Okay, so I'm EXTREMELY sorry about the sudden disappearance.

Since last week i haven't been able to get onto my phone as it isn't responding to its charger. I've got a new battery coming soon, so hopefully I'll be back on it soon. I'm currently using my Mac for social media, so i cannot post on my instagram story, and uploads of fanfics will most likely be delayed because of the Mac not being very portable. Also it doesn't have spell check, so I apologise for any spelling mistakes. Ah, anywho, new chappie! Enjoy!

"You missed breakfast, by the way."

Similar to last night's encounter, the Fire Master was leant against the door frame with his arms folded over his chest. His eyes swirled with curiousity despite their cold stare as they flickered up and down the other male in the small, stuffy room. Cole ignored him as he continued to throw hits at the punching bag, brows narrowing as he punched it especially hard.

Kai swallowed.

Cole was small, but deadly – something that he needed to remember.

"It's kinda hot in here, isn't it? Surely it's bad wearing all that." Baby steps, Kai. He couldn't have another argument like last night. It would just make things awkward. The raven paused mid-swing, shifting his gaze downwards, before meeting the elder's gaze. He was annoyingly correct; jeans and a hoodie weren't the most practical training wear.

His reply was a distasteful eye-roll

"I've got some spare shorts if–"

"No. No, thanks." His voice seemed unnaturally quiet. "What do you want, anyways?"

"Are you okay, Cole? Like, honestly, are you okay? You've seemed off for a while now, some of us are getting worried."

Cole exhaled as he offered a dry laugh, grimacing slightly. "I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me—"

"I'm sorry if I upset you last night, by the way." Kai rubbed his arm hastily. "I can understand if you're pissed off…"

"I'm not pissed off because of that, Kai. I'd prefer not to talk about it." The raven glanced back at the punching bag. His eyes closed in annoyance as he felt the elder's stare burn into the back of his head. "I need to get some more hours in for training."

Oh great. Now he's straining himself. "I, uh, I don't think that that's a good idea." Slowly the door was shut as Kai stepped further into the room, keeping his stare locked on the younger. "I think you should to training... f-for a little while, at least." He watched as Cole shot him a confused glare.

"What? N-No. Why would I need to stop?"

Kai took a few steps forwards, scratching the back of his neck hastily. "I dunno, you look kinda?"

"Excuse me?"

"Ah! No! Not in a gay way! Y-You just look exhausted, ya know?" He smiled nervously as Cole grinned. "Sorry."

"It's fine." The raven laughed. "I might take a break then, thanks."

Kai nodded happily, glad that the subject had been changed rather quickly. Even if Cole wasn't aware of his efforts, Kai was going to try his best to keep his friend safe.

"Pay up, Zane. Rules are rules."

Cole grinned to himself as he leant against the wall, listening to Lloyd's comment and Jay's snort o laughter. Knowing that his team already had suspicions about his sexuality didn't bother him too much, especially with the huge wash of relief keeping his attitude upbeat.

"You've told them then?"

Quickly his eyes levelled with the ravenette's,a soft smile gracing her features. "Yeah. They're cool with it, which is good."

"I'm glad. Good on you, Cole." Suddenly a soft buzz everted their attention to the phone in Cole's hand. "You still call your Dad, 'Daddy'?"

"He insists." He answered shakily, a blush staining his cheeks.

"I think it's cute. See ya around then." And with that she nodded and disappeared out of sight, leaving the ninja once again alone with his thoughts.

Or so he thought.

Upon glancing down at his phone, the content expression dropped. Cole was quick to raise his phone to his ear and make a dash for his bedroom. "What do you want?"

"Haha, you know, babe."

The bedroom door was securely locked as the black ninja made his way to his bed, running his free hand through his hair. "I'll-"

"You're not talking back, are you? Are you?"

Cole swallowed, grimacing at his own words. "N-No..."

"Good. We wouldn't want anyone knowing about us, would we?"

"No, no we wouldn't."

"I've got a couple presents for you if you want to come and get them-"

"I'm not going anywhere near you- h-hello? hey, d-don't hang up!" He held back a shout as he punched his fist into the duvet, his eyes beginning to sting.