Chapter Text
It had been a rough day. It felt as if the other ninja didn’t need his help unless it was a logical problem. He was once the titanium ninja, but lately he felt just like the robot ninja. Everyone, admittedly even his friends, seemed to forget he had human emotions. They went on their journeys and left Zane at the Monastery. No matter. He’d just use the extra time to think of a way to find Pixal again. Thinking was all he was good for these days.
Zane cleared his bed. After throwing his pillows on the floor, he untucked his blanket to get ready for sleep. As he was loosening the corners, there was a soft knock on the door.
“Zane,” The door softly opened, with Cole peering through. “Going to bed this early?”
He lifted his shoulders, excited by this unexpected visitor. Last he knew Cole was off at The Land of Lost Things with Geo… So much had changed since the Merge. The most difficult part was to find that five years had passed and Cole was with someone else.
“I find myself going to bed earlier and earlier.” Zane said, sadness sinking his soul again. “I don’t have anywhere exciting to go these days.”
Zane’s heart fluttered as Cole closed the door behind him. It reminded him of the old days when Cole snuck into his room to make out while the other Ninja were sleeping. He would’ve given anything for one more night like that again.
“I’ve noticed you’ve been acting differently since the Merge.” Cole said shyly.
“I could say the same for you.” Zane said flatly.
Cole picked up on it. His expression twisted. Perhaps Zane should back off. He turned away, dusting off his blankets.
He tightened his grip on the blankets. Cole didn’t even break up with him. He could tell deep in his eyes, Cole still loved him. But Cole had that same look about him when he looked at Geo. He was probably too afraid to break Zane’s heart, but it was too late for that. Cole still spent his nights with Geo, so that communicated everything Zane needed to know.
Cole placed his hand on Zane’s shoulder. The familiar embrace made tears want to escape.
“I don’t want you to be alone anymore.” Cole said.
Zane had a lump in his throat. He had everything he wanted to say, yet nothing at the same time. All he wanted was to hear Cole say he wanted to be with him. He shook away his intense emotions, and tried to look Cole in the eyes.
Cole tilted his head. “What do you say tomorrow we go to the gym? Just like the old days.”
The old days. Back when they trained together. Back when they dated.
The old days . Zane repeated in his mind. They really weren’t that long ago for him. It felt just a few months ago for him. Yet even in that short amount of time- he yearned to be with Cole again. Could this possibly be an invitation to spark their relationship again?
“I think it would be good to get me out of the monastery for a change.” Zane said.
“Good.” Cole looked at him warmly. “I know of the best gym in the Merged Lands. And get this. I have three hours to myself to invite whoever I want.”
His heart fluttered. Alone time in the gym was awfully intimate.
“I’ll tell Geo then that you’ll be joining us.”
Frozen in place, his imagination drained. So he was a charity case? Cole and Geo must’ve taken pity on him, and wanted to invite him to the gym. It was like getting picked last on a ninja ball team. But worse of all, his own boyfriend chose him last.
Clenching his fists, all is depression turned to anger. He would’ve thought Cole to be better than this. Maybe more things had changed since the merge than he suspected.
“Well, if we three have the gym all to ourselves, I’m sure there would be enough room for me to bring someone.” Zane said.
Cole blinked in surprise. Oddly changing Cole’s expectations filled him with satisfaction. Even though he cared deeply for Cole, something about making the pain equal made him sink the knife deeper.
“Uh yeah sure I guess you can bring someone.” Cole hissed through his teeth.
Zane tightened his jaw. “You are not the only one who has met new people since the merge.”
Cole tilted his head. “But you’ve been asleep for years?”
“I adapt quickly.”
Cole breathed harder. The pain was getting to him. “Who are you bringing?”
“Frohicky. I’m sure you remember him. He’s been keeping me company since I woke up.”
Cole gulped and turned away. “Alright then. I’ll be here to pick you guys up at eight.”
Quickly, Cole vacated. In that moment, Zane regretted his harshness to Cole. He didn’t want to hurt him, but it was unfair for Cole to be ignoring their romantic relationship since he’d woken up. In reality, he yearned to spend time with Cole again and catch up. Of course he’d wished others wouldn’t be joining them, but he’d take it regardless. He missed his boyfriend.