"I've been under scrutiny. You handle it beautifully. All this shit is new to me. I feel a lavender haze creeping up on me. So real, I'm damned if I do give a damn what people say."

~Lavender Haze by Taylor Swift~

⭒⭒⭒

Warnings: All of the above.

A/N: The chapter of the ride back featuring Miguel and Robby talking is here ahhhhh. It was so fun to write.

⭒⭒⭒

I walk cautiously back to the car from the random gas station bathroom Johnny stopped at. It's much smaller than the other one, but I have my knife at all times.

"Hey," I walk over to Miguel nervously as he leans on the side of the van, "how're you holding up?"

His eyes are spacey; he's not focused on anything in particular. "I just saw my dad get shot, maybe even die. Right in front of my eyes."

"I know... I'm so sorry," I offer.

He finally turns to look at me and I see that his eyes are red, "I really thought this would make everything better, but I've made everything worse and it's at the cost of you being hurt, too."

"We made it out alive. That's what matters," I assure him and pull him into a hug.

"Who wants to live like this, though?" he asks as he hugs me tightly.

I watch as Johnny finishes pumping gas as Miguel stays frozen in my arms.

"We can get through it together. I know we can," I say as I remember all the times he's helped me in the past.

Robby walks beside us to get into the backseat and I feel Miguel perk up. He pulls out of the hug and wipes his tears inconspicuously before fully focusing on Robby.

"What are you doing?" Miguel questions him as he gets buckled in.

I look at Miguel in question as Robby replies, "I figured we could switch out. You can have the front."

"I want to be in the backseat with Z," Miguel argues.

"Me too. Like I said, we can switch."

"Really, you two? Don't argue over this," Johnny speaks up from the front seat in disappointment before I can. "It's been a hard day for all of us."

"I don't wanna fight," Miguel shakes his head. "Not now, at least. I just want to sit with Zion."

I smile at him slightly as I think about how nice it is for me to be here for him now.

"Robby...?" I look at him for a sense of sympathy for Miguel.

My boyfriend unbuckles and glares slightly at Miguel before getting into the front seat. Then, Miguel and I get in.

This trip is significantly harder now that I have no phone and we don't feel comfortable talking so the silence eats us alive.

As if he reads my mind, Johnny puts in a CD and we pull back onto the highway. Guns N' Roses blasts through the car.

"How about we play some car games, huh?" Johnny makes a feeble attempt at bonding us.

"You think now is the best time for that?" Miguel asks in frustration. I can feel his anger and grief throughout my body.

"It could be a good distraction," I chime in. It also might be a way to get Robby and Miguel to get along.

"Fine," Miguel sits back.

"How do we feel about twenty-one questions?" Johnny suggests. Robby turns down the music. "I can start. I have a really good one."

"Is it something karate related?" Robby asks.

"Is it an 80's band?" I ask.

"Is it Coors Banquet?" Miguel asks.

"Damn. Miguel got it," Johnny says. I notice Miguel smiling smugly and Robby frowning. "Your turn."

"I don't know," Miguel frowns. "Zion, you go."

"Oh, um, okay" I look at him wearily. I decide on the brown backpack Miguel has in the back. "Uh, okay. I have it."

"Is it in the car with us?" Robby shifts in his seat to look back at me.

"Shoes?" Johnny guesses. "Lip gloss?"

I look at Miguel as he looks down and ignores the game.

"Yes and no and no," I respond. Of course Johnny guesses stereotypical girl things. I then to my best friend with a whisper, "Miggie, are you okay?"

"Maybe playing was a bad idea," Johnny says as he glances back at us.

"It's fine," Miguel sighs.

Robby glances back at me and I give him a small smile to signify that I'm okay since I barely saw Hector after he got shot.

Miguel lived through the worst of it. I assume Hector is dead but who knows for sure? All I know is that I want to be here for my best friend but I don't know the best way to be.

"We can play later," I tell Johnny as I reach out my hand to Miguel.

He grips it tightly and I see him trying not to cry as he leans against the window. I squeeze back to let him know I'm here.

Johnny turns the music back up as Miguel lets go of my hand, grabs his headphones, and then takes my hand once more.

⭒⭒⭒

"Hey," Johnny's voice wakes me up. I look around in the darkness and see Robby and Miguel slowly waking up, too. "It's dark and I'm tired. I think we should find a room here and continue in the morning."

I look around "here" and see we're parked in the lot of a nice motel. None of us argue with him as he walks into the lobby of the motel to check us in.

I stretch out the crick in my neck as Robby yawns.

"It'll be hard to find a room with four beds," Miguel says absentmindedly.

"Well, Zion and I usually share a bed," Robby speaks up.

Miguel looks at me worriedly, "Really?"

"Yeah. He... he helps the nightmares," I say softly. Robby looks back and gives me a half smile.

It's silent until Johnny returns with a key card.

"We have joint rooms. One has one bed and the other has two. I'll take the small single room if you want to split up the other," Johnny offers.

Tiredly, Miguel just nods and gets out. Robby speaks up, "We're sharing a room?"

"It might be a good chance to work some of your shit out," Johnny offers.

Robby looks at me hesitantly. I can tell he hates the idea.

"Please?" I ask him.

Robby debates for a moment before getting out. He goes to the trunk to get his things and I follow him.

"I need to talk to you," Johnny stops me before I can get out. "What I said at that restaurant was unfair of me." I look down and nod. "I don't totally get everything going on with you guys, but I do respect the connection. I didn't have such a strong relationship at your age. Honestly, it kind of freaks me out, but you both are happy and that gets my blessing."

"Your blessing?" I question with a hint of hope in my voice.

"Yeah. I don't want to break up a good thing."

"Thank you," I smile slightly.

"Sure," Johnny nods. "You're a good kid, Zion."

I break any eye contact with him and grab my bag from the floor. I know that I'm not a good person, not after everything I did under Cobra Kai.

"I think," Johnny continues, "we can work together to get Robby and Miguel on each other's good side, since we both care about them."

"Yeah," I nod at his idea, "that sounds good."

Robby opens the door opposite of me, "Ready?"

"Almost," I say as I open my door and step out. I look at Johnny, "Do you have the key card?"

"Here," he hands it to me.

I take a breath of courage before asking, "So, um, it's okay for me and Robby to share a bed?"

Johnny sighs, "Yeah. I need to learn to trust you because you're both almost adults. I missed my chance to be a parent during the formative years. I get it."

"Thanks, Dad," Robby says graciously.

"Plus, Miguel will be there and I trust him to break up any monkey business."

Robby rolls his eyes before closing the door and waiting on the other side. I finally get out and cross to him as he takes my hand. Miguel waits outside the room with his backpack.

I scan the keycard and feel the tension brewing behind me between these two.

"I get the one closer to the air conditioner," Miguel says immediately.

Robby sets his stuff on the other bed as Miguel makes his claim.

"And just so we're clear," Miguel turns to Robby, "everything you do in here I'll know about. So choose what you do carefully."

"All I'm doing is help my girlfriend deal with bad dreams," Robby assures him.

"That'd better be all," Miguel practically threatens.

"Okay," I speak up, "I'm tired. Let's sleep."

"You don't even know what you're talking about," Robby continues his conversation with Miguel.

"Robby," I stop him, "I told Miguel."

"You did?" Robby asks in concern. He looks worried. "...About?"

"Everything. I trust him... both of you..." I say softly.

"With my life," is the part I don't add, though I know it's true. Bringing that up may make today too real for Miguel.

"Okay," Robby says wearily.

Silence. Robby and Miguel stare at each other to gauge the other for a reaction.

"Okay," I break the silence. "Goodnight."

I pull back the covers and turn out the light.

Eventually, Miguel and Robby move to the beds at the same pace.

Robby gently places his hand on my shoulder before rolling into bed with me. He kisses my cheek softly and then kisses down my neck and to my shoulder. I melt; I've missed him so much.

"I hear you," Miguel groans from his side.

"Goodnight," I say in annoyance before Robby can respond.

Silence.

My eyelids droop.

I fall asleep, feeling so safe with them despite the new environment.

⭒⭒⭒

When we make it back to The Valley, Kyler stands in front of Johnny's front door.

"What are you doing here, Kyler?" Miguel asks.

"Silver ordered reparations for what Z did at the tournament," Kyler smirks.

"No," my breathing hitches.

"You're not touching her," Robby defends.

"You don't have a say in that, bitch boy," Kyler says.

More Cobras emerge from the shadows. I nervously get into a fighting position. I look back at Miguel and Robby.

They're gone.

Multiple Cobras tackle me to the ground. They hit my face and kick my stomach.

Kenny...

punches me in the nose as I flail for freedom from them pressing me into the concrete, leaving me helpless.

They effectively hold me down and my eyes slowly focus on Kyler as he takes the plunge to get revenge on me.  I kick him in the nuts and he falls down.

That's when Kenny comes in front of me and kicks me in the stomach over and over and over again.

Kyler gets up and walks back over with a gun in his hand, "I wonder if anybody will even notice you're gone."

⭒⭒⭒

I jolt awake, my sobs echoing through wherever I am.

"Sh, sh, sh," Robby coos as he sits up with me.

"Zion, are you okay?" Miguel asks groggily as he sits up on his bed, too.

My head spins and I struggle to respond. I remember what made me so anxious in my dream. The nightmare is already gone, but the memory stays.

Miguel walks over beside us, "Zion-"

"I've been through this a lot more than you," Robby interrupts Miguel, "so go back to bed. I've got this."

"Zion," Miguel addresses me again, "are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah," I try to assure him.

"You're pressuring her," Robby tells Miguel.

The sheets are white. The walls are yellow. The lamp is brown.

"Stop acting like she isn't right next to you," he argues.

"Don't fight," I tell them again. "Just... I need to go to the bathroom to cool off."

I stand up and walk out of the small room to splash some cold water on my face. I close the door behind me.

"You're not even letting me help her," I hear Miguel say.

"She's strong enough on her own. What you're saying is loaded and she can't say she's 'okay' when clearly she isn't. Besides, if she needs extra support, she's got me. I know what to do," Robby states.

"I know she's strong, but that doesn't mean that she has to isolate herself. What happens if you're not there again?" Miguel questions.

"You just got here-"

"And I'm sure you had some part in trying to isolate us," Miguel says accusingly.

"All I want is for her to be happy," Robby tells him.

"Yeah. Right."

I hear the bed creak and think it's Miguel rolling back over in bed.

The other bed creaks a minute later.

I run the water and splash it on my face. I think that I need to find a place where Cobra Kai can't track me as easily, a place where I'll be safe, a place of my own. 

I take a deep breath in before going back out to them.

"What do you need?" Robby looks up at me with his beautiful eyes.

"Nothing. I'm fine," I shake my head as I try not to stress about them not being okay with each other yet.

He wraps his arm around me and I press my face into his chest for warmth.

Eventually, my breathing evens out and I'm so close to sleeping again.

Robby slowly shifts around for a better position with me. I don't mind as he moves the comforter and keeps me protected under it, despite how hot it is in here.

I can't tell how long it is that I stay between consciousness and the sleep world before I hear a voice.

"Could you stop moving?" Miguel whispers angrily.

Robby lets out a breath of irritation. I feel him checking on me as I pretend to sleep more. Then, he responds to Miguel.

"I wouldn't be moving so much if you weren't blocking the air conditioner," Robby whispers.

Miguel hesitates. "Is she asleep?"

"Yeah," Robby says and I think he truly believes it.

"Okay, fine. Let's talk. I know she wants us to be friends," Miguel starts.

"But, that's not going to happen," Robby finishes.

I try not to show any emotion, even in the dark.

"At least we can agree on that."

"...I think what you did was really selfish," Robby tells him candidly.

"Oh, what I did? You joined Cobra Kai the second I was gone for good. You were there to spite your dad, Sam, and Mr. LaRusso and that was selfish."

"Don't pretend to know me or what's best for Sam - or Zion."

"I know more than you do. Sam chose me."

"Because you took advantage of her," Robby raises his voice a bit.

"Sh!" Miguel shushes him.

I keep my eyes closed and my breathing as natural as possible as I listen to them fight. This is the first real conversation I've heard between them, except for the one time we returned the Medal of Honor.

"She's fine," Robby says after a moment.

"I didn't take advantage of Sam. We were both drunk. It was a drunken mistake."

"It wouldn't have been if you hadn't been drinking underage in the first place."

"I know it wasn't the best idea, but it's what happened," Miguel defends.

"You expect me to accept that? When you can't even accept that Zion and I are together? All you ever do is create drama, Diaz. I'm sick of being the one to pick up the pieces."

"I didn't ask you to come to Mexico," Miguel groans.

"No," Robby hesitates, "but she did. And I know how much you mean to her so I came. The Valley, honestly, isn't the best place right now, either. And you left before the tournament even ended. She needed you."

Guilt hits me like a truck. I try not to react.

"And here I thought you could handle everything," Miguel replies snarkily.

"I try to... but it's hard to support her all the time. That's why what you did created unnecessary stress on her, on me, on us."

"I didn't think anyone would come after me," Miguel sighs. "I said in my note I'd be back soon."

"You had to have known it would be dangerous."

"Do you think she hates me for it?" Miguel asks after a moment.

I want to say no, that I don't hate him. He knows I never hated him and it pains me that he keeps going back to that.

"No," Robby sighs. "She doesn't hate you."

"But you do," Miguel finishes.

"You hate me, too."

"...Yeah. Good to know where we stand with each other."

"Yeah."

Robby brushes my hair out of my face gently. The silence and understanding between the two isn't as tense as it was before.

"She's lucky to have someone like you who cares, you know," Miguel speaks up to my surprise.

"I know," Robby says with a small smile in his voice; he's almost playful.

"Today when you jumped in front of the gun for her with me... I thought that was cool of you. Thanks for helping save her. She means a lot to me."

"I didn't do it for you," Robby enlaces his fingers in mine. "I would do anything for her."

"Me too," Miguel adds.

"It was 'cool' of you, too. At least I know that you care about her almost as much as me."

"More than you," Miguel corrects him.

"Doubtful," Robby whispers.

"Sure," Miguel says with an eye-roll apparent in his voice.

Robby's thumb brushes across the back of my hand, back and forth many times. He's anxious while talking to Miguel.

"I just hope you know that if you hurt her, I will make sure you hurt just as much," Miguel states.

My breathing almost hitches at the anger in Miguel's voice. Robby doesn't seem phased.

"If I hurt her," Robby whispers, "then you have every right to."

I go against my better judgment and smile slightly.

Miguel groans. It sounds like he's laying on his back, facing the ceiling. "I had tamales earlier."

"What?" Robby asks on behalf of both of us.

"That's what I had for lunch. Just a heads up. I might puke from how gross you are together."

Robby laughs slightly.

"I'm not kidding."

"I take it you and Sam aren't...?" Robby floats the question.

I nervously await Miguel's answer. This is such a sensitive subject.

"Not that it's your business whatsoever," Miguel starts, "but I have a lot to make up for since I ran off."

"Well, yeah."

"You have a lot of amends to make, too. If you're really leaving Cobra Kai with Z."

"I'm done with Cobra Kai, believe me. Though, I think I'm more worried about her future in the Valley, honestly."

I stop and think about it for a moment. My future right now is filled with sleeping at Shannon's in a small room with Robby all summer, jobless. My future is having no path in terms of karate, school, or aspirations. My future is turning eighteen in a few weeks without parents to support me as a full adult. My future is no plans for college like my dad wanted. My future is hoping that I can stay away from karate.

"After what Silver did to her, I worry about her safety and then how she's ever going to be friends with Miyagi-Do after it all."

"She's going to be fine. As long as she keeps a good distance from Silver and his mind games, I think she'll be fine," Miguel says. "As far as Miyagi-Do goes, their whole thing is forgiveness and peace."

"You don't need to tell me about Miyagi-Do," Robby says. "But, um, it'll be hard to get enough distance between Zion and Silver. He's relentless."

Robby pauses a moment.

"You do know everything Silver did to her, right? The night of prom?" he asks Miguel.

I realize now that I didn't fill Miguel in on these details.

"Uh," Miguel hesitates, "prom? No... No, just about Adam and Ella. What... What about prom?"

"I guess since she trusts you... you deserve to know... maybe." Robby thinks a moment. "Prom night, Zion ran away from the after party and went to Cobra Kai. She found Silver there. He was drinking and, um, he started to hit her. She almost blacked out. Then, she ran to Santa Maria. That's why she hid for two weeks. It wasn't all because of our fighting. It was Silver."

"Keep telling yourself that to absolve you of the guilt," Miguel frowns.

"I'm telling you the truth," Robby snaps. "And from what I recall, you were the one jumping in and starting more shit, as usual."

"Me? You're the one who pushed her into that pool. Her and I were trying to deescalate like Mr. LaRusso taught me."

Robby seems to remember, "Nothing I did that night truly felt like me. It felt like... like..."

"Like Cobra Kai had its fangs in you and wouldn't get out of your mind?" Miguel offers.

"...Yeah. Kind of like that."

"You're not the only one to feel that way," Miguel offers after a moment. "Or to act on it."

Robby hesitates. Takes a moment. I hope that maybe this is the time he can apologize to Miguel.

"I'm going to bed. I'm tired and it's been a long day," Robby decides.

"I-I'll get there eventually," Miguel says with hesitancy in his voice.

Robby lays back and gets comfortable next to me. He pulls some of the blanket away from me and I pout a second before pulling it back to my side instinctively. 

"I had no idea about Silver. Thanks for telling me," Miguel offers.

Robby doesn't respond and instead leaves Miguel and I thinking in the silence. He has to be sorry so he has to say he's sorry eventually, right?

I can hear Miguel's ragged breathing from this side of the room. All I want to do is wake up and comfort him.

"Hey," Robby speaks up once more. "I'm sorry... about your dad. I can't imagine what it's like to lose him like that."

"Oh." Miguel sounds far away. "Apology accepted."

I think Miguel and I both wait for Robby to say more, to apologize for something else.

"Night," Robby offers before nestling his chin into the crook between my neck and shoulder.

The silence that follows presses on my chest. Robby seems more at peace, but I can feel Miguel's anguish. I open my eyes for a second and see him just sitting up in bed on his phone.

I close my eyes again and sleep approaches me once again. I drift off in Robby's arms, sleep overcoming guilt in this moment.

⭒⭒⭒

Johnny hands us each a granola bar the next morning as we pack up the van. It's been pretty silent all morning. They still have no idea I heard their conversation last night.

"I called your moms," Johnny refers to Carmen and Shannon as he gets into the driver's seat. "Told them everything that went down. Said you're okay. We'll be back later today."

Robby nods as he eats his granola bar. I sit in the back once again, this time with Robby.

"How far are we?" Miguel asks, more talkative today.

"An hour or so," Johnny says. "Well, according to Robby's GSP."

"It's a GPS, Dad," Robby leans over the seat with a small smile.

"The navigation thing is saying we'll be in America in an hour," Johnny corrects himself. "Maybe we can get McDonald's once we cross the border."

"Miguel, can I use your phone?" I ask.

"Sure," he hands it back to me. "When are you getting a new one?"

"As soon as we get back to Reseda," I state. "I think a lot is going to change."

"What do you mean?" Robby asks curiously.

"Well, I'm going to find a job and a place to live," I look over at him nervously.

"Wait, you're moving out?" Robby looks at me with a frown. "You don't even want to discuss it?"

"I can't live at your mom's forever," I sigh. "I'm almost eighteen. And it's not like I'll never see you again."

Robby nods and thinks about this. Johnny speaks up, "Where will you work? Finding a job is a bitch."

"I don't know where," I shrug. "I guess I can figure that out after I get my phone. I also want to meet up with Jai, Liv, and Eva. They're the normalcy in the karate war."

"Who?" Johnny asks as he takes a sharp turn onto the highway.

"My friends from school," I explain. "I want to find a space away from Cobra Kai's reign. I think it'll be good for all of us."

I look between Robby and Miguel, hoping that the distance from karate will encourage them to get along now.

"It'll be weird not being a sensei anymore," Johnny admits, "but now it gives me more time to be a dad."

Johnny smiles in the rearview at Robby and then looks over at Miguel. Miguel is looking out the window absentmindedly.

"Okay. Music time," Johnny sighs and begins to blast Van Halen.

Miguel turns it down a bit as Johnny dances to the music more than he drives.

I ignore his bad driving and the way my ears are bleeding so I can turn on Miguel's phone and log into my Instagram. I hesitantly message Sam to keep her in the loop and keep her as a sort-of-friend. I still worry, however, about Tory and Piper never forgiving me, just like Kenny.

zion.ambrose to larussosam: Hey, sorry if this is random. It's about Miguel. I doubt he reached out after your fight - he told me about it - but we're headed back from Mexico together. We're safe but a lot of shit went down. Go easy on him

Then, I create a group chat of my friends, minus Tory and Piper. I can only imagine what they think of me after the tournament. Honestly, I'm kind of scared to know.

zion.ambrose to feminicons: I'll be back in The Valley tonight if you want to meet up tomorrow or something

I log out and hand the phone back to Miguel. I hope Tory and Piper didn't get to my other friends first. I feel like I've been neglecting them and it's unfair.

Robby slips his hand into mine and I feel my anxiety about it all calm. I put my other hand on ours and take a deep breath in and then let it out.

⭒⭒⭒

"I'm so glad you guys are back safe," Shannon pulls me and Robby into a tight hug just outside the apartment. "How was it?"

"Tiring," Robby smiles slightly as we pull out of the hug.

I glance over at the van behind me, "I'm going to the Diaz's for a bit. I'll be back later."

"Okay. There's something I want to talk to you two about, as well. Later," Shannon says.

I look at Robby but he seems just as confused as I am.

"Be safe," Robby comes closer and kisses me. "Have fun."

"I'll be back soon," I assure him.

I head back to the van and sit behind Miguel again. Johnny pulls out of the apartment's parking lot and I watch Robby and Shannon disappear behind the door.

Five minutes later, we make it to Johnny and Miguel's apartment complex.

"Finally," Johnny sighs happily. "Home sweet home."

"I'm nervous," Miguel admits to me, "for how my mom and Yaya are going to react when they see me."

"They'll be happy you're safe," I tell him. I think about it for a moment, "And I'm happy that you and Robby made it through the car ride without trying to kill each other."

"Yeah, well," Miguel shrugs, "we've decided not to fight for your sake."

"Wait, really?"

"At least not until he steps out of line," Miguel gives me a sly smile.

"Thank you," I smile a little without even thinking about it.

"Miguel!" Carmen rushes out the door with a bright smile. She tackles him in a hug, "I was so worried." She smacks him on the side of the head, "You had me so worried." She hugs him again, "I'm glad you're okay." She grips his shoulders, "If you ever scare me like that again I'll kill you." She hugs him tightly. "I'm so happy you're home."

"Pick an emotion, Mom," Miguel says as he hugs her back.

Rosa walks out and states in Spanish, "I'm glad you're back. It was insufferable without you here. Your mother was driving me crazy."

"Oh, Mom," Carmen smiles. "I'm so glad you're safe." She looks at me and Johnny. "All of you."

Johnny goes over and kisses her. Miguel and I look away in disgust.

"Hey," I pull Miguel aside, "do you want to go with me to find a new phone?"

"No, no, Miggie. You are grounded for running off to Mexico alone," Carmen says.

"I'm sorry, Mom. It won't happen again," Miguel frowns.

"You'd better not leave me again," Yaya says in Spanish and gives Miguel a tight hug.

"No, Yaya. I won't," Miguel assures her.

"So glad you're safe, mija," Carmen wraps me in a warm hug. "Thank you for bringing him back."

I hug her back, feeling so safe here. "Thank you for trusting me."

"Let's go in and talk about it, hm?" Carmen asks all of us.

"I-I don't know where to start," Miguel frowns. "I'm more tired than anything." I can tell he doesn't want to talk about it.

"Go nap," Rosa says in Spanish before dragging him back inside.

"Wait," Miguel turns back to me, "you okay?"

"I'll be fine," I nod to him. "Besides, Shannon has to talk to me about something."

"About what?" Johnny asks in concern.

I shrug, "No idea."

"All right. Well, I want a beer after that adventure," Johnny decides as he crosses to his apartment.

I go to my car since I left it here. I get in and drive back to Robby and Shannon.

I'm nervous that she's going to kick me out just like everyone else. I just need to tell her that I'm leaving first, that I'm beating her to it, that she doesn't have to worry.

I walk inside a couple minutes later and see Shannon on the phone.

"Okay, okay, thank you," she hangs up. "Robby!"

He emerges from the back and I sit at the table with Shannon. He joins, too.

"I wanted to talk to you two about this summer," she says with a small smile. "I talked to my parents-"

"What did they want?" Robby asks almost aggressively. This is the first I've heard of her parents.

"We're working things out, Robby," Shannon assures him. "They actually want to meet you."

"Great," Robby frowns.

"I'm sorry," I interject. "They've never met you?"

"Not since I was a baby," Robby shrugs.

"What happened between me and them should have nothing to do with you," she says.

"What happened was that they disowned you when they found out you were pregnant, saw me once as a baby just to fight with you, and left us in poverty."

I look at Shannon for an argument, but it seems all that he says is true.

"I know how it happened, Robby, but they want to spend some time with you this summer and make up for it."

"And how?" Robby questions. I'm wondering, too.

"They have a cabin on Bainbridge Island. It's really fancy there. They have beaches, hiking, master chefs-"

"Sounds like they're buying our forgiveness," Robby states. "And none of those fancy things matter to me. All we ever wanted was support."

"Your dad changed. He's putting in an effort now. So, maybe you can give them a chance, too? They want you to stay up there for the whole summer. Most of it, anyway. You can get to know them," Shannon makes the case for them.

I look at Robby worriedly. I doubt he'll accept the offer, but if he does it'll mean we can't be together this summer. I don't think I can stay here alone.

"And, what? Leave you and Zion and Dad? Leave Cobra Kai out there to do whatever they want?" Robby questions.

"It's just an offer they made. I think getting out of here can be good for you. Both of you."

I look at Shannon in confusion. Robby speaks up, "Both of us?"

Shannon smiles, "My parents want to meet you, too, Zion. I told them how devoted you are to each other and figured you wouldn't want to go without her, Robby. So, they agreed to both of you staying with them. I think it's a great idea, especially since the tournament drama is over and you're all safe now. You can move on without karate."

I smile slightly. I can only imagine a nice summer away with him. I want so desperately to truly be away from this karate mess, even though leaving means Kenny will be trapped at Cobra Kai. But, he hates me. Maybe this is the real getaway we were waiting for. Instead of Mexico, maybe Washington. And it'll all be together.

Robby looks at me with a frown on his face until he sees my small smile. He takes my hand and sighs, "Can we think about it?"

"Sure. It's not for two weeks so take your time."

⭒⭒⭒

"Do you want to leave?" Robby pauses The Queen's Gambit and turns to me in bed.

"I think it could be good for us," I shrug. "Of course, some things hold me back - mainly my friends - but we have to do what's best for us."

"I get it. I just keep worrying about Kenny. The more I think about it, the more I don't think I can leave him here," he sighs.

"He hates us," I remind him.

"He's only thirteen. He deserves more."

I sit up in bed and scoot away from Robby a little. "I know he does. It's just... You promised we could run away, get away from all of this. What changed?"

"Mexico. We weren't prepared for anything there." He frowns and takes a moment before continuing. "I don't want us missing out on anything here just because we're scared."

"Well, Cobra Kai is free to do whatever they want and we can't train to protect ourselves," I state.

"Mr. LaRusso and my dad can't teach you anymore, but," he sighs, "I can teach you Miyagi-Do. The right way. We can find balance together."

"Really?" I ask softly. "What about the others? They didn't even want to accept me helping them at the tournament." I remember Demetri getting Chris and Mitch and others to side with him. They were so skeptical.

"Well, I won't be training them. Just you," Robby tells me. "So?"

I nod slowly, "Okay. We can try it."

He smiles and readjusts so he sits beside me, legs dangling off the edge of the bed, "You can be happy here with your friends. No regrets. And, whatever it is, we can handle it together."

I give the boy I love a look of admiration. He really is willing to put in effort to make things better for us and for Miguel and everything else. If all goes well, he can apologize to Miguel and we can have another great summer together. All I want is for him - us - to be happy.

I tackle him back onto the bed and kiss him with a smile. "No regrets."

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Whew, the amount of revisions this chapter had should be a new record.

I hope you know that this book is my escape from reality, and I love writing it and reading your comments.