Can't Have Both

The Talk in The Park

Tory struck first. She went to punch Robby but he stopped it. He wasn't going to strike on Tory. He wouldn't do that to her in her position. 

He kept deflecting the hits.

" Tory, this isn't you." He said, trying to take her down.

" How would you know?" She asked. 

How would he know? Because he loved her. 

" Tory STOP." He said. She didn't. She kept swinging. Robby wasn't trying to hurt her but she was going to hurt him and he had to do something.

She swung for his stomach and he barely was able to block.

" No." she said. " Stay the hell away from me Keene." 

" Why should I Tory?" He asked as he got kicked in the face. He was stunned for a second but then was back on top of it before she aimed for his face again. He pushed down her foot and waited for the next punch. 

" Because I can take care of myself. I know what you're trying to do. All.." She punched. " You." She kicked. " Miyagi Do's " She went to sweep his leg but he was stable, " Want. " She tried to provoke him but he wouldn't strike. " Is for me to come back so you can win! Ever consider what I want?" She asked.

That put him in a trance. Tory's probably had the worst life out of all their friends. All the things she did was because of her tough time at home. And now that her mom had died...

Tory got him. She knew it. 

He wasn't paying attention and she swept his leg. He fell and she landed on top of him and was about to punch him. 

Then they made eye contact. 

She stared down at him. And he looked at her. 

Her eyes had fear and sadness in them. His had worry and what was that? Love?

She was trying her hardest to not. She couldn't be in love at a time like this.

Staring at Robby, Tory couldn't. She loved this boy. She couldn't hurt him. Even though she was upset she couldn't take it out on Robby. Robby who had been there for her before. Robby who helped her out when times were tough. She didn't want him to leave her too like everyone else did. She broke down. Full on meltdown. 

She started sobbing. She got off Robby and turned away. 

" Tory..." Robby said. He grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. She started bawling. She cried into his shoulder as she stroked her hair. He just stood there letting her cry. Finally she stopped.

" Hey. It's ok. Alright?" He said. She just looked at him. He was there. This was real. She stared at him. She had missed him. She couldn't imagine life without him. He was the only good thing left in her world. She was looking and then she leaned in and kissed him.

She grabbed him and he pulled her closer. Tears were still streaming down her face, but she had Robby. She felt safe with him. She went all in. After a moment they pulled away for air.

" I'm sorry Robby." She said. " I didn't want to push you away. 

" It's ok. What matters is your here. Do you remember the promise?" He asked.

She nodded. She could remember it like it was yesterday. That promise had been bugging her for days. Ever since she saw him it was all she could think. With the Sekei Tekai being 2 days away it was one of the things she kept remembering. She took a deep breath and put her head on his shoulder. He held her. Taking in the moment. He had her. Finally. After all this he had her. Or so he thought.

" No." Tory said looking up. " Robby, I can't be with you." She said looking away. Robby looked hurt. 

" Why?" Was all he asked. She shook her head.

" I can't. My sensei's would probably get upset or something could happen and ..." She wanted to say he might get hurt if they were together, but trailed off because Robby grabbed her and pulled her close. 

'' Tory, no matter how many times you push me away or tell me to back off, I'll be running back." He said. She just shook her head. 

" Hey, Tory... I love you." He said. She looked at him. She took it in. Even after all this he still loved her.

" I love you too." Was all she said. They stared at each other.

" Promise to keep this Karate war out of our personal life?" He asked. Hoping she agreed.

She nodded. " Yes." She said. She knew this was wrong. She knew he wouldn't be safe if he was with her. Or she wouldn't be safe with him. There would be a consequence for their actions. But right now she just wanted to be with Robby. She felt so much better. Even though her mom was gone, knowing she had Robby made her feel even better. 

They said bye awkwardly and Tory started to make her way to the hotel but stopped. Someone was following her. She turned. No one. She looked again. No one. She made her way to the car and looked. Someone had come and messed with the car. The seat was open. But she had the keys? She reached for her pocket. Then she heard the keys. 

She turned and saw Kwon playing with the keys. 

" Tory." Kwon said. Next to him was Sensei Kreese. 

" Ms. Nichols. If I see you go near any of the Miyagi Do's or Mr. Robby Keene, you'll be paying major consequences. " Kreese said. " Both of you."