Random Ninjago Stuff

I can't lose you (again)

TW: talk of suicidal tendencies

"Cole, I believe you've been avoiding me," Zane stated at dinner.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Zane," Cole responded, face and voice completely monotone.

Everyone else shared a glance, wondering what was going on.

"Ever since the mission, you have consistently gotten out of every conversation I have started, you have left every room I've entered, and you shrugged off assisting me in the kitchen, which I know you usually enjoy doing."

"Well, you all always say I suck at cooking, maybe it finally got through," Cole said.

"We both know that is not the case." Cole remained silent, and Zane sighed, "Did I do something to upset you?"

"No, why would I be upset? You can do what you want."

"It was the mission, isn't it?"

"Whatever do you mean?"

Wu cut in, "Cole-"

"You are mad I took that blow for you," Zane guessed.

"Like I said: do what you want, Zane. If you wanna constantly put yourself at risk, why should I try to stop you?"

"Cole, I understand you might be worried, but I assure you, I know what I'm doing."

"No, you don't.

"What are-"

"You've died at least once, Zane. You've been presumed dead another two times. You constantly put yourself in harm's way for us, and frankly I'm sick it."

Zane chuckled lightly, "Cole, I'm a nindroid, it is virtually impossible for me to truly die. Even if my body is destroyed, I can always upload my consciousness elsewhere."

"Well what if you can't one day?" Cole demanded, staring at Zane with sudden anger. "Just because you're a nindroid- it doesn't mean you're immortal. I am sick of watching you recklessly dance along the line between life and death, Zane.
I am sick of that feeling just after you sacrifice yourself, the feeling that my entire world has crumbled right before me, the feeling that someone I care about has once again been ripped from me. I am sick of staying awake late at night, worrying that one day, you're going to leave, and you're not going to come back!"

"Cole, I did not realise you felt this way."

"Of course you don't. Because all you think about is that you've saved us, right? You think you're such a hero, and maybe you are, but what you're doing: it's suicidal, and it's selfish. You don't see the aftermath of you leaving. I love you, Zane, we all love you, and I love that you stand up for what's right. That's something we have in common. But if you put yourself in the line of fire for us again, I might not be around to see if you come back, because I don't know how many more times I can lose you."

Cole then took a breath and stood up, his food untouched on his plate.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm going to my room. I don't think I have much of an appetite tonight."

Wu nodded, and Cole turned to leave, when Zane spoke again.

"I do not believe you can lecture me on suicidal tendencies, my friend."

Cole stopped and, without looking back, responded, "Or maybe I'm just the person to lecture you on it. You're going down the exact same path I went down Zane, and trust me, that path is lonely and painful. So just be grateful someone spotted the signs before you went too far."

Zane fell silent, and Cole exited the room, leaving the others in stunned silence.