||IT TAKES TWO TO TANGLE||

|CAMI

I watched as Jack broke 3 boards in row, impressed. Eddie, Milton, and Jerry were watching too. "Wow, Jack. How do you do that?" Milton asked.

"Comes from inside me," Jack answered. "Comes from my keyah."

"The boys in my family get their keyahs removed. It's tradition," Jerry shared.

"Ok, what do you think a keyah is?" I asked Jerry.

"A keyah is the sound you make you release the power of your inner self," Jack defined. "Come on guys. Free your inner beast!"

"Keyah!" I yelled, strongly.

"Keyah!" Eddie did the same.

"Keyah!" Jerry repeated.

"Keyoo," Milton squeaked.

"Your keyah could use some work," I patted Milton's shoulder.

"Your inner beast sounds like a sick dove," Jack teased as we all snickered.

"G'ah!" Milton groaned, walking to the locker room.

"Oh, are you and Rudy ready for the big student, sensei tournament this week?" Eddie asked.

"Totally," me and Jack spoke in unison. They all looked at me weird.

"What? I watched them practice and they look great!" I defended.

"Anyway, since I'll be competing with Rudy, I've been training my butt off," Jack pointed out. "Dude, our timing in the routine has to be perfect. You know how competitive he is."

"Jack!" Rudy called as he entered the dojo. "I hope you're prepared for our trip to San Fransisco because I know I am. You too Cami."

"Not that I don't want to go, but why am I going?" I asked.

"You're Jack's lucky charm," Rudy shrugged. "He needs all the luck he can get."

"Hey!" Jack intervened in offense.

"I guess I'll pack after practice," I agreed.

"Great! Let's see," Rudy rummaged through his packed box. "I've got my rubber vomit and my deluxe whoopie cushion."

"What makes it deluxe?" Eddie asked. Rudy squished the cushion causing a noise and smell to emit. I gagged, putting my nose under my shirt.

"The smell," Rudy replied.

"Rudy, you're not taking this competition seriously," Jack pointed out. "Don't you wanna win?"

"Come on, let's just go and have fun. Make some memories. Road trip," Rudy sang.

"Alright, see ya guys," Milton sighed as he reentered the main dojo space. "I got a little preanniversary gift for Julie. I made a chocolate rose by hand- what happened to my rose?" Jerry stood up, licking his fingers.

"Oh dude. It looks like someone ate the head off it," Jerry spoke through a mouthful of chocolate.

"My rose. My sweet rose!" Milton exclaimed, breathing heavily. "D'ah! Keyah!" Milton yelled as he flipped Jerry. "You just met my inner beast!"

"Now that's a good keyah," I nodded, impressed.

"Dude, Eddie ate some of your rose too," Jerry groaned. That caused Milton to go chasing after Eddie angrily. Me and Jack grabbed the broken boards, ignoring what just happened.

•••

"Ooh ha hoo! Look at this!" Rudy beamed as we entered our hotel room. "Pretty sweet, huh Jack? And Cami," he quickly added, noticing me struggling to help the employee bring our stuff into the room. "I think you left a bag out in the hall." Once the employee left the room, Rudy slammed the door shut.

"Really Rudy?" I sighed, setting down all the stuff. "Hey. There's only 2 beds. Where are you gonna sleep?" I asked, looking at Rudy.

"On my own bed. You and Jack'll share a bed," Rudy shrugged.

"What?!" me and Jack exclaimed.

"Nuh uh. You're the adult! You can sleep on the floor," I offered. "Or that small couch over there."

"I am your sensei and guardian on this trip, so you and Jack will either share a bed or one of you will sleep on the couch," Rudy stated.

"I call bed!" we both yelled at the same time. "Jinx! Ugh!"

"Fine, let's just make an invisible line on the bed that we can't cross," Jack suggested.

"Fine," I agreed.

"Great, now that that's settled, let's unpack!" Rudy told us, grabbing his bag.

"Ok, we'll unpack, get a good night's sleep, and hit the ground running in the morning. I just need one drawer, you guys can have-"

"-don't need it," Rudy cut Jack off, presenting us with his messy unpacking.

"A satellite dish? Really?" I asked in disbelief.

"What're you doing?" Jack asked as Rudy opened the window, trying to attach the satellite to it.

"These hotel wifi prices are outrageous. That's why I always bring my own satellite dish," Rudy replied. I started unpacking, neatly, into one of the drawers in the dresser.

"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Jack asked.

"I do it all the time," Rudy shrugged.

"Guys! I'm taking the second drawer on the dresser. Whoever needs drawers can use the other ones," I told them as they set up the TV. Unlike most girls, I don't need much stuff to survive. I have a couple of different outfits, two pairs of shoes, my toiletries, and a couple accessories, but that's it. As I was putting my stray ponytails back in my toiletries bag, I heard a crash. I looked over to see an empty windowsill where the satellite used to be. I also noticed that the TV was gone too. Jack was covering his mouth in shock and Rudy looked just as shocked. That's gonna put a dent in the bill.

•••

Me and Jack woke with a start at the sound of wind chimes being thrown across the room. "Rudy!" me and Jack exclaimed, me in anger and him in....I was too tired to figure that out.

"What the heck are you doing?" Jack asked.

"Oh having trouble sleepin' huh?" Rudy asked. "Me too."

"I'll help you go to sleep," I growled, trying to launch myself at Rudy, but Jack caught me.

"See what's on TV?" Rudy asked.

"Look, I don't care what's on T- whoa," Jack cut himself off. "It's Bobby Wasabi and the Big Book Beatdown!"

"Yeah I love this part," Rudy said as Jack switched beds. "This is where he takes out the evil librarians with an almanac."

"No! You're overdue sister!" Rudy and Jack recited together.

"Ugh," I groaned, turning back into my bed to go back to sleep.

"Here we go. Bobby and his partner are about to pull off the greatest karate move of all time," I heard Jack say.

"The Wasabi Whip," the boys spoke together.

"Here it comes," Jack almost whispered. "They run at each other, they lock nunchucks- whoa dude! They're airborne! Ya know, if we did that move in competition, we would-"

"-be dead," Rudy cut off Jack. "That move's practically impossible. Bobby trained for over 10 years and was still only able to do it one time."

"Maybe that's because he became a bloated whale after a while," I murmured sleepily.

"Now, Cami, that's not nice," Jack spoke in a way like he was talking to a toddler, but I was too tired to care.

"Sorry, I'm just tired, so shut up and go to bed," I grumbled, pulling the sheets into me, seeing as Jack wouldn't be needing them.

"Cami's right. It's almost time to get up. We should probably get to bed," Rudy suggested. I heard Jack agree as he shuffled back to our bed. He pulled the sheets off me, causing me to whine.

"Sorry Cami," he whispered, throwing the blanket onto the both of us. "What's that?" I heard Jack ask.

"Well, sometimes I have a hard time falling asleep in hotels. This little machine makes a bunch of different soothing sounds. The calming beaches of Mexico, my favorite," I heard Rudy explain. The waves were relaxing for about 2 seconds before trumpets started playing making me and Jack sit back up.

"Rudy," I growled again, but Jack was already pushing me back. "I swear I'm gonna kill him."

"Shh just go to sleep," Jack cooed.

"I'm gonna kill him."

"Go to sleep," he repeated. I sighed, resting my head on something warm, but comfortable, finally dozing off again.

•••

I woke up to the alarm and trumpets of Mexico. I lifted my head, trying to turn off the alarm when my pillow groaned. I realized that my pillow actually happened to be Jack's chest. I jumped up, startling him. "Cami? What's wrong?" he mumbled in an extremely hot morning voice.

"We violated the line," I whispered back, causing him to bolt up and remove his arms from my waist. I hadn't even noticed they were there, it just seemed so natural. "Um I'm just gonna go get ready."

"Should we wake up
Rudy?" Jack asked.

"Maybe later," I shrugged. "He did stay up til 3:30 or so." I got out from under the covers, walking towards the bathroom.

"Are you wearing boxers?" Jack asked a little confused. I was wearing boxers and a comfortable hoodie as my pajamas, and since Jack's a dude and not a girl,
I don't think he realizes how common it is.

"Yeah. Most girls wear them to sleep," I answered. "They're surprisingly comfortable." I walked into the bathroom, finally getting ready for the day. That's a way to start the morning.

•••

"Trent Darby, checking in to the Penthouse," a guy spoke as he rang the bell. Me, Rudy, and Jack were packing our things for the tournament. Well, their things.

"Trent Darby?" Rudy asked making me tear my attention away from organizing Jack's things. I quickly zipped up the bag, watching the interaction confusedly.

"I don't believe it," the guy, I'm guessing is Trent, gasped. "Little Rudy Gillespie? You got a job here! Good for you!" Trent put some money in Rudy's shirt pocket. "Be careful with our bags."

"No, I don't work here," Rudy laughed, pocketing the money. "So what're you doin' in town?"

"We're on our way to the Grandmaster Championships in Japan and we thought we'd drop in and grab a quick trophy at the sensei, student tournament," Trent answered. "This is Donny. My best student. He's the master of the Marihistiachu discipline."

"See ah!" they grunted as the made a fighting gesture thing.

"Uh well, this is my best student Jack-"

"Ahem," I obnoxiously cut him off.

"My best students," Rudy nervously corrected. "Jack and Cami. And they're also masters of the Marihishimushihesoo he soo? They do that too!"

"See ah!" we copied they're movement.

"Oh, you three are here to compete? Too bad there can only be one student," Trent snickered.

"Jack's doing it. He and Rudy have a better bond. I'd probably kill him if he starts being annoying," I told them.

"Well, you never learn, do you Rudy? This is gonna be great," Trent laughed as he walked away. Donny gave me a civil nod before walking away with his sensei.

"That guy seems like a jerk. It's gonna be great to compete against him, right Rudy?" Jack asked.

"Oh we're not gonna be competing against him," Rudy denied.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because we're checking out! Check out! Check out!" Rudy yelled as he ran up to the lobby lady.

"I am so sorry," I apologized the lady. "Rudy, come on! Let's go! We're not checking out!" I grunted as I pushed him away from the lobby lady.

•••

We were back up in the hotel room. Rudy had packed most of his things up, despite me and Jack's attempts to stop him. "Just because you ran into some jerk from your past, you're gonna quit the tournament, march down to the lobby, and walk out the front door?" Jack asked

"That's just stupid," I huffed, leaning against the headboard of the bed.

"Of course not," Rudy shook his head. "You're gonna zip me in your suitcase and throw me out the window!"

"Ugh. Rudy," I called to him. "You can't run away from the challenge! You've gotta face it! You taught us that."

"You shouldn't listen to me! I just asked you to throw me out the window!" Rudy argued. He's got a point.

"What is it about this guy?" Jack asked.

"Trent Darby stole my life," Rudy began. "My ex-girlfriend, Lenore, was in the audience of the match. I was talking trash to Trent, pointing fingers, when he flipped me over, claiming the win. I faced him again, this time with Lenore in a much less supportive mood. I did some more pointing ending with him flipping me over again, claiming the victory and my girl. We faced each other one last time and as I was talking Trent flipped me again. After beating me, his life took off. Ya know, he got all the confidence, the string of dojos, and the Lenore. And I wound up....where I am."

"There's nothing wrong with where you are. Dude, you're a great sensei and you mean everything to your students," Jack pointed out. "So, you know what? We're gonna stay right here and do the best we can, together."

"You know what, Jack? You're right," Rudy nodded. "Thank you, that is exactly the kind of pep talk that I needed. I already feel better!"

"Good," Jack smiled, turning to walk away. Rudy sat down on his whoopie cushion, releasing a loud fart noise.

"You really need to get rid of that whoopie cushion," I snickered.

"Yes because that was definitely the whoopie cushion," Rudy robotically said.

"And I'm outta here," I hopped off the bed, following Jack to the buffet.

•••

I was watching the boys practice with some popcorn in hand. "Come on Jack! We've been over and over and over this," Rudy sighed, turning off the music.

"What was wrong with that?" I asked. "He was doing fine!"

"Where were his toes?" Rudy asked me.

"On his feet?" I answered in a question. Rudy turned to Jack with a frustrated demeanor.

"Your toes are pointing towards Canada while my toes are pointing towards Memphis," Rudy said.

"Well, how 'bout we compromise and have our toes meet in Cleveland?" Jack suggested causing the custodian to laugh.

"What're you laughin' at? I know we're hideous!" Rudy yelled at the custodian. "Get out!"

"I know you're stressed about beating Trent, but, dude, what happened to the guy who wanted to come and have some fun and make some memories?" Jack asked.

"That guy's dead. And your toes killed him," Rudy quickly responded. "You convinced me that we could compete."

"I'm doin' the best I can," Jack reminded him.

"Well your best isn't good enough!" Rudy snapped. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped. "You're an embarrassment."

"Rudy!" I warned.

"I'm the embarrassment?" Jack repeated. "I'm outta here."

"Fine. Fine! Walk away!" Rudy yelled after him.

"I know you're his sensei, but, you're his friend first," I told Rudy before running after Jack.

•••

Me and Jack walked into the competition space annoyed. We both were a little affected by Rudy. Him more than me. I guess I just reflect his feelings when I don't know what to feel. "Jack!" Rudy beamed. "I'm so glad you're here!"

"I'm not a quitter. If I start something, I finish it," Jack told him.

"And we saw you practically begging anyone to be your partner in the tournament, so," I trailed off.

"Look, I said something that I never should've said," Rudy sighed. "You're not the embarrassment. I'm the embarrassment."

"Rudy, even though you turn into a flaming nutcase, I know you're always gonna be there for me. For us," Jack gestured between me and himself. "And we're always gonna be there for you."

"Thanks Jack," Rudy smiled, giving Jack a bro hug.

"I will never understand why guys like to 'bro hug' so much, but they hate normal hugging," I teased.

"And I will never understand why girls prefer boxers than normal pants," Jack countered.

"Well played," I gave in. "Good luck in the tournament boys."

"Thanks," Jack thanked. "Ya know, if we get a perfect score, we can still win! We've just gotta do something they've never seen before."

"Are you thinkin' what I'm thinkin'?" Rudy asked.

"The Wasabi Whip," Jack answered.

"Oh. I was thinkin' man tassels, but the Wasabi Whip's good," Rudy nodded. "Do you really think we can do it?"

"Rudy, we've seen that movie a hundred times-"

"-which is why I don't know why you guys would waste time watching it at 3 in the morning," I cut in.

"We've seen that movie a hundred times," Jack continued, ignoring me. "When you and I work together," he pointed at Rudy, "nothing's impossible. And what the heck is a man tassel?"

"If Rudy thought of it, do you really wanna know?" I challenged.

•••

I was searching around for the bathroom. Jack, Rudy, and I have been waiting for a good half hour or so for them to perform. Unfortunately I had the strong urge to use the restroom. I hope they don't start without me. It took me a good 15 minutes to find the bathroom, even with the help of some employees. This facility is huge. After using the bathroom, I hurried back to the competition area to see Jack and Rudy cheering. "Did you guys win?!" I asked excitedly, hugging Jack.

"No we did not!" Rudy answered happily.

"Then why are we cheering?" I asked, also happily.

"Because we got the lowest score in history!" Jack beamed.

"Uhhh ok. Sure! Yay! Good job!" I cheered them on, laughing at their weirdness.

"Looks like you're not Jack's luck charm, after all," Rudy laughed.

"I still might be. I had to go to the bathroom, so I may or may not have missed your performance," I nervously laughed.

"What?!" both boys exclaimed.

"Sorry?" I asked, laughing a little. Maybe I am Jack's lucky charm.

•••

"Our bill is 4 thousand dollars?" Jack asked, baffled.

"Room service 1500 dollars, 1000 dollars for a new TV, 1400 for volleyball net removal, no this seems about right," Rudy read.

"Hey! Looks like you cut down on some!" I cheered. "Milton just texted me. He'll be here in a sec."

"Oh hey guys," Milton waved as he entered the lobby.

"Milton?" Jack asked. "Dude, what're you doing here?"

"I've been to an away tournament with Rudy before. I know how expensive things can get," Milton answered. "Let me see. Oh this is a cheap one."

"See? Told ya," I told Jack cockily. Milton took out some money and started counting before pausing.

"You know what? Just keep the change," Milton told the lobby lady.

"Ok, I knew you knew the price, but how in the world did you get rich?" I gaped.

"Long story. I can tell you on the way home. I have a helicopter waiting," Milton replied.

"Holla," me, Jack, and Rudy quietly cheered as we left the hotel towards the helicopter.