misunderstood

welcome to the dojo

(AU: I had to use remini for the header and I hate it pls pretend not to notice tory, impossible ennit 😂 anyway, on with the show heehee x)

I know why you're here, you know.

How do I know?

Well because I know that when someone wants to not talk about something, you become more and more intrigued to know why.

Aisha stayed over, I told her about my mom, I had already told her but I wanted to tell her all the medical information so I...seemed smart? I guess? Or at least that's what I posed it as.

She keeps glancing at me, fear shoots through me that she's judging me even though the 'normal' part of me is telling me that can't possibly be happening.

'I'm sorry' she finally comes out with, and it makes me so annoyed, people say that as if it solves everything. But it's Aisha, and her smile shows it's genuine, so I show a rare smile back.

I let out a hearty 'Thanks...' and a sigh, I think she can tell I'm just...done.

'Tory, I just want you to know that no matter what happens, I've got you, okay? I understand, as much as someone can."

She reaches over and gives me a hug and I feel her warmth, spreading through me it's impossible not to cry, but I keep it in.

I thank her, and we head off to Cobra Kai together, i pop in quickly to see mom before we leave.

'Later mom, love you' trying to sound as tough as someone can speaking to the best thing in your life you could lose at any time.

I asked if we could walk instead of getting the bus, it just seemed the best way to clear my head. And it worked, we turned the world over and inside out within twenty five minutes. And when I walked in I knew I could be Tory.

'You're late' Johnny huffs, we exchange looks after seeing everyone lined up, ready.

I go to speak but Aisha tells him. 'Sorry sensei. We just wanted to walk, enjoy the sunshine' she lies, the corners of her mouth slide up cheekily into a grin

'Yeah like I'm gonna believe that now get your asses in that line we're behind schedule' he tries not to grin himself as Aisha walks into line , I take a step forward but sensei stops me.

'No Nichols, you're gonna be doing the start up training, with diaz'

At first I'm furious. But then I realise, and I cannot believe my luck. It just about drowns out the sounds of the professionals sniggering.

Aisha looks at me and smiles, she knows. She knows I like him. So I nod and walk over to the office, where he's waiting, he had his hand against the door post, smiling at me when sensei mentioned him. My god...him in that gi, he's the brand. He is Cobra Kai.

'So, we're just gonna be doing a few easy moves' he says as he takes my hand, we glance at each other at the same time. He throws some gloves my way and I start punching the bag, only one thought in my head. I gotta show him, that I'm worth investing in, I am Cobra Kai material.

He looks exceedingly impressive, glancing at me up and down, the punches slowly transpire into a blaze of fury, of ferocious quick moves. He's impressed.

'Wow...I don't know why sensei is making you do starter training, you've got the potential to win the all valley!'

I can't hide my beaming smile. Not that I'd want to. I shy away from him, visions connect in my head, the trophy in my hands, waving furiously in the air, the crowds would be shouting my name until it was impossible to forget.

'Tory?' He waves his hand infront of my face and he laughs, I completely blanked on him. It's my dream, I want the world to know who I am, my story.

I slip in a little lip bite while he's getting ready for the next tactic. He's bent over, searching for something. My head slowly cranes to the side, unable to help itself.

'Sorry, what's next sensei?' the word 'sensei' sits on my tongue refusing to budge, it likes the association of that sacred word with Miguel...and so do I.

His eyes, they're so dreamy, I was never a fan of those type of soppy princes who would beg for your love, save you from the bad guy and expect you to kiss them at midnight, and even if I was..I never dreamt of a prince, I dreamt of the villains.

Teacher Sensei, because sensei is now designated to Miguel..comes to see how we're doing, he stopped when he saw me annihilating the bag, and a little smirk protruded.

'Good work Nichols!' he marvels

'Yeah exactly, good work, sensei she doesn't need training, anyone can see that! In fact...she might just be ready enough for this!' Miguel points to a box in the far corner, a huge grin leaps on his face as he utters a small 'can i?'

Mr Lawrence smiles over and nods, I'm questioning what's going on until Miguel walks over to me, and presents me with the box, as sensei walks away to the other students

I open the box and to my shock, there's a gi, looking right at me. I'd been given a plain white one, but this one...has the Cobra Kai logo emblazoned on the back, and the excitement is too much to bare.

I squeal, as quietly as someone can before picking it up and untying the tie on my own.

'Wait!! I'm just gonna...' stumbling over his words. Miguel dashes out the room, I laugh at him, atleast he's got morals and common decency.

When I leave the office, in my new, part of the crew gi everyone turns to look at me, some are shocked some smile and some look..well they look pretty fucking nervous. They should be.

Aisha gives me a proud smile, teeth showing, she's like a big sister to me and I'm so glad to have made a friend.

'Welcome to the dojo.' Mr Kreese says, exchanging a wry smile and a handshake. I've heard about him, I've heard a lot about his involvement with Mr Lawrence too. How could you not? It was front page news for years.

And what I learnt from that news is this is where you go to learn real karate.

'Students, assemble.' Lawrence shouts as everyone lines up I take my place proudly in that line. Glancing over at Miguel, he looks back at me and his smile warms my heart.

But this is a dojo, you don't have time to let down your defence.