The Crazy Art Called Love

6 | A Big Splash

~~Harumi's POV~~

For the next few days, Lloyd and I created a box filled with activities that we would do. And to make it fair, we each took turns picking a piece of paper.

"Come on, it will add thrill to what we're going to do." Lloyd tried to convince me and I gave in.

I placed my hand inside the box and pulled out a piece of paper.

"Water rafting." I read out and looked down at my clothes. "Neither of us are dressed for that, Genius."

"I'm sure we can dry off before entering my car." He shrugged and started driving towards the location of the activity. I guess he really wanted to go.

"You did some research on this didn't you?"

"As long as you enjoy, it's worth it."

We got into a boat with a few other people. I insisted on sitting at the front and we both came to regret that decision. We had to wear a helmet and a life vest just in case anyone fell in the river from the strong currents.

"Do you have your phone?" He asked and I nodded before giving it to him. "Say ninja!" Lloyd held up the device before taking a picture.

"It's Lloyd Garmadon!" A voice whispered from behind us.

"The Green Ninja!"

"Who's that girl with him?"

Lloyd turned his head and covered his mouth to try and tell them that it means it's supposed to be a secret. The people nodded and some squealed in excitement. It was nice to know that the people respected his privacy and let him live his own life. Those are the kinds of traits I would want to develop in the citizens if I were to rule over Ninjago someday.

Our raft went down the river which had strong waters and currents pulling us towards some rocks. The water splashed from left and right throughout the ride. It was a bumpy ride and I could already feel the water entering the boat. I wonder if this thing could support the weight of all the people.

Lloyd ended up gettting soaked by a huge wave which came crashing from the side of a rock. He shook his head to get some water out of his thick blond hair and I laughed.

"Maybe this was not such a good idea." He admitted as we continued to go down the river. Occasionally turning from left and right.

"It's fun, Lloyd! Loosen up." I yelled through the sound of waves crashing.

Using the paddle in his hands, Lloyd turned the direction of the boat which made the water splash onto me. The amount was more than what got he and this time, he was the one laughing.

"Loosen up, Rumi." He teased as I moved a piece of my now wet hair away from my face.

"Is that how you wanna play, Greenie?" I joined his laughter.

For the rest of the ride, we both tried to get each other drenched in water. The other passengers didn't seem to mind but I knew it was because they started to get dizzy.

"Uh oh." I gasped at the sight of another wave coming to our direction.

Before Lloyd could even react, I leaned forward and hid behind him so he would take the blow. The water came splashing onto us and he wiped his face as I sat back up.

"You could have warned me if you're going to use me as your shield." He stated and I smiled.

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Is this water even clean?"

"I think it's best we don't find out."

When we got off, we looked like we went swimming in our casual attire. The people gave us weird looks before leaving to do their own things but I didn't mind. I had fun!

"That was probably the best one we've done so far." I declared and continued walking with Lloyd.

We left little puddles of water as we walked and I was wondering how we would get in his car.

"I couldn't agree more." He smiled and took out his phone. The screen was wet but otherwise it was still working. He held up the camera and told me to smile. "Before and after pictures. It would look great for your collection."

I nodded in agreement. It was nice to seem him all enthusiastic about my album. I just hope we don't catch a cold from all of this.

~~Lloyd's POV~~

"Why are you soaked?! Where have you been?" Kai exclaimed as he watched me leave small puddles of water, that dripped from my shoes, around the monastery while I made my way to the bathroom.

My hair dripped some water droplets and my gi turned a dark shade of green, it honestly felt heavier too.

"We went water rafting. Things got pretty intense from there." I explained and smiled at the memory.

"You better clean up now. We wouldn't want you to get a cold." Kai shoved me in the bathroom and threw a towel at my face.

"Don't look through my phone, Kai." I warned him because I knew that was what he planned to do.

"Ugh! I just wanna know." He protested from outside the bathroom door.

"I'll show you after my bath." I declared.

"What is going on in here?" I heard Master Wu inquire. Uh-oh.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"How did your phone survive?! You're both drenched." Cole pointed out as they passed around my phone to get a look at our pictures.

"I honestly have no idea." I chuckled as the device was handed back to me.

"So, when are we going to meet this girl? She's really pretty, Lloyd." Nya crossed her arms from her spot on the couch.

"Hmm, give me a few days to think about it." I joked earning a nudge from Kai who sat beside me.

"I do not find it necessary to learn about Lloyd's love life, but I am intrigued." Zane stated from beside Cole who was now focused on his slice of cake.

"We're friends, Zane. I really enjoy her company and if things grow into something more then maybe I would give it a shot."

I never really had time to assess my feelings for Harumi. Yes, she is beautiful, but there is more to her than that. She's brave, daring, and just wants to be happy and live her life. Every time I'm near her I just feel, normal.

Like I'm not an elemental master or a ninja just a normal teenage boy which I never fully got to experience. Right now, I treasure our friendship and would not dare attempt anything that could break it.

~~Harumi's POV~~

As expected, Hutchins was knocking at my door once more. It's a good thing I had finished all my princess duties before leaving with Lloyd this afternoon. But I do need to find better excuses than being in the shower every time a knock comes to my door.

"Your majesty, your parents require your presence in the throne room." He stated when I opened the door.

"I'll be right out." I applied face paint to cover my features before walking out of my room.

"Harumi." The Emperor addressed me and I bowed as a sign of the 'respect' I had for them.

"We have noticed you spend most of your time in your quarters. Is there something wrong?" My adoptive mother informed me.

"Nothing is wrong, Mother. I simply enjoy being in my room for my Princess responsibilities are also very tiring." I lied through my teeth. They can't know I had been sneaking out to spend time with the Green Ninja.

"I see. But Hutchins has told us that every time he would check in on you, you're always in the shower." The Emperor pointed out and I resisted an urge to roll my eyes.

"I have been trying on different makeup styles that would help make me look more presentable to the public, Father."

That was the quickest excuse I had come up with and the fact I called him my father sent chills down my spine.

"I would like to see these, makeup styles you are talking about."

"I can show you tomorrow during breakfast."

"Have you considered Prince Nada's proposal?" The Emperor suddenly mentioned. I did not want to consider it in the first place so my mind was pretty made up.

"Actually I refuse it. I am able to provide for myself and I don't need a guy to tell me my worth." I retorted.

I found it really offensive when boys would determine your value based on how you looked and not how you acted. Good thing Lloyd wasn't like that.

"You need to say 'yes' to someone, Harumi. You will be Empress someday and the people would wonder who the Emperor would be." There it is.

All they care about was their image which is why they adopted me in the first place. As a good show to the people that they were nothing but kind hearted and caring rulers and the people believed all their lies.

"I decide who I want to marry and when. As long as I have an Emperor, it shouldn't matter when that will be, right?"

It was never in the Princess handbook to talk back to the higher ranking royalty but this was my future they were deciding for. I dismissed myself and headed into my room after sneaking a plate of dinner from the kitchen. Great. Now I had to find different styles to cover my face that would be worthy of their approval.