Random Ninjago Stuff

You Make Me Feel Worthy of Love

Zane sat on his bed, staring at his hands, which glinted in the dim light of his room.

It was evening, the rest of the team were downstairs, but he couldn't work up the courage to join them.

He couldn't believe they would welcome him back into their home after the things he had done.

Sixty years of fear, bloodshed, and tyranny had been caused by him. He had overthrown a realm, wiped out entire species, harmed countless people.

He was a monster, anyone could see that.

So why couldn't they?

His door creaked open, making him flinch. He quickly lifted his head, spotting Cole walking through the doorway.

"Cole?"

"Hey Frosty," Cole chirped, "Mind if I squeeze in? My room's awfully cold."

Zane frowned, "Surely I'm not the best fit for this situation? Perhaps you should ask Kai or Jay."

"They're doing a video game marathon, so they'll be up until next Tuesday," Cole stated humorously, before rubbing his eyes with a sleepy smile, "Beside, you're a great cuddle partner."

The nindroid hesitated, and Cole paused, his smile being replaced with a worried frown.

"If you don't want to, I can go-"

"No, I think I would like you to stay," Zane blurted out, before remembering his manners, "Please."

That warm smile returned to his teammate's face, and Zane felt some tension in his chest loosen upon seeing it.

"Alright, budge up."

Zane shifted to the side as Cole crawled into the bed, climbing under the covers and snuggling into a pillow.

Zane slid into a laying position, feeling arms loop around his torso, and a head rest on his chest. Cole placed his legs between Zane's, intertwining them and making it hard to separate from the Master of Earth.

Not that Zane wanted to.

"What's on your mind?" Cole asked, shuffling closer to Zane.

Zane opened his mouth, before closing it with a deep exhale. He slipped a hand under Cole to hold his waist, messing with the man's raven hair with the other.

"Nothing. Just contemplating life, I suppose."

Cole hummed, and Zane suspected he was not convinced.

"You know I'm always here if you need to talk. We all are," Earth mentioned, and Ice smiled tiredly.

"I know, Cole. And I will always be there for you, also."

The two laid in silence for quiet some time, simply enjoying each other's company, before the door opened again.

"Oh?" Pixal's voice rang through the room, then she chuckled. "Is there room for one more?"

Zane laughed despite himself, "Of course."

The samurai walked over, getting into the bed on the other side of Cole. Zane removed the hand on Cole's waist to hold hers under a pillow, while Pixal wrapped an arm over Cole, sandwiching the Earth Elemental between the two nindroids.

Cole, however, did not seem to mind, instead letting out a content sigh, moving his head to Zane's shoulder to accommodate for Pixal.

"For two tincans, you're both pretty comfortable," Cole mumbled, making the two chuckle.

"Why thank you, Cole," Pixal responded with a smile.

"Anytime, Pix."

Zane, with his hand still in Cole's hair, slowly massaged Earth's scalp, giggling as Cole visibly relaxed against him. Pixal shuffled closer to the two, managing to tangle her legs up with theirs.

"For what it's worth," She began, "I'm glad to have you all back. Especially you, Zane."

Cole hummed, closing his eyes, "Couldn't agree more."

"It is nice to be back," Ice said, "Thank you for finding me, and for not giving up on me."

"We'd cross the Underworld for you, Zane," Cole stated.

"Indeed, you are vital to us," Pixal added.

Ice smiled, "And you are vital to me. All of you are."

The two nindroids stared at each other for some time, before a soft snore caught their attention, and they realised Cole had nodded off, curled up between them.

Pixal laughed softly, "He does look quite cosy."

"Indeed, I did not think he would be able to sleep between us," Zane agreed.

The Samurai laid her head on a pillow, squeezing Zane's hand. Zane followed suit, causing Cole to stir for a moment, before returning to slumber.

"Goodnight, Zane," Pixal whispered. She then pressed a small kiss into the back of Cole's head, "Sleep well Cole."

Zane smiled, pecking Cole's forehead and squeezing Pixal's hand. "Goodnight, Pixal. Goodnight, Cole."

As Pixal went into stand by mode, Zane felt that feeling of uncertainty rise again.

The guilt clawed at his insides, threatening to consume him-

Cole shifted, startling Zane.

Almost immediately, the dread inside him was dashed away.

He was not a monster, and his family would always help him see that. They will always be there for him.

He brushed a strand of hair from Cole's face, vowing to always be there for them.

He let his eyes shut as seeds of hope and joy blossomed over the doubt, putting him at peace.