Fire meets Ice

Home.

Blake left the community center, the autumn breeze ruffling her hair as she approached her motorbike. Her helmet snug on her head, she revved the engine and sped off into the twilight, the city lights flickering to life around her. The ride home was her time to unwind, to let the day's tension slip away.

Her apartment was modest but cozy, a sanctuary from the world's chaos. As she walked through the door, two Doberman Pinschers, Pumpkin and Jet bounded up to greet her, their tails wagging furiously. "Hey, guys," she said, kneeling to give them both a good scratch behind the ears. "Miss me?"

She fed them quickly, filling their bowls with precision before heading to her room. There, she changed into shorts and baggy crop top and put on her glasses, the transition from dancer to student almost seamless. Her AP Biology textbook awaited her on the desk, pages marked with sticky notes and highlighted passages.

With a sigh, she settled into her chair, pushing aside the fatigue that threatened to overwhelm her. Her mind shifted gears, focusing on cellular respiration and genetic mutations. Her dogs lay at her feet, their presence a comforting reminder that she wasn't alone.

A couple of hours later, Blake stretched her arms over her head and glanced at the clock. Realizing it was time, she grabbed her phone and opened the FaceTime app, scrolling through her contacts until she found her brother’s name. Matteo was studying abroad in Paris, and despite the distance, they made it a point to catch up as often as possible.

The phone rang, and after a few moments, her brother's face appeared on the screen. "Hey, shortass!" he greeted, his voice warm and familiar.

"Hey, smartass ! How's France treating you?" she asked, her smile broadening.

"It's amazing, but I miss home," he admitted. "What's new with you?"

Blake leaned back in her chair, her dogs shifting slightly at her feet. "Well, I have a couple of new shows coming up. We’re doing a big performance at the end of the month, and I’ve got a solo in it. Plus, there's this new piece I’m working on that’s really challenging but exciting."

"That sounds well boring but im so happy for you," he said, his tone teasing. "I wish I could be there to see you fall on your ass."

"and you wonder why i always hang up," she replied, her tone joking but then turning serious. "It’s been hectic balancing everything with school. AP Biology is no joke."

Matteo laughed. "I can imagine. You always were the overachiever."

"Look who's talking, Mr. Studying Abroad on a Full Scholarship," Blake said laughing.

They chatted for a while longer, sharing stories and catching up on each other's lives. As they spoke, the earlier encounter with Alec drifted into her mind. She found herself mentioning it almost without thinking. "Oh, and I met this guy today. Kind of awkward, but... interesting."

Matteo raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Do tell."

Blake laughed, recounting the brief but memorable interaction. "He’s a hockey player. Totally different world from mine, but there was something about him."

"Sounds like imma have to fly back and kick some ass," Matteo said, grinning. "Just take it slow, okay?"

"Always," Blake promised. "Anyway, I should probably get back to my studies. Can't let AP Bio get the best of me."

"Good luck with that," Matteo said. "And keep me posted on everything. I want to hear all about your shows."

"Will do," Blake assured him. "Talk soon, Matteo. Love you."

"Love you too, Blake. Take care."

As the call ended, Mia felt a wave of contentment wash over her. She adjusted her glasses and turned back to her textbook, the words blurring slightly as she thought about the day, she closes the book and laptop heading to bed, brushing her teeth and putting her hair in her silk bonnet. The world faded out her mind and body falling asleep.

// Meanwhile with Alec//

Alec left the community center, the autumn air brisk against his skin as he walked to his Mercedes-Benz SUV. The sleek, black vehicle stood out against the backdrop of falling leaves. He tossed his gear in the back and slid into the driver’s seat, the familiar scent of leather and cologne enveloping him. The drive home was a blur of city lights and quiet streets, his thoughts drifting back to the dancer he had just met.

His apartment was a stark contrast to Blake's cozy abode. Modern and spacious, it was a testament to his success on the ice. Alec parked and headed inside, greeted immediately by a soft meow. "Hey, Leo," he said, bending down to scratch behind the ears of his tabby cat. Leo purred contentedly, weaving around his legs.

Alec set down his bag and made his way to the kitchen, pulling out a can of cat food. He filled Leo’s bowl, the cat eagerly digging in. "There you go, buddy," he said, smiling at the sight.

Changing into workout clothes, Alec headed to his home gym. He started with some light stretching before moving on to a series of strength training exercises. The rhythmic repetition was both a physical challenge and a mental release. Each lift, each push, helped clear his mind, though thoughts of Blake kept sneaking in.

After an hour, he was drenched in sweat, his muscles pleasantly aching. He wiped his face with a towel, feeling the endorphins coursing through him. He showered quickly, the hot water a welcome relief, then dressed in comfortable loungewear.

As he settled on the couch, Leo jumped up beside him, curling into a ball. Alec absentmindedly stroked the cat's fur, his mind drifting back to the community center, to the music, to the dancer who had captured his attention.

"Who knew dance could be so captivating, Leo?" he mused aloud. Leo meowed in response, as if in agreement.

Alec grabbed his phone and opened his calendar, noting the upcoming games and practices. Yet, his mind kept wandering back to Blake. He found himself wondering what she was doing, if she was thinking about their encounter as much as he was.

Little did he know, across town, Blake was thinking about him too, her thoughts drifting to the intense yet curious ice hockey player who had unexpectedly entered her life. Their paths had crossed, and though they didn't know it yet, this was just the beginning of a story that would intertwine their lives in ways neither could foresee.

~ Bebe ~