Beyond work, there weren't many things Felix did for himself.

Ice skating acted as one of of those few treats.

He didn't remember when he first started-- maybe it was 8 years ago, maybe earlier. His memory only weakened the closer it rewinds back to his adolescence. But, whenever he did start, he never found a better form of escapism since.

Gliding across the ice, the man used the relatively empty rink to his advantage, soaring and leaping whenever given the chance. His skill were on the level of a well seasoned veteran, claiming the easier tricks of Olympic athletes, the only difference being the messiness of his delivery.

It wasn't until his third rotation that his eyes met the familiar hue of another's.

"Elisabeth Fiorelli?"

Elisabeth Fiorelli

"No, stay."

It was rare for him to willingly ask another to stay.

People were too often a nuisance for Felix-- especially on the rink-- but with Elisabeth... it was different, somehow. He couldn't really explain it, but whenever they encountered one another, it always felt as though he came out questioning the foundations of which he based most of his decisions off of. Logic, as he knew it, becomes moldable around her.

Brow raised; he found a question forming in his head. "When did you start ice skating again?"

From what he remembered, she mentioned it being an old hobby of hers as well. But, since arriving to Hoenn, their paths have failed to ever cross. Did she only start now?

Elisabeth Fiorelli

"Ah."

If she were using a pond to practice, their lack of encounters would make a lot more sense.

"You should come to the rink more, then. I could help you practice."

It was a rare thing for him to actively want to see someone, and it was even rarer for him to OFFER some level of assistance. But, as he already knew, his situation with Elisabeth Fiorelli was already far from normal.

Not that he minded it.

Gesturing to their right, Felix motioned for them to continue skating, side by side, as they spoke. Standing still only felt like a waste of time and space.

Elisabeth Fiorelli

The question confused him-- was he not the more experienced skater? There was no doubting Elisabeth's elegance on the ice, but that wasn't saying much, as there wasn't many things Felix could imagine her doing disgracefully.

"Yeah."

He gave a simple answer to an obvious question.

Accustomed to a more articulate form of skating, Felix was able to match his rhythm with hers rather easily. But, perhaps, that had more to do with the person than the technique itself.

"..."

What would he teach her? It was clear that she already had a foundational understanding of the basics, and would she really be interested in the tricks he often indulged in.

After a short pause, an answer finally came to mind.

"How to match my rhythm ."

Elisabeth Fiorelli

This competitive side to Elisabeth was wildly unknown to the man. It was nice. Much more carefree than the strenuous emotions both of them were forced to bear during their previous entanglements. Especially since it brought out a grin from the woman -- another sight Felix was growing a little too comfortable with.

"Fast," He suggested. It would be good to gauge her abilities before anything else. Who knew, maybe she held a hidden mine of talent he had originally failed to notice. Slowly, his green eyes surveyed their surroundings, diligent in their old habits. Back when he first started coming to the rink, he'd commit to the same old ritual of gauging his surroundings before going full force onto the ice. He still does now, in a way, but as he spends more time committing to tricks rather than speed, there was less of emphasis on it.

"We're good." He looked back down at the woman. "I'll start, you can follow."

And with that, he was off, using his long legs to take wide, swift movements forward. The combination of practiced skill and genetics propelled him forward, allowing him to achieve a speed unlike many others she would've witnessed in the past. Which left the question: could she keep up?"

Elisabeth Fiorelli

The way in which she followed his movements so fluidly brought out more surprise than he initially expected. While less refined than his own, from what he could tell, her technique wasn't far from perfect. Tighten a few parts of her posture, polish a few of her rough edges, and she'd be nearly identical to the woman a younger Felix would watch from the YouTube screen.

"More than I thought." A low chuckle slipped out from his lips. With one, slow sweep, he combed his hair back with his free hand, letting both his fingers and the rushing air to slick black the fraying hairs that threatened to poof out. "Though, considering it's you, I shouldn't be surprised."

Picking up speed, he continued to glide across the ice, allowing the built-up years of experience to take flight all at once.

Elisabeth Fiorelli

"I don't know."

Because even he, himself, had trouble discerning his own feelings on the matter.

What he did know was this: the skating, the talking, the trickle of enjoyment he felt -- it all felt so natural, like a snapshot of his previous come returning back from the dead.

Was he testing her?

Another soft chuckle heaved out from his chest as his skates skidded across the ice. They quickened over time, crescendoing to a symphonic piece of thrilling speed and beauty. Now familiar with her capabilities, Felix resisted the urge to look back, focusing his attention on the open rink in front of him.

"What do you think should happen?"

@tag