The master of Earth walked silently through the hall, knowing every floorboard and crack all too well. His weight shifted with each careful movement- one would not think a man of his size could move gracefully. But he was muscular, not fat- and fully in control. Narrowed eyes swept the space around him as he moved, seemingly headed for a goal. His dark skin and clothing help him be even less noticeable.
Suddenly, a door creaked open a few feet away, and the man froze. He listened, carefully. The handle had not moved, leaving the only explanation to be that it had been left open. What he heard next, however, struck fear into the very depth of his soul.
"Cole... COLE!!" A very familiar voice sobbed in despair, and thrashing was heard in the room. That voice.. It sounded so heartbroken and afraid. Old instincts kicked in for the man and he rushed into the room, fully alert and ready. Only... there was no danger to be found.
Jay was curled in a tight ball on his floor, thrashing about and sobbing in his sleep. It became clear to Cole that what he had perceived as danger was only his best friend having a nightmare. The tall man sighed and allowed himself to relax, calming down. It wouldn't be wise to scare the element of Lightning, Cole knew from experience. So instead he sat down beside the other, and was about to speak when Jay cried out again.
“No!! No don't leave me, stay with me please I NEED you!!” His voice was already hoarse from crying in his sleep. Cole leaned down to try and wake him with Jay woke with a scream of terror and heartbreak.
“Woah- easy, firefly..” Cole watched as Jay's eyes found him in the dark, the normally sweet amber eyes filled with tears. “I'm right here, I've got you.”
Jay sat up, one hand held to his chest as he struggled to release his panic and fear. Cole wrapped one strong arm around the slender, shaking man and pulled him close, taking Jay's other hand and pressing it to his own heart.
“See? I'm right here. I'm OK. It was just a dream, my firefly..” Cole whispered, feeling Jay melt into his arms as he calmed from the nightmare. “I'm here with you and I'm not going anywhere- I promise.”
Reluctant to let Jay go now, Cole carefully stood, lifting him up into a bridal carry, and taking him to the bed. He then sat down, and tucked Jay in tenderly before lying down beside him. “I'll be right here, he murmured as Jay relaxed and nestled close.
And if the two were found the next morning, wrapped around each other, Jay held securely in Cole's arms? Well, that's their business, isn't it?
Cole says something like this in the Dreamzzz crossover and it’s haunted my mind ever since. Cole what are you talking about. Destiny is most certainly NOT on your side