Dancing in the moonlight: (KowalskixKingJulien) requested by LulaPanda

Chapter 4

When Kowalski was able to catch up with him, he notices the poor guy sitting in one of the benches and walks over to him.

"Hi there. Mind if I join you?" Kowalski asked, politely.

Julien immediately notices his presence and turns away from him, embarrassed.

"What do you want?" Julien asked, rudely.

"I just want to talk." Kowalski said.

"What's there to talk about? You hardly even know me. Did Maurice put you up to this?" Julien asked, harshly.

"No, I came up here by myself because I was getting concerned for you." Kowalski explained.

"About what? If you can't skate, then that's fine, I don't care. Maurice will understand. He can get me another partner real quick and it won't even be a problem. You don't have to feel obligated to do anything just because I'm injured." Julien insisted in a grumpy tone.

"No, that's not, it at all. I just want to see if there's anything I can do to help you." Kowalski offered.

"Ha! How can you help me, when I can't even help myself?! I mean look at me, I'm supposed to be good at axel jumps. But I let my guard down for one second and....Bam! I fell down and hurt my ankle. I practice and practice. Day and night, every single day. And for what? Just so that I can fail and embarrass myself?! I'm a mess." Julien expressed in frustration while shaking his head, hopelessly.

Kowalski then started to chuckle a little and sat next to him on the bench, since they are now talking anyways.

"I don't think you're a mess. You just missed one move, that's all. Practice isn't always about trying to being perfect. It's about improving the skills that you already have to give yourself a better advantage of being successful on your own terms." Kowalski advised.

"Ah, geez. You sound like my coach. Do you want to marry him too?" Julien asked sarcastically as the two looked at each other for a second before bursting into laughter.

"Haha. Well, let me see what I can do about your ankle first, before we consider being partners." Kowalski said with a small smile.

"Partners? Are you sure that this is what you really want to do?" Julien asked, who was now a little uncertain about his decision.

He may be a spoiled child but never once felt like he had to take someone else away from their own time to help with his needs.

As far as he knew, he always learned how to take care of himself.

"Of course. I can always squeeze it in with my hectic schedule. A few patient cancellations and minor changes aren't going to hurt anyone. I'll even have my nurse take care of some of the procedures and medical checkups for me while I'm gone." Kowalski explained.

"Oh....thank you. This really means a lot to me....and my family." Julien thanked, lowering head with a small blush.

"No problem. Now, let's see if we can get back to the others so, that they know you're okay." Kowalski said while standing up and held out his arm to give him a hand.

At which, Julien nodded and grabbed his hand firmly enough to push his body up from the bench.

Kowalski then, wrapped his arm around his shoulder so that Julien can support himself and lean most of his weight over to Kowalski's side.

When they got back to the center of the rink, they can see their brothers from afar talking with Maurice as Julien shouts over, while the two slowly walk over to them.

"Hey Maurice!" Julien called out in a cheerful mood.

"What is it this time?" Maurice asked irritated, turning his head to the direction of the sound.

He was used to Julien's remarks and was waiting to hear him brag about something that he did not even care, until Julien's next words surprised him in shock.

"Guess what? He's going to be joining us for The National Olympics." Julien said with a huge grin that Maurice has never seen in his life.

"Ooo!" Mort and Private awed out at the same time, in glee.

"Well I'll be darn. We got ourselves a new recruit for the team then. Congratulations." Maurice said as he shook hands with Kowalski's free hand.

The group then, talked for a while until
Kowalski realized that they have to go home soon for dinner and they don't want to keep Skipper waiting.

So, Mort took over and place his arm around Julien to help elevate the ankle as they both waved goodbye to Private and Kowalski.

"Well partner, I guess I'll be seeing you around then." Julien said with a warm smile while
Kowalski started to blush as well.

"Y...yeah you too." Kowalski mumbled out, with his cheeks turning pink before Julien and Mort head outside to their family's limo.

Kowalski and Private were going to leave too, until Maurice stopped him.

"Wait, before you go, may I have a word with you for a moment?" Maurice asked Kowalski.

"Oh yeah, sure." Kowalski said as he turns to Private and pats him on the shoulder.

"You can go on ahead outside and start the car, Private. I'll be out there in a minute." Kowalski instructed as Private nodded his head and walked out of the building.

Once the others were out of sight, Maurice proceeded to talk.

"Look. I don't know what you did back there Doctor but, thanks. I haven't been able to see that kid smile in a long time." Maurice said, rubbing his neck in relief.

He was glad to have a lot of unnecessary stress off his back.

"No problem. I'm just happy to help." Kowalski said modestly.

"Of course and I know you mean well. But, can you promise me, one thing? No matter how much you argue or fight, please don't leave him on the sidelines. We can't afford to chase for any more replacements and the last thing he needs is to be disappointed. That kid really trusts you more than anyone else I've seen in my life and I think it'll do some good for him." Maurice said with a smile.

"Sure. I'll do my best." Kowalski said in a hopeful beam.

Which told Maurice that the two are going to get along, just fine.

"Alright well, you go home and get some rest then. When will you be available to come in for practice? Maurice asked.

"I can go in the mornings. Does 7:00 am sound good?" Kowalski asked.

"Yeah, I think we can work with that." Maurice agreed.

"Great, then I'll see you soon coach." Kowalski said as he waved goodbye to him and walked outside to meet up with his brother.