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When Johnny was a kid he used to hide a box of leftover belongings under his bed. It consisted of green hard plastic army men, some trashy notepads and a crushed Coors Banquet. Laura lost it on him when she found the box. Johnny didn’t understand why his mother said he couldn’t keep it. The young kindergartener flashed his bemused eyes at his mother. Laura stomped away, going on about how this nice sid-man was going to replace his daddy. It wasn’t until years later Johnny Lawrence took a sip of his first beer.
Coors Banquet the can label printed. Johnny cluelessly pulled the tab back and drank from the beer. The Cobra’s laughed as Johnny stumbled across the lawn. Bobby, Tommy, Dutch and Jimmy spoke about hot babes while Johnny thought about his father. He wondered what the man was about these days. 14-year-old Johnny started to hate the man. Sid was the richest dick Johnny ever met. Mr. Lawrence Sr; where was he?
The teachers gave remorseful looks at parent-teacher conferences. Laura Weinberg drank socially or when stressed which seemed to be a lot these days. Johnny remembers the meaningless promises his mother told him when Sid first entered their lives. Laura Weinberg told everybody about her glamour life but Johnny hated the rich social cycle. It wasn’t him or Laura’s. He missed how it used to just be the two of them. In 1982, Johnny started highschool and started dating Ali Mills. Ali hated when he drank. Johnny always laughed it off, telling to stop being such a pussy. She slapped him for what she called misogyny. John Kreese, the Sensei of Cobra Kai, taught about lessons in life, what they’d need in time of war. During the summer of 84, things started getting rocky between Ali and him. She told him that she was done. Two weeks later, that’s when Daniel Larusso takes his Ali away and Johnny needs to make him pay in the manor of no mercy.
The Halloween school dance Johnny is drunk, Coors Banquet in hand, Walkman over his ears and smoking blunt in the other. He’s minding his own business when somebody sprays him with a hose. Johnny was pissed off and saw a silhouette of Larusso fleeing the boys restroom. If somebody told him that Johnny would get his ass hit by a grown karate master he’d laugh. Larusso showed up with his Sensei at his dojo; they made a deal if Johnny Lawrence and the rest of Cobra Kai had to leave Larusso alone until after the All-Valley tournament.
Johnny lost the 84-All Valley to Daniel Larusso. Sensei Kreese calls him a loser and chokes him in the middle of the All-Valley parking lot. Larusso’s Sensei saves his life and they walk away. Johnny went home and pulled out from his mini fridge a banquet.
The stupidest thing Johnny could’ve done happened. He knocked up Shannon Keene. Johnny couldn’t believe he was going to be a father. Shannon stood in front of him, waiting for Johnny to speak his mind. He told Shannon he couldn’t do it. Laura hit him with facts. She told her son that he wasn’t going to be like his old man. Johnny agreed, he cleaned up his life. In September Johnny’s mother yelled at him to stay home. He later found out the job they wanted him to travel to was in the heart of New York.
The Twin Towers, World Trade Center were hit by an airplane. Johnny held Shannon tightly who was shaking as they watched the news. His hand rested on her baby bump. They were just talking about baby names when Laura Weinberg’s name flashed on his landline.
“Johnny, what’s happening?” Shannon asked in horror, tears blurring her eyes.
Johnny couldn’t speak for a second. “I don’t know.”
When the second plane crashed Johnny knew their future son was in trouble. Johnny tried to keep himself from breaking down. He needs to be strong for Shannon and their baby boy.
“John?”
“Yes, Shan?”
“Robert Swayze Lawrence.”
Johnny nodded, “okay but why Swayze?”
Shannon started going on a tangent about Patrick Swayze.
The second time his life was falling apart Johnny drowned banquets, got super drunk to forget things. Shannon flipped out on him, screaming that she felt so alone in this pregnancy. Laura Weinberg had died.
Johnny was inconsolable for weeks. He couldn’t believe it. On February 2nd 2002, his son Robby was born and Johnny was at the diner across the hospital wasted, grieving over the death of his mother. He tried his best to gain the courage to see his son after he was born but all else failed. Johnny couldn’t look Shannon and Robby in the eyes after what he had done. They were better off without him. He was arrested more than he could count on his fingers. Usually, aggravated assault, public intoxication.
Shannon gave up on trying to get him to see Robby after he missed his birthday.
Johnny hated himself more than anybody. He couldn’t face his son.
His son Robby; he missed all his milestones.
Who would’ve thought the Coors Banquet that his father left behind led to all of this.
Sixteen Years Later Johnny’s Firebird is slammed into by irresponsible teens. Larusso gloats about his big illegal win with his buddies in front of Johnny. Johnny saved a kid who he started to train.
Cobra Kai is back. Larusso flips out, Robby Keene, Johnny’s son comes up with a plan to ruin his dad.
The monster is back.
John Kreese.
Tommy died which led to more Coors.
Miguel gets kicked over a balcony by his son, Robby.
John Kreese stole Cobra Kai from him.
Larusso and Johnny work together trying to find Robby.
Miguel woke up from his coma; might never get to walk again.
Robby is in juvie all because of Larusso.
December 19th Kreese tried to kill him again.
Johnny and Larusso team up, Kreese brings a friend; Larusso takes over training and they split the dojo.
Terry Sliver creeped Shannon out by being a rich slime. Johnny went to the old Cobra Kai dojo and Terry Silver ambushed him. Robby went to prom, another missed milestone Johnny won’t get to see.
Eagle Fang lost All-Valley 2019.
Miguel runs to Mexico. Johnny tricked his son into coming to Mexico to help find Diaz. Robby and the kids and Johnny and Larusso also Chozen stop Silver.
Shit he almost forgot Carmen was knocked up with his baby.
Johnny sat in his living room, looking down at a Coors Banquet in sudden realization. He needed to stop drinking for good. Carmen and his baby were on their way and now Robby is living at home. Johnny texted Larusso it had been weeks since the Sekai Taikai fiasco. The 2020 world tournament ended in death.
Cobra Kai karate member: Kwon Jawsung fell into his demise by knife. The Barcelona law department questioned everybody involved in the Karate 2020 brawl.
Johnny, Chozen, Daniel had to bring their karate team back to the USA in shock of what happened. Johnny also started to notice that his son was acting out more again.
“Kid, what’s going on?” Johnny asked him when Robby walked in the living room.
Robby scoffed seeing the beer in Johnny’s hand. “Seriously, can you ever just stop drinking?”
“Rob, you’ve been acting like this since we got back from..”
“The death.” Robby spat, darkly at Johnny who’s eyes widened in resignation.
“Yeah, that. I know what happened must’ve been hard.”
Robby rolled his eyes. “I’m the one who didn’t die.”
Johnny felt his heart speed up at the thought of losing his son. “Robby, it wasn’t your fault. That dick Iron Dragon shoved you into Cobra Kai.”
“Then why did Kwon die?”
“I don’t know, son. Kreese’s knife was the one that the kid was killed with. Larusso was right about fighting with anger but none of this is your fault.”
“I keep fucking things up. First Tory, then not being able to focus and getting drunk.” Robby cut himself off.
Johnny looked at his son in shock. “What? When?”
“Uh, when Camren and the baby’s life was in danger. I fucked up. I got drunk. I wanted the pain to go away.”
“Kid…” Johnny said softly, knowing the feeling. “Drinking isn’t the answer. I should know.”
“Tory hates me for Zara.”
Johnny’s eyes blew open. “Zara?”
“Yeah, I guess I slept with her and Tory saw Zara kiss me the next morning.”
“What do you mean you guess?” Johnny asked softly.
His son looked really sad. “Robby?”
“I don’t remember.” Robby lied. Johnny knew something was up. The Sensei slowly put down his Coors when Robby flinched at the drink. He patted the couch cushion next to him for Robby to sit. “Kiddo… you know you can tell me anything. I know I wasn’t always around but I’m here now. Whatever you need.”
Robby’s eyes teared up making Johnny start to worry. “I don’t remember much but the next morning I woke up in her hotel bed. I thought Tory was hooking with Kwon and I-i don’t remember anything after.”
Johnny was hit with hot dread. “Kiddo…did you ever tell her you wanted to have sex?”
Robby’s answer was a shake of a head. Johnny pulled his son close who started sobbing. “It’s okay kiddo. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you. I wish I was there. I knew something has been bothering you but I never thought… oh, my baby boy.”
“Daddy…” Johnny’s heart shattered when Robby called him that.
“Daddy’s here, kiddo. I’m so sorry she hurt you. That bitch.”
Johnny held Robby until he stopped sobbing. His son pulled away. “I don’t remember but I didn’t want it.”
“Robby, you weren’t in a state of mind to consent. She took advantage of you. If you want to press charges—“
“No! Nobody would believe me.” Robby snapped.
“Okay, we won’t. But I think you should tell Tory the truth.”
Robby didn’t say anything for a bit. “I’ll think about it. Uh, I’m going to be in my room.”
Johnny watched helplessly as Robby went in the direction of his room.
His hand wrapped around the Coors Banquet and Johnny crushed it violently in his hand. Screw his father’s favorite vice. Fuck, it spent so much time and effort into Banquets for what. Johnny missed out on his son’s life and for what to have the feeling of being close to his deadbeat father.
Johnny fell against the wall, sobbing quietly into his fists, smothered his cries. He needed to be strong for his baby boy.
Coors Banquet splashed on the eggshell wall, dropping into the floor with a clatter.
Blood dripped down the broken can.
Johnny looked down at his hand, a large slice cut into his palm.
Johnny grabbed his phone, dialing.
“Johnny, what’s up.”
“Larusso.” He croaked.
“Johnny, hey, what’s going on?”
“I need help.”
“I can be there soon. Just tell me what’s going on…no, I got to go to Johnny’s. Yes, I will tell you when I get there. Johnny, breathe.”
Johnny couldn’t breathe due to the tightness in his chest.
“Johnny? Let’s do some kata.”
“Fuck Kata-I can’t breathe!” Johnny sneered.
“Johnny? I’m here. Okay.” Daniel’s voice felt so far away.
A hand grabbed his hand. “Shit, Johnny what did you do?”
“I failed my son, that's what I did.”
Daniel knelt beside Johnny on the ground, pressing pressure against the gash. “Did you guys fight?”
Johnny shakes his head. “Okay. I need you to tell me what happened.”
Johnny ignored Larusso and threw up. Daniel sighed. “Okay, let it out.”
The redden bloodshot eyes flickered up at Daniel. Johnny hated how soothing Daniel’s hands were on his back as he vomited his feelings, guilt gnawing at his stomach. Daniel got him a glass of water and started working his way to find the first aid kit.
“Give me your hand.”
Johnny groaned, hissing at Larusso poured antiseptic over the slice wound. “Fuck, Larusso.”
“I know it hurts. But it needs to be cleaned.” Daniel said softly, yet urgent.
“Daniel, somebody hurt my son and I wasn’t there to stop it.”
Daniel heard Johnny’s voice cracking when the man told him what happened to Robby. It all made sense why Johnny reacted the way he did. Daniel pulled Johnny into a hug. “I’m so sorry. Poor kid. We can get him some help and talk to somebody about pressing charges—“
“He doesn’t want that, Larusso. Fuck, my son was raped and I wasn’t there.”
“Hey, you can’t help that Carmen’s life was in danger, Johnny.”
“I know but I felt him alone. I failed him like I’ve been failing him since day one. I-I didn’t want my baby to go through this. Robby deserves better.”
“You are here now. You can help him recover from what happened to him.”
“I couldn’t stop him from drinking. I’m not blaming him for getting drunk but I should’ve been there. I brought back Cobra Kai and then a kid died.”
“Johnny…”
“No! That kid died because I let Kreese back in.”
“Johnny, no, you told me when I was falling apart, for being unable to stop Kwon. You said that it wasn’t my fault so, no, I’m not letting you dwell in blaming yourself for something Kreese’s teachings led to. What happened to Robby isn’t your fault. It’s his assaulter’s fault. Okay, got it?”
Johnny nodded, tears still blurring his eyes. Daniel finished bandaging Johnny’s right hand. “You’re lucky it doesn’t need stitches. Johnny, I’m worried about you. You can’t drink yourself into guilt.”
Johnny rolled his eyes. “I didn’t even drink yet.”
“Johnny.” Larusso’s disappointed dad's voice echoed in his ears.
“Hey, Daniel?”
“Yes, Johnny?”
“I think I need to quit drinking for real this time. I’m a father of a baby girl. And Robby, he deserves not to see me drink anymore after what happened. It’s time I put my son first. And if quitting drinking is what I have to do, so be it.”
Daniel smiled, thrilled that Johnny was finally addressing his alcohol problem. “That’s good to hear. I bet Robby will be thrilled, Johnny.”
The next day Johnny tells everybody that he’s going to quit drinking. Robby looked at his dad in shock. Miguel gave his Sensei slash father figure a cheery grin. Amanda and Carmen told him that they were proud of him for coming to this decision. And Daniel, who already knew, gave Johnny a hug.
During the first AA meeting, Johnny Lawrence refused to speak. A bunch of people gave their stories but Johnny stayed silent, still numb to the feeling of withdrawal. Daniel nudged him in the leg when Johnny snorted.
“C’mon, Johnny, this is serious. Take it seriously.” Daniel warned.
Daniel came to Johnny’s first meeting in support of the man. The aftermath of the Sekai Takai was catastrophic. Daniel didn’t handle Kwon’s death well. Johnny helped him through it all. Now Daniel’s going to make sure his former rival gets his help.
Johnny’s smirk fell off his face. “You didn’t have to come, Larusso.”
“Yes I did. Robby didn’t believe you’d go if I wasn’t here.”
“Of course, my son set me up with a babysitter. Too bad you’re not hot.”
“Just be quiet before you get us kicked out.”Johnny stuck his tongue out at Daniel instead. “Very mature, Johnny.”
Johnny called Bobby to tell him about his recovery. The former Cobra Kai member smiled. He told Johnny he was so proud of him. Johnny stopped listening after Bobby started quoting bible verses.
Withdrawal wasn’t a cakewalk. The Sensei spent his mornings puking his guts out, heat and cold sweats.
Johnny laid on his couch, it was closest to the bathroom, feeling shaky. Larusso knocked on the door. Johnny told him to come in with his spare key. Daniel sighed, his heart swelling with worry when Johnny’s face looked so pale. “Johnny, do you need to throw up again?”
“No, Larusso for the millionth time just fucking asking.” Sensei Lawrence snapped bitterly.
Sensei Larusso rolled his eyes, standing in front of him. “Stop being such a dick, Lawrence. I know you are feeling like utter shit but I’m trying to help here. Yes or no, do you need me to help you to the bathroom again?”
Shaking his head, Johnny groaned. “No. I can’t stop feeling shaky.”
“It’s you withdrawing, you've been drunk for a while.”
“Thirty eight years.” Horseally answered an ex-rival.
Daniel looked at him apologetically. “Wow, since you were fourteen.”
“I can’t believe I’m telling you this. I’ll blame it on delirium but the reason I started drinking Banquets is because my old man used to.” Johnny confessed, shaking through cold sweats. “My mother hated the fact I kept his things. She said there was no reason to be reminded of his abandonment. She lost it on me one day when she had discovered I kept a box filled with his things under my bed. So when I was 14 I drank for the first time and there it was Coors Banquet, I felt close to him.” Johnny’s eyes were watery.
Daniel placed a hand on him. “Hey, it’s not stupid. You wanted to be like him. It’s normal but somehow along the way you got sucked into the addiction. I can’t fault you for wanting something to remind you of your dad.”
“Robby told me he hates drinking. I don’t blame the kid both his parents are addicts. He’s been talking to his therapist about what happened. Even Nichols came by the other day. Robby really loves her. I’ve been thinking maybe I’ll try that mumbo therapy crap.”
Larusso’s eyes dilated. “Really?”
“Yeah, I never really got help with the trauma from 84… the drinking got worse. I started to think to myself what if I did get help, maybe Robby wouldn’t be so messed up. Or maybe if I didn’t beat you up at the beach…”
“Johnny, it’s in the past.”
“I never said I was sorry for what I did. The rules about AA is I have to make amends to people I’ve hurt. And Daniel, I hurt you a lot.”
“Johnny, it’s okay I forgive you.”
Johnny shakily pulled Daniel close, hands cupping the man’s face. “I don’t deserve you.” The man sobbed.
Daniel shook his head. “Don’t say that I’m happy about how we’ve come so far. I’m partly to blame for how things went down too. I didn’t handle you being back Cobra Kai well, I even went as far as jacking up your rent. I was a dick too.”
Johnny snorted. “At least you can admit it.”
“I’ve learned things about myself that I didn’t know before.” Daniel said thoughtfully.
Maria Diaz-Lawrence came into the world. Johnny was six weeks sober. Miguel got into Stanford. And well, Robby, he's still figuring life out. Carmen and Johnny, they tried to make things work but ultimately decided to be co-parents. Johnny hated he failed yet again on being with his child’s mother but recently he discovered something about himself.
The urge to drink hit him heavily at the realization.
“Dad, it sounds like you might be bisexual.”
“Bi-what?” Johnny stammered in confusion.
Robby shook his head heartily at his dad. “I’m saying you might like guys too.”
“What, no. I would know, wouldn't I?” He was having trouble comprehending. After Robby went on a long explanation Johnny finally understood. “Shit. I am, aren’t I?”
Larusso showed up to another one of his weekly meetings with Johnny. This time Larusso looked drained. “What’s up your ass, Daniel?”
“Amanda is leaving me. She said that she can’t deal with all the karate drama. We tried couples counseling.” Johnny snorted. “Stop, it’s a real thing. But no, it didn’t help. She went on about how she would keep co-parenting civilly for Anthony’s sake but she wanted me out of the house by the end of the week. She’s right. The past four years have been literal hell on earth. Mr. Miyagi would hate this.”
“Daniel, I’m sorry man. Carmen and I ended things two months ago. She said that I needed to focus on staying sober but we will be co-parents too. I can’t believe I failed another relationship because of drinking.”
Daniel and Johnny didn’t speak for a while after that.
Miguel came back to visit during spring break. Maria stayed at Johnny’s place for the weekend. Robby sat on the couch holding his baby sister.
“Sam is doing good. We try to keep in contact but it’s been hard doing long distant. How’s things with Tory?”
Robby stiffened. “Uh, Tory and I haven’t really spoken since I told her about my assault.”
“Oh…I’m sorry.”
“It sucks. I really love her. I never even got to tell her. After Kwon Tory said she needed some time away from all things karate related. She and her brother went on a long vacation. I guess her father reconnected with her.”
“Wow, Tory’s dad is back?”
“Yeah, she kicked his ass when he first got there.”
Miguel chuckled. “Sounds like the Tory we know.”
Three hundred and sixty five days later
Johnny laughed as Daniel held Maria. It had been one year since Johnny had quit drinking. Daniel had him keep in contact. Larusso still had their car dealerships.
“I think I’m ready to get back out there.” Daniel said out of nowhere.
Johnny stopped laughing and turned toward Larusso who was holding the one year old. “What?”
“Yeah, my divorce has been finalized for one year now. I just think it’s time for me to get back out there. I haven’t dated anybody in years. God, nineteen years, Johnny.” The way Johnny’s heart sped up only made him panic. Daniel waved a hand in front of John’s face. “Johnny?”
“Yeah, sorry. I’m just shocked, that's all.”
“Did you think I was going to mope around about my marriage ending forever?”
The Sensei couldn’t answer honestly. He was still trying to wrap his mind around Larusso dating again. “I guess not.” The man said sheepishly, shrugging his shoulders.
“What about you? It’s been a year since you and Carmen split. Are you still holding on hope?”
“No. Carmen and I are better off friends. Miguel was sad at first but understood. Anybody catch your eye?”
“I’ve been talking to people on dating apps but so far nobody is worth it.”
“Dad, come on, it was obvious.”
Johnny laughed.” What, no. Me and Larusso, no way.”
“He went on a date last week and you looked so upset when we FaceTimed. Tory says you need to stop being a pussy and tell him how you feel.”
“I’m not a pussy!” He retorted.
The son laughed softly at the lie. “You are. It’s clear you have feelings for the man. You’ve been fighting them for 38 years. Dad, you like Mr. Larusso.”
Johnny flushed in the cheeks. “I do not.”
“You are blushing!”
“Am not. It’s just hot in here.”
“Liar. Tory, back me up babe.”
Tory waved on the tiny phone screen. “Sensei, you told me stop running away from your son and guess what now you are running away from the truth.”
“The truth?”
“Yes, Johnny Lawrence doesn’t back down.”
“None of this no mercy shit, Nichols.”
“Nope. I was going to say strike first.”
Johnny grumbled. He hated when his advice was used against him. “She’s right!” A familiar voice caught his attention and made Johnny freeze up.”
“Lil Larusso?”
Sam popped up on the screen. “Yes, Sensei. Tory and I are getting our nails done. Anyways stop changing the subject, all my dad talks about these days is you, Sensei.”
“Bullshit.”
“It’s not. It’s always, Johnny said this or you won’t believe what Johnny did. He likes you too.”
“You’re not fucking with me, Sam?”
Tory rolled her eyes. “Sensei Larusso has the hots for you, Mr. L. This conversation is getting too mushy for my taste.”
“Says the girl who gushes over Robby’s texts.” He heard Sam point out.
“I’m gonna kick your ass.”
Robby’s cheeks blushed. “Aw, babe, you are a softy.”
“Keene, you aren’t too far that I can’t kick your ass.”
Johnny had a smug look on his face. “Better run, kiddo.”
“Johnny Lawrence, focus!” Sam Larusso snapped. “Tell dad you like him. I got to go. Tory, hang up they want to do our mani’s now.” The phone hung up before Johnny could protest. His son is smirking at him. “Don’t start, kiddo. You had me tag-teamed by the bestie squad.”
“Where did you hear that?”
“Lee told me your catchphrases.”
“That’s from 2016, dad. Get with the times.”
“Whatever, kid. Fine. I will talk to Larusso.”
Johnny stood nervously outside the large house. He couldn’t believe he was going to be doing this. If anybody would’ve told Johnny that he’d be confessing potential feelings about Larusso they wouldn’t be standing. Miguel and Robby lectured him on internalized homophobia. Apparently it’s a thing. He waited for the door to open. Larusso is standing on the other side, wearing his casual lounge wear.
“Johnny?”
“Quiet!” Johnny yelled, earning a wince from Daniel’s face.
“What, I didn’t even finish my—“
“Larusso for once shut your mouth. I need to tell you something.” Daniel’s flaps closed, looking at Johnny in wonder. “Larusso… don’t date.”
“What, Johnny? How dare you come here demanding I don’t date. That’s not fair.” Daniel said stubbornly, hands directly on his hips.
Johnny walked past Daniel who was heated. “They're all losers.”
“You’re not making sense, Johnny.”
The Sensei huffed, pulling Daniel close by cupping Daniel’s face in his hands. Daniel stares wordlessly at him. “J-John-“ The former rival’s fingers traced the outline of Larusso’s chin. “Don’t date.” Johnny gritted his teeth, mashing his mouth onto Daniel Larusso’s. The other man gasped, letting the tongue slide inside his mouth, silencing any jersey attitude from becoming reality. Johnny started to pull back feeling like a fool when Larusso responded by kissing him back, passionately. “Fuck, John. You have a way of not using your words.”
“Shut up, Larusso.”
“I’m just saying you should’ve used words to communicate.”
“Daniel?”
Daniel looked up Johnny’s bright dazed eyes. “Yes?”
“Don’t date.”
Daniel nodded, kissing Johnny. “I won’t. You’re the only one I want anyways.”