Chapter Seventy-Four: Prom

"Cold hearts brew colder songs. Fate will play us out with a song of pure romance. Stomp your feet and clap your hands. Let's kill tonight!"

~Let's Kill Tonight by Panic! At The Disco~

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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: So, I did a combination of my options I asked you guys about in terms of publishing this chapter. This is the first of two or three (I'm still deciding) and this is easily the longest.

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Zion's POV

I snuggle closer to Robby under the covers that warm and protect our bodies from the night before. He's still asleep, but his arm subconsciously wraps around me. 

I know we have karate this morning and prom tonight, but I can't find it in myself to care enough to do something about it. Instead, I let my breathing even out and sleep again. 

⭒⭒⭒

"Guys, the limo is coming at six. So, don't be late or else we leaving 'cause my date and I, we on a mission," Kyler boasts loudly throughout the dojo.

Tory walks in as Piper laughs in response, "Oh my God. I bet she doesn't even exist."

I break away from warming up with Robby and go over and hug my best friend.

"Whoa, you're touchy today," she hugs me back slightly.

"Mhm," I agree with a wide smile. "Know why?"

"Why?" she questions.

"Robby and I had our first time last night," I whisper happily.

"No way," Tory's face lights up. 

"So, are you ready for tonight?" I change the topic as Robby walks over to join us.

"A whole night dedicated to ruining Sam LaRusso's life? Yeah, I'm ready," Tory smirks.

I look wearily at Robby. He nods to me and I speak up.

"Um, we're actually not going to fight tonight," I tell her.

"Oh, me neither. At least, not physically," the blonde laughs. "I told Mrs. LaRusso that I'd leave her precious daughter alone and I can't risk suspension or violating my probation, so it's just the fact that we are there that will ruin her night."

"And you're excited to go with me, yeah?" Piper rushes over.

"No shit," Tory smiles and pulls her in for a quick kiss.

"All right, class. Fall in," Sensei Kreese emerges from the back with our other sensei.

I try not to let what Daniel LaRusso said to me two nights ago impact me. He's wrong about Silver.

"Today's lesson is about balance. Not the way Miyagi-Do teaches it," Sensei Kreese continues. "You're gonna learn how to get inside the heads of your opponents and throw them off balance. Pair up."

I look at Robby and we agree to train together. 

"This is very different," Robby agrees as he recalls the Miyagi-Do techniques. "Kinda cool, though."

"So, my Nissan is ready for tonight. I cleaned it out and everything," I explain to him. "Tory, Piper, and I are shopping after this. We may just go to Goodwill or the clearance center and look, since Tory's budget is so low."

"That won't do," Sensei Silver passes us by. "If you're going, you're going in style."

I smile at Robby when I realize that we may actually have a chance to be the rich kids for once.

"Wassup!" a voice booms through the dojo. I recognize it: Stingray. "You guys remember that line from the old Bud commercials? I guess you guys were too young for- probably weren't even born yet. Eddie, what's going on, man? Hey. Good to see you. Dieter, how's your mom doing? Wish she'd call. You could've had a really cool stepdad."

He gives everyone fist bumps and Robby looks at me in question. I guess he doesn't know who this is.

"Z! It's been a while. Like the hair. Sensei, sir! I am reporting for duty and I require no thanks," Stingray continues.

"Thanks for what?" Sensei Kreese questions coldly.

"Oh, you know, uh, just defending the dojo and I-I served my time, Sensei sir," he bows.

"Look, we're trying to train here for a tournament," Sensei Kreese tells him. "Let's carry on, everyone."

"Who is that?" Robby turns to me in confusion.

"An old member," I try to explain. "Stingray." I remember him as harmless, but his male presence overwhelms me a bit.

"The All Valley tourney. I'm well aware. Say, listen, I got a couple of good ideas. Just basic strategy-"

"Don't be ridiculous," Sensei Kreese steps closer to the man. "You were never a part of this team. You're a buffoon, a joker, an embarrassment. You have no value here."

I hear Stingray say something under his breath in surprise, but I can't make out what he says.

"You all right?" Robby asks me as I focus on Silver as he focuses intently on the duo.

"Get the hell out of here," Sensei Kreese raises his voice.

Stingray turns around, "Challenge accepted." Then, he walks out.

"Let's continue. Get into your opponent's head," Sensei Kreese says once more.

"Find their weaknesses and exploit them," Sensei Silver continues.

"I just have to know Silver because that's how he operates. He focuses on your deepest fears and he molds you to fit his will."

"You ready?" Robby asks eagerly and I shake out the thought. 

"Oh, I know all your weak spots," I flirt under my breath.

We both laugh before getting into positions.

⭒⭒⭒

I went shopping with Sensei Silver and Tory after karate. Now, I have my elegant black dress and am putting the final touches on my look at Eva's. I feel expensive.

Eva is going with a guy she asked named Simon. He's in her AP calculus class and they hit it off, which I'm really happy about. 

"Does this look good?" she rushes in with her hair half up.

I smile at the messy back, "Come here. I'll help."

I brush it out and then try once more to put it up. I pin it in place and then grab the hairspray. Once its done, I think it looks great and she gasps in gratitude as she stares at herself in the mirror.

"You look like a princess," Eva gushes. 

"So do you," I return the compliment. "You look so good in purple."

"Thank you," she giggles. 

Eva grabs her keys and turns to me. I grab the keys to the car Sensei Silver lent me: literally a little red Corvette. Then, we rush out the door.

⭒⭒⭒

I pull up to the apartment complex and smile at the twist on a traditional tale. I get out of the car to pick up my man. So, I carry my dress and walk proudly in my heels so I don't trip. Then, I make it to the door and knock twice.

Shannon opens the door with a gasp, "Zion, you look so beautiful. Oh, I can't take this." Her eyes begin to water.

"Are you going to let me see her, too, or?" I hear Robby's voice from behind the door. 

His mom swings the door open further and I take a couple steps in. Robby's eyes land on me and mine on him.

He wears an all black tuxedo and I take in all his glory. He looks so handsome and perfect.

"I'm speechless," he sighs with a big, dopey smile. 

"Dito. You look like a million dollars," I stare at the shine on everything he wears.

"I'd hope so. Silver paid for it all," Robby chuckles.

"About that, Robby, I really don't think it's a good idea to accept this man's money," Shannon speaks up.

"Mom, we've been over this. He understands that we don't have everything the other Encino kids do, but for one night we cant," Robby gestures to me.

Shannon's eyes fall on me and we share a look. I can tell she's concerned, but there's nothing wrong with Sensei Silver helping us out.

"So, pictures?" I break the tension.

"Yes, yes, yes, plenty of them, please," Shannon grabs her phone excitedly.

"Wait," Robby says as he rushes over to the counter and picks up a plastic box. He opens it and inside is a beautiful red rose corsage. "For you."

"And, this," Shannon grabs the pinned rose for Robby and hands it to me.

We put the flowers on each other and I smile like a little kid. Tonight is going to be perfect.

We walk to the back of the apartment building where vines grow up and around. We have a makeshift photo booth as she snaps hundreds of pictures.

⭒⭒⭒

Eli's POV

I get into the limo with Moon and we squeeze next to Demetri. He's already on his phone and completely bummed about Yasmine not being able to be here.

"You look really pretty," I compliment Moon again. I feel so awkward.

"Thank you," she smiles.

I look around at the group anxiously. Miguel and Sam snuggle close to each other and I wonder if I'd be brave enough to do that with Moon. I'm scared to let someone in like I did with Z after she completely used me.

"No karate talk," Miguel corrects Sam.

"Right, right," she sighs.

The ride is awkward. That's the only word I have to describe it.

"I'm really glad to be going with you. I heard that Piper is going with that Tory girl, so it's going to be an interesting night," Moon speaks up.

"Tory is going with Piper?" Miguel jumps into the conversation and I note Sam's look of jealousy.

"Yeah, I've seen them hanging out around school. Piper is in GSA with some others and she's mentioned her girlfriend's journey of realizing that she's a lesbian. It's empowering," Moon says. "I love when people find themselves, you know?"

"A lesbian?" Demetri repeats her words. Moon nods eagerly.

I share a look with Miguel as he takes all of that in. I would've never been able to guess that. Damn.

Sam sits more confidently now. She's so defensive, but rightfully so. I just hope that any conflicts tonight will leave Moon- and even me- out of it. 

"Good for her," LaRusso smirks happily.

"Didn't you guys say that Z is bi?" Demetri asks.

I look down at the yellow flower pinned on my chest as a distraction. Miguel responds, "Yeah."

"Oh, okay. Just checking," he says.

"I'm pansexual," Moon inserts herself. "Though, I guess you knew that."

I nod with a small smile as they continue to talk about being gay and stuff. I find myself dissociating. 

"I'm just going to ask: Do we think Z is going to show up with Robby?" Demetri snaps me out of it.

"She won't miss junior prom," Sam says like she's sure of it. Miguel looks at her in question.

"Robby is expelled," I state. She can't be bringing him.

"But, the PTSA is in charge of prom this year, not admin," Moon explains. "That's why it's at the Encino Hills Country Club inside their ballroom."

"I haven't been there since I was a little girl," Sam smiles. "I'm so excited to go back."

"I go every now and then for the kids I babysit. Nothing's changed." I stare at the girls as they have their rich girl conversation. I look at Demetri as he goes on his phone and zones out. 

Miguel looks at me and I can tell he's worried about Robby. I shrug in response and see that isn't the support he wanted. That's when I take out my phone and scroll aimlessly to pass time.

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Zion's POV

After finally finding a place to park at the packed Encino Hills Country Club, Robby and I make it up to the ticket booth and run into a problem.

"He's my date and I'm an enrolled student," I stand up for Robby.

"I'm sorry, but a letter of recommendation should have been sent by his admin for approval," the person handing out tickets says. 

"I don't go to a school," Robby tells her. "I don't have a principal. She paid for both tickets."

"Maybe there's a special request I can put in. What's your name again?" she asks.

"Robby Keene," Kyler comes over with his date, Delaney. "Hey, Donna. This is my homeboy. Let him in, compliments of Mr. Park."

"I can't let him in unless there's proper documentation, sorry," Donna responds.

"All right, here," Kyler looks away as his hand slides a fifty towards her. I stare in shock. "Is that the proper documentation?" I see him smile slyly at Delaney.

"Hm," she takes the money, "you're approved. Go in."

I stare at Kyler in shock as he ushers us into the dance. We walk down the hall and I glance at him, wondering if there is some good in him after all or if there's a catch.

"Thanks," Robby says casually.

"Well, we can't have any massive drama without you," Kyler laughs and pulls his date through the doors and under the archway to the ballroom.

"Drama?" I raise my eyebrows at the typical Kyler response.

"He doesn't know what he's saying," Robby shakes his head. "I told you it would be normal."

"Right," I nod nervously.

"Are you ready to go in?" he asks me and extends his hand. 

I feel the anxiety creep into my chest; I channel it into excitement, "Yeah. I'm ready."

I take his hand and we walk under the arch and into the decked out ballroom. For once in my life, I feel like a princess- in a really good way. I glance over at Robby and smile because he's my prince.

I shake the corny, cliche thoughts from my head as Doja Cat comes over the speakers and my eyes land on Eli and Moon together.

They've noticed us, too, and I see Eli glaring at Robby and Robby glaring right back. Moon wears a nervous smile as she looks between the two as I try to go the other direction.

That's when I notice Miguel and Sam also staring at us. Actually, a lot of eyes are on us. Oh, right. They all remember Robby. Shit.

"Make them think what you want them to," Robby whispers to me. 

I put on a confident smirk and grip his hand tighter. That's when he leads me to the dance floor...

and when he shoulder checks Miguel on the way.

I turn back to Miguel in surprise as I feel Robby's hand pull me away.

"What was that?" I ask him once we find an empty spot to dance in.

"What?" Robby avoids my gaze. 

I shake it off and just dance with him to leave the worries behind for now. It's harder than I thought.

"Everyone is watching us," I glance around.

"Let's give them something to watch," Robby suggests. He places his hands on my waist and mine over his shoulders. We begin to do a basic waltz, but then Robby moves closer and moves his hands lower.

I feel very aware of the fact that everyone is watching as he becomes a bit more intimate. I push his chest away slightly at the realization. His hands are off immediately.

"Too much right now," I explain as I take his hands back in mine.

"I'm sorry," he immediately apologizes. 

"It's okay," I assure him. I almost feel bad.

"Dude!" Tory rushes over with Piper. "Miguel looked so upset when you came in."

Tory is in a dark red suit with her hair slicked back and Piper is in a dark red dress that hugs all of her curves. They look so hot together.

"Eli, too," Piper agrees.

"And don't even get me started on LaRusso," Tory glances at the girl. 

I look down in dismay at the fact that this isn't a normal night for anyone, either. 

"I requested a song to the DJ," Piper changes the topic. "You guys should, too. The list is going to get long."

"Okay," I nod happily. "Mind if I go?"

"Go ahead," Robby nods.

I let go of his hands and walk over to the DJ excitedly. To the side of him I see Demetri sitting alone at a table. That's what he deserves.

I wait behind some people before it's my turn to pick up the pen and write down my request of "Say Amen" by Panic! At The Disco because I know both Robby and I had a middle school emo phase. It's something fun to dance to and to take our minds off things. It's also appropriate since it's Saturday night. 

I smile fondly as I put the pen down and look around for Robby. 

"Hey," Miguel smiles as he stands in line now, "I like the hair. You look pretty."

"Hi," I respond, "yeah, I went with something more natural to match my dress. You clean up nice, Diaz." He looks almost like a man. 

"Oh, okay, okay, okay," he laughs at my joke. "You look good... aside from the bruise."

I look down at my arm, "It's nothing."

"I feel really bad," he says as he moves up in line and I follow. "It's my fault you're purple."

"Your fault?" I feel my heart drop into my stomach as Robby comes from behind me.

I glance over my shoulder at him and see his glower towards Miguel. Miguel shifts a little in his spot and I see his nostrils flare like they always do when he's nervous.

"No, no, it was me," I turn to Robby. "Miguel was there, but I smacked my arm into the lockers, like I said."

"He just said it was his fault," Robby argues with me.

"Technically, kind of," Miguel explains.

"You aren't helping," I whisper to the boy. "I didn't think it mattered. The whole thing was an accident."

"What's going on?" Sam walks behind Miguel and I note that the line has expanded way beyond single file.

"Nothing," I say in frustration when I see the little princess in pink walk over. Her dress is nice, but mine looks nicer thanks to Sensei Silver. "Come on."

I take Robby's hand and pull him away from the confrontation. We end up at the refreshments and I frown.

"Can we not start anything?" I ask him as I grab a cracker and put cheese on it.

"Can you not talk to the enemy?" Robby still looks over at the perfect couple.

I want to argue that he isn't the enemy, but I know things will only get worse. 

A girl walks over to the table and I see Moon reaching over to get a sparkling water. I want to pay no mind to her until something catches my eye: her corsage.

He hands me a bouquet of sunflowers. "Hawk..." I say with a smile on my face. I take a smell, "These are amazing. How did you know I love sunflowers?"

"I just guessed. The florist said they resemble happiness, prosperity, and romance."

I feel a bit of jealousy as Eli comes up behind her and grabs one for himself. His pin has a sunflower and I turn away at the remembrance that we're nothing and we mean nothing to each other now and that that's what I wanted.

I pull Robby away from them before anything can start and he breaks free of my grip, "Is this what's going to happen all night? You avoiding people and dragging me with you?"

"Well, I..." I look at him with a loss of words. "I wanted a normal night."

He gestures around us as we stand by the wall, "This isn't exactly normal."

"You're right. Uh, let's dance," I now pull him towards people apologetically.

We seem to both be happy about it this time. When I see Liv and Jai, I walk over and Robby follows.

"Hi," I smile at them when I see how good they both look. Jai wears a suit and Liv wears a beautiful dress.

"Hey!" Liv smiles.

"She was just complaining about how this isn't like in any Disney movies," Jai chuckles.

"I want the magical moments to happen and, so far, it's been boring," Liv elaborates.

"Thaaanks," Jai responds sarcastically.

"You know what I mean. I'm waiting for the excitement. At least we have prom court to look forward to. I know a bunch of girls voted for you after we started re-sharing the post about your success," Liv continues.

"Well, I'm not getting my hopes up. I'm not the prom queen type. Besides, I don't want to win if Robby isn't my king," I turn to him and tilt my head to rest on his shoulder.

"It doesn't matter if you love him or capital H-i-m."

"Z!" a voice screams as she comes running up to me. "This is the song Piper requested."

Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" blasts through the room. 

"We need to dance," Piper encourages all of us. "Come on, ladies... and Jai."

I turn to Robby to see if he wants to be sucked into the group, but he steps away and nods with a smile to let me go. So, I rush over to my friends and we start jumping and screaming and being  obnoxious. 

Slowly, other groups join us and it's just a massive crowd screaming. I almost run into Moon and then Jenna, who look just as happy as we dance around. 

"No matter gay," Liv holds up her hand, "straight," Eva puts her hands in the air, "or bi," I put my hands up excitedly, "lesbian," Tory and Piper grab hands and hold them high, "transgender life," Jai joins us. "I'm on the right track, baby, I was born to survive."

We dance like idiots and I find myself truly not caring what people think of us because of how damn happy I am to be here with my friends and how nice it is to have the pressures disappear. 

As the song winds down, I see Tory and Piper making out in front of everyone shamelessly. I clap with everyone else in celebration. 

My eyes glance over Sam's look of surprise, Miguel's face of disbelief, and Moon's slightly sour face. I never thought I'd see Moon be jealous.

I find Robby at the end of it and we meet to dance together to the slow song that comes on next. We make it into a comfortable dance position and slowly rock back and forth. 

"Are you having a good time?" Robby asks as he pushes a lock of hair behind my ear. 

"Yes," I respond genuinely. "I'm so happy. Are you?"

"I'm happy if you're happy," he pulls me close.

"What's one thing you want to do tonight?" I ask him in hopes of finding a way to make him just as happy.

Robby looks at me in surprise, "I have no idea."

"Well, think of something and we'll do it," I tell him.

⭒⭒⭒

Miguel's POV

"I'm going to sit down and get a break from these shoes," Sam tells me, "and then I'll go request 'Material Girl' on behalf of me and Yasmine."

"Cool. Demetri is going to be so surprised," I glance his way as he stands alone in his PacMan suit. "Why don't I go write it down and you go sit?"

"Even better," she smiles thankfully. "Thanks."

"No problem. I'll see you soon," I tell her as I wander over to the line.

Z finishes writing hers down and walks by me. I can't help myself as I stop her; I can't let her just be a stranger.

"Hey," I call to her, "I like the hair. You look pretty." She looks so mature and it kind of freaks me out.

"Hi," she comes over with a small smile on her face, "yeah, I went with something more natural to match my dress. You clean up nice, Diaz."

I laugh at her stupidity, "Oh, okay, okay, okay. You look good..." my eyes see a dark spot, "aside from the bruise."

"It's nothing."

"I feel really bad. It's my fault you're purple," I admit.

"Your fault?" Robby steps behind Z. I feel my body slightly shake from him being here- with Z, no less- after everything he's done.

I try to defend myself, but Z does it first. "No, no, it was me. Miguel was there, but I smacked my arm into the lockers, like I said."

"He just said it was his fault," Robby gestures to me. My heart pounds with adrenaline and nerves. 

"Technically, kind of," I try to explain what happened.

"You aren't helping," Z whispers curtly. "I didn't think it mattered. The whole thing was an accident."

"What's up?" Sam joins at my side. Z looks between all of us in a panic.

"Nothing. Come on," Z takes Robby away from us. 

I stare after her worriedly; he'd better be treating her right. One wrong move from him and I'll break the moratorium.

"What was going on?" Sam looks after Robby and I feel slightly jealous.

"Z got hurt the other day and I was there and it was kind of my fault, but it also wasn't my fault," I explain to her.

"You were there when she got hurt? Is she okay?" Sam asks.

I look at her in surprise when she asks if Z is okay. I respond, "She has a bruise."

"Oh, okay. Just wondering about the allegation Robby made," she covers her slip up. "Oh, there's Yasmine. I'm going to go say hi." 

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

Robby holds me close to his chest as we sway under the colored lights. This is the perfect night I've been wanting. Nothing has been normal since I moved to The Valley, but tonight I get a sense of nostalgia to how it was in Santa Maria. 

"Can I have all the members of the prom court come up onstage?" The music dies down as a parent organizer steps up to the microphone. 

I look at Robby and he gives me a quick kiss before letting me break away from him. 

I make my way through the crowd and follow Moon up the stairs to the stage. I take my time as I walk up, just in case I fall in these heels and long dress.

When I'm on the stage, I move beside Tory as the princesses are arranged on one side and the princes on the other. My heart pounds as I look through the lights and out to the big crowd of people judging us. 

Honestly, prom court is kind of stupid, but winning would be like existing in a fairytale. I see Delaney, Moon, and Sam excitedly waiting for the results and even Tory is on edge. I'd rather win the All Valley, but winning is still winning.

And I'm a winner- at least I will be at karate.

"Let's give it up for these wonderful nominees!" the mom yells and begins to clap with the envelope in her hands. 

I look at all the students and remind myself that I'm hated for cheating on Eli and for being a part of the karate cult. It makes sense for me not to win and I'm content with that.

"And now, for the moment we've all been waiting for. Your Junior Prom King is..."

My eyes meet Robby's and he gives me a warm smile of encouragement. At the end of the night, I have him.

"Miguel Diaz!"

The room becomes really loud as they play Elvis, the king of Rock 'N Roll. I cheer loudly for Miguel as he steps forward to accept his crown.

I see the other boys angrily watching and trying to put on their gracious faces. Sam is jumping up and down with Moon and I realize that this probably means that everyone voted for The Valley's "favorite couple." Tory looks almost angry at the outcome because she knows she lost, too. As I cheer for Miguel, I spot Robby looking at me in question for cheering on Miguel.

"These Encino brats have everything and, now, Sam is going to be prom queen. I can't watch," Tory leans over to me and whispers.

I take her hand in support as I suppress my applause. I'm in Cobra Kai and Miguel isn't anymore, so I need to focus on my team and my boyfriend and my new best friend... though, something feels off about that statement.

"Congratulations, Miguel," the announcer claps. "Now, the Junior Prom Queen is in this envelope. Who will it be?"

She waves it around on every syllable and I can see everyone getting restless.

"Your prom queen..."

A dramatic drum roll track comes over the speakers as she slowly opens the envelope.

"Um, is it... Zion Ambrose? Is that how you pronounce it?"

My jaw drops as "Dancing Queen" by ABBA begins to play. There's no fucking way. I'm in a dream.

Tory squeals in excitement and wraps me in a hug before pushing me forward. I glance back at her and see Sam's sour face and Moon's peppy one. Even Delaney claps. 

I stand next to Miguel and turn to the girl with the tiara to crown. I tilt my head down as she sets it on me. Then, I turn out to the cheering crowd and feel the warmth of the stage lights on my face. That's when I feel the magic Liv was referring to.

"Your Junior Prom King and Queen!" the lady says as she steps to the side.

Everyone continues to clap as I turn to Miguel in astonishment.

"This is so cool. We're royalty," Miguel adjusts his crown with a bright smile.

"I never thought I'd ever win prom queen. I mean, winning means so much to me, but I never thought prom queen would be my first big achievement," I explain to him.

A cameraman approaches us and we smile as he snaps a few pictures.

"It's weird that we're king and queen, right?" Miguel asks me.

"Definitely weird," I agree with the boy who is like my brother.

"At least I don't have to worry about you being prom queen with Kyler," he looks on the bright side.

I let out a loud laugh, "Yeah, right. Like he'd ever be voted as prom king."

Miguel and I begin to laugh together and I realize how much I've missed this. He was always so easy to talk to.

"And now, the traditional West Valley High king and queen dance."

I look at Miguel, "This is even weirder now. We are in a Disney movie, confirmed."

We're ushered down the steps and to the center of the dance floor. I see Robby staring at Miguel intently. I worry that this prom court nonsense will cause some sort of drama from someone- particularly Kyler, who is currently throwing a hissy fit. Miguel offers me his hand with a corny smile.

"May I have this dance?"

"You may," I accept his gesture.

Some slow song I don't recognize comes on over the speakers; I guess we're supposed to dance.

"Do you know how to salsa?"

I look at Miguel in confusion and laugh at the random question, "No? Do you?"

"Of course. Come here," he takes my hands and sets his hands on my shoulders. 

I giggle at the different position and put my hands on his waist. We keep an appropriate distance. Then, Miguel takes the lead with a basic salsa step as I try my best to keep up.

He holds up the pink medicine, "For my grandmother." It makes me almost giggle that he made sure I knew that it's not for him.

I take the box of Advil and hold it up, "For my mom."

"I'm Miguel." "Zion."

I hate that I'm learning this while at the center of attention, but the amount of times I step on Miguel's feet is hilarious because I remember doing that to my dad.

"You can tell me anything. You're my best friend and you could cry hysterically right now and I'd still be here to help you through it," Miguel says.

I focus on the rhythm to try and look graceful, but the song speeds up and changes pace often. 

"I'm not letting anybody hurt you again like they did last night. Not on my watch."

"Dip me," Miguel whispers with a mischievous look on his face.

"Dip you?" I ask.

"Yeah, spin and dip," he nods.

"Miguel, I don't know how," I argue. 

"Fine," he sighs. The next thing I know, he's spinning me and he dips me low. I'm so thankful he catches me before bringing me back up. "Like that." 

"I'm sorry I didn't come see you. I'm sorry that I made you think I hated you. I don't hate you. I never did... I... I love you, Miguel." The words melt out of my mouth as I stare at the person right in front of me.

"I love you, too, Z." I don't even know how since my tears make everything a blur, but somehow we end up in an embrace that's been absent since August. It only makes the tears fall faster and harder. I take in the fact that Miguel is alive and hugging me right now. I wouldn't have believed it before, but now I have to.

"Okay," I shake my head as we return to the pattern I was just getting used to. "You asked for it."

I grab Miguel and twist my wrist in the same way he had. I laugh as I think about the fact that I'm about to dip him. Miguel moves faster than I can keep up and...

Miguel falls right onto the floor as I fail the trust fall.

Everyone gasps as he lands hard. I worry about his back, but I see a small smile on his face. I burst out into laughter as he grabs his lower back like an old man with a big smile. Eventually, other people begin to laugh, too.

My hand reaches out to help him up as the song changes to "Starships" by Nicki Minaj.

"Oh, man, I love this song!" Miguel jumps back up and begins to dance like a dork.

I see everyone else go back to dancing and shrug before joining him in dancing like a psycho. To keep the waters calm, I go to my impartial friend group and pull them to dance with me and Miguel. Jai, Liv, and Eva start to dance like idiots, too, and I feel like my cheeks are about to burst.

"Your crown is crooked," Miguel comes over to me and reaches for my head.

I let him adjust it until he grabs it off my head and wears two on his now.

"Do I look pretty?" Miguel poses like a model around me as I laugh.

"Give it back!" I giggle.

He runs and I begin to chase him through the people who aren't too happy about our shenanigans.

Finally, I reach him and jump up to grab it off of his head as he holds his hands up in surrender. "You probably look better in it anyway."

I hit the back of his head playfully and now his crown falls off.

"Hey!" he yells after me as I rush back to my friends with a bright smile.

"You can't handle the fact that we are better than you!" a familiar voice yells. It catches my ear because I know it's Tory. So, I search around for her. Shit.

"What's going on?" I rush over beside her and opposite of Sam and Moon.

"She's jealous of your crown, which you earned," Tory explains. 

I look at Sam in question as she rolls her eyes at Tory.

"Let's not fight," Moon speaks up. "We're all queens."

"That's what losers say, Moon," Sam tells her friend. "Let's go. Tory's on probation, anyway."

Sam holds her snobby nose high and walks away as Moon follows. Tory looks so sad and angry.

"You all right?" I ask as my eyes drift after the Sam who is completely different than the person who offered me help in the bathroom. 

"My best friend won prom queen and LaRusso looks like she's going to cry. Of course I'm all right," she wraps her arm over my shoulder.

"Where'd Piper run off to?" I ask her in confusion.

"Shit," Tory turns around and releases her grip on me to look around.

My song request comes on over the sound system and I look for my date now, too. I find him and rush over to him as he talks to Edwin. "Hi," I take his hand. "Did I miss anything?"

"There's an afterparty at Stingray's," Edwin tells me. "It's supposed to be really cool."

"I just got caught up on the 'Stingray' stuff," Robby explains. "Do you want to go?"

"As long as you're going," I grab his hand. My smile won't leave my face.

Edwin smiles awkwardly between us, "Then, we'll meet up there?"

"Definitely," Robby says and Edwin leaves us alone. 

"This was my song request," I tell Robby happily.

He smiles in amusement, "I should've known."

"You like it?" I ask.

"Of course," he grabs my hands and twirls me.

We begin to dance and sing the lyrics really off-key. "Swear to God, I ain't never gonna repent! Mama, can I get another amen?"

There's something so pure and innocent in this moment that reminds me why I love Robby. I'm so happy with him.

The song ends and a slower one comes on next. 

"So, you won prom queen. How does it feel?" he asks me.

"Really, really good," I admit. "I think I'm still in awe of how happy I am."

"You deserved a win," Robby pulls me into his arms as we begin to sway again.

"I can only hope the tournament will go as well," I admit. "I proved I was popular tonight, but winning a karate tournament would prove so much more than that. I mean, Johnny and Daniel would stop teaching, Cobra Kai could live on, and then there's me. I'd make my dad proud. I'd be able to show my power against the men who have wronged me. I'd have the chance to inspire other girls to stand up like I did. I'd be more than Janice's daughter. I'd be my own person with my own achievements."

Robby listens intently as I ramble.

"I don't know. Last December, I remember I lost to all the Miyagi-Dos and Eagle Fangs. My confidence was shattered, I was humiliated, and I felt that I had no purpose in life if I couldn't win. Then, you rejoined my life and the bet Sensei Kreese made gave me hope for my future. I'm finally feeling like how I did before my dad passed. I really, really want to win that tournament. It's all I need to make everything in my life perfect."

"I know exactly how you feel. I want to prove to my dad and Mr. LaRusso that I don't need them. I want Kenny to learn the right way to handle things and Cobra Kai has made me stronger and braver in the ways I wanted. And, you know, you convinced me to try it, so I have you to thank," he says as I press my head to his chest and relax. "I love you."

"I love you, too," I melt into his touch.

⭒⭒⭒

Miguel's POV

Sam ran off with Moon after Z and I won, so now I'm hanging out with Eli. We stand in silence until I can't take it anymore.

"I don't know who else to tell this to, but I think you would understand most," I begin.

"Understand what?" Eli asks me.

"The old Z is still in there. I know we thought she wasn't, but we were out there dancing together and it was like a year ago," I try to put it into words. "A whole year ago."

"Dude, I'm sorry, but the last thing I want to talk about is Z," Eli says. "I'm trying to focus on Moon because she's beautiful, trustworthy, and into me. It's hard enough that the biggest night for us is becoming overshadowed by Z and Robby showing up and Z winning prom queen."

"Winning prom queen or king doesn't matter," I tell him.

"Says the king," he looks at me with a half smile.

"You got me there."

"Moon is so great and I don't want to mess it up. So, all this 'old Z' shit doesn't matter to me because the 'old Z' chose Robby while we were together. The 'old Z' lied to my face and broke my heart. The 'old Z' doesn't mean anything to me anymore, none of the versions of Z do," Eli rants. 

"I miss you guys together," I admit, "but that's because I still don't think she cheated."

"Miguel, both her and Robby said they did. It all lines up, too, okay?" Eli points out. "Just leave it alone. I'm over it."

I shake my head as I remember the days after her breakup and the tears in her eyes. I remember the pain she went through and how she swore up and down that she was only friends with Robby. I remember believing her because she gave me no reason not to. I remember having to balance between my two closest friends as they went their separate ways. Now, I'll have to remember them getting over each other forever over something that I don't think is true.

Besides, I really hurt Tory when I kissed Sam and I don't think that she'd be such good friends with both Z and Robby if they did cheat. Of course, none of that is proof and instead just a gut feeling.

"May I have this dance?" Sam walks over to me and extends her hand.

"You okay?" I ask her.

"Mhm. Better," she says as she looks at Moon who joins beside her. "So?"

"You may," I drag her onto the dance floor and Eli and Moon follow us.

Sam and I stand a few inches from each other as I put my hands in the right position this time. All I can see is her gaze drifting towards Robby, though, as Z laughs and dances with him.

"Sam," I try to get her attention.

"What?" she snaps out of it like she did nothing wrong.

"She Will Be Loved" by Maroon 5 comes on and we continue to dance together happily. The song is a slow enough one that we can dance in a formal way. I feel like Ariel learning to walk, however, because Sam has been to cotillion and learn all kinds of dances and I only know the waltz and salsa.

Sam looks over my shoulder and I assume she's staring at Robby again. 

"Sam?" I ask her. She nods her head towards whatever she's looking at.

I spin around and see Robby holding Z tightly as he moves his mouth over her neck obscenely. I watch the girl in an intimate moment with essentially my mortal enemy and drop my hands from Sam.

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

I smile as Robby plants little kisses and bites on the side of my neck. He makes me feel so good as his hands grip my waist close in a similar way to last night. I love him so much. I don't even care who's watching anymore.

"Hey, stop that."

Robby's face pulls away from my neck and we both turn to see Miguel standing right there with his hand on Robby's shoulder.

Robby shoves him off, "What the hell is your problem, Diaz?"

"You," Miguel's nostrils flare. Uh oh. 

"Good, 'cause you're my problem," Robby shrugs.

"Robby," I grab his hand worriedly. This isn't what's supposed to happen.

"Keep your hands in the appropriate places," Miguel continues to talk to him.

"I could shove my foot up the inapp-"

"Hey!" I exclaim as they step closer and closer together. "Miguel, I think you should go back to Sam."

Robby smirks in his face as Miguel looks at me in disbelief, "But, Z, he's being-"

"It's not your place to say what I can and cannot do with my boyfriend," I tell Miguel. 

"I just care about you."

"I know, but it's not worth it because Robby isn't doing anything wrong," I explain.

"Yeah, back off," Robby backs me up with a snark in his voice. 

I push him behind me worriedly. "Go," I say to Miguel once more.

His expression drops to one of helplessness as Sam approaches him and pulls him away. I sigh in frustration once he's gone.

"Thank you for not fighting him," I tell Robby. I feel exhausted mentally right now.

"I wanted to," Robby admits, "but I couldn't do that right now."

"Your majesty!" Kaya and some other girl Cobras come over. "We need a Cobra Kai women picture. They have a photo booth."

"Okay, hold on," I tell them as I turn to Robby. "I'll be back, okay?" He nods in response as I rush off.

⭒⭒⭒

Robby's POV

I watch Zion disappear into the crowd and stand awkwardly alone. Whenever she leaves me, I have no one. I can glance around at people I don't know.

Then, Miguel and Sam come into view. I roll my eyes at their happiness and glance the other direction. I know that fighting Miguel would only hurt Zion and I can't do that to her.

Eventually, I wander over to the drinks and grab a water. I have a feeling the punch is spiked.

I smirk a little when I see Eli dancing awkwardly with his date. His eyes are anywhere but on her. 

I see Zion emerge from the big crowd and look around for me in the middle of the dance floor. I move towards her.

Someone or something trips me and my water spills all over my dress shirt. I scowl in dismay as I look for the culprit.

"Oh, sorry, dude. My bad," Eli smirks without an ounce of regret in his voice.

My eyes narrow on him, "Yeah, right."

The girl he came with walks over and Eli passes off our interaction as nothing as he walks away. 

"Hi," Zion's arms wrap around my torso from behind and in the next moment they are off of me. "Why are you wet?"

I remember her one wish for the night. "Someone tripped me. I think I need to go to the bathroom and dry this out."

"Okay," she believes me. "Then do you want to head over to the afterparty?"

"Sounds great," I nod before walk away to find the bathroom.

⭒⭒⭒

Zion's POV

Another slow paced song comes on as I wait for Robby. I decide it's best to just stay to the side and not watch the cute couples enjoy their time. I know Robby will be back soon.

The song progresses and I notice it's a song that reminds me of my dad: "Thank You For The Music" by ABBA. It touches my heart as I remember my dad teaching me how to dance in the living room before my fifth grade Father-Daughter Dance. 

I stand alone as the loneliness and loss of my dad sinks in. I'm forced to listen to such a beautiful song without him. It gets me thinking and I realize that Sensei Silver isn't close enough to being my dad because my dad was a unique, beautiful, irreplaceable soul. 

My eyes begin to water as the chorus comes back and sends chills throughout my body. 

How stupid it is for the prom queen to be alone and crying as all her friends have fun. I don't know why I feel so badly for myself, but it had been so long since I thought of my dad in the proper regard. 

Finally, Robby returns and I gasp when I see his suit because he took off his dress shirt and now only wears his formal jacket to partly cover his chiseled chest.

"Like what you see, Ambrose?" Robby teases me as he extends his hand.

"Shut up, Swayze," I giggle as I accept his hand. "Everything all right?"

"Yeah, this is better," he assures me.

"I'll say," I bite my lip as I look him up and down. We move to the dance floor and smile at each other.

Robby dances with me and I allow his hands to hold me close and tight. I feel like a queen as he rocks my hips side-to-side and then picks me up and spins me around by my waist.

My eyes look over his shoulder and I see Eli's eyes plastered on us until he catches me staring and turns away.

I shriek as Robby lifts me through the air and then sets me back down safely. A big smile is plastered on his face as press my hand to his warm chest contently. The song "They Don't Know About Us" by One Direction comes over the speakers.

"This was my song request," Robby informs me as he pulls me close. "It fits us, right?"

I smile in awe, "How did you know I loved One Direction?"

"Jess told me a couple summers ago. You left us alone and she wouldn't stop talking about you and embarrassing you," he explains and presses his forehead to mine lovingly.

"Damnit, Jess," I giggle. "This was so sweet, though, Robby."

"I'm glad you like it... It's kind of my guilty pleasure, too," he whispers in my ear.

"No way!" I exclaim.

He shushes me, pulls my waist close to his, and Robby begins to waltz properly again. Then, he spins me around and even dips me correctly. 

"I figured out what I want to do tonight," Robby refers to my earlier suggestion.

"What's that?" I look up at him.

"This." He leans down and kisses me.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Prom chapter one complete:)