Time After Time 🌹 Daniel LaRusso [1]

Chapter 19: The Loss of a Father

Warning: Mentions of death

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Rosalía is the first one to wake up and she quickly realizes that she's wrapped up in Daniel's arms. She peers up at his sleeping face and smiles. He's so adorable, it's almost criminal. The boy suddenly stirs awake and Rosalía's dark eyes are the first thing he sees. He gleams when he sees her. Last night was their first night together and he's always wondered what it'd be like to wake up with her like this. Now that he's finally living the moment he's dreamed of, it feels surreal.

"Good morning, handsome," the girl mutters. "Good morning," the boy happily returns. "Were you watching me sleep?" Rosalía responds, "maybe." Daniel rubs his eyes and scoffs. "Creep," he jokes, making the girl laugh. They remain in bed like this for a few minutes before finally deciding to get up. They shower and get dressed before going downstairs.

Daniel slides the door open and the two slip their shoes on before stepping outside. Rosalía looks around and beams. "It's so peaceful here," she comments. Daniel closes the door and stands next to her. "Yeah," he agrees. They start walking until they run into Yukie washing clothes. "Good morning," they both greet. The older woman smiles when she spots them and greets them in Japanese. "You're Yukie," Daniel points out. The woman bows her head in confirmation. "You Daniel-san... and you Rosalía-san," she returns, pointing at the two. "Yes. Mr. Miyagi's told us a lot about you," Rosalía replies.

Yukie delightfully giggles and says, "and he tell me lot about you." Oh, my gosh, she's such a sweetheart, the girl thinks. "Well, there's not that much to tell about me," Daniel pipes up. "Oh, no. He very..." Yukie looks up as she tries to remember the word. "Proud of you both," she concludes, looking between the two. The pair looks at each other with a smile before turning back to the woman. "Well..." Daniel breathes out. "How's his father feeling?" he suddenly asks. "Uh... very tired," Yukie answers, sighing. The three of them frown.

A yell catches their attention, making them look in the direction of the sound. "Ah, Miyagi Sensei in dojo," Yukie says, gesturing for them to go on in. "Thank you," the pair responds. "See you later," Daniel adds before they walk away. Once they're out of earshot, Rosalía expresses, "aww, she's so cute. I want her to be my grandma!" The boy chuckles and slings his arm around her. They stand at the entrance of the dojo and curiously observe Mr. Miyagi. The man releases a breath as he finishes up his exercise then becomes aware of the couple's presence.

"Oh. Good morning, Daniel-san, Rosalía-san," he greets them with a bow. "Good morning," they return, bowing back. They slip off their shoes and walk inside. "Welcome to Miyagi family dojo. You like?" Mr. Miyagi asks. "It's really nice," the girl answers. "It's great," the boy comments as he looks around. "This is really something. Who are all of these guys?" he continues. "All the Miyagi ancestor. 400 year worth," the man responds. The girl looks at the photos, absolutely fascinated. "Wow, that's so cool! I wish I knew my family history," she chirps.

Daniel looks to the side and questions, "and who's that?" Mr. Miyagi and Rosalía turn to see what he's pointing at. "Ah, that is Miyagi Shimpo Sensei. First Miyagi bring karate to Okinawa," the man answers. "Oh, the one who went to China," the boy speaks in realization. "Hai. 1625," Mr. Miyagi replies. "Did he get there by boat?" the girl chimes in. Mr. Miyagi shakes his head. "Mm, by accident... Like all Miyagi, Shimpo Sensei was fisherman. Love fishing, love sake. One day strong wind, strong sun, strong sake, but no fish. Shimpo Sensei fall asleep off coast of Okinawa, wake up off coast of China." The two teens gaze at the man with bright eyes, completely invested in the story.

"10 year later, he come back with Chinese wife and two kids... and secret of Miyagi family karate," he finishes, showing them a drum. Daniel takes the drum and asks, "this is the secret of your family's karate?" He gives Miyagi a quizzical look. "Hai," the man confirms. "I don't get it," the boy states. Mr. Miyagi nods his head. "Practice. You will. Come, we go work," he tells him. The couple follows behind the man and they eye the symbols on the wall. "What does this say?" Rosalía inquires.