Different But Same (Eli "Hawk" Moskowitz)

LXIX. The Thoughts That Keep Us Awake

Eli lay beside Lainey, resting on his back. Freshly bathed and clean.

Lainey had kept a pair of his sweatpants and he was so grateful to be able to slip into something fresh. The pain on his face was visible, even as he slept. He softly murmured in his sleep and turned his back to her.

Lainey's eyes examined him for a few moments. More than that, actually. She looked at his soft skin that had been so easily damaged at the hands of Cobra Kai.

But that's what they did - they always took something so wonderful and stripped it away of all the good parts until it became unrecognisable.

His bruises were only the beginning. He couldn't even let her hug him because he was in so much pain.

Gently, she placed a kiss against his bare shoulder and crept out of the bed.

She pulled the bedsheets over him so far - she didn't want to risk the sheets hurting him so left them waist high.

She looked at the clock on her night stand - 2am. Nobody ever seemed to sleep in this house as of late.

Silently, Lainey crept to her sister's room. She opened the door and closed it behind her.

"Lainey?" her sister spoke softly.

"Yeah, it's me."

"Are you alright?" Sam asked as she placed her phone down onto her nightstand.

Lainey shrugged. "I wanted to give Eli some space in the bed - mind if I join you?"

Sam huffed sarcastically. "Hmm, I suppose."

"Thank you."

Sam pulled the covers away so Lainey could climb in beside her. As she did she sighed.

"I'm really sorry about what happened at the Country Club..." Sam whispered.

"I'm the one who should be sorry, I said some really shitty things that I didn't mean."

"I know you were just upset, Lainey."

"I still shouldn't have said what I said. When Eli's feeling a bit better I want to apologise to him too."

Sam smiled.

"What?"

"I see you're wearing the necklace he gave you."

"Yeah... I found it on the nightstand when he was in the bath. I had to put it back on, didn't I?"

"Of course. I know you love that boy to death." Sam frowned. "I can't believe Cobra Kai did that to him."

"I know... I just want him to be alright."

"He will be, he has us."

"Us?" Lainey repeated with a laugh.

"Y'know - The LaRusso's."

"Sure."

"We will look after him, okay? Even when his mom doesn't."

"Yeah..." Lainey trailed. "I just want to shake that woman and talk to her. I know she's had things rough but she doesn't even seem to care how much Eli is hurting and it destroys me to see him like this."

"He's strong, he'll be okay," Sam reassured her sister.

"I hope so."

"Do me a favour?"

"Yeah?"

"Please try and get some rest."

"I mean, I can try."