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Oddly enough, one of Jay’s worst times with Cole ended up being one of the best for them as friends.
For starters: it’s no secret the revelation that Cole and Nya may have romantic feelings for one another stirred up a lot of completely different feelings of his own. Shock. Anger. Betrayal. Inferiority. Superiority. Loss. Guilt. Disgust.
It didn’t take long for the focus to shift from Nya to personal attacks on one another. His alliance and teamwork with Cole had gone from being unparalleled to paper thin in no time flat. It stung to have one of the two people who knew him best drifting away. Their training days had seemed so far behind them. He wanted things to go back to how they were, but there was still that part of him that still wouldn’t let go. Couldn’t. Pride is, unfortunately, a fickle thing for the insecure. In the end, though, his gut instinct (and Wu) were correct. It only made them easier to exploit. He wished he’d admitted it sooner. Had more awareness.
He’d fought with Cole before. Plenty. They’d been sparring partners more often than he could count. But it never had the same energy and intent as this time. He could tell. In the middle of this match, though, the energy shifted again. They were coming to the same conclusion at the same time. They both deserved better than to treat each other this way. Even if they’d gotten themselves into this mess and it was too late to back out, they could agree there would be no hard feelings over the outcome. They would accept what happened, and move on and better themselves for the future.
And once again, Cole just had to be the bigger person. Cole always was.
No. That’s not right. Cole wouldn’t let him say that or talk like that about himself. Part of the reason Cole threw that match was because he trusted him and his abilities. It didn’t truly hit him until then how much Cole cared and how little he meant of all the things said in their spats. If Cole needed it, he knew he’d be there to return the favor and lift him up too. It is what people who care about each other do.
In the end, they both were prepared to make the mature decision for the sake of their friendship and team. The way things worked out doesn’t change how he felt and his intentions. They were stronger for it now. They knew each other better than ever. Respected one another a lot more. The two were reminded of everything that made them…them! Sometimes, that is worth the lesson and wisdom. He is just grateful Cole was freed and his powers were returned.