Chapter Text
Life couldn’t have been better for Johnny Lawrence. His life was finally on the right path which he claims was all thanks his husband, Daniel, who he also saw as the best part of his life. He didn’t think life could get anymore prefect until Daniel set a pregnancy test with a small plus sign in front of him one morning 5 months ago. Life was prefect, Daniel was prefect, their unborn child was prefect-Daniel had him wrapped around his finger and they both knew it but Johnny wouldn’t have it any other way, he lived for his husband and would do anything to make Daniel happy.
Which is why he smiled as heard Daniel tip toe into their bedroom, knowing that he was trying to be sneaky but Johnny’s hearing has always been amazing, so Daniel always ended up failing. Johnny didn’t even bother turning around, he continued to fold their laundry as Daniel slowly made his way behind him. Johnny didn’t jump when he felt Daniel’s arms wrap around his waist while resting his head on his back. Johnny’s smile grew wider when he felt Daniel’s baby bump pressed against his back. Daniel has always been a tiny thing so it didn’t surprise anyone, except Daniel himself, when he started to develop a bump quickly.
“Hey babe,” Johnny greeted, he stopped folding for a second to just enjoy Daniel resting himself again his back, “You tired?”
“A little, I’m more hungry through,” Daniel replied honestly.
Johnny chuckled as he had been dealing with Daniel’s increased appetite and cravings for a few months now, “I see, what are you craving now?”
“Mac and Cheese,” Daniel answered.
“That’s easy, I got some in the freezer. If you go preheat the oven, I pop it in after I’m done with the laundry,” Johnny stated, mac and cheese was the most common craving Daniel had been having so Johnny had been making it regularly and freezing it to bring out whenever Daniel needed.
Daniel didn’t move for a second before shaking his head in Johnny’s back, “No.”
“No? That’s not what you want?” Johnny asked already having an idea on what Daniel would probably be asking for.
“I want those fried mac and cheese bites from the Golden Apple.”
Johnny chuckled again, “I’m not sure I should be getting my pregnant husband greasy food from a bar.”
“It’s not just a bar, it’s a grill to,” Daniel stated.
“Is that right?”
“Yeah…please Johnny…the baby really wants them,” Daniel begged.
Johnny turned around so they were face to face, wrapping his own arms around Daniel’s waist. He kissed Daniel’s forehead, “You don’t need to beg babe, you know I’m going to get them for you.”
Daniel’s brown eyes shined with happiness and warmth, his smile big, “Thank you.”
They shared a short kiss before Johnny added, “Just let me finish the laundry than I’ll go get you what you want.”
“I could fold the rest and put them always,” Daniel offered.
“You’re tired and your feet have been bugging you all day, I’ll be fast,” Johnny said.
“Johnny! I’m not-“
“Weak, I know,” Johnny finished for him, “Trust me babe, I know but you are already doing a lot just carrying a growing baby inside you. You worked with Mr. Miyagi all day today and don’t think I don’t know that you were carrying around heavy pots and trees.”
Daniel’s eyes went wide in surprise and guilt, “How’d you know?”
“I have my ways.”
“Who’s your spy? Tell me,” Daniel demanded playfully like a little kid asking their parents what they got them for Christmas.
“If you want those fried mac and cheese bites, you will be resting on the couch watching tv or reading or something equally relaxing by the time I’m done with the laundry,” Johnny insisted.
Daniel untangled himself from his husband, looking up at him with big eyes and a quivering lip. Not really sad so much as hoping to get his way, “But-“
Johnny shook his head before kissing Daniel’s once again, “I’ll get it for you, but you have to wait and rest…please.”
“Okay,” Daniel headed out the room, at the doorframe he stopped and turned back to Johnny, “It was Miyagi that told on me, wasn’t it?”
Johnny chuckled, instead of answering he commanded to his husband, “Couch! Now!”
“I’m going, I’m going,” Daniel waved him off, a bit of New Jersey accent coming through as he spoke.
Johnny watched him go and heard the tv being turned on before turning back to the task at hand, mumbling to himself, “cute.”
Johnny finished folding everything and put it all in it’s rightful place. He grabbed his jacket and keys before heading to the living room where he found his husband laying comfortable on the couch, snuggled up in a fuzzy blanket that Dutch had gotten them as a wedding present. Dutch really had no idea what to get people for any special occasion, but he did well with that one. It was practical and Daniel loved it, it was his curling up on the couch blanket. Johnny loved it because Daniel loved it and it was a good choice for when they wanted to snuggle together.
Daniel looked up at him, “Hey, did you finish?”
“Yep, I’m going to head out now. Is there anything else you want before I go?” Johnny asked.
Daniel thought for a second before shyly asking, “Can I have a coke too?”
“How much caffeine have you had today?” Johnny asked, torn between just saying yes and giving his love what he wanted but also remembering what their doctor said and wanting what was best for him and the baby.
“I only had one cup of coffee today and it was decafe,” Daniel answered honestly.
“Only one?”
Daniel nodded. Johnny leaned down to kiss him; Daniel met him halfway by leaning up. Johnny pulled away.
“The bites and a coke,” Johnny said out loud and waited for Daniel to add anything else but Daniel just kept it at those two items. “Okay, I’m off than.”
Johnny walked over to the front door, opened it and turned back to Daniel, “Stay warm, I love you.”
“Love you too.”
Johnny smiled and walked out, heading to his car. He looked at around as he unlocked his door, he had a feeling of unease, that something wasn’t right-like he was being watched. All he saw through was the usual neighborhood sites-bikes and other toys in the yards, a few “beware of dogs” signs here and there, the Mitchell’s mailbox in the shape of a boat, and cars that have always been there. The Jackson across the street have already put up their Christmas lights but that wasn’t unusual for them, they always put them up early in December. Daniel and him plan on putting theirs up some time next, they were still trying to decide if they wanted to do a real tree or a fake one. It was really Daniel’s decision, Johnny would be happy with either.
Shaking it off as just not wanting to leave Daniel alone he got in his car and drove off. It took 20 minutes to get to the Golden Apple and another 20 minutes to get back, plus, the time it took them to get the food ready. Johnny never liked being away that long from his husband, even before Daniel became pregnant. It helps when Daniel is with Mr. Miyagi because he knows the old man would never let anything happen to his adoptive son. While Johnny knew Daniel could take care of himself, he still worried. His husband had the talent to attract trouble which really wasn’t his fault in most causes but sometimes it really seemed like the universe had put a huge “kick me” sign on Daniel’s back. For such a kind and passionate man, he sure had a knack for meeting the worst people.
Johnny made it to the Golden Apple in record time which he hoped would continue with the food being down sooner and him getting home quicker. He made his way inside, waving to a few regulars he knew as he made his way to the bar to order. The Golden Apple was special for Daniel and him, it’s where they re-met and began their relationship. Before Daniel got pregnant, they liked to spend their Fridays there unwinding from the hardships of the week and being together…and Daniel got to get his fill of fried mac and cheese bites. Now, they’ve become homebodies trying to get ready for the baby and while they want to keep the Golden Apple in their lives, they also just like being home with each other.
Johnny waited patiently as Ruthie, the bartender, made her rounds and it finally was his turn to order. She smiled big and friendly, very teethy, when she saw him, “Hey Johnny! How’s Daniel doing?”
“Good, feels like a beached whale and is always tired but good,” Johnny answered as he drummed his fingers on the bar.
“I remember those days,” Ruthie said with a fond smile, “My hair had never been so beautiful and shiny, but I’d glad I don’t have to deal with swollen ankles.”
“How are your kids?” Johnny asked. Ruthie’s kids were grown up and gone now but she loved to talk about them and Johnny always listened because he considered her a friend.
“Good, Rachel is getting married this Spring and Maggie is starting medical school next Fall.”
“Medical school, that’s expensive,” Johnny replied impressed.
“It is but she’s a smart cookie and got this huge scholarship that’s going to pay for everything, we are so proud,” Ruthie beamed.
“As you should be, she got her brains from you after all,” Johnny stated with a wink.
“Oh you! Such a sweetie,” Ruthie giggled, “Now what can I get for you…let me guess, your better half wants his bites.”
“And a coke,” Johnny added.
“Got it,” Ruthie said writing it down, “Do you want anything while you wait? A beer maybe?”
Johnny shook his head, “No, I decided to abstain from drinking until after Daniel has the baby. It not fun to drink without him.”
“Aww, so cute, “Ruthie said, “I made my husband drink while I was pregnant, I wanted him to describe every wine in detail.”
Johnny chuckled, “No wonder Frank hates wine…I’ll take a coke through.”
“Sounds good,” Ruthie said, “Two cokes, one for here and one to go, and a order of fried mac and cheese bites coming right up. I’ll tell Harry to put a rush on the order so we can get you back home as soon as possible.”
“You are a doll,” Johnny claimed.
Ruthie winked at him before heading to the kitchen to give Harry the order than came back to give Johnny his coke. She moved on to the next customer, coming over to check on him every few minutes and do a little small talk. When his order was ready, she brought it out for him.
Ruthie handed him a plastic bag filled with a Styrofoam container filled with the bites and a can of coke, “I had Harry do an extra order, on the house.”
“Ruthie, you shouldn’t have,” Johnny exclaimed, feeling lucky to have a friend like her.
“Pish Posh, I remember cravings, “Ruthie stated, “What he doesn’t eat, you can save for later. Now lets get you home.”
“Yes,” Johnny agreed, paying for his order. He gave Ruthie a side hug before saying goodbye and heading home.
He was gone for an hour, an hour is not much time in the grant scheme of things but that night he learned that an hour was more than enough time for one’s whole world to come crushing down. Driving back, Johnny was happy to be going home and being able to give Daniel what he wanted. He figured Daniel would eat than they’d cuddle and watch a little tv together before heading to bed. All those happy thoughts and warm feelings disappeared as he neared their home. He knew something was wrong before he got to their driveaway. Why? Because to get to their driveaway, he had to pass their front door…the front door that was open which he knew he did not leave open when he left and Daniel would never open the door just to leave it open. Johnny pushed back his fears and dark thoughts as he existed his car, he wanted to believe that Daniel was okay…safe within their home. There was a logical reason for the front door being open, maybe Daniel got to hot and opened the door to bring in some cold air or maybe he realized Johnny was going to be home soon and wanted to help by opening the door for him.
Bag of goods in hand, Johnny slowly walked to the door. Any thoughts that Daniel was okay disappeared when he saw the state of their living room. Everything was trashed and thrown about. The couch where Daniel laid earlier was toppled over, their tv was smashed to bits, lamps were shattered against walls. Papers from magazines and mail where all over the place. Dread filled his whole body; Johnny dropped the plastic bag.
Daniel was a fighter, so he had to still be here…right?
Johnny found his voice as he stepped into their home, weakly at first he called out, “Dan-Daniel!”
He got louder as he searched the whole house but Daniel never answered, he wasn’t there. Not sure what else to do, Johnny picked up the nearest phone and called the police.