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Chapter Text

August 1988

Laurie followed her friend and roommate Deb as they found seats in the middle of the auditorium. It was the start of their junior year at the University of Southern California and so far the day had gone well. Her morning classes were fine and this was the only afternoon class she’d have on Mondays and Wednesdays.Though most of her classes were now smaller and focused on her major, psychology, this history class was a requirement for all students.

She actually was supposed to take this class last year but it conflicted with another course so she waited. This also worked out so she and Deb could take it together. Getting out her notebook and pens Laurie watched the other students file in as they waited for their professor.

As Laurie watched she noticed a tall, blond guy and did a double take before shaking her head. There was no way it was him.

“You ok Laurie?” Deb asked looking concerned. “You look like you seen a ghost.”

“I must be seeing things. I swear I saw a guy I went to high school with.”

“Really?”

“But there’s no way. Johnny wasn’t known to be good academically. I know he had rich parents but I don’t see how he got in.”

“Wait,” Deb touched her arm. “That Johnny?”

Laurie nodded and her face still blushed thinking about it. Yes, that Johnny Lawrence. The one she’d been in love with since she was twelve years old but he paid no attention to her once he got in with that karate group Cobra Kai. That was such a wild time as that took over so much of their high school West Valley. The Cobra Kai guys were just as popular as the football team, and all the girls went crazy over them. She couldn’t help she had too but with Johnny it was different. Laurie remembered how he was before Cobra Kai, even if he forgot.

Then their senior year it all changed when Daniel LaRusso moved to town. He and Johnny were locked in a rivalry and even Johnny’s ex-girlfriend got with Daniel. Ali was so friendly to everyone, including Laurie, so for her pick Daniel over Johnny was a huge deal. Then that karate tournament and Daniel winning affected everything. Johnny became more withdrawn the rest of the year. He and his friends even quit Cobra Kai, which was a shock. Something major must have went down but Laurie never knew what.

Then they all graduated and went their separate ways. The more she presently looked at this guy the more she realized this had to be Johnny. He was taller though and looked to be more muscular. His hair even was longer and styled like a lot of guys were doing with it feathered back from his face.

“We should go talk to him after class.” Deb insisted.

Laurie looked at her friend shocked. “No way.”

“Yes, you said you want to be more outgoing than how you were as a teenager. And this was your high school crush. You don’t get many chances like that.”

“It might not even be him Deb.” She tried to sound reasonable.

“That guy’s hot either way so why not?” That made them both laugh. Thankfully the professor showed up to start class so the topic was changed.

After class and putting things back in their bags, Deb grabbed Laurie’s hand. “Come on, we need to hurry.”

“Please don’t…” Laurie started but it was too late as Deb practically made them run to catch up with the guy.

“Excuse me?” Deb asked and the guy turned around. “My friend thinks she went to high school with you. Does your name happen to be Johnny Lawrence?”

He didn’t even have to say anything as this close Laurie saw it was indeed Johnny. Those blue eyes and that smirk of his were the same even if he now looked a little older. How did he get even more handsome as he aged?

‘Yeah, that’s me.” He said amazed and then looked at Laurie.

She could feel her face blush and Deb nudged her to talk. “You probably don’t remember me. I’m Laurie Thompson.” It was hard even to get those words out.

Johnny looked her over and she could tell he didn’t. “The name is familiar.”

“I used to wear glasses so that’s likely it.” Laurie replied. She wasn’t hurt by his comment since most didn’t recognize her now that she wore contacts. Plus, she was so shy and in the nerdy crowd that they rarely crossed paths. She only ever really saw him from afar.

“Probably, and it was a large school. Really awesome we’re in the same class again.” Johnny smiled at her and she could barely breathe.

“Yeah, it is.” Laurie couldn’t help but smile back.

“Well, I got to get going but I guess I’ll see you both on Wednesday.” With that he left after they both said goodbye.

“Good God, that man is fine as hell.” Deb said in awe.

Laurie was in disbelief. “I can’t believe I talked to Johnny Lawrence.”

Deb hugged her. “And it’s just the beginning. I can feel it.”

Laurie hoped she was right. After all this time could things finally be in her favor?

Chapter Text

“So we’ve noticed there’s some issues with your school work and partying, and you know to keep playing on the team you’re going to have to get your grades up.”

Johnny Lawrence nodded as he sat across from his soccer coach. He’d been playing for the past two years and so far had done well. School had always been a struggle for him but he always found ways out of it or charmed his way through it. College was different from high school and even if his stepdad helped to get him into USC Johnny was still going to have to do the work to graduate. “I know coach.” Johnny said reassuringly.

“Good. We’ve actually matched you up with some tutors, both faculty and students. This should hopefully help you and we’ll have no further issues.”

Coach Snyder handed him a paper with names on it of some professors, teaching assistants, and students. Times were available too so he could just show up to what suited best in some cases. “Thanks coach.”

“No problem Lawrence. You’re one of my best and just trying to help.”

Where had he heard that before? But Coach Snyder was nothing like Kreese.

It was hard to believe it’d almost been four years since everything that happened in West Valley. That fall was a whirlwind of unexpected blows and changes. Never in a million years would he have thought how drastically everything would change. His jaw and neck still had phantom pains of that crane kick from LaRusso and what Kreese did after the tournament. Johnny though it’d get easier with time but it was still there almost mocking him and would creep up every so often.

When he got back to his dorm he looked over the list and then noticed he spotted a name he knew. Laurie Thompson. That girl he went to high school with and was currently in his history class. Obviously history was a subject listed for her but she had also put down to help students in math and science. That’s probably why he didn’t remember her. She was part of the smart, nerdy crowd. Their worlds never mixed in high school.

Though looking at her now he was surprised as the girl was stunning. Her long, dark hair perfectly curled in a way he knew most other girls he’d been with took hours to do and used god-awful amounts of hairspray to achieve. And those green eyes of hers just drew him in. He could tell she was shy though as it took her red-haired friend to get Laurie to talk to him, and he noticed her blushing. So she obviously liked him, which wasn’t too much of a shock as most girls did. Maybe she’d be a good choice as a tutor for some of his classes.

The next day after their class was over Johnny made his way over to Laurie and her friend. They both weren’t expecting him to be there and were startled when he spoke. “I’m sorry.” He smiled and they giggled. “Just wanted to ask you something Laurie.”

She looked shocked not only that he was talking to her but he remembered her name. She turned to her friend and they shared a look before Laurie turned back to him. “Sure.”

“I don’t know if you two know but I play on the soccer team and it was brought to my attention that I need some extra help with my classes. They suggested some tutors and you were on the list.” Why was that so hard to get out? He hadn’t felt this nervous talking to a girl since Ali.

“Yeah,” her face lit up. “I tutor other students in a few subjects.”

“Awesome, would you be willing to take me on?” He asked.

Her smile got so wide. “Of course. Just let me know what free time you have and we can schedule something. I usually use the quiet tutoring rooms at the library as it’s more private.” She got out a piece of paper. “Which classes are you taking besides this one?”

He told her and she wrote them down. “Well, I can totally help you with your math and science ones. For business there’s a great tutor who’s one of the professors. And I’m guessing you’re good with the sports ones?”

The both laughed at that. “Thanks so much for this.”

“You’re welcome. What are you majoring in?”

“Sports management.” He answered.

“That makes sense.” She then wrote something down and tore off the section of paper before handing it to him. “That’s mine and Deb’s dorm phone number so we can schedule this.”

“Thanks.” He looked down at it. That was a new way to get a girl’s number.

“Bye Johnny.” Laurie said as she and Deb got their things and took off.

“Bye.” He said watching them and curious how this was all going to go.

Chapter Text

Over the next couple weeks Laurie and Johnny got into a routine as they met up each Tuesday and Thursday at the library for their tutoring sessions. She would help him with things he didn’t understand from his lectures and with his homework. Noting he seemed to have some comprehension issues she used a technique she learned to use associations for various things. If it was math she got to him equate it to karate or sports. Science was a bit harder but they made progress.

It actually surprised Laurie how well Johnny and her got along. Taken away from all the influences from their teen years he was more forward and seemed to be more confident like the old Johnny. Playing on the soccer team must have helped too as he had a new coach and teammates in his life.

Maybe it was also with Laurie being a psych major but she could already see good changes in him. As long as he applied himself to his school work everything would go well.

It also helped being in one of the private study rooms. There was no librarians telling them to be quiet as the room was sound proof. Laurie was still amazed she could even handle being in the same room with him. That crush didn’t go away and if anything it was getting stronger. Spending all this alone time with him and seeing the real Johnny was making her fall even harder. Deep down she knew he was kind and did care about others, he just always masked it to fit in and she loved seeing that again.

As October began he was doing much better in his classes and the soccer team was doing well, though most of campus really cared about the football team. That particular day he came into the study room with a huge grin on his face.

“Does that mean what I think it means?” She asked.

He handed her his paper. “I got a B+ on the test!”

She looked at the paper and back up at him. “Oh my God Johnny, that’s awesome!”

“I haven’t gotten a grade that good in years.” He said in amazement as he sat down next to her.

“See, I knew you do it.” Laurie said congratulating him.

“Thanks.” He replied. “We should go out and celebrate. I know this place that had amazing hot fudge sundaes.”

She stared at him in shock. Did he just ask her out? He said “we” but he did well on that test and she tutored him. It wasn’t a date. “Yeah, I’m in.”

“Great, but I know we have to finish studying first.” He gave her a grin.

“Of course, the semester isn’t over.”

Afterwards they went to his car, that same red car he had in high school, and he drove her a ways off campus to a diner he liked to go to. This was the first time she’d ever been in his car and it was exactly how she pictured it. He had rock music blasting and the windows down with his sunglasses on. This all felt like some crazy fantasy she’d had over the years. She actually heard him singing along on the radio and tried to hide how happy she was feeling that his was real.

He was right as after they got there the food was good and the sundaes were amazing. She laughed at him getting a Coors Banquet though with his burger and fries while she had a Cherry Coke. Some things never changed.

“I can’t believe how good this is.” She said eating her sundae.

“Told you.” Johnny said with that smirk again that almost killed her every time.

“I don’t think there’s a place like this back home.”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Have you gone back lately?”

“Just this past summer to see my parents and brothers. I’ve lost touch with a lot of friends.” She admitted but that’s usually how it went after high school.

He nodded a bit sad. “Me too. I did see Tommy and Bobby this summer. Really only go though to see my mom, preferably without my step-dad.”

She saw the look on his face, one of disgust. “Is he bad?”

“The worst.”

“What about you dad?” She asked curious.

“Don’t know him.” He admitted.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She apologized and hoped she didn’t hit a nerve.

“It’s ok. I never really knew him so I don’t know what I’d miss.” He smiled a sad smile and she fought the urge in her to hug him. There seemed to be a deep sadness in him but now wasn’t the time to pry.

“Do you keep in touch with the other guys? Besides Tommy and Bobby?”

“A little”. He admitted. “It is hard with all of us in different places. They’re all doing good. Miss hanging out with them.”

“You were always all together in school.” She remembered watching them fondly.

“We were brothers. Went through a lot of shit Not just with LaRusso.” He said and left it there. There was something he wasn’t saying though.

“Oh Daniel.” She said remembering that too.

“Don’t tell me you were friends?” He said annoyed.

She laughed. “Daniel was nice but I just knew him in passing. And everything with your karate stuff.” She hesitated before adding. ‘And with Ali.”

“Yeah,” he said dejected and turned his face down to play with his spoon in the remnants of his sundae.

Laurie took a breath before saying what she wanted to. “I never understood it. Ali broke up with you and then got with Daniel. You were one of the most popular boys in school and she went with him.”

Johnny looked up at her surprised. “You didn’t like LaRusso like that?”

“What? No, he looked like he was twelve!”

They both burst out laughing at that. “He really did look like he was twelve.” Johnny agreed. Then he added, “So who did you like?”

Laurie didn’t know what to say but felt a blush creep over her face as he stared at her. Her heart was telling her to say “You!” but she said instead, “I plead the 5th.”

Johnny just laughed again and shook his head. She had a feeling he knew the truth but thankfully he changed the subject.

Chapter Text

She was certainly something Johnny didn’t expect. Laurie was different from the usual girls he was interested in or dated. Before now it was only Ali he had ever had real feelings for, but Laurie was slowly turning into his second. He liked the way she would so easily get flustered and blush, especially when it was him that made her do that. It wasn’t that hard to realize he was the one she had a crush on in high school, and now he was regretting he didn’t realize it sooner.

He even looked forward to their study sessions. Laurie had a way about her that made it easier for him to learn. Getting a B+ on a test was a huge deal and he couldn’t remember the last time he got that good of a grade.

The more he learned about Laurie too the more he was drawn to her. She was an avid reader, always with a book including comic books. He hadn’t read comics since he was a kid but she she told him lately they had gotten into darker storylines and he was surprised to find out what was happening in them now.

Her music tastes were so varied too. She loved rock like he did but was also into pop, country, oldies, R&B, and even new wave, though she was calling it alternative rock. “I swear you’d like some of the bands. It’s still rock with some new sounds. they don’t get played much on the radio.”

She’d let him listen to a few on her Walkman and promised to make him a mix tape. He wasn’t surprised when at their next study session she had the tape all done with notes.

“Just promise me you’ll have an open mind.” She pleaded.

“Ok, I promise.” He replied and loved seeing her smile.

After his roommate headed out for the night Johnny grabbed his old Walkman and put the tape in. Laurie had made notes for each song. A few were from a band called The Replacements and she wrote next to “Bastards of Young”, “This reminds me of you and the CB boys” and drew a snake. He listened to it and had to admit the lyrics did seem to fit them, and it was a good song.

That band was really good and he really liked “Can’t Hardy Wait”. Next she had “How Soon is Now?” by The Smiths, writing in the notes “This reminds me of you.” And as he listened it did to him too and made him think of what Kreese had made him do, his absent father, and horrible step-dad.

I am the son, and the heir, of a shyness that is criminally vulgar. I am the son and heir of nothing in particular. You shut your mouth. How can you say I go about things the wrong way? I am human and need to be loved just like everybody else does.

Then Laurie had a few “fun songs” as she called them and they made him laugh as these songs seemed to fit her. Most were pop songs but she also included Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon” and Queen’s “It’s a Kind of Magic” with a note, “I know you said they’re mostly dads now but they’re still great.” She wasn’t wrong as they still were great.

Then he got to Martika’s “Toy Soldiers”. Laurie’s note said, “This still makes me sad and I sense this fits too.” As he listened to the lyrics he understood why as he realized it touched on what Kreese did to him, Tommy, Bobby, Jimmy, Dutch, and the other boys. He made them like soldiers for a war that didn’t exist. They lost part of themselves because of him, and even Laurie could tell.

Only emptiness remains. It replaces all the pain. “Won’t you come out and play with me?” Step by step, heart to heart, left, right, left, we all fall down like toy soldiers. Bit by bit, torn apart, we never win but the battle wages on for toy soldiers.

Finally the tape ended with “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure. “This is one of my all-time favorites. Says more than I can.” Laurie wrote in her note. That intrigued Johnny and he listened intently.

“Show me, show me, show me, how you do that trick. The one that makes me scream,” she said. “The one that makes me laugh,” she said. Threw her arms around my neck. “Show me how you do it, and I’ll promise you, I’ll promise that I’ll ran away with you. I’ll run away with you.”

Spinning on that dizzy edge, kissed her face and kissed her head. Dreamed of all the different ways I had to make her glow. “Why are you so far away?” She said. “Won’t you ever know that I’m in love you with you? That I’m in love with you. You, soft and only, you, lost and lonely, you, strange as angels, dancing in the deepest oceans, twisting in the water. You’re just like a dream. You’re just like a dream.”

When he finished it dawned on Johnny what Laurie was telling him. She was confirming she liked him and had for years. Possibly even loved him. It was such a huge revelation and he realized he needed to talk to her.

Picking up the phone he dialed her number. She picked up after two rings. “Hello?”

“Laurie, it’s Johnny. I just finished the tape.” There was a long pause on both ends and he knew she was processing this. “Can I see you?”

“You can come here if you want. Deb’s out with her boyfriend.” She gave him her dorm building and number.

“Ok, I’ll be there soon.” Johnny replied before hanging up and rushing over to see her.

Chapter Text

Her nerves were all over the place as she hung up the phone and waited. It seemed her plan had worked using those songs to tell Johnny she loved him. Time seemed to pass in such an odd way of slow though it had only been a few minuets. Then the knock on the door came and Laurie rushed to open it.

Johnny stood there with such a bewildered look in his eyes as he studied her. They didn’t even have to speak as she knew he was searching to see if what he listened to and read in those notes were correct. Before she knew it he pulled her close and kissed her. She was taken by such surprise that she didn’t know how to react at first but then instinct took over as she kissed him back.

After a few moments they broke away for air, their foreheads still touching. She still was in disbelief and in wonder as she’d wanted this for so many years and it was finally happening. His hands were still in her hair as his thumbs were stroking her jaw. “Are you ok?” He asked.

“Yeah,” she replied still breathless. “I forgot to shut the door.”

The both laughed and then broke apart so she could shut it. Turning back to him she bit her lip still in a daze. “So I guess you figured it out?”

Johnny looked at her in such a way as if he was seeing her for the first time. “Yeah, how long have you felt this way?”

“Almost ten years.” She finally admitted.

He looked even more shocked. “What?”

She moved closer to him and took his hand. “Come sit and I’ll tell you, but take those shoes off first.”

He did as he was told and then followed to sit with her on her bed. They both sat crossed legged, facing opposite each other, and holding hands. “I’m confused Laurie. I don’t remember that.”

“It’s probably because you were still getting bullied.” He looked at her amazed she knew that. “I’m a psych major remember. Plus, I remember when you first came to West Valley Middle School. You were twelve and you were still small. The other boys were picking on you. This was before Cobra Kai.”

“That’s right.” He said still shocked she knew this.

“I was getting picked on too because of my glasses. Those boys knocked over my lunch tray and kept making fun of me. You were ahead of me in line but suddenly turned back and yelled at them. The kitchen staff rushed over to stop them and help me with my tray. You then asked if I was ok and you gave me your cookie saying I’d need it more.”

A smile came over his face and he squeezed her hand. “I remember now. That girl was you.” He looked up at her amazed and also finally in recognition.

“Yeah, it was me.” Then she took a breath. “I’ve loved you ever since and even though we never really interacted once you met Tommy, Bobby, and the others I still knew the real you was in there. It took you a lot longer to find him again.”

She was surprised to see tears in his eyes. “Laurie, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s ok, I understand. Kreese really messed all of you up.”

He looked at her in shock again. “You can tell that too?”

She nodded. “It’s easy to see with how you changed because of him, and then what happened with Daniel and after the tournament. There’s something I’m missing but I know it’s huge.”

Johnny took a while to find the words and held her hands so hard she started to worry. “He tried to kill me.”

“Wait, Kreese tried to kill you?” That wasn’t at all what she expected, but it made sense.

“He destroyed my 2nd place trophy and said I was worthless for not listening to him. Suddenly he put me in a headlock and I couldn’t breathe. I’d never seen his eyes go blank like that. The guys tried to stop him but he wouldn’t listen and he hit them.” He took a breath. “I guess LaRusso and his sensei saw it across the parking lot. The next thing I knew I was on the ground and Mr. Miyagi bested Kreese. The guys and I quit and Kreese has been gone since.”

“Oh Johnny, that’s horrifying.” Laurie said as she moved closer to wrap her arms around him and he clung to her. She could feel him crying and held him close, kissing his jaw and neck. “You’re ok now. He’s never going to hurt you again.”

“I did so many horrible things because of him.” Johnny said with so much regret.

They pulled apart and she held his face in her hands. “But you can change and you are changing. You’re in control of your life now and anything is possible. And you have me.”

“And you won’t leave?” He asked with a bit of fear.

“I’m not going anywhere. I love you.” She told him with all her heart.

The smile he had was the best she’d even seen on him. “I love you too.”

They kissed again and she slowly laid down on the bed as he hovered over her. Their hands explored one another and they slowly removed their clothes. She couldn’t believe how muscular he was now and he was taken with how beautiful she was. Finding protection they slowly made love and it was nothing like either had ever experienced before. There was something healing about it for both of them in finding one another. Afterwards he held her in his arms and she had never felt as much in love and at home, safe with him in her whole life.

Chapter Text

As the semester went on Laurie and Johnny were pretty much inseparable. Besides their classes and tutoring they went to the USC home football games together, she went to his soccer matches, and they went to the movies and concerts. Deb made fun of them all the time, but this was what Laurie had always dreamed of and it was real.

One day after a tutoring session, now happening in her dorm room instead of the library in case other events transpired, Johnny lying on his back on her bed turned to her as she sat opposite with the textbook in her lap and said, “I feel like I owe you so much for helping me with these classes.”

“You don’t need to” Laurie responded, though she loved he wanted to.

“Whatever you want to do we’ll do.”

“Really?” She said intrigued. “Whatever I want” That grin appeared on his face, but what she was thinking wasn’t the same as what he was. “Ok, I want you to teach me karate.”

That took him by surprise. “Karate?”

“Yeah, isn’t it kind of a form of self-defense? Girls should know that.”

“But you’re a girl. I don’t mean that in a bad way. I thought girls could get injured more easily. They’re more delicate.”

She normally would be mad if someone said those comments but she could tell he actually believed that was the truth. “Women are more tougher than you think. Whoever told you that is wrong.”

So they found time a few days later in their college’s large exercise gym that was free for all students. They actually offered classes for self-defense, yoga, martial arts, and for the athletes to weight train. Johnny had more access to things since he was an athlete, so they could use one of the classrooms that was more private.

They took their shoes and socks off before stepping on the mat. She had on a tank top, her exercise pants she wore for jogging, and hair pulled back in a ponytail. It amazed her looking at Johnny as he stood before her wearing a black karate gi and his trademark black headband. So many memories came back to Laurie as she remembered him always wearing that headband when they weren’t in school and still wondered if he had his red jacket. That look used to drive her crazy. Now here she was getting ready to learn from him and he was her boyfriend. How things had changed.

“We’re going to start with some basic punches.” He grabbed some pads for his hands before facing her with his hands up. “Go ahead.”

“Ok,” Laurie got into a fighting stance. Then started throwing punches, good punches with some power.

“Wait a minute?” Johnny looked confused. “You actually have some power there.”

“My Dad’s a boxer, or he was when he was younger. Taught my brothers and I when we were kids.” She explained.

“That’ll help a lot. Karate is a lot similar at least when it comes to your hands and blocking. So what we need to focus on is your legs.” He readied himself with the pads again.

This time they worked on her kicking and she was getting the hang of it. Soon enough the pads were gone and they both were doing various moves and kicks, ducking when needed. Then he was showing her various flips and ways to take an opponent down fairly. It did feel weird getting thrown to the floor by him but she got back up and was more determined to take him down.

“Now you were talking about self-defense so I thought of something I can show you.” He had her come in front of him and turned so he was behind her. “If some guy comes up from behind like this,” he then placed one arm around her with his hand on her stomach, “either trying to grab your purse or whatever there’s some things you can do. First is the foot and you came stomp on it. Then your head can ram right into this face, or you can use your elbow here,” he gently touched her right elbow, “to hit his side and then turn to break the hold. Maybe throw a few punches or kicks, especially in the nuts, and eventually you can turn him over.”

“I think I got it.” She said.

“Ok, let’s try.”

They got back into position and Laurie did everything he told her and shockingly it worked. She made sure not to hit him that hard and when she got to the flip she surprised herself and actually had momentum to flip Johnny flat on his back. Instead of leaving him there she actually straddled him and he looked up at her with his blue eyes wide. “So how I’d do? You know they say it’s the quiet ones you have to watch out for.” She smiled at him suggestively.

He started laughing and she did too. “That was amazing, babe. If it wasn’t for those security cameras and being in public I’d let you have your way with me.”

She laughed and kissed him before they stood up. “Let’s go back to my dorm and finish this then.” She teased and he grinned. As they put their shoes back on and got some water she looked at him. “Johnny, you should became a karate teacher.”

He looked at her stunned. “Really? A sensei.”

“I think you’d be good at it and help some kids.” She fully believed that.

He looked impressed by the idea. “I might have to look into that.”

Chapter Text

After the semester ended and both passed their exams Laurie and Johnny headed home for winter break and the holidays. Thankfully Johnny was well received by Laurie’s family and he got along with her parents and her older brothers. It was nice seeing him with her little nephews, as he her eldest brother was already married and a father. However, the same couldn’t be said for Johnny’s step father.

His mother Laura was so nice and welcoming, but Sid was so mean. He said so many degrading comments and even backhanded compliments to Laurie. Johnny was staying with them, mostly for his mother, and Laurie tried to get him to stay with her family but he didn’t want her parents disapproval. “It’ll only be for a few weeks.” He told her.

A few days later they had finished their meal at a restaurant. As they were leaving he had to use the restroom and kissed Laurie quickly before she was alone waiting by the door. Suddenly some one called her name.

“Laurie Thompson?”

She looked over in shock and sure enough there was Daniel LaRusso with who she assumed was his mom and his sensei Mr. Miyagi. They had just entered and walked up to her. “Daniel, hi!” She replied with a smile.

They both hugged and Daniel turned back to his mom and Mr. Miyagi. “This is Laurie. We went to school together.”

“Nice to meet you.” Both of them said and smiled.

“Nice to meet you too.” Laurie replied, though she was also slightly panicking.

“You home from college?” Daniel asked.

“Yeah, it’s going well at USC.”

“That’s great. Are you just leaving?” He asked curious.

“In a bit. Just waiting on my boyfriend.” She replied and was hoping they’d be gone before Johnny got back but it was too late. She felt Johnny’s arm go around her.

“I’m ready to go babe.” He said at first but then stopped almost in shock.

Daniel’s eyes went dark as he stared at Johnny and Laurie turned to see that darkness overtake Johnny’s face too. Even Daniel’s mom and Mr. Miyagi all seemed frozen waiting for what was coming.

Instead Daniel suddenly turned to Laurie disappointed. “You’re dating Johnny Lawrence?”

“Don’t talk to my girlfriend like that!” Johnny shot back and Laurie instinctively took Johnny’s hand and faced him.

“Calm down.” She warned and thankfully she saw his eyes lighten. Then she turned to Daniel. “Yes, Johnny’s my boyfriend. We’re at USC together.”

“You got in college! I’m shocked.” Daniel replied with a tone of bitterness.

“Daniel!” His mother said in shock at her son acting like that.

“No Ali with you?” Johnny said surprised.

“We split up after senior year.” Daniel replied and Laurie could tell Johnny was as shocked as she was by that development.

Mr. Miyagi came closer. “Daniel-san, not proper way to greet old friend.”

Both Daniel and Johnny said in unison, “He’s not my friend.”

Mr. Miyagi laughed and turned to Laurie and Johnny with a smile. “You two have a nice day.” And he forced Daniel to walk away while Mrs. LaRusso shook her head and apologized.

Laurie turned to look at Johnny and could tell he was still angry. It made her sad he still had this grudge towards Daniel, and vice versa. If only there was a way to make them see.

~*~

“I still don’t know where we’re going.” Johnny said as he looked out of the car window. He’d never been to this part of the valley before.

“You’ll see.” Was all Laurie said as she drove and had a smirk on her face.

She pulled up to a house with a large back garden and old cars in front. It seemed really out of place. “Where are we?”

“Just go inside and you’ll see.”

He looked at her in confusion but did as she said. After giving her a quick kiss he got out of the car and slowly walked up the drive and into the house. It had an Asian feel to it and something seemed familiar. Suddenly the door behind him shut and he heard a heavy lock click into place. “What is going on?” He asked concerned.

“Come and join us Johnny-san.”

He knew that voice and sure enough he rounded the corner and saw Mr. Miyagi and Daniel LaRusso sitting at a small table on the floor. It was a shock seeing them and Daniel’s mother at the restaurant a few days earlier but now he knew he was brought here on purpose and Laurie was involved.

“I wasn’t involved with this.” Daniel put up his hands.

“Correct.” Mr. Miyagi agreed. “It was my idea with Daniel-san’s mother and your Laurie.” He pointed at Johnny. “Now sit Johnny-san.”

It wasn’t like he could leave so Johnny did as he was told and sat opposite Daniel with Mr. Miyagi at the head of the table. There was a picture of an Asian woman on the table and what looked to be the yin/yang symbol on a piece of cloth at the center of the table.

“Good, now we begin.” Mr. Miyagi smiled . “This symbol here is yin/yang.” He gestured to the cloth with his hands. “Light and dark. Everything on Earth made of yin/yang. Everything has light and darkness. They go together. Even in light there is darkness, and in darkness there is light. They balance each other and not exist without the other.” Then he pointed to the light side of the circle. “This Yang is Daniel-san, even with dark hair.” He pointed to the black little circle in the white portion. “Then yin is Johnny-san, also with light hair.” His finger went to the dark half with the little white circle. “You two so similar it makes you fight. So many brothers like that, but you balance each other. You are friends, not enemies.”

“But he never was my friend.” Daniel said with a hint of sadness that surprised Johnny.

“Remember Daniel-san what I said then. Not bad student, only a bad teacher.” Mr. Miyagi replied.

“You mean Kreese.” Johnny said amazed at the old man.

“Yes, Johnny-san.” Mr. Miyagi smiled at him. “Mr. Kreese taught you some good things, but mostly bad. He did not have proper sensei best interest with students.”

That was exactly right and it blew Johnny’s mind to realize that. “I never got to thank you for saving me.” Johnny looked up at Mr. Miyagi grateful.

The old man smiled warmly. “I wish I did more to help all of you, but you’re already changing for good.” That made Johnny feel so much better. Then Mr. Miyagi turned to Daniel. “Daniel-san, you need to forgive him.”

Daniel look at him in shock. “But he did all these horrible things.”

“Long time ago now and you did things too. Time to let go and move on .” Mr. Miyagi said and looked at the both of them. “You’re better as allies.”

Johnny and Daniel locked eyes as this all dawned on them. Maybe it was time to make amends and move on. It was the right thing to do. “I’m sorry for everything.” Johnny spoke first, surprising Daniel.

Daniel nodded and then spoke. “I’m sorry too.”

He placed his hand out over the table and Johnny stared at it for a moment before he took it. They shook hands over the yin/yang symbol and Johnny felt a weight lift he didn’t realize he’d been carrying and was finally free of.

Afterwards Mr. Miyagi opened the door and Laurie stepped in. She looked between Johnny and Daniel and smiled. “I can already tell it worked.”

“We’re not going to be best friends.” Johnny replied.

“That would be too weird.” Daniel said and they both laughed.

“Thank you so much Mr. Miyagi.” Laurie said grateful.

He nodded and picked up one of the little potted trees. “This is for you and Johnny-san. A bonsai tree.”

“Thank you so much.” She held it in her arms.

Johnny looked at Mr. Miyagi. Thanks again.”

“Johnny be good, like Chuck Berry says.” He smiled warmly and they all laughed.

“That’s the plan.” Johnny replied intently.

Chapter Text

Laurie and Johnny were snuggled up together on the couch in her parents’ basement watching Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve. It still amazed her how everything had changed this year with seeing Johnny again, the two of them falling in love, Johnny getting so many things right in his life and becoming a better person. Letting go of the past was the best thing he could do for his future. Their bonsai tree sitting on the table was proof.

“What are you thinking about?” He asked, noticing she was lost in her thoughts.

“Just how everything how changed and what’s in store for us.” She replied.

He kissed her softly on the forehead. “And what’s in our future?”

“Well, for starters our senior year and graduation.”

“Right,” he laughed and their fingers interlaced.

“Then I’ll become a therapist and you’ll open a karate dojo.”

“Can I still call it Cobra Kai?”

“Really, you want to use that name?” She asked surprised.

“Not everything I learned was bad. This will be a reinvention with my rules.”

“Ok,” she smiled at that as it sounded good. “Then we’ll get a house and a dog, and get married.”

She didn’t know how he’d react to that and was relieved to see that grin on his face. He totally was ok with it. “Then next comes the kids?” He asked.

She giggled. “After a little bit and I get time to enjoy being your wife we’ll have kids. First a boy named Robert but we’ll call him Robby”

“Like my friend Bobby. But why Robert?” He asked intrigued.

“After my beloved grandpa who we lost a couple years ago. Robby will look like me but personality wise it’s you all over.”

“Oh boy, that’ll be a hand full.” Johnny laughed.

Laurie playfully swatted him. “Deep down he’s still a softy with a good heart. Then we’ll have a little girl. I haven’t settled on a name yet but she’ll look just like you.”

“Like me?” He asked confused.

“Yes, with long, blonde hair and those blue eyes.” She looked at him fondly.

“You calling me pretty?” They both laughed.

“You know you’re extremely attractive Mr. Lawrence. While the boys will be afraid because of her dad and brother are over-protective…”

“As they should.” Johnny butted in.

Laurie rolled her eyes. “But our girl is the one they really should be afraid of. She’ll be strong of mind and be a karate champ like her dad.”

“I like this future.” He pulled her closer.

“It’ll be amazing.” Laurie promised as deep down she knew it would be.

The countdown started on the TV and both of them joined in. Midnight struck and 1989 began. As “Auld Lang Syne” played the couple faced each other.

“Happy New Year Johnny.” Laurie said full of love and hope.

“Happy New Year Laurie.” Johnny replied equally hopeful and loving.

They kissed and began their new life together.