Talking over ice

A/N: In between school and working on books, I'm still gonna continue this. Hope you enjoy.

Shadow had never met Krystal and Fox McCloud until now. He knew Mei and Krystal knew each other, but other than that he had never really spoken to the coaching couple. And when he did, he wasn't expecting an apology.

"We'll take full responsibility for them contacting you," Fox said. "We understand you're retired and—."

"I. . .I want to do it," Shadow interrupted, folding his hands together in his lap. "As long as I have time to practice and. . .how big will the crowd be?"

"Not too large, but you are a local favorite," Krystal answered, putting a hand on his shoulder. "That might have people come pouring in once we get flyers out unless you'd rather remain anonymous."

"I'd rather surprise them," he said, shrugging. Shadow looked out at the skating rink for a moment, remembering the first time he ever skated in his life. He was thirteen, upset at something his step-mom said with the best intentions and, looking back, he was more trouble than he was worth. And yet, being out there, underdressed for ice skating in general, calmed him. Granted, he had fallen more than he could count and his step-mom soon found him, but let him be.

It looked like he was enjoying himself, she'd said. And eventually, both of his step-parents started showing up to watch him after school or when the season was right. He met Mei after his first competition and the rest was history. The Ice King moniker was born and two years ago. . .

He at least wanted to try again.

"Well," Fox started, grinning. "Let's hope those two go easy on you."

Shadow nodded, standing up to leave. "Thank you for this opportunity." He said, shaking their hands and leaving.

He had a week to prepare and car oil changes to do.

Sandy entered the hospital room, closing the door behind her with her foot. "Ya got another get well basket." She said, putting it on the nearby desk and glancing at Static. "What's up?" it looked like he was about to cry.

"I wanted to skate with Shadow too," he mumbled, pushing his cafeteria jello around. "This sucks."

"Oh. If it makes ya feel any better this one's from him. He asked me to drop it off since he wanted to get used to the ice again." She replied, messing with Static's hair. "You have awful bed hair."

"At least I don't cling to people when I'm asleep," he joked. "Do you remember when we went to sleep away camp and—."

"You got caught after curfew with Sven."

"That wasn't my fault he couldn't find his way to the bathroom."

Sandy laughed, sitting on the edge of the hospital bed. "Says the guy with the crush on the Ice King."

"You do too." He replied, rolling his eyes. "Have you guys started the routine yet?"

"We're workin' on it. How's your ankle?"

Static frowned for a moment and put his tray aside. "I can't wait to be out of here, but the doctor said I'm gonna need crutches for a while." He answered.

Sandy nodded, messing with the buttons on her coat.

"What'd you do?" Static asked. Sandy always messed with something whenever she felt guilty or nervous.

She hummed, looking at the floor. "I may or may not have told Clara about your substitute." She replied, finally looking at him.

"Well, as long as—."

"Nazo knows too."

Static groaned. If there was one person he didn't want to know about Shadow subbing for him, it was Nazo. Granted, he liked the guy as a skater and a person but, for some reason, Nazo had a rivalry with Shadow even before figure skating. The story wasn't clear with them except they knew each other. . .and, it was friendly competition at first.

"You think he let it go after all this time?" Static asked, foolishly hopeful.

"Probably not. I don't get it though n it ain't my place to pry. Ask him yerself." Sandy said, waving a dismissive hand.

"Wow, not even my best friend would snoop for me?"

"No, now try n get some rest. You need it. I'm goin' to the rink to practice."

Static hummed in response, turning the tv on after she left. He might as well ask Shadow himself.