No, no, no , no, NO. There is no way that I'm going in there. As long as Yuri's in there. I stand outside of the local skating rink, arguing with myself. I knew that if I didn't go in, it'd ruin my chance of going to competitions. Sighing, I open the door and walk into the building.

     When I enter the rink area, I stop in my tracks. Standing in front of me was the legendary Viktor Nikiforov. "Ah, Yuri. Your partner's here," he says in an accent that the other two Russians have. I feel my face heat up, knowing I must look like a fool just standing here.

      "Ta da?" I utter. Amber, no! You're standing face to face with only the best figure skater in history, and all you can say is 'ta da'?!?
"Ha! I like you already. I have a feeling that you and Yuri will do great!" Viktor says with a clap. "So, what do you say? Should we see what you can do?"

      When my blade connected with the ice, an exhilarating sensation flowed throughout my body. This happens every time I skate, so it didn't bother me. I push myself to the middle of the ice, and start my short program.

     The familiar tune of 'Gypsy Rhapsody' plays over the speakers, and I begin. I start my program with some footwork, and I follow my routine. Weaving my feet and swaying my body to the beat of the violin, I must've looked somewhat graceful. I didn't feel like that, instead I felt stress weighing down on me, crushing my chest.
After my intro, I move onto the middle of my routine. I propel myself forward, swaying and curving around the rink, making large sweeping motions with my arms.

     After the small mesmerizing dance, I jump into the air, spinning.
It felt like I was in the air for an eternity. My feet connected with the ice with a large jolt that shook my core. I lift my leg up so I was in a position that put me in a straight line. The pose strained my leg, but that was normal. I maintain my form until my combination came up. The combination that screwed me up so many times.

      Knowing I was going to face a suffering defeat, I prepared myself. I skid forward, and fly up into the air, hoping I performed the triple toe loop and triple salchow combination. I could feel the rotation, and slowed my momentum down to perform the salchow.

     As I did the previous jump, I successfully landed the salchow. Viktor clapped, and I delved into my step sequence.

     This is the tricky part, I think to myself​ as I perform a half spin, triple flip and double toe loop. I then jump up into the air, and bend my right knee, grabbing my left skate, curving my body to gain momentum, and spin. I then raise myself up, and grab the toe of my skate, still spinning. I put my right hand into the air, and spin.

     Next, I tuck my body in, and bend my leg so the toe of my skate hooks on my leg. I grab the skate on my leg, and raise it so my thigh nearly touches my head.
I swing my leg down, and spin in a circle, the world going by in a blur. When the music comes to it's end, I strike the last pose, and pant for air.

     "Krasivyy!" Viktor shouts while clapping. He must've forgotten that I don't speak Russian, but it obviously meant something good because Yuri spat a bit. "Now, if you just keep that up for competition, you should be in good shape," Viktor says. I grin for the first time today.

     Yuri skates to Agape, his program for this year. He was impressive, and it almost appeared that he was floating on the ice. His jumps and spins were flawless, and even through his concentrated face, I could see that he was barely putting effort into his program.

      When he finished, I found myself clapping. I stop when I realize what I was doing.

      "I have an idea for your long program," Viktor says after watching our skating. Yuri and I sat on opposite sides of the room, ignoring each other. "Your song will be 'Canon'," Viktor announces. "The idea is that you two are lovers that soon have to part from each other. The story takes place in their final days together. Now listen to it and tell me what you hear."

      Upon finishing the audio, Yuri is the first to answer. "There's a sense of sadness yet hopefulness for the future." I look at him, surprised that he answered it. He must've seen my confused face because he shrugs.
      
      "I actually participate in this stuff. That's what makes us different, Cheeseburger."
     
      I glare back at him. If looks could kill, this one would pierce his soul. "You also know what sets us apart" I ask.
"What?"
"I don't like a skater that's the same gender as me,"
"Are you referring to Otabeck?"
"Mhmm,"
"I don't like him!"
"That's not what your fanbase says." He scowls at me and turns back to Viktor who's giving us a disapproving look. "I have a feeling that you need a bonding day. Perhaps a date night," he says while looking off into space.
   
     "No way!" I yell with Yuri. "There is no way I'm going to be seen with Girly-Boy in public!" I shout, beckoning towards my partner.
     
      "Yes, you are. Practice is dismissed," Viktor says, and turns towards his laptop. I roll my eyes and turn around.
    
       When I return home, I flip onto my bed and turn my phone on. I had one text from Yuri. I felt my heart drop, and I prepare for the insults that he possibly had in store.
    
       I click on the messaging app, and open his text.
Sent 5:28
Hey, Cheeseburger. Where do you wanna go for lunch tomorrow?
   
    I smile and type in my response.