Ryan and Emily carries an unconscious Zack into his house. They lay him on the couch and let him rest.
"I called his mom, told her he'll be crashing here for the night." Emily says.
"And what did you tell your parents?" Ryan asks.
"I told them that you dropped me off at Heather's house for some studying, and that it would take all night."
The two chuckle, then Emily notices a mark on Ryan's cheek.
"Looks like Derek left a mark. Where's your peroxide?"
"In the bathroom, down the hall."
Emily goes and grabs the peroxide and a paper towel. They sit in the kitchen as she dabs his cheek. Ryan flinches from pain.
"Relax, ya big baby."
"Ok, if the role's were reverse, you wouldn't be saying that."
Emily and Ryan laugh.
"So, you live here alone?" Emily asks.
"Yeah, uh...my mom, she's really sick, so she has to stay in the hospital. We moved here because of the better hospital and doctors. I visit from time to time, so it's not that bad."
"I'm sorry about your mom."
"Thank you."
"What about your dad?"
"Never met him. He bailed before I was born. All I know about him is his name, but that's only because he sends a check every two weeks."
Emily notices the sad look on Ryan's face and grabs his hand. The two smile at each other, then share a kiss.
"Awwwww, was that the first kiss? Please tell me that was the first kiss." A fully awakened Zack says.
Ryan and Emily awkwardly smile at him.
"And I killed the moment."
"It's cool man. You can take my room, I'll take the couch."
Zack slowly gets up and walks to Ryan's room.
"You can take my mom's room. I moved her bad in there." Ryan tells Emily.
"Actually, I prefer the couch." Emily replies.
Ryan smiles then grabs a blanket. The two snuggle on the couch and under the cover.
The next day, Ryan meets Bill at his dojo. He tells his Sensei what happened last night during his date with Emily.
"So you used everything that I taught you, defended one your friends, and fought off three Cobra's?"
"Yes, Sensei."
Bill stares at his student for a moment. He then reaches into his closet and grabs a black and red karate gi, with a wolf on the back.
"My sensei gave me this when I finished my training for my first tournament. Now, I'm giving it to you."
Ryan is stunned.
"Are you sure?"
"You earned it."
Ryan grabs the gi, and a big smile appears on his face. Bill extends his hand, but the young man hugs him instead.
"Come on, there's someplace we gotta be." Ryan says, excitedly running to the car, confusing his sensei.
The two of them go to the hospital and visits his mom. Ryan shows her his karate gi and tells her everything.
"Congratulations, honey. I am so proud of you."
"Thanks mom. Sensei Bill is an amazing teacher."
"Naw, kids a natural, he'd do great with or without me."
Maria smiles at Ryan out of pride.
"Ryan, could you go get me some water?" Maria asks.
"Sure, be right back."
As Ryan leaves, Maria talks to Bill.
"I know it's been hard for him. The move, being alone at home, the bullies at school. Thank you for being there for him."
"It's my pleasure. If anything, he's helping me."
"I don't have that much time left, so he'll need people like you in his life."
"Come on, you don't know that for sure, things could always change."
"The doctor told me that it could be anyday now. I haven't told Ryan yet, he's been so happy lately and I don't want to ruin that for him."
Tears start to form in her eyes, Bill comforts her.
"I'm so sorry, Maria."
"Promise me, you'll take care of my boy."
Bill stays silent for a moment.
"You have my word, I'll take care of your son."
Maria smiles when she hears this. A few minutes later Bill and Ryan leave the hospital room.
"You alright, sensei?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Just a little tired."
Ryan then looks over and sees a familiar face.
"Holy crap."