Fairytale • Robby Keene

twelve

The morning sun stretched its golden rays across the sky, painting the dark expanse into a brilliant blue. The clouds, soft and white, drifted lazily across the heavens like sleepy travelers on a peaceful journey. The world seemed to be waking up slowly, the quiet of the early hours giving way to the promise of a new day.

In the backyard of Miyagi-Do, the calm of the morning was broken by the sound of feet shuffling across the ground. Odette and Robby were sparring together, their movements fluid but purposeful. They flowed around each other, trading blows and dodging in a dance of discipline.

Odette's fist connected with Robby's ribs and he let out a grunt before smirking at her, clearly impressed.

"Remember, keep moving in a circle." Odette reminded him.

"You know, I did make it to the All Valley finals." Robby teased, his grin widening, not backing down.

"That's because you didn't have to get through me." She shot back, keeping the mood light as she dodged his next punch.

Robby chuckled, impressed by her confidence, but then his expression shifted as a seriousness took over. "Listen, I wanna thank you."

"For what?"

"I know it was you that told Mr. LaRusso about my situation."

"I'm sorry." Odette blurted out quickly, guilt bubbling up. "I-"

"No, don't be sorry." Robby interjected, shaking his head with a reassuring smile. "Last week, I had no hot water and was eating cereal with water for dinner. This week, I have a Jacuzzi in my backyard and having a real dinner with the LaRusso's."

Odette smiled warmly. "I'm really happy for you."

"Yeah. I overheard Mrs. LaRusso mention my Dad, and I really hope they don't make me go with him until my mum comes back." He admitted softly, sounding more vulnerable.

"Well, at least you're not eating cereal with water for dinner." She pointed out. Her playful tone was meant to ease his tension, and it worked—Robby gave a small chuckle in response.

"That's true." He agreed with a grin. He took a deep breath. "Seriously, though. Thank you. It's been a little rough lately and it's nice to have people look out for you. I'm really grateful to have you in my life."

Her heart skipped a beat at his words.

Odette shrugged, trying to keep things casual, but her smile was genuine. "That's what friends are for."

"Not all friends." Robby said with a small grin, his gaze softened.

For a moment, they both stood there in comfortable silence.

His words hung in the air between them like an invitation, unspoken and yet full of meaning. Their eyes locked, and the world seemed to fade away for a second. Staring had become one of their ways of communicating, a quiet exchange of emotions that neither of them had yet fully put into words.