The Will Of The Fight- Cole x Oc

🍜 TWO🍜

Chapter Two:

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Three of the ninja rushed over to Skylor, who was waiting for them outside of the Noodle Shop. She was nervous-- to say the least.

"Skylor! Is it true??" Lloyd pecked at the question for reassurance.

"I think so," Skylor nodded, "I still haven't worked up the courage to ask her for certain though."

"Why not??" Nya asked.

"Because! If it really IS our Harper, then she's been missing for five years! We haven't exactly stayed in contact with her all this time. Plus we don't know why she even left!!"

"You're right. We should handle this carefully, you guys." Lloyd stamped.

"We'll know if it's her by how she reacts upon seeing you three."

"That is, if she recognizes us. We have changed a bit." Nya pointed out,

"It doesn't matter. This is Harper we're talking about. So... Let's just get this over with."

Lloyd and Nya looked at Cole and nodded.
Skylor let out a quick breath,

"Okay, how do you want to approach her? Do you want to go inside, or should I bring her out here?"

"I think --"

"Cole should go in and talk to her." Nya blurted, cutting off Lloyd.

All eyes were on her.

"The three of us approaching her might be too much. But from back in the day, she knew Cole-- she was comfortable with him. That's why HE should go in. Alone."

"You're right. Are you down with that, Cole?"

Cole took in a nervous deep breath. His hands clenched into fists and he looked inside at the maiden at Table G, enjoying another 'on-the-house' bowl.

"Yeah. Let me do this."

"Ok. Good luck."

"You've got this," Nya patted him on the back.

Skylor lead Cole inside and took her place behind the counter. Cole slowly approached Harper -- she didn't notice his presence until he had cleared his throat at her side.

"E-Excuse me?" He hummed.

"Hmm??"

She slurped up a noodle and looked up. Their eyes met and both of them froze. They were each at a loss of words. Cole took a shaky breath and sat down across her.

"Your name's Harper right?"

She nodded.

Cole cupped his hands over the other on the table top.

"You know, it's funny. We knew a girl about five years ago named Harper. She was a big part of our family. Heh, she always knew how to make me laugh."

His eyes left her gaze, and locked on the table.

"But then one day... She disappeared. Sadly, after we looked around, we couldn't find her. It was like-- she never existed. At all. Every day I missed her. Every day I wished for her return. And..." Cole stopped.

He couldn't bring himself to say any more.

Harper reached out and placed her hands on his. He looked up and saw the sad form on her face.

"If I didn't know any better," She whispered, "I bet she wished that every night, she was there with you too. I bet she wished, that every night, she could hear your stupid laugh again. I bet she missed you too, Cole."

She sniffled and leaned forward, cupping Cole's cheek with one hand. He leaned into her touch and smiled something sad.

"Why did you leave?" He asked horsley.

"I had to..." She croaked, "But I'm back now,"

"Okay..." He whispered.

Harper pulled her wallet out and placed proper payment down on the table. She and Cole got up and walked outside, where Nya and Lloyd were anxiously awaiting. Cole held her hand as if there wasn't going to be another chance. Lloyd and Nya turned to them with wide eyes.

Harper cleared her throat and gave an awkward wave.

"Hey... Long time no see."

Nya cupped her hands over her mouth, tears began to flow too. She jumped forward and threw her arms around Harper.

"You stupid!!" She cried, "You're supposed to tell your bestie before you disappear."

Harper returned the embrace and hugged her reassuringly.

"I promise I won't do it again."

"You better..."

Nya pulled away and wiped her eyes. Lloyd came in for a calmer hug, and patted her on the back.

"Welcome back, Harp,"

"Heh... Thanks, Lloyd."

'''

"Well, I should probably get a hotel..."

"You're kidding..." Nya whined.

"Not really."

Lloyd crossed his arms and shook his head.

"Not a chance, Harper. You can sleep in your old room, since we left it untouched."

"Back on the Bounty?"

"Nope. Back at the Monastery. We've had it rebuilt since you were gone. Moved your bounty room inside, exactly as it was."

"Wow... Thanks."

"Don't be so shy. Come on. It's late," Cole nudged.

The four of them nodded, and Lloyd and Nya headed towards their car. Lloyd glanced back at Cole and hollered,

"Hey Cole, you coming?"

"I ... think I'll ride with Harper, actually."

Harper laughed softly, and brushed her hair back.

"That's fine with me." 

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