warnings: violence and underage drinking!

___

CAMERON traced the Photo Booth pictures in her locker that hung up near her mirror. Both she and Miguel had two each, split in the middle to share. Eating at his place yesterday helped her focus when it came to her PSAT prep, or maybe it was because she was really craving menudo.

"Hey." Miguel greeted as the bell echoed through the hall.

She slammed her locker shut as she tilted her head to meet his lips.

Demetri uttered, "Hey. I'll meet you later."

Miguel bopped his head, "Yeah, yeah. Okay."

Cameron waved at him, "Bye Demetri."

Demetri returned the gesture, "Cameron."

He walked away, leaving Miguel to turn to her with a strained expression.

"Why do you look so glum?" She took his hands in his as she slumped against the lockers. "You had to have done better than me. Especially in the calculator questions. I blanked on a few."

Miguel quietly hummed, "Yeah, I was just a little distracted."

She tilted her head, "What? Why?"

"Just thinking that I haven't hung out at your house before," he answered, eyes dropping their interlinked hands.

She squeezed them, "You're welcome to come whenever. You know that. Just everything is a lot right now, it might be a lot for my dad."

Miguel couldn't help but ask, "Does he not like me or..."

"No. He likes you. I told him that you make me happy so yeah," Cameron said, softly.

Miguel faintly smiled, as he met her tender gaze, "That's good to know."

"And your mom's food was everything. You didn't have to do that for me. Neither of you have to."

"Well, she wanted to meet you. So did my YaYa. They love you by the way."

They would not stop rambling last night after Cameron left, stating to Miguel that she must be a regular guest.

"My parents will love you if we promise not to give them grandchildren in the next five years." She joked, and he stifled a laugh, "I know with the tournament you're probably distracted. Which doesn't help your confidence for our PSAT Prep."

"I didn't have a lot of time to prepare."

"Next time we could study together. Just me and you," she promised.

"I'd like that."

She dropped one of his hands to pull out her phone to check the time.

"But right now I need to go back home. My Mom's working from home and my Dad says he wants to spend time with me. I'll call you okay? Later we can go to Ventura. I know you like their strawberry shakes," she said, placing her phone in her back pocket.

"Yeah when I can share them with you," Miguel exacerbated.

"Miguel. I need to go home. I won't be long." She leaned up to peck his lips. "Bye."

"Bye."

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"COME on, eat something. I'll make you feel better," Demetri encouraged Miguel as they sat on a bench in the local park. Aisha sat next to them, scrolling through her phone whilst Hawk sparred with Bert behind them.

Miguel denied, staring at the packaged food in his hands, "Told you I'm not hungry, man."

"I still think you're overreacting."

Miguel snapped his head in Demetri's direction, arguing, "I'm not overreacting, dude. She's ignoring me. I did something wrong."

"You two are exhausting. Just talk to each other," Aisha stated, still keeping her eyes on her phone.

"All right, so you and her were having dinner with your family." Hawk started, roundhouse kicking Bert in the face before leaning behind Miguel, "Playing Mommy and Daddy last night and today she's ghosting?"

Aisha spoke, "She's probably taking care of her Dad."

"Or with some chode."

"Hawk," Aisha hissed, shooting him a glare, before looking at the activity on her new post.

"Kidding. She doesn't seem like the type to cheat. Besides she only has eyes for you okay Dude? Even when we were in the fifth grade and Kyler was crushing on her, she wasn't interested."

Aisha tsked, "Stop it."

Miguel looked around in disbelief, "He what?"

"Bet you're even more excited that you beat his ass. Defended your woman." Hawk nodded to him, before nudging Aisha, "Speaking of women. Do you know where Lily's at?"

"Chilling with her grandmother. Relax. Both of you need to relax," Aisha grumbled.

Hawk advised Miguel, "All right, so you go to Cameron's house. If she's with some kid, then kick his ass."

Demetri shook his head, "Don't listen to Eli."

"It's Hawk."

"Yeah, whatever," Demetri dismissed, as Bert finally got up off the ground,  "The fact is, Cameron is probably busy with shit at home. She made time for you yesterday and today it's family time."

Miguel eventually listened, "Yeah, I guess you're right. Yeah."

"Oh," Aisha reeled back, as she studied her phone, "that little bitch."

"What?"

Aisha turned to them, saying, "You know that video I posted of me breaking that board?"

"Yeah."

"Look what Yasmine commented," she showed them.

Impressive... I can't believe the belt made it around your waist.

The boys' reactions varied. Demetri seemed disturbed, Hawk pissed and Miguel concerned.

"Oh, shit," Miguel asked, "You okay Aisha?"

"I gotta do something," Aisha decided, typing away as she tried ignoring the gutwrenching feeling coursing through her.

Hawk maliciously suggested,  "All right, how about we kidnap her and have my boy Rico tattoo 'bitch' on her face?"

Demetri scoffed, "Calm down, Hawk."

Hawk scowled, "All right, I hear how you're saying it, and I don't like it."

"Wait, wait, wait. I've got a better idea. Look," Aisha showed them what she found.

It was Yasmine's birthday.

"Yasmine's throwing a birthday party at the Canyon later?" Miguel questioned, narrowing his eyes at the screen.

"Not if we strike first," Aisha challenged, drawing smiles from them.

Hawk chuckled, "Hell yeah."

"Perfect opportunity to get your girlfriend out of the house," Aisha proposed, nudging Miguel who nodded along, before glancing at Hawk, "and for you and Lily to DTR."

"What?"

"Define the relationship," she explained.

A grin grew on his face, "Oh."

It didn't take long with them to arrive at the mini-mart.

Miguel waited outside, scrolling through his text chain with Cameron to find she hadn't answered anything from him since they left school.

He sighed and pressed call.

It went to voicemail.

"Hey, Roni, it's me. Um... I wanted to call and say that I apologize for earlier today. I was feeling off. But I really would love to see you today." Miguel really missed her. "Cobra Kai's throwing a party at the canyon. Everyone wants you there. I want you there.  We're heading out there right now. Just... let me know when you can come. Bye."

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EMERGING from the bathroom, Cameron walked into the kitchen. She found her mother, shakily washing the dishes, which Blake promised to do. Instead, he was lying on the couch facing away from them.

She nervously asked, "Mom, Dad's gonna get better right?"

Alexis shut her eyes as she paused her cleaning, the question had circulated in her mind every second of every day. And she would lie to herself.

And so she lied to her daughter, "I know he will." she plastered on a smile as she turned to Cameron. "But don't worry about that. You've spent enough time here." it was almost six o'clock. "Check your phone. I heard it blowing up earlier."

Cameron wasn't sure, "Are you sure? Kinda scared to leave him."

Her gaze trailed over to where her dad lay, unresponsive, making her stomach clench.

"Don't be scared. I'm here," Alexis reassured but didn't dare turn to her husband.

She wouldn't be able to complete the house chores if she did.

Cameron breathed out, "O-okay."

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MIDNIGHT cast over the Canyon. Bonfires illuminated the place as music captivated everyone there. The Cobra Kai's had been there for a few hours now, making sure Yasmine and her group of friends knew that this was their party, Kyler and Brucks left immediately, and Moon quickly joined in, talking and apologising to Aisha whilst Hawk gave her a beer.

Yasmine was left to furiously stand alone.

Aisha, red cup in hand approached a belching Miguel, "Another one? Are you good?"

He rasped, clapping her shoulder, "Yeah, I'm fine, Aisha. Thanks."

"All right."

He dropped his finished bottle, in search of another one, going through a drink's cooler.

"Miguel, they're all out of Mr. Pibbs. I got the last one," Demetri said, holding up his cup.

Miguel stared at him in mild contempt before picking out another bottle and walking away.

Aisha exclaimed, happily as she saw her friend arrive, "Lily!"

"Aisha. Cool party," Lily said, giving her a side hug.

"Thank you. I'm striking first."

"Whatever that means I'm happy for you."

Aisha smiled as Lily gestured around.

"Hawk was asking for you," the party host informed, snorting at the grimace she received.

Lily scanned the guests, before she located the before, seeing his face light up at the sight of her, despite being sat next to Moon.

"But he's with the moon. Disgusting," she clicked her tongue, turning back to Aisha.

"He's asking for advice. And Moon actually apologised to me."

Lily half-shrugged, "Well. I won't forget her actions."

Aisha felt lucky she had someone looking out for her, "I knew you wouldn't." she paused, nodding over to Hawk, "Go to him. You still like him right?"

"I'm figuring that out. He's cute, I know him which is a bonus," Lily replied, folding her arms.

"I'm sure he'll be patient. Actually, I don't know. Boys are weird."

Lily nodded, "Agreed."

"So watch out for Miguel he's pissed," Aisha had been trying to get him to stop drinking but he was pissed and sad.

Two things that didn't mix well.

Lily made a face, "Why?"

"He thinks CJ is ignoring him."

Lily sniggered, "Young love."

Her amusement fell when Moon and Hawk came over.

Hawk flashed a smirk, "Hey."

"Hey, Lily," Moon beamed.

Lily suppressed a groan and replied, "Hi."

"I never realised how pretty you are."

"You should've," Lily sassed, "I'm gonna go and get a —"

"— drink? Here." Hawk passed her one, whilst Aisha and Moon started talking.

"Thanks. You didn't have to," Lily stared at the beer can.

Hawk inclined his head, "I know."

"This doesn't mean we're gonna kiss again," she pointed out as she pulled open the lid.

"I know. "

"I don't even know if I properly like boys like that you know?"

Hawk's eyes widened, unsure of what to say, "Oh, that's cool."

"Or even girls," Lily added, explaining herself. "I'm just trying to figure it out. I do think you're hot with a cool personality that I'm really attracted to so I just don't know."

"Take your time. I'll be there."

Lily didn't expect him to say that, "Eli."

"I will," he promised, stepping closer, and holding out his arm.

"Okay."

She leaned into his embrace as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Their time of peace was swiftly interrupted with Yasmine storming over.

"Hey! You think it's funny crashing my party?" 

Lily warned, pulling away from Hawk, "Watch your tone."

Aisha sassed, "It's not really your party 'cause we were here first." 

"Yeah, well, I know you and your little karate gang think you're cool," Yasmine eyed Hawk in disgust, "But we all remember who you really are." she turned back to Aisha,  "You're just a fugly bitch, and your friends are all freaks." Lily stepped forward but was held back by Hawk, "Come on, Moon. Let's go."

"No, I'm staying. I apologised to Aisha for what we did, and you should too," Moon encouraged but was scoffed at. 

"Or you'll receive another slap," Lily said lowly, holding up her ring-clad hands, "it'll hurt so much more."

Yasmine scowled at them all, "Whatever. You deserve them, Moon."

She purposely bumped shoulders with Aisha, sparking her fuse, "Hey, Yasmine!"

People had already started recording.

"Huh? What?" Yasmine got in her face.

"Let me help you to your car," Aisha reached past her shorts and gripped her underwear, emitting a gutwrenching scream as she was held in the air, kicking out her feet as the material tore, "No mercy, bitch!"

Yasmine was shoved to the ground, as laughter and cheering circled her. She snapped her head up, stunned she was at the mercy she deemed was below her.

She stumbled away pushing past the hecklers.

"Ahh, I love you." Lily couldn't stop the tears from flowing as she laughed, "No one will ever forget that." A grin grew on Aisha's face. "Everyone send me that video please!"

Cameron finally arrived, seeing everything was really hitting it off.

She tried navigating her way through the party and to find at least one of her friends.

The phone signal was trash out there.

When she found a drink cooler, she went to reach for a bottle of beer, but her hand collided with another as she did.

She and the familiar face stared at each other as he encouraged her to take it.

"It's yours. I guess I owe you for spilling your other one on the floor," the boy with a blanket in his arms said.

"You remember?" She asked, bashfully as she pulled open the lid, letting it fall to the ground.

"Yup," he huffed out a laugh.

"Sorry about that I was having a bad day," she replied, taking a swig of her drink.

"Boy troubles?" he assumed.

She huffed out a laugh, "You could say that." 

"I never got your name."

"I have a boyfriend," Cameron blurted, not wanting to give the guy any ideas.

From the distance, Hawk saw all of it happening and pointed it out to Miguel who was drunkenly ranting about his girlfriend.

The boy teased, "That's your name? Sounds pretty long." 

She playfully tutted, "It's Cameron."

"Robby," he introduced himself. 

"Well Robby, I should go find my boyfriend. Oh shit, he's there —" The pyre he stood near illuminated his face, making her wave him over, "Miguel!"

She took a few more sips, wanting to get into the party spirit.

"Wait that's your boyfriend?" he earned a nod as realisation splashed on his face, "My friend Sam mentioned a Miguel."

Cameron's face immediately dropped, "Sam?  As in Samantha LaRusso?" that received a slow nod. "Why does she need to mention Miguel? Did you think they were together or something?"

Robby's eyes widened at her change in attitude, "Oh um..."

"Robby. Spit it out," she demanded.

"She mentioned she wanted to hang out with —"

"Samantha?!" her voice tore through the party. Sam's face paled when she saw the disdain on Cameron's. She tentatively came over, exchanging a look with a guilt-ridden Robby as she did so, "Why does this Robby think you're dating my boyfriend?"

Robby defended, "I never said dating."

"I-I mentioned him a few times as a friend," Sam tried to explain.

"Liar," Lily called out from yards away, hiccuping with every laugh.

"Lil, come here," Hawk guided her away to where he sat with Moon.

"At first I thought there could've been something more but I realised he didn't like me like that," Sam continued to explain.

"Yes, 'cause he's my boyfriend. God, you're so entitled," Cameron gritted.

"Girls this is probably some sort of misunderstanding," Robby said, coming in between them.

Miguel finally came over, sarcastically smiling at the interaction, "Who the hell is this guy?"

"Miguel," Cameron could smell the alcohol on him, "Wait, are you drunk?"

Miguel scoffed, "No, no, no. You don't get to turn this on me. I texted and called you all day and you couldn't answer me back once?"

Cameron rolled her eyes, "No, I told you I was busy."

"Oh! Oh, that's so convenient." he shook his head, towering over her,  "You get pissed at me and don't wanna talk."

"It's not that," Cameron snapped.

"Then what is it then?"

"We should go," Sam insisted, looking up at Robby who tried to calm the situation.

"Hey, man just hear her out," he said.

Lily yelled from where she stood, "Who the fuck ordered Dora?"

"Lil, stop getting up," Hawk kept a hold of her arms so she couldn't fall.

"You get out of here!" Miguel shoved Robby into the ground, angered by his face, "This has nothing to do with you."

Hawk cheered him on, "Get him bro!"

Cameron gasped, "Miguel."

"Miguel, stop it!" Sam exclaimed, wary of how much he had to drink.

Robby got up off the ground with an avenging look, "Hey, man, you want to try that again?"

"Try it again, huh?"

Sam shrieked, "Don't!"

Robby dodged Miguel's advance, but Sam didn't causing her to fall to the ground, earning stunned expressions from party guests.

Miguel tried, "Sam."

Cameron slapped a hand over her mouth, "Oh shit."

"I'm sorry."

"God, you asshоlе! What the hell was that?" Sam yelled, getting off the ground, "My dad was right about Cobra Kai. You're all terrible."

Sam stormed away, with an angered Robby in tow.

Cameron blinked back her shock as she turned to see Miguel, staring at her deeply.

"And are you going to tell me who that guy was?"

"'No. Are you going to tell me what that was about?" Cameron was still reeling from the confrontation, "Why are you acting like this? Calm down."

"You haven't spoken to me all day Roni. As your boyfriend, I have a right to know why."

"Because I was with my Dad Miguel," She stressed, "I only checked my phone after my Mom said I should get out of the house. So can you chill? You should apologize to Sam."

"You don't even like her and you looked like you were gonna fight her before I got there."

"I don't think about her, there's a difference. And I was only going to argue with her because she was delusional and I'm a lightweight. I literally came here because I got your voicemail. I thought this would be a good time."

"It will be. Finish your drink," Miguel insisted, feeling guilty for even starting this.

"No. I'm not in the mood," Cameron pushed it toward his chest, "have it."

Lily drunkenly skipped over, throwing herself at Cameron, "Hey Girl," she dragged every syllable.

Cameron craned her neck to the side, to tell her, "I'm going home."

Lily's jaw dropped, as she tried to stand on her own, "What did you do?" she hissed at Miguel.

He threw up his hands and gritted, "Why am I always to blame?!"

"'Cause it's usually your fault!"

"No, it isn't!"

"I saw you push LaRusso... I think, or was it Dora."

"What? Dora lives in the Peruvian Jungle, you're seeing things."

Lily's mouth gaped out, "I don't need glasses."

"I never said you did."

Cameron pinched the bridge of her nose as she heard the two drunks bicker.

She pleaded, "Lil. Go back to Hawk, I'm leaving. Both of you get home safely."

"Roni, I'm sorry," Miguel tried again, but instead, she kissed him on the cheek, and then paced through the party. 

Miguel rubbed at his neck, "Shit." he watched on, shoulders slumped, "Should I go after her?"

Lily pouted, "Not now. You're already thousands of points down."

She left Miguel dumbfounded by that comment, "What points?!"

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a/n:

i think the problem is that they're communicating it's just not being listened to. cameron is stating she needs to make sure her dad is okay and stays home. miguel is thinking that blake doesn't like him is the reason cameron doesn't answer her phone. and because he knows cameron and when she is irritated she ignores everyone, that's another thing on miguel's mind. so they understand each other but have underlying insecurities since this is their first relationship.

when i was rewatching to write the fight between miguel and sam, i realised how much their relationship was doomed daniel and johnny. plus miguel hitting sam was a big no-no, even if it was an accident. i would've broken up with him as well.