A/N:
As promised with these stories I would clarify what this is canon too. This story is canon to the regular shows timeline and events. This a potential way prom could happen in S4. It is canon through S3.
Miguel wrigned his hands compulsively as he stood on the front porch of the LaRusso home. It wasn't like it was his first time coming over to their house. In fact he'd been over their house dozens of times over the last few months. Whether that was for dinners, to do school work with Sam, or just to spend time with her snuggled up on the couch, he was no stranger to their home.
Despite all of that, this time was different. The reason he was at their house this particular night was different. It was much bigger.
As he stood staring at the door he felt a hand squeeze his arm from behind. He turned back to see his mom smiling at him. Behind her Rosa and Johnny were looking at him intently. They too were giving him an encouraging smile.
"You ready, Miggy," Carmen asked warmly.
He nodded and took a deep breath before reaching his hand out to the doorbell. "As ready as I'll ever be."
There was movement on the other side of the door and after a few seconds the door swung open revealing Mr. LaRusso, dressed in a white button down shirt and a pair of black slacks. "Looking sharp, Miguel," he said.
"Thanks, Mr. LaRusso."
Miguel wouldn't say it obviously, but he was digging how he looked in his tuxedo. They had rented a stylish black paisley patterned tuxedo. Paired with the tuxedo were perfectly polished black shoes that he could see his reflection in. Around his neck was a lavender bow-tie, with a matching lavender handkerchief in his front pocket. Finishing off his look was a slightly out of place looking chain. Despite it being somewhat out of place he never goes anywhere without the chain. It's a plain enough chain, but at its center was an octopus medallion. In its tentacles the octopus held half of a heart, on which the name Sam was engraved.
Stepping to the side, Daniel gestured the Diaz' into the house. "Come on in everyone. Amanda is just helping Sam finish getting ready. They should be down in a minute."
Daniel shut the door behind Miguel and the rest of his family as they walked in. The group moved into the atrium as they waited for Sam to come downstairs. Sitting over on the couch Miguel saw Anthony engrossed in his phone. He noticed that he was dressed up in a nice polo shirt and khaki pants. He figured the LaRusso's forced him to get somewhat dressed up so he could take pictures when the time came.
The group in the atrium made a bit of small talk while they waited. Miguel had his back to the stairs so he was unable to see anyone coming down them. After a few minutes of talking he noticed everyone suddenly get silent. Turning around he saw Sam coming down the stairs.
Miguel immediately felt his heart begin to race and his cheeks began to heat up. He felt a smile slowly creeping up on his face. It didn't matter how many times he saw Sam — He always had the same reaction.
Sam was beautiful. Well, she was always beautiful. Miguel had seen her in sweats, he'd seen her in a bikini, he'd seen her styled up on a date. He's also seen her in a few other types of attire, some of which involved far less fabric. This was different though. Seeing her standing there in her prom gown he didn't know how to describe her. A princess was the only thing that came to mind.
Her dress was a beautiful sparkled lavender color, exactly like his bow tie. It had a prominent plunging V-Line that showed off just enough of her chest without being too risque. The dress hugged her curves around her hips before flaring out at her feet. There was a slit running up the bottom of the dress ending about midway up her thigh which showed off her toned legs.
After taking the dress in his eyes shifted up to her face. Her hair was braided and wrapped around her head almost like a crown, only a few wisps of hair lay untucked on the side. She had just a tad of purple eyeshadow on. Sam had decided to go with a lip gloss rather than lipstick, Miguel could tell. There seemed to be a bit of blush on her face as well, though how much of that was makeup and how much of that was real he wasn't sure. Overall she had decided to go light on the makeup, which was something Miguel adored about her. She didn't need makeup to take his breath away.
He smiled as he allowed his eyes to wander back down her neck to the necklace sitting in the center of her chest. It was a much thinner chain than what he had, but the medallion on it was exactly the same. The matching pair. She had an octopus on the chain of her necklace too, and her's had the other half of the heart. This one with his name engraved on it.
Miguel — Miguel — Earth to Miguel
The sound of Sam's voice broke Miguel out of his stupor.
"Sorry," he said breathlessly. "You look absolutely beautiful." You always look beautiful, how am I so lucky, he thought to himself.
Sam giggled in response. "Thank you, Miguel. You're looking quite sharp yourself."
Again Miguel was frozen where he stood. His mouth opened and closed slightly like he wanted to say something but couldn't find the words. Six months ago he was still in a wheelchair, unable to walk, and now here he was getting the chance to take the girl of his dreams to prom.
It was Sam who finally broke the silence between them. "So… do you have something for me," she asked softly, gesturing to the plastic container he was holding in his hand."
"Oh… right… sorry." Miguel made his way over to where Sam had come down the steps. She gave him a smile as he fumbled around trying to open the plastic container. Will I ever not be this nervous around her, he thought to himself. After what felt like an eternity he finally managed to open up the container. He gingerly picked up the corsage. As if on cue Carmen appeared at his side and moved to take the container out of his hand.
The corsage had two royal purple roses and a moonlite carnation in the center. Mixed in for fillers were a combination of baby's breaths, lavender bouvardia, and some leafy greens. All of which were wrapped together in a satin silver wrist band.
Sam eagerly stretched out her left hand to allow Miguel to place the corsage on her wrist. Miguel carefully stretched out the silver wrist band and placed it on her wrist. Once it was on her wrist Sam gave Miguel's hand a gentle squeeze and smiled at him widely.
Next it was Sam's turn to pin the boutonniere onto Miguel's lapel. Carmen stepped forward with the plastic container so that Sam could grab the boutonniere out of it. Similar to her corsage, the boutonniere had a single royal purple rose and one moonlite carnation. There were a handful of baby breaths and the normal leafy greens to fill out the rest of the boutonniere.
Smiling at Carmen, Sam reached in and carefully picked up the boutonniere. She gently pulled at Miguel's left lapel and pinned the boutonniere to it, being careful to avoid stabbing him with the pin on accident.
Sam and Miguel spent the next thirty minutes taking what they could have sworn was a million pictures. Finally, glancing at her phone, Sam informed her parents that they had to get going or else they would be late to take pictures with Moon and Yasmine.
Sam went to grab the keys to her car and as she did so there was a knock on the door. Opening the front door revealed Louie. Sam looked at him confused. "Hey Uncle Louie, what are you doing here…?"
Glancing past Sam, Louie looked at Daniel who was nodding his head. "Your dad asked me if I could bring this by for your date," he said, brandishing a set of old car keys.
It was Miguel who spoke first. "Are those what I think they are?"
Tossing the keys to Miguel, "Yes, they are."
Snatching the keys out of the air Miguel turned to Daniel who nodded at him in approval. "Not a scratch on her," Daniel said jokingly.
Taking Sam's hand to help her walk in her dress Miguel and the group went outside to the driveway. Parked in the driveway was the same car that Miguel was eyeing up four months ago when he met Daniel properly for the first time. Sitting there was Mr. Miyagi's Yellow 1942 Chevrolet Pickup. Miguel guided Sam around to the passenger side of the car and opened her door for her to get in. He then made his way back around to the drivers side and got in himself.
Walking over Daniel placed a hand on the door. "Take care of her," he said, not at all looking at the car, but staring directly at Sam.
Miguel took a glance over at Sam and smiled. "Always, Mr. LaRusso." Reaching out he took Sam's hand in his own and ran his thumb over the back of it. "She's safe with me."
Stretching his hand out for a handshake which Miguel accepted, "I know she is. Now you two better get going. You don't want to be late!"
Miguel and Sam made their way over to Moon's house for group photos. Once they got there they were quickly met by Demetri. He was rambling about already being behind schedule and how they would be late if they didn't hurry up, but they drowned out most of what he was saying.
In the backyard they saw Moon standing off talking to Yasmine and Hawk. Moon was wearing a sparkly silver dress, and Yasmine was wearing a silky emerald green gown.
The group spent what again felt like an eternity taking all the pictures Moon's parents wanted of them. At one point they even suggested doing some karate poses, and being outnumbered Moon and Yasmine obliged by giving their best impressions of a fighting stance. For posterity's sake of course Miguel jokingly suggested that they get a picture doing the crane kick, which Sam of course laughed at and agreed to.
Finally when Moon's parents were content with the pictures taken the three couples went off to their cars and headed to the dance. Upon arriving at school Miguel got out of the car and walked around to Sam's side. Opening her door he held out his hand to help her up.
"Thank you, sir," Sam said with a playful smile.
Once out of the car Sam looped her arm in the crock of Miguel's elbow and the two walked slowly into the school, being careful so that Sam didn't trip in her heels.
The school's gymnasium, where prom was being held, was all done up in this year's theme. Enchantment Under the Sea. Strung about were various ribbons of purples, and blues, and teals, and greens. There were silver and blue streamers hanging about. Ornate decorations of shells and coral were also scattered throughout the gym. The normal overhead white lights were turned off, instead replaced by blue and purple and green stage lights. There was soft instrumental music playing in the background while the DJ set up for dancing later in the night.
Sam spotted Demetri signaling at them from across the gym. He had managed to snag a table for himself and Yasmine, Miguel and Sam, and Moon and Hawk. Sam tapped Miguel on his shoulder and pointed to where Demetri was signaling them from. They went over and took their place with the others at the table.
The dinner portion of prom lasted for about an hour. The school served a choice of beef or chicken, a side of asparagus, and oven roasted potatoes. The group mingled at the table throughout dinner, all the while Sam was keeping her head on a swivel. Somewhere in the gym she knew was Cobra Kai. She wouldn't put it past them to try to start something, even at prom.
Following dinner the group got up from their table to allow the school staff to move the tables to make room for dancing. She was absent mindedly listening to the boys talk about some comic book when she spotted them across the gym.
Across the gym she spotted Tory and Robby standing together. Their backs were to Sam, but she would recognize them anywhere. Last she heard Tory and Robby were only allowed to do online class at the school. No doubt them being here had to do with Terry Silver.
As she stood there she felt her heart rate begin to increase. She could feel her skin begin to get clammy. Unconsciously she crossed her arms over her chest, picking at the faint scar still on her arm. It was as if Miguel could just sense what she was feeling. He immediately shifted his focus to her and pressed in closer to her. He leaned in and began whispering a steady stream of reassurances in her ear. Following her gaze across the room he quickly realized what had triggered her panic attack.
Slowly he wrapped his arms around her, giving her the chance to pull away if she wanted to. When she didn't provide any resistance he hugged her tightly and planted a kiss on the top of her forehead.
Turning her so that she was facing him, instead of Tory and Robby, "I got you, remember," he whispered as he took her hands in his and began tracing circles on the back of her hands soothingly.
She looked him in the eye as he did so. She could feel the slight tremble in his hands. Hear the slight quickening of his breath. He might try to hide it, but she knows him better than anyone. Squeezing his hands, "And I got you."
Maybe one day they would fully get over their fear, but not yet. Not for a long time. Not until this was all over. Until then all they had was each other. It didn't make all the pain go away, but it helped them get by. They weren't alone, and they both knew that. Whether that was physically or emotionally, they both had each other to lean on.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please," Counselor Blatt called out. The gym immediately began to quiet down and Miguel and Sam turned to look at Counselor Blatt.
"Thank you," she said. "We would like to begin the next segment of our night here by announcing your prom king and queen!" People began to whisper amongst themselves guessing who might win this year.
"We will start with our queen," she announced. "Our court this year consisted of: Alexandra Harper, Hannah Moon Kepple, Morgan Hamilton, Samantha LaRusso, and Yasmine Dupont." Dramatically she opened the envelope containing the name of the prom queen. "And your 2019 prom queen is… Samantha LaRusso!"
The gym erupted in applause as Sam's name was called out. Upon hearing her name called Sam immediately threw her arms around Miguel in joy. Sam would be lying if she said she hadn't been dreaming of winning prom queen since she was a little girl, that was most girls dreams. But with everything that had happened over the last year it was one of the furthest things from her mind. Despite all of that she was still ecstatic. As Miguel hugged her he whispered in her ear, "you've always been my queen, now go get your crown."
Releasing him, Sam walked up to the stage where Counselor Blatt was waiting and accepted the bouquet of flowers. As they placed the crown on her head she stared directly at Miguel. He was beaming at her, so proud of her, and so in love with her.
"Alright," Counselor Blatt interrupted the cheering students, "Now it's time to announce your prom king! This year's court consisted of: Adam Matthews, Demetri DeCenzo, Eli Moskowitz, Kyler Choi, and Miguel Diaz."
Sam locked eyes with Miguel as they waited for the results. She smiled at him with her signature smile that melts his heart, no matter what the results say she knows he's always her king.
"Ladies and Gentlemen your prom king is… Miguel Diaz!"
The gym erupted in cheer as Miguel's name was announced. Miguel earned slaps on the back from Demetri and Hawk as he went up to the stage, taking his place next to Sam. Instinctively he reached out and took her hand in his as the crown was placed on his head.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, your prom king and queen!"
Again the gym erupted in cheer as Miguel and Sam waved and smiled for the cameras taking their picture. With everything that had happened over the last year this just felt right. It was something nice, something to counter all the pressure that loomed because of the tournament. In that moment they were able to forget all about karate. There was no Miyagi Fang and Cobra Kai. They weren't the leaders of their dojo. In that moment they were simply Miguel and Sam.
As the cheers died down Counselor Blatt began to speak again, "Now, as is tradition, your prom king and queen will have the first dance!" The students in the gym immediately began shuffling around, clearing a path for Miguel and Sam to make their way to the center of the gym.
Still having her hand, Miguel turned to Sam. "Shall we," he asked her.
She nodded eagerly at him and the two began to walk towards the center of the gym. Once they got there the path that the students had made for them closed up and the students quickly formed a circle around them.
The music began and Miguel stood frozen looking at Sam with a dopey smile. She looked beautiful, like always of course, but this time was different. The way the stage lights illuminated her dress. The crown on her head. She was perfect, and in the moment it was like Miguel could barely remember how to breathe.
Thankfully Sam smiled at his awkwardness, it was one of the many things she loved about him.
"I seem to remember you wanting to put your hands on my hips," she teased. A clear call back to their first "not-a-date". The one where he attempted to teach Sam karate, completely unaware of her karate prowess.
Miguel smiled at her and automatically wrapped his hands around her hips, not at all concerned anymore with his hands brushing the top of her butt. Sam in turn instinctually wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled their bodies close together. Miguel could feel the warmth of her breath, her chest on his.
Miguel and Sam looked deeply into each other's eyes as "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz started playing. They swayed along slowly as they both took in the words of the song.
When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
Well there's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?
Miguel found himself lost in the blues of Sam's eyes. He was captivated with how they sparkled in the studio lights, just like the night sky.
Well, I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Sam thought back to when everything seemed so hopeless and dark after the school fight. First she didn't know if Miguel would ever wake up, then when he did would he even want to talk to her. Those two weeks waiting for Miguel to wake up were the worst two weeks of her life, but then he woke up and for the first time since his fall she forced herself to look up.
And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find
She remembered the call she got from Carmen when Miguel woke up, she had been sobbing on the other end of the line, and Sam sobbed right with her. Miguel was awake, yet despite that she had no idea how he felt about her. She knew she had to go see him, and she did so immediately, but even then she knew he was in no position to discuss what would become of them. So she gave him space. She allowed him to navigate the way through his recovery however he needed to, and when he was ready she'd be there.
'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up
Slowly as the song progressed more students began to join in. Hawk and Moon joined Miguel and Sam, with Demetri and Yasmine only a few steps behind. They slowly danced their way over to Miguel and Sam so that they were all together. After them were the rest of the members of the prom court. Then finally the rest of the school.
I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and gifts
We got yeah we got a lot at stake
And in the end you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn, how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I got, and what I'm not
And who I am
Miguel thought back to the last five months together. There was so much at stake with the tournament. The merging of the two dojos. The strain of Hawk trying to make amends with Miyagi Do. His and Sam's differences were still apparent, but it was something they worked on. They weren't things that drove them apart anymore. They used them as ways to drive themselves further and learn more from each other. Bend don't break. Without the world caving in. There was chaos all around them at times, but it was them against the world, and they refused to break.
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
I'm still looking up
Sam stared into Miguel's eyes. The world was rough right now with the All Valley just weeks away. But she knew that no matter what happened at the tournament, win or lose, she'd have Miguel by her side at the end of it. And she knew her place was right by his side. Whatever happened there, whatever happened after, they'd face it. Together.
Well, I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough (I am tough) he knows (I am loved)
We got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)
Together, Miguel thought to himself. No matter what happened at the tournament he'd still have Sam. She'd still be right by his side. And as long as they had each other they would never give up. Never stop fighting. They were stronger together — They always were.
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Miguel realized Sam had all his love. She had since the first time he laid eyes on her. He had been carrying that torch for over a year, but he was always too scared to admit it. He was too young to remember what his dad was like. He didn't know what love looked like. He didn't know how to love someone, or what that was supposed to look like. He didn't know how to give in to loving Sam.
But as he looked at the girl who fit so perfectly in his arms he realized he figured it out. This was love. This was what love looked like. It's what love was supposed to be. It always has been.
So he leaned in and kissed her gingerly on her forehead and for the first time ever he said it.
"I love you Samantha LaRusso. I always have."
Sam didn't hesitate to pull him in even tighter in their embrace, planting a delicate kiss on his lips before replying.
"I love you too. And I always will."
A/N:
Hope you all enjoyed! I have a few S4 ideas that I am like rushing to try to get out before the season airs. This was my biggest one.
Yes I know that in the photo Miguel's wearing a red bow tie but I don't care! Sam and his color has always been purple so screw it. I changed it to purple instead! Deal with it lmao.
If Miguel DOESN'T take Sam to prom in Mr. Miyagi's car I'm going to be pissed off. This is me trying to manifest it by including it in this story. Also Daniel trusting Miguel to take care of Sam, I can't wait to see their bond in Season 4.
Finally, yes I made up a lot of last names. I stole this from shrinkthisviolet, so if you're reading this I'm sorry I don't know how to tag you properly lmao. Moon's real name is not Moon. I like that headcanon. So instead I used the actresses real name and made Moon her middle name. Demetri I just used Gianni's last name. And for Kyler and Yasmine I just looked up a common name. The rest of the prom court are completely made up people because I wanted to have five on it so. Also manifesting Miguel and Sam winning prom king and queen together in S4!
More stories for S4 to come!