Chapter Text
The second year didn't feel like a beginning.
It felt like a statement.
Kai noticed it the second he stepped back onto campus grounds, the way people moved with more confidence, less hesitation. First years clung to maps and schedules like lifelines.
Second years walked like they owned corridors.
Kai walked through the corridors, adjusted for him.
The Ninjago Elemental Institute wasn't subtle. Glass buildings curved into stone structures reinforced by actual elemental stabilization fields. Training arenas hummed faintly with power. Engineering labs smelled permanently of metal and heat.
It was perfect.
And it all felt like it was his.
Fire Elemental Engineering had claimed most of his first year. Long nights in labs. Burned sleeves. Singed eyebrows. Controlled detonations that were technically within safety regulations.
Well.. mostly.
He had earned his name around campus in an explosive way, literally. Professors knew him. Students knew him. Even first years whispered about 'that fire guy' who nearly overloaded a combustion chamber during finals.
It was all worth it.
Living with Zane made everything easier, they had known each other since childhood. Their dorm room was big enough for the two of them, with separate rooms and privacy. Zane liked precision. Kai liked movement. Somehow, it worked.
Zane always woke up at the same time every day. Kai would always hit 'snooze' twice before swinging his legs off the bed and igniting a small flicker of flame in his palm just to wake himself up. Fixating on his powers and making them stronger every day was a must.
Projects had always been manageable for him. Skylor, whom he had met in his first year, was in the same major, same year, same competitive tier. They worked fast and efficiently, rarely arguing because they understood the same kind of chaos. She became his barely onto hanging onto rules partner, making explosive but detailed projects really fast, sometimes hanging around in their dorm room, late-night drinking.
Skylor had everything he needed to pursue his work, sometimes testing his combat abilities with her. At one point, he developed a crush, but sadly, she didn't seem interested in him. He can work with that.
It was all simple, he expected this year to go the same, with Skylor and Zane by his side, everything was like a breeze.
Until Professor Wu decided it wouldn't be.
The announcement came during their first major lecture of the semester. The hall was packed. Fire majors filling the seats, heat dynamics students in the back with their notes. He would always sit next to Skylor, his best buddy after all.
Wu stood at the front, hands tucked into his sleeves, calm as ever. ''This year.'' He began, voice steady. ''The Elemental Innovation fellowship will require cooperation.''
Groans. Mutters. Someone behind Kai whispered. ''Here we go.''
Kai leaned back in his seat, spinning a pen between his fingers. Interdisciplinary was fine. He'd dominate regardless. Another work with Skylor would be easy.
''You will not be working within your majors.''
That made him pause. What does that even mean? Not the same major? That's bullshit. Why would he need someone who doesn't specialize in what he does?
Names began appearing on the screen behind Wu.
Pairs.
Fire Engineering matched with Geomancy. He heard of that major before, he knows some people from there, too.
Kai barely paid attention at first. Knowing people was his specialty, he hoped for a similar name to appear next to him.
Until..
'Smith, Kai - Partner: Brookstone, Cole.'
The pen stopped spinning in his hand. Kai blinked at the screen.
Brookstone, Cole.
He read it again. And again. No reaction came with the name. No face. No reputation. No memory of overheard gossip or lab interests.
Nothing. That bothered him.
He knew the top scorers in every adjacent department. He knew who almost failed midterms. He knew who collapsed in a lab one time while working on their project.
But this? Who was Cole Brookstone?
Kai frowned slightly, leaning forward as if that would unlock recognition. Geomancy.
So.. walls. Reinforcement grids. Load distribution theory. Stabilization frameworks.
He exhaled through his nose. Great. He was being paired with someone who built safety nets. He didn't need safety nets. His projects were controlled. Calculated. Intentionally volatile.
Probably.
He leaned back again, folding his arms as the rest of the names rolled by. Around him, people were already turning to talk about this, who knew who, and their contact info.
Kai didn't turn. He just stared at the name a little longer.
Brookstone.
Cole.
The surname sounded solid. Heavy. Like something that wouldn't move. Annoying.
He glanced around the lecture hall casually, scanning faces. Maybe someone knew him. He started with Skylor.
''Ever heard of this Brookstone guy?''
She was already on her phone, ready to search for her assigned partner. ''Who? You know I don't know anyone besides our major.''
Well, that didn't help. He kept on asking people around after Wu's class ended, but it's not like people would know as well.
His jaw tightened slightly. Who was Cole Brookstone? And why hadn't he heard of him?
The rest of Kai's classes blurred.
Not because they were boring, they weren't. Combustion Theory was still one of his favorites. Applied Heat Channels ran long, but he liked the hands-on aspect. The familiar smell of metal and tempered glass soothed something restless in him.
But in between lecture slides and scribbled notes, the name kept surfacing.
It wasn't threatening. It was just.. unknown. And Kai hated not knowing.
By the time his final class ended, the late afternoon sun had shifted warm and golden across campus. Students filtered out, already discussing pairings and speculating about the fellowship.
Kai walked alone. Not because he didn't have people to walk with, Skylor had been pulled into a debate with two other engineering majors, but because he needed a minute.
Structural Geomancy.
He tried to picture the type. Precise. Probably quiet. Probably the kind of guy who triple-checks load calculations before touching anything physical.
The opposite of him. Which meant arguments were inevitable.
Good. At least it wouldn't be boring.
The dorm building greeted him with familiar quiet. Second-year housing was less chaotic than first-year floors, fewer panic attacks, fewer midnight existential crises in hallways.
He unlocked their room and stepped inside without knocking.
Zane was at his desk, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly mussed from running a hand through it too many times. Papers were spread out in neat stacks, though one book was tilted at a subtle angle that suggested he'd been distracted.
He looked up when Kai entered.
''You look troubled.'' Zane observed.
Kai dropped his bag onto his bed. ''Do I?''
''Yes.''
Kai ran a hand through his hair, exhaling. ''Do you know anyone named Cole Brookstone?''
Zane didn't answer immediately. Not because he didn't hear, but because he was actually thinking.
He leaned back in his chair slightly, eyes shifting upward in consideration. ''Brookstone..'' He repeated quietly.
''Yeah. Structural Geomancy.''
Zane frowned faintly, tapping his pen once against his desk. ''The name sounds familiar.''
Kai straightened a little. ''So you do know him.''
''I may have heard it in passing.'' Zane clarified. ''Possibly during last year's project showcase.''
Kai waited.
Zane's brows pulled together as he tried to place it. ''Dark hair. Tall, if I remember correctly. Strong presentation on some kind of elemental power.''
Kai blinked. ''You remember his presentation but not his face?''
''I pay attention to content.'' Zane replied mildly.
''Of course you do.''
''So?'' Kai pressed. ''Is he good?''
Zane tilted his head. ''Yes.''
That answer came too easily.
Kai narrowed his eyes. ''How good?''
''Top tier in his major.'' Zane said. ''Precision-focused. Very controlled work. Minimal error in his works.''
Kai clicked his tongue softly. ''Controlled.''
''You say that as though it is a flaw.''
''It is when you're working with fire.''
Zane's mouth twitched faintly. ''Perhaps that is precisely why Professor Wu paired you.''
Kai flopped backward onto his bed dramatically, staring at the ceiling. ''He could've at least warned me.''
''You were warned.'' Zane said calmly. ''He announced interdisciplinary collaboration.''
''Yeah, but that sounds cool in theory. It doesn't tell me who I'm stuck with.''
''You are not stuck.'' Zane corrected gently. ''You are collaborating.''
Kai turned his head to glare at him. He sighed heavily and pushed himself upright. ''I just don't like not knowing.''
''That is expected from you.''
''I'm serious.'' Kai muttered, standing and crossing to his dresser. ''Everyone knows me. I know everyone worth knowing. And suddenly there's this top-tier guy I've never even heard of?''
Zane watched him swap his uniform top for a loose black shirt. ''It is possible.'' He said carefully. ''That you were simply not looking.''
Kai paused mid-motion. He shot Zane a look. ''What's that supposed to mean?''
''It means.'' Zane replied, resting his chin briefly against his knuckles. ''Your focus tends to remain within your immediate competitive circle.''
''That's because they matter.''
''Perhaps so does he.''
Kai scoffed softly and tugged on a hoodie. ''We'll see.''
Zane's eyes flicked to the small stack of books Kai picked up from his desk.
''That is not required reading.'' Zane noted.
Kai smirked. ''It's research.''
''It is a limited-edition graphic novel.''
''Which requires studying.''
Zane exhaled through his nose in quiet amusement. ''You are going to the library.''
''Obviously.''
''For fellowship preparation?''
''For.. intellectual purposes.''
Zane gave him a look.
Kai grinned. ''Fine. Comics.''
''I am aware.''
Kai grabbed his keys. ''If you suddenly remember anything about Brookstone, text me.''
''I will.''
Kai hesitated at the door. ''And if he's secretly awful?''
''Then.'' Zane said gently. ''You will survive.''
Kai rolled his eyes, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. ''I always do.''
He stepped into the hallway, letting the door shut behind him.
Brookstone Cole. Top tier. Controlled. Architecture. The name felt heavier the more he thought about it.
And the more he thought about it, the more he wanted to see him.
***
The library had always been one of Kai's favorite places on campus.
Not because it was quiet. But because it wasn't.
Soft murmurs. Pages turning. The distant hum of elemental containment fields built into the architecture. It was structured noise, controlled, like a low flame instead of a wildfire.
He moved automatically toward the shelves near the back, fingers brushing over spines until he found what he was looking for.
Green Ninja: Legacy Arc - Volume 7.
His favorite.
He pulled it out with a small, satisfied nod. The story was dramatic, over-the-top, heroic. A legendary warrior in green, carrying the weight of destiny and somehow still managing sarcastic one-liners mid-battle.
Kai respected that.
He slid the book under his arm and pretended to browse the neighboring shelf for balance. Wouldn't want anyone thinking he came here exclusively for comics.
As he shifted sideways, a familiar voice drifted through the aisle.
''..So who did you get?''
Kai paused. That sounded like Geo. He didn't look up immediately, just tilted his head slightly, as if examining a title a little too closely.
''A guy named Kai Smith.'' Another voice answered.
Kai went still.
Wait. The voice wasn't annoyed. It wasn't impressed either. It was calm. Low. Almost thoughtful.
Geo made a small noise. ''Oh? I know him. We sit not too far and sometimes talk.''
Kai shifted, just slightly, enough to glance through the narrow gap between shelves.
The guy sitting across from Geo matched Zane's description almost exactly.
Tall, even while seated, with broad shoulders filling out a dark sweater. Black curly hair that looked soft instead of styled. Skin warmer than Kai expected. Strong jawline. Composed posture.
He just sat there, one arm resting on the table, fingers loosely wrapped around a pen like it was an extension of his hand.
And his face.. Kai frowned faintly. He had a nice face.
Not in an over-the-top way. Not flashy. Just solid. Symmetrical. The kind of face that didn't need to try.
Kai blinked once. That's Cole? That's the Cole Brookstone? He looked.. steady. Annoyingly steady.
Back at the table, Geo leaned forward slightly. ''You seriously haven't heard of him?''
Cole shook his head once. ''Only a little. Should I have known more?''
Oh, how dare you.
Geo snorted. ''He's Fire Engineering. Top practical scorer. Loud. Competitive. Nearly blew out lab three last semester.''
''I had it under control.'' Kai muttered under his breath automatically.
Cole hummed softly. ''That explains why Wu paired us.''
Kai's brows furrowed. Explains?
''How so?'' Geo asked.
Cole replied evenly. ''If he's known for unstable prototypes, I'm the counterbalance.”
Kai stared at the bookshelf without seeing it. Counterbalance?
''I wouldn't call him unstable.'' Geo added carefully. ''Just.. intense.''
Cole's lips twitched slightly. ''Same difference.''
Kai felt personally attacked.
''I've seen some of his designs.'' Geo continued. ''They're impressive. Creative. Never got to work with him though, he always works with a girl named Skylor.''
''I don't doubt that.'' Cole said.
And that, for some reason, made Kai pause. There wasn't sarcasm in his tone. Just a quiet acknowledgment.
''He's also kind of dramatic.'' Geo added with a grin.
Kai scoffed silently.
Cole exhaled through his nose, something almost amused slipping through. ''That could be problematic.''
''For you or for him?'' Geo teased.
''For the project.'' Cole answered.
So neutral and composed.
Kai shifted again, pretending to inspect another shelf while his pulse ticked faster than he'd like to admit. So this was the guy who thought he needed counterbalancing.
Who had never heard of him. Who was apparently calm enough to discuss him like a case study.
Kai peeked again, just for a second.
Cole was looking down at the table now, thumb tracing the edge of a notebook absentmindedly. Focused. Unbothered.
Not once had he looked around defensively. Not once had he seemed intimidated by the idea of working with Fire.
Kai's grip tightened slightly on the comic under his arm. Interesting. Very interesting.
Geo leaned back in his chair. ''You two are gonna clash.''
Cole tilted his head slightly. ''Probably.''
''And?''
A faint shrug. ''Then we'll adjust.''
Adjust? Kai almost laughed. Adjusting wasn't something he did.
Kai debated for exactly twelve seconds. Long enough not look suspicious. Short enough not look intimidated. He adjusted the comic under his arm, squared his shoulders, and stepped around the shelf.
''Geo!''
Geo looked up first. His face lit up immediately. ''Oh my god, Kai. Hi!''
Kai flashed an easy grin. ''Hey. Didn't know you hung out in the geomancy corner.''
Geo snorted. ''I don't. I just invade it occasionally.''
Kai let his gaze slide casually to the guy sitting across from him. Up close, Cole looked even taller somehow. Broader. Solid.. and annoyingly calm.
Kai tilted his head slightly. ''And who's this? I hope I'm not interrupting.''
Geo's eyes widened in exaggerated delight. 'Ohhhh, that's right, you two don't know each other.''
Kai forced the most convincing expression of polite surprise he could manage. ''No, we don't.''
Geo pointed between them dramatically. ''Kai Smith. Fire Engineering, resident chaos machine.''
Kai rolled his eyes. ''Wow. Thanks.''
''And this.'' Geo continued proudly, clapping a hand on the other guy's shoulder. ''Is your partner. My best buddy. Cole Brookstone.''
Kai widened his eyes just slightly. "No way.''
Oscar-worthy performance.
''Seriously?'' He added, letting a hint of amused disbelief slip in. ''You're Brookstone?''
Cole stood, and yeah, okay, he was definitely tall. He offered a hand. ''Cole.''
Kai shook his hand. His grip was firm but also grounding. Kai matched it without hesitation. ''Kai.''
Their hands lingered maybe half a second longer than necessary. Or maybe Kai imagined that.
He pulled away first. ''Guess we're stuck together.'' Kai said lightly.
''Partnered.'' Cole corrected calmly.
Geo looked between them, visibly pleased. ''This is perfect. You two are gonna either win the fellowship or burn the lab down.''
Kai smirked. ''Depends who's designing.''
Cole's eyebrow lifted just slightly. ''I assumed we'd both be designing.''
Kai felt his competitive streak flare, warm and familiar. ''Mind if I sit?''
''Obviously not, come on.'' Geo said immediately, scooting his chair over.
Cole didn't object.
Kai dropped into the seat, leaning back as he belonged there. He placed the comic face-down on the table without acknowledging it.
Cole noticed, his eyes flicked to the cover for half a second before returning to Kai's face. ''You're Fire Engineering.''
''Top of practical.'' Kai replied automatically.
''I know.''
''Oh?'' Kai leaned forward slightly. ''Heard about me, have you?''
''A little.'' Cole admitted. ''You push limits.''
Kai grinned. ''That's one way to put it.''
''You test structural tolerance.'' Cole added.
''And you reinforce it?'' Kai shot back.
''Yes.''
Geo physically shifted in his chair.
Kai ignored him.
''So.'' Cole continued, calm as ever. ''We should exchange numbers.''
Kai blinked. ''Already? We have six months. Plenty of time.''
''Six months is not long.'' Cole replied. ''Not for something that needs to outperform every other pairing.''
That caught Kai off guard. Outperform. Not survive. Not pass. Outperform.
''I already have a concept in mind.'' Cole went on.
Kai leaned back, crossing his arms. ''Oh, do you?''
''Yes.''
''And you were planning on telling me about it?''
''That was the intention.''
Geo made a quiet noise like someone watching a match being struck too close to gasoline.
Cole folded his hands on the table. ''Precision-based elemental modulation. A wearable stabilizing device that fine-tunes output to reduce waste and physical damage.''
Kai stared at him. ''..You want to limit power?''
''Optimize it.''
''Sounds like limiting.''
''It's refining.''
Kai shook his head once. ''That's not innovation. That's restraint.''
''And you'd prefer?''
Kai leaned forward now, heat slipping into his voice before he could fully mask it. ''Enhancement.''
Cole's gaze sharpened.
''Enhancement.'' Kai repeated. ''Amplification tech. Controlled amplification, boosting elemental output beyond natural baseline.''
Geo's eyes widened. ''You want to make people stronger?''
''I want to see what happens when we stop playing safe.'' Kai corrected.
Cole's jaw tightened, not angry, just focused. ''That is exactly how accidents happen.''
''That is exactly how breakthroughs happen.''
The space between them shifted. Not loud. Not explosive. Just charged.
''You're assuming more power equals progress.'' Cole said evenly.
''You're assuming less risk equals safety.''
''It does.''
''It equals boringness.''
Geo cleared his throat. ''Okay. Wow. Love the passion. Huge fan of the energy. Maybe-''
Cole didn't break eye contact. ''Enhancement without stabilization is irresponsible.''
Kai's lips curved slightly. ''Stabilization without ambition is boring.''
The silence was enough, the air felt so tight it could be cut with a butter knife. Weirdly electric.
Cole finally leaned back, studying him in a way that felt less argumentative and more assessing. ''You're exactly like they said.''
Kai tilted his head. ''Dramatic?''
''Reckless.''
Kai smiled slowly. ''And you're exactly what I expected.''
''Oh?''
''Annoyingly composed.''
Geo slapped his hands lightly on the table. ''Okay! Love the tension. Truly. But maybe we dial it down from academic divorce to academic disagreement?''
Kai leaned back again, but his eyes never left Cole. ''So.'' He said casually. ''Numbers?''
Cole pulled his phone out immediately. So efficient and prepared.
Kai resisted the urge to roll his eyes as he unlocked his own.
They exchanged contacts.
Kai Smith.
Cole Brookstone.
It felt strangely official.
''I'll send you my outline tonight.'' Cole said.
''Already writing it?'' Kai muttered.
''I don't waste time.''
Kai smirked. ''You do you.''
Geo looked like he was witnessing the start of something catastrophic. Or inevitable.
Kai stood first this time, grabbing his comic. ''Guess we'll see whose idea survives.''
Cole rose more slowly. ''It won't be about survival.'' He said quietly.
Kai paused.
Cole held his gaze steadily. ''It'll be about control.''
Kai's pulse spiked. He stepped closer, just slightly. ''Careful.'' He said softly. ''Fire doesn't work with control.''
Cole didn't move back. ''Then maybe..'' He replied, equally quiet, ''It needs someone who knows how.''
Geo made a distressed noise behind them.
And just like that, the rivalry wasn't hypothetical anymore. It was personal.
***
By the time Kai pushed open the dorm door, the quiet hallway felt too narrow for his mood.
He didn't slam it. He wanted to. But he didn't.
Zane looked up from his desk immediately. ''You're back earlier than usual.''
Kai dropped his keys onto his nightstand with more force than necessary. ''Yeah.''
Zane studied him for a second. ''It did not go well.''
Kai let out a sharp breath through his nose. ''Define well.''
Zane turned fully in his chair now, giving him his full attention. ''You're irritated.''
''I'm not irritated.''
''You are pacing.''
Kai stopped mid-step. ''..I am not pacing.''
''You are.''
Kai dragged a hand down his face. ''He already has a plan.''
Zane blinked. ''That is efficient.''
''That is controlling.'' Kai snapped.
Zane didn't react to the tone. He rarely did. ''Explain.'' He said calmly.
Kai tossed himself onto his bed, staring at the ceiling. ''He wants to 'optimize' elemental output. Stabilize it. Refine it. Whatever fancy word he used.''
''And you disagree.''
''I want to enhance it.''
Zane tilted his head slightly. ''Enhancement without structural compensation is dangerous.''
Kai shot upright. ''Oh, not you too.''
''I am not dismissing your idea.'' Zane clarified gently. ''I am pointing out why Professor Wu might consider the pairing beneficial.''
Kai scoffed and stood again, agitation rolling off him in waves. ''He talks like he already knows what's best. Like I'm just there to supply fire, and he'll handle the thinking.''
''That may not be his intention.''
''It feels like it.''
Zane was quiet for a moment. ''You dislike being directed.''
''I dislike being ordered.''
There was a difference. Kai crossed to his desk and picked up the Green Ninja comic he'd brought back. ''Six months.'' He muttered. ''We have six months. And he's already scheduling workshop time.''
''That suggests commitment.''
''That suggests he thinks I'll just follow along.''
Zane's mouth curved faintly. ''You have never followed along.''
''Exactly.''
Kai flopped back onto his bed again, opening the comic with dramatic finality. ''I'm not meeting him tomorrow.''
''You are not?''
''No.''
''You told him that?''
''I don't have to.''
Zane gave him a look. ''Communication is generally advised in partnerships.''
Kai waved him off, already flipping to the first page. ''He can wait.''
The dorm settled into a familiar quiet after that.
Zane eventually returned to his notes.
Kai is trying, and failing, to stop replaying the conversation in his head. Annoyingly composed. Precision-based modulation. It'll be about control. Kai frowned down at the comic panel in front of him without really seeing it.
His phone buzzed. He ignored it.
It buzzed again.
With a groan, he reached blindly for it without lifting his head.
'Sleep well. Workshop tomorrow at 10. We should start outlining. Start working on ideas.'
Kai stared at the screen. Sleep well?
Not 'Can we meet?'.
Not 'Are you free?'.
Workshop tomorrow at 10. We should start. Work on your ideas.
His jaw tightened. ''Oh, you've got to be kidding me.''
Zane glanced over. ''What is it?''
Kai turned the phone so Zane could see. ''He's scheduling me.''
Zane read it quietly. ''That seems reasonable.''
''Reasonable?'' Kai repeated. ''He didn't even ask if I'm busy. Maybe I have an appointment? Or an important late-night class?''
''He suggested.''
''He instructed.''
''There is a difference.''
Kai dropped the phone onto his bed dramatically. ''I'm not going.''
Zane raised a brow. ''You are.''
''No.''
''Yes.''
Kai glared at him. ''Whose side are you on?''
''There are no sides.'' Zane replied mildly. ''There is a project.''
Kai rolled onto his stomach, burying his face briefly into his pillow before turning back to his comic. ''Whatever.'' He muttered. ''He wants control? He can control himself.''
Zane watched him for a long moment. ''You are bothered.'' He observed quietly
''I'm annoyed.''
''Those are not mutually exclusive.''
Kai ignored him. He forced himself to focus on the story, on the Green Ninja facing down impossible odds, refusing to be restrained by mentors who told him to slow down. See? He thought stubbornly. Exactly.
Minutes stretched. Then an hour.
Zane eventually turned off his desk lamp.
''Kai.'' He said softly. ''It is nearly midnight.''
''Mm.''
''You have class in the morning.''
''Mm.''
''You will regret this.''
''Probably.''
But he didn't stop reading.
Didn't text back. Didn't confirm 10 pm. If Cole Brookstone thought he could just dictate the pace.. he was wrong.
Kai's eyelids grew heavier with every page. The comic slipped slightly against his chest. His phone remained dark on the mattress beside him. Workshop tomorrow at 10. We should start outlining. Bring your ideas.
Kai huffed quietly in his half-sleep. ''Bossy.'' He muttered.
And somewhere between one panel and the next.. he fell asleep. Comic open. Phone unanswered. Tomorrow waiting.
~~~
Cole didn't rush when he left the library.
He never did. He preferred steady movement, like placing weight carefully across unstable ground.
His phone was already in his hand by the time he reached the hallway.
Kai Smith.
The contact sat there, newly added. He hesitated for half a second.
Then typed. 'Sleep well. Workshop tomorrow at 10. We should start outlining. Start working on ideas.' He read it once. Direct. Clear. Efficient.
He hit send. The message was delivered instantly.
He slid the phone back into his pocket, adjusting the strap of his bag over his shoulder as he crossed campus.
Fire Engineering. Enhancement tech. Ambitious. Reckless. Cole wasn't annoyed by the disagreement. If anything, he expected it.
What he didn't like was uncertainty. And Kai radiated it, bright, unpredictable, anything but calm.
His phone buzzed softly, and he pulled it out again.
Read.
Cole exhaled slowly. That is going to be troublesome. Left on read. Not even a 'sure'. Not even a time adjustment. Just silence.
Cole slipped the phone away again, jaw tightening slightly. Six months wasn't long. And partnerships required coordination.
He reached his dorm building and pushed through the doors. By the time he unlocked his room, his expression had smoothed back into neutrality.
Jay was lying across his bed, phone inches from his face, thumbs moving at an alarming speed.
''Dude.'' Jay said without looking up. ''You're late. Library?''
''Yes.''
''Geo?''
''Yes.''
Jay finally looked up. ''How'd that go?''
''Productive.''
Jay narrowed his eyes suspiciously. ''That tone means it was not productive.''
Cole set his bag down carefully. ''I found out who I was paired with.''
Jay sat up immediately. ''Oh? Geomancy?''
''No.''
''Combat theory?''
''No.''
Jay paused mid-guess. ''Don’t tell me it's-''
''Fire Engineering.''
Jay froze. ''..Who?''
''Kai Smith.''
Jay shot to his feet so fast he nearly dropped his phone.
''THE Kai Smith?''
Cole stared at Jay as he'd just announced the building was on fire. ''Why are you yelling?'' He asked evenly.
Jay blinked, then ran a hand through his hair like he had too much energy to contain. ''Dude, he helped me once. With my combustion engine model last semester? It overheated during testing? That was him.''
Cole frowned faintly. ''You never mentioned that.''
''Because I didn't know his last name!'' Jay shot back. ''But that's him. Kai Smith. Fire major. Red hoodie half the time. Loud laugh?''
Cole considered that. It fit.
Jay started pacing now, gesturing wildly. ''He stayed after lab and helped me fix the output vents. His fire control is insane. Like, top tier. I passed that class because of him.''
Cole crossed his arms. ''That does not align with my current assessment.''
Jay stopped. ''What's that supposed to mean?''
''He's impulsive.'' Cole replied calmly. ''Argumentative. Resistant to structure.''
Jay stared at him. ''Bro, you just described every Fire major ever.''
Cole didn't deny that.
Jay pointed accusingly at him. ''You're judging him already, aren't you?''
''I'm observing.''
''You're being stupid.''
Cole's eyebrow twitched slightly. ''Excuse me?''
''You are.'' Jay insisted. ''He's awesome.''
Cole exhaled slowly. ''You are speaking about him like he is some sort of idol.''
Jay recoiled. ''Hell no.''
''You are standing.''
''You made it dramatic!''
Cole remained unimpressed.
Jay flopped back onto his bed, groaning into his pillow before popping his head up again. ''Also.. minor detail.''
Cole waited.
''He has a sister.''
''Irrelevant.''
''In Water major.'' Jay's grin spread slowly.
''And?'' Cole prompted.
''And.'' Jay continued carefully. ''I may or may not have a very small, completely respectful, totally non-creepy crush on her.''
Cole stared at him. ''You want to use me.'' He said flatly.
''It's not using!'' Jay protested immediately. ''It's networking.''
''You want proximity.''
Jay pointed at him. ''Exactly.''
''That is annoying to ambush someone for.''
''It's not an ambush if you're his partner!'' Jay argued. ''It's fate.''
''It is opportunistic.''
Jay waved him off. ''Details.''
Cole rubbed his temple once.
''Just-'' Jay leaned forward, suddenly serious. ''Be nice to him, okay? Don't go all 'structural stability' on him immediately. He's not as bad as you think.''
Cole hesitated. He replayed the library conversation in his head. Enhancement without stabilization is irresponsible. Stabilization without ambition is boring. He wasn't wrong. He was intense. But he wasn't incompetent.
''I am not planning to be hostile.'' Cole said.
Jay narrowed his eyes. ''That wasn't convincing.''
Cole sighed quietly. ''I will ask if he remembers you.''
Jay lit up instantly. ''Yes! Thank you.''
Cole picked up his phone again. Still on read. No response. No confirmation. Just silence.
Jay noticed. ''Ooooh. Left on read?''
Cole didn't answer.
Jay grinned. ''Yeah. That tracks.''
Cole set the phone down carefully on his nightstand. This is going to require patience. ''I'll talk to him tomorrow.'' He said, finally.
Jay flopped back dramatically, satisfied. ''You're about to have the most chaotic semester of your life.''
Cole turned off his lamp. ''I doubt that.''
But as he lay in the dark, staring faintly at the ceiling.. he checked his phone one more time. Still nothing. He exhaled slowly. Six months. He could handle six months. He closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would determine whether this partnership was manageable, or combustible.