Chapter Fifty-Seven: Kenny Payne

"Come a little closer. You could be my soldier keeping me safe from all who conspire enemy fire."

~Enemy Fire by Bea Miller~

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Revised: October 12, 2022

Warnings: abuse, addiction, anxiety, biphobia/homophobia, depression, domestic violence, slight eating disorder, language, panic attacks, sexual harassment/assault/abuse, violence, and other mature themes

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Zion's POV

A knock comes at the door of Shannon's apartment and it scares me. I'm the only one here since Robby is at the skate park and Shannon is working. I just don't enjoy skating like he does.

I open the door after a minute and it swings open to the last person I ever expected to be here:

Johnny fucking Lawrence.

"What are you doing here?" we ask each other at the same time.

"I'm here to see Robby," Johnny answers.

"I'm waiting for Robby to get back," I say since I don't trust him with the truth.

"He's not here?"

"No."

"Is Shannon?"

"No."

"Why are you allowed here?" he asks suspiciously.

"Allowed? What am I, a dog?" I ask him.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. I just don't get it. I don't understand why you and Robby are hanging out."

"Of course you wouldn't because you were never a part of his life," I remark.

"Why do you think I'm here? I'm trying to fix that," he tells me.

"Bullshit. You don't care about him, all right? You care about yourself and that's it."

"That's not true. He's my son," Johnny tells me.

"Sometimes kids are better off without their parents," I tell him before closing the door in his face.

His foot stops me.

"Z. I know Kreese has you thinking that he cares about you, but he's just trying to manipulate you like he did with me. A lot of this 'war' that Kreese talks about is from miscommunication. Other things are what he instigates. His plan is to keep our sides apart and it's working, but the only one benefitting is him. For the longest time, I thought that he was my father figure, but he's abusive."

"You don't know what you're talking about. Sensei Kreese has never hit me," I say. "He's saved me, if anything."

"He isn't Jesus, Z. I'm trying to get you to understand that abuse is more than physical," he emphasizes.

"I'm well aware."

"Please, try to believe me," he pleads.

"I can't trust you. When you're in a war, you don't talk to the enemy," I argue.

"Unless it's a peace agreement," Johnny says.

"Peace?" I scoff. "There will never be peace between us. Ever."

"Is this because of Robby? Are you his best friend now or something? You've ditched Miguel already," he tells me.

"Wow, it's not only Robby that you fuck up with. You can't get your head out of your ass to think about anyone else except you or Miguel," I smirk. If only he knew about that summer.

"Help me to understand, then," he sighs in defeat. "Carmen saw you running away from your apartment last night. Is your mom still giving you hell?"

"You don't know anything about me," I say. I can feel the pain in my heart.

He didn't care enough to check on me until a month or two ago. He never once checked on Robby. At least I'm here so my boyfriend doesn't have to deal with this shit show.

"I helped you become strong. I was the one who got you into karate," he tells me.

"I've been fighting my whole life. I got into karate because I had a shit parent like you. You drink your life away and then crawl back for forgiveness after years of absence. You are a grown man. You want to make up with Robby so you can feel better about yourself. You're not welcome here."

I slam the door in his face and lock it.

⭒⭒⭒

I stretch out with the other Cobras, but seclude myself with Robby so I can talk to him.

"We need to talk," I say.

"About what?" he turns to me.

"Your dad showed up at Shannon's," I tell him. "He was looking for you and I got defensive and told him off. I didn't know what else to do."

"What did you tell him?" he asks me.

"Promise not to hate me?" I ask and he nods. "I told him that you're better off without a bad parent like him and then I told him we don't want him at your mom's, and then, uh, I slammed the door in his face."

I look at Robby for any sign of me doing something wrong.

He actually laughs slightly, "You did exactly what I would have."

"Really?" I ask hopefully.

"Yeah, really. Thank you," he kisses me.

"Mr. Keene, will you lead warm-ups?" Sensei calls.

"Yes, Sensei," he moves to the front of the class and I join Tory. "Junbi. Hai." "Kyu!" "Hai." "Kyu!"

We continue as a little boy walks into our dojo. I focus on Robby's instructions rather than him as my Sensei addresses him.

"Mr. Keene," Sensei Kreese says, "you have a visitor."

I look from him to Robby as Tory speaks up, "You know this kid?"

Robby just shakes his head in confusion.

"I-I'm Kenny. My brother, Shawn Payne, said you could help me," the boy explains.

"I didn't know Shawn had a brother. Is he out?" Robby engages in conversation as I watch this kid look at us nervously.

"No, that's why I'm here. These a-holes keep hassling me. One of them knows karate, so-"

"This is a dojo," Sensei interrupts the young boy and he jumps. I feel kind of badly for him. "You are interrupting my class."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know," Kenny clutches his backpack tighter.

"Sensei, Shawn Payne was one of the toughest guys in juvie. Kicked my ass a few times," Robby speaks up in defense of the child.

Sensei chuckles quietly, "You know, in the real world, we have to fight our own battles. Cobra Kai can teach you how, but you have to prove that you are worthy."

"How do I do that?" Kenny asks.

"Take your shoes off and get on the mat," Sensei instructs.

Kenny looks over at Robby nervously. I guess we'll see if he's Cobra Kai material.

We sit in formation as Kenny stands in the middle.

"All right, Mr. Payne. Let's see what you've got. Mr. Park?"

I roll my eyes as Kyler gets up and acts all macho to intimidate poor Kenny.

"But, how am I supposed to fight if I haven't had any training yet?" the boy asks.

"To be a Cobra Kai, you have to have a killer instinct," Sensei explains.

Kyler cracks his neck and intimidates.

"Fighting positions."

"Don't worry, man. I'll go easy on you," Kyler smirks.

"Aitz!"

Kyler lunges forward and Kenny runs backwards and out of bounds. The class laughs, but I just exchange a look with Robby.

I remember Hawk and I beating up Nate and thinking about the guilt that came with it. I remember picking on someone half my size. Sure, he chose the wrong side, but it was four of us versus him.

The real world shows no mercy, but Kenny wants to be on our team. If Sensei lets him in, we can shape into a Cobra.

"Come back on the mat. Grow some pubes. Let's go. Come on." Kyler taunts.

"It's all right, Mr. Payne. Try again," Sensei instructs.

Kenny moves back over and keeps his eyes on the ground. He's not going to win like that.

"Aitz!"

Kyler jumps at him again and Kenny lets out a scream before rushing away once more.

"All right. I've seen enough," Sensei Kreese tells him.

"Yeah, me too," Kyler laughs and the dojo erupts into laughter, even Tory.

Robby looks at Kenny with the same look I do: pity.

"What's so funny?" Sensei silences us. "The All Valley is a few short months away. We don't have time for losers or cowards."

Kenny walks out of the dojo immediately and I frown. I remember what it was like to search for training to help me with some assholes. I wish Kreese would be there for him the way Johnny was for me initially.

"Mr. Park, stay up there. Nichols, join him," Sensei Kreese says and I watch as Tory kicks his ass.

⭒⭒⭒

"That kid left his backpack," Robby approaches me after class as I put my shoes back on. "I figured I'd go take it to him."

"I'll go with you," I say. "We can have an adventure."

"I'm down."

I kiss his cheek. Then, I let my hand grab his and we leave.

Him coming to Robby for help makes me think that his parents aren't very involved in his life and it makes me think about my mom. Maybe there's a way to help him.

⭒⭒⭒

We arrive at his house and Robby knocks on the front door. When it opens, Kenny almost flinches at the sight of us. Robby holds up the backpack.

"How'd you know where I lived?" Kenny asks wearily.

"It's on your bag," I give him a small smile as Robby shows him.

"Thanks," Kenny nods at us. "Um, who are you?" he points to me.

"I'm Z, Robby's girlfriend," I introduce myself. It feels so weird to say.

"So, how's Shawn? Is he still getting out this summer?" Robby questions.

"They gave him an extra month because he spit in a guard's face."

Robby laughs, "Okay. Yeah, sounds like him. Hope it was the guard in the computer lab."

Kenny doesn't look enthused, "It's my fault."

"What is?" I ask in concern.

"Shawn had some bad friends at school. I caught one of them stealing from my parents. Guy came at me, but Shawn came between us... beat him pretty bad. He was just defending me. With him gone, I've got no one. That's why I was hoping you-"

"Look, I can't be your tutor," Robby has to break the news to him. "I have to focus on the All Valley."

Kenny nods just as his phone beeps. I hold Robby's hand as Kenny takes out his phone. Robby's look is of guilt for not being able to help, but we're both in this spot. Then, Kenny's face falls.

"What?" Robby asks him.

"It's nothing," Kenny lies.

"Can I see?" I reach out with my free hand.

Kenny holds it away from me.

"Give it. Come on," Robby insists.

Kenny reluctantly gives it to me and we watch the video. Some kids post on TikTok a prank where he got milk dumped all over him.

I frown as Robby sighs. We exchange a look.

"We can show you a couple moves," Robby offers.

"Really?" Kenny asks, already perking up. "'Cause we can just use my backyard."

Something inside of me feels different at those words.

"Sounds good to me," Robby nods.

I'm getting severe déjà vu, but I don't know why.

Robby steps into the house and his hand guides me as I try to place this feeling.

It's like a familiar smell hitting your nose, but you can't figure out where it's from.

We step into his yard, complete with a trampoline. Kenny stands opposite of Robby.

"You have potential, but you have to let go of your fear," Robby tells him. "Our first lesson is teaching you not to flinch."

"Enemies can smell your fear," I agree. "Don't let them know you're scared."

"How am I supposed to do that?" Kenny asks.

"Aitz!" Robby kicks up his foot and it swings by the smaller boy, who jumps back.

"Front kick! Aitz," I say and Ella does so. "Jab punch. Aitz!" She follows instructions and I smile. "Good job! You're becoming really good at this."

"Thanks! I want to be just like you when I grow up."

My breathing hitches as I watch my boyfriend train Kenny. This is too familiar.

"Let's run it again. I'm not gonna make contact, all right? But that means that you have to stay in the fight. All right? Bow," Robby instructs.

"Is she okay?" Kenny gets distracted and points at me.

Robby turns around in concern as I lean on the patio furniture and try to count backwards in my head.

Fifty, forty-seven, forty-four, forty-one...

"Zion, what's wrong?" he immediately rushes to my side.

"N-Nothing. Go back to training," I assure him weakly.

"Are you sure? Look at me." His hand touches my face and I lose it.

I shove Robby off of me in a panic and take a step back. I see Kenny and Robby staring at me in concern. I was more forceful than I intended and I can't even find my voice to say something.

"Zion?" He looks at me worriedly.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry" I whisper. Then, I regain control of my voice, "Um, Kenny, can I go inside and grab some water?"

He nods, "Yeah, sure. There are some clean cups in the dishwasher."

I try to act nonchalant, but Robby knows something is wrong as I go back inside.

I finish my glass of water in this big, unfamiliar house. It calmed me slightly, but I'm still worried about going back out there.

I decide to not worry them anymore and go back outside. I have a handle on myself, right?

"Are you all right?" Robby asks as he and Kenny take a break.

"Yeah. I was dehydrated," I explain.

"Take all the water you want," Kenny offers with a smile.

I laugh internally, "Thank you, Kenny."

"Well, your turn," Robby nods at me.

"My turn...?"

"To train him," my boyfriend informs me.

Kenny stands up in a fighting position and my body freezes again.

"Yeah, yeah, sure," I agree and step up to counter Kenny. "Cobra Kai is all about aggression. Fear does not exist. Repeat it."

"Fear does not exist," Kenny nods.

I throw a punch at his face, but stop short of actually hitting him and he jumps back. His worried eyes meet mine and in them I see a distant memory.

"I'm so sorry!" the little girl who knocked into me says and I look down at her with a tiny smile.

"That's all right," I assure her as she gives me her puppy dog eyes.

"Ella!" a male voice yells and I look over to see a man running towards us. "What did I say about running around in here?"

She frowns, "I'm sorry, Daddy."

The one I left behind because I was so selfish to only save myself.

"You can say a lot of things, but they mean nothing unless your actions match your words. Again. Fear does not exist," I train him.

"Fear does not exist."

I throw a kick and this time Kenny blocks it.

"You taught him Miyagi-Do," I look at Robby.

"We teach him what we know best," he tells me.

"Okay, you make the first move," I turn back to the kid. "Bow. Aitz."

He kicks and punches, but I manage to block all of them. I take him down with a sweep and he lands on the grass and groans.

"You're telegraphing. You're telling me which move you're going to do next. Don't overcalculate it. Trust your gut," I tell him. "Let's go again."

Kenny progresses quickly and I feel a sense of pride grow inside of me, but also I feel the fear creeping back in. Fear does not exist. I need to shake this.

Robby focuses on his technique and I reinforce the Cobra Kai mindset: Strike first, strike hard, no mercy. It seems I'm more reminding myself.

Finally, the sun begins to set, so Robby and I say our goodbyes to Kenny.

"Thank you so much," he tells us with hopeful eyes.

I try to avoid his gaze as we walk out front.

"It's the least we could do," Robby tells him.

"Thank you for being so generous and for helping out with Ella. It's been hard without a woman's influence and I know she's really connected with you, so I just want to let you know how much I appreciate you."

Kenny waves as he closes the door. I drop Robby's hand and walk back to the car first. I don't want him to see my panic.

Training with Kenny was a one-time thing. I will not be doing it again. It's too much. I'll only mess up with him like I did with Ella. I can't get involved in his life any more than I already am.

Robby opens his door and sits next to me, "I didn't want to push you in front of Kenny, but what happened there? You scared him. You scared me."

"I told you. I felt dizzy because I was dehydrated," I stand by my lie.

"And, after your drank water and came back out to train him, it happened again."

"It did?" I play dumb.

"Zion," Robby says in a pleading tone, "something about you isn't the same as before. Did something happen?"

"Nothing happened," I snap at him angrily.

He stares at me in shock as I turn away and try to hide my tears.

"Let's just not talk about it, okay? Just accept that," I tell him and put the car in reverse.

The ride back to Shannon's is silent.

⭒⭒⭒

Dinner is tense as Shannon talks to us about our day and Robby and I barely even want to talk. I feel more nauseous than anything.

"Robby, you always loved spaghetti," Shannon comments as he plays with his pasta.

"Yeah, whenever you were around to make it," he responds negatively.

I see Shannon try to make it better, "I am sorry. You know that, right?"

"Yeah," he sighs before standing up and pushing in his chair. "I'm just not hungry."

His eyes flicker over me before he goes back to the bedroom.

"Thanks for dinner, but uh... I need to go out," I tell her.

"Out where?" she questions.

"Out," I respond as I grab my keys.

"Um, okay. Do you have a jacket?" she asks.

"Somewhere," I nod before walking out the front door.

I go through my backseat for something warm to wear and that's when I see Hawk's Marvel hoodie buried under a suitcase.

I slam my car door angrily before getting into the front and heating up the car.

There's only one person I ever felt comfortable talking to about this kind of thing, only one person who knows what actually went down at the skating rink.

I never have the nerve. I come here and I never have the nerve. I keep trying to push myself, but I'm too scared of losing him again.

Maybe if I explain why I'm the way I am then he can forgive me.

I actually walk down the middle of the apartment complex before turning to Miguel's door.

I feel nauseous when I see Johnny and Carmen making out in the doorway.

I feel betrayed and scared. I should have known this was a mistake.

"Zion?" Carmen notices me when she breaks the kiss.

Johnny turns my way and I see him advance towards me.

My eyes widen as I run out of there as fast as I can, but Johnny catches up to me at my car and pins the door closed.

"Move your hand," I tell him.

"No. We need to talk," he says.

"I don't have anything to say to you," I try to be brave.

"I have lots. Let's go to my apartment."

"Oh, so now I actually get the invite," I reply with a snark in my voice. "No way."

"Z, I'm done playing games with you. You're a kid who needs to learn to grow up."

"Says the man-child who has been obsessed with Daniel LaRusso for, what, thirty years?" I argue.

"I'm not perfect, but I need to understand some things," he tells me.

"Does Miguel know about you and Carmen?" I raise my eyebrow knowingly.

Johnny looks down and shifts his stance.

"You let me go now or I tell him."

"You're blackmailing me now?" Johnny asks in disbelief.

"It's your decision."

"We're going to tell Miguel eventually," he sighs. "Just... not yet."

"Hm. Are you dating or just fucking?" I ask bluntly.

"What the hell? That's not your place to know," Johnny responds with emotion and takes his hand off my car door.

When he forgets its purpose, I swing the door open and it hits him in the nose. I jump into and start my car as the blond man grunts in pain and yells at me. The doors lock and I pull out of the Reseda strip mall with anxiety coursing through my veins.

⭒⭒⭒

I enter the Keene's apartment as quietly as possible. I'll just sleep on the couch to avoid Robby. I just don't know how to explain what happened with Adam Hansen. I've never admit any of it out loud.

"I was worried," Robby looks over from the kitchen table. He slightly scared me because I had no clue he was there. "I called and texted you."

"Oh," I respond. I never checked my phone.

"I was an ass," he tells me. "I should have accepted that you aren't comfortable to tell me whatever was really happening today."

"I don't want to lie," I say. "I just don't want to say the truth..."

"Something bad happened, didn't it?" he stands up and walks over.

I nod as a single tear falls down my cheek.

"I'm here. It doesn't matter what you do or don't tell me. Just know that I am sorry for pushing you to open up. You deserve better than that," he says.

I rush over into his strong arms as I sob onto his sweatshirt. He holds me tightly for God knows how long. All I know is that I feel safe.

A faint smile is on my face when our embrace ends.

"Are you going to sleep anytime soon?" he asks.

I shake my head. Robby already has a plan.

"Let's go get milkshakes," he states.

⭒⭒⭒

We split a large mint chocolate chip, his favorite, and sit at a booth in this diner on the outskirts of Reseda.

"We were supposed to do this last summer," I sigh, "until things got complicated."

"Better late than never," he shrugs.

"What's a man gotta do to get a damn hamburger here?" an irritated voice calls from the register.

Not again.

"You've got to be shittin' me," Robby curses under his breath.

"I said extra seasoning on those fries. Don't be a pussy. Just keep shaking that thing until I say stop."

"Should we leave?" I ask Robby in confusion.

If Johnny sees us here, who knows what will happen.

Robby looks at the milkshake and then back up at his dad, whose back is thankfully turned away from us.

"I don't want to, but I guess," he sighs. "Let's go."

We sneak out of the booth and he grabs my hand as we rush to the door.

"What the hell? Robby? Z?" Johnny yells to us and Robby stops mid-step to face his dad.

What is he doing? What is he doing?

"Hey," Robby stares at his dad blankly as he keeps his fingers intertwined with mine.

Johnny glances down at our hands and I see horror in his face, "Oh... Oh. Ohh. Please don't let what I think is happening be happening."

"And, what would that be?" Robby asks protectively.

"You two are dating?" the words come out of Johnny's mouth like they're the most disgusting words ever. "No, that's weird. You're my son and you were like my daugh-"

"Don't say it," I tell him. "We both know that's a fucking lie."

"And, it's weird," Robby acknowledges.

"Oh, God. I don't even want my damn burger anymore," he sets his to-go box on the table. "And... you two got together when he joined Cobra Kai?"

"We got together again," Robby informs his dad.

"'Again?'" Johnny presses a hand to his forehead as if this is giving him a headache. "What do you mean 'again?'"

"We date the summer before last," I smirk. This is killing him.

"What do you mean? You didn't live here," he tries to make sense of this. "How come I didn't know that? I mean, you're my kid and you were my student and... this is weird and fucked up."

"Thankfully, the world doesn't revolve around you," Robby tells him.

"Wait, wait, Robby, you're falling for Cobra Kai's games. Z can't... I mean, you can't... I mean..."

"Be careful with what you say about my girlfriend," Robby moves in front of me protectively.

I stare at him in awe for standing up for me to his dad. Johnny just sighs in disbelief.

"I'm sorry. I just don't understand," Johnny looks between us, completely lost.

"Yeah, well, maybe you would have known and you could have prevented all of this, if you were actually a good father," I step up equal with Robby.

Johnny's face falls in humiliation as my words echo in the diner.

"You were and always will be a shit father. Now you know that we're dating and you can stay the hell away from us," Robby tells him before taking my hand once more.

We walk out the door together and I glance back to see Johnny contemplating life as he eats a fry.

"You all right?" I ask him, knowing that wasn't easy.

"Yeah, let's just go back," he tells me.

⭒⭒⭒

Robby gives me his Panic! At the Disco shirt to sleep in. It hangs off my figure nicely as I enter back into the room.

He gives me a low whistle as I close the door behind me and climb into bed with him.

"I can't thank you enough for helping me with my dad today," he touches the hem of my shirt and then pulls me closer.

"I understand more than anyone. I'd do anything to help you, Robby," I kiss his cheek. "You don't need to thank me."

He pulls me in for a real kiss now and I moan slightly as his teeth tug on my lip. I lean my neck back as he begins to kiss under my jaw.

Adam starts planting kisses on my neck.

My mouth meets his and we sloppily make out as his hands roam my body.

"NO!" I find my voice in a panic. "Stop! Let go!" I scream and regain control of myself, my arm grabbing his and yanking it out of my pants and then taking my foot and stomping on his.

I gently push him back, "I forgot to plug in my phone." I stand up and find my charger.

He runs a hand through his hair as he waits for me to come back into bed.

I timidly settle on my side again. He scoots closer, but I know I can't do anything else tonight.

"I'm actually tired."

"All right," he respects it, but his face looks sad.

"I'm sorry," I roll over and give him a hug.

"For what?" Robby asks.

"For... not wanting to..." I think about it nervously.

"Don't apologize. If you're not comfortable, then we don't do anything," he shrugs.

"But, you wante-"

"It doesn't matter. I need you to feel safe," he brushes the hair out of my face.

I start to tear up again and press my face into his chest so he doesn't see. I always thought I had to feel bad about not giving people what they wanted, like Janice or Adam.

I want to tell him that I love him, but is it too soon? What if he doesn't love me back? What if I don't say it at the right time or place? Is it stupid to say it only a week into our relationship? Or is it what I've secretly felt since that summer? Maybe it's just me getting attached to the feeling? Unless, I really do love Robby?

Emotions make no sense.

All I know is that I melt into his arms and sleep all night with no nightmares for the first time in... however long it's been.

⭒⭒⭒

The next day, Kyler takes down another Cobra and then flexes his guns. I roll my eyes. I hate him.

The door to the dojo swings open and I see Kenny.

"Look who's back for more," Tory leans over and whispers to me.

He looks around and we meet each other's eyes. I give him a small smile.

"I want another shot," he turns to Sensei Kreese.

"I'm sorry. I don't have the time to teach weaklings," he tells the boy.

"Give him another chance, Sensei," I speak up. Everyone looks at me in shock.

"Maybe he'll surprise you," Robby adds and we nod at each other.

Kenny looks at us hopefully.

"All right, on the mat. Mr. Park, make this quick," Sensei instructs.

"You got it, Sensei," Kyler says as Kenny takes off his socks and shoes.

I hope he doesn't mess it up. I stuck my neck out for him.

"Aitz!" Sensei Kreese calls.

Kyler runs at him again and Kenny stumbles off the mat. Kyler laughs at him as I shake my head. He had this. What happened?

"Look at him running to mommy. Bye, you little bitch," Kyler taunts.

The rest of the dojo joins in the laughter as I look at Robby, but he looks defeated. I don't know what else we can do.

It's then that Kenny runs over and punches Kyler right in the nose. It sends him back with a groan.

I let out a laugh that is not well received by everyone else. Except for Kenny who looks at me and smiles.

"The kid's fast," Tory says in surprise.

"What the hell? He hit me when I wasn't looking. That's some bullshit," Kyler argues.

"You're right. He didn't line up," Sensei agrees. "So, that won't count as a point."

I widen my eyes as Kenny apologizes, "Sorry, I didn't know the rules."

"That was your one chance."

Kenny puts his head down and turns away. I walk over to my sensei, but he puts his hand up and stops me.

"Where are you going, Mr. Payne?"

Sensei turns to me and then to Robby and smirks proudly.

"Take your spot."

⭒⭒⭒

Johnny's POV

I'm sitting and watching TV all day, but I keep thinking about this morning. I hung out at the LaRusso's and we acted like it was normal. Miguel and Carmen came with me and I realize how much I miss Robby. I'm leaving behind my real family. I'd never really thought about it before.

I never knew that I could get the hang of this "dad" thing and I fucked up with Robby. I'm doing better with Miguel and I know I'm not perfect, but...

Maybe that's what led me to my ex's doorstep, breathing heavily, and rehearsing what I'm going to say to Robby, if he's even here.

Then, I knock.

The door opens to... Z. What the fuck?

"What are you doing here?" we ask in unison.

"I'm here to see Robby," I tell her like it's obvious.

"I'm waiting for Robby to get back," she says tensely.

"He's not here?" I question.

"No."

"Is Shannon?" I ask.

"No."

"Why are you allowed here?" I continue to question her.

"Allowed? What am I, a dog?" she frowns.

"No, I just don't get it. I don't understand why you'd be around Robby," I try to explain to her.

"Of course you wouldn't because you were never a part of his life," she says bitterly.

"Why do you think I'm here? I'm trying to fix that," I insist.

"Bullshit," she spits in my face. "You don't care about him, all right? You care about yourself and that's it."

"That's not true. He's my son," I argue with her. What does she know about Robby?

"Sometimes kids are better off without their parents," she goes to close the door and I block it with my foot.

"Z. I know Kreese has you thinking that he cares about you, but he's just trying to manipulate you like he did with me. A lot of this 'war' that Kreese talks about is from miscommunication. Other things are what he instigates. His plan is to keep our sides apart and it's working, but the only one benefitting is him," I try to reason. "For the longest time, I thought that he was my father figure, but he's abusive."

"You don't know what you're talking about. Sensei Kreese has never hit me," she stares at me coldly. "He's saved me, if anything."

"He isn't Jesus, Z. I'm trying to get you to understand that abuse is more than physical."

"I'm well aware," she says quickly and with purpose.

"Please, try to believe me," I respond as I try to understand what she means, too.

"I can't trust you. When you're in a war, you don't talk to the enemy."

She's corrupted by Kreese. Damnit.

"Unless it's a peace agreement," I follow the analogy.

"Peace? There will never be peace between us. Ever," venom laces her voice.

"Is this because of Robby?" I try to grasp why she's so defensive. "Are you his best friend now or something? You've ditched Miguel already."

"Wow, it's not only Robby that you fuck up with. You can't get your head out of your ass to think about anyone else except you or Miguel," she rolls her eyes.

"Help me to understand, then," I groan. "Carmen saw you running away from your apartment last night. Is your mom still giving you hell?"

"You don't know anything about me," her voice sounds strained.

She isn't okay. What the hell happened?

"I helped you becomes strong. I was the one who got you into karate," I remind her.

"I've been fighting my whole life," she counters. "I got into karate because I had a shit parent just like you. You drink your life away and then crawl back for forgiveness after years of absence."

I sigh when she makes it about her mom. I have to be different than that lady because I'm trying... right?

"You are a grown man. You want to make up with Robby so you can feel better about yourself. You're not welcome here."

The door slams in my face. I hang my head and reluctantly walk back to my Eagle Fang van. How am I ever going to talk to Robby?

⭒⭒⭒

I'm proud of the success so far with the Miyagi-Do students because Sam actually got her hands dirty and soared like an eagle.

Now, it's time for me to soar and practice what I preach.

The door opens to Carmen, "Hey, Johnny. Uh, Miguel's not home."

"I'm not here for Miguel. I know you wanted to take things slow-"

"Maybe we should talk about this later," Carmen interrupts the speech I rehearsed over and over in the car.

"I'm tired of waiting," I try to explain to her. "I wanna talk about this now. With you."

My eyes glance over and see a group of older ladies with Carmen's mom. Oh.

"And your mom. And your mom's friends," I smile at them sheepishly. "Hola."

I'm embarrassed as they greet me back and I turn back to Carmen.

"I don't care. They can hear this. Carmen, when it comes to us, I can't sit in the backseat any longer. It's not who I am. I'm a top down, hair blowing in the wing kind of guy." I look at her in all sincerity. "I'm not afraid to take the leap with you."

She looks at me with wide eyes and I continue my badass speech.

"Look, I know there's a lot to figure out, but we'll figure it out together." Then, I remember the ladies. "Don't know if they got that. Wanna translate?"

Carmen looks over at the women and then back to me, "I think they got it."

I try to play it cool, "Okay, so, just wanted you to know."

We stare at each other.

"And now you do, so I'm gonna go back to my apartment," I turn away.

"Hey, Johnny," she calls after me, "Okay."

I look at her in disbelief to make sure she means it, "Yeah?"

"Yeah," Carmen smiles.

Then, she pulls me in for a kiss. I don't even care who's watching.

We pull away and I smile at her as she looks over my shoulder in shock, "Zion?"

I spin around to see that, sure enough, the girl is right there. She reacts quicker than I do and runs towards the parking lot.

I curse to myself and run after her. We need to talk this out and she needs to not tell anyone about me and Carmen.

I make it to the car just before Z and I block the driver's door so she can't get in. She gives me a death glare.

"Move your hand."

"No. We need to talk," I demand.

"I don't have anything to say to you," she argues.

"I have lots. Let's go to my apartment," I try to get her to sit down and be civil.

"Oh, so now I actually get the invite," she remarks. "No way."

I remember how I offered her to stay with me if she ever needed. Shit.

"Z, I'm done playing games with you. You're a kid who needs to learn to grow up," I narrow my eyes at her.

"Says the man-child who has been obsessed with Daniel LaRusso for, what, thirty years?" she shoves right back in my face.

"I'm not perfect, but I need to understand some things." I'm trying with LaRusso.

"Does Miguel know about you and Carmen?" she jumps topics to the one I want to avoid.

I don't know how to respond to that, so I take a minute to think.

"You let me go now or I tell him," Z smirks like she has the higher ground.

"You're blackmailing me now?" I look at the girl in shock.

"It's your decision," she shrugs.

"We're going to tell Miguel eventually. Just... not yet," I sigh in defeat.

"Hm. Are you dating or just fucking?"

My mind goes blank at the question I never expected her to ask ever.

"What the hell? That's not your place to know," I exclaim.

Z grabs the handle of the car door and opens it swiftly. I realize then that I let off of the door.

The metal door comes flying open and I don't react in time, so it bangs into my nose. I whisper expletives as Z speeds away.

I massage my nose as she leaves and look down in defeat. I need a fucking ice pack.

⭒⭒⭒

I messed up with Robby, Z, Tory, and I'm worried I'll lose Miguel, too.

So, I decide to cope the only way I know how. Greasy diner food to make me feel like a man again.

"Give me a triple burger with no onions and a side of hot sauce," I order at the counter. "Oh, and put extra seasoning on the fries."

"That'll be $12.17," the Asian guy who works here tells me.

I hand him a crumpled up twenty and he unfolds it in distaste before grabbing my change.

"Give it five minutes," he tells me before walking to the back.

I move over to the pickup window and take out my replacement smartphone. I finally got a good one since I lost mine at the beach in August. I'd only been using a flip phone and it didn't do anything. I couldn't text or check voicemails, even.

After five minutes, I get irritated and call back to the kitchen, "What's a man gotta do to get a damn hamburger here?"

The workers ignore me as they bring up the fries from the fryer. I watch them.

"I said extra seasoning on those fries," I remind them. The Asian guy looks at me in distaste. "Don't be a pussy. Just keep shaking that thing until I say stop."

Finally, he brings my box over and I grab it and turn to leave so I can eat this at home with a Coors.

"What the hell?" my body freezes when I see two familiar teenagers trying to rush out the door. "Robby? Z?"

My son turns to me and he doesn't look at all intimidated, "Hey."

My back stiffens as I look down and see his hand holding Z's. Why would they be holding hand-

"Oh..." It registers in my mind now. "Oh." I realize it's them. "Ohh. Please don't let what I think is happening be happening." My head hurts.

"And, what would that be?" Robby challenges.

"You two are dating?" I ask in the most unnatural way. Then, I realize that's stupid. "No, that's weird. You're my son and you were like my daughter-"

"Don't say it," Z stops me. "We both know that's a fucking lie."

"And, it's weird," Robby agrees.

What's weird is these two dating. Z was like a sister to Miguel and she was like my kid for a while there and I... I... gross.

"Oh, God. I don't even want my damn burger anymore," I put the box on the nearest table. "And... you two got together when he joined Cobra Kai?"

"We got together again," Robby explains.

"'Again?'" I rub my temples in horror. "What do you mean 'again?'"

"We date the summer before last," Z confirms.

I feel sick. I could throw up all the beef jerky I had earlier.

"What do you mean? You didn't live here," I remind them. "How come I didn't know that? I mean, you're my kid and you were my student and... this is weird and fucked up."

"Thankfully, the world doesn't revolve around you," Robby tells me and I just can't stop staring at their hands that hold each other. This is absurd.

"Wait, wait, Robby, you're falling for Cobra Kai's games," I say to him. Then, I look at the girl and realize that's hurtful because she's falling for it, too, but- "Z can't... I mean, you can't... I mean..."

"Be careful with what you say about my girlfriend," my son takes a step closer to me.

I sigh when I see him protecting her. What the hell is going on? I'm living in the twilight zone. Then, I see the disappointed looks on their faces.

"I'm sorry. I just don't understand," I can't grasp it.

"Yeah, well, maybe you would have known and you could have prevented all of this, if you were actually a good father," Z takes a step closer and her words cut into my soul like a chainsaw.

I look down as I try to recover and explain that I never meant any of what I've done, but that would be a lie. I wasn't there for Robby at all and Z has given up on me because of Kreese.

"You were and always will be a shit father. Now you know that we're dating and you can stay the hell away from us," Robby stares at me angrily and his eyes pierce through me like daggers.

I don't even know how to argue with that. They walk out the door and I sit back down with my food and grab a fry.

How did I screw everything up so quickly? I care about both of them, but somehow they're together now and seem to have an equal amount of hate for me.

I can't even blame them.

⭒⭒⭒

The next morning, I walk into Daniel's dojo with my Eagles-in-training whose respect I've now earned.

I have no fucking clue what to do about Z and Robby and that whole fiasco. I'll just stay silent for now because the last these kids need is more drama as we prepare for the All Valley.

And then, I see Miguel and Daniel on the sparring deck.

Miguel wears a stupid headband like LaRusso did in the 80s. They bow to each other and I'm scared when I see the similarities.

"What the hell?" I ask myself.

I'm losing Miguel to this guy? No way.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: My God, I love Kenny.

So, the drama with Johnny is definitely present.

I can't wait to write episode 4.4's drama because of Hawk threatening Kenny, the dojos confronting each other, and Terry Silver.

Terry Silver;))

Compliments of @ daniel--larusso on Tumblr hahaha