A Pause

For Her

Tory's first thought when she woke up was shit. 

The rest of that night had turned out not to be in her favor. She had ended up crying again, once they had their clothes back on. She gave in to Robby. Letting him have his way. She turned over, unaware of Robby's arms around her. She was deep in thought.

Would he let it rest, now that he had all the information? Would this be it? Did he forgive her for ever leaving? Although, she had to admit... that was the best sleep she's had in a while. Before things changed, anyway.

Would she give this up because of what her sensei's say? No. She couldn't. Did she have it in her to disobey them? With her energy, no. She had other things to worry about than pleasing her sensei's. 

Robby's movement brought her out of her reverie. She turned to face him. He looked so peaceful, his hair falling into his eyes. She reached out automatically to move it. His eyes fluttered open.

" Tory." He said, his voice raspy from sleep.

" Sorry, did I wake you? Go back to sleep." She said, pulling her hand back, but he took it in his.

" What time is it?" He asked, slightly disoriented. 

" Just about 5." Best sleep she's had in a while. "Why?" She asked. 

He shook his head. " Just wanted to know. It's morning then?"

" Yeah..." She stared into his eyes and reached for his hair again. " You're so handsome." She said, smirking.

" You're so pretty." He replied, closing his eyes and pulling her closer. " Just give me five minutes." He said, before she could protest. She consented and leaned into him, taking in his scent. Only moments later he was passed out. She sighed and started to stroke his hair. She started humming a song her mom used to love.

" Mommy... what song is that?"  Tory had asked all those years ago.

" My mom would sing it to me when I was little." She had explained.

" Can you sing it to me Mommy?" 

" Of course my little sweet pea." Then she started singing.

Tears were streaming down Tory's eyes. Can you sing it to me Mommy? If she could go back she would make her sing it a million times. The voice had always calmed her down. That song brought back memories she didn't want to think about. 

" Tory?" His shirt was now wet.

" No, I- sorry... I didn't mean to-"

" Hey, it's ok." He said, pulling the both of them up.

" Life's not fair, Robby." She whispered. 

" You have me. I won't leave you again. I'll do my best to keep my word." He said, holding her tight. 

" Thank you." She wiped her tears and moved his arms off her. She moved to the edge of the bed and sat there for a second before getting up. " I need to get ready for training." She said quietly.

" And I should probably get going. Don't want the boys getting worried." He joked.

" Yeah, they miss your big ego." She said,smiling.

" What can I say? I'm that awesome." 

"  Get out of here you big oaf." She said, shoving him out the door, trying to contain a smile.

" Whatever pleases you." He bowed at her, and she rolled her eyes. Closing the door, she headed to change.

------------------------------------------------------------

" Someone looks happy." Miguel commented over breakfast.

" Shut up." Robby said, quietly. In truth, he was grinning ear to ear. He couldn't stop thinking about Tory, and how she finally let him in. 

" Mr. Sunshine, mind passing the maple syrup?" Sam asked. He ignored her comment and gave her the syrup. 

" Save me more than half the bottle!" Hawk said. 

" Sorry I love syrup." Sam replied, her voice filled with sarcasm.

" So, care to share what's making you euphoric?" Miguel asked Robby, while picking at his eggs. 

" Nothing. Tory and I just are in a better place now." He said, diverting his glaze from Miguel. 

" How so?" 

" Eat your pancakes Sam." He said. She laughed and took another bite. 

" Do you mind giving details?" Miguel was attempting not to laugh, but smiled slightly. 

" You eat too." 

Miguel joined Sam in laughter. 

" So will you continue the tournament?" 

Robby was silent.

" Really?" Miguel seemed pissed. " You guys made up."

" More like made out." Demetri said, quietly. 

Miguel ignored him and continued, " What else is keeping you from continuing?" 

" I just..."

" Just what?" 

" I don't know! Ok Miguel?! Just let me think this over." He said, playing with his food. Miguel shook his head but kept quiet. 

" Robby..." Sam started, but never finished. The table was silent, as everyone watched their little interaction. 

Devon and Sam were silently talking, while Miguel glared at Robby. Demetri and Hawk seemed to side with Miguel, and just stared at their plates. Kenny was the only one not upset with Robby. 

" Ok, think of it this way. Why did you want to enter the tournament to begin with?" He asked Robby.

"I... because this was one of the last times I would be able to do karate. Competitively anyway." 

" Great, and why should you stick with it?" Kenny asked. Robby was silent. " Robby, you should do this for you. If you win, that would be quite an achievement. But if you aren't going to do it for you, do it for us. Your team. Or your dad and Mr. Larusso. Teaching us, helping us get here." 

Robby stayed still, playing with his eggs. 

" Ok, if you won't do it for them, do it for Tory." Robby looked up. Everyone looked at him, their breaths held. 

" Ok, fine. I will. " He said after a few moments of silence. " For her."