This Is Me

Part 44

Mark coaxed Sean up to his feet to thank the crowd. So, rising to his feet, he waved to the audience with the brightest smile he had. As the stadium crew rushed out to clear the ice of flowers and plushies, the announcer addressed the crowd cheerfully. "This concludes the first stage. Please help yourselves to the concession stands for our brief intermission. When the ice is cleared, and the skaters are ready. We will do our half-time show and then move into the second stage. Congratulations to our six finalists!" Sean's heart was flipping and racing around his ribcage. He was so excited and energized that he thought he might burst at the seams! Mark wrapped an arm around him to escort him back to the locker room, reminding him calmly. "Alright, so far so good. They'll be dismissing those that didn't make top six. As long as your second routine is as good as that first one, we'll make it to top three and move into the World Championships." Sean nodded, still practically bouncing back to the locker room.

Walking into the locker room, the veteran skaters that they were close too all rushed up to congratulate him. Sean high-fived Nate, fist bumped Felix, and chatted with others excitedly. He couldn't believe he had pulled it off. Upon glancing at Mark, he saw him watching all the other veterans and young skaters with sharp eyes. He recognized that look and immediately his smile faded. Breaking off from the other skaters politely, he approached Mark and asked wearily. "Mark... What is wrong?" Mark shrugged nonchalantly, replying naturally. "Nothing. Let's get you changed." Sean crossed his arms over his chest, sternly retorting. "Mark. You either tell me... Or I am putting this ring down the sink." It was a lie, but he had said it convincing enough for Mark to snap out of his guarded look. With a heavy sigh, Mark pulled him closer and whispered over his shoulder discreetly. "It's Quintin. He's not happy. While you were on the ice... He said some things that have me worried... Sean, we need to be careful."

Sean shrugged, stating out casually. "Let's inform the judges. If you think he meant us harm, then we should get them disqualified." Mark shook his head, grimly uttering out. "You know it doesn't work like that. We don't have proof. It would just be our word against his. And my word... The ISU will not believe me. Not after what I did. Which is why I'm worried. He could turn this on me again..." Sean shook his head confidently, answering firmly. "No. Not if I defend you. Not if the others defend your character." Mark shrugged, uttering out softly. "I hope you are right. But Sean, this half-time show... This will be Rasputin's chance to cause an... accident on the ice. Since you weren't out there for the warm-up. This little in between warm-up show could turn lethal. Watch him. Don't let him get too close. If his blades get in range of you... Rasputin or the younger skaters might try something to remove you from the board." Sean smirked, chuckling to break the tension. "Just another day in cutthroat competitions." Mark didn't show any trace of humor. A clear sign that he was very worried. Touching the sides of Mark's neck, he lovingly told him with a warm smile. "I'll stay alert out there. I'll trust no one."

Matthew moved closer to them, chuckling out. "Don't worry. I'll be watching him closely." They both looked to Matthew who lifted a handheld camera with a smile. Smirking, Matthew told them casually. "All eyes on you, Sean. Just in case a few camera men are paid to look the other way." Mark finally smiled with a flicker of relief. Matthew leaned back against a locker, adding to them with a more serious expression. "Plus... I'm hoping to prove a theory that I have. So, to do that. Do me a favor. If Rasputin does gun for you... stay in range of him. Let him chase you." Mark shook his head, snapping out. "NO! Teasing him will only make things worse! We can't risk that." Felix moved closer to them to sit on the bench, interjecting casually. "Nate and I will be out there. We'll shake the dogs off the Leprechaun if they get too close." Mark still shook his head, until Matthew slipped in under his breath. "It is a risk... but trust me." Matthew's eyes drifted to a few ease dropping younger skaters.