Chapter Text
The big day rolled around faster than anticipated, my heart raced at an unsteady pace as I sat in the chair. Roxie had volunteered to do my makeup and Ruby was doing my hair… despite it being a small wedding… I still wanted it to look the best for Grandma… but most importantly Lloyd and I…
The other girls were also getting ready, Ruby and Roxie had seemed to have gotten ready before everyone else… and Mamá wouldn’t stop telling me that I was throwing away my life. It got to the point, Nya pushed her out. Charging back into the dressing room, swearing profusely in her mother tongue as she went back to the poor makeup artist that was helping her.
“Gracias, Nya. Aunque estemos en una iglesia.” I reminded her softly, to which she mumbled out an apology. I wasn’t too upset… Mamá’s constant nagging was causing my stomach to curdle.
After who knows how long, I was finally ready. Looking at myself in the mirror, I smiled…it looked so pretty. I couldn’t wait for everyone to see it, it was the one thing that Mamá had agreed with me on when planning the wedding.
Grabbing my waterbottle, I took a sip as I watched everyone finish getting ready.
Grandma’s eyes filled with tears as I gave her a spin. The dress I had picked out was a floor length white dress with soft gold flower and leaf pattern that was around the bottom. It had one sleeve that resembled a kimono sleeve and the otherside was sleeveless. There was a corset-like cloth of gold and light tealish green that acted like a corset and a golden string with tassels wrapped around it with it’s not in the shape of a flower. On the back of the dress, the gold and tealish green cloth continued and was shaped as a sort of trail that gave a flowy look. The dress in my eyes was gorgeous and I didn't care if it was pure white or not.
And my hair was braided in a lovely way, with white flowers spread throughout it. Ruby had done such a lovely job to make it look pretty and neat. I was so thankful for everyone, I felt like a princess… though I couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.
“What do you think Grandma?” I asked softly, folding my hands in front of me as I waited for her response.
“You look lovely, my dear.”
After talking with me for a moment, Grandma went to find her seat. I felt a little anxious as one by one, the girls left me. All my bridesmaids went before me and I couldn’t help but fiddle with my hands as I waited for my dad to come get me.
“How do I look, Daddy?” My tone sounded even meeker then when I asked Grandma, something about his expression made me nervous… though when he kissed my forehead and I saw the tears in his eyes… I couldn’t help but feel all the nerves melt away.
“You look beautiful, sweetie.”
Linking my arm with his, he began to lead me outside the room and into the little area before the sanctuary. I felt my stomach turn with nervousness. I took a deep breath before the doors were opened and we began to walk.
Eyes on me, I swallowed thickly. Smiling the best I could as I looked from one side to the other. The guest list had been fairly small. A total of forty people… and in that moment I couldn’t help but be grateful it was that small.
Though seeing Lloyd, I couldn’t help but smile as he wore the biggest grin on his face and he was all dressed up in a black and gold Hakama? I couldn’t remember the name of the garment… Although he had it made so its pattern matched my dress, I briefly remember him mentioning something about a golden dragon being on the back of it to represent his family… though I wouldn’t be able to see it until later.
Tearing my eyes from him, I tried to smile at everyone… until I saw Jasper. Standing near the front in a dark green suit, the look on his face was sadness with a big smile on his face, the rest of my brothers looked excited and confused, Kessler looked like he was crying…
He was, before anyone could catch him, the little boy ran to me before we reached the altar. Gripping to the skirt of my dress as his little sobs echoed in the hall. Several ran to get him, though I shook my head as I leaned down.
“Hey buddy, what’s up?” I asked, kneeling down to the five-year-old’s level, wiping his little tears.
“You’re leaving us, Mamá keeps saying that Lloydie is stealing you away from us!” He cried, rushing forward and hugging me tight. I looked up at Dad for help then to Lloyd who had moved and kneeled down next to me.
“Hey, Kessler.” Lloyd spoke up, gaining my brother's attention. “You’ll be able to see Reagan any time, hey when she moves to my place you can even stay the night, if it’s okay with your parents.”
Kessler seemed skeptical as he looked from Lloyd to Dad, who smiled and nodded. It took him a minute before he let go and let Mamá and Jasper take him back to the pew. Dad offered his hand to help me up, which I took. After I stood, Dad passed my hand to Lloyd.
“Take care of her.”
Lloyd bowed his head to my dad before waking me up the steps. Standing in front of Lloyd and the preacher, I felt my body shake, rubbing my hands together as I tried to calm down…though Kessler’s reaction was beginning to get to me…was I abandoning my younger siblings?
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of God and these witnesses to join Reagan Dixie Reed and Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon in holy matrimony. Marriage-”
I felt myself spacing out as the preacher spoke what was rehearsed. My heart beat against my chest in an almost panic as I looked up at Lloyd… his eyes were soft and glossy, as if he had tears in his eyes.
Something about that made my heart calm and not overthinking thoughts ran in my mind, the preacher and the soft cries of Grandma and maybe my mother could faintly be heard in the background…though I felt at peace.
“I, Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon,” When Lloyd opened his mouth, I realized what time it was, my hands shook as he took them in his, rubbing the back of my palms as he spoke gently, as if I was the only one in the room. “Take you, Reagan Dixie Reed, to be my wife, my partner in life, and my one true love. I promise to love and cherish you, to honor and support you, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, as long as we both shall live. With God as my witness, I give you my solemn vow.”
Blinking, Lloyds little squeeze at the end made my heart melt. Clearing my throat, I spoke my vows. “I, Reagan Dixie Reed, take you, Lloyd Montgomery Garmadon, to be my husband, my partner in life, and my one true love. I promise to love and cherish you, to honor and respect you, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, as long as we both shall live. With God as my witness, I give you my solemn vow.”
“May we have the rings, please?” The preacher asked, Ryker stepped forward with the rings with a big grin on his face as Lloyd took both from the pillow and handed me his. Holding it in my left hand while he gently grasped my right. The preacher spoke again; “These rings are an outward symbol of the inward love and commitment you share. As you exchange these rings, remember that they are made of precious metal, just as your love is precious and enduring.”
“Reagan Dixie, you didn’t care that I'm the son of Lord Garmadon, nor were you phased by my life.” I felt his hands shaking slightly, though mine seemed a little more. My breath hitched as he continued his speech. “You're the loveliest girl in Ninjago, we co-own a dog, you somehow managed to get an entire group of monks to break-dance with you last summer. Not only that, but you have the biggest heart of any girl I ever met… I am so happy that I get to marry the girl of my dreams. Today I join my life to yours, not simply as your husband, but as your friend, your lover, and your biggest supporter. Let me be the shoulder you lean on and the companion of your life.”
Looking into his eyes, I felt my vision blur as I swallowed. The ring fit nicely on my finger, it was perfect.. Clearing my throat I took his hand, it felt so much bigger than normal as I gathered my thoughts.
“Lloyd Montgomery, you're smart, funny, sweet, drop-dead handsome. You care for myself and my family, you got a dog to make me happy… and you will forever be my hero, no matter what happens.” As I tried to put it on his finger, he cleared his throat and offered his other hand when it wouldn’t fit. I was trying to put it on the wrong finger… glancing down for a second to regain my composure before I looked up, keeping my focus on him. “I love you with my whole heart with a passion that can't be expressed in words, only in kisses, glances, and years of adventure by your side. I promise to be your honest, faithful, and loving wife for the rest of my days.”
The preacher smiled, “By the power vested in me and in the presence of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate. You may now seal your vows wi-”
Before the preacher could even finish, Lloyd was already pulling me in. Gently capturing my lips with a soft kiss that quickly turned into something a little deeper… not bad for a first kiss as a married couple. Holding me close as the small crowd cheered, our foreheads pressed together as we took a minute, finding my hands against his chest, I felt relief.
“You look very lovely today, Mrs. Garmadon.” Lloyd whispered into my ear, giggling as he gave me a bright smile as he locked his arm with my own, looking over our guests.
“And you look very dashing today, Mr. Garmadon.” I responded, in a cheeky manner, as he led me down the hall.
“This means I get unlimited cuddles and kisses?”
“No duh ya dork.” I giggled, watching as a small group gathered for me to toss my flower bouquet. Turning around and tossing it back, there was an audible gasp after I threw it. Looking back to find Jasper holding the bouquet, I laughed nervously. “Uh…I think I tossed it too hard.”
Jasper seemed highly amused as he walked up and gave me a hug, “You never know, congratulations Reagan…”
After Jasper, I was tackled in a massive hug. Siblings and friends, I couldn’t help but to laugh as for some reason tears fell down my face. There was such a relief as I heard Lloyds laugh…then looked at Dad with tears in his eyes.
Breaking away from everyone, I ran into my dad’s arms. Getting engulfed into a tight hug. I was so happy… and felt relief, as if a big weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
___
Lloyd insisted on carrying me into the dinning hall, laughing the whole way as Brad, whom I hadn’t met before, and Dai walked behind us. Entering the hall, which we had word hard to decorate the day before, Lloyd only set me down after we reached the cake. Lloyd and I decided that he wanted to serve the cake, it gave people a chance to say hi and grab some cake.
The cake in question was a large three layered cake that Dad had insisted on making for free. Decorated with green and white, white roses to decorate and edible gold flakes to top it off, it matched the wedding theme perfectly and looked gorgeous.
“I figure we might as well get some cake first.” Dad spoke up, my attention went from the cake to my bear of a father smiling proudly and my dear Mamá with a scowl on her face, until Dad nudged her and she forced a smile.
“Of course, Madre, ¿quieres chocolate?” I asked, offering her a piece. Mamá sighed and actually smiled for once, taking the piece.
“No sería una gran madre si fuera la razón por la que mi hija recuerda este día con tristeza.”
Mamá’s words warmed my heart, Dad smiled and patted my head as he held the piece that I assumed Lloyd had offered to him. Next were all the little boys, making sure they all got their pieces and getting hugs from everyone.
“...Rea, can I sit with you?” Kessler asked, looking up at me with big pleading eyes. Looking up at Lloyd, he nodded and motioned to the seats behind us.
“Sure buddy,” I answered, helping him onto the seat before turning back to the cake table. Lloyd was quick to steal a forehead kiss before I was wrapped in a elderly hug.
“Reagan Garmadon, you look beautiful, my dear.” Grandpa Ryan spoke proudly, letting me go with a big smile on his face before shaking Lloyd’s hand.
Laughing I shook my head as I felt my hands being taken up, looking at Grandma Deborah. Tears filled her eyes as she smiled at me. “Reagan, you- you're the sweetest girl I have ever met. You've made this old woman more happy than you could ever imagine.”
Tears stung my eyes as I rushed to hug her, as tight as I could without hurting her. “Thank you, for being our family.”
“Would the two of you care for a piece of cake?” Lloyd asked gently after Grandma had released me. Grandma nodded and took a piece for her and Grandpa.
“Now you young man, you take care of this young lady. Treat each other with love and respect, it won't be easy. But it's worth it.”
Were Grandpa Ryan’s words to Lloyd and I, before they stepped away, and almost immediately, I found myself scooped off my feet and dangling at least a foot in the air.
“Reagan! Finally, Lloyd can’t whine when I call you my precious daughter! The wedding was so pretty, and you look lovely!” Mrs. Garmadon spoke with excitement, watching Lloyd shake hands with his dad as I was engulfed in a hug from the six foot woman.
“Thank you, Mrs. Garmadon.” I said as she released me from her grasp and sat me on the ground.
“Oh dear, just call me Misako or Koko, we are family now, Mrs. Garmadon.” She spoke, holding my hands in hers. I smiled up at the older woman, my heart felt like it might burst as I nodded.
“Thank you, Koko.”
The look of pure joy on her face when I called her Koko, made my heart melt. She looked up at Garmadon then at Lloyd who both seemed equally as happy…though Lloyd had a look I couldn't quite place.
After them was a man with a long white beard whom Lloyd stepped forward to greet.
“Uncle Wu, glad you could make it.” Lloyd hugged the older man, somewhat remembering the man. I smiled politely as he let Lloyd go.
“How could I miss it? You found a lovely girl.”
“Thank you for coming, Sensei Wu.” I bowed my head, earning a soft smile.
Much to my surprise, there was a middle aged man with a big smile on his face behind Wu, dressed in a show cowboy style…all in fake leather. I titled my head, wondering how such tight looking fake leather pants could be comfortable to wear for any given time.. When Wu moved, the man rushed up and somehow wrapped Lloyd and I in one big bear hug.
“Lloyd, Lloyd, Lloyd! You should have shown me a picture! Your girl is absolutely lovely!” The man proclaimed before letting us go, Lloyd seemed to start to introduce him, though he already grabbed my hand and kissed it as he introduced himself. “I am Grand Sensei Dareth, I am an old teacher of Lloyd’s back when he was just a little tike.”
Looking between his confident smile and Lloyd’s pained expression of disbelief, I couldn’t help but giggle. “Please to make your acquaintance Sensei Dareth, it’s nice to know that Lloyd was taught by such an… inordinate man such as yourself.”
That seemed to stroke his ego quite a bit as he puffed his chest out with pride, “why thank you Lady Garmadon, Lloyd you got a girl with a nice head on her shoulders.”
“...oh I know, thanks for coming Dareth.”
After Dareth picked out his cake and walked off, Lloyd chuckled and leaned down to press his head against the back of my neck. “He means well, though he hasn’t taught me a thing.”
“He seems nice.” I grinned, patting his fluffy hair before I turned and saw my cousin Cameron. His bright ginger hair was styled nicely though the most interesting was the woman next to him. She looked only familiar…
“So this is the mysterious Lloyd…one minute you're calling me bawling your eyes out saying he wasn't talking to you…then next you're inviting me to a secret wedding…COME ON REA KEEP ME UPDATED!”
Narrowing my eyes at him, I pointed at him, “AND WHAT ABOUT YOU!? YOU NEVER TOLD ME YOU HAD A FIANCEE? YOUR MOM CALLED IN ADVANCE!” Turning to smile at the woman. “Oh by the way I'm Reagan, nice to meet you-”
“YOU DIDN’T SAY ANYTHING EITHER!”
“WE COULD HAVE DONE A DOUBLE WEDDING!”
“MISSED OPPORTUNITY BECAUSE YOU DIDN'T KEEP ME UPDATED!”
“WELL NEITHER DID YOU!”
Lloyd watched the scene in confusion, he had never seen Reagan so riled up…though she looked rather happy as she bickered with the man. And his date seemed equally confused as she turned to Lloyd.
“I'm Dawn Black, nice to meet you Reagan and…. Lloyd?”
“Nice to meet you Dawn… just out of curiosity, does Cameron call Reagan his favorite cousin?” Lloyd asked as the shouting match got more intense–
“Mmmhm…I'm guessing Reagan also calls Lloyd her favorite cousin?”
“...yes...wait Lloyd?” He couldn’t believe his ears.
Dawn nodded. “Lloyd Cameron Gram, is his full name. Reagan couldn’t say Lloyd when she was younger so she always called him Cam.”
“...I, did not know that.”
“Don’t worry, I can already tell you two are like night and day.” She smiled softly before tugging at Cameron’s arm, gaining his attention and somehow causing them to stop bickering as she grabbed a cake for herself and her and Cam before they left.
“...Reagan, are you sure that was your favorite cousin?” Lloyd asked as they walked away.
I nodded with a big smile. “Oh yes, out of who knows how many…he's definitely my favorite. Why do you ask?”
“...nevermind.”
I couldn’t have been happier than when everyone had congratulated us and got cake. Sitting in between Kessler and Lloyd, I could enjoy my own slice of cake. Unlike the bulk of the cake that was chocolate with mint filling for vanilla with cherry, Dad had made the top a chocolate and coffee flavored for Lloyd and I.
Watching the people meet and mingle was oddly relaxing.
“As comfy as you look there…” Lloyd spoke up, picking me up by my waist and gently sitting me on his lap. “This is a better spot.”
“Lloyd!” Looking up at him in horror as he nuzzled his head against my neck, ‘Mamá is gonna murder him in cold bloo- oh, husband isn’t boyfriend…’ Realizing that all the rules now didn’t apply at all.
That didn’t stop me from glancing over at where my parents table was…Mamá had murder in her eyes. Looking back at Lloyd, he looked rather smug, as if he had stolen one of Mamá’s cookies and got away with it…
That was technically true.
I let myself relax and finished my slice of cake, Lloyd didn’t seem to be interested in cake. Instead he let out a deep breath and stayed put, holding me ever so close… It felt comforting. After the cake was dinner, a mix of traditional Mexican and Ninjagian dishes. I opted for Enchiladas with a side of Egg Rolls and rice. If I wanted to taste anything I would just ask Lloyd as he seemed to take something of everything.
It never ceases to amaze me how much he seemed to eat… though it made a little sense, Ninja, high metabolism, not entirely human… I blinked, not entirely human .
“...Lloyd?”
“Yes?”
“If you're not human…and I am…”
Lloyd looked down at me for a second before he laughed, “Sugar, my mother is human, just like you. Don’t worry about it.” He offered me a dumpling from his chopsticks. While I was a little skeptical, I chose to trust him and decided not to worry about it as I took the dumpling.
Lloyd chuckled and kissed my cheek as I clewed, “Cute.” he hummed, earning an eye roll.
Hearing the music start, Lloyd stood up and kneeled on one knee with his hand held out.
“May I have this dance, my love?” Lloyd asked, a gentle smile on his lips as I just stared. Taking a minute before I gave a shy nod as I put my hand in his. He stood, leading me to the dance floor before he put his hand on my waist and led me into the dance.
It felt like his prom, though starting off with a slow dance. Our height differences did not stop him from whispering sweet words to me, his words caused me to go red in the face as we danced.
Swaying to the music and doing a spin or two, we ended in dip. Lloyd didn’t move for a minute, just staring at me before letting me come up, though he bent over.
“You know when I asked you to marry me?” He mumbled as he breathed against my ear.
“How could I forget?” I felt nervous as I looked away from him.
Lloyd chuckled slightly, placing a kiss on my cheek before standing up. “...my answer stays the same… I’ll wait as long as you want. I got decades ahead… and so will you.”
His words seemed slightly ominous, tilting my head as a big smile was on his face as he let me go only to see my dad standing next to us. Feeling rather embarrassed as I curtsied to Dad as the next song began to play.
Dad smiled and began to lead me in the dance, while out of the corner of my eye, I watched Lloyd begin to dance with his mother. Shaking the embarrassment off, I looked up at Dad and smiled.
“What did you think of the wedding?” I asked softly.
“It has been lovely.” Dad hummed.
No words needed to be spoken as we danced, the faint feeling of sadness was shared but also happiness as well. When the dance ended, dad hugged me tightly before offering my hand to another.
Looking up to see the smiling face of Garmadon, the tune was more upbeat as we began to dance. “It was a fine wedding, my dear, welcome to the family.” Garmadon’s voice was full of joy. It was only now that I realized that Garmadon was actually taller than Lloyd.
“Happy to be a part of it,” Genuinely feeling welcomed by the older man, though I couldn’t help but see poor Lloyd…my husband dancing with my mother, he looked miserable though kept a nice face. “though I think my Mamá will have a much harder time accepting Lloyd.”
“Ah, I noticed… it is probably my fault.” Garmadon said, he sounded greaved by that fact though smiled down at me… he also has fangs. “...you know, you have been a light in his world that he was struggling to find. He’s always had a weight put on him, however, with you he feels free.”
I couldn’t help but smile, glancing at Lloyd once more. “...Lloyd helps me feel the same, he’s a good guy.”
The rest of the night was filled with dancing and games, at some point I ended up changing so that I wouldn’t get the dress ruined…I wanted to wear it again sometime. Though Lloyd didn’t bother, he seemed to be quite accustomed to his wear.
He and most of the men, including the monks, did all sorts of challenges. Most ended in Garmadon winning over Lloyd, and for the most part everyone had a good time…
I couldn’t help but feel my heart melt whenever Lloyd would turn to look at me if he had won the lottery. I don’t know about him… though I think I actually won it.
___
I had fallen asleep with Yuki on my lap, Lloyd was insistent that we had a weekend as a reward for planning a good wedding and so he wouldn’t have to do any patrols for a weekend. I was somewhat woken by Yuki moving and being picked up. Opening my eyes to see Lloyd looking forward and carrying me into the front room. Nuzzling close, I didn’t feel like actually waking up… Lloyd could handle it.
“Love…sugar… Rea.”
Opening my eyes to see Lloyd leaning over me with a smile, “Hate to wake you, sunshine, but I need to head out and get the bags… you got Yuki but I’ll be right back.” He pressed his lips against my forehead, before heading out.
Sitting up, I yawned… I really wanted a shower. My face felt incredibly itchy…though I needed my bag first… Lloyd could just push it in when he gets back. Still half asleep, I made my way toward the bathroom. Barely taking in my surroundings, it looked like it was modeled after traditional styled rooms, though there were two beds instead of one. The soft lighting seemed very homey, the whole room was warm and inviting. Yuki was right at my heel, following me as I opened the door to where I thought was the bathroom, finding one that matched the decor with a modern shower.
Shutting the door behind me, I had Yuki lie down as I headed for the shower. First taking out the braids that Ruby had worked so hard on…sadly the hair spray was too itchy to leave them in. finger combing my hair I watched it fall in ripples to my calves. “I probably should trim it again.”
The warm water felt nice over my skin, already feeling the power and hair stiffener wash out with just the warm water. Letting my mind go blank as my body relaxed under the warm water. Yuki whining caused me to snap out of it.
“Reagan?”
“Hey, can you slip my bag in here? Yuki will bring it to me.” I called out, he said something, though I couldn’t really hear. The door opened a little and I watched Yuki grab my duffle bag, holding it in his mouth as he stood next to the door. “Here Yuki.”
Yuki happily padded over, dropping the bag next to the shower door. Kneeling down, I grabbed my soaps and gave Yuki a pet and a little kiss before continuing my shower. Spending time scrubbing my hair and making sure nothing was left in it before deciding that I was done. Getting out, I used the towels and dried off the best I could, though no matter how much I dried it…my hair still felt wet and heavy.
Getting dressed, I took a breath before gathering my dirty clothes and walking out of the room. Finding Lloyd stretched out on the bed closest to the entry door, he sat up when he saw me. “Sorry, the makeup and hair products were bothering me.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He said, “I was gonna ask if you wanted to use the shower first anyway.”
Lloyd ducked in the bathroom after me, leaving me to fall on my bed and relax. Thinking as Yuki jumped up and laid on my legs, something that kinda crossed my mind, waiting until the door of the bathroom opened before speaking.
“... Lloyd, did we do the right thing?.”
Lloyd stuck his head out of the bathroom, toothbrush in his mouth as he looked at me with the curiosity of a puppy. “... I guess we’ll see, I don’t regret it, and I doubt you will either.”
“You’re probably right, you somehow usually are.”
“Eh… not really.” He hummed, ducking back in the bathroom. Leaving me to think as he finished brushing his teeth. When he was done, I pulled myself up to let myself admire him a little. He was topless, giving me a nice view of his muscular body, riddled with scars and the golden dragon tattoo that wrapped around his torso.
Sure, I had seen him like that dozens of times… though now I didn’t really feel embarrassed-
“See something you like?”
“Do you?” I blurted out, though Lloyd’s smirk caused my eyes to widen…what did I just say?
“Yeah, I see something I like maybe a little bit too much.” Within seconds he was in front of me and holding my hand to his face… stupid ninja training… “and she seems to be tempting me a little bit, unintentionally.”
Lloyd retracted his hand with a goofy smile, as I hid my face behind my hands.
“Oh don’t be like that, Sugar.” Lloyd said, laughing as he brought me into a hug. Pressing my close to his bare chest only caused me to whine in embarrassment as he picked me up. Keeping my hands over my face as Lloyd just laughed and spun us around, Yuki sounded like he was joining in the fun as he started barking.
Nuzzling his face closer to mine, causing me to remove my hands and look him in the eyes. His eyes seemed to shine as he looked down at me. My heart beat seemed to calm as he set me down again, “See? Nothing wrong with looking at your lover… so please, don’t be embarrassed, I’m not.”
I just nodded and smiled as he somehow managed to lay across my bed next to where he had sat me. Wrapping my arms around my knees, I looked down at him. “...I know we've talked a little bit about some stuff…but since we are um…”
“Married-”
“Yeah…I thought it might be a good time to talk about…relationship stuff, you know likes and dislikes… since we aren't doing…uh that-”
“Yeah sure-”
“Great! Um…”
I felt incredibly awkward, was it the wrong time to ask? What if this was a mistake…oh what if we had different views oh-
“I like…to hold you, your hand or all of you. It makes me feel at ease because you're safe.” He said softly, sitting up as he grabbed my hand. He was taking the first step, feeling the tension in my shoulders leave, I smiled up at him.
“I like that too… I feel safe… oh um… I don’t know about it in public though… hands are okay…but maybe keep it light in public.”
“Yeah, I’m still not really the most liked guy in Ninjago.” He hummed in agreement, “but if anyone bothers you, tell me, and I’ll deal with it.”
I nodded, feeling him rub my hand gently before bringing it close to his face.
“...I really like it when you call me my name.” he muttered, the way he spoke made my heart flutter. “you say it differently than everyone else, it’s comforting.”
“...good because I suck at pet names.” I said, completely serious. The fact he just wanted me to call him ‘Lloyd’ felt like a huge relief and apparently what I said was funny as Lloyd chuckled at my words. Though I did think of something to add, unrelated. “No arguing in front of people- friends, family, kids, if we have a disagreement we take it somewhere private to talk about it.”
“We can make an effort for that.”
“Why do I feel like we’ll end up doing something stupid eventually?” I asked, looking down at the floor.
“... because no relationship is perfect, and we will screw up in places sometimes.” Lloyd answered, running his hands through his hair as he looked at me.“But hey, we’ll make it work.”
___
Hearing my phone ring, I groaned. Not wanting to lift my head from the soft pillow. Yuki was laying on top of my legs as normal. Hearing it go off again, I sighed as I pried my eyes open. Sitting up on my elbows, I reached for my phone, hearing the shower run. I was a little confused until I saw my messages.
“No…no…please no.” Tears streamed down my face as I went to the voicemail that was left by my dad. Dropping my phone as the news sunk in.
She’s gone.
The doctors said she had longer…she wasn’t supposed to die. Not now…not when there was so much I wanted to do… to share with her. My body trembled as I let out a cry, there was nothing else I could do. All my plans, ideas, gone with two words, leaving me standing alone nothing but an empty void in front, what else-
“REAGAN!” Lloyd’s panicked voice caused me to turn and face him, his hair was a disheveled mess of blonde and brown that framed a worried expression on his face. With no word, I moved closer to him, desperate for some sort of comfort. Feeling his arms wrapped around my body, I felt a strong warmth as his hand ran over my hair and hearing his soft mumbling of comfort help soften my sobs to soft sniffles.
“Don't leave me, please.” I choked out, grabbing onto his arm as sobbed.
“...never willingly.” He whispered back.
Life is unpredictable, we make good choices and bad choices, though because we are human, we will never know how things will turn out, we can only hope that we remain on the straight and narrow path, looking ahead, for life’s Sweet Treats.