warnings: violence and blood!

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MIGUEL couldn't believe that someone would scratch up his girlfriend's car like that. Her father's car. Everyone knew how precious it was to her and yet someone did it maliciously. The Miyagi-do's.

"So wait. Tell me again." Miguel's face was scrunched up as she paced back and forth in his room. They just finished their desert – extra big servings since Miguel had progressed so much in such little time. "They did what?"

"They scratched my car, Miguel. What's not clicking? They scratched my car and now it's in the shop," she flung out her hands, ranting. "I was minding my own business today at Gold 'N' Stuff and this is what happens. Mind you, they're supposed to be the 'all-defensive, true karate dojo.'" she quoted with a scoff. "It's bullshit, complete bullshit."

Sitting up further in his bed, he questioned, "Who were you at Golf 'N' stuff with?"

She halted in her quick stride, turning to him in confusion, "The rest of our team. Our friends, why?"

"Like Hawk?" he asked, attempting to mask his agitation. Tory was another he was apprehensive about hanging around his girlfriend.

She halfheartedly shrugged, "Yes like Hawk. Why is that a problem? – wait. Can we focus on what the problem is. My car." she winced when she moved her arm too fast, "Ow."

His brows furrowed in concern, "You okay?"

She rolled her arm back and waved him off, "Just my arm. Had to do some heavy lifting today."

"With what?" he pressed, seeing her eyes dart around the room.

"I was messing around inside the arcade. Everyone was messing around. Besides the point," she dismissed, letting out a huff.

"Are you okay though? You're not gonna get them back?"

"Why? You gonna tell me to let it go?" she snapped, rolling her eyes at the blank look he gave. "Don't give me that look. I know if I retaliate it'll just come back on me," she mumbled, "it always does."

"So you're dropping it?"

Miguel didn't expect her to. He knew she wouldn't. Hell, months ago he wouldn't have. He was just tired of the constant beef.

Cameron pondered for a moment, "I mean. I've got some compensation." she didn't lie about that. "money for the auto shop."

"Oh." Miguel frowned, still not sure what to make of the story, but he didn't think she would ever lie to him. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there. I know how much that car means to you."

"You were out with Sensei – I mean that grown-ass man we used to hang with," she quickly corrected, startled by her slip-up.

Miguel smiled at that.

"Don't worry I won't tell him you called him that." he teased, yet she didn't see the humour in it.

"It was a mistake. Easily done," she rushed out, fidgeting with her hands.

"I mean he is our sensei."

"No. Not mine." she appeared offended by the statement. "Anyways, I gotta get home."

"I thought you wanted to watch a movie," he said, pained to see how anxious she was to leave when he thought there was cause for celebration.

"Can't," she flashed him an apologetic smile.

"Look I know I haven't been the best boyfriend," he tried, stopping her from turning on her heel.

"Miguel. Seriously, it's fine," she said with indifference.

She just wanted an ice bath or something. Her body aches have been hitting her more lately.

"It's really not. I know you've been planning our anniversary or trying to between everything. Helping me was your priority and I'm so grateful to have such a loving girl by my side. Through all of it." Miguel spoke softly. "I know I've been moody and a pain in the ass. And this chair shouldn't be an excuse for all of that," he motioned to the wheelchair at his bedside. "Blanking some of your tests detailing rehabilitation methods was just mean. You don't deserve that." he beckoned her towards him with a cheeky smile, "C'mere." Cameron sighed when joined him, sitting with her legs hanging over the side. Slowly, their hands intertwined as he said, "I've texted your mom that my mom can drop you have. But we have to watch a Fast film right?"

Cameron gave in when she turned and stared into his big brown eyes, "Maybe."

"Then get my laptop and get on my lap," he said boldly, making her eyes blow wide.

She raised an amused brow, "Do you actually wanna watch the movie or not?"

Miguel merely shrugged, and tugged his girlfriend closer, peppering her with kisses that emitted giggles from her lips.

"I wanna see that tattoo of yours again," he mumbled into the kiss, smiling when she nodded.

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THE next day Cameron almost felt in better spirits about her car. Miguel certainly knew how to make her feel like on top of the world. Making up for lost time. That was how he put it, considering how he recently wasn't making her feel too hot.

"You good?" Hawk approached her as she stretched her aching limbs in their dojo.

She thought deep freeze would help but it didn't last long.

Cameron mustered up a smirk, "Kinda. But is still feel the urge to beat the shit out of every one of them."

Hawk snickered, "Naturally."

Cameron asked, "Are you good?" Demetri was his friend. His best friend. They were binary brothers. "Shit like what happened yesterday... can either haunt you or guide you. And just because we're all offensive all the time. That doesn't mean you can't talk to me."

Hawk appreciated the offer, "I know. Same with you."

He motioned to the mat where Mitch was recalling all that happened yesterday, whilst the rest of their teammates stood around.

"Man, it was so sick! Tory was just kickin' ass. I took care of Chris. Then Cameron used the choke hold. Hawk got that beta Demetri in an arm bar like Chris Jericho and just... " Mitch mimicked a snap, missing the guilt flashing over Hawk's face. "cold-blooded. No mercy!"

Caldwell patted his shoulder, "Way to go, Hawk."

Tory came over to them, "I didn't think you were actually gonna do it."

He took a while to respond, "They got what they deserved for what they did to CJ's car." Cameron nodded in appreciation. "And Miguel." Tory averted her gaze at his mention. "Still haven't seen him, have you?"

"I don't wanna talk about it," Tory said quietly.

Cameron replied, "He'd appreciate it if you did."

They met each other's stare, Tory couldn't hold it, not with the guilt she felt.

The bell chimed and in walked fresh faces.

Or not so fresh faces.

"Great..." Cameron rolled her eyes when she saw Kyler and Brucks. Her head snapped to Hawk who seemed frozen in time. "Bro," her nudge brought him out of it. She noted his slight panic and gave him a small smile.

Kreese strolled in, announcing, "Class. Welcome our new students."

Mitch, being a fool, walked over to them, "I'm gonna call you guys... Chodenose and Taintbreath."

Kyler stepped forward, in anger, "What the hell did you just say?"

Mitch backed up, "Oh, uh, nothing. It's just this thing we do around here sometimes."

He flinched when Kyler got in his face.

"You know him?" Tory asked, catching Cameron's disgusted expression.

"Dude is just annoying," Cameron tutted.

Tory huffed out a smile, "That all? He looks like he had something for you."

Cameron scoffed when Kyler looked her up and down, "That too."

"Everyone, fall in," Kreese exclaimed, prompting his students to do so. The new recruits followed, lining up behind them. "Joining Cobra Kai is a privilege. It's not a gift. This is why our recruits must earn their position in this dojo. Prepare yourselves for combat. Only the strong will survive."

After some warming up, the new recruits looked around.

Kyler and Brucks seemed to remember Hawk... Eli. Mainly his facial deformity, they laughed and joked about it, causing Hawk to nearly shield himself from his past.

"All right, class. Let the games begin." Kreese said, looking around. "You." he pointed at Kyler.

Brucks gassed him up, "Ooh! All right, bro. You got this."

Kreese then pointed to Mitch, "you."

The Cobra Kai student seemed excited as he joined the mat.

Initially, they thought it would be a quick win. But soon after a point was awarded to Mitch, Kyler took him down, putting him in a headlock, and showcasing his wrestling skills. With a demand from Kreese after the round ended, Kyler hit Mitch with one last punch.

Staggering up from the ground, Mitch went to return to his spot.

"Where you going?" Kreese questioned.

Mitch quietly replied, "To my spot."

"You lost to an untrained fighter. He's going to take your spot on the team."

Cameron and Hawk exchanged a shocked look as Mitch looked around in disbelief.

"Sensei, Assface has been loyal to the dojo," Hawk spoke up in defence.

But Kreese strongly disagreed. "I'm afraid he's not... Cobra Kai material. I told you, only the strong will survive."

And he was ready to see it through.

Inhaling deeply, Cameron watched as Tory was next to defend her position against a basketball player.

The girl was determined as was she quick.

But Tory's legs were quicker and she took her out.

"You chipped my tooth bitch," the girl spat as she looked up at Tory.

"You needed braces anyway," Tory's retort made Cameron laugh.

"Good job Nichols." Kreese praised, then shot a glance at the girl who jumped off the floor. "You know the drill. Off the mat." after their stare down, the girl vacated the dojo. Kreese's eyes landed on Cameron's who was more than ready to go. "James." she stopped on the mat confidently. Her Sensei then pointed at another girl who was a volleyball player. "You."

Cameron sized her up as the taller girl joined the mat. Tall, longer reach, larger wingspan. Cameron deduced as she got into her fighter position.

"Fight," Kreese instructed.

Cameron was quick to sweep her legs, sending her to the ground and hitting her chest.

"Point." the white flag went up as did the anger on the volleyball player's face.

longer reach, it echoed through Cameron's mind before she grabbed her arm and twisted it back sending a sharp kick to her side.

"Point."

A cruel smile appeared on Cameron's face whilst she readied for her win.

"Fight!"

A yell escaped Cameron's mouth when she jumped up, clasping her hands around the volleyball player's head, and bringing it down to her elevated knee. A shrill cry escaped the volleyball player's mouth when blood already started gushing. Cameron didn't hesitate to jump as she spun around, thrusting out her leg, striking the girl's bloodied face and sending her to the ground.

"Winner!" Kreese's grin was wide as Cameron continued to glare at her opposition as others gasped. "Well done James."

"You're paying for my dry cleaning," Cameron apathetically spat out at the girl clutching her nose and staggering onto her feet as Tory pulled her back.

Kreese deeply chuckled and watched another potential student leave before Cash Apping Cameron her money. They weren't Cobra Kai material. Too weak.

"Damn," Kyler's eyes followed Cameron as she stormed over to her spot, muttering about the blood on her gi.

"You. big boy," Kreese's beady gaze was trained on Brucks, who was overexcited to show out.

"Who's going down next?" Brucks excitedly asked, jumping on his heels.

"He's mine!" Hawk called out, not giving anyone else the chance as he strode onto the mat with a venomous twinkle in his eye.

Cameron rapidly nodded and clapped for him

"Get him lip," Kyler snorted, only for his amusement to be silent when he received a harsh glare from the two female Cobra Kai's.

"Ok, all right. Let's see if I can fix that lip of yours then," Brucks heckled him as Hawk faced away, untying his gi and revealing his back tattoo to his old bully.

The gi was dropped to the mat when Hawk turned around, showcasing his tattoo on his pectoral. It was no longer a lily – understandably. It was the grim reaper now inked into his skin.

Kreese ushered the umpires to put the flags down and sent a nod to Hawk, signalling him to start.

A roundhouse kick was sent Brucks' way, soon more punches he couldn't block came after.

Brute strength wasn't the course that could be taken.

Hawk was fighting just as dirty as he was smart.

Cameron's eyes darkened with glee as she leaned over to Kyler, "you see. This is what happens when you don't shut your mouths." Kyler flinched when his friend was kneed to the chest, knocking the air out of him whilst he pleaded. "You end up looking like a pathetic bitch."

Hawk brought Brucks to the ground, finish him echoed in his mind before he straddled his chest, pummeling him into the mat. The class watched him go berserk.

One punch, two punches and then ten with a yell of frustration, memory and anguish.

Spit befell the wrestler's battered face whilst Hawk rose and stalked off, eyeing Kyler up and down, daring him to say another word.

But nothing came.

Hawk drew a proud look from his close friend as well as Caldwell.

It was cathartic as was it wild.

"All right class. I think we can call it a day." Kreese announced, "Somebody pick him up."

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DREW James had planned what he needed to say to Tory Nichols. But when she emerged from the Cobra Kai dojo with his cousin, every word just faded from his mind.

"Oh shit," Cameron groaned when she saw him, Tory looked up only for her expression to morph into a pained one. "Really dude? She doesn't even like flowers."

Drew was holding a bouquet.

"They're not flowers," Drew deadpanned, angling the bouquet down, showing off the various fruits inside. "It's a fruit one I put together. No junk food. I didn't want to mess up your training or whatever."

Tory swiped her tongue over her teeth as she stared ahead, fighting the urge to just hit him.

"Want me to go?" Cameron softly asked her friend whilst the rest of the Cobra kai's went their way.

"Yeah, I'm good." Tory decided.

Cameron respected her wishes, then turned to her cousin with a pensive look.

"CJ!" Hawk called out, "come on."

"You can wait in my car if you want," Drew offered. "I know you're getting your car back tomorrow."

Cameron declined, "Nah, Hawk's my ride."

Drew sighed when his cousin bid his ex a wave before going on her way.

He turned back to Tory who cut him off before he could speak, "I'm gonna be late for work if you don't start talking."

"Right. Right," he cleared his throat, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck as he started. "I'm sorry. For everything. For fucking shit up between us. For kissing Sam." she grimaced at the mention of the girl. "For even mentioning her now. Being drunk wasn't an excuse."

"You're damn right it's not." she snapped.

"I should've said this ages ago. I should've come to you ages ago. When I found out you were kicked out of school. When you were put on probation. Or even after I made my big, huge, ginormous mistake." he ranted, coming closer. "I wanted our relationship to be different Tory," she was startled by him saying her nickname. "But the blame lies with me."

"It's not all on you," she couldn't help but correct. "Not all of it."

He took a step closer, and the smells of the fruit he held wafted into her face,

"But the hurting. Breaking your heart, that's on me," he reiterated, tone dripping with honesty. "I would take it back if I could but I can't. And I respect you for not giving me another chance. I wouldn't if it was me. But I just need you to know I... you were an amazing girlfriend." her throat went dry as he continued. "You were kind. Kinder than you think. You were fun and lively and very loud," a laugh slipped through his lips and nearly earned a smile from her. "But most of all. You were the only one that I could see having a future with. I still can but..."

"... you messed it up," she concluded for him, voice struggling not to break whilst she locked eyes with his. "I don't forgive you drew. But I appreciate the apology and the bouquet."

"It's the bare minimum," he mumbled when she tentatively took them. "I miss you."

"Don't. Don't do that," Tory warned, her fierce eyes glossed over. "I don't want to hear that."

"I know."

"Because I won't tell you that I miss you," even though she did.

"I don't expect you to."

"Good," she rasped, "because screw you for hurting me. I should've listened to Cameron when she said you were a bad boyfriend."

"And I should've been a good boyfriend," Drew admitted, eyes full of sorrow. "And I would be a better friend to you. But I know you wouldn't want that."

"Yeah, I wouldn't," neither of them would be able to take that level of proximity. It wouldn't be good. "I don't hate you. I thought I did. I just don't like you right now."

"Neither do I. My mom scolded me for screwing up."

A ghost of a smile tickled her pursed lips, "Yeah I heard. Sounds like my kind of woman."

"You'd like her," he nodded, "she'd like you."

He questioned if he should ask about how her mom was doing. But he doubted that was his place anymore.

So he asked, "Do you need a lift to work? Cameron mentioned you've got another job. Say no if you want but –"

"-- It's the least you can do," she stated, already walking towards his car.

A boyish grin appeared on his face. "Whatever you want Victoria."

"Don't call me that!"

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MIGUEL thought his day was going sour. With an unfortunate and unresolved interaction with Tory at Kitada's sushi restaurant which lead to an almost a fight with Johnny who placed him into a harness and actually made him walk.

It was his frustration.

His fight.

His determination made him shuffle forward as he spat out words Johhny needed to hear.

So when Cameron heard she was overjoyed.

And almost jumped into his arms, only to be reminded that his legs were still healing.

A tear escaped her eyes as she saw him standing up, "I can't... I can't believe it. No – I can. You're fucking amazing Miguel." she was crying. Sobbing. Miguel tried to wipe away her tears but they were flowing out faster than he could. "I knew you could do it."

"Well, Sensei is who you should be thanking. He put me in this big harness thing," his voice was still croaky from the emotions he felt in the last hour. "I felt like a baby."

Johnny chuckled, "He looked like one too."

"And now you're walking," Cameron breathed out, cupping his face in debrief. "And you've grown a few inches."

Johnny commented, "Almost as big as me."

"I am as big as you," Miguel joked.

Cameron broke out into sobs, surprising the two again.

They haven't seen her cry this much in months. And that was since of the news of her dad's tragic passing.

"It's okay..." Miguel tried comforting her but she pulled away.

"I'm gonna order us as much food as possible. Even M&M's and Popcorn that you love to mix together okay?" she didn't let him speak as she vigorously wiped away her tears and turned to her old Sensei. "You did well." was all she could say before leaving the living room to use the bathroom.

"Sensei. I know my Cameron. And I know she's not okay," Miguel realised.

Johnny agreed, "It's Kreese kid. That's all Kreese."

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a/n:

initially, i was gonna have drew kiss tory as some break-up kiss, but no. i prefer them to go their separate ways like this. their ship was fun while it lasted i guess.

cameron.... ah girl, she's crashing out. girl, was more mad about her gi getting bloodied than breaking someone's nose which isn't surprising at this point. And since she's not taking her medication, her muscles are aching – a common symptom of atypical depression and withdrawl. i wanna keep shining a light on her diagnosis and not just completely let it fade into the story as if it's not part of it.

it's clear miguel knows something's up. but doesn't know how bad things have gotten, he partially assumes that it has to do with how he's been treating her.

...do you guys think they'll be getting their anniversary dinner? really?