Anger Management [Meloghia]

Chapter 43: Hearts On Ice

"It's been years since I've been on the ice." Fugo glided past Melone talking in a carefree tone but Melone was too focused on not falling on his ass to be able to respond.

The rink wasn't very full but other people were here, mostly mothers with their young children. School would be in session now and most adults were still at work. Some skated about, perhaps on their lunch hour. Melone clung to the wall as he tried to step onto the ice. Ghiaccio glided towards him and stopped with a twirl. He smiled and held out his hand.

"Need some help?" he chuckled. Melone looked at him and then back at the wall. He stretched out his hand and gripped Ghiaccio for balance. He was firm and steady even though Melone continued to wobble as he pushed off the wall, then he pitched forward into Ghiaccio, but his arms were strong and held his weight. It was like nothing could shake Ghiaccio's impeccable equilibrium. Melone wrapped his arms around his boyfriend's waist for better stability. Ghiaccio was soft and warm in his woven white turtleneck sweater; Melone didn't want to leave his embrace. "I can't skate with you wrapped around me like this."

"I don't wanna fall," Melone whined.

"I told you I'm not going to let you fall, dummy. Just trust me." Ghiaccio looked into his eyes and smiled. Melone sighed and relented. Ghiaccio held his hands and tried to help him practice basic balance on the ice, so he could at least stand. It took a while and Fugo did circles around them. He didn't do any fancy spins, but he leaned into the sway as he turned corners that appeared fluid and controlled.

"You've never been skating before?" Fugo asked Melone.

"No, we didn't have a rink where I grew up," Melone said, his legs finally wobbling a bit less. His balance was improving. It reminded him of being on rollerblades.

"And where's that?" Fugo asked.

"A small town in France. You wouldn't have heard of it."

"I thought you were from Napoli?" Ghiaccio pointed out.

"I was born here, but after my parents separated, Mom moved us back to France for a while to be near family. We eventually went back once she got more established. She loved Italy but we couldn't afford to stay after the split."

"I'm sorry," Fugo said. Melone mustered a smile and pushed it down further.

"I don't care. I haven't seen him since I was eight." He waved his hand dismissively and grabbed Ghiaccio's hand again.

"FUGO! HOW THE FUCK ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO DO THIS?!" Narancia yelled from the other side. He was still lacing up his skates. Fugo flushed darkly as he saw angry mothers turning to glare at the young mafioso. Narancia had insisted upon coming like a little brother tagging along after his older sibling's friends. 

"Goddamn it," Fugo muttered to himself and skated away. He certainly was good. Better than Melone. Ghiaccio squeezed Melone's hand.

"I never knew that. About your parents," Ghiaccio said pensively. Melone looked at Ghiaccio. "You never talk about your family."

Melone cleared his throat and looked down at his skates. "Yeah, it's not something I like talking about."

"Yeah, I guess not. I hate talking about my dad too." Ghiaccio watched as Fugo pulled Narancia to his feet.

"I understand that," Melone said. He'd wanted to ask Ghia about his situation, but he knew that if Ghiaccio had asked him, Melone wouldn't be so forthcoming. He caught Ghiaccio staring.

"I mean, it's not a great story, but I'd be willing to tell you about it sometime if you want," Ghiaccio offered.

"You don't have to." He shifted his weight between the two blades keeping him on top of the ice.