Chapter Seventy-One: As Long As We Win

"Ain't nobody gotten through to me, nobody else but you to me, nobody else can turn me out inside myself."

~crash&burn by Bea Miller ft. O'neill Hudson

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

A/N: Was I planning on updating today? No! Surprise to both of us:)

Also, I totally edited this with a headache so uhm I hope it's all right.

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Zion's POV

"I wish I knew all the constellations like you do," I look up at the night sky in awe.

"You say that every time we come out here," Dad chuckles. "You just need to make time to learn."

"I know that one is the Big Dipper," I point slightly to the right of us in the sky.

"It sure is," my dad nods proudly.

We sit in silence another moment and just stargaze. The moment is peaceful and pure and my heart is full. There's something so magical about our backyard.

"I'm really glad we could do this again," I admit.

It's been a week since he was diagnosed with stage four. The survival rate is less than fifteen percent over five years. The doctor was honest with us and said he isn't sure how many days, weeks, months, or years we have left with him. All we know is that his condition is worsening and he wants to spend as much time with me as possible.

"You can always count on the sky," he smiles as he tilts his head up from his wheelchair.

He's on oxygen now and is wired in, so he can't travel without it and he can't walk anymore; it's safer this way.

"Look up and remember me, okay, Star?"

I look out to the stars as I remember the memory. I sit on the beach, surrounded by sand, as the moon reflects on the water.

"It felt good to tell you everything, Dad," I admit as I wipe my tears.

What I just let out into the universe was between me and him; it was healing.

"I miss you everyday and I hope you know that nobody, not Sensei Silver, not Sensei Kreese, nobody can live up to being you. You always saw the best in people and were so easy to talk to and always knew the best things to say. I hope that I can live up to your memory by being your daughter."

I remember what Sam said about those who have passed on never really being gone. I hold onto that and hope that maybe she's at least right about one thing.

The tide moves closer to me and washes over my feet for the first time. It's cold, but comforting. It prepares me for what happens next.

I hear footsteps coming from behind me and I scoot over on the towel to make room for him.

"Is everything okay?" Robby asks me.

I look up at him, "Sit?"

He agrees and sits on the towel with me. I take a deep breath as I try to figure out the best way to tell him everything.

"Are you okay?" he asks again.

"I will be once I tell you this," I nod.

"What?" Robby asks me in concern.

"I want... to tell you about why I ran out the other night."

"You don't have to."

"I want to. I trust you. I love you. You deserve the right to know and I'm finally... finally ready."

"Okay," he takes in a deep breath of air.

"Just know that I'm trying to get better everyday and that it's actually probably a good thing if I cry," I admit.

Robby's big eyes look over at me worriedly.

"Okay, so, I'll just..."

It's my turn to take in a deep breath and try to control my shaking. The water once again comes onto my toes and it feels like someone consoling me. I look up at the sky and then take a deep breath in and close my eyes.

"While you were in juvie, I had a period of time where I slept in my car. I would workout at the gym and I'd shower there, too. The public gym. And that's where... where I met Ella. Ella Hansen."

My hands shake as I begin the story. Robby listens silently.

"She was a little girl with the biggest smile and such a sweet heart and I agreed to babysit her. I mean, her dad asked me to babysit after she begged and pleaded. I didn't think I could do it between Subway and karate, but I made it work a couple of times. I felt appreciated and almost comfortable. It was too comfortable."

I stare out to the darkening horizon line as I try to relax.

"I told Sensei Kreese that I was going to babysit one night when there was a storm. I'd babysat multiple times before and didn't think anything of it. I taught her karate and soccer, watched Disney movies with her, and we... we bonded. She was like my little sister."

I remember Ella and begin to cry. I'd tried to push her away; I'd tried to fix it by having Kenny fill the void. She's never going to be far from my mind, even though it was my fault for leaving her with that monster.

"Zion, you don't have to tell me," Robby takes my hand in concern.

I yank it away, "Please, let me. Please."

"Okay," he whispers and lets me continue.

"She was asleep and her... A-Adam, the father, came home," I say softly as my voice shakes. "He suggested I stay the night because of the storm."

I press my lips together and look up at the stars. For some reason, I search for reassurance. Somehow Sam LaRusso kind of helped me? I can feel my dad out there. Or, maybe I'm just crazy.

"When we... when I agreed to going 'further' on Saturday, I thought I could handle it. I thought that maybe enough time had passed and that I was able to push the fear away."

I can see the terror in Robby's eyes as I think he slowly comes to realize what happened.

"My fear was because of Adam."

Robby looks away as I sob to myself. I pull my legs to my chest and try to continue.

"I didn't know what was going on until it was too late a-and he... he was touching me and saying... saying..."

I breakdown into my legs in embarrassment as my heart drops into my stomach at the fact that I told him. His distance makes me prepared for him to run away and leave forever because who could blame him?

"Sensei Kreese showed up after I ran out. Eventually, my body began to respond to my brain and I was able to push him off before he... fully... um... yeah."

Robby turns to look at me and I look away now.

"Sensei Kreese... saved me... because I wasn't enough to stop someone double my size. I feel like I could never repay him because he also helped me through everything after that night. The one thing I wish I could do is save Ella, but nobody has the means to do that. I-I don't even have proof and I can only hope that you believe me."

There's no hesitation from him. "Zion, of course I believe you."

I turn back to look at Robby and see him crying, too.

"I had no clue. I-I wish I could have done something or known, but I'm just relieved that you told me. And, I'm so sorry that I pressured you. I wasn't listening and I set you off like that and I wanted our first time to be special and in that moment and didn't think enough about you."

"It isn't your fault," I shake my head.

"None of it is yours, either."

Tears stream down my face as I reach over and wrap my arms around his neck for a hug.

His arms eventually barely touch my back as I shake and cry under the stars. The comfort and freedom that comes with letting out what's been inside for so long is like being washed clean.

"Is there anything I can do about this Adam guy? Or, anything I can do to help you?"

"Robby," I kiss his cheek, "being here is enough."

He accepts this by gripping me a bit tighter as I cling to him. His breathing steadies mine and eventually I almost fall asleep in his warm, comforting embrace.

When I break the hug when my arms begin to fall asleep, Robby asks another question.

"Who else knows?"

"Sensei Kreese, Sensei Silver, and, um... Sam."

"Sam?" he asks quietly in disbelief.

"She found out by accident. That's why I wanted to tell you. I didn't want her to tell everyone and you to find out the wrong way. I thought I was telling someone anonymously and I realized she was the one hearing it and... um, yeah."

"She forced you into telling me?" Robby asks.

"I guess. I mean, she said she wouldn't say anything."

"She'd better not," Robby says protectively.

"Calm down. It's okay for now," I whisper. "Maybe she will, maybe she won't. I've kind of accepted that I can't do anything about it. The tournament will say everything we need it to, so no fighting until then."

I can't risk him going back to juvie and losing him. I'm numb enough to accept this and the fact that my secret may get out. But, with the help of my senseis, I know I have a good chance of winning The All Valley and taking down Miyagi-Do. For now, though, I just want to appreciate my time with Robby.

"No fighting," he agrees once more.

I pull him close and this time he nuzzles his face into me with a smile. He lets me take control, but oddly enough physical touch is already easier for me.

"I've missed you this week. So much."

I smile widely, "Ditto, Swayze."

"Don't call me that."

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"Ella, dinner!"

The little girl wanders into the kitchen where Adam has set up their food.

"What the fuck are you wearing?" Adam asks his child.

She looks down at her shorts and the shirt she tied up at her waist, "Um..."

"I told you not to tie up your shirts. The wrong people will take advantage of you, Ella," he tells her.

I stare in shock and try to run over, despite Adam being there, just to save Ella. I need to save her this time.

A wall of glass stops me and I realize I'm only meant to be a spectator.

"But, Daddy, it's what everyone else wears," the girl pouts.

Adam's face hardens, "Do I need to tell you again? Go get changed."

"But-"

"Goddamnit, Ella!" he slams his hands on the table.

Adam walks over to her and yanks her by the hair before throttling her into the counter where her tiny body takes on the wood full-force.

"NO!" I scream as I try to break through the glass.

"You make it so hard to be a single parent." Adam turns away from her as she crumples on the ground. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I-I'm sorry," she sniffles.

I notice that her arm is bleeding as Adam stands emotionless in front of her.

"Go to your room."

I stare in horror as the blood drips down her arm. She pushes herself up and runs towards the hallway beside me. The look of the house alone is enough to set off my panic.

"This is your fault!" Ella screams as she runs past me with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Ella, no, please-"

"You left me with him! It's your fault! It's your fault! It's your fault!"

I scream at the top of my lungs as my whole body shakes and sweats. Tears run down my face as I look around frantically for her.

"Zion, hey, hey, hey," Robby sits up and is careful not to touch me as I shake beside him in bed.

I see sunlight coming through the windows and then see my boyfriend next to me, alive and with his neck intact. He's still perfect and I...

"It was a dream," I sigh in realization. "A really, really bad dream."

"About the- the guy?"

"About Ella," I whimper pathetically. 

Robby stares at me in concern as I try to shake it out. That's when I see that the sun is already out, so at least I woke up on time. I take a few calming breaths as I remember that it was just a dream.

Ella's dad loves her, even if he's a major asshole. I can only hope he hasn't done what he did to me to anyone else and that Ella is as safe as she seemed when I met her. Otherwise, I'd never forgive myself. 

"Is there a way I can help?" Robby stands off to the side helplessly.

I sigh before trusting myself to be vulnerable with him, "Can I have a hug?"

"Always."

I smile and give him a hug before looking up slightly and kissing him.

"What's your plan for today?" I ask him with a change of topic. He does different things everyday since he doesn't go to school anymore.

"Um, I'm going to work on my special skills, I guess. They have to be perfect for the tournament."

"You're already perfect," I kiss him quickly once more. "Can I borrow some of your clothes for the day? Maybe your Cobra Kai sweatshirt?"

"Do I have a choice?" Robby smiles.

"No," I tell him and wander into his closet. "Though, I'd like to see you in just these leggings."

I hold them up towards him and he turns red, "Oh, I'm sure you would. But, uh, slow, right?"

I sigh and sit on the bed, "Another reason I didn't say anything was because I... I wanted to be more than just the- the victim of a... a sexual assault. I want you to still look at me the same."

"I do," he says. "I just don't want to trigger you in any way. You're anything but a victim, Zion."

I nod as I toss the leggings back into the closet. My heart is pounding so much already.

"I'm serious. You're... you're a... a survivor."

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Robby's POV

Zion is at school now and I drive around in her car. She let me take it for the day since I said I needed to borrow it to run an errand for my mom and she bought it.

I drive to Tory's and see her already outside waiting. She comes over and gets into the car.

"She doesn't suspect anything, does she?" Tory asks me as she fastens her seatbelt.

"Nope," I smile.

"Good. Then, let's do this."

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Zion's POV

I've been watching Sam's every move all day. Nobody seems to know anything about me that they shouldn't and it makes me wonder when she's going to tell everyone.

I know that Kayla and Gabi wouldn't have hesitated back in Santa Maria and I don't have much more faith in LaRusso, no matter what she says.

Also, Tory has been out of school all day and I've texted and called, but she isn't here. Piper said she has no clue where she is and that's when I started to worry.

The last bell rings for dismissal and I grab my things before walking down the hallway to exit the school. I see Sam talking to Demetri in the hallway and I feel nauseous at the thought of him knowing.

I rush outside and look for Robby to pull up in my car. I don't see him.

As everyone files out of the school, I grab my phone and try to call him. It immediately sends me to voicemail.

I search the parking lot again as I walk through and shove past people.

"I was going to rent a limo for the group to go in style." I turn to see Moon standing with Eli.

Eli looks up from the girl when he notices me. Moon then looks at me, too, and we stare awkwardly at each other.

I remember when I went to the Halloween dance kind of with Eli. I know he remembers it, too. I guess it's still weird to think about us in the same vicinity with separate relationships; Robby and I have lived in our own little Cobra Kai world since Christmas.

"Sam, Moon, and I are all pitching in," Yasmine walks over and drapes her arm over Moon's shoulder. She's followed by Demetri, Miguel, and Sam.

I panic immediately when my eyes land on LaRusso and I back up into another group of people.

"What the hell? Watch it!" some guy turns to me.

I see him standing in a group with the school's top jocks, including Kyler, Brad, and Walker. It makes me stumble away from them, as well.

My chest burns as I look between the two groups and feel close to collapsing.

A car honks. "Z! Come on and get in!"

I look over and see Tory driving my car. I don't see Robby, but I don't have time to care. She just saved my ass.

I rush away from all of them and hop into the passenger's seat of my car.

I sit down and immediately look into my lap in embarrassment at the trashy car I have in front of the richest teenagers in the Valley.

"Drive away, please, please," I whisper to Tory.

My best friend smirks, rolls down her window, and raises her middle finger. Then, she presses the gas and drives away laughing.

I look over at her and smile a little, even though I really don't feel like smiling.

"They were getting the best of you, girl. Don't let them," she tells me. "Remember what Sensei Silver taught us about making people think what they want about you. We're in Cobra Kai. We're soulless bitches."

"Sorry. It sort of freaked me out when... when Robby wasn't there and then you're the one picking me up," I note with a lie.

Tory smiles, "There's a reason for that."

"What reason? Is Robby okay?" I ask in a tone more aggressive than I intended.

"Look under your seat."

I bend over and reach under the seat to find a red rose; there are no thorns on it anymore.

"What is this and where are we going?" I ask when she takes the interstate that drives us away from Reseda.

"Trust me, okay?"

"Well, I'm flattered," I smell the rose, "but we're both taken."

"Oh, shut up," she laughs. "Our one night was a one night thing. This is a special night thing."

I look at her even more confused now, "What?"

She takes the exit towards the beach and I stop asking questions since I know she'll never answer them.

Then, we pull into an empty parking lot as the sun sets. The water and rest of the beach is beyond the dunes in front of us.

"Take your rose and walk out there," Tory nods to the beach.

"Tory, what the hell is going on?"

"And brush your hair," she grabs her purse and rummages through it before handing me a comb.

I take it and start to brush through my pastel blue hair with brown roots growing in, "What's this for?"

"I'll be waiting here when you get back. Now go."

I stare at her in disbelief as she kicks me out of my own car. I follow her stupid instructions and can only hope this is where Robby is so that I know he's okay.

I walk along the wooden beach access until I can see what's in front of me clearly: a white tent with fairy lights that I can't quite see into. It's something like you'd see at a wedding.

I smile a little and wonder if this is really for me or if I'm interrupting something else. That is, until I notice the line of roses leading up to the tent that match the one I hold.

I pick up my pace and take off my shoes to step onto the hot sand as it lands between my toes. I grab each stem as I walk by them and collect them in my hand.

The tent's "door" is pushed back and I see Robby standing in black dress pants with a fancy, loose-collared shirt on and his hair slicked back.

"Robby? A-Are you okay? I mean," I sigh, "you look okay. No, I mean, you look great, er, handsome, but-"

"Come in here," he holds the white fabric open for me and I walk into the tent.

I'm relieved to see it's just us two with a table set up with a large, clear glass filled with a golden colored milkshake.

"What is all this?" I ask softly.

Robby pushes my hair behind my ear, "There are twenty-two roses in your hands."

I glance down at the bouquet, "Okay...?"

"I've known you for twenty-two months and each rose represents each month I've gotten to know you and to love you more."

Tears sparkle in my eyes as I stare at him in disbelief.

"I've never been this crazy about anyone before. I don't want all of this to end at twenty-two months, so next month there's this thing called prom..."

I smile like a child on Christmas as he pulls out his phone and puts on some soft music that I recognize from Dirty Dancing. Then, he sets it back in his pocket and grabs hold of the roses and my hands gently.

"Would you be my date to prom? I promise to never leave and to do everything in my ability to protect you from anything that could hurt you. I've never been good at commitments, but I've made an exception for you because you taught me how to love. And, I know you don't like promises, but I hope you'll make an exception for me."

My heart flutters at everything he says. He knows that this isn't perfect, but we're willing to put in the effort to make it close. I truly love him.

"I'll do anything for you, Robby. And, yes, I'll be your date to prom."

The roses fall onto the sand as we let go of them and instead begin to kiss each other. He kicks them gently to the side with his foot as I jump into his arms and wrap my legs around his waist. We break the kiss and he spins me around as I let out a light laugh. My body feels electric.

He sets me down gently after a moment as I continue to grip his biceps. My eyes linger on his body and I subconsciously bite my lip.

"Robby?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we... Can we try... to do this again?" I run my hand through his hair.

His grip on my waist is a restrained tightness as he doesn't want to be too rough with me.

"I don't want to trigger you-"

"I'll let you know if it's too much. I mean, we can go slow, but um... after telling you last night, I feel better about everything," I admit slowly. "If you're okay with it?"

Robby looks up and lets out a deep breath, "You're going to be the death of me, love."

"So," I grab his chin, "that's a yes?"

His plush lips meet mine and he presses his body into mine. I can feel the warmth of need as my body begins to tingle in a fabulous way.

"You want to do this out here?" he glances down at the sand.

"You want to stop?" I ask seriously. "Because we can do it later, but I figured with the tent and the seclusion..."

"I'll take you anywhere. I just wanted to make sure," his hand brushes my hair out of my face.

A/N: Sexual content ahead. Skip to the next underlined portion, if you'd like.

I nod with a small smile and see a towel off to the side. I walk over and set it on the ground before pushing him to sit on it. I unbutton his shirt and mess up his hair as I straddle him.

Robby takes his hoodie off of my body to reveal my black tank top and leggings. He pulls my strap down and smiles.

"No bra today?" he pushes the other strap down.

"No, sir," I whisper seductively.

Robby groans and peels the spandex top up and off of me. My nipples hit the air and I gasp slightly as he then brings each hand to one. I roll my hips when I feel something slick between my thighs.

"Is this all right?" he asks.

I breathlessly answer, "Yes. Yes, this is perfect."

I see Robby smile a little and he slightly pinches my nipples which sends a shockwave through my body in the best way. I let out a moan that's barely louder than the music surrounding us.

His hands move from there to my leggings. His hands feel around the fabric of the waistband.

"Wait."

I pin his hands down on the sand. Robby freezes completely when I say this.

"I'm okay, but just... let me take them off, please."

Robby stays completely still and nods as I stand up and pull down my leggings and underwear. I'm left exposed and I feel my posture deflating as I try to curl into myself.

He takes his pants and underwear off, too, and stands up in front of me, "Is it better that we're even?" I nod slightly. "We can stop if this is too much for you. I promise I'll stop and I won't feel bad about it at all."

I take a few deep breaths and close my eyes to try and center myself. I try to look inside myself and find what I want. The contact is a lot for me, but if we do baby steps in the form of something we've done before...

I take a couple steps forward, "Can I try something and, well, if it doesn't work, then never mind? I just... I want to try and... I want you to know how thankful I am for you for testing this and..."

"What is it that you want?" Robby asks as he slightly cocks his head to the side.

I kneel before him and tilt my head up to look at him. His jaw practically drops to the floor.

"This. Um, is this okay?" I ask. "I just figure with less touch on me, I can still-"

"Yeah, no, yeah, that's, um, that's- you're p-perfect," he nods.

I smile before reaching over and grabbing his waist and licking his tip.

Robby softly moans as I barely touch him; my hand slowly moves from his waist up to his stomach and then down to his v-line until I touch his dick.

He's obviously nervous to try anything and I take my other hand and grab his. I set his hand on my head and feel him lightly grabbing my hair.

"You can go ahead like we'd done before. I'm okay," I assure him. "I'll hit you if it becomes too much." I give him a light smile.

"O-Okay," Robby nods and his grip tightens just barely as he guides me closer.

When I set him into my mouth for the first time in over a year and a half, I feel comfortable and he lets out a breathy moan.

I fight my gag reflex as my tongue moves all over and I try to fit him into the back of my throat. I know I'm not obligated to, but I feel like this is a good way of appreciating him. I've never felt this way about anyone else before, either.

His hips rock into my mouth and I struggle for air in a satisfying way. His dick twitches and I wonder how long he'll last.

My hands move to his back and I squeeze his firm ass. His moans become louder and I begin to feel myself getting off on this. I'm glad we're on a secluded portion of the beach and in a tent.

"That's it, pretty girl," Robby jolts his hips. "Oh, oh, oh, right there."

I flick my tongue over the same spot a few times at his encouraging words. His other hand rests on my head and pushes down. I have a feeling he's ready.

After another twenty seconds of the same repeated motions that elicit moans of praise from his mouth, I feel the hot liquid melt into my mouth and my throat.

He pulls away with a sigh and collapses onto the sand as I roll back on my ass and swallow proudly. I lean back on my elbows and pant for the air I've been craving.

A/N: Sexual content over.

"Are you all right?" Robby recovers quickly and comes over to crouch beside me.

"Yeah, I'm good. I'm content and, well, I didn't have a panic attack for the first time. Baby steps, you know?"

"I'm so relieved you're okay," Robby reaches over and hands me my sweatshirt and tank top for modesty as he slips on his pants again.

"What about you? How do you feel?" I ask in hopes that I did well.

"I feel like that was better than the first one you gave me," he chuckles as he picks up his shirt.

"Good," I smirk proudly as I finish getting dressed.

Then, I give him a gentle hug. My eyes close as he holds me as strokes my hair, "You're safe with me."

"You must know that I love it when you call me 'pretty girl,'" I whisper.

Robby hums, "Mhm. I'd hope so."

I open my eyes and glance at the table, "I think the milkshake melted. I'm sorry."

He spins around to looks at them, "It's no big deal. I used Sensei Silver's money for all this, anyway."

I look at him in question, "Why?"

"He came by with some money the other day when you were gone and he said he wanted to be a part of the promposal for you. Silver really cares about us, you know? I thought it was a nice gesture and, I mean, you loved it."

I nod in reassurance as I glance around the tent.

"What's on your mind?" Robby knows me too well.

I shrug, "Just a little freaked out about everything."

"Anything I can do to help?" he questions.

"No, I mean, I guess it's more just hoping Sam doesn't say anything about what she found out to anybody. Do you think she will?" I ask him since he knew her well for a good amount of time.

"I don't know. I thought I knew her, but, uh, then she cheat on me and I'm not sure. I don't think so, though," he tries to reassure me.

"Oh," I nod wearily, "okay."

"It'll be okay. I swear," he tells me.

"I hope so," I smile softly and then bend over to pick up the roses.

After a moment, Robby speaks up again with a change in topic, "Well, I think we left poor Tory long enough. Want to go grab her so we can start taking this down?"

"Okay," I reach up and kiss him.

He turns off the music as I walk out of the tent and back towards my car.

I can't help wondering what Sensei Silver wants with giving us his money because I work hard for money and don't like handouts. But, then, I remember that he thinks of me like a daughter and I should view him as a father. Right?

I knock on my car's window and it startles Tory as she takes out her headphones and rolls down the windows.

"Took you long enough. I got caught up in my Golden Girls rewatch," she smiles. "Did you say 'yes?'"

"Duh," I return her smile.

"Good," she nods. "You know, I asked Piper, so we can all meet up together."

"I didn't know that! Why didn't you tell me?" I ask.

Tory shrugs, "I don't know. I didn't want to bring up prom and spoil the surprise."

"Wait, did Piper know where you were all day and keep it a secret from me?" I realize.

"Of course she did," Tory smirks before unlocking the car. "Okay, I'll get out and help you guys."

She takes the keys out of the ignition and then gets out and locks the car. Then, she hands me my keys back.

"It's getting dark. What took you guys so long, anyway?" she asks me.

"I don't know if you really want the details," I walk backwards ahead of her with a mischievous smile.

"Holy shit! You dirty bastards," Tory laughs as I run ahead of her and down to the tent.

⭒⭒⭒

Third Person POV

Silver's phone beeps and he sets down the book, Leviathan, that he was reading. He picks up his expensive phone and his face falls.

The most recent email in his inbox is from the All Valley Tournament Board and he couldn't be more disappointed at the outcome: a co-ed tournament.

Silver sighs as he reads over the new guidelines.

"She had to go ahead and make this hard on us. Girls and boys in the same division. Ha."

He tries to restrain his anger when he hears the dojo's door swing open. Silver picks his book back up as Kreese walks into the back of the dojo with a pack of beer.

"Man of his word!" Silver exclaims happily as Kreese holds them up. His whole mood shifts almost too quickly. "Whoa, are those Ma Moui Ba?"

"Old 33s. They've changed a bit since the war," Kreese acknowledges. "To the victor go the spoils."

"Sweet! Hello!" Silver walks away excitedly as he grabs the bottles.

Kreese eyes his best friend, "You know who those remind me of?"

"Huh?"

"Scovil," Kreese begins. "The good old boy from Utah."

Silver smiles fondly, "Yeah. Yeah, never washed his ass. Could smell him coming a mile away."

"Remember the day we were on patrol, and he took it upon himself to jump rank and take point?" Kreese asks, fully knowing what he's doing.

"Yeah, crazy bastard," Silver still smiles down at the glass bottles.

Kreese continues slyly, "Ended up walking directly into a minefield. Blew himself to kingdom come." Kreese laughs slightly to himself at something that shouldn't be funny.

"That's the kind of story I'd rather forget," Silver looks over at him in fear.

"We don't have the luxury of forgetting. Nor should we. We should remember what happens to soldiers who don't follow their leader."

"Johnny, is this about Z the other day? I had to demote her because she went against my orders," Silver argues.

"And you against mine. I said to be careful with that one."

"You told me that in the end it doesn't matter who gives a shit about who, as long as we win. I thought that applied to all our students? You got what you wanted; you got Lawrence's kid, so if this is about-"

"Quiet!" Kreese interrupts him. "I'm not done speaking, Lieutenant."

Silver stares at the man in shock.

"The other day when we were teaching, you told the students that I have a weakness."

Silver defends himself, "I said everyone has a weakness."

"No, you specifically talked about me and it made me wonder, what do you think my weakness is?"

"Look, it was just a lesson for the class," Silver evades Kreese's question.

"You're afraid to tell me."

A moment of awkward silence falls between the two as Silver wonders how to get out of this hole he's dug himself into.

"Do you remember the cage?" Kreese pushes. "We thought we were both going to die. I wasn't afraid. You were. You were like a puddle of piss. If it wasn't for me, you'd still be back in that pit. Correct?"

Silver tries to collect himself, "Yes."

"I'm the one who got you out of that cage then, only to find you in another one that you created for yourself."

The two make intense eye contact as the pressure of stress builds on the man with the ponytail. He doesn't understand since he thought Kreese didn't care about anyone, not even him. It seems instead now that he does care about Johnny and even... about his students.

"I always looked out for you, Terry, and I always will, but you need to fall back in line and follow my lead because there's a lot of land mines out there and if you don't watch where you step... it's all gonna blow up."

Silver stands stunned in absolute fear. Kreese takes advantage of the panic he just caused on the man he somehow calls his best friend. The shorter man moves his hand to grab a beer and Silver even flinches a little.

"You don't mind, do you?"

"No, Captain," Silver shakes his head wearily at Kreese's fully intentional manipulations.

Kreese smiles smugly before walking out with the bottle, leaving Silver to shake like a leaf as the war flashbacks set in.

He thought he was past this whole portion of his life, but each day he is proven more and more wrong. Perhaps the cocaine wasn't what made him crazy.

After all, he knows Sensei John Kreese's weaknesses better than the man himself. None of it was intentional, of course, but Terry Silver doesn't know that.

All Silver knows is that Cobra Kai is vulnerable, just like he is right now as his mind fixates on the past; he needs to strengthen it again.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Goddamn, I told you not to trust anyone this season. Looks like Silver and Kreese are just as bad as we always knew they were;)

ZION TOLD ROBBY YAY!!!

Also: Whew, the smut was hilarious for me to write, but I hope you enjoyed it, regardless.

The next chapter should be Sam's POV, but that's going to take a bit to write since my long weekend ends soon, I wasn't even planning on updating again, but here we are!