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Flashback
— Spring 2008; Chicago, IL

It was nearly 2 a.m, and the music thundered through the speakers, luring bodies onto the crowded dance floor. Brooke moved in sync with the rhythm, flanked by her cousins—Whitney, Kaitlin, and Farrah—each of them lost in the music, the heat, and the freedom of the night.

At the bar, Mason and his friends sipped their drinks, laughing at one of Josh's anecdotes, when the mood subtly shifted. Jake Lockwood—Brooke's ex, a smug football player with too much swagger and not enough decency—strode in with his usual crew of equally intoxicated teammates.

As Mason and his friends headed toward the dance floor to dance with a few girls, Jake and his boys took over the bar, already half-drunk and louder than necessary.

"This is some party, Lockwood," Trenton slurred, throwing back the last of his Jack Daniel's. "That was one hell of a touchdown."

Jake smirked, pouring more whiskey into his cup. "Yeah, too bad things ended between Brooke and I tonight. I was gonna try to get in her pants."

Ethan barked a laugh and slammed his drink down. "You were with her for six months and didn't fuck her once? No way."

"She wouldn't give it up," Jake grumbled, his words slurring. "Total prude. And don't get me started on her cousins—rich bitch patrol."

Garrett scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Probably living off daddy's credit card. You should just leave Brooke alone."

Jake downed the rest of his drink and pushed off the bar. "Whatever. She was mine once—I can win her back." He staggered toward the dance floor, deliberately bumping into Brooke and her cousins.

"Watch it, Lockwood," Whitney rolled her eyes

Brooke froze at the sight of him. Her eyes narrowed, her voice sharp. "What the fuck are you doing over here? Leave us alone."

Kaitlin, usually the quiet one, stepped forward without hesitation. "Yeah, didn't you see the sign? No dogs allowed."

"Hey now, I just want to make things right." Jake slurred

Brooke, feeling his hand descend to her breast, pushed Jake off, but he lunged forward again. Whitney, Kaitlin, and Farrah immediately stepped in to help, trying to push him away, but Jake swung his arms and shoved them aside with more force than expected.

Across the dance floor, Mason saw it all. He stormed up to Jake, and shoved him hard in the chest. "What the fuck, Lockwood?" he snapped. "Keep your hands off my sister—and don't you ever touch my cousins like that again!"

Jake staggered, laughing like it was a joke. "Oh yeah? And what are you gonna do, blondie?" He stepped forward, sneering. "Go ahead. Hit me. I dare you."

Mason clenched his fists, the rage rising in his chest. But when he glanced at Brooke—her arms wrapped around herself, trembling, and their cousins consoling her—he exhaled through gritted teeth. Josh stepped in, a calming hand on Mason's shoulder.

"Walk away," Josh murmured. "He's not worth it."

Mason pulled Brooke close, wrapping a protective arm around her. "You stay the fuck away from my sister," he warned Jake, his voice low but shaking with fury. "And don't you ever lay a hand on my cousins again."

They turned to leave—but Jake wasn't done. "I knew it," he called after them. "Pearson's a fucking pussy." his friends cackled

Mason stopped in his tracks. Brooke barely had time to react before his arm slipped from her shoulders. "I'm gonna fucking kill him." He spun around and charged.

The punch landed square on Jake's nose with a sickening crunch. Jake stumbled back, blood spurting. The two boys went down in a flurry of fists and curses. Josh and Garrett dove in, pulling them apart, but not before Jesse threw another brutal hit.

"Don't fucking disrespect my sister, or shove my cousins," Mason growled, shoving Jake to the floor, "You fucking do it again, and I'll fuck you up."

Jake sat dazed on the floor, blood dripping from his nose, too stunned to respond.

Mason turned his back on him without another word, gathered Brooke and the girls, and walked away—leaving Jake humiliated, and the whole club buzzing.

___

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐄 woke up to the California sun's gentle caress through the curtains, illuminating the furniture, and her boyfriend's arm wrapped around her body. The brunette softly groaned as she slept peacefully with her arms wrapped around her boyfriend. She slowly began to stir as she felt Landon play with her long brunette locks. Opening her eyes, which were those of her mother's, she stared up at her boyfriend who returned a smile at her.

"Good morning," Landon said, kissing her forehead. "How are you holding up? I know you said that you were the closest to your uncle Tommy."

"I'm okay. I'm still kind of sad about it, but I'll be all right." Brooke said as she gently caressed his torso with her fingertips. "It's the hardest on Johnny and my uncles because they have been like brothers since the 8th grade. Thanks for going to the funeral with me."

"You know I'll always be by your side," Landon said, gently caressing the small of her back. "So, what are your plans for today?"

"Well, I was planning to head to the office for a few hours. Whitney said the roller rink is having an 80s night. You wanna go?" Brooke asked

"Sure," Landon said, resting his forehead against his girlfriend's and gently kissing her lips.

"I still have a bit of time before I have to head to the office. Would you like some breakfast?" Brooke asked.

"I could eat." Landon smiled as he got out of bed and also began to get dressed

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Missie parked her Audi in front of Johnny's apartment, the early morning sun glinting off the windshield. She grabbed the warm Denny's bag from the passenger seat along with two cups of coffee, then locked the car behind her.

A moment later, the scent of bacon and coffee followed her into the apartment as Johnny opened the door.

"I thought you might want breakfast," Missie said with a smile. "Denny's was on the way."

Johnny blinked, rubbing his eyes. "Thank you princess."

Missie set the bag on the cluttered kitchen counter, brushing a fast food receipt aside with her elbow. "Hash browns, eggs, and pancakes with extra butter. I figured you'd still be living like a teenager."

They sat at the small table, legs bumping beneath it. Missie handed him his coffee, then unwrapped her own breakfast, already halfway through a bite of toast before speaking again.

"You've got a tiny scar under your eyebrow," Johnny said suddenly, leaning forward.

Missie looked up, surprised. "Yeah. I've had it forever."

"I never noticed it before," Johnny murmured, brushing his thumb gently over the spot.

"It comes out when I'm in the sun," Missie said. "Got a little color the other day at the beach club with the girls."

Johnny studied her. "I still can't believe I missed it."

Missie set her fork down and leaned back in her chair, eyes thoughtful. "When I was little, there was this playgrounf by our house in Chicago. It wasn't much—just cracked concrete and rusty swings. My dad used to take me there, though. I loved the swing set. It was old, but it felt like flying."

Johnny nodded, chewing quietly, listening.

"One day, I twisted around to look back at him while I was mid-swing, and he wasn't paying attention. His watch clocked me right above the eye." Missie

"Ouch," Johnny said, wincing.

Missie smiled faintly. "Yeah, it hurt. He felt terrible. But I didn't care. I was just so happy he was there. I remember thinking I didn't want it to end. I kept worrying about when he'd say it was time to go home."

Missie paused, brushing her fingers across the scar. "I wish I'd just enjoyed the moment instead of dreading the end of it. At least I've got this. A little piece of it."

Johnny was quiet for a moment, watching her. "You're good at holding onto things that matter."

Missie eyes flicked toward him. "Speaking of that... I don't want to harp on it, but are you sure about bringing Kreese back?"

Johnny exhaled slowly, leaning back. "I wasn't at first. But... he's changing. Or trying to."

Missie raised an eyebrow. "If you say so. Just be careful, okay? You've got good kids in that dojo. Don't let him twist them up like he did you guys. I'd hate to see them living with regrets."

Johnny looked down at his half-eaten pancakes, thoughtful.

"You've been given something good, Johnny," Missie said softly. "Take care of it. You're the sensei now."

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Brooke sat at her vanity, curling her long brunette hair, trying to emulate Baby's hairstyle from Dirty Dancing. As soon as she put on the signature pink dress, she spritzed Ariana Grande's Sweet Like Candy on her pulse points. Meanwhile, Landon donned Johnny Castle's signature costume.

The couple descended the stairs to find Whitney dressed as Emmy from Mannequin, Kaitlin dressed as Madonna, Farrah dressed as Alex Owens from Flashdance, and Mason dressed as Marty McFly.

"Hey guys!" Brooke smiled as she embraced her cousins. "You all look great."

"Thanks, babes! So do you!" Whitney smiled and returned her cousin's embrace.

"All of you look great!" Missie exclaimed with a smile. "Please stand close together! I'd love to take a group photo."

The group stood together in the foyer, posing for a photo. Missie took several photos, some serious, some funny, and many cinematic 80s-themed poses. After sending the photos to the teens, she bid them goodbye.

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Brooke, Mason, their cousins, and Landon arrived at the roller rink in their costumes. As they parked the car, they saw Sam and Robby exiting her convertible, and they walked inside.

"I gotta say, I wasn't sure about sure about wearing costumes, but this looks fun." Robby said as the group walked through the doors and Dance Hall Days by Wang Chung played

"I love the roller rink." Brooke smiled. "If I wasn't at home, I was always at the roller rink. What do you say we get some food then hit the rink?"

"That sounds great to me. I'm starving," Sam said. "Oh, excuse me, could we please get some menus?" she asked the waitress. To their surprise, the waitress turned around and it was none other than Tory, a member of Cobra Kai, and Miguel's new girlfriend.

"Oh. Look who it is." Tory said, giving them all a look of disdain, mainly Sam

"We didn't know you worked here." Sam said

"Yeah, well not all of us get to use daddy's credit card." Tory jabbed

"Look, we just wanted to order some food," Farrah said, trying to keep the peace

"What time do you go on break? I wanted the fries to be extra crispy." Miguel said, as he skated up to Tory, then noticed Sam and Robby, as well as Brooke, her brother, her cousins, and her boyfriend. 'Oh, um... Hey, I didn't recognize you. I... I really dig the costumes."

Brooke smiled, "Thanks Migs."

"Uh, Tory, this is Sam, Robby, Brooke, Whitney, Farrah, Kaitlin, Mason and Landon."

"Yeah, we met already." Tory said. "Sam and I had a little run in at the beach club."

"So how do you two know each other?" Whitney asked, attempting to alleviate the tension

"Tory's in Cobra Kai." Miguel said

"Figures." Sam murmured

Tory glared at Sam and retorted, "What was that?"

"Nothing." Sam said

"All right, I gotta get back to work. See you later babe." Tory said, giving Miguel a kiss on the lips in front of Sam, clearly on purpose, then skated away.

"C'mon, let's get some skates." Robby suggested

As soon as the group laced up their skates in the roller rink, they glided onto the smooth rink floor under the swirl of neon. Robby and Sam skated ahead, fingers laced, leaning into one another with quiet smiles. Brooke skated hand-in-hand with Landon, the two moving in sync, their laughter echoing softly over the music. Whitney, Kaitlin, Farrah, and Mason followed close behind, weaving playfully through the crowd.

"You good?" Mason asked as he skated beside Farrah, casting a glance at Sam.

Sam nodded slowly, gripping Robby's hand a little tighter. "Yeah... I mean, I'll admit, it's kind of weird running into your ex. Plus, Tory is the worst."

Robby chuckled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Well, remember what your dad said—there's good in everyone. But, if you do wanna kick her ass, we're not gonna stop you."

Meanwhile, as Brooke and Landon glided around the edge of the rink, a familiar tune began to fill the air. "I've Had The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes

Brooke lit up. "No way! Landon, next to She's Like the Wind, this is my favorite song on the whole Dirty Dancing soundtrack. This is too perfect."

Landon gave her a smug little smile. "I may have mentioned something to the DJ..."

Brooke beamed. "That is a total Duckie move. You're like a Duckie in Johnny Castle clothing."

Landon leaned in and kissed her temple. "I'll take that."

Suddenly, Sam stopped short, colliding softly into Robby. "You all right, babes?" Whitney called out.

Sam looked down at her skate, frustration flashing in her eyes. "Crap, my skate broke. I'll be right back—I'll come find you guys."

"You sure?" Brooke asked, still holding onto Landon's hand.

"Positive," Sam said, skating off toward the rental desk.

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After a few songs, the group rolled toward the concession stand. Brooke grabbed a drink for Sam, while Landon got himself a coke, and a cherry coke for Brooke. They found Sam seated on a bench near Mason, tying the laces on a new pair of skates.

"Oh hey," Sam said with a sheepish smile.

"Hey, hon," Brooke said, handing her the drink. "You were gone a while. Everything good?"

"Yeah, just took them forever to find my size," Sam replied, but Brooke caught the way her eyes flicked sideways. She had seen her talking to Miguel earlier. Something else had happened. Still, she didn't press.

"So listen," Robby piped up. "I've gotten, like, two compliments on this outfit, but people keep calling me Dan Johnson. You guys know who that is?"

"You mean Don Johnson?" Farrah laughed. "My mom still streams Miami Vice. Huge fan."

Before anyone could add more, Sam stood to test her skates—but was immediately slammed into from the side. She toppled onto the floor.

"Sam!" The group cried, rushing to help her up.

"Oops. Sorry, princess," Tory smirked, gliding smugly past.

Sam's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, she surged forward, skating up behind Tory and sweeping her legs out from under her in one swift motion. Tory shrieked as she hit the floor.

"What the hell, Sam?!" Miguel shouted, skating over to Tory.

"What?! Me?!" Sam replied, pointing at Tory like she couldn't believe it.

"Miguel, are you serious?" Mason snapped.

"Miguel, this crazy bitch fucking started it!" Farrah yelled

"Are you okay, Tory?" Miguel asked, helping her up.

"Thanks," Tory muttered, rubbing the back of her head.

A rink security guard skated over, his face hard. "All right, you're done. All of you—out!"

"What? Are you serious right now?" Mason spat

"She started it!" Robby argued.

"Out!"

Before anyone could protest further, the scrape of skates on the hardwood echoed as a tall guy in a Top Gun costume rolled toward them. Square jaw, effortless confidence, and a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

"Wow," he said, coming to a slow stop. "Didn't realize I was skating into an episode of Jerry Springer."

Brooke stiffened immediately. "Jake."

"Well, look who's playing chaperone," Jake said, voice edged with condescension, as his eyes lingered on Mason. "Didn't realize your twin brother still needed a babysitter."

Mason crossed his arms, his jaw tightening. "Didn't realize you were invited."

Jake ignored him, turning to look at Landon, Robby, and Sam—his smile thin and mocking. "And who are these clowns?"

"Watch your mouth," Mason growled, stepping closer.

Jake chuckled, brushing off the warning. "Relax. Just asking who your sister's dragging around now. Real interesting crowd, Brooke. Especially him." He nodded toward Landon. "Is that a sympathy date or a science experiment?"

"Not that it's any of your fucking concern, but this my boyfriend, Landon." Brooke said, clutching his hand

Jake laughed, "You've gotta be fucking joking right now, Brooklyn. This is who you're with now? Oh this is too precious."

"Shut the fuck up Jake, before I fucking make you. Landon treats me like a princess. Something you never did." Brooke said, and Jake looked Landon up and down, smirking.

Whitney rolled her eyes. "Why are you even here? Better yet, why are we talking to you? We don't like you. Matter of fact, we hate you."

Kaitlin added, "Now you can go climb under a slimy rock with the rest of your slimy friends. We don't ever want to see you near us again."

Farrah, a hand on her hip, waved, "Tootles."

Jake scoffed and rolled back a few feet, shaking his head. "Whatever. Get luck getting kicked out, losers."

Brooke's hands were trembling slightly as she clutched Landon's hand, but she masked it with a tight-lipped smile. Her pulse still thumped in her ears, louder than the 80s music blaring through the rink speakers.

Landon slid an arm around her waist, grounding her. "You sure you're okay?" he asked again, more gently this time.

Brooke nodded, leaning into him. "Yeah, I'm just sorry you had to see that. He used to say shit like that all the time. Not just to me, but to everyone."

"I should've decked him," Landon muttered, his fingers still resting on Brooke's waist.

Just then, a second security guard approached the group, this one younger and slightly less intimidating than the first.

"Hey, listen," the guy said, voice lower. "I saw most of what went down. You guys are cool in my book, but my boss doesn't take chances with fights. I'm supposed to kick you out, but... if you wanna just hang by the arcade or grab food in the lobby for a bit, I'll pretend I didn't see you." The group exchanged surprised glances.

"You serious?" Robby asked.

The guard shrugged. "Everyone deserves one get-out-of-jail-free card. Just keep it chill, alright?"

Brooke gave him a soft smile. "Thank you. Really."

They exited the rink, clumsily stepping off the polished floor and removing their skates in the lobby. The tension started to ease as they moved into the small food court and arcade area, surrounded by the warm glow of pinball machines and 80s synth music.

Landon found a booth in the corner, far from the main traffic, and the group collapsed into the seats, laughing softly as they passed around fries and cokes like survivors of some neon war.

Brooke sat beside Landon, finally allowing herself to relax. She looked over at him, brushing her hand across his knee. "I'm glad you were here tonight."

Landon smiled. "You mean because I'm good at calming you down?"

"No," Brooke said, giving him a look. "Because if it were just me, I probably would've taken a swing at him."

Landon laughed. "Yeah, and I would've had to bail you out."

Mason leaned over from the other side of the booth. "He didn't know what hit him."

Whitney held up her soda glass. "To better people." They all raised their drinks.

"To real friends and cousins," Farrah said

"To standing up for each other," Kaitlin said

"To the best worst night at the roller rink," Robby added with a grin, and Sam laughed

･ ⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･ ⠄⠂⋆ ･

After leaving the rink, the group drove back towards Encino. The mood was lighter than it had been hours earlier—though tinged with exhaustion. Everyone clambered out, laughing quietly as they grabbed their stuff, the smell of fries still clinging to their clothes. Before heading home, they'd made a quick stop at Whitney and Kaitlin's place so everyone could change out of their costumes. The porch light flicked on just as they reached the front steps, and the door opened.

Missie was on the couch, feet tucked beneath her, a cherry coke in her hand, and The Partridge Family playing on the TV. David Cassidy was mid-song when she muted the screen, craning her neck toward the commotion at the front door.

"Well. That took longer than expected," Missie said, eyebrow arched in classic mom/aunt mode.

Whitney groaned, tossing her jacket on the coat rack. "You don't even wanna know."

Farrah slid past her with a dramatic sigh. "Actually, she probably does."

Kaitlin grinned as she kicked off her sneakers. "It was chaos. Pure, glittery, neon-lit chaos."

Missie turned to Brooke and Mason, eyes narrowing in gentle suspicion. "What happened?"

Brooke hesitated, her hand still laced in Landon's. "We had... a run-in."

Missie raised a brow. "With?"

"Jake," Brooke said flatly.

Missie's expression instantly darkened. "I thought he was back in Chicago, he was here?"

"Unfortunately," Mason said, taking a seat on the sofa

Brooke exhaled and took a seat on spacious sectional. "He showed up out of nowhere, dressed like he was auditioning for a bad remake of Top Gun. And, of course, he had to stir the pot."

"More like light it on fire," Farrah added

"He started mocking Jesse, then came for Landon. Big mistake." Whitney said

Missie's eyes flicked to Landon, who looked like he was trying not to scowl just remembering it. "He called me a science experiment," Landon said with a tight shrug.

"And then Brooke shut him down," Kaitlin said, practically bouncing with pride. "Like—mic drop moment."

Farrah nodded. "Honestly, Aunt Missie, You would've been so proud. She stayed cool. Didn't let him get to her. Even when he tried."

Missie looked back at Brooke, softer now. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

Brooke gave a tired smile. "Yeah. For once, I didn't let him twist it around. I stood up to him."

Missie kissed her daughter's forehead. "That's my girl."

Brooke's eyes shimmered for a second, then she laughed. "Also, Sam totally swept Tory off her feet. Like—literally. It was kind of amazing."

"That part was worth the almost-getting-kicked-out part," Jesse added.

"We got fries and cokes out of it," Landon said, as if that somehow balanced everything out.

Missie chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, sounds like it was a mess... but the good kind."

"It was," Brooke said softly, glancing around at everyone. "And somehow... it ended up being one of the best nights I've had in a while."

Missie looped an arm around her daughter's shoulders and gave her a squeeze. "You earned it, honey."

From the muted TV, David Cassidy smiled on, frozen in time.

Whitney's voice called out, "Can we make popcorn? I feel like watching something super wholesome after all that drama."

"Something with zero ex-boyfriends," Farrah added.

"And no roller skates," Jesse muttered.

Missie laughed. "Popcorn's on me. You guys go get comfortable."

As the popcorn popped steadily in the kitchen, the living room buzzed with the usual pre-movie chaos—blankets being flung open, pillows thrown, a few fake arguments over who got the "good" corner of the couch. Everyone was getting comfortable in that easy, familiar way they always did.

Missie stood by the stove, waiting as the last few kernels burst against the lid. The scent of butter and salt filled the kitchen, soft and nostalgic. She poured the popcorn into a large bowl, her movements slow, thoughtful. From the living room, she heard Dolly Parton's familiar Southern twang echo faintly from the TV, followed by laughter from the girls.

"Steel Magnolias?" Missie called out, stepping into the room.

"It was either that or something with aliens," Mason said, sprawled on the floor, one arm flung over his eyes.

"I wanted the alien one." Landon said

Farrah deadpanned, "We voted, bittersweet Southern women won."

Missie smiled faintly as she set the popcorn on the coffee table. "Bittersweet Southern women always win."

Missie sank into her usual spot at the end of the couch, pulling a soft blanket over her lap. Brooke handed her a cup of tea, and Missie accepted it gratefully, fingers curling around the warmth, as Brooke took a seat next to Landon, who wrapped his arm around her.

The opening scenes of the movie played on, filled with pastel bridesmaids' dresses and rapid-fire salon banter. The girls laughed at Truvy's sass and Shelby's stubborn charm.

Missie watched, smiling quietly. She knew this movie by heart. She had watched it with Beth and Ali during their sleepovers when Ali was in Chicago from San Diego, and later with Jack on quiet Sunday afternoons when the kids were napping. And now here she was again, with her children and nieces nearly grown, watching it from a different kind of place. A different kind of ache.

Brooke glanced over at her mom, sensing the shift in her posture. "You okay?"

Missie didn't look away from the screen. "Yeah," she said softly. "It's just one of those movies. You always laugh... and then it sneaks up on you."

"They always get me when M'Lynn breaks down," Whitney murmured, already sniffling at the thought.

"That part hits different now," Missie said. Her voice was calm, but distant. "All of it does."

The room quieted a little. Onscreen, the characters laughed and teased, filled with life. Missie's eyes stayed on the TV, but her thoughts wandered.

"Do you still think about dad when you watch stuff like this?" Brooke asked.

Missie nodded. "All the time. Jack loved movies like this even though he'd never admit it. He used to cry more than I did."

Mason grinned. "Sounds about right."

"I think about him when I laugh," Missie added. "And when I don't. I still expect him to walk in with that dumb old sweatshirt he never let me throw out."

"Mom..." Brooke's voice was soft.

Missie shook her head gently. "I'm okay. Really. It's just... hard, sometimes. Especially now that I've started spending time with Johnny again. It feels good, but it also feels like..."

"Like letting go of uncle Jack a little?" Farrah asked.

Missie didn't answer right away. She just looked at her hands wrapped around the mug.

"I don't want to let go of Jack," Missie finally said. "Not ever. He was the love of my life. But sometimes I wonder if it's possible to carry him with me and still make room for something new."

No one rushed to respond. Onscreen, laughter gave way to quieter moments. Music swelled, and Shelby's story began to turn.

"You don't have to have all the answers," Brooke said gently. "Just let your heart stay open."

Missie gave a slow nod, her eyes glistening just a little. "Thanks, honey."

The movie played on, and they let it. Together, wrapped in warmth and shared silence, each of them holding space—for memory, for healing, and maybe, for whatever came next.