Lava shipping oneshots

4. Truth or dare (part 4)

"What if Cole likes you?"

Kai froze.

Where did that come from? Kai wasn't ready for another gust of cold air straight to his heart. That was something he didn't want to hear.

Jay started to prove his point, "The way he touched you that night we were playing truth or dare. He looked so protective and was constantly whispering something to you. And don't let me start with the kiss."

"He's like that with everyone. The flirting with you for example. And I think he's just good at dares and wanted to prove it with the kiss." Kai didn't know why he was denying it. It just sounded so out of place. Like, how could he pull out so handsome person like Cole, the Master of Earth? It didn't feel real.

Jay didn't get the chance to defend his stand because Zane's voice broke into the air, calling them to lunch – or more like enjoined them to set the table and watch as the nindroid plugs away in the kitchen – and everyone started to finish off their training.

"Maybe, but just keep that in mind," Jay added with a hinting tone before walking away.

– – – – –

The others were already eating lunch, but Kai was looking for Cole. He had thought a lot about what Jay had said, and now Cole's actions made more sense. And as much as he wanted it not to be true – mostly because he didn't know if he liked Cole like that or if Jay's speculation was even right – he still felt honoured.

He went in their sleeping cabin and found Cole just lying in his bed.

Kai walked closer to the bed and saw the sadness in Cole's face, a few tears playing in his eyes. The Earth Ninja was staring blankly at the round carpet with red and pink patterns, but as soon as he sensed Kai's existence, he turned his back on the approaching ninja.

Kai gathered courage for interrupting his alone time, being well aware that he was the reason Cole was looking so down. The last time he was furious and now surrounded by an invisible cloud of melancholy. He just couldn't leave Cole like that. He wanted to fix things.

"Are you okay?" Kai asked carefully.

"Not really." Cole's sobbing voice echoed in the room.

A sympathetic smile appeared on Kai's face. He went on his knees next to the bed and placed his arms on the bed sheets. He just watched Cole whose back was facing him, head tilted and the soft smile still on his face.

"Cole."

He didn't answer so Kai decided to climb into the bed.

As Cole finally turned his side and faced the Red Ninja beside him, Kai ran his fingers through Cole's cheek and wiped away the single tear that had escaped from the eye.

"I'm sorry I made you feel like an object. I know it wasn't my intention even if I can't recall everything." Kai played softly with Cole's hair and brushed them out of his face.

"I might have overreacted a bit," Cole's quiet sniffling voice acknowledged.

"You had every right to be mad at me," Kai pointed out with a sympathetic tone.

Maybe some flirting would make Cole happier. He knew he was good at it. A smirk grew involuntarily on Kai's face. Kai knew what he was going to suggest wouldn't be the greatest pull, but he felt like showing Cole what he was capable of.

"I can make you feel better."

Cole sighed, getting immediately what Kai meant. "I don't think it's a good idea."

"But..." Kai's voice trailed off and his smile faded. "Why?"

"Because I..." Cole averted Kai's gaze.

"Fuck," Cole breathed, "I like you, Kai. And that's the problem. The things we do together might not mean anything to you but for me... I just can't put into words how it felt but when you showed up in my bed last night, part of me was happy. And I would be lying if I said I didn't want you, because I really did. I fucking did. And now I'm scared you might hate me. I just... I really, really like you." Cole held back the new forming tears in his eyes.