╔.𖥸. .════════════════╗

𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬

chapter forty-one
no one's ever had me . . .
not like you

╚════════════════. .❀.╝

SUMMER HAD FADED away, taking along many things with it.

Cobra Kai was done. After the downfall of Terry Silver, thanks to the quick work of the Miyagi-Fangs and Daniel LaRusso, the dojo was shut down for good. Not to mention Kreese had escaped prison and wasn't coming back any time soon, so unlike the past couple of years, there was actually peace in the Valley.

Thank fucking God, because Alyssa needed that.

She barely blinked an eye when Cobra Kai went down, sending it off with a good riddance. Alyssa had absolutely despised Cobra Kai ever since it arrived in the Valley and turned her at-the-time-best-friend-now-boyfriend into something he absolutely wasn't. Now, the dojo wouldn't be able to corrupt anybody like that ever again.

Speaking of things fading, so did her hair. The bubblegum pink she had gotten faded her hair back to blonde, and instead of re-dying it pink, it was time for a new change. So, now her hair was dyed a very deep cherry red, almost brown — near her original hair color, but still with a little spice. Sam was actually the one to suggest the color, and Alyssa had to admit that it suited her well.

Although the nicknames Fairy Princess and Bubblegum were kind of stuck, even if her hair wasn't pink anymore.

With the end of summer, and a new hair color, brought along a new school year as well. It was really strange, honestly — after their whirlwind of a summer with Cobra Kai, school felt insignificant. But it wasn't. This was probably the most important year for a lot of them.

"Senior year," Alyssa began, getting out of her car and staring up at the school.

It had been two years since Alyssa had entered West Valley High School for the first day with Eli and Demetri by her side. Last year, she had entered alone — that was before the school fight, where she had seen horrible things she still had nightmares and flashbacks about. That first day hadn't really counted, and two weeks after it, she had entered the school alone again, only to leave early with Sam. Yet now, with the trio probably stronger than ever, having them there felt like coming home.

Eli walked up beside her, his hair finally back to its long length after Robby Keene had cut it, dyed in a bright shade of blue and separated into multiple spikes. "Crazy, huh?"

"I never thought we'd make it," Demetri admitted.

"With the three of us?" Alyssa asked, locking her car and turning to the two people that probably meant the most of her, smiling brightly. "Anything's possible. You should definitely know that by now, Dem. Stop underestimating us."

"Yeah, but you're also not applying to MIT."

Alyssa rolled her eyes, practically sinking into Eli's side when he wrapped an arm around her waist as they started to walk up to the school. "MIT this, MIT that. You keep making it sound like we're never going to speak to each other again. Which is total bullshit, by the way. You're never getting rid of me."

Eli leaned over and pressed a kiss to her cheek, making her smile widen even further — God, she would never get tired of that. "I'd never want to get rid of you, Lys."

"Thanks, baby. That means the world."

They finally entered the school. Unlike last year, all the security lines to check bags were gone. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Tory — who was finally let back into school — talking with Devon to the side. And right in front of them were their friends from the dojo, congregating with each other in a large group. Alyssa, Eli, and Demetri grinned at their friends, walking up to them and saying their greetings.

Alyssa just so happened to glance over her shoulder at the right time. Walking into school was Sam, her hand tightly interlocked with Miguel's, and Anthony trailing behind them. Sam locked eyes with Alyssa and waved, and Alyssa waved back, their matching sun and moon friendship bracelets glinting in the sun that shone through the windows. She pressed a kiss to Miguel's cheek before letting him go and heading towards Alyssa.

"Don't tell me you're letting Princess steal you away from me," Eli complained, but there was no malice in his voice — all teasing.

Alyssa turned to him, giving him a look as his arm fell from around her waist. "You're being overdramatic again. I'll see you at lunch."

"That's hours away."

She tilted her head slightly at him, her cheeks splashing a light shade of pink. "I'll miss you, too."

Alyssa then pressed up onto her toes and slotted her lips onto his. Eli hooked a finger around her necklace — with the hawk charm with purple gems and the letter A charm, and tugged her in just a little closer. Alyssa rested her hands on his sides, slightly clutching onto the fabric of his hoodie. After a long moment, they finally pulled away from each other.

"I love you," Eli told her softly, only for her ears.

Her heart pounded against her chest, just like it always did when he said those three words to her. "I love you more."

She pressed one more quick kiss to the tip of his nose, giggling slightly at the way he scrunched it up. Eli let her necklace chain go, and Alyssa wandered off to where Sam was waiting to the side. Sam had a sort of knowing glint in her eyes, one that she always seemed to have when she saw Alyssa and Eli interact.

"Hello, my beautiful Samantha," Alyssa greeted, slinging an arm around Sam's shoulders.

Sam grinned at her, her blue eyes bright. "Hi, Ally. Ready to take on senior year?"

"With you? Hell yeah."

They suddenly stopped next to the staircase. Last year, they were in the same exact position — scared to climb, scared to remember what happened to Miguel. They glanced at each other for a second, silently communicating. This year would be different. Peace was among them.

And this time, they climbed the stairs together without fear.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

THE DOJO HAD grown exponentially ever since the fall of Cobra Kai.

Now that a dojo was gone, a lot of people just migrated over to Miyagi-Do. Including Tory, which felt a little strange to Alyssa at first. Now, as Sam LaRusso's best friend, Tory was bound to dislike her. After all, Alyssa practically defended Sam like her life depended on it, and they had matching sun and moon friendship bracelets. The tension was still there, but Alyssa was fine with Tory.

Besides, for the Sekai Taikai, they needed everyone they could possibly get. If they thought the All Valley was big, this was huge. This was the tournament that was going to send them worldwide.

Alyssa sat on the grass, stretching her legs while Sam practiced her kata next to her. As they did so, they took a look around. Devon, Nate, Bert, and Mitch were hanging out together, play-fighting and passing around t-shirts. Tory was punching on a punching bag. Miguel and Roby had just walked in together, now finally united. And, finally, where her eyes always seemed to go . . . Alyssa's gaze stuck on Eli, who was giving pointers to Anthony with Demetri on kata as well.

"Every time I see everyone in this backyard, I just remember how small Miyagi-Do used to be," Alyssa revealed, laying the top of her body down over her right leg. "Like, there were four of us. You, me, Robby, and Demetri. How crazy is this?"

Sam breathed out, shrugging her shoulders a little. "I don't know. I can't tell if people are actually here to learn karate, or just as a vessel to get to the Sekai Taikai."

Alyssa picked herself back up, following Sam's gaze to Tory, and sighed. "Listen, Sammy. I understand you two have history, but Tory wouldn't have joined Miyagi-Do — Miyagi-Fang — Eagle-Do? — whatever we're called, if she knew it wasn't right. Besides, she was the key factor into defeating Silver. If she hadn't helped, Cobra Kai would still be here."

"I guess you're right."

"Of course. I always am."

Sam laughed a little. "I've always admired how humble you are, Ally."

Alyssa joined in her laughter, tucking her legs together to stretch in butterfly. "One of my many redeeming qualities." She moved some of her red hair off of her shoulder. "You doing anything later?"

"Yeah, I'm going to Golf 'n' Stuff with Miguel." Sam paused for a second. "And Robby and Tory."

Alyssa raised her eyebrows at that. "A double date? When there's exes and old rivalries involved? Yikes."

See, she was actually just putting up a front. In fact, Miguel and Robby had come to her for advice on what to do with Sam and Tory, given that she was best friends with Sam and acquaintances with Tory (they were getting there.) All Miguel and Robby wanted to was for them to get along, and although Alyssa knew it would take a while, she had suggested to just have them spend some time together.

It would either end good, or be a complete shit-show. Alyssa had already told the boys she was not going to be responsible if it went terribly.

"You and Hawk should come," Sam suggested.

"After going out with Demetri and Yasmine, I think we've kind of reached our double-date limit," Alyssa responded, shuddering at the thought. "A triple-date would be just a little too crowded, don't you think?"

Sam let out a deep breath. "Yeah, that's true." She groaned, pushing her curls out of her face. "It's gonna be so awkward."

"I'd say just give it a shot." Alyssa got to her feet, glancing over to see everybody gathering by the one deck in the dojo. "Hey, I think it's starting. Come on."

They walked over to join everyone, and Sensei LaRusso, Sensei Lawrence, and Sensei Toguchi joined them as well. Eli and Demetri got up on the deck, which had an easel with a sheet covering it. Alyssa gave an encouraging nod to Eli. She locked her hands behind her back, staring in front of her.

"It's been a long road, but we're finally all on the same side," Eli stated. "And as a reward? The toughest test any of us have ever had to face."

"The Sekai Taikai is the most prestigious karate tournament in modern martial arts history," Demetri continued. "For over a century, fighters from across the globe have gathered ever two years to compete for the title of World's Best."

"If the All Valley is March Madness, this is the Olympics, plus the gladiator games, and the kumite from Bloodsport all rolled into one."

Sensei Lawrence pumped his fist a little. "Yeah."

"If we win—" Demetri began, but stopped when Eli cleared his throat pointedly. "Excuse me, when we win, the spoils will be life-changing."

"But it's gonna take all of our focus and all the wisdom our Sensei's have to offer," Eli said.

"Yes, which is why we decided to take at least one thing off your plates," Demetri agreed. "Coming up with our new dojo name."

Eli pointed to him. "Yes! After some spirited brainstorming and ad hoc focus-grouping, and also a dojo-wide vote, we have a winner. We give you . . ."

He and Demetri turned to the easel. Together, they pulled off the sheet, revealing their new poster. It depicted an image of Mr. Miyagi with a large head and sharp fangs, wearing the classic Miyagi-Do headband while also having eagle wings. Alyssa slightly tilted her head at it. She had been there while the two boys were designing it, but to be honest, she hadn't been paying that much attention to it whatsoever. This new image seemed . . . spirited.

"Miyagi-Fang Karate!" the two chorused.

All of them cheered for the new logo. Alyssa smiled and clapped along. She reached out towards Eli when he walked down the steps, and he took her hand tightly. The three Sensei's walked off, presumably to talk about it — yet Alyssa couldn't help but notice Sensei LaRusso did not look happy.

"You did good," Alyssa told him. "You too, Dem."

Eli squeezed her hand. "Thanks, Lys."

"My graphic design expertise comes in handy sometimes," Demetri responded.

She raised an eyebrow. "You mean your one class in school?"

"Shut up, Ally."

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

SEE, THEY WERE supposed to be watching a movie. They were, really. It was even Mamma Mia, one of Alyssa's favorites.

So tell Alyssa why she found herself in this position, where she was sprawled on top of Eli with her lips on his?

Okay, so she actually does know how she found herself in this position. Fucking sue her.

Her biggest weakness, probably in the whole wide world, was seeing Eli with his hair down. After all, it was the one thing that made her lose all of her rational thoughts and kiss him for the first time back around Christmas. Now that it was actually back to its original length, it sent her mind spinning — not that his buzzcut and short hair weren't hot, because they definitely were. But something hit different with his long hair.

They had gone back to Eli's after practice. The two of them had showered — separately, might Alyssa add (although that wasn't always the case.) After getting changed into comfy clothes, aka Alyssa stealing multiple things from Eli, they had decided to just chill out and watch a movie together down in his basement. Yet one thing led to another, and now they were like this. Not that Alyssa was complaining whatsoever.

Their kissing wasn't urgent, like oftentimes it was. Today, it was slow, lazy, fluid, syrupy sweet. Alyssa had her fingers threaded the strands of blue, pushing it back away from his face, and maybe something to ground herself or else she would feel herself floating all the way to Cloud Nine, although she was almost positive she was already there. His hands, big as ever, rested on her back, slid up under his t-shirt he had on. Just like always, her skin felt like it was on fire just by his touch. It was hard to tell where one body began and the other one ended. They were tangled up in each other, physically and emotionally.

"I love seeing you in my clothes," Eli suddenly admitted against her lips, over the sound of Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan singing SOS. "Something hot about it."

Alyssa pulled back a moment, looking down at him. His hair was a mess, his blue eyes were blown out, his lips were bright red and swollen. Fucking beautiful.

She laughed slightly. "Well, isn't it great I have such a big collection of them?"

Eli sighed, although he didn't look annoyed whatsoever. "I'll never see this shirt again, will I?"

Alyssa scrunched her nose up at him slightly. "Not a chance, baby." She then laid her head down, resting against his chest. Alyssa closed her eyes, listening to the sound of his heartbeat. "You're comfy."

He wrapped his arms all the way around her now, still underneath her shirt, and pulled her in closer. "You can fall asleep, you know. I won't mind."

"Tempting. Or . . ." Alyssa lifted her head back up, tilting her head as her eyes glinted. "I'll just kiss you again."

Eli smirked slightly, his grip tightening on her waist. Before Alyssa even could even process what happened, he completely flipped them over. The fact that it was so easy for him made her a little dizzy, and her stomach felt like it was flip-flopping. Alyssa gasped at the sudden movement, but suddenly went quiet at the sight of him above her. Not the first time she had seen that (oh, did she say that out loud?), but it still managed to make her breathless.

"I'll never say no to that," Eli voiced.

Alyssa reached up and pushed his hair back with her fingers, feeling him practically melt into her touch. "Come on, Moskowitz. Hit me with your best shot."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh, yeah?"

Eli didn't get a chance to say anything else. Alyssa wound her arms around his neck and pulled him down to her, to the point where his chest pressed against hers. She kissed him again, sighing into his mouth in content.

Nothing but bruising juvenility, just like it should've always been.

· · ─────── ·𖥸· ─────── · ·

NEW GIS WERE in order.

The Sekai Taikai had told them they needed to decide on one name for their dojo. Miyagi-Fang hadn't worked out for them well, and in the end, their Sensei's decided for them. They would work under the name Miyagi-Do, but above the bonsai tree on their logo was an eagle flying through the air.

Kenny had also joined their dojo, which was a surprise to pretty much everyone. He had gotten pretty messed up by Silver's bullshit, and Alyssa had heard all about what happened at Golf 'n' Stuff from Sam. Yet, considering so many ex-Cobra Kai's were in their dojo now, Kenny also deserved a second chance.

Everyone gathered by the sparring deck, all wearing their new gis. Alyssa was standing in between Eli and Demetri, wearing their new logo with nothing but pride.

"We've been through a lot to get to this point," Sensei LaRusso announced. "And we're finally on the same page. We've put aside old rivalries and wiped the slate clean. Now we are all Miyagi-Do. But it's a new Miyagi-Do. The strongest we've ever been."

"And most badass," Sensei Toguchi added. "One purpose. One team. One dojo."

"With a name steeped in tradition and honor. And a brand new patch."

"So get your asses ready," Sensei Lawrence told them. "We may have settled things in the Valley, but now Miyagi-So's ready for whatever the world throws at us."

Together, the entire dojo bowed to their three Sensei's. Alyssa smiled slightly to herself as she did so, ready to — quite literally — take on the world.

•─•°•❀•°•─•

!!!!! HI BESTIES <333 WELCOME BACK!

oh how I've missed them <3

THE BABIES ARE FINALLY BACK OH MY I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S BEEN LIKE A YEAR

also yeah sorry for the makeout scene every time I go back to these two I just can't help myself