𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 ~ T. Nichols

December 19th

"Aunt Ali!" Theo exclaimed, his face lighting up with recognition. He stepped forward and enveloped her in a hug. "I can't believe it's you! It's been way too long!"

"Too long indeed!" Ali laughed, pulling back to look at him with affection. "Look at you! All grown up and looking sharp. I can hardly believe my eyes."

"Thanks! It's just a suit," Theo said, a hint of modesty creeping into his voice. "But it feels good to be here, especially now that you're here too."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Ali replied, her eyes dancing with joy. "I heard about your band's success! I'm so proud of you. You have no idea how much I've followed your journey."

"Really? You've been keeping up with it all?" Theo asked, a mix of surprise and appreciation washing over him.

"Of course! Your mom sends me updates when she can, and I follow your social media. It's incredible what you've accomplished," she said, her voice filled with genuine pride. Suddenly, Johnny's voice rang out from the entrance. He strode in confidently, dressed in an all-black suit with a white jacket, and was immediately dragged into a heated exchange with a waiter carrying plates of spaghetti.

"Hey, watch it! I'm wearing white here. You think I want that all over me?" Johnny exclaimed, waving his hand dismissively as he sidestepped the waiter.

Theo rubbed his forehead in exasperation, watching the scene unfold.

"Johnny, come here! You remember Johnny Lawrence, right?" Ali called out, her tone cheerful as she beckoned him over.

"How can I forget?" Daniel replied, a frown creeping onto his face.

Johnny ignored Daniel's comment, fixing his attention on Theo instead. He extended his hand with a grin. "Good to see you, kid. You're looking good."

"Thanks, Johnny," Theo replied quietly, shaking his hand. There was a hint of unease in the air, but he appreciated Johnny acknowledging him.

"Wow, guys. This is a little West Valley reunion, huh?" Ali observed, glancing between the two older men, a sparkle of nostalgia in her eyes.

"Crazy," Johnny said, shaking his head.

"Crazy. That's definitely the word for it," Daniel echoed, his eyes narrowing slightly at Johnny.

"Yeah. Nice suit. Is that made of velvet? You sleep in that?" Johnny quipped, eyeing Daniel's attire with a teasing smirk.

Daniel shot back, "You should talk there, Scarface."

"And that's my cue to leave and mingle," Theo said, sensing the conversation was about to take a turn.

He downed his whiskey in one swift motion, patting both Daniel and Johnny on the arm as he excused himself. "Good seeing you both," he added, casting a quick smile back at Ali before leaning down to place a light kiss on her cheek.

"Yeah, with Johnny and Daniel in the same room, who knows what will happen next?" Kai added, shaking his head with a laugh.

Freddie leaned in, a mischievous smile on his face. "Let's just say I wouldn't be surprised if a food fight breaks out. You know how those two are."

Theo chuckled, feeling the warmth of camaraderie surround him. He was grateful for the support of his friends as they navigated the complexities of family and old rivalries. The night was still young, and with each moment, he felt more ready to embrace whatever came next.

—————

"Oh, you've got to be shitting me," Theo groaned after he finished dancing with Cami, feeling a buzz in his pocket and seeing a message from Tory that the Cobras were attacking the Miyagi-Do's at his dad's house.