chapter twenty-six:
❛ secrets ❜

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Sensei LaRusso had ordered the kids to go inside while he confronted Silver and Kreese. As they silently opened the doors to eavesdrop, the tension in the air was palpable. Daniel's argument with Silver was heated, their voices carrying an edge that spoke of long-standing animosity.

"Your dad is pissed. Who is that guy?" Miguel whispered to Sam, his eyes fixed on the scene unfolding outside.

"I have no idea," she replied, equally mystified.

"He looks like a Highlander," Bert commented, trying to lighten the mood.

"The Highlander. There can only be one," Demetri corrected, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and confusion.

"Really could use Alison right now," Clementine said with a sigh, missing her best friend's reassuring presence.

The kids continued to eavesdrop, their curiosity getting the better of them. But Clementine was distracted by her buzzing phone. Seeing Robby's name on the screen, she sneaked away from her friends, careful not to draw attention. Sam noticed and watched Clementine walk away, her curiosity piqued.

Clementine answered the call in a hushed tone. "Robby? Aren't you at Cobra Kai right now?"

Instead of Robby, a different voice greeted her. "Hey, princess," Tory said, her tone ominous.

"Tory?" Clementine whispered, her surprise evident.

"You and Robby's secret is safe with me. Just wanted to say hello," Tory said, her words dripping with an underlying threat.

"Um... is there anything else you need?" Clementine asked, trying to mask her confusion and unease.

"Not right now, but maybe another time," Tory replied before hanging up abruptly.

Clementine rolled her eyes in exasperation and made her way back inside, trying to shake off the unsettling conversation. As she rejoined the group, Sam immediately confronted her, arms crossed and an inquisitive look on her face.

"Where did you go?" Sam asked, her tone demanding an explanation.

"Just a spam call," Clementine lied, forcing a chuckle to seem nonchalant.

Sam raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but decided to let it go for the moment. The kids returned their attention to the ongoing confrontation, the weight of their own secrets adding to the tension in the room.

Clementine stood outside her school, leaning against a brick wall with a cigarette in her mouth. She took a long drag and exhaled slowly, the smoke curling lazily in the cold morning air. Her fingers trembled slightly as she held the cigarette, a small tell of her inner turmoil.

"Hey, you can't smoke on school property, Clementine," Demetri's voice called out as he approached her with concern etched on his face.

Clementine didn't bother to look at him. She simply raised her middle finger in response, her eyes fixed on some distant point. Demetri sighed, raising his hands in surrender before walking away, knowing better than to push her when she was like this.

Moments later, Hawk approached, his brows furrowed with worry. "Since when do you smoke?" he asked, his tone a mix of concern and confusion.

Clementine took another drag, her expression unchanging. "Since now. It helps," she said, her voice flat and devoid of emotion.

Hawk raised an eyebrow, trying to gauge her mood. "Sam told me you had a weird phone call yesterday," he pressed gently, hoping to get through to her.

Clementine huffed, dropping the cigarette on the ground and crushing it under her shoe with a deliberate twist. She turned to Hawk, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Can you leave me alone, Hawk? Why are you up my ass?" she snapped, her patience wearing thin.

Hawk didn't back down. "I'm trying to look out for you! You've been running off a lot lately. And we don't know when Alison will be back. Is this because you miss her?" he asked, his voice earnest.

Clementine's agitation grew. She shoved him, her eyes blazing. "Leave me alone, okay? I will never like you. I will tolerate you only because you are my best friend's boyfriend," she retorted harshly, before storming off into the school building, leaving Hawk standing there, his expression a mix of frustration and sadness.

Inside the school, Clementine's pace quickened. Her heart was pounding, and she could feel her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't notice Blair until she collided with her.

Blair chuckled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Watch it, Cinnamon Girl," she said tauntingly.

Clementine looked up, her eyes narrowing as she took in Blair's smug expression. "How'd they let you back?" she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

Blair's smirk widened. "Daddy's credit card, of course," she replied, her tone laced with superiority.

Clementine felt a surge of anger. She rolled her eyes and tried to walk away, but Blair grabbed her arm. "Clementine, you look like crap. Maybe you should stop smoking and start taking care of yourself," Blair said, her voice faux-sweet.

Clementine yanked her arm free and glared at Blair. "Mind your own business, Blair," she snapped, before turning on her heel and walking away, her shoulders tense with frustration.

As she walked through the crowded halls, her mind raced. The encounter with Blair had only added to her stress, and she could feel herself unraveling. She needed a moment to collect herself, to find some semblance of control. But as she pushed through the doors of the girl's bathroom, she realized that control was slipping further and further out of reach. She leaned against the sink, gripping the edge so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Her reflection stared back at her, tired and worn. Clementine took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She couldn't afford to break down, not now. Not with everything that was happening.

The bell rang, signaling the start of the next period. Clementine splashed some cold water on her face and took one last look in the mirror before heading to class. She knew she had to keep it together, even if it felt like she was falling apart inside.

Clementine sat at the dinner table, absentmindedly pushing her food around on her plate. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen, her eyes widening as she read the tweet. Johnny and Daniel were going to fight in one hour at Miyagi-Do. She almost choked on her food in surprise.

Caleb, sitting across from her, noticed her reaction and furrowed his eyebrows in concern. "Everything okay, Clem?" he asked, setting his fork down.

Clementine shook her head, still in shock. "You won't believe this," she said, holding up her phone to show Caleb the tweet.

He leaned forward, reading the post. "Johnny and Daniel are fighting? Like, an actual fight?" he asked, his tone incredulous.

"Yeah, in one hour at Miyagi-Do," she confirmed, still trying to wrap her head around it.

Caleb's eyes lit up with excitement. "I need to see this," he said, already getting up from the table.

Clementine nodded, quickly finishing her food. "We should head over there now to get a good spot," she said, standing up as well.

They both hurried to grab their jackets and shoes, adrenaline pumping through their veins. The prospect of seeing their senseis face off was both thrilling and a bit terrifying.

As they drove to Miyagi-Do, Clementine's mind raced. She couldn't help but wonder what had led to this confrontation. Johnny and Daniel had always had a complicated relationship, but this felt different. More intense.

When they arrived, a small crowd had already gathered, whispering and speculating about what was going to happen. Clementine and Caleb pushed their way to the front, eager to get a clear view.

"Do you think they're really going to go through with this?" Caleb asked, glancing at Clementine.

She nodded, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of Johnny or Daniel. "Yeah, I think they are," she said, feeling a mix of excitement and dread.

Sam looked up and saw Caleb and Clementine approaching. "Clementine? You brought your dad?" Sam asked, surprised.

Clementine shrugged. "My dad really wanted to see his enemies fight," she chuckled.

Sam glanced at Caleb, raising her eyebrows. Caleb nodded in agreement. "She's right," he confirmed.

Sam chuckled and walked back to her spot beside Miguel. Just then, Johnny emerged, wearing a black gi, and stepped onto the deck. Clementine scanned the area but couldn't spot Hawk anywhere. Pulling out her phone, she quickly sent him a text, hoping he'd reply and say he was on his way. She regretted being harsh with him earlier due to his many questions, but received no response.

Meanwhile, Miguel and Sam approached the senseis. Miguel nodded and instructed, "Face us. Bow. Face each other. Bow."

Sam nodded in agreement. They both took their stances, and Sam waved the flag between them. "Fight!" Miguel shouted.

Johnny launched a series of kicks at Daniel, with Caleb gasping each time. They engaged in hand-to-hand combat, and Johnny managed to punch Daniel in the side. Clementine winced as the crowd reacted. Sam stepped forward, waving the flag. "Point, Lawrence," she declared.

"Sensei Lawrence strikes first!" Chris called out. "True to the motto painted on his former dojo wall and carved into his very being!" Mitch added, trying to sound like a sports commentator. He received strange looks for his effort.

"What? I'm trying to capture the spirit of the thing," Mitch stammered, earning a weird look from Clementine.

"I like this kid," Caleb chuckled, while Clementine rolled her eyes at her dad.

"Score, 1-0 Lawrence," Miguel announced from behind his sensei. Clementine pulled out her phone to film, and Caleb nudged her.

"Why are you filming? That kid over there already is," Caleb pointed out, indicating Chris.

"I need this for Alison!" Clementine exclaimed, and Caleb nodded in understanding.

The fight resumed, with both combatants testing each other. Daniel switched legs and kicked Johnny harshly. Miguel waved the flag. "Point, LaRusso!" he yelled.

"That definitely had to hurt," Caleb cringed.

"Score, 1-1," Miguel announced. Sam and Miguel held their flags between the pair.

"Ready! Fight!" Sam called out, and the two fighters backed up. Johnny launched a series of kicks at Daniel, missing but coming close. After some punching and blocking, Daniel landed a hit on Johnny's stomach. The crowd erupted in cheers.

Chris held his camera up high. "Hell yeah! Two-to-one. LaRusso takes the lead," he shouted.

Sam and Miguel took the center again, flags raised. "Score, 2-1 LaRusso. Ready!" Daniel resorted to Miyagi-Do training, his hand movements reminiscent of Robby's. "Fight!" Sam added, and she and Miguel retreated to their corners.

Johnny twisted on his heels to kick Daniel, who blocked the attack with his hands. Johnny then jumped, wrapping his legs around Daniel's waist and pulling him down with a hit to the chest. The crowd cheered again as Miguel awarded the point to Johnny.

Miguel and Sam announced the 2-2 score, waving their flags, and Sam called for the fight to resume. Johnny charged at Daniel in anger, trying to land kicks, but Daniel dodged them. Daniel grabbed Johnny's shoulders and pushed him over, but Johnny rolled forward.

Caleb winced as he watched, while Clementine was glued to the action, her jaw dropped. Caleb gently closed her mouth. As the fighters stood, they exchanged punches, with Johnny moving as Daniel fell into a wooden post. The crowd winced as Johnny attempted a finishing kick, but Daniel dodged again. They blocked each other's attacks, and both attempted kicks. Spinning around, Daniel kicked Johnny in the face while Johnny punched him, both hitting the mat simultaneously.

Caleb burst into loud laughter, drawing everyone's attention. Clementine joined in, laughing with her dad.

"Jeez, they really are father and daughter," Demetri muttered.

"Point, LaRusso!" "Point, Lawrence!" Miguel and Sam announced, looking at each other in panic.

"Are you sure?" Sam asked Miguel, her eyes wide.

"Check the replay!" Demetri suggested, pointing at Chris.

Clementine looked at her phone and groaned. "Shit! My camera was filming me the whole time," she said, glaring at her dad. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Caleb shrugged with a laugh. Chris played the video for everyone to watch. Johnny shook his head in frustration.

"Go to another angle," he demanded.

Chris looked at him, puzzled. "There is no other angle."

"Don't you guys have another phone?" Johnny asked, exasperated.

"Hawk?" Miguel's voice cut through the tension as the group turned to see a figure in a black hoodie emerging from the fence. Clementine's heart dropped when the figure's face was illuminated by the lights. Tears stained his face, a sight she hadn't seen in so long. She knew Alison would have a field day with this footage.

"What happened?" Clementine asked, worry etched in her voice. Hawk avoided eye contact, pulling the hood off his head to reveal the remnants of his once vibrant purple Mohawk. Clementine's eyes widened, her mind racing. Someone had to have done this to him, and it was clear who that someone was.

Johnny pushed through the crowd to stand in front of Hawk. "Who did this?" he demanded.

"Cobra Kai," Eli replied quietly, keeping his eyes down. He pulled the hood back over his head, clearly uncomfortable.

"Kreese and Silver did this. They need to pay," Johnny said bitterly.

"Jesus, Johnny. Please," Daniel interjected, disbelief written all over his face.

"Hawk... who was it specifically?" Clementine pressed, her voice taking on a demanding tone she rarely used. Hawk looked at her, tears still in his eyes.

"Robby," he finally revealed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Clementine's heart sank. Her ex-boyfriend—though no one knew they were still secretly dating—was the one who had done this to Hawk. Caleb and Clementine were so focused on Hawk that they barely noticed the heated argument between Daniel and Johnny until Sam's voice cut in sharply.

"Enough, Dad," Sam said, grabbing Daniel's arm to stop him from escalating. "Johnny's right. It doesn't matter how many times we stand up to Cobra Kai; if we don't strike back, they're going to keep coming at us."

Daniel stared at Johnny in disbelief. "And you were worried about my influence on your kids? Is this what you want, Johnny? To have my daughter and the rest of my students acting like you?"

Caleb scoffed from the sidelines. "Just saying, LaRusso, I think you have a big ego," he said. Daniel glared at Caleb, but before he could respond, Johnny spoke up.

"You don't have to worry about it anymore. We're done," Johnny said, stepping off the mat.

Daniel nodded. "Works for me." He addressed his students, "Eagle Fangs, let's go." Johnny turned and walked off, his students following closely behind.

Caleb looked over at his daughter, who was still trying to process everything. "You okay, Clem?" he asked gently.

Clementine shook her head, her expression filled with a mix of confusion and determination. "I need to talk to Robby. Can you drop me off at Cobra Kai?" she asked.

Caleb looked at her, clearly concerned. "What? Are you sure?"

Clementine nodded, her mind set on confronting Robby. "Yeah. I need to understand what's going on, and I need to do it now."

Caleb sighed, knowing how important this was to her. "Alright. Let's go." He guided her toward the car, ready to drive her to Cobra Kai. As they left, Clementine's thoughts were consumed with the need to unravel the truth and deal with the fallout of Robby's actions.

Caleb parked in front of Cobra Kai, and Clementine turned to him, determination in her eyes. "I'll be right back, Dad," she said. Caleb gave her a concerned nod, and she got out of the car, walking up to the doors of Cobra Kai. As she entered, the doorbell jingled, announcing her arrival.

Kreese emerged from his office, a smirk on his face. "Nice to see you, Katz. You here to join again?" he asked, his tone taunting.

Clementine's glare was icy as she shook her head. "No. Where's Robby? I need to speak to him."

Kreese's smirk widened as he gestured toward the back dojo. "He's in the back. Good luck," he said, his voice dripping with a mixture of mockery and intrigue.

Clementine walked past him, her steps quick and purposeful. As she entered the back dojo, she saw Robby lifting weights, his concentration focused on his workout. The sight of him, so absorbed in his training, contrasted sharply with the anger boiling inside her.

"Robby, what the hell?" Clementine retorted, her voice sharp with frustration.

Robby stopped mid-rep, setting the weights down with a clatter. He turned to face her, his expression a mix of surprise and apprehension. "I'm guessing you saw what I did to Hawk's hair," he said, trying to sound nonchalant but failing to hide the tension in his voice.

Clementine's eyes blazed with hurt and anger. "Yeah, I saw. What's wrong with you? Why would you do that to him?" she demanded, her voice trembling with a mix of outrage and disappointment.

Robby looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's not what you think. Kreese and Silver—" he started, but Clementine cut him off.

"Don't try to blame them. You made the choice to hurt him. Why?" Clementine's voice was firm, but beneath her anger lay a deep sense of betrayal.

Robby met her gaze, his eyes revealing a mix of guilt and defiance. "I did it because I was angry. I was trying to prove a point, show I'm loyal to Cobra Kai. But I didn't think it would hurt him like that. I just... I lost control."

Clementine's heart ached as she processed his words. "Robby, you don't get to hurt people to prove loyalty. Not to Kreese, not to anyone. This isn't you. You need to fix this," she said, her voice softening but still firm.

Robby's face showed a flicker of regret. "I know. I screwed up. I didn't mean for things to get so out of hand."

Clementine took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Well, you've got a chance to make it right. But if you don't, I don't know what'll happen between us. You need to decide what kind of person you want to be."

Robby nodded, his expression conflicted. "I'll try. I promise. I didn't mean to hurt him, and I'll make it right."

Clementine took one last look at him before turning to leave. As she walked out of the dojo, she couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment and confusion. Robby had a lot of making up to do, and she wasn't sure where things stood between them now.

As she stepped back outside into the cool evening air, Caleb was waiting by the car, his concern evident. Clementine got in, the weight of the conversation and the turmoil it caused weighing heavily on her.

"Everything okay?" Caleb asked as he started the engine.

Clementine nodded, though her expression was troubled. "Yeah. We'll see how things go from here," she said quietly, looking out the window as they drove away from Cobra Kai.

ASH SPEAKS!

wont have my bbys break up again !! they're just gonna have to work through their differences

anyways guys i finished writing s6 of matching scars☹️☹️ i dont wanna wait until november 🤧 IF YOU GUYS HAVENT READ IT YET PLS DO!! its eli & sam love triangle s1-6!! its like 16 hrs long lol