The Crazy Art Called Love

~~Lloyd’s POV~~ I was looking out the window of Cole’s Earth Driller, watching the buildings pass by as we drove through the city. The team had decided we needed a vacation and immediately voted to go to the beach. Ninjago City is near the coastline so it did not take long for us to get to where we wanted to be. “Think you’ll find a girl here, green bean?” Kai teased and placed an arm around my shoulder when we got out of the car. Ah yes, with the whole team getting girlfriends, they always urged me to find one so I ‘wouldn’t feel left out’ but honestly I have no time for any of that especially as the Green Ninja.And besides, I got used to being the 6th wheel in the family. Having to hug a pillow during movie nights while Jay and Nya cuddle, Kai and Skylor make out, Pixal and Zane are close too, Cole has his cake but he keeps on checking his phone every once in a while. “I highly doubt it.” I shrugged and proceeded to get my things from inside. “Besides, I’m here to relax, not flirt around with every single female I lay my eyes on.” I rolled my eyes with a teasing smile. Thank goodness Skylor came into his life otherwise, I do not know how that boy would’ve turned out. “Sand castle building contest?” I heard Nya talking from behind me. The beach was not that crowded but it was also hard to find space. “You’re on!” Cole accepted. “Any prizes?” “Hm.” Nya thought for a bit before Jay joined their conversation. “Winner gets to pick where we have dinner and the loser has to pay.” Jay offered. Although I knew he was already rooting for Nya to win so they could have pizza since all Cole suggests is cake. “Deal!” Cole and Nya agreed. They shook hands as the bet was now set. I chuckled and laid my towel on the sand while Zane set up an umbrella between us. “What do you plan on doing, Lloyd?” He asked and I began to place my stuff down. “I’m going to lie down for a bit. Maybe go swimming later.” I explained. I never really found anything interesting to do at the beach. “What about you?” “Pixal and I are going to field test one of her new inventions.” Zane explained excitedly. I always admired their relationship. Even with the littlest things, Zane and Pixal would get excited if it meant spending time with each other. I wonder when I would be able to feel that way. “Good luck with that. Just please make sure Kai does not cause any trouble.” I reminded him knowing that the Master of Fire would most likely pull some stunts when no one is looking. “Affirmative. I will see you later.” Zane made his way to Pixal who was talking to Jay about her invention. “Oh. And try to have some fun, Master Lloyd.” He turned back to tell me that and I simply nodded even though nothing could possibly catch my attention. For the next hour, I watch my friends who are now scattered around the beach. Cole and Nya were still in their little sandcastle contest with Jay being the judge. Pixal and Zane walked around with a metal detector to try and find something interesting, Kai and Skylor were out swimming, and that leaves me. A spectator in their world. Besides, who would want to love the son of Dark Lord? I sigh at the thought and lay my head back on the towel to watch the clouds float by. “HELP!” A scream broke my trail of thoughts with the only word that is needed to spring me into action. I immediately got up to scan the area and find wherever that was coming from. A girl hanging upside down a few feet above from me entered my field of vision. She had white blonde hair, the prettiest eyes, the fullest lips painted in red lipstick, and to top it off, a jade green bathing suit covered her skin. “What are you doing there?” I questioned and took a step back to examine her situation. This girl was hanging upside down from a zip line. Who in the name of Ninjago would be that daring to do that? Even I wouldn’t. And I’m a ninja. “Just hang on, okay? I’ll find a way to get you down.” I assured her, quickly thinking of a plan. “It’s not like I can do anything else.” She shot back sarcastically and crossed her arms. I gathered all the towels we had and created a small landing pad for her just in case my plan doesn’t work out. I patted the towels. That should be soft enough. “I’m going to blast the rope.” I inform her which made her beautiful brown eyes widen. “Wait! I think I actually like it up here.” She waves her hands and tried to fix the situation herself. Her efforts only caused the rope to make a snapping sound and dangle her more. “Don’t move. You have to trust me!” I instructed and made sure my voice was heard to her height. “You won’t hit me, right?” “I won’t. I promise.” I assured her and aimed my hand to the small string of rope her leg was now hanging from. A green blast of energy left my hand and immediately disintegrated the rope which caused the girl to fall from the air with a scream. It sounded more like excitement rather than fear. I held my hands out to catch her and she landed in my arms in a bridal carry position. Her head was on my left while her feet dangled over my right. Her skin was so soft it felt like a marshmallow in my hands. I shake the thought away, what was wrong with me? “That was fun!” She exclaimed and placed an arm around my shoulder. I guess I did not need those towels after all. “Can I go again?” “Absolutely not.” I shook my head. I was not even sure my plan would work and now she wants to go again? This girl is crazy. “What were you even doing up there?” “One of my friends dared me to use the zip line upside down. And I never back down from a dare.” She said rather proudly. Although I’m not sure what she felt proud about when she clearly needed help. “Right. Just be careful next time, okay?” I remind her before placing her feet back on the ground. “Alright.” She nodded in agreement. “Oh! How rude of me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name’s Harumi.” “I’m Lloyd.” I respond with a smile. Although I think she already knew that because she did not seem to react when I used my powers. Harumi. The name is perfect for a girl as beautiful as her. “Well, Lloyd. Thank you for saving me.” She pulled out her phone from the pocket of her swimsuit. “Can I at least get the number of my savior?” She teases and holds it out for me. It had a jade green case that matched what she was wearing. “Why would I do that?” I cross my arms in a teasing manner. I don’t know what came over me but something inside told me I should flirt back. Probably my brain recalling one of Kai’s lessons. “Oh come on. Please? What if I need you to save me again?” Harumi pleads. This makes me laugh and give in. I barely knew this girl but I felt something stir up in my stomach when she smiled as I held my hand out. “I hope not. You better not get into any more trouble.” I remind her and dial my number on her phone. “You can never tell with me.” Harumi shrugs and I hand her the phone back. “And besides, you’re cute. I’ll text you, Lloyd.” Her words made me blush. No one has ever called me that before. I just hope she doesn’t notice how flustered I am. “S-see you around, Harumi.” I stuttered as she walks away and quickly clean up the mess of towels I had created on the floor. I guess I’m doing laundry again tonight. “Well, what do we have here.” I heard a voice behind me. I am not in the mood for this right now. I turn around and find Kai and the rest of the team with smirks on planted on their faces.“It’s nothing.” I brush off. But it was not nothing to me. “Really now?” This time it was Nya who was teasing me. “’Cause it looked like you just rescued a damsel in distress.” “I had to, Nya. It’s our duty to protect Ninjago and its people.” I defend. They are really making a big deal out of this. “I didn’t know saving people included getting their phone numbers.” Jay wrapped an arm around my shoulder where Harumi’s touch was. “I just helped her out, okay? Can we please drop the subject?” I groan and pick up the last towel from the ground. “Whatever you say, Master Lloyd.” Cole responded and emphasized the word ‘Master’. I knew too well that this did not mean the end.