Time After Time 🌹 Daniel LaRusso [1]

Chapter 15: Truce?

Rosalía waits outside with Daniel's mother. "What's taking so long," the woman impatiently asks. "I'll go see if they're almost out," the girl responds, starting to walk away. "Oh, thank you, sweetheart but you know what, I'm gonna go ahead. Tell them I'll meet you guys there," Lucille says before going to her car. Rosalía agrees and walks toward the entrance just as Mr. Miyagi and Daniel walk through the door. "Rosalía-san and mother wait for us at restaurant," the man speaks. The girl appears as if on cue and announces, "no, mother is waiting at the restaurant. Rosalía's right here." Daniel grins and pulls her into a side hug. "Hey! You didn't go with her?"

"She just decided to leave and I was already coming over here to check on you guys," she responds. Mr. Miyagi walks ahead while Daniel walks with one arm around Rosalía and the trophy in his other hand. Bystanders compliment the boy as they pass by.

"That was great."

"Real good."

"Thank you," Daniel replies. Aww, these people are so nice, Rosalía thinks as she proudly walks at his side. "Daniel LaRusso, very impressive win, son. You showed a lot of poise under pressure," the referee praises as he and the announcer approach him. "Alright, thanks," responds a giddy Daniel. "People are gonna be talking about that last kick for years. Congratulations!" the announcer adds, patting Miyagi's arm. He and Daniel thank the men. They all turn around when they hear a ruckus behind them. They see Kreese shoving a man back. "Hey, man! What you doing to the brother?" another man speaks up. Kreese grabs him by the collar and hisses, "don't play with me" before roughly pushing him away. He nears the group and aggressively stretches his hands out, making the ref and announcer step back. "Excuse me," he says.

He glares at Miyagi, Daniel, and Rosalía, pulling his jacket down. He steps in front of Mr. Miyagi and stares him down for a moment before finally sauntering off. "Why does he act like that?" Daniel inquires. "That guy just doesn't know what karate's all about," the ref replies. Rosalía scoffs. "That and he's just plain pathetic," she deadpans, making everyone chuckle. "Yeah, well, maybe he should learn," Daniel adds as they watch the man shuffle into the parking lot. "Would you like to teach him?" the announcer jokes. "No," Daniel chortles. "Good luck, Daniel," he speaks, shaking his hand.

"Thanks."

"Take care of yourself."

"Thanks a lot."

"Oi, keep mother waiting," Miyagi comments. "That's right, let's go eat," Rosalía pipes up, rubbing her hands together. They start walking but are stopped by two kids. "Hey, wait, wait, wait!" they call. "What?" Daniel asks startled. "Can we have your autograph?" they ask him. Daniel glances at Rosalía before looking back at the boys. "Alright! Yeah, man!" he replies. The girl smiles brightly, her heart melting at the sight. He hands her the trophy before taking the pen and paper. "So, how you guys doing?" he asks them. "Great," they respond.

"Oh, yeah? Where you from?" The boys answer at the same time, "Reseda!" Daniel looks at them ecstatically. "You're from Rese- We're from Reseda!" he claims, pointing at Rosalía before handing the paper and pen back to the boy. "I moved there a couple months ago," he says, signing the other boy's paper. "Maybe we'll see you sometime," one of the kids pipes up. "Alright!" Daniel responds.

"Daniel-san."

"What?"

"Come. Getting late."

"Price of fame, Mr. Miyagi. Gotta get used to it," Daniel answers, handing the paper back to the kid. "Take it easy, maybe I'll see ya," he calls to the boys, releasing a goofy giggle. "Careful, Daniel, all that fame's gonna get to your head," Rosalía jokes as they stroll to the truck. "Nah... hey, you know, every celebrity needs a beautiful woman by his side," he flirts, linking their arms. "Oh, really? Which celebrity? Let me go find him," the girl teases, making Daniel laugh.