Theo lay sprawled on his bed, the soft glow of his laptop casting shadows across the room. He was halfway through his YouTube music playlist when an unskippable ad suddenly interrupted the flow. He groaned, pausing to check the time.

"Really? Right now?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair. The ad started playing, and Theo's eyes narrowed as he recognised the face on the screen—his father, Daniel, smiling brightly as he stood in front of the Miyagi-Do dojo.

"Inner peace, focus, balance," Daniel began, his voice calming and inviting. Theo couldn't help but roll his eyes. The ad showcased all the "great benefits" of Miyagi-Do, from self-defense techniques to life lessons, and it made Theo's blood boil.

As Daniel spoke about discipline and respect, Theo's frustration morphed into anger. He hated how his father painted a perfect picture of Miyagi-Do, especially when it felt like a direct jab at Cobra Kai.

"Now, you can learn the secrets of Okinawan karate, true karate, by joining the Miyagi-Do team," Daniel continued, and the words ignited something deep within Theo. "Don't be a snake in the grass, be a champion."

The ad finally ended, but Theo remained agitated, the message echoing in his mind. He slammed his laptop shut, the clatter breaking the silence of his room. As he lay back down, staring at the ceiling, he couldn't shake the feeling of resentment towards his father.

—————

"There's a lot of talk around the Valley about free karate," Johnny began the next day as Aisha recorded him. Theo stood with his arms folded across his chest between his mother and grandfather, both adjourning black gi's like Johnny's. "But everyone knows that in life, you get what you pay for," he pointed at the camera. "You wanna really kick the competition?" He kicked a plant pot out of Bert's hands, causing dirt to go flying. "Then you need to get your ass over to Cobra Kai. Screw that lame meditation bullshit. What you need is bone-crunching, face-smashing, good old American karate."

Theo and Elise raised an eyebrow at each other and shrugged.

"Enough about self-defence, learn about self-offence," Johnny said into the camera. "Don't be a pussy. Join Cobra Kai, and let me teach you the way of the fist."

"And, cut," Aisha said, stopping the recording.

"All right, we get it?"

"I think so," Aisha nodded.

"Make sure the Cobra Kai snake comes in at the end, all right?" Johnny told her. "I want it to really pop. And make it chrome. And throw "Thunderstruck" under it."

"John, the rights for that will cost too much," Elise shook her head.

"No, I already own it, cassettes in the car."

"Oh my God," Theo laughed.

—————

Theo stood in the small kitchen of Tory's apartment, the faint smell of coffee filling the air as he prepared to help Tory's mother, Grace. He had promised Tory that he would take care of her while she was at work, and though he was a bit nervous, he wanted to make sure Grace was comfortable and well taken care of.

He glanced at the clock on the wall, noting that it was nearly time for Grace's medication. He gathered the small pill bottles from the cabinet, carefully reading the labels to ensure he had everything right. Grace had a kidney disease that left her feeling weak and sometimes bed bound, and today was one of those days.

After preparing the pills, Theo made his way into the living room, where Grace lay on the couch, a blanket draped over her. She looked up as he entered, a faint smile crossing her face despite her fatigue.

"Hey, Theo," she greeted, her voice soft. "Thank you for coming over."

"Of course, Mrs. Nichols," he replied, setting the medications on the coffee table. "How are you feeling today?"

"Just tired," Grace admitted, her eyes reflecting the weariness that often accompanied her condition. "But I'm glad you're here. It's nice to have some company."

Theo nodded, feeling a mix of empathy and determination. "Let's get your meds taken care of, okay?"

He moved closer, pouring the pills into his palm and checking them one last time before offering them to her. "Here, I've got your medication ready."

Grace reached for the pills, and Theo handed them to her gently. "Do you have some water?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Right here," Theo replied, grabbing a glass from the table and filling it with water. He handed it to her, watching as she took a sip before swallowing the pills.

"Good job," he encouraged, smiling at her as she set the glass down. "You're doing great."

"Thank you, dear," Grace said, her expression softening. "Tory tells me you've been a big help to her. I appreciate you looking after me today."

"It's no trouble at all," Theo assured her, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders. "You just focus on resting. I can keep you company or help with anything you need."

Grace chuckled lightly, "Well, if you could help me find the remote, I'd love to catch up on some shows while I rest."

"Absolutely!" Theo exclaimed, searching the couch cushions until he found the remote. Handing it to her, he settled into a chair nearby, ready to keep her company.

Theo shook his head with a smile as Grace turned on Desperate Housewives, a show he used to watch with Cami.

"Thank you for being here, Theo," Grace said after a while, her voice warm and sincere. "It means a lot to Tory and to me."

"Anytime," Theo replied, genuinely. The two shared a smile.

"Do you love her?" Grace asked, barely above a whisper as she kept her eyes on the TV.

"I do," Theo nodded. Grace nodded, a small smile on her face.

"That's good to hear," Grace said softly, her eyes still glued to the screen but a warmth spreading across her face. "Tory deserves someone who truly cares for her."

Theo felt his heart swell at her words. "She's amazing, Mrs. Nichols. I can't imagine my life without her."

Grace turned her head slightly, her gaze finally meeting his. "You know, love isn't just about the big gestures. It's also in the small things—the little moments you share, the support you give each other. I can see you two have that."

Theo smiled, feeling a sense of validation. "We do try to be there for one another, especially with everything going on." He paused, his expression growing serious. "I just want to make sure she knows how much she means to me."

Grace nodded knowingly. "She does, Theo. She talks about you often, and it makes her happy. Just being there for her makes a big difference."

"Thanks, that means a lot," he replied, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "I just want to make sure she feels supported, especially with everything her family is dealing with."

Grace reached out, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. "You're doing wonderfully. Just keep being you, and keep showing her that love. It's the best medicine."

Theo chuckled lightly, feeling a mix of gratitude and affection for her words. "I'll do my best."

They both turned their attention back to the television. Theo felt a sense of peace settle in as they shared the moment, a quiet understanding passing between them. He knew he would do anything for Tory, and hearing Grace's support only solidified that feeling.

"Have you told her yet?" Grace asked knowingly.

"No, I uh, I think it's too soon," Theo admitted shyly.

Grace arched an eyebrow, a knowing smile still playing on her lips. "Too soon? You're already taking care of her, being there for her mother and brother, and supporting her through tough times. That sounds pretty serious to me."

Theo shifted in his seat, a hint of embarrassment creeping up his neck. "Yeah, but... loving someone and actually saying it out loud are different things. What if she doesn't feel the same way?"

"Then you'll know, and you can move forward from there," Grace replied gently, her voice filled with wisdom. "But if you keep it bottled up, you might lose your chance. Love is a risk, Theo."

He considered her words, his mind racing with thoughts of Tory. "I guess you're right. I just don't want to rush anything. I want it to be special when I finally do tell her."

Grace nodded, her expression softening. "And it should be. Just remember, it doesn't have to be a grand declaration. Sometimes, the simplest moments can mean the most. Just find a moment when it feels right."

Theo smiled at the thought, imagining a quiet evening with Tory, perhaps under the stars or during a cozy movie night. "I'll keep that in mind. I just want her to know how much she means to me."

"You're already showing her," Grace encouraged. "It's in the way you look at her, the way you care for her. Those feelings don't go unnoticed."

"Thanks, Mrs. Nichols. I appreciate your advice," Theo said, feeling grateful for her support.

Grace waved a hand dismissively, "Just call me Grace. I'm not that formal. And remember, trust yourself. You know your heart better than anyone else."

—————

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over Valley Fest, the anticipation in the air was electric. Theo stood center stage, his heart pounding in sync with the thrumming of the crowd. He adjusted his guitar strap, glancing at his bandmates—Cami, Kai, and Freddie—who were all ready to unleash their energy.

With a nod from Theo, the opening notes of "Enter Sandman" by Metallica rang out, instantly igniting the crowd's excitement. The iconic riff echoed through the venue, and the audience erupted into cheers, a wave of adrenaline washing over them.

Theo stepped up to the mic, his voice cutting through the air with confidence. "Are you ready to rock, Valley Fest? Let's go!" He launched into the haunting lyrics, his voice blending seamlessly with the heavy instrumentals.

Cami, positioned to his left, thumped her bass with precision, driving the rhythm forward and adding a layer of depth to the sound. She was a powerhouse, her energy contagious as she moved with the music. Kai was on the opposite side, his fingers flying over the strings of his guitar, perfectly complementing Theo's lead riffs. Every note he played was executed flawlessly, sending shivers of excitement through the crowd.

Freddie, behind the drums, was a force of nature, pounding out the beat with a ferocity that kept everyone on their feet. His energy was infectious, and the way he locked in with Cami's bass created an unbreakable foundation for the performance.

As the song progressed, Theo felt the energy in the crowd swell, a living entity that surged with each chorus. The fans sang along, their voices blending with his, creating a powerful symphony of sound that echoed across the festival grounds.

"Off to never-never land!" he shouted, and the crowd responded with a roar, their enthusiasm pushing the band to give even more. The connection between the band and the audience was palpable, and for those few minutes, they were all part of something extraordinary.

As they reached the iconic solo, Theo and Kai harmonised brilliantly, their guitars wailing in perfect synchronisation. The lights flashed in time with the music, creating a mesmerising display that captivated everyone present.

Finally, they brought the song to a thunderous close, the last notes reverberating through the air as the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. Theo grinned, breathless and exhilarated, as he took in the sea of smiling faces.

"Thank you, Valley Fest! You guys are incredible!" he exclaimed, feeling a rush of gratitude. "Now let's keep this energy going!"

With that, they transitioned into their next original song, the joyous spirit of the crowd continuing to fuel their performance. Half an hour later, during Social Scum's break, the audience turned their attention to the LaRusso Auto stage, where Daniel, Robby and Theo's sister, Sam, was demonstrating Miyagi-Do.

Theo rolled his eyes as he watched, before he caught the thumbs up from his mother, Elise in the crowd.

Picking his guitar up off the stand, as his father started the grand finale of the Miyagi-Do demonstration, his friends yelled, "Cobra Kai!" As they came jogging out. Theo began strumming the chords to "Back in Black" as Johnny, Elise and his friends took the same stage as Social Scum, showcasing their own karate demonstration.

"Back in black,
I hit the sack,
I've been too long, I'm glad to be back."

As he continued to play, the Cobra Kai crew burst onto the stage, their energy infectious. Sensei Lawrence led the charge, his signature swagger and charisma bringing an extra layer of excitement to the performance. The audience erupted in laughter and cheers as the Cobra Kai team joined in, performing their own karate moves, mimicking the rhythms of the song.

"Yeah, I'm let loose, from the noose, that's kept me hanging around," Theo continued, glancing at Tory who stood in the crowd, jumping up and down to the beat. He couldn't help but smile—this was a moment of pure joy, blending music and martial arts into one unforgettable spectacle.

The crowd was fully engaged, singing along and clapping to the beat. "I've been too long, I'm glad to be back!" echoed through the festival, the synergy between the band and the martial artists creating an exhilarating atmosphere.

With each verse, the performance grew more dynamic. Cami and Kai joined in, adding their backing vocals and harmonising seamlessly. Freddie kept the beat strong, his drumming punctuating the excitement of the moment. The stage was alive, a chaotic yet beautiful blend of rock and martial arts.

As they reached the chorus, Theo couldn't help but lose himself in the moment, feeling the crowd's energy wash over him. "Back in black!" he shouted, and the audience roared back in response, their enthusiasm fueling him even more.

With one final strum, he ended the song, and the crowd erupted into applause, cheers ringing out into the night. Theo beamed, exhilarated by the energy of the moment, knowing that this was a performance he would cherish forever.

—————

The morning sun streamed through the windows of Social Scum's studio, casting a warm glow on the eclectic mix of instruments and posters that adorned the walls. Theo, Cami, Kai, and Freddie were lounging around, still buzzing from the excitement of Valley Fest the night before. Tory, who had been hanging out with them more often lately, sat cross-legged on the floor, scrolling through her phone and laughing at something she'd seen.

The atmosphere was relaxed, filled with the remnants of their recent success, when a knock on the door interrupted their banter. Theo jumped up, his heart racing with a mix of anticipation and nerves. "That must be Letty," he said, brushing his hands off as he opened the door to reveal Letty Garcia, a polished woman in her thirties with an air of confidence that immediately commanded attention.

"Hey, everyone!" Letty greeted, her smile warm as she stepped inside. "Thanks for having me."

Ana de Armas as Letty Garcia

"Thanks for coming!" Theo replied, motioning for her to take a seat at the small table where they usually gathered for meetings and jam sessions. The band members settled in, a mix of excitement and anxiety palpable in the air.

Letty pulled out a folder filled with papers and placed it on the table. "I've been following Social Scum for a while now. Your performance at Valley Fest was incredible. You guys have something special."

Theo exchanged glances with his bandmates, a sense of pride swelling within him.

"We appreciate that," Cami replied, her voice steady. "It was an amazing experience."

Letty nodded, her expression serious. "We at Epic Records have been keeping an eye on you, and after seeing your growth and fan engagement, we believe it's time to make a move. We're ready to offer you a deal to release your album."

Freddie leaned forward, his eyes wide with surprise. "You mean, like, a real deal?"

"Exactly," Letty said, her tone enthusiastic. "We're prepared to offer you a substantial advance, along with royalties on sales. And if the album really takes off, we'll set you up for a tour."

A wave of disbelief washed over the band. Theo felt his heart race at the thought of their dreams finally becoming reality. "What does that look like?" he asked, trying to maintain composure.

Letty opened the folder and began to outline the details. "We're talking about a six-figure advance, plus a percentage of sales. We believe in your sound and your potential to reach a wider audience. It's a huge opportunity, and we want to be part of your journey."

Theo glanced around at his friends, each of them wearing expressions of shock and excitement. "What's the catch?" he asked, wanting to understand the full picture.

Letty chuckled softly. "No catch, really. We just want to ensure that your artistic vision remains intact. We'll work with you on marketing and production, but at the end of the day, it's your music."

Cami nodded, her eyes narrowing in thought. "And we still get to have a say in how our music is presented?"

"Absolutely," Letty affirmed. "We want you to feel comfortable and empowered throughout this process. Your authenticity is what makes Social Scum unique."

Theo felt a surge of hope. This was what they had been working toward—an opportunity to share their music with the world on a larger scale. "When do we need to decide?" he asked, wanting to ensure they had time to think it through.

"I'd love for you to sign within the next couple of weeks," Letty replied. "But take your time to discuss it among yourselves. I want you to be completely onboard."

As the meeting progressed, the excitement in the room grew, filled with laughter and dreams of what could be. They talked about recording, potential songs, and even the idea of touring together.

When Letty finally stood to leave, she smiled at them warmly. "I'm looking forward to hearing your decision. Remember, this is just the beginning."

As she walked out, the band erupted into excited chatter, each of them grappling with the reality of the opportunity before them. Theo felt a mix of exhilaration and gratitude, knowing that their hard work was finally paying off.