In the Dojo, they could overhear Johnny and the owner of the strip mall arguing over rent. Students stretched and warmed up, their eyes occasionally drifting toward the center of the mat where Theo and his mother, Elise, stood facing each other.

Theo adjusted his stance, a confident grin spreading across his face. "Ready to lose?" he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Elise raised an eyebrow, her expression cool and determined. "Four-time All Valley champion here," she shot back, her tone light but with an edge of competitiveness.

"Okay, how about a little wager?" Theo proposed, his excitement growing. "Loser cooks dinner and does the dishes."

Elise chuckled, nodding in agreement. "You're on. But just remember, I've got the experience to back it up."

"Let's keep it friendly," Elise said, raising her hands in a traditional fighting stance. Theo mirrored her, both of them poised and ready to begin.

With a swift motion, they launched into action. Theo started with a series of quick punches, testing his mother's defense. Elise sidestepped gracefully, countering with a roundhouse kick that Theo narrowly evaded. The dojo echoed with the sound of their movements, the students captivated by the display of skill and precision.

"Nice move," Theo complimented, sweat beginning to form on his brow as he focused on his mother's next move. Elise smirked, clearly enjoying the challenge.

They traded blows, each one pushing the other to their limits. Theo's speed was matched by Elise's experience, creating a dynamic and thrilling match. The students watched in awe, taking mental notes of the techniques and strategies being employed in the sparring session.

"Come on, Theo! You can do better than that!" Elise shouted, smirking.

Theo grinned, using the encouragement to fuel his determination. He executed a quick combination before attempting a spinning kick, but Elise anticipated his move, catching him mid-spin and using his momentum to her advantage. With a swift motion, she brought him to the mat, pinning him down momentarily.

"Not bad, but you'll have to do better than that!" she laughed, giving him a playful nudge before stepping back to reassess her strategy.

Theo rolled back to his feet, his competitive spirit ignited. He shook off the surprise and adjusted his stance, determination etched on his face. "Alright, Mom. Let's see what you've got!"

The sparring resumed, both of them showcasing their skills with a mix of fierce competitiveness and playful banter.

As the match wore on, exhaustion began to set in, but neither was willing to back down. Theo unleashed a flurry of punches, his focus razor-sharp. Elise countered with a series of defensive blocks, her experience shining through.

Finally, with a well-timed feint, Theo saw an opening and executed a clean sidekick that caught Elise off-guard, sending her stumbling back. Seizing the moment, he moved in quickly, attempting to secure a light hold.

"Gotcha!" he exclaimed, but Elise, ever the strategist, twisted out of his grasp, regaining her balance and launching a counterattack.

The sparring match continued, each moment filled with intensity until, at last, both champions found themselves in a final standoff, breathing heavily but with smiles on their faces.

"Alright, I think we call it a draw," Elise said, raising her hands in surrender, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You've definitely improved, Theo."

Theo laughed, a mixture of relief and triumph washing over him. "Does that mean I get to cook?"

"Looks like it," she replied, shaking her head playfully. "You cook, I'll clean."

"I'll make something nice," he promised, already thinking about what to cook for dinner.

"Just don't burn the kitchen down," Elise laughed as Johnny stepped out of the storage room.

The dojo buzzed with energy as the students settled down after the exhilarating sparring session. Johnny stood at the front, his presence commanding attention. "Listen up!" he called out, his voice booming. "I see we've got some new recruits. Everybody, fall in. In neat rows and lines. Time to see what you're made of."

Elise, still catching her breath from the earlier match with Theo, smirked as she surveyed the group. "Straighten up, ginger twins!" she called to a pair of nervous newcomers. "Sorry, parents can't stay for class. It's an insurance thing."

Raymond, a scrappy-looking guy with a determined glint in his eye, stepped forward, puffing out his chest. "I'm not a dad. I... I am here to kick some ass, ma'am!"

Johnny squinted at him, curiosity piqued. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

"Oh, yeah," Raymond replied, nodding enthusiastically. "I sold you the mirror. We kind of bonded, talked about rock bands."

Elise chuckled, shaking her head. "Aw, cute. Sensei Lawrence has a boyfriend."

The class erupted into laughter, the tension from earlier dissipating as they enjoyed the light-hearted banter. Johnny rolled his eyes, trying to regain control. "Look, you're a little old. This is a class for teenagers."

Raymond stood his ground, shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, I can take 'em. I'm not afraid of kids, sir. And my mom, she doesn't charge me rent, so I got a lot of cash to burn." He pulled out a crumpled $20 bill, waving it in the air like a trophy.

Elise raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "We'll consider this a trial run."

Johnny crossed his arms, a smirk creeping onto his face. "I thought my last group of recruits was pathetic. But if you do what I tell you to do, you'll at least have a chance of becoming a fighter."

Elise leaned in, her tone playful but firm. "But to do that, you gotta fight. So, which one of you has the balls to take on the champ?" She shot a teasing glance at her son, Theo, who stood proudly at the front next to her.

Raymond shifted nervously, his bravado faltering. "Uh..."

"I'll take him on," Tory interjected, stepping forward with confidence.

Elise raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh, you will, huh?"

Tory met Elise's gaze, unflinching. "I saw your little demo at Valley Fest and the tournament. You guys can put on a show, but only Theo can actually fight."

Johnny's interest piqued, a grin spreading across his face. "That sounds like a challenge."

"I like a challenge," Tory replied, her determination unwavering.

Johnny clapped his hands together, excitement palpable. "LaRusso, show little Miss Hotshot here what Cobra Kai is all about."

Theo stepped forward, a mix of pride and affection swelling in his chest as he faced Tory. He admired her spirit; she was always up for a challenge, ready to prove herself. The other students gathered around, their eyes wide with anticipation, eager to witness the clash between the two fighters.

"Alright, let's see what you've got," Theo said, a playful challenge in his tone.

Tory grinned back, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Get ready to eat my dust, champ."

The atmosphere in the dojo thickened with anticipation as Theo and Tory faced each other, both ready to prove their skills. The students formed a loose circle around them, eager to witness the sparring match unfold.

"Alright," Theo said, adopting a confident stance. "Just remember, you're telegraphing your moves. I can see what you're planning before you even do it."

Tory smirked, her eyes narrowing with focus. "Maybe I just want you to think you can read me."

With a sudden burst of energy, Tory lunged forward, throwing a quick jab. Theo sidestepped, anticipating her strike, but she followed up with a swift kick that he barely managed to block.

"See? That's what I mean!" Theo called out, trying to maintain the upper hand. "You're too predictable!"

But Tory didn't flinch. Instead, she feigned a retreat, baiting him to advance. As Theo stepped forward, confident in his assessment, she pivoted and executed a flawless sweep kick. In an instant, he found himself flipping onto his back, the dojo mat cushioning his fall.

Before he could react, Tory straddled him, pinning him down. She landed a couple of playful punches to his chest, each one landing with a light thud. "One, two, three! I win!" she declared triumphantly, a gleam of mischief in her eyes.

Theo chuckled, momentarily stunned. "Alright, alright, you got me!" he admitted, raising his hands in surrender.

As the students erupted into laughter, Tory leaned down, grinning. "Guess my boyfriend's been holding back on me," she joked, smirking down at Theo, who feigned offense at the remark.

Elise burst into laughter, her pride for her son blending with amusement at the playful exchange. "Looks like you've underestimated her, Theo! Better watch out next time!"

Theo rolled his eyes, still smiling as he pushed himself up, shaking off the embarrassment of being outmaneuvered. "Okay, okay! Next round, I won't go easy on you!"

Tory offered him a hand, helping him to his feet. "Bring it on, Rockstar."

—————

As Tory stepped into the store, hand in hand with Theo after a grueling training session, she felt a wave of contentment wash over her.

"So... dinner tonight, my place with my mom and grandpa. You in?" Theo asked, glancing at her with hopeful eyes.

"Brandon is staying with a friend, so sure," Tory replied with a casual shrug, her eyes scanning the refrigerator. She pulled out two Gatorades, the bright colors catching her attention.

Just down the aisle, Aisha let out an exaggerated groan, which immediately drew their focus.

"Let me guess, dick pic?" Tory quipped, arching an eyebrow.

Aisha rolled her eyes. "No. My mom wants me to go to the beach club with her."

"Oh, my God, that sounds so miserable," Tory replied, a sympathetic smile spreading across her face.

Theo smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he chimed in, "Trust me, my family's going to be there, so it will be."

Aisha frowned, crossing her arms. "No. It's just... this girl Sam's probably gonna be there. She's Theo's sister, and she and I are not on good terms. Whatever. I'm Aisha, by the way."

"Tory," she introduced herself, offering a friendly smile.

"Hey, that's a cool bracelet," Aisha remarked, noticing the spiked accessory adorning Tory's wrist.

Tory held it up proudly. "Oh, this? It's not just for show. Theo bought it for me when some creepy guy at the mall tried to grab me once. I managed to block him and give him a gift he won't ever forget."

Aisha's eyes widened in admiration. "Wow. You seem like you already know how to kick ass pretty well. What do you need Cobra Kai for?"

Tory smirked, glancing at Theo with a teasing look. "I've had a couple of kickboxing lessons. Plus, my boyfriend's time is always occupied with either karate or music, so it's my excuse to spend time with him. But I've always wanted to smash boards blindfolded, too."

Aisha's interest piqued. "Oh... You saw that."

"Mmm-hmm."

"The secret is poking little holes in the blindfolds," Aisha said with a mischievous grin.

"Cool," Tory replied, clearly impressed.

"Yeah. Hey, you guys wouldn't wanna go to the beach with me, would you? It'd be nice to have some backup," Aisha suggested, her expression hopeful.

Tory glanced at Theo, who was engrossed in an article in a music magazine featuring a cover with his face alongside Cami's, Freddie's, and Kai's. She rolled her eyes in playful exasperation but smiled fondly at him. "I guess I could suffer through a day at the beach."

"He's coming too," Tory added, nudging Theo playfully.

Theo looked up from his magazine, a grin spreading across his face as he caught the exchange. "Beach day? Count me in. I could use a break from all this," he said, gesturing to the magazine before tossing it aside.

—————

As Tory stepped onto the sandy shore, her eyes widened in disbelief. "Okay. This is not the beach. Where are the homeless dudes on rollerblades and the guys shoving shitty hip-hop demos in your face?"

Theo chuckled, shaking his head. "No, don't worry. They'll come after they pass out the hors d'oeuvres."

Tory rolled her eyes, laughing as she took in the pristine view. It was a far cry from the chaotic beach scenes she had envisioned, but she had to admit the sun glistening off the water was beautiful.

Just then, Theo's gaze drifted to the parking lot, and he spotted his family getting out of the car. His expression darkened slightly as he recognized Daniel, Amanda, Sam, and Robby stepping onto the sand. He glared at his father, who was cheerfully waving, but Robby caught his eye and shot back a glare of his own.

Daniel approached, a puzzled look on his face. "What're you doing here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Theo shrugged nonchalantly, trying to play it cool. "My girlfriend and I were invited," he replied, gesturing to Tory beside him.

Tory flashed a confident smile, trying to ease the tension.

Daniel exchanged a glance with Amanda, who shrugged, clearly not bothered by their presence. Sam's expression was more complex—part annoyance, part curiosity. Robby remained stony-faced, still glaring at Theo.

"Just make sure to behave," Daniel said, a hint of a warning in his tone.

"Always," Theo replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he rolled his eyes.

"Asshole," Theo muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he watched Robby and Daniel interact. The memory of Robby's earlier glare lingered in his mind, along with the painful reminder of the injury he had sustained during their last encounter. His leg tingled uncomfortably, a dull ache that flared up at the thought.

Tory, sensing the shift in his mood, looked up at him with concern. "You good?" she asked softly, her tone laced with empathy as she placed her free hand on his chest, grounding him.

Theo nodded, forcing a smile despite the tension bubbling beneath the surface. "Yeah, I'm fine," he replied, though the edge in his voice betrayed him.

To reassure her, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on her head, feeling a wave of warmth from her presence. "Just... dealing with family stuff," he added, trying to brush it off.

Tory looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "You know you don't have to deal with them alone, right? I'm here," she said, her voice steady and supportive.

"I know. It just gets complicated," Theo admitted, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "But with you here, it helps."

A small smile broke through the tension on Tory's face. "That's the plan," she replied, giving his chest a reassuring squeeze. "Just remember, if Robby or Daniel get too much, we can always sneak off for ice cream or something."

Theo chuckled lightly, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. "Yeah, that sounds perfect. Ice cream sounds like a solid backup plan."

As they watched their families begin to settle in, Tory squeezed his hand once more. "Let's focus on the good stuff today, okay? Food, sun, and maybe a little fun?"

"Deal," Theo said, feeling the weight on his shoulders lift just a bit as he stood taller beside her. With Tory by his side, he felt ready to tackle whatever the day threw at them.

—————

A while later, Tory and Theo exchanged mischievous smirks as they casually swiped a bottle of vodka from the bar, their hearts racing with the thrill of it all. They soon caught up with Aisha, who was standing nearby.

"Hey. Look what I got?" Tory announced, holding up the bottle triumphantly.

Aisha's eyes widened in surprise. "Where did you get that?"

Theo chimed in with a cheeky grin, "We swiped it from the bar."

Tory couldn't help but notice the concerned expressions on Sam's and Aisha's faces.

"Oh, relax," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. "All the adults are getting wasted; no one's gonna notice if we have a little fun."

Sam frowned, crossing her arms. "You should put that back. You could get into big trouble."

"And you are?" Tory shot back, raising an eyebrow.

Aisha, trying to defuse the tension, interjected, "Oh. Sam, this is Tory. Tory, Sam."

Tory's face lit up with recognition. "Oh. The Sam," she said, sharing a quick glance with Theo that spoke volumes.

"Come on, like anyone's gonna miss one bottle of vodka," Tory continued, her confidence unwavering. "I could swipe half the silverware in this place before anyone would notice."

"You shouldn't steal anything," Sam replied, her tone serious.

Theo shrugged, a playful smirk still on his face. "Oh, come on. What are you, a nun?"

Tory laughed, shaking her head. "Come on, are we gonna drink or not?"

After a moment's hesitation, Aisha relented. "Okay, one drink."

Tory's face lit up with excitement. "That's my girl!" she exclaimed, handing the bottle over to Aisha.

A while later, feeling slightly tipsy after Tory and Theo shared most of the vodka, they were approached by Sam, who looked less than pleased.

"Wait, I'm sorry, you gave her a front wedgie?" Tory exclaimed, her laughter bubbling over.

Aisha chimed in, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I split that bitch in two."

"Hey! My mom's missing her wallet," Sam interrupted, her tone accusatory.

Tory shrugged nonchalantly. "Sucks for her."

"Really? You wouldn't know anything about that?" Sam pressed, her gaze sharp as she scrutinized Tory.

Theo quickly stepped in, ready to defend his girlfriend. "Hey, wait, what are you saying?"

"Just give me the wallet, and I won't tell security," Sam insisted, crossing her arms defiantly.

"Are you freaking kidding me?" Tory shot back, her voice rising in disbelief.

Theo's protective instincts kicked in. "This is low, Sam, even for you. She didn't steal Amanda's wallet."

"Right. And you two didn't steal a bottle of vodka. And she wouldn't steal half the silverware in here," Sam retorted, her words cutting deep.

Tory felt her temper flaring. "Listen, I didn't rob your mom, bitch. You know what? Let's get out of here," she said, her frustration bubbling over.

In a swift movement, Sam reached for Tory's bag, trying to assert control over the situation. In response, Tory shoved Sam away, sending her crashing into a nearby table laden with food. Snacks and drinks went flying, creating a chaotic scene around them.

"Get off of me!" Tory shouted, her heart racing as she stood her ground.

The atmosphere shifted dramatically as other partygoers turned to witness the unfolding drama. Theo immediately moved to stand beside Tory, ready to back her up against Sam's aggressive stance.

"Seriously, Sam? This is how you want to handle this?" he said, trying to diffuse the situation but also feeling protective of Tory.

Tory, still fuming, glared at Sam, who was now brushing food off her clothes. "If you want to play this game, fine. But don't come at me with your accusations."

Sam huffed, clearly annoyed but also taken aback by Tory's defiance. "I'm just looking out for my mom!"

"And I'm just trying to enjoy my day without your bullshit!" Tory shot back, her voice steady despite the chaos around them.

—————

After the whirlwind of tension and drama at the beach, Tory and Theo finally arrived at his apartment, the familiar scent of home enveloping them as they stepped inside. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with soft lighting casting a cozy glow. Elise, Theo's mother, was already bustling around in the kitchen, and John, his grandfather, sat comfortably on the couch, engrossed in a book.

"Hey, you two!" Elise called out, her face lighting up with a smile. "How was your day?"

Theo exchanged a glance with Tory, the events of the day still fresh in their minds. "Eventful," he replied with a hint of amusement, earning a smirk from Tory.

"Just the way we like it!" Tory added, her spirits lifting as she took in the homey atmosphere.

"Good! I hope you're both hungry. I thought we'd keep it simple tonight—spaghetti and garlic bread," Elise said, already pulling ingredients from the pantry.

"Perfect," Theo said, stepping into the kitchen. "I'll take over the cooking. You two can relax."

As he began to gather the ingredients, Tory leaned against the counter, watching him with a playful smile. "Need any help?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Just keep me company," he replied, glancing back at her with a grin. "I could use a sous chef who knows how to taste-test."

With a laugh, Tory stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist as he stirred the sauce. "I think I can manage that," she said, tilting her head up to meet his gaze.

Theo leaned down, capturing her lips in a soft kiss, the warmth of the moment washing over them. "You know, after the chaos of today, this is exactly what I needed," he murmured, his forehead resting against hers.

"Me too," Tory replied, her heart fluttering at the intimacy of the moment. "Just us, some good food, and no drama."

Theo chuckled softly, pulling her closer as he returned to his task, the scent of garlic filling the air. "I promise, no drama here. Just spaghetti."

As they worked together, Tory helped chop vegetables, occasionally stealing kisses when Theo wasn't looking. Each kiss felt like an anchor, grounding them after the ups and downs of the day.

"Okay, taste this and tell me what you think," Theo said, holding a spoonful of sauce up to her lips.

Tory took a small bite, her eyes lighting up. "Mmm, it's perfect! You're such a good cook," she praised, her expression playful as she leaned in for another kiss.

Theo laughed, brushing his thumb against her cheek. "I have my moments. But I think you just make everything taste better."

With the scent of spaghetti wafting through the air and their playful banter filling the kitchen, Tory felt the weight of the day begin to lift. It was just the two of them, lost in their own little world, surrounded by the warmth of family and the promise of a cozy evening ahead.

As dinner settled onto the table, the atmosphere shifted to one of warmth and laughter. Elise had set the table beautifully, and the aroma of the spaghetti filled the air, making everyone's stomachs rumble in anticipation.

"Dig in!" Theo announced, his enthusiasm contagious as he served up generous portions. Tory sat beside him, her heart swelling with gratitude for this moment of normalcy.

As they began to eat, John looked over at Tory, his eyes sharp and curious. "So, Tory," he started, his voice friendly yet probing, "Theo tells me you've had quite the journey. What's your story?"

Theo shot John a glance, a mix of concern and a silent plea to tread lightly. "Grandpa, let's not—"

But John waved him off, a twinkle in his eye. "I'm just getting to know my grandson's girlfriend. It's only fair!"

Tory felt a flutter of nerves, but she smiled politely. "It's not too interesting, really."

"Come on, I'm sure you've got something to share," John pressed, leaning forward, his interest piqued. "What do you do for work?"

Tory took a deep breath, glancing at Theo for support. "Well, I work two jobs. I wait tables at a diner during the day and help out at a grocery store in the evenings," she explained, her voice steady.

"That sounds tough," John said, nodding. "What about your family? Do you have siblings?"

Tory hesitated, feeling the weight of her reality settle on her shoulders. "I have a younger brother, Brandon. My mom is... well, she's been dealing with kidney disease for a while now. It's been hard, especially since my dad isn't in the picture."

Elise's expression softened, and she reached out to give Tory a reassuring smile. Theo's jaw tightened slightly, the protective instinct kicking in. "You're doing an amazing job, though," he said, trying to steer the conversation toward something more positive.

John continued, undeterred. "And how does Theo fit into all of this?"

Tory looked at Theo, her heart warming at the way he watched her with such admiration. "He's been a huge help. He takes Brandon to school, picks him up, and helps him with his homework. He also helps my mom with her medication. I honestly don't know how I would manage without him."

Theo's cheeks flushed a deep red at the praise, and he shifted slightly in his seat, clearly flattered yet a bit embarrassed. Elise beamed with pride, her heart swelling for her son and the young woman sitting beside him.

"That's wonderful to hear," John said, his tone genuine now. "It sounds like you two make a great team. Family is important, and it's nice to see you looking out for each other."

Tory felt a mix of relief and vulnerability as she continued to share her story. "It's not easy, but we do what we can. I just want to make sure Brandon and my mom are okay."

Elise reached out to squeeze Tory's hand, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "You're incredibly strong, Tory. I admire you for that."

Tory smiled, touched by the kindness and encouragement. "Thank you. It's been a challenge, but I try to stay positive."