Chapter 10: Competition

Kirsch stood with Aunt Acier and Mimosa. He breathlessly waited for the judges to give his score. Since Mimosa's initial success in Women's Singles, she wanted to keep trying, so this allowed Kirsch to be free to go into Men's Singles on his own. Kirsch thought he nailed his performance. The one to beat was, of course, Jack the Ripper. Thankfully, Xerx had been banned and kicked out so no one had to see his annoying, gross face anymore.

Aunt Acier and Mimosa held his hands. As the rules of figure skating dictated, the performer and their crew had to keep stoic faces while the judges deliberated and announced the scores.

"Judges give Kirsch Vermillion a total score for the free program based on the international figure skating scoring system of 185.56," said the announcer.

"That's really good, honey," said Aunt Acier, in a whisper. "Second place in your first Singles isn't bad at all."

Jack the Ripper had beaten Kirsch with a score of 190.45. Though Kirsch was disappointed, it was still an amazing showing of Kirsch and his talents, in his opinion. Kirsch smiled at his Aunt and his sister.

He received his second-place medal, did a press briefing, and finally was allowed to leave an hour later. Aunt Acier took Mimosa home for him.

Kirsch walked to the locker room to put some street clothes on and hoped that the glitter would come off easily. He spotted a familiar head of red hair waiting outside the locker room. Kirsch's heart swelled with love and affection for his boyfriend.

A maskless Zora stood there in a proper suit and tie and with a bouquet of pink roses in his hands.

He's so handsome.

"Zora," said Kirsch, quickly reaching Zora's side and hugging him, despite the flowers. "You're lovely."

Zora chuckled. "Congrats. You worked so hard. Next time you'll win it all."

"Thank you," said Kirsch, kissing Zora on the cheek. "Let me get changed and we can go home."

"Good. I ordered your favorite Chinese takeout now that you don't have to diet," said Zora. "Should be there by the time we get back to my place."

"You're the best," said Kirsch, sighing happily. "I love you so much."

"What?" Zora asked, stunned.

"What?" Kirsch asked, startled. And then Kirsch realized that he just said he loved Zora. They hadn't said they loved each other yet, just often said "I like you." Kirsch suddenly felt a little nervous, biting his bottom lip. What if he was moving too soon? They had been together for almost a year. "Um. I love you, Zora."

"I love you too, Kirsch," said Zora, honestly. "So much. I just...you caught me off guard."

Kirsch kissed Zora quickly on the lips. "Want to hear a secret? I've loved you the entire time."

Zora grinned. "Oh? Really?"

"Hmmhmm," said Kirsch. "I just didn't want to scare you off. I love you, my Zora."

Zora kissed Kirsch again. The warm press of Zora's lips always made Kirsch feel like he was floating on air. "Sweetheart, let's go home."

"Yes, let's. I've got takeout waiting for me. And my handsome boyfriend to dote on," said Kirsch.

Zora hugged Kirsch and pinched his butt. "Go, get changed before we both get in trouble for "being inappropriate in the locker room" again."

Kirsch laughed. "Alright, darling." He went to walk into the locker room and said, slyly, "It's always worth it to get in trouble with you."

"Go, you tease, before we really do get in trouble," said Zora, amused.

Kirsch laughed again. He was so in love with Zora. And everyone knew it. Tonight was going to be a very good night.

~to be continued