Chapter Text
Cole had headphones on his ears, but couldn't hear the music. Friends hugging around him, but couldn't feel them. Thoughts swirling in his mind, but Cole couldn't process them. He was feeling a bit dazed after he crashed into the Monastery wall while trying to escape the rain.
But he wasn't a ghost anymore.
So why was he so scared of water? How come he slammed into a stone wall? One would think he couldn't forget he was human again. After all, Cole could feel full. He could feel the weight of bones and muscles and organs. He had showered twice since Day of the Departed. Yet Cole kept messing up; freaking out; whatever it was, constantly. Cole loathed this confused feeling. Why couldn't he sort his emotions and feelings like a normal person already?
When he was a ghost, everything felt weaker. His body, his hunger; his feelings; even his love for cake. All of it was dampened. Now it was all fully back, completely overwhelming. And it was super awkward to bonk into walls he used to walk through and doors he now must open.
Cole blinked, trying to get his ears and mouth to obey. He looked up at Jay, who was saying something or another. Cole looked at Lloyd standing awkwardly in the corner with Nya. Kai was saying something as well. A look of sad concern was displayed on Zane’s face. Finally, he was hearing their words.
“Buddy, you gotta say something. We’re really worried.” Jay said nervously.
Cole took a breath and responded. “Sorry.”
“Cole! What have I said about this?” Nya said with a scolding tone.
“Huh?” The used-to-be-ghost furrowed his brows trying to think.
“That you don’t apologize for the fact that a massive change (and change back) in your life (and death) is confusing, disorienting, and difficult to work through. It will take time. But none of that time should be spent apologizing or feeling sorry for yourself.” Nya gave a slightly lopsided grin. “And I plan to keep my promise: That I will be here for as long as you need me.”
Kai nodded. “Well, I plan to be here as long as I can; regardless of whether or not you want me.” He grinned evilly, but his playfulness shined through.
“I, for one, am not leaving any time soon.” Zane added.
“Same!” Jay said enthusiastically.
“And no way could you get rid of me.” Lloyd bobbed his head.
Cole smiled. As overwhelming as emotions were, get decided to let the feelings of love, support, and determination flow into him. He knew he didn’t feel right at the moment, but he also trusted that someday, he would.
And he did!