"I got you something!" Jay announces. He sets a box that's been tied closed with string in your lap. "Well, technically it's from everyone, but it was my idea."

You study the box curiously. It's big enough to cover your whole lap, but not very tall, and it's lighter than you would have expected. "What is it?"

"Open it and find out!" Jay claps his hands together, like he's the one getting a present instead of you.

You untie the string and pull the lid off of the box to reveal a folded piece of fabric. It's black, but you can see some flashes of silver, as well as hints of f/c.

Jay hops up and down nervously. "Do you like it?"

"Jay..." you say slowly. "Is this what I think it is?" Without waiting for an answer, you take the object out of the box and unfold it. It's a ninja gi, black with f/c and silver highlights .

Jay throws his arms around you and hugs you tightly. "It's yours! I mean, you probably knew that already, but it's a ninja gi. For you. You're gonna need a gi if you're going to be a ninja, after all—"

You wave your arms to stop him. "Wait, what?"

"Whoops." Jay rubs the back of his head with one hand. "Did I forget to mention that part? I guess so," he says when you open your mouth to answer. "Well, Sensei was so impressed with you rescuing me from the Serpentine, he said you could join our team if you wanted. Then we could be together all the time! What do you think?"

You sit back, stunned. Sensei Wu wants you to be a ninja? A year and a half ago, you never would have dreamed that you could be a ninja. And now, here you are, with a ninja suit in your hands and the opportunity right in front of you. But...

Is this what you really want? After all, you've got another future ahead of you, too. You came to college to become an astronomer, and if you become a ninja, you'll have to give that up. You can't stay in college and also be a ninja. You're already working hard to keep your grades up as it is. You're going to have to choose.

"Jay, I'm flattered—and honored," you say slowly. "But I'm not really interested in being a ninja. I can't go around fighting enemies and keeping Ninjago safe the way you can. I'd rather study the stars."

"But—but—" Jay protests. "You were incredible, y/n. Are you sure you don't want to join the team? If it's because you're a girl—"

"That has nothing to do with it," you reply. "Look, don't hesitate to ask me if you really need help, but being a ninja full-time? It's just not for me."

Jay sighs. "Okay, I guess I can respect that. But you know, if you ever change your mind—"

"You'll be the first to know," you promise with a smile.

"I was going to say you'll always be welcome on our team, but that too."

"Jay Imperial Walker..."

"What?"