❝ that's for breaking your promises. ❞

―

NEWS OF THE AFTER PARTY SPREAD FAST.

Achara thought it was a little weird that Stingray was holding an after party for a bunch of high schoolers who just came from their junior prom. She stood in the living room, staring down at the ground as she waited for Miguel to come out of the bathroom.

She was trying her hardest to avoid looking at the Cobra Kais who were giving her questioning looks. Hence, why she was staring at the ground and wishing that it would just swallow her whole.

Achara lifted her head, seeing Piper and Kyler walking away. Achara felt relieved. A smile appeared in her face when she saw Decha enter the living room with Demetri by his side. She called out his name before making her way towards him.

"Having fun yet?" Decha asked her.

Achara shrugged. "I'm thinking about living it up a little. Party girl Achara might make a comeback. I haven't decided yet."

"Party girl Achara?" Decha asked followed by a chuckle. "I haven't seen her in a while."

Achara laughed, shaking her head at the floor before looking at her brother again. "Anyway, I didn't get the chance to tell you how much I loved your performance at prom. It was beautiful."

"I just wanted to tell you how glad I am that you're my sister and music is one of the best ways to do that," Decha responded. "Sorry if it made things worse for you in Cobra Kai."

Achara shook her head. "Don't even worry about it. It's not like it's going to matter soon anyway."

Miguel came walking into the living room, waving at Achara before he stood next to her. "Hey, amazing job tonight," Miguel said to Decha. "You're like, crazy talented."

Decha smiled at him. "Thanks."

Miguel turned his head back to Achara. "Do you want to get a drink or something?"

Achara nodded her head. "Uh, sure." She turned to Decha. "See you around."

Decha nodded and watched the two of them make their way into the kitchen. He inhaled a deep breath as he glanced over at the kitchen, seeing the various alcoholic beverages laid out on the counter. He felt Demetri squeeze his hand, causing him to turn his attention towards him.

"Are you okay?" Demetri asked.

Decha nodded as he looked around the room, spotting Eli on the couch. "Hey, look, there's Eli."

Decha dragged Demetri by the hand and pulled him over to the couch. He plopped down next to Eli, pulling Demetri down with him.

"Have you seen Moon anywhere?" Eli asked them.

Decha shook his head. "We haven't seen her. Why? Are you planning to make a move?"

Eli shrugged. "I thought about it."

He continued to look around the room, paying no attention to the row of boys sitting next to him. When he realized that Eli wasn't going to say anything else, Decha turned his head to Demetri and smiled at him. He looked him directly in the eyes before glancing down at his lips and then back.

Decha tilted his head, starting to lean closer towards him. Demetri did the same, tilting his head the opposite way and anticipating the moment that their lips touched. With every kiss they shared, the more in love Decha swore he fell. Their lips slotted together, moving in a harmonious rhythm.

Decha cupped Demetri's cheek, his thumb resting under his jaw as his other hand found its place on his thigh. Demetri inhaled a sharp breath, providing an opportunity for the kiss to deepen.

"I guess Moon's not coming," Eli spoke beside them.

Decha pulled away from the kiss, a faint smack sounding at the separation of their lips.

"Huh?" Decha turned, his lips glossy and swollen ever so slightly.

Eli shook his head, eyes falling to the floor. He stood up and made his way into the other room. Decha turned to Demetri, immediately connecting their lips. He moved his hand to the nape of Demetri's neck.

The kiss separated once more. For a brief moment, they just stared at each other before Decha leaned in closer, his breath ghosting on Demetri's ear.

"Why don't we go check out the rest of the house?" Decha asked. "And find somewhere more private?"

Demetri gulped, nodding his head. Decha smirked at him and stood up, grabbing ahold of Demetri's pink tie and pulling him through the living room and up the stairs.

They roamed the upstairs hallway in search of a room that wasn't occupied. The second they found one, Decha pulled Demetri into the room and closed the door behind them. Still holding onto his tie, Decha pulled Demetri across the room to the bed. Decha's knees hit the edge of the bed before he sat. He tugged lightly on Demetri's tie, willing him to sit down next to him.

Their eyes locked into each other's. Hazel green eyes stared into a deep shade of brown. Decha pulled Demetri closer so that their lips were just barely touching. Demetri was the one to close the gap, pressing his lips against Decha's.

Not a single second was wasted as the kiss deepened. There was no steady rhythm, only a rush of frantic movement and the lingering feeling of passion with each hasty maneuver of their lips.

Decha placed his hand on the back of Demetri's head, his fingers entangled in his hair. Demetri's hand made its way to the nape of Decha's neck, pushing him slightly forward.

Decha placed his hand on Demetri's chest, pushing him down on the bed. It was an awkward and uncomfortable position. Decha broke the kiss, allowing Demetri to scoot up on the bed. Decha moved with him; his legs positioned on either side of Demetri's hips.

The kiss resumed and it was as if it had never been broken in the first place. Decha put his hands on either side of Demetri's head while Demetri held onto his sides.

Decha lifted his head, disconnecting their lips. Demetri chased after him, the feeling of Decha's lips lingering on his own.

"Is this okay?" Decha asked.

Demetri nodded his head. "Of course it's okay."

"I just wanted to make sure," Decha told him. "I'd never want to do anything that you aren't one hundred percent okay with."

Demetri cupped his cheek. "I promise, I'm okay."

"Okay," Decha responded, looking down at him. " You'd tell me if you aren't comfortable with something, right?"

Demetri nodded. "You know I would. Would you tell me if you aren't okay?"

"I would," Decha replied, nodding his head.

"Good," Demetri said with a small smile, but it faded away slowly. "Speaking of things we're not okay with..." he adverted his gaze, looking anywhere but at Decha. "I don't think I'm ready for anything other than kissing right now. Maybe slight touching but..."

"And that's perfectly fine," Decha told him, a calm and gentle tone in his voice. "You really think I want our first time to be at Stingray's house?"

Demetri laughed.

"But seriously, I won't ever pressure you into doing anything," Decha said, resting his hand on the side of Demetri's head and gently touching his hair. "No one should be pressured into something they don't want."

In all of the relationships that Decha has with other people, there had never been a moment where he pressured someone. Decha might have been with his fair share of people, but never once had he done anything more with someone that wasn't okay with both parties.

"Could we go back to kissing now?" Demetri asked.

Decha smiled at him and nodded. He leaned in, soft lips touching his own.

────────────

Achara and Miguel stood in front of the kitchen counter, looking down at all of the various bottles of alcohol. She turned to look at him, an eyebrow raised.

"This is some hard stuff," Achara pointed out. "Do you just wanna go grab a beer?"

Miguel nodded his head and turned around, his body tensing almost immediately. Achara gave him a confused look before she turned around, her jaw clenching when she saw Robby standing in front of her.

Robby stared back, eyes darting between them. Before any of them had the chance to speak, the music was cut off suddenly.

"Whoa! The day the music died," Stingray's voice echoed through the living room. "What's going on? Guys, turn it back on."

"There are families on this street trying to get some sleep!" A man dressed in pajamas and a robe yelled as he emerged from nowhere. "If y'all don't go home right now, you're gonna get arrested for underage drinking," he pointed around the room at various people.

"Okay, relax," Stingray stepped closer to the man as few teens started to walk towards the door, making their way out of the house.

"Hey, guys! You don't have to leave!" Stingray called out to them. "It's fine. He's my neighbor."

Achara shared a confused glance with Miguel before shifting her attention back to the scene in front of her.

"What are you doing here?" Stingray asked his neighbor. "You weren't invited. You should leave right now."

The man looked around, addressing the room of teens. "Okay, no one listen to this speed bump of a human. This is a loser, everyone. That's why he's partying with you, because he has no friends his own age."

"Okay, I warned you," Stingray stepped closer to him. "But you just had to push it and make it personal, didn't you?"

The man threatened to call the cops, pulling out his phone Stingray grabbed his thumb and folding it back. He grabbed the phone from his hand.

"Also, this is really gonna sting," Stingray said as he placed his hand on the man's shoulder and punched him in the stomach.

The man groaned, having no time to recover before Stingray kicked him in the face while he was hunched over. His neighbor fell to the ground.

"Party on," Stingray turned the music back on.

The room erupted into a chant of his name. Achara rolled her eyes, looking away from him to put her focus back onto Robby. But he was no longer there.

"You still want to grab that beer?" Miguel asked.

Achara nodded. "Yeah. Let's go."

As they walked towards the backyard, Miguel paused when they passed Eli. He was sitting on the couch all alone. Miguel sighed.

"I'm gonna check in on Eli," Miguel told Achara. "You go ahead. I'll be out there in a minute."

Achara nodded her head in response before making her way to the backyard. She leaned over and started untying her combat boots before slipping them off her feet. Holding her boots in her hand, she looked for the keg, finding it in the corner by the pool. Achara weaved her way through the groups of people.

Her heart dropped when she saw Tory and Sam standing in front of the keg. She could not tell what the two girls were saying from where she was standing but judging from their history and the look on Sam's face, she knew it couldn't be good.

Achara walked as fast as she could towards them. She stood behind Tory, about to call out her name. Before she had the chance, Sam turned around and kicked Tory in the stomach, causing her to hunch over and push Achara back. She was able to catch her balance, and swiftly moved out of the way as Sam sent a kick flying in Tory's direction.

Sam sent jabs soaring towards Tory every which way. Tory managed to dodge her hits, trying her hardest not to fight with Sam. In exchange for helping me out, I promised her mom that I wouldn't fight her until the tournament, Achara remembered hearing Tory say when she was telling her about her she had gotten back in school.

Sam wrapped her arms around Tory's waist, pulling her to the ground.

"Sam!" Achara asked out as she walked up to her and tried to get her to stop.

Sam turned around quickly, accidentally hitting Achara in the face with her elbow. Achara groaned in pain as she dropped her boots on the ground next to her.

"Chara!" Miguel's voice called out. "Are you okay?"

Achara nodded her head. Miguel turned, looking at Sam who had Tory pinned to the ground, her arm raised as she prepared to hit her. Miguel pulled her off of Tory.

"What are you doing?" Miguel asked her.

"I'm doing what Johnny said! I'm not taking her shit anymore!" Sam responded.

Tory got back on her feet and attempted to strike Sam while her back was turned.

"Hey!" Achara shouted, grabbing Tory by the waist, and pulling her away from Sam.

"Get off of me!" Tory squirmed in her arms.

Achara stumbled back, falling onto the ground and bringing Tory down with her. The frilled lace of Achara's dress, bunched up, covering Tory like a blanket.

"You can't!" Achara told her.

Achara held onto Tory's wrist as they made eye contact. Tory tried to release her arm from Achara's grip.

"Let me go!" Tory said.

Achara kept pulling her arm back. "No!"

"Why are you defending her?" Tory asked.

"Get off her!" Robby's voice yelled as he ran up to the two girls.

Miguel grabbed Achara's arm and pulled her up from the ground.

"What is wrong with you?" Achara asked.

"What's wrong with me?" Robby asked, a furious look on his face. "What's wrong with you?"

"You're the one that's supposed to be my best friend, yet you're at prom with my ex-girlfriend!" Achara yelled at him. "And you've been ignoring me for months!"

Robby's face faltered, but before he had the chance to say anything, Miguel stepped in and pushed Robby away from her, sending him directly at Sam who grabbed him by the thumb. Tory swept Sam's feet out from under her. Sam fell with a thud, releasing her grip on Robby's thumb.

Miguel reached out for Sam and helped her up. Achara turned, seeing Robby pulling Tory up. Achara stood in the middle, glancing back and forth at them. It was like she was playing a cruel game of Monkey in the Middle.

Achara barely had the chance to register what was happening when Sam let go of Miguel's hands at flung her leg up in the air to kick Tory. Achara ducked and moved out of the way. Robby pulled Tory back, spinning her around to get her out of Sam's path.

"Just stop! All of you!" Achara called out.

It was like no one heard her. Robby and Tory continued to use dance moves as a form of fighting. Tory managed to kick both Miguel and Sam to the ground in one fell swoop. Achara's fist clenched at her side as she watched the four of them get into fighting positions.

When Tory and Sam started fighting, Achara lunged at Tory and pulled her backwards. Tory shifted her body around, her eyes settling on Achara.

"Would you just stop?" Achara asked Tory.

Tory avoided the question. "Why are you defending her? You didn't hear what she said to me!"

"Then tell me!" Achara shouted. "Tell me what she said!"

Tory glanced at Sam. "She said that she's not surprised that I managed to screw things up with you. That it was a long time coming."

Achara furrowed her eyebrows as her gaze turned to Sam.

"Better yet, do you wanna known what's he said to me at that kid's party I was working?" Tory asked. "She told me that a girl like you deserves to have someone who will treat her right and that if you were her girlfriend, she'd never do anything to hurt you."

"Wh-what?" Achara asked.

Achara glanced back and forth between the two girls. Her heart was pounding, and she felt like she couldn't breathe.

Sam grabbed Tory by the arm and yanked, forcing her to turn. The second Tory's body faced her, Sam kicked her in the side. Tory raised her arms, blocking the hits that Sam sent her way.

Achara turned to Miguel and Robby, her jaw clenching as she watched them fight. Her fist tightened at her side. Screw keeping up appearances, Achara thought to herself, Screw maintaining the facade. Screw Tory.

Achara grabbed Tory by the wrist and pulled her towards her. Tory stared at her, an angry expression on her face. She knew that what she was about to do was bound to cause problems, but those were problems that she would worry about later.

Achara kneed Tory in the stomach. "That's for breaking your promises!" Achara hit her on the shoulder, not giving her the chance to fully stand. "That's for treating me like shit!" A kick to her ribcage. "That's for coming to prom with my best friend!"

Tory was trying to block her punches and kicks, but it was no use. Achara stood in front of Tory, rage overflowing within her, bursting at the seams. Achara took a few steps back, holding her hands cupped in front of her. She raised her leg, resting her foot on her knee. She began to spin before swinging her leg out and applying as much pressure as she could to land a kick to Tory's chest.

Tory groaned and fell to the ground. When she stood up, she glanced between Achara and Sam as if she were wondering who to fight. She stopped, setting her eyes on Sam, and raising her leg to kick her. Sam grabbed her leg, pulling her forward and not letting go.

Achara turned her head, her gaze moving towards Miguel and Robby. Miguel was crouched on the ground as Robby's hand pressed against his neck. Achara walked up to them, placing her hand on Robby's arm, and tightening her grip. Robby tilted her head to look at her.

"I don't know who you are or who this person you've become is, but you are not my best friend," Achara told him.

Robby's posture faltered and his hand fell from Miguel's neck. Achara yanked Robby by the arm and pulled him away from Miguel.

Miguel got back on his feet, shoving Robby backwards. Robby reached forward and grabbed Miguel by his bow tie as Miguel punched him in the side, ducking under his arm. With one hand on his back and the other on his ribcage, Miguel pulled Robby closer to him and kneed him in the stomach.

Robby wrapped his arm around Miguel's neck, pulling him around in a circle before pushing him forward. Miguel tumbled forward and bumped into Tory and Sam. The three of them fell into the pool, water splashing everywhere.

Achara looked at Robby, who was already staring back at her. "I'm not going to fight you, Achara."

"Why?" Achara asked. "Are you scared that you'd lose?"

Robby shook his head. "No."

Achara got into fighting position. "Then prove it."

Robby got into fighting position, staring at Achara. She didn't hesitate to lunge her fist in his direction. Robby blocked her fist from hitting him, but Achara wasn't going to give up. She kept surging her fists towards him, but Robby's reflexes were unmatched. Achara stopped for a second. She remained in fighting position. Robby pushed his fist through the air and nearly hit Achara in the shoulder, but she grabbed his arm and shoved him back. She grabbed him by the shoulders and raised her knee, forcing it upwards into his stomach.

Robby hunched over, grabbing his stomach before he straightened his posture and turned his body, raising his leg to kick Achara in the leg. She groaned but didn't fall. As he tried to punch her, Achara grabbed Robby's arm and twirled around him, twisting his arm behind him. She placed her hand on his back and shoved him.

Robby crashed right into the pool, joining the others.

"Oh, we're jumping in the pool? This is the greatest night of my life!" Stingray said excitedly before jumping in the pool. "Cannonball!"

Achara kneeled down in front of the pool. She smiled down at Miguel, laughing at him. She held out her hand to help him out of the pool. He grabbed her hand and pulled, causing her to fall into the water.

"What'd you do that for?" Achara asked, laughing rather than sounding mad.

Miguel shrugged. "I couldn't let you be the only one that stayed dry."

Achara grinned, shaking her head as she laughed softly. Miguel laughed with her.

When they had managed to stop laughing, Achara looked around the pool. "Hey, where's Sam?"

"I'm not sure," Miguel responded. "She was right beside me a second ago."

Achara started to make her way out of the pool. Her dress was soaked, causing it to feel heavy. She walked back into the house, looking around for Sam as water dripped from her dress, but she didn't see her anywhere.

"Holy shit, what happened to you?"

Achara did a full body turn, seeing Decha standing behind her with a red cup in his hand. "What are you drinking?"

"Answer my question first," Decha responded.

"Fight that ended with us falling in the pool," Achara responded.

"I missed a fight?" Decha asked. "Who was involved? Did you win?"

"Don't avoid my question," Achara replied sternly. "What are you drinking?"

Decha rolled his eyes. "Jesus, Mae. It's just a tiny bit of...actually, I'm not sure what it is. But I didn't get a lot."

"You aren't supposed to be drinking," Achara told him. "Is that the first drink you've had tonight?"

Decha nodded. "Yes, and it's going to be the last. I swear."

Achara crossed her arms. "I'm choosing to believe you. Don't make me regret it."

"Aye aye, captain," Decha responded as he saluted her.

Achara scanned the room. "Where's Demetri?"

"Using the bathroom upstairs," Decha replied.

Achara nodded her head. "Well, I think I'm going to head home. Please don't do anything stupid."

"I promise I won't do anything stupid," Decha responded.

Decha walked into the kitchen to throw his cup away, but the trash can was overflowing with discarded cups. The entire kitchen floor was covered. Decha sighed and threw his cup on the ground near the trash can.

He walked out of the kitchen at the same time that Demetri entered the living room.

"Hey," Decha greeted him with a smile. "Ready to go home?"

Decha and Demetri opened the front door and walked outside, stopping in their tracks when they saw Eli sitting on the front porch.

"Hey, Eli," Demetri spoke, causing him to jump. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. Do you need a ride home?

Eli shook his head and stood up with a sigh. "No, I'm good. I was just about to head out."

"Are you sure?" Demetri asked, receiving a nod. "Okay. Be safe."

Eli nodded. Decha and Demetri stepped down off the porch and walked to Decha's car. Prom night was officially over, but for Decha, it was only the beginning.

He went home that night after dropping off Demetri at his house. After getting out of his tuxedo and changing his clothes, Decha laid in his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He tapped his fingers on his chest while his foot shook underneath the blanket. With a sigh, he climbed out of bed and walked downstairs to get a glass of water.

He stood in front of the sink, filling a cup wither water. Taking a sip of water, he turned around and leaned against the counter. Decha looked up, his eyes landing on the cabinet where he knew his father kept his liquor. He averted his eyes and turned back around as he placed his empty glass in the sink. He gripped the edge of the counter.

"Is that the first drink you've had tonight?"

"Yes, and it's going to be the last. I swear."

Decha turned around, glancing back up at the cabinet. He took a few steps forward and reached up, placing his hand on the cabinet handle.

— EMILIA'S NOTES

decha and demetri 🥹

but there we have it. the long awaited prom fight. of course i had to change it up a bit, but i hope it wasn't a let down (or too big of one if it was....) BUUUUTTTT what sam said to tory at the party reavealed!!

i'm feeling straight up evil for the last part of the chapter. i told y'all his struggle was coming.

i might try and write an extra chapter before going into the tournament just to detail a little bit more of what happens between then and prom. 'cause i have some stuff i wanna write about that really make sense if it were written after this chapter. anyway...

alternative chapter title: *achara in the middle of a fight* meanwhile decha and demetri...