#mm: demetri

[if-mirrormine]

WHY OUR DAD GOTTA DO US LIKE THAT😭😭

[who-let-the-potato-have-a-knife]

[reveseke]

🦝💤)) came to a realization that there isn't much poly relationships in CK fandom 👀 . Might just try to combat my procrastination with writing some fluff on a polyship .

[lovelymona]

All the best rom coms have the falling in love waltzing scene before they officially confess their feelings and that shit makes my skin wriggle with delight

[alecvolturiswifeforever]

pleasurable 𝜗𝜚 ׅ ۫ demetri volturi x reader

warnings: none! i wrote this very fast though so..

taglist: @your-next-daydream @agirllovespancakes

You let out another giggle as the kisses continued, lips pressing against your face in any spot they could reach.

“I missed you” You mumbled and wrapped your arms around Demetri’s neck, earning a hum in approval. He had just finished his duties for the day and insisted that he needed to kiss you… everywhere.

“I missed you more, mia dolce ragazza.” He nudged your head to the side so he could move his lips down your cheek, over your jaw to attach to the sweet spot on your neck. You moaned almost silently, arching into him as he smiled against your skin. You felt him hum again, the noise vibrating through his chest.

“Such a pretty girl I have. You like that, baby?” He smirked as he began to suck and bite at the skin gently, your own hands coming up to grip the hair at the base of his neck following the mewl which left your lips. He continued to ravage your neck for a moment, kissing and biting at every spot he knew you enjoyed the most. He broke apart from you suddenly, voice hoarse. “I have a something for you, but first I will run you a bath.”

His words broke you out of your pleasure filled trance, looking down at him skeptically. “What is it?”

“You’ll have to wait and see.” You wanted to wipe his smirk right off his face.

“Please tell me! I don’t like surprises!” You whined pitifully, trailing your fingers from the nape of his neck to brush over his shoulder blades beneath his shirt.

“Mm, but you love when I touch you, so i’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself regardless, no?” You stayed quiet, feeling your face heat up significantly. He didn’t let up - intent on teasing you some more. “Unless… you don’t want it? I can always change my mind…”

“Wha- no! I didn’t even say anything…” You groaned and he let out a genuine laugh, pressing his lips back to yours. The kiss was passionate, lips moving roughly against eachother. Demetri pulling away with a bite of your bottom lip. You moaned in response, intent on pulling him down to further the kisses but he pulled away completely, coming to a stand. He sent you a wink before heading for the bathroom, calling out;

“Come, bellissima, bathtime”

You groaned. Why was he so intent on being such a little tease?

[phoniexrose02]

Vanilla Brown Pound

Tory Nichols x Black! Reader

Stud! Reader

Smutt~

Tory had Been Having a Pretty Rough Week, Between The Karate War and Multiple Jobs She'd Had Little Time to Spend With you. But She Looked Forward to Going back to school, You'd Both Missed EachOthers and she Constantly Texted you whenever she had the Time.

You Both Skips Class at the First given Opportunity, Splitting off to a Handicap Bathroom. She Shoved you into the Wall and the two of you Finally Locked Lips, She Moaned Happy in your Mouth before Finally pulling away.

"I Missed you~"

"I Can See that babe" You Wrapped your arms around her waist and Pulled her Close, She Played with your Short Locs and Smiled." How's your first day back?" Tory Shrugged letting out a Frustrated Sigh."Larusso's already Giving me Shit, You know her Fuckin' Mom showed up to me Job and got me Fired?"

"Fuck, Do you Need Help? I can Come up with the Cash-"

"No! no...I'm Fine, I just want you" You Smiled Pulling her in For another Kiss. She Moaned a bit as she Felt your Tongue Piercing."When's your Next Day Off? Let me take you out" She Huffed Shrugging, We Can Chill Tonight After my Shift"

"Good! I Got something I've been meaning show you" You gave her another Small Peck Before you Both Exited the Stall, You walked her back to Class Before returning to your own. After School you Returned Home to a Quiet Home. You'd Done Everything you could While Waiting for you Loving Girlfriend to get off Work.

Homework, YouTube, Hell you'd Even Read a Comic you'd Gotten from Demetri. But as it Grew late, you Looked out your window to reveal Darkness. You Huffed Before Grabbing your Phone Once again, you heard a Knock Before your Bedroom door Opened."Y/n? Your Friend is here" Your Little Brother Pecked his Head into the Room.

"Thanks Kenny"

You Walked past the Young man to the Front Door Revealing Yours Girlfriend...Still in her Work Clothes."I'm so Sorry Y/n, They Kept me Later than I thought" You Smiled Pulling her into a Hug."Its ok Hun, Id Rather Not go out on a School Night." You Pulled her inside Quietly Walkin' Her back to Her Room."Do you want some Clothes? You are Staying the Night Yes?" She Nodded Throwing herself onto your Bed, a Sigh of Relief Came from the Young woman as she Snuggled into your Pillows."Ugh I think I Missed your Bed More than You" You Chuckled Tossing her a Big Shirt from your Closet."I wouldn't Blame you, We've got Good memories in this thing~"

She Quickly Strip from her Uniform And Tossed them at the end of you Bed. You'd Changed your Tv from whatever you'd previously Been Watching, To a Shared Playlist the two of you had Made. You Smiled when you Look back to see her In nothing more than your Shirt and panties.

"Didn't you have something you wanted to show me?~" She Hopped back into your bed waiting for your Response."Uh yeah, But i don't Think your Ready" you Teased and She Almost Immediately straightened herself up."Oh Come on, you Seemed so Happy to show me. You know I can Take it!" She Said In a Defense State, She'd almost seemed offended By your Statement."Mm~ I don't know, it's pretty Big. I doubt you can Take it~" You Were Shocked when you pulled you into bed and trapped you Under her.

"Tell. me." You Groaned as she started to Grind against you, Tory Branded a Cocky Smile Watching your Dominant demeanor Slipping."Shit! My nightstand it's in my Nightstand" You Huffed out Holding her Hips still, You Watched She Leaned over you to the drawers and you Watch her Eyes Light up, and a light Tent appeared on her Cheeks.

"You Dirty Dog~" she pulled off your lap pulling out a Strap-on, a Rather Big one."You said we a Bigger one, So?" She gave a Horny smile Before getting off the Bed."I wanna See it On you~" you got up an as you went to toy on she quickly grabbed your Hand.

"Naked."

She Bit her Lip watching you Strip out of you Clothes an Once You'd Strapped the Toy to yours Waist, Her Face turned Red When You Turned around, The Toy Standing at attention."Fuck you Look Hot~" She Lifted her Hips pulling off her panties.

"Let's Give it a Test Run Shall We?~"

You Nodded Pulling her By the ankle to the Edge of your Bed, You Bring your hand to Her Cunt Where She immediately Soaked your Fingers."Fuck No Lube i Take it?" She Spread her legs Giving you more access to her Dripping Cunt. You Wrapped your Arms around her Thighs Rubbing the Dick between her soaked Folds, She Whimpered as he Teased her more nearly Missing her hole and Nudging her Clit. She Played with her Nibbles threw your Oversized shirt Letting out soft moans as you Soaked the toy in your Juices.

"Ready Mama's?~"

"I was Ready 5 minutes ago you Tease" She Huffed out Already Tired, You giggled Before Grabbing her Hips and slowly pushing into her Heated Mound. She'd Grabbed at your Shoulders Digging her Nails in as Slide Deeper Inside, She found Comfort in your Gently Kisses to her neck. Once you'd Fully Seated the Toy into her Cunt, she was Clinging to you For Dear Life as you Massaged at her Hips."You Good?" You Whisper Nibbling at her Neck and Ear, She Let out a Strained Hum Wrapping her legs around your Waist Tightly."Yea Just Full~"

You Pulled slowly Thrusted inside her, as she Clung and Scratched at your Naked Back her Moans Filled you Ears as you Fucked her at a steady Pace,Your Pierced Nipples Rubbed against her Clothed Ones."Fuck Give it to be Baby,Harder!~" She let her hands grasp a your Dreads as you Plowed Her Deep."Fuck, Fuck I'm Gonna Cum!~"

You Were Rewarded Her Release as she Squirted on you and the toy."Damn, Tory that Didn't take you Long at all~" you Pulled the Dick from her Pussy, and she twitched slowly Pulling off. You unstrapped letting out a Sigh of Relief as the Cold Air Hit your Warm and Throbbing Clit, an the Toy itself was pretty soaked from Tory."Your telling me? You look pretty Excited over there as well~"

You'd Usually Didn't Focus Much on you own Pleasure, Mostly just Pleasing Tory, knowing that you make her Feel this Good." I'm good Baby, I know your Tired-"

"BullShit Get Back Over Here" She Slowly Sat up hissing at the Throbbing between her legs."Tory you've been working your ass-"

"Here. Now." Your Cheeks Warmed an you slowly Nuzzles into her Embrace, You Laid side to side and you Jerked When Both of you Wet Pussy's Touched.You Both Laid Legs Tangled and Face to Face, Tory Held you Waist Close to yours, Grind Both of your Clits.She pulled you into a Kiss as you Arched into her an let your Hands Roam Under Her Shirt.

You Grasped and Played with her Boobs Making her Moan into your mouth an Playing with your Pierced Tongue. You Two Grinded into each other Chasing your Orgasms."God~ it's so Fuckin' Wet~" She Giggled and lifted your legs to her Waist, softly Humping at you clit More.

You Let out a Quiet Sob as you Scissored Both your Wet Pussy's an you Shivered Making Tory Smirk."Got your Legs Shaking already My Love?~" you couldn't respond as she sped up."Fuck! Fuck Tory!~" You Two Seemed to move in Sync as you Cum Mixing you Juices as Tory Follows Close Behind."See, Now we can Both Rest Easy~" she pants out and you pulled up your Covers and you Both fell to Sleep Cuddling EachOther Close.

Cobra Kai 🐍

[redpool]

NEW MOON

oops, i thought eclipse was before new moon

new moon is my favourite of the 5

mainly because i prefer the wolves

AHFGHGDHFHGCHG

CHARLIE!!!!!

ANGELA MY LOVE

jesus christ

lol

why do you say rabbit like that?

fucking hell

they're not even quiet about it.

the parallels to the R&J scene and the bit with the Volturi

lol, i thought vampires were supposed to be beautiful

DEMETRI!!!!!

lol

ew, shut up

ROSE MY LOVE

shut up Emmett

god

fucking idiot

i never thought these words would ever leave my mouth but PUT IT IN YOUR MOUTH

when i cut my finger my first instinct is to press on the wound so more blood comes out because it fascinates me, yours should be to cover it because you are in a ROOM FULL OF VAMPIRES.

how does the hair changing work for this kind of vampire?

because Jasper and Alice seem to have a different haircut every movie

THE CHIN TAP

FUCK

HOLY BALLS

clearly not

jesus sorry, I'm ignoring what's happening and trying to remember how to spell, apparently i can't spell it so clearly will have to do.

shut up, look at her bro

gasp

seriously

YAY TIME FOR THE WOLVES

look at her you little coward

shut up

there's not a single thought behind those eyes.

oh lovely, lead her out to the middle of nowhere then adandon her

what the fuck

thats not creepy at all

SAM!!!!!

is a bit weird tbh

THERE'S A POSSIBILTY THERE'S A POSSIBILTY

MM, MM-MM, MM-MM, MM-MM, MM, MM-MM, MM-MM, MM-MM

what are these nightmares from? PTSD or from the codependency?

ANGELA MY LOVE

oh my fucking god

this is not going to help.

ffs

skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip

girl, just go to therapy, jesus christ

BELLA WHERE THE HELL YOU BEEN LOCA

SHOW ME THE BOY

GIVE HIM TO ME

ew, age is not just a number, you fucking pedophile

EMBRY, MY LOVE

AHSHDFVHGSDFV

good one, shithead

Charlie be my dad (NOT IN A SEXUAL WAY)

his voice irritates my brain

stop talking like that

skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip skip

idiot

that's not enough blood for a head wound

ANGELA MY LOVE

stop

secondhand embarrassment

aren't you with Jessica?

jesus christ

Jacob is supposed to be 16, oh my god

lol

dont start with that toxic masculinty shit

you gotta stop bro

oh my god

'And you think I'm sort of... beautiful..' shut all the way up

STOP

pfft

i'm gonna hurl

ooo

hes losing it

Harry <3

jfc

stop looking

oop

'everyone' then proceeds to only name one person

oh my fucking god

how is that a 16 year old?

what, you expect flowers to last that long? do you not how the seasons work?

that's Sam right?

oh, they're all here, never mind

jesus christ Bella

wait she's 18 at this point right? and he's 16...

put a shirt on

liar

jesus, they're both bad for her.

he's got a fucking 8 pack

PAUL!!!!

oop

jesus christ

i fucking hate this so much

oh my god

jesus christ

EMBRY!!!!! god i love him

EMILY!!!!!!!!!!!! BE MY MOTHER

awe

grumpy x sunshine

AHAHJHDSFVJHS

what the hell

are you a fucking idiot?

oh shit

i hate that Harry died but i get Seth and Leah out of it so, i'm conflicted.

idiot

what kind of cpr was that

yeah, while you were attention seeking, Harry was dying.

eyeroll

fucking hell, that's not how this works, you stupid bitch

oh my fucking god

this treaty has been around long before you were even a thought.

*eyeroll so hard i do a backflip*

why do i do this to myself?

just yell, you idiot

*eyeroll so hard my eyes get stuck*

DEMETRI!!!!

FELIX!!!!

JANE MY LOVE!!!!!!

I FUCKING LOVE HER SO FUCKING MUCH

has Demetri always sounded like that?

ALEC!!!!!!

oop

shut up, Jamie Campbell Bower

oh my god

Felix, did your hand get bigger?

creepy little pervert

i see why Michael is always cast as the creepy weirdo.

oh god, i just noticed the children

why are you acting like you literally didn't just try to kill yourself??

Jesus, with the number of times I've rolled my eyes I'm surprised they haven't gotten stuck.

I'm gonna barf

his arms are the size of my fucking head

awe

oh my fucking god

I'M GOING TO SLAM MY HEAD INTO THE FUCKING WALL UNTIL I FUCKING DIE

I HATE YOU

I HATE ALL THREE OF YOU

see what you did, you've fucked up both their lives.

you've been together for like 5 minutes

[rosesradio]

Tis I, the Hell Yeah anon!!! If you're still looking for halloween prompts, could I get the ckhalloween prompt "monstrous transformations" for Elimetri?

hey, sorry this took me so long, but i'd never not take a prompt from the elusive "Hell Yeah!" anon ! here's a 400 word drabble for you with vampire!Demetri

(@ckhalloween22 if you're still reblogging stuff? no worries if not i know it's way past halloween lol. and @demetriandelibinaryboyfriends because, well. you're feral. in the best way :-) )

warning that this one's a bit suggestive in the way that all vampire blood drinking = metaphor for sex is, but it's not, like. too sexy, ykwim

"You don't wanna be like me," Demetri whispered into the crook of Eli's neck, pressing a kiss to the skin there. They were laying side by side on Demetri's bed, and Demetri could feel the shame, heavy like an anchor pulling him deep within the depths of waves. The guilt behind it all licks like flames to his insides; it's the warmth of Eli's skin. And the bitter chill of his own.

"I do," Eli insisted. "More than anything. I wanna live forever with you, Dem. Don't you want me to live forever with you?" he asked, and his eyes were so soulful and human, then. Like the baby cows they saw on the road trips. Like honey, warm in the sun. Everything human, with none of the restraints.

But Demetri nodded. What he wanted more than anything was exactly what he had now, with Eli. They could travel across the country, live in small towns for a few years at a time until people got suspicious. But it would be beyond selfish, beyond the damnation he was already subjected to, to bring Eli into this life--or lack thereof.

But he met Eli's eyes, and they were begging. He brought his hand up, letting his thumb rest on Demetri's slightly open lips. "Don't you want a taste?" he tempted, voice low and daring.

"I do," Demetri whispered, because he could never lie, not to Eli. "You know I do, but I--" his breath hitched as he breathed in his scent, testing his resolve to the best of his abilities.

"I wanna see it, when you do," Eli continued, knowing exactly what he was doing to Demetri. "I wanna see my blood on your lips, I want--"

"Eli," Demetri practically whimpered, feeling about as flushed as he could manage given the circumstances.

"I want to satisfy you. And I want you to tell me how good it tastes. Yeah?" Eli asked, grinning smugly at Demetri's loss for words.

"Mm-hm," Demetri nodded. "But...after graduation."

Eli groaned, his act slipping away in an instant. "But that's in two weeks! I'll look two weeks older than I am now!"

"I think it'll be fine," Demetri grinned. "You'll look just as beautiful as you look now. And then...we'll spend an eternity together..."

Eli nodded, burrowing into Demetri's arms. Demetri had worried about this ever since he'd been turned two years ago--being lonely. But here, with Eli. They were inseparable, and Demetri would never be lonely in all the centuries they both would live.

[rull3n]

ABOUT THE MMS AS THE GODS SEE IT:

In Our infinite wisdom, We have observed the pitiful state of humanity, struggling like lost children to form even the most basic of connections. It has become abundantly clear that left to their own devices, humans are woefully incapable of forging the meaningful relationships necessary for their own survival. Thus, We, in Our boundless grace, have deemed it necessary to intervene, to save humanity from its own ineptitude.

Behold the Mandatory Marriage System (MMS)—a decree so mercifully bestowed upon you in the year of 2020. This system, crafted with the utmost care and precision, is Our gift to restore balance, stability, and companionship among your kind. Of course, We understand that you might find this 'authoritarian,' as you are so fond of saying, but it is only through Our benevolence that such a measure is required. After all, left to your own devices, you would simply continue to spiral into despair and disconnect.

In Our infinite generosity, We have arranged for this process to take place in a controlled, sterile environment, befitting the seriousness of the task at hand. Here, you will be paired with partners, beings who have been carefully selected not by your fleeting whims but by Our divine judgment. We do this not out of cruelty, but out of necessity—something you may struggle to comprehend. It is for your own good, whether you recognize it or not.

So, resist if you must, but know that this system is for your betterment. You are welcome. JanitorAI:

Charlemagne Carter | Demon.

Montgomery Chare | Energy Vampire

Azriel V. Grover | God Husband

Gage | Linus Moone | Dragon Husbands

Howl | Kenelm Rue | War God Husbands.

Reniel Theododius | Angel

August & Caesar Elmward | Siren Husbands

Yorven | Io Demetriou | Tentacle Demon Husbands

Zorvax and Vex Velro | Alien Husbands

Levente Brahm | Gargoyle Husbands

Ronan Rivers | Elf Husband

Devar & Athos Kane | Gargoyle Husbands

Yarielle Zaidi | Angel Wife

Yariel Zaidi | Angel Husband

TalkieAI:

Azriel V. Grover

Charlemagne Carter

Montgomery Chare

Gage & Linus Moone

Yarielle Zaidi (F)

Yariel Zaidi

Persephone Q. Ross

Devar & Athos Kane

Levente Brahm

Amos Gail

Ronan Rivers

Zorvax & Vex Velro

Yorven & Io Thorpe

Apollo Remus

August &Caesar Elm

Reniel Theododius

Howl & Kenelm Rue

Gage & Linus Moone

[thedeathlysallows]

should I keep with the floral theme Felix and Roseanna started in mm and have Caius give Anne a floral nickname? Demetri and Kit as well?

[if-mirrormine]

been rewatching smiling friends a lot lately so you know i had to do it to em

[cattatonically]

Stripped - K.M. Neuhold (Four Bears Construction, book 6)

Synopsis

A ripped, transgender construction worker and a tweed-wearing, tortoise-shell-cozy-knitting, bear of a professor… Somebody’s getting stripped.

The last place I expected to run into my childhood camp crush was at the local university, looking all kinds of cute in a tweed jacket with a nervous blush. I’ve always had a bit of a thing for the nerdy professor type.

Demetri says he doesn’t date. I want to believe that it’s true and not that he’s not interested in a transgender man like me. If all he can offer me is friendship, I’m more than happy to take it.

Coy looks during sweaty workouts, rainy nights on his couch watching him knit shell cozies for his pet tortoise… I’m falling for him whether I want to or not.

Can I break down his walls and prove to him that he can trust me with his heart? And can I trust him with mine?

***Stripped is a swoony, steamy MM romance that is the 6th book in the Four Bears Construction Series. It can be read as a stand alone, but you won’t want to miss these bear’s antics. This series does not contain any shifters, only the OTHER kind of bears.

My Thoughts

What struck me first about this book was how much I loved how open and confident Miller was. He spoke openly about his ADHD and the tools and methods he’s adapted to help manage it. He also spoke very openly about his commitment to therapy, and his journey as a trans man.

And of course, his journey in seeking a partner to spend his life with, and build a future together with. And that’s where Demetri comes in. Adorable, nerdy, history prof Demetri. Demitri who has been torn down by past partners, and who carried that trauma with him for far, far too long.

But the more they spent time together, they more they got to know each other, and the more they talked things through. And I love that.

That’s a pattern I’ve noticed overall with this series – the open and honest communication. (If I’m honest, this is a pattern I’ve seen in M/M romance more and more, in far more volume than contemporary straight romance. And I am absolutely here for it.) Demetri had some baggage and insecurities, but Miller was honest with him about his feelings, and his willingness to be patient.

He wanted Demetri to be comfortable. And in the meantime, he continued to be a good friend to Demetri, and support him as best he could. Their feelings grew stronger they closer they became, allowing them to talk about it, and reassess. The way their relationship grew was really lovely, and felt very natural.

Overall, I’m really pleased with this series, and I’m almost sad to see the Four Bears Construction crew go. But first, we have one more book, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Apollo.

[celestialmazer]

‘Mum’s head hole was far from ideal, but I tanned my hourglass bod’

Jamie Demetriou, comedian, actor and screenwriter

"My friend has moved to Majorca for a year and he has a spare mattress!” Announcements like this from my radiant mum were the seed from which most of my childhood holidays grew. Without the funds for hotels, we were reliant on family and friends moving to Europe and politely saying we could come to visit without meaning it. Them: “You should come one day! Maybe!” Us: “See you today!”

This particular year it was to be Majorca Mattress Madness + Me & Mum. I had high hopes. I was a curvy 10-year-old with curtains and a suspicion that cruisin’ to Maj’ with my Marj for two weeks would go down in history as one of the all-time-great, chilled jaunts.

Our Club 10-50 trip began with a bang, if you understand “bang” to mean “our section of the plane stank so badly of sewage due to a pipe malfunction that I remember seeing two people crying”. On arrival we were greeted by Mum’s nice friend who was putting us up in his flat. He was to be our suave-ish guide; let’s call him Norgay.

There was an immediate tension between him and me. Not a bad one, per se; he just made a lot of mild factual statements, but phrased them as poignant questions by ending them with a manly “mm?”, eg, “I love ginger beer, mm?” or, “You’re going to be sleeping on the floor behind a bookcase for two weeks with your mum because my flat isn’t big enough for a holiday, mm?” We reached his apartment, got settled behind the bookcase, introduced ourselves to the legion of cockroaches, I combed my curtains and we headed out.

Evening one. Norgay took us to a beach party held by his English-speaking, cucumber-sandwichy am-dram group. They were all hammered and, as a 10-year-old who didn’t know what, “Haha, no, I mustn’t… Oh, go on then!” meant, I felt lost. To try to make me feel at home, Norgay attempted a fatherly rugby tackle on me while I was paddling. In doing so, he slipped a disc, rendering him unable to show us around for the rest of the trip. Olé.

‘I had high hopes of an all-time-great, chilled jaunt’: Jamie Demetriou, aged 10, in Majorca. Photograph: courtesy of Jamie Demetriou

Day two. Norgay’s fresh torso slant meant a slower approach. “I know a beautiful, sandy beach, mm?” Bliss. Except it turned out he’d accidentally said “sandy beach” when he meant to say “bark chippings next to a rocky bog”. But a beach is a beach, y’know? And at least Mum didn’t go to enter the bog, slip, hit her head on a rock, pass out, then wake up with a big bloody crack in the back of her head. Wait, yes, she did do that. It was horrible. My poor mum tried to put a brave face on it: “Let’s go home and get a good fun sleep!” In other words, “I’m not conscious!”

Night. Norgay’s apartment overlooked an alley full of 24-hour bars, where (as I understand it) they held nightly scary-scream competitions, seemingly judged on a combination of decibel, blood-curdle and ability to wake up a soft 10-year-old boy as he lies facing the gaping bloody hole in his mum’s head. I could never decide on a winner. All 10s.

Days three to nine. With wounded carers, there wasn’t a huge amount I could do. I’d packed a VHS of four episodes of Only Fools And Horses that I watched on a loop. One day I was staring at it, eyes glazed, and it cut out. Hmm. I went to pull out the unfamiliar Euro plug, accidentally pulling the plastic casing off the metal prongs, leaving them in the wall. OK. Guess I’ll pull out the prongs with my young, pudgy hands? I don’t know how many volts of electricity passed through me, but my teeth chattered until my mum pulled me off the wall. Home now? Please?

Days nine to 14. I remember this period as peaceful. Mum and I wandered around looking for a travel agency that would give us flights home for cheap, or free. We laughed lots and found a nice beach where Mum could siesta and I could wade my new ginger beer-filled puppy fat in “Did you see that, Mum?”-sized waves (around 75cm). Gorgeous.

Weirdly, I haven’t thought about this holiday in 20 years. As a sort of adult now, I obviously can’t help but sympathise much more with my mum. She so wanted me to have a nice holiday: surely forking out for flights was enough to ensure that I would? It did. Bark, rocks, head holes and screaming were far from ideal, mainly for her. But I got to swim, I tanned my hourglass bod and memories were created that I’m proud to have in my head-loft. Thanks, Mum.

And at least we didn’t miss our flight home by a day because she accidentally wrote the dates down wrong. Mm?

Jamie Demetriou writes and stars in Stath Lets Flats.

[in-sightpublishing]

Pith 308: If I

Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen Publication (Outlet/Website): Medium (Personal) Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2023/03/21 If I: Demetri Martin’s confessional peak. See “Art”. License In-Sight Publishing by Scott Douglas Jacobsen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Based on a work…

[thornyrose463]

A Tale Of Three Dojos (Cobra Kai story): Chapter 8

At the hospital, Stingray regained consciousness and was attended to by the nurses, who mentioned that a detective had been waiting to talk to him.

“It's okay, Raymond. The man who did this can't hurt you anymore. Give me his name, and I promise you I'll put him away for a long, long time,” the detective said after he entered Stingray’s room.

“His name is Sensei Kreese. John Kreese.” Stingray said.

Terry had said that Stingray could rejoin Cobra Kai if he pinned the beating on Kreese.

At the All-Valley Sports Arena, Carmen, Rosa, Johnny, and Sarah watched as a nurse examined Miguel.

"Good news. Looks like it's just a pulled muscle. It may ache, but you'll be fine." The nurse said.

Carmen put her hand on her heart and sighed in relief. "Oh, thank God."

"So, does that mean I can keep fighting?" Miguel asked the nurse.

"They've given you 30 minutes to recover, so let the pain guide you. If it's telling you to sit this one out, I'd listen. I'll get you an ice pack." The nurse said.

“Thank you.” Miguel said.

“Mm-hm.” The nurse left.

“How does it feel now?” Johnny asked.

“Not bad. Just a little sore.” Miguel said.

“Miggy, you don't have to continue.” Carmen said.

“Don't worry, Mom. If something feels off, I won't fight.” Miguel said.

“Make sure he's okay.” Carmen told Johnny.

“Of course.” Johnny said.

Rosa spoke to Miguel in Spanish. Her words translated to “You were so good out there, especially when you kicked that one kid in the face.”

Miguel smiled. “Gracias, Yaya.”

Rosa touched Miguel’s face. “Ciao.”

Carmen and Rosa left.  

“All right, we've got a half-hour. Show your back who's boss.” Johnny told Miguel.

Johnny walked away. Sarah followed him.

“Robby Keene is ahead one-nothing as he and Demetri Alexopoulos battle it out for a trip to the finals,” Daryl said after Robby and Demetri’s fight started.

Robby managed to hit Demetri.

“Point, Keene. Score: 2-0. Go to your senseis.” The referee told Robby and Demetri.

Robby walked over to Kreese and Terry.

Demetri walked over to Daniel.

Daniel sighed, rubbing his hands together. "All right."

Demetri panted. “I had a hard enough time beating him when he was on the good side of the Force. Now that he has gone all Sith, I feel like a helpless Jedi youngling about to get slaughtered.”

“Well, you're taller. You have the high ground. That's how Obi-Wan beat Anakin.” Eli said.

“All right, just remember your fundamentals. Breathe in, breathe out, breathe through. You’ve got this. Come on, Demetri.” Daniel clapped.

Demetri and Daniel bowed to each other.

The referee walked up to Demetri. “Let's go.”

Demetri stepped onto the mat.

Robby stepped onto the mat.

“On your marks.” The referee told Robby and Demetri.

Robby got in a fighting position.

Demetri got in a fighting position.

“Ready. And fight!” The referee yelled.

Robby ran towards Demetri and tried to kick him. He blocked the kick with his arm. Robby tried to kick Demetri again, but he dodged the kick. Demetri tried to kick Robby, but Robby blocked the kick.

“That’s a block. No point.” The referee said.

The fight continued. Robby and Demetri blocked each other’s punches. Demetri grabbed Robby and pinned him to the floor. Robby rolled over. Demetri tried to punch Robby, but Robby dodged the punch. Demetri tried to kick Robby, but Robby dodged the kick. Robby tried to punch Demetri, but Demetri blocked the punch. Demetri tried to punch Robby, but Robby ducked. Robby swept Demetri’s legs out from under him.

“Aits!” Robby yelled as he kicked Demetri in the stomach.

“Point! Winner!” The referee yelled, grabbing Robby’s arm and lifting it.

The audience cheered.

Demetri stood up.

Robby walked over to Kreese and Terry.

Daniel approached the mat.

Demetri walked towards Daniel. “Okay, he’s very good.”

“So are you.” Daniel said.

Demetri smiled. “Thank you.”

“Come on.” Daniel told Demetri.

Demetri walked off the mat.

In the boys’ locker room, Kenny stood in front of the mirror and wiped the blood off his nose. Anthony approached him. He attempted to apologize for bullying him. Kenny pinned Anthony to a locker and pummeled him until Robby intervened. Kenny told Robby he was getting payback and warned the fallen Anthony he would be in for “a world of Payne” (a dark pun on his last name) the next school year. Disappointed, Robby told Kenny this was not how he trained him, but Kenny shrugged him off, having fully embraced the Cobra Kai mantra. Afterwards, Robby tried to tend to Anthony, but Anthony angrily rejected his aid and ran away.

A woman’s voice came through the intercom. “All participants in the girls' semifinals, please report to the center mat. Matches begin in five minutes.”

The participants in the girls' semifinals made their way to the center mat.

Tory fought a girl who wasn’t part of Miyagi-Do, Eagle Fang, or Cobra Kai. She won.

“I don’t know about you, but I am very excited about the next fight! Samantha LaRusso, daughter of two-time All-Valley champion Daniel LaRusso, will be facing off with Sarah Lawrence, daughter of fellow two-time All-Valley champion Johnny Lawrence. Good luck, ladies.” Daryl said.

Sam and Sarah stepped onto the mat.

The audience cheered.

"Face me. Bow." The referee told Sam and Sarah.

Sam and Sarah faced the referee and bowed.

"Face each other. Bow." The referee told Sam and Sarah.

Sam and Sarah faced each other and bowed.

“On your marks.” The referee told Sam and Sarah.

Sam got in a fighting position.

Sarah got in a fighting position.

“Ready. And fight!” The referee yelled.

Sam tried to punch Sarah. She blocked the punch and delivered a counterpunch to Sam’s chest.

“Point!” The referee yelled.

“Score is 1-0. On your marks. Ready?” The referee asked.

Sam got in a fighting position.

Sarah got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Sarah tried to punch Sam, but she dodged the punch. She raised her right knee, slightly rotated her hips while extending her leg, and kicked Sarah in the stomach.

“Point!" The referee yelled.

“Score is 1-1. On your marks. Ready?” The referee asked.

Sam got in a fighting position.

Sarah got in a fighting position.

“Fight!” The referee yelled.

Sarah tried to kick Sam, but she dodged the kick. She tried to punch Sarah, but Sarah blocked the punch. She swung her right leg sideways in a circular motion and kicked Sarah in the stomach.

“Point!" The referee yelled.

“Score is 2-1. On your marks. Ready?” The referee asked.

Sam got in a fighting position.

Sarah got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Sam raised her right leg, bended her knee slightly, and tried to kick Sarah in the stomach, but Sarah dodged the kick. She tried to punch Sarah, but Sarah blocked the punch. Sarah swung her right leg sideways in a circular motion and kicked Sam in the stomach.

“Point!" The referee yelled.

“Score is 2-2. On your marks. Ready?” The referee asked.

Sam got in a fighting position.

Sarah got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Sarah tried to punch Sam, but she dodged the punch. She turned her head in the direction of her right leg and kicked backward, striking Sarah’s stomach with the heel of her foot.

“Point! Winner!” The referee yelled, grabbing Sam’s arm and lifting it.

Sam and Sarah walked off the mat.

Daryl spoke. “The girls’ final is set.”

Johnny and Sarah walked down the hallway. They encountered Kreese.

“How's the boy?” Kreese asked.

“Like you give a shit.” Johnny snapped.

Kreese sighed.

“Look, what happened with Terry back in the old dojo…” Kreese paused. “I didn't know he was going to do that.”

“Sarah and I don't have time for this shit.” Johnny said.  

Johnny and Sarah walked past Kreese.

“It didn't have to be this way, Johnny. You and Sarah could have been with me and your real son.” Kreese said.

Johnny and Sarah turned around.

Sarah glared at Kreese. “You don't care about Robby any more than you cared about my dad.”

“Bullshit. I cared about Johnny more than anyone.” Kreese said.

Johnny glared at Kreese. “You had a funny way of showing it. You forced me to fight dirty. You sacrificed my soul so Cobra Kai could stay number one.”

“I wanted you to be number one. But you were down two-zero. And you were about to be beaten. And I knew that would take you into a downward spiral. And I was right. Because no matter what people say, it does matter whether you win or lose. And if I can help Robby win, he'll remember it for the rest of his life. And maybe someday, he can be the one to keep Cobra Kai going.” Kreese said.

“No, that's never going to happen. Because tonight, Cobra Kai is going to die.” Johnny said.

Johnny and Sarah walked away.

Miguel was still trying to get back into fighting shape when Johnny and Sarah approached him.

“Here. Rub some of this on.” Johnny threw a tube of ointment at Miguel.

Miguel put some of the ointment on his back.

A woman’s voice came through the intercom. “The remaining boys' semifinal match will resume in five minutes.

“We have to hurry.” Johnny told Miguel.

Miguel tossed the tube of ointment aside.

“Sensei, I-I don't know if I can do this.” Miguel stammered.

“Yes, you can. You can do whatever you want if you want it bad enough. Look, I know you're not 100%, but you’ve got the heart of a champion. Everything you've learned and been through was just a warm-up for this moment. It's time to show the world what you're made of. Give it your all. Do what I tell you, and not only will we take down Cobra Kai, but we’ll also show LaRusso and everybody else who's really the best.” Johnny told Miguel.

"So, that's what this is about," Miguel muttered.

“Hey. We're not going to get another shot at this. It's now or never. You know what's at stake? If we lose, I'm not your sensei anymore. Do you want that?” Johnny asked.

Miguel shook his head.

"All right, then prove it. Fight for it. Show me you're not a kid anymore, all right? Show me you're ready to be a man. Can you do that?" Johnny asked.

Miguel spoke half-heartedly. "Yes, Sensei."

"All right, good. Rub that on. You’ve got this. I'll see you out there." Johnny said, handing the tube of ointment to Miguel and patting his shoulder before leaving.

Sarah followed Johnny.

"Cobra Kai and Miyagi-Do are neck and neck on the leaderboard. But there's a dark horse, or should I say a dark bird, that still has a chance. Will Eagle Fang Karate stay alive in our dojo race? We're about to find out. Miguel Diaz has one minute to return to the mat!” Daryl yelled.

A timer appeared on the screen behind Daryl.

"Countdown clock? Kind of dramatic, isn't it?" Devon asked.

"Yeah. It's the All-Valley." Mitch said.

There were 25 seconds left on the clock.

"He’s really taking it down to the wire, huh?" Bert asked nervously.

Johnny and Sarah turned to the door Miguel would walk through if he chose to continue fighting. They didn't realize how long they were looking at the door until there were 10 seconds left on the clock.

“Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one!” The audience yelled.

A buzzer went off.

“Well, it looks like Miguel Diaz is not going to fight.” Daryl said.

Sarah locked eyes with Johnny. He looked disappointed.

The audience murmured.

“Which means that the winner by default is Eli Moskowitz, who advances to the final, where he will face Robby Keene.” Daryl said.

The audience cheered, making Daryl smile. "The finals are up next."

Johnny and Sarah walked down the hallway. They encountered Carmen.

“Johnny, what happened?” Carmen asked.

“I blew it. Where's Miguel?” Johnny asked.

“I don't know. I came back. He's not in there. He's probably afraid to see you. He thinks he let you down.” Carmen said.

“No, I'm the one that let him down.” Johnny said.

In an attempt to comfort Johnny, Carmen hugged him. “No.”

Johnny pulled away from Carmen. “Yeah.”

Sam was standing next to the water fountain, filling up her water bottle.

Miguel approached Sam. “Congrats. Heard you made it to the finals.”

Sam gave Miguel a worried look and asked, "What happened to you? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. It just felt like I wasn't fighting for me anymore.” Miguel said.

“I get that. I feel pressure from my dad all the time.” Sam said.

“Yeah, except Johnny isn't my dad.” Miguel said.

An awkward silence filled the air.

“Anyway…Uh, I just wanted to wish you good luck and let you know...” Miguel trailed off.

Daryl spoke. “All finalists, please report to the center mat.”

Miguel sighed.

“I’ve got to go. But I'll see you out there rooting for me, right?” Sam asked.

Miguel smiled. “I'm always rooting for you, Sam.”

Sam put her hand on Miguel’s cheek. They closed their eyes. She pressed her lips to his.

Sam walked away.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is finally over. It's finals time!" Daryl yelled.

The audience cheered, making Daryl smile.

"Since Cobra Kai scored the most points, they only need to win one match to be crowned Grand Champion. But if Miyagi-Do wins both matches, the title is theirs! Ooh, high drama! Up first, the boys' fight! Good luck to all of our fighters! Let's go!" Daryl yelled.

The audience cheered.

Terry spoke to Robby. "This is it. Time to show LaRusso and your father that you don't need them. That you're strong enough on your own."

Eli spoke to Daniel. "This is my chance to get back at Robby for what he did to me."

“This fight is not about him. The biggest battle is always the one within. Okay, concentrate, defense, focus, power. You find your balance, and those points will come, all right?” Daniel asked.

Eli nodded.

"Competitors," the referee called out.

Daniel gave Eli a pat on the back. “Go out there. Go get him.”

Eli and Robby stepped onto the mat.

“Face this way. Bow.” The referee told Eli and Robby.

Eli and Robby faced the referee and bowed.

“Face each other. Bow.” The referee told Eli and Robby.

Eli and Robby faced each other and bowed.

Eli got in a fighting position.

Robby got in a fighting position.

“Ready. And fight!” The referee yelled.

Robby tried to kick Eli, but Eli blocked the kick. Eli tried to kick Robby, but Robby blocked the kick. Robby tried to punch Eli in the face, but Eli blocked the punch. Robby punched Eli in the stomach.

“Point! 1-0, Keene.” The referee said.

The audience cheered.

"Let's go, baby!" Robby yelled as he jumped up and down.

“On your marks.” The referee told Eli and Robby.

Eli called for a time-out.

Eli walked over to Daniel.

Robby walked over to Kreese and Terry.

“He knows all my moves. He trained at Miyagi-Do way longer than me.” Eli said.

Daniel seemed to tense up as he looked at Sam and Demetri.

Daniel turned to Eli. “And you were in Cobra Kai longer than him. You each know each other's karate better than anyone. Put him on defense.”

Eli and Daniel bowed to each other.

Eli and Robby stepped onto the mat.

“Ready?” The referee asked.

Eli got in a fighting position.

Robby got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Eli tried to kick Robby in the stomach, but Robby blocked the kick. Robby blocked Eli’s punches. Robby avoided a leg sweep by jumping over Eli’s feet. Eli tried to kick Robby, but Robby grabbed his leg and pushed it away. Eli and Robby jumped up and kicked each other. Eli's foot made contact first. Robby fell on his back. Eli fell on his side a few seconds later.

“Point, Miyagi-Do!” The referee yelled.

Eli and Robby stood up.

“Whoo! Go, Eli!” Sarah cheered, clapping her hands.

“Score: 1-1. On your marks.” The referee told Eli and Robby.

Eli got in a fighting position.

Robby got in a fighting position.

“Ready. And fight!” The referee yelled.

Eli ran towards Robby, jumping up and spinning before trying to kick him in the chest. Robby grabbed Eli’s leg and pulled it, causing him to fall. He got back up. He and Robby kicked each other simultaneously, blocking each other's each move. The two boys fell on the mat.

"No point. Blocked. Continue." The referee told Eli and Robby.  

Eli and Robby stood up. Robby tried to punch Eli. He blocked the punch with the back of his hand. Robby grabbed Eli’s forearms and jumped backward, sending them both to the floor. They pushed away from each other, jumping up. Robby ran towards Eli and tried to kick him, but he blocked the kick. Robby tried to punch Eli, but Eli ducked. Eli tried to punch Robby a few times, but Robby blocked the punches. Robby tried to kick Eli, but Eli blocked the punch. Robby’s gi loosened. Eli flipped Robby over his shoulder. Just as Eli was about to punch Robby, a buzzer went off.

“Back to your sides.” The referee told Eli and Robby.

Eli walked to his side of the mat.

Robby walked to his side of the mat.

“Unbelievable! These two amazing competitors have reached their three-minute time limit in a one-one tie, which means their championship match will be decided, for the first time since 1985, by sudden-death overtime! Let's go!” Daryl yelled.

The audience cheered.

“Go to your senseis.” The referee told Eli and Robby.

Eli walked over to Daniel.

Robby walked over to Kreese and Terry.

Terry gritted his teeth. “You're showing him respect. This fight should be over by now.”

Robby raised an eyebrow and asked, “Do you want to fight him?”

Terry was about to take a step closer to Robby, but Kreese stopped him.

“You’re angry. Good. Use it.” Kreese told Robby.

“That was incredible!” Daniel yelled.

“Any advice on the last point?” Eli asked.

Daniel’s eyes landed on Sam before landing on Johnny.

Daniel turned to Eli.

"Give him all you’ve got." Daniel told Eli.

Eli and Daniel bowed to each other.

"Competitors, to the mat," the referee called out. 

Robby seemed annoyed that his gi had loosened. Instead of tying it up, he yanked it off, tossing it to a bewildered Tory.

Eli looked at the referee in confusion. The referee shrugged. Eli grabbed his gi and yanked it off, tossing it to a bewildered Demetri. He turned around and showed off his back tattoo before walking towards the mat.

Robby walked towards the mat.

Eli stepped onto the mat.

Robby stepped onto the mat.

“Next point wins. Good luck, gentlemen. Ready?” The referee asked.  

Eli got in a fighting position.

Robby got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Robby jumped and raised his foot, aiming for Eli’s face. Eli ducked. Robby put his foot on Eli’s knee and did a backflip. Eli started to fall due to the pressure in his knee. When Eli’s back hit the floor, he rolled. Eli put his hands behind his head and raised his body by pressing down on his palms. Robby lunged at Eli and pinned him to the floor. Robby held his fist over Eli’s head. Robby’s eyes landed on Kenny, who was cheering him on. Eli kicked Robby in the shoulder. Robby fell. Eli tried to punch Robby, but he rolled out of the way. Eli and Robby blocked each other’s punches. Eli tried to kick Robby. He grabbed Eli’s leg and jabbed his elbow into Eli’s inner knee. Eli groaned in pain as Robby let go of him.

“No point. Continue.” The referee told Eli and Robby.

Sam looked at Daniel, noticing the uncertainty on his face.

“It's okay.” Sam said.

Eli walked to his side of the mat.

Robby walked to his side of the mat.

"Come on! Come on!" Robby yelled angrily.

Eli had a slight limp as he ran towards Robby. He spun, wrapping his leg around Robby’s waist. He knocked Robby down. He kicked Robby in the chest.

“Point! Winner!” The referee yelled, grabbing Eli’s arm and lifting it.

The audience cheered.

Eli’s fellow students, Daniel, and Sarah ran towards the mat. Eli turned to his fellow students and Daniel, cheering with them as Sarah jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck. He put his hands on her waist. As he lowered her towards the floor, she felt the slight pressure of his fingers in her sides. He let go of her when her feet were on the floor.

Eli’s fellow students and Daniel pulled him into a group hug.

"Your boys’ champion, Eli Moskowitz!" Daryl yelled, walking towards the Miyagi-Do students and Daniel.

Daryl was holding a trophy.

Eli pulled away from his fellow students and Daniel. He walked towards Daryl and grabbed the trophy. He looked down at the trophy, eyes sparkling as he smiled.

“Yeah!” Eli yelled, turning to the audience and holding the trophy over his head.

“And with that, Miyagi-Do vaults into the overall lead! It all comes down to the girls' final, coming up next.” Daryl said.

Sarah walked over to her fellow students and Johnny.

Robby walked off the mat, took his gi from Tory, and ran out of the arena. Tory followed him.

Tory spoke. “Robby.”

Robby turned around.

“You all right?” Tory asked.

“Yeah. Focus on your fight. I just…Um…I just need to clear my head.” Robby said.

Tory encountered Amanda on her way back to the arena.

“I…Uh…Guess it all comes down to the final match.” Amanda said.

“Yeah. I have to get back in there.” Tory tried to walk away, but Amanda stopped her.

“I…Uh…Spoke to Dr. Hillier. She said you've been keeping up with your appointments.” Amanda said.

“Yeah. She helped me find a volunteer to help with my mom. Thanks. I owe you for that.” Tory said.

“Well, then you can pay me back now. By making sure Sam doesn't get hurt.” Amanda said.

“It's karate. How can I promise...” Tory trailed off.

“I'm not asking you to back down. I just want you to play by the rules, even if I still don't understand them.” Amanda said.

Amanda gestured to the door. “Okay, I'm going to go out there and root for my daughter, but what I'm really rooting for is that this fight finally puts an end to all this bullshit between you two.”

Amanda walked away.

Mitch was talking to Devon. “My money's on Sam.”

“I don't know. Nichols is on the warpath.” Devon said.

“Johnny,” Daniel called out as he approached Johnny.

“What do you want?” Johnny asked.

“I want your help. Look, you and I may be set in our ways, but these kids…” Daniel paused. “They're still growing. They can learn from both of us and use what we teach them to create their own way. I guess I didn't want that to happen because I cared so much about honouring Mr. Miyagi's legacy, but I forgot one of his most important lessons. I was scared of the influence you were having on Sam, but I see now some of what you teach can be good sometimes. I'm sorry I didn't realize that sooner.”

“I'm sorry too. I saw you and Miguel bonding, and I freaked out. I was afraid of losing that connection. Now I'm paying the price for it. I should have just let him train with you. He would have been a stronger fighter.” Johnny said.

“Well, since it seems the water is flowing back under the bridge, what do you say we team up again?” Daniel asked.

“You want me to help Miyagi-Do win?” Johnny asked.

Daniel sighed.

“Miyagi…Fang. Uh…Just for today.” Daniel said.

“Let's do this.” Johnny responded.

Daniel and Johnny bowed to each other.

“What better way to cap off this exciting exhibition of karate than with a final match for the ages?” Daryl asked, walking down the middle of the stage. The audience cheered, making him chuckle. He turned to Cobra Kai, pointing at Tory. “Representing Cobra Kai, the Queen Cobra herself, Tory Nichols! Coached by her senseis John Kreese and Terry Silver.”

The audience cheered.

Daryl turned to Miyagi-Do, pointing at Sam. “And representing Miyagi-Do Karate, the Bonsai Badass, Samantha LaRusso! Coached by her father and sensei, two-time All Valley champion Daniel LaRusso, who I've just been informed will be joined by fellow two-time All Valley champion, Sensei Johnny Lawrence! Let’s go!”

Johnny stood next to Daniel.

The audience cheered.

“Don't worry about them. You've been fighting all your life. Now it's time for all that struggle to pay off. Use all that fire inside you.” Kreese told Tory.

“Yes, Sensei.” Tory said.

Tory was about to step onto the mat, but Robby stopped her.

“Hey. Good luck.” Robby said.

“Head in the game, Nichols.” Terry told Tory.

“All right, LaRusso, you ready to kick some ass?” Johnny asked Sam.

“Yes, Sensei.” Sam said.

Sam looked at Daniel. “If that's okay with my other sensei.”

“I want you to win more than anyone. Whether it's defense or offense, Miyagi-Do or Eagle Fang. I want you to be you. Just make sure you keep your anger in check out…”

Before Daniel could say “out there”, Sam hugged him.

“Uh, s-sorry. You were saying?” Sam asked.

“Go kick some Cobra Kai ass.” Daniel told Sam.

Sam and Daniel bowed to each other.

Sam and Johnny bowed to each other.

“Competitors, take your position,” the referee called out.

Sam stepped onto the mat.

“Come on, Sam!” Demetri cheered.

“LaRusso!” Hawk cheered.

The audience cheered.

Tory stepped onto the mat.

The audience cheered.

“Ladies, good luck. Face this way. Bow.” The referee told Tory and Sam.

Tory and Sam faced the referee and bowed.

“Face each other. Bow.” The referee told Tory and Sam.

Tory and Sam faced each other and bowed.

“Ready?” The referee asked.

Tory got in a fighting position.

Sam got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Tory and Sam blocked each other’s punches. Sam jumped, spun, and kicked Tory in the face.

“Point!” The referee yelled.

“Yes!” Johnny cheered.

The referee pointed at Sam, his eyes on the audience. "LaRusso. Score: 1-0."

Tory touched her bruised cheek.  

“Holy shit!” Amanda yelled.

The audience cheered.

“What was that?” Daniel asked Johnny.

“A flying tornado kick.” Johnny said.

Tory walked over to Kreese and Terry. Sam stayed on the mat.  

“She’s not using Miyagi-Do. She’s being aggressive.” Tory said.

“Then you get more aggressive. I've seen what's inside you. Let it out! Come on!” Terry yelled.

Tory stepped onto the mat.

“Ready?” The referee asked.

Tory got in a fighting position.

Sam got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Tory tried to kick Sam, but she blocked the kick. Tory tried to punch her, but she blocked the punch. She tried to kick Tory, but Tory blocked the kick. She and Tory blocked each other’s punches. Tory managed to kick her.

“Point, Nichols! Score: 1-1.” The referee said.

Tory walked to her side of the mat.

Sam walked to her side of the mat.

“Ready?” The referee asked.

Tory got in a fighting position.

Sam got in a fighting position.

“Fight!” The referee yelled.

Sam tried to kick Tory, but Tory blocked the kick. Tory tried to kick Sam, but Sam blocked the kick. Tory and Sam blocked each other’s punches. Tory kicked Sam in the stomach.

“Point! 2-1, Nichols.” The referee said.

“Damn it,” Sam whispered.

Sam walked over to Daniel and Johnny.

“I'm attacking, but it's not working. What style should I use?” Sam asked.

Daniel and Johnny looked at each other.

Daniel turned to Sam. “Yours. Trust your instincts. Use everything you've learned from me and Sensei Lawrence. All of it.”

“Your dad's right every now and then.” Johnny said.

Sam bowed to Daniel.

Sam returned to the mat.

“Come on, Sam!” Daniel cheered.

Tory jumped up and down.

Sam stood in front of Tory, using balancing hand motions. Daniel looked proud. Tory looked confused. Sam held one fist above her head. She put the other fist behind her back.  

"Ready? And fight!" The referee yelled.

Tory tried to kick Sam, but Sam dodged the kick. Sam tried to punch Tory, but Tory blocked the punch.

“No point. Blocked.” The referee said.

Tory tried to kick Sam, but Sam blocked the kick. Sam tried to punch Tory, but Tory blocked the punch. Tory linked arms with Sam and yanked her around. Sam freed herself from Tory’s grip. Tory tried to punch Sam, but Sam ducked. Sam kicked Tory in the chest, causing Tory to stumble backward.

"No point. Out of bounds." The referee said.

Sam was confused. "What?"

"Come on, ref! She went out after she got hit!" Johnny yelled angrily.

The audience booed.

Tory and Sam took their marks.  

“Ready? And fight!” The referee yelled.

Sam tried to kick Tory, but Tory dodged the kick. Sam tried to punch Tory, but Tory blocked the punch. Tory tried to kick Sam, but Sam dodged the kick. Sam punched Tory in the chest.

“Point, LaRusso!” The referee yelled.

The audience cheered.

Tory walked to her side of the mat.

Sam walked to her side of the mat.

“Score is 2-2. Next point wins. Ready?” The referee asked.

Tory got in a fighting position.

Sam got in a fighting position.

“Fight!” The referee yelled.

Tory tried to kick Sam, but Sam blocked the kick. Tory and Sam blocked each other’s punches. Sam tried to kick Tory, but Tory blocked the kick.

“That’s a block. No point.” The referee said.

Tory tried to kick Sam, but Sam blocked the kick. Sam tried to kick Tory, but Tory blocked the kick. Tory picked Sam up and threw her on the mat, rolling over her. Sam flipped over Tory's back, landing a few inches away from her. Tory got back on her feet and accidentally elbowed Sam in the eye.

“Warning: elbow to the face. Go to your senseis.” The referee told Tory and Sam.

"Warning? That should be a point deduction!" Johnny yelled angrily.

“I didn't mean to. No, it was an accident,” Tory said as Sam got back on her feet.

Sam touched her bruised eye.

Tory walked over to Kreese and Terry.

Sam walked over to Daniel and Johnny.

“Are you all right?” Daniel asked.

“She got me good, but I can still fight.” Sam said.

“She comes in like that again, give her a shot to the other eye. She can't see, she can't fight.” Terry said.

“Won't I get disqualified?” Tory asked.

“Why? She ran into your elbow. Do exactly what you just did: disguise it in a counter. Worst you'll get is another warning. Trust me, this ref will never end the match on a technicality.” Terry said.

“It was an accident. I don't need to cheat.” Tory said.

“Since when do you disobey an order?” Terry asked.

Kreese looked at Terry. “Let her do what she wants.”

Kreese turned to Tory. “You've come this far. This is your fight now, so whatever happens, it's up to you.”

Tory and Kreese bowed to each other.

Tory and Sam returned to the mat.

“Ready?” The referee asked.

Tory got in a fighting position.

Sam got in a fighting position.

“And fight!” The referee yelled.

Sam tried to kick Tory, but Tory blocked the kick. Sam and Tory circled each other. Tory tried to kick Sam, but Sam blocked the kick. Tory tried to punch Sam, but Sam blocked the punch. Sam tried to kick Tory, but Tory dodged the kick. Tory kicked Sam in the stomach, causing her to fall. Tory kicked Sam in the stomach.

“Point! Winner!” The referee yelled, grabbing Tory’s arm and lifting it.

Tory took a step towards Sam.

“Hey. You all right?” Tory asked.

Tory could hear the other Cobra Kai students cheering for her. Sam looked scared. Tory was about to help Sam up, but the other Cobra Kai students carried her away.

“What a match!” Daryl yelled.

Sam stood up.

Daniel and Johnny stepped onto the mat.

“You all right?” Daniel asked.

Johnny rubbed Sam’s back, leading her off the mat. “Good effort.”

Daniel followed Johnny and Sam.

"Give it up for your first female champion, Tory Nichols!" Daryl yelled.

The audience cheered.

Daryl was holding a trophy.

Tory walked towards Daryl and grabbed the trophy.

Tory walked over to her fellow Cobra Kai students.

“And the winner of the Grand Champion trophy and still the baddest dojo in the Valley, Cobra Kai!” Daryl yelled.

Kreese bowed to the referee and grabbed the Grand Champion trophy.

Terry took the microphone from Daryl.

“Thank you. Thank you. We couldn't be prouder of our hard-won victory. And we're just as proud to announce we'll soon be opening Cobra Kai franchises throughout the entire Valley, so every one of you young men and women here can be part of our championship dojo and learn Cobra Kai's Way of the Fist!” Terry yelled.

The Cobra Kai students, with the exception of Robby, cheered.

“Thank you!” Terry yelled.

“Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!” The Cobra Kai students, with the exception of Robby, chanted.

Sam was crying. “We did the right thing, and we still didn't win. I'm sorry.”

“It's not your fault.” Daniel said.

Sam looked at the Cobra Kai students before walking away.

“Sam,” Daniel mumbled.

Johnny and Sarah walked towards the exit.

Sarah had changed out of her gi. Her hair was still tied up in a high ponytail. She was wearing an unbuttoned dark blue denim jacket, a white t-shirt, dark blue denim jeans, and black low-top Converse sneakers with white laces. A black gym bag was hanging over her right shoulder.  

Johnny and Sarah heard Carmen’s voice. “Johnny.”

Johnny and Sarah turned around and saw Carmen and Rosa standing behind them.

“One of the parents saw Miguel get in an Uber.” Carmen said.

“What's an Uber?” Johnny asked.

“It's like a taxi. He left before the finals.” Carmen said.

Johnny sighed. “Shit. I'm so sorry. It's all my fault.”

“I'm sure he just wants to be alone. We're going to head home.” Carmen said.

“Okay. You guys go. Sarah and I will meet you there.” Johnny said.

“Some days, I just wish we could have a do-over.” Carmen said.

“I know the feeling.” Johnny said.

Carmen and Rosa walked away.

Carly and the Cobra Kai students, with the exception of Robby, walked out of the arena.

“Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!” The Cobra Kai students and Carly chanted.

Tory held her trophy over her head.

“Whoo!” The Cobra Kai students and Carly cheered.

“Hey!” Kyler yelled. “Hey, victory party at my place.”

Kyler looked at Tory. “Queen Cobra, you coming or what?”

“Yeah. I’ve just got to grab my bag.” Tory said.

“All right, cool. Hey, guys, let's go, let’s go!” Kyler yelled.

“Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai! Cobra Kai!” Tory’s fellow students and Carly chanted as they walked away.

Tory walked into the arena.

Terry was talking to the referee. “I almost thought you were going to back out of our deal a few times. You know what? You played it just right. No one suspects a thing. Money will be in your account tomorrow morning.”

“Thank you, Mr. Silver.” The referee said.

Tory frowned.

Johnny drove himself and Sarah to the Cobra Kai dojo at the strip mall. They saw that it had been abandoned and put up for lease.

“What the hell?” Johnny asked.

Robby walked into the dojo.

“Robby? What's going on?” Johnny asked.

“I followed you.” Robby said.

“What happened here?” Johnny asked.

“Moving to a new location. Multiple locations, I think.” Robby said.

“You kicked ass today. Could have gone either way.” Johnny said.  

Robby spoke emotionlessly. “Yeah. Thanks.”

“Hey. It's just a match. Don't let it eat you up, trust me.” Johnny told Robby.  

“It's not that. It's this kid, Kenny. I thought I could take him under my wing. Be the mentor I wish I had when I was younger. But when I saw him today…It…Uh...” Robby paused.  

Robby’s voice was strained. “It's like looking in a mirror.”

Robby started crying. “I realized I screwed everything up. I had all this hate inside of me. For you, for Sarah, and for Miguel. And I thought I could use Cobra Kai to control that. But it just made things worse. And now it's never going to get better.”

“That's not true. You had a good thing going with LaRusso. I got in the way. Don't blame yourself. Blame me.” Johnny told Robby.

Robby wiped away his tears. “I'm sick of blaming you, Dad.”

“It's going to be all right.” Johnny said.

Robby sniffled.

“He’s right. We'll figure this out, okay?” Sarah asked.

Robby hugged Johnny and Sarah.

Terry and Kreese were at Terry’s mansion.

Terry poured himself a glass of champagne. “1998 Bollinger. Been sitting in my cellar for years, waiting for the right moment.”

“Not unlike yourself.” Kreese said.

Terry chuckled. “Touché.”

Terry poured Kreese a glass of champagne. “I’ve got to give you credit, John. You reawakened something in me. Something I forgot was there. And I'll always be grateful for it.”

Kreese raised his glass. “Told you. To Cobra Kai.”

Terry raised his glass. “The number one dojo in the Valley.”

Kreese clinked his glass against Terry’s.

Kreese took a sip of his drink.

“I’ve got to say, I'm surprised you backed off on Nichols in the finals. That's not like you.” Terry said.

“Well, what can I say? I had a moment of sympathy.” Kreese said.

“That's a first.” Terry said.

Kreese chuckled.

“You remember when you asked me what I thought your weakness was? It's Johnny Lawrence. That's what this was all about, right? It was never about us teaming up or bringing back the glory days. That was all bullshit.” Terry said.

“That’s not true.” Kreese said.

“Yes, it is, and I fell for it. You know why? Because everyone has a weakness, John, and mine is you.” Terry said.

“You think that I'm your weakness? Well, you've got it backwards, because I am your strength. I have been your strength ever since Vietnam.” Kreese said.

“Yes! There it is. I can always count on you playing the guilt card. How many times do you expect me to repay that debt before we're square?” Terry asked.

Terry and Kreese heard a siren and screeching tires.  

“What did you do?” Kreese asked.

“I'm shedding my weakness, Captain.” Terry said.

Two police officers walked up to Terry and Kreese.

The first officer spoke. “John Kreese, you're under arrest for aggravated assault and attempted murder. You have the right to remain silent.”

Terry feigned shock. “John, what did you do?”

“Hands behind your back. Come on.” The first officer pinned Kreese’s hands behind his back.

Kreese freed himself from the first officer’s grip. He elbowed them in the face.

“Hey!” The second officer yelled.

The second officer pinned Kreese’s hands behind his back.

“John, take it easy. Don't worry about a thing. I'm sure I can dig up an old friend or two to help out with Cobra Kai while you deal with your legal problems.” Terry said.

The second officer put handcuffs on Kreese.

“You're going to regret this. I am Cobra Kai,” Kreese growled.

“Put him in the car!” The first officer yelled.

“Move!” The second officer yelled as he started dragging Kreese to a police car.

“And don't worry about Johnny Lawrence. I'll take good care of him and his daughter.” Terry said.

Terry chuckled before taking a sip of his drink.  

Johnny and Sarah arrived at their apartment complex. They heard Carmen speaking to Rosa in Spanish.

Johnny and Sarah walked into the Diaz family’s apartment.

“What's going on?” Johnny asked.

“Show him the note.” Carmen told Rosa.

Rosa handed Johnny the note Miguel wrote.

Johnny stood close enough to Sarah that both of them would be able to read the note.  

Mom, I'm sorry for leaving a note like this, but I thought it was the best way, maybe the only way, to say what I have to say. The last few months have been a roller coaster. My injury, rehab, me and Sam, Sensei and Mr. LaRusso. I convinced myself that I could get over all of that by focusing on the tournament. I thought that if I won that everything would work out. But I was wrong. Tell Sensei and Sarah that I'm sorry I bailed. Their karate helped me grow, but I'm still not sure who I want to be. And to figure that out, I think I need to know where I came from. Sensei was scared to find out the truth about his past, and honestly, I am too. But overcoming that fear is the fight I have to face instead of competing for a trophy. I need to meet my father. This is something I have to do. Please try not to worry. I'll be safe, and I'll be back soon. I love you, Mom. And Yaya too.

Carmen was on the verge of tears. “I called the police. I-I don't know what else to do.”

“Everything's going to be fine. I'm going to find him. I'll make sure he's safe.” Johnny said.

Carmen inhaled. “Johnny, there’s something I didn't tell you about my ex-husband.”

“I know. You said he's a bad dude. Don't worry. I can handle myself. And I'm sure he'd never hurt his own son.” Johnny said.

“That's just it. He doesn't know Miguel exists.” Carmen said.

Carmen started crying. “I just want my baby back home safe.”

Johnny hugged Carmen.

“I'll make sure of it, all right? I promise.” Johnny said.

Daniel and Chozen were visiting Mr. Miyagi’s grave.

Daniel was on his knees.

Chozen was standing a few inches away from Daniel.

“I did everything I thought was right. I followed all of the Miyagi-Do teachings. I even put aside my rivalry and teamed up with Johnny. None of it worked. Now I'm supposed to give up my dojo and step down as a sensei, but there's too much at stake to honour an agreement made with men who have none. If Cobra Kai is going to keep growing and getting stronger, I need to do whatever it takes to stop them, even if that means going on offense.” Daniel said.

Daniel stood up and looked at Chozen.

“I know this isn't your fight and this is a lot to ask, but will you help me finally put an end to Cobra Kai?” Daniel asked.

Chozen walked over to Daniel. “Osu.”

Osu, pronounced “oss”, was a commonly used term in karate. It was a grunt of agreement with militaristic overtones.

Daniel and Chozen bowed to Mr. Miyagi’s grave.

THE END

[brattycobra]

Miguel: If you bite it and you die, it’s poisonous. If it bites you and you die, it’s venomous.

Robby: What if it bites me and it dies!?

Tory: Then you’re poisonous. Jesus Christ, Robby, keep up.

Robby: What if it bites itself but I die?

Demetri: That’s voodoo.

Hawk: What if it bites me and someone else dies?

Sam: That’s correlation, not causation.

Robby: What if we bite each other, but like, neither of us die?

Demetri: That’s kinky.

Miguel: Oh my God.