Songs For Us [English Version]

Seventeen. Two champions.

By 0.22 the Free program bronze medal was hers, but it was Anna Pogorilaya who was standing on the podium. She knew the mistakes in the SP had a lot to do with that, but the bomb wouldn't explode until the night was over. In the meantime, she stood next to the rink's entrance with some other skaters -mainly the Russian ladies.

"Leah, give me my 'good luck' hug" Nathan said to her backstage. "Your Free was impressive. Inspiring! Now I'm ON and ready to own it!"

Nathan was, Dalia remembered, fifth after the Short -almost repeating her story.

"I have one request, Nath. Let me see that quad Lutz of yours at its best. It comes from a Lutz-lover skater."

"A rarity" he laughed, then his face became serious. "Don't look away, the expert's gonna show you more than his super quad Lutz"

"Don't be a jerk" she joked. "Just strike to do what makes you the happiest"

He nodded, smiling before leaving with his coach.

"Enana, stop encouraging the enemy" Javier complained, hugging her from behind. "And what is that 'good luck hug' thing? Why is it that I don't have one?"

Dalia turned and pulled him down, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

"This is my good luck hug, Javi. I don't know if it works, but please go out there and do your best as always, Superjavi"

"Thanks, Dal. By the way, we all saw the most gorgeous star shining bright on that ice today. You were magnificent"

At the other side of the hallway, Shoma looked like he was about to rip his fingers off -and even though his face was expressionless, she could recognize an anxious habit right away.

Shoma's eyes met hers and he nodded politely.

"Ganbarou" she said, and just like Yuzuru, his eyes lighted up when he heard his native tongue. "You look great in that costume" she smiled.

Shoma pointed at himself, a little confused for a second.

"Arigatou, Dalia-san" He bowed. "I... uhm..." He showed her one finger and pointed at the rink. "Skate... dai-ichi?"

They looked at each other, the language barrier standing between them. Luckily, she could count to 20 in Japanese.

"You skate first" she said and Shoma nodded, tilting his head a little. "Anxious? Worried?"

Shoma was fine with easy English words, the main problem was his vague answers, sometimes completely in Japanese. But from time to time, she 'd caught him giggling at her jokes. It was difficult, not impossible.

"A bit"

"Well, I know you have something special in you". Please let him understand me, she prayed silently. "You can do it. Daiyobudesuyo"

He nodded like a little kid and one curly strand of hair fell out of place. Annoyed, he pushed it off his forehead but it fell back right away.

"May I help?" Shoma stared at her, confused but Dalia pointed at her own rebel hair. "I have experience"

"Oh. Onegai-shimasu"

His hair was soft and cute, free spirited like hers, but unlike hers, he looked extremely cute with messy hair – boys things.

///

She was brushing Sho's hair with her fingers, and he gave her a surprised face when she was done.