Work Text:
It was an early morning, it seemed. The sun was just rising, the first rays glowing through the window down onto Cole's resting face. The warmth of sunshine hit his nose, causing a tingling sensation to wander over his golden skin.
A sigh came out of him, body refusing to get up yet. He had fought the hoarder for several hours yesterday—he was dying to stay in bed and rest for a few more hours. In hopes of escaping the brightness filling their bedroom, Cole tried to shove himself to Geo's side and burry his face into the warm chest of his Yang.
Though, his hand reached out for nothing; the right side of the bed was empty and cold. It was unusual for Geo to be up early. Normally, they would spend their morning in bed, talking, cuddling, and caressing each other until the children would either force them to be up or start to fight, pressuring one of the men to get up and keep the boys from ripping each other's limbs out.
So, waking up completely alone wasn't really concerning, but concerning enough that it made Cole sit up and look around the room. No one was there. He was completely alone.
With a smooth motion, Cole swung his legs over the edge, now sitting on the very side of the bed. He reached over to his nightstand and grabbed the hair-tie he always kept there, lazily tying his coal-black hair back into a tiny ponytail.
Once he opened the door, he kept looking around, leaning out of the frame, "Geo, sweetheart?" he called out for him, finally leaving the room completely when he got no answer. But it took not over two steps before he noticed what his lover had been up to; it smelled phenomenal!
The earth ninja walked to the kitchen, a small grin drawing onto his face as he saw Geo pull chocolate cake out of the oven. He hasn't noticed him yet—standing there, watching with his arms crossed and resting his arm on the entrance of the room.
While Cole was busy watching, Geo was focused and cutting the cake already. He had been up since four a.m., not resting for a minute with cooking. No, the table was filled with food and drinks! Fresh baked break he had prepared the day before, the cake, cut open plates of fruits, small bowls of treats for the kids and much more. It surprised Cole; somehow in the good way, but also very much in the confused way.
Geo didn't even cook like this on the kid's birthdays. Was today a special day?
Finally, after Cole was sure Geo had put the cake down and was certain it wouldn't fall down or burn Geo at any sudden movement, he sneaked up, head tilted as he now stood behind Geo. "What are you making?" he asked simply.
Geo, who had his back turned to Cole until now, quickly turned around, smiling as he recognized the face. "Morning, love," he said, cupping Cole's cheek and pulling him into a soft morning kiss; a simple peck. "I am making breakfast."
"Breakfast for what seems like a whole city. Is today a special day?" Cole drilled deeper before his mind snapped to an idea, worry shooting onto his face; "I didn't forget our anniversary, did I?"
The hybrid laughed softly, shaking his head. "No. That one is next month."
"Then what is the reason for your efforts?"
"Today is a special day. For Munces and Geckles, at least," he said with a soft smile as he grabbed a bottle of self-pressed orange juice, walking past Cole to the table to fill the yet-empty glasses, "Today is an anniversary. But not ours."
"Oh," Cole grinned interested, sitting down onto the work surface of the kitchen, picking a spot that wasn't dirty, "what kind?"
"Remember Gilly?"
The master of Earth stopped for a moment. How could he forget? She was his mother, after all. Though, Geo didn't know that. Cole always told himself that he would tell him the stories soon. That he had been in Shintaro many years ago, that beat the Skull Sorcerer and that the Geckles and Munces now lived in peace together. He wanted to tell Geo that he was the son of the woman he idolized so damn much. But he never found the right moment. Maybe, because there was no right moment.
Cole had to admit; he was scared of Geo's reaction. It could be positive and also so extremely negative it made a dark pit of discomfort appear in his chest. "Of course I do. She is so important to you."
"Well," Geo smiled brightly, always excited to talk about his savior, "today is her anniversary on beating the Grief-Bringer!"
"It is?" The other asked surprised. Cole didn't know that.
"Yes!" Geo confirmed, placing the orange juice back into the fridge, "I wasn't able to celebrate the past few years, sadly. There was always something getting in between. So, today, I made sure to wake up extra early for this to work out perfectly."
"How sweet of you. I bet the kids will be happy."
"I hope so! Do you think this is enough, though? I want to go all out for Gilly, like she did for us."
"Of course, it is. Believe me," Cole said, getting off of the wooden kitchen top before walking up to Geo and placing a gentle kiss onto his forehead, "it is enough. Though, I have a question, after all? Why are you so determined to celebrate this day? It's not like the Geckles and Munces were nice to you."
"Well, yes. But I bet Gilly would have accepted me. From what I have heard of her, she wouldn't have cared at all of how I looked. I am sure she would have stood up against those who were cruel and unjust to me."
"Oh, Geo." Cole said quietly, gaze suddenly turning sad. Geo was so right. His mother would have always protected him. And now, that she wouldn't be able to, it was Cole's turn. And Cole took that task really seriously; he would do everything for his family. Just how he had promised his mother.
Quickly, Geo turned back to the table. For a moment, Cole reached out, but pulled back again just a second later, his voice sounding unsure. "Geo, my love, can we talk for a moment? I have something impor-"
"Cake!" A voice suddenly yelled. Spitz had cut him off, running into the kitchen. Right behind the little snake-boy followed their second son, Fritz, seeming to be just as excited about the chocolate treat.
The earth master watched as Geo managed the excited kids by returning the energy, calming them down with a few gentle words. Everything the other said was automatically muted by Cole, not able to focus on the meaning—like reading a book but forgetting to actually read.
Nothing stuck to him as his mind was rumbling. He was so close to telling Geo the truth. It was practically feasting off of him. And it made him feel guilty; the silence he gave Geo, because the words always ever stayed on the tip of his tongue, never truly leaving his lips—even though he knew Geo deserved to hear.
His gaze was still focused on the two boys, vibrating in their seats as they saw everything on the table waiting for them to be eaten within the same day. He was so drifted off; he didn't even notice Geo talking to him at first.
"What did you want to tell me, Cole?"
"Huh?" the man shook his head a bit, forcing himself back into reality.
"You wanted to tell me something?"
Cole nodded, "Uhh- yes, I did," his head turned back to Spitz and Fritz. "I-"—gaze back to Geo—"Not as important."
Geo wasn't really able to believe a single thing. Not with that look on his Yang's face. After so many years together, he knew when something was pressuring the man dear to him. But he simply ignored it. For now. This will be a conversation for after breakfast.
Cole wasn't even able to enjoy the cake. He ate half a slice before giving his leftovers to Spitz. It didn't taste good. The cake was fine, yes, Geo made great cakes and always made sure to use Cole's favorite recipe. But the fact he wasn't able to finally open up to the man he promised keeping no secrets to left a bitter taste in his mouth, killing down all the sweetness of the sugar and cocoa in the cake.
Geo noticed it too; the way Cole held back his appetite. And he did not like it at all. Obviously, as the caring lover he was, he couldn't hold back for long until asking about it.
Specifically, he did it when Cole was alone in the living room, meditating like every day. Always on time at 10 a.m. for exactly 30 minutes. Today he would have to give these precious minutes up though to talk to Geo about what was bothering him. Otherwise, Geo would be the one to not find peace within himself. He'd feel horrible, pretending like his Yang was fine when he was clearly not.
"Cole?" he asked quietly to not scare the other. The ex-ninja sat on the floor, having a pair of burning incense sticks next to him. His eyes were closed, legs crossed and hands gently holding his knees. He didn't seem to react, making Geo continue; "Can we talk?"
Still, no answer.
"It's about this morning. The thing you wanted to tell me?"
Nothing.
"You seemed…" Geo slowly sat down in front of Cole, staring at him, "bothered by something."
Cole stayed unmoved, like a rock. He was good at this—staying still.
"Cole?"
"…"
"Cole."
"…"
"Cole, it is important to me."
Finally, as if these words held a magical spell, Cole opened his eyes, leaving Geo relieved.
"Thank you."
Actually, Cole just wanted to continue ignoring Geo. Right now, he was really not in the mood for this talk. But will he ever be? Will he ever be excited for uncomfortable talks? Probably not. So if not now, then when? He would be a true coward if he wouldn't manage to speak. 'Just get this over with.'
"What did you want to talk about?"
Hearing that question again made Cole turn away, collecting himself for a good second. His hands reached out for Geo's, intertwining their fingers before gifting the other a sad smile. "Geo, I have something to talk about with you. I think you deserve to hear it."
"That doesn't sound all-too-good."
"You-" he stopped, trying to find the words he was looking for, "have nothing to be scared for. No, don't worry. I think it is rather me who has to be worried."
"Why?" the other frowned softly, his body leaning slightly forward, seeing Cole's proximity. "We are a pair, no? You can tell me anything."
"I know."
"But?"
"But I kept this way too long from you."
"Okay." Geo sighed a bite before forcing a grin onto his face, trying to lighten up the mood. "Hit me! It can't be that bad!"
Seemingly, it worked. At least, Geo could see how Cole's muscles loosened. "Sorry, I just don't know where to start. I didn't have time to prepare myself."
"Oh, it's okay. We have time. And we can talk for so long until everything is out, no matter the order."
Cole couldn't contain his smile. No wonder how he fell in love with this man. In moments like this, it reminded him how dear Geo was to him. Finding him here was like winning the Jackpot in the lottery—it was one in a Million. Geo was one in a Million! "Then, might I begin that… I never lied to you. But neither did I tell you the full story about my missions? I always left one mission out."
Now, that was when the confusion kicked in. Why would Cole not tell every story as a ninja? Why did he keep secrets? In his mind, Geo went through all possible situations. But nothing fully clicked. What might have happened during that mission that made Cole not want to talk about it?
After facing so many traumatic beings and after losing basically everything, what might scare Cole so much he kept silent about this all these years?
Dozens of questions were roaming around Geo's head. But he forced his lips shut, waiting for Cole to continue himself.
It took him a few seconds to find the words once again. "I was once in Shintaro. I met your people, Geo," he said, voice suddenly small as the first big hit impacted the hybrid. Okay. That was surprising. Cole never mentioned that. Not even in the slightest. And while that, one might think such information would be really important!
Several moments of silence passed before Geo was the one to break it, grip on Cole's hands tightening in a comforting way, "Why were you there?"
"The princess of Shintaro celebrated her birthday. She invited me and the others to the celebration. Her name was-"
"Vania." Geo finished for him, "I heard of her. She was born the same year I decided to leave. I remember."
"Yes, Vania. Me and her went into the mountain. I saw them; the Geckles and Munces."
"Enslaved?"
"Yes."
Of course. Geo didn't expect any other answer. His people were always way too focused on fighting each other than fighting together for their freedom. What the Skull Sorcerer did with the two tribes only proved Geo that Geckles and Munces were filled with hatred for each other, and that they would never be free.
They would never accept peace between each other, and they would never accept him. Knowing that Cole had seen his once peaceful home in such way hurt him. After Gilly left, things changed.
"I am sorry you had to meet my home in such way. We were once a proud tribe—a unity. The fight for the blades just made us miserable. Their enslavement to this day is fully their fault. At least, that is what I tell myself to make myself feel better about leaving."
"You leaving is fully understandable. They treated you badly. You had your reason to leave. No one blames you for that." Cole tried to comfort as he pulled a hand away, laying it onto his lover's shoulder and squeezing gently. "Their hatred for each other was deeply rooted, and you were just a kid."
"It doesn't matter now, anyway. I am free. They aren't. I did the right thing."
"You did. But, Geo, the thing I wanted to tell you," Cole said, watching Geo give him that expecting look. The look that said more than a thousand words. "I couldn't leave without making sure the Geckles and Minces were safe."
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean is that I didn't leave before I knew they were all safe and sound. I once made my mother a promise. So I just couldn't leave before…"
Suddenly, Geo could feel the pieces fall into place. "The Skull Sorcerer…"
"The Skull Sorcerer is gone, Geo. I made sure of that. I can assure you, until the merge happened, the Geckles and Munces lived as one again."
Geo's head snapped back at the words. 'Living as one'? These words were hard to believe. Peace would never happen between these two stubborn groups. Not if the conflict were to be revealed. And no side wanted to admit who it was. That was for sure. "But the blades."
"The Skull Sorcerer hat them all along."
"Of course…" the other whispered. "Of course! It was so obvious! How couldn't I have noticed before? It all makes sense! He- he manipulated them to hate each other so he could overtake in a moment of vulnerability! But that-" he realized, "that would mean the conflict is over now. It would mean peace." Geo looked at Cole with begging eyes.
It was a lot to take into. Cole was in Shintaro before and met his people. And to that, he was the one to beat the Skull sorcerer! He couldn't believe it! He almost didn't even want to believe it.
Getting his hopes up—it could all be a cruel dream, and he could wake up any second and realize that peace was not an option anymore and never will be again.
The Munce scooped closer, Cole only able to watch his Yang with these begging eyes. "Please, Cole. Please tell me the war has stopped. Tell me that people like me are finally considered normal.
His voice came out as a whisper; he didn't dare to speak with his real voice. It might break, and he might show Cole just how vulnerable he was at the thought of being accepted.
In return, he got a pair of sad and comforting eyes. "I don't know.," Cole said quietly, "I don’t know if hybrids are a common thing already. But I can promise you that if you ever were to return, not one would close their doors on you for how you look like."
Even though it wasn't exactly the answer he had hoped for, Geo couldn't be happier. Years, decades, he had hoped to just be accepted and loved. He was seeking validation in people he hadn't seen in so long ever since he was born, and the yearning of love never stopped.
He had spent days and nights just pondering, praying, and imagining a world in which him being loved by his parents was a possibility. Never in his life had he even dared to consider that this might become reality one day.
He wasn't prepared for such news—never had time to settle down and just think about what now maybe is. It was always 'what might have been if' 'what it would be like if', "what happened for it to be like this'. Never 'I could be'. Because he never considered it to be a possibility.
"They don't hate each other?"
"They like each other." Cole confirmed, nodding approvingly before Geo folded into himself, almost curling into a ball that helplessly tried holding onto his lover.
It hit him. Cole could feel it in his fingers; they were shaking.
"It's okay, Geo. I am here."
"You promise Munces and Geckles like each other?" he asked, lifting his head slowly again. In his eyes were tears, threatening to spill out.
The view made Cole reach out, cupping the other's cheeks and holding them with utter care, a genuine smile on his lips as he nodded again. "I swear. It is over. Completely over."
"That is…"
"Unbelievable?" Cole tried finishing for Geo.
But the other shook his head, smiling through his quivering lips, "that too, but also so heroic."
Finally, Geo pulled Cole into a tight hug, the other quickly retuning the embrace. With slow movements, he let his big palm move over Geo's back, comforting him with his caressed as he held him close.
"Thank you. Thank you so much. I cannot thank you enough. I am so proud of you. And I am so proud of calling you my Yang," he said quietly, closing his eyes. Geo didn't plan to let go of Cole anytime soon. Not when his boyfriend was the hero of Shintaro. He freed his tribes from slavery and brought peace upon them. Two things Geo was raised believing were impossible to change, Cole changed.
Geo couldn't even be mad at Cole for keeping this a secret all these years. The joy, relief and pure bliss flowing through his veins were too intense to feel even an ounce of negative feelings inside of him.
'They were free', he repeated in his head, finally ready to pull away from the hug about a minute later. He needed to look Cole into the eyes for this; "You are a hero, Cole. Not only my hero, but everyone's hero. Hell, you might even make competition for Gilly," he grinned sadly, wiping his eyes.
Right. About that.
Cole's smile fell, remembering that he wasn't done yet. There was still something he needed Geo to know to be able to sleep peacefully at night. "Geo… I don't think I want to compete against her."
For a moment, the other stopped. They held eye contact. And Geo stared. Really stared before his shoulders loosened.
He had her eyes. He had her lips. He had her eyebrows, and he had the golden skin that shined so beautifully in the sun like hers. He had her look; the look of love mixed with worry.
Geo saw it in the pictures; the beautiful paintings, the rugs sewed of her story, descriptions of witnesses and the many statues they had built. They all came down to Cole, resembling the features Geo had taken for granted for years.
How could he have not seen—the obvious truth in front of him?
Cole's blood was filled with the heroic urge to protect others when they need it.
Every single time Cole told him stories of his past, old missions, and things he did, Geo always wondered why; why would someone risk their life every single day for the safety of others he didn't even know? What must happen in someone's life to be so careless?
But how could Cole not come to grow up such a strong and caring man if his mother were the one who raised him?
Seeing him here now, in front of Geo, made it seem so obvious. He looked like the male version of the women he clung to his whole life, praying and begging for acceptance.
And somehow, having Cole by his side now felt like Gilly had sent her son as a sign. Maybe she did hear his endless cries for answers. And maybe Cole was her way to tell him that she cared.
"You have her eyes," was the only sentence Geo was able to get out of himself before breaking down into sobs. His hands clung onto Cole's sleeves, not wanting to let go anytime soon.
Eyes were squinted close as he felt a pair of warm hands travel down to his lower back before scooping him between Cole's legs where he sat comfortably.
A warm breath brushed against his ear, "I am here. I am sorry for never telling you. I should have done it years ago."
Geo wanted to protest, shake his head, and scream that Cole shouldn't blame himself. But the anger melted when he felt five fingers tangle into his hair before shoving forward, making his head rest against his boyfriend's chest, and holding him there gently.
It felt like a mother holding her crying child—something Geo never got to experience—when Cole rocked them both back and forth. Never in his twenty-six years would Geo have thought he needed to be held this badly.
Only now, he remembered again just how loved he was. In this house, with his Yang and their three beautiful children, everyone different, and everyone far away from their homes. They needed each other.
And sometimes, they needed to be held in the living room.
Hiccups came out of Geo in series, head already hurting from the ugly sobs that didn't seem to stop anytime soon. The fabric where his eyes were resting was soaked in tears, while the snot from his nose occasionally dropped down onto Cole's sweatpants.
A rare sight: seeing Geo vulnerable and even crying. And then such an intense one, too!
Cole didn't seem to mind though, his grip on the man he loved not loosening for a second. 'These clothes can be washed,' he thought while running his fingers lazily across Geo's patterns. "It's okay. Let it out."
His voice came out so soft—Geo always imagined Gilly's voice to be this mellow.
"Thank you," Geo nodded after a few minutes when his sobs began to die down, also returning him the ability to talk somewhat normally. Funny that he just cried his heart out, but felt wonderful.
Feeling the warmth of Cole's body against his trembling form just confirmed it one last time; Geo needed this.
"It's okay. We have all the time in the world now."
"I love you, Cole. Thank you."
Cole pulled away slightly, making them look at each other. To put it simply: Geo looked horrible. His eyes and skin were swollen, his lips were quivering, and to that, he had snot running down his nose. Though, that didn't hold Cole up one bit to press a firm kiss onto his lover's forehead, tucking some of Geo's hair behind his ear. "I love you too. And so does my mother. I am sure of that."