Back To Being Friends ~ An OC x Canon Songfic!
(Oh we all KNOW the angst is getting turned up in here. Warning now for implications of relationship strain, sex, and other possibly upsetting themes. Turn away now if you're not in the mood! This is meant to be set anywhere between S2 and before the end of S3, between Kai and my personal OC, Frankie, if you're curious. Oh, and, before you get there, Sepher is a Ninjago OC belonging to my best friend that he also allows me to write about. :)
Please don't judge me for being an adult making dark fics about this source. This is my first time posting here and I'm honestly petrified./lh I've clung to Ninjago as a comfort since a child, and will probably never be able to let go of it. Therefore, the source will grow with my mind for me, and I'll create fanfiction and art even as I get older. ♡
Sorry for all that yapping! Let's go! Just so you know you can also find this work of mine on AO3!)
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☽ 𓉸 ☾₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺
Touch my body tender
'Cause the feeling makes me weak
Frankie's pale, diminutive form stirred gingerly in her sleep as she felt movement beside her. She was pulled with careful touch, it seemed, from her slumber; as all too familiar hands traced her jawline. They moved in a slow pattern to her neck, cordial, rough thumbs tracing her porcelain skin. She opened her eyes lazily, blinking as she gathered herself; her golden gaze falling on the one who embraced her. It was Kai, his bronzed face only a fraction from her own.
Her heart started to race as she processed his presence, smiling as butterflies mixed themselves wildly inside her gut. Kai chuckled, emerald eyes sparkling as he gazed at her, “Good morning, my starling.” Her heart soared harder, body growing hot at the personal name. She giggled airily, “Good morning, firework.”
Kai wouldn't admit it, but his own heart skipped a beat, just for a moment at her name for him. Frankie kissed him, the moment between their lips torrid, yet tender. After a moment, Frankie pulled from their connection almost cautiously, as though he would disappear if she took herself away from him. When he only gave her a smirk, she nuzzled into him, giddy, sinking into the feeling of his chest in the dim morning light.
They stayed like that for a while, Kai's hands tracing her skin, touch loose against her. Her mind raced with flashes of last night's events, skin hot as Kai made contact with her, feeling almost electric. She was content with this, however, after her activities with him that night.
Kicking off the covers
I see the ceiling while you're looking down at me
Frankie was jarred as Kai moved in an abrupt motion upward, her chest being hit with a tight ache almost immediately. She didn't expect the rigid movement away from her. It felt cold– cruel– intentional. She wasn't sure, but the thought lingered, burning in her mind. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, stretching in a casual manner.
Her hand stretched out for him, but at the same moment he stood, abrupt as he moved across the room. The doors of his closet creaked open, the sound hitting Frankie like a knife while she still lay there. After a few moments like that, she splayed her hands over his sheets, pushing herself up from his crimson-clad blankets. A doomed feeling crept into her stomach, the butterflies drowning in its wake. Her skin no longer held an electric compassion, replaced by an arctic feeling now.
She clutched the sheets beneath her, grip tight as his behavior started to hit her. She wasn’t clear on exactly what he was doing with her, but it couldn't be good. The feeling churning in her gut crept through her chest as well– ‘What game is he playing…’ She thought to herself, before her mind started to blank. She felt herself grow tense, and could barely register Kai as he coughed, suddenly dressed in his gi, as expected. She managed to make herself look up, despite how rigid her body was.
Kai hummed to her, tone casual, running a hand through his auburn hair, “I'll see you at breakfast?” She couldn't ignore that his eyes held the same glimmer they did before, hinting at something dark and playful.
Frankie didn't mirror the same behavior; instead, she was tense. Skin crawling as an arctic chill ran up her spine, a familiar buzz joined the doomed feeling inside her. She chose her next words slowly, now conscious of herself. Her words tasted like ash, “Yeah. I'll– Catch up.” She thought it was over, that it couldn't possibly get worse, but Kai hesitated at his doorway. He joked as he grabbed the handle out of nowhere, “Don't let the others see you.”
How can we go back to being friends
When we just shared a bed?
The words hit Frankie like a freight train, while he finally walked out of the room, chuckling to himself. The door closed behind him, latch clicking like a taunting echo in her ear. As it did, she stared at it, eyes wide with sudden understanding of the situation at hand. Her caramel colored eyes began to mist over, as the numbness left her mind, the doomed feeling in her body taking over.
She spiraled deeper into despair, tears cascading down her cheeks in a torrent. A dull throb echoed in her head as the full weight of her realization settled in—she was nothing more than a toy in a cruel game. Frankie stifled soft sobs, rolling onto her side and burying her face in the plush pillows; desperate to escape the world around her.
She felt the overwhelming urge to hide, not to be seen, especially now, when clarity had cut through her so sharply. Her body heaved uncontrollably into the softness of the pillows, each breath tinged with the scent of him staining his sheets. His familiar amber fragrance enveloped her, a bittersweet reminder that only intensified her sorrow, each inhale a cruel echo of what she had lost.
Frankie lay there time slipping away as she found herself ensnared, hopeless in his sheets. The fabric, boiling against her skin, only intensified her sorrow as tears streamed down her cheeks, each drop a testament to her unraveling heartstrings. Gradually, she slowly collected her scattered emotions, burying the feeling more than really working past the pain; creating a false facade. How could she get past it? What was she supposed to think? To feel in this chaos her emotions had unleashed? Other than..whatever this lost– lonely– feeling was.
How can you look at me and pretend
I'm someone you've never met?
She eventually clawed her way out of his bed, despite her fragile state. Her mind was still buzzing though she had managed to momentarily push down the turmoil– she tried to ignore it. Frankie got up in an awkward, robotic way, stumbling over her own feet as she tried to regain her center of gravity. Her skin still felt ice cold, her body aching, both with her emotions and the repercussions of last night's poor decisions. The light in the window blinded her, making her flinch away. In her startled and unraveled state, she didn't think before thrusting her arms forward, chest tight.
The light from the window scattered along the walls in a wild fashion, gone for a moment– but destroying Kai's decor and pictures on the aged wooden walls. Her heart seemed to stop for a moment in time, as objects bounced and rattled along the floor in the darkness; deafening in her scattered mind. Despite her fear, no one else on the ship heard anything from Kai's cabin. They were all gathered on the top deck to train, or in the dining room, enjoying breakfast.
She let out a broken sound of frustration and pain, putting her arms down, light restored in the room. She shielded her eyes as it did, dropping to her knees on the floor. She sat there for a moment, locked onto the scattered objects before her. The turmoil inside her bubbled again, as she grew jealous of the photos. Photos of everyone, anyone, on the team, it seemed, but her. She struggled against her every will to scream, destroy his room, rip everything to pieces. Frankie even debated on the idea for a few moments in her despair.
It was last December
You were layin' on my chest
She eventually shook her head, dismissing the idea, even though her mind urged her to consider it. Taking her time, she carefully rearranged the room, trying to collect herself as she worked. She moved as quickly as she could, completely forgetting that Spinjitzu was at her disposal; she was too panicked to remember the cheeky cleaning methods the other ninjas sometimes used. Her heart fluttered painfully as she cleaned, in a way that felt uncomfortable—a stark contrast to how she felt that morning.
Despite her grief, she managed to restore his room to its original state as best as she could, all while wrestling with the waves of agony washing over her. When she finished, she paused to stand in his room, attempting to gather herself the rest of the way. She took a few deep breaths, pushing down bittersweet memories, trying to mask her emotions before facing him again. It ached with bitterness, but she knew she couldn't keep playing this game with him. This wasn't the first time she had fallen for it. It stung, but it was the truth.
Memories from months ago flickered in her mind as she stood in the cleaned room, overwhelming her with tidal waves of emotion as she tried to push them away. Determined, she fought against the images, nearly tripping over herself as she made her way to his door, finally slipping into the hallway. Trembling, she glanced around, relieved to find that no one was in sight. She braced against the door for a moment, clutching her chest.
I still remember
I was scared to take a breath, didn't want you to move your head
She made her way to the upper deck of the Bounty without encountering anyone, which she was thankful for. As she scrambled upstairs, she gathered herself, straightening her disarrayed posture.
Arriving atop of the stairs, as she stepped onto the deck, Frankie took a deep breath of the crisp morning winds, trying almost to cleanse herself in the fresh air. She scanned the deck as she did, and noticed that Zane, Cole, and Lloyd were already there, training with Wu, which meant that they had already eaten. It felt like bricks falling on her as it dawned that only Jay, Sepher, and Kai remained in the dining room.
Suddenly, her knees felt weak as vivid memories of the past few months of teasing flooded her mind, all leading up to this morning. It felt as though the memories branded and sank themselves into her aching head, even if she didn't want them. She swallowed hard, fighting to push the thoughts down as she headed for the kitchen. She had to eat; even if he was there, she would just have to find a way to deal with it.
It wasn’t like she could escape him—they were on the same team.
As she approached the kitchen, the cold sensation swirling within her shifted to a scorching, uncomfortable one. She felt as though chains had wrapped around her head and chest, making each movement harder than it was. She slipped past the others training on the deck, standing hesitantly in the dining room's doorway for a moment. Her eyes lingered on him, heart burning before she finally stepped inside.
How can we go back to being friends
When we just shared a bed? (Yeah)
Frankie entered, stomach churning, throat bitter. The acid in her throat bit her like a snake, but she did her best to hide it, flashing a fake smile to the room. She tentatively made her way to the table, a pounding rising in her chest. It wasn't the usual, playful flutter. No, this thundered within her, making her uneasy.
Jay noticed her off the bat, “Oh, oh, Frankie!”
He began rambling, which faded into a soft, humming, background noise. Normally, she'd chat with him, engaged with curiosity– but her mind couldn't keep up in its storm. His chatter faded into the buzzing of her mind, amplifying the sensation into a radio-like static. She made her way to the table, muscles stiff, lips pressed painfully together. She slid into the bench across from Kai and Sepher, next to Jay with a weary look.
Jay kept chattering at first, almost like a bird, failing to notice his friend's dismay. Sepher didn't though, in fact he'd noticed her rigid movement the moment she entered the room. His pale colored brows arched, but he kept this note to himself, matcha eyes following her movements. He felt a concern wash over him, but he knew better than to put her on the spot.
Kai failed, of course, to notice her dismay as well, but was that a surprise? He simply scanned Frankie's form as she moved, a dirty smile creeping on his lips. Sepher caught the expression and had to bite his tongue, disgusted to see someone look at her in such a lustful manner, not a hint of respect.
Frankie reached across the table with a trembling hand for a plate and the food splayed out across it; likely made by Zane by the looks of the meal. Despite its inviting aromas and colors, she struggled to pick foods for her plating as Jay kept babbling. He finally noticed her strange picking patterns, slowing his chitter.
“Uh, Earth to Frankie? I'm talking to you-” He elbowed her, attempting to play; but she flinched from him. Not in a fearful way– rather a recoil that was uncertain and unexpected. Jay paused as this happened, hazel eyes scanning her carefully. It took a moment, but then he spotted something purple on her skin; at the nape of her neck. Hidden mostly by her gi…he knew exactly what had happened.
How can you look at me and pretend
I'm someone you've never met?
He leaned back a bit, stunned. He'd witnessed the banter between Kai and Frankie plenty of times, that wasn’t what made his blood start to spark. No, what made Jay mad, was the fact Kai had managed to play with Frankie– his best friend– enough to fool her into his bed. Jay knew all too well how that morning had to have gone for her; Kai would brag about the women he got with a bit too much with the other boys.
Frankie was oblivious to Jay's processing next to her, picking at her plate mindlessly. Jay thankfully didn't speak up, even though he wanted to. He decided he'd try to talk to her about this later; if she'd let him. He knew all too well about her emotional shut-downs. Frankie only seemed to be brought back to the room when she heard Kai's voice clear across the table.
“Nice of you to join us.” His mouth pulled into a teasing smirk as he spoke, “Sleep in?” He was clearly trying to cover for himself, but the statement only made the acid in Frankie's throat tingle harder. She shifted, weary, as she spoke, the words barely audible as they tumbled from her, “Yeah…Sorry…”
Sepher had also, by now, spotted a few marks on Frankie's skin. His mind twisted, volatile, possessive, not in a romantic way– he just knew the kind of man Kai was as well as Jay.
Frankie was the only person good to him on this team, the realization of what Kai had done made his body sick. His gut tied itself in knots, and he had to concentrate so as not to start violently quaking. Kai's mocking question was vile to him. How could he toy so boldly with someone who cared about them all so passionately?
The devil in your eyes
Won't deny the lies
Kai let out a snicker, it seemed to insult everyone at the table in its own respective manner. His gaze held a fiery light, Frankie felt as though it was boring into her soul. Seeing past each mask and defense she'd feebly thrown together before entering the dining hall. He replied, almost scolding, “Don't gotta apologize to me. Apologize to the team after you catch up.”
With that, he grabbed his empty plates, rising from the table with them. Frankie was motionless, buzz in her head consuming her as her mind went blank at the implications of his remark. As Kai left, Jay watched, fists dug into his sides. Everything in him wanted to jump over the table– start shouting at Kai– but he was also smart enough to know that would only feed Kai's ego.
Jay scowled, and Sepher leaned forward into the table, sickness in his limbs at full force now. Sepher took a shuddering breath, placing his face in his hands abruptly while he waited for Kai to leave. He couldn't look at him; unsure he'd control himself if he did.
You've sold, I'm holding on too tight
While you let go, this is casual
Frankie seemed to unravel as the door closed behind Kai, falling from her rigid state and slumping into the wooden table before her roughly. The numb in her mind started to encapsulate her body, and her skin tingled painfully. She shoved her food out of her way, the dishes chattering noisily along the wooden surfaces.
She didn't cry, didn't weep, not a sound. Simply lay on the table like that before Jay and Sepher; almost like a wet dog displaying itself at their feet, expecting no mercy. The motion made them both exchange glances. While they still may have not got along very well, they both cared for Frankie.
Jay moved first, inching across the bench with heed, extending a hand across her back with the same waryness. She didn't move away from his touch, instead, he felt Frankie sink back into it. It was only a slight motion, but it was there, accepting his care silently. He began rubbing circles over her back, unsure of what to say at the moment.
Sepher wasn't sure exactly what to vocalize either, frustrated internally as he fought to find words to help her. He opted to grab her hand for just a moment, squeezing it lightly. A seemingly small, yet endearing gesture from such a reserved young man. His gentle green eyes hazed with concern as she didn't respond, only returned the gesture. He sighed, thumb rubbing the back of her hand for a few moments in the silence the trio shared.
After a few tender minutes like that, the pair comforting her, Sepher rose, hesitating as he took his hand from Frankie's. The move felt almost selfish in her state, like kicking a dog that was already down. However he figured leaving her with Jay for a while may do her good. Especially before Wu came barking for them… His strict demeanor wouldn't help her state, and she needed to collect herself before joining the group.
Sepher looked at Jay, almost in a silent plea for him to help her, as he waved his hand. The dining room door slid open gently with a gust of wind, and he left with a heavy feeling. The ailing feeling invaded his body once more as he approached the team, Kai with them now, to train. He had to bite his tongue, it wasn't his place to speak on the things Frankie and Kai did amongst themselves. At least, that's what he told himself, since he was still so new to their lives.
How can we go back to being friends?
When we just shared a bed? (Yeah)
Jay tried to joke with Frankie, in an attempt to cheer her up, “Heh, uh, long night? You look exhausted.” He chuckled nervously, the sound high pitched.
Frankie felt her heart pang at the question, chest straining even harder. Her hands scratched against the table as her mind started to work again. She knew he was trying to help, but didn't even know where to start. She pushed her hands off the rough table, lifting herself finally. Her head swiveled stiffly to face him, her eyes washed over with a dark weight.
Jay bit his tongue, half expecting her to be upset, surprised when she only replied with, “Yeah, and not very hungry today. Let's join the others.”
Jay stammered as she pulled herself from her seat, “Ah, hey- Wait- Are you sure you're alright? You never skip breakfast. We can take a few more minutes– You know– Let you finish.” He attempted to avoid addressing the situation directly, hoping that may help. He looked at her hopefully, but she sighed, shaking her head, “No, I'm good, let's just go, Jay.”
Jay's expression pulled into a frown as she stood, blood boiling fully now. Not with her, rather Kai and his behavior. He copied her, lifting himself from his seat as she grabbed the door, opening it gingerly. Frankie stepped back into the morning light on the deck, trying yet again to compose herself. Wu hummed as the pair stepped out, “Ah, so you're finally joining us?”
Frankie choked down her temper, responding, “Yes, sensei. My apologies.”
How can you look at me and pretend
I'm someone you've never met?
Frankie joined the group at the back center, positioning herself between Kai and Sepher. Jay shuffled in on Sepher's other side, aligning with the formation that Wu demonstrated. Frankie mimicked Wu’s movements, focusing intently on him as she tried to keep up. For a few minutes, everything was calm. Wu spoke in a soft tone about lessons on focus, wisdom, and similar topics.
It was difficult for Frankie to fully absorb his words on this unusual morning; they flowed through her like a calming blanket, easing her mind from earlier chaos. She knew Wu would probably be disappointed if she couldn't recite some of his teachings later, but at that moment, finding calm in the storm of her emotions felt far more important.
Suddenly, she was jolted from her tranquility as she felt a hand brush her back. She bit her lips, so as not to make any noise and have Wu notice. She didn't have to look to know who had brushed against her– Kai– none of the other boys would have made such a move.
She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a breath as she mimicked Wu's next motion, “Don't,” was the only word she could utter.
She heard him scoff, but stayed determined at first not to look at him, “Oh, what's got you fired up this morning?”
How can we go back to being friends
When we just shared a bed? (Yeah)
Frankie sneered at the question, offended he even had to ask it. Unbeknownst to her, Jay and Sepher exchanged looks beside her once more as they overheard the bickering. Sepher summoned a gentle gust of wind to circle around the ship, hoping to muffle their voices from reaching Wu. He would not be pleased to hear conversation while conducting his lessons.
“Your ego. How's that answer?” Frankie snapped, annoyance spilling through her. The feeling inside her swelled from upset to rage, yet she tried once more to ignore Kai and focus on Wu. There was silence between them for a moment, thick, tense– until Kai suddenly fired back, his tone low.
“Oh, so you enjoyed it in my bed, but not out here?
The air seemed to freeze for a moment, before starting up again; more aggressive this time.
Her heart sank low, and she almost lost track of Wu's motions in front of her, mind crying out. She managed to keep moving despite the ache that surged within, hissing, “Actually, it wasn't that great.”
Jay and Sepher continued training but grew ever uncomfortable, shifting slightly off rhythm in their movements. They hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but Frankie and Kai weren't exactly quiet at that moment. Sepher glanced at Jay and asked, “Should we—”
Jay cut him off before he could finish, “No, let it happen.”
How can you look at me and pretend
I'm someone you've never met?
Kai felt rage surge through him at her response, and Frankie smirked at the expression on his face as she caught a glimpse of him. Just as Kai was about to speak, a commanding voice pierced the air, “Enough. Both of you be quiet! You can bicker during your free time!” The entire team froze as Wu turned his attention to Kai and Frankie.
Frankie stepped back and bowed respectfully, “Apologies, Sensei!” she squeaked. Her heart raced with a mix of anger toward Kai and embarrassment over the situation she had put herself in. Her face burned with shame as she also acknowledged her disrespect toward her Sensei. Wu acknowledged her with a hum before shooting Kai a sharp look, which Kai ignored.
“Kai?” Wu prompted.
Kai groaned and bowed as well, “Sorry, Sensei.”
Wu grumbled and resumed his fighting stance in front of them. “As I was saying…” he continued from where he left off. The team trained in a volatile silence, the air stale with unspoken tension among them all. No one dared say a word, but unbeknownst to Frankie and Kai; most of the team had already started piecing together the puzzle weeks ago.
A few hours later, after their training was dismissed, Frankie tried to run to her room. She worked her short frame away quickly, even debating teleporting there– but that would look especially suspicious. As she sped off, she couldn't help but let the tears finally fall like they had this morning. Her heart throbbed with mixed emotions, and she wanted nothing more now than to be alone.
I'm someone you've never met
Oh yeah
(Extra Note: If anyone wants a different SongFic with Jay (and maybe? Sepher?) trying to comfort Frankie/address what happens later let me know! I do have some ideas for one; It wouldn't be so much a romantic ship, more a platonic thing, I see them as best friends. Thank you for reading! I enjoyed fledging this and some of the strains of Frankie and Kai's relationship out. ♡)
