PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
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STOP BEING A FREAKIN GHOST READER!!! VOTE PLEASE!!!!!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! PLEASE!
i'm sorry for all the notifications but us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up but votes are not... its hard for my motivation!

Belle stood near the gate, her eyes flickering to the clock every few seconds as she waited for Axel's flight to land. The airport was bustling with people, the soft murmur of announcements overhead mixing with the sound of rolling suitcases and hurried footsteps. But despite the chaos around her, Belle felt like the world had narrowed down to this single moment. Axel was coming. Axel was finally coming.

Her heart raced, her stomach fluttering with both excitement and anxiety. It had been so long since she'd seen him-too long. The last time had been after Kwon's death, a time when everything had felt like it was crumbling. Belle hadn't been in the best place then. She hadn't known how to deal with the grief or the emotions that had flooded her after losing someone so important. She'd pushed Axel away, too focused on trying to survive her own pain to let him help her.

Now, with everything that had happened, Belle was desperately hoping that things would be different. That when Axel walked off that plane, they could pick up where they left off and maybe-just maybe-be better than before.

Aaliyah, standing next to her, noticed her daughter's tension. "Hey," she said softly, placing a comforting hand on Belle's shoulder. "You're okay, alright? He's on his way."

Belle nodded but couldn't shake the nerves. She kept fidgeting, glancing anxiously toward the gate as if she could will Axel to appear faster. "It's just... It's been so long, Mom," she admitted, voice a little shaky. "I don't even know what to expect. The last time I saw him, everything was falling apart. I pushed him away, and now-now I'm not sure if he's going to want anything to do with me."

Aaliyah's face softened with understanding. "You were going through a lot, Belle. It wasn't just you pushing him away-it was grief, and you were trying to deal with something that was way too big for one person to handle. But Axel? He cares about you. He's not going to walk away."

Belle bit her lip, her nerves intensifying. "What if... What if I messed everything up?"

"You didn't," Aaliyah said firmly. "You both have time to rebuild. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Just breathe."

Belle tried to steady her breathing, but it felt impossible. Her thoughts were running a mile a minute, and every second felt like an eternity. She shifted from foot to foot, staring at the gate, imagining Axel walking through the crowd. What would it be like to see him again? Would he still look at her the same way? Would she still feel that pull toward him, that warmth in her chest?

"Mom, I can't-" Belle began, but Aaliyah cut her off gently.

"Turn around."

Belle frowned, confused. "What?"

Aaliyah smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. "Just turn around. Trust me."

Belle hesitated, but then-she did. Slowly, she turned her body, scanning the crowd behind her, and her breath caught in her throat when her eyes locked onto him. There he was. Axel. Standing at the entrance of the gate, his eyes scanning the area before landing on her. The world seemed to pause for a second as she took him in-his dark hair slightly tousled, the way his eyes softened when they met hers. He was real. He was here.

Before she could even think, her legs moved on their own, carrying her forward, and then, she was running toward him, her heart pounding in her chest. Axel's expression brightened as she neared, and before either of them could say a word, Belle threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest, feeling the warmth of his embrace, the familiarity of his presence.

"Axel," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "You're really here."

Axel chuckled, a low, breathless sound, and he pulled her even closer, wrapping his arms around her in return. "Of course I am. I told you I would be."

Belle pulled back just enough to look up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I missed you," she murmured, her voice soft but full of meaning. The words felt like they were bubbling up from somewhere deep inside her, somewhere she hadn't let herself go in a long time.

Axel's gaze softened, and before she could say anything else, he cupped her face in his hands. "I missed you too, Belle. More than you know."

And just like that, the space between them disappeared, and she kissed him. It was a kiss that felt like home-familiar, desperate, as if they were both trying to make up for the lost time. Belle melted into the kiss, all of her worries, all of her doubts, fading away in the heat of the moment. She kissed him with everything she had, pouring all of the longing, the hurt, the hope she'd been holding onto into that single, perfect kiss.

When they finally broke apart, both of them breathless, Belle smiled up at him, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "I guess I really did miss you," she said with a grin, her voice teasing but full of affection.

Axel smiled back, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "I can tell," he said, his voice warm and playful. "But I think I missed you more."

Belle's heart fluttered again, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to feel everything she had been holding back. This was where she was supposed to be. With Axel.

Belle and Axel entered the ice cream shop, the sound of the door's bell ringing softly above their heads as they stepped inside. The cool, sweet scent of vanilla, chocolate, and sugar greeted them, making Belle feel momentarily lighter. It was a small shop, cozy and warm, with colorful walls and chalkboard menus that made it feel like a hidden gem. She'd chosen it because it felt safe, familiar-like a place where the world couldn't reach them.

Belle walked slowly to the counter, scanning the ice cream options with a sigh, her thoughts drifting. Axel, noticing the way her shoulders were tense and her eyes unfocused, nudged her lightly.

"You okay?" he asked, a hint of concern in his voice. He knew she had been on edge ever since the Sekai Taikai fiasco, since everything had started shifting. The atmosphere between the dojo members had been charged with tension, and it didn't seem like anyone could escape it. "You gonna get the usual, or something new?"

Belle shrugged, her fingers tapping the counter rhythmically, a nervous habit she couldn't quite shake. "I don't even know," she muttered, glancing up at the menu. The words on the board blurred in front of her eyes. "Everything just feels... off lately."

Axel waited patiently, his gaze soft but watchful, knowing she wasn't finished. Belle sighed, her hand falling from the counter as she crossed her arms. "Miyagi-Do's shut down again. Sensei LaRusso shut it down, and everything's been weird. I can't even get a good read on anyone anymore. Like, after the Sekai Taikai, it just feels... like we're all stuck, you know?"

Axel nodded, leaning against the counter as he listened. He knew she had been processing a lot in the last few weeks-more than anyone should have to. After Kwon's death, after everything that happened, Belle had thrown herself into sorting out her emotions. The grief had weighed her down, and she was only starting to come up for air. "I get it," Axel said, his tone quieter. "It's been the same with the Iron Dragons. It's like no one knows where they stand anymore. Silver's still trying to figure out how to get the Sekai Taikai back, but it's just so... awkward. No one's the same, Belle. Everyone's acting like nothing happened, like things will go back to normal if we pretend hard enough, but they won't."

Belle bit her lip, staring at the ice cream menu but not really seeing it. "And even after Kwon died... everything's still so messed up. I keep thinking, 'Okay, I'll get used to it,' but I can't. It's like... how can you just go back to normal after everything that's happened?"

Axel stepped closer, his eyes softening as he reached out, placing a hand gently on her arm. "You don't have to get used to it all at once. We don't have to have everything figured out right now." He smiled a little, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm still here, Belle. We'll work through it together, okay?"

Before she could respond, the door to the ice cream shop opened with a soft jingle, and Belle's stomach dropped. She hadn't heard it, but the moment she saw the familiar figure, her heart stuttered. Miguel.

Her breath caught in her throat, her body freezing in place as her eyes locked onto Miguel's. The last time she'd seen him-heard his voice-had been a month ago, when the argument had escalated. The words they'd thrown at each other felt like daggers now. The pain. The misunderstanding. The guilt.

She had never wanted it to end like that, but what could she do? He couldn't understand Axel's connection to Kwon, and Miguel hadn't been able to see things from her perspective. The fight had left a bitter taste in her mouth, and now, seeing him again, it felt like reopening a wound she hadn't even realized was still bleeding.

"Belle, you okay?" Axel asked, his voice low, concerned when he noticed her stiffening. His eyes followed her gaze, landing on Miguel, standing near the door, looking at the menu.

Belle felt her pulse quicken, her heart racing in her chest. She didn't know if she was ready to face him-not after the argument, not after everything that had happened. Her entire body screamed for her to leave, to avoid the confrontation, but it wasn't that easy.

Before she could even think, her feet were moving. "Let's go," she muttered under her breath, grabbing Axel's arm and pulling him towards the door, her heart pounding in her ears. She could feel the tension radiating off of Axel as he followed her, though he didn't pull away.

As they reached the door, Miguel turned his head toward them. His gaze locked on Belle, and she felt a sharp pang in her chest. His expression shifted-confusion, maybe guilt, maybe something else-but she couldn't deal with it. Not now. Not here.

Axel glanced back at Miguel, his jaw tightening slightly, his protective side rising to the surface. His voice was firm, commanding as he spoke to Miguel. "Don't come near her again," he said, his words clear and cold.

Miguel froze for a moment, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. He opened his mouth, clearly about to respond, but no sound came out. Sam stood beside him, her eyes darting back and forth between Axel and Belle. But Belle didn't wait to see what would happen next. She pulled Axel out of the shop and into the cool evening air, the door chiming behind them.

Axel's hand found hers in a firm, steady grip as they walked quickly down the sidewalk, the lights of the city flickering around them. Belle's mind was racing, her body still shaking from the encounter, but Axel kept his pace beside her, his presence grounding her.

"Belle," Axel said softly, his voice low. He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Are you okay?"

Belle looked up at him, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety swirling inside her. "I don't know. I just wasn't ready to see him. Not after everything. It's still... raw. I thought maybe with time, I'd be able to talk to him, but it's just too much."

Axel nodded, understanding. "You don't have to talk to him if you're not ready. You don't owe him anything." He paused for a moment before adding, "And I meant what I said back there. Miguel needs to stay away from you. You don't need the drama right now. You've been through enough."

Belle smiled a little, a mixture of gratitude and something deeper in her eyes. "Thank you, Axel. For being here. For standing up for me." Her voice faltered slightly. "I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't been there."

Axel leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You don't have to worry about that. I've got you. Always."

Belle let out a long breath, feeling a little more at ease, but the tension was still there, lingering. For now, she was with Axel, and that was enough. But everything else? It would take time to sort out.

ONE MONTH AGO...

The dim light from the bathroom illuminated Belle's face as she stood in front of the mirror, her eyes hollow and red from the restless night. Barcelona felt like another world now, like it was from another life-before everything went wrong. The events from the brawl, the fight that ended Kwon's life, played over and over in her mind. She couldn't shake the image of Axel's face as he'd tried to stop it, the desperation in his eyes when he realized what had happened.

Belle couldn't understand how everything had gone so horribly wrong.

Her phone buzzed on the hotel room's bed, the sound sharp in the silence, and her heart skipped when she saw the text: Miguel.

She stared at the screen for a long moment before deciding to leave the room. The last thing she wanted to do was stay cooped up. After everything that had happened, she needed air, space. But even more than that, she needed to escape the suffocating grief that was clouding her every thought. Maybe getting out of her head for a few minutes would help.

Grabbing her jacket, she walked briskly down the hall, her footsteps echoing in the hallway of the hotel. Every step felt heavy, like she was walking through a dream, but when she reached the elevator and pressed the button, she didn't feel anything at all.

The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and as Belle stepped out into the lobby, her eyes immediately caught sight of him.

Miguel.

Her chest tightened, her breath caught. He was standing by the counter, looking down at his phone, and for a split second, she thought maybe she could avoid him. But before she could make a move, he looked up. His gaze immediately found hers, and it was like the air between them crackled.

He took a few steps toward her, his face tight. "Belle," he said, his voice hesitant but firm. "I need to talk to you."

Belle's heart skipped a beat, and she braced herself. She didn't want to deal with this right now. Not here, not like this. But the tension between them was already too thick.

"Now?" she asked, her voice sharp. "After everything, you think now is a good time?"

Miguel's jaw tightened. "I need to know the truth, Belle. Axel was there. He was the one fighting Kwon, wasn't he? He was the one who-" He stopped, voice rising, his anger barely contained. "I need to know, because Kwon didn't deserve this. And Axel-he didn't even try to help him. Kwon was fighting for his life, and Axel..." His voice cracked slightly. "He made it worse!"

Belle's stomach churned as the words hit her like a punch. He didn't know. He didn't understand. Axel had tried to stop Kwon. Kwon had been the one to make the first move, to push things to that dangerous edge. The sword-Kwon had been holding it when he did that high kick, and it wasn't Axel's fault that Kwon had landed wrong and fallen onto it. But none of that mattered to Miguel, did it?

Belle felt her whole body heat up with anger. She took a step forward, her fists clenched at her sides. "You're wrong, Miguel!" she snapped. "You don't get to blame Axel for what happened. You don't know what you're talking about!"

Miguel's expression faltered for a moment. "I know enough," he argued, stepping closer, his voice low and demanding. "I know what I saw, and I saw Axel fighting him. And now Kwon's dead-because of him!"

Belle's vision blurred with tears that burned behind her eyes, a surge of emotion pushing her to the edge. She couldn't believe this was happening, couldn't believe that after everything, Miguel was standing there, throwing accusations at Axel when he wasn't the one at fault.

"You don't get to do this, Miguel!" Belle yelled, her voice shaking with emotion. "You don't get to blame my boyfriend for something that wasn't his fault! Axel never wanted any of this to happen. Kwon... Kwon made his choices, and that's what led to this, not Axel!"

Miguel stepped back, his face conflicted, but his anger hadn't fully subsided. "You're defending him like he's perfect! You're letting him off the hook for something he-"

"I'm done!" Belle shouted, her voice a sharp contrast to the silence that had overtaken the lobby. "I'm done with you! I'm done with all of this!"

Her hands trembled with the weight of everything she was feeling. The grief, the anger, the confusion-it was all so much. And in that moment, it all crashed down on her. She turned to Axel, she remembered Kwon, she remembered everything- and Miguel wasn't a part of it anymore.

"I hate you, Miguel!" she cried, her voice breaking as the words poured out of her. "I hate what you're saying, and I hate the way you're treating Axel. I don't want to see you again. Ever."

Miguel's face crumpled, the realization dawning on him too late. His eyes widened, and he took a step forward, his voice pleading. "Belle, I didn't mean it like that. Please, listen-"

"No!" Belle interrupted, shaking her head vehemently. "Don't even talk to me anymore. I don't want to hear anything you have to say."

She turned on her heel before Miguel could say another word, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her, but she forced herself not to look back. She couldn't. She wasn't going to allow him to pull her back into this mess. Not after everything she had already gone through. Not after what Axel had done for her.

With every step she took away from Miguel, it felt like her heart was shattering, but she kept walking. She pushed open the hotel doors, the cold night air hitting her face like a slap. She didn't know what to do with all the pain that surged inside her, but she knew this much: Miguel was no longer a part of her life. Not after everything that had happened.

And when she found Axel again, when she could breathe, she'd make sure he knew that.

But for now, the world felt emptier, quieter. The argument with Miguel hung heavy in the air, and Belle realized the truth, too late-it was over.

ASH SPEAKS!!

this a filler chapter since in episode 11, theres no where to fit belle :)

we'll get more into belle and miguel during the past month next chapter!

also hiii!! welcome back to the final chapters. i can't believe this is happening :( we only have a few chapters left and then this over.

i'm so excited for what is stored left!! so please don't be a ghost reader and keep voting, commenting and reading.

updates will be every 2-5 days only because i have to update a lot more fanfics now! i am not abandoning any fic, i just have more fics to update now so updates MIGHT be slow.

also today is the first day of cobra kai s6 part 3, so no spoilers please for those who might not be finished with cobra kai :)

but again, no ghost readers please!!! this almost the end!! please vote and comment :)

PLEASE DONT BE A GHOST READER!!!
COMMENT AND VOTE! IT HELPS US WRITERS STAY MOTIVATED:) PLEASE STOP BEING A GHOST READER!!! PLEASE JUST VOTE AND COMMENT!!!!

STOP BEING A GHOST READER!! PLEASE!
i'm sorry for all the notifications but us writers work hard on these chapters. i know i ask this a lot, but i really don't like ghost readers because i work super hard on these chapters so when i see views going up but votes are not... its hard for my motivation!