Cold Hearted ⭒ Cobra Kai

6.2.0

"This dream isn't feeling sweet, we're reeling through the midnight streets, and I've never felt more alone, feels so scary getting old."

~Ribs by Lorde~

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Well, fuck, so I'm dumb.

The last chapter was posted on the 4th year anniversary of the first published chapter of this book - isn't that CRAZY?

So happy 4 years of Zion Athena Ambrose and Cold Hearted!

Warnings: abuse, addiction, anxiety, homophobia, depression, domestic violence, grief, gun violence, language, panic attacks, sexual harassment/assault, violence, weapons, and other mature themes

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Zion's POV

"'Not all of us have to learn how to walk twice in one lifetime, but we do all have to learn to pick ourselves back up when we're down and stand firmly on our own two feet. In the end, I learned that first steps are harder the second time around. I hope my next step brings me to Stanford University.'"

"I'm so proud," Carmen gasps when Miguel is done reading his college admissions essay to all of us. "I'm gonna cry!"

"This is brilliant," Yaya tells him in Spanish. "It's the greatest story since Don Juan DeMarco. Oh, now I'm crying, too."

"Go more for the jugular at the end," Johnny advises Miguel before Robby and I can say anything. "They'll be begging you to go there."

"Okay," Miguel nods.

"It was really good," I tell Miguel. "I think it's really brave of you to write about such a vulnerable topic."

"Well, if it gets him in," Johnny smiles knowingly. I nod; that's not really what I meant.

"What do you think?" Miguel turns to Robby.

"It's great," Robby nods, "even though I'm kind of the bad guy in it." I see Carmen turn to Robby with a frown.

Miguel panics, "Uh, I-I'll change your name-"

Robby grins, "No, dude, I'm kidding. It's not like I'm applying to Stanford. Or anywhere, really."

"Come on, Robby. You have great futures ahead of you, both of you," Johnny tries to be supportive. 

I place my hand on Robby's shoulder in support from behind. Johnny can say that all he wants, but we both know he's only been hands-on with Miguel for this application process. He won't help Robby create a "great future." It really sucks.

"When we win the Sekai Taikai," Johnny continues to bring up the competition, "doors will be flying open for all of us."

Suddenly, Yaya collapses in crying over Miguel's shoulders. I smile as Miguel tries to shrug her off gently.

"Yaya, it's okay, it's okay," Miguel assures her.

"Hey, hey, easy with the waterworks," Johnny looks down at Miguel's laptop as water drips on the keyboard.

Yaya steps back, but the water continues to drip?

Then I look up and see a water stain on the ceiling. Then the water starts to drip more and the ceiling caves in. I pull Robby back and out of his seat quickly as Carmen begins to scream.

"Z, grab the bowls!" Miguel shoves me toward the kitchen.

"It's a sewage pipe!" I hear Johnny yell behind me.