𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 ~ T. Nichols

Molting

"I am fucked," Theo panted as he sat on top of the hood of an abandoned car in the scrap place. Miguel and Hawk both nodded, the latter groaning as he massaged his ass after getting bitten in the ass by a dog. Theo was about to talk again when his phone chimed, getting a text of Sam.

Little Sis: Grandma's here and wants to u, think u can suffer Dad?

Theo: Be there in ten :(

Theo groaned in annoyance, saying goodbye to his friends. His grandma knew nothing of Daniel's and Theo's hostility towards each other, and didn't know Theo even moved out.

"Anybody home?" Theo called out when he arrived at the LeRusso residence. In an instant, Sam popped her head around the corner and smiled widely, rushing to hug Theo.

"Oh, thank god," she mumbled. "Grandma's outside with Dad," Theo nodded.

"Hey, Grandma," Theo smiled when he reached the patio, seeing his Dad, Daniel, along with his cousins and grandmother sat around the table.

"Oh, Theo, look at you!" His Grandma gushed as she rushed to hug him. As she pulled back, she slipped a twenty dollar bill in his hands, winking. "You've gotten so tall!"

Theo couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as his grandma showered him with affection and slipped a twenty-dollar bill into his hand. Despite the tension between him and his father, there was always a soft spot in his heart for his grandma.

"Thanks, Grandma," Theo grinned, pocketing the money. "You're looking great too."

As the family gathered around the patio table, Theo exchanged polite greetings with his cousins. He couldn't help but notice the curious glances they shared, they were aware of the strained relationship between him and his father. However, they quickly diverted their attention to the lively conversation happening around the table.

His dad, Daniel, seemed surprisingly relaxed, engaging in light banter with his siblings and mother. It was a side of him that Theo rarely saw, and it momentarily eased the tension in the air. Nevertheless, Theo couldn't forget the hurtful words and actions that had driven a wedge between them.

Theo's grandma, sensing the underlying tension, took it upon herself to break the ice. "So, Theo, how's life treating you these days?" she asked, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity.

Theo hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much he wanted to reveal. But he knew that his grandma was a source of comfort and understanding, so he decided to open up.

"It's been a rollercoaster, Grandma," he admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his voice. "I've had my fair share of challenges, but I'm doing okay."

His grandma nodded, her expression filled with empathy. "Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, my dear," she said, her voice filled with wisdom. "But remember, you have the strength and resilience to overcome anything that comes your way."

Theo's heart swelled with gratitude for his grandma's words of encouragement. It was a reminder that he wasn't alone in his struggles and that he had a support system that extended beyond his immediate family. However, it didn't take long for the conversation to turn to karate.

"You know, it's bad enough that this monster is teaching kids," Daniel spoke, causing Theo to roll his eyes in annoyance. "Now he's somehow convinced the All Valley Board to let Cobra Kai back into the tournament."

"Oh, that's horrible. They can't let them back," Theo's grandmother sided with their father, causing Theo to bite down on his lip to avoid lashing out. "Oh, they're nothing but a bunch of bullies."

"They can't all be bullies, right?" Sam asked, glancing worriedly at Theo who was staring at Amanda.

"Just let him talk," Amanda mouthed.