Set during Child's Play. Glacier snuggle fic...kind of. Cuteness ensues.
Cole glared at the door to their cell, muttering under his breath. It just wasn't fair! No one ever listened to you when you were a were a kid, even if you were important. Kai and Jay were arguing about something again, but Cole wasn't really concerned about them. Right now his top priority was Zane.
The said member of their team had been oddly quiet about all this. He had nestled into one of the corners, knees drawn to his chest and head buried in his arms. Cole remembered him saying that his father had left him alone a lot. The candles lighting the tree hollow would often go out, and he would be left alone in the dark for several days. Cole figured he was probably going through those memories again. The single lightbulb in the room flickered, causing Zane's head to snap up. Cole walked over towards Zane, telling himself that as the leader, it was his job to make sure all his teammates were all right.
He eased himself in front Zane, who had his head buried in his arms again. "Zane," he spoke softly, trying to soothe the other boy. "What's wrong?" The other ninja turned, watching their leader with awe. He was the only one who could get Zane through times like this. Zane had became distant again, often getting lost in memories. Cole was the only one who could pull him out, and he had done the same for the others when the past came back to bite them. That's why Cole was their leader; their rock.
Zane shook his head, drawing his knees closer. Cole could see the small bruises on his arms where his fingers were tightly gripping them. Cole sighed, reaching a hand out towards Zane. Zane flinched, pulling himself further back. Cole stared at him wide eyed, surprise written on his face. Kai and Jay began whispering to each other, glancing back at the pair occasionally. The light flickered again, threatening to go out. "Zane..." Cole didn't conceal the hurt in his voice, watching the nindroid with pain filled eyes. The light flickered one last time before going out.
Cole waited for a response, the voices behind him silencing. "Zane," Cole begged, "please." Zane raised his head, tears falling from his eyes. Cole forced a smile, holding out his small arms. "Come here." Zane threw himself into Cole's arms, quietly sobbing into Cole's shoulder. Cole tightly wrapped his arms around Zane, whispering, "It's okay to be afraid. Kai and Jay are your brothers, Zane, and I..." He hesitated, tightening his grip on Zane. "And I..."
Zane's fingers curled around his waist, whispering, "I understand, Cole."
"That's..." Kai announced, looking for the right word.
"So cute!" Jay finished before happily gushing over the pair. Kai rolled his eyes, but gave Cole a thumbs up. "Hurt him and I'll kill you." Kai muttered, eyes narrowing slightly. Cole pulled Zane closer, a hand gently rubbing circles on his back. Zane clung to him, beginning to calm down. "Zane," Cole whispered softly, "do you need anything?"
"Ju-just don't let me g-go," Zane whimpered, resting his head on Cole's chest.
"I can do that," Cole muttered, pressing his thumb between Zane's shoulder blades lightly. The added pressure slowly helped the nindroid fall asleep. Sighing, Cole moved Zane so he was leaning against the wall. Grabbing a blanket from the pile in the center of the room, Cole laid it over Kai and Jay. Grabbing another, he nestled next to Zane and pulled the blanket over them. Before falling asleep, Cole wondered who put the blankets there. Deciding he was too tired to figure it out, Cole leant his head against Zane's and put a protective arm around him. "Night Pinky," he muttered, closing his eyes.
"Night Cole," came the muffled reply.
That's how the officers found the four in the morning. They made the mutual agreement to let them sleep just a little longer. The museum didn't open until 10, anyway.
So, a cute little glacier fic. My first attempt was a little...Laughable. Hope you guys enjoyed.
