chapter twenty-five:
❛ sneaking around ❜

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Clementine and Robby were having a lot of fun sneaking around. One evening, Clementine was lounging on the couch, flicking through the channels with her head resting in her palm. She yawned, finding nothing interesting to watch.

She was home alone again-her dad was working late, her brother was out with Sierra, Alison was at her dad's house, and Anastasia was staying over at her boyfriend's place. The house was eerily quiet.

A knock on the door startled her, and when she opened it, Robby was standing there with a cheeky smile. Clementine's eyes widened in surprise. She quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him inside.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" Clementine asked shyly, her cheeks flushing.

Robby chuckled, a blush creeping up his face. "I missed you, so I thought I should drop by," he said casually, shrugging.

Clementine stepped closer to him, their faces inches apart. "You just saw me last night," she pointed out with a smirk.

Robby's smile widened as he leaned in, capturing her lips in a rough, passionate kiss. Clementine's eyes fluttered shut as she backed into a wall, Robby's body pressing against hers. His lips moved fervently over hers, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

When they finally broke apart, Clementine grinned up at
him. "Robby, what are we doing? Every time we see each other, we end up making out," she chuckled.

Robby sighed, his expression softening. "Making up for the time I didn't have with you these past few months," he admitted.

Clementine's grin widened. "I'll take that," she said.

Before she could say anything else, Robby cut her off by crashing his lips onto hers again. She stood there for a moment, surprised, before kissing him back. Robby drew back, scanning her face for any signs of hesitation.

"I'm really happy we're back together, even if it's a secret," Clementine said, her eyes sparkling.

Robby grinned. "Me too," he agreed.

Without wasting a second, he kissed her again, more intensely this time. Clementine stumbled back into the door, their kisses becoming more fervent. She grabbed his shirt, pulling him closer until their chests were pressed together. She felt his tongue slip into her mouth, but she didn't care.

Robby's hands moved down to her thighs, and he whispered, "Jump."

She did as he asked, wrapping her legs around his torso. Robby caught her easily, shutting the door behind them. He carried her to her bedroom while they continued to make out.

Once inside, he threw her onto the bed, and she laughed, looking up at him. He kissed her again, silencing her laughter. He pulled back just enough to remove his shirt before crashing his lips back onto hers. The room was filled with the sound of their kisses and the soft rustling of clothes, their secret rendezvous igniting a passion they both had missed.

Clementine sat in her therapist's office, her leg bouncing anxiously as she fiddled with the hair tie around her wrist. She knew she was missing out on a karate lesson, but therapy was more important.

"Clementine?" Dr. Francis called, and Clementine looked up, following her into the office and settling onto the couch.

"How are you doing today, Clementine?" Dr. Francis asked, her tone gentle and probing.

Clementine practically glowed as she responded. "Um... really good. Robby and I are back together... but it's secretly. I know what you might say... that secret relationships are bad," she trailed off, her voice tinged with excitement and a hint of anxiety.

Dr. Francis smiled warmly, noting Clementine's demeanor. "I'm glad to hear you're feeling good. Let's talk about this secret relationship. What makes it secret, and how do you feel about keeping it that way?"

Clementine took a deep breath, her fingers still playing with the hair tie. "Well, Robby's in Cobra Kai and I'm in Eagle Fang. We can't be seen together because of the rivalry between our dojos. It's exciting but also a bit stressful, you know? I can't even tell my best friend, Alison. Only Kenny knows."

Dr. Francis nodded, her expression thoughtful. "It sounds like you're caught between your feelings for Robby and the expectations of those around you. How does keeping the relationship secret affect you emotionally?"

Clementine bit her lip, considering the question. "I guess it makes me anxious sometimes. I'm always worried someone will find out and it'll cause trouble. But being with Robby makes me so happy. I feel like I'm glowing when I'm with him. It's like... a part of me that was missing is back."

Dr. Francis leaned forward slightly. "It's clear that Robby is very important to you. Balancing a secret relationship can be challenging, especially when it involves conflicting loyalties. Have you thought about what you'd like to see happen with this relationship in the future?"

Clementine sighed, her leg still bouncing. "I wish we could be open about it. I want to tell people how much he means to me without worrying about the consequences. But I'm also scared. What if it makes things worse between our dojos? What if it puts more pressure on Robby and me?"

Dr. Francis gave her a reassuring smile. "It's normal to feel conflicted. Relationships can be complex, especially when outside factors are at play. It might help to think about what you need from this relationship to feel secure and happy. Communicating with Robby about your feelings and concerns is also crucial. Remember, your well-being is just as important as the relationship itself."

Clementine nodded, absorbing the advice. "You're right. I think I need to talk to Robby about how I'm feeling. Maybe we can find a way to make this work without so much secrecy. I just want us both to be happy."

Dr. Francis smiled. "That sounds like a good plan. Taking care of yourself and your emotional needs is essential. You deserve to be happy and feel secure in your relationship."

Clementine felt a weight lift off her shoulders as she considered the possibilities. She knew she had a lot to think about, but for now, she felt more at peace with her situation.

However, she couldn't help but add, "But I have to admit, the sneaking around is kind of fun. It's like we're in our own little world where no one can touch us. It's thrilling, but I know it can't last forever."

Dr. Francis's smile broadened. "It's perfectly normal to find the excitement in something that feels a bit forbidden. The thrill can add a sense of adventure. Just make sure that this excitement doesn't overshadow the importance of a healthy and open relationship. Balance is key."

Clementine chuckled. "Yeah, I guess we're living in a bit of a fantasy. But it's a good one. For now, anyway."

Dr. Francis nodded. "Enjoying the moments you have together is important. Just keep in mind what you need to feel secure and happy in the long term. It's good that you're reflecting on this. And remember, it's okay to seek support and talk about your feelings with someone you trust."

Clementine felt a sense of reassurance from Dr. Francis's words. She knew she had to balance the thrill of the secret relationship with the need for emotional stability and security. For now, she would enjoy the moments with Robby while being mindful of their future.

Clementine sat at the kitchen table, scrolling through TikTok with increasing anxiety. The clock ticked closer to the start of the drive-in movie with Miguel and Sam, but her dad's birthday dinner had yet to begin. Her Zayde and Bubbe were late, and every passing minute made her more restless. She fiddled with the hair tie around her wrist, bouncing her leg under the table.

Finally, the doorbell rang, and Anastasia ran over to open it. "Mom, Dad!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around their grandparents. Zayde and Bubbe stepped inside, looking around eagerly for Tyler and Clementine.

Clementine and Tyler emerged from the living room, immediately enveloped in warm hugs. "There you are! We've missed you!" Bubbe said, planting a kiss on Clementine's cheek.

"We missed you too, Bubbe," Clementine replied, her smile forced as her mind raced with thoughts of the drive-in.

The family moved to the kitchen and sat down to start dinner. Clementine picked at her food, her mind elsewhere as she tried to figure out a way to leave early. She nodded and smiled at the right moments, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Miguel and Sam.

"Are you okay, Clementine? You seem a bit distracted," her dad asked, noticing her restlessness.

"Oh, I'm fine, Dad. Just thinking about a school project," she lied, offering a reassuring smile.

Zayde leaned over and patted her hand. "Don't worry, darling. School can be stressful, but it's important to take breaks too."

Clementine nodded, appreciating her Zayde's concern but feeling a pang of guilt for not being entirely truthful. The dinner felt like it was dragging on forever. She excused herself to the bathroom, taking her phone with her.

Once inside, she texted Miguel: Hey, running late. My grandparents just arrived, and we're just starting dinner. I'll try to sneak out soon.

Miguel replied almost instantly: No worries. We'll save you a spot. Hope to see you soon!

Clementine took a deep breath, feeling slightly more at ease. She freshened up and returned to the kitchen, trying to look more engaged. Dessert was served, and she saw her chance.

"Dad, do you mind if I step out for a bit after dinner? I promised Sam and Miguel I'd help them with something for school," she said, trying to sound casual.

Her dad hesitated, glancing at his parents. Bubbe smiled warmly. "Of course, darling. Family is important, but so are friends and school responsibilities. Just be safe, okay?"

Clementine beamed. "Thanks, Bubbe. I'll be quick, I promise."

As dinner wound down, Clementine kept glancing at the clock, willing time to move faster. She helped clear the table and washed a few dishes, hoping her helpfulness would make her early departure seem more reasonable.

After saying her goodbyes, she grabbed her things and kissed her grandparents and dad. "I'll be back soon! Love you!" she called out as she hurried out the door.

Once outside, she sprinted to her car, her heart pounding with excitement and relief. She drove quickly but carefully, eager to join her friends at the drive-in. As she pulled into the lot, she spotted Miguel and Sam waving from their car. Clementine parked and rushed over, grinning from ear to ear.

"You made it!" Miguel said, opening his arms for a hug.

"Barely," Clementine laughed, hugging him tightly. "I thought I'd never get out of there."

Sam smiled, handing her a bucket of popcorn. "Well, you're here now. Let's enjoy the movie!"

Clementine settled into the back of the car, feeling a rush of contentment wash over her. The stress of the evening melted away as the movie started, and she found herself laughing and chatting with her friends, grateful for moments like these.

Clementine's eyes widened when she saw Robby stepping out of a red jeep. She quickly glanced at Miguel and Sam, who were making out, and cleared her throat. "I'll be back... gotta piss," she said hastily, slipping out of the car.

Looking around, she made a soft 'psst' sound, catching Robby's attention. She pointed towards the closed indoor food court, and they both made their way there from different directions.

Inside, Robby greeted her with a warm smile.
"How was therapy?" he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Clementine smiled back, feeling a rush of happiness. "It was good... I told her that we were secretly dating. She said it was normal to have fun or whatever," she chuckled, her explanation a bit jumbled in her excitement.

Robby didn't waste a moment. He kissed her roughly, and Clementine responded eagerly, pressing against him as their kiss deepened. Her hands moved up to his neck, and she felt his grip tighten on her waist.

"God, I missed you," Robby whispered against her lips, his breath hot and urgent.

"I missed you too," Clementine murmured, pulling him closer.

Their kiss grew more intense, their breaths mingling as they lost themselves in the moment. The food court's closed doors and darkened windows provided the perfect cover for their secret rendezvous. For a few precious minutes, the rest of the world faded away, leaving only the two of them wrapped in each other's embrace.

Eventually, Clementine pulled back slightly, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. "We should get back before someone notices," she whispered, though she made no move to let go of him.

Robby nodded, his forehead resting against hers. "Yeah, you're right. Just... one more kiss," he said, capturing her lips once more in a tender, lingering kiss.

Reluctantly, they pulled apart, their fingers intertwined for a moment before they let go. Clementine gave Robby a quick, playful wink before slipping back out of the food court. She made her way back to Miguel and Sam, who were still lost in their own world. Slipping into the car, she couldn't help but smile, her heart still racing from the stolen moment with Robby.

"Everything okay?" Miguel asked, noticing her flushed cheeks.

"Yeah, everything's great," Clementine replied, her smile widening as she settled back into her seat, ready to enjoy the rest of the movie with her friends.

After a while, Clementine got out of the car and met up with Hawk to get food. As they stood in line, Clementine noticed Kenny in front of them. The worker handed Kenny a large order, and Clementine felt a pang of sympathy for the younger, new Cobra Kai member. She ordered her French fries and chicken nuggets, but when she turned back, she realized Hawk had disappeared.

With her food in hand, Clementine started looking for Hawk, only to stumble upon a tense standoff between Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai. "Oh my God," she gasped, stepping between the two sides.

Just then, Demetri joined her, completely oblivious to the tension. "Hey, guys," he said cheerfully, "Can you believe that they have Mr. Pibb and Dr. Pepper?"

Everyone stared at Clementine and Demetri, the tension palpable. Clementine nudged Demetri, wiggling her eyebrows and nodding upwards. His eyebrows shot up in realization. "Oh shit. Not another rumble," he breathed out.

Tory sneered, "Careful, LaRusso. Your mom isn't here to play peacemaker."

Clementine and Robby locked eyes, and she frowned at him, feeling a pang of frustration and disappointment. Robby, wanting to say something to her, remained silent, torn between his friends and his secret relationship with Clementine.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sam demanded, her tone sharp and threatening.

Clementine groaned, rolling her eyes. "Can you guys not do this? Just for once, I want a fun night," she said angrily. Handing her food to Demetri, she walked away from the brewing fight.

Clementine headed back to her car, feeling a mix of anger and disappointment. As she drove home, she couldn't help but think about the constant tension and fights between the dojos, wishing for a simpler, more peaceful time.

When Clementine arrived home, she was still fuming from the near altercation at the drive-in. She tried to sneak into the house quietly, hoping to avoid any questions from her family, especially since she had a lot on her mind. But as soon as she stepped into the kitchen, her Bubbe looked up from her crossword puzzle with a keen eye.

"Clementine, darling, where have you been?" her Bubbe asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she noticed the faint hickey on Clementine's neck.

Clementine's face turned red as she instinctively touched the spot, realizing she hadn't done a good job of hiding it. "Uh, just out with friends, Bubbe. Went to the drive-in movie," she replied, trying to sound casual.

Her Bubbe raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. "Oh really? And which movie gave you that lovely mark on your neck?" she asked, leaning forward with a playful glint in her eye.

Clementine sighed, knowing she couldn't hide the truth from her perceptive Bubbe. "Okay, I met up with a... friend," she admitted. "His name is Robby. We're kind of... seeing each other."

Her Bubbe's smile widened, and she let out a chuckle. "Ah, young love. Brings back memories," she said wistfully. "You know, when I was your age, I snuck around with your Zayde too. We'd meet up at the soda shop and pretend we were just friends in front of everyone."

Clementine's eyes widened in surprise. "Really, Bubbe? You did that?"

"Oh, absolutely. We had to be secretive too. It's all part of the excitement," her Bubbe said with a wink. "Just make sure you're careful, Clementine. Sneaking around is fun, but it can get complicated."

Clementine nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Bubbe. I'll be careful. And... sorry about the hickey."

Her Bubbe laughed and waved it off. "It's fine, darling. Just make sure you keep your heart safe. Now, come sit with me and tell me all about this Robby."

Clementine smiled, sitting down next to her Bubbe and feeling grateful for her understanding. As they talked, she felt a sense of relief, knowing she had someone she could confide in about her secret relationship.

"So, tell me more about this Robby. What does he do? What do you like about him?" her Bubbe prodded gently, her eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Clementine took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "Well, he's really kind and caring, Bubbe. He's been through a lot, but he's still so strong. He's in Cobra Kai, though, and I'm in Eagle Fang. It's... complicated."

Her Bubbe nodded thoughtfully. "Ah, rival dojos. That does sound complicated. But if he's worth it, you'll find a way to make it work. Love isn't always easy, but it's always worth it."

Clementine smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks, Bubbe. I really hope we can make it work. I just... I wish it didn't have to be a secret."

Her Bubbe reached out and patted her hand. "Secrets can be thrilling, but they can also be heavy. Just remember, you have family here who loves you and will support you no matter what."

Clementine nodded, feeling a sense of comfort and resolve. "Thanks, Bubbe. I'll remember that."

As they continued to talk, Clementine felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. She knew that her relationship with Robby wouldn't be easy, but with the support of her family and the love they shared, she believed they could overcome any obstacle.

Clementine was getting ready for bed, her room dimly lit by the soft glow of her bedside lamp. She had just finished brushing her teeth and was in the middle of changing into her pajamas when she heard a faint knock on her window. Startled, she turned around and saw Robby standing outside, drenched from head to toe.

She quickly opened the window, her heart racing with concern. "Robby! What happened?" she asked, taking in his soaked clothes and dripping hair.

Robby looked up at her with a mix of annoyance and confusion. "I need to ask you something," he said, his voice slightly irritated. "Were you part of whatever happened at the baseball field? We got doused with sprinklers, and my teammates and I are soaked. I need to know if you were involved."

Clementine's eyes widened in surprise. "No! I had no idea about that. I came straight home after leaving the drive-in. I swear, I wasn't involved," she said earnestly.

Robby studied her for a moment, his expression softening as he seemed to believe her. He reached out and gently cupped her face in his hands. "Okay, I believe you," he said softly.

Relieved, Clementine offered him a warm smile. "Thank you. But, um, you look like you could use a change of clothes. I'm just getting ready for bed, so you can stay here if you need to."

Robby's face brightened, and he leaned in to kiss her gently. Clementine melted into the kiss, feeling a rush of affection for him. When they finally pulled away, she said, "You can change in the bathroom. I'll grab you a towel and some clothes."

"Thanks," Robby said, his voice full of gratitude. He stepped into the room, and Clementine hurried to fetch him a towel and some comfortable clothes. As Robby headed to the bathroom to change, Clementine couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and concern.

She sat on her bed, waiting for him to return. As she prepared for bed, her mind raced with thoughts about the evening's events. Despite the unexpected interruption, she was grateful for the chance to be with Robby, even if only for a brief moment.

When Robby emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in dry clothes, he looked more relaxed. He sat next to her on the bed and took her hand in his. "Thanks for letting me crash here. I really appreciate it."

Clementine squeezed his hand and smiled. "Of course. Anytime. And just so you know, I'm really glad you came by."

Robby grinned and leaned in for another kiss, this one tender and full of affection. As they pulled away, Clementine snuggled closer to him, feeling the warmth of his presence beside her. Despite the unexpected chaos, she was content, knowing that she had Robby by her side.

When Clementine woke up that morning, she was greeted by a gentle morning light streaming through her curtains. As she stretched and blinked away the remnants of sleep, her eyes fell upon a small, neatly folded note resting on her pillow. With a sense of curiosity and anticipation, she picked it up, her heart fluttering slightly.

Unfolding the note, she discovered that it was a love letter from Robby. The handwriting was familiar and smooth, each word carefully chosen. The letter was filled with Robby's heartfelt expressions of love and admiration. He spoke of how much he cherished their time together, even amidst their secretive circumstances. He reassured her of his commitment and his excitement for their future, despite the challenges they faced.

As she read the letter, Clementine's face softened into a smile, and her heart warmed with every line. The affection and sincerity conveyed in Robby's words made her feel deeply connected to him, and a sense of happiness and reassurance washed over her.

Once she finished reading, Clementine carefully folded the letter back and placed it gently on her pillow. She took a moment to appreciate the thoughtful gesture before starting her day. Feeling uplifted, she headed to the bathroom to shower. The letter had given her a renewed sense of joy and motivation.

After her shower, she dressed in her karate practice clothes—a comfortable yet functional gi that allowed for movement. As she prepared her bag with her water bottle, towel, and other essentials, she found herself smiling more than usual, energized by the sweet surprise.

Clementine stood in Miyagi-Do, stretching her legs with the rest of the group. The dojo was filled with the usual morning energy, but today there was an extra layer of excitement in the air. "Henceforth, Miguel Diaz shall be known as The Rainmaker," Demetri joked, his tone lighthearted.

Hawk, not missing a beat, chimed in with enthusiasm, "El Diablo de la Lluvia!" Clementine couldn't help but laugh dryly at the joke, shaking her head. The memory of their prank—dousing Robby and the Cobra Kais with sprinklers—was still fresh, and she was struggling to see the humor in it.

Sam, noticing Clementine's reaction, nudged her and gave her a questioning look. Clementine shrugged, not sure how to respond. "If they hadn't fallen for it, we would've still beaten them," Sam said confidently, trying to justify their actions.

Miguel, who was clearly still basking in the success of their prank, added, "Maybe, but it still could've gone bad." His words were cut short as Johnny (Sensei Lawrence) walked over, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"What could've gone bad?" Johnny asked, his eyes scanning the group.

Hawk, eager to explain, spoke up. "We were about to get in a gnarly fight at the drive-in, but Miguel saved the day."

Johnny's gaze shifted to Miguel. "Oh yeah? How'd you do that?" he asked.

Miguel, with a chuckle, replied, "Told the Cobra Kais to come to the baseball diamond. Just in time for the grass to be watered."

Johnny's face faltered slightly, and Clementine crossed her arms, sensing Johnny's disappointment. But Johnny's reaction shocked her. "So you picked a fight, you didn't show up, and then you doused them with a hose?" he asked with disbelief.

"Finally! Someone agrees with me!" Clementine exclaimed, throwing her hands up in exasperation. She caught the confused and disapproving looks from Sam and the others. "Oh, it was sprinklers!" Demetri quickly corrected, noticing Johnny's glare.

"I'll go back to saying nothing," Demetri said hastily, retreating into silence.

Johnny's frustration was palpable. "You just poked a bear. What do you think's gonna happen? They're just gonna leave well enough alone?" he said, clearly agitated.

Before Clementine could respond, Daniel stepped outside, his attention drawn by Johnny's outburst. "From everything I heard, it sounds to me like Miguel practiced restraint. Found a way to get out of a bad situation without anyone getting hurt. What did you want him to do, get into a drive-in switchblade fight?" Daniel said, his tone firm as he patted Miguel's shoulder. "I'm proud of you. You've taken Miyagi-Do teachings to heart."

Johnny, clearly annoyed, shot a look at Daniel. "Okay, LaRusso, we need to have a talk," he said, moving forward.

As Johnny and Daniel began their discussion, Clementine's attention was drawn to Kreese, who had entered the dojo with another man. Her eyes widened in surprise. "What the..." Daniel trailed off, his gaze fixed on the newcomers.

The man, standing beside Kreese, looked serious and imposing. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice carrying an air of authority. "It seems like we have a few things to discuss."

Clementine furrowed her eyebrows, exchanging a concerned look with Sam. The unexpected arrival of Kreese and his companion hinted at trouble, and Clementine felt a knot form in her stomach as she braced herself for what was to come.

ASH SPEAKS!

this was unexpected chapter i was gonna write. i wasn't expecting to write it for another few days but i got motivated randomly at 2am😭😭😭