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aweebwrites · 5 years ago

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Fluttering Wings

“Jay, seriously. Leave this to me alright.” Cole huffed, pushing away the now pouting, curly haired male with a black wings that faded into brown at the end, the brown lighting up to a golden orange colour in the sun.

“But I want to help!” Jay protested, his blue wings that held darker and lighter blue spots close the end were ruffled up as he prepared to throw a fit.

“Jay, you know Cole makes the best nest. Let him do his thing. You on the other hand, need to stop messing up your feathers when I just fixed them.” Kai says with a tone of light irritation as he pulled Jay close to him, his red wings that held feathers that transitioned from red to orange and at the very tips, gold folded against his back.

“Yeah but this is different! He’s coming over today! Everything has to be perfect!” Jay says anxiously, fidgeting as Kai continued to attempt- and continued to fail- trying to fix his feathers.

“Listen bluebird, we know you’re nervous- heck, we are too! But we gotta keep our cool. Too much excitement might chase him off. He’s not Kai who likes that sort of thing. He’s… Quieter.” Cole says as he stepped back and looked at their much larger nest, made out of the softest blankets and pillows they could find now built much wider if they were lucky enough for him to possibly end up staying the night.

They had nothing carnal in mind. Not when they were still getting to know each other.

“Yeah. Cole’s right. We have to keep calm and not have the whole place stinking of three nervous idiots.” Kai says wryly as he stepped away from Jay to push open the windows so they could air out their anxious scents. “Zane’s cool and level headed. This might make him feel pressured.” He says as he opened the balcony door then stepped out to give his wings a shake, grimacing at his own anxious scent all but dripping off his wings.

He folded his wings against his back again and kept them that way. As long as he had them folded, it’s harder for him to reek of desperation. The thing is, they’ve gotten to really like Zane. A normal person would say that them liking Zane was expected as he was their missing soulmate and that they should really not be making such a big deal about this- and Kai would reply rather rudely that they clearly don’t have a soulmate to know what bullshit just came out of their mouth. Being soulmates didn’t guarantee that their relationship would be perfect nor that anything is guaranteed. Very few people in this world had soulmates and a fraction of those people actually have a functioning relationship with their soulmates.

Cole and Jay hated his guts at first and he wasn’t a fan of them either. He was a wild card, chasing the tail feathers of any pretty girl or guy. He was in for quick flings. Settling down wasn’t something he was interested in and stumbling across Cole and Jay, seeing that their feathers matched two of the three soul bound feathers in his primaries had him panicking and pushing them as far away as he could. He had ran into them again while he was out with Nya and pulled his asshole act again- and she had almost kicked his ass and forced him to find them and apologize. He could have simply told them that he wasn’t ready for something serious but his fight or flight was a bit wonky to say the least. Considering that they lived in the area, they weren’t hard to find. He apologized and actually talked with them and well…

He found out they weren’t too bad. Sure he already knew appearance wise, they were both his type but they had personalities he liked and could get along with. They started to hang out more often, he started spending time at their place and… Before he knew it, Cole was asking him to move in. He had fallen into a relationship with them and hadn’t even realized it until then. And the thing is… He found himself wanting to say yes, to take that next step with them… So he did… And here he was, far happier than he had been with his touch and go flings. Kai turned around and looked off the balcony, at the view of the sea not too far away. He knew he wasn’t the most likable person, had chalked Cole and Jay liking him after all he said them having shitty tastes in people. Zane was… Different. He was nothing like Jay’s constant energy or like his fiery personality (Jay’s words, not his) or even like Cole’s supportive presence. He was… Cool. But not in a bad way. He always has this look in his absolutely stunning blue eyes looking at them. Something soft and fond. It was hard to describe. Something like… An autumn wind. That cool wind blowing by, wrapping you up and reminding you that winter’s on the way.

“Getting poetic, aren’t we?” Cole mumbled as he wrapped his arms around Kai’s waist, startling him a bit.

“Shit…” Kai swore, covering his face with one hand as he blushed, realising he probably said most of what he was thinking out loud.

“Hey don’t worry about it.” Cole murmured into his spiky hair. “Believe me, he’s doing things to us too. I can’t stop thinking of how much I want to bury my face into his feathers… They look so soft…” He whispered, lifting his right wing so he could look at the pure white feather there, in between a spotty blue feather and a red feather that transitioned like flames.

“God, right? And he smells so good too. Like- like-”

“Fresh snow.” Jay helpfully added as he walked over to join them, burying his face into Kai’s shoulder once he pulled him close, his fiery wings wrapping around them. “I want him to hug me like this…” He mumbled into Kai’s shirt, his freckled ears turning pink at the quiet confession.

“I want to see his feathers in our nest…” Kai whispered, imagining how well those beautiful white feathers would look with theirs.

Jay gave a pitiful whine at the confession, Cole releasing a dreamy sigh over them.

“... Fuck, he really has us wrapped around his finger, doesn’t he?” Kai says in realisation.

He received two confirming grunts from his soulmates.

“... And for the record, you’re like fine wine. It’s an acquired taste not everyone will get.” Cole murmured after a while and Kai snorted, his flush returning but lighter, enough to show off his faint freckles even more.

“Come on. Zane will be here any minute now. He likes tea so we should make him some.” Kai says, breaking away from their cuddle pile.

“Do we even have any tea leaves?” Cole asked as Jay hopped over the low partition to their nest, his wings helping him land safely in the living space of the very open concept house Jay’s birth father gave him for his 18th birthday.

The only room that had walls was the bathroom

“Uh no but I should still have that box of Jasmine tea…” Jay called out as he padded into the kitchen on bare feet.

“That tea you bought like a month back when you were in a tea craze?” Kai asked as he too hopped over the railing, Cole being the only one taking the stairs. “Is’t that expired?” He asked as Jay checked the cupboards and found them way in the back of the top cupboard.

“Nope. It still has a solid year left on it.” Jay says as he climbed down the step ladder it took him weeks to swallow his pride to use. “Can I do this much?” He asked Kai, looking at him with large blue eyes and Kai huffed.

“Alright fine.” He caved and Jay beamed, setting the box down on the kitchen island and took out the kettle.

“If he burns down the place, you’re the one who’s gonna have to explain that to Mr. Gordon.” Cole commented as he pulled his hair that draped just past his shoulders into a messy bun.

“I’m just boiling water!” Jay protested.

“Just like you were just making toast?” Cole asked him with an arched brow.

“That still isn’t my fault! The toaster malfunctioned!” Jay huffed as he set the kettle filled with water on the stove and turned it on.

“Uh-huh. And who was the one tampering with the toaster because it ‘Couldn’t get my toast just right’?” Cole asked and Jay sputtered in insult, his wings puffing up as he did.

“Kai! Cole’s being mean to me!” He complained and Kai snorted.

“You brought this down on yourself Bluejay.” Kai told him, amused as he sat around the kitchen island.

“Both of you! So cruel to team up on me, your soulmate! I thought you loved me!” Jay pushed his voice to break as he swiped nonexistent tears away from his eyes.

“‘Course we love you doll…” Cole says softly and Jay smiled at him.

“But you’re also fun to tease.” Kai added and Jay looked insulted.

“Our Blazebird has a point.” Cole grinned and Jay looked even more insulted.

“Mean!” He yelled, throwing his hands up and both Cole and Kai laughed- only for them to all jolt once their doorbell wrung.

“Oh fuck I think I’m about to throw up.” Kai admitted, his own wings ruffling up anxiously.

“Don’t.” Cole says as he got up to answer. “Deep breaths. Keep cool.” Cole murmured to himself as he stopped before the door.

He took a deep breath then opened it- only to deflate at the sight of the mailman.

“Package for Jay Walker.” He says handing him a box.

“Yeah. I’ll take it.” Cole says as he accepted then signed the paper presented to him.

He then looked the box over as the mailman left and was about to head in- when he spotted bring white in the morning sun. He knew those wings anywhere.

“Zane!” Cole called out and the platinum blond whirled around at his name, blinking at the house then looking relieved once he saw Cole.

“Cole. Hi. I’m glad to see you.” Zane says as he was close enough, his smile having Cole’s heart thumping against his chest. “I admit, I thought I was lost for a moment there.” He says sheepishly and Cole all but melted.

“No worries. We should have probably warned you houses around here are a bit far apart.” Cole says, rubbing the back of his neck, that detail slipping him. “Uh, but come in. We have some tea on the stove. I hope you don’t mind Jasmine tea…” Cole says as he stepped aside with the box under his arm still.

“It’s my favorite.” Zane smiled, walking in.

He noticed immediately that all their shoes were left by the door and didn’t hesitate to comply. He wouldn’t want to offend them… Cole on the other hand was thanking Jay for buying that specific flavor.

“We had breakfast already but if you’re hungry, we could fix you something…” Cole suggested, knowing it was early still.

“It’s alright. Echo would never let me leave home without eating.” Zane smiled, setting his shoes and socks aside, allowing Cole to usher him over to the kitchen that was visible from the door, the whole house completely opened up.

It was… Nice. The ceiling was really high too, perfect for short flights if any of them needed it appears.

“Zane, hey. Glad you could make it.” Kai smiled at him and Zane returned it.

“Hiya Zane! I’ll have your tea ready in a sec.” Jay says as he moved to attend to the now whistling kettle.

“By the way Jay, you have a package from your parents.” Cole says, holding it up.

“Sweet. Put it wherever. I’ll open it later.” Jay says as he reached for the fine china his parents and his father insisted he keep in case of guests.

Those three really did think of everything, huh?

“You can sit if you’d like.” Kai gestured to the seat next to him as Cole set the box down on the coffee table in the living space.

“You all live rather close to the sea. I never expected that.” Zane says as he took the seat offered to him.

“Really? Is it that much of a shocker?” Jay asked, placing the tea with one sugar before him, smiling once Zane offered him a quiet thank you.

“Not quite. It's more along the lines of… I haven’t seen the sea in person.” Zane shrugged then sipped his tea, humming at the taste.

“Really?” Cole asked as he took the seat on Zane’s other side, Jay sitting across from him.

“Really. While our father never kept us cooped up at home, the beach was somewhere we’ve never actually thought to go to somehow.” Zane told them after a sip of his tea. “We’ve climbed mountains, camped in the most remote of forests, went caving… But never the beach… Now that I think about it, I'm sure Echo would love it.” He gave a fond smile as he spoke, thinking of his younger brother.

That gave Jay an idea.

“Then how about we spend a day at the beach next time?” He grinned and Zane blinked at him with wider eyes. “It’ll be fun! You can bring Echo, Kai can bring Nya and she can bring her girlfriends if she likes!” He says and Kai considered that.

It could actually be fun. It’s been a while since he hung out with his sister. She was all too happy to see him out of their childhood home after all and he was sure that definitely has something to do with the silver and red haired girls she’s been seeing for a while.

“Sounds fun.” Zane admits with a small smile, taking another sip of his tea.

He’s met Kai’s sister and her girlfriends briefly once he met up with Kai in New Ninjago City once…

“We could even bring our son alo-”

Zane choked on his tea as the words left Kai’s mouth, all of them jumping into action as Zane coughed, setting the almost empty cup of tea aside, Cole patting his back as Jay slid him a cup of water quickly. He accepted it gratefully, nodding at Kai’s concerned questioning as he drank. He sighed as he set the cup down then swiped at his watering eyes.

“I’m sorry.” Zane immediately apologized once he found his voice. “You’ve… Never told me you had a son.” He says, looking around at them for hopefully, a explanation.

“Oh.” Cole says quietly, a small frown on his face.

“... We… Thought you knew.” Kai whispered as he frowned too.

“Yeah. We’re… Listed as Lloyd’s parents…” Jay says, more confused than anything.

“Oh…” Now Zane felt foolish.

He did meet Cole at the Elementary School he worked at, had seen that their names were listed in the parent/guardian section, but Lloyd, who so happened to be in his class, looked nothing like either of the three of them nor did he have any of their last names so… He had simply assumed they were more distant relatives of the eager little blond boy… He felt an embarrassed flush travel up his neck as he folded his snow white wings- save for three of their feathers in his primaries of each of his wings- tighter against his back to prevent them from covering him as they did on their own when he was embarrassed.

“I’m sorry… I- I had assumed…” He looked down at his pale hands, feeling his face turning red.

“That we’re his uncles? Or even friends of his parents? Yeah don’t worry about it. We get that a lot.” Kai huffed, breaking the ice in their conversation.

“I mean, sure we aren’t his biological parents but we are his parents still.” Jay shrugged and Zane felt even more embarrassed.

Of course adoption was an option. He might have put his whole foot in his mouth here… Now that he thought of it, he made himself sound as if-

“... The question is… Us being Lloyd’s dads… Is that a dealbreaker?” Cole asked, all eyes on him now.

“No! Not at all!” Zane was quick to say, looking up to meet Cole’s eyes again. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. Lloyd’s a great kid with a big heart. Despite the tough times he’s had, he’s strong to push through them like he has…” He says softly, thinking back to his first day, how wary he was when his other students were actually being nice to him.

Now, he and Nelson were fast friends.

“... Things have been tough for him.” Kai admits, glancing up at the other side of the platform where their nest was.

That area was where Lloyd’s ‘room’ was, his small nest having little green and gold feathers all over, along with their larger ones, the area filled with comics and his prized completed collection Starfarer Comics Jay’s father- his grandfather- happily signed for him in a trophy case. He was spending the weekend with Nya and her partners so they could have the time to connect more with Zane.

“With his father’s passing and his mother’s… ‘Means’ of taking care of him…” Jay frowned, remembering that hellish boarding school they basically rescued him from.

“But he’s a good kid. The best kid in our biased opinion. We love the little squirt.” Cole huffed, eyes lingering to the drawing he put up on the fridge he found after Nya came to pick him up.

It took a keen eye to realise, but they could clearly see a figure of each of them hugging him close, their wings protecting him. Even Zane was there, his figure in light blue. That was no surprise to them though. Zane was one of his favorite persons. He likes to make that clear when they don’t give him candy before bed. He was rather excited once they sat him down to explain they would try dating the blond too. Zane couldn’t hold back a smile at the collective expression he’s come to name ‘loving father look’ that had appeared on all of their faces. They were good men with a great son. Each of their hearts were large and filled with nothing but love to give and… Zane wasn’t ashamed to say… He’d like to be a part of this, to be loved and give love in return.

“Ah. Your shirt.” Kai says and Zane looked down at his white button down that was spotted with the tea he had choked on. “I can throw it in the washer if you like. Cole can loan you a shirt in the meantime…” He suggested.

“Sure.” Zane nodded, not quite able to resist the idea of being wrapped up in any of their clothes, carrying their scent.

“Follow me.” Cole says as he slid off the stool, heading further in the room. Zane followed behind him as Jay got to washing up the cups he used, Kai drying them.

He walked up the out of the way stairs, looking out through the large glass wall it was built against as he did, noticing a lovely flower garden outside, no doubt in his mind that it was Cole’s handy work. He was a florist after all. He looked up at Cole’s broad back that held large wings, the brown ends shimmering to golden orange in the rays of sun that hit it. Breathtaking. Zane wanted to bury his face into those feathers. At the top of the stairs, Cole headed for the closet whose doors were made completely of glass to make the area feel even larger. Zane couldn’t help but eye their large nest decorated in their loose feathers, their scents strong here. It was clear they spend a lot of time here.

“Is this alright?” Cole asked and Zane snapped his head up to where he held up a black band t-shirt. “I can find something else if-”

“No, it’s alright. Thank you.” Zane smiled, though the truth was that the shirt was well worn, which meant it was one of Cole’s favorite shirts.

He wanted to wear it just because of that.

“Alright. Then I’ll leave you to it. Come down when you’re done.” The larger male smiled as he handed over the shirt then headed downstairs.

Zane watched him go then glanced back at their nest. If he was a man of lesser control, he would have rubbed himself all over their nest like a cat. But he had morals. He unbuttoned his shirt then slipped it off his shoulder and shaking them off his wings. He then held the dark shirt up and turned it around, noticing that the wing holes were rather large. It only meant that sliding them on would be easier. He slipped the shirt on, his wings sliding out the back with ease. It smelled strongly of not just Cole, but all three of them. If Zane didn’t know better, he’d think they had marked it before putting it down. Though he can entertain the thought… He pulled his left wing close when he felt an itch, combing his fingers through the white feathers- then hummed once one of his normal primaries slipped free. He looked over the single feather- then their nest. He bit his lip.

Should he? He twirled his own feather in thought before he walked closer to their nest and set it down inside. He did want this so why not? With that, he scooped up his shirt and headed back downstairs, ready to spend the day with them.

________

Jay woke up sluggishly, an unfamiliar scent under his nose. He kept his eyes closed, not willing to so much as move yet. Though, he was curious. Did Cole lose weight? His chest and arms wrapped around his waist was a lot less cushioned by muscle… He blinked his eyes open curiously, tilting his head up to look up at Cole- only for his eyes to bulge open at the sight of Zane who was still fast asleep above him, his long platinum blond lashes resting against his pale cheeks as he breathed evenly. Holy shit. Holy fucking shit. Zane was- Jay laid his head back against his chest, his cheeks a rosy red but he was not about to get up and ruin this. This was exactly what he wanted, to be held by Zane like this- and it was happening! He nuzzled into his chest with a soft purr, the alpha in him pleased to be right where he needed to be. He smiled still, noticing right next to him, was Cole laying down on the longer side of the L shaped couch they had, his face buried into the soft looking under feathers of Zane’s opened wing, Kai tucked into his side, both of them fast asleep still.

He remembered now. They spent most of the day talking about any and everything under the sun, Zane making them dinner while they helped and Cole helped by keeping things clean. They had talked over dinner too, and when they had ran out of things to talk about, the silence falling over them being warm and comfortable, they decided to watch a movie. They must have fell asleep soon after, none of them paying attention to the clock the entire time. They hadn’t planned to have Zane spend the night- as much as they wanted to- but judging by the brightening sky he could see through one of the several glass walls the house had. Well. Jay yawned, eyes feeling heavy again. No changing the past…

_____

“Oh my god.”

“These dorks.”

“Shh! You’ll wake them!”

“Hey dad! Wake up!”

“Lloyd no-”

Too late, all three of his fathers were jolting awake at the sound of their son’s voice.

“Lloyd? You ok green bean?” Kai slurred as he and Cole pushed themselves up, Cole pulling Lloyd into his arms.

“M’ fine dad!” The 8 year old whined, trying to squirm free from his father’s tight hug, his small green and gold wings puffing up as he did.

“Cole, give him some breathing space. ‘S ok.” Jay murmured from his place half sitting up next to Zane, the latter yawning as he was also awoken by the commotion.

Cole nods then released Lloyd though with some difficulty. Usually whenever Lloyd ends up waking them up, it’s because of a nightmare and his omega nature would refuse to let him go unless he was 110% positive that he was ok. He hasn’t had one in months but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be ready to comfort.

“I thought we agreed that you’d bring Lloyd back tomorrow, sis.” Kai mumbled around a yawn, resting against Cole as he reached out to ruffle Lloyd’s hair, the latter batting his hand away as he did.

“Uh, today is tomorrow.” Skylor says, gesturing to their digital clock next to the tv. They all blinked at the 10:34 AM it showed in bright green.

That had Zane quickly reaching for his phone on the coffee table before him, seeing 7 new messages from Echo and 4 missed calls.

“Shoot. Echo.” Zane murmured as he shot off a quick message to reassure his brother that he was fine and that he had accidentally fallen asleep. “I should get going soon.” He says as he ran his fingers through his messy hair, drawing all three of his soulmate’s attention to it.

His hair was usually impeccable and seeing it messy like this…

“Aw already? But I just got here!” Lloyd protested, pouting up at Zane with large green eyes.

“Yeah, he just got here.” Jay says, mimicking Lloyd’s pout and Zane couldn’t help but laugh, his smile brightening his face up in such a way that had all three fathers looking at him with a dopey expression on their faces.

“Well… I haven’t eaten yet so I’m sure I could stay for another hour or two…” Zane says lightly and Lloyd gave a happy whoop as he jumped up, his wings keeping him airborne.

“What do you guys say? Stay for brunch?” Cole asked as he got up, reaching up to take Lloyd from the air, keeping him in arms still, as he was still rather small for his age.

Nya shared a look with her girlfriends.

“I don’t see why not.” She shrugged.

“I’m not due to meet up with my father until much later so I have time.” Pixal says as she took Jay and Zane’s place on the couch once they got up.

“Eh. The shop’s fine if I don’t visit for one day.” Skylor shrugged.

“Can we have chocolate pancakes with chocolate chips and chocolate syrup and chocolate-”

“Woah woah. Easy there on the chocolate there bud.” Kai says lightly as Cole watched them search around the kitchen for something to make.

“A sugar high Lloyd first thing in the morning? No thank you.” Jay huffed as he found some waffle mix.

“I gotta agree with your dads little guy.” Cole told him and Lloyd huffed at them.

“Mr Zane would let me eat it.” He says as he crossed his arms.

“Mr. Zane would not let you anywhere candy this early and Mr. Zane certainly would not let you eat that much in one go.” Zane spoke up as he pulled milk and eggs out of the fridge.

“Yeah but they weren’t supposed to know that!” Lloyd whispered with a betrayed expression and they couldn’t help but laugh at that.

“They’re rather cozy, hmm?” Skylor says as she dropped down next to Pixal.

“As they should be.” Nya hummed as she pulled Pixal up then sat in her place, setting her down to sit in her lap grinning as her face flushed lightly. “Those dorks are perfect for each other.” She says as she brushed her red wing that faded into maroon and blue at the ends brushed against Pixal’s silver coloured ones that held purple stripes in them, Skylor tucking her amber coloured ones tipped with red over Nya’s other wing as they cuddled close, hearing Lloyd whine about how everyone is being mean to him and that they should apologize with candy.

___

Much later on, when Zane, Nya, Pixal and Skylor had left and Lloyd had finally burnt his excitement out for having so many persons over, Jay flew up to his room, landing on the platform silently then walking over to his nest. He set him inside carefully before pulling out his covers and tucking him in. He then stood back, his heart softening at the sight of their small, blond son as he laid on his side, his hands curled tightly around Jay's old wump plushie his parents sent yesterday as he slept soundly, his face relaxed. He stretched as he turned away, leaving him to nap. He felt as if he could take one himself. He walked across to their area, ready to climb into their nest- when he froze.

“U-uh. Kai? Cole?” Jay called, barely able to keep his voice from cracking while keeping his voice low enough to not wake Lloyd.

“What’s up?” Kai asked as he walked out of the kitchen area, looking up to where Jay was as he dried his hands.

“Come here. Now.” Jay insists and Kai looked back at Cole, both of them sharing a wary look before they both moved, Kai spreading his wings, reaching him in two flaps.

“What’s-” Kai cut himself off, his eyes widening at what laid in their nest.

“What’s going on?” Cole asked seriously, his still spread wings tense with apprehension.

Jay only stepped out of his way and Cole’s breath caught at the sole white feather there laying innocently there.

“... What are the chances of this being an accident?” Kai whispered softly, unable to keep his eyes off the pure white feather.

“Zane’s not the type to just shed his feathers and leave them anywhere.” Cole immediately declined.

“So then…” Jay whispered then swallowed thickly and Kai nodded.

“Yeah…” The spiky haired male nodded.

For a courting pair- or in this case, group-, whenever a feather is left in the home of the one courting, it’s a symbol that the person being courted is interested in continuing their courting… But if they should leave a feather in somewhere more personal, somewhere that was their nest… It was a clear sign that they accepted their courtship and is willing to move onto the next step. Depending on the couple, the next step could be anything. But in their case, the next step was scenting to declare that they were taken. They just nabbed themselves their fourth. Jay couldn’t help but grin widely as Kai moved to tuck his feather in a spot where all three of their feathers remained nestled together, the white standing out beautifully amidst their colours.

“Lloyd’s going to freak.” He murmured as he stepped back to admire it.

“Lloyd? I’m freaking right now!” Jay squeaked, his wings fluttering in his excitement, lifting him off the ground a few inches.

“We might have to change a few plans then.” Cole murmured, gaining his soulmate’s attention. “We’ll have to push the beach gathering to Sunday and have Zane come over on Saturday to make things official. We can use Sunday to announce it to the others and make it a party.” He suggested.

“That’s not a bad idea actually. I can invite my mom and dad and I’m sure my father can come along. Lloyd can even bring along his friends at school if he wants.” Jay says with a wide smile.

“But Saturday has to be perfect.” Kai says seriously and they all shared a look.

“I’ll get my laptop.” Jay huffed, heading downstairs for it, knowing they were about to buy everything they could to make Saturday as romantic- and as comfortable for Zane- as they could.

______________ (There's zero plot here. I just wanted poly fluff so I wrote me some poly fluff. Hope you liked it! Thanks for reading!

Edit: As for the ABO section of things, it's not a fixed thing. It's a case where it's more of a role in the relationship, not a biological thing. Omegas are those in the relationship that spend a lot of their time at home, taking care of the household and their partners. They're the nurturing kind. Alphas are usually seen as the breadwinners of the relationship. They go out, they work, bring back that dough, etc. Betas are usually children (no matter their age) of the alpha and omega. There can be relationships with two alphas or two omegas. Being an alpha or an omega in a relationship doesn't really hold much ground though. Sure it entices certain reactions out of them but it's not that huge of a deal in this au. Nobody really cares if someone is an alpha or omega. But yeah scenting is a pretty big thing for them though. No heats or ruts either. It's just a peaceful little au [though I kinda wanna write a semi normal ABO fic with them one day].)

#ninjago #cole ninjago #jay ninjago #kai ninjago #zane ninjago #lloyd ninjago #nya ninjago #pixal ninjago #skylor ninjago #background ninjago characters #plasmashipping #Glaciershipping #technoshipping #bruiseshipping #oppositeshipping #lavashipping #volcaniclightningshipping #polyninja #aweebwrites' work

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aweebwrites · 4 years ago

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Cost of the Crown

I had this random idea just now while writing Move on Dragons ch 31 and like, ofc it’s Glacier because I have no self control. I most likely won’t end up writing it sadly, but here’s what I got:

Warning: blood, very light gore (it’s not described but implied) and character death.

Zane is the ruler of the pristine yet frozen kingdom in the far north. He still has his elemental powers which is the reason he’s ruling there to begin with. He keeps his kingdom protected from the outside forces of other kingdoms who lust for his empire for it’s wealth in minerals- gold, diamonds, emeralds, you name it. His empire is considered a blessed one because of the abundance, almost never ending supply of those precious minerals. Trade just isn’t enough for those kingdoms, and so, he closes his boarders to every kingdom, save for the south kingdom ruled by twins of fire and water (Nya and Kai obvs).

Background aside, Cole was born and raised in Zane’s empire, growing up to admire the frosty Emperor since he too, was young. (Elementals are immortals here I forgot to say. They’re relatively new here though, so Zane’s only like, 2 or 3 years older than Cole) Since his father and mother worked in the castle (his father is a bard of the Emperor, former and present while Lilly is one of Zane’s guards), he had plenty of opportunities to interact with Zane, so they’re childhood friends. Zane often shared his troubles and fears about becoming an emperor with him and Cole is always quick to tell him he’d do fine and that he’d become the strongest soldier so he could always be by his side to protect him. Naturally, as they grew up, their feelings of friendship became deeper.

Cole’s mother and the old emperor died in an ambush while making their way to the southern kingdom for a ceremony they were invited to. Zane blamed himself for that, for not being there to protect them with his powers but naturally, Cole wouldn’t have that. Zane soon after gets crowned as the Emperor at roughly 14 and they hadn’t gotten to spend much time together after that. He was busy ruling his kingdom and Cole was busy fighting his way up the ranks.

So 6 full years passed without Zane seeing Cole even once while Cole had been watching him become a benevolent but lonesome ruler, defending the kingdom with just a few movements of his hands. Finally, Cole was appointed as Zane’s main guard. This caught Zane by surprise naturally, but in a good way. They got even closer than before in a matter of hours and Cole wormed his way back to his side always. He’s often the cause of Zane’s smiles. Their feelings grew even more and one night while bidding Zane to sleep, Cole took the plunge and kissed him. Before Cole could make a run for it afterwards like he planned, Zane just drags him into his room and ordered for them not to be disturbed. You can guess what happens there.

So they start courting from there. Everything’s going fine and dandy for a few years- and Cole even proposes- but things go wrong when a direct attack was launched at the kingdom, a few other smaller kingdoms coming together to take the ice kingdom down, using fireballs to melt through its packed ice walls and boulders to break through the stone walls beneath. Considering that they had no elementals in their league, they were easy to take down, but their numbers meant that they managed to get into the Kingdom and managed to even kill a few people. The one who organized it all (leaning towards Chen) only used them as a means to an end, to get inside the kingdom. And while Zane was busy weaving his elemental powers to drive back the forces, with Cole taking care of anyone who got too close, he managed to get in close. Cole did spot him and tried to apprehend him, but he managed to sling his vengestone Kusari-fundo around Zane’s neck before he was taken down.

Now, in this, Vengestone doesn’t just take away an elemental’s power while in contact with them. It also weakens them drastically, like kryptonite to superman. It’s a relatively light chain but to Zane’ it was as unmoving as rock and he collapses with it. He couldn’t pull it off for the life of him. Cole knows about Vengestone, knows that it’s only available in two places. This very kingdom, deep in the mines... Or in the southern Kingdom, their supposed allies. He doesn’t have time to think about it though. He needed to take care of this guy and get those chains off Zane. He and Chen fight while Zane struggles with the chains still, Chen’s forces making a comeback and preventing any of Zane’s soldiers from coming through. Chen’s tough and he plays dirty, throwing ground pepper in Cole’s eyes to blind him. Cole knew if Chen manages to get to Zane’s he’d kill him, and he wasn’t about to let that happen. Even though he’s blinded, he fights still, somehow managing to predict where Chen is, until he can somehow see where he was standing, see the shift in his stance as ripples through the ground (yes, like Toph) and he’s starting to win. Chen isn’t pleased with this at all. Unfortunately for him, Cole is not only strong, but he’s been training for years to protect Zane. Cole stabs him in the chest with his sword and lets him fall back off the edge of the high wall.

He finally gets to Zane, not even realizing that his strange sense of sight vanished once he touched the chains, nor that he felt weaker. He yanks them off and helps Zane up as he fuses over his swollen eyes. Zane suddenly makes a surprised sound as he senses something coming at them at high speed then shifts them. An arrow he could make out- but Cole refused to let him take any for him and quickly whirls the other way still, holding him to his body tightly with eyes squeezed shut. He was waiting to feel it pierce him... but it never happened. Turns out, not only did Zane’s ice act on its own to protect them... so did the stone wall below the ice, shooting up and combining with the ice to protect them both, forming something that looked suspiciously like... Diamond.

Zane’s the one to put it together, seeing him battle Chen while being blinded as if he could see... And now this? Cole... Cole was like him, an elemental. Before he could share the news however, he spots someone behind Cole- and Chen stabs Cole in the back with his own sword, the same sword stabbing through Zane’s shoulder. All Zane could hear was his own heartbeat, the pain of having his shoulder pierced not reaching him at all. In a fit of rage, he impales Chen on an ice spike from below, splitting him open and pulling the sword out in the process. Zane clings to Cole tighter, whispering no over and over again, using his ice to try and patch the wound, to prevent him from bleeding out, but he could only do son on the surface, the inside bleeding out still. Zane’s sobbing, knowing Cole was dying right before his eyes and he could do nothing whatsoever about it. Cole just hushes him with blood running down his chin and tells him that he’ll be fine, he can go on, that he had to, to keep protecting the people. He manages a kiss to his forehead and tells him that he loves him, that the afterlife won’t stop that. And then he collapses in Zane’s arms, his weight forcing Zane to lay him down. Zane’s frantic all over again, checking to see if he was breathing- but no, he wasn’t.

He just... Stares down at him in disbelief because just this morning, everything was perfect, they had woken up in bed together, had cuddled and talked and laughed and loved... And now... Now... Zane started glowing, gritting his teeth as rage and grief swallowed him, the force of his powers intensifying, wrapping around him, gathering, growing. The sight paused the war below that was still raging, everyone looking up as he floated upwards, ice and snow whirling around him. He screamed then and a roar came, swallowing it as a massive dragon of pure ice and cold was birthed behind him, taking his rage and grief as its own and descending on the war, blasting razor sharp shards of ice and hail, killing and rampaging. But the dragon wouldn’t touch those of the kingdom, its deadly force turning to but simple snow on contact with those who were of his kingdom while those who had come to rage war were mercilessly slaughtered. Zane collapsed then, gripping Cole to him as he sobs.

Life does go on however. Cole’s funeral was a grand one the entire kingdom attended. They all knew the light in their Emperor’s eyes would never return. The dragon born of his powers remained, patrolling the kingdom and the areas outside it, unwilling to be caught off guard again. It was now know as the Emperor’s pet, his steed. They could always tell when the Emperor would mourn his lost love as the dragon too would mourn, small diamonds falling from its eyes as it flew over head. Trade with the Southern Kingdom was abruptly cut off, making the kingdom truly isolated. The South had tried to get in contact with him but any one not from the kingdom was quickly chased off by the icy dragon.

Finally, Nya and Kai decided to visit themselves in person, refusing to leave until Zane talked with them. Kai’s fire was enough to keep the icy dragon at bay and Zane reluctantly went to see them- outside of the kingdom gates. They swore on each other’s lives immediately that they hadn’t been trading vengestone, and to enter the mines were it was located was strictly forbidden and that it was guarded 24/7. But they did admit to having a bit of a rat problem, aka Chen who apparently managed to get into the mines and get enough to make the chain. That made Zane believe them even less. How did they know all of that? They weren’t there to know that he had a chain slung to his neck? He asked them that, ready to attack if he must as his dragon (you now what? Borealis) stared them down from his perch on the high walls surrounding the kingdom. Nya and Kai shared a look before they stepped aside so Zane could see the carriage they came in.

He stares confused as the door opened- before his breath leaves him all at once to see Cole step out. He takes a step back, disbelieving. Cole was dead, he saw it with his own two eyes. He wanted to rage, to demand to know what trick this was but found himself unable to even breathe. Borealis swooped down with a low growl in his defense, wings spread wide, but Cole walked forward still, stopping before the large dragon before holding a hand up. That made Borealis pause before hesitantly lowering its head, sniffing at his palm. To Zane’s surprise, Borealis pressed its snout against his palm with a low rumble. What- what magic was this? Cole continued forward again and Borealis let him, watching as he walked past Kai and Nya before standing right before Zane himself. Zane opened his mouth to say something- anything, but the warmth in those bicoloured eyes he had loves, still loved so much made it impossible. Could it... Could it really... Cole spoke then, telling him he missed him as he cupped his cheek tenderly, and the warmth of his hand, the work hardened roughness of it was exactly like he remembered. Who wouldn’t cry at that? Cole just hushed him and pulled him into his arms, letting him cling to him and sob his heart out.

He does explain. He really had died... though he wasn’t sure if dead was the best thig to call it. It was like he was asleep, only partially aware as his body recovered. Being buried made it faster somehow, until his heart started beating again and he was able to wake up fully. The ground opened up for him to let him go and while he wanted to run into Zane’s arms, he needed answers about that war. So he left the kingdom, had visited the others that teamed up against him and finally, the south. What he gathered was that Chen was Nya and Kai’s parents’ advisor and close friend. Unlike Zane who was given the title of Emperor because of his power, Nya and Kai were of royal blood, next in line to rule. Chen had murdered their parents and managed to rule for only a year before Nya and Kai discovered their powers in self defense against him wanting to be rid of them too. He was banished but he took some of the vengestone in his time ruling and had continued with his plan to rule all of the kingdoms, planning on getting to their kingdom last. So he built followers, an army, until he convinced a hand full of small kingdoms to give him their army and he’d let them gorge themselves in the icy kingdom’s wealth. Once he discovered the truth, he insisted that Nya and Kai personally explain themselves or else Zane would never believe them.

He showed Zane proof that he was the very same Cole he watched die through the scar he retained from the fatal injury, and had told Zane just how proud he was that he kept going. Zane had angrily but choked up had told him not to ever do that again (leave him that is) and had kissed him as if he was his last breath of air.

Ye daz it. This is literally my thought process while writing fics- literally nothing was edited. So yeah, my random idea posts will look like this. Thanks for reading my brain barf! Back to MoD I go!

#aweebwrites' work #aweebwrites rambles #aweebwrites fic ideas

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aweebwrites · 4 years ago

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Chapters: 33/? Fandom: Lego Ninjago Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

#Aweebwrites' work #Move on Dragons #Here Be Dragons - Series

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aweebwrites · 4 years ago

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Lego Ninjago Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Cole/Kai/Jay Walker/Zane, Cole/Jay Walker, Cole/Kai (Ninjago), Cole/Zane (Ninjago), Kai/Jay Walker, Jay Walker/Zane, Kai/Zane (Ninjago) Characters: Zane (Ninjago), Cole (Ninjago), Kai (Ninjago), Jay Walker, Lloyd Garmadon, Echo Zane (Ninjago), Dr. Julien (Ninjago), Lou (Ninjago), Lily (Ninjago), Other background characters Additional Tags: courting, Scenting, Scent Marking, Boys In Love, Polyamory, Established Relationship, Developing Relationship, Family, Family Feels, Family Bonding, Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Romantic Fluff, No Beta- we die like my father the Overlord 😔, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, scenting is a bit suggestive thus the tag Series: Part 2 of Fluttering Wings Summary:

The trio prepares to receive Zane into their relationship. They're all nervous idiots. Luckily Zane's a nervous idiot too.

#Aweebwrites' work #Fluttering Hearts #Fluttering WIngs- series #maybe? probably? idrk yet

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aweebwrites · 4 years ago

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Chapters: 2/2 Fandom: Lego Ninjago Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Characters: Cole (Ninjago), Nya (Ninjago), Kai (Ninjago), Jay Walker, Zane (Ninjago), Original Characters, Lloyd Garmadon, background characters, Lilly (Cole's Mother), Lou (Ninjago) Additional Tags: Afterlife, Gods, Murder, Death, Mythical Beings & Creatures, Blood and Injury, possibly triggering stuff in the wrap up chapter, it involves non con cutting, I'm Bad At Tagging, Mind Control, Mind Manipulation, Possession, Other Additional Tags to Be Added, Happy 10th Anniversary Ninjago! Summary:

No matter how you run... Or hide... Or try to fight it... Death comes for us all.

Or in a less depressing sense: Cole on a journey to figure out how he died and makes some friends along the way.

#Aweebwrites' work #Nether Realm #No this was not based on Minecraft #The name is pure coincidence

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aweebwrites · 5 years ago

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A Mistake

“Why do I have to switch him out?” Griffin mumbled to himself as he waited impatiently for the big cat to fall asleep from the tranq he received.

“Because Karlof is out sick and Neuro told you to.” Tox reminded him, her tranquilizer gun at her side. “That and you’re the fastest one here. You can outrun him if he decides to take a bite out of you.” She grinned and Griffin looked at her insulted.

“Relax. This guy is pretty tame.” Tox says, seeing the snow leopard begin to waver on his feet. “Zane isn’t prone to violence. Now if it were Cole or heaven forbid Kai, then you’d have your work cut out for you. He’s down now. Just get in, put him on the moving crate, strap him down, get him to the other habitat so we can do maintenance on the air conditioning on his unit and bring him back after. That’s all.” She says, patting his shoulder before walking off.

“Not even a helping hand yo?” Griffin asked and Tox scoffed.

“I’m a doctor, not an animal mover.” Tox told him with a grin, chuckling as she went on her merry way.

“The abandonment yo.” Griffin says, placing his hand over his chest before peering into the freezing cold habitat.

There lay the disoriented snow leopard the Elemental Alliance Wildlife Rehabilitation Center was alarmed but thankful to receive and care for. Snow leopards were endangered after all but this kind of snow leopard was even more endangered. Almost nonexistent. Griffin sighed once he noticed the leopard’s eyes finally closed. He gave himself a light mental pep talk before opening the doors with the carrying crate, shivering immediately at just how cold this place was. He wheeled it over to the out cold creature then knelt to take a better look at him, despite his mind screaming this was a bad idea. He was one of a huge population of human beings to take on animal characteristics hundreds of years back after some phenomenon blah, blah, blah. When Neuro started getting into his science-y talk, he starts zoning out. He had a lot of human features though. White hair with sparse black spots to match his white and black spotted fur that covered most of his body, his ears that stuck out through his hair on the top of his head that were definitely leopard-like, his odd legs that were crossed between a human and a leopard’s that allowed him to walk on all fours and twos, his ridiculously long but quite fluffy tail, his white, retractable claws on his padded half human hands… Griffin was curious now. He hesitates, catching a glimpse of his fangs from his mostly closed mouth. He went for it, opening his human shaped mouth careful not to block his pink tipped nose as he looked inside. Wow teeth. Sharp, pointy teeth. Those canines are something else! These guys are actually pretty cool! He startles back, landing on his ass once Zane gave a sudden huff. Griffin looked at him with eyes wide and heart pounding before he relaxed, seeing that he hasn’t woken up.

Fuck that would have been bad. While Zane is pretty tame from what he’s seen in passing, he can still be riled up and he is fucking scary mad. He got to his feet again, deciding to stop messing around. Any more of this cold and he’ll start getting frostbite too. He slipped his arms under the limp body of the demi human then lifted, his eyes bulging on just how heavy this guy is. Well, considering that he is bigger than him, he shouldn’t be surprised. He hoisted him up with a grunt then crab walked over to the crate and carefully set him down, panting heavily once he did. Holy shit. Maybe they should cut him back on the mutton, yeah? He strapped him tightly but not enough to damage their most prized animal. Zane was a special case. He wasn’t a catch and release kind of patient.

He was a ‘keep away from the other demi human snow leopards because he hated socializing and will attack pushy females in heat’ kind of case. And given that there are only 2 entire wildlife preservation and rehabilitation centers for demi humans in the entire world, they got to keep him, what with their location in the temperate zone to the south where there was a major snow covered mountain range that ran into the Elemental Alliance’s Wildlife Preservation area as well. He was just being kept in the rehabilitation area to help him adjust to different plants and animals here. That and they aren’t sure on how well he’d survive out there on his own as the only one of his kind. They wanted him to make friends but they had no clue where to begin as they had no other demi human that are situated to cold temperatures like he is yet.

Griffin carried him out- then found himself at a loss. Where was he supposed to put him again?

“Fuck me.” Griffin groaned to the ceiling. “If I ask Neuro again, he’ll give me a lecture for sure yo.” He sighed, then considered the rehab center.

He was definitely sure that he was supposed to go into one of the habitats inside. But there were a fuck load of them on the inside.

“Griffin, my office.” Griffin jolted then, hearing Neuro over the intercom and he did not sound happy.

Griffin looked around quickly before perking up at the sight of spots through another viewing window in the large hall.

“They both have spots so they should get along, right?” Griffin reasoned then rushed over, beaming even more to see a dual way entry. He put in his code, going into the first set of doors then quickly unstrapping the snow leopard and opening the second door.

He heaved Zane in, leaving him to lay on the ground before the second door and quickly headed back out, hearing Neuro calling him again with even more impatience in his tone.

“Sit still for a while! I’ll be back! I promise!” Griffin told the unconscious demi human through the door then rushed off to Neuro’s office.

Here’s to hoping he didn’t find out about him giving the avian type demi humans extra snacks…

Meanwhile, golden orange eyes glowed from the thick brush of plants in the habitat before the creature possessing them walked out, curious to what was left in his area. He could have used the human as a means to escape but then he caught a glimpse of what he was carrying… He was intrigued. The jaguar demi human with a fresh scar over his left eye approached the limp figure at the door, tilting his head to the side as he inspected them. He leaned his head down and sniffed at him- only for his pupils to blow wide as his whiskers tingled at the unknown but very pleasant smell that filled his nose, but they weren’t moving. They must have put them to sleep. He nudged them over on their back and his breath caught at their pale, pretty face. He was the prettiest male he’s come across. White fur too… His spots are different that his though. And his tail is really long. Cole hesitates then reached out to touch it. Soft! He kneaded at it, seating himself to do so with both paw like hands. He didn’t know how long he sat there, batting around and kneading at his tail before a low sound came from him.

Cole looked to his face then blinked to find the spots where he had no fur all shiny. Sweat, he remembers. He rarely does that but when he does, it’s because he’s really hot. Cole blinked at that. He’s really hot! That wasn’t good! He almost blacked out the last times he sweat like that! He scooped him in his arms before carefully standing on his back paws and looked around quickly. His eyes zoned in on his artificial pond before he quickly trots over, walking in with the odd creature and sunk him in. The water was colder than he was used to out in the jungle but it was perfect in this case. It wasn’t very deep, about thigh high in the middle. He sat in the pond, lowering him with him, holding his head up and the rest of him under so he doesn’t float. He sat there in the pool of water that now reached his upper shoulders, wondering when was he going to wake up. A long time was the answer. Cole had sat there in the shallow pond until he had even started to drift off, the only thing waking him was his body just starting to float when his arms went lax.

What felt like an eternity later, a low groan caught his ears. He looked down at him as he scrunched his face up, blinking his eyes open slowly. Cole openly stared, awed by the intense blue of his eyes. They were blue like the sky and beautiful. He focused a bit more and Cole blinked once he found his hand on his face. He gave a curious sound, struggling to focus and Cole only gave a low growl, urging him to rest more since he was clearly out of it. Zane was confused as to why he felt wet or who the person holding him was but he was too disoriented to ignore the lull of sleep to escape the fuzzy mess of his mind. Cole sat there still, looking at him still. He was like nothing he’s never seen before… He wanted to see more…

__________

Zane woke up with a languid stretch, turning over to knead his pawed hands into the snow- only for him to have a face full of water. He jolted back, landing on his hands and feet as he coughed and sneezed from the water that rushed up in his mouth and nose. He blinked once he heard laughter immediately follow then looked up to see an… He blinked at the odd leopard before him. He wasn’t white… He had golden brown skin and yellow brown fur with black spots. He was much bigger than he was too. He was… Different to say the least. Zane tilted his head to the side, the tip his long tail flicking back and forth with his peaked interest. He padded over as the strange leopard continued to laugh, pushing off his hands once the water got too deep. Cole’s laughter stopped abruptly once he came face to face with those pretty blue eyes that were filled with curiosity. Cole remained still once he leaned in and scented him, not wanting to chase the strange creature away. Zane took a quick sniff close to his neck- before his eyes blew wide at the scent that filled his nose. It was something he hadn’t smelled often, living where he had all his life.

It was earthy like soil when rain fell on it. He… He liked it. He placed both hands on his shoulders, sniffing at him more before rubbing his head against him with a purr, rubbing his scent on himself. Cole’s pupils blew wide as he did, curious at the strange rumbly sound he was making but gladly rubbing against him too, his hands coming to his waist where he was half in his lap. Cole slid his tongue out, licking at his ear and Zane gasped, a spine tingling shiver running through him, down to the very tip of his tail. He purrs louder, melting against him as the other Leopard licked at his ears with his rough tongue, hand firm around his waist, his thick claws pressing lightly into his fur. Zane licked at his neck distractedly, his tail curling around his leg as the air got hot and heady… Hot… Zane pulled back though reluctantly, panting from the heat. He looked around, blinking at the jungle themed enclosure, a sight he’s never seen before. How did he get here? He thought back for a bit. He was taken to a strange place three days ago and then he was hit with another one of their weapons… And now he was here. He gave a low moan of distress, feeling as if he was melting. Cole tensed at the distressed scent and sound the pretty creature made before shifting forward, urging him to sink deeper into the water. Blue eyes looked at him confused but he complied and sunk deeper until just his nose up was out of the water. It felt good against his fur so he was more than happy to stay there. Cole got out, knowing ponds were quick to heat up the more warm bodied animals inside it. He instead sat at the water’s banks, his tail flickering anxiously as he watched the beautiful creature to make sure he wasn’t getting worse.

Meanwhile, Neuro had chewed Griffin out to the bone three hours ago for feeding the avians corn on the cob and warned him if he messed up again, he’d fire him, boyfriend or not. Tox, Shade and Ash laughed at the glum Griffin at their place in the cafeteria eating lunch as he pouted, knowing he’ll be on the couch for a week for this.

“This is a new level of stupidity, even for you Griff.” Ash chuckled, wiping away tears from his eyes.

“Shut up.” Griffin huffed, shooting him a glare.

“But for real.” Shade says more serious now. “They might be part human and have the capacity to digest most foods we can, but they’ll eventually be released into the wild where they won’t get butter covered corn on the cob. If they get addicted to that kind of food, they’ll be in big trouble in the wild. You better watch yourself or else I’ll personally kick your ass too.” He threatened.

“Believe me yo, I’ve learned my lesson.” Griffin says, wincing as he remembered how much Neuro had yelled at him until he had a headache immediately. “This reserve stuff is harder than I thought yo.” He sighs, knowing he really has to watch what he does from now on.

“You only need common sense Griffin.” Tox says dryly and he shot her a glare.

“Griffin!” Said man lifted his head, looking to where Chamille was walking towards him, looking perplexed.

“Cham? What’s-”

“Where’s Zane? He’s not in the empty tiger demi-human habitat.” Chamille asked, cutting him off and Griffin went pale quick.

“... Griffin. Tell me you didn’t lose the ultra rare, ultra endangered snow leopard demi human.” Ash says serious now, ready to bodily slam him if he did.

“Uh. No. I know where he is.” Griffin says and they relaxed some. “The problem is… Where he is…” He adds and they tensed all over again.

“Griffin. Griffin where the fuck did you put him?!” Shade asked with a growl, reaching across to grab him by the front of his shirt.

“In uh…” Griffin gulped. “In… Cole’s… Habitat…” He says sheepishly and there was a moment of silence before Griffin was tossed aside in favor of them all rushing off to the habitat, praying to whoever’s out there that Zane hadn’t passed due to overheating or worse, Cole, the aggressive, ready to be released Jaguar male hadn’t mauled him.

Ash got there first, peering in through the observation window. Immediately, he spotted the Jaguar gnawing on a bone then paled as his stomach dropped.

“Oh no.” Tox says, seeing the same scene.

“He actually ate him? But… I don’t see any blood…” Shade says looking around for any signs of it.

“Oh he’s alive. Thank fuck.” Griffin panted as he looked in and they looked at him puzzled. “There he is.” He pointed out the head in the pond Cole was gnawing his bone next to.

True to his word, there Zane was, lapping at the water he was in, most likely to keep cool. The group gave a collective sigh of relief.

“Alright. He’s alive and ok. But how do we get him from out there? Cole is passive to him but not so much us.” Shade pointed out.

“Yeah? Well I think the one who got him in there should be the one to take him out.” Tox says, throwing a glare at Griffin before heading off for her tranq gun.

“Tox is right. We’ll take Cole out first then Zane. You have to go in there before the sedatives fully set in though. Zane’s in the water. He’ll drown if we don’t at least keep his head above the surface.” Chamille says and Griffin scrubbed his face with both hands.

Fuck all.

Cole watched the other creature as he lapped at the water he was in, looking bored as he crouched there. He idly gnawed at the bone from his breakfast, feeling as bored as he looked. If he didn’t need to stay in the water, he would gladly groom is pretty fur and mark him all over with his scent so everyone knew he claimed him as his. He was also curious at what other new sounds he could get out of him. He tensed once a familiar sound caught his ear, just as a dart lodged into his thigh. He was immediately on all fours, looking towards the high platform where the green haired human had shot him from. He growled, thick fangs on display as he rushed over to where she was but she had already closed the reinforced window out of his reach. Zane watched him curiously as he showed aggression for the first time. He looked more primal, more terrifying. Here was a male in his prime, snarling defensively at where the human once was. It was…

A low purr had the water around him rippling steadily. Attractive. But he understood the humans were encroaching again and rose up out of the water the heat that hit him, especially with the sun reaching him through the trees of the outside enclosure, was almost too much. Cole’s huff has him focusing on him and he mewed, gesturing with his head for him to get back in. Zane frowned but does so, his tail swishing underwater anxiously. Cole walked around the pond, pacing the length of the bank between Zane and the humans watching them through the strange cave he would have long dug out if there wasn’t super strong shiny vines keeping him just out of its reach. He paced, throwing them an occasional snarl once they moved unexpectedly. He had a feeling in his gut that they wanted his creature but he had already claimed the beauty as his own and he wasn't going to give it up, their sleeping spell or not. He could feel the concoction trying to pull him under but he declined to go down. He won’t. He refused.

“He’s not going down.” Tox says with a frown, watching him as he kept stalking back and forth.

“Give him another shot.” Shade told her.

“His dosage was already high. I don’t want to overdose him.” Tox pointed out and Shade frowned as he considered this.

“We’ll need to get him down to get Zane out of there. Give him another half dosage.” He told her and she looked him over before nodding then heading towards the platform.

“What if he doesn’t go down?”Griffin asked them.

“Then Zane would eventually succumb to overheating. That pond isn’t enough to keep him cool for long.” Shade says with a frown.

Cole snarled as he saw her again up there again, getting on his hind legs so he could swipe deadly claws in her direction. She retaliated by hitting him with another dart, the small needle sticking in his arm. He swatted it away but it had already done its part. Moments later, Cole was stumbling, the world spinning around him. Zane gave a yowl of of distressing concern and Cole turned to him, only to immediately collapse just before the water, barely able to keep his eyes opened. He saw the moment Zane was also shot in his neck now exposed from where he was raising up out of the water. He weakly reached out to where the white blur of Zane was, seeing him moving through the water before him. Zane ignored the heat of being outside the pond and nuzzled the other leopard, giving a low mew of concern as he did, looking around warily. He then licked at Cole’s face and ears as he struggled not to drift off, surprising the team watching them.

“No way…” Ash says in awe, watching the two interact. “Do you think then… That he might have made friends with Zane?” He asked Chamille who was the specialist in demi human behaviors.

“It looks like it.” She says in awe. “That’s a feat on its own. Neither of them are social creatures. This proves that they both have the capacity to socialize.” Chamille says then smirked as she crossed her arms.

“They’re just fucking picky.” She huffed.

“Then do we have to send him back?” Ash asked, disappointed.

“Not without seeing how he interacts with others of his kind which isn’t going to happen soon and they’ve already scrubbed their hands of him.” Chamille says as Zane also began to stumble before laying down next to Cole, panting heavily as his eyes began to fall shut.

Zane gave a soft, pitiful mew, his paw on Cole’s who was losing the struggle to stay awake. Cole only managed a comforting grunt, watching as his beautiful creature’s eyes slowly shut. He heard as the door opened, heard the crate being rolled over. He managed a growl at the human with strange red eye coverings and he tensed but realised that he couldn’t move. Griffin looked down at them, at Zane’s hand on Cole’s, at how close they seemed in these past few hours. Friends, huh… He lifted Zane up, lifting him over to the crate and set him down heavily before strapping him in. With that, he gave Cole one more look, his heart clenching at the almost heart broken look he gave Zane before he succumbed to the trans shots. He feels as if he's committing a crime.

"Hurry up Griffin! He'll overheat!" Shade yelled and Griffin only nods, pushing Zane put and away from Cole.

Chamille on the other hand took the time to draw a blood sample, curious as to how he managed to hold up from that much tranq dosage for as long as he has.

_____

"Griffin." Neuro sighed as he rubbed his aching temple.

"Look, I really am sorry Oreo. I'm trying my best, honest I am." Griffin says, reaching across the desk to take his free hand. "I know I messed up- again but I'll do better. I’ll do things right. I swear!" He promises and Neuro looked at him with unimpressed gray eyes before he sighed again.

"The only reason you haven't been fired just now is because of the information we've gotten off of the incident. The hormone levels Cole had then was impressive. Chamille is still running tests.” Neuro says, interested on the results himself before fixing a glare at Griffin again. “Karlof will be back tomorrow and you’ll take on sanitary duties until further notice.” He says and Griffin bit back a protest to nod.

He rather scoop poop than be jobless and boyfriendless.

__________

The day that followed was met with a lot of commotion.

Cole wanted his creature back, roaring up a storm and scratching at the door, looking for any way out to get to him, wherever he was. It was making feeding him very difficult. They had no choice but to throw the slabs of meat over the top of his enclosure but he didn’t so much as sniff in the direction of where the bloody slabs lay. Usually, he’d tear right into his meals but he has more important things to tend to. Zane had woken up without the other leopard in sight. It almost seemed like a dream if it hadn’t been for his scent clinging to him still. Now, he could hear Cole clearly not that far away and paced the length of his icy enclosure for some way out to get to him. Unlike most of his kind, he was far more clever, having a father like he had. The only way in and out was through the door on the far right. He walked over, inspecting the odd construct then at the small hole in the door.

He’ll have to keep an eye to see just what that is for. He blinked once the scent of raw meat wafted through. Looks like he doesn’t have to wait for long. He sat patiently, hearing a jingle then blinked once the door pushed open, seeing the source of the jingle there.

“Hey bud. You won’t eat me today either, right?” A pale man with strange eye covers asked him and Zane just sat there before he began grooming the fur on the back of his pawed hand. “Good.” He sighed in relief then headed over to the built in bowl in the ground, knowing Zane wasn’t the type to lick the blood off the ground like the others.

It made cleaning way easier. Zane took his chance while his back was turned, padding over to the door left open. He flexed his paw before carefully wrapping it around the hanging set of keys to silence the noise it was sure to make then- with a bit of difficulty- tugged it out. He padded over to where the human had just turned around after carefully emptying the contents of raw meat, watching as he jolted in alarm at his proximity before mumbling about ‘too close’. He crouched before his meal instead, sniffing at it as he listened to the human make a sound of confusion at his missing tool.

“Where is it? I could have sworn-” He gave a sigh of relief as he pulled out his keys from his pocket then locked the door on the way out. “But where did I put Gravis’ keys?...” He asked himself as he moved on to another habitat.

Zane turned his paw over, looking at the set of tools in his hand, seeing the specific one used for his area and purred low, his tail flicking back and forth. He’ll go to him soon. When the humans are inactive at night… He turned away from his meal, too anxious for the long wait for nightfall to pass to end to stomach anything. He gave a low call to Cole, hoping he could hear it and understand. Soon. Cole on the other hand did catch the sound, knowing immediately that it was his pretty creature but not understanding what it meant. It only made him more anxious. Where was he? Where did they take him? How could he get to him? Cole gave a low sound of desperation as his tail and posture drooped.

… Will he ever see him again?

______

“Neither of them have even touched their food. And it’s not the meat. I always make sure the both of them specifically have the highest grade of deer and sheep, freshly killed each day.” Shade told Neuro and Chamille as they, Tox and Ash had a short meeting about Zane and Cole’s behavior.

“I’m surprised. It looks like they’ve really kicked it off in that past hour or two they were stuck together.” Chamille says lightly, fiddling with the end of her purple hair as she thought.

“... I’m curious to see how they’ll interact together.” Neuro says, lacing his fingers before his mouth. “It could help open up the mystery behind Cole’s sudden hormone spike and identify these new ones we’ve never seen before. We could see how it affects Zane too. I doubt Cole is the only one displaying strange blood results.” He says and Chamille nodded at that, wishing she had enough foresight back then to draw a sample from Zane too.

“So? How do we do this?” Tox asked him. “Cole’s habitat is too hot for Zane to go back to and Zane’s might be too cold for him.” She pointed out.

“Not necessarily.” Ash says as he sat back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Cole’s fur is on the thicker end of the Jaguar’s cold scale and we did rescue him after Pororoca when he was all the way on the lower ranges of the Andes. It’s significantly cooler up there than on the Amazon Basin and the terrain is much rougher. I think he can handle it, just like I think Zane can handle a slightly warmer habitat.” He says and Neuro nodded his agreement.

“Then tomorrow, we take Cole to Zane’s habitat and document what we find.” Neuro declared and they agreed, taking their leave to prepare for then.

Neuro looked at the door as it closed then looked at a picture of he and Griffin together on his desk. Looks like that massive mistake is leading to an even more massive discovery. He could feel it just around the corner…

___________________

Zane laid curled up on his favorite slab of artificial rock, looking to be asleep from the outside eye but that wasn’t the case at all. The lights had gone out some time ago and he was waiting still, just in case a human was around before making his move. After another few minutes, he got up reflective blue eyes darting around the area before he padded over to the floor, getting up on his hind legs so he could use his pawed hands. He struggled for a bit, the keys jingling lightly as he adjusted and readjusted his hold, until he had gotten muscle memory back into his thumb. He slid the key in and turned, hearing the door click before coming loose. The sight of another door irritated him since he didn’t know which of these would open that one but if he was anything, it was determined.

Cole on the other hand laid by the pond, his gold reflective eyes staring sadly at the water’s surface, remembering his beautiful creature. He never even got his name… Did he even have one? Not all of their kind could speak like humans, and even less had names. He reached a paw out, dipping it in the water and watching it ripple. His ear twitched however once he heard a door open from somewhere but he dismissed it, too put out to work himself up. He wonders if he was alright… His head lifted however once he heard jingling really close by. Right at his door actually. He got to all fours warily. He wasn’t normally fed or visited this late before. Humans sleep in the night after all. He tensed once he heard that door swing open before the jingling continued. He flicked his tail anxiously, his body coiled tight and ready to pounce- But then, a scent caught his nose. His pupils blew wide at the familiar scent of his creature before he was rushing over to the door, pawed hands holding onto the bars on it before he gasped softly at the familiar blue eyes looking up at him.

He gripped the bars tighter, a low, desperate sound escaping him as he pressed himself closer against the door. Zane leaned up against the door, a low purr slipping out as he rubbed against the door but frowning. It wasn’t the same. He returned back to his struggle against keys and tried more of them as Cole scratched at the door with his claws. Finally, finally the door clicked and Zane pushed it open, not at all bothered when he was enveloped in a tight embrace, earth surrounding him as happy mews filled his ears. Zane purred, pressing himself closer to Cole, rubbing against him eagerly as Cole reciprocated. Cole butted his forehead against Zane’s lightly, his tail flicking back and forth happily as he closed his eyes and took him all in. Zane relished in his affection, ready to roll over and show him his belly at any second.

Zane could spend forever here in this moment- Actually, no. He couldn’t. Even though the night was significantly cooler than the day, he was getting uncomfortably hot. He pulled back and Cole let him go, though reluctantly. Zane took him by the hand and tugged him in the narrow walkway between the doors and he follows, letting him lead him into the long hallway Cole’s never seen before.

“Come.” Zane told him, pulling him along to where his habitat was while Cole tried to process that his pretty creature just spoke and his voice sounded amazing.

“Where?” Cole asked and Zane gasped softly, looking back at him with wide blue eyes.

He then smiled, pulling Cole along still.

“Here.” Zane says, leading him inside his opened area, the cool air hitting him like a breath of fresh air.

Cole understood then. Zane’s area was cooler because he couldn’t stay in the heat, like before. It was colder than he was used to but he was sure he could handle it. He let his pretty creature tug him over to a flat slab of rock and Cole pulled him down into his arms as he sat, content to wrap around him like this and never let go.

“Do you... Have a name?” Cole asked Zane, finding speaking strange and a little hard to remember after not doing so in so long.

He should have listened to his mother when she warned him to keep practice speaking. It was a critical skill passed down from those first turned.

“Yes. Zane.” He answers and Cole pondered on the name before giving it a try.

“Zane…” He says then smiled. “I’m Cole.” He murmured, nuzzling into his hair.

“Cole…” Zane says softly then shivered as he licked at his ear. “Cole…” He said again, just because he could as his tail coiled around the larger male, wrapping around his broad back, leaving the tip of it to flick against his shoulder.

“Mine.” Cole rumbled low in his ear and Zane blinked then turned around so he could look at him directly, now straddling his lap.

“Yours?” He asked, with a curious tilt of his head, knowing what the term meant.

Cole wanted to possess him as one would possess territory. The idea… Was appealing. Very appealing. But he wanted to make sure Cole himself knew what it meant.

Cole looked him over, at his vivid blue eyes framed by white lashes, at his pink tipped nose and soft pink lips, both framed by long white whiskers and spotted fur at the far corners of his face. He… Zane… Was really beautiful.

“Yeah…” He told Zane quietly, cupping his cheek with a rough, padded hand, brushing his thumb against his cheek. “Mine.” He sealed his declaration with a gentle nudge of his forehead against Zane’s.

“Then…” Zane says, just as quiet. “You’re mine too.” He purred quietly with a soft smile Cole returned.

He flicked his tongue out, licking the tip of his black tipped nose and Cole huffed out a chuckle, pulling him closer by the waist as the tip of his tail tapped at Zane’s arm from where it had coiled around him on its own. This place isn’t so bad now. As long as he got to stay by Zane’s side then he’ll make due.

_____________________

“You lot sure are early.” Neuro says as he arrived to the main building for the rehab from the onsite apartment complex.

Their team was too small with too many demi humans to risk traveling hours away to the nearest town after all.

“You’re one to talk.” Chamille says with a smirk as she glanced up at the sky where the sun wouldn’t rise for another two hours.

“Oh? You too Griffin? Did Neuro drag you out of bed?” Ash asked, tucking his hands into his pockets.

“Not at all, yo.” Griffin says around a yawn. “I wanna see em together, you know? They got a kind of vibe that reminds me of when Oreo and I got together, yo.” He explained.

“... Well, the notion isn’t all that impossible. Look at Kai and Jay. They might not understand the concept but they’re as gay as gay gets.” Shade says with a shrug as Neuro opened the rehab doors.

“I told you not to call me that at work though. I am your boss.” Neuro huffed at Griffin, holding the door open so the others could walk in.

“Chill out Oreo. We’re used to you two.” Tox says lightly and Neuro’s cheeks coloured.

“Do you sleep with that?” Chamille asked, gesturing to the tranq gun Tox held, sure that it was locked and loaded.

“And what if I do?” Tox shot back at the purplenette.

“I’ll check to see if they’ve eaten.” Shade says as he turned off down their hall- only to freeze mid step. “U-uh.” He stuttered, catching Ash’s attention.

“What’s so shocking to have you-” Ash stopped mid sentence, the same shock and fear filling him at what laid ahead. “U-uh… Did… Did someone… Leave their doors open?” He asked the others as they walked over.

They all stood stock still, staring down the halls at the opened habitats. Neuro shot Griffin a glare but he immediately held his hands up.

“Wasn’t me Oreo! You took my keys, remember?” He defended and Neuro deflates, knowing that was true.

He then took a breath.

“Shut it Oreo.” Tox says before he could speak. “I’m the one with the gun here. And there’s only one of them we really have to worry about anyway.” She says, holding it defensively before starting ahead into the still dark hall.

“Shouldn’t we set off the alarm yo?” Griffin asked as he looked around carefully.

“No. An alarm is too loud and might spook them, make them feel cornered. That’s the last thing we want.” Neuro told him as they watched Tox’s back.

She came to Zane’s habitat- then deflated with a huff. They looked at each other confused but walked over carefully when she motioned them to come. They all blinked at the sight before them, surprised- even though they shouldn’t be. There, both big cats lay, pressed closely together, holding onto each other tight. Zane was fast asleep against Cole’s chest from what they could tell from Cole’s position with his back to them, his pawed hand thrown over the Jaguar’s waist. It was… A sweet sight to see. But the question remained… How did Cole get out and who opened their habitats opened? A low, irritated growl escaped the larger cat, his tail flicking irritably as he glared at them over his shoulder, his reflective gold eyes very effectively sending chills down their spines. Neuro quickly reached out and pulled the second door shut, using his keys to lock it tightly before they all managed to relax.

“Alright. Let’s lock up and find out what the fuck happened here.” Neuro announced and they were quick to agree.

“Hey, yo… Aren’t these Gravis’ keys?” Griffin asked, pulling them out of the now empty habitat.

“Yeah. I overheard them asking Paleman for them yesterday but he seemed to have lost them…” Shade says, looking at them in Griffin’s hand.

“I’ll check the security feed and get to the bottom of this.” Neuro says as they locked up Cole’s former habitat, the group of them following him to his office where he got to work accessing the security feed. “Well I’ll be damned.” He huffed as he looked at the screen, the others gathering around him.

“What?! Zane let them out?!” Ash yelled, shocked.

“But… How?!” Shade asked, baffled and Neuro chuckled.

“Demi humans are more human than we think, that’s how.” He told his team lightly. “I’ve always believed that was the case but I haven’t come across strong enough evidence. That is, until today. What most likely happened is that Zane stole Gravis’ keys from Paleman when he wasn’t paying attention then used it to free himself and Cole as we saw. Though it’s a good thing that they don’t seem interested in escape or else this would have been ugly.” Neuro says and Chamille chuckled.

“Well. Looks like we have a lot to learn from those two, don’t we?” She asked him.

“Yeah. We do.” Neuro agrees. “And it’s all thanks to one massive mistake.” He says looking at Griffin as he looked at the screen, terrified from the prospect of Cole being able to open doors.

Griffin looked down at him then then grinned.

“You’re very welcome Oreo.” He murmured, pressing a light kiss to the corner of Neuro’s lips who only smiled.

“Don’t push your luck, Speedy.”

_________________

(It’s been ages since I posted a whole fic on here, huh? Well! here’s this fluff without plot! I literally had no idea what I was writing, just that I wanted big cat bois. Hope you enjoy! I have to get back on the Move on Dragons movement now.)

#ninjago #zane ninjago #ninjago zane #zane julien #ninjago cole #cole ninjago #cole brookstone #neuro ninjago #ninjago griffin #ninjago tox #ninjago shade #ninjago ash #ninjago chamille #other chars #Glaciershipping #aweebwrites' work

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aweebwrites · 5 years ago

Text

Monody

Warm summer winds crossed the threshold of the wide valley like a soft lullaby, caressing the wild flowers of all colours and tall, golden grass, carrying wilted petals towards the small stream that laid comfortably in the middle of the breathtaking valley, carrying the petals along like little boats. The sky overhead was wide open and bright, sparse clouds idly drifting by. In this lush, beautiful landscape, was a small cottage on the only rising in the entire valley. It was a small home, with its cobble walls and wooden roof, but it held everything the one living there needed. Not too far away from the little cobble house, was a large oak tree that never bore acorns, and from a low branch, hung an old swing that was built widely. A lone figure sat there, taking in the view, the sights. Another gentle gust of wind carried the smell of wildflowers to his nose and Zane breathed it in deep, along with the clean, crisp air. He then sighed softly and smiled.

This little valley, far away from any other people, was like a dream come true. He’s lived in this paradise for years and each day, whether summer, spring, fall or winter, it never ceased to take his breath away. He smiled as he reminisced. As beautiful as this all was, it wasn’t easy living here. He remembered when he and Cole had ran off from their hometown further north. It was… Hard living there. Cole, with his bulk through his hard work and helpfulness, was expected to serve under the Emperor as his soldier- or join his father as the Emperor’s composer, to perform ballads and dances to keep him entertained. Neither were something he wanted to do, content to aid the people of their town with any chores they had, sometimes for pay, most times for no cost. He wanted a simple life. Not to die in battle to suffice the Emperor’s greed for more land and people to rule, nor to dance and make merriment, as he lacked the skills to do so to begin with.

And Zane? He was the son of the Emperor’s greatest inventor, his father bringing their kingdom into the steam age and further still. He was expected to continue his father’s work as he got into age. Zane had the capacity to, as smart as he was, but because of the dangers of his father’s experiments and inventions, they had to live in the birch forests on the outskirts of the kingdom and that, had made him an outcast amongst not only the children his age, but the people there. Because of his higher intellect, he was even further shunned, considered strange and unlikable. It was… Lonely. But then…

Zane smiled softly, gently pushing the swing back and forth as he looked to the sky from beneath the thick leaves and branches above him.

He met Cole on a visit to the castle when he was but a young teen. He had wandered away as his father demonstrated his latest invention, roaming the castle halls- and then he heard it. The quiet sounds of crying in a room. He knew he should keep away but… He had opened the door to the small storage closet filled with brooms, mops and buckets, had found him sitting there, looking up at him with wide bi-coloured eyes that were rimmed red with tears, his nose running and looking terrified. Zane had heard someone calling then and he had looked so horrified at their voice… He hadn’t thought, just got inside and closed the door behind him, waiting for the person calling to grow close and pass them still, the only sound in the dark closet was their quiet breathing. Zane had turned on his heatless lamp his father had invented and he had sat across from the darker boy then asked him what was wrong, and if he was in trouble.

He had started crying all over again and Zane remembered the horror he felt, thinking he had made him cry- but then he began telling him about his father, about the roles being forced on him and… Well, he hadn’t considered doing anything other than the path paved for him. But the experience earned him a friend and broadened his horizons. Cole lived on his own in his father’s house, as he had to stay in the castle to be available whenever the Emperor so desired. He could stay with his father in the castle if he desired but the castle had never been a place for him. He was some distance away from Zane’s home with his father- but that never stopped them from meeting up as often as they could, to talk, to laugh… To belong. As years passed, they grew older, became so much closer… And somewhere along the way, they fell for each other. It took them years and the absolute silence and cover of winter for them to softly confess these feelings to each other. Their meetings became more anticipated, both of them barely able to hold themselves back from pressing a loving kiss to the other’s lips once they did.

But they had to keep it secret. They were no fools. They knew such a relationship between two men as they had would spell the death of them both. But it was worth the risk. His father knew. They had never even held hands in front of the wise inventor but he knew. And he supported them. When he asked how he found out, he only told him “You look at him like how I looked at your mother…”.

Zane smiled wistfully, looking down at the patch of sunken dirt below his feet, carved out from years of swinging. He really had to tip a bit to push himself off.

His father was a good man. His home was the only home they could be together freely. Cole became like a son to him too, had taught him all sorts of tips and tricks he could use in the future. He even helped to reduce the pressure on him to join the castle's forces as he was forced to show them he had none of the talent his father did, by telling the Emperor that he had taken him as well as his apprentice, had him show the Emperor a simple trick he showed him to prove it. Cole’s father was disappointed that he wouldn’t carry on their family legacy as composers and performers but he was pleased that he would still carry the legacy of a loyal servant to the castle. They knew however, that this wasn’t the path Cole wanted either. They had to figure out what they wanted to do with this life of theirs.

The answer came easier than they expected. They wanted to be together, always. They also knew that they could never do that here… Knew this kingdom would hold no home for them much longer. Zane had wanted to leave, to have his father come with him, but he knew better. His father was too vital to the Emperor. He would come looking for him. He and Cole? Not so much. While they have shown knowledge in his father’s ways, neither of them showed any close to his level. If they wished to be together always, they had to go, and they had to go alone. Zane was devastated but he knew he was right. He never imagined leaving his father’s side, especially when he was so far in age. He could pass at any moment. He wanted to remain and care for him, but he had insisted he would be much happier knowing he was happy wherever he went. And so, they began secretly preparing.

One thing was certain for them. Wherever they went, it had to be just them. No other kingdom, no village, no town. They had to be self-sufficient and they had to know and accept that it would be them against the world. Lesser men would have given up. But they weren’t lesser men. It was hard being as inconspicuous as they could, hard planning and storing, hard knowing that they would be leaving their home behind for good. They fought, of course they would, under all the pressure they were under. But they would always find each other again, would whisper sincere apologies to each other, and one time, make heartbreakingly passionate love. They planned to leave late winter to give them enough time to wander as far away from all the kingdoms as they could get, but things don’t always go to plan sadly.

Zane stilled himself on the swing, a frown on his pale face.

Someway, somehow, they found out about them. They didn’t have time to find out how. It was mid winter and they had an angry mob being led by castle guards coming their way. They had to go and they had to do it right away. But they were so unprepared. Yes, they had the most important of their belongings and their horses, but they hadn’t gotten the chance to purchase basic livestock and several other things. It didn’t matter. They had to take their chances. If they stayed, they would be executed. Zane hated that he barely had the chance to give his father a proper goodbye, but they had no choice. They know he would be fine, the Emperor wouldn’t risk killing him over this, his mind too powerful and useful to be wasted. But they can never return. They had grabbed what they could and rushed out, taking to their horses as they got there then used the thick Birch Forest to their advantage. No-one knew these forests better than they did. The castle guards may have been skilled and their horses fast but not even they were a match for these forests. They got away. Barely.

The real struggle started then. They had a map, had an idea of where they wanted to go, but getting there in mid winter was their biggest challenge yet. The winters this far north were brutal on their own, let alone for just two persons and two horses. The nights and blizzards were truly cruel. They had to take shelter wherever they could and keep close to each other and their horses to keep warm. The amount of times they almost submitted to hypothermia was too scary to count. They had to keep awake, keep talking, keep believing that they could do this, could make it on their own. They wandered for weeks upon weeks, managing to scavenge off the little food they could grab with them. Their horses had lost so much weight, they feared that they would lose them. But they were strong horses that turned to twigs from dormant trees in order to keep themselves fed. And once Spring began to make itself known, they found it. The perfect place. Here.

Zane turned to the oak tree, his blue eyes focusing on the dull carving in the side they made when they decided to use this spot as their home all those years ago. “Home sweet home”. A smile tugged at his lips.

It was cliche and Zane couldn’t stop himself from laughing once he had carved it there, on the tree that was just starting to regrow its leaves for the rest of the year. Cole thought it was perfect, and really… He did too. The first kiss they shared, out in the open without needing to hide, without needing to worry about prying eyes… Was worth the struggle it took to get right at that moment. The hard part was over, the harder part started now. They needed a home and a source of food. Luckily, they didn’t need to worry about water, as a stream presented itself as the snow melted from across the valley. The horses managed to put on their weight again in no time, what with the valley full of grass for them to eat. It took teamwork. They had to travel back and forth between their chosen spot and a forest about an hour away by horse. They had to gather wood, for fire and for building. Zane had thought it silly for Cole to carry an ax as a weapon before but he was grateful for it now. They managed to make wagons for the horses so they could carry more supplies. They lured animals and bred them, planted the seeds they gathered for their journey, built their home and became fully self-sufficient before the winter returned.

During that time, Zane managed to get in contact with his father through training Falcons to act as pigeons. The falcon was able to track his scent all these miles away and deliver messages back and forth to them. After almost three years, their home was finalized, their little farm running well and... Cole asked him to marry him. He didn’t even think about how that would work with just the two of them, had immediately said yes. They had no rings, nor did they have a priest, but they made due. They said their own vows, had asked if the other would take them as their husband and they had considered themselves married ever since, signifying that as well by carving their initials in the oak tree, just under “Home sweet home.”

Zane slid off of the swing and walked over to the carvings there, smiling at them as he reached out to stroke the rough trunk of the tree. Cole had taken his last name, had told him that it had a nice ring to it. But Zane knew he thought his father must have disowned him by now, must hate him. Zane never believed that for a moment. He had suspected he might not agree in his choices in lifestyle but he would be happy to know he was happy. His father had never been a bad person. Distracted from his son, yes but never truly bad.

Zane’s smile fell a little. He was right, but that realization came with heartbreaking news.

It was a little over three years since they left their home kingdom and Zane hasn’t received his usual monthly letter from his father. He knew what happened once the second month passed by with nothing. His father must have passed. Cole had told him to not be so quick to think that. Zane had sent another letter through the falcon he kept in case of emergencies. If he didn’t get anything back, then he would have really passed. They did receive something back. Zane had just returned with some milk from their small sheep farm. They had run into a large herd of them two years back a few miles away near some mountains while exploring the region and they managed to capture a male and female to breed their own. They needed their wool for clothing after all. They also made a good food source. He had walked inside and set the milk over their fireplace to be purified- but then he had noticed his husband looking haunted at a letter in hand, a falcon nearby.

It turned out his father did die a few months back, around the time they got married. He died of old age, passed peacefully in his sleep. The letter itself however, was written by Cole’s father who had so happened to be visiting his home in the birch forests when he noticed the two falcons loitering around with paper tied to their legs. His last falcon had then arrived and he had taken it upon himself to send something back. He was glad that they were alive still and ok. He had told Cole in that letter, that it didn’t matter what he did, that as long as he was happy, he’d be proud of him. He also warned them to never send another falcon, else they could track them back to them, and wrote them a heartfelt ballad of goodbye. That day was emotional for them both. They hadn’t realised until then, that this was the first time they were truly alone out in this paradise of theirs. But they had each other, and really, that was all that matters right then.

Zane stroked the trunk of the tree for a moment longer before he turned away from it, walking out to face the vast and almost painfully beautiful valley they called home for over 50 years. The hardship lessened on them after that, only returning with age. They weren’t as young as they used to be. They couldn’t keep up with the farm any more. So they released the animals and stuck to their crops that were easier on their old bones. Soon, even that became too much. He turned his face to the sun, letting the warmth of it soak into him, his smile returning. He lost Cole like he lost his father. They had kissed the night before and had confessed their love for one another once more before they slept. He remembered smiling down at his peaceful face as the tears fell down his cheeks, landing under his eyes as if he was the one crying. He was sad, yes but… He knew he’d see him again soon.

He smiled wider once large arms wrapped around his waist from behind, a chuckle leaving him once lips pressed to his neck.

“Ready to go?” Cole asked him lightly and Zane smiled, leaning his head back against his shoulder so he could look up at his youthful face, his bi-coloured eyes sparkling in the light of day.

Zane fell in love all over again.

“Yeah. Let’s go.” Zane whispered to him, letting his eyes fall shut once Cole leaned down to peck his lips softly.

He pulled away then to take his hand, their fingers laced together as they turned away, walking towards the opposite side of the hill, fading away.

In the old cottage, the skeletal remains of the lovers' past still lay together, their fingers laced together in their final slumber. ______________ (As you all can tell, I'm in a mood. This is what happens when I'm in a mood and YouTube decides to hit me with them feelsy songs. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed! Thanks for reading!)

#ninjago #ninjago cole #cole brookstone #cole ninjago #ninjago zane #zane julien #zane ninjago #ninjago lou #dr. julien ninjago #aweebwrites' work

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