•The World Isn't Ending• (Cole x Reader)

he lyin' to me and im lyin' to him, fuck it guess we both ain't shit•༄

"Need a hand?" I asked, walking over to him with a smile.

"Sure, if you think you can keep up," he replied, grinning. He set down the two kids he had been balancing, who immediately ran off to join their friends.

"Oh, I can definitely keep up," I said, playfully nudging him.

We started lifting some of the smaller kids together, making a game out of it. Each time we lifted them, they would giggle and squeal, making the moment light and joyful.

"You know, you're really good with kids," I remarked as we set another child down gently.

"Thanks," Cole replied, his eyes softening. "I guess I just like making people smile." He glanced at me, and for a moment, our eyes locked. There was something in his gaze—something that made my heart skip a beat. "And you're not so bad yourself," he said, his voice softer.

I felt my cheeks warm up, and I looked away for a second to compose myself. "So, do you think we'll get out of this mess?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back to something less personal.

"We always do," Cole said, his tone turning serious but still warm. "As long as we stick together and look out for each other, we can face anything."

His confidence was contagious, and I found myself nodding. "Yeah, you're right. We can handle it."

"Besides, having you around makes things a lot more interesting," he added with a wink.

I laughed, feeling more at ease. "Is that so?"

"Definitely," he replied, giving me a genuine smile.

Just then, one of the kids tugged on Cole's pant leg, asking for another lift. He obliged, picking up the child with ease and spinning them around. I watched him, feeling a strange mix of admiration and something else I couldn't quite name.

Suddenly, Garmadon emerged from the dojo, his presence commanding attention. He greeted Lloyd with a warm hug and then addressed the rest of us. "I see you've all found refuge here. We have much to discuss." His voice was calm, yet authoritative.

We gathered around him, ready to listen. The momentary peace we found here was a stark contrast to the chaos that awaited us outside, but for now, we took solace in the safety of the dojo and the company of friends and family.

We all sat down with the other students for training, settling into the serene ambiance of the dojo as my father emerged from the door.

"Ah, my son and daughter. So glad you could join us," he greeted, his voice calm yet commanding.

Jay turned and whispered to me, "Check out the new Sensei. Looking sharp."

I sighed, knowing better than to talk during the lesson. My father's staff quickly found its mark on Jay's head. "Silence!"

"Ow!" Jay whined, rubbing the sore spot.

"Close your mouth and open your ears. Tonight's lesson is the Art of the Silent Fist. To fight without fighting. May I have a volunteer?" Dad asked, scanning the group.

"How about me?" Lloyd said, standing up with a determined look.

"The Ultimate Battle: Round Two!" Nya called out, laughing.

"Attack me. But please, no powers. I happen to like my monastery," Dad instructed, a faint smile on his lips.

Lloyd charged at him, but Dad gracefully dodged each attack, making Lloyd look almost clumsy as he stumbled into a table. "You see, the key is balance. Let your opponent fight himself." He dodged more of Lloyd's attacks effortlessly. "Let the enemy tire himself."