Picking Up The Pieces (Robby X Miguel)

Chapter 2

It's been a few weeks, but Robby and Ollie were moving in. Ollie had the room next to Kamila. He brought in a lot of things. His soccer equipment, posters, clothes, electronics (of course), and movie collection.

Robby just brought basic things. He usually wasn't home, so he didn't own a lot of personal things.

Miguel came downstairs looking considerably better, but he still looked stressed. Actually stressed was an understatement.

"Hey, Robby I ordered some take-out. I got pizza for Carmelo and Ollie."

"Yes," Ollie said in triumph to himself.

"Nachos for the girls and burgers for us. Come on." Miguel lead them to his kitchen. The house was pretty big. It was his dream house. When Miguel was at the beginning of his karate career he and Kamaria lived in a small apartment. He promised her and himself they'd live in a nice place big enough for his family.

Now the house and everything in it was a reminder she was gone.

"So Miguel you thought about talking to someone?" Robby eased into the conversation.

"Yeah, I have... I'm fine." Miguel didn't look up from his fries. "Let's talk about something else. How's dad?"

Robby had no idea why Miguel would ask him that. If anything Miguel talked to Johnny more than anyone. Robby assumed Miguel just wanted to take his mind off his pain.

"Pretty good. He said your mom and Mr LaRusso is forcing him to- and these are his words, 'eat like a damn Koala'."

Miguel laughed, "I'm just lucky sensei is still alive what with all those burgers he eats."

"Pot kettle, Miguel," Robby smirked poking at the giant burger in Miguel's hands.

"Hey, I try my best to keep it in moderation."

Robby grinned it was good to see Miguel in better spirits. "I gotta go take Carmelo to get dancing things. Ollie can babysit, come with me I'm driving." the question seemed innocent enough, but for some reason, Miguel started a storm of tears.

"Shit I didn't mean to upset you. I'll take him myself."

"N-no it's not y-you." he could barely get the words out over his tears. "Kiki sh-she hated driving. Only drove when she needed to. Called cars death traps on wheels." he chuckled bitterly.

"Wait I thought she died from a car accident." Robby immediately felt bad, because Miguel somehow looked worse.

"She was just going out for a walk and there was a drunk driving accident. Th-the side rearview mirror broke off and hit her. The doctors said she died instantly." Miguel shuddered. "At least she didn't suffer. I don't want to get in a car right now," he whispered.

Robby patted Miguel's shoulder. "You stay here. I'll go take Carmelo alone."

Miguel gently put his hand on top of Robby's. "You are a saint." Miguel smiled. Robby could still see the pain in Miguel's eyes.

***

Robby took Carmelo to the store. He felt I was smart of Carmelo to go with dancing as a hobby rather than Karate.

He was still traumatized from all the mind games he went through. He guesses Miguel recalls different memories. Why else would he run a dojo?"

"So Carmelo are you ready to go?" Carmelo had a cart filled with dancing equipment Robby didn't understand.

"No, I don't have the shoes. I need flight lights and they're not here." He said nearly out of breath. Just like his father, he overreacted a lot.

"Well, we can just get different shoes," Robby suggested. That only seemed to piss Carmelo off more.

"No, I need flight lights. They're perfect for my feet and not so obnoxious the judges will be distracted. I need them now!" Carmelo yelled. He pushed his cart to the ground and ran to the car.

Fuck this wasn't good.

Robby followed the boy and tried to open the door but they were locked. He wasn't doing anything big. He just rested his head on the car door and turned up the music.

When all else failed Robby called Miguel. He knew Miguel didn't want to get in a car, but he needed help.

**
Miguel pulled up in the car with the girls and Ollie. He had a shopping bag with FL on it in his hand as he went to the car. He tapped on the window and pulled out these nice new black shoes.

Carmelo quickly opened the door and hugged his father. Miguel picked the boy up and smiled. "Hey, kids. Let's go somewhere fun like an arcade." Miguel offered. Of course, the kids agreed. He didn't even seem sure about taking them. It seemed just leaving the house was a lot for him.

**
Robby and Miguel both shared a drink while the kids were playing. Unfortunately, they were both non-alcoholic drinks. One of them needed to drive anyways.

"So how is it to leave the house?" Robby took a swig of the soda.

"You know... I keep expecting her to check in on me. Ask me if I got here safe, but that text isn't coming." Miguel looked like he was going to lock himself up in the nearest dark closet and never leave.

Robby was trying to think of something to say. "Look at your kids. You've been so great to them. Try to keep it together. They need you." Robby put his arm on Miguel's shoulder. The two men locked eyes just looking at each other in complete silence.

"Robby?"

"What Miguel?"

"Marry me."

Robby froze for a moment before laughing, "That's too much gratitude. Trust me you'd divorce me in 6 months."

Miguel laughed, "I think it'd be three but you're entitled to your opinion."

Robby rolled his eyes at Miguel. He's gotten Miguel to shower, drive, and get out of his house. It felt good to help this family heal.

"Robby- you're free to say no, but can you sleep in my bed? Nothing weird I just don't feel comfortable sleeping alone." Miguel played with his drink. He couldn't bring himself to look at Robby.

"Sure you dork." Robby honestly missed being cuddled. He couldn't remember the last time he truly embraced someone besides Ollie.

He looked at Miguel. The way he perked up with those cute brow eyes made Robby just wanna- Robby wasn't sure what he wanted to do, but he wanted to do something.