"Doing it? No," I say, shoulders relaxing a bit as he reaches for my hand. I told it tightly in my own and let out a breath, feeling the slight panic dissipate. We start to move together, just slow and easy across the rink, and I look down at the ice. "Not-- not that I looked down on it or anything. Those guys are real athletes, no doubt about that."

I've seen a lot of figure skating in my life, just because so much of it was spent on ice. It's amazing the way that some of them can move, and all the power they possess. It's far more delicate than hockey, but no less disciplined. And definitely not any easier, I'm sure. I look over at Bits with a crooked, wistful smile and shrug one shoulder. "It just-- uh, it wasn't in my plan, you know?"