warnings: mental health!

___

"ACCORDING to Mr LaRusso, Mr Miyagi could catch a fly with chopsticks," Hawk stated. 

"And according to Mr LaRusso, Mr Miyagi also parted the Red Sea," Cameron quickly apologized for her sarcasm. "Sorry, it's just I'm still getting used to all of this. I literally almost fell into that pond yesterday."

"It did look funny," he snickered.

"Shut up. And you should consider purple hair. It's both red and blue and would suit you." she then waved her purple nails in his face before he playfully swatted them away. "And then we would be matching."

Her laughter caught the attention of Miguel who was stretching beside Chris.

"You good man?" Chris asked, slightly amused by the irritation displayed on his face.

Miguel cleared his throat as he stiffly nodded, "Yeah, yeah."

Mitch added his two cents, "They were close in Cobra Kai."

"Oh, those two? I wasn't looking," Neither friend bought Miguel's unbothered act. "She's free to be friends with whoever she wants to be." his voice faltered, and he left a familiar ache in his chest when she walked past with Hawk. Hawk acknowledge him with a friendly nod. "It's nothing."

"I heard she joined the chess team."

Miguel instantly replied, "Yeah, she's good at it."

"I was kidding but okay," Mitch stifled a chuckle at the embarrassment on Miguel's face.

Chris didn't speak too much on Cameron. They would avoid each other whenever they trained, which was nearly impossible but regardless. He would not greet her, only attempt to be civil.

"It's for college transcripts. That's what Drew said..." Miguel trailed off when Sam approached, joining in with their stretches.

"Hey guys, what are we talking about?" she asked, and the guys all exchanged hesitant looks.

"Cameron," Mitch sputtered out, when the other two replied, "All Valley."

Miguel's jaw tightened when Mitch blurted out the truth, whilst Chris just laughed, furrowing his brows when he saw Sam's smile fall.

"I meant All Valley," Mitch squeaked out, awkwardly shifting when Miguel glared.

"It's fine," Sam dismissed him as they were all called up by their Sensei's to watch them spare on the sparring deck.

Their students would watch on, deciphering what move was next. Then Daniel would go up against Sam. Johnny did the same with Miguel. Until body armour came out to incorporate both methods, not just one or the other.

Cameron later realized how much discomfort she was in when they meditated inside. It was all about trying to find balance and patience in all of it. Occasionally she thought counting down from 10 would help her, and it did. But, she was too explosive on the mat which was why she needed to be humbled. She despised it. Being knocked down. Being beaten. And then to be pulled back to peace and balance. She didn't seem to want that.

Maybe she craved the loudness and the chaos.

It reminded her she was alive. That she was truly living.

Unlike... never mind.

Classes were more cordial.

And when it would end everyone was happier.

But she wasn't.

Not entirely.

"I'll meet you out front," Hawk called out as he fist-bumped Miguel on his way out.

"Cool," Cameron turned on her heel to see her ex-boyfriend. There was no one else inside but them. "Hey."

A small smile tugged at his lips when she acknowledged him, "Hey. You looked good today."

"You too," she replied, although she didn't think much of the compliment. She was being knocked down constantly. "Your fighting style is changing."

Miguel's eyes briefly widened at the comment, "Really?"

"You're adapting to Miyagi-do."

"You think?" he saw her slowly nod. "So are you."

"I'm really not," she admitted, picking up her bag.

Miguel frowned, "You will."

"Probably not," she glanced up at him as they started walking out, "It's not my style."

"Well... is it the defence you have a problem with?" Miguel followed up.

"It's just all... calm," Cameron settled on that.

"Well, you're an ex-gymnast," Miguel started. "Kata is another form of Karate. It's more choreographed and I know you used to use a lot of choreography during your comps and stuff like that." Cameron hummed, mulling over his words. "I mean, we use it anyway. But maybe if you look at the similarities even more, between karate and gymnastics it'll help. Handstands maybe," he awkwardly chuckled as he concluded. "Stand still on your hands for minutes, keep doing it and it might feel like meditation."

"...yeah," she agreed. "Wait – how did you know I didn't like meditation?"

"I noticed," he admitted, eyes locking with hers for a second, halting their steps.

Their hearts pounded, filling their ears, blocking their other senses as they just simply stared.

Brown eyes on brown eyes.

Softening and sparkling with an understanding.

Until a loud horn made them jump apart.

Johnny obnoxiously beeped, arm craning into his van whilst he stood beside it with an amused look.

"Bye," Miguel gulped and for some reason waved her goodbye.

"Yeah, bye," she didn't spare him another glance. She grumbled when she jumped into Hawk's car. "Please drive."

Hawk chuckled, "Yeah yeah."

Miguel tossed his head back in annoyance when Johnny cheekily smirked when they started up the van.

"Did you have to do that? She was just beginning to talk to me."

"Chicks love the chase."

Miguel just groaned into his hands as Johnny started to drive.

Meanwhile, Hawk was relentless about bringing up Miguel to Cameron. She quite frankly wished she jumped out of the car miles ago.

"I don't wanna be around Miguel. I don't need him to see any reasons to regret ever falling in love with me," Cameron confessed, staring ahead at the roads disappearing behind them.

"Is that why you wanted him to break up with you and not go on a break?" Hawk asked, looking between her and the wheel. "Because I don't think that would've happened. He still wants you. He was pissed more at himself that he let you stay at Cobra Kai."

"It was a decision I made not him. I lied to him about the shit I did. The shit we did to Miyagi-do. I just don't like being reminded of it every time I stare at him. And he's so forgiving. I don't get it." her alarm ripped through the air, making her search her bag for her medication. She picked up her water bottle and washed down the bitter taste. Feeling eyes on her when they hit a red light, she turned to see Hawk's intense stare. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Go on."

"It's just... I'm sorry," he winced then explained, "I didn't notice you stopped taking your meds. I literally forgot you were even off them."

"It's cool."

"It's not. You were quite literally suffering and I didn't see. Too caught up trying to look cool all the damn time. And for what? I'm more or less in the same place I was when we started sophomore year."

"You're not. And I don't blame you. It's not your fault. It's Kreese's he threw out my meds. You weren't the only one under his spell," she shook her hands in frustration.

"Yeah...but... do you think we would've been friends if I didn't start Cobra Kai? If neither of us did?"

"Yeah. I always thought we were."

"Always will be."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"YOU need to leave," Tory snapped immediately when she saw Cameron enter the Cobra Kai Dojo, stepping forward as Tory stepped away from the dummy she had been pummeling.

"Not without you hearing me out," Cameron was calmer around her old friend and no one else.

"I heard you loud and clear." Tory hissed. Cameron stepped on the mat, after slipping off her shoes. "And you might wanna move before I mistake this dummy for your face."

"You could try and punch me I dare you," Cameron said, without batting an eye. "I'm not scared of you Tory. Never was, never will be. You might think I'm your enemy but I'll never see you as one," she emphasised. "You are still my friend, whether or not I'm yours."

"Didn't realise traitors could still be your friends," Robby spoke up, appearing from the back dojo, in a white gi and a blank expression. 

Cameron glanced between the two of them, suppressing a sigh, "So you've finally joined huh?"

"Better off for it," Robby said, nearing her as his hands clasped behind his back.

"That's what you think right?" 

Tory remained where she was. Robby and Cameron stood toe-to-toe.

"Get out," he demanded, gritting his teeth, yet she remained unphased.

She stepped closer, "Or what Keene? You gonna fight me? I would love to see you try."

"And I would love to see you fall because of those lame Miyagi-do moves. It would be a pleasure," he mirrored her fighting stance.

"Wait."

Tory's interruption distracted Robby enough for Cameron to land a punch to his face.

"What happened to strike fist huh?" Cameron taunted, blocking a punch to the side, only for him to send one to her chest. "That's that more like it."

Their grunts filled the main dojo, drawing more Cobra Kai's out of the back.

Kreese was the last to emerge, eyes twinkling with mirth. They always seemed to whenever he saw Cameron fight, especially when she was going up against Robby – a prodigy's son.

She was deflecting, holding back.

A pity, since she was all so much more volatile weeks ago.

"Hiya!" she yelled, bringing Robby to the ground, nearly grinning as her arms wrapped around his neck. Her mind flashed memories of her doing the same to Chris. Only this time, Robby fought back, elbowing her gut, making her drop the hold. "Shit."

She easily moved out of the way, when he tried to send a punch to her stomach, only for her to kick him back, extending a hand onto the mat so she could flip onto her feet.

She landed with enough time that she could sweep his legs and send him where she once was.

"Enough!" Kreese called out, preventing any further attacks.

Cameron blinked rapidly once she realized that they were no longer alone. Her chest rose and fell and her legs stiffened.

Robby jumped back onto his feet, shameful, yet angry that they were interrupted. He was sure he would've beaten her had he had more time.

"Miss James, it's good to see you back where you belong," Kreese clutched his collar and stared at her.

Tory cut her off, "She's not coming back."

Irritation flashed over his face, "What a shame."

Cameron cocked her head to the side, "Is it?"

Tory and Robby joined their Sensei.

"You were one of my star students. One of the original female students. A potential champion had you stayed," Kreese paused. "If you return."

"Oh please Kreese. The moment you got your little boy wonder," she cast a harsh look toward a glaring Robby, "you didn't give a fuck about me." She turned to her old Sensei, with a tightening jaw. "Or Hawk. You got what you wanted and dropped the rest."

"Is that what they've been feeding you over there?" Kreese stepped forward, "what LaRusso has been spilling in your ear?" He shook his head, "Listen kid. From what I've seen Cobra Kai hasn't left you yet. I bet you even struck first?" The bruise forming on Robby's cheek indicated that. "Your spot on the team is still warm."

"Sensei, she left," Kyler expressed, in disbelief. "She's a traitor."

"And she almost beat Keene. Could you do that?" Kreese was met with silence. "Don't forget that I know it was Miss James who stayed in that Zoo to capture the snake behind me."

The hissing of the reptile slithered around them.

"You never cared that it was me who did that." Cameron countered, straightening up when he took another step closer. "No. You congratulated Starboy over there."

"So what? You feel sorry for yourself."

"Far from it."

"Good because I didn't teach you self-pity."

"Yeah, only mental instability." Cameron took pride in seeing all amusement fade from Kreese's face.  "But I'm learning from that now." She said smugly, taking a step back. "Next time I fight any of you will be at All Valley. Try and train them to beat me, I wouldn't wanna embarrass your students."

As she strutted out, taking her shoes in hand, a kid walked in, timidly.  She caught his eye — his complexion was similar to hers, but his wide-eye stare only averted when he caught her blotchy hands.

Cameron wanted to say something but he turned away, and so she pushed open the door and exited the building.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"RELIEF. Mom I felt relieved I guess."

"You shouldn't have gone there alone," Alexis said, sitting down on the edge of her daughter's bed. "Anything could've happened."

"It almost did. For a split second I... I thought about going back." Cameron sheepishly admitted, staring down at her hands when her mom's face hardened. "Kreese was getting to me. He still gets to me. I nearly snapped again. I did fight Robby. I could've left when he came out but I didn't. I wanted to fight someone. And the grin on Kreese's face made me want to again. It was like he accomplished something."

"You got out. You left and that's all that matters. I saw how bad you were when you were in Cobra Kai. I practically experienced it with you." Alexis' hands tenderly traced over her daughter's. "But you got out. That takes more courage and more guys than anyone will know. People will and can judge you but just know you're tougher than they are."

"What was worse was that I saw a kid there." Cameron was conflicted. She knew she should've stopped him. "He walked in with so much innocence. I should've told him to get out."

"You can't save everyone, baby. Now when you already have so much going on right now," Alexis reassured.

"Yeah." Cameron sighed, "Did you have a good time with Carmen?"

"We went to the LaRusso's, with Miguel," Alexis admitted, only to feel her daughter pull her hands back.

"Oh."

"I know I should've told you sweetheart but it was just a meal." Alexis said slowly, "You should know Miguel kinda embarrassed himself."

"I don't care what he does," Cameron rushed out, moving away to get some of her toiletries.

"Sure you don't."

"He's happy to date whoever."

"That's funny. Because I swore I heard him mention how proud of you he is," Alexis informed, with a knowing smile.

"Yeah. Well, I'm gonna have a bath before bed. Long day tomorrow," Cameron shrugged off any warm feelings and collected her things.

"Okay. I'll let you get on with that." Alexis spoke up as her daughter walked toward the door. "Oh and Cami?"

Quietly huffing, Cameron turned around, "Yes Mom."

"I'm proud of you."

The smallest of smiles tugged at Cameron's lips. "Thanks."

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"SO. You fought Keene?" Hawk was more impressed than shocked.

He had fought Robby a few times now, and despite the lack of succession, Hawk still itched to win against the bastard.

"Don't tell anyone. Okay? I don't need them talking about how I shouldn't have bit the bait and avoided conflict," Cameron said as they walked close to the rest of Eagle Fang.

Hawk agreed, "Secret's safe with me."

Only he was heard by them, mainly Miguel who was sluggishly stretching.

"What secret?" He asked, eyes landing on his ex only for Hawk to speak up.

"How her mom looks so youthful."

"Because black doesn't crack," Miguel replied, earning a snort from Cameron.

His heart swelled at the sound of it, yet tried to remain composed.

"Ah, the secret's out," Hawk mused.

Clearing his throat, Miguel questioned, "What do you think Sensei will throw at us today?"

"Dude, don't worry. You're El Serpiente, You're an all-Valley Champion," Hawk gassed up Miguel, who bashfully smiled. "Just show Mr. LaRusso what you're made of. You're gonna crush whatever he throws at us today."

Mitch agreed, "Compared to Sensei Lawrence's training, today's gonna be a vacation."

Daniel materialized behind them, tying up his headband. "Who's going on vacation?"

"Uh no one," Miguel asked, "What have you got for us today?"

"Come here." Daniel beckoned them to the pond. "Now, I know you've all been taught to strike first." They all followed him over. "What do you do when your opponent is faster than you?"

"Are those real koi?" Mitch asked, looking into the pond.

"They sure are. Today's lesson is simple." Daniel said, now standing on a rock. "Catch a fish." He gestured to the pond. "But since I know you Eagle Fangs like a bit of competition, we're gonna make it interesting. So the first to succeed will have the honour of leading class all week." The class looked around with strained expressions. "And you get to pick out what flavour Gatorade I buy next."

Mitch seemed down for that. "Aw, hell yeah! Hope you all like Glacial Freeze."

Miguel nodded, "Okay, where are the rods?"

"Back in my garage. Your bare hands are all you'll use and all you'll need," Daniel informed.

"And if we slip and crack our heads open?" Cameron spoke up amidst their confusion.

"Don't do that," Daniel countered. "On your mark." He said, moving out the way as most of the class, slid their sleeves up their arms. "Get set. Go!"

The boys rushed around the pond, kneeling and reaching out to grab a fish.

Cameron just stared ahead, blinking slowly.

Daniel approached her, "You're not gonna try?"

"Can't I think of a game plan first?" She dryly replied, hearing splashing ahead. "Isn't your dojo all about patience?"

Daniel studied her as her hands twitched. He ignored her sarcasm since she seemed to be thinking. He knew Cameron was a good fighter — a great one if she didn't act with malignity or impulsivity. He wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt with all things considered.

Her thinking was interrupted by the sound of Miguel slipping into the pond, soaking himself and earning laughter from the rest of the class.

"Looks like you're a little wet behind the ears," Miguel huffed at Daniel's jest. "Let's get you dried off."

When class ended, and Miguel eventually dried off, they walked out in a huff.

"I was so close to catching one. I definitely touched scale." Mitch said.

"I know this Chinese restaurant with a big-ass fish tank." Hawk proposed, "We can go there and practice. You, uh, comin'?" He asked Miguel who shook his head.

"Uh, nah. My mom's picking me up," Miguel declined.

"All right. Well, stay dry, my friend," Hawk joked as they walked, "CJ?"

"Nah, I'll walk home. Could do with it," Cameron replied.

"Alright," Hawk said, walking off to his car with a few others trailing behind him.

"Hey," Cameron turned to a flushed Miguel, "you okay?"

"Tired and damp, so no." She nodded understandably at his answer. "Why didn't you try today?"

She raised a brow, "So I could end up like you?"

"I mean at least I did something." Miguel huffed out, regretting his response when he saw her stiffen, "I didn't mean it like that."

"It's cool. I was just thinking about what to do. Trying not to let my competitiveness get to me. Plus I don't care about what Gatorade the winner chooses next," she said, shrugging as she grabbed her headphones out of her bag.

Miguel pondered, "Oh, so you were thinking of facts to do with koi fish?"

"I mean they're fish. And very smart. I know they'll eat out of your hand if you're patient," she informed, squinting her eyes at him.

Miguel tilted his head as he mulled over her words, "So what are you saying is that we have to be slow and not strike fast for once?"

She innocently shrugged, "Maybe."

"Wait..." he watched as she walked backwards.

"Gotta go. Got a fish to think about."

He could've sworn he saw a sly smirk flash on her face before she spun on her heel and his phone started beeping.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

DREW James had gotten a full scholarship to three universities. Georgia, San Diego and most importantly Howard. He graciously accepted the latter, and the entire school made it their mission to celebrate him and other football players who had got into their colleges on early admission.

An entire week of celebrations had started now.

Cameron had to admit, she was proud, and overjoyed, but since they were still on shaky ground, she did what she could.

"Hey," she approached him after the final bell rang.

He grinned, "Come to congratulate me?"

"Now, I don't want to." She said dryly, pulling out something from her bag, "but here." She presented him with a rolled-up canvas, "Just a little something I cooked up in art class. Anala found some templates for me to draw you. I was looking for the Boondocks style – which I found was not anime since it's not a Japanese show but the style is more or less the same. I thought it was easier to draw you in cartoon format than anything. With your jersey number, your hair and your –"

"Good looks?" He teased, only for his eye not to move away from the drawing.

The colours and texture used brought him to life on the page. It was various versions of him, at different times in an average game. Him scoring, running, celebrating, jumping in the air — the centre picture was him wearing a hoodie with Howard spilled across it. 

Cameron corrected, "You're a James. So yes."

People greeted him when they walked past but he was just in awe.

"This is amazing, CJ. You really captured my greatness," he flashed a grateful smile at her, concealing his sincerity with cockiness.

She mumbled, "Christ."

"I need this framed," he said, "put it up on my dorm wall."

She bashfully shook he head, "You don't have to."

"Oh I will," he said, pressing a kiss to her head, making her playfully wipe it away.

His grin only widened when more friends came near.

"Yo, congrats Drew," Hawk said, dapping him up.

"Thanks, man," Drew chuckled, putting the drawing to the side.

"Yeah, my mom already wants to make some tacos for celebration," Miguel jested, giving his props as he stood close to his ex, shooting her a smile, to which she almost mirrored. "And hey, maybe I could take your car before you go to college."

"Good try prying the keys out of my hands man," Drew playfully jabbed his fingers in his face, laughing when they were swatted away. He turned to Demetri who bounced on his heels.

"Congratulations Mr James," Demetri tried the handshake but ultimately failed, fumbling his hands, only to pat him on the shoulder instead, making them all cringe. "Well done."

"Thank you... Man" Drew was weirded out by the interaction. He took his gift and placed it in his bag, eager to go and find the rest of his friends. "I'll be at the country club after school. See you guys later."

They all waved him off, "Bye."

"He's definitely planning something," Cameron commented as they saw more football players swarm her cousin. "Just dreading what's to come."

Hawk stated, "Man I cannot wait until senior year."

"When we both get into M.I.T. on early admissions," Demetri voiced to his best friend who laughed in response.

"Standford for you right?" Cameron turned to Miguel who frowned slightly before scratching the back of his head. "Or not..."

"Might not be on the cards," Miguel countered, recalling all that was said at dinner.

Cameron's brows furrowed, "But you're getting straight A's?"

Miguel's lips parted in shock,  "How did you know?"

"I noticed," Cameron quietly confessed, staring at him for a moment only to glance away when Hawk and Demetri seemed to be blatantly listening in. So she took a step back, "Well I'm gonna go to Art Class so I'll meet you at Miyagi-do."

Snapping out of his trance, Miguel suggested "I could me walk you there?"

Hawk exchanged an amused look with Demetri.

Cameron exhaled,  "You don't have to."

Miguel was cut off by a cheery scream, "Cameron!"

The boys turned to the source.

"Besides I have Anala," Cameron added, as the girl in question skipped over.

"Hi guys," She waved at them, Hawk seemed to gawk at her. "Glad your back's doing okay." She said Miguel who was taken aback.

"You did not just say that," Cameron muttered, taking Anala's hand and pulling her away. "Later guys."

"Bye," Miguel waved.

Demetri dazedly did the same to Anala, as did Hawk.

"Jesus Christ," Miguel mumbled.

Hawk exclaimed, "She's so hot."

"And gay," They all snapped toward the voice of Lily whose eyes trailed over her ex as she walked away with an upset Moon. "Talk quieter."

"What the hell's wrong with Moon?" Hawk questioned after staring Lily's retreating figure down.

"You didn't hear? She broke up with Piper." Demetri informed, then jokingly darted between them. Miguel was the only one looking at him expectedly. "A lot of breakups boys," Demetri trailed off, "who'd of thought I would be the only one in a relationship junior year?"

Hawk just scoffed, turning back to him with an eye roll. While Miguel took it personally.

"Not for long." He said, promisingly.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

"DAMN it! How do they make it look so easy on Hillbilly Handfishin'?" Mitch said, trying to capture another koi, but insanely failing. They all were.

"Agh! Shit! This is impossible!" Hawk exclaimed.

"Patience. You'll figure it out." Daniel reassured then, his eyes lit up when he saw Cameron was actively taking part today. "Cameron, not taking a back seat today?"

"I was actually being patient Mr. LaRusso." Cameron's words finally reached Miguel who stared in realisation,  "We all need to be. The fish are too smart."

"And we need to be slow," Miguel deduced, turning back to the pond.

"Right."

"I have an idea," a fleeting smile made its way onto his face. He slowly stepped into the pond, startling the others. "Come on, get in."

"What the..." hawk trailed off, but decided to do it, especially when Cameron surprisingly did the same.

"Follow my lead," Miguel said, trudging through the pond, waist-deep. "Walk in a circle." The koi fish began to evade them, yet swam in refuge under the decking.

"It's working." Hawk realised wonder breached his gaze. "They're going under the board."

Miguel took the bait, reached under and grabbed one, lifting it in the air with a gaping mouth.

"We have a winner!" Daniel congratulated. "Good job, Miguel. Good job."

Mitch slapped the surface of the pond in frustration.

"I can't take all the credit," Miguel went to argue only for Cameron to hush him up as he let the fish go.

"Nah, it's all you."

Thankfully the class finished but, Cameron swallowed her disdain since she was dripping wet.

"Hey Cameron," Miguel approached her after getting out of the pond. "Why didn't you want me to share the credit?"

"Didn't want to touch a slimy fish," Cameron argued, crookedly smiling as she turned up her nose at the dampness wafting through the dry air.

The towels weren't enough, she needed an hour's worth of bathing before she would go on a run.

"Not true. You didn't have to let me just soak up the glory," Miguel cracked a smile, "pardon the pun."

Cameron almost laughed, "Well you won't at All Valley so don't worry."

He chuckled, "Oh really?"

"Yes really," she said teasingly.

"Miguel," Daniel's voice interrupted their conversation.

A moment passed and they all gathered around the sparring deck, to see Miguel being presented with a lotus flower design headband mirroring Daniel's.

"Mr. Miyagi once told me that this represents perseverance, courage, and strength." Miguel stood proudly as he accepted Daniel's praise and the headband. "It also does a pretty good job of keeping the sweat out of your eyes." Daniel smiled when Miguel turned around, "Okay." They bowed to each other, whilst the Miyagi-do's joined the Eagle Fang's.

Cameron looked down, the conflicting feelings coursed through her.

And she wasn't the only one opposed to the sight.

"What the hell?" Johnny said from afar.

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a/n:

happy holidays to everyone!!!

the first interaction between robby and cameron and it was just straight hands. imagine miguel finding out.

not her preaching about patience as if she didn't strike first. how do you think that'll work especially if others find out?