Author's note: I do not own Bleach or its characters. This is AU and in honor of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Take a Chance On Me
It was probably a good thing that Nanao had not been watching the TV this week. It would probably have made her much more nervous. Shunsui hadn't actually been watching it either. But Jyuu had been keeping him informed. About half the commentators had taken up the cause of the underdogs as he and Nanao were being considered while the other half predicted that the best they would was silver, probably bronze. Shunsui doubted that. Especially after last night's skate. He was fairly certain that it had been the best skate of his life so far.
Oddly enough, it was Nanao keeping him calm tonight. In so many ways, this was a dream come true for Shunsui. He had wanted to skate in the Olympics since he had been a teenager. And to be so close to a gold medal was indescribable. Even if they didn't win, it would have been worth it to skate here with the best partner he had ever hand and his best friend coaching him. Nanao and Jyuu really made this for him. The experience was definitely worth it.
He and Nanao were once again the middle skaters in the final flight. There was quite a bit of applause as they took the ice. The two of them seemed to have attracted a number of fans here. The music started, and Shunsui couldn't help but thinking that it was really appropriate for them. He had taken a chance when he had decided he wanted Nanao for his partner, and it had paid off. Shunsui was so proud of her. She had gone from being shy and timid to this confident young woman who skated with amazing talent and passion. Well, that talent and passion had been there to start with, but now everyone could see it.
The program ended up with their faces inches way from one another. Nanao's eyes were bright with happiness and pride. Shunsui grinned back and kissed her nose. She blushed. They took their bows and skated over to the kiss and cry. Jyuu hugged them both, grinning like mad. It was clear to see how he felt they had done. The crowded roared with applause when their scores were announced and Shunsui and Nanao moved into first place with a twelve point lead on any of the previous ice dancers.
The wait while the last two pairs of ice dancers skated was nearly unbearable. Shunsui was kept from pacing only after Nanao pushed him into a chair and sat on his lap. That was actually quite delightful, and Shunsui turned his attention to flustering his partner. She was absolutely adorable when she blushed. But when the last couple's marks were announced, Shunsui fell silent as he listened. Then his eyes went wide. Sitting on his lap, Nanao actually squeaked. She met his eyes with a delighted smile, and then Nanao bit her lip. The next thing Shunsui knew, she was kissing him. They had won gold.