Disclaimer: I do not own Karate Kid.
Author's Note:
Hello everyone, this is my first fanfic so please review and give me your opinions and ideas if you like it. Before You read I would like to state that the only changes to the character is that Cheng and Dre are 15. Even though the story takes place right after the 1st movie. I felt for the story it would be better if they were older. I hope you agree. I will admit that this story will progress at a slow pace. For now I've given the story a T rating but as I continue to write more chapters the rating will go up. Please be patient and read as Cheng and Dre slowly develop their feelings for one another. I know you will love it.
Love in its purest essence is an emotional tie that truly defines who we are. Our passion for another influences our decisions and alters the deepest and most desperate desires of our heart. One look from the eyes of true love is all that is needed. It will forever latch onto us, never losing its grip. At times it may be too much to handle and so our true emotions remain dormant. Perhaps it is fear that causes us to hide from our heart. The fear of falling too deep may be more than we can bare. Others, however, will embrace love. They will hang on tight for the long, painful, ride that awaits. Never will we know what can happen or what we may encounter. We will plunge head first and risk it all. We are in love.
The final kick was landed and Dre was declared the winner. As he waited to receive his trophy he was surprised when it was Cheng who gave it to him. A smile and a pat on his shoulder was all Cheng had to offer. Dre smiled back as both boys turned to leave. however, their smiles meant more than they knew. Dre made his way off the platform towards his master, Mr. Han. Together they walked back to the Infirmary.
"You have done well Xiao Dre," said Mr. Han, "I am very proud of you. However, a celebration will have to wait. We need to get your leg checked out after that last kick you received."
"Yeah I agree," said Dre, "besides I don't really think I can walk much more..."
Before Dre realized it he was falling to the ground, his legs gave out over all the stress he had endured. He was a few feet from hitting the floor before he was caught by two sets of arms wearing that all too familiar Fighting Dragon Uniform. Dre looked to his left and right to see who had caught him. To his right was Liang and to his left was Cheng. Each boy took Dre's arms and supported his weight over their shoulders.
"That was a close one," said Liang laughing.
"Thanks guys!" said Dre, looking between the two boys. My leg hurts enough as it is.
"Lets get you to the infirmary," said Cheng, "you need to sit down Dre.
With Mr. Han walking behind them the boys made their way to the infirmary wing where Dre was carefully placed on the bed. The room was small with basic medial equipment in the room. The doctor examined Dre's legs and spoke to Mr. Han before leaving. Mr. Han sat near the end of the room while Cheng and Liang stood on opposite sides of Dre's bed. Dre was getting tired after all the fighting and wanted nothing more than to rest, however, Liang wanted to talk first.
"Dre," said Liang, "I'm sorry." He looked at Dre and Cheng as he spoke, ever since his match with Dre and even times before that he knew deep down that what Cheng, Song, and him put Dre through was wrong. "I should have never done that to your leg, I hope it heals right. It's just that our Master, he's..." Liang glanced back at Cheng. Cheng nodded and Liang continued. "He's a cruel man Dre, all he cares about his another tournament win for his studio and he doesn't care how he does it. I hope you can forgive me for my actions and maybe now we can be friends."
Liang was pleased to see Cheng and Dre smiling. Mr. Han walked over and placed a firm hand on Liang's shoulder in approval.
"If you boys don't mind," said Mr. Han, "I am going to have a private word with Master Li." Both boys nodded and bowed to Mr. Han for respect. Mr. Han bowed back and quietly left the infirmary.
Cheng observed Dre as he laid there talking to Liang. How is it that after everything they put him through he is still able to even look at them. How can Dre simply forgive with no remorse and move on.
"If you don't mind me asking Dre?" said Liang, "when your leg heals and you are able to fight again, I would love to have a rematch. Our match was unfair and I'm still regretting it."
"Hey don't worry," said Dre smiling, "I'm glad you're both here and I would love to spar when I can. Will I see you guys at school?" Both boys nodded in approval. "Well awesome then we'll hang out at school, oh and hey by the way guys, I'm sorry about dumping that dirty water on all of you that one day after school, it was stupid."
After about a few seconds all three boys broke out in quiet laughter.
"Don't worry," said Liang, "It's all in the past. We'll see you at school, have a safe recovery." Liang made his way to the door before he stopped to look back. Cheng had not moved from Dre's side. Dre noticed this too. Cheng turned and smiled at Dre then looked back at Liang.
"Liang," said Cheng softly, "can you tell my Father that I'll be ready in a bit? I would like to talk to Dre in private. Please."
"Yeah sure no problem. Besides, I'm sure he's talking with my parents so you have some time," said Liang. Liang smiled then turned towards the door and left. Cheng turned to Dre.
"Does your leg still hurt?" said Cheng, looking at Dre.
"It's a little sore but I think it's just bruised badly," said Dre, rubbing his leg. "I'm sure in a couple weeks it will go away if I don't do too much on it. Why?" He looked at Cheng smiling.
Cheng paused for a second before talking. He certainty had a lot on him mind. He was thinking back on everything that he did to Dre, all the horrible things. He just hopes that he can make it up him one day. He might as well start now.
"Would you like me to rub your leg Dre?" said Cheng, blushing. "You know, to take away the pain a bit."
"Uh yeah sure if you want," said Dre, slightly thrown off guard.
"Okay well here let me help you sit up." Cheng went over to Dre and helped him into an upright position against the headboard. Cheng sat at Dre's feet and placed his injured leg onto his lap. "let me know if it hurts okay, and I'll go easier."
"Okay, thanks." Dre sat there for a couple minutes in silence as Cheng carefully massaged the injured section of his leg. He worked every angle very well and Dre was feeling relaxed and certainly in less pain. "Wow if I had you with me all the time doing this I'd be up and walking in no time!"
"Well maybe you can," said Cheng softly, He was looking at Dre with a calm friendly expression.
"Cheng?" said Dre, "What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?" Dre was not sure where this could go. He doesn't really know Cheng to well. Does he want another rematch, does he want him to teach him how to do that cobra move, or what if it's something else?
"Dre, I wanted to say how sorry I am for everything I've done to you." Cheng spoke strong words as Dre listened on. "There is no excuse I can give you for all the sadness I caused you in the past. The beatings and the pain. The abuse and the taunts , but worst of all was the fear I caused you. I know you would go day after day in fear of what could happen and even when you faced off against me in the finals I knew you were afraid." Dre Listened on without interruption. He wasn't sure where Cheng was going with this but he was still very curious nonetheless. "You never did anything to deserve that. Even looking back on everything I'm not sure why I did what I did. Liang may say that we should blame our master for our actions but I know I am to blame...
Cheng stopped talking. Dre look and saw tears forming in his eyes. Cheng look at Dre as they fell silently down his face and onto the bed. Cheng got up off the bed and stood besides Dre. Dre took this time to reposition himself. He was facing Cheng off the edge of the bed.
"Cheng hey," said Dre softly, "don't cry. Look I know you're sorry, but you don't have to say anymore..."
"No I need to Dre," Cheng cut in suddenly, "ever since I became a fighter I turned into someone else. I use to be different. I was, well I was like you Dre. I was happy with life and now I just feel angry at times. I want to start over. Also, I was hoping maybe we can be good friends. What do you say?" Chengs eyes were still glassy but he was smiling at Dre.
Dre looked up at Cheng from the bed and made eye contact. He never quite expected to be having this kind of conversation with the boy he had been afraid of for so long and had just beat in a tournament. Dre hesitated at first and then slowly placed both hands gently on Cheng's shoulders.
"Help me up," asked Dre.
Cheng placed his arms under Dre's and lifted him up gently. Supporting Dre's weight he helped him stand. Both boys were of equal height and build.
"Thank you for saying that," said Dre smiling, "I would love for us to be friends." Though Dre's legs were weak he managed to give Cheng a small hug and Cheng hugged him back. They stood there for a moment holding on to one another and when they parted they looked back into each others eyes and smiled. "Can you help me sit back down, please?" Cheng smiled and supported Dre's weight as he helped him sit back onto the edge of the bed.
"Would you like me to continue massaging your leg?" said Cheng, "or is it fine now?"
"It's fine for now but what did you mean earlier when I mentioned about you giving me more massages and you said 'Well maybe you can?'" Cheng sat next to Dre and smiled.
"Well I know what I'm about to say is quite extreme, and I have no doubt that Master Li will not approve." He took a glance at Dre and continued. "I want to quit being a fighter." Dre was indeed quite shocked.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" said Dre rather rapidly. "What will your dad say, how will your master react, and what about your friends and training and tournaments and what is everyone going to think of you and...Cheng slowly leaned in placed his hand gently over Dre's mouth.
"Ahh much better," said Cheng after smirking to himself. "Trust me Dre I do believe I know what I am doing. Also, if I were to quit training it'll free up my afternoons and I can spend more time with you. If that is what you want of course?" Cheng blushed as he looked over. Cheng took this time to move closer to Dre on the bed.
Without really thinking Dre lazily placed the tips of his fingers closer to Chengs hand. They weren't touching but they were both looking at each other.
"I would love that Cheng."
I hope you all enjoyed Chapter 1. Please review and let me know.
