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Chapter Text

Daniel’s POV

Chozen has been staying with us ever Terry took over after the tournament and it’s fair to say Amanda has been less than pleased about it. “This is not okay, Daniel. It is crazy enough that you flew him out here but you didn’t say he’d be living with us. You definitely didn’t say anything about him being a nudist.” I sighed. “He’s not a nudist, he’s just a man of routine. Back in Okinawa, he’d start every morning bathing in his local hot spring.” She shrugged. 

“So let’s get him a membership to the YMCA. There are places he can be naked that aren’t our backyard. I can’t believe this is happening.” I sighed again. “It won’t happen again. I-“ “I’m not talking about the pool. Im talking about all of this. You said the All Valley was the end of it. Sam and Tory had their match. Nobody got hurt. Kreese even went to jail. It’s a karate miracle! This should be over.” She cut me off before ranting. I nodded in agreement to not further anger her more. 

“I know, but with Terry Sliver in charge and Cobra Kai expanding, they’re more of a threat than ever. If I don’t do something it’s only a matter of time before he’s brainwashed all the kids in the Valley.” She sighed rubbing her forehead to calm herself. “I’m not worried about all the kids in the Valley. I’m worried about our kids.” I sighed and nodded with a slight smile. “I promise you, Amanda, I will not put our kids in danger.” “How can you keep that promise, Daniel?” She asked with a still not impressed expression. 

“Because of Chozen. That’s why he’s here.” I explained, hoping it was put her mind to rest a little. “It’s summer, Daniel. Call me crazy, but I thought we’d be having Mai Tais by the pool, not watching your Okinawan assassin use it as his training ground.” She walked away with a sigh and I didn’t bother her any further. 

I knew things weren’t great and they hadn’t been since the All Valley. Does she really think the first thing I want thing I want to do today is go and have to tell my students that I’m closing our dojo, cause I’m not looking forward to it, I won’t lie. I could already see the look on everyone’s face and the disappointment they’d have. 

*********

My breath shook a little as I stood in front of my class but this was something I had to do but something I definitely didn’t want to do. “You know, we had one goal going into the All Valley. Beat Cobra Kai. We walked away with a first place trophy thanks to Eli.” Everyone took a moment to clap at that and I could already see Sam’s expression I as I continued to talk. “As far as the rest of the tournament, well, it just didn’t go our way. We said we’d close our dojo if we lost. 

And….”

I took a deep breath, feeling a terrible upset gut feeling. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do.” I could get out before letting out a breath. “As of today,  I am shutting down Miyagi-Do Karate.” Sam shook her head and furrowed her eyebrows. “What?” Eli looked at her and nodded. “Wait, Mr. LaRusso-“ “I know that’s not what you were hoping to hear, but with everything going on at Cobra Kai, continuing to operate Miyagi-Do only leaves a target on your backs.” I sighed, cutting him off before continuing. 

“Guys, I have to keep you safe, okay? Just remember what you’ve learned. This dojo may be closing, but Miyagi-Do lives inside each and every one of you still.” I sighed as they looked down before Demetri spoke. “Great. Guess I’m getting a summer job.” They agreed silently with each other as they all walked away as Sam came up to me with a worried expression. 

“Dad, this can’t be your plan.” “I know you’re disappointed.” She shook her head. “I just want to make things right. This wouldn’t be happening if I hadn’t lost to Tory at the tournament. This is all my fault.” No, I wasn’t going to allow my little girl to take the blame for this. It was not her fault at all. “No, Sam. It’s mine.” I told her sternly. “With Johnny gone, it’s on me to fix this.” I sighed. 

Johnny had left to go track Miguel with Robby in Mexico and hopefully bring him home so he had bigger problems, too big to help me right now. It’s why I called Chozen, I still needed someone’s help. “I reached out to Chozen because this isn’t about a tournament anymore. This is real life.” 

“But, Dad, I can fight.” She try to reason. “This isn’t your fight, Sam. I know firsthand that Sliver isn’t afraid of putting kids in harm’s way. I have to keep all of you out of it. So, please, just…. Just trust me on this.” I sighed as she walked away without an another word or even a nod. 

********

I shut off the TV and turned to Chozen after we had just watched the speech Terry gave after winning the All Valley. “This is what we’re up against. Terry Sliver. This is how everyone see him. As some kind of philanthropist out to save the kids of the Valley. That’s why you’re here. I tried to stop Cobra Kai on my own. Nothing’s worked. There’s only one way to end this. We have to cut the head of the snake.” Chozen nodded. 

“Hai, Daniel-san. I can do that.” I nodded in agreement before he picked up weapons and nodded. I held my hands out, shaking my head. “Hey, whoa. No. No, no. I didn’t mean literally cut his head off.” “They are not for cutting. They are for blocking, and stabbing, and clawing, and gouging.” I nodded in agreement just to get him to shush and put them away. 

“Ok, still, pleas put ‘em away before Amanda sees them.” He agreed and put them back into the bag he pulled them from. “What I meant was we need to expose Silver for who he really is. Then his students will see the light. The problem is Silver may be crazy, but he’s not dumb. He always thinks two moves ahead. You have be careful with this guy.” “No, Daniel-san. He must be careful with this guy.” Chozen gestured to himself as he looked at Terry Silver on the screen. 

*******

We sat in my car at Cobra Kai new and bigger location, I shook my head. “Look at that line. You’d think he’s giving away Teslas or something. Picked a good location too. Lots of foot traffic. This is what I was afraid of. Cobra Kai’s enlisting kids who have no idea what they’re getting into.” “Daniel-san, look.” Chozen nodded towards Terry in the dojo’s main room I guess training with students, well if you call beating them up training. He muttered something in Japanese which I didn’t quite hear. 

“What? What is it?” I asked at the colour had quickly drained from his face for a second. “I have seen these moves before.” He told me, I was now both confused and intrigued. “You have? Where?” “Kim Sun-Yung.” As soon as Chozen said that name something in my head clicked. 

A memory, I know that name. It was the first time I met Terry with Mr. Miyagi when he came into the dojo. He said his master was Kim Sun-Yung of South Korea but I didn’t know that was a real person that actually existed, it bought Terry had made him up. “Wait. That’s a real person?” I said to Chozen. “I thought it was just mumbo-jumbo Silver came up with.” Chozen shook his head. “No. He’s very real.” He told me as we decided to drive back to the dojo and talk there and maybe train a little. 

*******

“My uncle Sato did not speak much of Kim Sun-Yung, but I know he had much anger towards him.” I nodded. “Sounds like Sato. I don’t think I ever remember Mr. Miyagi mentioning a Kim Sun-Yung.” I told him confused. “Well, Miyagi-san left Okinawa before World War 2. Kim Sun-Yuchi became known during Korean War. He taught many American soldiers.” 

I nodded, that made sense then. “Makes sense. Kreese and Silver are war buddies. What he teach them?” I asked Chozen. “Uh, Kim Sun-Yung was a master of Tang Soo Do, but that is not what he taught. His style was, um, controversial.” I furrowed my eyebrows. “What was controversial about it?” Chozen nodded. “I will demonstrate.” I nodded as we bowed to each other before I assume we’re going to spar. 

Halfway through the bow Chozen punched up getting my face slightly before I blocked him with my arm which he grabbed and then grabbed my throat with his other hand before throwing me to the ground. He then let go and gave me his hand to pull me up as I coughed and rubbed throat though the pain in it. “Kim Sun-Yung’s style is based on deception. No honor. No mercy.” I gave a him look. “You could have just told me.” Instead of him almost giving me a heart attack and choking me. 

“If Silver is student of Master Kim, we must be careful. All direct attacks will be recognized.” I shook my head. “I don’t want to attack him. I want to expose him.” Chozen nodded. “To catch serpent, you must think like serpent. We will his style against him.” I nodded, thought I was still confused. “How will we do that?” Chozen continued to make out a plan here and told me to head home for the day and he’d back soon. I nodded, heading home, I was halfway there when an idea came into my head. 

Amanda’s words to me about wanting just a normal summer, just because all this is going on doesn’t we can’t still have that. I got changed when I got home and decided to give my wife exactly what she deserved. Mai Tais by the pool, just like she wanted and being honest it was good to see her a little more relaxed and it felt good to have just this little moment of peace right now.

But we all know that isn’t going to last, at all. 

Chapter Text

Chozen had gone to Cobra Kai under the alias of a Sensei that Terry has been wanting to help him and be partners with him in the dojo and now he had spoken with Chozen and wanted to invite him to his hous to talk more business. “This is better than we could have hoped for.” I said helping him put on a jacket to go with the rest of his outfit he was wearing to Silver’s. “You connected with him. Now we can dig deeper, figure out what his plan is, and if he gives us anything, we can pounce on it.” Chozen didn’t reply because he looked like he couldn’t breathe with that jacket on.

“Too small.” He told me, I nodded. It was one of my jackets and I was actually always short and skinny for a guy even now at my age. “Yeah. You know what? I think I have a gray one in my other closet that’s a size up.” I helped get the restricting jacket off. “Just let me, uh….” I placed the small jacket down as Chozen sighed. “You are nervous, Daniel-San.” I nodded slowly.

“Yeah. Yeah, I guess I am. Remember, everything Silver does has a purpose. He is a man without honor.” Chozen nodded. “My uncle tried to teach me about honor. But I was not ready to learn. I thought shortcuts, cheating would get me through faster. Make my life easier. My cowardice was exposed for all to see.

We will find his weakness. We’ll push him to his limit. He will reveal his true colors. For all to see.” I nodded. “You’ll have to play his game. But don’t let your guard down. If he sees a weakness, you may not even know until it’s too late. He’ll do things to make you feel special. He got me on his side once. He’ll try to do the same with you. This plan has an expiration date. Silvers too smart.

Eventually, he’ll figure us out. And when he does, be ready to fight.” Chozen nodded before heading off and I only could wish this went well and that luck was on our side.

*****
Luck was not on our side and Chozen came back to me, having beaten up Senseis that were actually at the dojo when he went back to Cobra Kai after being at Silver’s house. Now we needed another plan, we had taken some time at the country club playing golf to try and blow off some steam before inevitably having to run into Silver again sooner or later.

We played a few courses with Louie and Anoush and Chozen has bested them which made Louie argue with Anoush. I just chuckled as I still heard Louie rambling to Anoush as we walked to the bar. “I told you there were golf courses all over Okinawa, man. I googled it. It’s like one giant green island.” Anoush scoffed. “He said he’d never played before.”

Chozen chuckled and smiled at them. “Beginner luck.” Louie scoffed and well that’s never a good sign to start with. “Yeah, right. I know when I’ve been hustled.” “You insult my honor.” I sucked in a breath and rolled my eyes as Louie has unintentionally offended Chozen and Anoush tried to defuse the situation for once. “Okay, you are not at a blackjack table in Atlantic City. You can’t trash-talk a karate assassin.” Louie nodded and looked apologetically.

“I’m so sorry, Mr. Chozen. I-I meant no disrespect at all. I promise.” It was tense for a few seconds before Chozen burst out laughing. “Don’t take it personally guys.” I told them. “He’s been kicking a lot of ass lately. First round’s on me, fellas.” I walked to the bar with a smile.

“How’d you hit ‘em?” That smile dropped as I turned around at the voice and saw Terry standing there with a subtle smile.” “They let anyone join these days, huh? Or did you slither in through the garbage chute?” He chuckled, still smiling at me.

“By the way, how’s your Sensei search going? Did I hear you hit a little bit of a snag?” I said as I turned away from him and he was closer, placing his hands in the bar and turning his head to me. “Sabotaging my dojo was not a smart move. Some might see it as casus belli.” I shook my head at him. “Miyagi-do will never back down. You should know that by now.” I saw Chozen coming towards me with a glare at Terry. “I believe you two have met?” I asked.

He nodded. “Sensei Toguchi.” He smiled subtly at Chozen before turned back to me with more fuller smile. “You might have some old friends to call upon, but not as many as me. I’m giving you the opportunity right now, to stand down. No retaliation. No repercussions. All you have to do is stay out of my way.” I shook my head.

“This is my backyard. I’m not the one who needs to go.” He chuckled and smiled more at me. “I actually like this attitude on you. It’s a shame I won’t get to see it again, because if you continue down this path, nothing in your life will ever be the same again.

You’re playing with fire, Danny boy.” I subtly swallowed hard and tried to keep my breathing steady at the nickname that brought forward too many memories and not good ones. Chozen just have noticed my discomfort though as he stood in front of me. “And I am gasoline. Boom.” Terry scoffed at him and turned to the bartender as if nothing had happened.

“Put these gentlemen’s drinks on my tab.” He winked and smiled at me as he walked off. I resisted rolling my eyes and scoffing despite how much I really wanted to. “What did that giant Bond villain want?” Anoush asked as he and Louie came up to us. I shook my head. “Nothing. Just wanted to buy us a round of drinks.”

As Louie and Anoush continue to argue now about drinks, Chozen and I looked at each other wondering what Terry is really planning.

Chapter Text

Chozen and I are back at Miyagi-do, a little pleased at how we just started to get on Terry’s nerves and get under his skin. “We’re under his skin. That’s why he came to the country club.” Chozen groaned and cracked his back and I looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. “What did you do? Tweak yourself in the back nine.” He shook his head. “No, couch in guest room not good.” I nodded sympathetically. “You know, I’m sorry. We used to have a bed in there but it pretty much got destroyed when Cobra Kai broke into our house.” Chozen nodded.

“Do not worry. I will not allow them to attack home again.” I nodded. “We may have stalled them for a bit, but if I know Silver, he’s planning his next move now.” “Then we beat him to punch.” Chozen told me. “He said he’d call upon old friends.” “Then we call old friend first. Do you know any old friend of Silver?” I nodded seething as memories flooded my head.

“Mike fucking Barnes.”

*******

We sat outside Barnes’ house and Chozen scoffed at the sight of him and at me calling him “Karate’s bad boy.”  “Eh, he does not look so bad to me.” “Yeah, well, that guy tried to kill me once. You don’t forget or forgive something like that.” Chozen gave me a look, considering he had tried to kill me too once. “Except you. You and I, we’re good.” I told him with a nod and patted his shoulder as we watched Barnes drive away. We drove after him and followed him to an establishment where he started to pull various tools out of his trunk.

“What’s he got there? Some sort of handsaw?” I asked Chozen, he nodded. “Good for cutting pipe.” He then pulled out another cutting tool. “That one, good for cutting bone.” I looked at him and nodded. “Looks like he’s got some goons working for him.” I decided to go in on my own as I thought that best and that Chozen stayed in the car. I slipped past of the guys I saw earlier and in through the back door. I walked until I heard Barnes’ voice and I saw he was on the phone talking to someone about business.

Gee, I wonder who?

He talked about every thing he was going to do and it was just as bad as I expected then he started to talk numbers. “Now, for me to do my very best, I’m gonna need 50%. You owe me that much after what happened last time.” He laughed, that sick bastard. “Yeah, it’s gonna be fun. Oh yeah. Those kids are in for a big surprise.” That was it, I can’t just stand by anymore.

“Barnes, no!” I ran up and grabbed the phone out of his hand seething. “Listen to me, you son of a bitch. I’m not gonna have you or your ponytailed pimp lay one finger on any of our kids.” He just furrowed eyebrows at me. “Daniel LaRusso?” He asked, I chuckled-scoffed nodding.

“You got that right, shithead.” I put his phone to my ear and spoke. “You hear me, you sick bastard? I’m onto you and I’m onto the whole goddamn thing.” I told Sliver on the other end. “I’m sorry, who is this?” A woman’s voice spoke back to me. “And what happened to Michael?” She asked, I gulped a little. “Who’s this?” I asked as a man came up running to Barnes.

“Everything okay, Mr. Barnes? I heard yelling.” He looked at me before back at the man and speaking. “Yes. Yes, everything’s fine. Thank you, Phil.” I lowered the phone from my ear in confusion and handed it back to Barnes. He spoke with the confused woman whose name was apparently Michelle and finished the rest of his conversation.

“Fine, 40% commission.” He looked at me and sighed. I was still really confused. “What’s going on here?” I aisles him. He walked me to the end of the hall and showed me the rest of what was a furniture store. “You work in a furniture store?” “Daniel, I own the furniture store.” I looked at him and felt immensely stupid for what commotion I had just caused for no reason.

Johnny’s POV

I groaned in exhaustion lying on the floor of my now newly furnished apartment. Carmen is pregnant so I thought the best thing I could do is put in the effort so I don’t screwed another kid by being a shit dad. But that’s not the only problem I have right now, I don’t know why but after we lost the All Valley I couldn’t stand to see the disappointment and grief on Daniel’s face and it’s not often I call him that.

When this stuff with Miguel happened I was a little glad to get away because I knew if I had stayed after the All Valley I would have done something stupid. Well, I don’t know about stupid but it would seem that way maybe. Now it’s no secret that Daniel and I have our quarrels and yeah we put our rivalry aside to work together even though we still ended up fighting but ever since Kreese proposed the idea of the tournament and we started teaching together I had been having these….feelings.

Feelings I wasn’t used to and especially not used to feeling them for someone who wasn’t a chick. Sure, I always thought myself to be straight as every guy does but I’d be lying if I hadn’t though about being with a dude once or twice and funnily enough I only thought about it after I met Daniel. I didn’t like him though, he was an annoying dickhead. But these feelings, they were confusing and I never thought about them much because I was scared of what they meant. I just buried them.

Deep.

Until when we started teaching together, they crept up on me again but there was too much going on with the classes and the tournament that I just buried again and continued my relationship with Carmen to take my mind off them which worked until we lost the tournament and seeing Daniel so depressed I felt in my chest how hurt he was. Admittedly, now that I’m a little older I understand why I felt those feelings and them coming back more recently kind of confirmed it.

I did have some sort of romantic feelings for Daniel and I know the reason I’ve told myself and everybody else that I hate him is because I’m scared to lose him or anybody else if I tell the truth about how I really feel. I couldn’t stand losing Diaz or Carmen especially with this new baby on the way now but at the same time I couldn’t stand losing Daniel either. I’ve kept up the facade and battle with these feelings for 35 goddamn years and I feel like if I do it any longer I’ll break.

Because just seeing Daniel now can bring those feelings to the surface and I think that’s a sign that I need to do something about them and as soon as I can. I need to pick up my stupid ass courage and just tell him, tell everybody. It’s the only way the weight will be lifted off my shoulders.

Chapter Text

I was still building up all this furniture a while later and I’m not going to lie I am still really freak out about this baby but then the panic disappears when I start to think about those feelings because I’m even more freaked out about them and telling anybody really, especially Daniel or Carmen or Diaz.

Speaking of, I heard a knock at my open door followed by “Hey, sensei.” I looked up at Diaz as he continued to speak. “Do you, uh, have a second? I-I need your advice.” I nodded. “Yeah.” “I, uh…” he paused and sniffed the air. “What is that smell?” “It’s either paint thinner or pesticide. Don’t worry, it’ll air out in a few days. Breathe through your mouth.” I told him as he furrowed his eyebrows looking around the place.

“What’s with the, uh… What’s with the place?” He asked. “Oh, it’s, uh…” I payed before waving him off. “Don’t worry about it. Just making a few changes. Have a seat.” He nodded okay and sat down in the chair whilst I sat on the couch. “Want some milk? I got fridge full of it.” “Nah, I’m good. Thanks. Uh, okay, um…. I think Sam and I are having issues, and I’ve been talking to Hawk and Demetri about it, but—“ Why would he talk to them two? Honestly?

“Hawk’s a stud but I wouldn’t trust a word that dork Demetri has to say.” Diaz half chuckled half scoffed. “He’s had a girlfriend for a while.” “Oh yeah, I’m sure she’s a real looker.” I scoffed. Diaz shook his head and continued to speak. “Anyway, um I’m supposed to meet with Sam tonight, but I have this feeling she’s still mad at me, and I wanna fix it, but we haven’t spoken in a while. And honestly, I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to say.” I sighed, it’s kinda the way I felt with LaRusso right now.

Wanna talk to him, wanna get things out in the open and clear the air whilst I’m at it but I don’t know where to start. But of course I wasn’t ready to tell Diaz that yet so I came up with something else to say. “I’ve been there. How about the truth? We all get shit wrong sometimes. Some of us get it wrong a lot.” I said, still thinking about LaRusso. “But if you own up to your mistakes, you have a shot at making things right. You don’t have go have it all figured out. Just be honest. See where it goes from there.”

Damn, I should really take my own advice too, shouldn’t I?

Diaz nodded. “That’s actually some really good advice.” “Yeah, I guess it is.”  I sighed, I need to talk to LaRusso soon before I get to the breaking point.

Daniel’s POV

Sliver and I were watching the security cameras of my dealership after I had my run-in with Sliver at the sauna after he had burned down Barnes’ store because I called the lawyer Barnes had dealt with to become Terry’s champion back in the 80’s who was ended up being Terry’s old friend so unfortunately he had got that call forwarded to him and confronted me about in the sauna and threatened I was next.

“I don’t get it. Silver goes and burns down Barnes’s store, threatens I’m next, and now, nothing.” I told Chozen. “Snake always wait for right time to strike.” I nodded. “Yeah, but how is he gonna strike? If he was willing to that far with Mike…” “Maybe now Barnes will join our fight.” I shook my head. “I don’t think he knows it was Silver. I heard he left town while the insurance company investigates. Not that there’s gonna be evidence.”

“Do not worry, Daniel-San. I will allow no attack on my watch.” Amanda then came into the room. “Almost ready?” She asked as Chozen stood up tensely as the both of us looked at her. “It’s too much. I’m trying too hard. Should I lose the necklace?” She asked, I shook my head. “No, no, honey. You just caught us off guard. You look beautiful.” She nodded. “Okay. Thank you.” “I feel underdressed.” Chozen said, I shook my head. “No, you’re perfectly dressed for a day off. Amanda and I are heading to a charity auction. She’s looking to get more involved. Who knows? Maybe even a spot on the board.”

I smiled at her as she did at me. “Okay. I’ll see you in the car, yeah?” “Yeah.” I nodded as I whispered to Chozen. “Keep an eye on the dealership and the house. Be ready for anything.” Chozen nodded as I followed Amanda out to the car.

Chapter Text

Amanda and I got out our car at the auction and I thanked the person who would take it to park. I looked at Amanda, a little confused as I took in our surroundings. “Have we been here before? This address sounded familiar.” She furrowed her eyebrows. “I don’t think so.” Then her tone and expression quickly changed. “Oh, that’s the founder.” A woman came up to us with a smile.

“Mr. and Mrs. LaRusso. So nice of you to come. I’m-“ “Eva Garcia. You’re Eva Garcia. You were an about to say that, and I interrupted. Now I’m mortified.” I chuckled as Eva smiled. “Amanda‘s been gushing about your organization. Helping underprivileged teens is very important to her. To both of us.” Eva smiled at Amanda. “Then we share that in common.” Amanda nodded. “Your house is so beautiful.” Eva smiled. “Oh, this isn’t my home. It belongs to one of our donors actually.” Amanda seemed intrigued and nodded. “Between us, I think he’s angling for a spot on the board.” Amanda nodded as I did and looked at the car that pulled up.

It was a red Ferrari but that wasn’t what caught my eye, it was the number plate. “QUIKSLVR” and before I could have time to react, an unmistakable voice spoke. “Daniel and Amanda LaRusso.” Sliver walked his smug ass up to us with a smile. “What a pleasure to finally have you at my home.” Eva smiled. “I didn’t realize you were acquainted.” I was about to speak when Sliver beat me to it. “We’re actually very old friends. We go back, what, 30, 35 years?” I smiled politely at Eva not wanting to cause any problems by being uncivil as she nodded. “Wow.” “How time files. Amanda, you look positively radio in that dress.” She also smiled politely not wanting to seem uncivil either.

“Please, come in. We have so much fun in store.” I smiled as Eva walked off, inviting Amanda to walk with her. I nodded with a polite smile. “Go on, honey. I wanna have a word with our host.” Sliver tuned to me. “What a coincidence, your wife and I supporting the same charity.” I scoffed at him. “Bullshit. Whatever you’re up to, you leave my family out of it. You do not ruin this day for my wife.” He shook his head with a hurt pout. “I have no intention of ruining her day. Let’s just hope nothing else ruins it for her.” He said slyly as he walked away.

That smug bastard is definitely planning something.

*************

Johnny’s POV

Ok, so I still have no clue what I’m doing about these feelings about LaRusso but I know I have to just be honest with him and see where it goes but right now I have a bigger problem. I got a rideshare job thing doing pickups and deliveries and shit. And I talked to Shannon about Robby going to stay somewhere this summer but I told her I want him to stay with me so then I could get everything out in the open with everyone and especially with this baby coming I want him and Diaz to get along.

But that looks like it ain’t happening any time soon. What happened was I drove to the water park to pick Robby up and saw Diaz and him fighting and yelling at each other in the middle of the parking lot. They said they’ll never like each other or be friends or even be civil enough to get along with each other but they don’t know about the baby yet so maybe I can use that to my advantage at getting them to get along.

Because if I can get both of them civil then I could tell them about this LaRusso thing and maybe they help me with telling him or even breaking it to Carmen that even though I’ll definitely be around for this kid, we won’t be together, I need to sort this shit out with LaRusso and hopefully he’s having a better time right now than I am with whatever he’s doing.

***********

Daniel’s POV

Ok, so I may have screwed up big time and now Amanda and I are having the worst fight of our lives and it’s my fault. “Amanda, that is not what happened” I told her as she stormed into the house. “Do you realize now I’ve lost any shot of joining that charity. Much less the board.” She went to storm up the stairs as I argued back. “That’s all Sliver’s fault. He was messing with me the whole time.”

“And you let him. You knew how important this was to me, and yet you could not for one day put this stupid rivalry aside. I’m afraid we’re never going to have normalcy ever again. Not when you continue to stir up these ridiculous fights.” Chozen then spoke up , standing next to us. “Fight at furniture store my fault, not his.” Oh no, she didn’t know about fighting with Barnes at his store. Fuck.

“Please blame me.” Amanda looked from Chozen to me. “You had a fight at a furniture store? 

Enough is enough.

Daniel, this ends now.” I shook my head, she doesn’t understand. “This is a exactly what Sliver wanted to happen. He manipulated this whole ring to get us to fight.” Amanda scoffed, looking like she was about to break down. “Do you hear yourself? The reason we’re fighting is because you can’t let things go. You promised things would be different this time.”

“You don’t understand what this man is capable of. He won’t stop until he’s ruined every aspect of my life. And that’s why I have to take him down.” She sighed. “You really won’t stop?” I shook my head. “You need to let me and Chozen handle this. It’s the only way to make it all end.”

She huffed. “Fine. Handle it. But I won’t be here for it.” What? I furrowed my eyebrows and exhaled loudly. “Where are you going?” “Away from here. Away from you! I just need space. I’m taking the kids with me.”

She stormed up the stairs leaving me with a massive horrible pit feeling in my stomach.

Chapter Text

I sighed as I sat down with another drink of whiskey at the kitchen table. Amanda had left and took the kids with her. “You slept late.” Chozen spoke as he came into the kitchen. “I went to bed late.” God, even my voice sounds broken, like the rest of me. “Daniel-San, family will return.” “Sure about that?” I asked Chozen in my hoarse voice. “Hai.” He looked to the front door as I heard it open. “Daniel-san. There is someone here to see you.”

I looked up at him, thinking maybe Amanda or one of the kids or even maybe Johnny but he looked like he didn’t recognize them which confused me. “Daniel.” I looked up and my mouth gaped. “Ma? What are you doing here?” She sighed coming and placing her bag on the table harshly with a rough sigh.

“When my granddaughter calls me on the verge of tears saying ‘Me, Mom and Anthony are staying at Grandmom’s cause Mom stormed out on Dad and I don’t think he’s ok.’ It makes me worried of what the hell has happened and now looking at the state of you I can see her point. You don’t look good, Daniel. You looked like you slept and stayed in those clothes for days, the less said about your hair, the better and you clearly haven’t shaved in god knows how long and well you always shave so what’s happened?

I want just one answer, one word just sum it up and then you can give the whole story.” I sighed. “I can’t give one word, Ma but I’ll give you two names. Terry Sliver and Cobra Kai.” Her already harsh glare hardened even more. “Don’t tell me. Don’t this is STILL going on, Daniel. Amanda told me before that John Kreese was behind bars so what else is there?” I looked up at her.

“Terry Sliver is what else. He’s Kreese’s war buddy and he’s bigger and badder, Ma, trust me. I’m the only that can see who he really is, know who he really is. He won’t stop until he’s ruined every aspect of my life and destroyed everything Mr. Miyagi ever stood for. And I know I’ve let him now but I can’t just stop and let Sliver put innocent kids in harm’s way just like he did with me in 1989. He makes kids into horrible, violent people, Ma.

I know, I was one of them. I never told you this because I didn’t want to worry you but after I moved in with Mr. Miyagi it wasn’t long, maybe a few months down the line when I met Terry Sliver for first time and he seems charming at first. He does things to make you feel special, he manipulates you to get you exactly where he wants and that’s what he did with me. I wanted to join another tournament but Mr. Miyagi said no, he didn’t teach me for tournaments, he taught me for defence.

But Terry, Terry was willing go train me for a tournament even though he was a Cobra Kai Sensei, he said he was changing it for the better and I made a choice I came to regret. I had a big fight with Mr. Miyagi and I stormed out and I went to Terry. I let him train me in Cobra Kai, I let myself become a Cobra Kai and even though I felt stronger it wasn’t long before I realized who I had become. I became the very reason I started karate in the first place. I became a bully, a violent and aggressive person. I started fights for no reason with people I shouldn’t have.

I became a bad person, Ma and it was because of Terry Sliver. He taught me to fight dirty and make me take things rough. I hurt myself countless times during training, punching though wood until my knuckles were covered in blood, kicking through wood until my toes and feet ached with pain and were black and blue stained with blood. It was then I realized and I tried to leave Cobra Kai but Terry, Kreese who I told was dead and their new champion Mike Barnes ambushed me from trying to leave and beat me up.

And even though I said so many hurtful and bad things to him, Mr. Miyagi still came to my rescue and saved me again even though I didn’t deserve it and that was the last time I saw Terry Silver until he came to help Kreese with Cobra Kai and helped his students in the tournament which me and Johnny because we had joined our dojos together and our students to help our chances even though it didn’t.

And the deal was if we lost the tournament we had to close our dojos, the both of us. So that’s what happened. Johnny closed Eagle Fang and I don’t know what he’s doing now and I closed Miyagi-Do, I still tried to fight back but nothings worked and now not only is Sliver brainwashing the Valley into Cobra Kai, he’s breaking apart my life. Starting with turning my own family against me and now Chozen and I don’t know what to do.

I have to stop him but I don’t know and Amanda isn’t going to come back until all this is over, I don’t think the kids either.” She sighed and sat down beside as Chozen pulled out a chair for her. “Thank you and I’m going to assume you are a relative of Mr. Miyagi?” He nodded to avoid confusion and another story. “Hai, I am old friend of Miyagi-San. I come to aid Daniel-San in his place but thing not working out as we hope. Sliver take control of everything.”

I nodded as he began to go through the Mail as Ma sighed. “Look I’m not going to say that I disagree with you, Daniel. You’re right, this Sliver has to be stopped especially if he’s doing to kids what he done to you and I wish you would told me about it earlier than now but nevermind. Amanda is right too though, this is taking over your life, both of your lives, both of your children’s lives and I can see her anger in just wanting a bit of normalcy back.

But if space is what she needs then give to it her and hopefully she will understand the severity of the situation and come back to aid in the fight. You, on the other hand can’t just sit around and drink all day, nothing is going to change that way.” I nodded. “I know, I just don’t understand how she does she not see though him? How does everyone not see though him? Chozen is right, It’s like he has a mind control on everyone.”

Chozen stopped going thought the mail and handed me a snippet of newspaper that was about Kreese being found guilty and going to prison. “Where’d this come from?” “With Mail. No envelope. This is Cobra Kai Sensei.” I nodded as Ma looked at the snippet too. “Was Cobra Kai Sensei.” I added.

“He was sent to prison for beating this guy half to death.” I pointed to the guy on the stand who I knew was previously something to do with Cobra Kai. “Apparently someone wants me to think they’re more to the story.” “We must speak with this man.” I shook my head. “And then what? We get another furniture store burned down?” Ma halted me and I quickly told her the story of me thinking Barnes was working with Sliver again when in reality he was actually innocent and I told her that now he probably thinks it was us that burned down his store for not joining the fight when it was Silver just to ignite more feuds between people.

“For all we know, this is Silver sending us on a wild goose chase so he could screw up my life even worse.” I went to take another drink when Ma grabbed it out of my hand and handed it to Chozen to place it away from me as he nodded. “Could be. Or…could be answer to expose Sliver and get family back. Best to see for ourselves.” He said placing a mug of coffee in front of me instead.

“I’m liking you.” Ma smiled as Chozen smiled back at her. “Thank you, Mrs. LaRusso.” “Please call me Lucille.” He nodded. “Hai, Lucille-San.” Ma agreed to stay here whilst we went and talked with Stingray.

*************
Ok, didn’t go well but that’s ok I still she a back up plan. I told Chozen to go home to Ma and tell her what happened whilst I went to see Johnny to see if he could help us.

Chapter Text

Johnny’s POV

I was still sorting stuff at the apartment after another unsuccessful attempt at getting Robby and Miguel to get along, nothing is working but I do have another idea we’ll have to see how that goes. I thought about the LaRusso thing and I think I should really talk to him first about because it isn’t really anyone else’s business until it’s ok with the both of us I guess. I don’t know where he is, his phone just cuts off when I call so it must be dead or some shit like that knowing LaRusso.

I was fixing the bottom of window frame when there was a knock at my door. Oh yeah, that was still fucked up from when I tried my thing with Robby and Miguel to get them to get along which backfired on me. “You have to open it from out there.” I told whoever it was. It opened and LaRusso came bursting in. Well, at least I don’t have to look for him anymore.

“Hey.” I stood up and looked at him. “LaRusso. Oh, look like shit.” He well did, this isn’t him. Something must have happened to him to smell like a dumpster, looked like he’s homeless and stink of booze, pretty much how I was before any of this happened. “Look, I need your help. I think Sliver paid Stingray to lie about Kreese’s attack. He’s driving around your old Cobra Kai mobile.” I furrowed my eyebrows, why would I care about that piece of shit car?

“He joined Cobra Kai back when it was still your dojo, right? You get him to flip, we might be able to take Sliver down for good. Come on, Johnny. Time to get back in the game.” No, I was going to do what I should, talk some sense into him like he’s done to me before. “Look man, I washed my hands of the Cobra Kai thing when we lost the tournament.” He scoffed. “What? Y-You started the whole Cobra Kai thing. If you hadn’t brought it back, none of this would be happening. You opened Pandora’s Box, not me.” I sighed.

“Hey, listen, I don’t who Pandora is or what’s in her box, but I got Robby out of there and Kreese is in jail. That’s two wins as far as I’m concerned. Best to leave well enough alone.” “What about all the other kids? And since when do you ever leave well enough alone?” He asked in disbelief, what’s going on with him? This wasn’t the LaRusso I knew, wasn’t the one I…..

I don’t what I feel for him but enough for me to care about him and right now, he looks like he needs me and I’m gonna being there for him. But I have to get him to see sense first. I closed the door to my apartment which confused him by the looks of it but he still continued talking. “What happened to the ‘strike first badass’ huh? Do I need to kick his ass to wake him up or was it just one tournament loss all it took to turn you into a pussy?” He was trying to get me to fight with him but I wasn’t giving in, I sighed stepping closer to him.

I breathed through my nose as he looked at me, ready for me to hit him. But I wasn’t gonna. “What are you doing?” I asked him with a soft smile. “You show up out of the blue, raving like a lunatic, you reek of booze, you clearly haven’t shaved or showered in days and now you wanna fight me cause I don’t wanna get pulled back into this rivalry with Sliver? What’s going on with you, man? I’m worried.” He seemed to calm at a little at my worried expression and nodded.

“What the hell am I doing?” He said as he sat down in the chair next to the couch. “If you think I’m off the rails…” I chuckled. “Way off. Look at ya. Your shirt’s not even tucked in.” I handed him a drink. “Amanda let you leave the house like that?” I asked, he shook his head. “She wasn’t there to stop me. Finally pushed her past her limit. She’s at her mother’s in Ohio. She took the kids with her and Sam called my mother who came lectured me about all this as usual but I feel like no one’s listening, Johnny.

No one’s listening and I feel like I’m going crazy. I just don’t know what to do. I feel trapped, I feel like Sliver’s got me in a box and I’ll never get out of it.” His voice was starting to break and I could this was a build up that was finally catching up to him. “I just want one person to see what I see, Johnny. To know what I know and understand. But everyone’s acting like I’m crazy I just don’t know what to do anymore, Johnny I don’t!” I nodded and I held my hands out to him.

“Okay, okay. Listen, I know things aren’t good right now and you’ve got a lot of shit going but you can’t bottle it all of up, man. I know, I’ve done it, it ain’t good for ya and it doesn’t solve anything. Now, I want you to go clean yourself up, okay. Go take a shower, shave, my razors are on the window sill and there’s already towels in there. I’ll get you some clean clothes, you could burn those and I’ll get ya some food and maybe water to completely sober you up. Then we can talk.” I smiled at him as he looked up at me and sniffed a little.

“Thanks Johnny, you’re really good to me, you know that.” I smiled, yeah there’s a reason he doesn’t know yet but I also want to help him, I don’t like seeing him like this. “It’s no problem, LaRusso. Now go on, I’ll get you clothes and hand them into you. What do you to eat?” He chuckled. “Whatever you got, Johnny I’ve not eaten in about two days so I’ll have any food.” “Alright man.” I chuckled as he headed off to the bathroom.

This is my chance to tell him, if I listen to him then he’ll listen to me right? I still don’t know what it is I feel for him, it’s not lust I know that and it’s not like a sexual thing it’s more than that and I know I’ve said this a hundred times but I can’t hold it back any longer. It’s gonna eat me alive if I do and I do really want to help Daniel get back on his feet. I smiled calling him by his first name in my head. I began making him some food and thought about how I can start to tell him, maybe by saying as much as we had our rivalry back in the day under it all I didn’t completely hate him.

There was a few things about him that caught my eye as time went on like his confidence and the way he spoke with that dumb and annoying Jersey accent that actually made him a little cute. Of course his accent has faded now from his years in LA but he still has a bit of that swagger that totally boosted that confidence I think. Even the first night I met him, and if we didn’t fight I would have thought he was cool and even cute I guess. It was those eyes, those big brown beautiful eyes like a little deer.

His soft brown hair was so fluffy back then, I would have gave anything to just run my fingers though it and even more it’s not a fluffy as it once was but it still looks so soft for it being 30 years later. He had such a baby face back then and even now he still kinda has one that keeps him young looking and his lips…

Damn!

Talk about soft looking and if I thought his hair was soft looking I had another thing coming when I looked at those lips. But of course, I was pussy back then even if I didn’t want to admit it, a lot of this could have been solved if I just picked up my courage and told Daniel all these things.

I think the only reason I actually punched him was for being so damn cute that I couldn’t believe it. I thought about him all the time and just masked it with hate and anger. I sighed finishing up the food as Daniel came back into the kitchen and I smiled at him. “Now, you can’t say you don’t look better than you did about half hour ago.”

He chuckled, nodding. “Okay, okay, you’re right.” He looked down at the sandwiches on the counter. “Have at it, man and we can talk.” He nodded, immediately delving into the sandwiches and making absolutely sinful noises that I should not be thinking of in another context. Of course he’s gonna make noises like that, the man hasn’t eaten in two days. “I understand I went a little crazy and I’ll tell Amanda this too but I’m scared, Johnny. Sliver is dangerous and I hate to think that every day there is new and innocent kids getting roped into god knows what.”

I nodded. “I get it man, I do. But you can’t go rampaging like that. You’re gonna do more bad than good doing and probably gonna hurt yourself and other people. Now, I’m gonna help you with Sliver but I ain’t beating up any random people just Sliver and his goons.” He chuckled and nodded. “Thanks Johnny, you’re right I feel like you’ve really changed and for the better I’m glad of it.” I smiled. “Thanks man, now I wanna talk to you about something and it’s pretty important so…”

He nodded looking concerned and back to old Daniel. “Yeah, course Johnny course what is it?” I sighed, ok here we go.

Chapter Text

“Ok, first off I want to break this news to you and know that I haven’t told anyone else yet, you’re the first to know.” He nodded. “Ok.” I sighed. “Carmen’s pregnant.” His eyes widen and he smiled. “That’s great. That’s amazing, Johnny, congratulations.” I nodded and he chuckled. “You don’t seem very happy about it. What is it?” “It’s just I know it’s normal to freak out and hell I did it with Robby alright but there wasn’t really anything going on when Robby was born.

Now with this kid, I feel like there’s so much that I don’t want to screw this kid up and if they end up hating me like Robby did then I don’t what I’ll do, but that’s not the only thing.” He nodded. “Well, first of all. You are right, it is normal to be freaked out about a baby coming but when it does come Johnny, you and Carmen are going to love it so much and the tiredness and everything that comes with it is so worth in the end.

It’s also occurred to me now why this place is so cleaned up and nice and I like it, it’s nice seeing you make an effort for someone.” Call me crazy now but I swear I saw a flash of hurt when he said that. “Now what’s the second thing? Is something else about the baby or is it like breaking the news to Miguel and Robby?” “Uh, it is about breaking news but it’s actually about breaking it to you.” He furrowed his eyebrows. “Me? I don’t understand what news is there to break to me? I mean if anything you’ve already broke the news.” He chuckled.

“Carmen and I aren’t going to be together when the baby is born and I haven’t told her this yet because I kinda wanted to tell you first.” He looked even more confused. “Johnny, I think should tell her if you don’t want to be together and it’s not really any of my business, it’s more a couple thing between you and Carmen.” I sighed, taking a shaky breath. “Johnny, are you ok?” I nodded. “Yeah, it’s just I have these feelings and I don’t know how I even came to have them in first place but I’ve had for a while and I really shouldn’t cause….”

I paused. “It’s a dude and I would maybe go as far to say I could love him cause I have liked him for a really long time but I’m not gonna tell him because he could still reject me and he could never feel the same way and I know that.” He shook his head. “No, no, Johnny, don’t say that. Hey, it’s not the 80’s anymore, it’s ok to like guys and be gay if you are. I certainly won’t judge ya, I’ve always considered myself in between but I guess I was pushed more to the female side because of society.

But I’m not gonna lie I found guys attractive in high school and hell even now but there’s nothing with that. And if you really like this guy as to go as far to say you might love him then go for it. Love is a mysterious thing, Johnny and it could affect anyone and sometimes it can surprise you like maybe you end up liking someone you have never thought about before and that could be a great thing. For you and him.

So I say go for it, man, and if he rejects you then he’s a stupid guy because anyone would be lucky to have you.” He smiled at me and I felt tears gather in my eyes, it hurt so much that he didn’t even know it was him.

“But as I said, talk to Carmen cause it really isn’t my business but then talk to the guy and let me know how it goes and if it doesn’t well, Chozen and I can kick his ass.” I laughed and smiled at him as he got up to leave. He was at the door when I finally said it having no other choice but to burst it out.

“It’s you, Daniel. You’re the guy.”

Chapter Text

Daniel’s POV

I just stared at Johnny. “What did you just say, Johnny?” I asked, he couldn’t have meant that. Oh, who am I kidding what else could have he meant? He’s been talking to me for the past 15 minutes about this guy he could love and I know that’s a big deal for Johnny considering how he was taught about views on sexuality and the fact that it wasn’t as accepting in the 80s as it is now, but for that guy to be me….

I don’t know and all of a sudden I’m seeing things in a different perspective. Johnny said to me he’s liked this guy for “a really long time” was his words and well now that I know it’s me, I kinda wanna know how long he’s liked for. What’s a really long time in Johnny World? A few weeks? Couple of months? A year? It doesn’t matter really, all I want Johnny to know right now is that I’m ok with this, I’m actually more than ok with it.

As I said I’ve always though myself in between men and women and well society and by that I mean my ma, has always wanted me to settle down with a nice girl and have family and that was ok when I was younger and didn’t have any kids or a wife and well maybe this fight with Amanda was a sign. A sign that keeps tried to keep the thread that was holding our relationship together up for so long that it just frayed so much that now it’s snapped and I don’t know if it will ever be ok again.

The relationship had been different and lost its spark so to say even before now I would say maybe around the time Kreese came back or just after then. As things got more intense with Kreese and eventually now Sliver I just think Amanda can’t do it anymore and I don’t really blame her to be honest. But now it seems I have something that could maybe make the transition easier if Amanda and I do get divorced which I can see coming very soon. I mean, I do like Johnny and I’ve found him attractive since I’ve met him.

I remember his soft looking blonde hair with his fringe that would flow over his eyes and cover them when he looked down, though I didn’t like when he did that, when he hid his beautiful ocean blue eyes that still sparkle even now. His face is just as handsome as it was back then, kissable lips that looked better now than before it seemed, his body…..

For a man of almost 50, he is still pretty damn hot. He was and still is perfection to me, I’ve just never wanted to admit it. Sure, I wouldn’t exactly have called it love at first sight but I was crushing on the guy in seconds of meeting him. Crushing on the hotheaded guy, that wanted and did kick my ass. But despite that I was still crushing because I knew there was more than that. I knew there was someone special underneath all of this tough exterior, I saw it in those beautiful blue orbs. In fact, back then I had never more sure of anything in my life.

Well, it looks like I was right, Johnny had been crushing on me too all these years. And now I have the chance to admit I felt the same. Johnny blinked and looked at me nervously. “I-I, I said you’re the guy, Daniel. I’ve been into you for long and I can’t keep it in any longer  I like you so much, I love you so much actually. I mean I don’t really believe in that love at first sight crap but I know felt something for you when we met and it’s never went away. I’m not the best at feelings and stuff but I wanted to keep you in my life and I should have done that by getting to know you and being nice to you maybe even flirting with you but I didn’t.

Because I was a stupid kid who let anger and fear take over more than anything else and I mostly took that out on you and I can’t say how sorry I am. I meant it when I handed you that trophy all those years ago, you are alright, Daniel. More than alright. I wish I never pushed you down when I first met you. I wish I had been rational about what was going on and just followed my heart and what it was telling me.

It's been my biggest regret. And I’d have to say a close second is that  Halloween when we chased you. God, I can still see the image of your eyes pleading for me, for anyone, to stop. I'll never forget that and I’ll never forgive myself for it.

Seeing you again in your dealership two years ago was like a blessing, like I had been given a second chance, a second chance to do this right. But I know you still hated me then so I never said anything but now I can’t keep in for another moment. You have to know Daniel, I love you. You’re the love of my life and I’ve always heard people talking about them but I never thought I’d find mine when he‘s actually been  in front of me since I was 18 years old.”

Johnny finished, I think as I took a deep breath and spoke.

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“Wow….Johnny. That was both amazing and a lot to take in but I have things I want you to know too. First of all, I never hated you, I didn’t. I hated what you did and the way you acted but I didn’t hate YOU, I really liked you and well I do believe in love at first sight, and whilst yeah I maybe wouldn’t it was love but I felt something for you too when we met.

When you came over and you and Ali started arguing, yeah I thought you were a jerk but then you looked at me. I felt something in my chest staring at your angry eyes, I thought you were real hot, I actually thought that was an understatement.” He chucked at that. “If I’m being completely with you then I can’t remember when it was exactly but it was after I saw you in the Cobra Kai dojo for the first and you smiled and I ran out.

I went across to where my ma worked and she brought some food and how I was and how school was doing, the usual at the time I guess. But my mom didn’t really need to ask because she knew how I was feeling and she told that I had give school a try and I would eventually make friends, she tried to tip the conversation by asking if I had my eye on anybody at school.” Johnny nodded, egging me go on.

“What did you say?” I shrugged. “Well, ma, at the time thought I still on the girl lookout I guess but I didn’t answer I just looked away and shrugged which gave her away my crush to you basically.” His eyes widened. “Did you tell her? Nah, you couldn’t have. So what did you tell her?” “I did tell her but I disguised it so only really I knew who I was talking about. To her, I was talking about Ali but in my head I was talking about you.” He smiled. “So what did you say about me, it doesn’t matter who she thought you talking about. I want to know what you thought about me.” He told me with a smirk.

I nodded. “Ok, fine. She asked me ‘cute?’ I shook my head and told her that I thought ‘you’ were ‘beyond cute.’ And she immediately assumed and said ‘and blonde, right?’” Johnny chuckled as I nodded. “I said ‘yeah, blonde hair’ but then she had to go back to work so she and I continued the conversation with myself really as I thought about you. Because now I was able to freely think about you and said loud without anyone listening.

I thought you had an excellent smile, I mean I had only seen a handful of times and never directly at me but I still liked it. Though I know you don’t think it but I thought you were smart.” He snorted and chuckled. “Glad someone thought that.” I chuckled. “Tell me what else.” “I thought you were beautiful, I actually thought you were definitely somethin’ else, you made me feel things I’d never felt before. I’ve said it before but I thought you were hot, of course and that was all my thoughts really.”

I smiled as he did stepping closer for me. “Now I remember, I finished eating there and rode home and that when the cliff incident happened.” His smile dropped and he nodded. “I remember that, I remember what I said and I’m so sorry Daniel, you know I am. I regret it so much.” His eyes were tears up and I rubbed his shoulder and ran my fingers though his hair.

“Hey, hey, I know. I know you’re sorry and I appreciate that, I do. I just remember when I went home, I shouldn’t have but I yelled at my ma and told her that maybe things were great for her here but I just wanted to go home and I didn’t understand the rules and that’s it. I asked her why we couldn’t just go and forget about this place because I wanted so much, but little did I know Mr. Miyagi heard that argument and it wasn’t long after he started helping me and teaching me.

And I’m so glad of that. Because although I felt so shit then, if we did go back home I wouldn’t have ever got to have with him and be taught by and continue his legacy which now of course is a different story because of Silver which I feel like I’m letting Mr. Miyagi down and-“

“Hey, hey. You’re not letting him down, you hear me? You’ve done so much Daniel, you’ve tried so hard, been through so much and you’re still going. He is so proud of you, really.” Johnny wiped away the tears as they started to roll down my cheek. “Your students wouldn’t be where they are now without you and even though we didn’t win the tournament, your students got a hell of a lot further than mine did and you know why that is?

I honestly never thought I’d say this but it’s because you’re a hell of a better Sensei than me, and I don’t want you disagree to make me feel better because what I’m saying is true. You’re better than me because you were taught better than me, you were taught by sternness but kindness. I was taught by fear and pain, sure you train by yourself sometimes that’s normal but I basically I had to teach myself.

I wasn’t taught move by move carefully and slowly, I was taught painfully and quickly that I barely had any time to even absorb it so I just didn’t learn sometimes. I just swung my arms, hands and feet around in rage, blinded by anger and pain because that was the only way I knew how, that’s what I thought was right. I mean, you know this cause of that Silver guy, you know how Cobra Kai really teaches you.” I nodded, I understood completely what he meant.

“Yeah, I know what you mean. Cobra Kai makes you someone you’re not. I see you Johnny, and you’ve changed so much for better ever you broke free of those chains Cobra Kai had on you. Hell, I know what just a few weeks of Cobra Kai did to me back when I first met Silver. I turned into this aggressive, easily provoked guy that just lashed out anyone who looked at me in the wrong direction.

But you know what? All of that is behind us and all this with Silver IS gonna be behind us in the end, we just need to figure out how.” Johnny nodded and rubbed my arms to comfort me as I did to him. “And we will, we always do.” He smiled at me.

Chapter Text

I nodded at Johnny’s words. “Yeah, you’re right.” He smiled at me and nodded. “Thanks for listening to me and opening up to me I guess. You didn’t have to do that, you didn’t even have to listen to me so thanks.” I chucked. “You listened me when I came in here raving like lunatic so only fair that I listen to you too.” Johnny continue to smile at me and kept his hold on my arms before he took another step closer. We looked into each other’s eyes and I couldn’t help but get lost in his blue orbs. He smiled at me more and I looked away with a blush on my cheeks.

I felt like a teenager which is stupid but all I can think about is how much I want to kiss him right now. “If you wanna kiss me, LaRusso just do it.” He chuckled with a smirk and I lightly hit his shoulder. “Maybe later, we’ve haven’t got time for that just now. Right now I need to get back to the house, I left Chozen there with Ma so god help him.” I chuckled as he nodded. “Wanna me come with you?” I shook my head and squeezed his hand as I took a hold of it.

“You sort things out with Carmen and tell her how you feel. I’ll give you text or a call later alright.” He nodded with a smile. “Alright, LaRusso.” I gave him a look. “We were almost about to kiss a minute ago and we’re still on a last name basis? Come on, Johnny.” He chucked and caught me off guard by kissing my cheek and winked. “Sorry….Daniel. I’ll catch ya later, yeah?” I chuckled and nodded. “Yeah, I’ll text you and we could meet up or I could come to you or vice versa, whatever.”

He chuckled and nodded as I left the apartment and got in to my car to drive home.

Once I got back to the house, I realized I still had to fix my situation with Amanda, regardless of my current status with Johnny. I found Ma and Chozen in the lounge when I walked in Chozen had been sure he had failed me but Ma and I assured him that he’s was far from the truth and this with Silver was far from over.

Right now, I wanted to get my family back together and that is the first step to our victory when we’re all together to work together.

Chapter Text

Now after I may have gotten a little carried away with anger, it’s a long story but I severely damaged Stringray’s PlayStation a lot earlier  due to the fact he wouldn’t tell us if he was working with Silver and Cobra Kai or not and if I could dirt on them or get him on our side and well long story short I admit I definitely got carried away. But I bought another PlayStation cause I felt bad and I am on my way back to Stringray’s to hopefully make up for letting my anger get out of control.

I walked in the door and closed it over behind me. “Stingray? It’s Daniel LaRusso. Hello? I left you a message. I, um…. I got you a new PlayStation. Hello? I heard footsteps faintly and thought that might be Stingray.

“You thought you could get him to turn on me?” My stomach dropped as I heard the voice and turned to see Sliver behind me. “Actions have consequences, Mr. LaRusso.” I held my hands out before dropping them back at my side. “Look. I’m not here for trouble. Okay? I’m the out of the war. I surrender, if that’s what you wanna hear. The Valley is yours.”

“The Valley? He chuckled. “It never ceases to amaze me how small your mind is. I don’t give a shit about your Valley. I’ve got much bigger plans.” I scoffed. “Well, leave me out of ‘em.” I went to walk out but he stood closer to me cracking his knuckles. “How’s that beautiful wife of yours? It’s remarkable how easy it was to disrupt your marriage.” He chuckled. I tightened my expression and dropped the PlayStation out of my left hand as it thudded to the floor.

“You opened the door, and let me  just waltz right in.” He chuckled. “Imagine how easy it’s gonna be to wrap Cobra Kai gis around both your kids.” I’ll take whatever abuse he gives me but leave my kids out of it

I exhaled and pushed him away from me before we begun go fight each other. I managed to swing my leg around and kicked upsides his head. He chuckled again at me. “That’s it, LaRusso. That’s the Cobra Kai student I remember.” I swung at him again but he caught my arms as I try to hit him again. “You never really had the strength, did you?” He said before knocking his head with mine, knocking me back as I held my nose in pain as that took the brunt of it. But I got back on guard as Sliver didn’t give much time between attacks but he managed to hit more knocking me back and as I tried to fight back I lost balance and he gave a kick to my stomach knocking me to the floor harshly and I felt the air get knocked out of me.

“I was ready to let this go. And you just kept getting in my way.” I got up again and tried to kick him again but I missed and fell to the floor as most of my strength was gone but I still got up again and fought but he managed to grab my arm again and pushed me harshly to the floor. I groaned as I felt the pain taking over my strength.

“You bit off more than you could chew. And now that the writing’s on the wall, you wanna surrender? No, no, no. We are way past the time of white flags, Danny Boy.” He went to hit but I got up and hit him, pinning him against the wall and punching and kicking the hell outta his stomach and face but he got out my grip and when I went to hit him again, I noticed blood on my knuckles.

A horrible memory came to mind.

“It’s blood. So what? Make believe it’s his. This guy wants to break you. Humiliate you! Stomp you into the ground! What are you gonna do about it?”

I heard the young Sliver that I stupidly trusted back then and his words rang through my ears as I looked at the Sliver now in front of me. I exhaled again and went to swing at him but he kicked me, I went to swing again but he grabbed my arm and….

Crack!

I screamed in pain as I’m sure broke or at least fractured my arm I don’t know it was just too painful as he dug his elbow forcefully into it before he twisted it and kicked me upside the face a few times and I fell to the ground in pain. I felt like I could breathe, I couldn’t move my arm that was throbbing in pain. Sliver stood over me and then put his foot on my chest pushing down on it.

I strained to breathe. “Don’t look at this as an act of mercy. On the contrary.” He pushed further down now stomping down on my neck. “I want you alive and well for what’s about to happen. Well, alive at least.” He released his foot and I gasped for as much air as I could take in. I choked a little trying to breathe as I felt my chest too tight to get a good supply of breath. I rolled over onto my side with and I felt like I just wanted to cry from the pain.

“Because the real pain is about to begin.” He left as I laid on the floor feeling like I still couldn’t breathe, my head throbbed and my arm and back were so sore I couldn’t barely move.

Johnny’s POV

Wow. That went better than expected, Miguel and Robby are now getting along just fine and we told them about the baby and they couldn’t be happier. I also talked to Carmen about what happened with Daniel and I told I’ll be here for this baby but I can’t be with her. She accepted and understood My heart belongs to Daniel, I don’t think she was happy about it but she did want me to be happy and as along as I was here for the baby that’s all that really matters.

Speaking of Daniel, I haven’t heard from him. He said he’d give me a call or a text but that was hours ago and I mean hours ago. I got out my phone and pressed his number and it rang and rang but there was no answer. “Hey, Carmen. Daniel’s not answering his phone I think something is wrong, I’m gonna go over to his house and see if he’s there.” She nodded. “Ok, Johnny. I hope he’s ok and thank you for being honest with me I’m glad you were able to tell me and you know I want you to be happy. I’ll see you later.”

I nodded. “Alright. I’ll see you later.” I left her with the boys who were in Miguel’s room I think.

I got over to Daniel’s place and saw that Chozen guy outside so I went up to him. “Hey, is Daniel home or do you know where he is. He ain’t answering his phone.” He told me he went to to that Stingray’s to apologize as he got a bit carried away in anger which sounded like Daniel. He gave me the address and I left to drive over there and as soon as I got there I saw Daniel’s car.

I was worried now why wasn’t he answering his phone? I walked into the place and it is massive, I walked further in and heard groaning? Like in pain? I walked around the corner of the room and saw my worst nightmare. 

Daniel was laying motionless on the floor on his side.

“Daniel! Daniel!”

Chapter Text

Daniel’s POV

All I can remember the last few days is pain, I know it was caused by Sliver and I think Johnny found me but I need to get out this bed, I don’t want part in this anymore. I just want to go to work and that’s it. I got out of bed and got dressed into a work suit and walked into the kitchen.

“Dad.” Sam said to me, I nodded at her and looked as Amanda, Chozen, Johnny and Ma were sat at the table.   “Johnny? What are you doing here?” “Figuring out how to make Sliver pay for what he did to you. I found you, Daniel you were in wreck of a state. I was actually scared something was going to happen worse to you.

I knew something was wrong cause you hadn’t been in touch since you left my place and I was worried about you so I tried calling you but there was no answer and then I came over here and Chozen told you had gone to that Stringray guy’s house so I went there and then I found you. I knew it was Sliver and I want to do something about it but I was worried about you first.” I nodded and everyone confused so to say.

“Are we missing something that happened before Johnny found you?” Ma asked me as Chozen and Amanda nodded in agreement. “Yeah, do you want me to explain?” Johnny asked me, I nodded. “Yeah, you’d be better explaining.” He nodded and began to speak.

“Ok, first off I want to break this news to everyone else. Daniel was the first person I told was Daniel but I told Miguel and Robby too a few days ago. Carmen’s pregnant.” Everyone’s eyes widened but smiled. “That’s great, Johnny, congratulations.” Amanda smiled at him as Chozen and Ma nodded.

“Yeah, we’re excited about it but I was worrying quite a bit, I know it’s normal to freak out about a kid and hell I did it with Robby but there wasn’t really anything going on when Robby was born.

Now with this kid, there’s so much going on I don’t want to screw this kid up and if they end up hating me like Robby did then I don’t what I’ll do, but that wasn’t the only thing Daniel talked to me about. You see, I wasn’t that worried about breaking the news to Miguel and Robby but more Daniel.” Everyone looked confused now. I nodded at everyone. “I know, I was confused too at first but I promise there’s an explanation and well it also explains why Johnny been so responsible and cleaning his apartment and all that. But I’ll let him explain.”

I nodded at Johnny as he continued to speak. “The thing is Carmen and I aren’t going to be together when the baby is born and I’ve talked with her now but I talked with Daniel first because I wanted to tell him first. It was I have these feelings and I don’t know how I even came to have them in first place but I’ve had for a longer than I can remember and I thought I really shouldn’t have them cause these feelings are for a dude and I would maybe go as far to say I could love him cause I have liked him for a really long time and I wasn’t gonna tell him because he could have still rejected me and I though he could never feel the same way and I knew that.

But Daniel told me not to say and that I should confront these feelings especially if I’m saying I could love the guy.” Johnny looked at me. “Do you mind if I say what you said to me about guys?” I knew what he was talking about and I smiled. “Not at all, just everyone else don’t take as such a surprise because it’s way I’ve always felt.” Everyone nodded despite still being confused but continued to listen to Johnny anyway.

“Daniel said to me to make me feel better that he found guys attractive in both high school and even now and that there’s nothing wrong with that. And if I really like this guy as to go as far to say I might love him then he told me to go for it and that love is a mysterious thing and it could affect anyone and sometimes it can surprise you like maybe you end up liking someone you have never thought about before and that could be a great thing. For you and the guy.

He told he if the guy rejects me then he’s a stupid guy because he said anyone would be lucky to have me and he really didn’t need to say that but he was pushy about it.” He smiled at me, I chuckled and nodded.

“But when Daniel got up to leave, he got to the door when I said to that the guy was actually him. It’s Daniel, he’s the guy and I’m just gonna let him explain his reaction to that and he can tell you the rest.” Johnny looked embarrassed as everyone looked at him but nobody said anything. “Well, to say I was a little shocked would be right but I was sure for a moment I had misheard him but then I thought I couldn’t because he had been talking to me for the past 15 minutes at this point about this guy he could love and I know that’s a big deal for Johnny considering how he was taught about views on sexuality and the fact that it wasn’t as accepting in the 80s as it is now, but for that guy to actually be me.

I all of a sudden saw things in a different perspective. Johnny told me l he’s liked this guy for ‘a really long time’ that was his words and well now that I know it’s me, I kinda wanted know how long he’s liked me for. What’s a really long time in Johnny’s world? A few weeks? Couple of months? A year? I mean not that it mattered, it didn’t. I just  wanted Johnny to know that I was ok with it and if I’m being honest I’m actually more than ok with it.

As I said I’ve always though myself in between men and women and well society and by that ma, sorry.” She nodded and smiled. “Don’t worry about it, son just continue.” I nodded. “Well, you always told me you wanted me to settle down with a nice girl and have family and that was ok when I was younger and didn’t have any kids or a wife.

But then when I had that fight with Amanda I think it might have been a sign and Amanda I think that it was a sign that we keep trying to keep the thread that’s holding our relationship together for so long that it just frayed so much that now it sorta snapped and I don’t know if it will ever be ok again. I mean you’re back here cause I was hurt I know you’re angry.”

She nodded. “I am but I think you’re right maybe it was a sign that we’ve tried for too long and now we can’t anymore but I’ll let finish first and then we can talk.” I nodded and continued anyway.

“Well, I knew our relationship has changed since Kreeses’ return really that’s when it all started to go downhill and well now it seems I have something that could maybe make the transition easier if Amanda and I do get divorced which I can see coming because you’re we can’t do this anymore if the thread has snapped but we’ll talk about it later. Back to Johnny, I’m not going lie I’ve found Johnny attractive since I’ve met him really. It doesn’t matter what’s happened between us I still found him attractive I still liked him.”

Chapter Text

“I won’t go into detail for the sake of everyone’s sanity especially Sam’s but I believe Johnny is just as handsome as it was back then and is still attractive for a man of almost 50. He’s still is perfect to me, I’ve just never wanted to admit it. Now of course, I wouldn’t exactly have called it love at first sight but I was crushing on the guy in seconds of meeting him.

Crushing on the hotheaded guy, that wanted to and did kick my ass, several times. But despite that, I was still crushing on him because I knew there was more than that. I don’t know how I knew but I did know there was someone special underneath all of that tough exterior, I saw it. I saw it in his eyes and in fact, back then I had never been more sure of anything in my life.

And well, look now. It seems I was right, Johnny had been crushing on me all these years too. And now I have the chance to admit that I feel the same. And when I asked him again after he told me I was the guy he said he couldn’t keep it in any longer, he loves me.” I looked at him. “I know we’re switching back and forth but I can only explain your feelings so far cause they’re yours.”

He chuckled and nodded, looking at me the whole time he’s speaking. “Yeah I do love you, I do love him so much. I mean I told him that I don’t really believe in that love at first sight stuff but I do know I felt something for him when we met and it’s never went away. And I’m not the best at feelings and stuff but I wanted to keep him in my life and I know I probably should have done that by getting to know him and being nice to him possibly flirting but of course I didn’t.

Because I was a stupid kid who let anger and fear take over more than anything else and I just let it build up and I mostly took that out on him and I can’t say how sorry I am. To everyone, I know that pretty much only Mrs. LaRusso was there to witness this but I meant it when I handed him that trophy all those years ago, he’s alright, Daniel. He’s more than alright.

And I know you ain’t meant to wish stuff and dwell but I do wish I never pushed him down when I first him you. I wish I had been rational about what was going on and just followed my heart and what it was telling me.

It's been my biggest regret and heaviest guilt. And I’d have to say a close second is that Halloween when me and the boys chased you. Also the cliff night was a regret even though it was a hill.” He looked at me with smirk-smile. “Ok, I may have exaggerated it a little. Ma, it was it hill it wasn’t a cliff but it wasn’t a steep hill, Johnny.” He chuckled and nodded. “Ok so we agree it’s a hill, we’ll get back to Halloween cause God, I can still see the image of his eyes pleading for me, for anyone, to stop. I'll never forget that and I’ll never forgive myself for it either.

Seeing him again in the dealership two years ago was like a blessing, like I had been given a second chance, a second chance to do this right. But I know he still hated me then so I never said anything but now I can’t keep in for another moment. He had to know, I love him. He’s the love of my life and I’ve always heard people talking about the love of their lives but I never thought I’d find mine when he‘s actually been in front of me ever since I was 18 years old.”

Johnny finished and then took a deep breath turned sigh as I nodded beginning to speak before anyone else could. “I know that’s a lot to take in but it’s all the truth. Amanda, I’ll take to you about it later just us and and Ma, Johnny and I will talk to you later too just the three of us.” They both nodded that was fine but Ma had to something of course.

“Now I know you say you’re sorry, Johnny and I appreciate that. But you know it’s going to to take a lot of time for me to see that you are sorry and that you do love my son and when that happens I’ll begin to trust you because you now seem like a nice man that’s got his head on straight now. I understand we all do stupid things when we’re teenagers but sometimes there’s a line.” Johnny and smiled at Ma.

“Thank you for giving me a chance to prove it, Mrs LaRusso. I appreciate it a lot and I’ll show you I promise.”

Chapter Text

Everyone seemed fairly content with the outcome of that conversation so Amanda switched the topic. “So what’s with the suit now can I ask?” I held out my arms. “Well, I can’t go to LaRusso Auto in my pyjamas, can I?” “You’re going into work?” Amanda asked me, I nodded as I went to make myself some coffee.

“Daniel-San, we need to make plans-“ I held out my hands. “Guys, I appreciate the sentiment. I do. But I’m out of this thing with Silver. If he wants the Valley, he can have it. I’m done with Karate.” Johnny furrowed his eyebrows at me. “What do you mean you’re done with karate?” Ma, Chozen, Sam and Amanda nodded with him confused.

“Must not give up.” Chozen said. “I am giving up. Trying to go toe-to-toe with Terry Silver was a mistake. It almost cost me my family and someone else who loves me, I’m not making that mistake again.” Amanda shook her head. “Daniel, we’re with you. You don’t have to stop fighting.” Johnny nodded.

“She’s right, you have all of us. We’re all in this together and we’ll get through it together. You don’t have to stop.” He told me, I shook my head. “Yes, I do. I became a Sensei to help kids. Instead, I’m making everyone’s life worse.” Johnny shook his head and stood up walking up to me and taking hold of my shoulders.

“What are you talking about? You did help kids. You helped your kids, you helped my kids and everyone else.” I grabbed his hands and squeezed them before getting him to lower them to his side. “Want me to make a list of how many ways they’re hurting because of this, including my own daughter? Why don’t you ask Robby how much I’ve helped him.” Johnny sighed and looked at me with a somber expression.

I told them that growing up, that I never understood why Mr Miyagi walked away from a fight but I understand it now and it’s not our job to fight the monsters of the world and that was the last thing I said before putting on a pair sunglasses to covered my bruised eyes and walked out the door.

Johnny’s POV

Chozen and I made a plan to go give Terry Sliver a piece of our minds for what he did to Daniel and what’s he continuing to do to everyone else. We walked into the dojo and this guy spoke to us. “Adult classes are on Wednesday.” “We’re not here to take lesson, we’re here to teach you one.” I told the guy. “Where is Terry Sliver?” Chozen asked him.

“What do you want with Sensei Sliver?” “We have message.” I nodded. “We’re gonna be his ass for what did to love of my life and what he’s doing to all these kids.” I was going to get Daniel revenge even if he didn’t want to take it himself. The guy scoffed. “Not possible.” I shrugged.

“What you don’t think I could beat him?” “I don’t think you can beat me.” I eyebrowed the guy. “Oh yeah?” We began to fight and before he could take me out Chozen stepped in to help and we fought him together. “Enough.” A woman spoke as she entered the room, I didn’t know she was but I knew I didn’t like her.

“You must be Chozen Toguchi. Far from your pathetic little island, aren’t you? And I’m surprised to see Daniel LaRusso has healed from his injuries so quickly.” I looked at around confused. “What the hell? I’m not Daniel LaRusso. I look nothing like him but I am here for him, to kick ass for him. I’ll get Sliver for what he did to the love of my life, no one hurts him on our watch.” Chozen nodded.

“Sliver must answer for what he has done.” She chuckled. “Love of your life? How interesting and a useful piece of information.” She said to me before turning to Chozen. “You bark like your blond dog.” I scoffed. “I do more than bark, trust me.” She raised her eyebrows. “You wish to fight? Joon-bee.” Chozen looked to me as he spoke. “Too much advantage. Their dojo. We fight when time is right.” I nodded.

“We’re not gonna let you take over the Valley.” She smirked. “We already did.” “You think you did.” I said to her as Chozen and I left.

When we got back to the dojo, everyone was there in the garden so we just stood with them and then the sliding doors opened and Robby, Sam, Amanda led Daniel out who had a shocked look on his face. “You’re not alone anymore.” Sam told him and she was right, he wasn’t alone. He looked at me as I nodded and then looked at everyone else.

“So what do you say, Dad? Will you fight?” Amanda nodded at him and I knew they had their talk about everything including the coming divorce by looking at them, Amanda joined us behind me and I held my hand out to Daniel as he stepped towards us. He smiled lightly and took my hand as I squeezed gently and lovingly before letting go and me, Daniel and Chozen stood in front of everyone and they all bowed.

Daniel looked at Chozen who gave him a nod and then to me I took his hand again and held it right before smiling at him and nodding before letting go and he smiled out to everyone.

Chapter Text

I set down pins on a map of the Valley showing where all the new Cobra Kai locations has opened another new one had opened just recently. “Another location just opened in Toluca Lake.” I told Johnny, Amanda and Chozen as we looked at all the pins. “Sliver’s dividing and conquering.” Chozen added, Johnny shrugged. “All we gotta do is get our hands dirty. Pull some skeletons out of his closet. Know any of his out friends?” Johnny asked me.

I sighed, remembering what happened with Mike Barnes. “We’ve gone down that road. It, um, didn’t go well.” I shook my head, he sighed. “We have to do something. He’s got the damn Valley in a stranglehold.” “Sliver thinking beyond Valley.” I nodded. “Whatever he’d got up his sleeve, he’d keeping it very quiet right now.” Amanda looked at me.

“Well, there is… someone who may know.” I looked at her with raised eyebrows. “Someone who knows Sliver best?” I shook my head, no she can’t be thinking that. “You’re not talking about who I think you’re talking about?” Johnny looked at me and shook his head. “Don’t even say it.” “To beat a monster, maybe we need a monster.” Chozen nodded. “I can be monster.” Amanda have him what appeared to be a pity look.

“Oh, I bet you’d make a great monster. But in this case, only one monster fits the bill.” She looked between me and Johnny who shook his head again. “No. Kreese is locked up. Hopefully, in a deep dark hole. I have no interest in crawling into it.” I nodded. “I agree with Johnny and I’m not just saying that cause of our relationship right now.”

Amanda sighed. “We wouldn’t be having this conversation if we weren’t desperate. Kreese might be our best weapon if he’s pointed in the right direction.” We all looked at each other and then the door opened, a guy standing there.

“Do any of you work here? I’d like to buy a car if it’s not too inconvenient.” Johnny nodded. “Yeah, these guys work here.” He pointed at me and Amanda. I nodded. “Uh, yeah, you wanna….” Amanda nodded. “Yep.” And I knew she would take care of it, I smiled. “Thanks, hun.” Even though Johnny and I weren’t exactly in a relationship just yet, I mean we haven’t even kissed yet but that doesn’t mean I don’t still love Amanda in even a family way.

Chozen was teaching the kids at the dojo today whilst Johnny and I paid a visit to Kreese in prison. Johnny sighed and shook his head. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.” I rolled my eyes. “You think I wanna be here? Amanda’s right. If anyone knows what Sliver’s up to, it’s Kreese.” I quickly grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze before letting go.

“We’re gonna be alright, you said that didn’t you and after this is all over the sooner we can get on with us.” I smiled at him and winked, he smiled at me too and nodded. “Alright, though I don’t know if I can wait that long.” He teased, I smiled as Johnny sighed again. “Hopefully this place has taken him down a few pegs. Maybe he’s ready to talk.” “Sure he’s had a rude awakening. Old man in a place like this. I almost feel sorry for him.” Johnny scoffed.

“I don’t.” “I said almost.” I looked at him and with a slight smile as door opens and we look to see Kreese coming towards us in handcuffs which were taken off him. The guys with him offered to get him food or drink before being told to shove off really. Kreese sat down opposite us and looked at me, addressing Johnny.

“What the hell is he doing here?” “Don’t talk about my boyfriend like that, you be thanking him. He’s the reason you’re out of your dark damn cell.” Well, I was going to get there before Johnny but never mind, Kreese chuckled. “Boyfriend? That’s a bit strong. Oh you think I didn’t know, I’ve knew longer than you have yourself, Johnny. It was obvious.” He said in a smug tone and shrugged. I rolled my eyes and put my hand in front of Johnny.

“Just leave it, Johnny. We’re here for a reason.” Kreese shrugged. “I don’t
care if he’s your boyfriend, husband or whatever. I don’t want to talk to him. I wanna talk to you.” Johnny scoffed.

“Yeah, well, I don’t really wanna talk to you.” He then turned to me. “Told this was a dumb idea, he’s insulting for you for a start and I don’t want to talk to him.” I sighed. “I know there’s a lot of bad blood here, trust me I do but the fact is, we have a common enemy. Sliver is planning something and we need to figure out what it is.” Johnny scoffed. “He doesn’t know jack shit. He’s been caged up in here the whole time.”

Kreese looked at the both of us. “I know exactly what Terry’s planning. But if you think I’m gonna help you, then you two don’t know jack shit.” Johnny and I looked at each other, this was a long shot but we still gotta try. “Look if you really know what Sliver’s planning, why not just tell us so can stop him?” “As if you even could. You’ve already failed even after I gave you a lead.” Kreese told me, I furrowed my eyebrows then I realised.

“The newspaper clipping. I should have known it was you. Who helped you get that to my house?” I asked him. “I got my ways.” I scoffed. “Well, following it led me into a trap. Sliver blindsided me.” “Yeah, that wasn’t my plan. But it was a nice consolation prize.” Johnny started to get up looking like he was going to knock Kreese out but I grabbed his arm and sat him back down as he covered his hand with mine.

“I told you you can’t trust him, you see why. We should leave him here where he belongs.” Johnny told me. “I don’t belong here. I’m innocent. I’m here because Terry was tight with the DA and I couldn’t afford a real attorney.” Johnny scoffed. “Oh please.” I came up with a idea. “What if I could help get you out? Sliver isn’t the only one with resources. I can get a lawyer. Someone who could help get you out, or, at the very least, a reduced sentence.”

Kreese looked at me then Johnny who I know was on the edge of saying something but he didn’t as Kreese spoke. “If that’s true….then maybe I would tell you what I know. But I want a top guy, not one of your greasy cousins.” Johnny looked at me. “You’re gonna help him get out of here?” I looked at him and grabbed his hand that was on his knee and squeezed it looking at him. “It’s worth the sacrifice. It’s the only way.” I looked back at Kreese still holding Johnny’s hand under the table.

“I could call my lawyer right now. Right now. We could a deal now.”
Me and Johnny looked at Kreese as he nodded. “Deal.” I knew Johnny wasn’t happy but he knew it was what we had to do. I got up and left, leaving Johnny to talk with Kreese as I went to call my lawyer.

I came back in and Johnny looked like he needed to leave or he was going to burst. I placed a hand on his shoulder as he looked up at me and I squeezed in comfort before I placed a piece of paper on the hand with my other hand and slid it to Kreese. “I spoke to my lawyer. He’s willing to help you out. Here’s his number.” He went to grab it and I pulled it back a second. “First, you got to hold up your end. Tell us what Sliver’s up to.”

Johnny grabbed my hand that was still on his shoulder and squeezed it nodding. Kreese sighed. “Okay.” I sat back down as he spoke. “I remember when Terry Sliver was a skinny little kid. Loaded with fear. Sort of like the way you were.” He addressed Johnny who just looked away and I grabbed his hand under the table as he looked me and nodded.

“Cobra Kai‘s given him a strength he didn’t even know he had. He became obsessed. And he paid for a trip for us to go back East. To where the Way of the Fist first started. So we could learn from the source himself. Master Kim Sun-Yung.” He told us of the story of him and Terry training in South Korea in 1980 and Terry became obsessed with Tournaments but Kreese declined them to work on students, Especially Johnny back then.

“Sliver listened to me back then. So we didn’t expand. I wanted to focus on you.” He told Johnny. “Don’t make this about me.” I shook my head and held my hand out as the other one held Johnny’s hand on the table. “Hold on. What are you saying? Sliver’s gonna enter another tournament?” I asked. “Not just another tournament. The biggest tournament in the world. And if he wins….” I nodded. “Cobra Kai goes global.” I looked at Johnny who just squeezed my hand again.

“Sliver has taken the Valley. Now he’s putting together the pieces to take everything else. You may have found the will to fight. But you’re outmatched and outnumbered. Sliver is on the verge of getting what he’s always wanted. Well, I think I’ve held up my end of the deal. The lawyer’s number?” I nodded and slid it to him.

He took and opened to see I had actually written “NO MERCY MOTHERFUCKER!” I raised my eyebrows at him and leant forward with a serious expression. Out the corner of my eye I could see Johnny smiling and looked at him, squeezing my hand again. “You actually think you’re gonna be able to take him down without me? He’s gonna make mincemeat out of you.” Johnny and I stood up as I smirked.

“We’ll see about that.” “Enjoy rotting in your cell.” Johnny smirked as we walked out hands held and heads high.

Chapter Text

We knew now Sliver was gonna enter in this tournament and there was no stopping him there but that doesn’t mean we can’t enter too and with a of luck beat Sliver and get rid of him that way with a bit of hope as well. Me, Johnny, Chozen and Amanda arrived at Cobra Kai to try and wager these tournament guys into letting us.

We walked in to Sliver trying to sweet talk the tournament guys into putting all trust in Cobra Kai. Well, that ain’t gonna happen.

…”Our dojo is the best in the Valley.”

I spoke up as we came to a stand still. “That’s not true.” The tournament guys and Sliver turned to us. “And who are you?” One asked.

“I’m Sensei Daniel LaRusso. Two-time All Valley champion.” I looked at Johnny and he nodded. “Sensei Johnny Lawerence. Also two-time champion.” Chozen then nodded and spoke with a bow. “Chozen Toguchi. Master Sensei.”

Amanda looked at us then back at the guys. “Amanda LaRusso. Karate adjacent.” She curtsied slightly. “Cobra Kai isn’t the only dojo in the Valley.” I told them. “So you represent another dojo?” One of them asked again. I nodded as Johnny spoke.

“Not just any dojo. We have champions from the past two All Valleys.” The guy turned back to Sliver. “You led us to believe that your dojo had all the titles.” I scoffed. “Yeah, honestly isn’t exactly Cobra Kai’s strong suit. Our dojo is truly unique.”

I looked at Johnny with a smile and fondness in my eyes. “We’ve combined our different styles to train our students into the best fighters I’ve ever seen.” I said looking back to the guys. “They deserve a shot at your tournament just as much as Cobra Kai.”

Johnny and I smiled and nodded at each other as we saw them talking amongst themselves. Sliver chuckled interrupting them. “My apologies for this inappropriate yet entertaining disruption. But may I remind our guests that they haven’t travelled all this way to consider anyone but the very best.” The guy nodded.

“No, we have not. Now they’re here, we’ll determine that for ourselves. We will see what your dojo has to offer.” He turned to us. “And yours. We expect a comprehensive exhibition of your training methods and your students’ abilities. And then we’ll see if either dojo is worthy of the Sekai Taikai.” I nodded.

“Thank you very much. You won’t be disappointed.” Sliver tried to keep a calm front but I could see the anger through his facade. “Well, as they say, the more the merrier. May the best dojo win.” He looked at me with a tight lipped expression and I cold sense Johnny’s rising anger at him but grabbed his hand to ground him.

He nodded and looked at Sliver. “We will. And when we do, I’m gonna shove that ponytail straight up your ass.” Amanda chuckled at him as I slightly did holding his hand tighter. “You can translate that.” I pulled at Johnny’s hand and gestured for us to leave. “Okay. All right.”

Back at our dojo, I could see our students conversing. A little extravagantly perhaps. “All right, all right. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Remember, Cobra Kai is gonna do everything they can to get a spot. And if they win this time, kids all over the world are gonna have to deal with the same crap you guys have gone through.”

Sam nodded. “But if we win, we can show the world how to stop them.” “First you must prove you can compete with the best.” Chozen said. “To do that, you have to be better than the best. Which is why we’re gonna kick your asses into high gear.” Johnny added.

“Sensei Lawrence, Sensei Toguchi and I are gonna get you ready for the presentation. Come on, let’s get warmed up.”

“Go! Move those asses.” Johnny got everyone moving and I began Sidon training with Sam, beginning with some Kata before the guys came for the presentation.

“Our students start with basic movements. We use chores to create muscle memory. Once they have they down, they can master their defense.”

Chozen has two students to show example. “Show me sand the floor!” I nodded and began to move over to where my boyfriend if you could call him that yet was teaching for example. “Only when they’ve mastered their defense do we need offense.”

“But with a badass twist. Show them the screaming eagle. Ready?” He asked Hawk, Miguel and Robby to example.

I brought them to inside to show the generations of Okinawan karate. “Our Okinawan style of karate has been handed down from generation to generation, going back 400 years.” Johnny nodded. “Shrimpo Sensei. Loved fishing, loved sake bombs. One day, strong wind, strong sun-“ I had to stop him before they got disinterested.

“Okay, the point of the story is that our dojo is steeped in rich history.” Johnny nodded. “That’s right.” He as said I continued. “There’s an old saying. To solve problems of the present, we must always look to the past.”

Johnny led them to the Eagle Fant warehouse to example more training with Sam. “No fancy crap here. Our dojo is old school. We don’t spoil our students. We make ‘em earn things the hard way.”

Unfortunately Sam’s kick to the watermelon made it explode and well that wasn’t good. Johnny tried to salvage. “Uh, hey, look, man, I’m sure this probably all seems weird to you, but sometimes you have to train outside the box to get to another level. Some people use the latest high-tech junk to get there, and some people need to run up a mountain in the snow and yell.”

“Drago!” The guy screamed as he nodded. “Rocky Balboa is my hero.” I smiled, thank god. Johnny’s random knowledge is useful this time. “No shit! Mine too!.” The guy nodded. “His victory over Russia effectively restored my fractured homeland.” Johnny nodded. “You get it.”

“I do. Show me more.” Johnny nodded. “Yes, sir.” I took a breath of relief as he we continued to example to them.

“Thank you for your presentation. Your style is….quite unique. Not to mention your facilities. They’re certainly one of a kind. Having reviewed both dojos. It’s clear that one could not be more different than the other. Yet both equally impressive. So the only way to determine which dojo can gain entry into the Seikai Taikai is to see how your students fare in direct competition.”

“Each dojo will select two fighters. One male, one female. Each will fight two afternoon in separate three-point matches. After those fights, the organizers will decide which dojo, if any, shall make the world stage. Good luck to all.” We nodded.

“Well, it could have been worse.” Johnny smiled fondly at me. “At least we still have a shot.” Chozen nodded. “Only one thing to do now.”

Chozen and I trained Sam as Johnny made his decision with the three boys. Miguel, Robby or Hawk. I could tell Sam was nervous but she’s sharper than ever before in fighting, she’s surpassing both Chozen and myself.

“Thanks but that’s not really the problem. I guess I wasn’t expecting to be back so soon. After the tournament when you closed the dojo, I was angry. But then maybe I started to think that maybe it was for the best. That I needed a break. And now being back here and training with everybody has been so great.”

“I just….I’m back in this winner-takes-all match. It feels like I’m right where I started. Me against Tory.” Chozen smiled at her.

“Samantha-San. Fight not against opponent. Many years ago, your father and I had big fight. You know story. I wanted to prove I was better. Better fighter. Better man.” I nodded. “He was one hell of a fighter.” Chozen nodded continuing.

“But I was fighting against. Your father for fighting for. Fighting for friends. For village… for Miyagi-San.” Sam nodded understanding.

“For my Senseis.” I nodded. “And for you, Sam. For you. Go on. You’re missing the pizza party. We’ll see you at home.”

Tomorrow came and we’re at Cobra Kai for the fight. “Thank you, Sensei Sliver, for offering to host these matches in your dojo on such short notice.” I scoffed. “Offering or demanding?” Sliver looked at me. “Well, we do have actual tournament regulation mats here, so it was really the only option.”

Johnny scowled at him and I stood closer to him to calm him. “We’ll begin with the boys. We have invited a local referee to ensure impartiality. First to three points wins.”

Everyone cleared and the organizers sat down as the fighters took the mat. Johnny had said the boys had decided between themselves that Hawk was the best option.

Kenny won the first point. The kid was aggressive, nothing less expected of Cobra Kai. Nothing but hate behind the boy’s eyes. Hawk hit him, effectively gaining a point but the ref stopped him saying it was out of bounds so no point.

Johnny shouted that the contact was made in bounds and it should have counted. There was something not right here, it was clear Hawk did no wrong so it should have counted.

Kenny hit the back of Hawk’s knee making illegal contact giving him a warning. “Warning? He should be disqualified.” I told them. Hawk decided to again flip the script and bring out the Hawk to win this returning to the mat.

Kenny hit Hawk square in the chest and he collapsed and when he didn’t get back up Johnny and I ran up to him. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t barely get up off the mat. They said it was a forfeit but it couldn’t have been, he was made incapacitated.

Something isn’t right.

Johnny and I got him up after the medic confirmed he was ok just having the wind knocked out of him.

“We begin our girls’ fight. Samatha LaRusso and Tory Nichols, please take the mat.” When we looked, Tory was no where to be seen.

I got Sam aside. “Sam. They’re fighting dirty. This is dangerous you don’t have to do this.” She nodded. “I know. But I can handle it. This is for all of us.”

Sam took the mat and it seemed Cobra Kai had selected a new female fighter. I looked back to Johnny to see he was rubbing Hawk’s back with a bottle of water for him. When I looked back to the fight, Sam kicked her to the shoulder but the ref said that was no point.

I don’t know what’s going on but it’s definitely not right, it’s more than Cobra Kai fighting dirty, these whole matches are dirty.

Sam got the encouragement she needed before returning to the mat. She had to make sure every point was clear as day, they couldn’t deny it. Sam won the next point undeniably as we said and the ref didn’t look happy about it, he looked conflicted but he awarded her the point clear to not raise suspicion to whatever is happening.

The same when Sam won the next point too, making it 2 for us-1 for Cobra Kai and when this girl made her last mistake Sam scored the last point she needed. It was undeniable she won and the ref couldn’t do anything about it, he had no choice but to declare Sam the winner.

I hugged her tightly as she smiled. “I am so proud of you, Sam. That was incredible.” She smiled. “Jersey tough.” I chuckled. “Jersey tough. It’s all you.” Chozen smiled at her. “Samantha-San.” He chuckled congratulating her in Japanese and hugged her.

“We have reached an agreement.” The organizers began. “As expected we were impressed with the skills, precision and discipline of the new Seikai Taikai qualifier…..”

“Cobra Kai!”

We sighed and looked as they cheered. I looked at Johnny and I could see all he wanted to room was take me into his arms and comfort me about this. But then the organizers spoke more. “As for our other dojo, we admired your unusual mix of styles and underdog spirit….”

“And we think you could be a unique addition to the competition. Therefore, we’ve decided that your dojo has also qualified.” I felt my heart in my throat in a good way as I heard those words and our students celebrated. Johnny turned to me and smiled brightly, I could see he wanted to embrace me or maybe even kiss me but in this situation he settled for grabbing my hand and squeezing it hard lovingly.

Chozen hugged us both and they congratulated our students as I looked at Sliver with a smug expression. “Congratulations gentleman. Welcome to the Seikai Taikai.” One of them greeted us.

“We just need your dojo’s name.” Johnny looked over at our students and then to me smiling and nodded. “We are Miyagi-Do.” I stood in front of him reaching my hand behind me for him to grasp which he did.

“And we are Eagle Fang.” The guy tilted his head. “Well, which is it?” I sighed, holding Johnny’s hand tighter. “To be honest, it’s not just one or the other. We represent two opposing philosophies coming together and finding common ground when none seemed possible.” Johnny nodded.

“That’s right. If I can change, and you can change….” He smiled at me. “…everybody can change.” He nodded at the guy. “He gets it.” He nodded. “I do. Nevertheless, we still need one name to enter. You don’t have to decide now, but we need answer soon.”

“For now congratulations, everyone. And welcome to the Seikai Taikai.”

“We’ll all earned this.” I smiled at the team. Each and every one of you brought your A-game.” Chozen nodded. “Could not be more proud.”

“Now with this tournament in our future, we’ve got a lot of work to do. But tonight… tonight, go celebrate!”

I smiled at Johnny as we said the celebration will be held at our house and maybe Johnny and I can talk properly and perhaps get to actually being able to talk about us for at least tonight.

Chapter Text

Johnny was at the dealership, arrived in huffs and I knew something was wrong. He and Carmen has gone to a baby scan earlier today and all went well, until he ran into Terry Sliver in the elevator. Sliver talked about how we landed a spot in the Seikai Taikai and that he wasn’t there to fight but to talk about the future. Apparently everything he did was for the future as he apparently understands how important the next generation is.

His usual Sliver bullshit.

And when Johnny came into the dealership with anger in his eyes, I immediately walked up to him, taking his hand and kissing his cheek to calm him asking him what was wrong and he began to tell me as we joined back with Amanda and Louie.

“….Then the ponytailed prick left. I can still smell his shitty cologne.” Louie looked at Johnny. “I bet he still has you under surveillance which means we should counter-surveil that son of a bitch.” I shrugged. “He might have been there for some board meeting or sell black market kidneys. I really don’t think he’s coming after us.”

Chosen then walked into the room shaking his head agreeing with me. “Because I walk perimeter. All clear.” I nodded. “Yes. That, and because he can’t jeopardize his spot in the tournament. I think we can breathe easy. For now, at least.” Amanda nodded also agreeing with me. “I agree with Daniel on this one. We’ve all earned a night off.”

“And by that, I mean I need a night off.” She clarified before looking at Johnny. “I’m sure Carmen would love to help me finish a bottle of tequila. Plus let’s be honest here, how much have you two actually talked about you?” She gestured to me and Johnny, though I think she’d forgot Carmen’s pregnancy and well no one else is meant know, but they will now.

“Because from where I’m standing, you haven’t talked enough yet to be at a stage where you past the dancing around each other. Which you still are incase you haven’t noticed.”

Johnny shook his head. “Look, I’m ready to talk when Daniel is, it’s up to him. I don’t want to rush anything.” He smiled at me as I nodded. “I agree. We can’t just rush talking things, we need proper time to do to. It’s probably best to wait till we’re in the clear. The real clear.”

“Yeah, Daniel’s right. So don’t worry about us just now and Carmen, not the best idea in her state.” Chozen nodded agreeing with Johnny. “Yes. Always good to have clear mind in case of attack.”

Amanda and I chucked before I nodded. “Yeah, no, Chozen, he means Carmen’s pregnant. We were keeping it on the down low but hey it’s us, right.” I smiled before I looked at Amanda. “Maybe we can properly celebrate, maybe that new place on Laurel? The Portuguese place?” Johnny shook his head.

“Nah, no Portuguese.” “No, no, no. Please, you gotta let me plan this.” Louie pleaded us before turning to Johnny. “Johnny, you gotta let me make it up to you got blowing up the car. Plus if you’re gonna be together with my cousin, you’re practically gonna be family.”

Johnny nodded. “Thanks man, yeah alright. There has to be dancing. Carmen loves dancing, plus give Daniel and I another round, properly this time.” He smiled at me as I nodded. Louie nodded clapping Johnny’s shoulder.

“Absolutely there’s gonna be dancing. My boy Reggie, he can hook us up with a free limo. We’ll get drinks, laughs, get in trouble. Hey, come on.”

“Hey, Anoush! We’re going out. You in? We’re gonna celebrate. Johnny knocked up his girl but he’s also going out with Daniel, I’ve not asked the situation.” I chucked, putting my head slightly in my hand as Johnny shrugged him off and came to stand closer to me to take my hand and squeeze it.

Anoush looked up from the desk he was working from. “As much as I’d love to celebrate the guy who punched me, I have a date. But congrats, to you both that is.” He gestured to me and Johnny. Louie then continued. “Here’s the deal. We’re all going out like adults. So, you know, put something nice on, and I’m gonna pick you guys up at eight o’clock. Sound good?”

We nodded and I kinda nuzzled my body into Johnny’s affectionately and he just held my hand tighter back and wrapped the other arm around my waist pulling me in.

We’ve get to still have a first kiss but I’m sure we’ll get there eventually.

You know for an idea from Louie, this could be a not bad night but we’ll see. Of course, Johnny is being a little more protective around Carmen so no one bumps into her but he hasn’t really come near me all night. I wasn’t expecting him to act like you know a boyfriend in public but I wasn’t even getting a smile or a look.

I mean even Chozen was getting more attention from Johnny than me, at least they were talking. I mean I don’t think I’ve done anything and I don’t know I just I guess wanted this night to be for us too. Amanda noticed it and nudged me at the bar. “Hey, what’s up with the doom and gloom? Shouldn’t you be having fun or maybe a little dance with Mr. Eagle-Fang?”

I chuckled. “Yeah, maybe if he’d even talked to me. He hasn’t come near me all night. He didn’t talk in the limo, he hasn’t talked here. He hasn’t even looked at me. Look, I’m not jealous or nothing but just seems everyone’s getting Johnny’s attention but me. Especially Carmen…..”

“And I know, I know she’s pregnant and we have to be careful no one knocks into her or that but it would maybe just nice if I could get a smile from the guy that’s meant to be my boyfriend. If that’s what we even are, I actually don’t. We haven’t even kissed yet so guess it isn’t really nothing.” Amanda shook her head at me.

“Now, come on, you know Johnny loves you. You knew this was going to be difficult with Carmen and the baby but you also know that Johnny has no intention of being with her, he’s only going to be the father. You’re the one he is wants to be with and come on, this is Johnny we’re talking about, he probably hasn’t realized this is what you’re thinking.”

I shrugged. “How do I know he does? He-“ “Daniel, he poured his heart to you to tell you how he felt about you. He looks at you with nothing but love in his eyes and considering your long history doesn’t it say something if he got your mother to start to accept him? She’s the one that knows everything about the both of you out of all of us so come on, stop overthinking it.”

“And if you’re really unsure, talk to Johnny. Now’s your chance.” She smiled as she walked away with a drink to rejoin Carmen and Chozen as Johnny came up to the bar. “Hey, that Chozen dude’s a good guy. Sorry for the guy he doesn’t have a date cause that kumoko chick lives a thousand miles away.” I looked at him.

“You mean Kumiko?” He nodded. “Yeah, that’s it. You know her?” He smiled.

“Johnny, I really need to-“

“No more talk. You’re mine. Come dance.” Johnny smiled as Carmen dragged him away. “Gotta go.” He smiled before he left.

I scoffed into my drink. “Guess it’s like that then. Talk to him. Yeah, good idea, Amanda. Why did I ever think it was gonna last? Still the same Johnny Lawerence dick I knew in high school, crush or not, feelings for me, loves me, bullshit.”

I scoffed again into my drink. I didn’t need him. Let him have his girl and his baby and his family. I knew this was too complicated and someone was going to be left in the dust, why didn’t I know it was gonna be me?

I sat down next to Chozen who was pretty drunk at this point or at least he seemed like it and Amanda just laughed at him. I looked out to the dance floor, saw singles and couples dancing before my eyes landed on a certain pair.

Johnny was holding her gently, her back to his chest as he held his arms around her waist and hands on her stomach. It was a sweet loving picture and he dipped his head down to his shoulder and neck kissing it slightly.

I took a sharp inhale and felt my face scrunch up in anger. I scoffed again, loves me? Yeah, so right he does. Whatever.

They came back from the dance floor and Amanda must have saw my face and suggested we leave and Chozen suggested another bar which Johnny agreed with as we all step outside. He still hadn’t looked at me or nothing. What a dick.

Chozen went to make phone call then came back all excited and Carmen then said she was gonna call it a night and Amanda agreed before she gave me a look, I know what it meant but I didn’t really care.

“You go have fun.” She smiled at me. “Really?” I said through a clenched smile. She nodded. “Yeah, Carmen and I will take an Uber.” There wasn’t much more conversation before Chozen dragged into the limo.

Chozen sat opposite me and Johnny in the limo and they were fine partying to the music but I just sat with a drink kinda sitting there just lightly bouncing my leg. I wasn’t really feeling up to partying.

I felt a nudge to my side and Johnny came close to me. “Hey, what’s up with you? Come on we’re meant be happy, celebrating.” He smiled at me, I know I should have been more rational about this but I was too angry to.

“Oh, so you’re talking to me now? Ok.” I nodded. “The hell’s that supposed to mean?” I scoffed. “Look at tonight, Johnny! You’ve barley spoke to me or even been near me all night, and I saw you on the dance floor with Carmen earlier. Pretty picture, wouldn’t want to ruin it.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Ruin it? There’s nothing between me and Carmen, you know that! I love you.” I scoffed again. “Oh, do you?! Cause you’ve got a pretty funny way of showing it, Johnny!” I was going to get close to tears if I kept shouting.

“Why did I ever believe you?! You know what, Johnny? You haven’t changed since high school and I’m maybe beginning to see why Ali broke with you in the first place. You don’t have feelings for me, that’s bullshit!”

“Or you know what? Maybe you did, but you know what that’s called, Johnny? It’s called having a high school sweetheart, alright? You had a crush, be honest! That’s all it ever was and that’s all it’s ever gonna be!”

There was tears now, it was clear in my voice. “I was really willing to give this a go. Give it a chance, give you a chance. Well, you know what? It’s the last time I ever take a chance on you! You’re still that same dick and the only the thing you maybe loved about me in high school or even now is I’m a convenient punching bag.”

“Hell, rush anything? Yeah, more like stalling, one kiss Johnny that’s all I ever wanted. But not now, because I might love you, but I know sure as hell you don’t love me! So you don’t need to pretend anymore, tell Carmen we’re done I’m sure she’ll be thrilled.”

There was nothing but venom in my tearful voice. “What do you-“ Johnny started but Chozen interrupted as he was tried the door handle. “Oi. I think Driver going wrong way. Also does not want us to leave.”

I got up to go sit at the sliding panel to talk to the driver but no answer as Johnny was still beside Chozen trying the door handle again.

“Sliver.” Chozen said as the limo took wild turns then, throwing us all about.

Johnny got up to sit beside me and tried to help me up and stay steady but I forcefully shoved him off before he started pounding his fists on the sliding panel. “I already tried that!” I shouted at him.

The limo took a few more wild turns and threw me into Johnny as he grabbed I shoved myself off again and held on to something.

If we’re getting out of here, I will not need Johnny’s help.

Not ever again.

Chapter Text

The brakes suddenly squealed and the limo came to a screeching halt, throwing me against the back seat on to my side and Johnny beside me on his side also, I knew if I stayed still Johnny would try help me up again and I’m not ready to even look at him never mind talk to him or accept help from him.

I scrambled out the limo as fast as possible, feeling Johnny’s hand just barely brush against the small of my back as I stand. Even though I didn’t ask for his help he was still giving me it. I open the door and I’m met by…Mike? I looked at him with confusion for like a millisecond before he pulls me out the limo and throws me the ground.

I land harshly on my back and look up at him as he speaks. “You ruined my life, LaRusso.” I looked at him. “Mike?” He grabbed me by the lapels of my jacket and pulled me up. “You took everything from me.” Chozen got out and tried to reason with Mike.

“Hey. Not Daniel-San’s fault.” Mike looked at him. “Then who’s fault is it?” He shouted at him.

Johnny came stumbling out the limo with a flood of Coors beer cans and one sitting far too comfortably in his hand. “Hey! Get your damn hands off him.” Johnny slurred out before launching the can in our direction.

To absolutely no one’s surprise, he missed. I feel the cool metal hit against my forehead with a harsh thud and I let out a pained groan, “Damn it, Johnny!” I grumble out, stumbling backwards… that’s definitely going to leave a mark.

Although I do have to admit it was almost…sweet? Not the fact I got a beer can to the head, of course. The fact that even after the words exchanged between us mere minutes ago he still attempted to defend me… ‘attempted’ being the key word there.

Johnny ran at Mike then threw him to the ground as Chozen asked me if I was alright. I nodded and just rushed over to the two, I had to break it up. As much as I’m not happy with Johnny I don’t want him bloodied and bruised for the sake of a misunderstanding.

“Both of you, stop.” “What the hell is this?” Johnny asked as I looked at him with a sigh trying to defuse this situation. “He used to fight for Sliver. His name’s Mike Barnes.” Chozen nodded. “Bad boy of karate.” Johnny scoffed.

“Doesn’t look so bad to me.” Mike looked at Johnny. “Wanna go again, chief? Come on.” He stepped towards Johnny and I pushed on his shoulders. “Mike. Mike! Look, I know you’re pissed. You have every right to be.”

“You’re damn right I do. My-my life was fine before you showed up. Next thing I know, there’s a pile of ashes where my store was? That place was leveraged to the hilt, Daniel. I’m broke. My wi… My wife…” He sighed.

“I understand, all right? Believe me. But Sliver is the one who’s responsible. He burned down your store. He’s made all of our lives a living hell. I never meant for you to end up in his crosshairs. I will do anything I can, I promise, to help you make you whole again.”

Mike nodded. “You say you wanna make me whole? Then you help me tear him apart.” I nodded. “Believe me, he’s gonna get what’s coming to him, sooner or later.” Mike shook his head.

“No, I say it’s sooner. I say we go beat that ponytailed bastard’s ass tonight.” I tried to reason with him. “Mike, come on.” He shook his head at me. “Don’t you get it? This guy just destroys people’s lives bit by bit. And he never faces any consequences. You know what I see? I see four consequences right here.” I sighed.

“Mike, we can’t just show up to his house and assault him.” I told him. “This guy destroyed my world. What do you want me to do? Just sit here and take it like a bitch? I’m gonna beat the living shit out of him.” Chozen nodded. “Yes.” “I like the way this guy thinks.” Johnny commented stumbling forward.

“Johnny!” I tried to reason with him too but that isn’t the easiest thing to do right now. “The bad boy’s right, man. Sliver’s been screwing us for too long. He kicked my ass, he kicked your ass. It was sucker kick in my case, but still, it’s way past time for payback.” Mike slapped Johnny’s back nodding. “That’s what I’m talking about!”

I looked at Chozen as my last port of call for reasoning. “All right. Chozen. Chozen, help me out. This is crazy.” He just smirked and said. “I know Sliver’s address.”

You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.

Mike clapped and nodded. “Yes! I’m driving.” He speeded back to the limo, I held my hands out, someone had to see my point here. “What? No, no, no! You guys. You’re out of your fucking minds.” I told him. Chozen chuckled.

“Four of us. One of him. Tonight, we cut off heat of snake.” He laughed. Johnny went to follow Chozen and Mike back into the limo when I pulled him back. “Johnny. Johnny, listen.” He stood in front of me as I spoke.

“We’re all drunk. and judging by the size of his pupils. Barnes is on something even stronger. This us a terrible idea.” Johnny nodded, finally maybe someone agrees with me.

“Yeah, it is. Which is why Sliver’s never gonna see it coming. It’s happening, LaRusso. Saddle up.” He smiled at me, biting his lip and winked, before he —

Did Johnny Lawrence just slap my ass?

“It’s time to put Pandora back in her box.” He says confidently… all while stumbling back to the limo and walking into the car door, climbing in and then they drove off leaving me stranded in the middle of nowhere!

Thankfully when I called Amanda, she did pick up and she and Carmen came to pick me up as apparently there was trouble with the kids at Cobra Kai’s dojo, I just hope we get there before Sliver.

Wherever the bastard is.

Johnny’s POV

I can barely breathe as these motherfuckers of Sliver’s throw me to the ground again. My heart is beating my ears, I can barely feel my legs, my head is pounding so hard it could explode. They come around circling me like damn vultures ready for their next strike, as I try to sit up one guy throws another punch straight to my jaw, knocking me down onto my stomach again.

I shake getting back up onto my knees when another one kicks my shoulder throwing me into another guy that punches my jaw again sending me back onto my elbows crashing to the ground. I don’t feel like I can get back up this time, it’s over.

I’m beaten. I’m broken. Time’s up.

I can’t even see properly, I squint as I see something in front of me on the floor that wasn’t there when I was knocked down before. It takes only seconds for me to realise what it is as the guys beating the shit out of me stand around me.

It’s a picture out of my wallet. It’s crinkled and creased, but I know exactly who it is even through the blurred vision, the person stands clear as day in my head, it’s LaRusso.

…It’s Daniel.

Those big brown beautiful eyes like a gorgeous and majestic deer stand out, looking at me so lovingly, his cute baby face that I just wish I could hold right now and have him beside me, his beautiful smile beaming at me….

I can’t give up now.

I need to get up, I need to apologise— I need to get home…to him. I can’t let him down….not again. He needs to know I’m sorry, he needs to know that I do, in fact, love him— more than anything.

I snarl at these bastards that think they’ve got me down, defeated me. Not yet they haven’t. I push myself up and beat the shit out of every one of them, not caring about the damage of them or Sliver’s house or his damn belongings.

I sighed as I get up from the last guy as he collapsed, Mike came barrelling with Chozen, an arm around him and well Chozen looked worse for wear. Stabbed is the word I was looking for. I saw him look to the ground as he hung off Mike’s shoulder, he saw the photo of Daniel and I and slowly raised his eyebrows and softly smiled as I picked it up quickly holding onto it as if it was a lifeline.

“Come on, let’s go. We have to get to the dojo, we can’t leave Daniel to face Sliver alone.” Mike says pulling us of Sliver’s house towards the limo again.

I look at the photo held tightly in my hand as we walk, I look at Daniel and suddenly see him in my mind bloodied and bruised at Sliver’s mercy…..just like I was. No. I won’t let that happen, not to him.

Hold on, Daniel, I’m not losing you just yet. And especially not to that ponytailed freak.

Mike pulls up at the dojo and everyone is outside, the kids, Amanda and Carmen and that, Cobra Kai students and many police cars. Probably for Sliver but I couldn’t care less about him right now. I just want to know that Daniel is okay.

Mike carefully gets Chozen out of the limo and takes him over to people standing there. I take a minute to get onto my feet and get my bearings.

Daniel’s POV

I’m standing with Amanda and Carmen as I watch the police going into the dojo to bring out Sliver. Amanda nudges me to look in the other direction and I gasp, Mike comes up to us with Chozen hanging off him, very badly stabbed?!

“Chozen. Jesus, what happened?” He shrugged and waved me off. “Ah, just a flesh wound.” I looked at him. “Yes, but it’s like all your flesh. God, we have to get you the hospital.” Chozen shakes his head.

“No, you see Johnny-San first. He also fell in battle. Beaten down. Not get up. But he find strength when he see Daniel-San.” I looked at him, furrowing my eyebrows.

Is this the blood loss talking? How could Johnny have seen me when I wasn’t there?

“What do you mean Johnny found strength when he saw me?” I asked him. He waved me off again. “Johnny-San carry picture of Daniel-San in wallet. To give love. To give strength.”

It was like my anger from earlier tonight melted away as I heard Chozen’s words. Obviously I don’t know if he’s just talking nonsense because of the stab wound or if Johnny really does carry a picture of me around in his wallet…..that’s really sweet actually. Amanda was right, he….does love me.

I nodded with a smile. “Okay, thanks Chozen, look let’s get you into an ambulance.” Mike smiled at me. “I’ll go with him, you see Johnny he’s still in the limo.” I nodded as he took Chozen away with a paramedic.

Amanda and Carmen looked at me as they had heard the whole exchange with Chozen about Johnny and his photo of me.

Johnny’s POV

When I get up and look out the limo window, I see him. Daniel’s standing there with Amanda and Carmen, I leap out of the limo and run up to him and pulling him into my arms, holding as tight as I could without hurting him. Breathing heavily into his shoulder, I sigh in relief that he isn’t too hurt and I finally have him in my arms again.

I sigh as Daniel pulls away from the embrace but I hold him by his forearms, speaking as seriously as I can. “Daniel…..Daniel, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I know how it must have looked with Carmen and I but you have to know it wasn’t anything, I love you. I don’t want to lose you, I can’t stand the idea of losing you, I love you so much and I’m so sorry I-“

“Johnny…” “I needed to know you were okay, I’m sorry you had to face him without me by your side but you have to know, promise you know how much I love you please, I can’t lose you, I’m sorry, please. Daniel, I-“

“Johnny!” I say louder a second time and he stops his rambling and looks at me as I press a finger to his lips to shush him. “What….?” He speaks so quietly behind it, I only barley heard him.

I felt my heartbeat race as I moved my finger away and smiled as I crashed our lips together, I felt Johnny immediately relax and he held his hands onto my hips and I wrapped mine around his neck loosely on his shoulders, my hands gently cradling the back of his head, pulling him closer to me.

“I’m sorry too.” I mumbled against his lips as we pulled away ever so slowly. “I…. I said some things I didn’t mean and I was just really angry cause I thought I had lost you and that none of it was real and it scared me because this….. This is all I’ve ever wanted, you have to know how I love you too and I was scared to admit that earlier tonight and I let my anger take over.”

He chuckled leaning his forehead against mine. “Yeah, you’ve always been a hothead. Never keeping that anger too far away. But I promise you will never really loose me, we’ve fought so long to get here and I’m not that willing to throw it away, I won’t throw us away. Ever. I might have temporarily lost you from my sight for 30 years but I never lost you from my mind or my heart.”

“You can’t get rid of me that easily.” He smirked. “That thought of just loosing you and everything we have, the thought of missing the rest of our life together, I just couldn’t stand it. Kicked me into a gear I didn’t know I had.” I just smiled and sighed, cupping his face and pulling him into another kiss and smiled as we parted and Johnny held his arm around my waist holding me against him.

“Speaking of which…Chozen was telling me about a photo you have in your wallet, do you carry a photo of me everywhere, Johnny?” I ask him with a smug grin, he rolls his eyes in response with a fond smile. “Don’t flatter yourself, Daniel, it’s a picture of both of us— not just you. Gotta keep that LaRusso ego down somehow.” He replies jokingly, shrugging his shoulders while gently squeezing my waist.

We watched with Amanda and Carmen as we saw Sliver being dragged out in handcuffs by the police. I chuckled. “Never thought I’d see the day when Sliver was finally in handcuffs.” The police and the lawyer or whatever he was nodded telling us Sliver’s lawyers are going to be VERY busy.

Johnny hugged me sideways again and I tucked my head into his shoulder as he kissed my hair before I lifted my head again. “Alright, LaRusso. You finally took Sliver out.” I chuckled. “LaRusso?” I raised my eyebrows and he must have thought I’d go back into my angry mood with him and he immediately stuttered.

“I mean Danny, uh, Dan, uh, Daniel. Sorry.” I chuckled again. “All of the above there are better. But yeah no more Sliver looking over our shoulders at every turn.” Johnny nodded. “Here’s hoping Sliver and Kreese end up cellmates.”

“You mean John Kreese? You didn’t hear?” Johnny and I looked at each other, the guy started to explain Kreese got into a fight and was badly wounded. Thought to be dead, for real this time.

As much as I’d like to believe that, I don’t really and neither does Johnny but you know what without either of them, there is no Cobra Kai and that’s the main thing now.

Cobra Kai is finally gone.

For good.

Chapter Text

Johnny dragged me to his apartment and inside, we came back here so we could be utterly alone instead of being in my house with the kids and that. "So...." I said, standing at his front door on the inside. "No.... don't speak..." Johnny said as he walked towards me grabbing the back of my neck and kissing fierce and passionately. I smiled and pushed him towards a wall which he started to wrap his arms around me and reach down to grab my backside. He picked me up and carried to his bedroom, he laid me down on his bed, kissing me more and more passionately.

"Oh, Johnny..." He chuckled into the kiss. "Now what did I say about talking, LaRusso? Can it." He spoke in a dominant voice, I blushed, shoving my jacket off onto the floor, loosening my tie and unbuttoning the top two buttons of my shirt. "Yes..... Sensei." Johnny moaned at the name as he threw his shirt on the floor next to my jacket, and unbuttoned the rest of my shirt, unbuckling my belt and throwing it on the floor next to where everything else would end up.

I pushed Johnny to land on the bed, the bed squeaking beneath him and the pillows being scrunched up behind him. I climbed onto the bed and onto Johnny’s legs, I hovered above him, knees bracketed on either side of Johnny’s hips, running my hands up and down his chest and stomach, the soft parts of him and the toned muscle as I settled myself in his lap, he moaned as I slightly rocked my hips on the bulge in his jeans.

He reached up and started to kiss and nip at my neck again with a moan, he cupped my cheek and kissed my lips deeply. He pushed my shirt off my shoulders and launching it behind me to the rest of the pile not looking nor caring where it landed.

I pushed him to lie back again and started to kiss and nip at his bare chest, leaving a few marks all over as he tangled his hands in my hair before moving them down and tracing them all over my chest and stomach. “God, you’re hot.” I kissed him again before speaking. “How poetic of you, Johnny Lawerence.”

He smiled, opening his legs wider as I fell into the space on the bed he made in between his legs and kissed me again. “Only so poetic when it comes to you, Daniel LaRusso. I mean it feels stupid but it’s true you’re smokin.” I chuckled, a light blush on my cheeks and a shiver came over me slightly as Johnny’s fingers traced over my nipples.

He undid my belt, buttons and zip on my jeans before he lifted my ass and pulled them off me throwing them on the floor with the other discarded clothes.

Johnny pulled the lube out hd had in his bedside drawer and placed it next to him on the bed before he settled me back on his chest and had me lie forward so my head was on his shoulder. He kissed my neck as he opened the lube and coated his fingers generously and kissing the shell of my ear whilst whispering sweet nothings as his fingers brushed against my entrance, chuckling, slipping his pointer finger in. I moaned against his shoulder biting the skin there in pleasure.

Once Johnny slipped two more
fingers in and teased me a bit more
he believed that I was ready, he
removed his fingers. “You ready for this?” I kissed him and nodded. “Yeah, I’m ready. I’ve been ready for a long time.” I sat back on Johnny’s chest and he pulled me over to settle my ass and help me line up and inch myself lower moaning into my palm loudly muffled. "You good there?" Johnny asked me, smiling.

I nodded placing my hands on his chest and kissing him quickly.

Pleasure endured the both of us as I rocked my hips, testing how to do this. Johnny threw his head back against the pillows with a loud moan speaking. “Mhm, yeah, That’s it, baby. God, you’re so tight. You know you feel so fucking good.” Johnny’s hand curled around the back of my neck to pull me down into a sloppy kiss. I got more of a rhythm bouncing more as Johnny then placed his hands on my hips.

“Meet me halfway.” He told me as began to thrust upwards as I bounced, my hips slamming down on his. "Oh-god…." My eyes screws shut and I could hear Johnny chuckling as he thrust more his chuckles turning into moans, I threw my head back, my hips uncontrollably bouncing faster.

"Johnny…. God, it’s so good.…." I rested my forehead against his as his hips started to slam against my ass, the sound of skin slapping filling the room. I growled in Johnny's ear, biting the top of his ear a little as he growled in reply and whispered to me. “Feel amazing, Daniel. I'm getting close at this rate."

Johnny growling in reply arouses me further. He pulled me against him, kissing me before thrusting hard enough his body smacked against my thighs and ass again, completely submerged. A near scream left me at the pace and shuddering grunt from Johnny. I was so close I froze and Johnny took the hint at my pleasure contorted face.

He bent his knees for the best angle and thrusted as fast as he could using every bit of power and weight possible. My nails were buried into Johnny’s blond locks and I heard him moan as I tugged at it. “Fuck!” I shouted as I twisted a hand in Johnny’s hair as he slammed my back down into his lap, the pleasure spurring me on to move.

I came splattering onto Johnny’s chest and stomach moaning loud, I could see how close Johnny was so I decided to give him that final nudge. “C’mon, c’mon, I want to feel you come inside me, Johnny. Please. I know you can do it.” He moaned loudly into my neck pulling me down onto him, holding me tight to his body as he filled me with his release.

I curled my hands in his sweaty hair, covering the side of his face in kisses as his hips gave one last, weak stutter pulling me more on top of him. I slumped against Johnny’s chest and breathed heavily against his shoulder as I came down from my orgasmic state. Johnny collapsed back against the pillows and headboard, both of Johnny’s hands scooped up my ass pressing me closer to him as he struggled for a few more little thrusts within me, my knees were getting sore from this position and Johnny must have sensed it as his cock finally slipped free of my oversensitive hole and he pushed my leg out so I could curl up on Johnny’s chest.

We both panted against each other and Johnny kissed my head burying his nose into my hair and giving it another kiss before running his fingers through my hair soothingly.

“You okay there, baby?” He asked with another kiss now to my cheek. I nodded against his chest, feeling sleepy now. “Yeah, M’just feeling tired now.” I mumbled into his pecs. “Good, that means I was great.” Johnny commented.

I chuckled, his cockiness never seemed to shift, even times like this. I lifted my head to kiss him. “Good night Johnny, I love you.” I slid off Johnny’s chest and settled myself now at his side, nuzzling into his shoulder tangling my legs over his. Being slightly shorter than him made me fit perfectly to his side. He pulled me tight to him and pulled the bed covers over us and held me, laying his head atop of mine.

“I love you too, Daniel. Good night.” He kissed my head one last time before we before drifted off to sleep.

Sure, this relationship is real messy, had a lot of ups and downs, three decades worth of downs but I don’t regret any of it if it led us to here.