Dec 4th - Ambálor and A Winter's Tale for jellybelly30. I know this one is late, blame the muses that gave me a entirely new story to the one I had been working on at the very last minute and the distraction of the TLC pay per view :)


Finn was furious with himself. He couldn't believe he'd managed to get all almost all the way home before he realised that he had left his door keys and his phone on his desk.

Pulling into the empty parking lot, he drew up directly in front of the main doors, frowning as he noticed the light spilling from the main rink hall into the darkened lobby. He was sure that everything had been shut down before he left, but clearly not. This was always a busy time of year for them, they'd had three office holiday parties and a girl scout group in tonight alone, and that was on top of their regulars and walk ins.

Stepping inside, the lack of beeping from the alarm caused his heart to sink. So he'd forgotten to set that too. At this rate, he'd be forgetting his way out of a job. Not what he needed at any time of year, but especially at Christmas.

Only when he had exited his office, phone and keys safely in pocket, and made his way back to the rink hall did he hear the music. Opening the door slowly, he slipped inside, keeping to the shadows along the edge of the room, more intrigued than unnerved by what he saw.

Out on the ice, illuminated by the single light fixture that shone in the rafters, a lone figure moved across the frozen surface with an elegance Finn had long suspected.

He knew that Dean had technical abilities on the ice, that was why he was employed there. His beginner skating class was always full and a spot on the waiting list was a prized commodity, but Finn had thought that perhaps he was one of those 'if you can't do, teach' guys despite his long elegant limbs and innate grace that Finn absolutely, definitely, one hundred percent did not spend an obscene amount of time dreaming up excuses to visit Sami at skate hire to watch.

This however was something else.

To Finn's inexpert eyes, it didn't seem as though Dean was moving to any sort of set routine, though his every gesture complemented the sweeping melody, causing goosebumps to prickle over the spectating man's skin. He stepped closer to the barrier that surrounded the ice, drawn in by the performance.

Even at this distance, he could see the tranquil, focussed expression that had fallen over Dean's face, see his eyes slipping closed as he took effortlessly took flight, leaving the ice in a high twisting jump, his surefooted landing easing seamlessly into a spread eagle that brought them face to face for a second before the music reached its final crescendo with Dean entering a dizzying upright spin. Acknowledging his audience with a wink, he finished his piece with a flourish, the only sounds as he made his way to the side, those of his skates and of Finn's quiet applause.

He had already removed his skates and was lacing up his regular boots by the time Finn reached the long bench in the changing area.

"Hey, boss man. What're you doing back here?"

"Forgot some stuff and I'm not in tomorrow, so…"

"Now or never?"

"Something like that...must say, I wasn't expecting to find anyone here. I was pretty sure the place was empty before I headed off."

"It was, but I let myself back in."

Standing to go stash his skates in his locker and retrieve his ipod from where it was hooked up to the sound system, Dean spied Finn's confused expression and answered his unasked question.

"Dustin's dad gave me a copy of the keys and access to the alarm codes years ago, he's been good enough to never ask for them back. Seth borrowed my car today, so I'm stuck here until he comes back to pick me up. I figured I would get some time in on the ice while I wait. When you were locking up, I'd taken a walk down the block to the mini market for some snacks."

"Right so. That was...that was beautiful...I had no idea you could do that. When did you…?"

"I was a kid. Took lessons. Competed in a few junior competitions…"

"Why did you stop? That was incredible."

"Why does anyone stop doing anything? It stopped being fun. I used to love getting out there, working on my programs, getting dressed up in my costumes, travelling all over to the competitions, but then it started to become a chore. I wasn't skating for myself anymore. So I gave up competing."

"That's a shame. Don't you miss it?"

"Not really. Working here gives me the fun parts...being on the ice, teaching the little kids, seeing the enjoyment on their faces without any of the not fun crap. My after hours private time allows me to do the things I can't do when I'm teaching. It's all good."

"I'm sorry I interrupted you, if you weren't finished, I can go."

"It's ok, Seth should be here by now. He'll text when he's outside."

As if on cue, Dean's phone chirped. Finn resolutely not looking at his ass as he bent over to fish it from his bag on the floor.

"Crap. He's stuck at the airport. His boyfriend's flight has been delayed. Time to call a cab then."

"Wait! I can give you a ride. No sense wasting time and money on a cab when my car's right outside and I'm right here. You ready now?"

Rink locked up for the night, and alarms set, it wasn't long before the two were on their way, chatting companionably in the cosy warmth of Finn's car. Dean explained how he'd started working at the rink in college for beer money and the glamour.

"Hey, you would be surprised how many girls used to slip me their number! Guys too. No joke, that sweater with the big yellow 'staff' on the back...pure aphrodisiac!"

Finn chuckled, though he was pretty certain that in Dean's case it might have had something to do with the person wearing the sweater.

"I'm glad you think so. Turn here, I'm down this road on the left."

Finn's heart rate spiked. He hadn't meant to say that out loud! Flustered, he focussed on the road, following Dean's directions, not daring to steal so much as a glance towards his passenger until he told him to pull in.

One hand on the door, readying to exit, Dean paused and turned back towards Finn.

"You said you're not working tomorrow, right?"

"Right."

"I'm not working either…"

Finn wondered where the conversation was headed.

"...so...you want to come in?"


If you've got a fave festive tune & ship you'd like to see a little jolly holiday read for, drop me a line at my tumblr. Don't forget to let me know if there are any squicks to be avoided or if you have any special requests.

Very little is off limits except for non-con & character death. If there's something I don't think I can do, I'll let you know asap. Open for all manner of ships in any combination of gender & orientations.