Eight: What if Axel was there

Episode: Lord of the rink.

Crushes were embarrassing. Especially if the older sibling knew about it.

And Axel did.

"I know you're only doing ice dancing to be with Princess Sofia Baby Bro," the older brother smiled, ruffling his brother's hair. "If you want to do it, that's fine. Not for a girl."

"It's not just for Sofia," Hugo scoffed, his cheeks a bright pink. "I enjoy ice dancing more than I do hockey."

"Alright. But I'll be watching you from the sidelines. Next to a tree."

"I didn't know Axel would be coming here today," Sofia smiled, brushing off imaginary snow off her sweater.

The embarrassed prince glanced at Axel who waved as Sofia waved back.

"He thinks I have a crush on you," Hugo muttered, taking her hand. "Come on. Let's get some practice in."

"Hugo, you're not the only one with an embarrassing sibling. I told Mom and Dad about practicing with you yesterday and my cheeks turn crimson, only for Amber to make it worse by saying I have a crush on you. Amber of all people."

"At least it wasn't in public. That's something to be thankful for."

As Axel observed the two on the ice, he noticed how gentle his baby brother was with the youngest princess of Enchancia. Especially after the sixth or seventh time she had fallen onto the ice itself, resulting in a purple bruise on her face.

Let alone the increasing blush on Hugo's face.

"Oh this'll hurt in the morning," Sofia groaned as Hugo helped her up.

"You're getting better," he smiled, making sure she was okay. "You just need to keep up your balance."

"That's a bit um difficult. You've just started ice dancing and you've gotten it down perfectly."

"All thanks to his big bro," Axel smiled, coming up to them. "Hugo, the sun's setting. We promised Mother we'd be home before dark."

"Oh I forgot!" Hugo groaned at the realization. He turned to Sofia with a smile. "But before we leave..."

He kissed her non bruised cheek as Sofia turned crimson at the unexpected kiss, causing Axel to chuckle warmly.

"Knew you had a crush on her Hugo. That's one thing you can't hide from your big bro."