Trials and Tribulations

A/N: Once summer's started maybe I'll finally finish this.

Sandy bit her lip, going through the skating routine one more time. The competition was only a few days away and it still felt like she was missing something. She was still worried about Static even though he told her his physical therapy was going well and he should be back on the ice by next week.

Maybe, maybe if she hadn't botched that sit spin during practice then he wouldn't have needed a trip to the hospital. Sandy sighed, slowing to a stop and turning the music off. She hadn't visited him in the past few days because she was practicing, but it wouldn't hurt to see him.

"Oh relax, it was an accident." Static said the minute she walked in. "you have that look on your face like everything's your fault when it isn't." he continued, patting the empty side of the hospital bed. "I'll be back to annoying you at the apartment tomorrow anyway."

"Remind me to buy ice then," she said, sitting next to Static. "we only have a few days left."

"I know," Static said, shifting in bed. "I'll make sure to be there."

Sandy nodded, leaning against him. "You think Shadow'll be alright? It's his first performance after two years and you know the rink'll be sold out 'cause of it." She said, messing with her scarf.

"I'm sure he'll be fine. Worry about yourself first."

Shadow groaned, clutching his knee. This wasn't the time for it to act up. He winced, curling into himself as the door to his room opened.

Rune barked, taking the towel Shadow tied to the drawer and pulled it open. The houndoom rooted around, dropping a bottle of pain pills next to his owner.

"Thanks buddy." Shadow mumbled, unfurling long enough to take two with a bottle of water. He sighed, frowning at his left knee.

Rune looked at his owner, tongue lolling out as Shadow pet him. He huffed, tail wagging as he climbed into bed next to Shadow.

Mei sighed, walking further into the house. Rune let her in and then dashed off to the back which meant Shadow was having one of his episodes. She quietly slipped in the room as Shadow leaned against the pillows.

"Hey," he mumbled, biting his lip. "Rune let you in?"

Mei nodded, sitting in the chair beside the bed. "If I had known it was this bad, I wouldn't have agreed to let you skate."

Shadow blinked, gripping the cover as he opened his mouth to speak. "I don't want to let those two down."