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Summary:

After Zara kisses Robby and he leaves her in the hall, retreating woodenly into his room, Tory can't just let him go.

Notes:

(See the end of the work for notes and other works inspired by this one.)

Work Text:

"I... barely remember what happened last night."

"Well, it's a good thing I do."

She kisses him then, and Robby doesn't know what happened but he knows he doesn't like this. He knows his head hurts and his stomach feels at once curdled and empty and there's a strange sort of sore ache inside him that he doesn't have a reason for. He walks slow, barely bending his knees, as he turns around and heads back to his room. Away from Zara. Without saying anything, because what else is there to say? He... obviously did something, or- didn't stop something, that made her think they had a connection last night. But he doesn't want that, doesn't accept it- and his stomach heaves as he's fumbling with his key card for his door, hands sweaty and trembling and then

"Here," her voice is rough and quiet and her eyes are big as she's suddenly putting her hand over his. Not too fast, but he still jerks. And then he relaxes as he completely registers who it is.

"Tory," he breathes, and she nods. A sharp jerk of the chin, and he notes that her hair is tied back, that she must have been training. She's in the black gi, she's Cobra Kai, but she's here, here with him.

"Let me help," she says, still softly, still looking at him. And he swallows, licks his lips, nods.

"...thanks." he hands her the card and she slides it until it beeps and holds the door open for him, still watching intently. "Did you - see me with her? Zara?" Robby's voice nearly cracks. He hates that it sounds so rough, that he doesn't know what happened, he doesn't remember, but he needs to apologize. Even as Tory simply nods and sighs, her shoulders dropping a little.

"Just now? Yeah." There's a fire in her eyes, her fist grips onto her bag. And Robby flinches, automatically preparing for an onslaught - he'd deserve it, for whatever he did, even if he hasn't remembered, the fact she had seen Zara kissing him, the fact he hadn't stood up and stopped it, just like he hadn't stood up for her back at Miyagi Do-

"I'm- sorry," his eyes are big, his voice actually cracks. He shakes his head, helpless. He knows he was a bad boy for awhile, but he never thought he'd be as bad as this. "I'm sorry for doing that, for being with her- I don't know what-"

But Tory is shaking her head, reaching out. "Robby, no. You don't need to apologize," she snaps, but stops and drops her chin, working to steady her voice and breathing because she seriously wants to punch a wall. Or charge back down the hallway to beat the hell out of that bitch. "She- it's her fault, you didn't initiate that. She assaulted you. It isn't- okay." Her voice drops as she emphasizes the words, almost wobbling as she tilts her head, eyes staying locked on his face. She's pissed and concerned and worried, he can see all of that, and it makes him want to cry.

Or maybe puke.

Or puke and THEN cry. He feels himself shaking, suddenly, and Tory is beckoning to him, saying "c'mon," and then she holds out a hand. "I'm not gonna touch you unless you ask, but just - at least sit down, okay?" Even though she isn't one to beg, he can tell she's pleading, her eyes are bigger and her round face is so pale with that worry, that concern. She moves towards the bed, patting at the end of it. "I'll get you some water and- maybe something to eat." She whips her head around, taking stock of the space, and Robby swallows. He nearly stumbles and falls. Or at least feels as if he could as he goes to the bed and drops onto the end of it.

Tory paces around the room, but looks back at him with a nod and the smallest upturn of lips in a smile as he sits. "Okay, good. Water," she's going for those complimentary plastic cups that sit next to the random coffee pot/maker that's always in hotel rooms that are decent, that and sugar and the little tiny creamer but there's never any coffee to make. What's up with that? Robby wonders, and then shakes his head, dropping it as he laces his fingers together and squeezes hands between his knees. They're bent and bouncing, and he still feels that distant sort of ache that isn't quite pain. He looks around the room and wishes he hadn't as a wave of nausea-coated pain washes across him, spiderwebbing over his forehead, throbbing at his temples and under his eyes. He feels an ache in his neck and rubs at it before a cup in a hand enters his line of sight.

"Here," Tory says, offering the cup, and then she stands there once he takes it with a nod.

"Thanks," he says to her. Again, and the word is thick on his tongue and in his throat. His eyes burn and his vision blurs with tears as he nearly whimpers "Tory -"

"Hey," she says in that way she does that's rough but meant gently "Just drink your water, okay?"

Robby nods, swallowing and then, prior to taking a sip, knowing he shouldn't ask this, he doesn't have the right - but "...will you stay? Please," he still doesn't know what's going on, except he's definitely hungover, and SOMETHING happened with Zara that he doesn't remember, and honestly doesn't really want to remember. But if Tory is here and willing to stay, that would - be great.

Even if he doesn't deserve it.

Tory looks at him, so pale and- almost helpless. He seems more defeated than he's ever looked on the mat, even as he's been having a hard time here. Of course, she wants to tell him. Don't be stupid, you know I'll stay! But he clearly doesn't know, and along with that, he's looking at her desperately, like...he doesn't want to be alone.

So she sits beside him. Not too close, she doesn't want to spook him- she'd seen him jerk when she got close to him by the door, and she gets it. In a deep and furious way, she gets it. She knows the responses because she's had them. But she also didn't have anyone to confide in.

So she will be here, and stay here, for him. Eyes on Robby and voice staying soft, nonetheless Tory is firm. She leans a little closer, though still isn't touching him- she won't break that barrier until he chooses to break it himself. But she also will not leave. He should know that.

She needs him to know that. And so with a soft, slight smile, Tory says

"Don't worry, Robby. I'm not going anywhere."

Notes:

Everyone deserves to be respected, protected, and taken care of

I swear that look on Tory's face was protective and worried for Robby because she has some experiences

Intoxication equals non consent!!!

I felt like I needed to shine a light because this stuff happens. More often, I think, than many people realize

Comments, kudos, and bookmarks are appreciated<3

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