identity? She didn’t want to get her hopes up.
He nodded sheepishly, clearly a bit uncomfortable with the topic. She didn’t push it, glancing at his attire, his bag, and his drink. She chuckled to herself.
“What?” He asked.
“Nothing, just… You sure like the colour green, huh?”
His face turned a bright pink in embarrassment. He awkwardly cleared his throat, “Hehe, yeah, it’s my favourite colour.”
“Though, I also like matcha for the taste.” He explained, trying to calm himself down. She didn’t understand why he was so anxious about having a favourite colour. Hers used to be red, but as she grew older she found herself gravitating to blue.
“You like drinking grass?” She teased.
“Hey! It does not taste like grass.” He pouted, “Besides, all tea is some kind of grass or leaf.”
“Touché.”
They continued to talk and Nya actually found herself having fun. The two finished their drinks and walked around town for a bit. Laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Evening was dawning and Nya had to get home before her parents and brother started to worry.
Lloyd nodded, “Same, my mom can be a bit overprotective sometimes.”
“I get that.” She laughed, then pulled out her phone, “This was really fun, let’s hang out again sometime.”
Lloyd looked between her and her phone in confusion, then realization. He scrambled to grab his own phone.
Hah. Green phone case.
“Yeah. I can’t remember the last time I had this much fun.” His smile was honestly infectious. The two shared contact information and went their separate ways.
Though, despite her happy mood, it didn’t stop her from feeling like they had been watched the entire time.
It was probably nothing.