Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Robby and Johnny had successfully tracked down Miguel in Mexico. From a distance, they spotted him in a crowded fighting ring arena, engrossed in the ongoing match. They attempted to make their way towards Miguel, but their path was obstructed by a group of menacing goons led by Hector.

A phone call to Hector from his right-hand man alerted him to the presence of two suspicious individuals who appeared to be FBI agents inside the building. As Hector observed the commotion, his suspicions were further piqued, especially when he noticed the focused demeanor of the curly-haired young man below. He glanced back at the area where the two supposed agents were engaging with the guards. Hector knew that dealing with the guards would be a straightforward matter, but the young man before him was a different story.

This boy had crossed paths with Hector Salazar, and that was not a mistake anyone made lightly. Anyone who knew Hector understood the dire consequences of crossing him. This boy had deceived Hector, infiltrating his family under false pretenses. He was no ordinary backpacker; he was here to bring Hector down. Nobody had ever dared to lie to Hector, and this boy was about to learn why such actions were unwise.

Hector's thoughts swirled as he reached into his coat and retrieved a knife. In a matter of moments, he had Miguel in his grip, the blade pressed against his neck. Tension hung heavy in the air as he demanded answers from Miguel. The young man's heart raced as he grappled with the gravity of the situation, struggling to find the right words amidst the fear.

"I... I was backpacking... like I told you," Miguel stammered, his voice wavering.

"Kid, if you lie to me, the consequences will be severe. Tell me the truth," Hector warned, his tone escalating with every word.

Hector increased the pressure on the knife, causing a small cut on Miguel's neck. The threat was meant to extract the truth, to break through Miguel's defenses. Panic surged through Miguel as the blade pricked him, his back pressed against a rail overlooking the boxing match below. The bystanders in the vicinity understood well enough to keep their distance from Hector's business.

A drop of wetness trickled down Miguel's neck, but he averted his gaze. He didn't want to acknowledge the blade against his skin or the fact that his own father was capable of such violence. He wished it was a nightmare, a temporary horror he could wake up from, much like the nightmares that had plagued him since his accident.

Hector's voice grew more demanding as he pressed for answers, the threat of the knife looming over Miguel. Struggling to keep his composure, Miguel managed to utter, "I'm telling the truth. I wasn't lying."

"Show me your phone," Hector ordered, unyielding.

Miguel hesitated, prompting Hector to reach for the phone himself, urging Miguel to unlock it. The young man's heart raced as Hector examined his phone. His fingers danced across the screen, scrolling through call logs, pictures of Miguel with friends, and evidence of his life. The tension in the air was interrupted by the crowd's chants, celebrating the fight below.

Satisfied with what he found, Hector returned the phone to Miguel's pocket, offering a slight smile as he removed the knife from the equation. He placed his hands on Miguel's shoulders, the blade now a distant memory, replaced by a facade of reassurance.

"Sorry, kid. Paranoia gets the best of me sometimes. You know how it is—always watching your back in this line of work," Hector admitted, attempting to downplay the intensity of the situation.

Miguel nodded, holding back tears that threatened to betray his emotions. The emotional pain cut deeper than the physical sting from the knife. His internal struggle with his feelings for Hector and his realization of the truth Carmen had warned him about weighed heavily on him.

As Hector shifted his focus to the escalating situation between Robby, Johnny, and the guards, he sensed the need for a change of scenery. He guided Miguel away, seeking fresh air and distance from the turmoil. They sat in Hector's car, a tense silence enveloping them as they drove, Miguel lost in his thoughts.

The urge to escape overwhelmed Miguel. He wanted to flee not just from Mexico but from the labyrinth of emotions and relationships that had become so suffocating. Mexico held significance, but faced with the complexity of his connection with his father, Miguel felt the pull to distance himself.

Absentmindedly, Miguel withdrew a lighter from his pocket, a habitual action born from the need to quell his thoughts. Hector noticed and casually offered cigars and weed, oblivious to the emotional significance this gesture held for Miguel.

Miguel's hollow laughter was met with confusion from Hector. Miguel managed to deflect by mentioning the lighter's previous use, concealing the darker purpose it often served.

The car ride was a battle of emotions for Miguel. His mind swirled with conflicting thoughts—his desire for his father's love, his frustrations with his circumstances, and his yearning to escape. The presence of the lighter became a symbol of his inner turmoil, a tangible reminder of the flames of his emotions.

Hector's curiosity prodded Miguel about the lighter's purpose, prompting a weak response. Miguel's gaze remained distant, fixated on the road ahead as his internal struggle intensified. He longed to escape not just his surroundings but his own thoughts.

Miguel contemplated the differences between his reality and the families he saw around him. As a child, he had yearned for a complete family, and now, the complexities of his relationships weighed heavily on him. He was tired of putting on a facade, tired of pretending everything was okay when it wasn't. The constant karate conflicts, strained family dynamics, and personal struggles were suffocating him.

Miguel found himself at crossroads—confront his feelings, his relationships, and his past, or succumb to the desire to escape. Everything around him was just slowly sucking all the energy away from him.

Chapter Text

Navigating a narrow road flanked by shuttered shops, Hector eventually pulled over in front of one. Turning off the car's engine, he signaled to Miguel. "Let's go."

With a set of keys in hand, Hector unlocked the door of a small shop in the strip. He held the door open, gesturing for Miguel to enter.

Inside, Hector secured the door before leading the way into the compact kitchen. He tossed a napkin towards Miguel. "Use this for your neck. And once again, I sorry for that kid. People aren't always what they seem."

Miguel nodded in acknowledgment, accepting the napkin and holding it tightly as the dried blood on his nape bore evidence of the recent encounter.

Hector reached for a bottle of wine, placing it on the counter before heading back to grab a glass. Sensing Hector's tension, Miguel made a suggestion. "Um, you know, we should probably get you home. I could drive you if—"

"Nah... gonna lay low for a few days, maybe a week or two," Hector interjected.

Miguel persisted, "What about Marie and Luis?"

Hector downed a glass of wine before responding to Miguel's question. "Eh, they'll be fine. She's only after my money in the first place."

Miguel was taken aback by that revelation. From the outside, when he had seen Luis, Marie, and Hector together, they appeared to be the perfect family.

Curiosity prompting him, Miguel asked, "Why would you say that?"

Hector held Miguel's gaze as he replied with intensity, "You know about Icarus, kid? My dad used to tell me all the greatest stories, and that was his favorite. Fly too close to the sun, chiquito, and you'll burn your wings right off."

Miguel just stared at him blankly he didn’t understand what his dad was trying to say. He just nodded his head acknowledging his words and watched him drink the wine straight out of the bottle.

Miguels eyes stayed transfixed on his dad he noticed the stress lines on his forehead, he looked agitated, tired and lonely even.

He started talking again distracting Miguel from his thoughts “But you don’t learn till you get older is that it’s not the sun it’s women. You fly to high they come and bring you down.”

Miguel listened silently for the next few minutes, everything was like a blur. One moment his dad was talking about the story of Icarus and before Miguel even had time to process, in a moment of unexpected vulnerability, Miguel’s father confessed the reasons behind his departure from this one women he loved madly once upon a time who happened to be Miguel's mother. He confided that he had made the choice to leave her to protect himself from the potential ruin she could bring. Unbeknownst to the father, every word pierced deep into Miguels heart, unveiling a complex tapestry of emotions.

Miguel froze up again thinking back to his moms reaction every time the topic of his dad was brought up. Miguel remembered the hurt and painful expression every single time, yet back then it felt right to question his mom, it felt like the right thing to do was constantly bring up the topic, he needed answers, he wanted a father figure, he wanted his dad’s presence in his life like all the other kids had in school.

“You know what I regret? I regret nothing, nothing at all!”

The room grew heavy with an oppressive silence as Hector's words hung in the air like a dark cloud. The clinking of the wine bottle being opened pierced through the stillness, a harsh reminder of Hector's escape into oblivion. With a callous nonchalance, he proclaimed his lack of regret, unaware of the profound impact his words had on his son's fragile heart. Miguel's eyes widened, disbelief and hurt etching themselves across his face. In that moment, a deep chasm formed between father and son, an unbridgeable gap that seemed to widen with each passing second. The weight of Hector's words settled upon Miguel like a crushing weight, shattering his hopes for understanding and reconciliation. The room became a silent witness to the painful revelation that his father's indifference ran deep, causing irreparable damage to their already non exsisting relationship. As Hector drowned his sorrows in the bitter liquid, Miguel was left to navigate the wreckage of his own emotions, aching with the knowledge that his father's regret-less admission had pierced his heart in ways he may never fully come to comprehend.

“Sorry. Got myself all worked up,” Hector said once again breaking the silence. Hector placed the wine bottle down straightening his posture and a relaxing facial expression taking over his face he offered a small smile.

“I know what we need. Do you want a chicharrón?”

Miguel's eyes locked with his father's, a mix of confusion and disbelief swirling within him. It was as if he had witnessed a sudden transformation, an abrupt shift in his father's demeanour. The emotional vulnerability and openness he had just witnessed seemed to vanish in an instant, replaced by a facade of happiness and calmness.

In that moment, Miguel couldn't help but question the authenticity of his father's emotions. How could someone go from pouring out their life story to a stranger to donning a mask of happiness with such ease? The stark contrast left him feeling disoriented, unsure of what was genuine and what was merely a performance.

Miguel's gaze lingered on his father, who stood there waiting for a response, a faint smile still lingering on his face. But in that fleeting moment, a wave of panic surged through Miguel's body, suffocating him with its intensity. The sensation of his airways constricting, his throat tightening, and his heart racing at an alarming rate was all too familiar, yet it still instilled fear within him.

Finding his voice again Miguel decided he needed to get out of here.

“No, I’m umm not hungry”….. pointing his chin towards the door they had first walked in from Miguel added “I should probably get going, actually.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah”

Miguel firmly stood by his decision to decline the offer of food and take his leave. As he expressed his intention to go, he noticed a flicker of hurt flash across his father's face, a momentary glimpse into the depth of their complicated relationship that technically never existed to begin with and maybe never will. But just as quickly as it appeared, the hurt vanished, concealed behind a mask of indifference. In that moment, Miguel realized that his father would never truly know the truth—that he was his own flesh and blood. The weight of this unspoken secret settled within him, a burden he chose to carry in silence. The desire to protect himself and avoid further pain outweighed any desire for disclosure or resolution.

With a final farewell, Miguel stepped out, bidding adieu to the man who was supposed to be his father. As he closed the door, a wave of exhaustion replaced the adrenaline coursing through his veins. The realization hit him hard—he was now completely alone in Mexico, his family and friends likely revelling in the triumph of their dojo. The weight of his solitude settled upon him, leaving Miguel with the somber understanding that he had nobody to turn to in this unfamiliar place.

Taking a few more steps away from the small shop walking in a random direction leaving behind the now shut doors where his father stood, the weight of uncertainty settled upon Miguel’s defeated shoulders as he now had time process everything. He had stumbled upon a truth he had never anticipated. His innocent world shattered into fragments as he accidentally discovered the disheartening secret that his father had left his mother because he valued his corrupt, dangerous work more, yet regretted nothing about it. The truth his mom tried to shield him from all this time and like an idiot he had walked through it, he wanted to go out and seek the truth. The shock coursed through his veins, leaving a bitter taste of confusion and sorrow. It was as if the very foundation of his reality had crumbled, replaced by a hollow emptiness.

Tears welled up in his eyes, reflecting a mix of disbelief and sadness, as he grappled with the abrupt rupture that would forever alter his perception of family. With a heavy heart, Miguel began to navigate the uncharted territory of a fractured family, bravely seeking solace amidst the ruins of shattered trust knowing that he was never gonna have a father in his life and his only father figure was his enemy’s dad. He didn’t want to think of Robby and his beloved sensei breaking his heart 10 times more then his real dad when he said “I love you to Robby” Violent sobs wrecked tumours in his body as he fell on his knees on the curb. Taking a few shallow breaths Miguel sat on the curb in Mexico, a torrent of memories flooded his mind. Each moment played out like a movie reel, revealing the pivotal events that had shaped his life. threatened to escape Miguel’s lips he found it hard to get the words out of his mouth as he dialled his mom’s number who picked it up in a heart beat.

The words tasted bitter and hurtful but he needed to say something he needed to talk “Hey Ma.……I’m sorry, you were right” Miguel declared sobbing into the phone.

“Please tell me your alright Miggy”

Miguel was just about to answer when he was interrupted he heard someone scream his name out loud on the open street.

“Miguel”! The voice sounded familiar, very familiar it sounded like someone really close to him. The voice sounded like home.

Miguel's eyes widened in surprise as he turned around, only to find Johnny, his sensei, standing before him. A mix of emotions swirled within him—shocked, relived, and the small feeling of maybe just everything will be okay in end.

“I’m coming home mom”

Before Miguel could utter a single word or attempt to explain himself, Johnny's instincts kicked in, overriding any need for words. Without hesitation, he enveloped Miguel in a tight embrace, pulling him close and offering solace in his arms.
He pulled back for a few seconds as Johnny's hands gently cupped Miguel's face, his touch filled with both concern and affection. He instinctively scanned Miguel's face, searching for any signs of physical harm or injuries, silently relieved to find none except the cut on his nape that was covered with dry blood. Eyeing the cut Johnny felt anger fuel him, he saw who did it, he knew who was gonna pay for it but right now that didn’t matter. All that mattered was Miguel was safe in his arms and they could go back home. He held Miguel in that embrace for a a few more minutes in silence as tears streamed down both of their faces.

Miguel's gaze inadvertently shifted in the direction from which Johnny had come, and his heart sank as he locked eyes with Robby. It was an awkward and unexpected encounter, a collision of enemies caught in a moment of shared vulnerability.
He saw a weird emotion in Robby’s eyes there was not hate, or anger it almost looked like Robby felt hurt on Miguels behalf like he understood Miguel’s pain.

Miguel’s instinct for self-preservation kicked in. With some awkward hesitation, he averted his gaze, shoving his face against Johnny's shoulder. As more tears spilled from his eyes. He yearned to shield his weakness from Robby's eyes, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of witnessing his emotional vulnerability. Johnny, too, was aware of the tension in the air. With Miguel's face pressed against his shoulder, he tightened his grip, providing an unspoken shield of protection. He understood the complexities of the situation, the intricacies of the relationships entwined in that brief, awkward moment.

The silence continued to linger, and Johnny finally released Miguel from the embrace. Johnny glanced towards Robby, a mixture of regret and understanding in his eyes. Robby just nodded in understanding his own eyes going back to Miguel who know looked blankly down at his shoes. Johnny gently placed his hands against Miguels shoulders placing a reassuring squeeze on Miguel's shoulder, they started walking back to the van.

Before they could even reach the van and sit the doors of the small strip shop abruptly opened.

Hector walked out puffing on a cigarette, with a phone to his ear. Looking confused he glanced at the eagle fang van stopped on the middle of the streets and he glanced back making eye contact with Miguel.

“Mijo your still here, I thought you said you were leaving?” Hector glared at the 2 new faces one older man and another kid similar to Miguel’s age, his eyes scanned them for any threats until he noticed the shirts.

Upon hearing his voice Miguel flinched 2 steps back as Robby took note of that.

“Wait, your the guys from the arena, you bastards!”

In a quick second Hector had pulled out his gun aiming at them. 
“Speak or my gun will speak on your behalf”

Miguel, stood in the middle with Robby to his right and Johnny to his left. He didn’t even notice when robby had stepped closer to stand beside Miguel. Miguel could feel panic course through his veins again he couldn’t let Sensei talk he knew his sensei had a record of messing things up saying the wrong things to the wrong person at the wrong times. He could sense the abrupt movement of Johnny reaching to punch the gun from Hectors grasp.

Miguel didn’t think twice coming between Johnnys attack and Hectors arms that held the gun, as Johnny’s fist collided with Miguels stomach. Miguel falling down like a sack of potatoes, eyes closing as the breath was kicked out of him wheezing in air he tried to get the words out of his mouth. Johnny and Robby falling suit to help Miguel up. It was a perfect distraction to stop his sensei from doing anything rash at least Miguel thought to himself.

“W….w….wait……I can……….explain, it’s not what you’re thinking I swear Mr. Salazar we aren’t working for the police” Miguel finally wheezed out from the ground, opening his eyes, still watery from the impact of the punch, he met Robby's concerned gaze. Robby stared down at Miguel with this weird feeling of concern take over him, why was he worried over the guy who was supposed to be his god damn enemy. Robby’s body moved faster than his brain processing his thoughts. He placed a hand around Miguels shoulder to help, only for Miguel to push it away. “Don’t touch me” muttered Miguel forgetting for a second where they stood. Robby rolled his eyes replacing his hand on Miguel’s shoulder his grip tightened for a brief moment, his concern evident. “Just let me help you man, you’re hurt, it’s gonna bruise really badly” Robby said tightening his grip and holding out his other hand for Miguel to grab. It was a gesture that conveyed more than mere physical support—it symbolized a glimmer of hope for a possible reconciliation.

Miguel huffed gritting his teeth as the pain surged through him again he contemplated taking Robby’s hand but he heard this loud maniac laughter fill the air from behind him somewhere and instantly held Robby’s hand realizing the reality they were in just a few moments before.
Both now standing up properly Miguel and Robby turned their heads around, realizing Johnny was no longer beside Miguel in fact Johnny was standing beside Hector both men laughing their heads off. The gun moving in the air with Hectors hand as he laughed with his whole body.

“Female body inspector, what a genius idea man” Hector spat out laughing his lungs out

“Yeah man told you they were so cool, can’t believe some idiots thought we were part of the FBI” Johnny giggled

“Wait did you just call me a idiot?”

“Oh shit no I mean those other idiots, at the arena”

“Okay fair point, I want one of those shirts where did you get them”

“At that one Mexican gift shop near the border. I swear its not offensive to the people cause we brought it from here”
"You know whats funnier, Johnny? This is not even a real gun, its a fake to scare people" Hector said shaking it up and down gesturing that its a fake as laughter filled the air once again.

“Dad what the hell” “Sensei what the hell” both boys said in chorus annoyed at Johnny having the time of his life laughing with Hector. This was a serious situation minutes ago and now the supposed adults were laughing as if nothing happened. Robby and Miguel spoke at the same time making eye contact at interrupting one another they ended up rolling their eyes at the same time too, both moving away from each others grasp immediately.

Instantly Miguel regretted stepping away his legs still felt wobbly the punch was really rough and definitely did more damage then he assumed, the worst part though was he was gonna fall down like a sack of potatoes all over again in front of his enemy and damn if Miguel knew any better he would be regretting coming between the punch knowing damn well his Sensei had a very power full punch and kicks having been the first student to be trained by Johnny.

“Your a idiot!” Robby grumbled instantly reaching back stopping Miguel from falling all over again placing his hold on Miguel again keeping him up right, which this time thankfully Miguel didn’t push away

“No your a idiot!”
“No you!”
“You!”
“Your the one who decided that I’m gonna be a a self sacrificing idiot today and get punched in the stomach cause I’m bored with life, oh and then when someone offers help I’m gonna refuse it because apparently I love having broken ribs” Robby air quoted with his one hand that was not wrapped around Miguel

Miguel glared at him searching for a retort, but didn’t have any words to add knowing damn well Robby was right in this particular situation rolling his eyes he just muttered a “Shut up”
“You shut up”
“Your the one talking”

Laughter filled the air again as Hector laughed breathlessly all over again

“Shut up!!” Both boys yelled at Hector in chorus not even looking back at Hector staring daggers at each other

Hector’s laughter slowly died down he turned to Johnny “those boys are so alike they are so in sync its hilarious”
Johnny’s face lit up with this weird sense of happiness hearing that he wasn’t gonna say it out loud but getting Miguel and Robby on the same page getting them to be buddies was some thing he desperately wanted. He just smiled acknowledging Hector’s words “Yeah they really are”

Miguel rolled his eyes in annoyance as he pushed Robby's body, breaking free from his grip with determined force. However, caught up in the moment, Miguel seemed to forget the imminent consequences of his actions – that he was about to land unceremoniously on the ground if Robby released his hold. The already hurting ribs were already screaming in pain, if he hit the pavement again he was sure he would pass out. And, as if sensing the perfect opportunity to ruffle Miguel's feathers, Robby chose to play along. He loosened his grip just enough for Miguel's heart to skip a beat, only to tighten it again after a fleeting few second, just before Miguel’s ass hit the floor leaving Miguel both relieved and exasperated.

“Wanna try that again dude” Robby smirked
“I hate you”

Johnny and Hector just stared at the scene unfolding in front of them “You know, Johnny," Hector began, his tone tinged with amusement, "it's funny. They're like siblings, always caught up in squabbles, yet deep down, there's a strong undercurrent of love. Reminds me of my own younger brother."

As if on cue “No we aren’t siblings or friends and never will be” both boys huffed in annoyance and at the exact same times their eyes grew enlarged realizing for the 3rd time they said the same thing at the same time.

“OMG dude Stop copying me”
“You stop copying me”
“I said it first”
“No I did”

“Okay wow hold off the bickering for 5 minutes, I need answers to this or else were gonna be here for hours hearing you guys argue” Hector demanded in a more polite voice now arms lifting making a circle in the direction of the boys and Johnny

“Anyone care to explain, cause kid last time we talked you said you were just backpacking and didn’t come with anyone” Hector said staring at Miguel for a answer before the ringing of his phone disturbed the conversation.

“Give me a second, gotta take the call” Hector muttered in annoyance walking a few steps away from them

Miguel's frustration was evident as he fumbled and let out a string of cuss words under his breath. Only he could hear himself uttering, "Shit, shit, shit, shit," trying to maintain some level of composure despite the mounting pressure. Miguel didn’t realize but Robby had heard him.

Robby observed the visible discomfort on Miguel's face, along with the barely audible, strained voice muttering cusses under his breath.
Robby gently tightened his hand around Miguel's shoulder, not knowing why he did it but he did. Providing a reassuring and comforting hold. The gesture conveyed unspoken words Miguel would hate to admit it but the hold grounded him brought him back from his stupid thoughts and panic. Robby’s hold was enough to silently assure Miguel that everything would be alright. The grip was not overpowering, allowing Miguel to feel secure without feeling trapped, fostering a weird sense of trust.

Johnny had moved closer back to the boys in the next few seconds placing a hand on Miguel’s shoulders finally acknowledging the punch from earlier “You okay, I didn’t mean to punch you” Robby and Miguel both rolling their eyes at Johnny’s words not acknowledging it, they had bigger fish to fry right now.

“Not now dad, your apologizes and Miguels ribs are gonna have to wait for later” He turned back to Miguel shaking his head “Sorry dude”

Robby then whispered so quietly only for Miguel and Johnny to hear making sure Hector didn’t hear the next few words

“What’s the deal with your dad?” Robby asked both Johnny and Miguel looking back to Miguel for a answer

A bunch of emotions coursed through on Miguel’s face only within a few seconds and disappeared just as fast as they appeared

“He…..ummm….he…..ummmm doesn’t know…..”

“Doesn’t know what?”

The words were so hard to spit out and it hurt more then he admitted to himself. It hurt worse that he had to tell his stupid freaken enemy the most depressing fact about his life. Miguel shifted his eyes glaring at the back of Hector’s suit as if things could magically change and just maybe he could have his own dad in his life but that never worked now did it? Life was never meant to be a fairytale, you couldn’t just get everything you wanted it never worked like that.

The snapping of fingers brought him back to the reality Robby’s voice reaching his ears “Dude you gotta tell us before he comes back, so were all on the same page” before he could reply he felt the warm hand cupping the side of his face.

“You okay? He’s not gonna pull out the gun if that’s what your thinking” Johnny whispered quietly

The unexpected touch of Johnny's hand against his face caused him to flinch back instinctively, immediately pushing it away. Johnny's expression shifted to one of hurt, although he wouldn't admit it openly. Robby noticed but chose not to comment, Miguel noticed to immediately guilt taking over

“Omg Sensei….I’m….sorry…I…didn’t mean too”
“Hey, hey kid it’s okay”Johnny added placing a comfortable hand on Miguel’s shoulder gesturing him to spill what’s on his mind.

“I was gonna say…..my dad…..my dad…..doesn’t know I’m his son he…………I……ummmm……I didn’t tell him……he doesn’t even know my mom was pregnant with me, and even if he did….. he didn’t and wouldn’t care about me……he said his business was and is more important then anything, my mom would of ruined his life” He finished with a wobbly voice and fuck his lips were quivering and screw it he was trying so hard to not cry but it was fucking hard.

The first tear dropped then the second Johnny had pulled Miguel into another tight embrace mimicking the hug from earlier except Robby awkwardly stood their part of the hug as his stayed his arm wrapped around Miguels shoulder from earlier. Johnny and Robby made brief eye contact again nodding in understanding for the 2nd time that night.

The words were out, and as hard as it was to say it, Miguel didn’t have the courage to meet eyes with Johnny or Robby for the matter. He didn’t wanna see Sensei’s pity full look, or Robby’s stupid victorious smirk of knowing that his freaken enemy’s dad never even wanted him in the first place. Miguel let Johnny pull him into a hug as sobs wrecked his body again, the most awkward part was that half of his body was plastered against Robby’s in a weird 3 way hug. Miguel didn’t meet neither of their eyes, neither did he scramble away from Robby or Johnny’s hold. Johnny did in fact have a sad look filling his eyes, if he could go back in time then he would of made sure Miguel never came to Mexico never tried to seek out his dad, never got his feelings hurt over someone that didn’t even care, he could feel the anger boiling back in his veins over Hector. He just hugged Miguel tighter.

Robby on the other hand had an awkward unsettling, expression on his face after hearing the words from Miguels mouth he did in fact felt bad and sympathetic. Robby would never admit but rather die that he felt anger surge through him for Miguel’s behalf of how shitty Hector is as a person and as a supposed father. Seeing Johnny and Miguel hug he still felt a slight built of jealously but not enough to take over him, he just could’t come to terms with the fact that he felt bad for Miguel Diaz the guy who was meant to be his worst enemy. He also couldn’t found any words to add to lighten the situation or provide any comfort in that brief hug.

“I’m back guys” Hector said loudly interrupting the awkward trance between the trio.

Miguel’s face contoured back into slight panic, what was he supposed to say they didn’t even think of anything. He opened his mouth to say something but the words didn’t come out. Miguel thought to himself Sensei couldn’t be trusted to say the right thing ever and Robby, well he didn’t know much about him to form an opinion on him.

“So, umm…..”

Before Miguel actually let out a complicated mess of word vomit a voice interrupted him.

"Wait a second," Robby interjected, his tone a blend of mock incredulity and amusement. He turned to Hector, a facetious grin playing on his lips. “Let me tell you”

You won't believe what my oh-so-brilliant little brother did. This genius right here," he gestured toward Miguel with a theatrical flourish, "decided to take off on a top-secret solo vacation to Mexico without even a peep to our parents, me, or any of his friends."
Robby shook his head in feigned disbelief, his voice laced with humour. Miguel’s face lit up for a second, his expression relaxing with Robby’s words that were kind of true and kind of a lie but then dropping the second as he heard where this was directed.

Robby continued talking this time staring right at Miguel enough to emphasize every word coming out of his mouth was directed towards him calling out his stupidity. “I mean, can you imagine the level of 'brilliance' it takes to pull off something like that? No plans, no contact with family, no food, just a backpack with some clothing, a passport, and a tiny bit of cash – not even enough to cover a week's worth of instant noodles, or for any serious emergencies”

"And get this, he didn't even bother to send us a single text! He literally just got up and left, leaving us worried sick and wondering where on earth he'd vanished to."

"So, me and our dad," he said, nodding in Johnny's direction, "had to launch a search and rescue mission for this dummy to ensure he's alive and kicking.” He said ending his spiel.

Robby smirked again adding “oh forgot to add something, after today it’s needless to say, he's grounded for a solid year.”

Hector turned his attention to Miguel, genuine surprise in his expression. "Are you for real, kid? You're telling me you just got up and left?"

Miguel hesitated, a mix of guilt and amusement in his eyes. "I... yeah, kind of. I was..."
Before Miguel could explain, Johnny jumped in, his tone stern and authoritative. "Oh, you bet he got up and left. And let me tell you, he's going to regret it. I'm thinking a minimum of 2000 bare-knuckle push-ups and possibly even 2 years of being grounded for such irresponsible behaviour."

At that Miguel and Robby both tried to suppress their laughter. It was quite a sight to see Johnny talking about punishment, adopting the role of an upset dad. In a moment of eye contact, Robby quietly whispered to Miguel, “You shouldn’t be laughing dude. You're actually gonna get punished because, no offence, this whole thing was actually stupid and dangerous.”

In that moment, a realization settled heavily upon Miguel's thoughts. Once he returned home, there would likely be consequences awaiting him, and they wouldn't be pleasant. His mom, he knew, had a firm hand when it came to discipline, and he could practically see the grounding sentence looming in his future. The mere idea of facing his mom's stern lecture and the potential threat of her pulling out the dreaded slippers was enough to send a shiver down his spine.

As if that weren't enough, he had endured a lecture from his sensei, Johnny, and even from his most unlikely confidant, Robby his supposed enemy. The notion of Robby assuming the role of someone who could lecture him on his own safety was a particularly irksome one. Miguel's annoyance was palpable, his exasperated huff an audible release of his frustrations.

However, as he stole a glance at Robby, Miguel couldn't help but reply back with “Haha very funny, we'll see what happens”. Miguel muttered trying to sound confident when he damn well knew his mom would literally kill him once he is home.

As brief as Johnny’s lecture was instantly Johnny and Hector started talking about other stuff, it felt so wrong and just weird hearing his sensei talk to Hector about karate and Hector talking about the boxing ring.

Miguel thought to himself since when did sensei get along with people. It was weird to see him act all mature because when he needed his sensei to be mature with Sensei LaRusso he had failed miserably. And now here he was in Mexico being nice with Hector the person he hated a lot right now, when it was too late. Life was really strange.

"Alright, that's enough chatting," Hector's voice broke through everyones attention, his hand clapping down on Johnny's back. He flashed a friendly smile, his tone carrying a sense of finality. "I've got some business to take care of, and you've got two kids to look after." He let out a chuckle, his gaze shifting between Johnny, Miguel, and Robby.

"It was nice talking to you guys," Hector's voice held a genuine note of farewell as he looked at the trio, his demeanour friendly despite the past tension from earlier in the day. Then, his gaze shifted to Miguel, a hint of remorse in his eyes. "And, uh, sorry about the knife incident and your ribs, kid," he added, his tone tinged with an apologetic undertone.
Miguel nodded, his head in understanding. "No worries. It's all good” he replied, his voice sounding empty of any emotions.
With that, Hector offered them a final nod before heading off, his steps carrying him away.

“Come on let’s get going guys” Johnny said gesturing to the eagle fang van stopped at a distance.

The adrenaline from their conversation with Hector had faded, leaving a quiet atmosphere in the air. Both boys just nodded their heads in agreement. Johnny already moving ahead to get to the van.

Miguel stepped away from Robby. "Thanks, but I can manage walking on my own now."

Robby didn’t have the energy to argue again, he nodded his head. Reluctantly releasing his arm from Miguel and purposely stopping pretending to tie his shoe laces for a solid second to make sure Miguel was actully capable of walking himself. Miguel was fine, he was struggling a little bit but he was able to walk now. However, Robby's attention was caught by the sight of Miguel's clenched fist and his hand pressed against his lower back. It stirred memories of the tournament, where Miguel had fallen during his match with Eli, making Robby wonder if Miguel was in more pain than he let on, extending beyond the punch he took, reminding him of the day that changed his life forever. The pictures started playing in his head of the stupid day the stupid fight where the one kick ruined everything in his life.

A rush of anxiety coursed through Robby as memories of the school fight flooded his mind, a moment he despised recalling. A faint vibration broke through his deep thoughts, drawing his attention to the ringing phone in his pocket. Retrieving it to check the caller, he realized it was his father's phone, and Carmen's name lit up the screen—a clear sign of her worry for Miguel.

Breaking free from his thoughts, Robby swiftly rose to his feet and hurried past Miguel to catch up to his dad. With his phone battery barely at 2 percent, he urgently relayed, "Miguel's mom is calling."

Johnny answered the phone in a hushed tone, motioning to Robby to locate the car charger. They both quickened their pace, rushing to plug in the phone before it ran out of battery. Miguel walked at a slower pace, slightly trailing behind them.