Igen & Igen &

chapter 1

Thursday nights were always special for Lukas. There was just something about them he liked most. It was almost the weekend, there was a special for takeout on Thursdays from Domino's, the rink closed early--that. The rink closing early, oh he loved that. He worked at the local ice rink in Gothenburg, and every Thursday they closed early for “maintenance,” or that was what they told people. He didn't know why they closed early, but he didn't mind it. He always volunteered for the closing shift too since there'd be no one else around. And with no one around, he could take some time for himself and skate on his own.

He never considered himself “spectacular,” or even just “good.” Skating was something he enjoyed, so he did it. No reason to try and be the best. Besides, he heard enough about it at home from his little brother, Emil, who was obsessed with some show about it, one of those anime the kid liked. Lukas figured he should bring him to the ice some time and show him some things since he seemed really into it now.

He locked the window for the skate rentals booth before grabbing a pair in his size from the back and heading out to the ice. Ah, peace. No other sounds but the blades hitting the ice as he landed his jumps, or when he glided around and could hear his own heart beating in his ears. Except maybe that sound of the front door chiming with someone walking in. But he could've sworn he locked up already, so he ignored it and continued in his reverie. He slowed to a stop in a combination spin after a while, figuring he should stop before it got too late. Emil might wonder where he was, or get mad if he didn't come back with pizza soon. He was probably blowing up Lukas’s phone right now asking about food.

“That was incredible!” Someone shouted loudly from the bleachers. Lukas didn't show it, but he was definitely startled by the booming voice.

“The rink’s closed, sorry,” He stated while skating off and sitting on the closest bench to unlace his skates and put his sneakers back on.

“Oh? Then what're you doing here then?” The random person replied while moving over next to him. “My name's Matthias, and I gotta say that was some fancy skating.” The man, Matthias stated with a large grin. He was fairly tall, but not much taller than Lukas, with a lot of his stature coming from his very large hair. And large was definitely a good descriptor-- his light blond hair was styled up in a way that looked like it could stab someone's eye out with one of the spikes. His eyes were a bright blue that radiated with energy and happiness. Lukas brushed hair that had fallen into his face aside as he stood after getting his shoes on. He's pretty good looking, he thought. But also loud. Probably obnoxious.

 “Thanks. I'll escort you out with me so I don't get in trouble for staying too late.” He started walking, the other following him right behind.

 “Well aren't you gonna tell me your name? I can guess it, if you wanna do that! We can play twenty questions or something to break the ice!” He broke into a loud laugh that sounded almost like he was wheezing, which was concerning to Lukas. Just slightly though.

 “Get it? ‘Cause you work at an ice rink, and getting to know each other is also ‘breaking the ice’? Ah, that's a good one!” Lukas sighed slightly.

 “I'm wearing a nametag. And I don't think I can now, I gotta get home and make sure my brother has actually moved from off the couch and not been on his computer too long. It's bad for his eyes.” Matthias seemed to deflate in energy, but not enough to show defeat.

 “That's cool! Family comes first after all… Lukas,” He commented after facing him more to see the plastic badge on Lukas’s shirt.

 “Yeah.” He stopped in front of the door. “Thank you, by the way. For telling me what you thought.” He looked at Matthias to see his eager smile back.

 “No problem! Hey, maybe we can meet up sometime! You can give me some pointers and I'll-- I'll do something for you!” Lukas raised an eyebrow, bemused.

 “You'll do what for me?”

 “Oh, uh…” Matthias thought for a second, a puzzled look crossing his face. “I can… I'll figure something out by next time we meet again, I promise!” He smiled again.

 “Alright, I'm gonna hold you to that though,” Lukas replied while walking out and locking the door behind Matthias as he followed.

 “Okay! See you around!” He waved before walking away. Lukas smiled softly towards him before going around to the back of the building to where he parked his car.