Edge Of The Ice (On Going And Own Book)

Cold begging .14

The music flowed through the room, wrapping around Alex and Cass like a warm embrace as they launched into the final run-through of the routine. Cass's movements were fluid, each motion filled with intent and passion. Alex couldn’t help but mirror the energy, fully immersed in the moment.

“Focus on your heart,” Cass encouraged, their voice a gentle guiding force amidst the melody. “Let it lead you.”

As Alex skated alongside them, he tried to embody the spirit of the music. Every jump, every spin felt electrifying, pushing him beyond his usual boundaries. He caught a glimpse of Cass from the corner of his eye, their face lit up with pure joy, and it fueled his desire to keep improving.

With the final crescendo of the song building, Cass launched into an intricate spin, and Alex felt a surge of adrenaline course through him. He pushed himself to match their energy, executing a jump he’d been hesitant to try. As he soared through the air, he focused on Cass’s words. “Let it lead you.”

When he landed, he stumbled slightly but managed to regain his balance, laughter spilling from his lips as Cass skated over, their expression one of pure exhilaration.

“That was awesome!” Cass exclaimed, their eyes sparkling. “You nailed that jump!”

“I can’t believe I actually did it!” Alex grinned, the rush of adrenaline still pumping through him. “Thanks for the motivation!”

They both took a moment to catch their breath, the music fading into silence, but the energy in the room remained electric. Alex felt a warmth blossom in his chest as he looked at Cass, who was now slightly out of breath but beaming with pride.

“Seriously, you’re getting so good,” Cass said, their expression sincere. “You have a real talent for this.”

“Coming from you, that means a lot,” Alex replied, his heart racing. “I just hope I can keep up with you!”

“Trust me, you will,” Cass said, a playful glint in their eyes. “But let’s talk about that ice cream now! I’m pretty sure we earned it.”

“Definitely! You’ve worked hard, and I need to refuel after all that,” Alex said, laughing.

As they headed to the kitchen, Cass grabbed a few bowls and spoons, filling them with colorful scoops of ice cream. “You’re in for a treat. I have the best stash in the fridge,” they said, grinning mischievously.

“Your secret is safe with me,” Alex promised, the atmosphere feeling lighter with each passing moment.

They settled at the kitchen table, bowls in hand, and began to talk about their favorite flavors and the craziest things they’d ever done for ice cream. Cass’s stories were animated and full of laughter, and Alex found himself hanging on every word.

“Once, I tried to make my own ice cream. It was a disaster,” Cass said, rolling their eyes dramatically. “I ended up with this weird green concoction that tasted like toothpaste.”

“Green toothpaste ice cream?” Alex chuckled, nearly spilling his bowl. “How did that happen?”

“Don’t ask! It involved way too many ingredients and not enough sense,” Cass laughed, their cheeks slightly flushed with amusement. “But it was the best bad idea ever. We ended up laughing about it for hours.”

“Sounds like a perfect memory,” Alex said, feeling a warmth spread through him. He loved how Cass found joy in the little things, turning mishaps into moments of connection.

“Yeah, that’s what it’s all about, right?” Cass said, their tone turning a little more serious. “Making memories, even if they’re messy.”

“Absolutely,” Alex agreed, nodding. “It’s those moments that stick with you. They remind you of how far you’ve come.”

As they finished their ice cream, the conversation drifted to their dreams and aspirations. Cass shared their hopes for the upcoming competition, and Alex couldn’t help but admire their determination.

“What about you? What’s your big goal?” Cass asked, leaning forward, genuinely curious.

Alex paused, considering the question. “Honestly, I just want to improve. I want to be proud of what I do on the ice. And maybe… I don’t know, play for a college team someday?” He felt a bit vulnerable sharing that aspiration, but he trusted Cass.

“Dude, that’s an amazing goal!” Cass said, their enthusiasm infectious. “You’ve got the talent to make it happen. Just keep pushing yourself.”

“Thanks, Cass. That means a lot,” Alex replied, feeling a sense of validation.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, and before long, they found themselves laughing and teasing each other, the ice cream long forgotten. The atmosphere felt charged, filled with the promise of something more than just friendship.

After a while, Cass leaned back in their chair, a thoughtful expression crossing their face. “You know, I’m really glad we met. It’s nice to have someone who understands the struggles and the joy of skating.”

“Same here,” Alex said softly, feeling the weight of the moment. “You’ve changed how I feel about the sport.”

Cass smiled, their gaze steady. “And I’m really glad you’re a part of my life. You bring something special to the table.”

The sincerity of their words struck Alex like a bolt of lightning. He felt a rush of emotions bubbling up, a mix of gratitude and something deeper, something that left him feeling both elated and terrified.

“What if…?” Alex started, but the words caught in his throat.

“What if what?” Cass asked, their curiosity piqued.

He took a deep breath, summoning his courage. “What if we could be more than friends?”

The air in the room seemed to thicken, the question hanging between them, fragile yet charged with possibility. Cass's eyes widened, and for a moment, everything felt suspended in time.

“More than friends?” Cass echoed, their voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” Alex said, his heart pounding as he spoke. “I mean, I really like you, Cass. Like, more than just as a friend.”

The silence that followed felt deafening, and Alex’s stomach twisted with uncertainty. Had he crossed a line? Would this ruin what they had?

Cass's expression shifted, a mix of surprise and contemplation playing across their features. “I… I didn’t know you felt that way,” they finally said, their voice soft.

Alex felt a rush of vulnerability wash over him, and he quickly added, “But if you don’t feel the same, it’s okay. I just had to say it.”

But Cass was shaking their head slowly, a thoughtful look crossing their face. “No, it’s not that. I just didn’t expect it. I’ve felt a connection too, but I didn’t know if you were interested.”

“Really?” Alex asked, his heart racing at the thought.

“Yeah. I mean, I just didn’t want to ruin what we have,” Cass admitted, their cheeks flushed. “But I definitely like you, Alex. A lot.”

The relief that washed over Alex was overwhelming, and a grin spread across his face. “So… does that mean we can try?”

Cass’s smile mirrored his, and the tension in the air shifted into something warm and hopeful. “I’d like that.”

As they sat across from each other, the kitchen filled with the soft glow of the overhead light, Alex felt a sense of clarity wash over him. He had taken a leap of faith, and it had led him to something beautiful.

“Alright then,” Cass said, their tone lightening as they broke the moment with a laugh. “Let’s figure this out together. But first, we should probably clean up this ice cream mess.”

“Definitely,” Alex agreed, chuckling as they both got up to tidy the table, but the connection between them lingered, a soft undercurrent of excitement and new beginnings.

As they worked side by side, laughter spilling into the air, Alex realized that the night had transformed in a way he had never anticipated. The friendship he had found with Cass had deepened into something even more meaningful, and he couldn’t wait to see where it would lead.