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

everyone loves you, you know?•༄

—~~••~~—
hey babes! welcome to my Cole x Reader, in this story you are Y/n Ninjago's one and only wind ninja, so enjoy! love ya <3
Song in title- If  I Didn't Have You
by Billy Crystal & John Goodman
—~~••~~—

"I'll admit, I wasn't sure it could live up to the legend, but... it's even more beautiful," Nya said, her voice filled with awe as she gazed at the breathtaking castle that loomed before us, its ivory towers shimmering in the light.

"The Ivory City of Shintaro. Incredible," Wu added, his eyes scanning the golden accents on the grand structure. There was a hint of something else in his voice—a familiarity, perhaps, with the city's elegance.

"It is with great honor, King Vangelis, that I present the famed ninja of Ninjago," Hailmar announced with a sweeping gesture, bringing our attention to the king.

"Welcome, welcome! I am most pleased you were able to accept our invitation. It is an honor," King Vangelis said, stepping forward with open arms and a warm smile. His presence was commanding, yet there was a softness to his words that put us at ease.

"The honor is ours," Wu replied, speaking for the group as we all bowed in respect. "Shintaro is beyond anything we imagined."

King Vangelis chuckled, waving a hand dismissively. "I am only a mere figurehead. The citizens of our proud city are the heart of Shintaro," he said, his pride evident in his eyes as he looked toward the towering structures that surrounded us.

"Oh, they're here!" a voice called, and we turned to see Princess Vania descending from a grand staircase, her wings unfurling behind her in a graceful sweep. Her guards gently removed them, revealing a poised and confident young woman who moved with a sense of regality that almost made the air around her shimmer.

"And please, meet my heart. Her Royal Princess Vania," King Vangelis announced, beaming proudly.

Vania smiled brightly at us, her eyes landing on Cole for a moment longer than necessary. "I am such a fan! I've read all about your adventures. It was my idea to invite you to my birthday," she confessed, her voice light and full of enthusiasm.

Cole's eyes met hers, and for a brief moment, there was a shift in the air. "It's an honor to be here, Princess," he said with his usual charming smile, though I couldn't help but notice how she seemed to hang on every word he said.

"So, is it true you've been to Hiroshi's Labyrinth?" Princess Vania asked, her curiosity piqued as she walked closer, her voice barely containing her excitement.

"Affirmative," Zane answered calmly, though I could tell he was assessing the situation.

"Competed in the Tournament of Elements?" Vania continued quickly, eager for more.

"Oh ho, do we have stories for you," Kai added with a light chuckle, clearly enjoying the attention. His playful tone seemed to defuse some of the tension I was starting to feel.

Vania gasped happily, her eyes fluttering with excitement. "I need to hear them all!"

Cole, with a relaxed grin, turned toward her and said, "Where should we begin?" He held out his hand to her in a gesture that could only be seen as friendly, but something in the way he did it made my stomach twist. Why did it feel like she was getting too much attention?

Before I could fully process my feelings, I quickly stepped in, taking his hand in mine, my fingers brushing over his palm as I gave him a gentle but firm squeeze. There was no way I was going to let him hold her hand, no matter how friendly.

"Cole," I said, with a small smile, "if you're not too busy being her personal storyteller..." I didn't add more, but I'm sure he caught the hint. He flashed me a grin that could have been described as sheepish, then quickly turned back to Princess Vania.