Chapter Text
Robby remembered training in hot blazing heat and then cold, falling into a heap of leaves and more but the pain he felt didn’t compare to any of the training he had with Daniel. Being in one dojo with Terry and Kyler is not a great thing.
The jab on his cheekbone, kick behind his head, round kick on his stomach, double kick on his back and a front kick on his knee. He did wonder sometimes if this really how Terry trains every student.
“Robby?”
Robby winced at the headache that reached his forehead as he gripped the water bottle in his hand. He continued walking but he could sense the man hurry beside him. How did he find him?
“What happened to you?”
Robby kept a steady gaze on the floor his face morphed with an unwelcoming frown. He is not up with his ex-mentor telling him how dangerous Terry is.
“That looks bad… come on, let me help you.”
“No.” Robby said, roughly and blunt as he stared at Daniel. “Get away from me.”
Daniel bit into his bottom lip with a sigh through his nose, gripping a paper bag in his hand. “I just came by the store, y-you got somewhere to go?”
“That’s none of your business.” Robby really would just go through Cobra Kai dojo’s back door and crash there. He continued walking but still noticed Daniel following.
He turned to him and Daniel put on this blank face like he isn’t doing anything. The words are swimming in his eyes. I’m sorry. You don’t have to be here. You’re a great kid. You don’t deserve this. You deserve so much… Robby knew he would never say them because he knew words wouldn’t do anything now. Daniel and him are past speaking terms.
He knew Daniel wants to do something but the cogs in his head continued to twist and turn, not knowing what to do. What is the right thing to do…
He sighed and continued walking.
“Wait.”
He stopped and turned, his eyebrow raised.
“I’m going to buy something for you at the store, you can come…”
Robby frowned, a slight glare in his eyes. “I don’t need your help.”
“Okay, you don’t have to come. Just trust me, please. Just wait here.”
Robby didn’t know if he wanted to. He didn’t trust anyone right now. He did get beat up but he is ready for it. He knew he had to be ready for it, endure it.
He kept staring at his ex-mentor. Daniel waiting expectantly and patiently like he could stand there for days until he get things right for him. He curtly nods and Daniel hurried back into the store.
Robby did feel that Daniel is frantic about Terry, his worry for him doubling. His anxiety fueled by his past experiences but Robby knew the differences between them. Daniel placed his full trust in the wrong hands, Robby knew he could endure whatever harsh training he had with Terry and still be conscious about it.
Robby shook his head and starts to walk away. A bell ringing made him speed up. Obviously, Daniel hurried to buy the stuff from the store.
“Robby!”
Continuing to stroll away, he heard quick footsteps. He sighed heavily and slowed down. He turned to him again, noticing Daniel’s lip tightening into a line like he wanted to reprimand him but thought best to not to.
“Here.” Daniel neared an ice pack on his sore cheek. Robby reluctantly accepted it. He watched as he pulled out pain relief patches. “Where does it hurt?”
Robby wanted to keep his cold façade but he pulled on his collar to reveal a bruise. Daniel peeled off a patch and gently sticked it there.
Once a patch was placed on the side of his stomach, back and elbow, Robby heard the door open at the Cobra Kai dojo behind him.
“You really don’t know when to quit, Danny boy.”
Robby could see something flash in Daniel’s eyes but kept the hold on the ice pack on Robby’s shoulder.
“I’m never going to give up on him.” Daniel staring into his eyes, saying it more for Robby than for Terry.
“I can take our student from here.”
Daniel glanced at Terry and took a deep sigh, stepping back. “You take care, alright?”
Daniel placed the icepack back into the newly bought paper bag which was then placed into Robby’s arms. “Use these whenever you need it. Feel free to reach out anytime.”
“Come on, Mr. Keene. We had Miyagi-do lessons to get ready for tomorrow.”
Robby felt a pang in his chest and shifted the paper bag in his arms. He expected Daniel to break the promises quickly as soon Terry said that. Daniel glued his eyes at him, betrayal and slight anger flashing on his face.
What Robby didn’t expect is Daniel taking a deep breath, he nods at him with a tiny smile which looked more like a grimace.
Daniel then stepped back and walked away.
Now, he is left with Terry wondering if Daniel’s words would still ring true. Robby can’t help but hope it would.