[AU][C] Ice Angels

Dick's frown deepened.

It was a little hard to hear the person who inspired him to skate was so harsh.

"The way you handled those girls today - that wasn't failing."

Dick was not experienced with kids or how to handle them. Anyone that could, in his eyes, were talented. Especially in a way that encourages them to progress. They all left - including their mother - with a smile on their faces. Even the one that fell.

"He doesn't approve of me teaching children."

A melancholy smile upturned her lips. "And I suppose I don't blame him for his reasoning behind that."

She shrugged. "But then, he's wanted me to hang my skates up for the past decade."

He turned, breaking her hold on him.

"He doesn't approve of you teaching children?"

That was absurd.

Sure you don't benefit from them winning large-scale competitions - even as they grow older. He doesn't even remember the name of his first coach.

Yet he was sure that there were other benefits from being a children's coach. Such as watching them grow and develop.

"And what? He want's you to hang up your skates?"

And that was even more absurd.

"You look horrified."

She patted his cheek gently.

"He has his reasons, Richard, and I they're good ones. Don't be tainted by that little show there. He is a good man." Even when she bitched about him doing typical ex-husband things.

"I am."

He hummed as she spoke. It was a little hard to with what he was hearing.

His skates slide in front of the other as he began to move again.

"Well, either way, I want us to prove to him that we can do this. I will be, how did he put it? "Great to grace the ice"?"

Giacinto smiled and pressed her hands to her hips.

"Yeah, I bet I could make you a great. You've got the determination for it."

She could so clearly see Dick as a great ice skater. He just needed to work a little more. She could definitely aid him with that.

He turned to face her, skating backward. A large grin on his face.

"Thanks."

Although he needed more than determination to win gold. But it was a start.

He turned around again, picking up the pace. He groaned a little at the ache in his legs.

"Ugh, I have to warm up again."

Spending fifteen minutes warming up then another ten celebrating with Giacinto meant he only had twenty minutes until the ice was cleared for the Saturday's free skate. Saturday's free skate was equivalent to hell.

She laughed.

"I'm going to head on out. I don't usually stay around for long on Saturdays."

She skated slowly towards the gate.

"See you on Tuesday, Richard."