Chapter Text
It was fairly clear that Cole preferred to spar with Zane more than the other ninja. If only so he didn't have to pull his punches as much.
But the titanium ninja had been away on a mission with Kai at the moment, so Pixal graciously stepped forward to take his place.
"Okay…" Cole had said, "I won't hit you as hard or anything."
"Why would you do that?" She may not be made of titanium, but that didn't make her any weaker.
"Well, you're the boss. If you're sure, then…"
Believe it or not, but sparring was one of Pixal's favorite things to do.
Just being able to hold her own in combat was a testament to how far she had come. A far cry from the assistant droid Cryptor had easily subdued all those years ago.
Even if she came out of their spar with a few new dents, then it shows her where she can still improve. And she will.
"That was great!" Cole cheered at the end of their session. Zane and Kai had returned a while ago, but the two continued working together anyways.
“Are you alright?” Pixal asked upon seeing him roll his shoulder around.
“I’ll be fine,” he waved her off, “Gave me a good workout.
Thanks for this, Pix!" he said, holding out his hand to shake.
Pixal was a bit surprised by the gesture. She hadn't thought Cole would be so formal, but then she remembered his father, one of the most well-mannered people she had seen. Suddenly it made much more sense.
But as she took hold of his hand, he pulled her into a hug instead. Pixal froze, joints locking up with the action.
It was just a hug. Friends can hug each other. Cole is always the first one to hug one of his brothers after a battle. This isn't new behavior for him.
And it isn't as if she didn't hug anyone either. She's embraced Zane many times, and her father. Why would this be any different?
She's comfortable enough in her relationship with Zane, that she doesn't feel like she's betraying him in some way. And Cole has made it clear many times that he doesn't feel romantic attraction at all. So it's not as if this means something to either of them.
So why is she frozen right now?
Cole noticed her reaction, or lack of one, jumping back, quickly giving apologies.
"I'M SO SORRY! I should've asked first! It's just… I always do that with others after training! Just to say, like, no hard feelings or whatever! But I should've asked you first! I know you don't touch people!"
There it was.
She hadn't really noticed it before, but Cole was right. She didn't touch people. Why was that?
She's not repulsed by the thought. She just didn't. In fact the only time she can remember sharing a meaningful touch with someone, who wasn't Zane or her father, was Lloyd. And that was after Garmadon's colossus destroyed the Bounty. It had felt necessary then.
"And I don't want you to think I'm coming on to you or anything, Pixal! Really!"
She frowned a bit at the lack of her nickname being used, and replied, "I didn't think that, Cole."
"Oh thank goodness!" he sighed in relief, "Sorry, I just gotta make sure you don't get the wrong idea. I held Nya's hand once and she thought I was into her."
"Well, we certainly wouldn't want any more confusion, now would we?" she chuckled.
"And I won't do that again! I promise!"
"I'm not disgusted by you, Cole,"
"I know! I just don't want to make you uncomfortable!" Cole was panicky, like he had just made an irreversible mistake.
"May I be honest with you?" she asked.
"Uhh…shoot,"
"Before my original body was scrapped, I never touched anyone because I didn't see the purpose in it. I thought I could convey what I needed by speaking alone.
But after spending so many years in Zane's hard drive, I realized that losing my sense of touch was far greater than I anticipated.
When I rescued my father from Krux and Acronix, when I carried him in my arms, I felt a relief that I will never truly be able to express with words. And it was the same when Zane returned from the Neverrealm.
I'd like to think that it was you and the rest of the ninja that taught me that. Sometimes, you need to be able to hold onto the things you love most. Whether to prove that they're there or just to show your love." she finished with a smile, "I know you have nothing but good intentions, Cole. I just wasn't used to it."
"Well, I'm glad that's cleared up," he said, visibly relaxing.
"And I wouldn't be opposed if you were to do it again,"
"Really?"
"Yes, Cole," she sighed, "Just give some warning. Like I said, I'm still getting used to it."
"Okay," Cole gave a half smile, "...Did you want to try now?"
"I'd like that,"
Much slower and more tentative, Cole stretched an arm around Pixal's shoulders and gave her a squeeze. It was awkward and ended within half a second.
Pixal laughed it off, reminding him that he had nothing to worry about.
The two left to join the others immediately afterward, but Pixal slightly hoped that hugs would become a repeat occurrence.