Cold Hearted ⭒ Cobra Kai

2.7.0

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Exile

"He's a cold-hearted snake. Look into his eyes. Oh, oh. He's been tellin' lies."

~Cold Hearted by Naya Rivera~

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Revised: July 12, 2022

Warnings: panic attacks, anxiety, abuse, domestic violence, sexual harassment/assault, language, violence, and other mature themes

A/N: Get ready for this one.

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Zion's POV

Two days later, I meet up with Hawk at the dojo and pull him in for a quick, happy kiss. He's good at calming my jitters and even though he wasn't physically there night to help me through my panic these past two nights, he makes today better.

I didn't have Cobra Kai yesterday, so Miguel and I had a chill day together. It was the one year anniversary of when my dad passed away so it was hard, but at least Miguel was there for me; he's the only one who knows.

I don't like talking about emotions because it causes people to look at you like a wounded puppy and I don't want that. I joined Cobra Kai to stop being weak, so as much as it hurts that my dad has been gone for a year now, that's life. It's unfair and cruel, so you have to step up and fight for what's right yourself.

I'm in my regular clothes because Sensei Kreese said training is in the woods today. I chose black leggings with a light gray tank top; it's going to be a hot one.

I'm trying to ignore the panic attacks I've had. I'm going to make sure it doesn't happen again; I won't lose these guys for anything. It was just a buildup of everything coming out and now that it's over, I'm fine.

"I'm so excited for more training with Sensei Kreese today," Hawk says.

"I'm excited because I think Sensei Lawrence comes back today," Miguel says. 

As if on cue, Sensei Lawrence walks through the door. Miguel goes to walk over and I join him. Maybe somehow I can help him through this. I never truly handled grief "correctly," but I know what it's like to lose someone - especially to cancer.

"Hey, Sensei, I'm sorry about your loss," Miguel says.

"Me too. I'm here if you need anything. My dad... passed away because of cancer," I say. I try to suppress the anxious feeling rising in my chest.

"Thanks and I'm sorry," is all Sensei Lawrence can say. Grief is an awful thing and I feel badly for him.

"So, how was the funeral?" Miguel asks. That's kind of a dumb question; it was a funeral, for god's sake.

"As good as any funeral can be," Sensei says.

"Yeah," Miguel sighs and I nod.

"So, how'd it go around here while I was gone?" Sensei Lawrence asks us.

"Great," I say and he raises his eyebrows, not quite expecting that answer, I guess.

"Sensei Kreese is tough, but he knows what it takes to win," Miguel says. Sensei nods and walks by us to the office.

I walk with Miguel back over to our group. Hawk still is acting weird around me;  I can read him well and I know something is really wrong. I wish he would open up to me. I grab his hand, knowing I'm here. I'm always here. He grips it back after a moment.