Who would've thought [Lawrusso]

Just my luck

Hockey au 🏒

(Side note: I don't know much of Hockey so please spare me)

    College wasn't out of the question for Daniel. He thought he would go back to school after his tournament to win his title from Mike Barnes. However, he was not only drained physically but mentally. It sucked having to come to terms that Terry who was his supposed friend was his enemy. A snake in the bushes. As much as it felt good to face Mike and defeat him, he was still left with hurt. Not even kata would help what he was feeling inside.

   He didn't want to burden Mr. Miyagi with more of his own personal problems than he should have. His mother, Lucille would only worry more if he had talked to her. There was a small period where he was at home and felt alone, depressed. He only faked smiled or crack a joke here and there, but both his mom and Miyagi know there's something eating him.

    One morning, he woke up to breakfast on the table but no Mr. Miyagi. He figured the man was probably outside fixing some changes to the yard. He sits down and eat as the food was still hot. He looks down and sees a blue flyer for hockey tryouts and training that wasn't far from where they lived. After reading more information from the back page, he takes a bite of his toast and walks outside. Mr. Miyagi was cleaning out the pond and Daniel approaches him, "Good morning, Mr. Miyagi!"

The man smiled and said it back before pointing at the flyer, "Hockey."

"Yeah. I just finished looking through it and the place isn't far from here."

"Maybe you should try it out."

Daniel shrugged, "I don't know. I might slip and fall on my butt too many times before I could hit the puck."

"Daniel-san remember what I said. Must not lose to fear."

The brunette's tongue was caught as he had nothing to say. He decided he was going to give it a shot.

____________

    Twelve years went by, Daniel ironically was on a team called the mighty cranes. He could've sworn that Mr. Miyagi might've had something to do with its name since the man knows his coach. His coach was a big buff guy with white hair and little wrinkles on his face. His coach was a fan of the mighty ducks movies and wanted to pay homage in someway with the team's name.

    Daniel is now thirty years old and earned his reputation of being fast on ice. Some say it was because of his weight being light compared to his teammates. He has a slim physique whereas his teammates who appeared to be bulky, brawn stature. He doesn't listen much to rumors about him as he earned his keep and loves playing hockey. Despite being a hockey player, he does take the time to do other hobbies and continued to learn karate techniques.

    Now that he's older, he gets surprised whenever Mr. Miyagi manages to teach him new skills and techniques. They also formed the father-son relationship as Daniel likes to sneak in calling him "Dad." They have their family dinners with Lucille and sometimes extended family members from New Jersey. One day, Daniel came out to Mr. Miyagi about liking men as he's had a few relationships or flings that didn't last. Mr. Miyagi told him how he knew and only wishes that Daniel is happy with whoever he's with. It was a heartfelt moment considering that it was hard for Daniel himself to finally come terms with it and glad there's no need to hide it from his loved ones. His mother supports him all the way and even teased a little if a man were to look his way but giving a certain look of interest.