❝ all valley. ❞

━━━━━━━☆

REINA AND her father, Charlie, arrived at the LaRusso Auto Dealership, a place they visited often due to Charlie's frequent partnerships with local auto shops for servicing his truck. Charlie had brought Reina along as a way to spend quality father-daughter time, feeling guilty that his job had been taking him away from the family too often. He planned to devote one day to Reina and save another for Estrella.

As they parked, the large lot was filled with various vehicles, from shiny trucks to sleek sedans. The building itself was adorned with banners and flags, buzzing with activity as customers browsed the selection and salespeople worked to close deals.

Reina felt a pang of regret about skipping the dojo the last few days. According to Miguel's texts from the last few days, all the students had been getting pummeled by Aisha to build their pain tolerance. Johnny had called it an essential part of training to stop being "flinchers." She couldn't help but smile at the updates about Eli, now known as Hawk, who proudly sported a hawk tattoo on his back. And then there was Miguel, nervously trying to figure out where to take Sam when he finally asked her out.

With those thoughts in mind, she realized that maybe she wasn't missing out on much after all. As they entered the dealership, the excitement in the atmosphere was palpable. Employees were moving around energetically, preparing for the day's business. Reina's father approached the receptionist, greeting her with a smile and a friendly wave.

"Hey there, Sheila. How's the day going?" he asked, his voice warm and engaging.

"Oh, hey there, Mr. Parker!" Sheila responded with equal enthusiasm. "It's going well! We had a few new vehicles come in last night, and everyone's interested in checking them out."

"Good to hear! I'll head to the back and take a look at the latest inventory," Terry said, and Reina could see the excitement in his eyes.

"Sounds good! I hope you find something you like," Sheila replied, returning to her work. With her dad heading towards the back office, Reina looked around the showroom, taking in the sight of the gleaming vehicles on display. The smell of new leather and freshly waxed paint filled the air, and she felt the thrill of being in such a vibrant setting.

As she wandered further into the lobby, her thoughts drifted back to the dojo. Maybe the intense training wasn't such a loss, considering the cool environment here at the dealership.

She noticed one of the cars in the showroom caught her eye - a sleek, black Dodge Charger.

She wandered over to the vehicle, her fingers tracing over its smooth, glossy surface. She leaned down to get a closer look at the engine, appreciating the craftsmanship and power under the hood. Just then, a voice behind her made her jump, breaking her from her car-induced trance. A charming, well-dressed salesman with his name badge saying "ROBBY" approached her. He chuckled at her startle, his brown eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Sorry about that," he apologized with a grin. "I didn't mean to scare you. You have a thing for Chargers, huh?"

A blush crept up Reina's cheeks as she straightened up, feeling a bit embarrassed. "Oh, uh, yeah... just admiring the... horsepower," she said, mentally facepalming at her lame response.

Robby chuckled once more, his smile only growing wider at her awkward reply. "Ah, a connoisseur of horsepower," he teased, leaning back against the car. "Well, you're not wrong. This baby here is packing some serious power."

He then looked over at Reina, his gaze drifting over her. His eyes lingered on her for a moment before he spoke again. "I don't think I've seen you here before. Have you got your eye on this beauty for yourself?" he asked, nodding towards the car.

"For in the future, yeah." Reina replied, knowing she'll have to pass her permit then take her driver test for all that to happen. "The HEMI V8 is legendary for its power. It can go from zero to sixty in just a few seconds. And the handling is incredible, especially with the upgraded suspension." She rambled, eyeing the car.

Robby listened intently, a smile on his face as Reina spoke. He was impressed by her knowledge of cars. "You know your stuff," he said, eyebrows raised. "I mean, the HEMI V8, the handling, the suspension - you're not kidding about the specs. You a car enthusiast or something?"

"Well, when you grow up with a dad who's a trucker, you pick up a few things." Reina answered, cheeky.

Robby chuckled. "Well, well, well, look at you," he teased. "A real daddy's girl, huh? Growing up in the auto business makes you practically a car expert, I bet." He leaned against the car, crossing his arms over his chest. "So, since you clearly know your stuff, care to take a guess at the max speed this baby can hit?"

"Two hundred three," she replied confidently. Robby looked at her in surprise, meaning that she got it right. "Ha! You can't quiz me; I know my stuff." She gloats playfully.

"Dang, you weren't kidding," Robby replied, impressed. "I was expecting like a one ninety-something answer, but you went full geek and nailed it. Two oh three, spot on." He chuckled, clearly enjoying the banter. "Okay, Miss Car Expert, you know your stuff. But can you tell me one thing?"

"Which is?"

"Your name."

She opened her mouth to respond, but just then, she heard her name being called. "Reina!" Her dad was outside the office, ready to go.

"There you have it," Reina said with a cheeky grin. "See you, Robby!"

Reina jogged over to her dad. "Were you bothering a worker here about the Charger again? I told you no car until you get your permit and then your license." Charlie reminded.

She wasn't exactly doing that but she decided to let her dad believe that. "Yeah, yeah, I know, Dad," she replied, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her smile. "I just can't help it. The Charger is calling my name."

Her dad chuckled. "Just focus on getting your permit first. Then we can talk about cars."

"Deal!" Reina said, glancing back at Robby, who was watching with a knowing smile.

_______________

REINA WAS at Miguel's apartment helping him rehearse for his date with Sam, which was now a go since she agreed to go on a date with him. He was taking her out to the fair at the mini golf course. "Calmaté," she said, "Watching you pace is making me get all jittery." His grandma was sleeping in her room while his mom was doing a night shift at the hospital.

Miguel paused his pacing and let out a sigh of frustration. "I can't help it, Reina," he said, running a hand through his hair. "I just want this date to go well. It's so important."

Reina shook her head, feeling both amused and sympathetic. "Miguel, you've got this. You're a great guy and Sam clearly likes you. Just relax and be yourself."

"But what if I mess something up?" Miguel fretted. "What if I say the wrong thing or act like a total fool?"

Reina rolled her eyes. "Miguel, you're overthinking this way too much. You're not going to mess anything up. If you keep freaking out like this, you'll be a nervous wreck before you even get to the date."

"Yeah, you're right," Miguel sighed again, but his voice still carried a hint of anxiety. "I just don't want to screw this up. This is my chance with Sam, and I really like her."

"I know you do, I totally get it." Reina reassured. "But remember: that's exactly why she agreed to go on this date with you. She likes you, Miguel. Just take a deep breath, relax, and be your charming self."

Miguel took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. "Yeah, you're right. I can do this. I can be charming, right?" He gave a weak attempt at a smile, but it was clear he was still feeling nervous.

"Okay so let's pretend I'm Sam," Reina stood up from the couch, dusting off her denim skirt she had on, "And now let's practice."

Miguel took another deep breath and nodded, trying to psych himself up. "Alright, yeah. Let's do this." He stood up, facing Reina, and prepared himself to act like he was on his date with Sam. "Okay, uh, so 'Sam,'" he began, still looking a little nervous. "You look beautiful today."

Reina played along, pretending to be Sam. She smiled and batted her eyelashes dramatically. "Aww, thanks, Miguel! You don't look too bad yourself."

Miguel chuckled nervously at her exaggerated response, but he continued trying to act natural. "So, uh, are you ready for some mini golf?"

"Of course! I love mini golf. Just don't get too upset when I beat you," Reina, now pretending to be Sam, teased. Miguel's eyes widened, a hint of competitiveness lighting up his expression. "Oh, you're on. I might be a little out of practice, but I bet I can give you a run for your money."

"We'll see about that," Reina-Sam responded with a smirk. "But first, don't forget to open the car door for me like a proper gentleman."

"I don't have a car..." Miguel trailed off.

"Damn buddy, sucks to be you." Now that was just full-on Raina roasting him like that.

"You don't have a car either!"

It was silence between them before they both burst out laughing.

Miguel clutched his stomach, trying to catch his breath from laughing so hard. "Okay, okay, I think we messed that up a little bit."

Reins, still giggling, composed herself and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that was a fail, but at least we're having fun with this."

Miguel nodded, a grin on his face as he wiped away a tear of laughter. "Yeah, you're right. This is actually kind of fun, in a weird way." He glanced at the clock on the wall. "Still got some time before my date with Sam, though. Mind if we keep practicing?"

"Of course I don't mind, you know this," Raina said genuinely. "Hope you know you're like my boy bestie now." She confirmed. She felt like people need to do that more often. She remembers being younger and not knowing where she stood with people because they never actually confirmed their friendship with her out loud, so that's why she makes an effort to do it with the people around her whenever she can.

Miguel chuckled, feeling a mix of gratitude and humor at Reina's words. "Boy bestie, huh? I think I can handle that title." He took a deep breath, focusing on their practice again. "Alright, alright, let's get back to it. This time, no car door mishaps, okay?"

Reina nodded. "Okay."

As Miguel continued with their mock date practice, he couldn't help but feel a bit more at ease. He was getting into the groove of it, pretending to flirt with Raina as "Sam" and even working on some playful banter.

"Okay, 'Sam,' so are we ready for the grand mini-golf challenge?" he asked, leaning in with mock seriousness.

"Yes! But you better not make any excuses when I wipe the floor with you," Raina shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Miguel chuckled, getting a bit competitive. "Just you wait! I've been practicing my swings. I'll have you begging for mercy." In his playful attempt to demonstrate a swing, Miguel leaned forward a little too enthusiastically, inadvertently brushing his fingers against Raina's sides. She squealed out of surprise.

"Whoa! Are you ticklish?" he blurted with excitement, eyes wide as he took a step back, intrigued. "No!" Raina quickly denied, but her flushed cheeks and the laughter that bubbled up betrayed her.

"Oh, really?" Miguel pressed, grinning ear to ear. He could see the glint of mischief spark in his eyes. "Are you sure about that?"

Raina shot him a warning look. "I'm totally not ticklish, Miguel. I mean it!"

But the challenge only fueled Miguel's playful spirit. He wasn't convinced. "Okay, if you say so..." With that, he dove in, fingers poised for attack. Before she could react, Miguel quickly tickled her sides again, and Raina erupted in a fit of giggles, her defenses instantly melting away. "Stop! I told you I'm not ticklish!" she tried to protest, though her laughter was already betraying her.

"Liar! You're super ticklish!" he teased, leaning in closer and launching another round of playful tickles. Raina squirmed and twisted, unable to hold back her laughter as she swatted at him in a mix of playful annoyance and genuine delight. "Miguel! Seriously! Stop it!" she gasped between breaths, writhing around on the couch, clearly unable to maintain her composure.

"Are you sure you don't want to rethink that 'no'?" Miguel grinned, 'torturing' her in good fun as he continued to poke and prod at her sides.

Reina could barely respond, too busy trying to stifle her laughter. In her frantic attempts to escape his tickle attack, she fell off the couch, landing in a heap on the floor while still giggling uncontrollably. "Okay, okay! You win! I'm ticklish!"

Finally relenting, Miguel backed off, still laughing as he watched her try to regain her composure on the floor.

"I'm never gonna live this down, am I?" Reina said, still breathless from laughter, her cheeks flushed as she sat up.

Miguel offered her a hand up, pulling her back onto the couch. "Nope, not a chance. It'll be our little inside joke...for now."

Reina shook her head, unable to resist a smile. "Alright, fine. Just no more tickling, okay?"

He held up his hands in mock surrender. "I promise... until the next practice session. I need to keep my tricks up my sleeve."

"Yeah, right," she scoffed playfully, still feeling the warmth of their laughter fill the room. "Let's get back to rehearsing before you have a chance to tickle me again."

They both settled back into their roles, Reina feeling grateful for the lighthearted moment. The bond between them felt stronger, and as they practiced once more, she realized that moments like this made their friendship all the more special.