chapter thirty:
❛ snakes on the plane ❜

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tw: mentions of a panic attack and sa (robby and zara)

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The bar was alive with an electric hum, neon lights casting hazy reflections across sticky tabletops and dim corners. Alessia walked in with Tory by her side, their steps purposeful yet unhurried as they wove through the throng of people. The pounding bass of the music felt like it was inside Alessia's chest, rattling her ribs as her nerves began to build.

She hadn't wanted to come. Not really. But Tory had insisted.

"Come on, Alessia," Tory had said earlier, her tone teasing but with an edge of seriousness. "You're part of Cobra Kai now. This is what we do-stick together, blow off steam, and show the world we're not afraid to take up space."

Alessia had nodded then, feigning a confidence she didn't feel. But now, as they reached the center of the room, that false confidence crumbled like sand slipping through her fingers.

Because that's when she saw him.

Robby was sitting at a table not far away, surrounded by a few others she vaguely recognized from Miyagi-Do. His dark eyes were focused on the drink in front of him, his expression calm but distant, as if he were somewhere else entirely.

Alessia froze in her tracks. Her stomach dropped like a stone, and her heart pounded in her ears.

Her eyes scanned the room, hoping for a way out, and landed on another familiar face-Eli. He was sitting in a booth a little closer to her, and his sharp gaze was locked on her now, brows furrowed in suspicion. He had noticed her hesitation, and Alessia felt her breath hitch in her throat.

Her pulse quickened. She couldn't be here. Not now.

Turning abruptly, she muttered something to Tory about needing the bathroom and darted away before she could hear her response. Her feet carried her to the back of the bar, where she pushed open the heavy door to the women's bathroom and practically stumbled inside.

The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, casting a harsh glow over the cracked tiles and smudged mirrors. Alessia gripped the edge of the sink, her fingers curling so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her reflection stared back at her, pale and wide-eyed, her chest rising and falling erratically as she fought to catch her breath.

Her mind was racing.

What am I even doing here? I shouldn't have come. Robby-he must hate me. And Eli? He's probably telling him right now that I'm here. God, I've ruined everything.

Her thoughts spiraled as an old, familiar urge crept into her chest like a shadow. The urge to self-harm tugged at her, whispering that it would be a release, a way to quiet the storm inside her head. But another thought clawed its way to the surface, just as dark and dangerous: a drink. One drink to numb the ache, to make this night easier to get through.

"No," she whispered harshly to herself, squeezing her eyes shut as if that could block out the temptation. "No. I've come too far for that."

Her breathing quickened again, her chest tightening until it felt like she couldn't draw in enough air. She gasped, clutching the sink as her knees threatened to buckle.

The sound of the bathroom door opening startled her, and her eyes snapped open. She turned her head quickly, and her stomach lurched when she saw who had come in.

"Eli?" she croaked, her voice barely audible over the buzzing lights. Her grip on the sink tightened. "Th-This is the girl's bathroom."

"I know," Eli said, stepping further inside and shutting the door behind him. His tone was calm, his expression unreadable as he leaned against the wall near the sinks. "Don't care. I saw you rush in here. You looked like you were about to pass out."

"I-I'm fine," Alessia stammered, though her shallow breaths and trembling hands said otherwise. She tried to straighten up, but her legs felt like jelly.

"No, you're not," Eli said firmly, his sharp gaze softening just a fraction. "You're having a panic attack, Alessia. Sit down before you fall over."

She hesitated, but her body didn't give her much of a choice. Her legs gave out, and she slid down to sit on the cold tile floor, her back against the sink.

Eli crouched down in front of her, his tone steady but gentler now. "Okay, listen to me. You need to slow your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Like this." He demonstrated, taking slow, exaggerated breaths.

Alessia tried to follow his lead, but her breaths were still shallow and ragged. Tears spilled over her cheeks as she shook her head. "I can't-I can't breathe," she gasped, clutching her chest.

"Yes, you can," Eli said firmly, sitting cross-legged in front of her so they were at eye level. "You've got this. Focus on my voice. In through your nose. Out through your mouth."

She tried again, her gaze locking onto his as she mirrored his breathing. Slowly, the tightness in her chest began to ease, and the room stopped spinning.

"There you go," Eli said, nodding with approval. "You're okay."

Alessia wiped at her face with trembling hands, her breaths still uneven but no longer frantic. "Thanks," she muttered, her voice shaky.

Eli leaned back on his hands, studying her for a moment. "Wanna tell me what's going on, or do I have to guess?"

She hesitated, avoiding his eyes. "I... I saw Robby," she admitted finally, her voice breaking on his name.

Eli tilted his head slightly, his expression softening. "Yeah, I figured. You looked like you'd seen a ghost."

Alessia let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "I can't face him, Eli. Not after everything. I joined Cobra Kai. How do I even begin to explain that?"

Eli frowned, his brows knitting together. "Why did you join? Seriously, Alessia, that's not you."

"Tory," Alessia whispered, her voice cracking. "She's... she's grieving her mom. I can't just leave her behind."

Eli sighed, leaning forward slightly. "Tory's tough, I get that. But, Alessia, you can't lose yourself trying to save her. And Robby? He doesn't hate you. He misses you."

Alessia's eyes filled with fresh tears. "Do you really think he does?"

"I know he does," Eli said firmly. "But you've gotta figure out where you stand, Alessia. You've come too far to let Cobra Kai drag you down."

For the first time that night, Alessia felt a small glimmer of hope. She nodded, her voice soft but resolute. "Thanks, Eli."

"That's what best friends are for," he said, offering her a small, reassuring smile.

The bar was alive with energy-music pounding through the speakers, people laughing loudly, and the scent of alcohol thick in the air. Alessia stepped out of the bathroom, Eli close behind her. The anxiety she'd felt earlier still lingered in her chest, but his calming presence had helped her keep it at bay. The lights were brighter out here, the chaos disorienting, but Alessia drew in a deep breath.

"Thanks again, Eli," she said quietly, glancing at him as they moved further into the crowd.

Eli shrugged, offering a lopsided grin. "That's what friends are for. You good?"

Alessia nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I think so. You didn't have to come in there, you know."

"Of course I did. You looked like you were about to pass out," Eli said, his tone teasing but warm.

Without warning, Alessia stopped walking and turned toward him. Before she could second-guess herself, she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. It was brief but full of gratitude, her arms wrapping around his shoulders.

Eli blinked in surprise but patted her back awkwardly. "Uh, okay... This is happening."

Alessia chuckled as she pulled away. "Don't make it weird. You're a good friend, Eli."

He smirked. "Don't let Hawk hear you say that."

Across the bar, Robby sat at the counter, his fingers drumming against the edge of his untouched glass. He'd been watching the room idly when his gaze fell on Alessia-and Eli.

His heart clenched.

The sight of her stepping out with Eli was bad enough, but when she hugged him, Robby felt an uncomfortable mix of jealousy and anger rise in his chest. He straightened in his seat, his jaw tightening as he watched them from a distance.

She used to hug him like that.

Before he could spiral further, another figure entered the scene. Kwon sauntered over to Alessia with his usual swagger, holding a drink in his hand.

"Hey," Kwon said, flashing her a cocky grin. "Thought you could use this."

Alessia looked at the glass in his hand, her expression hardening immediately. "No, thanks," she said flatly.

Kwon raised an eyebrow. "Come on. Just one drink. You've been tense all night."

"I don't drink," Alessia replied firmly. "I'm sober."

Robby, still at the bar, froze. He stood halfway out of his seat, ready to step in if needed, but Alessia's voice rang clear and strong.

"Sober?" Kwon repeated with a laugh. "What are you, a saint? Lighten up. It's just one drink."

Alessia crossed her arms, standing taller. "I said no. And I'm not going to change my mind."

Kwon rolled his eyes. "You're no fun."

Alessia's expression sharpened, her voice colder now. "No, what's not fun is someone who can't respect a simple boundary. I don't drink because I worked hard to get sober. Maybe you should try working on yourself instead of judging other people."

The air around them seemed to chill as Kwon's smug grin faltered. "Damn, no need to go all therapist on me," he muttered, backing away with a dismissive wave.

"Yeah, keep walking," Alessia muttered under her breath, exhaling slowly as the tension left her shoulders.

Eli leaned closer, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Not bad, Alessia. You scared him off."

Alessia shrugged, her arms still crossed. "I've had enough people push me around. Not letting it happen anymore."

From his spot at the bar, Robby watched the exchange, his chest a mix of emotions. He felt a rush of pride seeing Alessia stand up for herself, but that pride was quickly overshadowed by the jealousy gnawing at him.

He wasn't sure what hurt more: seeing her with Eli earlier or the way she'd handled Kwon without needing anyone's help.

But as she turned back to Eli, her shoulders relaxing for the first time all night, Robby couldn't help but think about how much he missed her. Even if she didn't realize it, Alessia still had his heart-and the sight of her with someone else only made him want her back more.

The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, and Alessia stepped onto the dimly lit hallway of her hotel floor. Her shoulders were heavy from the emotional weight of the evening, and all she wanted was to collapse in bed and block out the memories of Kwon's sneering mockery and the tension that had gripped her since she saw Robby earlier.

But as her eyes adjusted to the light, she froze.

Robby was there.

He was standing outside Zara's room, his posture slumped and unsteady, his hand braced on the doorframe as though the act of standing required all his energy. Alessia's breath caught when Zara appeared in the doorway, a smug smile on her face.

And then it happened. Zara leaned forward and kissed him.

A sharp pain shot through Alessia's chest, her hands curling into fists at her sides. But she kept watching, her heart thudding painfully in her ears.

Robby didn't kiss her back. He didn't even seem aware of what was happening.

Zara pulled away, still smirking, and Robby stumbled backward, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. Alessia's stomach dropped as she realized something wasn't right. He looked disoriented, his eyes glassy, his steps unsteady.

As Robby turned and began walking down the hall, Zara's gaze flicked to Alessia. She smirked and blew her a kiss, winking as if daring Alessia to react.

Alessia felt her body go cold, her pulse racing with a mix of anger and worry. Ignoring Zara entirely, she rushed forward, her eyes fixed on Robby.

"Robby!" she called, panic threading through her voice.

He turned toward her slightly, his face pale and confused, but before he could respond, his legs gave out, and he crumpled to the floor.

"Oh my God," Alessia gasped, dropping to her knees beside him.

She gently shook his shoulder, her heart racing as she tried to rouse him. "Robby, wake up. Look at me."

His eyelids fluttered, and he groaned softly, his voice slurred. "Alessia...?"

"Yeah, it's me," she said urgently, looping her arm under his to help him sit up. "Come on, let's get you to your room."

She gritted her teeth as she hoisted him to his feet, his weight nearly overwhelming her, but she refused to give up. Zara's smug look haunted her, and Alessia's mind raced with horrifying possibilities. She wasn't stupid-she knew what this looked like.

Robby leaned heavily against her as they stumbled down the hall. He was murmuring incoherent words, his body limp and uncoordinated.

"Key," she muttered when they reached his door.

Robby fumbled in his pocket, his movements clumsy, and finally handed her the room key. Alessia quickly unlocked the door and guided him inside, her breath coming in short, anxious bursts.

She helped him onto the bed, where he sat on the edge, his head in his hands. Alessia knelt in front of him, her hands trembling as she touched his knee.

"Robby, are you okay?" she asked softly, her voice breaking.

He didn't answer at first. Then, to her shock, he began to cry. His shoulders shook, and his tears fell freely, raw and unfiltered.

"I don't understand," he choked out between sobs. "Why... why did you join Cobra Kai? Why would you switch sides like that? Don't you care about me?"

Alessia's heart twisted painfully, guilt consuming her as she looked at the boy she had loved-and still loved-so deeply. She wanted to explain, to tell him everything, but the words caught in her throat.

Instead, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. He clung to her like a lifeline, his tears soaking her shoulder.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice steady despite the storm inside her. "I'm so sorry, Robby."

Robby pulled back slightly, his tear-streaked face inches from hers. "I just... I don't get it," he mumbled. "And now Zara-she..."

Alessia froze, her stomach lurching. "Robby," she said carefully, "did Zara... do something to you? Did she give you something?"

He blinked at her, his face a mix of confusion and shame. "I... I think she gave me a drink," he admitted, his voice barely audible.

Alessia's blood ran cold. Zara had taken advantage of him. He hadn't been himself, and Alessia could see now that Zara had manipulated him in his vulnerable state.

She took his face gently in her hands, forcing him to look at her. "Robby, listen to me. None of this is your fault. Do you hear me? You didn't do anything wrong."

He nodded weakly, his tears still falling. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

"There's nothing to be sorry for," Alessia said firmly, pulling the blanket over him.

Robby hesitated, then leaned in suddenly, pressing his lips to hers in a desperate, drunken kiss. Alessia froze, the sharp scent of alcohol hitting her immediately.

"Robby, no," she said gently, pushing him back. "You're drunk. And I... I'm sober."

His face crumpled, and he nodded, his shame evident. "I'm sorry," he muttered again.

"It's okay," Alessia said softly, standing and smoothing the blanket over him. "Get some sleep, okay? Sleep on your side. We'll talk when you're sober."

As she turned to leave, she glanced back at him, her heart aching. Robby was so lost, and she didn't know how to help him. But one thing was clear: Zara would not get away with what she'd done.

Alessia stormed down the hallway, her fists clenched tightly at her sides. Her head was spinning with fury, disgust, and heartbreak. The image of Zara kissing Robby when he was barely conscious wouldn't leave her mind. She couldn't let it slide-not after seeing Robby like that.

She reached Zara's door and didn't hesitate. Alessia raised her fist and pounded on it, each knock echoing down the quiet hotel hallway.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Zara in a silk robe, her hair tousled like she'd been lounging in luxury. Her expression shifted from mild annoyance to a sly smirk when she saw who it was.

"Well, if it isn't little miss Cobra Kai," Zara purred, leaning against the doorframe. "What brings you here, Alessia? Couldn't resist coming to see me?"

Alessia's glare was ice cold, her jaw tight. "Don't even try it, Zara. I'm here to talk about Robby."

Zara's smirk widened, and she took a step closer, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "Oh, Robby? I didn't realize you two were still so close. But he came to me, darling. I didn't force him to do anything."

Alessia's stomach churned at the blatant manipulation. "He was drunk, Zara. You took advantage of him. He could barely stand, let alone consent to anything."

Zara shrugged, her expression unbothered. "He didn't seem to mind at the time. And really, Alessia, why are you so upset? Jealous, maybe?" She let her fingers trail up the doorframe suggestively, her tone shifting to something even more sickening. "Or... maybe you're here because you want a turn. I mean, I wouldn't mind-"

Before she could finish, Alessia's fist connected with Zara's nose with a sharp, satisfying crack. Zara staggered back, clutching her face, her robe slipping slightly in her shock.

"Are you out of your damn mind?!" Zara shrieked, her voice muffled as she held her bleeding nose.

Alessia stepped into the doorway, her chest heaving with rage. "You deserve worse for what you did to Robby. You knew exactly what you were doing, and now you're trying to pull that same disgusting act on me? You're pathetic, Zara."

Zara sneered, blood dripping down her lip. "Oh, please. He's not some innocent angel, Alessia. He came to me! And I'm not the one playing moral high ground while hanging out with Cobra Kai."

Alessia took another step closer, her voice low and venomous. "I'm not perfect, but at least I'm not preying on people when they're vulnerable. Robby deserves better than scum like you."

Zara's smug demeanor faltered, and she glared at Alessia through watery eyes. "You're such a hypocrite. You're with Cobra Kai too, aren't you? What makes you so special?"

"I'm trying to figure things out, but one thing I know for sure is that I'm not you," Alessia snapped. She turned on her heel, throwing one last parting shot over her shoulder. "Stay away from Robby. Stay away from me. And maybe stay away from everyone until you figure out how to be a decent human being."

She slammed the door behind her as she left, her heart still racing. As she walked back to her room, her knuckles ached from the punch, but she didn't care. Zara had it coming.

For the first time in what felt like forever, Alessia felt a flicker of pride. She'd stood up for Robby-and for herself. Now, she just had to figure out the mess she was still stuck in.

ASH SPEAKS!!!

raise your hand if you hate zara and say 'i' 👋

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