You ate your dinner and said your prayers quickly, anticipating grabbing your skates and heading straight to the rink. You considered taking the twins with you and treating them to ice cream, but only if Mother allowed.
"Mother?" You asked at the dinner table.
"Hm?"
"Would you mind if I went down to the rink? Just for an hour or two?"
"Oh, of course! I think it would be good for you to get out, get some cool air on your skin again," she smiled brightly.
You returned the gesture, poking at your salad. "And...I could take the twins with me, if that's okay with you."
"Hm...Oh, alright," she said after a moment of contemplation, "Just don't stay out too late, and don't leave yet. I...I have an announcement for you all."
You put your fork down. The table quieted even more than how quiet it was.
"I...I went to the doctor yesterday...And...I got the results, I just...forgot to tell you," she giggled.
She chewed on her lip, a habit that she has had for as long as you could remember.
"I...We… there's going to be another addition to the family!" She said happily.
The air went still. Shina's jaw dropped.
"I'm pregnant," Mother said, her smile wide, but nervous.
You had assumed as much, but it was now hitting you full in the face.
Mother continued, since no one else did. "I know it's...a shock, and inconvenient, with...Hanae's wedding and all, but, uh...I'm having another baby," she smiled.
You forced yourself to smile at her, attempting to see the bright side of the situation. There would be another baby! The gods knew Mother had just a tiny bit of baby fever now that Shigeru was walking and sort of talking, and it would be nice for you to get some practice before having a baby of your own.
You hoped it wouldn't be anywhere close to very soon after your wedding, but the extra practice, now that you were truly aware of your situation, would be nice.
Your forced smile turned genuine, and you felt your heart swell in excitement.
"Wow, Mother," you said. "I'm so glad!"
"Hanae!"
You looked at Shina, who just whisper-shouted at you accusingly. A sweet smile was still painted on your face.
"Yes?" you asked pointedly.
She looked for words. "H-how could-What-"
"I know it's unexpected," Mother said guiltily, "And...I hate to spring it on top of everything, but...It's the truth."
"How far along?" you inquired lightly.
"Oh," she laughed, "I was so used to the symptoms, I didn't realize it to go in sooner," she giggled. You loved how carefree she was when she was pregnant, even with Father. "The doctor said...Oh, three months?"
"Three-?" Shina strangled out. You noticed Kenta's silence and seeming indifference to it.
"Yes, I know...I have my first sonogram next week."
Shina stood up and walked out. She didn't ask to be excused.
You watched her go, the air becoming tense.
Shigeru looked at you, and you looked at him with the only expression you could. A sad, exasperated one.
Mother was silent.
"Give her time, Mother," you said. "It's not your fault. She'll come around."
She nodded idly. "I'm sorry, Hanae."
"No, Mother, don't be sorry," you said. "This is a cause for celebration. Think of what our friends at the Temple will say?"
That seemed to lift Mother's spirits a bit. She nodded. "They'll be thrilled for another baby."
You smiled. "Exactly. I'll talk to Shina later tonight. For now, I think I'll take the twins with me skating...Will you be okay with the young ones? Kenta, will you help Mother with the dishes?"
You looked at your younger brother, who sighed reluctantly then nodded.
You smiled thankfully-truly thankfully-at him. "Thank you, Kenta. It means a lot."
"Are we going?" Aiko asked excitedly. You knew how much the twins loved to skate-almost as much as you did.
"After you finish your dinner, yes. Then rinse your plates and put them gently in the sink. Then grab a jacket because we might be home late, then we can go."
"Okay!" They said simultaneously, looking at one another with ambitious competition.
You smiled, shaking your head as you finished your dinner, trying not to think about your conversation with Todoroki-Kun. What would Mother think of it? Would she even need to know in the end?
He asked you if you could keep a secret. You figured that meant to keep this one. You would confide this in no one. Not Cataka, not your mother, not your sister or brother, let alone your father. This was between you...and him.
Your first secrets together.
Life seemed like it was moving too fast. You had your first 'conflict,' your first meeting, your first touch, your first lunch together, your first date together (unofficially, but that was still what it was). This was technically outside of Hubai rules, as a betrothed couple were only to be on chaperoned dates with the bride's family (typically the Father, but sometimes the mother would accompany them), but you didn't fully expect those rules to be carried out and enforced anyway, especially considering that you attended school together.
And when Father was around, Mother was too busy to do anything about it anyway. Not that you expected her to either. You didn't want to be another problem on her extensive list of the ones she has to deal with already.
Number one being your father.
Number two being the new baby.
As much as it was a blessing, like all babies, it was going to be a hassle.
You tried not to think about it all, and look on the bright side of things. Because you were going skating again. For the first time in almost three months, you were going skating.
.o0o.
After dinner, you did some of your homework then changed your clothes, grabbed your old skates (that were surprisingly in good condition), made sure the twins were dressed and your phone was charged, bringing the plug-in with you in case it ran out of battery.
You waved the family goodbye, all except Shina in attendance.
And you and the twins were off.
You walked down to the train station to get into town. You would get off at a different station, though, and then walk again into the town you were raised in.
The twins were bouncing around the sidewalk as you walked, one on either side of you, holding each of their hands firmly. They weren't going anywhere.
But it was strange, seeing that connection between them. It was like they knew what one was going to say before they even thought it.
It was something you were glad they had, but somehow...something you envied. Something you missed from your life. But why?
You weren't sure. Maybe you just missed the connection. You wanted connection, and, even though you've never had it, you missed it.
Huh.
You took the kids across the crosswalk, letting them press the button in turn.
And there it was.
Your precious home away from home.
You walked the excited chatter balls into the ice rink, the door ringing as you opened it.
The cashier looked up from what she was doing and smiled brightly.
"Nazumi! Oh, it's so good to see you again!" she said cheerfully.
You smiled widely in return. "Sorry, we came so late, it's so good to be back, though!"
"How've you been?"
You shrugged. "I've been okay. I transferred to a different school, down in Musutafu, so I've been really short for time."
"Oh, that's okay, I understand. Anyone special in your life yet?" She wiggled her eyebrows at you.
You tried not to blush. She was always very outspoken about your love life and invasive in that way as well.
You were about to speak up, but your….beloved, precious siblings spoke up for you.
"Nee-Chan is getting married!"
You were going to tense and get all flustered, but you figured there would be no point.
"Married?" the cashier was stunned. "Wow, that's crazy. Who-"
"Yeah, to a big strong guy who's going to be a hero!" Aiko said in admiration. "She goes to schoo-"
"Children," You said simply, firmly.
They fell silent.
The cashier looked at Hanae who rolled her eyes, leaning closest, lowering her voice. "It was supposed to be a secret. No one was supposed to know. Can you keep this to yourself?"
The cashier looked worried. "Well, yeah...but married? You're so young-"
"It's complicated," you shut her down. "I….everything will be explained, I'll explain everything, I promise. Just not now. Can you keep this a secret?"
"No, yeah, of course," she said.
You dug in your purse for your wallet, placing a card on the table between you and the cashier. "Two pairs of skates, one size 3, the other size 4."
She scooted the plastic back to you. "It's on the house. It was going to be anyway, it has nothing to do with the circumstance."
"No," you said firmly. "I refuse to not pay you-"
"Look, you're my favorite visitor. You've given me enough business, and these kids need to know some kindness, it seems like," she said, walking into the back room.
You were shocked.
She came back with the two pairs of skates, and you took them gratefully. "Thank you. Truly. But next time, I am paying for the skates."
She held her hands up. "Not a problem. Stay as long as you like."
"Thank you, Sala-San," you said, looking pointedly at the twins who were dutifully silent the whole time.
"Thank you Sala-San!" They said in unison.
Sala smiled. "Thank you! Have a good one, kids."
.o0o.
"Nee-Chan, my laces are loose!"
"Mine too!"
"Give me a moment to do one foot, then the other," you laughed, almost painfully as they nagged you for attention and assistance.
They went quiet again as you finished with one of Akira's skates, you moved to her other one.
It was silent between you three.
You were delighted to know that there was no one else around, and you had the rink all to yourself to do as you pleased, as well as no one else there to hear Akira and Aiko shouting your life from the rooftops.
"Twins," you said quietly, "I'm not very happy with you saying what you did."
You looked at them. They looked guilty.
"The fact that Todoroki-Kun and I are getting married is a secret-a very big secret." You tied Akira's laces in a small bow, tucking them into her skates. You moved onto Aiko. "And when we told you, Mother, Father, and I trusted you to keep it one. You're not in trouble, and I'm not mad at all, but you cannot tell anyone about this unless Father or I tell you you can. Do you both understand me?"
"Yes, Hanae," they said somberly.
You looked at them, then continued on Aiko's shoelace.
"This is a simple mistake, and you're not in trouble for it," you repeated, "and Sala-San was kind enough to keep the secret for us, with us, so you should be grateful for that. Otherwise, I would not be so forgiving."
You saw their eyes drop again.
"But, as I said, this was a mistake. I'm not mad. But, I don't want this mistake to be repeated."
"We're sorry, Nee-Chan!" they cried.
You smiled softly. "I know. And I forgive you."
You still hadn't finished with Aiko's shoelace when they launched themselves at you, tackling you in a desperate hug.
"Please don't hate us, Nee-Chan!" Akira cried.
"We didn't mean to hurt your feelings!" Aiko said.
You hugged them tenderly, holding them close.
"I would never hate you, Akira, Aiko. Just remember to keep the secret."
They nodded frantically against your shoulders, and you petted their hair.
You pulled away, kissing their heads in turn.
You smiled lovingly. "Let's get on the ice."
.o0o.
Oh, you missed the feeling.
The feeling of gliding like an eagle in the sky, not a care in the world. The cool air hitting your cheeks and throwing back your ponytail.
Oh, you loved it.
You skated back and forth, turning and twisting like you used to. You were a bit rusty and very much out of practice, but you hadn't lost your touch in the slightest and that delighted you beyond what you could imagine.
You turned, skating backwards in the rink, watching as the twins, still nervous and skeptical, watched you in awe.
You smiled, beckoning them to join with a graceful sweep of your hand, lifting your arms over your head as you prepared to jump.
Here it came. The speed. The crouch. The kick. The jump.
The spin-
The land.
You made the land of your triple axel, arms spread wide, your knee bent in a squat to keep your balance as you spun, building your momentum again.
"Woah! Nee-Chan!" You heard applause from the twins and you turned to face them, simply glowing.
"Did you see that?" You asked excitedly. "I landed it!"
"That was so cool! We wanna do that like you one day!"
You smiled. "You can! I'll teach you."
You remembered what Sero-San had said about ice skating on your channel, and you took it to heart.
"Okay," you said. "All you have to do is stand on the ice. Like this. Look at my feet-my ankles. They are right under me. My knees are slightly bent, my ankles are straight. See? This lets you stand solidly on the ice. Now come on you two. I'll help you get on."
The twins were whimpering as Aiko shoved Akira in front of him, trying to get out of it. She screamed, but you caught her.
"Stand up, on two legs, both legs underneath you," you reminded quickly, adjusting your position to keep both of you balanced. "I've got you."
"I'm scared!"
"Don't be scared, remember when you were here before? You loved skating with me. That's what it'll be like."
Akira whimpered again, waving her arms around and throwing her torso back and forth to regain balance. You held her middle firmly, ensuring her safety.
"Now make sure your legs are under you...ankles straight...knees slightly bent…"
You kept holding her.
"No, keep your back straight. Shoulders back...don't bend your knees too much… Ankles straight, remember. Good…."
You let go of your little sister, showing her that she was standing on her own.
She was still unsure, but you watched her face lighten as she realized she was standing.
"Okay, Aiko, I'm going to show her how to step, then I'll help you, okay?"
He nodded quickly, looking at his sisters in awe.
"Okay, Akira, look." You stepped away from her, stepping directly up and down, almost like a march. "This is how you step. Keep your stance, lift your leg, bend at the knee-do it with me." you reached and held her hand, letting her lift her leg and heavy foot. "Good! Good job. Now step down, like this...Great! Now the other leg...Up...down...Look Akira! You're stepping!"
Soon enough, the two of them were marching across the ice, Akira's face lit up as if by a candle.
You walked an entire lap with her, then turned to her. "Now, I want you to walk to me. Remember your stance, and your steps. Aiko, are you watching?!"
"Yes!"
"Good! You're next!"
You skated away from your sister. "Walk across the rink. Don't skate yet, just walk, okay? If you lose your balance, it's okay."
She looked nervous, but excited. She remembered her steps, diligently stepping toward you like you showed her.
"Look up at me, Akira."
She looked at you, and walked toward you.
You felt immense pride when she made it to you after only losing balance once, and she didn't even fall.
You caught her, laughing and smiling. "That was amazing! I'm so proud of you!"
"I did it!"
"You did!" You hugged her tightly. You pulled away and grabbed her hands. "Get in your stance. I'm going to see if you can skate with me. I'll show you. You're next, Aiko! I'm not leaving you behind, don't worry!"
"Okay, Nee-Chan!"
You looked at Akira. "Now, remember the walk?"
She nodded.
"Now, keep that stance, and instead of walking, keep your ankles straight," you demonstrated, "and push with your skate. Push out, like this."
You skated away with a single push of your right skate, resuming the stance. "Push," you said again, pushing with your left.
You turned around on a dime, showing her how to push again coming toward her, then stopping.
"Now hold my hand...And push. And push."
And she was skating.
They skated around the rink once before she let go of her sister.
"Okay, now you stay there while I teach Aiko, okay?"
"'Kay!"
You noticed as Aiko stood on the ice, that he seemed much more easy with the ice-like how you were when you first started skating. Granted, you were almost four years younger when you first skated, but he seemed much more confident after seeing his sister do it.
His stances were near perfect, and he walked gracefully across the ice-holding tightly to your hand, of course, but he caught on much more quickly than his twin sister did.
He was skating by the second lap without much instruction.
"See? It's not hard at all!"
You showed them how to stop-by sliding both your skates outwards, then how to fall without hurting themselves when they couldn't stop correctly. You settled with them that they would learn this and practice it before learning anything else. It took lots of time and practice to get to your level, you said. But that didn't matter to them. They loved the quality time, they loved the instruction, they loved the ice.
They were skating on their own by the end of it, making fun of eachother, racing, trying to push each other down and seeing them lose their balance then regain it.
They fell only a few times as you skated across on your own accord, making jumps and loops and spinning…
This liberating feeling.
Oh, how you missed it.
It was almost as if you weren't getting married by the end of the month, that you weren't worried about Father spiking your drink or Mother's pregnancy.
And then the worry hit you. Just as you kicked off, trying to pull a quad lutz.
You jumped, missed your last turn, and fell.
"Nee-Chan!"
You barely pulled yourself together as the twins raced towards you on the ice, awkwardly falling on their knees to make sure you were okay.
"How'd you fall?" One asked.
"Are you okay?" said the other.
"I'm alright, I promise," you said, smiling gently at them. "Sometimes big falls happen like that, and you just have to get up and try again. Another good teaching lesson, here. This is how you stand up…"
And as you showed them how to stand, you knew that the technique didn't only apply to your preferred sport.
It applied to you.
.o0o.