Ninjago Plasma One Shots

just the sky

'You don't see us like I do. It's like we're both looking up, I'm under a storm and you're seeing sky blue.'

I've always considered myself a touchy person. I grow attached to people too easily, I let my feelings take control of my mind, especially when it comes to caring for others. Man, do I wish I could change sometimes.

Being comfortable around others isn't necessarily a bad thing. I've always considered myself close with the team, allowing myself to get more physical with some more than others, but it wasn't until a few months ago that I actually started to let myself relax more. Being known as the irrational ninja was never fun, most certainly not when you're the complete opposite deep down. Perhaps it has only taken me so long to get comfortable because I was never used to living in bigger groups, or with anyone besides my sister, growing up. My parents left when I was young, I didn't have many memories of them. They weren't around to teach me everything a little boy should be taught. Neither was Nya. That's probably what makes us so similar. Although, it always seemed easier for her to get comfortable around people.

It's not that I didn't like the guys at first, of course I did. I guess I just wasn't used to being surrounded by others, especially dudes around my age. It's nice. Being able to play video games (not that I couldn't with Nya) and talk about guy stuff is great. I've definitely grown closer with them over the years - some more than others - and honestly, I can't imagine my life without them. I've become more myself.

Something else I've really grown to love since becoming a ninja is the world around me. Growing up, my focus was on the Blacksmith Shop, and providing for my sister and I, so I rarely got to appreciate the beauty of nature. Perhaps younger me would laugh at myself for saying this but the world is just so incredible. There's so much to explore and save, so many different people and stories. I find myself lucky to get to experience it more than others.

The sky is one of my favourite things. The variety of colours it shares - blues, oranges, reds, pinks - it's just magical. Some mornings and evenings I like to sit outside or stare out my window and just think. There's really nothing better than nature and a warm cup of coffee.

I'm not sure where my sudden love for it came from. I was never interested in it before, not even when I first became a ninja. My obsession has more or less appeared in the last few months, and it's weird, because all I wanted to do before was play video games or waste away in bed. Now, it's a part of my daily routine.

There's something so calming about it. Something so calming about watching the bright blue sky drift into its red hues. The colours blend well together, which is odd because they're so completely different. They're on different ends of the colour spectrum, yet they fit so well together as if they were always meant to be.

Watching the sunset reminds me of everything I should be grateful for. It reminds me of the special people I have around me. It sort of cancels out my irrationality.

I like to think there's a certain kind of beauty in those who appreciate the sky. Looking back to younger me, I'm definitely a lot happier - and that's not just because I'm not working a 9-5 job 24/7 - but because I've really found myself. Yeah, it sounds cringe, but it kinda makes me feel emotional. My life is so much harder now, yet I've found so much solidarity in just existing. The sky is the same. It just exists in its beauty.

Spending time with the sky takes away every worry I've ever had, just letting me take in the moment and appreciate it. I don't have to worry about the present or past or future.

It just makes me so happy.

Looking up at the sensational ombre beginning to form, I lean against the barrier of the top deck of the Destiny's Bounty, taking a deep breath, taking in my surroundings. It isn't until I hear footsteps approaching from behind that I glance away from the scene.

My eyes meet Jay, who wears a warm smile, carrying two mugs. One blue and one red.

I smile too as he reaches me, holding his arm out with the red mug.

"Saw you out here looking all sentimental so thought I'd bring you coffee and some company," his voice is soft, calm, which is odd considering it's usually so loud and high pitched.

"Thanks," I respond quietly, reaching out to take the mug from him. Aiming for the handle, he shifts his hand so I can grab it properly, our fingers brushing against each other ever so slightly.

There's a certain kind of calm that only comes from the sky, and the way it kisses my palm.

Jay takes his place beside me, sipping his drink quietly as I look back to the horizon.

It really is pretty. It carries so many colours, so many hues - from deep to light blues like a pair of sweet eyes, and the oranges that sort of remind me of light ginger hair. Sometimes the pinks match soft lips so perfectly.

It's crazy how one thing can hold so much light and humour. It's crazy how much one thing can bring so much happiness. Seeing it instantly makes me feel ten times better.

"What are you thinking about?"

I blink, remembering where I am, who is standing beside me, and I smile.

Before taking a sip of my - probably scorching - coffee, I say, "just the sky."

It was true. I often found myself on those early mornings or late evenings just pondering about the sky. But it was never always so positive. Sometimes it hurts.

The way I see it is so special. It holds a special place in my heart, the beauty and joy it brings is just so incredible, yet I do consider that the sky doesn't see me that way either. It's so different to me. It's not like it doesn't know of my existence but it rather sees me in a different light. Just a mere needle in a haystack. Just another person in its world. It'll never love me the way I love it.

And that's what will always hurt the most. No matter how close it is to me, it'll always still be so far out of reach.

"The sky?" Jay questions.

I catch a glimpse of him out of the corner of my eye. He looks confused, and I can't blame him. I've never told anyone about my love for nature. It seemed sort of embarrassing, but I knew I wouldn't be judged, especially not by Jay. His element is the sky.

I nod, keeping my eyes firmly on the ravelling hue shift happening before us.

"What about it?"

I shrug, "just how beautiful it is."

He goes to say something but decides against it, I can't see it, though I hear his lips part for a moment. Perhaps he just doesn't want to ruin the mood. He could never.

I've never thought about having company, it's likely because I'd rather it be quiet, but Jay's quiet voice does make it better. It's not so lonely.

Jay takes a sip of his drink - I'm not sure what it is, could be either hot chocolate or tea as he's never been a coffee sorta guy - but he hisses instantly, moving the mug away from his mouth as he gasps for air. I chuckle. Must be hot.

"It sort of reminds me of you," I say.

He stops, freezing, and I still don't look at him, taking in one last glance at the world around us before I give in, but I can tell he's confused. When I finally turn to look at him, there's a sort of twinkle in his eyes, almost a sense of longing, but I can't quite tell. I smile, and he wants to but stops himself.

It's best to cut him off before he can say anything.

"Wanna play fist to face?"

Jay nods after a moment, "sure."

His voice is quiet and nervous, unlike I'd heard before. I don't want to think about it too much. It'll drive me insane.

So I give him another smile, reaching out an arm to pat his shoulder before I head off inside, looking back at least once to make sure he's following behind. But he's not. Instead, he's staring at the sunset, much like I'd done just a minute ago, but he's looking at it differently now. Almost as if he's finding his purpose. Finding himself.

He'll understand soon enough.