Archive of Our Own

Robby had an… interesting relationship with Hawk. He sort of knew that he was a nerd before Robby’s dad whipped him into shape. After that, he had this whole new personality. Aggressive, hot-headed, arrogant, all the traits Robby learned to dislike over the years.

Hawk and he were constantly at odds against each other. Hawk dislocated his shoulder in the first All-Valley that he was in, making it so that he lost against Diaz. Then Robby joined Miyagi-Do while Eli stayed at Cobra Kai. After that, there was the whole juvie situation. For a while, though, they were on Cobra Kai together because Robby’s hatred for Mr. LaRusso and his dad had blinded him. Then, surprisingly, Hawk left Cobra Kai and joined Miyagi-Do/Eagle Fang, leaving Robby once more. They had their fair share of spats and fights along the way like Robby cutting off Hawk’s Mohawk, leaving him as just Eli Moskowitz. But now, after returning from Mexico and picking up Diaz, he was ready to have a nice and relaxing summer, away from all the drama related to karate.

He lounged on his beach chair, sunglasses on, just soaking up the sun. He needed to just relax and have a nice fun day. He heard laughing in front of him, but he didn’t get up. It was probably nothing. “Shit,” Tory muttered. Of course, it’s something.

Robby took off his sunglasses and followed Tory’s gaze. Kenny and Kyler were ‘talking’ with Hawk. Some other Cobra Kai goons were behind them, ready to back the two up. Hawk was outmatched but Robby knew that he could easily beat the Cobra Kai gang if he really wanted to. The only way this would end was in a fight, and Robby did not want to ruin his day of relaxation.

He got up with a sigh and followed Tory to the teens getting ready to fight. He caught up to her and they stepped in between Kenny and Hawk. Tory blocked off Kenny, turning to face him, while Robby pushed Hawk back. “Hey, back off.” He said.

“Hey, stay out of this,” Hawk said back, staring at Robby.

“What’s the matter?” Kenny asked mockingly. “You scared I’m right? Champ.”

Robby winced at the reminder of the All Valley Tournament where Hawk had beaten him and he’d accidentally on purpose beat up Kenny.

Tory pushed him back. “Hey, enough.”

Hawk glared at Kenny then at Robby. If looks could kill, Robby would definitely be six feet under. Robby didn’t back down, though, even though Hawk was a couple inches taller.

Tory turned to Hawk and Robby. “Unless you want your ass kicked, I suggest you stay on your side of the park. Away from us.”

Hawk looked like he was about to shove past Robby and he mentally prepared himself for a fight.

“Hey, yo, champ!”

Robby swiveled around. A little kid was smiling at Hawk. The kid put his arms up, flexing his muscles which Robby had to admit was pretty cute. Apparently, Hawk thought so too because something in his gaze softened ever so slightly, bringing out the pretty shade of blue in his eyes. Wait what? Robby mentally shook his head. He didn’t like Hawk’s eyes. It was the tiredness and stress talking, that’s all. After a second, Hawk looked back at them, making up his mind.

“Alright. You guys stay on your side, we don’t have a problem. We have better rides on our side anyway.” He added. Then he stared into Robby’s eyes for a moment to which Robby stared back, not backing down from the silent challenge, before walking back to his side.

Kenny glared at his back. Tory looked at him. “Hey, it’s over, he’s not worth it.”

“Aight,” Kenny said, turning to Kyler and the other goons. “We out of here.”

Robby gazed at Hawk who was settling back down on his chair next to his ex-girlfriend, her blonde friend, Diaz, and Sam. He glanced back at Robby and noticed him looking at him. Hawk smirked before flipping the bird at him. Robby turned away, slightly embarrassed as he heard Hawk laughing with his friends. Whatever, he thought to himself, now he’d be able to relax on his side, without dumb cocky karate champions bothering him. How wrong he was…

…

For the second time today, Robby was awoken from his peaceful nap. This time more Cobra Kai members were seconds away from fighting with members of the Miyagi-Fang dojo. There was nobody there to break the fight up. He saw Kenny push Mitch, better known as Penis Breath, and knew he had to intervene. He got up and rushed to the scene. Him and Tory stepping in and pushing people back to their side.

“Guys, stop. Stop!” He yelled at Kenny and then to Mitch who shoved him. But Penis Breath wasn’t stopping. Robby pushed him forward and it looked like he was getting ready to throw some punches at him.

“Hey! What’re you doing?” Miguel ran up to him, Hawk following on his right.

“You stay out of this.” Robby replied. Did Miguel really think that they were going to be cool after one roadtrip?

“Don’t–” Miguel began, sounding tired but he was interrupted by a loud piercing noise. The lifeguard approached them, whistle in mouth. “Stop it! All of you. Or you’re all getting kicked out!”

Robby scratched his neck awkwardly.

“Clearly, we can’t coexist in peace, so let’s find a solution.” Miguel said.

“Well, we can’t fight. We’ll get kicked out. What are we supposed to do?” Mitch asked.

Robby sighed, turning to Tory. “We need to go.”

“No,” Tory said. It looked like she wasn’t going to change her mind.

“How about a race?” The blond kid with glasses offered. Robby thinks his name is Bert.

Everyone looked at the big blue slide.

Hawk stepped forward, closer to Robby, saying: “Yeah, I’ll go.” He gave Robby a glance, challenging him to step up too. But Robby wasn’t going to be involved in this. He wasn’t apart of either dojo. He just wanted to have a normal day and there was no way that that was going to happen.

Tory stepped up too, standing in front of Hawk. “So will I.” She said.

Robby gave her a look, silently telling her not to but she ignored him or didn’t see him. He hoped it was the latter.

“Alright,” Kyler said. “Champ versus champ!”

“Whoever wins gets the park.” Tory says confidently.

Hawk looks at Robby again, smirking. Robby really hated that smirk. “Deal,” he said. “But you won’t win.” Then he walked away. Robby watched him. The crowd slowly started to dissipate, leaving him standing alone in the center. He knew this wasn’t going to end well.

…

He walked up to Kenny after he gave Tory and Hawk their tubes, calling his name.

“Robby, what’s up?” Kenny asked, his tough guy act gone.

“Hey…” He hesitated. “Can we talk?”

“Yeah, yeah. Hey, uh…” Kenny shifted his hands nervously. “You haven’t been back to the dojo. There’s a rumor that you’re quitting–”

“It’s true.” Robby interrupted, watching Kenny’s face fall.

“What?”

“I know you’re in Cobra Kai because of me,” Robby started. “I just wanted you there because I thought it would help you.”

“It did.” Kenny said.

“I know that’s what you think, but you have to trust me. It’ll turn you into someone you don’t wanna be. It’s what happened to me.” Robby said. It wasn’t just him, though. It was Hawk, Diaz, Mr. LaRusso, his dad, all the victims of Cobra Kai. He couldn’t let that happen to Kenny. “I didn’t wanna hurt you at the tournament. That’s what Cobra Kai makes you do.”

“Nah, I’m glad you didn’t hold back. I needed that.” Kenny said. Robby knew how that felt and he just needed Kenny to understand.

“No, Kenny. I have been down this path–” He put his arms on Kenny’s shoulders or well, tried to.

Kenny pushed him back harshly. “Back off!”

Robby looked at him in surprise and shock.

“Before Cobra Kai, I used to get picked on.” Kenny said. “Now I’m stronger than I’ve ever been. I’m never quitting. Because I’m not a quitter.”

He shook his head, scoffing, as he walked past Robby.

Was it too late for Kenny?

…

“Y’all ready for this?” Kyler shouted, drawing Robby’s attention. He walked towards the cheers, feeling like shit about Kenny, who was clapping.

“This is to decide the champion of all champions!” The two dojos started chanting their respective champions’ names.

“Three! Two! One! Let’s go!” Kyler shouted.

The crowd cheered until Tory came out of the slide first. “Yeah!” She shouted. “Let me hear it! Woo!”

Hawk came out a second later, his tube not supporting him. He resurfaced, holding his deflated tube angrily. “What the hell? You guys cheated. There was a hole in my tube!”

“Losers!” Somebody shouted.

Tory looked at Hawk. “Cheaters!” he yelled. The Miyagi-Do kids quickly chanting in front of Robby. She got out of the water and walked back to her side, looking confused and a bit hurt through her facade. Robby glanced at them before walking towards Kenny. He knew he had something to do with Hawk’s tube.

He watched as Hawk stepped out of the pool, people next to him splashing water at him but he ignored them.

“Dipshit!” He yelled at Kenny. “I know this was you.” Hawk dropped his tube in the pool. Oh shit, Robby thought to himself, starting to run.

“What are you gonna do?” Kenny replied confidently.

Hawk smirked at the kid. “I’m not gonna strike first if that’s what you think. You don’t have the balls to anyway.”

Kenny nodded and looked like he was going to walk away but Robby knew the kid. He already expected him to throw a punch at Hawk. Hawk did too, though, and leaned back.

Robby saw Miguel start running towards them too.

“Is that all you got?” Hawk asked mockingly. Robby knew that was going to get Kenny all riled up.

Kenny got in his fighting stance and threw punches at Hawk. He blocked every one, catching his third. That was a mistake on his part, because Kenny threw his right hand and punched Hawk in the face.

Hawk threw Kenny’s wrist down. Kenny went in for the kick but Hawk grabbed his leg, hitting him hard under the knee. Robby finally caught up to them and pushed Hawk into the pool.

“Hey!” Miguel shouted pushing Robby from the side as he turned to face Kenny. He didn’t fall into the pool but he lost his balance for a second. He quickly turned back around to face Miguel. “Watch yourself.”

“You wanna go?” Robby asked, getting ready to fight. Suddenly, he heard the whistle blow again. The lifeguard pushed them away from each other. “Everybody get out and leave the park immediately! I mean it. Everybody out! Now!”

Miguel nodded at the lifeguard before helping Hawk out of the pool. He walked away. Hawk gave Robby a glare before following him to the exit.

…

Robby walked into the dojo. So much had happened the past days. He had broken up with Tory, came back to Miyagi-Do, and became friends with Miguel. It was the first day of their joined dojo. He knew there was going to be people who hated him (Hawk) but him and Miguel were cool. And his relationship with Sam wasn’t that broken… he hoped.

Chozen whistled, drawing his attention. He started giving instructions and teaching them about a bird before giving them eggs. He flipped the sand timer. “Begin your preparation.”

“What are we protecting them from?” Robby asked, holding his egg up.

“From me! Go! Go!”

Everyone started running in different directions. Robby walked around for a couple minutes, looking for the perfect place to hide his egg. He found one next to a white bench. He dug a small hole, placed his egg gently inside and started covering it up with dirt. Robby stood up, clapping his hands together to get rid of clinging dirt. He smiled. Chozen couldn’t find his egg now.

He turned around, looking down because Chozen was in front of him. He knew he had seen where he had hidden his egg. Great. Chozen grunted and took his weapon, spearing it right through his egg. He walked back to the stand where Demetri and other people were standing disappointedly. Hawk wasn’t there. Neither were Miguel, Sam, and some others. Slowly the crowd began to increase.

After a bit, Hawk walked towards them, deciding to stand next to Robby and Demetri.

“How’d he take you out?” Robby asked, deciding to be civil.

“Shut up,” he said, glaring at Robby. “Don’t talk to me.”

Robby looked away before looking again, continuing. “Dude if this is about the mohawk, I’m sorry. But if anybody knows how Cobra Kai can turn you into an asshole, it’s you.”

“So, I’m an asshole?” Hawk asked, smirking.

“Yeah, well, let’s see. Uh, you attacked me and Sam at the mall. Y–You broke Demtri’s arm. Y-You trashed this entire dojo. So I don’t—”

“Guys! Enough! Enough!” Demetri shouted. “All right? You’re both ex-assholes now. Great. Can we focus on the issue at hand? There is a madman out there using weapons on us!”

“Who’s even left?” Chris asked.

Robby shrugged. He didn’t know how much longer this was going to take.

…

“Can’t wait to get our asses kicked again.” Mitch said, walking away.

“Uh, no. No, um… G-Guys, uh, wait. He said that the snakes will take us down one by one. Right? Just like he took us down one by one, but-but what if we weren’t a bunch of ones? Like, what if we were…” Anthony stuttered.

“Together.” Sam finished. Robby looked at Anthony. This might actually work.

“Yeah, exactly. Like, um, like a raiding party in Dungeon Lords.” Anthony said. Robby was confused but Demetri seemed to get it.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah!” He shouted excitedly. “I–I mean even if you’re a level 85, you can’t mount an attack on the grand realm alone.”

“Exactly.” Hawk cut in. Robby turned to look at him, smiling to himself slightly. Of course he was a bit of a nerd. “You need a team and everybody has a special role.”

“The only way we win is if we work together. As one.” Anthony said.

Robby looked at Hawk immediately, hands in pockets, silently offering a peace offering. Hawk glanced at Robby. They slowly got into formation, creating a wall in front of their basket of eggs.

“So we’re sure we want to put all our eggs in one basket?” Demetri asked, ever the reluctant one. “I mean, you’re specifically not supposed to do that.”

“This is gonna work.” Anthony said.

Chozen whistled, signalling that he was going to start.

“Oh, no, oh no.” Mitch started saying. “Oh god.”

“Get it together, Penis Breath.” Hawk replied, not even looking at him.

“Has anyone seen him yet?”

Chozen started running towards them, stick in hand. “Oh shit,” Miguel said. “Ready?!”

Chozen yelled, finally reaching them. Anthony scampered back. Hawk stepped up, meeting Chozen, and blocking the stick from hitting him. Robby leaped into the fight, kicking Chozen. They both fought together before Chozen overpowered them and sent them sprawling to the floor. Sam and Miguel took over fighting him until they too were overwhelmed.

Hawk looked at Robby and he nodded. Then they both ran back at Chozen. People starting streaming in, fighting Chozen all at once. They pushed him to the edge, all in a line again.

“Snake concede.” Chozen says finally, bowing to them. Everyone cheered before he started talking again. “This is what we have that Cobra Kai does not. Their movement mile wide, but only inch deep. But our movement, inch wide, but mile deep. Now that you have learned to work together, I will teach you how to master your defense.”

They all bowed at Chozen. Robby was excited to learn.

…

“Dude, did you catch that video I sent you of last year’s Sekai Taikai?” Hawk asked Miguel as they walked in, Robby on his left.

“Yeah,” Miguel replied. “Who knew people could kick that high?”

“Or that hard.” Robby added, hitting Hawk’s arm playfully.

“Dude seriously.” Hawk said.

“That’s why it’s the biggest competition in the world.” Sam said, approaching them.

“Last year’s winners did a car commerical in Taiwan.” Hawk said excitedly.

“Dude, imagine being in a commercial.” Mitch said. “What would you do with all that money?”

“Buy a yacht,” Chris replied easily. “With a hot tub. Fill it up with Smarties and hotties.”

Robby laughed.

“All right, all right.” Mr. LaRusso said, walking towards them with Robby’s dad and Chozen following. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Remember, Cobra Kai is gonna do everything they can to get a spot. And if they win this time, kids all over the world are gonna have to deal with the same crap you guys have gone through.”

“But if we win,” Sam said. “We can show the world how to stop them.”

“First you must prove you can compete with best.” Chozen nodded.

“But in order to do that, you have to be better than the best.” Robby’s dad added. “Which is why we’re gonna kick your asses into high gear.”

“Sensei Lawrence, Sensei Toguchi, and I are gonna get you ready for the presentation. Okay, so c’mon, let’s get warmed up.”

“Go! Move those asses!”

…

“Alright boys, we have a choice to make, and it’s not going to be easy.” Robby’s dad said. “You’re all badass fighters, but only one of you can get on the mat tomorrow. Alright, Hawk’s the current All Valley champ. But it could’ve gone either way. Diaz is last year’s champ. That could’ve gone either way too. Even though Hawk injured Robby in the semis, Hawk didn’t have to fight in the semis this year ‘cause Diaz booked it to Mexico.”

Miguel shrugged, smiling slightly.

“Point being you’re all deserving. LaRusso, Chozen, and I are having a hard time deciding which one of you should go up against Cobra Kai. Maybe we should flip a coin.”

Robby glanced at Hawk who gave him a ‘what’s he talking about?’ look. “Uh, how would that work? There’s three of us.”

“So we’ll flip three coins.” Johnny shot back.

“We don’t need to flip any coins. We actually already made up our minds.” Miguel said, gesturing to him and Robby.

“Yeah. We talked about it and there’s only one choice.” Robby said.

Hawk looked at him, obviously confused.

“It should be Hawk.” Miguel said.

“He beat me fair and square.” Robby added, grinning at Hawk.

“And, I bowed out of the last tournament so he deserves to represent us.” Miguel said.

“W-Wow. It’s an hour I don’t take lightly. I’m prepared for the challenge.” Hawk uttered. He looked cute being genuine and not being somebody he wasn’t. This was Eli, not Hawk. Robby liked both.

“All right. We’ll train tonight.” Johnny said to Hawk.

“What about Sam? Where is she?” Miguel asked.

“Kicking ass.” Johnny smiled before walking out. “C’mon, Hawk.” he called.

Hawk shrugged, turning to Robby before saying thanks. “It means a lot, Keene.”

Robby smiled. “No problem, Eli.”

“What about me?” Miguel whined.

Eli rolled his eyes and said thanks to his best friend who smiled before following Johnny, probably to go hang out with Sam.

“Robby! Come too! You can help Hawk train!” Johnny shouted.

“You ready to get your ass kicked?” Robby asked, grinning at Eli.

Eli smirked, getting some of his Hawk charm back. “You can try. But you’re messing with the champ.”

Robby let out a noise of indignation. “You only won because I got distracted!”

“By me?” Hawk asked, leaning closer to his face. Robby felt his cheeks go red. His heartbeat started going way too fast, hammering in his chest. He couldn’t respond.

“Are you blushing, Keene?” Eli laughed, pulling back.

Robby felt like he could finally breathe again. “No! It’s the lighting!”

He snickered, pulling Robby up from the couch and throwing an arm around him. He led them out of the room, talking about how he was going to beat him. It was going to be a long night.

…

Robby stood close to Hawk, next to Anthony, showing him how to do a move. He knew Anthony had bullied Kenny but they were even. Kenny didn’t know where to stop.

“Keene!” He turned around as Kenny approached him. Robby patted Anthony’s back as he walked away. “That’s some messed up shit. You training the kid who bullied me.”

“Heard you’re doing the bullying now.” Robby responded.

“Ohh, he deserves everything that comes to him.” Kenny said.

“I don’t think you actually believe that.” Robby said. “Look, I know how things can start out from nothing and get bigger and bigger until all you feel is hate. I’ve been there.” He glanced at Miguel who nodded at him, then at Eli, who winked.

Robby turned back to Kenny, continuing. “But I’m telling you, it is so much better to let that hate go. You and Anthony might actually get along if you got to know each other. You just gotta hash things out.”

“Yeah right,” growled Kenny. “He made my life a living hell. He’s the reason I came to you in the first place. You know what? You’re lucky you’re not on the mat today. Guess Hawk will have to do.” He walked away.

Robby watched as he left. He knew that Eli could beat Kenny, no doubt, but this was still the kid that came to him when he had nobody. The kid who he cared about, no matter how corrupt he was from Cobra Kai.

Eli walked up to him, done with his stretching, glancing at Kenny and then back at Robby. “Don’t worry. I’ll shut him up.”

“Don’t go too hard on him.” Robby said. “You remember what it’s like to be in Cobra Kai. It’s not Kenny talking.” He looked at Silver. “It’s Silver.”

Eli nodded. “Yeah.”

“But…” Robby smiled tiredly. He turned back to Eli.

“But?” Eli questioned eagerly.

“But I know you can beat him so let’s end this thing with Cobra Kai once and for all.”

Eli smiled at him, giving his shoulder a little squeeze. “Don’t worry, Keene, I got this.”

“Time to begin.” The voice of one of the judges broke their little moment. He held out his hand for a fist bump and Hawk returned it.

“Eli Moskowitz and Kenny Payne, please take the mat.”

Eli left Robby’s side, going to stand on the mat with Kenny. Robby clapped as the kids cheered for their champions.

“Face me,” the ref said. “Bow. Face each other. Bow. Ready?”

They got into their fighting stances.

“Fight!”

Immediately, Kenny ran at Eli, kicking air because he dodged out of the way easily. Kenny recovered and started throwing punches, Eli blocking every single one until Kenny landed a kick to Eli’s hip. It was clear that Eli was going easy but Robby knew he’d amp it up just a bit to keep the score even.

“Point!” The ref shouted. “1-0, Payne.”

They walked back to their sides of the mat.

“Ready? Fight.”

Kenny kicked first again but Eli blocked it, kicking Kenny and going in for a punch that got blocked. Eli went in for another kick that knocked Kenny back a couple steps.

“Yes!” Johnny said, clapping his hands. Robby felt himself smiling.

“Out of bounds.” The ref said. “No point.”

“What?” Eli asked incredulously. “What, are you serious?”

“C’mon, ref, that’s horseshit. He made contact in bounds!” Johnny shouted.

“No point. Back on the line.” The ref said firmly.

Eli walked back to his side reluctantly, sending Robby a look before he turned back around to face Kenny. “Ready? Fight!”

Kenny kicked several times but Eli blocked them. He switched tactics and started throwing punches. Eli’s leg went up, ready to kick Kenny but he grabbed his leg, elbowing the underside of it.

Eli yelled out in pain as he went down on the mat. Robby fought the urge to run to him.

“Illegal strike. That’s a warning. Turn and kneel.”

“Warning?” Mr. LaRusso exclaimed. “He should be disqualified.”

“It’s fine.” Eli said, approaching them. Robby shifted closer, wanting to make sure he was okay. “He just caught me off-guard.”

“Are you sure, Eli?” Robby asked, concern laced in his voice.

“No more Eli.” He said, turning to Robby. “It’s time to uncage the Hawk.” He touched his Mohawk and gave Robby a smirk. Then he walked back. Robby noticed he was limping.

“Get back on the line.”

Kenny threw his hands on the mat, getting back up.

“Ready?”

Kenny didn’t set up in his usual fighting stance, though. He had his right hand behind his left, and curled his knuckles inward. “Fight!”

This time Hawk struck first with a punch. Kenny blocked it and sent his right fist directly into Hawk’s chest.

“Point.” The ref said. “2-0, Payne.”

Robby couldn’t care any less as he rushed to where Hawk was gasping and twitching on the mat.

“Hawk?” He asked. “Eli, what’s wrong?”

“I can’t… Can’t… Can’t breathe.” He gasped out.

“Can you continue?” The ref asked.

Eli tried to get up but he fell back down, groaning in pain.

“Where’s the medic?” Johnny shouted, looking around. Robby stared at Eli, not able to take his eyes off of him. His normally clear blue eyes were now dark with pain. A whirl of emotions were expressed through them. Pain, anger, embarrassment. Robby grabbed his hand without thinking, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

A medic ran towards them, putting down his stuff.

“That’s a forfeit. Winner, Payne.” The ref said.

“What?” Robby said. That wasn’t fair!

The Cobra Kai students cheered loudly but his attention was snapped back to Eli.

“Can you breathe?” The medic asked.

Eli nodded slowly.

“I think he’s okay. Just got the wind knocked out of him.” The medic explained.

“Hey!” Kenny walked towards them. “Looks like you got a new name. Faux-Hawk.”

Robby looked at Kenny who was laughing with Kyler and the rest of Cobra Kai. Eli looked up, hand still clasped around his chest, glaring at Kenny too.

“What the fuck, Kenny?” Robby shouted, getting up angrily.

Johnny pulled him back, though. Knowing that Robby was seconds away from hurting Kenny.

“Come on.” Mr. LaRusso said, helping Eli up.

“I’ve got him.” Robby said quickly. “You guys can stay here for Sam’s fight.”

He put his arm around Eli as he and the other two senseis helped him limp out of the fighting area. Robby heard the laughter of Kenny and clenched his jaw. This was going too far.

…

“I’m sorry.” Eli said once Robby’s dad and Mr. LaRusso had left to watch Sam’s fight.

“Why?” Robby asked.

Eli shrugged. “I don’t know what happened. I couldn’t breathe and I was panicking and I—”

“You don’t have to apologize.” Robby said, cutting him off. “You’re one of the best fighters I know. Heck, you beat me fair and square. You did your best and that’s what matters.”

“But what about Kenny?”

“Screw him. That was an illegal hit. Sensei's right, he should’ve been disqualified. I don’t know why that ref can’t see shit.”

“At least I went easy, huh, Keene?” Eli weakly joked, smiling slightly.

“Yeah,” Robby smiled back before frowning. “Look, I’m sorry that I told you to. If you hadn’t, you might’ve not…”

Eli nodded. “It’s okay, man. I know what it’s like and I don’t blame Kenny.”

Robby gave him a pointed look and Eli laughed. “Okay, maybe a bit but I know it’s all Silver. I just hope Sam wins this next match because we need to get into the sekai taikai.”

“She’ll win.” Robby said confidently. He knew Sam and she was the better fighter compared to Tory. He could see that now.

“What about Tory?” Eli asked.

“Sam can beat her. She’s fighting for something that she really cares about, you know?”

“Did you guys, uh, break up?” Eli asked somewhat sheepishly.

Robby nodded. “Yeah. she, um, chose Cobra Kai over our relationship so…”

Eli scooted closer to Robby. “You okay?”

Robby smiled at Eli. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

Eli smirked back, regaining some of his cockiness. “Don’t worry your pretty little face about me.”

“You think I’m pretty?” Robby shot back.

Johnny cleared his throat awkwardly. “Um, sorry to burst your guys’ bubble but Sam won.”

…

Robby helped Eli limp back into the dojo. Everyone was cheering as Sam stepped back onto her side, hugging all of her senseis. Eli grinned at him.

“Now we might have a chance!” he said excitedly.

Robby nodded and looked over at the judges to see if their expressions could give off a little hint.

The judges stood up. “We have reached an agreement. As expected, we were impressed with the skills, precision, and discipline of the new Sekai Taikai qualifier…”

Robby squeezed Eli’s hand.

“Cobra Kai!”

Robby could feel Eli deflate next to him and knew he was blaming himself for everything.

“As for our other dojo, we admired your unusual mix of styles and underdog spirit and we think you could be a unique addition to the competition. Therefore, we’ve decided that your dojo has also qualified.”

There was a second of silence before it occurred to all of the kids that they made it. Everyone started cheering and hugging each other. Robby was pulled into a hug by Miguel and then Eli appeared in front of him. Eli reached in grabbing him and wrapping him up in a hug. Robby had never felt happier.

…

“That was something, wasn’t it?” Robby asked. “We finally took Silver down. You know, I wasn’t sure if our plan was going to work but it did.”

Eli laughed. “It was all Demetri. Being a nerd actually helped for once, though.”

“I like that you’re a nerd.” Robby said. Why’d he say that?

Eli just smirked. “Thanks, Keene.”

“No pr—”

“Oh my god!” Miguel came up to them, exasperated. “Can you guys just kiss already?”

Robby felt a light blush settling on his cheeks.

“Um,” Eli started. “Only if you want to and—”

“Shut up and kiss me, Eli.” Robby interrupted. Eli smiled at him and pulled Robby closer. When their lips finally touched, Robby felt like his heart would explode. He couldn’t think as he kissed Eli until they pulled apart. It was a sweet and short kiss.

Miguel rolled his eyes. “Took you long enough.”

Robby flipped him the bird as he pulled Eli in for another one, smiling into the kiss. He could get used to this.