Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Daniel looked around and smiled. The sun shined through the newly cleaned windows, and he could smell fresh paint and furniture polish. He ran his hand across the desk, feeling the freshly polished wood underneath his fingers. It had taken three long weeks, but the store was finally ready to open.

The weather was hot, and New Jersey had never felt further away. Daniel had arrived in Los Angeles five months ago with the dream of opening a record store in the heart of California's rock scene, two blocks away from the music venues on the Sunset Strip. That dream was finally coming true. Daniel smiled with happiness at the brand-spanking new store. Records were filed neatly by genre and then alphabetically by artist. Band posters were on the wall. A selection of t-shirts were hung up. 

Flipping the sign on the door to Open, Daniel smiled. First day. He was excited. It was just him for now, but Daniel planned on hiring another pair of hands if everything went well. Taking one last look at the store and checking that everything was perfect, Daniel unlocked the door.

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

The sounds of hundreds of voices drifted through the partially open door. The last band were finishing up. He leaned towards the mirror and rubbed at his eye before applying more liner. 

‘It’s time!’ someone called, the band’s cue.

Johnny let out a long breath and looked himself in the eye. His stomach fluttered with nerves, but Johnny knew they would disappear as soon as he stepped out on stage. 

‘Johnny, let’s go!’ 

Pulling his t-shirt over his head, Johnny took one more look at himself before leaving the room.

The five men stepped onto the stage, and the crowd went wild. Johnny knew they were all there to see the Cobras and stepped confidently towards the microphone. There were loud cheers as the band began to play, and Johnny began to sing. The crowd moved together, singing along to the song they knew well. 

This was where Johnny felt at home, in front of an audience with his best friends. Nothing in the world felt better than the joy of the crowd, the energy of the crowd carrying them along.

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

The bell over the door tinkled, and Daniel looked up from his paperwork. The store had been open a week, and Daniel was already pleased with the amount of custom. Many people had stopped in to check out the new music store, and he had received great feedback on the selection of records he stocked. He knew his range leaned towards the rock music he loved, but he was careful to ensure he had a steady selection of pop music that would always sell. He was already ordering new stock.

‘Hey!’ 

Daniel grinned as Jessica entered the store, making what had become her regular daily visit. Jessica owned the pottery store next door and had made a point to introduce herself on his second day open. 

‘Morning,’ Daniel said, pushing aside his order list as Jessica placed a mug of coffee on the counter. He took it with gratitude. Jessica made a point of bringing him one every day since tasting a cup of his instant.

‘How’s tricks,’ she asked, same as she did every morning. Jessica pulled the stock list towards her and looked it over. ‘You’re ordering new stuff already.’

‘Yeah.’ Daniel drank his coffee. ‘Business has been good. Even sold that limited edition poster.’ He nodded towards the empty space on the wall, which, until the day before, had housed a framed, signed Kiss tour poster. Daniel had gotten a cool forty bucks for it.

‘Lot of music fans out there, especially in this neighbourhood,’ Jessica commented as she idly flicked through a box of second-hand blues records. 

‘Hey,’ Daniel said, standing excitedly. ‘I just got a new demo in. A local band.’ He took a sleeve from a shelf and removed the record. ‘Listen to this.’ He placed the record on the player.

Jessica took the sleeve. ‘Cobra Kai? Never heard of them.’ She examined the yellow and black snake on the cover. ‘Looks evil,’ she commented. 

The music began. The band kicked in, guitars, bass and drums playing loudly. 

‘How can you listen to all this hard rock stuff?’ she said.

‘Shh. Listen,’ Daniel said without answering. 

A voice began to sing, and they were both silent. The singer had a deep, strong, bluesy vocal, easily hitting notes that lesser singers would struggle with. 

The song played on, and Daniel closed his eyes, listening to that voice. It was unlike anything he heard before. It was everything that Daniel loved about music, the reason he had decided to open the store. It sent tingles down his spine. 

‘He’s good,’ Jessica commented, placing the sleeve back on the counter and resuming her flicking through records.

‘Good?!’ Daniel’s voice was exasperated. ‘He’s not just good. Did you hear that vocal range? That’s at least five octaves there! You know how rare that is?’

Jessica shrugged nonchalantly. ‘Very rare?’

‘Why do I even try?’ Daniel said with an affectionate roll of his eyes.

‘Because you’re new in town, and I'm your only friend,’ she answered with a grin. 

‘Wiseass.’ Daniel stopped the record and placed it back in its sleeve. ‘Hey, you wanna join me tomorrow night? These guys are playing at Gazzarri’s. I was thinking of checking them out.’ He looked hopefully at her.

‘Isn’t that place supposed to be a dump?’ Jessica screwed up her nose.

‘It’s not that bad.’

Yeah.’ Jessica smiled. ‘I think I’ll pass.’ She glanced at her watch. ‘I need to get back.’ Jessica waved. ‘See you later, Daniel.’

The bell tinkled, and Daniel was alone. With a smile and an amused shake of his head, Daniel went back to his paperwork.

Chapter Text

‘Again!’ The voice shouted. With a tired sigh, the band looked at each other and began to play—the drums, the guitar and base, and the vocals.

Johnny began to sing into the microphone, headphones over his ears. They had been at it for hours, and he was exhausted. He looked around the room and saw the same exhaustion on the faces of his bandmates.

The five of them had known each other since high school. They had formed Cobra Kai in Bobby’s parent's garage, pissing off the upper-middle-class Encino neighborhood as they butchered their favorite 70s rock classics. Seven years later, they left the cover tracks behind and began to write their own material - Johnny on vocals, Bobby on lead guitar, Jimmy on base, Tommy on rhythm guitar, and Dutch on the drums. They were best friends. 

‘Stop, stop, stop!’ 

The music cut out.

‘What now?’ Bobby groaned. 

They all looked toward the studio. Their manager glared at them through the glass. They had met John Kreese a year before. Kreese had approached them after another awful gig, playing at a deserted bar and offered to take them under his wing. He’d said he saw their potential, and they had jumped at the chance for an experienced industry insider to help them navigate the LA music scene. He had gotten them gigs in real venues, not just out-of-town dive bars and helped them produce their first demo. They were now recording their first album in the studio, but the process was proving taxing.

‘You’re late, Lawrence! You’re always fucking late! Get your shit together!’ Kreese shouted. Johnny ducked his head with disappointment. ‘Jimmy!’

Jimmy looked up apprehensively. ‘Yeah?’

‘You look very cool with that base,’ Kreese said smugly.

Jimmy looked at his bandmates with confusion at the compliment. ‘I guess…’ he replied. 

‘Now, if you could only play it like a goddamn base player, we might finish a track this century!’ Kreese barked. Jimmy scowled. ‘Now stop wasting my time!’ Kreese sat down. ‘Again!’

‘Asshole,’ Dutch muttered before counting them in.

Three hours later, the band collapsed on the couch in the break room, a pizza on the table in front of them. They had recorded two more tracks and were finally allowed to stop. Kreese would now work with the sound editor to clean them up. They would be back the following evening before playing a two-hour gig. Their schedule was grueling. 

Kreese strode into the room. ‘Lawrence!’

Johnny climbed to his feet. Kreese stood over him, looking down at him. ‘You were flat on the second verse of track one. You need to stay behind.’ He looked around the room. ‘The rest of you can go.’

‘But, I have work tomorrow,’ Johnny protested. He looked at the clock. ‘I need to be on shift in seven hours.’

Kreese loomed over him, his eyes narrowed. ‘Do you want my help or not?’

Johnny looked towards his bandmates, who watched on, their faces sympathetic. They were used to seeing their lead singer getting chewed out by Kreese. Kreese was hard on them all, but Johnny got it worse of all. 

‘Yeah, of course,’ Johnny said. ‘I just…’

‘Good!’ Kreese nodded towards the pizza. ‘And lay off the junk food. No one wants to see a singer with a gut.’ He turned and walked from the room. 

Johnny watched the others collect their things. Bobby placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘Are you OK?’ 

‘Yeah.’ Johnny tried to smile. ‘He’s right. I need to stay.’

With another pat on the shoulder, Bobby followed the others out of the door. Johnny was alone. He looked wistfully at the remaining pizza slice. He was starving.

‘Lawrence!’ Kreese barked. Johnny made his way back into the studio.

Chapter Text

Daniel held up his driving license. Daniel was always getting carded, and tonight was no different. He had long stopped complaining and now just held it up, ready for inspection. The security guard nodded silently, and Daniel ducked into the venue. 

The room was full of noise and bodies, the air hot. Daniel moved through the crowd, passing bodies dancing, ducking under bar staff carrying trays of empty glasses. He made his way to the bar and ordered a beer. With a drink in front of him, Daniel sat at the bar. There was laughter and voices around him, and as he heard them, Daniel couldn't help but wish that Jessica had agreed to accompany him. 

This place wasn’t his usual scene. Women danced on podiums, some wearing little more than underwear. The place has the feel of a seedy strip club than a music venue. Daniel didn’t care. He was here for the music.

The lights changed, and Daniel looked towards the stage. He held his drink, waiting with anticipation. Cobra Kai was playing tonight. Daniel knew their demo like the back of his hand but had never seen the band live. His eyes were wide as they walked onto the stage.

There he was! Johnny Lawrence. Johnny strode onto the stage, grinning at his bandmates and then at the crowd, moving in front of the microphone. Daniel placed his drink on the bar, his eyes on the stage. 

As the music started, Daniel was mesmerized. Johnny stood on stage in black jeans and a black t-shirt, his blond hair pushed back from his face. He moved with the music, his voice ringing out over the instruments. The crowd moved, the music whipping them into a frenzy, and Daniel began to move with them.

Cobra Kai's first song was a smooth, bluesy track, but the second was heavier with a thumping guitar riff. Johnny’s vocals were perfect, his range on full display. Daniel danced, moving closer to the stage. At one point, he looked up and realized he was standing below the stage. Johnny Lawrence stood over him, singing to the crowd, so close that Daniel could see the line of sweat trickling down his neck. 

Staring up, Daniel watched Johnny move. He wanted to reach up and touch him but didn’t dare. The man was beautiful but so far out of Daniel’s reach. Then Johnny’s eyes tracked down and caught Daniel’s. Daniel grinned, his heart skipping a beat as Johnny looked at him. A hind of a smile crossed Johnny’s lips before he looked away, bringing the microphone to his lips. Daniel now knew what it meant to swoon, feeling lightheaded with excitement. The music, the heat of the room, and the man in front of him. This was, without a doubt, the best night of Daniel’s life.

Chapter Text

‘Daniel?’ 

Daniel looked up from the counter, a yawn on his lips. Jessica held two mugs of coffee in her hands.

‘Oh, thank god,’ he said, taking one gratefully. 

‘Late night,’ she said with a smile. ‘I take it you went to the gig at Gazzarri’s? Is it true people have sex out back in that place?’

‘What?’ Daniel said with confusion. 

‘That’s what I read. That Gazzarri’s has a backyard where people get it on.’ Jessica grinned. ‘Meet anyone there?’

‘No,’ Daniel laughed. ‘I was there strictly for the music.’

‘Oh yeah. You went to see that band. Python something?’

‘Cobra Kai,’ Daniel corrected. ‘ And yeah, I did see them.’

‘And where they everything you hoped?’ 

Daniel thought about Johnny, his voice, the way he moved. The way that their eyes had met and how Johnny smiled at him. He felt tingly all over again at the memory.

‘They were better than I could have ever hoped,’ Daniel said with a smile.

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

‘What can I get you?’ 

As the woman and a girl who looked to be her daughter checked the menu, Johnny stifled a yawn. He held the order pad in one hand and rubbed at his eye with the other.

‘How’s the pie?’ the woman asked.

Johnny swallowed another yawn before answering. ‘Made fresh this morning,’ he said with a smile.

‘In that case, we’ll have a slice of pie with ice cream.’

‘Coming right up.’ Johnny turned and stopped.  Kreese was sitting at the counter. Kreese never visited him at work, and his presence put Johnny immediately on edge.

‘Lawrence,’ Kreese said. ‘A word outside.’ 

Johnny grimaced and looked around. The lunch rush was starting, and Johnny didn’t like to leave without cover but knew Kreese wouldn't be told no. ‘I’ll meet you out back. I’ll only have two minutes.’

By the time Johnny stepped out of the rear fire exit, Kreese was already waiting, a smoking cigar in his hand. Johnny wrapped his arms around himself despite the warm day as Kreese stepped forward.

Kreese smoked, blowing the smoke at Johnny, making him wince away from it. ‘You were off your game again last night,’ he said.

Johnny bristled . He thought the gig had gone well. ‘The crown didn’t seem to think so.’

‘Those idiots don't know what they were listening to,’ Kreese snarled. ‘I tell you who will have heard it? Records scouts. You think you're gonna get a deal if you keep fucking up like that? You think your bandmates are going to thank you for screwing up their chances?

Johnny pulled a packet of cigarettes from his pocket. Kreese smacked the box from his hand, and Johnny looked at him with shock. 

‘What the hell’s the matter with you?!’ Kreese snapped. ‘You wanna fuck your voice up too? Singers don’t smoke.’

‘Sinatra smoked twenty a day,’ Johnny protested. ‘Didn’t do his voice any harm.’

‘Frank Sinatra had natural talent. You don’t have talent to waste.’ 

Kreese stepped towards him, and Johnny stepped back. His back was to the wall of the dinner, and Kreese was crowding his space. Kreese lifted his finger to Johnny’s chest, pointing aggressively.

‘I want you in the studio as soon as you get off tonight. We’re gonna practice until you get it right.’ Kreese looked down at Johnny, examining him, and lip curled with contempt. ‘You’re putting on weight. Lay off the apple pie.’

Throwing his cigar into the gutter, Kreese turned and walked away. Johnny leaned against the wall and watched him leave. Once Kreese was out of sight, Johnny lit a cigarette and blew smoke into the air. Johnny rubbed at his tired eyes. All he had wanted to do was go home and sleep, and now he was spending another evening in the studio. But Kreese was right, Johnny thought. He needed to put the work in if he wanted to make it.

With a sigh, Johnny threw the butt away and turned back into the diner.

Chapter Text

The night was warm, and the crowds in the Starwood were sweating and Daniel with them. He held a plastic cup of beer in his hand, taking long mouthfuls to cool him down and stop the butterflies in his stomach. 

Cobra Kai was playing tonight, and Daniel only had eyes for the lead singer. Since that first gig, he was all Daniel could think about. He had absorbed every piece of information he could get on the band, scouring the music press for their name, eventually coming across a recent article in a trade paper.

The article featured a picture of the band, Johnny Lawrence front and centre.  His blond hair fell on his face, and his blue eyes looked straight at the camera. Johnny wore black pants and a black t-shirt, his clothes fitting tight around his lean frame. Daniel had torn the picture from the magazine and folded it discreetly into his wallet.

Now Daniel would see Johnny again in the flesh. The thought thrilled him. 

A cheer went up across the crowd as the lights dimmed a little. Daniel hastily drank his beer and went to the front just as the band stepped out.

There he was. Johnny Lawrence. 

He was again dressed in black pants and was naked on top. To Daniel, he looked like some god, standing over them, the lights bouncing off his skin and blond hair. Daniel stared as the music started, standing in place. It was only when someone in the crowd bumped into him that Daniel was jolted from his stupor. 

The music was loud, and Daniel danced and sang with the audience. He was in a world of his own, the music and the crowd. It was thrilling, singing along with hundreds of other people, all there for the same reason. It was these shared moments that Daniel loved about music: the band and the crowd moving and singing as one. 

By the time Cobra Kai finished their set, Daniel had sweated through his t-shirt, his hair was plastered to his forehead, and he was happier than ever. The next band started to play, another local rock band and Daniel decided to stay longer. He was there to see Cobra Kai but was having too much fun to go home now. 

Two hours later, it was late, and the crowd was beginning to thin. Only the hardcore drinkers were left behind, moving and staggering around the half-empty dance floor. It was time for Daniel to go home. His store opened in seven hours, and he knew he would regret staying out much longer. 

As he walked past the bar, a figure caught Daniel’s eyes. It was him! Johnny Lawrence was sitting at the empty bar, a bottle of beer in his hand. He was hunched over it, taking long sips. He looked deep in thought, leaning his head on his hand, his fingers in his blond hair. 

Daniel stared. Johnny Lawrence was there. Just sitting. As if it was the most normal thing in the world. He hesitated. Could he go up and speak to him? Did he dare? What would he say that wouldn't make him sound like a complete dork? Daniel took a breath and stepped forward.

‘Hey.’ Daniel tried to smile easily despite the butterflies in his stomach. Johnny turned towards him. Daniel’s face broke into what he hoped wasn’t the smile of a crazy person. ‘The band were great tonight.’

‘Oh yeah,’ Johnny said. He turned back towards his drink, his face impassive. He lit a cigarette and blew a cloud of smoke. 

‘I really liked the first song, it was….’

‘Hey, buddy.’ Johnny turned and glared at him. ‘I'm tired and had a long night, so why don't you leave me alone, huh? Go bother someone else.’

Slamming his bottle on the counter and throwing the cigarette butt to the floor, Johnny stood and walked away. Daniel watched him leave, rooted to the spot. Johnny threw a fire door open, and Daniel winced at the sound as it slammed closed. Daniel felt a hot, embarrassed flush creep onto his face. It quickly changed to anger.

Johnny Lawrence was an asshole!

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

‘Stupid!’ Johnny kicked the trash can in the alleyway. 

Nothing he did was good enough. After the gig, Kreese had been on his back again. Telling him he wasn’t good enough, that he was letting the band down. That he was letting Kreese down. No matter how much Johnny practised, no matter how much he tried, he never got it right! He was late, his voice was flat, and he screwed up the lyrics. Everything he did on stage was wrong. Tonight, Kreese had let him have it backstage in front of everyone. 

And that guy chose that moment to tell Johnny he thought the band was great. Johnny knew the band were great! He didn’t need to be told! Bobby, Jimmy, Tommy and Dutch were always great! It was Johnny who was bringing them all down!

He kicked the trash can again and groaned. Shit! That hurt! Fuck! Johnny shook his aching foot.

‘Johnny? You out here?’ Bobby stood at the fire door. 

Johnny sighed. ‘Yeah.’ He looked sheepishly at Bobby. ‘I’m back here.’

‘What are you doing? We’re heading home. You want a ride?’ Bobby looked at his friend with concern. ‘You've got to ignore Kreese, man. You did great out there.’ He grimaced. ‘He’s just got high standards. It’s not you.’

‘Yeah, high standards,’ Johnny muttered. ‘And I always fall short.’

Bobby placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. ‘You wanna ride home with me? I can drop you off.’

‘Nah.’ Johnny shook his head. ‘I’ll get a cab. I'm going to get another drink.’

‘OK, Johnny. See you tomorrow.’ Bobby left with another friendly smile and a squeeze of Johnny's shoulder. Johnny gritted his teeth with annoyance and pushed the fire door open, stepping back into the bar. He would get another drink before they closed up for the night. He needed to be up at eight for work but didn’t care. All he wanted was a drink.

Chapter Text

Daniel sighed, turning the page of a trade magazine, his chin resting in his hand. He yawned. He was tired, having gotten in late the night before. Daniel scowled down at a picture of Cobra Kai. 

What a waste of time!

'Hey, Daniel,' a chirpy voice said. Daniel looked up. Jessica grinned at him.

'Hey,' Daniel muttered. He looked back down at the magazine. He wasn't in the mood to be friendly. 

'Oh dear, did I catch you having a bad morning?' Jessica nudged Daniel's shoulder playfully. 'You wanna join me for lunch?' 

'Not really,' Daniel grouched, his eyes still looking down. 

'Wow.' Jessica flopped into the chair next to the counter where a customer listening station had been set up. 'You really are down in the dumps. What's wrong?' Jessica reached out and patted Daniel's head, and he angrily pushed her hand away.

'Nothing's wrong,' Daniel snapped. 'Just tired.'

'You're up all night listening to that rock music. No wonder you're tired.' She looked at the magazine. A picture of Cobra Kai looked up at them. 'Seeing your favourite band again?'

Daniel screwed his nose up and flipped the magazine closed. 'They're not my favourite band.'

'Really? You spent most of yesterday lunchtime telling me how great they were, how they would be huge one day. What changed?'

'Nothing changed. It doesn't matter. I don't want to talk about it.' Daniel pushed the magazine away and sighed. 'What did you want?'

'I was asking you to lunch, but if you're going to be grumpy, then I don't want to anymore.' Jessica stood and turned to walk away.

'Stop.' Daniel rolled his eyes. Jessica turned with a grin on her face. Despite his bad mood, Daniel couldn't help but smile back. Jessica always managed to cheer him up; after the night before, he needed someone to make him smile. 'Where do you want to go?'

Ten minutes later, they sat in a booth at a diner two blocks down. Daniel looked around as Jessica read the menu. 

'We've never been here before,' he observed, 

Jessica shrugged, her eyes still on the menu. 'It's always been here. What do you want? I'm thinking of getting a burger and fries with a milkshake.'

'I'll have the same…' Daniel trailed off as he looked across the diner. 

It was him! Three tables down, standing with a pad in his hand. Johnny Lawrence! He looked different in daylight, without the crowds, the music and the darkened lights of the venue. He looked normal — just a regular guy taking orders in an LA diner. 

How did Johnny Lawrence work in a diner?!

‘Daniel? Are you listening?’ 

What?’ Daniel realised that Jessica had been talking. 

She looked at him curiously. ‘What’s with you? Who are you looking at?’ Jessica looked around the room, turning her head right to left and craning her neck over the booths. ‘Who is it?’

‘Shh,’ Daniel hissed. He looked up quickly. Johnny was gone. ‘Keep your voice down.’

‘Who is it?’ Jessica whispered loudly with a grin on her face. Daniel smiled sarcastically back at her.

‘OK’, Daniel leaned forward, and she did the same. ‘You know that guy from that band?’

‘What band?’

‘Cobra Kai,’ he whispered. 

Jessica nodded. ‘Oh yeah. The snake band.’

‘That’s them. I was at a gig last night and saw the lead singer at the bar.’

‘Oh, the blond!’ Jessica said loudly, her voice excited. ‘The one you like!’

‘Shh. I don’t like him,’ Daniel hissed.

‘But I thought…’

Anyway!’ Daniel interrupted. ‘I spoke to him and he was such an asshole. Basically, he told me to back off and stop bothering him!’

Jessica cocked her head to the side sympathetically and took Daniel’s hand. ‘Aw, Daniel. I’m sorry. Is that why you were in such a bad mood this morning?’

‘No…I mean, maybe.’ Daniel shook his head. ‘Anyway, it doesn't matter. Listen, he’s here!’ Daniel hissed.

‘Here?’ Jessica looked round, her head up.

‘Don’t look!’ Daniel pulled her down. ‘Yeah, he’s…’

‘What can I get you?’

Daniel and Jessica turned towards the person standing over their table. Daniel swallowed. 

Johnny Lawrence stood in front of them, holding a pad. Daniel opened his mouth, but no sound came out, and Johnny looked at him. Last night's humiliation was still fresh in his mind, and Daniel’s mind was suddenly blank.

‘Hey, you’re in that band, right? Cobra Kai?’ Jessica said brightly. Daniel looked at her with wide eyes, silently begging her to stop whatever she planned to do next.

‘Oh yeah. That's me,’ Johnny said. 

‘My friend is a huge fan.’ Jessica turned to Daniel, her smile wide. 

Johnny looked at him, and Daniel turned away. Why was she doing this, Daniel thought with embarrassment. He glanced up, and Johnny was looking at him with a curious expression. Daniel groaned internally.

‘You were at the gig last night?’ Johnny said.

‘Yeah,’ Daniel said, his head low. He ground his teeth. He was going to kill Jessica if he didn’t die of shame first.

‘You spoke to me at the bar?’

‘Yep.’ Daniel popped the P with annoyance. If only the ground would swallow me up, he thought. 

‘Right.’ Johnny scratched at his head and grimaced, looking just as embarrassed as Daniel felt. ‘Hey, man. Sorry about that. I was an asshole. You caught me a bad time, but that’s no excuse.’ Johnny screwed up his nose. Daniel couldn't help but notice what a cute nose it was. ‘Let me make it up to you.’

Johnny turned, and Daniel watched him walk away. Jessica reached across the table and nudged him.

‘He’s not an asshole! He’s cute,’ she said. Daniel didn't respond.

‘I have a gig tomorrow night. It’s at the Troubadour. I can put your names on the guestlist.’ Johnny was back, a flyer in his hand. He put it on the table. ‘Come. Please. Let me make it up to you.’ He smiled at Daniel. ‘For being rude to you.’

‘Ugh,’ Daniel stammered, tongue-tied. 

‘We’ll be there,’ Jessica replied, taking the flyer. She grinned. ‘Won't we, Daniel?’

‘Daniel? That’s your name? Daniel.’ Johnny said. Daniel didn't think his name had ever sounded so perfect as when Johnny said it.

‘And I’m Jessica.’ 

‘Johnny.’ Johnny stuck out his hand, and Daniel took it, shaking it in a way that felt ridiculous and formal. Johnny’s hand was dry and soft. Warm. Daniel let it go with reluctance. 

Johnny was still looking at Daniel as he backed away. ‘Nice to meet you, Daniel. And you, Jessica.’ Johnny laughed. ‘I didn't even take your order. What’ll it be?’

As soon as Johnny was out of earshot, Jessica let out an excited squeal. ‘He is so into you!’ She said, punching Daniel lightly in the shoulder. 

‘He is not,’ Daniel protested, his face warm.

‘Yes, his is! Did you see his face? He wouldn't stop staring at you! Oh my god, I am going to die. That was too cute!’ She gushed. 

Despite his embarrassment, Daniel couldn't help but smile.

Chapter Text

‘How about this one?’

Jessica looked up from her magazine and smiled. ‘It’s the same as the last one.’

‘No, that one was black. This is dark blue,’ Daniel said, holding out the t-shirt hem. ‘They’re totally different.’

Rolling her eyes, Jessica went back to her magazine. ‘They look the same to me.’

Daniel stepped back into the bathroom with a huff and pulled the t-shirt over his head. He just wanted to look good for the gig. Johnny said they would be on the guest list! Daniel had never been on a guest list in his life! He was excited.

Daniel took a new t-shirt from the pile and put it on. He looked at himself in the mirror. He nodded. He would wear this one. As he stepped out of the bathroom, Jessica threw her magazine on the bed. 

Thirty minutes to pick out a plain, black t-shirt.’ She laughed. ‘Now I know you like him!’

Daniel felt his face heat up. ‘Stop.’ Jessica laughed and followed him from the room.

The Troubadour was packed, and as promised, Jessica and Daniel were on the guest list. They were pointed toward the staircase that led them to the balcony. They had the best view in the house!

Daniel stood at the railings, anticipating the band's start. Jessica passed him a beer, but he barely turned his head, his eyes fixed on the stage. His heart kicked up a beat as the lights came down. They were about to start!

‘There he is!’ Jessica squealed, squeezing Daniel’s arm. Daniel nodded, grinning as the Cobras walked onto the stage. ‘Wow, he really is cute,’ she said.

‘He is,’ Daniel replied, his eyes not leaving the stage.

Jessica squealed again, squeezing Daniel’s arm tighter. 

The band started, and the crowd moved with the music. Daniel and Jessica stood over the sea of bodies below them, laughing and grinning as the music played. Jessica grabbed Danie’s arms, and they began to dance. Johnny’s eyes caught Daniel looking down at him at one point, and he grinned. Daniel grinned back and waved. Jessica practically screamed with excitement. It was the most perfect gig Daniel had ever attended, and he had seen Sabbath and Van Halen in ‘78! This night was most definitely number one!

The was over, and Daniel and Jessica’s voices were hoarse from cheering and singing. The band left the stage, and Daniel grew more excited. He knew Johnny would be joining them any minute. Daniel stood at the bar as Jessica went for the restroom. He had just paid for their drinks when he felt someone behind him.

‘Hey.’

Daniel turned, and there he was! Johnny’s hair was damp at the tips, messy as if he had just run a towel over it. He was wearing a new t-shirt, but Daniel could smell the heat of the stage on him. It smelled wonderful. 

‘Hey,’ Daniel said back. ‘Great gig. You were good.’

Daniel grimaced. Good! Great review. LaRusso, he thought. Johnny didn’t seem to mind, his smile growing brighter.

‘I'm glad you came. I was worried you wouldn’t want to.’ Johnny looked awkward and, despite having spent the last hour and a half singing to an adoring crowd, Daniel realized Johnny was nervous! The blush on Johnny’s cheeks made Daniel fall for him even further. 

‘I wouldn't have missed it for anything!’ Daniel gushed before feeling himself blush. 

A loud voice cut them off. ‘Who’s this?’

The rest of the Cobras had joined them, and Daniel suddenly found himself surrounded by guys who all seemed to tower over him. Daniel was used to feeling short, but the Cobra Kai boys made him feel tiny. 

‘I'm Daniel.’ He desperately tried to keep the nervous squeak from his voice.

‘And I’m Jessica,’ a voice at his side said. 

There were rounds of introductions as Daniel and Jessica met Tommy, Bobby, Jimmy and Dutch. They all prodded and poked Daniel and shared knowing smiles with Johnny that Daniel didn't know how to interpret. 

‘Hey, you own the new record store on the strip!’ Jimmy said. ‘I took my little brother in there last week. Your record collection is awesome!’

Daniel grinned proudly. If there was one thing he was confident about, it was the quality of his store. ‘Thanks, man. I would love you guys to come in and sign a few records.’ They all agreed. 

A round of drinks was bought, and Daniel and Johnny moved away from the pack. They sat on an oversized leather couch talking. Daniel told Johnny about the store, and Johnny listened intently. It had been a long time since Daniel had held someone's attention like that, talking animatedly about his customers and the music he loved. 

‘You’re cute,’ Johnny finally said. He moved, and their knees were touching. ‘I bet you get told that all the time,’ Johnny said with a smile.

‘Not often.’ Daniel licked his lips. Johnny was leaning closer towards him, and Daniel held his breath. Johnny was going to kiss him; he knew it. Daniel closed his eyes. He could feel the heat of Johnny close to him.

‘What the fuck is this?!’

Daniel jumped at the voice raised over the music, his eyes wide. Johnny had already pulled away. A man stood in the middle of the bar area, glaring at the group. His eyes moved and landed on Johnny. Daniel saw Johnny shrink away from his stare.

‘Did I interrupt a fucking party, Mr Lawrence?! I told you I want you in the studio at 8am tomorrow, and I find you up here drinking!’

The man bellowed, and Johnny stood slowly. Daniel followed him. It was amazing to watch the change in Johnny. He looked cowed and was silent as this man chewed him out in front of everyone.

‘Hey, man..’ Daniel started, wanting to tell whoever this asshole was to lay off. The man whirled around toward him.

‘Who the hell are you?’ The man snarled, a nasty smirk on his face. ‘Someone get the fucking groupies out of here!’

‘Come on,’ Jessica said softly, taking Daniel’s arm. ‘It’s getting late anyway.’ 

With a nod, Daniel turned to leave. He took one last look at Johnny, who avoided his eyes. Daniel looked at the man, who glared at him, standing between him and Johnny, who was still looking away.  As Daniel followed Jessica to the stairs, he heard the man again.

‘Tonight was pathetic! You’ll need to work ten times harder if you expect to get anywhere!’

Daniel stopped and began to turn, his mouth open, ready to jump to Johnny’s defense when Jessica held him back. 

‘Leave it, Dan,’ Jessica said quietly. 

With a sigh, Daniel followed her. What an unpleasant end to the perfect night, he thought as they hailed a cab.

Chapter Text

‘Jesus Christ, I think we’re finally getting there!’

Johnny let out a long sigh. Kreese was grinning at them through the glass. The relief coming off the Cobras was evident as they all relaxed and smiled at each other. They had been in that room all day and were exhausted, having to play the same tracks repeatedly, going over each part of every song multiple times until they were all sick of the sound.

‘Thank fuck for that,’ Dutch muttered, wiping the sweat from his face.

The door opened, and Kreese walked into the studio. ‘You guys are sounding much better. Tighter. Like we might actually have a hit on a hit on our hands.’ He turned to Johnny and clapped him on the shoulder. ‘Not bad, Mr Lawrence. You did good.’

It had taken weeks of hard work and endless hours in the studio, but when Johnny heard those words, he knew it had all been worth it. You did good. After years of teachers telling him he was stupid, his stepfather telling him he was a waste of space, and his mother’s pinched expression at another lousy report card, someone finally believed in him! It was exhilarating. 

‘Thank you, sir,’ Johnny said. 

‘You can all go; we’re done for the day,’ Kreese said to the boys. ‘This time next week, we should have most of the editing fixed up, and you can hear the first pass.’ Kreese clapped his hands together. ‘And then we can talk about promotion. Your first album!’

The boys cheered and highfived as their manager looked on. Their first album! Johnny couldn't believe it. It was really happening, just like Kreese said it would!

An hour later, the boys were at their favourite bar. They raised glasses and laughed as they exchanged memories of playing in Bobby’s garage. It seemed unbelievable from where they started that they were on the cusp of releasing a whole album! Their blood, sweat and tears were in that music, and it had all been worth something!

Johnny looked at the clock. It was eleven o'clock. Despite the celebration and the party just starting, Johnny knew he needed to leave. He seemed constantly exhausted and wanted to sleep in the comfort that the recording was finally finished. He excused himself, much to his friends' playful mocking and jeers.

As Johnny stepped into his apartment, he let out a sigh. The record was finally finished, and he could finally relax. With a smile, he opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of orange juice, drinking straight from the carton. As he drank, Johnny noticed the red flashing light on his answering machine. Johnny reached out and pressed play before drinking another mouthful.

Mr Lawrence. Change of plans. Track three and five. Your vocals are flat. Again! It’s not good enough! I want you back in the studio at 8am. No excuses!

The message clicked off. Johnny stood, the juice carton in his hand, staring at the machine. The album was done. Johnny had almost killed himself, but it was done! Kreese had told him it was done! 

Johnny breathed through his nose. He dropped the carton on the floor, spilling orange liquid over the floor, but hardly noticed. He pressed play again, and his manager’s voice echoed around the quiet apartment. 

His vocals were flat. His vocals were always flat! Every practice, Kreese told him he needed to do better. But this was the best Johnny could do! He had nothing else to give! So many years, so much work, and this was the best Johnny had to offer! 

His head felt light, like he wasn’t breathing. Johnny sucked a breath in, but it caught in his throat and turned into a whine. His next breath came out as a sob, and Johnny sank to his knees, not even noticing the wetness of the floor through his jeans. 

He had tried so hard and still wasn’t good enough. 

Tears were on Johnny’s cheek as he touched the floor. The sweet orange juice was on his fingers. He was so hungry! He was so fucking hungry all the time! And all for nothing! He was never going to ‘make it’! He was never going to be a rock star. It had all been for nothing!

Johnny didn't even remember the moment when his hands opened the fridge. All he felt was his hunger; all he saw was the food. Johnny was so hungry and ate like he was trying to fill his whole body. He knew what he was doing but couldn't physically stop, telling himself that every item he put in his mouth would be the last. But it wasn't. By the time he stopped, sitting on the kitchen floor surrounded by evidence of what he had done, Johnny's body physically hurt. He felt like he had been in a battle with himself and lost!

His head was in his hands. Johnny's breath was heavy, like the food was in his throat, blocking his lungs from expanding. 

‘Fuck,’ he muttered. Kreese was expecting him in the studio the following day. Kreese would know! He would be able to see what Johnny had done! That he had let the band down again with his disgusting lack of control. How could he have done that? To himself! To the band!

Johnny was on his feet. He needed to take control of the situation. No one could know! He was in the bathroom, on his knees, in front of the bowl. Johnny pushed his fingers into his throat, his whole hand on his mouth, desperate to fix the damage. His chest hurt, and his vision was blinded with tears, but suddenly, his body let go, and he threw up. Johnny’s chest clenched painfully, and his head span as he forced himself to throw up again and again.

His stomach was finally empty. Johnny closed the toilet lid. His whole body was shaking. Acid burned his throat. His teeth hurt, and his nose stung. Running his hands over his eyes, Johnny was exhausted. He needed to sleep, but first, he needed to pick himself up from the bathroom floor.

Chapter Text

Pushing the door to the diner open, Daniel looked around. It was lunchtime, and the booths were packed. Daniel could smell the food cooking out back. It made his stomach growl. 

The record store had been busy as the week’s new releases came in, and he had been happy to close up for lunch. And to see Johnny. Johnny had been so busy with the new album that their relationship had been relegated to a few phone calls when Johnny was home. Daniel wanted to see him, if just for a few minutes.

Daniel walked towards the counter, pulled himself up onto the stool, and grabbed a menu. He knew what he wanted: a burger and milkshake with a side of messy fries! 

Johnny was standing behind the counter. Whether Johnny was on stage, in front of an adoring crowd, or working in the diner with a pad in his hand and apron around his waist, he blew Daniel away every time. Johnny was the most gorgeous thing Daniel had ever seen. Daniel slid onto the stool.

‘Hey, you.’

Johnny turned his head. His mouth was a line, his skin pale. Daniel caught the deep frown on his face before it disappeared, and a smile quickly replaced it. 

‘Daniel. What are you doing here?’ Johnny grinned at Daniel, his face lighting up. Any trace of whatever Daniel had seen was gone.

The food here was so good, I decided to come back,’ Daniel said.

‘Huh.’ Johnny folded his arms, a cocky smile on his face. ‘And here I was thinking you had come to see me.’

‘OK, maybe I came to see you, he said coyly. ‘But I am starving.’ Daniel looked at the menu. ‘I’ll take a burger and fries special and a milkshake?’

Johnny jotted it down on a pad. ‘And a piece of cheesecake on the house? Got it!’ He winked at Daniel, and Daniel watched him walk away. 

The burger placed in front of him looked as good as it smelled. Daniel took a bite, conscious of Johnny watching him. He chewed and smiled.

He swallowed. ‘It’s really good,’ Daniel said. He took another bite.

‘Sorry about the interruption the other night. I really wanted to kiss you.’ 

Johnny spoke as Daniel was mid-swallow, and it was all Daniel could do not to choke on his food. He swallowed again, forcing the food down his throat, narrowly avoiding an embarrassing coughing fit.

‘Are you OK?’ 

Taking a long breath, Daniel nodded. Johnny was looking at him with concern. Daniel found his voice. ‘You wanted to kiss me?’

‘Yeah.’ Johnny put his elbows on the counter and leaned in. ‘I wanted to kiss you.’

Feeling his face heating up, Daniel knew he was blushing. The way Johnny looked at him made the butterflies in his stomach reappear. Johnny’s face was soft and open, his eyes wide and blue. 

Daniel swallowed again. ‘You can if you want.’

Johnny grinned. ‘Not here.’ He stood and took Daniel’s empty plate away, wiping the counter. 

‘So that guy was your band manager?’ Daniel asked. He saw Johnny’s shoulders tense. ‘Seemed tough.’ He seemed like an asshole, but Daniel didn’t say that.

‘He’s OK,’ Johnny said with a nonchalant shrug. ‘He’s tough, but he makes us tough.’ Johnny placed a piece of cheesecake on the counter and nodded to it. ‘My favourite.’

Daniel held up his fork. ‘You want some?’

‘Nope. That’s all for you.’ 

Daniel took a bite. He smiled. ‘It’s really good.’ He ate another forkful. ‘So, how did you guys meet? The Cobra Kai, I mean?’

‘Known each other for years, going back all the way to elementary school. We used to play in Bobby’s mom’s garage. Drove the whole neighbourhood crazy with the noise. We met Kreese playing in some dive bar. He heard us and took us on as our manager.’ Johnny looked across the diner. ‘One sec.’

As Johnny took an order, Daniel enjoyed his cheesecake. It really was good! By the time Johnny came back, Daniel’s plate was almost empty. 

‘You sure you don't want some?’ Daniel said. ‘Last chance.’

‘OK,’ Johnny said. ‘Maybe a small piece.’ Johnny wiped a piece of cream cheese with his finger and brought it towards his mouth. At the last moment, he reached forward and placed it on the end of Daniel’s nose. 

‘Hey!’ Daniel laughed, wiping the cream from his face. 

Johnny leaned in. ‘I’m going on break. Meet me out back in ten minutes.’ With a sly smile, Johnny walked away, only looking back once to wink. He began to take the order of a table full of teens. 

Daniel couldn't move fast enough, swallowing the last piece of cake and throwing some bills, plus a big tip, onto the counter. He left the dinner and walked around the corner and down an alleyway, ending up behind it. 

Looking at his watch, Daniel let out a huffed laugh. In his rush, only two minutes had passed. Daniel waited.

After what felt like an eternity, the back door opened. Johnny stepped out, minus his apron and order pad. ‘I’ve got fifteen minutes,’ Johnny said.

Daniel splayted his hands. ‘You wanna go for a walk or something?’

‘No.’ Johnny moved towards him and put his hands on Danei’s chest. ‘I want to spend fifteen minutes doing this.’

Daniel's eyes widened as Johnny pushed him backwards until he hit the wall. Johnny kissed him. In his shock, it took a moment for Daniel to kiss back. When he finally did, the hum of pleasure from Johnny made Daniel’s toes curl with excitement. 

Johnny’s hands were on Daniel’s hips, across his back and into his hair. His mouth was warm and wet and soft, and Daniel pulled him closer and closer until there was no daylight between them. Their tongues met, and Johnny tasted just as good as he looked. Daniel wanted to taste every part of him.  He pulled away from Johnny’s mouth and kissed the skin of his neck up towards his ear. Johnny let him, moving his head aside, and Daniel could feel Johnny’s heavy breath in his hair. 

‘Come to my gig tonight,’ Johnny said as Daniel kissed his skin. Johnny moved and looked Daniel in the eye. ‘Come home with me afterwards,’ he added.

‘Really?’ Daniel said, his voice breathless.

‘Yeah.’ Johnny frowned. ‘If you want to?’

‘Yes. I want to.’ Daniel kissed him again.

Chapter Text

The venue was packed, and the band could hear the crowd waiting for the band, cheering and chanting for Cobra Kai. It was everything the boys had dreamed of playing in Bobby's garage and empty bars all those years. 

Johnny peeked through the side door, looking into the waiting crowd. He smiled. Daniel and Jessica were in upfront. It was hot, and Johnny saw Daniel’s hair plastered to his forehead with sweat. 

Daniel has agreed to come home with him tonight. The thought made Johnny giddy with excitement. 

At that moment, Daniel looked around, and their eyes met. Daniel’s face broke into a grin. Daniel waved discreetly. Johnny grinned and then did something crazy. Johnny put his hand to his lips and blew Daniel a kiss. Even in the darkened venue, Johnny could see the deep flush on Daniel’s face. After a quick glance around, Daniel returned the kiss.

Johnny ducked back behind the stage, joining his bandmates as they tuned their instruments. As he did, Kreese stood to the side of the stage. He had watched Johnny send a kiss to the boy in the crowd. The same boy whom Kreese has already chased away once. Kreese scowled. 

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

The gig had been amazing, one of their best, Johnny thought as they left to the stage to cheers and calls for more. Johnny could have played all night if the venue had let them. Instead, the band gave the fans one more wave and went backstage. As soon as they were out of sight of the crowd, the boys cheered and high-fived each other. They could still hear their fans shouting for them to come back, and their first full album was soon being released. They were living the dream!

Johnny grinned ear to ear. Daniel was out there and would be coming to find him any minute. He was going to take Daniel home and really make this a night to remember. Johnny had been thinking about it for so long. 

Pulling his sweaty t-shirt over his head, Johnny used it to wipe at his armpits. His nose screwed up. He would need a shower when he got home. Maybe he could convince Daniel to join him? He ran the tap in the small sink, cupping his hands and splashing it on his face. He dried his face on the same t-shirt. As he brought the t-shirt away from his face, Johnny started. Kreese was standing behind him, his image reflected over Johnny’s shoulder.

‘Not bad, Mr Lawrence,’ Kreese said, folding his arms. 

Johnny pulled a clean t-shirt over his head. ‘Thanks.’ He smiled. ‘The others did most of the work,’ he said, referring to the rest of the Cobras. 

‘No, that was all you.’ Kreese stepped in, crowding Johnny in the small bathroom. ‘You could really go places if you focus.’ Kreese was now so close that Johnny could smell the cigars on his breath. 

‘Thanks,’ Johnny said again. He swallowed, and Kreese grinned down at him, his teeth beared. Johnny was boxed in. He found himself looking over Kreese’s shoulder, eyeing the exit.

‘Who’s the kid?’ Kreese asked, the smile not leaving his mouth. Johnny heard the tone—the fake curiosity. 

‘What kid? 

Kreese narrowed his eyes. ‘The one you were making kissy faces at early. The one who’s been hanging around here like a lost puppy.’

Daniel! Shit! Johnny had not expected anyone to see that. Certainly not Kreese. Johnny knew how Kreese felt like people like him, had made that clear from past careless comments, and Johnny had no intention of Kreese finding out about him and Daniel. But Kreese knew!

‘He’s just a friend,’ Johnny said, trying to sound casual.

‘A friend?’ Kreese said, a dark smile on his face. ‘From what I saw, he looked like a lot more than just a friend,’ he snirred . 

Johnny shook his head. ‘I don’t know what you saw.’ He didn’t look away, kept eye contact with his manager, in his head begging for Kreese to let it go. 

Kreese narrowed his eyes. Johnny could see the tension in Kreese’s jaw. He briefly wondered what it would feel like to punch this asshole in the face but held back. Kreese has been making his life hell, but the band needed Kreese much more than Kreese needed them.

‘Fine,’ Kreese finally growled. He stepped back, out of Johnny’s space, and Johnny let out a breath of relief. Kreese moved towards the door. ‘I’m driving you home. Now.’

‘But...’ Johnny protested. Daniel would be waiting for him.

‘But nothing, Mr Lawrence!’ He glared at Johnny, anger on his face, and Johnny recoiled. ‘Now!’ he snapped.

Johnny didn’t argue. Kreese led him to the back exit, not giving him a chance to pass where Daniel was waiting. Kreese pulled the car door open, gesturing for Johnny to get in. As he climbed into the car, Johnny hesitated, looking back.

‘Get in, Mr Lawrence,’ Kreese barked. Kreese was angry, his face furious. Johnny saw his hand clenched into a fist. He briefly wondered what Kreese would do if he tried to run. Would Kreese hurt him? Johnny didn’t want to find out. He felt like a coward as he climbed into the car.

At the same time that Kreese pulled away, Daniel stood at the stage door, waiting for Johnny. The other Cobra’s were leaving, slapping Daniel on the back as they passed, knowing he was waiting for Johnny. The bar was emptying, and the staff were starting to shut things down. The house lights were up, and Daniel was alone. 

Where is he?

Daniel waited, fidgeting from foot to foot, looking at his watch. Time was passing, and it was getting late. 

‘Hey, buddy.’

Daniel turned. A member of staff was waiting.

‘Time to go. We’re closing up.’

‘Oh, I’m waiting for someone,’ Daniel said. He looked at the stage door again, still expecting Johnny to walk through.

‘There’s no one back there,’ the man said. ‘We locked up back there a while ago. It’s just us. And you.’

‘But.’ Daniel was confused. ‘The band, the singer, I mean. I was supposed to meet him,’ he said.

‘Johnny? He left already. With his manager.’

‘He left?’ Daniel looked at the stage door. Johnny had left ?

‘We’re closing,’ the man repeated before walking away.

Daniel looked at the stage door again. Why would Johnny have left, he thought. 

With a sad sigh, Daniel turned and walked through the empty bar. He could feel the staff watching him, surely knowing Daniel had been stood up. Daniel tucked his head, not wanting them to see his humiliation. 

Chapter Text

The clock on the wall said one am. Johnny needed to be up for work at six but ignored the time. His head was buzzing, his hand shaking. He was exhausted but would never sleep with the two lines of coke in his veins. 

He often had nights like this, too tired to move but too wired to sleep. Johnny would crash hard but never thought about that in the moment. Daniel was all that was on his mind. 

They were supposed to spend the night together, Johnny promising to meet Daniel after the gig and had abandoned him. He had let Kreese take him home, always following his manager's orders. He always told himself that Kreese had his best interests in mind, but in this case, he wished the old man would butt out! He wondered if Daniel was angry with him. Hurt for having been stood up. Would he want to see Johnny again?

Johnny took a swig of whisky, the alcohol burning his throat. He needed to sleep! 

Five hours later, an alarm buzzed in the bedroom. Johnny didn’t hear it from the couch, where he slept facedown, having finally dozed off only two hours earlier.

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

Daniel looked around. The diner was busy for breakfast, and he expected to see Johnny behind the counter or moving between tables. He wasn’t there. Daniel sat himself on one of the stools. He leaned over the counter. Johnny wasn’t there. 

‘What can I get you?’ 

Daniel jumped. The owner stood in front of him, pad in hand, waiting to take his order. Daniel wasn’t hungry. 

‘I’m..uh….is Johnny here?’ Daniel asked, hesitating. 

‘Nope,’ the man answered with a scowl. ‘Didn't show up this morning.’

‘He didn’t show up?’ Daniel leaned forward.

The owner shook his head. ‘No. Didn't even call. A real pain in the ass.’

With a sigh, Daniel stood. ‘Thanks anyway,’ he said. 

Daniel was halfway across the dinner when the man shouted. ‘If you see him, tell him if he isn’t in tomorrow, don’t bother coming back!’ Daniel winced. 

The call box outside was empty. Daniel picked up the receiver and dialled. The phone rang six times before Daniel hung up. Johnny wasn’t home. He wondered if he should be worried. What Johnny OK? 

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

Johnny knew he needed to leave for work, but the thought of leaving the apartment filled him with dread. His head hurt, and there was a crushing feeling in his chest like he couldn't breathe. The phone rang over and over. Johnny knew who it was—his boss asking why the hell he hadn't shown up. Johnny didn’t want to speak to him, didn't want to speak to anyone. 

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

As Daniel opened the store, Jessica was at his side, talking about her morning, the weather, the traffic on the freeway that morning. Daniel was silent as she spoke, nodding and humming in agreement when needed. What he really wanted was some quiet time where he could worry about Johnny in peace.

‘The customer wants me to make it for tomorrow, which I’m not sure I’m going to be able to do, you know. He’s got super picky standards, and whatever I make, I know it won’t be right. Daniel, are you listening?’

‘Uh huh,’ Daniel said as he flicked the lights on.

Jessica blocked his path through the store. ‘So what did I just say?’

Daniel moved past her. ‘Something about a pot.’ He opened the register, switching on the machine.

‘Something about a pot,’ Jessica repeated with a scowl. ‘You’re not listening to me at all. What’s up with you?’

Sitting at the counter, Daniel sighed. He leaned his head on his hand, his elbow propped up on the counter. ‘Johnny stood me up last night.’ 

‘What do you mean?’ Jessica sat on a stool, her face concerned. 

‘Last night at the gig, we were supposed to see each other after, and then he just vanished. I waited and was told that he went home without me!’ 

‘Oh, Daniel. I’m sorry.’ 

‘I went to the diner this morning, and his boss told me he didn’t show up, and he’s not answering his phone.’ Daniel sat up. ‘Should I be worried?’

Jessica shrugged. ‘Maybe he’s just tired. Not sure how he does it, a job and then gigging every night.’ 

Daniel slumped back down. ‘Yeah, I guess.’

‘What’s wrong?’ Jessica said, her voice concerned. 

Daniel shrugged one shoulder. ‘I don’t know. I guess I thought he liked me, that’s all.’

‘Oh, Daniel. He does! I saw him that night in the bar. His face lit up when he looked at you.’

‘Then why did he stand me up?’ Daniel said, his voice sad. He idly flicked through a music magazine as he spoke. He turned the page, and there they were - Cobra Kai, Johnny staring up at him. Daniel scowled and slammed the magazine shut. 

‘Maybe he was sick,’ Jessica offered hopefully. ‘Maybe there was an emergency.’ 

‘Maybe,’ Daniel muttered. He perked up. ‘They’re playing tonight at the Starwood. I’ll see him there.’ 

‘That’s the spirit.’ Jessica smiled.

‘Will you come?’

‘Ugh, no. That place is a dump. Plus, I’ve got to visit my grandma tonight. But you go. See your man.’ Jessica punched Daniel playfully on the shoulder. ‘You two will be canoodling like lovebirds again in no time.’

‘Canoodling?’ Daniel’s nose screwed up.

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

The bar was busy as always, with crowds out in force to see Cobra Kai. Daniel stood at the front, waiting—waiting to see Johnny. They hadn’t spoken, and as soon as the gig was over, Daniel intended to track him down. At first, he had been hurt at being stood up, but now he was worried. Johnny hadn’t shown up to work and hadn’t been picking up his phone. He wanted to check that Johnny was OK.

The crowd began to cheer as the boys walked onto the stage. Daniel couldn't help but smile, but his smile soon turned into a frown. Johnny was smiling and waving to the crowd, but Daniel saw something was off. There were bag patches under Johnny’s eye, worse than usual, and even under the bright yellow stage lights, Johnny looked unusually pale. Daniel knew something was wrong.

As the band started playing and the crown began to sing back at them, all worries fell out of Danie’s head as he moved to the music. Despite how he looked, Johnny didn’t put a foot wrong on stage, his voice loud and clear over the band as he performed for his fans. The performance swept away Daniel as always. By the time the band had finished, Daniel was hot and breathless, his t-shirt sticking to his skin.

Daniel made a beeline for the stage as the band waved and walked from the stage door. He had to see Johnny.

‘Hey. No entry.’

A large man stood across the door, blocking Daniel’s path. The man towered over Daniel, his shoulders higher than Daniel’s head, large arms folded over a thick chest. 

‘I’m with the band,’ Daniel said, trying to sound confident. ‘I should be on the list.’

‘Name?’

‘Daniel LaRusso.’

‘Not on this list,’ the man said, his voice bored, not having moved his arms from his chest.

‘You didn’t check,’ Daniel protested. 

The man’s face was stony as he spoke. ‘There is no list.’

Daniel frowned. ‘But I’m a friend of Johnny Lawrence.’

‘No one's going back there,’ the man said, his vast body blocking the door. 

Daniel stood on tip-toes, trying to see over the man’s shoulder. His eyes met the man’s, who smiled down at him. 

‘Just try and get past me,’ he warned.

For a moment, Daniel considered it. He was fast, and this guy looked big but slow. Maybe he could reach Johnny before he was caught. Johnny would vouch for him.

The man seemed to read Daniel’s thoughts. ‘Just try it,’ he said again. ‘I dare you.’

Daniel stood down. He knew he wasn’t going to see Johnny tonight. With a sigh, Daniel turned away and walked back towards the bar. For a moment, he considered getting a drink, waiting to see if Johnny or the Cobras came out. He decided against it. The night had been a bust, and Daniel just wanted to go home.

Chapter Text

Johnny opened his eyes. He was sure he had imagined it, but there it was again. Someone was banging on his door. With a groan, Johnny rolled over and onto his feet. It was dark out, and Johnny had finished work hours before heading home to sleep. He was exhausted and planned to sleep all evening and into the night. But someone was hammering on his front door.

Looking through the peephole, Johnny swallowed. John Kreese stood outside his apartment, his face like thunder. Johnny stopped and considered not opening the door.

‘Open up, Mr Lawrence. I know you’re in there!’ Kreese barked, making Johnny jump. Grimacing, he opened the door. Kreese pushed the door open and was in the apartment. Johnny watched as Kreese surveyed the small, messy living area, his nose curled up. He turned to Johnny, his eyes looking him up and down.

‘Get dressed. We’re going out,’ Kreese barked.

‘I’m…I’m…’ Johnny stammered. His brain was still fuzzy with sleep.

‘Get dressed.’ Kreese folded his arms and leaned against the kitchen counter. Johnny didn’t move. ‘Now!’

As Kreese raised his voice, Johnny sprung into action, moving quickly towards the bedroom. He didn’t ask where they were going or the order to move enough. He rummaged through a pile of screwed-up clothes, finding a pair of black jeans and a T-shirt that was still semi-clean.

‘Wear something nice. We’re going to The Rainbow!’ 

Johnny pulled the t-shirt over his head and stopped. 

The Rainbow!

Johnny had never stepped foot in the Rainbow. The guest list was exclusive, and Cobra Kai was not even close to being famous enough to get in. The bar was legendary, having hosted everyone from Elvis Presley and The Beatles to Led Zepplin and Motorhead. 

‘The Rainbow?’ Johnny said as he stepped into the living room. Kreese was looking through his fridge, frowning with unhappiness. 

Kreese ignored him. ‘Empty,’ he grumbled, slamming it shut. ‘Did I misspeak? Yeah, The Rainbow. They’re hosting an open mike night, and I got you in.’ He smiled nastily. ‘No need to thank me, just don’t fuck it up.’

‘OK, yeah, I won’t,’ Johnny stammered. He frowned. ‘Are the rest of the Cobras meeting us there?’

‘Nope. No band. Just you.’

Johnny hesitated. He couldn’t go alone. They were a band. He couldn’t sing without them.

‘What’s the problem, Mr Lawrence?’ 

‘Uh, I don’t know. It just doesn’t feel right to go without the band. We’re a team, you know.’ Johnny shrugged. ‘Feels kinda shitty.’ Kreese was glaring at him and Johnny winced. ‘I mean…’ 

‘Listen to me,’ Kreese said, his voice hard. ‘I pulled some pretty fucking difficult strings getting you in this place. They don’t usually let in nobodies. I had to kiss some ass, and I hate kissing ass!. So you’ll show them what you're made of, and if the rest of the band don’t like it, I’ll find you a new band. OK?’ 

Kreese grinned menacingly at him, and Johnny knew not to argue. He nodded. 

‘Good. Move.’ Kreese left the apartment, Johnny on his heels.

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

The store was quiet, and Daniel was bored. He leaned against the counter, a fan hardly making a dent in the hot day. As he sat there, Daniel wondered why he had bothered opening up. He was still pissed from the gig two nights ago when that asshole security guy had stopped him from seeing Johnny. And Johnny still hadn’t called back, despite Daniel’s messages. Daniel just wanted to go home.

Just then, as Daniel had almost decided to give up for the day, the front bell tinkled as the front door was pushed open. Daniel looked up, ready to see Jessica standing in the doorway. He wasn’t in the mood for her optimism.

Johnny stood in the doorway, smiling.

‘Hey,’ Johnny said.

Daniel’s mouth was suddenly dry, and he didn’t know what to say. He had never in a million years expected Johnny to suddenly turn up out of the blue. Daniel stood and settled on a simple ‘hey’ in return.  

Johnny was in the store, his smile bright as if nothing had happened. ‘I wanted to see you. I had the most amazing time last night! Kreese took me to The Rainbow and I met the most amazing people there.’

‘Oh yeah.’ Daniel tried to match Johnny’s excitement, but he was despondent. Johnny wasn’t here to see him. He just wanted to tell someone about his gig. Daniel wasn’t over being hurt about the gig, and Johnny seemed too excited to notice. 

‘Dio was there!’ Johnny said excitedly. ‘You know Ronnie Dio?’

‘I know Dio,’ Daniel said mildly. 

‘And Ozzy! I mean, he was pretty out of it, but he was there!’ Johnny was grinning. ‘Kreese managed to swing me a place on their open mike night. It was amazing. People were cheering! At The Rainbow!’

‘Yeah, that sounds great,’ Daniel said, trying and failing to keep the bitterness from his voice, and Johnny frowned at him.

‘What’s wrong? I thought you’d be happy for me.’

‘I waited for you after your gig, and you disappeared. You invited me back to yours, and then you vanished.’ Daniel tried to keep his voice neutral as he spoke, but it was no good. Johnny had really hurt him. ‘Then security won’t let me back to see you. Says I’m not on the list.’

‘I’m sorry,’ Johnny said.

‘Why did you invite me back just to abandon me?’ Daniel continued. ‘I waited, and they said you had gone home. I thought you liked me.’

‘I do like you!’ Johnny protected. ‘Kreese took me home, said I need an early night.’

‘Your manager said you need an early night?’ Daniel snorted. ‘You do everything your manager tells you?’

‘He’s making me better.’ Johnny sighed. ‘You don’t get it. This is my career! I’ve worked so hard for this. You wouldn’t understand.’

Daniel was angry. ‘You think I don’t understand what it's like to work for things?! What do you think this is?’ He waved his arms around the store.

The doorbell tinkled, and they stopped as a man walked in. Daniel turned away from Johnny, and Johnny began to flick through some records idly. Neither wanted to be seen arguing in front of a customer. 

The man moved around the store before choosing a record. Daniel scowled as the man placed Cobar Kai’s demo on the counter. 

‘You want me to sign that?’ Johnny said, his smile cocky.

Daniel’s scowl grew deeper during the excited back and forth between Johnny and the customer, the man promising to attend the Cobra’s next gig and Johnny signing the front of the record with a flourish. Daniel rang up the purchase with a roll of his eyes, and soon, it was the two of them again.

‘What?’ Johnny said, seeing Daniel's face.

‘You’re unbelievable,’ Daniel said, shaking his head. 

‘What is your problem?’ Johnny voice was frustrated.

‘You know what, I thought you liked me, that’s all.’

Johnny threw his hands up. ‘I do like you, but the band’s crazy, Daniel. It takes up all my time. Tell me what I’m supposed to do!’

‘I can’t tell you what to do, Johnny. You need to figure it out.’ Daniel let out a bitter snort. ‘Hey, why don’t you ask your manager what you should do? He’ll have all the answers.’

Johnny was angry. ‘Hey, fuck you.’

‘Yeah, well fuck you too, Johnny!’ Daniel snapped.

There was a pause, and both boys stared angrily at each other. Then, slowly, Johnny’s scowl turned into a smile, and Daniel’s head went back with surprise.

‘What the hell are you smiling about?’ Daniel barked.

‘It’s just…’ Johnny shrugged, still smiling. ‘...you’re sexy when you’re angry.’ 

‘Stop it.’ Daniel blushed, his anger dissolving. ‘I’m mad at you,’ he said with no heat.

Johnny reached out and, before Daniel could pull away, took Daniel’s hand. ‘I’m sorry. I’m fucking this up. I’m sorry I stood you up. Sorry, I left without finding you.’ He brought Daniel's hand up to his lips, kissed him, and caused Daniel to look around the empty store, embarrassed of being seen. ‘Let me take you out. No gigs, just you and me. We’ll get a drink, and then we’ll go back to mine, like I promised.’

Daniel hesitated. 

‘Please.’ 

Johnny kissed his hand again, and every last bit of Daniel’s stubbornness wilted away. 

‘Damnit,’ Daniel muttered. ‘OK, you can take me out,’ he said, not being able to stop a grin appearing on his face.

Chapter Text

Johnny had never been happier. Three weeks had passed since their argument, and Daniel had spent every spare evening at Johnny’s. Johnny was never very good at taking things slow or enjoying things in moderation, including time with Daniel. They would see each other at lunch breaks, after work, and before work, and talk on the phone when they couldn't speak face-to-face. Johnny drank in every moment with Daniel like a man starved.

Three nights after they had made up, Daniel had finally visited Johnny at his apartment, and they had fallen into bed, forgetting all about the movie they had planned. It was some of the most passionate sex that Johnny had ever known, followed by a blissful night with Daniel curled up in his arms.

Johnny had done his best to keep his relationship on the down low, but the boys knew, and they couldn't help but tease him. Johnny didn’t mind. He was happy and could take some gentle teasing. He knew they did it with affection.

Except this time. This time, Kreese heard it, the one person Johnny did not want to know about his relationship. Kreese had made it well known how he felt about Johnny’s dating Daniel. But one night at rehearsals, Bobby accidentally let it slip, making an off-the-cuff remark about where Johnny would spend his evening. Johnny had watched Kreese’s head look up upon the remark, but nothing was said, and Johnny breathed a sigh of relief.

That night, rehearsal ended late, and Johnny was eager to leave. He and Daniel had plans.

‘Lawrence, a word.’

Johnny stopped, his stomach dropping. For once, he wished he had messed up a song so that it would again be a complaint about his singing. The boys left, and Kreese and Johnny were alone in the studio.

Kreese waved to one of the office chairs. ‘Sit.’

With a moment of hesitation and a wistful glance towards the door, Johnny sat. Kreese stared at him, and Johnny waited, growing more anxious by the second.
Finally, Kreese spoke. ‘Mr Lawrence, when I took you on, it was because I thought it was serious about the band. The opportunities I’ve given you, I wouldn't have wasted my time had I known that you didn’t care about your career.’

‘I am serious,’ Johnny protested. ‘You know how much I care about the band. About our music.’

‘Not enough, it seems,’ Kreese snapped.

Johnny didn’t answer; didn’t know what to say.

‘You’ve been seeing that boy again,’ Kreese stated.

Johnny swallowed. ‘What boy?’ he said, pointlessly.

Kreese grinned and shook his head. ‘Don’t think I’m stupid, Mr Lawrence. That boy. That little groupie wanna-be who has been hanging around your gigs.’

‘He’s not a groupie!’ Johnny stood. ‘He owns a record store downtown. And so what if I am?’ Johnny stuck his chin out definitely.

Kreese’s face darkened, and he stepped into Johnny’s space. ‘You think anyone’s gonna sign a band when the lead singers a queer?’ He asked coldly. ‘You think I’m gonna put my time into you, knowing what you are?’

Kreese leaned over Johnny, breathing into his face, and Johnny backed away, angry.

‘Why do you care?’ Johnny said. ‘It doesn't affect the music. It’s none of your business who I see,’ Johnny protested.

Kreese’s fist hit Johnny below the eye, throwing him off balance. Hands were on his neck, Kreese's thumbs pushing into his windpipe. Johnny fought and tried to push Kreese off, but Kreese was so much stronger. Johnny’s hands gripped Kreese’s wrists, desperately trying to push him away, but it was useless. Kreese leaned into his face, squeezing his neck.

‘Everything you do is my business, you little shit,’ Kreese said through gritted teeth. ‘You don’t see him again, you understand.’ Kreese held Johnny's throat, shaking him. ‘Stay away from him. Stay away from him, or I swear I’ll fucking ruin you.’

Kreese let go, and Johnny sank to his knees, taking in desperate gulps of air. He couldn’t speak, the pain in his throat burning him and the tears in his eyes blinding him. He put his hand to his face, feeling the swelling.

‘Get out!’ Kreese barked. ‘Get the fuck out of my studio!’

Johnny staggered to his feet and ran. He was in the parking lot and didn’t stop running until he reached his car. Throwing the car door open, Johny threw himself behind the wheel. His chest heaved as he tried to breathe, trying to find his breath. Desperately wiping the tears from his face, Johnny looked in his mirror. There was a cut under his eye where one of Kreese’s rings had caught his skin, a large bruise blooming on his cheek. He wiped his eyes one more time before starting the engine.

Chapter Text

Daniel called, and the phone just rang. He had called Johnny three times, and Johnny didn't pick up. Johnny knew it was him. Johnny sat on the floor, listening to the phone ring. Eventually, the ringing would stop. There was no way Johnny could let Daniel see him like this.

The bruise on his face felt fresh, Johnny could feel it, could feel his skin swollen and broken. Every time he remembered Kreese’s hands on his neck, Johnny felt like he couldn't breathe all over again, could feel his heart flutter with panic. 

The phone rang again, and Johnny moaned and clamped his hands over his ears. He needed to get away; needed to stop his heart from racing. 

Standing on his shaking legs, Johnny staggered to the bathroom, his hands on the wall to aid his way. He didn’t know what he was doing or why. He had nothing left to give, nothing for his body to give up. 

Johnny’s fingers were in his throat. His chest heaved as he tried to force his unwilling body to vomit. He heaved, his throat burning, and nothing came up but a thin string of saliva. 

‘Please, Please,’ Johnny muttered, begging his body. He needed this. His fingers were back in his throat, and he gagged. The pain in his throat was back, but Johnny ignored it. It burned as he vomited, but he didn’t stop. He could feel the weight in his stomach and wanted it gone. 

What finally came up was yellow, nothing solid, the contents of a stomach starving itself. It hurt, and Johnny coughed, holding his throat, the burning making him think hands were back, choking him. Tears ran down his face, and Johnny sat on the floor, leaning against the hard porcelain, and cried.

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

Bobby paced. Looking over at the three boys, he saw concerned faces. They were due onstage in five minutes, but Johnny wasn’t there! He tried the pay phone again, calling Johnny’s apartment, but nothing. 

Where was he?!

Kreese stormed towards them, his face like thunder. ‘Where the fuck is he?!’ Kreese snapped.

Bobby shrugged. ‘I don’t know. He should be here.’

‘Fucking call him again,’ Kreese snapped, pointing at the pay phone. 

Bobby did as he was told, picking up the receiver. It rang. ‘Pick up,’ Bobby muttered frantically. The Cobra’s watched nervously, none of them speaking. 

The phone rang a third time when the stage door opened. Johnny stepped through, and Bobby slammed the receiver down.

‘Thank god!’ Jimmy exclaimed. The boys excitedly welcomed their friend and turned towards the stage.

Bobby looked at his friend. Johnny was swaying slightly. His head was down, and Bobby couldn’t see his face. Bobby reached out and touched Johnny’s arm.

‘Hey, buddy. You OK?’

Johnny looked up. His face was deathly white, the sockets of his eyes dark, and his eyes red. A bruise on his face was badly covered with pale makeup, making his skin look even more sallow.

Bobby gasped. ‘ What happened, Johnny?’ he said with concern. Bobby's nose curled up. Johnny smelled like he hadn't washed, the musky smell of sweat coming off him. It looked like he had slept in his clothes.

‘Nothing,’ Johnny said, his voice low, almost a whisper. ‘I fell.’ As Johnny moved past Bobby, Kreese came into the room.

‘Lawrence!’ He raged. ‘You're late. Get your ass out there. You need to be on stage in two minutes.’ Kreese sneered at him. ‘You smell like a fucking sewer.’ Kreese turned to Bobby. ‘Clean him up!’

‘Come on.’ 

Bobby took Johnny's arm and led him towards the small bathroom. As he did, he glanced at the clock. They only had moments. He led Johnny into the small toilet and sat Johnny down. Using a musty hand towel, Bobby cleaned Johnny's face, wiping away the cheap makeup and revealing the bruise underneath.

‘Who did this?’ Bobby said gently as he wiped his friend's face. There was a cut under Johnny's eye. Someone had hit him. Johnny didn't answer, just shaking his head. Bobby began to ask again but was interrupted.

‘On stage.’ Kreese was in the doorway. ‘Now!’ 

The boys stood. Bobby stepped past him, Johnny behind him. 

‘I'll deal with you later, you little fuck-up.’

Bobby heard Kreese and turned. Kreese had his hand on Johnny's wrist, squeezing it so hard that his knuckles were white. Bobby saw Johnny flinch away and saw the menace on Kreese's face. Johnny was scared. 

‘Johnny.’ 

Johnny and Kreese turned towards him. Bobby gestured towards his friend, and Kreese released him. As they made their way to the stage, Johnny wasn’t looking at him, and Bobby knew something was terribly wrong. They moved towards the stage, and all Bobby wanted was to grab his friend and run.

He didn't have more time to think as they stepped onto the stage. He touched Johnny's back as Johnny moved to the front of the stage. The crowd cheered.

Daniel was in the crowd with Jessica, upfront as always. As the band moved onto the stage, Daniel grasped her arm with excitement. Johnny was up front and centre, and Daniel grinned at him. Then he stopped smiling.

‘Hey,’ Daniel said, budging his friend. ‘Look at Johnny.’ 

They both saw the bruise on Johnny's face, the stage lights making him look all the more pale, contrasted against the mark under his eye. Daniel stared as the band began to play. Johnny wasn't looking at them; he wasn't reacting to the crowd as normal. His eyes were open, but he didn't seem to be looking at anything. 

‘Something's wrong,’ Daniel said. 

The band played, and Daniel could see the confusion on their faces. Johnny hadn't moved, just stood in the center of the stage. Jimmy, Tommy and Dutch played, looking at their lead singer. Bobby looked concerned and stopped playing. 

Daniel and Jessica looked at each other with concern. What was going on?

Johnny seemed to snap out of something and reached for the microphone, his eyes still not fully focused. There was a sheen of sweat on his forehead, but the band, seeing Johnny with the microphone now in his hand, continued to play.

Daniel didn't take his eyes away as Johnny lifted the microphone to his mouth. The sound that came through wasn't Johnny's voice. It was scratchy and weak, and Daniel could see Johnny physically straining to make a sound. 

Without another thought, Daniel began pushing towards the stage door. Something was terribly wrong. There was a murmur of confusion through the crowd; the band was distracted from the music as their lead singer faltered on stage.

‘Daniel!’ Jessica gasped.

Daniel turned and saw Johnny drop the microphone and fall to the ground. He landed heavily on the stage. The rest of the band were up and running towards him, with sounds of shock from the crowd. Daniel fought his way to the stage door, desperately trying to get to Johnny.

Bobby was at Johnny's side. He ignored the hundreds of people watching as he tried to help his friend. Johnny’s eyes were closed, and his face was white, as if the blood had left it. Bobby could feel how hot Johnny was, his t-shirt drenched with sweat.

‘Help me,’ Bobby shouted.

They managed to pick Johnny up and carry him off the stage. As they put him on the floor away from prying eyes, Johnny began to come to, moaning softly. Jimmy, Tommy and Dutch were crouched down with Bobby, the gig forgotten. All they cared about was their friend.

Johnny's eyes were blinking, and looking up at Bobby. There were tears in his eyes. Johnny's voice was a low croak. ‘I’m sorry.’  

‘It's OK.’ Bobby pushed wet hair from Johnny's head. Johnny nodded, and his eyes closed.

Chapter Text

No matter what he said or did, no one would let Daniel backstage and near Johnny. The crowd was quiet as the band carried Johnny away, but it hadn’t taken long for the DJ to put a record on, and they quickly forgot about the scenes on stage. 

Daniel pushed frantically through the crowd, Jessica holding tightly onto his hand so as not to lose him. They were soon in the street. Daniel looked up and down the sidewalk before taking off down the side alley. Moments later, they heard the sound of a siren. 

‘An ambulance,’ Jessica breathed. The ambulance was pulling up at the club. 

They ran toward the ambulance, hopeful to see a sign of Johnny. A crowd formed in the street, and security kept people away. The ambulance crew were in the building, but Jessica and Daniel couldn't get close. 

There was movement at the door, and Daniel saw Bobby. His face had a deep frown of concern. Then Daniel saw Johnny. He was awake but being assisted by an EMT. 

‘Johnny!’ Daniel called, but the sound of the street and the crowd drowned out his voice. Johnny didn’t so much as look up.

‘Daniel. Come on!’ 

Jessica was gesturing towards the line of cabs. Daniel ran towards her and they jumped into a cab as the ambulance began to pull away.

‘Follow the ambulance,’ Jessica said to the driver. 

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

Daniel burst into the waiting room, Jessica on his heels. He skidded on the shiny hospital floor, almost going head-first into the rest of the band, who were pacing anxiously. They all looked grim-faced, and Daniel’s stomach dropped.

‘How is he? I saw him fall! What’s wrong with him? Has anyone seen him?’ Daniel rattled off questions helplessly, his voice panicked.

Bobby shook his head. ‘They just took him in, but no one has come out yet.’ He chewed his nail anxiously and went back to pacing.

‘What happened?’ Daniel asked. 

Bobby shrugged, his face stressed. ‘He wasn’t right when he turned up tonight, and then he just went down. He just kept saying sorry, but no one could get a straight word out of him. That’s when we called the ambulance.’

Daniel sat heavily on the plastic chair, and Jessica sat with him, clutching his hand.

‘I’m sure he’ll be fine,’ Jessica said, trying to soothe him.

Daniel shook his head and let his head drop into his hands. How could she know? How could anyone know? Johnny has passed out on stage. He could have a head injury. Anything could be happening back there! Why had no one come to update them?!

‘Where is he?!’

Daniel looked up at the sharp voice. Kreese!

‘What the fuck happened?’ Kreese was barking at the rest of the Cobras. Daniel watched them flinch away from his voice. Daniel stood, and Kreese looked around at him. His eyes narrowed. ‘Who let the groupie in?’

‘I’m worried about Johnny.’ Daniel snapped. ‘Just like you should be, asshole!’

With an angry growl, Kreese launched himself at Daniel. Daniel had no time to respond before hands were shoving him against the wall. Kreese grasped Daniel’s t-shirt, almost taking him off his feet, slamming his head against the wall. Everyone began to pry Kreese from Daniel, but he managed to slam Daniel’s head against the wall a second time before he was dragged away.

‘What is going on out here?!’ A nurse stood at the door, looking at them all with anger. ‘This is a hospital!’

Jessica was at Daniel's side as Daniel held his aching head. A quick check confirmed that, thankfully, there was no blood. 

After a pause and another angry glance at the group, she looked at her file. ‘Who brought John Lawrence in?’

‘We did.’ Bobby stepped forward. 

The woman looked at him and the rest of the group suspiciously, narrowing her eyes. Daniel smiled, trying to look as innocent as possible, trying to let her know that he hadn’t started the fight. She frowned at him.

‘How is he?’ Tommy finally spoke up for the group.

With a small huff, her unhappiness with them clear, she returned to her file. ‘Johnny’s not in any danger, but we’re keeping him in overnight. He’s dehydrated and clearly exhausted. He’s got a lot of drugs in his system…..’

‘Drugs?’ Daniel said with confusion. ‘What kind of drugs?’

‘Cocaine. He didn’t overdose, but we’re monitoring it. His bodyweight’s low.’ The woman continued.

‘Shit,’ Bobby muttered darkly. ‘I knew something wasn’t right! I should have said something!’ 

‘Weight?’ Daniel said, looking at Bobby and back to the nurse. ‘What’s wrong with his weight?’

‘Who are you?’ The woman asked sharply. 

Daniel stepped forward. ‘Daniel LaRusso. I’m his boyfriend.’

‘Jesus.’

Daniel turned and glared at Kreese, whose face was filled with disgust. ‘Yeah! I’m his boyfriend!’ Daniel was shaking with anger but controlled it. He knew another fight would get them thrown out. 

‘Mr LaRusso, your boyfriend is underweight,’ the woman said, her voice gentler than before. ‘He’s damaged his throat, we think he’s been making himself vomit. We’re encouraging him not to speak until an ENT specialist can see him.’

‘Fuck!’ Kreese barked, making the group jump and turn to him. ‘Stupid boy!’ Kreese growled. 

‘Hey, screw you, man!’ Daniel shouted. ‘Don’t you give a shit about him at all?’

Kreese was on him again, this time swinging at him. Daniel ducked, but Kreese’s fist caught the side of his head. Daniel went down as Kreese was restrained, this time by the Cobra’s and a passing security guard. 

‘Get off me!’ Kreese barked as he pushed them away. Kreese glared. Johnny’s bandmates glared back, and Jessica held Daniel. There was a tense beat before Kreese straightened himself out. ‘ Fine. I’m done with you all. Let’s see how far your little band gets without me.’ 

Kreese turned and stalked away. No one went after him. 

Daniel turned towards the nurse. ‘Can we see him?’ he asked anxiously.

The woman looked suspiciously at the group. She finally sighed, and her face softened. ‘He can have one visitor,’ she said.

The boys all looked at each other. ‘You go,’ Bobby finally said to Daniel.

‘Really?’ Daniel replied. He held his hands up. ‘No, no, you’ve known him longer than me.’

Bobby smiled at him, his eyes still anxious. ‘Go see him, Daniel. We’ll be here waiting.’

‘Thank you,’ Daniel said gratefully. 

The nurse walked away, and Daniel followed quickly, trying to keep up. His heart was in his throat. Was Johnny OK? The nurse had said he was underweight, making himself vomit. How could Johnny be underweight? Daniel stopped mid-stride. It dawned on him. He had never seen Johnny eat a bite. He always made excuses not to. He had eaten earlier. He wasn’t hungry. Daniel had never seen Johnny eat a thing ! 

Johnny was skinny, but so was Daniel. Daniel had never really thought about it. How had Daniel not noticed? How could he have put his hands on Johnny so many times and not wondered about the hard edges and ribs under his hands? Daniel knew why. Because he was so busy thinking with his dick that he hadn’t noticed. He felt awful. What kind of boyfriend was he? Johnny was in the hospital because Daniel hadn’t noticed the apparent fucking fact that Johnny didn’t eat! He was taking cocaine! What else had been going on that Daniel had failed to notice?!

Suddenly, Daniel didn’t want to see Johnny. Didn’t want to see him lying in a hospital bed because Daniel had taken so little notice of what was really happening in front of his eyes. He should have let Bobby or one of the others in. Maybe Johnny wouldn’t want to see Daniel at all! 

‘Honey.’ The nurse was in front of him, looking at him with concern. ‘Are you OK?’

‘Should I have known?’ Daniel blurt out. ‘He wasn’t eating, and I didn’t even notice! How could I not have known?’ His eyes filled with tears. 

‘Hey, hey.’ The woman put a gentle hand on his shoulder. ‘In my experience, people are very good at hiding these things. It’s not your fault.’ 

Daniel nodded sadly. ‘How is he? Is he going to be OK? Really?’

‘He’s going to be fine. For now, he needs rest.’ She smiled. ‘After that, we’ll get him some help. He’s going to need the people who love him.’

Daniel smiled tearily. ‘I do love him.’

‘I’m sure he knows, but remind him anyway.’ She smiled again, and Daniel followed her down the corridor. They stopped outside a room, the door closed. Daniel swallowed. He was nervous. He took one more hesitant look at the nurse before pushing the door open.

Johnny was lying in the hospital bed. He had an IV in one wrist, and the monitor on his finger was taking his oxygen. He opened his eyes and turned towards Daniel.

‘Hey.’ Daniel moved towards the bed. He took Johnny’s hand. ‘You had us all worried,’ Daniel said softly, rubbing his thumb across Johnny’s knuckles. 

‘I’m sorry.’ Johnny’s voice was weak, almost a whisper. His skin was pale, nearly white, and only then did Daniel see just how thin and exhausted Johnny looked. He couldn’t believe he hadn’t seen it before.

‘No, I’m sorry.’ Daniel brought Johnny’s hand to his lips and kissed it. ‘I didn’t notice anything was wrong,’ he said. ‘They said you haven’t been eating.’ 

Johnny turned his head away. ‘I screwed everything up.’ 

‘No, you didn’t.’

‘Nothing was ever good enough.’ Johnny turned back towards him, his eyes so sad they almost broke Daniels’ heart. ‘Are the others out there? Bobby, Tommy…’

‘They’re all here. They’re worried about you,’ Daniel said. He kissed Johnny’s hand, and Johnny just watched him, his eyes red with tears. 

‘I tried, Daniel. I really did…’ Johnny broke off, collapsing into tears. Daniel sat on the bed and pulled him close, letting Johnny sob into his shoulder. 

‘It’s OK,’ Daniel soothed, rubbing Johnny’s back. Daniel felt a lump in his throat as he held Johnny. With his arms around him, feeling Johnny shake, Daniel thought about how much he had missed, how much he hadn’t noticed. Johnny had been pushing himself so hard. 

Johnny’s breathing evened out, and he looked at Daniel, his eyes swollen and his face wet. ‘Is Kreese here?’ he said.

‘No,’ Daniel said grimly. ‘He’s gone.’

‘OK.’ Johnny nodded and let Daniel pull him close. ‘I don’t think I can be around him anymore,’ Johnny said softly.

‘You don’t have to be. He’s gone. I won’t let him near you.’ Daniel kissed the top of Johnny’s head and held him until the nurse told him it was time to leave. Another kiss and a promise to be back as soon as the hospital was allowed, Daniel reluctantly left.

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

‘Welcome home!’ 

Johnny’s face broke into a grin as his friends surprised him. The apartment was covered in balloons, and Tommy and Dutch held a large banner. Bobby, Jimmy and Jessica beamed as Johnny and Daniel entered the apartment.

‘Glad to have you home, man,’ Bobby said as he pulled Johnny into a hug.

‘Thank you.’ Johnny said as he embraced his friends. He turned to Daniel. ‘Did you know about this?’

Daniel shrugged with a smile. ‘Nothing I could do to stop them.’

It was two weeks after Johnny had collapsed on stage at the gig, two weeks spent getting help for his eating disorder. The doctors had deemed him well enough to move into outpatient care, and he was staying with Bobby until he was well enough to go back to his own apartment. He was still trying to put on weight, trying to fix his relationship with food, but he was making progress.

There were hugs all around, and finally, they all settled on the couch, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

Daniel sat next to Johnny, their bodies close, their fingers entwined on Johnny’s knee. Daniel watched Johnny, watched him talk and laugh. Johnny’s voice had healed and it filled Daniel with happiness to see him smile. Daniel had loved Johnny before, but seeing the weight come off Johnny’s shoulders over the past weeks made it feel like falling in love with him all over again. 

Daniel squeezed Johnny’s hand, and Johnny turned to him. They smiled. Daniel leaned in, and their lips met. Daniel forgot where he was as he kissed Johnny, smiling as he did. He turned his body to get closer, one hand grasping Johnny’s t-shirt and pulling him closer.

‘Hey! Get a room!’ 

Something hit the back of Danie’s head, and suddenly, Johnny and Daniel were pelted with plastic cups and paper napkins. The Cobras and Jessica grinned as they threw items in their direction.

‘Alright, alright!’ Daniel laughed as he batted them away. He caught a cup and threw it back. ‘We surrender!’ The deluge ended, and there was peace.

‘Hey.’ Johnny muttered in Daniel’s ear. ‘You wanna take their advice? Go get a room.’

‘Oh yeah.’ 

Holding his hand, Johnny dragged Daniel off the couch and from the room, the sound of booing behind them. Daniel looked back and saw Jessica, who gave him a wave and a wink. Daniel laughed as he was dragged away.