Silver Buttons

Love & all other things

With LaRusso in a position that he was now a broken man, his name smeared, his wife and kids gone, Lawrence was focused on his own family and Chozen went back to Japan, life had finally begun to look the way that Terry had wanted it. Dojos across the Valley, a love to call his own, his students succeeding and being welcomed into the Sekai Taikai.

Tori had begun to spend more time at Jessi's Alterations, helping with what she could after her class was over.

"Thank you for always coming over and helping me, I appreciate it," Jessi smiled as Tori came back inside from taking out the garbage. Jessi had decided to employ Tori, if only for part time, but she did enjoy having the teen around.

"Yeah, no problem. It's nice to come over here after training, it's slower, makes it easier to relax," the girl said as she began to take out the broom and dust pan to sweep the back area.

"How have classes been?" Jessi inquired as she worked diligently on an intricate design on a dress's bodice.

Tori shrugged, "Oh... You know, fine, I guess."

Jessi peeked up from her reading glasses she wore when she had a small design to sew, taking her spectacles off and placing them on the table she tilted her head, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Tori said firmly, "It's just... I know you're engaged to Sensei Silver but, I'm a little scared of him."

This piqued Jessi's curiosity, "Why on earth are you scared of him? I know he's intense during class, but he pushes you guys to do better, be more disciplined, there's no reason to be afraid of him. You know you can talk to him if you have a problem, right?" Jessi rose, walking over to where the teen stood.

Tori reluctantly opened up, "He's very intense, he's so focused on expanding and this new international tournament, Mr. LaRusso got hurt and... this seems like so much more than just karate anymore."

Rubbing her upper forearm compassionately, "Tori, I know how you feel, believe me. If I knew then what I know now, getting together with Terry," Jessi lightly chuckled, "I wouldn't believe a single person if they told me the craziness that would happen. LaRusso came in here after me, not what I would have expected would have happened in a million years, but I wouldn't change the fact that I am unbelievably happy with Terry, I love you and the rest of the kids. Life can be unexpected, but it will always direct you where you're supposed to be."

A small glimmer of a smile tugged at Tori's lips, "You're right. I see Sensei Silver and Sensei Kim in class and they're both just so intense and then when I see them around you, they're so different. Sometimes I wish that they were nicer in class."

Before Jessi could respond she heard the bells at the front door jingle, her seamstress greeted, "Hello, Mr. Silver, Jessi is in the back."

Tori's eyes darted to Jessi, almost worried, Terry stepped into the back room, a large bouquet of roses in hand, a large smile across his face, "Hello, my love, for you," he chirped, handing the flowers to his small fiancé, kissing her cheek.

"Thank you, Terry, these are gorgeous!" Jessi beamed.

Terry looked at Tori who had returned to sweeping, "Ms. Nichols, this is where you come when you skip class?"

Tori slowed, Jessi's shoulders sunk, she thought of something quick, "Oh, Terry I forgot to tell you, Tori comes here to help me, I did put her on the payroll. I enjoy having her around."

He looked at Jessi and smiled, "Ah. Well, as long as she's being helpful and not in the way... I expect you in the next class, alright? You're doing excellent, I'd like you to help lead the younger classes, what do you say?"