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SAM SHOVED TORY. Peter took a slight step back, standing just behind Marisol as Therese hurried over, a mix of confusion contorting her face. "You knew that Silver cheated at the All Valley, and you did nothing?" Sam's accusation rang out, accompanied by a forceful push against Tory, who received a knowing look from Marisol. "You don't know what it's like, what I've had to deal with. What Marisol has had to deal with!" Sam's words carried a weight of frustration, echoing in the charged atmosphere as emotions and tensions unfolded in the confrontation.

Marisol's features contorted into a tight frown as she observed Sam glancing at her before launching a punch at Tory. However, Tory swiftly spun and deflected the blow. Sam grunted and retaliated with a forceful kick to Tory's chest. Undeterred, Tory adeptly ducked as Sam attempted a high kick.

Tory, sensing the need for a strategic retreat, sprinted towards Marisol. Acting as a protective shield, Marisol extended her arm, signaling Sam to halt. "My entire family has suffered because of you!" Marisol shouted, a mixture of anger and frustration evident in her voice as she took a step forward.

The tension reached its peak when Robby stepped in, pushing Tory away. Simultaneously, Therese intervened, grabbing Sam by the waist and holding her close in an attempt to quell the escalating conflict. The air hung heavy with emotions as the group grappled with the repercussions of past actions.

"Sam, enough!" Therese scolded, her voice firm, attempting to quell the rising tension. Amidst the turmoil, Marisol found a touch of amusement. "Where's the popcorn, people?" she remarked, earning a playful smack on the head from Peter. "Not the time," he whispered, a hint of seriousness in his tone, trying to steer focus back to the situation at hand.

"She's been working with Kreese this whole time," Sam declared to Therese, dropping a bombshell that left Robby wearing a look of disbelief. "What?" he exclaimed, his expression a mix of shock and betrayal as he grappled with the unexpected revelation. The revelation hung in the air, intensifying the already charged atmosphere.

"Why did you only come forward now? Huh? Because you're a coward," Sam accused, her scowl intensifying. Marisol, visibly irked, let out an exasperated huff. She took off her earrings and handed them to Peter, a silent gesture signaling her readiness for confrontation. "Oh, snap. She's about to throw down," Peter commented, recognizing the telltale signs of an impending clash. The charged atmosphere hung heavy with anticipation as Marisol prepared for what was to come.

Marisol crossed her arms defiantly. "No way, LaRusso. That's not how it went down. Tory's no coward; she's actually a great person. Who initiated the fight with her a year ago? You did. You assumed she was a thief because she snagged a bottle of wine—just one. And let's not forget, you broke up with me for defending my ex over a minor incident. It wasn't like I was cheating on you. But you did cheat on Robby. Out of nowhere, you're now dating my ex-best friend? That's the definition of cowardice. Tory has made mistakes, sure, and she's apologized and treated you kindly. Is this how you react when she opens up to you? Shouldn't you be happy and thankful? You two could've gone to the All Valley board, secured the trophy, and potentially had Cobra Kai banned again," she declared, her voice dripping with disdain.

Sam glared at her, seemingly dismissive of the entire impassioned speech. "You knew, didn't you?" she snapped, directing her accusation at Marisol, who narrowed her eyes in disbelief. "Are you serious? You're asking me that after that entire speech?" Marisol retorted, frustration and incredulity evident in her tone.

Therese cunningly slithered her arm around Sam. "Screw you, Cervantes. You're the one who switched sides all of a sudden. You have no idea how much you broke Sam's heart. She poured her heart out to me. And what do you do? You immediately go and start dating Hawk right after she breaks up with you..." She shook her head with a sharp glare, conveying both disappointment and disdain towards Marisol's actions.

Marisol's disbelief showed as she scrunched her nose. "Excuse me, what? That's not what happened," she scoffed, and Eli stepped forward, positioning himself beside Marisol. "She's right, Therese... That's not even what happened. She didn't take me back until the fight at the LaRusso house, not the fight at the mall," he asserted, and Marisol couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest at his unexpected defense.

Therese, unimpressed, grimaced. "Sure," she said sarcastically, brushing off their version of events with a dismissive tone. The tension in the air thickened as the differing perspectives clashed.

Peter assumed a confident stance, folding his arms. "If my cousin and my best friend are both standing by their stories, then count me in, right, guys?" His nod emphasized his agreement, adding a touch of conviction to his stance.

Miguel and Robby exchanged determined nods. "Yeah... We witnessed it all. You weren't there," Miguel affirmed, his voice carrying the weight of truth. Therese, however, shook her head in skepticism. "Bunch of liars, right, Sam?" she nudged Sam, who hesitated with a nervous hum. "Yeah," Sam mumbled, the unease evident in her response. The weight of the lie settled on her shoulders, and she began to regret deceiving Therese.

Tory, fueled by frustration, spat out her words. "Screw you, LaRusso. I should've never told you," she declared defiantly before swiftly sprinting away. Robby called after her, immediately giving chase in an attempt to catch up. The tension lingered in the air as the aftermath of the confrontation unfolded.

Marisol let out a sigh, retrieving her earrings and handing them to Peter. "Here's your earrings." Peter took them, and a thankful look passed between them. "Thanks, Peter... And thank you, Eli," she expressed her gratitude toward Eli, who responded with a casual shrug. "It's all good," he said, offering her a smile before walking away, leaving Marisol with a sense of appreciation for the unexpected support.

Marisol's expression turned somber. "Will he ever forgive me?" she questioned, her concern evident. Peter shifted on his heels, pondering the question. "I think he will. Lately, he's been playing Taylor Swift in his room every day at the same time. I even hear him sniffling occasionally. He misses you, Mars. I just think he doesn't know how to show it. I believe he's waiting for you to leave Cobra Kai," Peter shared, offering insight into Robby's emotional state and a glimmer of hope for reconciliation.

Marisol let out a groan. "Ugh, isn't he dating Moon, though?" she expressed with a hint of frustration. Peter shook his head in response. "Nah, I think they broke up," he grumbled, offering a glimmer of hope.

A grin spread across Marisol's face. "Then that's what I'll do. I'm going to leave Cobra Kai," she declared, determination shining in her eyes. Peter's smile softened. "Hell yeah!" he exclaimed, raising his hand. Marisol met his enthusiasm, and they sealed the decision with a high-five, a shared moment of encouragement and excitement for the future.

The following day, she parked her car and spotted Robby. "Robby?" she gasped, catching his attention. "Oh, you're here for karate?" he said, recognizing her. She shook her head. "Nah, I'm quitting today," she revealed, her voice carrying a mix of resolution and uncertainty. Robby responded with a tight-lipped smile. "Really?" he exclaimed, genuine surprise in his expression as he processed the unexpected news. The atmosphere hung with a sense of curiosity and anticipation for what would follow.

She snickered. "Yeah. I'm done with Cobra Kai. Toxic environment," she stated firmly, expressing her decision. He skipped to the door, his actions reflecting a mix of encouragement and readiness to support her. "Then go and do it. I'll be right there with you," he assured, his words carrying a genuine sense of camaraderie and a shared commitment to whatever lay ahead. The atmosphere was filled with a blend of determination and support as they faced the prospect of leaving behind Cobra Kai.

Giggling, she strolled in, with him following suit. The attention of everyone in the room shifted toward them. "Cervantes, you're late... and Mr. Keene, to what do we owe the pleasure?" The inquiry hung in the air, inviting an explanation for their unexpected arrival.

Marisol straightened her posture, determined to exude confidence. "I quit. Your dojo is a toxic environment... and I don't care if you're going to threaten anyone because Miyagi-Fang is going to shut you down, and you won't be able to stop it. So, this is my last 'screw you,'" she declared with a mix of defiance and liberation, punctuating her words by flipping him off with both fingers before briskly striding out of the dojo.

As she stepped into the open air, Marisol felt a weight lift off her shoulders. No more Cobra Kai. The prospect of having Eli back excited her; she missed him deeply. Pulling out her phone, she navigated to Eli's contact, ready to reconnect and embrace the newfound freedom from the toxic environment she had just left behind.

Mars: where are you? i left cobra kai. can we talk?

Skipping over to her car, she slid in and eagerly awaited a text back. After a few minutes of anticipation, a message finally popped up on her screen.

Eli: i'm home. peters out right now, so we have the house alone.

Mars: just wondering... where?

Eli: something with stingray, didn't go cause I wanted to dye my hair blue.

As Marisol reached Eli's house, she stood nervously outside, contemplating how he would react to her decision to leave Cobra Kai. Knowing that Eli had been waiting for her to make this choice added an extra layer of anticipation. Uncertain about how the conversation would unfold, she took a deep breath as Eli opened the door.

His surprise was evident as he greeted her with a simple "Hey," and his eyes briefly scanned her appearance. "So, you left?" he inquired, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and realization. Marisol took another deep breath, preparing for the upcoming discussion. "Can I come in?" she asked, glancing over his shoulder at the interior of his house. Eli stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter.

They made their way to the living room, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken emotions. Choosing a spot on the couch, they sat down, ready to delve into a conversation that would likely shape the course of their relationship.

"So, you... left?" Eli asked, his gaze fixed on Marisol with an air of expectancy. Taking another deep breath, Marisol met his gaze and declared, "I left Cobra Kai." Eli's eyes widened in genuine surprise, the unanticipated news triggering a grin that spread across his lips. "Really?" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident. Marisol, still processing her decision, shrugged and explained, "I just didn't feel like it was the right fit for me anymore."

Leaning into a more personal revelation, she continued, "I want to focus on other things, and everyone was saying it was bad... And they were right. I was scared too because I thought he would hurt you again." The weight of unspoken fears and uncertainties lingered in the air, underscoring the significance of Marisol's choice and the impact it could have on their shared history.

Eli nodded slowly. "I get that, and I'm happy you left. I've been pretty upset since the breakup. You weren't acting like yourself," he expressed as Marisol shook her head. "I'm sorry, Eli," she said sincerely. "I feel bad for how I treated you. I've been struggling with my mental health and my bipolar disorder, but I'm finally sorting it out."

Eli wore a guilty expression, but he chose not to press the issue. "Yeah, I understand. I'm sorry you were going through that," he apologized, reaching out to take Marisol's hand. She looked at him with a soft gaze, and a smile graced her lips. "I missed you," she admitted.

Returning her sentiment, Eli gazed back at her with the same softness. "I missed you too..." he paused, a playful idea forming in his mind. A mischievous grin appeared on Eli's face. "Will you help me dye my hair blue?" he asked, his eyes lighting up with anticipation. Marisol responded with a chuckle and an enthusiastic, "Hell yeah!" Their exchange carried a sense of reconnection and shared camaraderie as they moved beyond the challenges of the past.

Eli perched nervously on the edge of the bathtub while Marisol, with an air of confidence, expertly mixed the hair dye. "Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Eli inquired, his gaze shifting warily toward the box of dye. Marisol grinned, a playful spark in her eyes. "Of course I do," she chuckled slightly.

"I've done this a million times." She shrugged her shoulders, the movement casual yet assured, and raised the bowl of hair dye, skillfully stirring it. The bathroom atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and Eli's nervousness mingled with Marisol's experienced ease as they embarked on this impromptu hair-dyeing adventure.

Eli's skepticism lingered; Marisol had never ventured into dyeing his hair before, and the prospect of using box dye heightened her nerves. Nevertheless, a foundation of trust existed between them, rooted in their past relationship. As Marisol skillfully mixed the dye, Eli watched with a fascination born from the novelty of the experience. The intricacies of the process intrigued him, especially considering he had never witnessed anyone dyeing their hair before.

In contrast to this curiosity, Eli reflected on his usual routine. Typically, he took charge of dyeing his own hair or relied on his Aunt Mel to handle it while he absentmindedly stared at his phone. The act of watching his hair transformation was something he actively avoided; it held a certain discomfort for him, an "ick" factor that he couldn't quite shake. Yet, in this moment, Eli found himself captivated by Marisol's expertise, signaling a departure from his usual routine.

As Marisol finished the meticulous blending of the dye, she handed Eli a towel, instructing him to drape it around his shoulders. Eli, following her guidance, couldn't help but feel a tinge of silliness in the unfamiliar setup. With the towel in place, Marisol began the application, starting at the roots and methodically working her way down to the ends. Eli winced at the initial touch of the cold, sticky dye on his scalp, a sensation that gradually became more tolerable.

Amidst the dyeing process, Marisol and Eli engaged in a lively conversation that spanned topics from school and friends to their dreams for the future. The ambiance transformed from a simple act of hair dyeing into a shared experience, where they found comfort in each other's company. Eli, initially conscious of the dye on his head, gradually relaxed into the dialogue, momentarily forgetting about the cosmetic task at hand.

Once Marisol completed the application, she set a timer, and they settled into a moment of anticipation. Eli's eyes remained fixed on the evolving color of the dye, a mix of excitement and nervousness coloring the wait. The shared activity served as a backdrop for meaningful connection, blending the routine act of hair dyeing with a deeper exchange of thoughts and emotions.

When the timer chimed, Marisol guided Eli to the sink, initiating the process of rinsing out the dye. As the water cascaded over his hair, Eli winced at the sensation, but Marisol reassured him that it was a normal reaction. Throughout the rinsing, Eli observed with fascination as the water transformed into a vibrant shade of blue, a visual confirmation of the impending change to his hair. The surreal realization that his hair was actually turning blue left him in awe.

After Marisol completed the rinsing process, she handed Eli a towel and instructed him to gently pat his hair dry. Eli followed her instructions, a tinge of apprehension lingering in his actions. The bathroom atmosphere held a sense of anticipation, with Eli coming to terms with the fact that his hair was about to undergo a striking transformation.

Gazing into the mirror, Eli was awestruck by the sight before him. His hair had transformed into a vibrant shade of blue, and the result was nothing short of amazing. The reflection staring back at him made him feel like a completely new person. "Thank you," he expressed with a grin, turning to Marisol. In response, Marisol nonchalantly shrugged. "No problem," she replied. "I told you it would look great," she assured him. A playful excitement crept into her tone as she added, "Now let me style it into a Mohawk." Eli laughed, sharing in her enthusiasm and flashing her a grin.

"It's been quite some time since your last haircut, so I think it's time to freshen up those sides," Marisol explained to Eli, who nodded in agreement. With confidence, Marisol picked up the clippers and began buzzing the sides of Eli's hair. She meticulously shaved the hair, creating a clean and defined look. Eli, feeling a bit anxious, couldn't help but express his nervousness. "Are you sure about this?" he asked. Marisol responded with a warm smile, assuring him, "Trust me, you're going to look absolutely amazing. Just wait and see!"

Once she was done shaving the sides, Marisol moved on to styling the strip of hair into a bold mohawk. Using gel, she expertly made it stand up straight, meticulously shaping it with her fingers until it was absolutely perfect. Eli couldn't contain his excitement as he watched her work in the mirror. With each passing moment, his anticipation grew, and when Marisol finally finished, he couldn't help but flash a wide grin at his reflection.

"Wow," he exclaimed in awe. "I'm seriously blown away by how cool this looks. You nailed it!" He couldn't help but shower Marisol with compliments, causing her cheeks to blush slightly. Marisol responded with a warm smile and a giggle. "Confidence is key," she said playfully. "And let me tell you, you are absolutely rocking that mohawk!" She added, snapping her fingers in approval.

Eli's phone buzzed, prompting him to pick it up and quickly glance at the notification. "We gotta head over to Miguel's place. Not sure why, he just said it's important," he shrugged, catching Marisol's curious gaze. She smirked and asked, "Did you mention that we were hanging out?" Eli responded with an affectionate smile and another shrug. "Yeah, I did. Hope that's okay with you," he said, seeking her approval. She nodded. "Let's go!"

—

ash speaks !

One more chapter away from saying goodbye:(