𝙅𝙐𝙉𝙀 2018, eli moskowitz/hawk

05

𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 / ❛ into hawk ❜

[ episode seven, all valley ]

Marlee sat cross-legged on the plush outdoor couch in her backyard, the warm evening sun casting a soft glow across her as she focused on the canvas in front of her. Her paintbrush danced across the surface, blending deep oranges and purples into a picture of the sunset, the colors flowing together like a dream. She hadn't realized how much she missed painting until now—how therapeutic it felt. It was one of those moments when everything in her life felt still, and for the first time in a while, she felt... at peace.

Ever since joining Cobra Kai, something had shifted inside her. She couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was, maybe it was the strength she felt every time she sparred, or the confidence it was giving her. Maybe it was the people around her—Miguel, Aisha, Jace, all of them pushing her in their own ways. But above all, it was the way it felt to be alive again. The same spark she used to have before life knocked her down.

Her mind drifted, like it often did, back to Hawk. She hadn't seen him much outside of class, but every time she did, it was impossible not to notice the change. He was more himself now, or at least a version of himself that didn't shrink from everyone's judgment. The new confidence, the way he held himself—it was almost like he'd become the person he was meant to be all along. He didn't look like the quiet, awkward kid she once knew. Instead, he seemed almost.. untouchable. And the way he carried himself now, she couldn't help but admire it.

But there was more to it than that. A part of her wasn't sure if the connection between them was just that—admiration—or something deeper. Something she wasn't sure she was ready to explore.

Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone buzzed beside her on the table. She picked it up, unlocking it to see a text from Hawk:

Hawk: "What's up? Can I come over?"

Marlee blinked, her pulse quickening slightly. She hadn't expected him to text her like this. Part of her wanted to say no, to keep things casual, but another part of her, the part that hadn't felt alive in so long, wanted to see him.

Marlee: "Sure, I'm outside. Just go through the back gate."

She set her phone down and returned her focus to her painting, trying to act like it wasn't a big deal, even though her heart was racing. Maybe she was being impulsive, but she was tired of overthinking everything. Besides, it would be nice to have company.

A few minutes later, she heard the familiar sound of footsteps approaching, the crunch of gravel underfoot. Marlee glanced up to see Hawk approaching, a confident grin on his face as he made his way toward her.

"Hey MB," he said, his eyes scanning her artwork. "I see you've been busy."

Marlee raised an eyebrow, trying to play it cool. "That's one word for it."

Hawk nodded, sitting down next to her on the couch without hesitation. "You've been getting good at this."

"Thanks," she muttered, feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze. She didn't expect him to notice her work so closely.

"Yeah," Hawk said, leaning back with his arms behind his head, "I can see why you like it out here. It's nice."

Marlee smiled faintly, glancing at him. "Yeah, it's where I spend most of my time when I'm not in class or.. doing other stuff."