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shortnspidey · 2 months ago

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CHAPTER ONE: NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Robby Keene x OC!Reader || WC: 1.8K

A/N: The first chapter is here!! Reading this back, I knew it needed to be re-written. Cannot believe I was fifteen when I wrote this story. Forever thankful for all the love on this story! 🥹 Divider by @sweetmelodygraphics <3

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KATHERINE

The rain-soaked cobblestones glistened under the dim streetlights, reflecting the melancholy in my heart. Lyon, once a city of dreams, had become a prison of monotony. The vibrant hues of the French Quarter, once a source of inspiration, now seemed faded, a mirror to my own waning spirit. The aroma of freshly baked croissants and strong coffee, once comforting, now carried the weight of a thousand unspoken words. Even the familiar faces of locals, their warm smiles and knowing nods, had lost their luster.

Placing one single suitcase in the back of the taxi, I paused, a wave of bittersweet nostalgia washing over me. Looking up into the gloomy sky, I made sure to take one last mental picture of the Eiffel Tower, the only view I'd ever miss. A lump formed in my throat as I turned away, my heart heavy with both excitement and trepidation. The familiar streets, once filled with promise, now seemed to stretch into an endless horizon of uncertainty.

"Please reconsider this, Katherine! You're making a huge mistake! This is your life now!" My mother, Sandra, her voice a desperate plea, echoed from the balcony of our modest apartment. Ignoring her cries, I turned my back on the familiar scene and opened the taxi door. Amidst her growing hysteria, I glanced back, a defiant smirk playing on my lips. I was done being her puppet.

As I adjusted my signature Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses and cherry red beret, I stepped into the waiting vehicle, shutting the door with finality. The cool leather seats offering a stark contrast to the warmth I was leaving behind. One last look at the place I’d called home for a decade. No tears. And absolutely no regrets. Just a cold determination. "Get me out of here." I ordered the driver. He grinned, as if silently approving my bold decision.

Thirteen hours and forty minutes later.

My emancipation was still a work in progress, a fragile victory in a life marked by chaos. After the plane touched down, I navigated the mundane routine of baggage claim and customs, my mind already racing towards the sanctuary I hoped to find. My meager belongings were a testament to the financial ruin my mother had wrought, her reckless spending on vices and fleeting relationships leaving little for her child.

I doubted she would have hesitated to sell me off like a worn-out fashion trend had it not been for the meager child support checks from my estranged father. With a sigh, I spotted my faded pink suitcase, its worn corners a symbol of the journeys it had endured. Hauling it out of LAX, I quickly called for an UBER, hoping the address scrawled on a tattered postcard would still lead me to the haven I remembered.

As the UBER wound its way through familiar streets, a flood of childhood memories washed over me. The sight of the iconic palm trees, the scent of salt in the air, and the distant rumble of the ocean instantly brought a smile to my lips. After what felt like an eternity, I arrived at the familiar house, a wave of nostalgia washing over me. Tipping the UBER driver, I retrieved my suitcase from the trunk and approached the front porch, my heart pounding in my chest.

A moment of hesitation passed as I wrestled with a surge of doubt. Pushing aside the negative thoughts, I summoned my courage and rang the doorbell, bracing myself for whatever lay beyond. A few moments later, the door swung open, revealing the face of Daniel LaRusso. The legendary All Valley champion, and as it turned out, my uncle. "Uh, can I help you, young lady?" He inquired, a puzzled expression etched on his face. I stifled a smile, amused by his inability to recognize me. Rather than immediately revealing my identity, I decided to let him guess, eager to witness his reaction.

"Wow, so I leave for ten years and you suddenly forget who I am? I'm hurt," I teased, watching as his expression shifted from confusion to recognition, then to pure joy. Before I could react, he pulled me into a tight embrace. "Oh, Katherine, look at you all grown up," He exclaimed, his voice filled with surprise and warmth. "You should have told us you were coming to visit." A wave of uncertainty washed over me as I contemplated whether to reveal the true purpose of my visit.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips as I decided to take the plunge. "I was hoping this visit was a little more permanent," I confessed, my voice serious. I couldn't quite decipher the emotions playing across his face, leaving me suspended in a moment of anticipation. "I see," He replied, his voice understanding. "Well, then why don't we talk about that inside?" He offered, taking the suitcase from my hands. I nodded, following him into the house. God, how I missed this place. "Honey, who was at the door?" I heard my Aunt Amanda's voice called out from the kitchen.

As I stepped into the room, my cousin Samantha beat her mother to the punch. "Holy shit! Katherine, you're back!" She exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise and excitement. I nodded, a genuine smile spreading across my face as my cousin embraced me tightly, a comfort I hadn't realized I'd been missing. "I'm back," I confirmed, holding her a little tighter. "It's so good to see you." Amanda was quick to join the embrace, offering the maternal warmth I'd longed for.

In that moment, I realized how much I'd missed this family, this sense of belonging. After a flurry of hugs and excited chatter, I settled into a chair at the kitchen table, a wave of apprehension washing over me. I dreaded the conversation that lay ahead, hoping my emotions weren't as transparent as I feared. Just as I was contemplating my next move, Anthony, the youngest LaRusso, burst into the room. Dropping his iPad, he lunged at me, knocking the wind out of me with a powerful hug.

I suspected Anthony missed me the most, or perhaps he was planning a surprise attack under the guise of a friendly hug. "What do you say, Cuz, a quick game of Pokémon Go or Fortnite for old time's sake?" He asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why don't you go play? I need to talk to your mom and dad for a few minutes," I replied, earning a competitive glare before he dashed off to his room.

My gaze shifted to Amanda and Daniel, and then to Samantha, who offered a reassuring squeeze of my arm. "Did you tell your father that you were here?" My uncle inquired, his voice laced with concern. As if it wasn't obvious by now, Louie LaRusso Jr. was my father. The truth was, I'd lost all contact with him during the tumultuous events of my life. As for my mother, she has had a deep-seated hatred for the LaRusso's. From a young age, she tried to poison my mind against them, but her attempts were futile.

Determined to break free from her influence, I started working at fifteen and saved every penny to leave and eventually return to LA. To my real home. Shaking my head, I snapped out of my reverie and focused on the concerned expressions of Daniel and Amanda. "No, he has no idea I'm here," I replied, not missing the sigh of frustration from Daniel. "And, I'm pretty sure if I walked next to him on the street, he wouldn't even recognize me," I scoffed, a bitter taste lingering in my mouth.

From their expressions, I could tell they'd connected the dots. I pursed my lips, bracing myself for their reaction. "Kat-" Amanda began, but I cut her off. Nervous energy propelled me forward, and I launched into a rapid-fire explanation. It was a defense mechanism, a way to control the narrative before anyone else could. "Believe me, I didn't come here for your money or a free place to stay. I've saved enough for a small apartment in the Valley or Reseda, and I should have enough left over to enroll in my sophomore year of high school."

Both my aunt and uncle exchanged a knowing glance, their expressions softening into a proud smile. "I may not be your direct family, but believe me when I say it, Katherine, you're staying here, whether you like it or not," Daniel declared, his tone firm. I opened my mouth to protest, but Amanda was quick to cut me off. "We have the room, and I know both Sam and Anthony would love to have you here," She said, her voice gentle yet leaving no room for further argument.

I glanced at Samantha, who was beaming at me, her eyes pleading with me to accept their offer. After a moment of internal debate, I caved, knowing that there was no point of arguing with them. "Okay, fine, but when I have enough money, I'm paying you all back," I insisted, crossing my arms in frustration. My uncle chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "We'll talk about that later," He said, dismissing my concerns with a wave of his hand.

"Now, why don't you unpack in the guest room across from Sam's? I'm sure you know the way." I nodded, giving them both a heartfelt hug and thanking them profusely. Daniel gently nudged me out of the kitchen, a knowing smile on his face. As I opened the door to the familiar guest room, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The same pictures still adorned the plain white walls: me and Samantha, Amanda and Daniel, the day Anthony was born, and a photo of my parents.

I set down my suitcase and picked up the frame closest to me, a smile spreading across my face. It was a photo from my fourth birthday, a day at Disneyland. I was sandwiched between Jasmine and Aladdin, my parents beaming with pride in the background. We were the perfect family, happy and carefree. Determined to hold back the tears, I gently placed the photo back and changed into my pajamas, deciding to deal with the emotional turmoil in the morning.

Plugging in my phone, I wandered around the house, nostalgia pulling me in. The pool room, once my sanctuary, was exactly as I remembered it. Uncle Dan's karate space, untouched by time. A pang of longing hit me as I realized how long it had been since I'd practiced. A particular photo caught my eye, a reminder of the stories my uncle would tell Samantha and me about his Sensei Miyagi. Though I never met the man, his spirit ignited a passion for karate within me.

As I admired the photo, Samantha walked in, interrupting my thoughts. Her gaze fell upon the picture, and a warm smile spread across her face. "I'm so glad you're back," She began, her voice filled with genuine happiness. "Welcome home, Kat." I turned to face her, returning her smile. "It's good to be back, Sam," I replied, a sense of peace washing over me. Being back, surrounded by familiar faces and cherished memories, truly felt like coming home.

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shortnspidey · 2 months ago

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SEASON FIVE ➩ DADDY ISSUES

Robby Keene x OC!Katherine LaRusso

Summary: A handful of new threat emerges, forcing former rivals to unite and protect the Valley from Cobra Kai's expanding influence, leading to intense rivalries, unexpected alliances, and a high-stakes showdown.

chapters coming soon …

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shortnspidey · 2 months ago

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CHAPTER TWO: CLASH OF IDEALS

Robby Keene x OC!Reader || WC: 2K

A/N: two updates back to back, who am I?! Enjoy this filler chapter, while I go back to Christmas shopping! <3

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Waking up late the following morning, jet-lagged and groggy, Katherine stumbled out of bed, her eyelids heavy with sleep. She padded to the bathroom, the cool tile a stark contrast to the warmth of her covers. After a quick splash of cold water to her face, she emerged into the kitchen, where the intoxicating aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. Amanda, ever the attentive aunt, was waiting with a steaming cup, a kind smile playing on her lips. "How'd you know I needed this?" Katherine asked, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

She took a sip of the dark liquid, the warmth seeping into her weary body. "Call it intuition," Amanda replied, her smile widening. "How'd you sleep?" She inquired. Katherine grinned, her eyes filled with a lazy contentment. "I was out like a light as soon as my head hit the pillow," She confessed. Amanda returned her smile, a sense of relief washing over her as she saw her niece genuinely happy for the first time in years.

"Listen, Daniel and I are going to be out for most of the day," Amanda began, her voice gentle. "Feel free to stay and settle back into your room. But, if you want to explore the city again, be our guest. You can borrow Sam's car until Daniel and I find you one. And if you guys need anything, just call us." Katherine nodded, her mind already racing with endless possibilities. She was eager to rediscover the city she'd once called home.

As Amanda grabbed her black bag and kissed her niece on the forehead, she headed out the door, leaving Katherine alone with the comforting silence of the house. A few minutes later, Sam came downstairs, her hair still damp from a recent shower. "Where are my parents?" she asked, her eyes scanning the empty room. "Amanda said they're gonna be out for most of the day," Katherine replied, handing her cousin a cup of coffee. "So what are we gonna do for the rest of the day? Do you wanna go drive around?"

Katherine suggested, Samantha, however, was quick to shake her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. "No, I think I have a better idea, something that'll be way more fun," She replied, a cryptic smile playing on her lips. Katherine raised a brow, watching as Samantha typed away on her phone, her fingers flying across the screen. Intrigued, Katherine raised an eyebrow. Samantha grinned and disappeared into her room, only to emerge a few minutes later, dressed in a vibrant swimsuit.

"Go put on your bathing suit and meet me outside in fifteen minutes," She commanded, before dashing out the door, leaving Katherine baffled. Not quite understanding her cousin's intentions, Katherine went into her room and opened her nearly empty suitcase. She sighed, a wave of annoyance washing over her. She'd forgotten to pack much, her mind preoccupied with other things. She made a mental note to go shopping for new clothes before school started. Taking out her turquoise one-piece bathing suit, she quickly undressed and threw it on.

She stared at her reflection in the mirror for a moment, a bit self-conscious of the minimal material hugging her figure. Shaking off the negative thoughts, she grabbed her sunglasses and headed outside. Expecting to find only Samantha, perhaps lounging around on one of the pool floats, she wasn't overly concerned about how the rest of the evening would play out. That was until she heard the obnoxious blare of loud music coming from outside.

Opening the backyard door, she was met with a chaotic scene. A horde of screaming teenagers, clad in various bathing suits, were jumping in and out of the pool, their laughter echoing through the air. Looking around, she immediately spotted Samantha sitting on the edge of the pool, chatting with a blonde and a brunette girl, presumably the best friends she'd mentioned the night before. Walking over, Katherine sat down next to her cousin, instantly catching the blonde's attention.

"Who is this?" The blonde asked, her tone dripping with disdain. "Katherine," The brunette girl replied, her voice level. "I’m Samantha's cousin, and who might you be?" Katherine shot back, her glare sharp. Samantha quickly shot her cousin a warning look, knowing her temper could flare at a moment's notice. "Yasmine," The blonde introduced herself, her arrogance palpable. "Moon," The brunette girl next to her added, her expression more neutral. "Katherine just moved back from France," Samantha explained, trying to diffuse the tension.

Moon was quick to send Katherine a friendly smile. "It's so nice to meet you!" She chirped, extending her hand for a shake. "I love your sunglasses." Katherine smiled back, appreciating the brunette's energetic attitude. "Nice to meet you as well," She replied, shaking Moon's hand. After a brief moment of awkward silence, the three girls quickly returned to their gossip. Seeing as all the lawn chairs were occupied by strangers, Katherine had no choice but to sunbathe at the edge of the pool.

Deciding to relax for the evening, she emptied her mind and leaned back, immediately noticing a few guys gawking at her. She rolled her eyes in disgust. "Okay, you were right. This is so much fun," Samantha exclaimed excitedly, breaking Katherine's thoughts. "Told you. Always better to be the one throwing the party," Yasmine responded cockily. "And Kyler's been eye-banging you all day," She added, making the four girls glance over at the group of guys across the pool, who had their eyes trained on them. Samantha blushed like a giddy teenager as Yasmine and Moon teased her.

Katherine had to bite her tongue, restraining herself from making a snarky comment. She had promised to be nice and try to have a good time without hurting anyone's feelings. Why did she have to promise to be nice? "What's your dad going to say when he sees all this?" Katherine asked, snapping Samantha out of her heart-eyed daydream. "Don't worry, we'll clean it all up when everyone leaves. He'll never know," Samantha reassured her. Katherine wasn't so sure she liked that idea.

Lying to her aunt and uncle did not seem like the smartest decision, seeing as they had agreed to let her stay at their house rent free. She knew they were kind and understanding, but she also knew they valued honesty. Her thoughts were cut short by obnoxious cheers and splashes as the partygoers continued their revelry. "Hey, Rory, do your flip again. I want to get it for my channel!" Moon yelled, pulling out her phone to record. "Yes, Rory!" The crowd cheered as the boy gracefully dove into the pool.

However, the moment of excitement was short-lived as a familiar figure walked into the backyard. And he looked beyond pissed. "Hey, hey, what the hell is going on here?" Daniel exclaimed, his eyes scanning the chaotic scene. "Oh, shit," Moon gasped, quickly putting away her phone. Daniel sighed in frustration, reaching over to turn off the blaring music. "All right, everybody get out of here right now," Daniel ordered sternly. "I'm so sorry, Dad,” Samatha coxed hoping her father wouldn’t cause a scene in front of all her friends.

“I had no idea you were going to be home so early," She reasoned, trying to calm her father down. Only her excuse made Daniel grown angrier. "It doesn't make a difference what time I get home, Sam. Do you think we want a bunch of strangers in the backyard making a mess?" He ranted. "They're not strangers. They're my friends," Samantha countered, her voice rising. Daniel scoffed. "Some friends. Is he wearing my bathing suit?" He paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the group of teen boys standing around the pool, looking like deer caught in headlights.

"Wait, are all of you guys wearing my bathing suits?" He exasperated. Katherine watched the unfolding chaos with a mixture of amusement and concern. She couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the bewildered boys, but she also knew that Daniel was about seconds away from unleash his wrath. She turned to Samantha, who was now looking sheepish. "Well, this is awkward," Katherine muttered under her breath, trying to hide her grin. It was safe to say that Samantha was not at all amused.

"All right, listen, the party's over, let's go. Take the suits off and leave." He snapped. Not wanting to hear more of Daniel's stern orders, Katherine watched as some frazzled teenage boy started taking off the trunks right there, making both her and Samantha look away in embarrassment. "Obviously not out here, genius. In the pool house." Katherine scoffed, pointing to the secluded area behind the house making the boy nod and quickly huddle away. "Thank you, Katherine," Daniel praised, making the girl nod.

She decided it was best to keep quiet and not anger him further. With that, the house was quickly emptied of the partygoers. "Daniel, can I talk to you inside?" Amanda interrupted, looking between the two girls and her husband, who was still fuming. After debating the many options in his head, Daniel nodded, following his wife inside. "This is so not how I wanted today to go." Samantha whimpered as she and Katherine walked inside, hoping their punishment wouldn't be too severe. "What's done is done, let's just let your dad cool down." Samantha reluctantly nodded, following Katherine upstairs.

A few hours later, as both girls were laying on Samantha's bed scrolling through social media, when suddenly her bedroom door swung open. In walked Daniel, who looked a lot more composed and cooled down. "I just wanted to say," He started. "No, look, Dad. I'm sorry about today," Samantha interrupted, knowing that today's incident was entirely her fault. "I'm sorry too," Katherine interjected. "I should have tried to at least put an end to it, seeing as a bunch of strangers coming over wasn't the way to go, especially since this isn't my house," She concluded. Daniel looked between the two girls.

"Well, maybe I overreacted a little," He conceded. Samantha gave him a look. "Maybe more than a little, okay? Just have those guys bring their own trunks from now on, okay?" Katherine laughed, and Samantha shook her head but nodded in agreement. "Deal." Daniel sat at the edge of the bed, looking at his daughter in particular. "So these guys. Anyone I have to worry about?" He questioned, noticing the blush creeping onto Sam's face. Katherine smirked at her cousin, biting her lip to prevent herself from laughing.

"You don't have to worry, Dad," Samantha reassured, pausing dramatically. "But there is this one guy, Kyler. He and I have been texting a little bit." Daniel raised his eyebrows. "Texting. Just words, though, right?" Katherine nearly burst out laughing, catching onto what her uncle was implying. "What do you mean..." Sam paused, finally catching on. "Oh, gross. No, no. Just words, Dad." Both girls watched as he let out a breath of relief. "Good, that's good. So Kyler... how about we invite him over for dinner on Friday?" Daniel suggested.

"You want me to invite Kyler to Friday family dinner?" Samantha asked, wondering why the sudden change in her father's demeanor. "I'm not talking about walking you down the aisle. We're going to give the kid a meal. Besides, your brother has a sleepover. It'll be a good chance for us to get to know him." Katherine shrugged when Daniel met her gaze. There was something about the boy that she didn't like. "Okay. I'll see if he can come," Samantha agreed, even though she wasn't entirely sure why she was agreeing. "Great," Daniel stated, standing up to leave.

"You don't have to worry about me, Dad. I can handle myself. I'm a LaRusso." Katherine smiled, wishing she had the same kind of bond with her own father. "That's my girl. Jersey tough," He remarked, pausing to look over at Katherine. "Both of you, I know I've taught you both to handle yourselves. Now get to bed, it's late." Katherine saluted him as he left, turning to Samantha as the door shut. "So, what's the deal with Kyler?" Katherine inquired, eager to know more about her cousin's new crush. By the looks of it, Samantha was more than eager to indulge her, gushing about how much she had grown to like this boy.

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shortnspidey · 2 months ago

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SEASON SIX ➩ DADDY ISSUES

Robby Keene x OC!Katherine LaRusso

Summary: The once rival dojos, now united, face a new challenge as they prepare for the prestigious Sekai Taikai tournament, while old rivalries resurface and unexpected alliances form.

chapters coming soon …

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shortnspidey · 2 months ago

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SEASON FOUR ➩ DADDY ISSUES

Robby Keene x OC!Katherine LaRusso

SUMMARY: Miyagi-Do and Eagle Fang join forces to take down Cobra Kai at the All-Valley Tournament, but new threats emerge, leading to a shocking conclusion.

💥 chapter forty-one: new era

💥 chapter forty-two: our future

💥 chapter forty-three: lear to fly

💥 chapter forty-four: drive-in dillemas

💥 chapter forty-five: reliving the past

💥 chapter forty-six: vengeance

💥 chapter forty-seven: cowardly actions

💥 chapter forty-eight: reassurance

💥 chapter forty-nine: disappointment

💥 chapter fifty: prom night

💥 chapter fifty-one: after party dramatics

💥 chapter fifty-two: wins & losses

💥 chapter fifty-three: rising anxiety

💥 chapter fifty-four: strengths & weaknesses

💥 chapter fifty-five: annihilation

💥 chapter fifty-six: making amends

💥 chapter fifty-seven: second chances

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shortnspidey · 2 months ago

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KATHERINE & ROBBY MOOD BOARD

➩ READ DADDY ISSUES HERE

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shortnspidey · 22 hours ago

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CHAPTER FOUR: FRIENDLY REASSURANCE

Robby Keene x OC!Reader || WC: 3.3K

A/N: Two updates back to back, who am I?! I promise Robby will make his appearance soon! Also y’all, that season six ending I’m still in denial that it’s really over. 😭

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➩ series masterlist

KATHERINE

Family dinners at my aunt and uncle's house have always been a cherished escape, a vibrant memory I cling to since I can remember. They were my favorite, not just for the delicious food or the boisterous laughter, but because they were a stark contrast to the lonely reality of meals at my own home. My mother, lost in the haze of her addictions, was rarely ever present, either too drunk or high to cook or even acknowledge my existence. My father, a workaholic driven by necessity, was perpetually absent, his long hours leaving me to fend for myself.

More often than not, dinner at our house meant skipping a meal altogether, or microwaving something quick and tasteless to eat alone in front of the TV screen. That is until today. Apparently in some desperate attempt to get in my uncle's good graces, Samantha had decided to bring her "friend," Kyler, to our family dinner. Samantha had been practically buzzing with nervous energy all day, chattering about Kyler's supposed charm and wit. I, however, remained unconvinced. I couldn't fathom what she saw in him.

And so, here I was, spending my Friday night trapped at the dinner table, directly across from Samantha and her oblivious plus-one. Samantha was practically vibrating with excitement, hanging on Kyler's every word. Meanwhile, my uncle Daniel, was attempting to explain the intricacies of sushi to Kyler, who seemed more interested in the decorative chopsticks than the actual food. "The yanagi, or yanagi ba, depending on the region, is a knife used exclusively for cutting sashimi," My uncle explained, holding up a gleaming slice of fresh fish.

"I picked up this bad boy on my first trip to Okinawa. Voilà." He presented it with a flourish, the delicate pink and white flesh glistening under the warm dining room lights. "The famous... LaRusso ponzu toro," Daniel murmured. My own mouth practically watered. It looked absolutely divine. The glistening toro, draped in the tangy ponzu sauce, was a stark reminder of how long it had been since I'd enjoyed a fresh, home-cooked meal, let alone something as exquisite as this. The aroma alone was enough to make my stomach rumble in protest.

"Oh, no, thanks. I don't like sushi." Kyler announced, his nose wrinkling slightly. A wave of stunned silence washed over the table. Amanda and Daniel exchanged bewildered glances, clearly taken aback. "Uh, are you sure you just don't want to try a little piece? It melts in your mouth," Daniel offered, trying to be polite. I had to bite my lip hard to stop myself from bursting out laughing. The irony was too much. This guy, who was clearly trying to impress my uncle with his supposed sophistication, was turning down a delicacy that most people would kill for.

"Uh, no," Kyler grimaced, his face contorting into a mask of disgust. "Fish kind of grosses me out." I could have sworn he was fighting back a wave of nausea. "No, you do like fish," Samantha insisted, her voice a little too high-pitched, a little too desperate. She was clearly trying to salvage the situation, to convince my uncle that this guy wasn't a complete and utter embarrassment. "What about the fish sticks at school?" She offered. I couldn't help the amused smirk that spread across my face. This was getting better and better by the minute.

"Oh, yeah, fish sticks are dope," Kyler agreed, his face lighting up with a sudden enthusiasm. He paused, then looked up at my uncle with wide, innocent eyes. "You have fish sticks?" He asked, completely oblivious to the waves of judgment radiating from the rest of us. "Uh, no," Daniel muttered, setting down the plate of glistening toro with a sigh. "Just this fresh fish I picked up from the Japanese market this morning." The sarcasm in his voice was thick enough to cut with a knife. "You know what?" Amanda interjected, her tone strained but polite.

She shot Daniel a pointed look. "Why don't we go see if we can find Kyler something he can eat, okay?" She rose from her chair, a forced smile plastered on her face. "Sam, you want to come with me to the kitchen?" Amanda asked. I couldn't resist adding my own little touch, giving Samantha a raised eyebrow and a look that said, “Really?” Without much being said, they scurried off to the kitchen, leaving Kyler alone with us. "Thank you for inviting me over, Mr. LaRusso," Kyler muttered, attempting to fill the awkward silence that had settled over the table. "Um, you have a really great house. And I think Sam is really cool, too." His words made me grimace, almost as if they were rehearsed.

"Well, thanks," Daniel chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "She takes after her mother." I wasn't about to let this go that easily. Kyler's cluelessness was too entertaining to ignore. "Where are your parents from?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him. "Irvine, I think," He replied confidently, as if the location of his parents' origin was some great mystery he'd finally solved. I choked back yet another laugh. "Irvine, right," I echoed, my voice dripping with sarcasm. Daniel, sensing my impending onslaught, decided to steer the conversation in a different, yet equally awkward direction. "So, tell me about that shiner you got there," He asked, pointing to Kyler's noticeable black eye.

"Oh, this. Um... this is from wrestling," Kyler stammered, clearly making it up as he went along. "You know, I dodged the wrong way, and I caught an elbow. It's stupid." He offered a weak smile, but his eyes darted around the room, avoiding contact. I exchanged a knowing glance with my uncle. "Is that how you hurt your hand, too?" I asked, pointing to his swollen and bloodied knuckles. He looked down guiltily, the color draining from his face. "It's okay," Daniel interjected, trying to defuse the situation. "I was in my share of fights back in high school." He chuckled, a forced, uncomfortable laugh.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Kyler insisted, still trying to play dumb. This guy was on a role. "Come on, Kyler," Daniel insisted, "I know high-school kids can be rough." What Kyler said next, however, was a surprise. "No, it wasn't a kid." I arched a brow, now genuinely intrigued. This wasn't just awkward anymore; it was getting interesting. "So there was a fight," I stated, cutting to the chase. "Is there something going on at home?" Daniel asked, his voice laced with concern. Kyler quickly shook his head, a nervous chuckle escaping his lips. He was clearly uncomfortable, but he wasn't offering any real answers. "Oh, no, no, no," Kyler stammered, his story shifting again.

"Okay, some guy at a mini mall. He just jumped me and my friends." I silently scoffed. Yeah, right. There was clearly more to it than he was letting on. "What?" Daniel questioned, his eyes widening with concern. Just then, my phone started to ring, I was incredibly grateful for the diversion. "Excuse me," I mumbled, quickly rising from the table. I hurried out into the hallway, eager to escape the awkwardness. "Hello?" I answered, surprised to see Mrs. Moskowitz's name flashing on the screen. "Mrs. Moskowitz? Is everything okay?" I asked, wondering how she had gotten my cell phone number.

"Hi, honey," She greeted, her voice warm and familiar. "I heard you're back in town. Are you busy right now?" Taken aback by her sudden question, I paused for a moment. "Uh, no," I replied instantly. "Eli had a really bad day today, you know how kids your age are," Mrs. Moskowitz sighed, her voice laced with a familiar blend of concern. I clenched my jaw, knowing exactly what she was insinuating. Despite the familiar wave of irritation rising within me, I kept listening. "Can you come over by any chance?" She continued. "He really needs a friend right now." Not wanting to spend another second listening to Kyler's increasingly absurd stories, I immediately nodded.

"Yes, I'll be there in ten minutes." With a grateful "Thank you, honey," she hung up. I turned and walked into the kitchen, where my Aunt Amanda was diligently preparing something for Kyler. "Aunt Amanda," I started, trying to sound casual. "Do you think I could borrow your car?" She raised an eyebrow, a silent question hanging in the air. "What do you need the car for, Kat?" She asked, her eyes searching mine as I leaned against the kitchen counter. "You know my friend Eli," I began, hesitating, not wanting to overshare something so private, but needing a believable excuse. "He… he gets bullied a lot, and I guess today was one of those days,”

“So, his mom called me over, said he needed someone. Is—is that okay?" I fumbled with my hands, a nervous habit I hadn't quite outgrown, waiting for her response. I watched her face soften, the lines of concern around her eyes deepening. She quickly nodded, reaching for her keys. "Of course, Kat. Take it." She placed them in my hand, her fingers brushing against mine for a brief moment. "Kat," She coaxed, stopping me as I turned to leave. The look on her face, momentarily taking me by surprise. She sounded serious. "I'll talk to Daniel. I think it's about time you had your own car." A genuine smile, the first real one of the evening, spread across my face.

"Thank you, Aunt Amanda," I beamed, rushing over to give her a tight hug. She nodded letting out a soft chuckle at my enthusiasm, squeezing me towards her before practically urging me out the door with an authoritative "Go!". With her blessing, I practically ran to the car, slid into the driver's seat, and placed the key in the ignition. As I pulled out of the driveway, my thoughts instinctively shifted to Eli. I only hoped I could offer him some comfort, a small measure of support, and maybe, just maybe, help him find some peace from the turmoil he was more than likely facing all alone.

Driving to the Moskowitz's house, my hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles turned white. I was a nervous wreck. I could never fully imagine what Eli had to face on a daily basis, the constant taunts and ridicule. A part of me, a big part, felt incredibly guilty. Normally, it was me who reassured Eli, who fought his battles, who stood between him and the cruelty of the world. But I’d been gone, wrapped up in my own complicated family drama, and I’d left him vulnerable. I sped down the familiar streets, pushing the car a little faster than I should have, desperate to get to him.

I made it in less than ten minutes, screeching to a halt in front of their house. I jumped out of the car, my heart pounding in my chest, and raced to the front door. As I was about to knock, when I heard yelling from inside, harsh and laced with pain. This could certainly not be good. "Do you realize what you've done?" Eli heaved, his voice thick with anger and frustration. "The school needed to know that this behavior should not be tolerated," Mrs. Moskowitz reasoned, her tone strained but firm. I stood frozen by the door, my heart breaking with every word. Being gone so long, I never knew it was this bad, this raw.

"Don't you get it?" Eli yelled, his voice cracking. "They're never going to stop making fun of me because I'm a loser!" Mrs. Moskowitz replied, "That's not true," her voice trembling. I stood there, paralyzed, listening to the agonizing scene unfold. "Wake up, Mom!" Eli cried. "I'm a freak." He paused, catching his breath in a ragged gasp. "I'm never gonna have any other friends besides Demetri and Katherine. I'm never going to get a girlfriend, I'm never going to be anything other than a kid with a weird lip!" That’s when I heard a door slam shut inside, the sound echoing through the house. I knew it was time. Taking a deep breath, I knocked softly on the door, trying to compose myself. A moment later, Mrs. Moskowitz opened it, her eyes red and bloodshot.

As soon as I saw her, I pulled her into a hug, offering silent comfort. "Thank you for coming, honey," She whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I know that must have been hard to hear." I simply nodded, unable to speak, as she led me inside, closing the door behind us, shutting out the world and the pain within it. "Go on," She coaxed, gesturing towards the hallway that led to his bedroom. "He needs you right now." I nodded slowly, my heart heavy, and walked towards his room, each step echoing in the tense silence of the house. Gathering what little courage I had left, trying desperately not to crumble before I even reached him, I finally knocked softly on his door. "I said I want to be alone, Mom!" I heard him yell, his voice muffled by the closed door.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly opened the door, revealing my best friend face down on his bed, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. The sight of him like that, so vulnerable, so broken, twisted a knife in my gut. "Well then," I muttered, trying to keep my voice light, "I guess it's a good thing I'm not your mom." At the sound of my voice, he immediately sat up, his eyes red and puffy, trying to dry them with the sleeve of his worn sweatshirt. He looked utterly miserable. "She called you?" He asked, his voice hoarse. I made my way towards him, my heart aching with every step, and sat down on the edge of his bed.

"Why didn't you tell me, Eli?" I questioned softly, avoiding his question. My voice was thick with unshed tears. He shrugged, avoiding my gaze. "All those times I called to check in on you?" I pressed gently. "I guess I just didn't want you to worry," He mumbled. "Besides, you were all the way in Paris. What could you have done from all the way over there?" The guilt hit me like a ton of bricks. He was right. I had been in Paris, wrapped up in the whirlwind of my parents, while he was here, struggling, alone. "Eli, I'm so, so sorry," I apologized, my voice breaking, a tear finally escaping and sliding down my cheek. He must have noticed my tears because the next thing I knew, we were both a sobbing mess, wrapped in each other's arms.

Two broken people, seeking comfort in each other's embrace.

"I-It's not your fault," He stammered, his voice choked with emotion. "You're my best friend, Kat. I'd probably be way worse without you. Let's face it," He added, a hint of self-deprecating humor creeping into his voice, "Under different circumstances, you probably wouldn't give me the time of day." I shook my head instantly, my grip on his shoulders tightening. "No, don’t even think that," I affirmed strongly. "Besides," I added, trying to lighten the mood, "Who else could I possibly watch Twilight with?" That made him crack a small, watery smile. The tension in the room eased slightly.

"Thanks, Kat," He mumbled, his voice still thick with emotion. "For everything." The comfortable silence that had settled between us, a fragile truce in the midst of our shared pain, felt like it needed to be broken. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what I was about to do. "Can I show you something?" I asked, my voice a little shaky. He nodded hesitantly, his eyes searching mine, a flicker of curiosity mixed with apprehension. Taking another deep breath, I slowly lifted my shirt, revealing a long, jagged scar that marred the entire left side of my ribcage. It was a brutal reminder of a night I'd tried to bury deep within my memory. Eli’s eyes widened in shock, his breath catching in his throat.

"I was eight," I began, my voice low and steady, trying to keep the emotion out of it. "My mom… she was drunk. She was driving a motorbike back home, and I was holding on to her for dear life. We were almost home, but she… she took a wrong turn. A car slammed into us. The doctor said I was lucky to survive, especially since I wasn't wearing a helmet. But," I added, a small, wry smile tugging at the corners of my mouth, "Bye-bye bikinis." I chuckled, a slightly forced sound, blinking back the tears that threatened to spill. He hesitantly reached out a hand, his fingers tracing the raised, uneven line of the scar, just like I had done to his own scar so many times before. His touch was gentle, as if he were afraid of breaking me.

"Battle scars," I grinned, pulling my shirt back down, the scar now hidden from view but not from memory. Understanding the reference, a small, amused laugh escaped his lips. "How long have you been waiting to use that line on me?" I shrugged, a playful smile dancing on my lips. "Honestly? For a while," I admitted, sitting back down next to him, the weight of the shared secret lightening the atmosphere considerably. "What I'm trying to say, Eli, is that we're both insecure about our scars. We try to hide them, we’re ashamed of them. But in reality," I continued, meeting his gaze, "They only show how badass we are,”

“We shouldn't want to hide them; we should be embracing them. Everyone else," I smirked, giving him a playful wink, "Is just jealous of how unique we are." He rolled his eyes, a reluctant smile playing on his lips, almost as if he hated that I was right. "I guess you're right," He caved, finally acknowledging the truth in my words. He pulled me into a hug, a warm, comforting embrace, and I immediately returned it, grateful for the closeness, the understanding, the shared experience of being imperfect, yet strong. Wiping away the last of his tears with my thumb, and then wiping my own, I sat up, reaching for the familiar DVD case that sat on his nightstand. "Okay," I declared, trying to inject some levity into the situation.

"Enough of this emotional bullshit. Let's watch Harry Potter to get our minds off things. What do you say? Marathon, for old times' sake?" I grinned, the wave of nostalgia already lifting my mood immensely. He nodded, a small smile finally gracing his lips, and reached for his laptop. I jumped onto his bed, sinking into the soft mattress, and leaned my head on his shoulder. "Try to keep your thoughts to yourself when we reach the third movie, okay?" Eli begged, a playful glint in his eyes. I nonchalantly shrugged, pretending to be clueless as to what he was referring to. "No promises," I responded, a mischievous smirk playing on my lips.

He rolled his eyes playfully, but the tension in his shoulders had visibly eased. As he pressed play, the familiar opening theme of Harry Potter filled the room, washing over us in a wave of comforting familiarity. I noticed that his body had now relaxed against mine, his head resting against mine. We settled into a comfortable silence, our shared love for the wizarding world a silent bond between us. However, halfway through The Goblet of Fire, I felt a familiar lump forming in my throat. I knew what was coming. Cedric Diggory’s death. I always teared up at that scene, no matter how many times I’d seen it.

"Hey, no emotional bullshit, remember?" Eli whispered, nudging me gently with his elbow upon noticing my silence, a teasing reminder of my earlier declaration. I swatted him playfully on the back of the head, my eyes starting to sting. Luckily, as the plot progressed, and the Triwizard Tournament reached its tragic conclusion, my eyelids started to feel heavy. I shifted into a more comfortable position, practically sprawled across my best friend, and drifted off to sleep. Completely missing my chance to make fun of him when he cried over Dobby's death in the movies that followed. What a complete hypocrite. No emotional bullshit, my ass.

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