The Monastery's doors creaked shut behind Cole with a tired groan escaping his lips, the sound echoed too loudly in the stillness. His boots were caked in dirt, and his arms felt like lead after the mission with the others, his mind even heavier. The other ninja headed inside first, also tired.

As he entered the kitchen, he saw it. The untouched dinner. Two bowls of Chen's noodles. Chopsticks side by side. A little candle stub melted down to nothing but wax. Cole hadn't even taken off his boots yet, and you were still awake, sitting on one of the chairs as you stared down at your bowl. Your eyes lifted when he walked in, but the look you gave him wasn't one of anger, but disappointment.

"You waited up.." He broke the silence, guilt rising in his throat as he stepped forward, then stopped, unsure of what to do with his hands, his voice, anything. Cole had promised to have dinner with you tonight, but the last minute mission got in the way. You understood the importance of Cole in the team, he was the earth ninja after all, but it still somewhat disappointed you that everytime you two had a plan, it ended up being shoved off the list.

"There was an emergency out by the docks. Jay couldn't handle it alone and.." Cole's voice trailed off. You didn't interrupt, but said softly, "The team needed you..". Your words were soft, but hit harder than any blow he'd taken in battles. He just looked at you, the quietness of your eyes, the quiet frustration in your slumped shoulders. This wasn't just one night, this was all the nights. The missed dinners, dates, half made promises of spending time together.

You told him you knew you loved them. The ninja, the team. You loved them too. But then, "When do we matter?" You asked Cole. "When do I matter? Because I'm right here, Cole. Every time, I wait here, for you." And just like that, your words hit him. It struck him frozen with guilt, his eyes softening at your gaze. He stepped forward, about to reach out but hesitated, like he didn't even deserve the closed space anymore.

"You do matter, Guest.. You matter more than anything. And I keep proving the opposite, don't I?" His voice lowered, his mind spiralling in his thoughts. Now, he wasn't really sure of what to do. The missions would keep coming, and he'd always have to keep attending them. What did this mean for you two now..?