Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I’ve never had a good relationship with my parents.

Beatrix yelled at her mom and dad once again for searching her room and barging in. Usually, whenever she was upset at them, her dad would start yelling and her mom would start crying. Her sister, Camille, was thankfully too young to understand.

I regret ever yelling in front of my baby sister. Thankfully, she couldn’t understand anything yet.

"Why?" Beatrix shot back. "So you can tell me again how I should feel?"

“You're overreacting, sweetie. We’re just trying to help." Her mom said with a sickeningly sweet smile.

Help. That word. They always said they were helping, but to me, it felt more like being smothered. I was 15, and yet every decision- what I wore, what I ate, who I talked to- was under their microscope. It wasn’t love anymore.

"Beatrix, this family has always been open with each other. We don’t do secrets. We don’t hide things." Her dad explained and Beatrix felt herself clench her fists, anger bubbling beneath the surface. 

That was exactly the problem. There were no boundaries. They were everywhere, all the time, hovering like drones.   

“Dad, I’m not hiding anything,” Beatrix said, trying to explain things to her parents with desperation. “But I need space. I need my own life.”

There was a pause before her mom and dad exchanged glances. They didn't get it, and they never would.

“You don’t need space from your family,” Her mom finally replied, her voice sweetened. "We’re just trying to protect you."

"From what?!" Beatrix screamed, her frustration boiling over. "From making my own decisions? From living my life without you watching everything I do? I’m not a kid anymore!"

You don’t understand how the world works…

"Beatrix, you don’t understand how the world works," Her dad said, voice firm. "We’ve been through more than you can imagine, and we know what’s best. One day, you’ll thank us for this."

I’ve heard this a thousand times before, the condescending lecture disguised as love. Sometimes I wondered how Patrick was able to get through this before becoming a full adult.  

Beatrix pressed her palms against her temples, trying to breathe, trying to find calm in the middle of a storm she knew she couldn’t escape.

"We're not going to let you shut us out, Beatrix," Her mom said softly, placing a hand on her daughter’s shoulder.

Beatrix flinched. It wasn’t a comforting touch. More of a slap to the face or a punch to the gut than anything else.

"Let’s talk this through," Jack added. "As a family."

Beatrix shook her head. "Talking" was never about listening. It was about them deciding what was best and her complying. She could feel the walls closing in. They wouldn’t leave. They wouldn’t stop. 

"I don’t want to talk," She said, stepping back, her voice trembling. "I want you to leave me alone."

Claire frowned, confused, as if Beatrix were speaking a foreign language. "We love you, sweetheart."

"You love the idea of me," Beatrix snapped back with teary eyes. "But you don’t actually know who I am, and you don’t care. You just want to control everything."

“Oh, honey, you don’t mean that.” Her mom whispered, her eyes tearing as fat tears ran down her face.

And there she went again. Crying because when she started crying, dad started yelling and hitting. And then that would usually shut me up.

Her dad’s face tightened, and his voice grew hard. “What did you just say?” His voice was low, dangerous. He took a step toward her, his broad shoulders casting a shadow over her small frame.

“I said you don’t love me. You love the idea of me,” she repeated, louder this time. Her heart pounded, but the words tumbled out in a rush, years of frustration spilling over. In a flash, his hand lashed out, striking her across the face. Beatrix stumbled, the sharp sting spreading across her cheek. She caught herself on the table, gasping.

I refused to cry in moments like that. In moments where they wanted you to feel vulnerable.

Her mother flinched but didn’t intervene. She never did. She stood in the doorway, her face blank, eyes glazed over like she wasn’t even there. “You think you can talk to me like that in my own house?” her father growled, his fists clenched. “We work for you and your sister, we provide for you, and this is the thanks we get?”

I always hated my mother for never standing up for me. For being a silent coward.

Beatrix pushed herself up, her face throbbing, but her voice was steady. “You don’t provide anything.” She spat the words, knowing they would cost her, but unable to stop. His hand shot out again, harder this time. She felt the impact before she registered the pain, the sharp crack of bone meeting bone. She fell against the wall, her vision swimming, but still, she didn’t cry. Instead, she glared up at him, hate burning in her chest.

But, like they say. Like mother, like daughter.

Her mother moved then, stepping between them, her arms raised as if to shield Beatrix. “Please,” her voice was thin, barely a whisper. “She’s just a kid. Stop.”

He shoved her aside, not hard but enough to make his point. “Shut up. Both of you. You’re lucky you have me. Ungrateful brats.”

Without another word, Beatrix turned and stormed up the stairs, her heart pounding with anger and helplessness. She slammed the door to her bedroom and collapsed onto her bed, her body trembling. Beatrix turned her head to see her 1 year old sister, Camille, sleeping soundly. She was too young to understand what was happening. And too young to know what would happen when she grew up.

I love Camille.

She breathed in a shaky breath before carrying her sister in her arms, she looked out the window, the moon shining through the satin curtains before looking back at her sister. Beatrix’s face stung from the slap, as well as the bruises on her arms and legs as well. She let out a sigh before nodding and staring out the window again. Tonight’s the night.

I wasn’t about to leave her to go through the same things I’d gone through.

Chapter Text

In a sunlit ballet studio, a girl stood poised at the center, her focus intent, preparing to practice. Her hair was neatly gathered into a bun, and her white practice tutu flutters as she breathes deeply. The soft piano begins, echoing the opening melody. She steps into first position, her toes turned out gracefully, arms gently curved as she awaits the moment to begin. As the music swells, she takes her first light step, a floating glissade, her feet barely brushing the floor as she glides effortlessly to the side. Her arms extend delicately into a third arabesque, fingertips reaching out as though touching an invisible thread of the music itself.

The next phrase demands precision and lightness. She performs a quick series of petits jetés, her body springing into the air, weightless and delicate as a breath. Each jump is soft, yet precise, her landings perfectly controlled.  The girl’s feet move with agile speed, alternating between tendus and quick, sharp sautés. As the variation reaches its lyrical center, the girl transitions into an ethereal balancé, swaying side to side with a subtle rise and fall.  Her arms sweep softly from side to side, mimicking the soft, fluttering nature of the music. The choreography intensifies as she prepares for a sequence of pirouettes. 

The girl rises into relevé, her foot pulling into a tight passé as she turns, her torso held tall and poised. Her eyes stay locked on her spotting point, helping her maintain balance through the multiple rotations.  In the final moments of the variation, she performs a series of ballottés, her legs flicking out, light and airy, as if she is dancing on air. Her feet point and flex in perfect timing with the lilting notes of the music, while her arms extend in delicate curves, framing her face in an expression of pure joy. The dance finishes with a final, soft assemblé, her feet coming together as she lands in a perfect fifth position. Breathless but composed, the girl pauses, holding her final pose with grace, her arms extended softly into an open, welcoming gesture.

 She takes a deep breath, her chest rising and falling before she jumps from the loud clatter of the door. “Practicing again, sugarplum fairy?” A male voice behind her asked with amusement.

“Hi, Trick.” Trixie waved, walking over to get a drink of water as she wiped the sweat off of her forehead with a slight smile, “Aren’t you supposed to be at work by now?”

“Not yet. Why’re you practicing so early?” Her brother asked curiously, “It’s six in the morning!”

“Well I just thought it’d be good to practice for a few before heading off to go to school.” Trixie smiled and her brother shook her head.

“School’s in an hour, just thought you want to know.” He said. Trixie nodded before brushing past him to go get ready for school, water bottle in hand.

As Trixie exited the basement, she kissed her baby sister, Camille, on her head as the baby giggled. She set her water bottle on the kitchen counter before going upstairs to her room.

Unlike her old room in Hamilton, it was a lot more spacious and definitely more homey. Her bed was elevated, creating space beneath it. Underneath the bed, there was a set of drawers for clothes, along with a laundry basket that Trixie had been putting off doing for two day’s. Adjacent to the bed was a tall bookshelf filled with books and storage boxes, a small plant and a bottle full of seashells and rocks she collected with Camille was sat on top of the shelf.

Trixie untied her hair from the bun, scratching her scalp with a content sigh before unlacing her ballet shoes. She slid off her leotard and tights before changing into a pair of jeans, white tank top, and sliding a gray knitted cardigan over. Trixie smiled to herself before changing into a pair of clothes for the day. The outfit included a loose-fitting black jacket with a zipper and snap buttons, a hood, oversize sleeves with elastic cuffs, and large front pockets. Underneath a black top was worn and the look was completed with casual brown pants. She opened a small box that sat on her shelf and took out a silver chain, fastening it around her neck before turning to her desk and grabbing two out of the ten rings she had, placing them on her ring and middle finger.

She turned to a full-length mirror in the corner, checking out her outfit before nodding and leaving her room happily. Trixie brushed out the lumps in her hair and lotioned her hands before leaving her room. She gasped as she almost stepped on her cat, Dori, on her way down the stairs. “Dori, what’re you doing?” She cooed as she picked the black kitty up from the ground. The cat meowed in response and Trixie smiled. “Oh, well, wouldn’t want to keep Trick waiting, do we?”

“Are you talking to the cat again?” Patrick called from the kitchen. “I’m starting to think you’re a schizophrenic.” He said.

“Well, we wouldn’t want that would we?” Trixie joked as she placed Dori down on the ground.

“I would, maybe they could take you away to a mental hospital where you belong and I can be alone for once.” Patrick rolled his eyes.

“Ouch, you’re so mean.” Trixie pouted playfully as she picked her baby sister up from the highchair by the dining table with a giggle.

“So, are you sad that summer's ending?” Patrick was making breakfast for the three of them. He cut up some carrots and flipped pancakes on the stone.

Trixie shrugged as she helped Camille put on her shoes, “Meh, either way, I’m not doing much but studying and doing homework.” She said, as Camille tugged on her pajama shirt.

“Well, you won’t be ready if you don’t change to something more presentable.” Patrick pointed out and Trixie rolled her eyes.

She smelled smoke coming from the kitchen and widened her eyes to see a few burnt pancakes on the stove. Her brother turned to her with a cheeky smile, “Whoops?”

“At least the smoke alarms didn’t go off.” Trixie smiled, “Whether that’s a good or bad thing, I’m not so sure now that I think about it.”

Patrick shrugged, “Well, I’ve gotta drive Camille to daycare, alright? Are you taking the Nissan?” He asked and Trixie nodded. “Alright, well, I’ll be out late again so just try not to burn the house down.”

“Look who’s talking.” Trixie chuckled, “See ya.”

“Make sure to take out the trash and do the dishes.” Patrick said as he waved goodbye and carried Camille out of their shared apartment room. Trixie let out a deep breath, before opening the trash bin and grabbing the plastic trash bag.

She heaved the trash bag in her arms, opening the door with her foot before dragging it outside.

“Uh, hey!” A voice called out. Trixie rolled her eyes, turning her head to see a boy. She slightly squinted her eyes as she observed him. She’d never seen him before. “I’m Miguel, my family just moved into 109.” He smiled.

Trixie set down the trash bag with a smile, “Nice to meet you, Miguel. I’m Beatrix, call me Bea or Trixie whichever one you prefer.” She said.

“Oh, um, well I was wondering if you were having any trouble with your water pressure since our sink’s pretty weird right now.” Miguel explained, following her as she made her way to the trash bins.

“Yeah, the water pressure is always like that. You have to hit it a few times to get it to work.” She said as she opened the trash bin and threw the bag in before closing it.

“Oh, well, thanks for the advice.” Miguel smiled, “Hey, do you know anything about an old man here?” He asked.

“An old man?”

“Yeah. Drunk, looking sort of homeless.” The boy said and immediately Trixie nodded.

“You mean Johnny Lawrence right? Weirdo with the beardo?” Trixie smiled and Miguel laughed with a nod. “Yeah, I know of him. What about him?”

“Nothing, just wondering since he seemed to be pretty hostile.” He said. Trixie shrugged.

“I’ve only lived here for two years so I don’t know much about him. But my brother might.” Trixie said, “Maybe if I get your number we could talk about it later?” She blurted out.

Miguel widened his eyes and Trixie realized what she said, “That is if you want to! I-I didn’t mean it like that!” She stuttered, flushing red, “I-I meant as, like, friends, y’know?!”

“Yeah, I know.” Miguel nodded bashfully, “I-I can, uh, give you my number.” He said. He almost felt giddy at first. Getting a pretty girl’s number on the first week he was here AND she was his neighbor? He must have been blessed by Lady Luck or something.

“Uh, here.” She said, taking out her phone, “Just type in your number and I’ll text you whenever I can.” 

Miguel nodded excitedly and Trixie couldn’t help but find him similar to a happy puppy. Although she wouldn’t know, considering she preferred cat’s over dogs. Miguel handed her back her phone before they both said goodbye to each other.

Trixie heard a chime from her phone and looked to see it was… Patrick?

Leprechaun🌈🍀: Hey, later after you get Camille can you go to the store and pick up some stuff for me?

Yeah, what’d you need?

Leprechaun🌈🍀: Can you get me some chips and coke?

Like the drug?

Wait nvm ignore that

Leprechaun🌈🍀: Dumbass

Stfu

So you want chips and coke?

Where’s the money?

I’m still broke y’know…

Leprechaun🌈🍀: I’m the one paying rent, remember?

😑

Okay, okay.

Fine but then you better buy me and Camille ice cream later 

Leprechaun🌈🍀: Deal

It’ll be too cold for ice cream anyways

It’s never too cold for ice cream

Anyways yeah I’ll get the stuff don’t worry

_____________________________________________________

“C’mon, Camille. Let’s go inside, alright?” Trixie smiled as Camille held her hand. They had been trying to get Camille out of her shell, to have her try to talk to people. So far, it wasn’t working.

“Hey! Trixie!” A familiar voice called out and Trixie turned around to see Miguel walking up to her.

“Hey, Miguel.” Trixie waved and she heard her sister whimper, hiding behind her. Miguel frowned, looking at the smaller girl with a slightly confused expression.

“Who’s that?” Miguel asked.

“My sister, Camille.” Trixie moved to the side as Camille stared at him with a deadpan face. “This is Miguel, Cami. Can you say Hi to him?”

Camille stared at Miguel with a wave. Trixie chuckled before walking with the both of them. “So, why’re you here?” She asked.

“Oh, well, I’m here for Pepto.” Miguel said before quickly adding, “For my grandma!”

Trixie nodded before they entered the shop. Camille tugged on Trixie’s sleeve and the girl pulled the toddler up into her arms. The door chimed and Camille giggled as Miguel asked the store clerk where the Pepto was. “Hey, is that the weirdo with the beardo, guy?” Camille whispered to Trixie and she widened her eyes.

“Cami, that’s very rude. Don’t say that when we’re around people.” Trixie said with a sigh, “Let’s just get some chips for Trick.” She said and Camille quickly nodded. As Trixie looked for some chips, she heard the door open and saw very recognizable people enter the gas station. Her eyes widened and she avoided eye contact, trying to focus her attention on Camille who had squirmed out of her arms to climb on the ice cream rack.

“Hey let’s get this!” She heard Kyler’s annoying voice yell as she saw them pick out light beer. God, what were they trying to do? Sign their life away or something?

“Trixie.” Camille poked her arm and pointed at the popsicles on the shelf with a smile, “Can we get some, please?”

Trixie sighed before nodding as she grabbed a bottle of coke. The two of them went up to the counter as she saw Kyler place the beer on the counter. “Uh, hey, aren’t you guys my age?” Miguel suddenly called out.

The store clerk looked between Kyler and Miguel before taking the beer and putting it on the other side of him, “I’m sorry, but you’re gonna need ID.”

Kyler and his group all exchanged looks before leaving the store, pushing Miguel out. Trixie winced as Camille placed their items down. As soon as they paid, Trixie rushed out of the gas station with Camille and the stuff in her arms. She widened her eyes as she saw the old homeless looking man beat up each and every one of the kids on the front lawn. Trixie slightly laughed before seeing the police show up and grimaced. Camille pouted and turned her face into the crook of Trixie’s neck. Trixie placed her hand on her ear, Camille’s other ear covered by her chest. “HEY! Get off the kid!” The officer yelled, pepper spraying him in his eyes as he screamed.

“Hey, hey! It’s not his fault.” Miguel tried to defend him but failed as Johnny was arrested. Miguel sighed as he spotted Trixie.

“You okay?” Trixie asked and Miguel nodded.

“Feels like I’ve been punched in the gut.” Miguel said as he wiped the pink substance from his cheek. Trixie nodded.

“I know the feeling.” She said before Camille stopped covering her eyes.

“Why’re you pink?” Camille asked and Miguel slightly laughed.

“Hey, you need a ride?” Trixie asked and Miguel shook his head furiously.

“Oh, no. I don’t wanna cause any trouble and I already got my bike-”

“We can put your bike in the trunk. And plus, we live in the same complex so we should just ride together.” Trixie said before adding, “I’d feel bad to leave you riding back with pepto all over you.”

Miguel rubbed the back of his head before nodding and Camille turned to Trixie with a frown, “Why does Pinkie Pie have to comeeee?” Camille whined, clearly upset at the thought of company.

“Well, Cami, Pinkie Pie is our neighbor.” Was all Trixie said before walking with Miguel to her car. He quickly grabbed his bike and placed it in the truck before getting into the car.

“Uh, hey, I just want to say thanks for giving me a ride.” Miguel said with a smile and Trixie nodded.

“It’s no problem! I’d feel bad.” Trixie said and she saw through the rearview mirror how Camille glared at the back of Miguel’s seat. “Cami, stop it.”

Camille crossed her arms with a ‘hmph!’ before turning away to look out the window. Miguel chuckled awkwardly as Trixie sighed, “Sorry about her. She doesn’t really like new people.” She explained, “Also, try not to get the seats all sticky with the pepto. Trick might be a bit upset.”

“Trick? Is that your boyfriend?” Miguel asked curiously. Though he didn’t think he’d be so curious and…

“Oh, god no.” Trixie widened her eyes, “He’s my brother!” She laughed.

“Trixie, when is Trickie gonna come back?” Camille asked, interrupting the two teenager’s conversation.

“Not for a long while, Cami.” Trixie said.

“So, how old is your brother anyways?” Miguel asked, still curious about her family. Trixie noticed how he seemed to always ask questions about things. 

It was kind of dorky in a cute way. Trixie bit her lip at the thought before speaking. “He’s 20 and works as a nurse. He wanted to save up to get a dog but since Cami and I like cat’s better, we got a cat instead.”

Miguel nodded, taking note that she liked cats better than dogs before the car stopped. Surprisingly, they were already there. Wow, time went fast.

Trixie got out of the car, opening the passenger door to carry Camille out of the car before setting her down. “You coming, Miguel?” She asked and he quickly nodded, unbuckling.

“Thanks for the ride.” Miguel smiled as they stood out near the courtyard. Trixie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with a smile.

“Don’t mention it, what’re friend’s for, right?” She asked before adding, “If you want to be friends, that is.”

“Well, we’ve already exchanged numbers. So I guess that automatically makes us friends, right?” Miguel asked and Trixie nodded.

“I guess, but there’s always a rulebook to being friends.” Trixie said and Miguel fake-pouted.

“Aw man, why didn’t I get one?” He frowned and Trixie laughed. Camille tugged on her sister’s shirt.

“Are we going home yet, Trixie?” Camille asked and Trixie nodded.

“Sorry, gotta go. See you… All the time since we lived next to each other?” Trixie asked and Miguel nodded eagerly.

“Uh, yeah! Totally.” He smiled and Trixie unlocked her apartment door before leaving. Miguel sighed to himself, still staring at her apartment door with a slight smile before remembering he still had pepto in his hair. And on his shirt.

_____________________________________________________

Yasmine, Sam, and Trixie walked past a table as they made their way to their lunch table. Trixie waved to Demitri, Eli, and Miguel and they waved back as Yasmine scoffed before heading over to the ‘popular’ table.

Miguel looked in shock as he saw the three girls walk past. “Dude, don’t torture yourself.” Demetri said as the three of them sat down. “Those are the rich girls.”

“Do you ever talk to them or…”

“Oh yeah! All the time. We hang out after school, make out, give each other handjobs.” Demetri said and gestured to the nervous boy next to him, “Eli here is the homecoming king. Gets laid more than anyone, isn't that right, Eli?”

Eli smiled at Demetri’s joke as they both turned their attention to Miguel. “Talk to them? You realize what table you’re sitting at, right? You’ve pretty much signed away all hopes of losing your virginity before college.”

“Oh, shit. Yasmine’s looking at us.” Eli noticed the blonde look at their table with a disgusted face. “Probably just making fun of me.”

“I don’t think she’s making fun of you. I mean, just because they’re hot doesn’t mean they’re mean.” Miguel countered, “I mean, Trixie’s nice.”

“Trixie? Pssh, that’s crazy. Why would we get with Trixie?” Demetri chuckled, “Also, how do you know Trixie?”

“We live next to each other. And why not? I mean, she’s hot and nice. What’s better than that?” Miguel asked as he looked over to where the popular table was.

Trixie was laughing with a smile before looking around and making eye contact with Miguel. He widened his eyes and Trixie waved before going back to her conversation. Demetri and Eli exchanged glances. “Sure, Trixie’s hot. And popular. But she’s technically our friend so… Kinda weird.”

“Well, she’s definitely not mean.” Miguel said as he saw Trixie shove her friend beside her playfully.

“Whatever, I don’t care if Yasmines the meanest girl at school. I’d kill both of you just to get her to spit in my face.” Demetri said as he watched Yasmine from afar.

"If you don't make a move, you'll never have a shot with her." Miguel pointed out. 

"True, but I'll also never suffer a humiliating rejection. I'm at peace with my depression. The last thing I need to be is suicidal." Demetri said, waving off Miguel's point. Miguel looked at the table before pushing himself out of his chair. "What are you doing?" Demetri asked. 

"Striking first," Miguel mumbled, walking away from the table. As Miguel slowly got closer to the table, Trixie looked over and smiled at him. Miguel waved back.

As he got to the table, two boys sat down at the table, two boys he recognized immediately. They were two of the boys who jumped Miguel at the strip mall. The tall one sat down next to Sam and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, looking up at Miguel as if he was mocking him.

_____________________________________________________

Pinkie Pie🐽: Hey, so quick question.

I told you that the sink pressure needs a hard hit before working

Pinkie Pie🐽: No it’s not about that

Also thanks for giving me the tip

The water pressures a lot better now

Anyways I was just wondering if you wanted to come join me and Johnny for karate tomorrow?

Karate???

Pinkie Pie🐽: Yeah dont worry its…

Easy

He said we needed ‘more badasses’ so i thought to message you

You think i'm a badass?

Pinkie Pie🐽: Kinda?

I mean you’re the only number i have either than my mom’s so I just thought i’d text you

Alright but if that alcoholic says anything sexist im leaving

Pinkie Pie🐽: …

I cant promise anything sorry

Chapter Text

The door to the new business at the Reseda strip mall rang as Miguel looked up from the dirty mat’s to see… Trixie! The girl looked around before spotting Miguel and smiling.

“Hi, am I early?” She asked and another man came out from the office. ‘That must be Johnny.’

“Trix?” Johnny asked, clearly confused. “What’re you doing here?”

“Miguel told me you needed more students so I thought that it’d be cool if I try out for karate.” Trixie said and Johnny looked at Miguel with a look before the two of them went to his office.

And they were not quiet.

“Please? She’s pretty badass!” She heard Miguel’s voice say.

“She’s a girl. You don’t wanna be a pussy, you wanna have balls.” Johnny said and Trixie feigned a laugh as he continued, “Girl’s are emotional, difficult to understand, and interrupting.”

“Please, just give it a chance. Her brother’s a nurse! She could probably pay well and she lives literally right next to us.”

“No.”

“She’s a badass.”

“No.”

“Just give it a chance. You said you wanted more students, right?” Miguel asked and there was a moment of silence before Johnny and Miguel exited the office and walked back on the mat.

“So?” Trixie asked and Johnny crossed his arms, scrutinizing her. She stared back before the man spoke.

“Okay, we’ll train you. But no more emotional girl crap, you’re gonna be a man here. You’re not gonna be a pussy, you’re gonna have balls.” Johnny said and Trixie looked at him with an unimpressed look.

“Sure.” She shrugged and set down her bag, “When do we start?”

“Right now.” Johnny said, “Punch the dummy.” He pointed to the dummy.

Trixie looked at Miguel with a confused look before shrugging and standing in front of the dummy. She shifted her left leg up a bit before relaxing her shoulders and throwing a solid punch to the dummy’s face.

“Hm. Well, you can throw a punch better than this guy.” Johnny gestured to Miguel and the boy rolled his eyes.

“Thank you?” Trixie said, though it came out as more of a question as she looked at Miguel for help.

“That was pretty good Cobra material, wasn’t it Sensei?” Miguel asked.

Johnny frowned slightly before shrugging, “If she pays well, she can stay.” He said and Trixie shrugged.

“It sounds fun. But yeah, I’ll come back next time with a paycheck if my time is well spent.” Trixie joked as she got her water bottle and took a drink. Johnny went to his office and Miguel sat down with her. Trixie started doing Butterfly stretch while drinking some water before changing into the splits. Miguel’s eyes widened.

“You’re really flexible, aren’t you?” Miguel said as he saw her change from a side split to a front split with ease.

“I do ballet, so I guess I’ve just been flexible for a while. You think it’ll help with karate?” She asked as she did a straddle pancake, leaning forward.

Miguel shrugged, “I dunno, I’m still a beginner myself.” He said and Trixie nodded for him to continue. “I just started a few days ago. After I got jumped.”

“Ah, that makes sense I guess.” Trixie thought before Miguel asked.

“What about you? Why’re you doing karate?” Miguel asked.

“You asked me to and you sounded desperate.” Trixie said before adding quietly, “And learning self-defense would’ve helped me a lot when I was younger.” She smiled before straightening her legs and leaning her body forward onto her legs with ease. Miguel didn’t press harder, it seemed like she was really touchy on the subject. He took notice on how her sleeve slightly rolled up to reveal a few scars before she stood up with a smile. “So? Do you think that you sensei will let me stay?” Trixie asked and Miguel snapped his attention away from her scars.

“Uh, yeah! Probably.” Miguel smiled and Trixie nodded.

“Well then I guess I will be seeing you around more.” Trixie said with a smirk.

_____________________________________________________

“Cyberbullying is no laughing matter.” The guidance counselor said. “Sending a cruel message to someone online can be just as hurtful as saying it to their face. I’m not gonna name names but the other day, someone's mother called me up because her son was crying after some kids online made fun of his facial deformity.”

Trixie sighed, didn’t teachers know that this wasn’t going to help Eli’s situation? I mean, she swore that beating the bullies up was a better option than actually addressing it… I mean, when did anyone ever bother with that ‘Be a buddy not a bully’ bullshit anyways? She remembered his red eyes and his lack of self-confidence. The way he cried scared her. Trixie never was good “But today, our goal here is to make this school a safe space for all students.” The guidance counselor continued. As the counselor droned on, Trixie continued texting her brother.

Patrick🌈🍀: Hey so right after school you need to pick up Camille

Right away

Why? Something happened?

Patrick🌈🍀: Yeah, something like that
Just pick her up immediately right after school

Trixie looked up to see Miguel staring at her. She slightly waved and smiled as he widened his eyes and smiled back. “You’re making googly eyes at that guy over there.” Sammy whispered into Trixie’s ear, “Do you like him~?”

“No, he’s just my friend, Sam.” Trixie whispered back, “It’s literally nothing more than that.”

“Okayyyy… But why’re you making that face?” Sammy asked the girl with a smirk. Trixie rolled her eyes.

“I’m not making any faces, Sammy.” Trixie said, pushing her away playfully, “Now, go text lover-boy Kyler.”

“Oh and one last thing. While we’re all looking forward to the Halloween dance, let’s make sure our costumes are culturally sensitive.” The guidance counselor said, “For example, instead of ‘sexy nurse’, maybe try ‘gender-neutral hospital employee’.”

_____________________________________________________

“Hey, what’re you working on?” Trixie asked Miguel. Miguel turned to Trixie with a smile. Since it was a study hall, both their computer’s and notebooks as well as homework papers were scattered around their table.

“Well, sensei told me that we need more people for the dojo. So I made…” Miguel typed on his computer before opening it up to a website for Cobra Kai. “This!”

Trixie gasped as she scrolled through the website and smiled, “You’d do all this for the dojo?”

“Yeah, I just thought it’d be nice for the dojo to have some sort of place where you can sign up.” Miguel smiled. Trixie nodded along with what he was saying.

“Wow, this is just…” Trixie’s voice trailed off as she thought for a second, “Y’know, I think this calls for a celebration after school.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, well, maybe I just wanna hang out with someone other than Yasmine and Moon.” Trixie smiled sheepishly.

“You’d rather hangout with me… Than them?” Miguel said, confused. Trixie nodded.

“Yep! After all, you’ve got a much more decent personality than they do.” The two toned haired girl said.

Trixie turned back, pushing her glasses up and sifting through her email to check spam and things teachers sent her.  Miguel watched as her brows furrowed and how she bit her lip slightly as she skimmed through the mountains of emails. He smiled slightly as Trixie smiled at the website she found. She turned to look at Miguel, who was staring at her. “Do you think sensei would be upset if I didn’t pay him yet?” She asked.

Miguel cleared his throat, turning his head. “He’d probably be fine. Maybe just don’t mention the paycheck.”

_____________________________________________________

“Hey, sensei, you told us to be here at five right?” Miguel asked as their sensei unlocked the building doors.

“Yeah, but today’s training’s canceled.” He said, opening the glass doors to the dojo building.

“What? Why?” Miguel asked.

“‘Cause I said so.” Their sensei said, entering the building as Miguel and Trixie chased after him into his office. The fluorescent lights gleamed brightly, making Trixie have a slight headache.

“Sensei Lawrence, there’s something that we wanna show you.” Trixie told the older man as he opened his fridge and started to drink some more beer.

“Look, I’m really not in the mood.” The man said.

“But, I think you’ll like it.’ Miguel said excitedly, pulling out his laptop as Trixie gave him a reassuring smile, “It’s a Cobra Kai web page, right? I made it in study hall and Trixie helped me design it. Click on the snake.” 

Their sensei went over and tapped the touch pad aggressively. The snake hissed and it scrolled down to a sign in page. Miguel turned to Sensei Lawrence enthusiastically. “Now, I was thinking that maybe we can make an app where you track your progress and Trixie was thinking about advertising it to the whole school!” Suddenly, Round and Round by Ratt started playing from Miguels phone. “Oh, that was my mom. I’ll call her back later.”

“Hey, was that just-”

“Ratt? Awesome, right?” Miguel smiled, “I went online and looked up Guns N’ Roses and ended up going on this whole ‘80s-rock rabbit hole.”

Trixie giggled, “I swear, sensei, he’s like another version of you. But less grumpy.”

“You-” Sensei Lawrence pointed at Trixie, “Are mean. And your brother is horrible.”

“Who do you think I take after in my family?” Trixie asked, “Definitely not my parents.” She smiled. Of course, the comment went unnoticed.

“All right.” Sensei Lawrence placed his drink on the table, “Meet me by the high school at midnight, don’t be late. Trixie, you’re coming too..”

“Alright…?” Trixie said, slightly confused as she shot Miguel a ‘What the fuck is he talking about’ look. 

_____________________________________________________

True to their word, Miguel and Trixie met up with Johnny at the high school at midnight. Miguel lied to his mom and said they were having a late-night study session, which she surprisingly believed. Thankfully, Trixie was able to convince Patrick to take care of Camille and convince him that she was having a sleepover at Sam’s house.

"Sensei, what are we doing here at midnight?" Miguel asked as they followed Johnny to the indoor pool.

 “Are you sure we're supposed to be here?" Trixie asked, looking around the dark and empty room nervously. 

"Yeah, don't worry. My buddy's the night janitor." Johnny dismissed. 

"Yeah, totally not worried." Trixie muttered. Johnny pulled a long piece of rope from his pocket and ushered the two kids over. 

"Stand back to back." He instructed. The two exchanged a glance before standing back to back. Johnny took the rope and started tying their hands together, so if one of them moved, the other had no choice but to follow. 

"What're you doing?" Miguel asked. 

"When you're in a fight, your first instinct is to use your hands, right? You gotta unlearn that and think with your legs." He explained, tightening the rope. 

"Uh, how do we think with our legs?" Trixie asked, a little worried. 

"Well you just-" He started before shoving them into the pool. The tied together teens fell into cold water, water filling their clothes and lungs as they both sunk to the bottom like stones. 

They struggled against their bindings, trying to move their hands but had a hard time, given the fact they were tied together. "Use those legs. Kick your way out." Johnny yelled, watching the two kids struggle. 

Bubbles rose to the surface as they took in more lungful's of water. "Shit." Johnny muttered before grabbing them both by their hair and pulling them up. They both gasped as the faces broke the surface, oxygen starting to fill their lungs again. 

"We're drowning." Miguel gasped. 

"Drowning is for pussies, all right? Don't be a pussy! Use your legs!" Johnny demanded before letting them both go. They sank to the bottom again, struggling. "I should've asked them if they knew how to swim." He reached his hand back into the water and pulled them up again.

 "We're gonna die! You’re literally waterboarding us!" Trixie panted.

 "Cobra Kai never dies. Say it." Johnny demanded.

 "Cobra Kai never dies." They responded in unison. 

"Like your life depends on it!" Johnny shouted.

"Cobra Kai never dies!" 

"I'm not gonna help you guys this time. You have all the power in your legs you need. Use it to kick your way up. Do you understand?"  The teens tried to protest, but Johnny let them go once more, making them sink. Miguel started kicking his legs with her doing the same. They kicked their legs until they finally reached the surface, taking in big gulps of air. 

"Yes, that's it! Keep kicking!" Johnny shouted proudly. They practiced that for a little bit until Johnny decided it was time for them to leave. He helped them out of the water and untied their hands as their soaking wet clothes dripped all over the place.

 "You know sensei, there's one thing I never got to tell you." Trixie said, rubbing her wrist where the rope was.

 "Oh yeah, what's that?" He asked. Trixie walked over and shoved him backward, making him land into the pool. She and Miguel burst out laughing while he swam to the surface, an angry look on his face. 

"You'll pay for that one." He growled. Trixie kept laughing when she suddenly felt a hand around her ankle. The next thing she knew, she was back in the pool. 4

"ASSHOLE!" She yelled playfully, splashing water at him, 

"Told you you'd pay." Johnny shrugged. Miguel looked at the two before shrugging and jumping into the water, joining his best friend and his sensei.

_____________________________________________________

Trixie stood before the mirror, her hands resting lightly on the barre. She began with a slow plié, her knees bending as her feet remained firmly in first position.  The warmth of the movement spreads through her legs as she rised smoothly, flowing into a tendu. Her right leg stretched outward, toes pointed like the tip of a paintbrush drawing an invisible line on the floor. She straightened, then glided into a series of glissades, her feet brushing the floor as she moved delicately to the center of the room.

Her arms rise gracefully above her head in fifth position, fingers softly curved. She balanced on her pointe, lifting herself with effortless grace. Her spine was elongated, her core strong. One foot left the ground in an exquisite arabesque, her leg extended behind her as her arms formed a soft curve in front. She moved through the next sequence, filled with delicate pas de bourrée, her feet crossing swiftly under her as she glided across the floor. Her expression is serene, focused. Her eyes sparkle with concentration as she attempts the difficult pirouette. 

Trixie takes a breath and spins, one leg bent in retiré while the other foot remains on pointe. Her arms stay fluid, guiding her around in a smooth, controlled rotation. For a final flourish, she executes a series of grand jetés. Leaping across the studio, her legs split in mid-air. Each leap is a moment of flight, capturing the spirit of the enchanted princess from the ballet. With one last elegant relevé, she rises on her toes, holding herself still for a moment.

“Wow, you’re really good.” Trixie screamed and turned around to see Miguel standing at the ballet doorway.

“Holy shit! Who let you in?!” Trixie yelled. Miguel smiled sheepishly.

“Your brother.” He said, “He seems pretty chill. He just left with Camille.”

Trixie sighed, taking her hair out of her bun and letting her hair fall down, scratching her scalp. “What’re you doing here? It’s the weekend.” She smiled.

“I thought that you’d want to hangout? Since we don’t have karate today.” Miguel smiled and Trixie nodded.

“Sure, let me go get ready. Oh, and I believe the pet sitter isn’t coming so maybe Dori can warm up to you.” Trixie smiled and grabbed her water bottle, taking a sip.

“Oh! Yeah, yeah I’ll wait for you.” Miguel smiled before they went up to the open concept apartment complex.

Trixie went to her room, locking her door before opening the attached bathroom and taking a shower. She scrubbed furiously, wanting to get every bit of grime and sweat off of her as she reached a few scars on her arm. She traced her scars, especially the one across the side of her torso. The scar on her torso was raised with uneven borders. The texture was smoother than the rest but still distinct, standing apart from the surrounding skin.

Trixie sucked in a breath before getting out of the shower and changing into a loose-fitting black zip-up hoodie, layered over a white top that peeks out from underneath. For bottoms, she slid on gray flared leggings. The leggings fit snugly at the top and gradually flare out at the bottom, creating a balanced silhouette with the oversized hoodie. Trixie smoothed out any imperfections, clasping a silver necklace around her neck before going to the living room. She felt her heart warm as she saw Dori laying on Miguel’s chest as he was petting the cat.

“We ready to go?” Trixie asked and Miguel sat up, Dory jumping off of his chest and onto the floor with a look of disapproval.

“Uh, yeah! So are we just gonna walk or…”

“We can take the car.” Trixie said as she sifted through a white bowl of nail clippers, coins, and other things before finding the car keys. “Where’re we headed to?”

“Ice cream?” Miguel suggested and noticed how Trixie lit up. ‘So she likes ice cream…’ He thought.

“Yes! That’s the best idea you’ve had all week.” She smiled and practically skipped out the door, Miguel following behind her with a smile as well.

“Do you have any money?” Miguel asked and Trixie held up a twenty dollar bill.

“I’ve never really seen any ice cream that costs ten dollars so I’m sure it’ll be enough for the both of us.” Trixie smiled and Miguel nodded before getting into shotgun.

As they made their way to the ice cream shop, Trixie broke the silence. “So, what flavor are you getting?” She asked, “Let me guess… Chocolate?”

“Meh, who knows? Maybe I’ll get Vanilla.” Miguel grinned, his eyes flicking to hers, a little longer than necessary.

Trixie laughed. “That’s about as wild as you get, huh?”

“Pretty much,” He said, shoving his hands into his pockets so he wouldn’t do something ridiculous, like reach for hers. “What about you? You seem like a strawberry kind of girl.”

“More of a bubblegum actually,” Trixie corrected and Miguel’s face contorted into disgust.

“Bubblegum? Seriously? I swear it’s like I don’t even know you.” Miguel said with a fake-pout and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“We haven’t even known each other for a full week yet. Of course you don’t.” Trixie smirked.

They reached the ice cream shop, the bell above the door chiming softly as they stepped inside. Trixie stood in front of the counter, scanning the flavors, though he could tell she wasn’t really reading them. Her focus seemed elsewhere. “I’ll have the bubblegum in a waffle cone please,” She said, already having decided on the ice cream flavor. “You?” She turned to Miguel.

“Chocolate.” Miguel said and Trixie rolled her eyes with a smile before turning back to the counter. “In a cup.”

“That’ll be 13 dollars.” The worker said and Miguel and Trixie exchanged surprised looks.

“We could just share.” Trixie suggested and Miguel shrugged.

“I’ll get whatever you want.” They both said and laughed.

“No, seriously. I don’t mind getting chocolate.” Trixie said.

“Are you sure? Because we can get bubblegum.”

“No, you just said you didn’t like bubblegum.” Trixie said before handing the worker a twenty dollar bill, “We’ll have chocolate in a cup, please.” She smiled.

The worker, albeit sort of bitch looking, nodded and got their ice cream ready. Trixie thanked the worker before the duo went outside to sit down. “Are you really sure about it? I mean, you seemed like you really wanted bubblegum.” Miguel said as Trixie handed him a spoon.

“I really wanted ice cream. And I got it as well as a friend to hangout with. It’s a win-win for me.” She smiled and Miguel hesitantly nodded before taking a spoonful of chocolate ice cream.

Chapter Text

"I wish I could show my mom what I did to those boards, but if she knew where I was right now, she would kill me." Miguel said as he pulled on his socks. Johnny was only half listening as he groaned at the overdue bill clutched in his hand.

 "What's wrong with you?" Trixie asked, noticing his aggravated expression. 

"Nothing." He replied. "Put your costumes on, I'm driving you both to that dance. We're gonna pick up more students." He instructed. 

Miguel pulled his handmade costume out of his bag and started putting it on. He looked like a confused ghost. "What the hell is that?" Johnny asked.

 "It's my Halloween costume. My yaya made it. It started off as Deadpool. Then I think it was Spider-Man, and then it just became some generic superhero." Miguel replied, pulling the rest of the costume on.

 "Yeah, a poor one at that. You're Poor-Man." Johnny stated, chuckling at his own joke and Trixie stifled a laugh. "We'll I can't let you go out like that. We have a reputation to uphold." Johnny said. 

"What do you suggest?" Miguel asked. Johnny thought for a second before a grin spread across his face. 

"While you get your costume I'm going to go change." Trixie stated before walking off to the bathroom. While she changed, Johnny ran off to the store to grab some face paint and a skeleton costume.

Trixie changed into a long, layered red gown with a V-neckline. Delicate red mesh covered her shoulders and upper chest, adding a gothic yet elegant touch. She tucked in her silver chain and clasped a red choker around her neck. She changed her shoes from sandals to simple black flats. Trixie sighed as she looked in the mirror. Hopefully the sleeves could cover her arms well enough. Hopefully… Trixie tied her two toned hair up, putting it into a messy bun (Look I KNOW WHAT THE HAIRSTYLE MEANS DON'T COME FOR ME) before doing a subtle smokey eye and a bit of eyeliner around her eye.

‘Maybe if she didn’t dye her hair it’d be more accurate.’ She thought before shrugging it off. ‘Oh well, it’s not like Yasmin or Moon will be wearing anything accurate.’ She applied a bit of lip gloss before opening the bathroom door. She smiled as she saw Miguel and waved. “Nice outfit.” Trixie smiled and Miguel widened his eyes before clearing his throat.

“You look great! I-I mean, you always look great. Wait, I-” Miguel was interrupted by Trixie’s laugh. She covered her mouth with closed eyes as she laughed at his sudden rambling.

“C’mon, we gotta go.” She said, taking Miguel’s hand into hers.

_____________________________________________________

Trixie and Miguel walked into the gymnasium, where the dance was being held. The sound of loud music and people chattering met their ears as they searched around, looking for their friends. Trixie's eyes landed on a wizard-looking guy and surgeon, causing her to instantly know who they are. She tugged on Miguel, getting his attention, before dragging him over to Eli and Demetri. 

"Oh, skeleton. Classic. And… Beetlejuice? Very nice." Demetri complimented. 

"Thanks. I like your sorcerer costume." Trixie replied with a smile. 

Demetri looked at her like she had an extra head. "Sorcerer? Please. I'm a necromancer." Demetri scoffed. Trixie exchanged a confused look with Miguel. 

"What?" Miguel asked, he and Trixie still confused. 

"Didn't you see the amulet?" Demetri pointed to the necklace around his neck.

Still confused, Miguel turned to Eli. "So, are you a regular doctor or-" 

"Plastic surgeon. I fix lips." Eli answered. Trixie pursed her lips, she knew how Eli felt about his face. She honestly didn’t think it was that bad but others… Thought differently.

Eli and Demetri went to get some punch before Miguel spoke up.  “Hey, Yasmin’s staring at you like you’re crazy.” He poked Trixie and she turned to see Yasmin glaring at her.

“I think she’s upset. I basically ghosted her.” Trixie admitted. Miguel raised an eyebrow and Trixie continued. “I didn’t want her to get upset at me. Lord knows that she’d try to humiliate me if I actually went up to her and told her we’d stop being friends.”

“Well what’s stopping her from just doing that even when you ghost her?” Miguel asked and Trixie shrugged, rubbing her arm nervously.

“I just didn’t want her to think I was ditching her. I mean, I basically am but she’s literally one of my only friends. Even if she’s a bad one she’s still my friend.” Trixie muttered and Miguel crossed his arms.

“Well, you deserve better.” Miguel said, placing his hand on Trixie’s hand. “We’ll be fine.”

Trixie nodded, biting her lip before letting out a breath. “I don’t know why this is so trivial. She’s a bad friend so I should ditch her… I’m stupid for trying to make up for her mistakes.”

“You’re not stupid.” Miguel said, “You’re badass, and amazing.” He said and Trixie chuckled.

“I’m not.” She said and Miguel shook his head.

“You totally are! Don’t downplay everything you’ve done! You’re so badass.” Miguel took both of her hands into his. “And amazing, and… Beautiful.” He said quietly.

Trixie swallowed before someone bumped into her, pushing her onto Miguel. She lost her balance and Miguel wrapped his arms around her waist. They stared at each other before he quickly took his arms off and Trixie looked away, her face flushed red.

‘What the hell was that?!’ She thought to herself, mentally hitting herself before Miguel excused himself to the bathroom. Trixie sighed, before getting a sudden notification.

She looked to see it was a picture of Aisha with a piggy face eating. Trixie frowned and saw Yasmin laughing and pointing at the girl by the table. Trixie made eye contact with Sam, who gave her a look and Trixie gave her one back.

‘What a bunch of assholes…’ She thought to herself. She left the party, going out into the halls to the bathroom. She was gonna wash off the makeup, it was starting to irritate her.

As she walked through the halls, Kyler and his friends passed her, not giving her a second thought. She frowned at the sight before brushing it off. As she got to the bathrooms she widened her eyes as she saw Johnny carrying Miguel out of the bathroom.

Bloodied and bruised.

_____________________________________________________

Miguel opened the door to see a very concerned and worried Trixie standing in the doorway. He paused before he was suddenly hugged by the girl tightly. “Ow, ow, ow… My side.” He winced and Trixie quickly let go.

“You’re alright, right?” Trixie asked before sighing, “Of course you’re not alright, you just got jumped in a high school bathroom.” She muttered before cupping his face slightly, surveying the blooming bruises and burning cuts.

Miguel turned red at the closeness, remembering the Halloween party. “It doesn’t hurt, does it?” Trixie asked and Miguel shook his head.

“No, no. I’m fine now. I took pain killers a few minutes ago.” Miguel smiled slightly, his braces shining. Trixie smiled softly before handing him a bag. “What’s this?” He asked.

“Chocolate ice cream. You can eat it or use it to ice your ribs.” Trixie smiled and Miguel laughed slightly.

“Wow, how thoughtful of you.” Miguel said, stepping to the side to let her inside. Trixie took off her shoes and looked around.

“I wanted ice cream every time I got hurt too, y’know. So I just thought it’d be nice to give you some as well.” Trixie shrugged as Miguel put the ice cream in the freezer.

“Are you extra clumsy or something?” Miguel asked as he and Trixie sat down on the couch.

“Or something.” Trixie chuckled before handing Miguel’s ice pack to him. “How ‘bout we take it easy. You’re injured pretty badly.”

Miguel nodded and turned on the TV, putting a random action movie on screen. Trixie pursed her lips, “Y’know, I never got the appeal of action movies.” Trixie said, “I always preferred the rom-coms or the romance ones.” She admitted.

Miguel turned to look at her, “Why’s that? Action’s great!” He countered and she chuckled.

“I’ll still watch it, don't worry but I guess I just liked the predictability of them.” Trixie said and Miguel shot her a confused look. She continued, “I guess what I mean to say is that I prefer to know rules and know what happens next then going about wondering if I’ll die the next day.”

Miguel thought about it for a second before nodding, “Yeah, I guess you’re right about that. Too bad our lives aren't romance or action movies.”

“Hey, we get plenty of action! If anything, we’re more of a drama movie.” Trixie smirked and Miguel chuckled before they turned their attention to the movie. “Are you going to school tomorrow?”

“Yeah, probably.” Miguel nodded with a smile.

As the movie went on to the climax, Miguel’s hand went slightly limp as he rested his head on her shoulder. ‘He must be tired from the painkillers.’ Trixie thought as he started sleeping on her shoulder. Trixie hesitantly rested her head on his as she continued watching the movie.

_____________________________________________________

“Hey.” Trixie called out to Aisha. Aisha scoffed, turning her head away as Trixie spoke. “I’m sorry about Yasmin and Sam.”

Aisha looked up, “What? Did they send you an apology since they can’t for themselves?” She asked.

Trixie crossed her arms, “I get it.” She said quietly and Aisha gave her a look of annoyance. “I do, promise. This isn’t a pity game, or a prank. They were being assholes and I’m sorry they did that to you.”

“Yeah, well, it’s not like it changes anything.” Aisha said.

“Actually, I was wondering if you wanted to do something about it.” Trixie said and Aisha gave her a look of suspicion. “Karate. Fight back against the bullies.”

“Seriously? Karate?” Aisha frowned and Trixie nodded.

“Look, I know it’s stupid. But I swear it works.” Trixie said, “I don’t know you and you don’t know me. But I really do get it and would’ve killed to do something like this. Just, try it out. And maybe… We could end up being friends whether or not you join.”

_____________________________________________________

Trixie reached the library and scanned the room before finding the boys sitting at a table in the back. She walked over and took a seat next to Miguel. "Hey, guys." She said, pulling out some homework.

 "Hey Trixie." They replied in unison. 

"Miguel was telling us about what happened on Friday," Eli stated. 

"Oh yeah. Our sensei decided to close the dojo." Trixie said with a sad expression.

 "So, that's it? No more karate?" Demetri asked, looking between the two. 

"I guess so," Miguel replied.

 "It's probably for the best. It was starting to boost your guys' confidence." Demetri stated. 

Trixie and Miguel exchanged a confused look. "Isn't that a good thing?" Trixie asked. 

"No. What has confidence ever gotten anybody except for a black eye and their backpack thrown in the trash?" Demetri said, looking down. 

"Well, I thought it was kind of cool how you stood up to Kyler." Eli piped up and exchanged smiles with Trixie. 

"Are you insane? Let me ask you. What is the best superpower anyone could have?" Demetri asked, his eyes darting around the group. 

"Super strength," Miguel answered quickly. 

"Wrong," Demetri replied. 

"Telekinesis?"

"Wrong. Invisibility. A distant second would be super speed to run away fast." Demetri answered. 

"Runaway from who?" Trixie turned around to see Kyler and his friend, Brucks, standing behind Eli, smirks on their faces. Trixie didn't feel scared like she did last time she saw him. No, she felt pure anger.

 "Whom. It's the object of a preposition. Remember English class." Brucks corrected. 

"We were just leaving," Miguel said, quickly grabbing his stuff, the boys doing the same. Trixie, on the other hand, just stood out of her chair, glaring at Kyler. 

Kyler grabbed Eli by the back of his neck and pulled him to him. "Hey, where you going? Oh, look at this freak." He said, making Brucks laugh. "What kind of girl would ever kiss this shit?" Kyler insulted, examining Eli's lip. 

"Leave him alone Kyler," Trixie growled. Kyler turned to Trixie and shoved Eli back a bit.

 "What'd you say?" He asked, getting close to Trixie. 

"You heard me. Leave us alone." She spat.

 "What are you gonna do about it?" Kyler asked. Trixie glanced over to look at Brucks before looking back at Kyler with a smirk.

“What? Too scared to face me alone?” She asked in a condescending tone before her arm was being held back by Demetri, who shook his head. Trixie huffed, glaring at Kyler once more before walking away with Miguel.

“Assholes…” She heard Miguel mutter under his breath.

_____________________________________________________

Sensei Lawrence's first strike was a powerful front punch aimed directly at Trixie’s midsection. He executed it with explosive force, his fist cutting through the air like a thunderclap. Trixie shifted her weight effortlessly, bringing up her arm and deflecting her sensei’s punch with a controlled motion. The force of the impact resonated through her arm, but she remained balanced, her expression calm and focused. Her leg arched high in a roundhouse kick, aimed at her sensei’s side. The movement was fluid and precise.

But he was ready. He sidestepped and counter-striked. As Trixie’s kick missed, she executed a punch with her lead hand, striking quickly and directly at his upper torso. The jab was executed with precision, exploiting the opening created by her evasion. Sensei Lawrence absorbed the impact of Trixie’s jab and swiftly countered with a reverse punch.  He rotated his body, driving his rear hand forward in a powerful punch aimed at Trixie’s midsection. In response, Trixie performed an outside block to intercept Sensei Lawrences’s punch.

With a fluid motion, she executed a side kick, aiming for her sensei’s side. Her kick was executed with precise timing, aimed to disrupt his balance. Sensei Lawrence pivoted on his back foot and launched a Joint lock maneuver, attempting to grasp Trixie’s arm and control her movement. She grunted as she fell to the floor and Sensei Lawrence chuckled. “You’ve gotten better.” He said as he got off of her and she stood up.

“I’ve been practicing.” Trixie said before the door opened to reveal Miguel. 

“Okay, I gotta train Miguel. Why don’t you change out of your gi, Trixie.” Sensei Lawrence said and Trixie nodded before grabbing her bag and going into the bathroom.'

After she changed, she went out of the dirty room to see Aisha standing in front of Miguel on the training mat. She smiled and waved. “Aisha, hi!” Trixie smiled, “Are you here for karate?” She asked. Aisha turned to Trixie and smiled slightly, nodding awkwardly. Trixie smiled. “Is it okay if I stay and watch, sensei?”

“Sure, don’t matter as long as your brother doesn’t kill me because you missed curfew.” Sensei Lawrence said before muttering to himself.

Trixie smiled, sitting next to her sensei with a sigh as they both bowed. “Mr. Diaz, show her everything that you learned.” Sensei Lawrence said.

“Wait, wait. I don’t think this is right, Sensei.” Miguel disagreed.

“You don’t think what’s right?”

“She’s a girl. I’m not gonna…” Miguel's voice trailed off.

“And? I thought you said that women were equal to men.” Sensei Lawrence countered and Trixie snickered.

“He’s got a point, Miguel.” Trixie smiled.

“Why can’t Trixie do it?” Miguel asked.

“Because Trixie’s lesson is over. She’s just here to watch for now.” Sensei Lawrence said.

“Wait, I just wanna remind everyone that this is my first day.” Aisha said. Trixie smiled at the girl reassuringly.

“Don’t worry, Aisha. Miguel’s easier than sensei is. How do you think I felt when I felt like I died after my first lesson?” Trixie smiled. Aisha stared at the girl in fear. “Don’t worry, Miguel’s weak.”

“What? I am not weak.” Miguel opposed.

“Well, not weak. I meant not on sensei’s level.” Trixie said before adding, “Yet.”

“You’re enemies don’t care about what day it is. They prey on weakness.” Sensei Lawrence said to Aisha harshly, “If you wanna beat them, you gotta conquer your fears and jump face-first into the fire.” Sensei Lawrence said before continuing, “Are you ready, Miss Robinson?”

“I guess.” Aisha said meekly, eyeing Miguel up and down as if he’d pounce on her like a tiger in a jungle.

“Fight!” Sensei Lawrence shouted and a moment of silence passed, “Don’t just stand there. Fight!”

Miguel exhaled shakily, “I’m sorry.” He said, raising his fists and then kicking her in the gut. She fell to the floor in a heap. “Oh my God! Aisha, are you okay?” Miguel asked before getting pummeled to the ground and getting kneed in the stomach.

Trixie gasped before laughing at the scene. She stood up and gave Aisha a high five. “Wow, that was amazing!” Trixie smiled, “You’ve definitely got a better first day than me or Miguel.”

“What happened on your first days?” Aisha asked as she helped Miguel up from the floor and their sensei left the dojo for a bit.

“I bruised my whole body and couldn’t sleep for a week.” Trixie chuckled and patted Miguel’s back, “Good job, dude. She totally kicked your ass.”

“How’re you the nicest person at our school yet so mean to me.” Miguel sighed, wheezing as he clutched his ribs.

“You’ve gotta be strong in Cobra Kai. We can’t always be nice to people.” Trixie smiled brightly. She seemed to always smile a lot for some reason.

_____________________________________________________

School hasn't been going well for Sam. Ever since the night at the movie theater, Kyler was spreading rumors about her, claiming she went down on him and other things to that extent. Everyone was isolating her. Sam grabbed her food from the lunch line and looked around the cafeteria for somewhere to sit. Her eyes landed on the table full of her friends, or ex-friends, but they just smiled at her with their fake smiles and ignored her. She walked over to Aisha's table and set her tray down. 

"Oh don't even think about it," Aisha said, with an annoyed look. 

"Come on. I need a place to sit." Sam pleaded.

 "You can go sit with Kyler. I hear he doesn't mind that you suck." Aisha retorted .

Sam glared angrily before storming over to him and pushing his shoulder. "Think it's funny to spread lies about me?" Sam snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. 

"What are you talking about? We saw a movie, and that's it. Well, maybe I saw a little bit more than you." Kyler smirked, making his friends burst out laughing. 

"Yeah, we heard you got pretty 'choked up.'" Brucks mocked, making the group laugh even harder. Noticing Kyler's lunch tray on the table, she angrily swiped it to the ground, making the whole cafeteria fall silent. Trixie, Miguel, Demetri, and Eli walked into the cafeteria as Kyler started taunting Sam.

 "Hey, guys. You know that billboard with a big-ass dick on it? I guess Sam takes after her dad." People started laughing while Sam kept an emotionless face. Trixie and Miguel shared a look and nodded before tossing their trays on a nearby table.

"Hey, Kyler!" Miguel yelled, marching over to the group.

 "Why don't you shut the hell up and stop being such an asshole before we make you?" Trixie snapped coming to Miguel's side. 

"Want another beatdown 'Rhea?" Kyler asked, shoving Miguel back. Trixie grabbed his sleeve to help him keep his balance while Kyler's group of idiots stood up. "I'm ready for your lame ass karate this time." Kyler mocked shoving Miguel back even harder. 

"It's not lame-ass karate." Trixie defended. Kyler threw a punch and Miguel caught it, bending Kyler's arm back. 

"It's Cobra Kai," Miguel growled, punching Kyler in the face. Blood poured out of Kyler's nose as anger took over his face. He ran at Miguel and grabbed him by the waist, throwing him onto a table. The two boys struggled, as Kyler kept a tight hold on Miguel's neck. Miguel threw his elbow into Kyler's stomach and pulled his arm forward, throwing a punch to his face before he spun him around and kicked him in the back. 

"No mercy!" Aisha yelled. Trixie looked to see Brucks going to throw at Miguel's back and caught his fist. 

"Only pussies go after someone with their back turned." She spat, before bending his arm up. She swept his leg, causing him to fall to the ground while another one of Kyler's friends ran at Miguel. 

Trixie, not registering anything, accidentally folded her fingers halfway and punching the boy in the sternum, literally taking his breath away before kicking him in the face while Miguel roundhouse kicked the other. The two looked around to see the boys slowly starting to get up. The duo flipped over a lunch table with Trixie grabbing an empty tray. Miguel kicked a chair at one boy while Trixie hit Brucks in the face with the tray, making him fall again.

Trixie tossed the tray to Miguel who caught it and slammed it against another boy's face. Miguel jumped up onto a table and kicked another boy. Kyler set his sights on Trixie and began to charge.  Trixie, noticing this, ran to the table and spring boarded off of Brucks, landing next to Miguel. She sent a kick to Kyler's face before Miguel slammed the tray down, knocking Kyler to the ground. 

Everyone began to cheer, making Trixie and Miguel come out of the haze, remembering they were at school. Miguel's eyes scanned over the crowd until they locked with Sam's, the latter looking at him admiringly. Trixie noticed the two staring at each other and felt her heart clench in- "Hey! Get down from there right now." A guidance counselor demanded, grabbing Trixie who grabbed Miguel. They were pulled out of the cafeteria with the sound of cheering and applause following them.
_____________________________________________________

"All four of them?" Johnny asked, looking between the two kids. After school, which surprisingly they weren't suspended from, Trixie and Miguel practically sprinted to the dojo to tell Johnny what happened.

 "Yeah!" Miguel replied proudly. 

"Even that big dumb one?" Johnny asked. 

"Well Trixie took care of him more than I did. But yeah it all happened so fast. everything just came together. I was blocking. I anticipated. I slithered." Miguel said enthusiastically, “And then Trixie did this amazing thing to the dumb one! It was like his breath was taken away, literally!”

 Johnny nodded his head proudly.  "Well your mom is gonna kill all three of us," Johnny stated. 

"Well, she would if she knew. When my school called, my Yaya answered. Never seen her so proud. She won't talk." Miguel stated quickly. Johnny nodded again.

“And my brother was at the hospital so he didn’t get the call thankfully.” Trixie smiled.

 "Alright, so let me get this straight. You guys took all the lessons I taught you and you used them to straight-up beat the shit out of those punks?" Johnny asked, his eyes darting between the two. 

"Well, yeah," Trixie answered like it was obvious with a shrug. Johnny grinned. 

"Follow me." Johnny walked out to his Firebird and popped open the trunk. Inside were two white gi's with the Cobra Kai symbol on them. One was more faded than the other, indicating it was older. Johnny picked up the faded one and looked at it. "I wore this when I was training for my first tournament back in '81. I want you to have it." He said, handing it to Miguel. He picked up the newer one and handed it to Trixie. "I got you your very own since it might fit better than mine will." He said with a smile. 

"Are you sure?" Miguel asked, staring at the gi with wide eyes. "Hell yeah. You earned it." Johnny replied. "Both of you." Johnny and Miguel hugged while Trixie examined the material, running her fingers across it.

“Thanks.” Trixie smiled.

_____________________________________________________

 “Oh! I forgot to tell you! You know that friend of yours?” Miguel asked and Trixie nodded, stretching out her legs.

“Yeah?”

“I think she might like me.” Miguel smiled brightly, “Her name’s Sam. She was in my science class and we partnered up together and we were just so… In sync y’know?”

Trixie smiled, a gnawing feeling clawed at her gut (and heart) but she ignored it, “That’s amazing! Wow, I didn’t think that you’d do it! Wait, that sounds bad… Never mind! I mean, you think she might like you?”

Miguel nodded excitedly, “Yeah, we just had this chemistry and it was just…” Miguel made an explosion sound and Trixie nodded.

“Well, I could probably ask her. I mean, she might feel a bit sad after that break up with Kyler but you’re a way better option.” Trixie said as she handed the printed papers to Miguel and they both sat down at the kitchen table together.

“Anyways, are you thinking of asking her on a date?” Trixie asked. Miguel nodded.

“Yeah!”

“Well, first off, tell me what you like about her. Because after what happened with Kyler, I need to make sure she’s not hurt by you again, Diaz.” Trixie crossed her arms and Miguel swallowed before speaking.

“Well, she’s got these really nice eyes. They’re so blue and they just pop out to me! They kind of remind me of those… Um… Morning Glory! They remind me of those.” Miguel described, “And her hair looks super soft and-”

“I’m gonna stop you right there. Eyes look like Morning Glory, sounds romantic enough. But saying her hair looks soft sounds kind of creepy.” Trixie said, “What else do you like about her?”

“Well, she’s beautiful and her smile’s super cute. Like, baby bunny cute! And she’s super smart…” Miguel said before sighing, “I’m never gonna get a girl like her…”

“Hey, don’t think that.” Trixie rubbed his arm with a smile, “Don’t worry, I’m sure she’ll like you too after she hears all that. Maybe don’t mention the soft hair thing but we’ll work on it.”

Chapter Text

Miguel and Trixie walked to the dojo to wait for Johnny, only to notice they weren't the only ones waiting. They exchanged glances as 20 or so kids were standing around, watching the fight between Trixie, Miguel, and Kyler on their phones, talking excitedly about it.

“Well, looks like we’re actual badasses now, huh?” Trixie nudged Miguel and he nodded.

“We’ve gone viral.” He grinned. “Sensei’s gonna love this.”

Speaking of Johnny, his car had just pulled up to the dojo and parked. He got out and stopped when he noticed all the kids standing outside the building. He approached Trixie and Miguel with a grin of his own. 

"Looks like we're in business," Johnny stated. Johnny unlocked the door and let the kids in with him.

Miguel, Trixie, and Aisha going to the bathrooms to change into their gis. Once the three teens were done, they went back to the group of kids and waited for Johnny. "Ok, today we begin.." His voice was drowned out by the chatter. "Quiet!" Everybody stopped what they were doing and looked at him. "Face front." He instructed. Trixie, Aisha, and Miguel stuck next to each other while everyone turned to face Johnny, some kids looking terrified.

 Johnny stalked forwards, his eyes darting around each kid, examining them. "Nice shirt." He said to Demetri as he walked by. 

"Thanks," Demetri replied, taken aback. 

"I'm joking. It sucks." 

Trixie resisted rolling her eyes at him as Johnny kept examining people. He stopped in front of one kid with long hair and glasses who was smiling at him. "Word of advice. If you have shit for teeth, don't smile." He mocked, making the kids smile drop. He walked up to a short pale kid and scoffed. "God, makes me feel like a virgin just looking at you." 

"When I look around this dojo, I don't see Cobra Kai material. I see losers, I see nerds. I see a fat kid with a funny hat with his tits popping out. But in my short time as a sensei, I've also seen some miracles." Johnny said as he glanced over at Trixie, Miguel, and Aisha who all smiled warmly at him. "So," He continued, "Maybe there's some hope for you yet. But first, I need to see where you're at. So everybody, fall in." 

The kids looked around confused. "That means line up," Johnny stated, his tone clipped. It was evident he was starting to get annoyed. The kids all shrugged and started walking over to stand behind Trixie, Aisha and Miguel. "No, not...not line up in a line. Lines! Get in lines!" He yelled, exasperated. 

"You mean like rows?" Demetri asked. Johnny dropped his head into his hands in annoyance. Once everyone was finally sorted into their rows, it was now time to practice.

 "Fighting positions. Jab punch! Nope, wait till I say go." Johnny instructed. "Hiya!" The kids punched. He kept yelling, walking up and down the rows, criticizing the students. Trixie knew he was trying to help but these kids probably thought he was just being an ass. Which he was.

 "Hey, Lip," Johnny called, staring at Eli. Eli stared blankly at him. "Yeah, you. the one with the freaky lip. Who do you think I'm talking to?" He mocked. 

Eli looked down in embarrassment, making Trixie feel bad. "Excuse me, uh, Mr. Lawrence." Demetri piped up.

 "Sensei Lawrence!" Aisha corrected. 

Demetri chuckled. "Ok. You really shouldn't make fun of someone's physical appearance." 

Johnny looked at him, amused. "Oh is that so? So I'm not supposed to mention his lip at all?" Johnny mocked.

 "Well, yeah," Demetri replied like it was obvious.

 "Maybe that's what they teach you in school, but in the real world, you can't expect people to do what they're supposed to do. You hear that, Lip? If you can't handle someone making fun of you, how are you gonna handle an elbow to the teeth."

 "By calling the police," Demetri said somewhat condescendingly. Trixie thought about it before slightly nodding, he was sort of right.

"What? He does realize the Nazis lost the war, right? Why should I be scared of him? Because he's got a snake on his wall? It's not like he's a teacher who can give us a bad grade. We're paying him. He works for us. It's not like he can actually hurt us." Demetri rambled, a smug look on his face.

Johnny slowly moved forward, his eyes never leaving Demetri. "Oh shit," Miguel muttered, closing his eyes. The kids around Demetri moved away as Johnny stopped in front of him. "Are you done?" Johnny asked, annoyed. 

"What?" Demetri replied nervously. 

"Hit me. Go ahead, hit me. Strike me right here." Johnny instructed, pointing to his nose. Demetri rolled his eyes and got into his fighting stance. He slowly threw a punch, making Johnny hit it away.  "Harder," Johnny demanded. Demetri huffed and threw another punch, making Johnny slap his arm harder. "Is that all you got, princess?" Johnny ridiculed. 

Demetri sighed angrily before throwing another punch. Johnny grabbed his arm and flipped him over, making him land on his back. The students gasped as Johnny threw a punch, stopping only centimeters away from Demetri's face. "Let that be a lesson to all of you. " Johnny threatened, looking around the room. The kids all nodded frantically, signaling they understood. 

The lesson ended shortly after that, with most of the kids scrambling as fast as they could out of the building. Johnny really did teach them a lesson. Trixie and Miguel were the last ones in the dojo as they waited for Johnny. "How did I do?" Johnny asked, walking out of his office after changing out of his gi.

 "You might've been a little harsh," Miguel said sarcastically. "Hey, those kids need to know what it's really like out there."  Johnny scoffed. 

"Reminds me of my parents." Trixie joked. Miguel snuck a confused glance at her before turning his attention back to Johnny. “Either way, it might be funny, but feeding on the weak is a pussy move, sensei.” She smirked, crossing her arms smugly. 

Miguel snorted while Johnny rolled his eyes. "You're not as funny as you think you are." 

"I’m hilarious.” Trixie smiled.

_____________________________________________________

Demetri quit Cobra Kai the next day, mentioning something about prostitution. “Why should I learn when I have you two?" Demetri asked as the three of them walked to science class. They came across Kyler who looked at them scared before scurrying away. Trixie chuckled at his scared expression.

The three walked into the class and took their seats, waiting for the class to start. Sam walked in and people immediately started laughing and pointing at her. Sam looked around confused until Trixie pointed to her shoulder. Sam looked down to see a lollipop stuck to it. "Thanks for the Blow Pop, guys, Really never gets old." She said sarcastically, ripping it off.

 "It's because she gives blow jobs," Demetri said, nudging Miguel. Trixie and Miguel looked at Demetri unamused.

 "It's just a rumor." Trixie defended. “She doesn’t deserve anything like this. Spreading rumors about someone doing something like that is horrible.” She crossed her arms. Sam was her close friend and Trixie will be damned if people think it's ok to mess with her. 

Demetri, noticing the glare on her face, shrunk into his seat. "Hey, everybody. Who let the pigs out? I did because I ordered the fetal pigs." The teacher joked, chuckling at his own statement. No one laughed and he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Get in your groups." 

"Mr. Palmer, my partner isn't here." Sam stated, walking up to the teacher. 

"Who wants to take Samantha in? This little piggy needs a group." He joked. No one answered. "Don't all volunteer at once."

 "We can take her," Trixie said, raising her hand. Sam smiled over and quickly grabbed her bag. She walked over to them, accidentally bumping into Demetri, and put her bag down next to Trixie, who was sitting next to Miguel. 

"Thanks, Trixie. I'm gonna go get a chair." She stated with a smile. "Yeah," Miguel replied, staring at her dreamily. After everyone had got the supplies they needed and got their gloves on, the four of them started cutting open the pig. 

They mostly worked in silence, none of them really knowing what to say. "What were you thinking for sex?" Sam asked, staring at Miguel.

 "Uh...uh...I've...Uh." Miguel stammered. 

"Because in the male, this tract opens up near the umbilical cord. So I think ours is a female." Sam explained, pointing to the diagram they were using. 

"Yeah um. Yeah, I concur." Miguel replied awkwardly. 

"Pretty and smart? Is there anything you can't do?" Trixie teased, nudging Sam. Sam giggled, making Miguel stare at her in a daze. The group fell into silence again before Sam spoke up. 

"Thanks for, um… Helping me out, by the way." 

“I mean I'm sure you would've found another group," Miguel said. 

"I meant with the fight." Sam clarified. She was talking to both Trixie and Miguel, but her eyes were only on Miguel. 

"Oh. Yeah, someone had to take care of those assholes." Miguel said, a hint of cockiness in his voice. 

"But no one else did." The two stared at each other, making Trixie feel awkward since she was in the middle of them. She cleared her throat, making the two turn away. 

Sam reached over into her backpack and pulled out a bunch of bananas. "Do you guys want a banana? People keep sneaking them in my bag. It's because of that stupid rumor that I'm sure you have heard about me." Sam said, placing the bananas down.

 "Yes." "No." Miguel and Demitri said at the same time. "Stupid rumors. Hurtful lies. People are monsters." Demetri played off. 

“If I were you, I would’ve said he had a small di-”

"You shouldn't listen to them, they're assholes. I mean they call me 'Rhea..." Miguel interrupted the girl and she felt a pang of…

"Not anymore." Sam pointed out, cutting him off. 

"Yeah, you're right. Not anymore." Miguel realized. The two stared at each other again, both of them having a dreamy look in their eyes.

Trixie crossed her legs and arms, playing with the ends of her hair with a clenched jaw as she faded away from the two’s conversation. The sudden stillness caused Demetri to notice and frown.

He shot the girl a look that said ‘You look like you’re about to murder someone’ and she faked a smile, indicating she was alright, before going back to zoning out onto the tiled ground of the school floor.

_____________________________________________________

“Hey, can we hang out tonight?” Miguel asked and Trixie shook her head with a tight smile.

“Sorry we can’t. I’ve gotta go to Larusso Auto and pick up my brother’s car.” She said vaguely before getting on her bike, “See you at karate.” She said before riding away.

God, she felt like an idiot. What was she doing? Pushing Miguel away just because she liked him and he liked someone else? She was being a drama queen and just because he didn’t like her didn’t mean she should stop being friends with him!

‘You’re a horrible person. He’s just your friend and there’s nothing else more. Your feelings don’t need to affect your friendship.’ Trixie thought. ‘Your feelings don’t matter. You’d be betraying Sam and knowing that she likes him is even worse. You told Sam you didn’t like him so she’s probably shooting her shot after Kyler.’

She almost bashed her head on the street before getting to Larusso Auto and exiting with a sigh. Trixie ran a hand through her hair before entering the building.

“Hello, welcome to Larusso. How may I help you?” A kind woman at the receptionist desk asked.

“I’m here to pick up a car.” She said, handing the woman a folded piece of paper with a smile. The woman overlooked the sheet of paper before nodding.

“Well, it’s already ready for you, it’ll just be a moment.” The woman said and Trixie nodded as she went to the back. 

Trixie wandered around, looking at the array of cars in the shop before bumping into someone. “Oh! Sorry.” She smiled and looked to see a pair of green eyes staring back at her.

The boy had medium-length brown hair that fell slightly past his ears. He wore a light blue hoodie. “No, no. It’s my fault. I wasn’t looking where I was going.” He said before holding out his hand with a smile, “I’m Robby Keene.”

“Nice to meet you Robby.” Trixie shook his hand, “I’m Beatrix, you can call me Bea or Trixie. Whichever is easiest.” She smiled.

“Nice to meet you too… Bea.” Robby hesitated trying out her nickname and Trixie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before letting go of his hand.

“You seem familiar, do I know you?” Trixie asked and Robby shrugged.

“Sometimes I’m told I look like Willy Wonka.” Robby shrugged and Trixie chuckled, squinting her eyes to get a better look at him.

“Yeah, y’know I kinda see it.” Trixie smirked and Robby rolled his eyes. “But you’re more of an Oompa Loompa than anything.”

“Ouch, that’s a first.” Robby said, “Is it because you’re taller than me?”

“How tall are you exactly?” She asked and Robby shrugged once again with a smile.

“Probably around 5’6.” 

“Yeah, I’m definitely taller than you.” Trixie said before getting tapped on the shoulder.

“Your car is ready for you, miss.” The secretary woman said and Trixie nodded before turning back to Robby.

“Hey, could I get your number? You seem pretty cool.” Trixie smiled and Robby nodded. 

“Well, how could I decline from a girl as pretty as you?” Robby smirked and Trixie rolled her eyes with a smile. After they exchanged numbers, Trixie put her bike in the back of her brother’s car before driving off.

She had a good feeling about that Robby kid. He seemed pretty chill and could be a good friend. At least, she hoped he’d be a good friend. 

_____________________________________________________

"OK everybody fall in," Johnny instructed, walking into the room. His eyes scanned the group, noticing the lower number of students. "Where is everyone? Crater face? Nose ring? Slingshot?" He asked, looking around the room. 

"They quit, Sensei," Miguel answered, shuffling his feet. Of course, Trixie liked Johnny, but she had to admit that she was being unnecessarily rude to the kids. 

"Are you serious?" Johnny asked, somewhat upset. "I mean, good. That was a test. I wanted to see who the quitters are. Not you guys. You're in it to win it, right? You could be at home playing your iComputers, playing your video games, eating candy. Instead, you're here, doing pushups, learning how to fight." Johhny looked over at Eli and pointed at him. "Lip. Look. Even Lip's tougher than those guys. He's no quitter." 

"Could you please not call me that?" Eli asked, embarrassed.

 "Excuse me, what?" Johnny questioned. No one ever talked back to him.

"I said, could you please not call me that," Eli repeated. 

 "Sorry, speak up, Lip. Or is your tongue messed up too? Are you one of those challenged kids?" 

"Um, the doctor said I could be on the spectrum." 

"I don't know what that is, but get off of it pronto, all right? If you don't want me to call you Lip, don't have a weird lip. Can't you get surgery for that?" 

"I was born with a cleft lip. This is the scar from the surgery."

 "You mean it was worse before that? Or did the doctor just screw up? Because if this is the after photo, that sucks, man. You should sue." 

"Can we just please change the topic?"

 "You don't think I want to? It's tough when it's right in front of me. If you wanna be something other than a nerd with a scar on his lip, you gotta flip the script. OK? Get a face tattoo or gouge your eye out. We'll call you Patch, all right? No, don't do that one. You'll still look like a freak."

 Eli looked around in embarrassment, his eyes glassy. He stormed off the mat and out the back. "Oh great, really? Another quitter?" Johnny scoffed. 

Once class was over and all the kids left, Trixie and Miguel knocked on Johnny's door to his office. "Go away. No more lessons today." He said, opening up a beer. Trixie and Miguel ignored him and walked further into the room. 

"I don’t think you should be so hard on them…" Trixie said quietly, crossing her arms with a frown.

 "Oh come on you two. They're a bunch of losers." Johnny replied, rolling his eyes. 

"Yeah well, some of those losers are our friends," Miguel stated. 

"Yeah that tracks."

 "And they're your students. Didn’t you want a full dojo?" Trixie asked with a frown.

"Not full like that," Johnny said, leaning back and taking a sip of beer. 

"Yeah, we get it, all right? They're losers. Maybe I am a loser too." Miguel said, his shoulders slumping. 

"Are you kidding me? Are you guys gonna cry now too?" Johnny mocked.

 "No, it… Never mind. It's just...You don't' know what it's like to be us. I'll see you tomorrow." Miguel rambled before storming out of the room.

 "He just needs to cool off," Trixie stated, noticing the distressed look on Johnny's face before her phone went off, “That’s probably my brother, I’ve gotta go too.”

She exited the dojo, out of her gi into her regular clothes as she whipped out her phone to see… Robby?

Willy Wonka🍫: Hey this is bea right

Hey Willy Wonka

Willy Wonka🍫: Im regretting telling you that now

My feelings are hurt 😕

Aw poor baby

Anyways, thanks for texting me back

I might’ve forgotten to text you back if you didn’t

Willy Wonka🍫: Yeah it’s cool

Could you send me a picture so i could put it as your profile?

Yeah here

1 image attached

Willy Wonka🍫: Thanks

Here

1 image attached

Youre prettier in person btw

Thanks 😅

Trixie’s head almost busted at the comment as she entered her brother’s car. She got another text from Patrick before setting her phone down and driving back to her place. Yeah, Robby seemed… Cool.

Chapter Text

Willy Wonka🍫: Yo
Are you free?

I’ve got school Robby
I can probably hang out later after karate if I’m free
I’ll text you if I am

Willy Wonka🍫: Aren’t you forgetful?
What if you’re free but forget to text me? 😔

Dont worry I wont forget!!!
Maybe we could go get ice cream?
Aw wait
Boooooo I’ve got karate…
Bye Willy Wonka!

Willy Wonka🍫: Bye ❤️

Trixie smiled slightly before turning off her phone and putting it in her karate bag. “Hey, Trixie!” Miguel waved and Trixie waved back with a smile. Although she was conflicted about her feelings, she wasn’t about to put herself first over her friends.

Johnny came out of his office and yelled for everyone to get in line. Everyone, now dressed in white gis of their own, got into their places and waited for instructions. "Bow. Fighting positions." Johnny instructed. Everyone got into their positions as Johnny surveyed them, making sure everyone was standing the right way. Johnny walks over to Hawk and kicks his leg forward. "Stabilize your base, Hawk. Keep your balance. Full rotation when you strike." Johnny explained, showing him what he meant. 

Hawk nodded and fixed his stance. "Yes, Sensei!"

Johnny turned one of the kids, making him flinch. "Did you just flinch, Virgin?" Johnny asked. The kid kept his eyes forward and didn't respond. Johnny went to the kid behind him and went at him, making him flinch as well. "Holy shit. We got a room full of flinchers." Johnny stated, looking around the room. 

"Yes, Sensei." Everyone except Trixie yelled. Were they dumb? "That was not a question! Raise your hand if you've never been punched in the face." 

Everyone except Trixie, Miguel, and Aisha raised their hands, making Johnny grimace. "Put your hands down. All your lives, you've been avoiding fights so you don't break your nose or lose a tooth. This concussion nonsense. So, there's only one solution, and that is before you leave this dojo, each and every one of you is gonna take a punch, very hard, to the face." Johnny stated. Trixie looked at Miguel who was staring at Johnny horrified. "Ms. Robinson. Line em up. Unflinch this group." Aisha nodded as Johnny walked off to his office. She walked over to Virgin and cracked her knuckles, making him gulp.

 She reared her arm back and punched him. A loud crack was heard and blood came spewing from his nose. The boy clutched his nose in pain. "Hey, I need to go talk to sensei. Can you take care of things here?" Miguel asked Trixie. She nodded. 

"I've got it under control." She nodded, helping Virgin clean his nose. Miguel walked into Johnny's office and sighed.

 "Hey, sensei, I need to ask you something," Miguel stated.

 "First aid's under the counter. We got a bleeder?" Johnny asked, looking up from the magazine he was reading. 

"No. Well, yeah, we do. There's a lot of blood, but this is about something else."

 "What is it?" 

"There's this girl at school..." 

"Is she hot?" 

"She's super smart-" 

"Hot?" 

"Funny and cool." 

"Hot?" 

"Yes, she's hot. Super hot." 

"Nice." 

"I think you'd really like her. She likes karate, and… I wanna ask her out, but I just don't know." Miguel said, slightly nervous about asking Sam out. Was it Sam?

"Don't know? What's there to think about? She's hot, and all those other things." Johnny stated, getting up from his desk. 

"Well, yeah, but what if she says no?" Miguel asked.

 "Never accept defeat, Diaz. There is no 'no.'" 

"Pretty sure no means no." 

"Yeah, if things are getting physical, no means no, but if you're just asking her out... you're a Cobra Kai. All the babes wanna date a Cobra Kai." A knock was heard at the door and the two looked up to see Trixie leaning against it, some blood on her gi. "Hey Sensei. We need some more bandages and tissues." She stated. 

"Under the counter." 

Trixie looked at the magazine in Johnny's hand and tilted her head. "Are we entering that tournament?" She asked, pointing to the page.

 "I don't think we're ready yet." He replied. 

A loud grunt was heard and the three looked over to see Hawk laying on the ground. "He's ok!" Aisha yelled.

 "I'm ok. Just my tooth." He mumbled, getting off the ground. Trixie looked back at the two and they all shrugged.
_____________________________________________________

Miguel, Aisha, and Eli (Now Hawk) sat down next to Trixie as they started stretching as well. “Aisha was talking to me about Sam and…” Miguel said, “I asked her out yesterday!”

Trixie widened her eyes, clearly shocked and slightly upset before giving him a supporting smile. “That’s amazing! You got a place in mind?” She asked.

“You could take her to get tattoos.” Hawk suggested. Trixie pursed her lips slightly as she did the splits.

“Is that even legal?” She asked quietly and Hawk shrugged and stood up, untying his white belt.

“I know a guy, just hooked me up with this bad boy.” He said and took off his shirt to reveal a hawk on his back. Trixie widened her eyes as she saw the large tattoo.

“Oh shit.” Miguel muttered.

“That is badass.” Aisha commented as she looked at Hawk in disbelief, after all, he switched up pretty quickly.

“Right? Fourteen hours in the chair.” Hawk smirked as he posed in one of the mirrors.

“Dude, your parents are gonna freak out if they see you have that tattoo.” Trixie chuckled, “There’s no way you’re getting past them.”

“Oh, they have no idea.” Hawk said, covering himself back up with the gi. “Definitely gonna have to wear a t-shirt until college. Probably longer.” He said and sat back down, “Please don’t tell them.”

Trixie stretched her other leg before Miguel spoke up again, “Uh… Any other suggestions?” He looked at Aisha curiously.

“Don’t look at me. Sam and I used to be friends. Not anymore.” She said bitterly.

“Okay, but I need your help.” Miguel sighed.

“Fine. Um… I know that she likes chocolate and astronomy.” Aisha said vaguely, “If you want more, go ask Trixie. Not me.”

Miguel turned to Trixie with a desperate smile and she sighed. “Well, I know that she used to go to this one place called Golf ‘N Stuff. They have an arcade there and you could probably win her something.”

“Thanks so much, Trixie.” Miguel smiled happily and Trixie felt her heart clench before moving onto doing a side split.

“No problem.” Trixie smiled slightly before twisting her torso and cracking her back.

“Banned?!” Everyone heard their sensei’s voice yell loudly. Miguel jumped up and Trixie quickly followed. “No, you don’t ban me! I’ll ban you!” He yelled loudly and slammed the phone down as Miguel and Trixie came into the office.

“Sensei, what’s going on?” Miguel asked, seeing the evident frustration in his tone.

“There’s a lifetime ban on Cobra Kai from entering the tournament.” Sensei Lawrence explained. Trixie widened her eyes.

“Since when were we going to be entering a tournament?” Trixie asked with a slightly confused expression, “And how is that fair on Cobra Kai?”

“Since now.” Sensei said, “And it’s not… There’s nothing I can do about it.” Sensei Lawrence sat down in his chair with a grunt.

"It's not. There's nothing I can do about it." Johnny sighed, sinking into his chair. 

"What happened to 'never accept defeat?'" Miguel asked.

 "This is different. This is the real world. There are rules." Johnny replied, waving his hands. 

"Since when do you care about the rules? We don't take no for an answer, you said that! You gotta fight this." Trixie said, trying to encourage him.

"You know what? You're right. I'm gonna go down there..." 

"Yeah." 

"... And beat their asses." 

"Yeah. Wait! No, no, no! That's not what we meant. Maybe there's a more delicate approach?" Miguel compromised and Johnny looked at him, unimpressed.

"The way of the fist is not delicate. Cobras are not delicate." 

"Yes, yes, sorry. I… Forget delicate. I'm just saying, maybe there's a smarter way to fight back?" 

Johnny looked at him confused. "What do you mean?" He asked.
_____________________________________________________

“Hey.” Patrick knocked on Trixie’s door, “Unlock the door.”

Trixie looked up from her phone, unlocking her door with a guilty smile. “Sorry, I’ve gotta stop with the habit I know.” She said and Patrick nodded.

“You take your antidepressants today?” Patrick asked.

“Yes, Trick. Don’t worry about it.” Trixie answered with an eye roll and Patrick crossed his arms with an unimpressed look. She stared back at him before grumbling under her breath, “I skipped one day.”

Patrick shook his head with a sigh, “Did you take them today?” He asked and Trixie nodded, not looking at her brother as she went back to sitting in her desk chair and scrolling on her phone.

“Yes, don’t worry. I was just really busy yesterday, that’s all.” She gave her brother a reassuring smile and Patrick nodded once again before closing her bedroom door.

Trixie’s phone buzzed and she looked to see messages from Miguel and Robby.

Miguel: Hey! Come to the dojo! 
Good news!!!

Willy Wonka🍫: You forgot to text me 😔
Wanna hang out tonight???

She bit her lip before sending both of her friends text messages before sliding on a jacket and leaving her room.

_____________________________________________________

The door to the dojo opened and Miguel came running in, excitedly pulling his helmet off. "Ooh, who's the man?" He asked excitedly.

 "I'm the man," Johnny replied. Miguel looked at him with a grin and raised eyebrows. "Oh shit. Are you the man too? Tell me you're the man." 

Miguel tossed his backpack and helmet and spread out his arms. "I'm the man! I crushed the date!" Miguel yelled, running up to his sensei 

"I crushed the committee meeting," Johnny replied back with a smile. 

"So, Cobra Kai's in?" 

"Hell, yeah, we're in. Cobra Kai's back, baby." Miguel and Johnny hugged before. 

The door to the dojo swung open once again to reveal Trixie, who had a messily put jacket on and a tank top. It was weird, they’d never seen her wear short sleeves before.

“I came as soon as I could!” She smiled, “I heard something about good news?”

“Me and Sam kissed!” “We’re back in the All Valley Tournament!” Johnny and Miguel both said and Trixie wasn’t sure if she should’ve been happy or sad.

On one hand, HELL YEAH THEY WERE BACK IN THE TOURNAMENT! On the other, oh fuck one of my best friends and my crush (???) kissed. She decided to go with the first option. “Hell yeah! Let’s go!” She smiled and high-fived Johnny with a smile.

"All right, I'm gonna go grab us a soda. Do you want a Banquet?" Miguel asked, pointing at Johnny.

 "No, no. This calls for a real toast." Johnny stated, walking into his office. He came back out with 3 cups and a bottle of wine. "The good stuff, for real men. And a woman." Johnny added the last part, making Trixie chuckle. He poured Trixie and Miguel a cup before pouring one for himself. Miguel sniffed the cup and gagged. "Drink it. It'll put hair on your balls." Johnny stated, making Trixie groan in disgust. 

"Is that a good thing?" Miguel asked, slightly confused. 

"No," She replied with a grimace. 

"To Cobra Kai." Miguel toasted. 

"Never accept defeat," Johnny added. 

"And striking first." Trixie said as the three hit their cups together before taking a swig. Miguel and Trixie's faces turned into disgust while Johnny downed his with ease. "Well, I'm never drinking again," She said, her voice raspy. 

"You'll get used to it." Johnny shrugged. "Since we're entering the tournament, you two need to train harder."

She nodded, coughing roughly as she got another text message, probably from Robby.

Willy Wonka🍫: You forgot to text me 😔
Wanna hang out tomorrow night???

Yeah totally! Where’d you wanna go?

Willy Wonka🍫: Heard there was a pretty cool restaurant downtown

We could totally go! I can give you my address and you can pick me up?
Or I can pick you up

Willy Wonka🍫: What gentlemen would I be if I didn’t pick you up?

Trixie chuckled at the text message, catching Miguel’s attention. “What’re you laughing at?” He asked curiously. She shrugged.

“Nothing, just a friend.” She smiled and Miguel looked over her shoulder to see her text messages.

“Willy Wonka?” Miguel said with a confused frown. Trixie shrugged the look off and nodded.

“It’s an inside joke I guess. We’re going to that new restaurant downtown.” She explained and Miguel nodded, staying silent which Trixie frowned slightly weird. “Yeah, anyways we’re just gonna hang out there.”

“Just by yourselves?” He asked and Trixie nodded, slightly confused by his question.

“Um, yeah. I mean, it’s not like we can afford more food for people.” She smiled and Miguel slightly chuckled, though his smile didn’t reach his eyes. Trixie changed the subject, not knowing why he was starting to get so touchy about it. “Anyways, do you think we’ll win the All Valley?”

“Totally, we’re Cobra Kai.” Miguel said, holding out his fist to which Trixie fist-bumped him with a nod.

“Well, I guess if we do win and it’s just us left, we’ll have to face each other, right?” Trixie asked and Miguel raised an eyebrow.

“What? Think you can beat me?” He asked and Trixie shrugged with a teasing smirk.

“I dunno, do you think I could beat you?”
_____________________________________________________

“Hey, Sam!” Trixie waved as Sam opened the door. The blue-eyed girl smiled wide.

“Hey, Trix. You’re just in time for dinner, did you wanna stay? We have enough for everyone.” She offered and Trixie shook her head as she walked inside the house.

“Nah, I’m just here to pick up my sweater.” Trixie said before giving Sam a pointed look. “That you stole by the way.”

“Oh come on, you have a good sense of style!” Sam said and Trixie crossed her arms with a fake unimpressed look.

“Thank you, but your compliments are gonna get you nowhere, Miss LaRusso.” Trixie winked, “Anyways, I would like to stay but I’ve got somewhere to-” Trixie was interrupted by her phone pinging and looked to see it was Robby once again.

Willy Wonka🍫: Hey, sorry to cancel so quickly but something came up
Maybe we could go next week??

Trixie gave the text a funny look before shrugging and turning back to Sam, “Sure, why not? I mean, I’m free now.” She said and Sam giggled.

“That’s great! I actually have someone for you to meet.” She dragged Trixie to their backyard before setting her down at the table. Robby and Trixie made eye contact and widened their eyes. “Robby, this is-”

“Bea.” Robby finished her sentence and Sam shot Trixie a confused look.

“We were gonna hang out tonight.” Trixie explained and Sam nodded.

“Well, at least we can skip the introductions, right?” She smiled and Trixie nodded.

“I still need my sweater back by the way.” The two-toned haired girl pointed out and Sam shot her a sheepish smile.

“Nice to see you again, Bea.” Robby waved and Trixie nodded.

“Good to see you’ve still got the haircut, Willy Wonka.” She said and Sam laughed while Robby scoffed.

“Willy Wonka?” Sam shot Robby a glance with a smirk and Robby huffed.

“This is bullying.” He rolled his eyes with a shake of his head.

“Hey, Trixie! Nice to see you again.” Sam’s dad interrupted their conversation with a smile as he patted her shoulder, “This is-”

“They already know each other.” Sam interrupted her dad and Daniel stared slightly before shrugging with a smile.

“Well, it’s a small world.” He smiled as the family sat down.

Miguel rode his bike to the LaRusso house, hoping to talk to Sam's dad. That's all they needed, a talk. He threw his bike onto the ground and started heading for the front door when he heard laughter coming from the backyard. Tilting his head in confusion, he walked to the backyard and stopped at what he saw. “You had to have fallen off more than once!” Sam giggled as Robby recalled his training session with Daniel earlier.

“Look, I slipped once, but I caught myself and climbed back up, so it doesn’t count.” Robby said and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“If you slipped, then why’d you have to climb back up? You catch yourself and balance but if you climb back up that means you fell.” Trixie pointed out and Robby rolled his eyes.

“Of course Bea out of all people takes Sam’s side.” Robby sighed. Miguel did a double-take, Bea? He knew that it was one of her nicknames she allowed people to call her but everyone usually called her Trixie. What was so special about this Robby guy that he could call her that? And didn’t she have a date with that ‘Willy Wonka’ guy? Miguel sighed, maybe Robby was that guy… He felt his heart drop. Not only did his girlfriend have another guy over but he had his best friend wrapped around his finger. He wasn't sure which bothered him more…

Chapter Text

“Camille!” Trixie chased after her little sister. Camille giggled as she ran away from her older sister in the wood chips. “You’re gonna fall!” She yelled before catching up to her and scooping her up into her arms. Camille giggled as she wiggled out of her sister’s arms. “You little trouble-maker.” Trixie chuckled as she carried her in her arms, “We gotta go, c’mon.”

Across from the park, Miguel, Demetri, Bert, Hawk, and Aisha. Demetri pointed to Trixie, “Hey, isn’t that Trixie over there?” He asked and Miguel looked up to see Trixie twirling her sister around. 

Aisha looked up from her phone, “Is that her sister?” She asked and Miguel nodded.

“Hey! Trixie!” Miguel shouted and Trixie stopped twirling her sister around, looking around the park before spotting her friends. She waved and walked over to them with Camille in her arms.

“Hey, guys!” Trixie smiled, “Say hi, Cami.” She whispered. Camille glared at Miguel before waving to Demetri, who she knew already, and Aisha, who seemed friendly enough.

“She still doesn’t like me.” Miguel muttered.

Trixie frowned at Miguel’s sullen mood, “Hey, what’s up? You seem pretty down lately.” She said and Miguel shrugged.

“What’d you do at Sam’s house?” Miguel asked and Trixie cocked her head to the side in confusion.

“How’d you know I was at Sam’s house?” Trixie asked and Miguel huffed. Demetri looked up at the girl and explained.

“He thinks Sam and this dude were flirting. But he’s mostly upset about-” Demetri was interrupted by a slap to his chest by Miguel.

Trixie widened her eyes, “No way, Sam would never do that!” She said, “She would never cheat.”

“I dunno…” Miguel sighed. Hawk kicked Bert in the face before leaning over Miguel.

“So you saw her eating dinner with some chode, so what? It was probably her brother or something.” Hawk said and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“No, dude. Brother’s don’t look at their sisters that way.”

“Depends on what part of the country you’re in.” Demetri added and Trixie groaned.

“You guys are overreacting. He’s a friend.” Trixie said as she scooted Camille upwards to rest on her hip, “And Sam’s not a cheater and Robby doesn’t even know she has a boyfriend, which is you. I can just text Robby that she has a boyfriend and we’ll be fine.” She shrugged.

“Just go over to that kid and beat his ass.” Hawk suggested and Trixie sighed at their stupidity.

“Actually, there’s something called communication? Maybe instead of beating up a guy who also knows karate, you could… Talk to Sam and ask her about it instead of ghosting her and growing distant so you actually do break up.” The girl rolled her eyes and Miguel shrugged.

“Trixie’s right, don’t listen to Hawk.” Demetri said and Hawk seemed to be offended by the lack of nickname.

“It’s ‘Hawk.’” He corrected.

“Yeah, whatever.” Demetri rolled his eyes before turning back to Miguel, “The fact is, Trixie is definitely right, Sam’s given you no reason not to trust her.” Miguel thought before nodding.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” He sighed.

“So you listen to him and not to me?” Trixie teased and Miguel rolled his eyes.

“You were with that dude too y’know.” Miguel crossed his arms and Trixie frowned.

“Is that what you’re upset about too? Me and Robby are friends, and I know what I’m saying and I know what it sounds like but I promise you that we are just friends. ” Trixie glared at Miguel before Demetri spoke up.

“Trixie does always keep her promises.” He said.

“Thank you, Demetri.” She smiled before Aisha yelled.

“Oh! That little bitch!” She yelled and Trixie widened her eyes at the girl’s outburst.

“Hey, there’s a child here.” Demetri pointed out.

“You know that video I posted of me breaking that board?” Aisha asked and they all nodded. “Look what Yasmine commented.” She said and showed her the comment.

Impressive… Can’t believe the belt made it around ur waist.

“Oh shit.” Miguel muttered.

“You have to do something.” Trixie said and Aisha nodded.

“How about we kidnap her, and have my boy Rico tattoo bitch on her face?” Hawk smiled and the group stared at him with concern.

“Your intrusive thoughts are bubbling. Also, I think that’s illegal.” Trixie said before adding, “I don’t think Yasmine’s worth going to juvie for.”

“Wait, wait, wait. I’ve got a better idea, look.” Aisha smiled as she showed Yasmine's story that showed she was throwing a party at the canyon.

“Yasmine’s throwing a birthday party at the canyon later?” Miguel asked.

“Not if we strike first.” Aisha smiled evilly.

“And strike hard.” Trixie added with a smirk.

“Hell yeah.” Miguel high-fived Trixie, who snickered.

Camille started poking her shoulder. “Are we goingggggg? I’m boredddddd….” She whined and Trixie shook her head.

“Sorry about her.” Trixie apologized and covered Camille’s ears before whispering, “Text me when you guys stock up. I could borrow my brother’s ID and we could buy beet?” She smiled and Hawk shot her a smirk and a thumbs up as she carried her sister away.

“You sure that she’s not your girlfriend?” Hawk whispered and Miguel hit his chest.

_____________________________________________________

“Gotta check your ID first.” The cashier said as Trixie entered the gas station. She shot Hawk a wink before grabbing beer from the fridge and putting it on the counter.

“Hi, I’d like to buy this.” She said and the cashier shot her a look.

“I’ve gotta see some ID.” He said and she handed him her brother’s ID. He looked at her before frowning.

“What? You know how hard it is to change ID photos?” Trixie crossed her arms, “Believe it or not, that’s me. Well, old me. ” She said before the cashier widened his eyes and nodded.

“Ohhh, yeah if you could just pay here, ma’am .” The cashier smiled and Trixie nodded with a cheeky smile.

“And I’ll just pay for the kids, it’s on me.” She turned to Aisha and winked. Aisha laughed as Hawk watched her with an eye roll.

“You are so annoying.” Hawk whispered and Trixie smirked at him mischievously.

_____________________________________________________

The party was in full swing, music blasting people drinking and dancing. There were so many people there, Trixie wasn't even sure who most of them were. 

Meanwhile, Miguel kept checking his phone, getting more and more frustrated. Trixie tried to reassure him but he just ignored it. Aisha came over to the group and gave Miguel a sympathetic look. "Still nothing?" 

"Nope." Miguel sighed angrily, shoving his phone into his pocket.

 "Maybe her phone died." Aisha reasoned, trying to reassure him. 

"Whatever. Let's just get the party started without her." Miguel stated, reaching over to the cooler. He pulled out a beer and examined it before twisting the cap off and taking a big drink. He groaned in disgust, making Aisha and Trixie laugh. Miguel shrugged before taking another big drink, finishing the beer.

 Trixie looked at him worried, hoping he wouldn't go too far before grabbing a drink herself. She knew her brother would kill her, but she’d never be able to do this if she had stayed with her parents.

Yolo or whatever right? 

Night had fallen and Miguel had already downed two beers. Trixie was getting more and more worried as he stumbled for another one, slurring his words when Aisha tried to talk to him. Miguel took a swig of his third beer, staring into the fire. 

"Miguel, maybe you should stop," Trixie said softly. 

"Nah I'm fine." Miguel slurred. Trixie sighed and walked away, not knowing what else she could do. She heard giggling and looked up to see Robby helping Sam walk down the hill. She walked over to the two. 

"Hey, you two." She greeted them with a ‘cheers’ motion of her beer.

"Hey, Bea." Robby teased, letting go of Sam and putting his arm around Trixie.

“Hey, I’m not looking for a relationship, Mr. Chocolate Man.” Trixie grinned.

Suddenly, Miguel stumbled over to three, his nostrils flaring. "Hey, hey." He greeted angrily, trying not to pay attention to Robby's arm around Trixie. He was mad at Sam, not Trixie. "Who's this guy?" Miguel slurred, stopping in front of Robby.

"Wait, is this your boyfriend? And your best friend?" Robby asked the two girls, pointing to Miguel. 

"Miguel, relax. This is Robby, he works with my dad." Sam replied noticing Miguel's anger, which was becoming more and more evident. 

"Ok, he works with your dad ok. That makes a lot of sense." Miguel spat.

 "Miguel stop," Trixie warned. She knew where he was going with this.

 "What's that supposed to mean? Wait, have you been drinking?" Sam asked, her voice full of hurt and worry. 

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

"No, I literally couldn't. My mom-"

“Oh-" 

"-Took my phone."

 "Oh, that's so convenient!" 

Robby let go of Trixie and walked towards Miguel. "Hey man-" Robby started.

 "You get out of here," Miguel shouted, shoving him backward.

 "Miguel stop it!" Trixie yelled at him. Robby pushed himself up and walked towards Miguel. 

"Hey man, you wanna try that again?" Robby challenged.

 "Try it again, huh?" Miguel growled. Sam jumped in between them trying to push them apart. Miguel brought his arm to punch Robby, only to hit Sam instead.

"Miguel what the hell is wrong with you?!" Trixie exclaimed. This seemed to sober Miguel up as he realized what he did.

 "Sam, look, I'm sorry." He said, trying to help her up. 

"God, you asshole! What the hell was that? My dad was right about Cobra Kai. Good luck at the tournament. I won't be there." Sam declared her eyes full of tears. She stormed off towards her car with Robby running after her. Miguel looked towards Trixie who was just staring at him disappointed.

“Hey,” Trixie placed his arm around her shoulders, “Let’s get you back home.”

Miguel stayed silent, tears threatening to pour as he shook his head. “My mom and Yaya will kill me if I come home, they’ll-”

“Then just tell them that you’re staying at Hawks for the night. You can sleep in my apartment. My brother’s not gonna be home until noon tomorrow and my sister’s staying at her friend's house for the night.” She explained as she led Miguel up the sandy dune, “Just stay at my place then you can sneak to your apartment. Just make sure that you don’t smell like beer.”

Miguel went quiet as she hauled the drunken boy into the passenger seat of her car. “Hey… Weren’t you drinking?” He asked.

“I drank almost a fourth of a bottle. I’m not that drunk and I’m not lightweight.” She said,adding more confusion. Has she drunk before? “Let’s just get going. You can borrow some of my brother’s stuff.”

“Thank you, Beatrix.” Miguel said. Trixie froze as he used her full name before nodding, gripping the steering wheel so hard her knuckles turned white before driving off to her place.

Tall trees lined the edges of the highway, their silhouettes barely discernible against the starless sky. Her windows were slightly cracked, allowing the cool night air to slip inside.

“Why’re you doing this?” Miguel asked, his voice slightly cracking. “I’m an asshole, I punched your best friend. I threatened Robby.”

“You’re still my friend too.” Trixie said, her voice almost a whisper. “And Sam’s your girlfriend. You’re apologizing to her as well.”

The hum of the engine was a comforting constant, a low thrum beneath the quietness that enveloped her. “Alright.” Miguel said quietly as Trixie pulled up to their shared complex.

Trixie held Miguel’s hand, guiding his drunk ass to her apartment complex before setting him into her room. “Tomorrow you need to brush your teeth, shower, and borrow some of my brother’s clothes. We can’t have you hungover and smelling like beer.”

“How do you know so much about-”

“Experience.” Trixie said as she untied her hair from her ponytail, letting it cascade down her back.

Miguel stared at her before leaning in, “Thank you.” He said quietly. Trixie gulped before nodding.

“You said that before already.” She said as Miguel’s hand cupped the side of her face. 

He exhaled, a deep breath that brushed the back of her neck. "I love you…" he said softly.

Her chest tightened, and she closed her eyes, willing herself not to turn around, not to let herself fall into this. "It’s not that simple," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

"It could be," he murmured, and she felt his hand ghost over her arm, so light it sent a shiver down her spine.

Miguel moved his head in to kiss her before she turned her head. “You have a girlfriend, Miguel. You’re drunk.”

“But I want you. ” Miguel said and Trixie rolled her eyes, slightly heartbroken at his desperation.

“We’re fifteen. We don’t know what we want.” She said as she laid out a blanket and a pillow for him. Trixie locked her door out of habit before turning to Miguel.

“I thought you wanted this?” He asked, slightly hurt. Trixie shook her head, her eyes slightly watering.

“Not like this.” She said, stroking his hair as he meted into her touch. “Go to sleep, Miguel.” Miguel nodded, curling up on the ground before snoring softly. ‘His head’s gonna hurt like a bitch when he wakes up tomorrow.’ She thought.
_____________________________________________________

“Hey,” Trixie slightly nudged Miguel’s body from the floor. He groaned as he sat up, seeing an already ready for the day Trixie standing above him. And her cat.

“My head hurts like a bitch.” Miguel groaned and Trixie chuckled.

“Sounds the same every time.” She said before throwing him a pair of clothes, “Use the bathroom in the hallway. I set up an extra pair of hygiene stuff, just make sure to throw it away. Don’t want my brother to know I had another person here without him knowing.”

Miguel squinted, something felt off about her. “You’re not wearing long sleeves.” He said, his vision slightly blurry from the pounding headache.

Trixie subconsciously rubbed her arm, “Yeah, so what?” She said with a shrug. Miguel smiled.

“I dunno, I guess I’m just used to you wearing long sleeves.” He said before picking up the clothes, “Thanks, Trixie.”

“That’s the fourth time you’ve said that.” She grinned before Miguel left her room. As he got ready, she folded the blanket and packed the pillow away before shoving the pair into her closet.

Miguel knocked on her door and Trixie stood up, smiling like always as she carried her cat in her arms. “Did you drink some water?” She asked.

“Might’ve gotten some up my nose when I splashed my face with water.” Miguel managed a smile and Trixie patted his shoulder as she brushed by him.

“Come to the kitchen, I’m pretty sure my brother has some leftover salmon. You can eat here and just go across to your mom’s place.” Trixie said as she searched the fridge before heating up salmon.

Miguel stayed silent, contemplating something before Trixie spoke up. “You feel shitty don’t you?” She asked and Miguel nodded. “Make sense, I’ve felt shitty like that too once.”

“Really? You? All happy-go-lucky and everyone’s my friend Trixie?” Miguel joked and Trixie nodded, her eyes glazing over as she remembered her past years.

“I moved here when I was thirteen, it was a rough time for me then.” She explained as she opened the microwave and placed the salmon on the plate, sliding it over to Miguel.

“I woke up tired, despite me sleeping almost all the time. Even though everyone was around me I felt disconnected… I wanted to disappear.” Trixie admitted, her eyes watering and her throat forming a lump before she cleared her throat.

“I got better though. And here I am, living to an age I didn’t think I was going to live to.” Trixie gestured and Miguel nodded, swallowing his salmon before speaking.

“You’re strong, Trixie.” Miguel said quietly, placing his hand on hers with a smile. An electric shock was sent through her arm, making her heart pound before she moved her hand away.

“Anyways, how’re you feeling from yesterday? I know it was really hard for you.” Trixie asked, changing the subject.

“I’m feeling better, kind of upset, kind of shitty.” Miguel shrugged, still sort of curious about Trixie’s past years.

_____________________________________________________

The All Valley Karate Tournament was today, Miguel stood outside the sports center with his friends, practicing punches. "Miguel, calm down man. Save some for the tournament." Hawk said, looking over at him. 

Miguel just sent him a glare and continued. "Hey don't bother, he's been super aggro since the breakup." Aisha told Hawk. 

Hawk looked over at her before back at Miguel. "Well, where's Sensei? The tournament is going to start soon." Hawk said, looking around.

 "He'll be here, don’t worry.” Trixie shook her head with her arms crossed.

 The small blonde, Bert, looked over at them. "I wouldn't be too sure about that." His face and voice held a sad look in them. The two, taller and older humans turned to look at him. 

"What do you mean by that?" Aisha questioned, eyes slightly narrowed behind her glasses. 

"Well I saw him last night at the mini mart. I was buying… A carton of milk. When I heard him in the parking lot yelling." He told them the story. Hawk and Aisha were both shocked.

 "Why didn't you tell us this sooner?" She asked in disbelief. 

"I don't know. I guess I'm so used to seeing him drunk that it didn't seem like a big deal." Bert shrugged and Trixie nodded. He was sort of right.

 "Well we're here, he's not. So it's officially a big deal. What if something happened to him?" Hawk said. 

Bert turned his blue eyes to him. "Like what?" He asked. 

Hawk made a slight face. "I don't know. Like he drove his car off a cliff or bought a gun and blew his brains out." He said it so simply that it was scary. 

Miguel stopped and straightened up, his disdained eyes looking at the trio. "No, Sensei would never kill himself. It's too pussy of a move." Aisha counted Hawk's comment with a shake of her head. 

Trixie snickered, “Aisha’s right. He’s not that much of a pussy to take the easy way out.” 

"Whatever. I mean, we're here. We're going to have to do it without him." Miguel just started to shake his head. 

"Do what without me?" Johnny asked as he walked up, a determined look in his eyes. 

"Sensei." Aisha smiled in a relieved voice as she watched him walk up. 

"We thought you weren't going to show up." Hawk said, ever since joining Cobra Kai he's been brave and didn't hold his tongue anymore. Trixie didn’t know whether or not it was a good thing.

"I may not always win but I never back down from a fight." 

Miguel looked over at him, the light and gentleness that used to be on his face was gone. "Great, let's go sign up." He said in a plain voice. 

"No. Not yet. There's one more lesson I have to teach you." Johnny said, glancing at his students.

 The building was crowded, people walking towards the sign in. "All teams go to the locker room in five minutes." A man said over the intercom.

 "You've all learned how to strike first, be aggressive, not to be losers. I've taught you to strike hard." Johnny was walking in a circle, his students surrounding him, watching and listening to him. "Put every ounce of power behind everything you do. But I haven't taught you the third rule of Cobra Kai...no mercy. The older you get the more you're going to learn that life isn't fair. One day you wake up feeling great and then life throws a spinning heel kick to your balls. You get a F on your test. You get suspended. You fall in love with a girl, then some other dude comes and steals her away." 

Miguel looked down, a mix of sadness and anger crossing his face. "Your car gets set on fire. You think everything is going great and then it falls apart. That's how it goes. Life shows no mercy, neither do we. We do whatever it takes to keep our heads above the water. We do whatever it takes to move forward. Whatever it takes to win!" Johnny said. Miguel looked determined and ready for a fight. A smirk spread across Hawk's face, a dangerous look in his eyes. "Remember who you are. Your badass. You don't give a shit. You kick ass. You're Cobra Kai."

"Cobra kai!" Miguel yelled at the top of his lungs.

 "Yeah!!" The students, including Trixie, echoed around him, just as loud and powerful. 

"Now let's get down there and kick the shit out of everybody." Johnny's voice held some pride in it from his karate students. Miguel went to pull out his gi from his backpack. "No." Johnny said, Miguel's head snapping up to look at him with a confused look on it. "You're not wearing those." A smirk slowly fell upon his face. 

The man stepped into the middle of the area, mic in hand. "Welcome everyone to the 50th anniversary of the All Valley under 18 karate championship!" Everyone in the stadium clapped. "Okay let's start by greeting all the local dojos competing today." He started to read them from a list he had. "From Reseda, returning to the tournament we have..." He trailed off as he heard the chanting of "Cobra Kai." 

From the side, the Cobra Kai students jogged out in a neat line. Trixie wore a black, sleeveless gis, just like the ones from the tournament when Daniel competed.

She had her two-toned hair tied up into a ponytail as she shot Sam a smile. Sam smiled back, slightly nervous at what would happen.

 "Now that's what I call an entrance! And a badass name for a dojo. Let's hear it for Cobra Kai!' The man called over the mic. "And now fighting unaffiliated from the North Hills we have Mr. Robby Keene." Robby ran out, bumping his shoulder against Miguel's, casting a glare at Johnny when he passed. "All right! Get ready, it's karate time!' He said as he walked off the floor to let it begin. 

The first fight was between Miguel and a random boy. Johnny whispered into his ear before the match started. Miguel nodded and got into a crane position. As soon as they said go and the other advanced, Miguel jumped quickly, nailing the boy in the jaw, sending him to the ground. Miguel won that fight and Robby won the next.

“YEAH, MIGUEL!” Trixie cheered, high-fiving him as he walked back to the Cobra Kai’s with a triumphant smile.

Soon, Trixie was up. Johnny whispered in her ear with a smile, “Remember, no mercy.” He said and Trixie nodded, clenching and unclenching her hands as she stepped onto the mat.

Trixie’s eyes narrowed, her stance low and balanced. Her opponent made the first move, a quick, low kick aimed at Trixie’s shin. Trixie anticipated it, hopping lightly to the side, her body turning with fluid grace. She countered swiftly with a spinning backfist, her arm cutting through the air like a blade. He raised his arm to block, their forearms clashing with a sharp crack. Without missing a beat, he pivoted, attempting to follow up with a roundhouse kick aimed at Trixie’s torso. The speed and power behind it made the air around him whistle, but Trixie saw the movement coming. She ducked beneath the kick, sweeping low with her own leg to knock him off balance. He stumbled but recovered quickly, hopping back to his feet, his eyes focused and determined.

“C’mon, Trixie! Kick that Vegetarian-looking bitch in the face!” Johnny shouted.

Trixie darted forward, her movements light and quick. She aimed a series of rapid punches toward her opponent’s midsection, forcing him to retreat, blocking each hit with precision. But Trixie wasn’t done— she leapt into a flying kick, her leg extending toward his face.  Her opponent fell backwards, landing on the floor as the referee held her hand up. She smiled as she waved to her brother and her sister, who was eating cotton candy. As she walked back, Miguel shot her a look of… Pride? She smiled back before wiping the sweat from her forehead with a sigh. That felt… Really good to kick someone in the face.

Miguel had made the semi-finals. Along with Robby, Xander Stone, Trixie, and Hawk. The first fight was going to be Trixie vs Xander. As Xander reset his stance, Trixie charged again, aiming for a high kick to his head. Of course, Xander was ready. He sidestepped and grabbed her leg mid-kick, twisting slightly to destabilize her. But Trixie’s agility saved her once more. Instead of falling, she used the momentum to spin in the air, delivering a sharp elbow strike to Xander’s shoulder before landing gracefully. Xander winced, retreating a step, but he wasn’t out of the fight.

With a deep breath, Xander launched a series of fast, heavy punches aimed at Trixie’s upper body. She dodged left, then right, her footwork impeccable. But one punch grazed her arm, and she felt the sting of his strength. She raised her guard, but at the last second, he dropped low and delivered a swift sidekick to his ribs. The impact made Trixie stagger, but before he could recover, Trixie followed up with a perfectly timed spinning back kick, his foot connecting with her chest. She grunted, falling to the floor before getting up, wiping her mouth. She resisted punching his face before walking off the mat with a deep breath. “Beat his ass for me, Diaz.” She muttered to Miguel, who nodded.

Trixie ran a hand through her hair as she splashed water on her face with a shaky sigh. She looked at her disheveled and slightly sweaty figure in the locker room mirror. Thankfully she changed out of her Cobra Kai outfit. Her head was spinning with thoughts. Some good, some bad, but mostly bad. ‘ No, this can’t be real! We tried our best. I wish it was all over. Don’t talk about yourself like that. Do you really think this is how things are supposed to be? You don’t even sound like yourself anymore. I don’t really care anymore. We did a good job. That was a shitty move you did, we should’ve done better… ’

It hurt her head, the whirlwind of thoughts gathering in her head before she gripped the edge of the sink with a deep breath. She brushed her fingers through her hair once again before exiting the locker room. The second fight, was of course, Miguel and Xander. It was two to one now. The look on Miguel's face wasn't a familiar one, like a dark mask over a bright face. Trixie noticed Miguel standing in front of Xander. He looked at him with pure rage and as Trixie joined the side lines, she yelled loudly. “Kick his ass, Miguel!” She yelled with a smile.

Miguel’s eyes flickered to Trixie’s face, a slight smile and nod came from him before he turned back to Xander with a menacing glare once again. He won the fight, kicking Xander in the ribs.  Xander and Miguel shook hands before bowing to each other. "And Diaz is moving into the finals, next is Hawk versus Keene." The announcer called out. Robby walked towards the mat, one of the Senseis patting him on the back as he passed. Johnny had an odd look on his face.

"Something wrong Sensei?" Hawk asked him.

 "No." Johnny turned to him, masking any feelings. "Show him what you got." 

"Ready to face the fury of the hawk?" Hawk asked with a smirk on his face. Robby didn't say anything. They bowed to the ref and then to each other before getting into fighting positions. 

Robby was instantly at him when they could fight, trying to kick him in the face but Hawk took a step back just in time for it to miss him. Hawk slammed him to the ground, punching him in the ribs. Robby stared after the boy. "One point hawk." The man declared.  Robby got up, moving back into his starting spot, he was unfocused. "Remember what you learned Robby!" Daniel called standing up, Robby looked over at him and Daniel sat back down. Robby gave him a nod, eyes closing as he took deep breaths. Relaxing and focusing… 

Robby's eyes were still closed when the man said fight but as soon as Hawk tried to kick him, he blocked with fast movements. He pushed the boy past him, turning back towards him and raising his guard. Robby won that round with a spinning kick to the face, sending Hawk to the ground. 

"Yeah there you go Robby." Daniel smiled with pride.

 "That was a lucky point. It's going to be your last." Hawk said in a low voice.

 "Why are you living early to fix that stupid haircut?" Robby shot back, venom in his voice. Robby turned his back on Hawk to get to his spot when Hawk kicked him in the back, sending him harshly to the ground where he yelped in pain. The ref pulled Hawk away and towards the other cobra kai students. 

"Robby!" Johnny moved quickly to get to his side. Trixie slightly frowned, since when was her sensei so involved with Robby? How did he even know him in the first place?

 " That's enough! Illegal contact. You're disqualified." 

"That's bullshit." Hawk snarled in anger.

"Are you okay?" Johnny asked, kneeling by Robby.

 "Get away from me." Robby said, holding his arm. The ref came to Johnny and pulled him back.

 "Get back on your side." He told the man. Johnny was back up and lightly hit Hawk's arm. 

"What the hell were you thinking man?!" He demanded. Daniel looked over, hearing them. Miguel grabbed Hawk's arm and pulled him off the mat, it was obvious he wasn't happy even if he hated Robby, Hawk shouldn't have done that.

 The ref helped Robby up, Robby keeping his right arm cradled against his chest. He was walking towards the back rooms. "With that disqualification. Keene has earned a trip to the finals. We will see him back here after a short break." The announcer said Daniel got up and followed Robby back. Robby was gently touching his shoulder, wincing in pain. Trixie looked to Miguel, who shot her a hopeful smile and she shot him one back with a wave of her own.

“Hey, thanks for the encouragement back there. I think I kind of needed that.” Miguel rubbed the back of his head awkwardly with a smile.

“No problem, you looked like you needed it too.” Trixie chuckled as she placed a hand on his shoulder, “Seriously though, you seem a bit upset.”

Miguel shrugged, “I dunno, I guess I just really wanna win.” He said before adding, “At least I kicked Xander for you.”

“For me or for the win?” Trixie teased and Miguel chuckled softly.

“Is both an answer?”

Trixie nodded before spotting Sam laughing with Aisha. Trixie waved at her and she waved back before Trixie turned to Miguel. “Go apologize to your girlfriend, Miguel.” Trixie urged the boy to go over to her, which he reluctantly agreed to do.

Robby came out of the locker room, spotting Trixie as he waved with his uninjured arm. “Hey.” He said and Trixie managed a smile.

“Hi, Robby.” She said, “Sorry about… Hawk. That dumbass was a cheater, even I can admit that.” Trixie said with a sigh, “I’m sorry about your shoulder.”

“It’s fine, you shouldn’t be apologizing, after all, it’s not like you hurt my shoulder.” Robby replied with a dry chuckle. Trixie smiled.

“Yeah, but it was my team who did.” She said with a sigh, “I don’t know what the hell he was thinking, but hitting someone when their back is turned is a pussy move.” Trixie crossed her arms. “Since we never went on that dinner hangout, did you maybe want to go… Next weekend?”

Robby smiled, “Yeah, that’d be fun.” He said before Daniel walked Robby over to the mat. He waved and she waved back before the match started.

The fight had begun, Robby was blocking each kick and punch Miguel threw at him, he shoved him back and that gave him enough room and time to kick Miguel in the chest, scoring the first point.  "Remember the pitching machine. Don't get hit." Johnny told him as the next round started. Miguel started with a spinning back kick which Robby blocked. Miguel dodged surprisingly well, he brought the heel of his foot down on Robby's injured shoulder before kicking him to the ground by the chest. It was one to one now.

Next round, Miguel hit him in the shoulder before sweeping his leg. Robby landed on his shoulder, in very bad pain as Miguel punched him in the chest, claiming another point. Trixie covered her mouth, in shock and slight horror as she saw what was happening. Miguel looked at her and she gave him a weak shrug. 

"Time!" Daniel said as he stood up. He went to Robby kneeling in front of him. Robby was holding his arm, breathing heavily. "Focus Robby.  Look at me." Daniel tried to get his attention, Robby's eyes on Miguel. "Just remember to breathe and focus. Just..find your balance." Daniel told him. 

The ref walked over. "Are you ready, Keene? Can you continue ?" He asked, his voice fairly kind for a loud ref.

 "Yeah." Robby nodded standing up, Daniel went back to his spot. Robby had his eyes closed, his injured arm holding onto his ribs and was being kept close to his body, he was doing the breathing exercises Daniel had taught him, to help focus him. 

Robby managed to block everything on hand, he slung Miguel some but he went out of bounds so it didn't count for anything. "All right Robby. Stay focused." Daniel said, slapping happily. When the rest of the round began Miguel quickly kicked Robby to the ground, trying to kick him but Robby rolled out of the way. Robby moved quickly, going on his uninjured hand and using both feet to kick Miguel, he had mastered what Daniel was trying to learn. Trixie wasn’t sure who to cheer for. Her friend or her… Crush? Could she call him that? Whatever, it wasn’t like her feelings mattered in karate anyways. 

It was two to two now, the last point would win the All Valley Tournament. Miguel was kneeling on the ground. Robby walked over to give him a hand up. Miguel grabbed Robby's injured shoulder and jerked down, a popping sound could be heard. Trixie gasped at the sound but the ref didn't call it though.

"Come on ref!" Daniel said angrily. The crowd started to boo as Trixie crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Robby, come here." Daniel called him, the boy walked over holding his arm. "I'm going to tell him to end it." 

The boy's eyes went wide. "No no no no let me finish." He said.

 Daniel sighed. "Okay just be careful." 

Miguel went over to Johnny. "I found his weakness, Sensei. It's his shoulder." The boy informed, though that was something obvious. 

"Listen, I know we want to win, but it has to be the right way. We don't have to fight dirty." Johnny said in a low voice.

 "Dirty? There's nothing dirty about winning. You taught me that. Don't worry, I got this. No mercy." Miguel turned heading back to the mat. Johnny's face was hard to read but it didn't hold an ounce of happiness or pride. 

Trixie and Miguel held eye contact as she slightly shook her head, disapproval evident in her expression but she still gave him a smile.

Robby went to kick Miguel but he caught his leg. Miguel lifted his leg in a kick, hitting his shoulder. He kept go of Robby's leg and kicked him in the stomach. Robby fell to the ground. Miguel and Cobra Kai had won the championship.  The Cobra Kai students ran up hugging Miguel. Robby bowed through he didn't get one back.

 "Robby, Robby," Johnny said trying to get to his son but Miguel caught him by the shoulder. 

"We won Sensei." 

Robby was with Daniel as the announcer stepped up. "Who saw that coming? I sure didn't. Let me present the trophy to this year's new champion, Miguel Diaz and Cobra Kai dojo! Is there anything you want to say to the people, son?" He offered the mic to Miguel and he took it. Daniel had led Robby to the back, an arm gently around his shoulders.

 "I just wanted to say I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my Sensei… Or my best friend, Beatrix! This is for my Sensei Johnny Lawrence and Cobra Kai!" Miguel said enthusiastically. Johnny had his head hung for a moment, he didn't seem at all happy. The students started to chant cobra kai.

Trixie smiled slightly, cheering slightly at the winners of the All Valley Tournament before spotting Robby. She walked up to him before getting stopped by Miguel, her hand being pulled into his.

“We won! We actually did it!” Miguel exclaimed, twirling her around in her arms. “Can you believe it?!”

“Never doubted it for a second.” She giggled as Miguel set her down with a smile. “We should totally celebrate after this!” Trixie said and Miguel nodded happily.

“Totally! What about that restaurant? The one with the nachos?” He suggested and Trixie nodded. “Do you think they’ll give us discounts?”

“Well, we can’t all be winners, can we? Hopefully the whole team will fit in the building.” She smiled and Miguel sighed contently.

“I feel… Great. This… Everything is just… Amazing.” Miguel sighed with a smile as he stared at Trixie.

“Well, of course. We won!” Trixie said, although she wasn’t sure winning by cheating counted. Of course, she wouldn’t say that to his face. “Let’s ask sensei if we can go out to eat as a team.”

Willy Wonka 🍫: Hey, we still going out sometime this week for food?
I could probably bring Sam

Sure
I’m sorry abt ur shoulder btw

Willy Wonka 🍫: It hurts but it's alright
Thanks for checking in anyways even tho ur a cobra kai

Chapter Text

Out of My League by Fitz and The Tantrums

40 days and 40 nights
I waited for a girl like you to come and save my life
All the days I waited for you
You know the ones who said I'd never find someone like you

Sweater Weather by The Neighborhood

One love, two mouths
One love, one house
No shirt, no blouse
Just us, you find out

Ruthlessness

In all my years of living
It isn't very often that I get pissed off
I try to chill with the waves
But damn, you crossed the line

Disco by Surf Curse

'Cause there's nothing like it, not like the way you move
I can try but I can't hide it from you
'Cause I can't wait for you
I can't wait for you

I Love You, I'm sorry by Gracie Adams

Chapter Text

"So you might be wondering what the team does after winning a championship." Aisha said, talking into her phone. "The answer. Victory nachos." Everyone at the table cheered. Sitting at the table was Aisha, Demetri, Hawk and Moon. "It was supposed to be a round of drinks but the waitress was not feeling Hawk's fake id." 

Hawk leaned across the table towards her, talking in a whispered voice. "Hey don't talk about that. My parents follow you." 

“But! Guess who’s ID did?” Aisha turned the camera over to Trixie, who held out her drink with a smile. Aisha turned back to the phone. "Sorry Mr and Mrs. Moskowitz. Anyways, until next time, no mercy bitches." Aisha ended the video and sat down by Demetri who was holding a nacho. 

"I have to say it feels good to be at a victory party." He said, right as he was going to put it in his mouth. 

Hawk swooped in and stole it. "Yeah except you had nothing to do with the victory." He said as he ate the chip. 

"Then I take it as a belated party for the coding competition we won at computer camp. Remember?" Demetri was looking across at his friend. "Demetri and Hawk. Binary brothers." He sang in a robotic voice, making them laugh. 

"Hey cool it with the nerd shit." Hawk whispered to him, Demetri's smile fading from his face.

 "Hey where's Miguel? He's wings are getting cold." Moon asked.

 Miguel was sitting alone, away from the team. Hawk, Trixie, and Aisha walking over. "There you are." Hawk smiled as he sat on one side, Aisha on the other, and Trixie behind him.

 "This is how you celebrate a first place trophy?" Aisha asked with a small laugh. 

"She blocked me." Miguel's voice was sad as he stared down at the table. Trixie placed her hand on his shoulder with a frown.

 "So what do you do when you get blocked? You counterpunch. Maybe just don't hit her this time." Hawk said with a laugh, Aisha sent him a glare. "What too soon?" Hawk asked innocently. "Look, all I'm saying is don't give up." 

Miguel sat up, finally raising his eyes but still not looking at his friends. "It's not use, I blew any chance I had with her." His voice sounded defeated. 

"Just give Sam some time, she'll come around." Aisha said in a soft and comforting voice.

 "Or she won't." Hawk had cut in. The three looked over at him. "You’re the champ now. Every girl in the valley will want you. You're like Drake. Enjoy it." Hawk said with a chuckle, lightly hitting his arm as he stood up and walked back to the table. 

Aisha patted his arm. "I'm not sure I want to be Drake." Miguel murmured.

"Don't worry. You're not." Was Aisha's response, making the boy laugh. Trixie chuckled.

“I’m convinced something’s fishy with that guy. In a few years he’ll become a pedophile or something.” Trixie scoffed, her hands crossed with a slight smile.

Miguel laughed with her, “Drake? I mean, he’s a popular singer. Not all singers are weird and creepy.” He countered.

“Are you defending Drake?” Trixie asked, “I’ll remember that and when he does turn out like a weirdo, call me and I’ll tell you I told you so.” 

Miguel fake-pouted with an eye roll as he sat down next to her. “Hey, I thought Hawk’s ID didn’t work?” He pointed to her drink.

“Yep! But my brother’s did.” Trixie grinned as she offered her drink, “Want some?” She asked and Miguel nodded, taking a sip before coughing harshly.

“What the hell is that?!” He exclaimed.

“Vodka.” Trixie laughed at his outburst before taking a long drink from her cup.

_____________________________________________________

Miguel, Trixie, and Hawk got to the dojo and were talking till they noticed the new students in front of the place. Smirking, Hawk approached. "Hey, mouth breathers, move it." He said in a demanding voice. 

Two boys quickly moved aside. "Sorry." Mitch, a chubby boy with curly brown hair, said.

 "I'll get the door." Chris said. This guy had shaved black hair and dark skin. 

"So you want to be Cobra Kai huh?" He asked the two. After asking Hawk raised his fists and made a move at them, making them flinch. He chuckled. "You got and long road ahead." He walked into the building, Miguel following him. 

“Sorry.” Trixie shot them a guilty smile before following them in. Just because Cobra Kai was an All Valley Winner, doesn’t mean they got to be assholes.

Mitch hit his arm. "Why'd you do that?" He asked. 

Chris looked confused. "I didn't do anything." Mitch just rolled his eyes and walked inside, leaving the confused boy outside. 

Miguel looked around at the fire mark and the broken mirror. "What happened here?" He asked. 

Aisha looked over and shrugged. "Sensei must of had a party." She replied, a small smile on her face. 

"Must have been pretty wild if fire got involved." Hawk pointed out. Miguel was still looking around. "Look how much glass there is." Him and Hawk had started walking again. "I wonder why he didn't invite us." Hawk chuckled some. 

“I dunno, if it was a victory party, I think Sensei would probably invite us.” Trixie crossed her arms.

The new students had walked in, talking among themselves. "Quite!" Johnny yelled, silence instantly following. "The dojo is closed today to new students." 

Chris gave him a look. "We just wanted to sigh up after we saw the tournament," Johnny turned his blue eyes to him.

 "Do I need to say it again? Get out." 

Mitch nods his head, backing up some. "Yes, Sensei, come on." He nods his head towards the door. All the new students started to walk out. 

"Let's go. Come back tomorrow and bring your checkbooks." He then turned to his students. "Fall in!" He called. The group instantly moved as he instructed. 

"Must have been a rager Sensei." Hawk commented with a smirk. 

"What did you do? Party all weekend?" Miguel asked. 

"Party for what? My students are a bunch of p*****s." Johnny said, making the smiles fall away from their faces. "Diaz, Hawk up front." He called. The two boys moved towards the front, a bit confused. The two faced the other students. "Hawk, did you attack your opponent when their back was turned?" He asked, starting to circle, slowly. 

"Yes Sensei." Hawk nods, casting a confused glance at Miguel.

 "Diaz, did you purposefully attack your opponent's injury?" Miguel gave a slight nod of his head. 

"Yes Sensei." Johnny stopped walking when he was in front of the two. "Do you think that makes you more of a badass?" The two looked at each other. "What, question too tough? Do you need some help?" Johnny asked before he started pacing again. "Ms. Wong!" He called on Aisha.

 "Yes Sensei." She watched him as he walked.

 "Two cobras in the jungle. One kills the strongest lion and the other kills a crippled monkey, which cobra do you want to be?" He asked as he turned and started walking back the other way. 

 "The one that kills the lion, Sensei." She replied, her voice edging on confusion.  

"Why is that?" Johnny looked over at her. 

"Because it killed a stronger animal."

"Correct! Cobra Kai is about being badass. And the baddest badass takes down his opponent when he's at his strongest. " Johnny said in a loud, clear voice. "Not when his back is turned! Not when he's injured!" 

As he said those two he got into Miguel and Eli's faces. "Is that understood?!" He turned back to pacing in front of the class. 

"Yes Sensei!" Everyone said together, a voice of union. 

"That means no more cheating. No more fighting dirty. Those are pussy moves now. You don't want to be pussies do you?" Johnny asked.

 "No Sensei!" Again in perfect harmony.

 "Good. That's why I had you wear your white belts. You're starting over. Hawk, Diaz, 50 push-ups on your knuckles. Ms. Robinson, warm them up." He looked over at the two boys.

"Yes Sensei." Aisha said. She moved to the front. "Fighting positions. Jab punch." As the students warmed up. Miguel and Eli were doing perfect push-ups.

Trixie felt an uneasy feeling in her gut, even though the dojo looked roughened up, there wasn’t any rager party going on during the weekend. So, what actually happened that fire needed to get involved?

_____________________________________________________

Trixie stood in front of the punching bag, her eyes focused and intense. With a deep breath, she shifted her weight onto the balls of her feet, muscles coiling with anticipation. With a swift, powerful motion, she launched her fist forward, striking the bag with a force that sent it swinging violently.

‘Every success felt like a mistake. We don’t deserve all of this.’

‘But we do, you’re being negative because you want attention. You’re fine, everythings fine.’

‘No, it’s not fine. Everything we’ve done, we’ve never done it for ourselves. We don’t feel fulfilled because everyone’s always stepped on us. We let everyone run ahead.’

‘But we were always faster, what do you mean?’

Each strike that followed was faster and harder, her fists blurring in a flurry of movement. She gritted her teeth, pouring all her energy and frustration into every punch, each one more powerful than the last. 

‘You love him, you have to admit it.’

‘Love is a strong word.’

‘A word that you feel. A word that you correlate with him.’

‘He’s your friend’s ex. You shouldn’t put your feelings before her, and even if you did confess, you know that you’d be a rebound.’

‘I won’t be. He’s not like that.’

‘But what if he is?’

Her breath came in quick bursts, her body moving in perfect rhythm—left hook, right jab, uppercut. Sweat dripped down her face, her ponytail whipping with each sharp twist of her torso as she attacked the bag relentlessly.

‘We don’t deserve this. This life isn’t ours. Everything we’ve done has been easy, we’ve never worked hard before. We deserve to feel this way.’

‘We deserve to have friends, stop being so dramatic and suck it up! Just because you feel this way doesn’t mean you have to be an attention seeker and go around looking for validation.’

Sweat dripped from her brow, but she didn't pause, didn't falter. Each strike was harder than the last, fueled by something deep inside- anger. A need to push her limits, to channel her strength, to use that anger and take it out on everyone else.

She winced as the punching bag swung above the ground, she hissed as she saw her red, raw, and bleeding knuckles. ‘Should’ve worn that tape…’ She thought as she wiped her forehead with a towel and took a drink of water.

“Woah, you seem pretty upset.” Patrick crossed his arms as he surveyed his sister's disheveled body. 

“Why would I be upset?” Trixie asked absentmindedly as she accidentally grazed her knuckle with the towel and winced. “It’s the start of summer.”

“You’ve been at it for a while, hm? When’d you come down here?” Patrick pointed to her raw knuckles.

“Since seven.” She said vaguely as she brushed past her brother to bandage her knuckles. “I’ll be fine, Trick. I’m going out later though.”

“Alright, but make sure that you eat something!” Patrick called after her.

Trixie shrugged with a sigh as she went up to her room, closing and locking the door behind her. She opened her bathroom door and dug through the cabinet before finding some bandages.

After finishing wrapping her knuckles and taking her medication, she got into the shower, washing her hair and drying it.

As she finished changing into a simple white shirt and jeans, her phone blew up with multiple texts. She grimaced before checking them.

Aisha: Hey, karate just started where r u???

RAGHHH🦅: Karate just started wth

Miguel: Where are you?

She widened her eyes before grabbing her karate uniform and bolting down the stairs, what time was it??? How long had she been training for? She groaned as she grabbed the keys and started the car, hopefully she wasn’t going to miss anything.

_____________________________________________________

Johnny stood in front of his students. "Today we have a visitor. This is Mr. Kreese. He's just an observer, pretend like he isn't even here." Johnny told them, casting the man a side glance. "Mr. Diaz, warm them up." He moved to stand by Kreese as Miguel moved to the front. He bowed to the others and they bowed back.

Just as he was about to speak, Trixie burst through the dojo with a sigh. “Sorry I’m late, I lost track of time.” She said and Johnny noticed her bandaged hands. Trixie set down her bag to see Kreese looking at her. She looked before turning to her sensei.

She bowed down to Johnny with a slight smile, “Sorry, sensei. I was busy, I won’t be late again.” She said.

Johnny stayed silent, his eyes flickering to Kreese. “Get in line, Ms. Wong.” He said and Trixie let out a shaky sigh before getting in line. 

Miguel shot Trixie a reassuring smile and she nodded before he yelled. "Front kick!" He called and everyone followed suit. "Front strike!" The group moved in perfect sync. "Side jab!" Miguel called, everyone dabbing then breaking into laughter.

Trixie looked around before rolling her eyes with a slight smile. Kreese looked at Trixie before nodding slightly and turning to Johnny, staring intensely at him. "What the hell was that?" Johnny demanded. 

Miguel looked back at him. "We're just messing around. We have 11 and a half months until the next All Valley." He seemed slightly confused as to why Johnny seemed different, on edge. 

"Yeah and we already know how to kick ass." Hawk said, the group around him laughing. 

 "Oh, really, so you're done huh? Nothing left to learn?" Johnny's eyes were fierce. Aisha giggled some, Johnny looked over and approached, standing in front of her. "What's so funny, Ms. Robinson?" 

Aisha tried to hold back her laughter. "Sorry, Sensei. You wouldn't understand." He narrowed his eyes on her. "Try me."

Aisha leaned a bit closer to him. "It's a snake-do." She told him. Johnny didn't understand. 

"What's a 'Snake-do'?" He questioned and everyone put an elbow on the arm, holding the other hand up like a snake head, making a hissing sound. Kreese looked disappointed. "Quite!" Johnny yelled, everyone instantly stopped. "5:00 am tomorrow morning. Corner of Fulton and Raymer. You don't show and you're off the team. Class dismissed." Johnny was angry as he walked into the back room, Kreese following him.

“You, Ms. Wong.” Kreese pointed to Trixie. She looked and followed quickly, shrugging at Miguel, who gave her a confused expression.

“Yes, sir?” Trixie asked as she was pulled into Johnny’s office.

“Your knuckles, what exactly happened?” Kreese asked. Trixie felt as if she was walking on glass, as if if she said the wrong thing she'll hurt herself.

“I was punching too hard.” Trixie said vaguely. Kreese looked before nodding.

“You’re very strong for someone as small as you.” Kreese crossed his arms and Trixie copied his stature, looking at him with pursed lips.

“I’m 5’7, sir.” Trixie said and Kreese nodded.

“Hm, right.” Kreese said, “You’ve got a lot of potential, Ms. Wong. If you ever need extra training, just tell one of us.”

Trixie contemplated her answer before nodding, “Currently, I’m not looking for anything private. I’m here for a teacher, nothing personal.” She said before adding, “I do appreciate the offer, I’ll take it into consideration.”

Kreese nodded, “A good answer for someone like you. You’re dismissed.”

Trixie left the office, sweating more than any exercise she’d ever done in the dojo as she saw Miguel waiting for her. “You didn’t have to wait for me.” She said as she grabbed her bag.

“I wanted to.” He smiled as they walked out of the dojo.

“Did you want to get ice cream? I mean, I promise I’ve got more money this time.” Trixie grinned and Miguel chuckled.

“Sure, that’d be fun.”

_____________________________________________________

“I still don’t know how you can eat that. It’s still nasty.” Miguel grimaced at the bubblegum pink ice cream that Trixie ate happily.

“Hey, you’re eating chocolate?” Trixie pointed before smiling, “So I was right, you’re a chocolate muncher.”

“I didn’t really have a favorite ice cream until you chose chocolate to be honest.” Miguel shrugged. Trixie’s heart swelled with…? She wasn’t sure what she felt, but she knew that she liked him a lot.

“So, what happened at practice? That random guy seemed to put Johnny on edge.” Trixie frowned and Miguel shrugged once again.

“His name’s Kreese. He’s sort of Sensei Lawrence’s friend? I’m not sure though.” Miguel admitted, taking a scoop of his ice cream.

“Weird… Kreese makes me sort of uneasy, don’t you think?” Trixie asked and Miguel nodded.

“He’s sort of… Weird.” Miguel said as he took another scoop of his ice cream.

“Yeah, but I’m pretty paranoid about him. Which is weird because he didn’t seem threatening except for his outward exterior.” Trixie frowned. Miguel placed his hand on hers.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure it’s nothing. He’s probably just creepy.” Miguel said with a smile. Again, there was that electric shock that got her heart pounding once he placed his hand on hers.

She pulled away slowly, taking a scoop of her soon-to-be melted ice cream into her mouth with a smile. “Thanks, Miguel.” She said quietly.

_____________________________________________________

It was 5:00 am, the Cobra Kai students were mixing cement. Some were passing bags down the line. Aisha was stirring it with a shovel. "Don't add too much water, you want it nice and thick." Johnny said, watching from the side. 

"Sensei, why are we mixing cement?" Miguel asked, out of breath, stirring in a different wheelbarrow then Aisha. 

“Yeah, what he said.” Trixie added. Thankfully, she was wearing shorts so the start of the summer heat wave didn’t bother her. Of course, she’d regret not wearing pants soon.

"No questions." Johnny said sternly.

 "All right." Miguel groaned as he went back to stirring.

“I feel like a witch.” Trixie added and Miguel chuckled, at least she could stay positive during the rough training.

 "Keep stirring!" Johnny was walking away from them. He walked to stand by Kreese. 

"Their muscles are gonna ache, sure, but if you want to make them tough you have to give them something to be afraid of. No one's afraid of a little cement." The older man said. 

"They will be." Johnny said. 

A honking horn caught their attention. A cement mixing truck was pulling into the area. Kreese glanced over at Johnny. Johnny walked up to the truck driver, talking and shaking hands with him, it was obvious that they knew each other. He handed Johnny the keys before walking off. The students shared confused looks.

Johnny stood in front of the truck, his students surrounding him. "You think winning the All Valley has given you the right to goof off?" He asked, hands on his hips. "Well I got news for you. Winning a championship doesn't mean squat." He started to pace in front of them. "A true champion never stops training. You keep moving or you get stuck exactly where you are. It's just like the cement in this truck. If that drum doesn't start moving the cement will harden and get stuck. Is that what you want to happen to you?" He stopped walking. 

"No Sensei!" Everyone said together.

 "Good. Then climb up, get inside and make it spin."  Everyone shared looks. 

"Sensei, we're sorry for messing around." Aisha said. 

"We've learned our lesson." Hawk threw in. 

Johnny pulled the ladder down, making a loud clunk noise. "Get in!" He said in a more demanding voice. 

"Sensei, this seems kinda dangerous. I mean the fumes alone..." Miguel started before being cut off. 

"Quite!" Kreese yelled, everyone looking over at him, even Johnny. "This man led you to the mountain and you question him? Look at you. Look at all of you. I can't believe this pathetic pack of pussies made it to the All Valley." 

Kreese was now standing in front of them all. "And won. It's an absolute miracle. And who made that miracle?" He asked before gesturing to Johnny. "Johnny Lawrence. The best student in the history of Cobra Kai. My student." 

Hawk looked at him. "You were Sensei's Sensei?" He asked in a amazed voice. 

"You better believe it. And I'll tell ya, I've never trained a tougher student in my whole life." He glanced over at Johnny. "So if you know what's good for you, you better listen to every goddamn word he says." 

Trixie raised her hand with a slight smile, “Sounds fun, I’ll do it.” She grinned. Miguel took a step forward. 

"I'll do it too, Sensei." He said, head held high. Miguel walked towards the ladder, Johnny patting his back as he passed. 

He was followed by Hawk, Trixie, then Aisha. Miguel looked into the drum. "Holy shit." He said in a small, awed chuckle. He lowered himself down into the left over cement, slipping and falling. 

Hawk followed, slipping but he regained his balance. "This is weird." Miguel said, others have joined them. Johnny looked in. 

"Don't just stand there, you want to get stuck? Move!" Miguel nods. "All right, come on." He moved towards the curving wall, the others following suit.

They started pushing at the wall. Nothing was happening. "Come on, push!" Johnny called from outside. 

Kreese turned his head to the side, looking at Johnny. "Have you ever done this before?" He asked.

 "Don't worry, I got this." Johnny never looked over at him. 

"Come on, don't just stand there." Hawk said in a strained voice as he put his whole body weight on the wall. It started moving.

 "There we go! There we go! A little bit faster!" Johnny called to them. The drum started turning faster. "That's it! There you go!" Johnny yelled with a smile on his face. The students outside cheered them on, even Kreese smiled. 

As they got out, Trixie slipped, almost falling before Miguel grabbed her arm. “Woah! Can’t have you falling, can I?” He asked teasingly and Trixie pulled him down with her.

The two laughed before getting out of the cement drum with smiles. As they got to the ground, Johnny sprayed them off with a hose. "You should all be proud of yourselves. I know I'm proud. Your parents would be proud, too, if you told them what we did here today, which we won't." He gazed at his students. "You pushed forward like champions. Never stopping, never satisfied, never giving up. And if you keep going and keep pushing them you're going to go places you've never even dreamed of." He was looking directly at Miguel and Trixie. Miguel smiled and Trixie gave him a small nod which Johnny returned.

_____________________________________________________

“TRICK!” Trixie yelled from her room as she held an empty pill container.

“Yeah?!”

“I need more meds! I ran out.” Trixie yelled as she threw the pill container into the trash.

“Alright! I’ll put it on the list!” Patrick shouted from downstairs.

Trixie rubbed her face as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was supposed to go to the beach today with her friends and they were leaving in about an hour and a half. She traced the scars on her arms, biting her lip as she saw the scars. Some from her father, some from herself. Trixie breathed in a shaky sigh before deciding to wear her swimsuit, but covered her arms with a black beach shawl. She slid on some shorts before going downstairs.

“Are you ready to go?” Patrick asked and Trixie nodded, slinging her bag of sunscreen, snacks, and a towel. “Alright, I’ll see you in a bit.”

Trixie waved before meeting up with Miguel, “Hey, we ready to go?” She asked and Miguel nodded.

“Yep.” He smiled and noticed her shawl, “It’s like a hundred degrees out. You sure you’re not hot?”

“I am hot.” Trixie grinned cheekily, making Miguel roll his eyes as they entered her car. “But no. I’ll be fine.”

Chapter Text

"So, I did a deep dive online. You were right. Sensei is definitely Keene's father." Hawk told him, his voice somewhat low as they stretched out their legs.

Miguel sighed and shook his head. "I just don't get why he didn't tell us." He looked over at his friend.

"I don't know but it explains why he was giving us shit about kicking Keene's ass in the tournament. Show no mercy, unless it's his son. Then we have to be pussies" Hawk's voice started to edge in anger. 

Aisha walked over to the two boys. "Have you guys seen the commercial?" She asked. When they didn't answer and just looked confused, she said. "Sam's dad started his own dojo. And he disses Cobra Kai." She held out her phone, and Miguel snatched it to watch the video.

Trixie walked into the dojo, late once again with her gi already on and two-toned hair tied up into a bun. She grumbled, clearly irritated, and walked over to her friends.

"Woah, something the matter?" Miguel asked, and Trixie shrugged.

"I just ran out of my meds. The withdrawal symptoms were kicking in this morning because I just threw up." Trixie gagged before setting down her bag.

"You take medication?" Hawk asked curiously.

"I thought I told you this already." She rolled her eyes as she sat down next to them, contorting her body into the splits as she stretched. "Antidepressants, remember? To keep me sane and non-suicidal?"

"Right." Hawk nodded, slightly uncomfortable at the topic, which reminded him of Demetri.

"Trixie, did you see the ad?" Aisha asked. Trixie nodded. She didn't feel like having a filter today because the words spewed out of her mouth.

"Hell yeah, I saw the ad. He's not being too subtle with the 'snake in the grass'. I tried to get a hold of Sam and Robby, but she blocked me on all social apps and he’s obviously ignoring me." Trixie sighed as she started twisting her torso.

"You still have Sam's number?" Hawk asked, now slightly angered. Trixie glared at him before stretching out her arms with an eye roll.

"Yes, I still have Robby and Sam's number, why? I mean, Aisha's got Sam's number." Trixie gestured to Aisha, who merely shrugged.

"The problem is that you have Robby's number."

"Then why didn't you just say that?" She snapped back, "Robby and Sam have ditched me. Calm the hell down."

"Alright, alright." Miguel interrupted their bickering, "You guys are a lot more snappier than usual."

"Yeah, maybe it's because Keene is Sensei's son," Hawk whispered but it wasn't like he wanted to be quiet about it though.

"Yeah, I figured. Sensei's not one to go to an opponent and ask him if he's okay," Trixie said as she leaned to the side, stretching out her legs even more.

"You knew and didn't tell us!?" Hawk exclaimed.

"Will you just shut it about Robby? God, you make it look like he's your boyfriend or something." Trixie rolled her eyes, "So what if he's Sensei's son? You guys were assholes back at the tournament, he had every right to yell at you."

"Hey, Trixie. Maybe you should drink some water. You're getting a little heated." Aisha suggested. Trixie breathed in before taking a long sip of her water. She looked back at the boys before sitting down once again.

"My bad guys." Trixie said, "I guess I'm just pretty irritated. Everything hasn't been going well." She smiled slightly before setting down her water bottle.

"It's fine." Hawk shrugged, not wanting to talk about it anymore.

"The withdrawal's really getting to your head, isn't it?" Miguel asked. Trixie nodded.

"Irritability, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, headaches. Just the regular symptoms that can make you feel like shit." Trixie sighed.

"Why'd you come here then? Shouldn't you rest?" Miguel asked. She shook her head.

She traced her bruised knuckles, slightly zoning out as she spoke. "Almost missed class last time. Can't be late again if I want to get better, do I?"

"Don't you have ballet?" Aisha chimed in, slightly confused because usually Trixie was supposed to be practicing ballet and not punching a punching bag.

"I quit ballet days ago." Was all she said before shutting herself up and continued stretching.

_____________________________________________________

"Cami, no. We're not getting a funnel cake." Trixie said as she held onto her sister's hand tightly. The last thing she needed was to lose her in the crowd.

"But it's for Trickie!" Camille innocently smiled, even though Trixie knew Patrick didn't want a funnel cake.

"No, Cami. Let's go watch the show." She smiled as Camille grumbled but followed her.

Camille hung on the girl's hand, clearly trying to irritate her. Trixie pulled her along before running into someone. They're jacket fell to the floor. "Oh! Sorry." Trixie smiled apologetically, reaching down and handing the girl her jacket back.

"No, it's fine." A girl with bleached tips said as she grabbed the jacket, her hand staying on the jacket a little longer than usual.

“Cool bracelet.” Trixie complimented.

“Thanks. Nice shoes.” The girl said.

"Trixie... Are we going to watch the showwwww!!!" Camille complained. Trixie sighed.

"Sorry about her," Trixie said before walking away with her whiny sister through the crowd.

"Alright, now do I have a treat for you! Please turn your attention towards the Larusso Auto group. They have a presentation of Miyagi-Do karate." The announcer said in a cheerful voice.

The crowd looked over as the presentation began, the three bowing, moving in sync. Sam and Robby were doing the same thing while Daniel did something else but it all went together well. Daniel had a Bo, swinging at Sam twice and she blocked.

Trixie clapped, even though she was mad at Sam and Robby for ignoring her when she didn't even do anything, she still was going to support them either way.

Then he turned to Robby. He swung it at the boy's legs but Robby avoided it by doing a roll, the crowd gasping loudly. They stood up and bowed. "Now, time for the grand finale," Daniel said pleasantly.

He started pushing out a cart with six thick ice sheets that he was going to chop through. Suddenly the lights went out and some mic feedback was heard. "Cobra Kai!"

Trixie widened her eyes as her dojo came onto the stage, crashing the Miyagi-Do performance with their own. One of the students shouted as they ran down in two perfect lines, chanting their dojo name as they went.

As they passed, the crowd started to follow them. "What the hell is going on here?" Daniel said, watching them pass. A banner dropped above the opposite stage of the Cobra Kai logo. The students moved in perfect sync.

"Cobras show them what real karate looks like!" Johnny said, standing on the side. They started sparring, some hitting the ground as the others got the better of them, the crowd cheered loudly. At the end of that, Miguel was the last one standing.

Trixie cheered, forgetting about the Miyagi-Do performance as she clapped for her team. "Miguel!" She yelled. Miguel looked around before waving at Trixie with a smile.

Aisha was blindfolded as she kicked and punched through boards. "YEAH AISHA!" Trixie yelled from the crowd with pride. Maybe they were slightly badass. Hawk pulled Demetri onto the stage and handed him aboard. Demetri held it away from him at head level, his eyes squeezed shut.

Miguel's hands laced together, giving Hawk a boost as he kicked through the board. They threw soma cobra kai merchandise into the crowd. Johnny walked onto the stage, five cement slabs in front of him, raised off the ground. "Cobra's light it up!" He shouted.

Two boys walked over, one of them putting lighter fluid on the slabs and the other lighting them on fire. Johnny looked at them before punching through them. The crowd went wild and started chanting Cobra Kai as the students joined their Sensei on the stage again.

_____________________________________________________

Kreese walked in front of the students, who formed a square around him. "You got to understand that Mogadishu I'm the 90s was a hellhole." He said. "Warlords controlled swaths of the city. Me and my team were sent there to clean up." He was mainly talking to Hawk and Aisha while Trixie and Miguel were stretching.

"How many warlords did you kill?" Hawk asked and Kreese turned his eyes to him.

"Do you keep track of every ant you stomp out?" He asked, making Hawk gasp in amazement and Trixie roll her eyes.

"Woah.." Aisha said. Miguel rolled his eyes as well.

"Badass," Hawk smirked.

"We were outgunned. We were outmanned. I tell you, Rwanda was no joke." Kreese told them.

'Outnumbered, out planned.' Trixie snickered to herself. Miguel stood up from stretching, slightly confused.

"Don't you mean Somalia?" He asked. Trixie snickered again, he was still a slight nerd at heart. "Mogadishu is in Somalia. Rwanda is a whole different country."

Kreese turned around to look at him. "Of course, Somalia." He said with a chuckle before turning back to Eli and Aisha. "I was in the sandbox so much, it all just kinda bleeds together, you know?"

"Alright, listen up!" Johnny called as he walked out of the back room. "I see we got recruits. Everyone fall in! In neat rows and lines." Johnny said. The students started moving to where they were supposed to be. "It's time to see what you're made of." He started walking through the rows. "Straighten up, ginger twins." He said lowly to two boys who instantly straightened their backs. Johnny walked up to the guy who worked at Home Depot. "I'm sorry but my parents can't stay for class. It's an insurance thing." Johnny told him.

"I'm not a dad. I... I'm here to kick some ass, sir. " He said, glancing around the dojo with nervousness.

Johnny looked at him. "Don't I know you from somewhere?" He asked, eyes narrowing some.

"I, uh, I sold you the mirror." He glanced back at a mirror. "We bonded over rock bands," He trailed off near the end.

"You're a little old. This is a class for teenagers." Johnny told him. The man looked around him.

"I can take 'em. I'm not afraid of kids, sir. And my mom, she doesn't charge me rent so I got cash to burn." He said, pulling some money out of his shirt pocket. He held it towards Johnny. Johnny took the money.

"We'll consider this a trail run." He muttered as he walked towards the front. "I thought my last recruits were pathetic. But if you do what I tell you to do, you at least have a chance of becoming a fighter." Johnny's blue eyes scanned the crowd. "But that means you have to fight. So who has the balls to take on the champ?" He asked. Aisha glanced toward Miguel and Hawk.

Trixie started to raise her hand with a smirk before she was cut off. "I'll take him on." A female voice said. Turning to look back, they saw a girl with longer hair that was brown at the roots and brown eyes. 'Hey... Wasn't she the girl I accidentally bumped into at Valley Fest?' Trixie thought to herself.

"You will, huh?" Johnny looked at her.

"I saw your little demo at the Valley Fest. You can put on a good show but can you fight?" She asked, glancing around.

Johnny was walking forward, now standing in front of her. "That sounds like a challenge." He said.

She looked slightly up at him. "I like a challenge." She said, Trixie smirked. She already seemed badass from the start, and people don't go around telling people she can beat an All-Valley champion. Then again, Miguel wasn't technically a champion, was he?

"Mr. Diaz, show Miss Hotshot here what Cobra Kai's all about," Johnny said as he walked back up to the front. Miguel bowed to Johnny. Everyone started moving back, clearing off the mat.

Miguel looked at her. "Look, are you sure you wanna do..." He was asking when she kicked him in the stomach, making him stumble back but he didn't fall. "Okay." He said with a smile on his face. "Game on."

The smile instantly faded away. The fight started with her attacking but he blocked the hit easily, "Close the gap." He told her, using his legs to sweep her. She hit the ground but flipped back up, "You're telegraphing. Don't let me see it coming." He told her.

She tackled him to the ground. "Did you see that coming?" She questioned, standing up.

Miguel put one leg behind hers and one leg at her stomach and quickly took her to the ground. "Maybe." He was a bit out of breath. He stood up and offered his hand to help her up. "My name's Miguel."

She took his hand. "Tory." She flipped him over, using her shoulder. She held his arm back and put her other hand on the side of his face, holding it to the ground. "With a Y."

As the class ended, Tory with a Y came up to Trixie with a smile. "Hey, I've seen you before, right?" She asked and Trixie nodded.

"Yeah, I'm Beatrix, just call me Trixie though." Trixie said, she didn’t need anyone calling her Bea anymore anyways, and held out her hand and Tory shook it happily with a smile.

"I love your earrings," Trixie said, and Tory touched her earrings with a smile. Well, Trixie's first impression of Tory was right, this girl was pretty badass.

"Thanks, I like your hair." She pointed to her two-toned hair.

"Thanks," Trixie smiled as they both started to leave the class.

"Hey, Trixie!" Miguel shouted after the girl. She turned around and smiled. She recently noticed she hadn't been talking to him as much so she was slightly thankful for this interaction.

"Hey, Miguel. Did you need anything?" She asked, Miguel nodded happily.

"So, I-I was wondering if you... Uh, w-well you don't have to but it was just-" Miguel stuttered out before being interrupted.

"Hey, are we going?" Tory asked Trixie, who nodded.

"Sorry, Miguel." Trixie smiled apologetically, "Text me later, alright?"

Miguel nodded, although he seemed pretty bummed out by the interruption. Trixie wondered why before following her friend out of the dojo.

"He likes you." Tory teased with a smile and Trixie rolled her eyes. She crossed her arms as she slung her bag over her shoulder. "And you like him, right?"

"No way, I mean, I'm not sure but-" Trixie cut herself off before embarrassing herself even more. "That obvious, huh?"

"Nah, it's just that you guys look at each other like those sappy rom-coms that middle-aged women watch." Tory teased and Trixie gasped with horror.

"I happen to like those rom-coms! You wound me, Tory." Trixie sighed dramatically.

_____________________________________________________

"Okay, this is not the beach." Tory looked around, "Where're the homeless dudes in rollerblades and the guys shoving shitty hip-hop demos in your face?"

"Meh, they're lurking around somewhere." Trixie joked and Aisha chuckled slightly.

"Don't worry, they come out after they pass out the hors d'oeuvres." She added and both of the girls laughed.

“Tory, be our savior and hide us from Sam please.” Trixie said as they walked above the pool.

“So, Aisha’s upset about Sam because of karate, what about you? You don’t seem the type to stop being friends with someone because of a sport.” Tory said as they passed a table of food.

“Hey, I’m gonna get some food for all of us.” Aisha said and Tory and Trixie nodded.

“We’ll find a place to sit.” The two-toned haired girl smiled as she and Tory continued walking together to find a place to sit. “Anyways, Sam ghosted me but it was before the All Valley Fest. I don’t really know what I did to her that’ll make her hate me.” Trixie shrugged and Tory scoffed.

“What a bitch, anyone who’s lucky enough to know you would totally want to stay friends with you.” Tory said and Trixie chuckled nervously.

“I’m not so sure, my brother says I can be a bit bitchy at times.” Trixie smiled before spotting Sam lounging down by the pool with… Robby. She scoffed before sitting down next to Tory.

“Enough about the Sam talk, what about you and Mr. Champion?” Tory smirked and Trixie bit the inside of her cheek to keep her from smiling. “What’s the deal with you two?”

“It’s sort of awkward… I liked him before he started dating… Sam… And I even encouraged them to get together.” Trixie said and Tory widened her eyes, “I know, but I just felt bad about getting in between them. Now me and him are flirting and… He just broke up with Sam and even though we’re not friends, I shouldn’t get with her ex.”

“I say go for it! You liked him before, what was it about the Cobra Kai dojo thing? Strike first?” Tory encouraged her, though she didn’t seem too keen on the idea of Miguel dating Trixie.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to be a rebound! And Sam knows I know she blocked me so it looks like I’m using him to make her jealous.” Trixie groaned, “I just don’t want to be the asshole.”

“So what? You’ve pushed aside your feelings for him for far too long, and if it doesn’t work out, just get with me!” Tory winked and Trixie laughed.

“This is so stupidly complicated…”

“Y’know there’s probably vodka in the back of the club, right?” Tory smirked and Trixie nodded.

“I’m liking you more and more Tory.” Trixie grinned as they both got up from the seat to get the bottle of vodka from the back.

_____________________________________________________

"Hey, look what I got." Tory said in a happy voice as she walked over. She pulled a bottle of vodka barely out of her purse to show it. 

Aisha looked at her. "How'd you get that?" Her eyes were a bit wide. 

"We swiped it from the bar." The blonde was smiling and she jerked her head towards Trixie, who was currently talking to some guy. Sam and Aisha shared a look. "Oh relax, all the adults are getting wasted, no one's going to notice if we're having a little fun." 

"You should put that back, you could get into big trouble." Sam said, drawing Tory's attention. 

"And you are?" She asked with a hint of venom in her voice. "Oh Tory, this is Sam. Sam, Tory." Aisha introduced. 

Tory gave a smile although it was more of a knowing smirk. "Ohhh. The Sam. Come on, one's going to miss one bottle of vodka." She said sassily. "I could swipe half the silverware here before anyone would notice."

 Sam looked up at the girl, Tory was a bit taller, "You shouldn't steal anything." 

Tory gave a quick little laugh. "What are you, a nun?" Sam's smile faltered and she glanced down. "Come on, are we going to drink or not?" Her brown eyes turned to Aisha. 

Aisha bit her lip, looking back at Tory. "Alright, one drink." Tory smiled as they started to walk away from Sam. 

She put her arm around Aisha. "That's my girl." She said with a giggle before yelling to Trixie, “Hey, Trix! Guess what?!” 

Sam watched as Trixie peeled her eyes away from the guy she was talking to before her smile grew wider as she saw the bottle of vodka. She knew it was wrong to have blocked her, but…

Sam went down to the pool where Robby was. They both gathered their things up, ready to leave the country club as soon as possible. "I'm sorry about Aisha." Robby told her softly. 

"She can be friends with whoever she wants." Her voice held an edge to it and Robby shot her a glance before speaking once again.

“What about, Bea? She looked pretty upset.” Robby said and Sam sighed.

“I blocked her. Everything was sort of awkward after the All Valley Tournament and she was… Flirting with Miguel.” Sam bit her lip.

 Amanda walked over, rummaging through her purse. "Have either of you seen my wallet? " 

Robby looked over at her, his face gone serious. "You're missing your wallet?" He asked. "I'll go check the beach. Maybe someone turned it into the lifeguard."

Sam looked around before hearing Trixie, Tory, and Aisha all laugh together as they stumbled their way to their shared table. 

“Wait, I’m sorry, you gave her a front wedgie?” Tory asked Aisha for confirmation as she giggled.

“I split that bitch in two.” Aisha grinned and Trixie laughed.

“Wish I were there to see it, that bully deserved it.” She smiled before a familiar voice behind her called out to them.

“Hey!” The trio turned around to see Sam glaring back at all of them, “My mom’s missing her wallet.”

“Sucks for her.” Tory said and Aisha and her chuckled. Trixie avoided looking at Sam, clearly not drunk enough to deal with her.

“You wouldn’t know anything about that?” Sam asked, a slight accusation coming through as Tory squinted at her.

“Wait, what’re you saying?” Aisha asked.

“Just give me her wallet, and I won’t tell security.” Sam said and Tory walked up to her.

“Are you freaking kidding me?” Tory asked.

“Sam, she didn’t steal your mom’s wallet.” Aisha frowned.

“She was with us the whole time.” Trixie chimed in, crossing her arms as she glared slightly at Sam. “Why would she need to steal your mom’s wallet, anyways?”

“Right. And she didn’t steal a bottle of vodka,” Sam directed to Tory, “And you wouldn’t steal half the silverware in here.”

“Listen, I didn’t rob your mom, bitch.” Tory defended. Trixie put her hand on Tory’s shoulder.

“Let’s go, she can believe what she wants.” She said, de-escalating the situation as best as she could. “We both know she’s wrong so there’s no point in arguing.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Tory nodded as the trio turned away, only to be pulled back as Sam grabbed Tory’s bag. “Get off of me!” She yelled, pushing her into a table of food.

Tory walked away, furious and slightly humiliated as Aisha walked away with her. Trixie stared at Sam, clearly conflicted before holding her hand out for the girl. Sam glared at her before eventually taking her hand.

“Let’s get you cleaned up.” Trixie muttered quietly before shooting a quick text to Tory.

Hey, I’m gonna stay for a while.

We could talk later???

Tory🌹: Yeah, sounds good

 I really need to talk it out

Chapter Text

“So… What’re you working on, Diaz?” Trixie grinned as she sat across from him. Miguel looked up from his computer, muttering something under his breath before sighing.

“It’s something important, I could really use a girl’s opinion though. Just… Don’t laugh?”

“No promises, Pinkie Pie.” She said and Miguel scoffed before turning the computer around to show her.

He showed her a cute video he made about him and Sam. He was going to send it to Sam, hoping it would make everything okay. Trixie cringed, covering her mouth as she scrutinized it.

"So what did you think?" He asked her. 

"I think you should delete it." She told him. "And burn it, along with my eyes." 

Miguel sighed. "It's that bad?" His voice was a slight groan. 

"It makes you seem desperate." She told him with a guilty smile. 

Miguel gave her a sweet and oblivious look. "I am desperate." He had a slight smile on his lips. 

"Girls aren't into desperate guys." She admitted.

‘Well, that’s not entirely true. You’re into him.’

‘I’m getting checked for schizophrenia because why am I talking to myself?’

“Well, I guess I do like this other girl. But I don’t know if she likes me back.” Miguel shrugged, “I mean, she sort of flirts back with me but she’s usually friendly like that…”

“Is it Tory?” Trixie guessed and Miguel grimaced.

“I met her., like, two days ago.” He said before continuing, “Anyways, she’s nice and really pretty. A good friend even though she doesn’t know it and she’s… Amazing.”

“Well, sounds like me and her will get along well.” Trixie grinned, standing up. She was slightly hurt at the fact Miguel liked someone else but brushed it off. If he liked someone, he liked someone, and she wasn’t going to control him. “Anyways, if you’re not a pussy, tell me when you tell her you like her.”

“Wait-”

“Trixie! Get over here!” Hawk yelled and Trixie turned her attention to her friend with the mo-hawk. “Look at this!”

_____________________________________________________

Miguel ❤️: Okay, I’m gonna do it

YOU'RE GONNA ASK HER OUT?!??!

Miguel ❤️: Yeah, but I’m kinda scared

I might say the wrong thing.

JUST DESCRIBE HER AND THEN JUST TELL HER THAT!!! 🤩

Miguel ❤️: Alright…

Well, she’s smart and pretty and funny! Her eye’s remind me of when the sun hits jusssst right by the lake and they sparkle! I swear her smile lights up the room and makes everyone happier. She’s always kind and tries to look after everyone, even putting people before herself. She’s everything I want.

I want to be with her.

You’re whipped for her

She sounds so amazing and nice.

Who exactly is she again?

Miguel ❤️: You.

I want to be with you.

Everything I said is about you, you’re amazing and spectacular and everything I want and more than that.

…

Meet me outside

Please

Trixie was about to combust. She sprinted out the door of her apartment complex to see Miguel. As she stood outside, she met Miguel. They locked eyes before meeting halfway. The two friends stared at each other before Trixie spoke up. “Was it true?” Her voice was quiet, “Do you mean that?” Miguel nodded, speechless as he looked down at her with a smile. “I don’t want to be a rebound, Miguel.” Her hands trembled as Miguel held both of her hands.

“You won’t be. You’re different from Sam.” He said as he gave her a look of longing. “It’s always been you.” He whispered. 

Trixie smiled before slowly kissing him. Her heart fluttered as his mouth moved against hers, tender yet full of a restrained passion. Both of Miguel’s hands cupped her face and her hands grasped the back of his neck. Their lips danced, filled with the sweetness and heat of something passionate. Of course, they were only human, so they pulled away. “Does this mean you’ll be my girlfriend?” Miguel asked, hesitatingly resting his hands on her hips.

“Well, you don’t kiss everyone you see, do you?” Trixie grinned as they kissed once again. “I do have one thing though…”

“You’re still friends with Sam, aren’t you?” Miguel said and Trixie nodded, feeling guilty now.

“It’s not that I'm ashamed of you, I’ve been wanting this for… The longest time… But it feels sort of like I’m cheating.” She muttered and Miguel nodded.

“We’ll keep quiet, kiss in private, we can still be ‘friends’.” He winked and Trixie nodded, still feeling guilty.

“I still feel bad… You shouldn’t have to do this when I created this problem myself.” She said as she cupped Miguel’s face with her hand.

“I don’t mind, I want to be with you.” He grinned before kissing the back of her hand, “And did you say you’ve been wanting this for the ‘longest time’?”

Trixie widened her eyes, her heart burning in embarrassment as she buried her head into his chest. “I wasn’t thinking, I mean, it’s true but still! Maybe... Don’t mention that.”

“Don’t worry, I find it kinda cute.” He said before adding, “I feel the same way. I mean, even if I didn’t really always know it, I guess it always has been you…”

_____________________________________________________

All the students of Cobra Kai were doing burpees, breathing heavily. Trixie wiped her forehead with a grunt. "This would all be over in an instant. The decision is yours." Johnny yelled said as he walked along the side of them. "Who trashed Miyagi dojo? You all know I'm not fan of Larusso but that's not the kind of bullshit we teach here, at least not any more." He cast a glance at Kreese who looked right back. "So I'm going to ask you one more time, who trashed Miyagi-Do?"

 "It wasn't me, Sensei." Raymond said, panting. "I would never disrespect another man's dojo."

 Johnny looked over at him. "Shut your cake hole, Chubs." He said in a loud, stern voice. "I'm not looking for excuses, I'm looking for answers." 

Miguel looked at him, his breathing harsh. "Sensei we really don't know who did it." He said. 

"Someone knows something." Kreese said, eyes scanning the crowd. "The question is, who's gonna break?"

Trixie’s legs started to burn and it sort of reminded her of ballet. She had a sneaking suspicion on who it was, but she wasn’t going to accuse someone because of a hunch. The phone started ringing, drawing Johnny away from the students.

Mitch approached Kreese. "Sensei we're need a water break." He panted. 

Kreese looked at all the students. "Two minute break." He announced to the class. They all moved to the side to get water. "Get your bearings." He told them. 

"I got to go handle something? Do you think you can man the fort?" Johnny asked Kreese after exiting his office. 

"Of course." The man replied. 

"I want you to figure out who it was. Do what you gotta do." Johnny said and Kreese looked over at him. 

"Don't worry. I will."

“Hey, are you doing okay? Never seen you so tired before.” Miguel smiled as Trixie gulped down her water before coughing.

“I’m doing alright I guess. My legs burn but they don’t feel like they’re gonna fall off.” She smiled, “How about you? You alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. A little bit better after water.” Miguel said.

The Cobra Kai students were doing various exercises. "Keep going, I have all day." Kreese said as he walked among them, some were on the ropes, some lifting weights and others doing push ups.

 "Do you think it's okay if I puke in here?" Raymond asked Aisha. 

"No." She said disgusted. 

"Navy seals puke all the time." His breathing was heavy.

"Don't puke." Her voice was stern. 

"He's not going to let up, we need to figure out who did it." Miguel said to Trixie, his words coming out in pants.

 "I bet it was shit-breath." Tory said. 

Mitch got up. "Screw you."

 Tory stopped and moved towards him. "What did you say?" Her voice was rough. 

"Want to go right now?" Mitch asked. The two were angry and about to fight but Miguel moved between them. 

"Stop." Kreese said "Would you really like to know who it was? It was Hawk." Hawk looked up, everyone turning to look at him. "And it was Diaz and Wong. It was Robinson, Nicholas, Chubs, and Red. When one of you move, all of you move. You live and you die. With the consequences and the spoils, because you are all Cobra kai." Kreese told them. "Main dojo, five minutes. You are all about to begin your real training."

"Combat." Kreese said. 

Trixie round-house kicked him in the gut, him falling over to the ground in a heap. “Point.” Miguel stepped forward, raising the red flag high.

 "Hit him again." Kreese said, even though she got the point. Trixie turned to him in confusion. "Do you have a problem with that? The fight isn't over until your enemy is finished. You show your enemy no mercy." Kreese said as he took a slight step forward. 

 "This isn't what Sensei Lawrence has been teaching us." Miguel looked over at Kreese.

 "Excuse me?" The older man asked, venom in his tone. 

"There is no honor in being merciless. Trixie scored a point. It's over." Miguel's voice was stern as he looked at the man, he didn't look scared at all. 

"Sensei Lawrence is right, of course. The tournament stops when you score a point, but in the real world it isn't about scoring points." Kreese said as he walked towards Miguel. "It's about being a winner or a loser. And there's no losers in this dojo." Miguel and Kreese stared at each other, Miguel refusing to back down.

“I say when the fight’s over, right Sensei?” Trixie interrupted the two’s stare down. Kreese turned to Trixie with a nod. “Then I say it’s over. I won, and that’s that.” She wiped the sweat off her forehead.

Kreese stayed silent, seeming to contemplate on something as the lesson came to an end. Trixie stayed with Miguel as they went to the smaller training room. “Today’s lesson was crazy, wasn’t it?” He asked Trixie, who was currently lifting up a dumbbell. “I mean, you really stood up to Kreese, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, I was sort of scared.” Trixie muttered and grunted as she lifted the dumbbell up. “But it was true. The fight’s only over when I say it is, and it was over.”

“You were kinda badass.” He grinned as they exchanged looks. Miguel walked away from the punching bag as he wrapped his arms around from behind her. "It was sort of hot."

Trixie placed the dumbbell down, turning her head to look up at him, "Miguel, what'd you want?"

“Well, no ones around so…”

“We train in here, remember Miguel?” Trixie raised an eyebrow and Miguel widened his eyes, realizing what he had said.

“I didn’t mean- I meant- well, actually it was just-” Miguel's rambling got cut off by a soft kiss.

“Even if you’re a part of Cobra Kai, you’re still a dork and a nerd at heart.” Trixie grinned, turning around to face him as Miguel scoffed.

“I could say the same about you.” He said and now it was Trixie’s turn to scoff.

“Oh please, I’m a badass at heart. You wound me, Diaz.” She rolled her eyes.

“What’s with the lifting? Thought you liked to use the punching bag more.” Miguel said as he threw a kick to the poor piece of shredded rubber.

“My hands still haven’t healed.” Trixie said as she took a drink of water, “I’ve been training my upper body a bit more since my legs are stronger. Evening out the muscle.”

“What muscle?” Miguel said and Trixie hit his arm. He laughed and watched as she untied her hair from her ponytail.

“I’ve been thinking about changing my hair.” Trixie said, changing the topic, “I’ve been growing bored of it so perhaps my boyfriend could be of help?” She grinned and Miguel smiled at the status change.

“Well, I’ve always liked the color blue.” Miguel suggested (Haha get it… Blue Beetle???) and came to a stop at punching the bag.

“Are you suggesting I dye it blue for you?” Trixie teased as she walked up to Miguel, placing her hands on his shoulder.

“Maybe.” He gave her a kiss on her cheek.

“Blue would be a nice color.” She said after thinking the idea over.

_____________________________________________________

The Cobra Kai students stood in the forest, separated into two teams. "Welcome to Coyote Creek gentlemen. And ladies. As you can see you've been separated into two teams. Red and black." Kreese walked down the row and held up a red strip of cloth as Johnny held up his black one. "The goal is to capture as many headbands as possible from the other side. Today the people across from you are not your friend, are not your brother. They are the enemy. Last team standing wins." Johnny stared at Kreese as the older man spoke.

 "How do we get the headbands?" Miguel asked, he was on the black team. Kreese looked over at the boy.

 "By any means possible. No rules." He told him before Johnny also answered. 

"Use your judgment. This is just a training exercise."

 "Correct, but remember. This is your life." Kreese said, holding up his headband. "You lose it, you die."

 "Hey guys sorry I'm late, traffic on 118 was a bitch. I put Coyote Creek into the nav but nothing came up." Chubs said, walking up. Trixie and Miguel exchanged looks as they slightly smiled at each other. 

"What have you done to yourself?" Johnny asked, looking at him. 

"Oh the.." Raymond trailed off, taking off his sunglasses. "I decided to flip the script. Hawk-style. Respect, henceforth you can call me Stingray." The man said. 

Hawk looked slightly offended by the comment s Trixie disguised a laugh as a cough. Stingray had a slight smile on his face. "Alright Chubs, he's in your team." Johnny said, looking at Kreese. Stingray's smile fell.

 "Terrific." Kreese sarcastically said.

As the teams then separated into the first, Trixie and Miguel were walking in the woods. “So, what happens when it’s just you and me?” Miguel asked.

“No mercy, I guess.” Trixie grinned and Miguel rolled his eyes with a chuckle before a guy appeared, it was two against one. 

The two tag teamed him in an unfair fight. “You get him.” Trixie said as she kicked him towards Miguel. Miguel punched him and caught his leg mid-kick before sending him back to her.

“Nah, ladies first.” Miguel said.

“Exactly why he’s yours.” She said and punched the boy in the face before pulling off his headband. "No hard feelings." Trixie smiled. 

"No mercy." Miguel added. Johnny watched the both of them walk away with smirks on their faces, disappointment on his face.

Mitch walked through the woods, and of course, was alone. He jumped at the sound of a bird screech. With a yell, Hawk dropped from the tall trees, taking Mitch down and pulling his headband off. Mitch got up. "What the hell man?" He questioned, disbelief on his face. "Sorry Ass-face, today you are the enemy, that makes five kills." Hawk pulled a necklace out of his shirt. "I guess I earned my medal of Honor." The stolen Medal of Honor glinting in the light of the sun.

Miguel and Trixie watched from afar before exchanging glances at each other. Her hands clenched, bruised knuckles turned white as she glared in the direction Hawk went. After a few minutes, Miguel and Trixie were leaning against a tree when they both saw Hawk. "Finally, a worthy opponent," Hawk smiled but Miguel looked angry. 

"So you're the one who trashed Miyagi-Do?" He asked, looking at his friend in disappointment.

"They're the enemy. I had to put them in their place." Hawk's smile faded away into a cold look. 

"So you had to steal the Medal of Honor?" Trixie asked, disbelief in her voice. “That’s beyond karate, that’s fucking jail time, Hawk!”

"Why do you care? Just because you still have a thing for Sam and you still have a thing for Robyy doesn't mean I have to go soft." Hawk narrowed his eyes. 

"I'm not soft. And this isn't about her." Miguel and Trixie exchanged looks.

"Nah, sure it isn't," Hawk said in a sassy, dark voice. He pulled the Medal of Honor out of his shirt with a smirk. "You want the medal so bad, come and take it." Hawk made the first move, both blocking and dodging kicks that both Miguel and Trixie threw at him.

Eventually, Miguel got him and kneed him in the chest, flipping him to the ground. Yells could be heard from where the other students were. "Is that Miguel and Hawk?" A student asked. 

"Wait, that's also Beatrix!"

Tory and Aisha were the first ones who ran in the direction, including Johnny and Kreese followed. Trixie punched him hard in the nose. "Is that all you got?" Hawk innocently asked, using his foot to push Miguel away hard. 

Miguel flew back some and hit his back against a tree but quickly moved to avoid getting kicked. They fought for a bit before Trixie caught Eli's arm and planted her hand on Hawk's face, pushing him away. Miguel took Eli to the ground, rolling some as he stood back up. 

Trixie walked up to Hawk, pulling his mo-hawk back as she tugged his head to her. “You try that shit again and I’ll shave that mo-hawk of yours,” Trixie whispered in his ear, “You’re more of a pussy than any of us, Eli.” She said before ripping the Medal of Honor from his neck.

"That's all we got," Miguel said with a heavy breath. The group had arrived and Miguel was walking towards them. He held the red headband in the sky. 

"Finish him," Kreese said in a whisper. Miguel nodded as Hawk was starting to get up, Miguel did a kick to the side of his head, the boy falling back to the ground. Trixie grinned as she swung at Hawk’s face, making his nose bleed.

“No mercy, bitch.” She whispered to him. Johnny made a move to go forward but stopped, a look of shock on his face. 

Miguel moved back towards the group, brandishing the headband. Trixie held his hand as they both held up their hands. "Team black!" They yelled. The students of the team moved towards him with cheets. Johnny gave Kreese a sideways look. 

Kreese walked up to Johnny's side. "Looks like that champ of yours is developing quite the killer instinct. And the girl, she’s got quite a fiery side to her. It could become useful in the future."

Johnny looked over at him. Suddenly, from under the cover of leaves Stingray got up and got Miguel I'm a choke hold. "The thing about stingrays is that they lie on wait for the perfect opportunity to strike." He took Miguel's headband and shoved Miguel roughly forward. 

"The red team just won!" Stingray yelled, holding the headband up. Trixie rolled her eyes before grabbing the headband off of Stingray.

"Nope, too late for that Stingray." She placed his headband in Miguel's hand, their eyes lingering for a second before turning away.

Johnny walked up to Miguel and Trixie, who were laughing with each other. "The hell was that? That's not how I taught you to fight." His voice was low. 

"That's how Sensei Kreese taught us. This isn't a tournament. This is real life." Miguel told the man. Johnny huffed some. Trixie crossed her arms. 

“That was mercy upon ourselves. If we had shown mercy, we would’ve lost.” Trixie said, “And there are no losers in Cobra Kai, sensei. That’s life.”

“Is that how you want to live your lives?” Johnny asked before walking away from Miguel and Trixie. They both exchanged looks of confusion and slight guilt.

Chapter Text

“Hey.” Hawk stood above Trixie, who was stretching out her legs. 

“Hi.” She said before standing up and facing him, “About Coyote Creek, I’m sorry… About what I said.” Trixie admitted, “It was an asshole move, you’re not a pussy.”

“It’s fine, we cool?”

“Yeah, cool.” She smiled and before she could say more, Johnny walked out of the back room. 

"Everyone fall in!" He called out. Everyone started to move into their positions. "Today we will be learning the most important lesson in Cobra Kai there is to know," He said.

Hawk looked around, confused. "Where's Sensei Kreese?" He asked Johnny. 

"Kreese will no longer be joining us. I made a promise when I became your Sensei, to have your best interest. Despite how much it hurts us all, Sensei Kreese did not have your best interest at heart." Johnny said, a sad look crossing his face. "John Kreese may have founded Cobra Kai but he no longer represents what this dojo stands for. His Cobra Kai was old and outdated. He refused to move forward and what happens when that happens, Mr. Diaz? " Johnny looked over to Miguel, whose face looked solemn.

"We get stuck, like cement."

"Exactly," Johnny said. "To be a strong fighter you have to learn to adapt. This creed on the wall." He turned to look at the way of the fist. "Learn it to the letter and you'll be stronger. It will make you formidable. It will also make you an asshole." He looked back at his students. "Cause those are just black words painted on a white wall. But life isn't black and white, most often it's gray. And it's in those gray areas, where Johnny Lawrence's Cobra Kai sometimes shows mercy.”

“But that doesn't mean you can't be a badass, it's still a requirement. It means to learn to think, not with your gut, or your fists but to really use this." He hit his head. "Which leads me to my next lesson." He grabbed a board, headbutting it and breaking it. "Headbutting, grab a partner."

Miguel and Trixie exchanged looks. “I was talking to Tory earlier.” He said, “And she says there’s this 80’s night happening at this roller rink where she works. Maybe we could… Go there for a date?” He whispered the last part.

Trixie grinned. “Sounds fun, I love the 80’s. What’re you wearing? We could match.” She said and Miguel shrugged.

“I dunno, I guess we’ll have to surprise each other at the rink.” He said and Trixie raised an eyebrow.

“We live next to each other.” She crossed her arms, “I don’t think we’ll be able to leave at the same time if we’re surprising each other.”

“Right, almost forgot,” Miguel said before looking at the back room where Johnny went. “Should we talk to him?” He asked and Trixie nodded, following him into the back room.

“Hey, Sensei,” Trixie called out to their teacher. Johnny looked up from the storage and faced his two students.

“Just tuck in your chin and aim for the nose with the crown of your head. It’s not that hard.” Johnny said with a monotonous tone.

“No, it’s not about headbutting. I think we got that down.” Miguel said before continuing, “It’s about Sensei Kreese.”

“What about him?”

“We know he’s your friend so if you wanted to talk-”

“You don’t have to worry about me.” Johnny interrupted Trixie with a smile of reassurance. “Focus on your relationship.”

Trixie and Miguel glanced at each other before looking away, “I thought we were being subtle.” He chuckled.

“I’m not blind. Just don’t get distracted. You can play ‘hide the plantain’ in your own time. But in class, I need you two to focus. Can’t just be staring all lovey-dovey all the time.” 

“Yes, sensei.” Trixie chuckled, “What about you though? Got anyone special?”

“Don’t worry about me, all right? I do just fine.” He said as he started stacking a few materials onto the metal shelves.

“Okay, if you wanted to we could set you up on an app.” Miguel offered and Trixie nodded along with him. They wanted to see their sensei happy, after all, he had just gone to a funeral and fired one of the closest people to him. 

“Oh, yeah! That’s how my brother found his girlfriend.” Trixie nodded. She didn’t need to mention that they broke up because she was married.

“Yeah, and my mom too!”

“Yeah, how’s that going?” Johnny asked.

“It’s going well. She’s had some pretty bad luck with guys, so it’s nice to see her happy.” Miguel nodded.

“That’s good. I’m glad to hear that.” Johnny nodded.

“Hey, I mean if worst comes to worst, just get with Mr. Larusso,” Trixie muttered and Miguel laughed.

“What, what’d she say?” Johnny asked and Trixie clamped her mouth shut.

“Nothing, Sensei! Just something about my brother.” She smiled.

“Right… So, uh, what’s the deal with this app thing?” Johnny asked, placing his hands on his hips.

_____________________________________________________

“Ok. The app is downloaded.” Miguel said, holding onto Johnny’s phone with Trixie looking over his shoulder. “What type of woman are you looking to meet?” He asked. Johnny stayed silent, giving the two teenagers a look before Miguel sighed. “Super-hot babes, dumb question.”

“What about your likes?” Trixie asked, “Like your interests.”

“My interests? What am I supposed to say, long walks on the beach?”

“That would be a nice date idea.” Miguel turned to Trixie, who rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Alright, lover boy, calm down. Back to the matter at hand.” Trixie grinned.

“I like muscle cars, martial arts, and Iron Eagle. And Iron Eagle II.” Johnny said as he pointed to the phone with his beer can. “Why aren’t you texting this down? Computer dating’s your guy’s idea.”

“Well, the problem is that you’re pretty basic,” Trixie admitted.

“What? I’m not basic.”

“I mean, you… Kind of are?” Miguel said, “You have to take this seriously!”

“It used to be simple. Find a chick at the bar, bump into her hard, but not too hard. Pretty hard. Then you buy her a beer.” Johnny explained, “Did you two not do that?”

“Not exactly.” Trixie grimaced at her sensei’s ‘back in my day’ spiel.

“That’s how the cavemen did it.” Johnny smiled before adding, “Cavemen. That’s another like. You know, like the ones in those insurance commercials.” He sat up from the couch.

Miguel sighed, “Look, I think I can fill out the rest of this on my own. What about clothes? What’re you wearing?”

“I could probably help with that. I think I have a good sense of fashion… Possibly.” Trixie smiled.

“You two gonna teach me about fashion now?” Johnny complained. Miguel and Trixie exchanged glances before turning their attention back to Johnny.

“We probably have to.” She sighed as the couple both got up from the couch to take a look through Johnny’s closet.

“So, I was thinking about a button-up shirt and some distressed jeans. Got any?” Miguel called out from Johnny’s room.

“I have old jeans, if that’s what you’re saying.” Johnny said from the living room. Trixie pursed her lips at the lack of clothes in Johnny’s closet. “Hey! There’s a chick on my app.” 

“Just swipe right if you like her and we’ll set up a bunch of dates!” Miguel shouted as he sifted through various shirts.

“I think this one's good. Might be better if he had better pants.” Trixie muttered, “I’m sort of worried about what kind of shoes he has…”

“This is dumb. You can’t find anything out about a chick from one- Ooh, this one's hot.” Trixie heard Johnny say and chuckled at the bluntness.

“Woah, look at this.” Miguel grinned as he spotted a red leather jacket hanging. 

“So I guess we’re both wearing red, hm?” Trixie said and Miguel nodded eagerly.

“Hey, can I borrow this jacket?” Miguel asked Johnny.

“Huh? Yeah, whatever.”

_____________________________________________________

Trixie slid on a bright red blazer over a white undershirt. She wore a pleated skirt with black and white plaid. Her hair was put up in a half-up-half-down hairstyle with a red scrunchie. Since she and Miguel were dressing in red, she was dressing up as Heather Chandler from Heathers. She wasn’t sure if she could skate in a skirt but she was sure she would have a good time with him.

“Woah, where are you going?” Patrick asked as she came to the kitchen.

“It’s 80’s night at Cascade.” She said as she picked up the car keys, “I’m going out with Miguel and meeting one of my friends there. I’ll be back by 11, promise.”

Patrick scrutinized the girl before shrugging, “Alright, but make sure the car stays clean. Can’t afford to clean the seats after all that Pepto smeared on there.”

Trixie nodded before heading out the door and spotting Miguel. She waved and Miguel turned and smiled. “You look beautiful.” He grinned and she chuckled.

“And you look handsome.” She said and took the sunglasses from his face, “Are the sunglasses a part of the outfit or are you trying to look cool?”

“Both.” Miguel shrugged as they got into her car, “I should be the one driving you around, after all, I’m a gentleman.”

“Pfft, sure you are Diaz.” Trixie chuckled before driving off to Cascade.

_____________________________________________________

"Excuse me can we get some menus?" Sam asked. She and Robby were dressed as characters from Pretty In Pink. Tory turned to her. 

"Well look who it is." Tory scoffed a laugh.

"I..um.I didn't know you worked here." Sam stammered out.

"Well not all of us can use daddy's credit card." Tory sassed her. 

"We just wanted to order some food. I'm sorry." Sam was taken aback by that reaction. Miguel walked up, eyes on Tory, not noticing Sam and Robby.

"Hey, what time do you get on break? Trixie and I wanted to time it to get the fries extra crispy." He asked her. Trixie skated up beside him with a smile.  Miguel turned and saw them. "Oh, I didn't recognize you. I...I dig the costumes." Miguel stammered.

"Thanks," Sam grumbled, looking away from her ex.

"Oh um, Tory. This is Sam and Robby." Miguel introduced the two, feeling awkward from the tension between the five of them.

"We've already met. Sam and I had a little run-in at the beach club." Tory said, cutting her eyes at the girl. 

"So how do you two know each other?" Sam asked them, glancing between the two. 

"Tory's in Cobra kai," Trixie said. 

"Figures," Sam muttered under her breath. 

Tory turned sharp eyes to her. "What was that?" 

"Nothing." Sam gave her a fake smile. 

"I got to get back to work, see you later," Tory said before skating away. Miguel and Trixie exchanged glances before shrugging and skating with each other.

Sam looked upset, Robby looped an arm around her. "Come on let's go get some skates." He told her as he led her away, leaving Trixie and Miguel behind them.

Robby and Sam were skating, hand in hand. "Is everything okay?" He asked her. 

"Yeah… Okay, I'll admit running into your ex is awkward. And that girl Tory is the worst." Sam told him as she glanced in Miguel’s direction.

Of course, Trixie and Miguel laughed before Trixie stood up, kissed his cheek, and skated away. Sam sucked in a breath, annoyed from their... Relationship. How could Trixie do that? Wasn't she supposed to be the nice girl? "Remember what your dad says 'There is good in everyone' She just has to be shown the right way. But if you want to kick her ass, I won't stop you." Robby said and they both laughed. Suddenly, If You Leave by OMD, start to play across the speakers. 

Sam smiled, "Oh that's too perfect." She laughed. 

Robby smiled some more. "I may have said something to the DJ." She looked over at him. "That's such a Duckie move. You're Duckie in Spader clothing." She leaned up and kissed him before stumbling.

"Are you okay?" Robby asked.

"Crap, my skate broke. I'll be back. I'll find you." She told him. 

"Okay." He nodded and the two of them kissed before Sam exited the roller rink.

Miguel rolled up from behind Sam from the roller skates counter. “Hey.” He said and Sam scoffed.

“What do you want?” She asked, crossing her arms.

“I think my skates are too big.” He muttered. “Look, about Tory and Trixie-”

“I can’t believe you could be friends with a girl like that. And Trixie? She’s a backstabber.” Sam spat.

“You don’t even know Tory. And Trixie’s never backstabbed you.” Miguel scoffed.

“I know enough... And dating your friend's ex sounds sort of like backstabbing to me.” Sam frowned.

“I should be the one that’s pissed off. You’re having me think I’m a paranoid asshole and yet you’re on a date with Robby?” Miguel said, coming up beside her. 

“It’s not a date.” Sam defended, although she knew that it wasn’t true.

“Not a date… Yeah, I’ve heard that one before. Look, I just came to clear the air so that things wouldn’t be weird.” Miguel explained.

“Yeah, well it sort of is kind of weird when your friend starts dating your ex,” Sam replied and Miguel rolled his eyes.

“Trixie’s pushed away everything for you and everyone else. You know how scared she was to upset you when I and her started dating?”

“Well, guess that shows that she knew she was doing something wrong and still did it,” Sam said quietly.

“And last I heard, she stopped being your friend when you started ignoring her,” Miguel said before skating away, not even bothering to change his skates to a smaller size.

Tory watched from afar, slightly fuming at what Sam said. Who did this girl think she was? Trixie was kind and a loyal friend, it wasn’t her fault that things ended up the way she did. The blonde-haired girl gritted her teeth before being tapped on the shoulder.

“Hey, Tory.” Trixie smiled and Tory felt her anger fade away.

“Hey, Trixie.” She said, “Like your costume. You’re from… Heathers right?”

“Yep! Have you ever watched it before?” She asked and Tory shook her head, “No way! We should watch it together sometime. We could probably invite Aisha and just hang out after.”

“Sounds fun.” Tory smiled before Trixie was whisked away by Miguel.

“Hey, beautiful,” Miguel said before kissing her.

“Hi, Miguel. Did you wanna skate?” She asked and Miguel nodded. Trixie turned to Tory, “So, you’ll take me up on that offer of movie night, right?”

“Totally.” Tory shot her a thumbs up as Miguel and Trixie started to skate away to the rink.

“So, what was that about movie night?” Miguel asked and Trixie wobbled before regaining her balance once again.

“Just some girl's night with her and Aisha.” Trixie said before sucking in a breath, "I swear, if you make me fall, I’m leaving you for Tory…”

He chuckled, sure his skating was wobbly but it was better than hers.  "Oh, come on! It’s not my fault you have the balance of a newborn giraffe."

She shot him a mock glare. "A graceful newborn giraffe, thank you very much.” Miguel extended his hand to help her, but she playfully slapped it away. "Nope. I got this. Totally... Under control."

As soon as the words left her mouth, her knees wobbled, and she lurched forward. He swooped in just in time, catching her in his arms. "See? You do need me after all," He said with a wink.

Trixie burst into laughter, still clinging to him. "... Just keep me from face-planting in front of these kids who are somehow skating circles around us."

They continued, her arms occasionally flailing as she tried to mimic his movements. Miguel skated beside her, always ready to catch her. "You’re like Bambi on roller skates," he said, laughing. 

"And you’re like that annoying guy in every rom-com who’s too perfect at everything," She shot back, smirking. 

He grinned. "I’ll take that as a compliment, considering you love rom-coms."

Eventually, they were skating side by side, their hands linked as they moved around the rink.  "You know," Trixie said thoughtfully, "if I ever become a pro skater, I’ll tell everyone you were my first and worst coach."

"Deal," Miguel laughed as they exited the rink. "And when you fall, I’ll still be right here to catch you."

Tory suddenly then screamed, falling to the ground with a plate of food. “What the hell Sam?!” Miguel exclaimed as  Trixie went to help the humiliated girl from the ground.

“I… She’s the one-”

“Are you okay, Tory?” A security guard asked the girl, who held her head slightly.

“Thanks…” Tory muttered as she held onto Trixie’s hand for support.

“Alright, you’re done.” The security guard pointed to Sam and Robby. “You’re out.”

“She’s the one who started it!” Robby countered, pointing to Tory.

“You’re out!” The security guard repeated and the couple both exited the roller rink.

Chapter Text

Miguel had his head resting on Trixie as they both lay together in his bed. She played with his hair as Miguel stared up at her with a loving look. Trixie caught his eye and he turned away in embarrassment. “What is it?” She asked.

“What do you mean?” Miguel asked, feigning innocence.

“You have that look.” She said, “You look like you’re staring someone down when in reality, you have a question you want to ask.”

“Well… I guess I do have a question.” Miguel sat up and Trixie nodded, also sitting up. “You don’t have to answer it! I mean, just tell me if you don’t and it’ll be fine but…”

“Yes?”

“Well, I’ve noticed that you always wear long sleeves.” Miguel blurted out, “It’s something I’ve noticed and even during the summer heatwave you wore long sleeves. I’m just wondering since you looked like you were gonna pass out from the heat but-”

Trixie placed her hand on Miguel’s arm with a smile, “It’s alright, Miguel.” Trixie slid off her gray sweatshirt to reveal a white tank top. Miguel stayed silent as he traced the light scars on her skin. “You have seen me wear short sleeves before. But it was when you were hungover so I guess it doesn’t count.” She said, trying to break the silence.

“What happened?” Miguel asked, concerned and worried about what might’ve happened to her.

“It was a lot rougher when I moved to Reseda and even before that…” She said quietly, placing her hand on Miguel’s. “I know it’s kind of ugly-”

“It’s not ugly.” Miguel interrupted her, “You’re… Beautiful.” Trixie stayed silent as he kissed the scars on her skin gently. She’d never felt so loved in her life.

She giggled, “Y’know, it’s kind of funny…” She muttered, stroking his hair out his face.

“What is?”

“That this isn’t the first time you’ve confessed to me,” Trixie said and Miguel gave her a confused look. “When you were drunk and slept in my room, you told me you wanted me. I thought you were talking about Sam.”

Miguel widened his eyes before turning his head to look away from her, “I said that?” He sounded embarrassed. Trixie chuckled.

“Yeah, it was kind of cute, to be honest.” She smiled and Miguel rolled his eyes.

“This is bullying, even in Cobra Kai I’ll still be bullied by my girlfriend out of all people.” He sighed, burying his face into the crook of her neck.

“Yeah, because I’m your girlfriend.” Trixie snorted before placing a kiss on his head. “Also, Aisha said that Moon invited Cobra Kai to a party at her place. Did you wanna go?”

“I just wanna stay here with you.” He smiled and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” She grinned.

_____________________________________________________

“Oh my god! Hey, Trixie!” Moon came up to Trixie and the rest of the Cobra Kai’s. “It’s so good to see you.”

“Yeah, it’s great to see you too. Nice party, Moon.” Trixie complimented her as her arm was then linked with Miguel’s. “Did I tell you that Miguel’s my boyfriend?”

“No, you didn’t! You rarely post so I haven’t seen anything new come up.” Moon smiled, “You guys have such a nice aura emanating from you.” She smiled before turning to the rest of the Cobra Kai’s.

“It’s kind of weird, isn’t it?” Trixie whispered as they walked outside together, “I mean, Hawk is Moon’s ex so isn’t it sort of awkward for the two of them?”

“Well, I think Moon has a girlfriend or something so I guess she’s moved on.” Miguel shot a glance toward Hawk. “But I don’t think he’s moved on.”

“Yeah, that much is obvious. I mean, he’s turning red at the sight.” Trixie joked and the both of them laughed as they went outside.

The two spotted Tory drinking and balancing against another random person. The person fell to the ground and the crowd surrounding them cheered loudly. “Hey, Tory!” Trixie waved and Tory turned to see the duo.

“Hey, my favorite couple.” Tory waved with a red solo cup in her hand. “Did you want anything to drink?”

“Sure, I’ll take something light.” Trixie nodded and Tory handed her a Coors Light. She chuckled at the name, it reminded her of Sensei Lawrence, before cracking it open.

“Did you want anything, Miguel?” Tory asked and Miguel shrugged.

“We can watch you play for now,” Miguel said and Trixie nodded along with him. Tory shrugged, shooting Trixie a wink as she started to verse against someone else.

After a while, Trixie, Tory, and Miguel walked in smiling and laughing from outside. The trio both spotted Miyagi-Do and Tory's smile turned to a scowl. "Let's go," She told the two.

“Hey, you good?” Trixie asked Tory and she nodded with a shaky breath and clenched hands.

“I dunno, I guess I’m just sort of pissed off. Miss Perfect Princess thinks she can stomp all over me.” Tory rolled her eyes and Trixie nodded.

“Hey, Tory! Come and play!” A boy by the drinks called.

Tory stood on one leg on a stool, chugging her drink. A boy was across from her, he fell off his chair. "Winner and still champion, Tory!" Miguel yelled excitedly. Everyone in the crowd cheered. 

Sam walked out of the house, catching Tory's eye. She got down and walked over to her. "Well look who it is. Want to play a little game? Or are tea parties more your speed, princess?" She asked with a sarcastic smile. 

"Just give me a cup," Sam said, eyes narrowed. 

"All right." Tory shrugged as they walked towards the stools. 

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Robby asked. 

"What? You don't think I can beat her?" Sam asked. 

"It's not that-" He didn't get to finish as the two girls were getting on the stools. 

"Drink! Drink! Drink!" Everyone around them started chanting. Tory and Sam both lifted a leg and started to chug their drinks. 

Sam swayed slightly as Tory finished her drink.  "What? Too much for you to handle?" Sam glared and downed the drink.

“Drink! Drink!” The crowd shouted even louder as Trixie finished her can of Coors Light.

“This is sort of getting out of hand, don’t you think?” Trixie asked and Miguel shrugged.

"How are you doing over there Larusso?" Tory asked, still sober. 

"I could do this all night," Sam replied although you could see the drinks were starting to get to her. 

"Yeah?" Tory asked with a sarcastic smile. "Hey, Big Red, two shots of vodka." She called. Robby looked up at Sam. 

"Sam..?" He said softly. 

"Just give it to me." The stubborn girl said. Miguel now looking at Sam, some worry on his face. Tory downed her shot, eyes locked on Sam. Sam was swaying, her foot almost lowering but she centered herself, downing her shot. Tory looked uneasy about this. 

"You got this Tory!" Stingray called. Tory went to look back but she stumbled and fell off the stool onto the concrete patio. 

Trixie helped the girl up from the floor as Sam spoke. "Guess someone couldn't hold their liqueur, huh?" She asked with a sassy and superior-looking smile on her face. 

"Tory, are you okay?" Miguel asked as the girl got up, jerking away from his help. 

"I'm going to get cleaned up. Just leave me alone." She hissed before walking away. Trixie and Miguel exchanged glances of worry before leaving her be. She needed to be alone and they decided to respect that.

After a few hours, Trixie went to go inside while Miguel decided to stay outside. Suddenly, the music stopped. "Excuse me," Demetri said through the speakers. "I'd like to make a toast. To Hawk Moskowitz." Everyone looked confused, muttering to each other. "Oh, I'm sorry," Demetri said before throwing his cup to the ground beside him, it was empty. "Some of you know him as Hawk. But underneath that crazy clown cosplay and whatever type of Manic Panic he dumps in his hair, he's still good old Hawk. My binary brother. Well, he was my binary brother. Do you know what he is now? A real zero." 

The crowd started laughing. "Alright, that's enough Demetri," Hawk said, starting to get upset. 

"Don't let that angry red hairdo fool you. He's a really softie. We watched every Harry Potter movie together. And he bawled like a baby when Dobby died." 

Everyone laughed again, glancing at Hawk. Hawl looked over at Trixie. "If he doesn't shut up I'm going to shut him up." He was fuming. 

"Hey, remember what Sensei said? Show mercy… Sometimes.” Trixie said as Hawk glowered at Demetri. She excused herself, not wanting to start a fight as she went to find Tory. 

“Hey, Tory?” She called out and Tory turned with a slight smile.

“Hey, Trixie.” She said and Trixie sat down next to her, her back towards the window, with a sympathetic look.

“You alright?” She asked, “You seemed pretty upset back there and I haven’t seen you in a while.”

“Yeah, I’m alright… It’s just that, Sam gets on my nerves SO much! I mean, who does she think she is?!” Tory frowned, “She goes around dissing Cobra Kai, and worst of all? She insults you even though you’ve never done anything to her!”

Trixie thought for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, you’re right I suppose. I’ve been sort of annoyed at her too. I mean, she’s not acting like herself…”

“She called you a backstabber! Sam Larusso’s the worst. She’ll bat her eyes and be all pretty and everyone will do anything she asks.” Tory rolled her eyes, “It pisses me off.” Trixie nodded as they both stayed silent. Tory then suddenly widened her eyes with a slight gasp. Trixie frowned, following her gaze to see Miguel and Sam kissing each other by the pool.

Kissing each other.

Miguel and Sam. His hands were on her shoulder while Sam was cupping his face. He didn’t even immediately pull away…

“Trixie… I’m so sorry…” Tory hugged the girl tightly as Trixie felt tears flow freely from her eyes.

Her face was buried in her hands, and her shoulders shook with the force of her sobs. The tears came in waves, uncontrollable, spilling out all the pain she had held back for years. “I trusted him.” The girl gasped between sobs, “I was vulnerable with him.” She managed to choke out, her voice cracking under the strain of her grief.

"Just breathe. I'm here with you.” Tory whispered, her voice steady. The girl’s crying intensified for a moment, her emotions spilling out in uneven breaths. Her friend continued to rub her back in slow, comforting circles. “We should go,” Tory said and Trixie nodded, wiping her eyes as the two girls exited the house party.

_____________________________________________________

Miguel: The police are coming, we gotta go!

Read 3:36 am

Miguel: Hey, you okay?

You haven’t been replying to my texts.

Hello?

Are you coming to school?

_____________________________________________________

Trixie looked at herself in the mirror with a sigh. Trixie wore a black shirt paired with wide-legged, baggy jeans in a faded blue color. As she went downstairs, she noticed how quiet it was. The counter had a small note that read: I made you breakfast and the Nissan’s all yours for today. I left Dori at the cat sitters and won’t be back until later so make sure you get Camille from school.

Trixie smiled to herself before driving to school with a solemn expression. Last night had been rough, she’d been clean for 2 years. She almost… Trixie sucked in a breath. ‘At least I have Tory and Aisha.’ She thought as she pulled up to school, parking her car before walking inside.

She didn’t see Miguel or Sam, which gave her a sense of relief, and headed straight to class. As she sat down and the announcements came on, she saw Sam enter her class. Trixie avoided looking at her and opted to stare at her blank notebook.

"You can also buy tickets for the fall musical, there will be a production of the global hit, Grease." The woman continued talking. "And as we embark on another academic year, it's important that we be tolerant to all of our peers regardless of..." Her voice trailed off as the door opened. "Hey, you're not supposed to be here." 

Trixie could hear her mixed with static, the sound of a struggle for the mic. "Give that back! Ow!" And suddenly the static stopped. Tory's voice came across the intercom. 

"Samantha Larusso. I know what you did to Beatrix Wong and you're going to pay for it. I'm coming for you bitch!" Her words turned bitter and hateful at the end. 

The bell rang, and class had ended. Sam walked out of class, towards the front of the crowd of students. Tory rounded the corner. The two meet at the intersection of the four hallways. A crowd formed around them. Miguel and Robby were both running down the halls they were in, going to find their girls. 

Trixie entered the hall, seeing Tory start to circle Sam. Robby arrived on the scene, standing behind Tory where Sam could see him.  "I saw what you did at the party. You kissed Miguel.” Tory said with narrowed eyes. Robby looked hurt and betrayed, his eyes wide. “How could you do that to Trixie?!"

Sam tried to reply before Tory swung, Sam stepped back, dodging before turning and trying to get away. Tory grabbed her by the backpack, ripping it away from her but Sam was now facing her again. Tory kicked her in the stomach, sending her backward. 

Hawk and another Cobra Kai boy pushed her forward. "Get back in there!" Hawk told Sam, his voice sounded like he was enjoying it. Tory kept punching and kneeing Sam till she threw her against the lockers. 

Robby moved in and grabbed Tory by the arm, pulling her away. He looked at Sam. "Are you okay?" He asked, Tory tried to get Robby. He pushed her against the locker, a hand on her chest, right under the base of her throat. "Stop," He told her. 

“Get the hell off of her!” Trixie yelled and kicked Robby off of Tory.

"I'm sure we can talk about-" Robby got cut off as Miguel tackled him away from Tory. Miguel and Robby were on the ground and Miguel punched at Robby.

"Oh, it's on!" Hawk smiled. He shoved two kids to the side. Another ran up at him but he stuck his arm out, catching him across the chest, knocking him down. The next that ran at Hawk he flipped. "Yeah!" Hawk yelled. Soon everyone was finding their friends that they made into their enemies. 

Chris vs Mitch, Bart vs Nate. Aisha was moving towards where Tory, Trixie, and Sam were. "Stop fighting, stop!" The girl said, trying to relax her friends. A boy ran at her shoving her into the lockers. Aisha turned to him. "Oh? You want a piece of this?" She asked as she body-chucked him into the lockers across the hall.  The boy was groaning as Aisha walked up, punching him in the stomach before doing a right hook. 

Moon moved into the chaos. "Come on guys, can't we all just get along?" She asked before screaming as two guys roughly hit the lockers beside her as they fought. 

Miguel slammed Robby into the lockers, but Robby quickly moved away from them so he would be trapped. Miguel hit him with a hook to the side of his face, and when he tried again Robby caught his arm. 

He swung at Miguel, his fist connecting with his jaw. Robby kicked him in the chest, knocking him back. Robby ran back towards him, punching him in the stomach before throwing him against the lockers.

After exchanging a few punches, Sam kicked Tory in the stomach. Tory roughly hit the wall. Trixie turned on Sam, throwing her against the opposite wall. “Why did you do it?!” She yelled. Sam grabbed onto her, flipping them both to the floor before she rolled back to her feet. Tory got up, her eyes like fire as she let out an angry scream and tackled Sam into the hallway. 

One of the teachers appeared. "This is getting out of hand. Send me security in the main corridor." He said into a walkie talkie. Stingray looked around. 

"Don't worry sir, I got this." He said. He moved into the fray, attacking the kids that were in Miyagi-Do. Two boys opened the doors as Sam and Tory busted through the entrance area. The whole fight moved into that area since it was a bigger place. 

Tory threw her to the ground, in front of the stairs. "Can't you just stop it already?" Sam asked in a rough voice. 

"What's the matter? You can't keep up?" Tory looked at her, Tory had some blood smeared under her hairline. 

Tory went to kick her but Sam moved up the stairs. Tory turned to her, tackling her to the ground before the next group of stairs started.  Demetri ran back into the area, a teacher following after him. "You have to do something, Mr. Palmer." Demetri gestured to the fight. 

Another teacher ran towards Hawk and another boy. "Break it up!" He said and shoved them apart before shoving another two apart. One of the boys hit him in the nose and flipped him over his shoulder. Mr. Palmer looked out at the fight. 

"Screw this, they don't pay me enough for this." He said, shaking his head and hurrying out of the room. Hawk looked across the room at Demetri. 

"Not this again," Demetri said, running off, Hawk chasing after him. 

Robby shoved Miguel against a pillar, making him groan. "You can't cheat your way out of this one," Robby said in a low and dangerous voice. Miguel headbutted him. 

"Like that move? I learned it from your dad." Miguel snarled, shoving Robby to the ground. He was advancing when he heard a girl scream, catching his attention. He saw Sam and Tory fighting, Sam backing up. 

“She’s all yours.” Tory stepped back to reveal Trixie. Anger burned inside of her as she yanked onto Sam’s hair and punched her in the face.

“Why’d you do it, Samantha?!” Trixie yelled as she kneed Sam in the gut. “What the fuck did I ever do to you that made you hate me so much?!”

Miguel ran towards them, climbing the stairs. Robby grabbed onto the railing, swinging himself up, almost landing a kick to Miguel's face. Miguel shoved him backward, into a small crowd of people. 

A boy from Cobra Kai shoved Robby back at Miguel who kicked him, almost sending Robby down the stairs. The boy got hold of Robby holding him in place. The one who shoved him moved to punch him but Robby kicked out.

Miguel clambered up the stairs to get to the two girls. Tory, Trixie, and Sam were on the top level. Trixie flipped Sam over her shoulder, the girl hitting the ground roughly. "Beatrix, enough!" Miguel said, pulling her away from Sam. 

Tory barely gave it a second thought before she kicked him back and to the ground. She sent him a pitying look. Miguel looked hurt and shocked, some blood coming from his nose.

“I’ve pushed everything away for everyone!” Trixie shoved Sam onto the railing before punching her in the sternum, her knuckles folded halfway. Sam gasped, falling to the ground.

Robby was getting out of the other guy's hold. Once he was free, he ran up the stairs. "Sam!" He called some worry in his voice.  Miguel saw him and stuck out his leg, tripping Robby up. The brown-haired boy crashed to the ground. Sam had gotten up and started fighting again.

As Trixie was about to follow them down until another guy came up to her, effectively choking her. She gasped before tucking her leg by his ankle and throwing both of them to the ground.

Tory quickly knocked Sam down again, grabbing a fist full of her hair and dragging her by it down the stairs. Once she released her grip Sam got to her feet and shoved her away. Tory moved back towards her but Sam sidestepped and kneed her twice in the stomach.

She then punched her in the face, before Tory could come back at her, Sam kicked her in the side of the face. Tory leaned on the railing. "Is that the only way you know how to fight? Dirty?" Sam demanded, her breathing harsh 

Tory looked at her, eyes crazed. "This isn't a tournament." She said, taking off the spiked bracelet and wrapping it around her knuckles. "There are no rules." Sam's face morphed into a scared and worried one.

Sam took steps back as Tory swiped at her with the spikes. Sam ducked under her arm, blocking any punches. Tory caught Sam's arm, bringing the spikes down across her upper arm, inside right above her elbow. Sam let out a pained cry, falling to the ground. Tory knelt, grabbing Sam's hair and tilting her head back to where Sam's neck was exposed. Tory held up the fist that had the spikes on it. "No mercy," She said in a low voice. 

Sam was breathing heavily, she closed her eyes. Right as Tory went to punch, Sam blocked, pushing her up and away. Sam quickly got to her feet as well, kicking Tory over the railing to where she landed on the stairs on the other side. It was barely a fall at all but enough to knock the wind out of her. Sam hissed in pain as she looked at her arm.

Trixie ran over and unleashed a swift roundhouse kick aimed at Sam’s ribs. Sam pivoted just in time, Trixie’s foot narrowly missing her. As Trixie’s leg recoiled, Sam saw an opening. She ran forward, throwing a quick jab at Trixie’s chest, followed by a reverse punch aimed at her solar plexus.

Trixie dodged the jab, and immediately retaliated with a powerful front kick to Sam’s abdomen. The impact was like a hammer to her gut, and Sam staggered backward, gasping for air. Her vision blurred for a split second before she was yanked back by her hair. 

Trixie grunted, pinning Sam down to the ground with her fist raised. “Why the hell did you do it?!” Trixie yelled, her voice cracking. “What made you hate me so much?!”

Sam stayed silent as she looked at Trixie’s grief-stricken face. Trixie stayed silent before pulling herself off of Sam and shoving the injured girl into the railing. The two-toned-haired girl wiped blood from her mouth with a sniff. “I’m done with you. You can do whatever the hell you want but I’m done.” Trixie said.

Their attention was redirected to Robby, who let out an angry yell and elbowed Miguel in the head. Robby then kicked Miguel's knee, and Miguel was up by the railing. Robby, letting the anger get the better of him, kicked Miguel in the chest. Miguel went over the railing. His arms flailing, in a desperate but failing attempt at saving himself.

"Miguel!!" Trixie screamed out. Miguel's back hit the railing before he fell limp onto the stairs. Robby ran to the railing, looking over. His eyes were wide. 

Trixie rushed to his side, placing a hand on his face as tears fell. "Robby, what did you do!?" Trixie heard Sam yell but she didn’t care.

Her head was woozy and her vision was blurred by her tears. Her ears were ringing loudly as Hawk walked down the stairs, kneeling by his friend. Trixie sobbed a painful and gut-wrenching cry that neither Sam nor Tory had ever heard before. It was full of pain as she struggled for a breath of air.

The paramedic pushed Trixie away as he checked for a pulse. They started to take him away as Trixie cried out, “No! NO, please! Don’t please don’t!” She sobbed, crying and kneeling on the floor as Hawk placed an arm around her. “Don’t take him away! Please!”

_____________________________________________________

Trixie sat on the hospital bed, her brother sitting beside her and her sister sleeping with her head on his lap. “You’ve got minor injuries. Bruises, a cut-up lip, and a concussion. You’re lucky you didn’t sprain or break anything.” The doctor said.

“She’s going to be alright, right?” Patrick asked and the doctor nodded.

“Physically, yes. But emotionally and mentally, I’m not sure.” The doctor explained, “She hasn’t been mentally well in the past, this event could traumatize her for life.”

Patrick turned to Trixie, who had been staring at the wall with a blank expression. After crying her heart out and being in so much pain, she couldn’t even process anything. “I want Miguel to be okay.” She whispered, her voice raspy.

Patrick turned to the doctor who started writing down on her clipboard. “I’m prescribing you some medication, nothing new and strange for you, and suggest you go to therapy once a week.” The doctor handed a slip of paper to Patrick, who nodded.

After the doctor left and the three of them sat in the room, Trixie turned to Patrick. “Miguel’s not gonna be okay.” She realized, letting herself lay on the bed. Trixie had no sense of self, she was… Just there. She felt like she was thirteen again. “He’s going to die… And never wake up.” She whispered.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

Trixie ruffled her blue hair with her hands nervously. It was an impulse decision, something her brother surprisingly agreed with. About a week after the ‘accident’ she decided to cut her hair to her shoulders and dye it navy blue.

She took her medication before changing into a white tank top and sliding a fitted  yellow top over it. Trixie wore high-waisted blue jeans with a pair of tan colored shoes. A knock on the door startled her.

“Hey, are you ready to go?” Patrick knocked and Trixie opened the door with a nod, following him out the door.

As she entered the car with Patrick driving, she bit her lip as her thoughts roamed around her head. She definitely wasn’t ready to go back to school, not after what happened with Miguel…

Of course, she went to therapy once a week like her doctor suggested she do, and she definitely felt a bit better about talking about her feelings. She pushed everything away for people she cared about so it felt nice to talk about things she hadn’t opened up about before. Even though she knew therapy helped a lot, she was more reserved than usual. She had been seen with a straight face more than smiling or laughing. Of course, they could break her shell for a moment. Hawk would make a comment and she’d laugh or something stupid would happen and she’d shake her head with a smile.

But it wasn’t the same.

Patrick dropped Trixie off with a wave as she entered the school. It was time for school, there was more security roaming around then usual. As she walked into the school, her bag was checked and she had to walk through a metal detector. 

Bert walked up to Mitch and Hawk. "Hey." He said. Hawk looked over at the smaller kid.

 "There's the man." He greeted him with a smile. "This is the year, day one round two. Let's get it boys." Hawk said, looking between the two. Trixie walked up to Hawk with a wave and Hawk’s expression changed to one of sympathy. “How’re you doing?” He asked and Trixie shrugged.

“Fine, the meds are helping.” She said before adding, “Thanks for asking.”

"Oohh." Mitch said with a smile as he watched a group of girls walk in. "Freshmen babes, nine o'clock." Mitch said and Trixie rolled her eyes.

Hawk smiled and looked at them as they walked. "Hey I know freshman year can be kinda scary so if anyone gives you any trouble, you can come to me. I'm the guy.." He had a small smirk on his face. 

"Who wets the bed and got kicked into a trophy case? Yeah we know." The girl in the front said sassily, before they turned and walked away. Trixie chuckled lightly and Hawk smiled softly at the sound. The girls were passing Demetri, Chris and Nate. "Hey Demetri." She said with a smile as she passed by with her group. 

The three boys turned to watch them, shock clear on their faces. "Someone knows who I am… A human female." He said with a shocked awe.

 "A shame it's not me." Chris said in a joking manner, a smile on his face. The group turned around to come face to face with the three Cobra Kai boys and Trixie, who used to be their friends. Well, Trixie hadn’t really done anything, had she?

 "What? You got something to say?" Mitch asked. 

Chris nods. "Yeah, did you see my new Lite book? There's some hard hitting stuff in there, if you know what I mean." Mitch's face twitched some as he thought back to the fight where Chris hit him with that book. 

"There's not enough security to protect your scrawny ass." Hawk threatened Demetri and Trixie put her arm in front of Hawk.

"I don't need security." Demetri's voice was cold and his eyes dark.

“You guys are acting like fools. Suck it up and go to class before we get into more trouble with parole.” Trixie said, her tone icy as she spotted a teacher staring at them from afar. “Let’s go, Hawk.” She said and Hawk followed as well as the other Cobra Kai students.

_____________________________________________________

“Hi, Miguel.” Trixie whispered softly as she traced her hand on his arm, “Your mom and your grandma let me come visit you.” She placed down a bouquet of flowers on the table beside the hospital bed. 

Trixie sat down as she held Miguel's hand, “I hope you like my hair, dyed it blue just like you wanted me to.” She said with a bittersweet smile. The silence was deafening, the only thing she could hear was the beep of the heart monitor and the sound of her own heart beat.

“I know I messed up and you messed up too… But we can just be idiots who mess up together…” Trixie’s voice cracked, “I’m sorry…” She said, apologizing like she always did after she visited. Trixie stood up with a shaky sigh before walking away, she was supposed to get ready for karate now. She just needed a bit more motivation.

_____________________________________________________

Trixie knocked on the apartment door, it’d been a few days since she had visited Tory. The apartment door opened to reveal Tory, who smiled slightly. “Hey, Trixie.” She said.

“Hey, sorry I couldn’t make it yesterday.” Trixie said as she was let into the apartment complex, “How’s your mom?”

“As good as she’s going to get.” Tory smiled slightly before Trixie wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“I could work some extra shifts with you, and earn some money for your mom.” Trixie offered in a kind voice and Tory shook her head.

“No, I couldn’t ask you to do that. Especially after what happened, I owe so much-”

“I don’t mind, really. I’ll work some extra shifts and give you the money.” Trixie reassured the girl, holding both of her hands with a smile. Tory breathed in a shaky sigh before smiling.

“Thank you… So much…” She whispered.

_____________________________________________________

Trixie stroked her cat as she lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Just a few weeks ago, she had been hanging out and lying down on Miguel’s bed. God, why couldn’t she just get him out of her head?!

‘I told you it was a bad idea to get involved with him.’

‘It’s not your fault. And you said that about the relationship, not about karate.’

‘It’s your fault that he’s basically dead. He fell off the balcony because you decided to get all emotional over him kissing Sam.’

Trixie sat up, her cat jumping from her lap and curling up next to her leg. She whipped out her phone, scrolling on Instagram before finding a post she had posted with Miguel. It was her and Miguel sitting down at Cascade with their fries that Tory had served them. She smiled bittersweetly as she looked at Miguel’s face. Trixie felt her heart clench at the sight as she searched through her voicemail to pick out one in particular she had been listening to.

‘Hey, it’s Miguel. Last night was crazy and hopefully you got away from the police. I really have to tell you something. I-... I hope you won’t be mad… A-anyways you haven’t been responding to my calls or texts so I’m just leaving you this voice mail. Uh, bye, I guess.’

Trixie breathed out shakily before tossing her phone somewhere between her blankets. Dory looked up with a ‘meow’ before curling into the blue haired girl's lap. “Hey, I haven’t been giving you that much attention, have I?” She smiled slightly, stroking the cat’s head lovingly. Dory meowed in response and Trixie chuckled before getting off the bed with her cat in her arms. “Alright, well, I’ve got to meet Tory at Cascade.” Trixie kissed the top of her cat's head before setting him down to the ground.

Chapter Text

Miguel's physical therapist threw his stuff into the trunk of his car. " Good job today, jefe. You crushed it. " He held out his fist to Miguel who gave him a fist bump. 

"R eally? It didn't feel like I did much of anything. " He said, looking up at the man from his wheelchair. 

"H ey, no negative thoughts. Just positive energy. " 

Miguel looked up at him. " I'll keep that in mind. " The therapist smiled and got into his car, driving off. 

Miguel turned his wheelchair around as he started to head home. A Playboy magazine was lowered in front of him on a fishing pole. He looked up; Johnny stood on the second floor. " What's this? " He asked in a confused tone. 

"This is a collection of the tastiest babes of 1988 and you're not going to be able to see them unless you grab it," Johnny told him.

Miguel looked more confused now. " Okay... " He reached up when Johnny pulled it higher.

" Gonna have to try harder than that. " 

"Y ou know I can just find these pictures on my phone right ? " Miguel looked up at him. 

" I t's not true same. Chicks are hotter on the page. " Johnny leaned over the rail some. Miguel shook his head. " But you won't know that unless you get off your butt or you can just keep getting foot runs from that pansy-ass therapist ."

Miguel chuckled as he reached again but missed it.

" Weak! That's all you got, Diaz? I thought you were the All-Valley champ. " Johnny taunted. Miguel pushed himself up, reaching but fell on the hard cement. " Damn it. " Johnny cursed under his breath as he hurried down. Miguel groaned as he sat up. 

"Y ou alright? " Johnny asked as he got down there. 

"Y eah. " Miguel nods. Johnny picked him up around the chest and got him into the wheelchair. 

"I got you bud. Here we go. Just give me a minute and we'll go again. I think I still have my Vanna White Playboy, that will get you going."

"Don't you get it? You could dangle a new Playstation, I still wouldn't be able to stand up." Miguel said upset as he wheeled away. Johnny looked after him, a sad look on his face.

“H ey. ” Trixie waved at Miguel as she left the house. Johnny watched as Miguel’s face lit up and the two of them laughed and chatted away. The former sensei smirked to himself , nodding as an idea formed in his head.

_____________________________________________________

Hawk, Mitch, and a few other Cobra Kai students were at the arcade. Hawk hit a ball out of a kid's hand before they ran away laughing, seeming like little kids again, a time before all this happened. 

"H ey, buddy! " Hawk smiled at Chris, who was working at Golf ‘ n Stuff, as he put the tickets on the counter. 

" H ey prize wench. " Mitch greeted his old best friend.

" What do you guys want? " Chris asked, a bit annoyed. 

"W ell, to spend our hard-earned tickets, of course, " Hawk said with sarcasm lacing his words. " Why don't you be a good girl and grab us one of those bobbleheads? " 

Chris rolled his eyes and went to get it. Once he was on the step stool, Hawk jumped the counter grabbing prizes and throwing them to the others. " Stop! " Chris yelled as they laughed.

" Thanks, Chris. Tell your mom I miss her! " Mitch yelled as they ran. 

"Y eah, tell her to stop calling me, " Hawk added, laughing as they left. Chris grumbled as he texted the rest of Miyagi-Do.

Trixie then came up to the counter from out of nowhere. She had come to watch Camille since she had a play date but her friend and her friend's mom were teaching them how to play mini golf. “ Hey, how much did that cost? ” Trixie asked.

“W hy don’t you just bother someone else. ” Chris rolled his eyes. Trixie dug into her pocket and held out a twenty-dollar bill. Chris hesitated and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“No, it’s not a prank and it’s not pity money. Just take it.” Trixie placed the twenty-dollar bill on the counter. Chris, slightly dumbfounded, watched as she walked away.

“ Trixie!! ” Camille came barreling towards her. Trixie laughed as she spun her sister around. Camille giggled before being set down. “ Can we get ice cream? Marilyn and her mom are waiting outside for us !”

Trixie chuckled, “ Alright, I guess Trick wouldn’t mind if we get ice cream. ” She smiled, holding onto her little sister's hand as they walked to get ice cream together.

Camille ordered her ice cream as well as her friends and her friend's mom. Trixie got bubblegum of course and they both went to Camille’s friends. “ Hey, Camille! Wait up! ” Trixie called as her sister ran to see her friend again. “ Camille !”

Great. She’d officially lost her . Trixie sighed, wandering around before entering an abandoned laser tag stadium. She looked around, hearing groans of pain and crying. Trixie walked further into the room before seeing Demetri on the floor. She gasped as she saw him grasping onto his arm in cries of pain. Trixie sucked in a breath before kneeling next to him.

“G et away from me! ” Demetri screamed, writhing away from Trixie in agony. 

“Hey! Stop moving! It’s gonna hurt if you keep wiggling like a worm.” Trixie yelled, helping Demetri up from the ground and propping him against one of the laser tag props. “Don’t straighten it out, it’ll only hurt more.” She said in a quieter tone.

She quickly dialed 911 on her phone, “Hi, 911? Um… My friend has a broken arm. Yes, uh, Golf ‘N Stuff. Yes… Alright.” She nodded before placing her hand on Demetri’s non-broken one. “Does it still hurt?” She asked and Demetri grunted in response.

A sob broke through as Trixie turned her head to see Sam backed into a corner, crying. Trixie walked up to Sam, who looked at her in fear and tried to back away even more. It broke Trixie’s heart to see her once best friend so scared of her. She knelt in front of her.

“Hey, hey, hey. I’m not here to hurt you, I’m just here to help.” She said her voice in a whisper. “Everything’s gonna be okay. Hold my hand.” Trixie held out her hand.

Sam took her hand, clutching it tightly. “Focus on me. Breathe in, breathe out.” Trixie exhaled and inhaled slowly. Sam followed her breathing pattern with shaky sobs and tears. “You’re gonna be okay. I called 911… Demetri’s arm will be broken but he’ll live.”

Sam nodded and Trixie hesitantly wrapped her arms around her former friend. The brown-haired girl embraced the hug and leaned in closer with a sniffle. 

_____________________________________________________

The bell chimed, signaling that someone had entered the building. A few new students walked in, one being Kyler. Hawk looked over, his face falling. Kreese walked out of the back office.

“H ey, you good? ” Trixie asked and Hawk swallowed before nodding.

“Y eah, I’m fine, ” Hawk muttered.

" Class. Welcome our new students . " He said as he walked over.  Mitch walked over to them.  

" I 'm going to call you Chodenose and Taintbreath. " He said. 

"W hat the hell did you just say? " Kyler said, stepping forward and using his intimidation to scare Mitch. 

Hawk walked over to Kreese. " Sensei, I don't think these guys are Cobra Kai material. " He said. 

Kreese turned to look at him. " Weren't you the one saying that we should get recruits ?"

"Well, yeah. It's just that I know a few of these guys and they're-" Hawk was cut off by Kreese.

"Natural athletes. Something similar to Trixie, yes? It’s exactly what's been missing in our dojo." He said with narrowed eyes. Hawk glanced down briefly. 

"E veryone fall in, " Kreese called looking over Hawk's shoulder before looking back at him. Hawk gave a small bowl before he joined the others.

" Joining Cobra Kai is a privilege, not a gift. Which is why our recruits must earn their positions in this dojo. " Hawk glanced back at Kyler. Once he looked away Kyler smiled. " Prepare for battle. Only the strong will survive. " Kreese said. " Students prepare for combat, " Kreese called.

They all moved to where they formed a circle. " Peter snake! Legit! " Brucks said as he walked past the cage. Hawk glanced over at Kyler , he seemed less confident now. 

“H ey, don’t let him get to you. ” Trixie nudged Hawk, “ Don’t be a pussy. Especially after what happened at Golf ‘ N Stuff. ” She said with disdain. Hawk sucked a breath, feeling guilty after what happened with Demetri.

Kyler and Brucks were walking past Hawk when Kyler stopped. " Holy shit! Look, remember that kid with the lip? Yo, I thought he moved. " Kyler said mockingly. 

"O h, shit. You're right! Right. " Brucks said like the idiotic sidekick that he was. " The hair kinda distracts you from it. " The two were laughing. 

Hawk slowly reached up to hide his lip, his head ducking down some. Trixie stepped in front of him and crossed her arms. “ Shut it, Brucks .”

“ Woah. Hey…” Kyler slid past his friend in front of Trixie, walking a bit too close. “ Trixie, right? The hair’s nice… ” He reached out to touch her hair before Trixie grabbed his wrist and twisted it sharply.

“Respectfully, don’t touch me,” Trixie said. Kyler wincing as she lets go. “If you can’t even handle that, how’re you gonna handle Cobra Kai?” 

"A ll right, class. Let the games begin. " Kreese walked into the middle, looking around. " You? " He gestured to Kyler, motioning him into the ring. 

"A ll right, bro. You got this. " Brucks said as Kyler followed. Kreese laughed some as he gestured to Mitch. 

"Y ou, " Mitch smirked as he walked into the middle towards Kyler. Kreese backed up, out of the way.

" Ready? " Kreese said , Mitch gave a bow as Kyler got into a crouching position. " Fight. " Mitch instantly kicked Kyler in the nose, earning a point. 

"N ow you're dead, " Kyler said as he moved back into position. Kyler dodges every punch, soon tackling him to the ground and getting him into a headlock. 

Holding tightly until Mitch had to tap out. Kyler got up. "Now finish him," Kreese said. Kyler pulled Mitch up some by his gi, punching him in the nose. He walked back for Brucks. 

"Y o, lights out, baby, " Kyler said as their chest bumped. Mitch got up and started to move back to his spot. 

"W here are you going? " Kreese asked him, stopping Mitch in his tracks.

“T o my spot. " He gestured.  

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

Mitch looked over at Kyler who had a pleased smile on his face. "All right." Brucks cheered for his friend. 

Hawk stepped forward, " Sensei, assface has been loyal to this dojo. " He said, using the nickname they had given Mitch when he first arrived. 

" I 'm afraid he's not… Cobra Kai martial. " Kreese said, looking at the boy. " I told you only the strong would survive. " 

Tory was fighting one of the new girls, the two moving with speed arrived with great agility but naturally Tory was the victor of that round. Tory kicked her in the face to finish her. 

The girl looked up. " You chipped my tooth bitch. " She hissed. 

Tory shrugged. " You needed braces anyway. " 

Trixie stifled a snicker as the girl got angrily to her feet, a bit taller than Tory. " Good job. Nichols. " Kreese said before turning to the other girl. " You know the drill, off the mat. " 

She backed away, glaring at Tory. " Damn girl, did you see that? " Brucks said in a low voice as Tory went back to place.

" You, big boy, " Kreese said, calling him over. 

Brucks started to walk up. " Oh yeah! All right, who's going down next? " He said laughing a bit as he walked into the middle. " Come on !"

" Let's go, " Kyler said. 

Hawk roughly shoved the flag into the hands of the person by him. His eyes narrowed into a glare. Trixie smirked, crossing her arms and resting her weight on her hip. " He's mine! " He said in a growling voice. 

"G et him, Lip, " Kyler yelled and Trixie feigned a punch as Hawk walked up to him, Brucks bowing up. 

" O h alright. Let's see if I can fix that lip of yours then. " He turned, watching as Hawk walked past him. Hawk took off his gi top, showing his tattoo. Brucks looked shocked, a deadly smirk on Hawk's face as he turned back. 

"D ude.. " Brucks muttered seeing the grim reaper tattoo on Hawk's chest. Kreese gave his hand gently to the boy with the flags who then lowered them. Hawk got into a fighting position, glancing at Kreese who just gave him a nod. 

Hawk moved forward quickly, kicking him in the side of the face. He was resilient, constantly moving. Punching, kicking, and elbowing the bigger guy. He was showing no mercy. 

Hawk moved like it was nothing, just pulling Brucks along. Blood was oozing from Brucks's mouth, panting. " Wait, stop. " He said in staggered breaths. 

Hawk grabbed him, flipping him onto the ground in one graceful movement. Kreese watched, showing no emotion. " Finish him. " He said simply . Trixie widened her eyes as Hawk started to punch Brucks in the face over and over . She turned away in shock. Kreese watched Hawk punch the boy, lips curling into a faint smile. Hawk stood up, spitting on Brucks who was sobbing , before walking away. “ Somebody pick him up, ” Kreese said. Trixie clenched her hands as she saw the blood, a faint memory bubbling to the surface.

Warm blood had leaked onto the wooden floor , it was wet and stuck to the floor. She immediately knew it would be hard to scrub it off the knife. Salty tears mixed into the blood as she dropped to the floor.

“W ould Miss Wong like to go next? ” Kreese called out, interrupting Trixie’s train of thought, and snapped her head up.

She nodded, walking onto the mat with another guy. They exchanged deadly glares as the fight then started. “ I don’t wanna have to hit a girl. ” The guy said. Trixie was already running up to the guy and kicking him in the stomach.

“A w, that’s too bad. Wanna be best friends? ” She mocked as she punched him in the sternum . The guy gasped, falling to the floor trying to regain his breath. “ Huh, guess not. ” She shrugged, walking back into the circle. Tory gave her a high five and the guy glared at her before stumbling off and out of the dojo.

Chapter Text

The soft pour of rain pattered against the living room window. It comforted Trixie as she scrolled on her phone, chuckling at whatever she was looking at before a text message interrupted her doom scrolling.

Miguel: Heyyy
So… Can you come outside?
Please?

She frowned at the weird message before grabbing an umbrella. Trixie trudged outside to see the rain was still pouring down hard. She spotted Miguel looking around with an umbrella of his own as well as a bag of… Something?

“Miguel?” Trixie called and Miguel snapped his head to where Trixie stood.

“Trixie! Um, I-I… Well, I guess I’ll just give it to you.” He said, handing her the bag with a bashful look on his face.

Trixie looked into it and smiled as she saw the tub of bubblegum ice cream and… A Dahlia Apple Blossom bouquet. “Thank you, Miguel.” She grinned, “These are… Really pretty.”

“Not as pretty as you.” Miguel complimented and Trixie looked away with a red face and a swarm of butterflies in her stomach.

“Is this your way of apologizing?” Trixie asked, looking back at him. Now it was Miguel’s turn to look away.

“Well… It’s one way.” He said, look straight into her eyes with a sigh, “Look, I know I haven’t been the best boyfriend or friend to you in the past. In fact, I’ve been horrible. A jerk and an idiot to ever let someone like me hurt someone as amazing as you.” 

Miguel dropped his umbrella on the ground to take both of her hands. “I’m sorry, I really am and you don’t have to forgive me because I know you always will. I shouldn’t be forgiven at all in fact. I don’t deserve someone like you, I know.”

Trixie felt her face warm as Miguel clutched her hands desperately. “And I’m not here to grovel or beg to get you back because you have no right to watch me do that. I just… I just want a chance to redeem myself because I was such a pussy.” He confessed. Rain started to seep into his hoodie and drip down his hair onto his face. “It’s okay if you say no, it’s your choice… It’s the least I could give you after all.”

“Thank you, Miguel. I… Really appreciate that.” Trixie’s heart burned and her stomach fluttered as she brushed his wet hair out of his face with a small smile, eyes flickering down to his lips. “Did you do this because you knew it’d remind me of a rom-com? Because it sure feels like one.”

“I-I know, I know, it’s kind of cheesy. But, y’know, usually they makeup and kiss at the end.” He said before adding, “Only- Only if you want to that is- That was kind of stupid for me to say- I don’t even-”

Trixie interrupted him by placing a hand on his mouth. “Well, one thing you should know about me is that sometimes rom-coms make me a bit angry.” She told him, lifting her umbrella to allow him under with her, “I’ll forgive you, but I won’t forget. Unlike the movies, you’ve gotta work for it… I can’t let what happened happen again.”

The guilt of breaking Trixie’s heart felt like a weight that clung to Miguel’s chest, heavy and constant. Knowing he’s the reason for her hurt, her quiet moments of sadness. ‘I’ve never seen my sister cry like that in my life’ Patrick’s voice echoed in his head.

Miguel swallowed, “I promise, I’ll try. No, I… I will. I’ll… I’ll be good enough for you.” He said.

Trixie smiled, cupping his face, “You don’t have to put me on a pedestal, y’know? We’ve both made mistakes.” She said quietly before pulling away, “I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

“Well, I suppose tomorrow’s my trial?” He asked with a grin and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“We’ll see. But I’m not gonna track your points for you, Diaz.” She said before ruffling his damp hair, “Also, you’re soaking wet.”

“Oh, right.” Miguel seemed to mentally face-palm as he picked up his umbrella from the ground, “I’ll… See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see ya.” Trixie said with a slight flutter in her stomach as she went back inside with the bag of gifts.

_____________________________________________________

“ What's up, Miguel?" A random guy greeted, high fiving him. 

"Hey. What's up?" Miguel replied before seeing Demetri, a confused look on  his face. Dimitri had a cast on from the… Incident from a while back ago.

 "Hey, the Comeback Kid! Welcome back." Demetri greeted Miguel enthusiastically. "I hope to make a similar triumphant return to the land of the mobile appendage masses." He said, holding up his arm. 

"What's up with the cast?" Miguel asked curiously. 

"Proximal radius fracture." He said. Yasmine walking over. 

"It smells." She stated, lips pursed. Miguel cast Demetri a confused look.

 "I put a lemon rind down there to mitigate that. The invitation for you to sign it still stands." Dimitri said, getting a sharpie out of his pocket. 

Yasmine made a small humming sound. "Hard pass." She said, looking at him. "At least when you used to be a thorn in my tits, you were getting me an A in science. Now you can't even do that because you're defective." She said sassily before  walking away, leaving the two.

Demetri looked behind Miguel to wave. Trixie waved back, coming from behind Miguel. “Heyyy.” She smiled. It’d been a while since Demetri had seen a genuine smile on her face, especially one as bright as hers currently. Trixie turned to Miguel. “So, you’re back?”

Demetri looked between the two of them, shooting Trixie a look. She shrugged and he thought before nodding. Even if they were ‘enemies’, it didn’t mean they still couldn’t read each other’s facial expressions. They were friends before, what was stopping them now?

“Yep, back and better than ever.” Miguel smiled.

Trixie turned to Demetri with a concerned expression, “How’s your arm doing?” She asked and Demetri shrugged.

“It’s fine. Thanks to you I didn’t have to suffer as long as I would’ve.” He smiled and Trixie nodded.

“It’s the least I could do, I have morals after all.” She said, still fuming from what had happened at the abandoned laser tag arena.

“How’d you break your arm anyways?” Miguel asked and Trixie and Demetri both shot each other's looks before the taller boy’s gaze fixed on Miguel again.

“We’ve got a lot to catch up on.” He muttered.

_____________________________________________________

Demetri got his lunch tray to balance on his casted arm, watching it to make sure it didn't fall. His elbow hit Kyler, knocking him forward. Kyler turned and looked at him. "Oh, crap." Dimitri muttered.

 Kyler looked at him up and down. "Oh, you thought I was going to knock down your tray? Come on, man. I'm better than that." He took the tray from Dimitri, his voice soft. Kyler then threw it into the trash. "Hey, what else do you need help with? Want me to sign your cast? Say no more." 

“Hey, leave him alone.” Trixie stepped up beside Demetri, her arms crossed with an unimpressed look. “C’mon, sit down before you lose your spot, Kyler.”

“Woahhhh calm down, baby.” Kyler said with a sweet smile, still signing Demetri’s cast, “If you want me to sit down with you just say so~.”

“You wish.” Trixie scoffed.

“Oh, c’mon… But hey, watch this.” Kyler smiled, “Guys, check this guy out! Standing around with a dick in his hand." Kyler yelled, getting everyone's attention. He was holding up Demetri's arm to show the art he did on the cast. 

All the students were laughing. Demetri pulled away from Kyler and walked out. Trixie twisted Kyler’s arm. “Hey! Cut that shit out.” She said, twisting his arm as he winced hard. “You don’t have a place in Cobra Kai yet so don’t act like you own the place.”

“Ouch, alright, alright, baby I was just joking’!” He exclaimed.

Trixie shoved her hand off of his wrist, wiping it on her pants before going over to her lunch table. “Pussy.” She whispered under her breath as the lunch room’s laughter died down to a chatter.

“Hey, uh, Trixie.” Miguel gripped the blue haired girl’s shoulder. She turned to look at him. “Did you… Wanna eat lunch together?” He asked.

Trixie thought for a moment, turning to look at Hawk. Her red mo-hawked friend looked up and saw the two together, he seemed a bit upset before giving her a ‘Honestly just go’ look before laughing with the other Cobra Kai’s.

She turned back to Miguel with a smile, “Y’know what? That… Sounds really good right now.” Trixie and Miguel walked out of the lunchroom together to eat somewhere away from the chaos.

They sat down in the courtyard outside together, laughing and talking with each other like… Old times. “So… Does this earn me points, too?” Miguel asked and Trixie chuckled.

“I said I wasn’t keeping track, Miguel.” Trixie rolled her eyes with a smile, “Try harder, Diaz. Like I said, you gotta work for it.”  

“Meh, I tried.” Miguel shrugged, taking a bite out of his apple.

_____________________________________________________

  Miguel was walking through the halls of the school, walking past Hawk and a few other Cobra Kais. It seemed as if they were missing Trixie... Hawk and Miguel locked eyes, both losing their smiles. There wasn't anger in their eyes, just… Disappointment. 

All of a sudden, Sam bumped into Miguel. "Oh, I'm s-" She started when Miguel cut her off.

 "I'm sorry Sam.' He said as he looked at the girl. 

"No, I should've been watching where I  was going." She said in a rushed tone. 

"Me too." Miguel answered, smiling a bit. Sam gave a nervous sounding chuckle. 

"So,uh, congratulations on being back on your feet! Literally." Sam smiled brightly at him with a small chuckle. 

"Thanks." Miguel smiled at her.

 "Anyway, I'll let you get back to your friends." She gestured to the Cobra Kai boys. 

"They're not my friends anymore. Not after what they did to you guys." He told her in a soft voice. Sam had a pleasantly shocked look on her face. Her lips curled into a smile. 

"I should probably get to study hall." Miguel told her after a moment of silence.

 "I'm actually headed that way too." Sam said with a small giggle. 

"Okay." Miguel smiled. The two walked together as Sam thought for a moment before speaking up.

“So… How’re you and Trixie? I mean, the… Incident affected her badly so I would assume that she’s happy you’re back, right?” Sam asked and Miguel nodded.

“I’ve been trying to make it up to her after what happened at the party. She’s been making me work hard for her forgiveness but I deserve it.” He explained with a bittersweet smile, “What about you? Are you guys still upset at each other or…?”

“Well, you know how hard it is to stay mad at her.” Sam shrugged with a smile, “I guess we’re… Sort of cool with each other. She’s not really like the other Cobra Kai’s…” (s H e’S n O t Li K e Ot H eR g I rLs)

“Yeah, I… Guess she isn’t.” Miguel said with a soft smile. Sam’s smile dropped as she saw a familiar blonde and brunette making out against the wall by the gym door.

“Yasmine?!” Sam exclaimed. Yasmine immediately pushed herself off of the boy with the broken arm and widened her eyes.

“Hey. Um… We were just, uh…” Demetri’s voice trailed off, clearly dazed from the heavy makeout session with Yasmine.

“Doing study work.” Yasmine exhaled heavily. Demetri agreed but he definitely wasn’t fazed by the two in front of him.

“So you two are…” Sam’s voice trailed off.

“What?” Yasmine chuckled nervously, a panicked expression taking over her face. “Ew. Ew! No. Like I would ever date this freak.” She looked back at Demetri with a bashful look before speed-walking away faster then when she got that wedgie from Aisha.

“Whatever, Cruella. Why don’t you kill a bunch of dalmatians?” Demetri called after her, finally playing along with their ‘not dating’ status. He turned to them. “I am 101% in love.” He sighed, walking away.

Sam chuckled, “I can’t believe that just happened.” She smiled, awestruck.

“Yeah, I guess, uh…” He turned to Sam, “If they can get together… Maybe I could make amends with Trixie.”

Sam’s smile widened and she nodded happily, “Honestly, yeah, you’re right. I mean, love conquers all.” She walked with Miguel to class.

_____________________________________________________

Trixie had been a dancer her entire life—or so it felt. She started ballet at the age of ten, captivated by the elegance. Every pirouette and plié became second nature as she devoted her childhood to perfecting her technique.  But the love she once felt for dance had been replaced by fatigue, frustration, and the overwhelming need to be perfect.

It was depleting her mental health rapidly. So, she quit. Karate had been her main focus, her top priority, and she fell back into the habit of putting her hobbies before herself. But, alas, here she was. Down in the studio to try out dancing once again. Weirdly enough, her muscles remembered. Slowly, the movements came back to herp the rise and fall of a tendu, the sweep of an arm in port de bras. It wasn’t perfect, but it was still there. 

Trixie felt… Proud of herself. One of the only times in her life she felt proud of her achievements. Her parents had embedded the thought into her that it didn’t matter what she did to be better than everyone else, as long as she was in first place, no one would care. And they were right… But she cared. Wasn’t that enough?

Chapter Text

The rhythmic thud of fists meeting leather echoed in the dimly lit gym. Trixie stood in front of the heavy punching bag, her brow furrowed in fierce concentration. With every hit, the bag swayed, responding to the power she packed into her jabs and crosses. This time, her knuckles were taped properly.

The door to the studio opened to reveal Miguel, who smiled as Trixie wiped sweat from her forehead. “Hey, uh, did my brother let you in?” She asked, taking a break from beating the bag and opting for a sip of her water.

“Yeah.” He nodded, “Told me you were down here so I thought I’d just… Hangout with you?”

The blue haired girl looked at him before shrugging, “Alright, but I’m mostly just focused on karate right now.” She said and Miguel nodded, spotting the ballet shoes that were on the ground.

“Did you start ballet again?” He asked as Trixie threw a round-house kick to the punching bag.

“Yeah, I guess I just had a sudden urge to dance or something.” She said, jumping into a spin hook kick. Miguel watched in admiration and Trixie threw another jab to the punching bag.

“Do you usually take out your feelings on this poor thing?” Miguel asked, placing a hand on top of the punching bag, stopping Trixie from beating the object anymore then she already did.

Trixie ran a hand through her hair with a guilty smile, “Not all the time, I usually just spill it out during therapy like a normal person.” She shrugged, “That and Cobra Kai, of course.”

Miguel’s smile slightly faded at the mention of the infamous karate dojo. “About that… Would you ever quit Cobra Kai?” He asked her and Trixie bit the inside of her cheek with a look of disappointment.

“I’m not like that, I’m not violent or angry . Cobra Kai’s been the best thing that’s ever happened to me and quitting Cobra Kai would prove that I’m no better than everyone else there.” Trixie frowned, crossing her arms. “I’m not a quitter.”

“You don’t have to prove anything to anyone, especially Cobra Kai. You deserve a different dojo!” Miguel exclaimed, “Me and Sensei are starting a new dojo, Eagle Fang Karate. You should join.”

Trixie hesitated before, pushing Miguel’s arm off of the punching bag. “I dunno, Miguel. I’ll… I’m gonna stay with Cobra Kai, but I’ll let you know if I change my mind.” She said quietly, sending a harsh right hook to the punching bag. Miguel swallowed, pursing his lips in disdain,

_____________________________________________________

Hawk, Kyler and Tory as well as two others stood in the woods, drinking beer as they spoke. "Ok, we've got one shot at this. Quick, in and out, we'll be good." Hawk told them. "Know what you gotta do?" He asked Kyler.

 "Hell yeah. Let's go." The boy replied. Trixie rolled her eyes, she couldn’t believe she was doing this. To be honest, she didn’t really care as long as they weren’t caught but she felt as if she knew Tory knew that she didn’t like doing shit like this.

 "All right, sweet." Hawk said. Robby was walking up to the group of five. 

"Someone took their sweet ass time." Tory said when she saw Robby. The boy spared a glance to Trixie, who gave him a small smile. He smiled back as best as he could.

"You invited him?" Hawk asked with narrowed eyes. 

Tory looked at Hawk, unfazed. "I did. Why? You got a problem with that?" 

Kyler reached over and grabbed another can of beer. "Here you go, Keene." He held it to him. 

"I'm good." Robby said with a shake of his head. 

Hawk huffed a small laugh. "What, you can't handle a sip of beer like Trixie?" He asked, making the others around them laugh. Trixie rolled her eyes.

"No, I just don't need to drink to pretend to be cool." Robby said without missing a beat, “And I’m pretty sure you know that Trixie’s not lightweight.”

Hawk took a step towards Robby. "Yeah, that's funny." His voice was low and threatening. 

"All right. Let's get going." Tory said before anything could happen. Tory held the cut part of the gate open as the others slipped through. She looked back at Robby who was lagging behind. He looked skeptical. "Don't worry. It's not going to violate your probation. You got outta juvie, not Sing Sing." She said walking over. 

Robby smiled. "You resorting towards peer pressure?" He asked in a teasing tone. She shrugged.

 "Yeah, it's kinda my thing." Tory then turned and went through the gate.

Robby turned to Trixie, “I like the hair.” He said awkwardly. Trixie turned to Robby with a blank stare before breaking into a small smile.

“Thanks. I’m glad you got rid of the long hair, although now I suppose I’ll have to stop calling you Willy Wonka?” Trixie asked and Robby shook his head with a chuckle.

“I dunno, it depends.” He said and the two of them followed the rest. Trixie could hear children laughing as the Zoo sign came into view.

"The zoo? Why do we have to sneak in?" Robby asked with some confusion in his voice. 

"You'll see." Tory said simply. 

Hawk nods his head off to the side. "C’mon, this way." He said as he started to lead the group. Hawk and the group walked into one of the buildings. A man speaking over the intercom.

Trixie rolled her eyes, “I don’t understand why we’re breaking in while you guys are drunk.” She scoffed.

“Oh, please, like you could talk, light weight.” A boy snorted.

“I’m pretty sure I could beat you in a drinking game, asshole.” Trixie huffed under her breath.

 "Right, there's two cameras over there. The guard goes on break once every hour. We have less than five minutes." Hawk told them in a hushed voice that was just loud enough for everyone to hear. 

"Okay." Kyler said with a nod. 

Robby looked over at Tory. "Five minutes to do what?" He asked curiously.

 "We're getting a little gift for Sensei." She smiled at him. They were walking down a hall of reptiles, stopping in front if the Chinese Cobra. 

Trixie watched as it coiled around the faux branch and how it stuck out its tongue, as if saying ‘You guys can’t get me!’. They walked through a door labeled staff only and two boys waiting outside as a guard. 

Hawk unzipped his bag and pulled out a burlap sack, he looked over at Kyler. "You got the snake pool?" He asked. 

Kyler looked around before sighing. "Oh, shit! Snake pole, right." 

"I orchestrated this entire plan and you didn't bring the one thing you were in charge of?" Hawk looked at him in disbelief. 

"I forgot, ok? I've got a lot on my mind right now. If I don't pass trig this semester, my dad's gonna shit in my mouth." He said firmly. Hawk gave him an odd look as Trixie snorted.

 "Just reach in and grab the snake!" Tory said in a low hiss of a voice. 

"Are you insane? I'm not sticking my hand in there!" He said. 

Suddenly a man's voice called from down the hall. "Hey! Who's in there?" 

"Shit!" Hawk cursed, looking at the group. 

"We gotta go, let's go." Kyler said, pushing past Robby and Tory. Hawk followed behind him then Tory. Robby and Trixie stayed in the hall, looking down the hall.

As they all filed outside, Hawk yelled as he hit his arm, "What the hell, dumbass?!"

"Dude! At least I brought beer." Kyler said in a bored tone. 

"We failed the mission cause of you!" Hawk said angrily. The group was unaware that Robby and Trixie were finally joining them. 

"Who said we failed?" Robby asked, holding up the bag which not admitted a hissing sound. Trixie grinned.

"No way!" Tory said in shock, a smile on her face. "You got it? Unreal." 

Robby looked over at her with a smile and opened the bag, showing off the snake. “Give it up for Trixie who distracted the guard.” He turned to Trixie, who gave a smile.

Everyone cheered for him except for Hawk, who seemed to still hold a grudge against Robby. Honestly, Trixie understood. She was so angry at Robby, so angry at him for doing what he did to Miguel. But unlike a Cobra Kai, she talked to her therapist about it.

At Cobra Kai, Robby put the snake into the cage, holding it by the head. "Well done. I'm impressed. You showed fearlessness and leadership. And those are the qualities you neee to be a champion." Kreese said as he walked down the line before stopping in front of Robby putting his hand on his shoulder. 

"Good job. You're what cobra kai has been looking for. Do you see what you can accomplish when you work together? Alliances are important. For us and our enemy, because you better believe that they are making alliances too." He said as he stopped in front of Tory. Robby looked over at her. 

"What alliances?" She asked the older man. 

"Oh, you didn't hear? Uh, Diaz and that Larusso girl, yeah, they're working together. Yeah man they helped save the All Valley. They gave quite a speech. They make a pretty good team."

Tory and Robby shared a look. A mix of shock, hurt, and slight anger. Tory turned to look at Trixie, who was nervously biting the inside of her cheek. Tory mouthed ‘Are you okay?’ to her and Trixie nodded with a tight smile.

‘You should trust Miguel and you and Sam aren’t on bad terms anymore… You can’t be jealous of their relationship when Miguel’s trying to make amends with you. Just try to trust them…’

 "Well, it's getting pretty late. Dismissed." Kreese said.

_____________________________________________________

“IIIIII DONT WANT ALOT FOoOR CHRISTMaAs!” Camille sang loudly with Dory in her arms as Patrick pulled out a tray of cookies.

Trixie chuckled as she took a cookie from one of the older batches Patrick made previously before stashing a few of them in a bag for Miguel and a few of her other friends. “Thanks for making these for me, Trick.” She said and Patrick nodded.

“As long as it gets me points for friends, I’m good. Can’t have any of them hating me, can I?” Trick grinned and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“MOoOORE THAN YOU COULD EVER KNOWW! mAKE MY WISH COME TRuUUuUeeEe!!!” Camille screeched the lyrics as Dory meowed in sync.. “ALLLL IiIIi WANT FOR CHRISTMASSS… IiIiSSsS YOUUUUUU!”

“Woooh!” Trixie cheered from her spot at the table, clapping loudly as the cheery Mariah Carey music played through the apartment.

Usually, they’d have Christmas karaoke on Christmas night. Usually it was Camille singing and Trixie playing the background vocals while Trick just clapped along. Although on special occasions he’d be able to sing a few Mariah Carey songs as well.

Trixie smiled fondly at Camille, who belted out the lyrics to ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ as passionately as she could. The blue haired girl snickered at Dory, who looked miserable in Camille’s arms, before reaching for a cookie.

“Hey! Those are for Santa.” Trick slapped her hand away before she could take more. Trixie rolled her eyes and Camille shot her head up with a gasp.

“TRIXIEEEEE!!” She yelled, “Santa’s not gonna give me presents if he doesn’t have the exact amount of cookies! ThErE hÆs To bE sIxTeEn ExÆcTtTtT!” She whined and Trixie turned to Trick for help.

Trick placed a cookie on the plate, “Go before she murders you.” He whispered to Trixie, who nodded and slipped out of the door as Trick distracted her little sister.

“Oh! Hey, Trixie.” Miguel waved and Trixie waved back. “Did your brother make those?”

“Hm? Oh, yes! They’re… Actually for you. I figured that I’d be on the nice list for Christmas this year.” Trixie handed him a bag full of cookies, chocolate ice cream, and a bunch of other stuff. “Happy early Christmas.”

“I honestly think that you’re on the nice list all the time.” He said with a raised eyebrow and a smile before taking out a box from his pocket, “It’s funny because I actually was going to give you a gift too.”

Trixie felt butterflies in her stomach and her smile widened. “Thank you.” She took the box from his hand and opened it to reveal a silver necklace

It was similar to the silver one she used to wear, but had her birthstone as the pendant. A sapphire… Trixie’s heart soared as high as it could and her brain melted at the sight of the necklace. She looked up to see Miguel nervously standing in front of her.

‘You're a horrible person for being so naive into thinking that he’d leave you heartbroken again. Why would you ever think that? How could you be jealous when their relationship ended so long ago?’

“I-I know what you’re thinking, and no, I’m-I’m not trying to buy your favor back. This was going to be a present for your birthday but… Um, I sort of missed it when I was in that coma.” Miguel said as he rubbed the back of his neck, “A-anyways, do you… Like it?”

Trixie looked at Miguel with a grin, “It’s beautiful… Thank you.” She said softly, “How much did this cost exactly?”

“Oh! Uh, just…  250 dollars…” Miguel muttered and Trixie widened her eyes.

“250 DOLLARS?!” Trixie exclaimed with wide eyes, “Oh my god, I basically robbed you!” She said, burying her face in her hands as Miguel laughed.

“No, wait, wait! It’s your gift, you deserve the best!” Miguel smiled. Trixie groaned, looking back at him.

“I feel bad, I mean most of the stuff I got you I wasn’t sure you’d like and this is…” Trixie took a deep breath, meeting his gaze with a small smile. “It’s pretty… Thank you.”

Miguel’s breath hitched. She didn’t have to look at him like that, if she kept it up he was sure he’d explode on the spot. He cleared his throat, “Yeah, it’s, uh, no problem. Thanks for the present by the way.”

Trixie nodded, the silence around them awkward. “Yeah, don’t mention it.” She said, “If you do, Sam might just get jealous that she didn’t get Patrick’s cookies before you.”

Miguel chuckled and started to head back inside before calling out to her, “You’re going to Sam’s party, right?” He asked and Trixie gave him a thumbs up.

“I’ll see you there, Diaz!” She called from inside the house. Miguel watched her go inside with a pounding heart and a warm face before heading inside as well.

Chapter Text

At the Larusso house Sam, Chris, Demetri, and a few others sat watching movies. "Well, this Christmas party's turning out to be ho-ho-horrible," Demetri said, making Sam look at him. 

"Yeah, Sam. I thought you said your parents were going to be out for the night. So why aren't we throwing a rager?" Chris asked. 

"There's a keg on the way. It's just gonna be a few more minute s." Sam said as she paced back and forth, not helping with her friend's boredom.  

"Can we at least put on a Christmas special? I'd even watch that creepy one with the little elf dentist." Demetri said, making Sam wrinkle her nose. "Yeah, I'm that bored." He said.

The doorbell rang, catching her attention. "It's here." She told them as she walked over to the door. The others turned around to watch as Sam opened the door, and Miguel, Mitch, and Bert walked in. 

The other two boys looked confused at Miguel. The Miyagi-Do students quickly got to their feet. "Oh hell no," Chris said as they walked over. 

"What the hell are you doing here? This isn't a keg party." Mitch said in disappointment and slight anger.

"Wait… You Parent Trapped Us? Why?" Demetri asked Sam. 

"Look, I know we haven't always gotten along, but Cobra Kai is the bigger threat now. To all of us." She spoke, turning to face Miguel.

"We think we'd stand a better chance against them if we joined forces. Two dojos are stronger than one." He added. "Look I know we've all done shitty things," Miguel said, looking at the group. 

"Like breaking Demetri's arm." Chris gave Mitch an accusing look.

"You started that fight." Mitch shot back, his eyes narrowed. 

"After you almost got me fired!" 

Miguel looked at Sam with a shake of his head, "This isn't going to work."

"It has to. We have one last shot at getting things right. Alone, we're nothing but if we work together, we have a shot. If we can't get over the past , the fighting will never end . We have to confront our enemies. This rivalry has to stop. One way or another." Sam said to the group.

“Is… Our other guest here?” Miguel asked and Sam sucked in a breath.

“Uh, she’s not here yet.” Sam pursed her lips. As soon as she said that, a voice broke through the awkward silence.

“Oh, shit! Sorry, I’m late. My brother had me babysit my cat for a bit longer than usual.” Trixie brushed her hand through her blue hair, huffing hard as she looked between the two dojos. “I’m really late, aren’t I?”

“What the hell is she doing here?! She’s a Cobra!” Chris exclaimed.

“Well, that’s one thing we can agree on,” Mitch said and Trixie rolled her eyes.

“Shut it, Penis Breath. I didn’t do shit to any of you.” Trixie crossed her arms. Miguel placed a hand on the girl’s back.

“Um, I know that Trixie’s in Cobra Kai, but this is just a party for her. Nothing personal.” Miguel said, “She’s been neutral the whole time our dojos have been fighting.”

“I still don’t trust her.” Mitch crossed his arms.

“She was the one that called 911 when I broke my arm.” Demetri defended and Sam nodded.

“I mean, she did pay me money at the arcade. It sort of saved my job.” Chris muttered under his breath.

“Trixie might be a Cobra, but she doesn’t act like a pussy.” Miguel said. 

Trixie looked between the two dojos before smiling slightly. “I brought beer if that helps.” Trixie offered, holding up two six-packs of beer.

Sam and Miguel stood before the two dojos. " I don't know how to say this any plainer. Eagle Fang and Miyagi-Do have to work together." She said in a desperate voice. Chris looked at them.

Eventually, the group of them sat down in the living room. Trixie sat down next to Miguel, whose hand was pressed against her back for support.

"Even if we wanted to team up, it'd never work. I was in Cobra Kai. Their style mixes with ours like..." Nathaniel turned to him. 

"Oil and vinegar?" He offered.

Chris looked at him. "No, not salad dressing. I would say like the British Bulldogs and the Hart Foundation." 

Mitch turned to look at him. "They were friends, dipshit." He said in a bitter tone. 

"Not at WrestleMania 3, Penis Breath." Chris shot back. 

Mitch turned fully to face him. "Ok, you can't call me Penis Breath. Only they can call me Penis Breath." He gestured to Miguel and Bert. 

"Why are you okay with anyone calling you Penis Breath?" Chris asked him.

"You know what? Screw this. Come on, let's go." Mitch said as he stood up. Bert followed after him.

“Look, I don’t think the idea of Cobra Kai is the problem!” Trixie called out to them, “We knew the students of Cobra Kai at some point, they were different. It’s Kreese that’s the real problem. He’ll get into your head, and make you feel strong. If this is what beats the stupid game he’s playing, then so be it.”

"Trixie’s right, this is exactly what those assholes at Cobra Kai want. Since you were one of ‘em , you're an asshole too. So are you." He pointed from then two then Chris. Chris looked at him.

"I ain't no asshole." He said in a plain simple tone but Demetri wasn't listening. 

"So was I. Well, at least I wanted to be one. But now Cobra Kai is the worst collection of assholes in the Valley, run by the king of all assholes. So if merging with Eagle Fang- weird name by the way- can keep us all from getting shit on anymore, then we'd all be assholes not to do it. I'm sorry for all the "assholes ". I usually take pride in my grandiloquence , but it's an emotional time." He finished. Everyone glanced at each other, taking in the boys' words.

“Maybe we should talk this out at the dining table?” Trixie suggested. Everyone reluctantly agreed, everyone sitting down but Sam, Miguel, and Demetri. 

Demetri held a notebook. " We're all in agreement that our new combined dojo should train at Miyagi-Do. But deadlocked on a new name, Gi design, post-training snacks, and Sensei dispute resolution protocol. Okay, not good, but still, it's a start." 

They turned to look at the door when they heard a cat meowing. Bert smiled. "Aw, I think your cat wants to come in. Here, kitty, kitty." He said as he got up and walked to the door, going outside. 

Miguel turned to Sam. "I didn't know you had a cat." 

Sam looked confused. "We don't."

Just then, Bert was thrown through the kitchen window that was above the sink, hitting the floor hard. Everyone quickly got to their feet and hurried over to him. "Bert, what happened?" Miguel asked in a loud, concerned voice. 

Bert looked up, his glasses gone and blood running from various cuts on his face. "No cat." He huffed.

Hawk and some Cobra Kai students walked from outside, smirks on their faces . Kyler smirked looking at Miguel. "It's payback time, Rhea." 

Miguel had a stubbed look on his face as he remembered all the past fights against him. Trixie quickly moved forward and grabbed Bert, pulling him back with them as the Cobra Kai students advanced. 

From the back door, Tory and two boys walked in. A snarl on her face as she saw Sam and Miguel standing together. " Heard you were throwing a party. Hope you don't mind if we crash ." She said, staring at Sam. Sam's lip trembled slightly with fear and Trixie placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"Tory, you don't have to do this." Miguel tried to reason with her

"It's too late. This ends tonight!" She told him angrily. "No mercy!" Tory called as they walked in. Tory threw the first punch, hitting Chris in the jaw. And that was what started it all. 

People were fighting everywhere. Some inside and some out. Miguel was facing off against Kyler. He tried to kick him but Kyler easily blocked and hit him in the chest, sending him to the ground. "You call that a kick? Come on!" He looked down at the boy. 

Miguel got up and went to kick him again. Kyler caught his leg, spinning them before throwing Miguel roughly at the couch, his back hitting the back. 

Trixie came up behind Kyler, sweeping him down to the floor as she went down to punch him in the face. He (miraculously) rolled out of the way and went for a right hook to her face.

She dodged and round-house kicked him in the face. Kyler wiped his nose, blood slightly trickling down as he widened his eyes at the blue-haired girl.

Sam was fighting one of the boys from Cobra Kai, kicking him against the stairs. Sam and Tory both fighting near each other finished their opponents. Tory turned and looked at Sam with a malicious smirk on her face.

Hawk looked around at each of his old friends getting hurt by the Cobra Kai students. Two boys had Demetri, restraining him to where one had his arm pulled back. Just like at the arcade a few weeks ago.

"Hey, you're Hawk. Free shot." The one said with a laugh as Demetri looked over at Hawk. 

Hawk’s face contorted into anger as he ran towards them. He jumped, using Demetri's back to kick the one before grabbing the other and flipping him into the glass table, shattering it. Hawk walked over to Demetri who took a few steps back. "Look man , I'm sorry. For all of it. Do you want to help me win this thing?" 

Demetri nodded with a smile . "Yeah."  The two moved into action together this time and not against each other.  

Kyler had Miguel pinned to the wall, punching him over and over in the ribs. Miguel's face was covered in blood and he was in serious pain. 

Before Trixie could go help, her head was jerked back by a tug on her hair. She grunted before getting punched in the face. She yelled before clasping her hands around the arm and twisting it. 

The hand on her hair let go before she kicked her attacker to the ground, rubbing her scalp with a wince. Kyler was pushed away , the two fighting again before Miguel took him took the ground and knocked him out with a single punch.

“You okay?” Trixie asked Miguel, who nodded, blood bleeding from his nose. 

“You okay too?” He asked and Trixie nodded.

“Yeah… A little pissed but overall fine.” She sighed before looking around, her eyes widening. “Where’s Sam and Tory?” She asked.

Miguel also widened his eyes before he and Trixie ran around the house to find the tow, Demetri and Hawk following. " Guys stop!" Miguel yelled, finding them in the dojo. 

Tory looked over, fury on her face. "Tory, the fight's over," Hawk told her. 

Tory shook her head. "It's not over. This will never be over, LaRusso. You hear me?" 

Sam looked at her, still holding the staff at her. "You know where to find me." 

Tory lowered her fists and started walking out , she stopped in front of Miguel and Hawk. "Traitors." Her eyes then focused on Trixie. “How could you do that to Cobra Kai? You’re supposed to be loyal. After everything I’ve done for you, you betray me?”

“Friendship isn’t transactional, Tory,” Trixie said, Miguel holding her hand tightly.

Tory rolled her eyes, glaring at Hawk as she leaned forward. "You better watch your back!" She continued walking but Demetri stopped her. 

"He won't have to. He's got friends watching it for him."

_____________________________________________________

Trixie stroked Miguel’s hair out of his face as she applied a small cotton swab to his face . He winced and Trixie pursed her lips , “Sorry, this might hurt a bit.” She said quietly, “Just tell me if it gets too bad.”

“Thanks, Trixie,” Miguel said. Trixie could feel his breath close to her face as she wiped the blood from his face.

“Hey, if it makes you feel any better, you just got out of a wheelchair and still looked badass.” She chuckled slightly, though her eyes said a different story.

“That trick you did with the arm was pretty badass too . He got your hair and you still beat him .” He grinned through the pain as Trixie placed a bandaid on the inner corner underneath his eyebrow.

“I guess I’m just not into hair pulling.” She joked as she wetted a tissue and started to wipe blood away from his face. “You’re lucky your nose stopped bleeding.”

“Maybe I’m just lucky I have you to take care of me.” He said quickly and Trixie paused. She breathed in slowly before letting out a shaky breath and going back to wiping the blood from his face.

“You sure you’re okay?” Miguel asked and Trixie nodded with a slight smile.

“I’m fine, probably just gonna get a small bruise from that punch that one guy gave me but rather than that I’ll be peachy.” She said, packing up her first aid kit.

“ You sure?” Miguel asked, standing up and stopping her from packing the first aid kit by taking her hands into his , “I-I mean, you say that but then you end up being really hurt…”

Trixie swallowed, her face growing warm at the touch before she smiled awkwardly. “I swear, it’ll just be a small bruise on my face. Nothing major, I promise.”

“Well, Demetri said you usually keep your promises so I’ll hold you to it.” Miguel grinned, though he didn’t let go of Trixie’s hand. Her lips parted, a breath escaping that barely made a sound , but it echoed in the quiet. His pulse quickened, the air between them thickening with every second. “I should go,” He whispered, though neither of them moved.

Trixie’s throat tightened. “You should.” 

Miguel leaned forward just a fraction. Though she stiffened, she didn’t pull away. Trixie’s gaze flickered to his lips, then back to his eyes. He tilted his head just slightly, his breath now mingling with hers. It would be so easy to close the distance. Too easy. And ye t… Her hand moved then, reaching out, fingertips grazing the side of his face, tentative at first, as if testing the waters.

“Do… Do you want this?” He asked hesitantly. Trixie swallowed and she felt as if she were on fire.

“... I’m not saying I wouldn’t.” She smiled slightly. Miguel smiled and slowly, achingly slow, he leaned in.

Their lips hovered just a breath apart, close enough to feel the heat, the tension, but not yet touching. And then, finally, Trixie closed the gap. The kiss was soft at first, hesitant. Miguel’s hand slid into her hair, pulling her closer, and she melted into him, her lips parting, the kiss deepening with every passing second. 

Miguel’s scent flooded through her. Warm and earthy with a slight iron smell of blood. Trixie cupped Miguel’s face as his hands ran through her hair. It was the kind of kiss that was a need, raw and consuming. “Holy fuck.”

Miguel and Trixie pulled apart at the sudden noise as the blue-haired girl snapped her head to the bathroom doorway to see Patrick standing with his arms crossed. “Trick! What the fuck-”

“I should be saying that. Especially when the ex that seemingly broke your heart is in our bathroom making out with you.” He raised his eyebrows as Miguel looked to the ground in embarrassment.

“Trick!” Trixie buried her face in her hands as she groaned, “Sorry, Miguel… Uh, text later?”

“U-uh, yeah. Sorry, Patrick.” Miguel said and rushed out of the bathroom as quickly as he possibly could. The door to their apartment slammed closed as Trixie looked at her brother with a nervous expression.

“Did he apologize? Is he sorry for what he did?” Trick asked and Trixie nodded. “Did you make him work for it?” Trixie shrugged and Trick sighed at the response. “I don’t care what your dating life is as long as he doesn’t try any shit he pulled last time. I’d appreciate it if you did this privately with the door locked.”

Trixie nodded, her body about to explode in embarrassment as she rushed into her room. She groaned, collapsing onto her bed in humiliation as her phone buzzed.

Miguel: Am I in the clear?

I’m pretty sure your brother hates me

He hates me I know it

He says he's fine with it

Just give it about a week or so and he’ll be alright

Miguel: I’m pretty sure it’s been going on for a lot longer than a week

Even with karate, he scares the shit out of me for some reaso n…

Maybe it’s the tattoos and the piercings?

Nah he’s just gay as fuck

Miguel: I guess it runs in the family

Fuck you women are beautiful

Miguel: Fuck you too

I’m getting with Sam

Miguel: Wow after all that happened in the bathroom???

…

Right

Almost forgot about that

Miguel: Does this mean I’ve racked up enough points?

You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to

It’s your choice not mine

Miguel 

Miguel: That was dumb of me I shouldn’t have kissed you

I’m an idiot

Just ignore me I made things awkward forget it

I’m sorry

Dude calm down

I kissed you back for a reason

I forgive you and you’ve earned my trust back

For now

Just maybe we should take it slow

Chapter Text

Sailor Song by Gigi Perez

Oh, won't you kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor?
And when you get a taste, can you tell me what's my flavor?
I don't believe in God, but I believe that you're my savior
My mom says that she's worried, but I'm covered in this favor

Reflections by The Neighborhood

Falling just as hard
I'd rather lose somebody than use somebody
Maybe it's a blessing in disguise (I sold my soul for you)
I see my reflection in your eyes

BIRDS OF A FEATHER by Billie Eilish

Birds of a feather, we should stick together, I know
I said I'd never think I wasn't better alone
Can't change the weather, might not be forever
But if it's forever, it's even better

Gilded Lily by Cults

But I know you'll take me with you
We'll live in spaces between walls
Go and stretch out my arms long as they need to be
Turn off all alarms and lie to me

Irresponsible by Emei

I'm so tired of droppin' all the pieces, I keep speedin'
I know I'm the reason
Bleedin', feelin' so depleted
And I swear I'm tryna beat it

I Don't Smoke by Mitski

If your hands need to break
More than trinkets in your room
You can lean on my arm
As you break my heart

Family Line by Conan Grey

How could you hurt a little kid?
I can't forget, I can't forgive you
'Cause now I'm scared that everyone I love will leave me

Chapter Text

“Hi! How are you feeling today?” Sarah sat down in front of Trixie with a bright smile.

“I’m doing okay, I guess. Just been feeling overwhelmed with everything lately.” Trixie shrugged as she zoned out on the cars outside the session room window.

“I'm glad you could make it today. Can you tell me more about what’s been weighing on you?”

“It's mostly karate and friends. I’m worried I’m not doing enough, or that I’m letting people down.” Trixie ran a hand through her hair.

“It sounds like you take on a lot of responsibility to care for others. How does that usually make you feel?” Sarah asked, clipboard and pen in hand. God, Trixie hated that clipboard so much.

“Lately, it’s more like I’m running on empty. I try not to show it because I don’t want to burden anyone, but I feel like I’m just waiting for something to go wrong.” Trixie shrugged, “And, well, I guess it has. I lost two of my friends after switching dojo’s and I feel guilty about it…”

“It sounds like you’re holding yourself to high standards.” Sarah smiled empathetically. It seemed like she always knew what to say, which made sense since she was a licensed therapist but it helped a lot, “Does that sound right?”

“Yeah, I guess so. I don’t want to let people down or be a burden. But it’s hard because I also feel like I can’t keep up.” 

“Feeling responsible for others while also trying to carry the weight of your own emotions must be exhausting. I wonder, how do you take care of yourself in the middle of all this?”

“I don’t know if I do. It feels selfish to focus on myself when others need me.” Trixie sighed, “But, I guess they don’t need me. I want to help because I know that if I don’t, I don’t know what I want.”

“I hear you. But taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s a way to recharge so that you can keep helping others without burning out. How do you think you’d feel if you permitted yourself to take a little more time for yourself?”

“I’ve never really thought about it like that…” Trixie bit the inside of her cheek, “ With focusing on both karate and ballet, meds, and everything else, I guess I would feel less stressed. But it’s hard to imagine doing that without feeling guilty.”

“That makes sense. Feeling guilty is a common reaction, especially when you're used to prioritizing everyone else. But it’s worth exploring ways to care for yourself and others.” Sarah nodded, jotting down notes on her clipboard before suggesting, “What if you started with small steps, like setting aside 15 minutes a day just for you?”

Trixie thought momentarily before nodding with a slight smile, “I could try that. I don’t know what I would do, though, besides practicing karate and ballet…”

“That’s understandable. It might take time to figure out what helps you relax or recharge. Maybe it’s something simple, like reading a book you enjoy, taking a short walk, or sitting quietly for a few moments. How does that sound?”

“Yeah, I think I could do that. I like reading but haven’t had time for it lately. I could try to make time for it again.”

“That sounds like a great start! How would it feel to start practicing that this week?” Sarah asked and Trixie nodded. “It’s wonderful that you’re open to trying new things. You deserve the same care and attention you give to others. How are you feeling about everything we’ve talked about today?”

“Just talking about it helps. And I think making time for myself might be a good step.” Trixie smiled.

“I’m really glad to hear that. Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. We can continue exploring this in our future sessions. How does that sound?”

“That sounds good… Thank you, Sarah.” 

“You’re very welcome. Take care of yourself this week, and we’ll check in again soon.” Sarah clicked her pen, signaling the session was over.

Trixie thanked her therapist again before grabbing her jacket and exiting the building. A honk startled her and she turned her head to see Sam. The blue-haired girl waved as she entered the car. “Hey, thanks for picking me up.”

“No problem, I figured we both needed moral support for what’s about to happen today.” Sam joked and Trixie chuckled in response.

“I’m kind of more worried about Sensei Lawrence than your dad. I mean, he’s more of a kickass and talk later and your dad’s more of a talk and try not to kickass.” Trixie grinned as Sam drove down the street, the wind blowing through both of their hairs.

Trixie felt the wind rush through her hair as she breathed in the slightly cold air. It usually didn’t snow much in Reseda, but it got a bit chillier than usual and that was good enough for her.

As they pulled up to the Miyagi-Do, Trixie fixed her hair before exiting the car with an exhale. She smiled as she saw Miguel and Demetri standing by the fence. “Hey!” She waved and Miguel grinned at the sight.

“Hi, um, how’re you?” Miguel asked. Trixie tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with a gasp.

“Asking how I am?! How scandalous! I thought we were taking things slow.” She teased and Miguel rolled his eyes with a smile.

“Well, madam, I’m willing to break a few rules for you.” Miguel grinned and Trixie giggled.

“Alright, alright. Well, I’m doing good. Sam just picked me up from a session.” She said as they all entered the Miyagi-Do dojo. More people filed into the dojo as she and Miguel took a stand in a part of the courtyard. “How’re you doing?”

“Oh, I’m doing good. I would be better if I didn’t know your brother was going to assassinate me in the middle of the night.” Miguel joked and now it was Trixie’s turn to roll her eyes.

“My brother doesn’t hate you… He just mildly dislikes you.” She shrugged, “But seriously, how’s your face?”

“Better after you helped me out,” Miguel said and Trixie smiled as Daniel and Johnny came out of the building both wearing headbands.

“Ready?” Daniel asked.

“Let's begin!” Johnny yelled, his voice aggressive against Daniel’s.

Miguel and Trixie exchanged looks before Demetri raised his hand with a slight frown, “Uh, begin what exactly? “

Daniel and Johnny looked at each other before the brown-haired man spoke first , “Begin a new era. Many of us used to be enemies. But rivalries… Don't need to last forever. The All Valley Tournament is just a few months away, and this year, the stakes are higher than they've ever been. We know that Cobra Kai is gonna use every dirty trick in the book. There's only one way we're gonna be able to beat-”

“By kicking their asses so hard they shit themselves.” Johnny interrupted and Trixie stifled a chuckle by coughing, “We gotta take things to the next level. Gonna teach you an aggression stronger than anything Cobra Kai can throw at us. Do they strike first? We'll  pre-strike!”

“Okay, we're getting ahead of ourselves. We are going to respond to what they do.” Daniel interrupted his spiel.

“Eagles do not respond. They swoop down and take whatever they want. That's what we're gonna do. Take back the Valley.”

“Take it back in a measured and organized approach.” Daniel interrupted.

“We bite first!” Johnny yelled.

Daniel sighed, clearly this was going to be harder than he thought, “Okay, let's just warm up with some simple exercises.”

“All right, line up!” Johnny yelled and the students all filed into horizontal rows.

“And just breathe and follow me,” Daniel said as he started his breathing exercises, raising his hands high and keeping his breathing measured.

Johnny glanced at him in confusion before turning to his students, “Fighting positions! Right leg back. Front kick, ready? Hi-yah!”

Mitch, Bert, and Hawk kicked and ended up kicking the Miyagi-Do’s asses, quite literally. Trixie and Sam looked at each other with awkward smiles at the sight.

_____________________________________________________

"Ready? Fight!" Johnny said before stepping back. Bert threw jab punches as Mitch blocked them. Mitch went to throw a kick when Daniel stepped in between them, pushing them back. 

"Hey, hey, hey! You're just swinging at each other." He scolded. "Don't you teach any defense?"

"Best defense is more offense," Mitch added. Suddenly, Bert brought his foot and kicked Mitch in the side before shoving him backward. Mitch fell back and hit his head on a big rock that had writing on it, causing him to groan in pain. 

"Why do you have a rock in the middle of your dojo?" Johnny asked. 

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Demetri, Sam your turn." He said. The two walked over to where Mitch and Bert were and got into their positions. "Fight!" Daniel said before taking a step back. The two circled each other, their fists raised. "That's it. Keep circling." Daniel encouraged. "Don't anticipate. Stay focused."

"Alright, one of you do something. What the hell is this?" Johnny asked, annoyed. 

"Yeah, that's not really how this works. One of them has to be provoked." Demetri replied with a roll of his eyes. Johnny reared his arm back and threw his empty water bottle, causing it to hit Demetri.

. "Provoked yet?" Johnny asked. Daniel let out a frustrated breath. 

"Alright let's just move on."

_____________________________________________________

"Wax on, wax off. It doesn't matter how many times you've done it. You always need to practice your fundamentals." Daniel said as he walked around his classic cars.

"That's right , clean it good . I want this thing to look brand-spanking new. If you find any loose change, it belongs to me." Johnny said as he landed against his caravan.

"Sensei, this is nasty…" Trixie said, poking her head out from underneath the seat. 

"What, your brother’s pussy job getting to your head?” Johnny asked and Trixie rolled her eyes.

_____________________________________________________

Johnny took one final swig of his beer before throwing the empty bottle on the ground, making it smash to pieces. "Come on, you maggots! Faster!" He demanded. The kids ran around an obstacle course Johnny set up the involved drums with fire in them and spinning on a baseball bat.

"We're gonna get sued here," Daniel said to Johnny. 

"Uh, sue me for what?" Johnny scoffed. 

"Oh god, I think I'm about to barf." Chris panted. He stumbled around a bit before running over to a wooden boat.

"Not the boat! Not the boat!" Daniel yelled. It was too late though as Chris leaned over the side and threw up, causing all the kids to groan in disgust. 

_____________________________________________________

"Fight!" Johnny instructed, backing up. Hawk and Mitch circled each other before Hawk rushed forward and struck Mitch in the stomach. Mitch groaned in pain before throwing punches at Hawk. 

Hawk dodged only for Mitch to land a kick to his stomach. Hawk and Mitch exchanged punches until Hawk kicked his leg out. Mitch moved just in time, making Hawk's foot go through the canvas Daniel had on the door. "Oh shit," Hawk said, pulling his foot out. 

Daniel sighed, exasperatedly. "You see, this is why we don't spar in here." He said angrily . 

"All right, who's next?" Johnny asked, ignoring Daniel's annoyance.

_____________________________________________________

“Dinner is served.” Johnny set down a bowl of food with a smile. Trixie and Miguel held hands under the table as they gave each other impressed looks. Surprisingly, Johnny could cook. “All right, tonight's main course is fajitas and grilled vegetables. I have pico de gallo and corn and flour tortillas.”

“Wow. This looks delicious, Johnny.” Carmen smiled at the display of food at the table.

“Thanks, I got the recipe off the Chili's website. I wanted it to be authentic.” He said in old Johnny fashion. Miguel and Trixie rolled their eyes, at least he tried.

“Authentic for who? We're Ecuadorian, not Mexican.” Miguel’s grandma said in Spanish and Carmen gave her mother a look of surprise.

“Mama!”

“Here, try this.” Johnny pulled out a large container of Mango Salsa, “Spicy mango. Just like the old country.” He splattered the poor woman's plate with the sauce.

“Uh, gracias.” Miguel’s grandma smiled with an unimpressed look.

“So how was the big first day?” Carmen asked with a smile, digging into the food Johnny cooked.

“Uh, you know, it's the first day. Work in progress.” Johnny shrugged and Trixie nodded with a slight smile.

“It’s… Work .” She muttered as she took a sip of her water.

“I'm happy you and Daniel are working together. I just want to make sure Miggy's safe.” Carmen turned to Miguel with a smile.

“My back's in better shape than ever, okay? You don't have to worry.” Miguel smiled.

“She's your mom, she's always gonna worry.” Johnny said before turning to Carmen, “But don't worry, I'm watching him.”

“So, mijo, tell me, how do you like doing karate with your girlfriend? You guys enjoy a lot of one-on-one sparring?” Miguel’s grandma said suggestively. 

Trixie turned to Miguel in confusion as he seemed to want the floor to swallow him whole. She giggled at the sight of him, though she didn’t know what his grandma said. “We’re just taking it slow for now.” He muttered, taking Trixie’s word to heart.

“I'm glad you and Trixie are back together. She’s a very pretty girl and takes care of you well.” Carmen smiled and Trixie widened her eyes.

“Thank you, Mrs. Diaz, but you give me too much credit.” The blue-haired girl chuckled nervously as she squeezed Miguel’s hand for support.

“I'm not the only one who's getting back together with an ex, huh, sensei? He had a

date with the love of his life.” Miguel gestured to his sensei sitting across from him. “The one that got away?”

Carmen smiled awkwardly, her attention going back to the food, “Is that right?”

“It wasn't a date, no,” Johnny said, though it was more to Carmen than to Miguel. Trixie scrutinized the two slightly, what was up with them?

Miguel just couldn’t take the hint, “He's being modest. We took those cool pictures and made you look- I mean, not to say you didn't look cool already but, y’know, he had to look special for the special lady. Tell 'em about the sushi.”

“We don't have to talk about it.”

“I don't know why he's being shy right now. We went to the sushi spot because Ali likes sushi, or so we thought. So we got the dragon roll…” Miguel continued his story, Trixie chuckling at some of the parts, especially when he spit it out. She didn’t get it, sushi was great!

After the awkward dinner between the five of them, Trixie and Miguel sat on his bed in comfortable silence. “I appreciate what you said during dinner.” She said quietly with a smile, “I’m glad that you took my words to heart.”

“It was your choice, I should be glad that you allowed me back into your heart,” Miguel said and Trixie giggled slightly.

“That’s so cheesy.” She smiled and Miguel smirked.

“Yeah, but you like cheesy stuff, right?”

“Alright, you caught me on that one.” Trixie rolled her eyes, “But still, thanks a lot for that…”

“It’s the bare minimum.”

“Oh? And what’s the maximum?”

“Well, you’ll have to find out.”

_____________________________________________________

"Ready, bow!" Johnny instructed. It was the second day of training and Trixie was sure that her two sensei's would finally agree on something… Hopefully . The class bowed before returning to their positions. 

"Sensei Lawrence and I have the same goal of preparing you for the tournament," Daniel stated.

"But we have different ways of getting you there," Johnny added.

"We realize that teaching you opposing viewpoints at the same time can be a little confusing.”

“So we've discussed it and come up with a solution. We're gonna divide and conquer.  Eagle Fang trains out front." 

"And I'll be back here with the Miyagi-Dos." 

"I thought we were stronger working together?" Trixie asked with a frown.

"We're still working together," Daniel replied, though he seemed hesitant.

"Just separately. On opposite ends of the dojo." Johnny added. Trixie, Miguel, and Sam all glanced at each other. "All right, Eagles, follow me," Johnny instructed before walking away. 

"Miyagi-Dos over here." The kids all walked off, leaving Trixie, Sam, and Miguel.

"Well, I guess see you after class," Trixie said. 

Sam nodded. "I guess so." She replied. Her eyes darted over to Miguel but he was already walking away. 

A pang of jealousy crossed through her as well as a mix of anger and insecurity before Trixie shook her head and walked towards the front. ‘Sometimes your thoughts are working against you… Sometimes your thoughts are working against you…’ Trixie thought. She had nothing to worry about. 

"Fall in!" Johnny instructed as the Trixie jogged over to them. The kids got into their row and stared at Johnny, waiting for his next instruction. "Hawk, since you're new to Eagle Fang, come on up ."

Hawk bowed before walking over to Johnny. Suddenly, Johnny dropped down and delivered a front sweep, causing Hawk to fall over. Trixie winced as he hit the ground hard. "What the heck?" Hawk questioned.

"Today we're gonna practice our front sweeps. On Hawk." Johnny explained. Hawk pushed himself to his feet and walked over to Johnny. 

"All right. I know I was a dick, but I'm sorry."  Hawk apologized. Trixie knew he felt sorry for everything he did but not everyone was so sure. Honestly, even for her, it was hard to trust him after everything that happened…

"Talk is cheap. Penis Breath, you're up." Johnny stated. Mitch moved forward and gave Hawk a look before doing the sweep.

But she couldn’t be talking. She watched as her friends got hurt by Cobra Kai and didn’t do anything except cower in the corner just like… Her mom. And she wasn’t her mom…

Hawk fell to the ground again, coughing as he landed. "Ow." He groaned. 

"Stop whining like a little bitch and get up," Johnny said with a roll of his eyes.

"Alright, if we’re gonna be different than Cobra Kai, we’ve gotta stop bullying people," Trixie said as she helped him up.

“Hey, Trixie,” Johnny said to the blue-haired girl. She looked up and the older man smiled. “Try that punch you always do.”

“That’s… For emergencies only, Sensei.” Trixie grimaced, “I thought we were supposed to be doing front sweeps…”

“C’mon! You gotta have balls!” Johnny gestured for her to go and Trixie nodded, sweeping Hawk down to the ground once again before helping him up.

“Sorry.” She said and Hawk groaned in response.

Gus went next and punched Hawk in the stomach, making him double over again. "Nice shot, Gus. Right in the gut." Johnny complimented. 

"Sensei Lawrence. " Daniel's voice spoke, making all the kids stop.

"Yes, sir!" Johnny replied, turning to him.

"May I have a word with you?" Daniel asked. Johnny nodded.

"All right, guys, everybody takes five. Walk it off." Johnny encouraged, patting Hawk on the back before walking away with Daniel. 

"We should get you some ice…" Trixie suggested as Hawk slowly sat down.

"I'll get some later, don't worry." He reassured her with a smile. Trixie nodded and turned to look at Miguel, only to see him looking in the direction of where Johnny and Daniel went. 

"What's going on in that head?" Trixie asked, walking over to him. Miguel turned and looked at her, a smile on his face at the sound of her voice. 

"Just wondering what Sensei and Mr. LaRusso are talking about." He replied.

"I dunno, honestly. I’m guessing something about the volume of Sensei Lawrence’s voice.” Trixie shrugged and as if on cue, they both heard arguing coming from Daniel and Johnny.

"I knew this was going to be a disaster." Daniel snapped. 

"Everything's a disaster with you." Johnny fired back. 

"What? Me?" Daniel scoffed.

"Hey, Mr. LaRusso can we talk?" Hawk asked, coming out of the dojo. 

"What?" Daniel asked angrily.

" I don't know where I fit in here," Hawk replied.

"What did you expect? You burned bridges with pretty much everyone here." He snapped. Hawk looked down before storming away.

"What the hell did you do?" Johnny asked angrily.

"What did I do? I'm not the one who's been kicking his ass all day." Daniel replied. 

"We're training for the All Valley, not some yoga competition," Johnny argued.

"Hey, don't disrespect my dojo in front of your students."

"Don't tell me how to run my class. I'll do whatever the hell I want."Johnny spat. "Class is over, let's go home."  Daniel glared at him before turning around and walking away. 

_____________________________________________________

"Look, I tried. The only thing LaRusso and I have in common is hating Kreese. I thought that was enough but it's not." Johnny said as he threw his bag over his shoulder.

"Did you really try though?" Trixie asked. Johnny glared at her. “You know I’m right.”

"There's gotta be a way to make it work. You guys just have to connect." Miguel tried. 

"It's not gonna happen. We're too different. There's too much history between us." Johnny argued. 

"It's not like you guys are exes. You're both just too stubborn to get over a karate rivalry." Trixie interjected. “Unless you two are…?”

Johnny rolled his eyes. "No, we didn't date and it's not that easy. Just both of you forget it, We'll take down Cobra Kai on our own." He replied. Johnny patted Miguel on his arm before turning around and walking to his apartment.

"What about Rocky III?" Miguel asked, making Johnny stop. Trixie looked at Miguel confused. What is he talking about?

Johnny turned back around. "What about it?" He asked.

"How did Rocky defeat Clubber Lang?" Miguel asked. "Did he do it alone? No. He and Apollo had to work together." 

"Even though they had all that history, even though they're complete opposites, they made it work," Trixie added, knowing her brother watched it too many times to count.

Miguel nodded. "And it was only because someone had to reach out first. That was Apollo." Miguel said.

"Why can't LaRusso be Apollo?" Johnny asked. 

"’Cause striking first is more badass," Miguel replied with a smile, making Trixie chuckle in response.

Johnny looked at them. "I'll think about it." He said, before turning around and walking into his apartment. Once the door was closed, Trixie turned to Miguel. 

"That was really smart thinking." She said. 

"What's with the tone of surprise?" Miguel asked, jokingly.

"It's because I'm surprised because he’s the most stubborn person on the planet and you seemed to get through to him."

Miguel wrapped his arm around Trixie's shoulders and pulled her into him. "Well, maybe I'm smarter than you give me credit for." He teased,

"Now if we can get Mr. LaRusso to listen, then maybe we can keep the two dojos together," Trixie said. “Did you ask Sam?”

“Hm? Oh, yeah. She’s working on it right now, hopefully, we’ll be able to keep it together.” Miguel grinned. “Did you wanna watch a movie tonight?”

“Nah, I can’t. Gotta babysit someone tonight.” Trixie said, “But maybe next weekend?”

“Sounds good! See you tomorrow!”

_____________________________________________________

“You’re my babysitter?” A boy that looked about thirteen opened the door.

“You open the door for everyone?” Trixie raised an eyebrow and the boy shrugged.

“My mom said some person with blue hair would be babysitting me when she left for work. I assumed it was you considering you have blue hair.” The boy said and Trixie nodded before smiling.

“Then I’m assuming you’re Kenny?” Trixie asked and Kenny nodded with a smile that matched hers.

“I was picturing a crazy old lady. Not someone like you.” He said and Trixie raised an eyebrow once again.

“Who knows? Maybe I’m a crazy old lady in disguise.” She said as Kenny stepped to the side to let her in.

“Aren’t you a bit old to have a babysitter?” Trixie asked and Kenny shrugged in response.

“I dunno, my mom sort of worries. Oh, by the way, here’s your money.” Kenny handed the girl forty dollars.

“Thanks.” She smiled, sitting hesitantly on the couch, “So, Kenny, what exactly do you like to do?”

“Oh, well, there’s this game I’ve been playing. It’s called Dungeon Lord Legacies and it’s this cool simulator game where you build and use resources. It’s based on this thing called Dungeon Lord. It’s kind of like DnD in a way.” Kenny said with a bright smile, “Have you heard of it?”

“A little bit, I saw something similar sounding on YouTube and Tiktok earlier. My sister’s been pretty interested in gaming and stuff like that.” Trixie crossed her legs, “You seem pretty passionate about it. Who’s your favorite character?”

“Oh! His name is Dr. Scribblebottoms. He’s like this potions guy and kind of like a mix between a squirrel and a mad scientist and, um … Sometimes I cosplay?” Kenny said and Trixie nodded with a smile.

“Well, you seem like a pretty cool kid, Kenny. I think we’re gonna get along well.” Trixie grinned, “Why don’t you show me some of your cosplays?” 

(WHEN I TELL YOU I WAS SO HEARTBROKEN AFTER WHAT HAPPENED WITH KENNY AND ANTHONY LIKE I WAS SO DONE)

Chapter Text

Trixie threw the full trash bag into the bin, sighing as she scrunched her face at the pungent smell. She turned to see a familiar face standing in front of her. “ Well, hello again. ” Kreese smiled, taking out his cigarette.

“ W hat’re you doing here? ” She asked and Kreese walked towards her slowly.

Kreese took a puff of his cigar, “You’re a born warrior hiding in everyone else's shadow. No one has seen your full potential, no one’s ever seen what you could do at your peak. I understand how that can feel. How is it that you can have so much power yet feel so powerless?”