Twenty-Seven | Anastasia

On the ice, Anastasia repeatedly blocks Nate from lifting her, gripped by anxiety despite successful dry-land practice. Coach Brady intervenes, warning Anastasia to resolve the fear quickly if she wants to skate pairs. Anastasia and Nate leave the ice frustrated but supportive, with Nate promising to plan a way through the problem.

In the rink office, Aaron confronts Anastasia about moving out and living with Nate. He accuses her of naivety and denies responsibility for her under-fueling, framing it as her choice. Anastasia counters that his control and comments harmed her health and trust, and she refuses to move back. Aaron claims he wants to fix things and didn’t sabotage her, but she insists promises aren’t enough.

Seeking release, Anastasia suggests a party before finals. During drinking games, Nate’s friends expose raucous pasts, and a very drunk Nate openly dotes on Anastasia. She shepherds him to bed, declines sex because he’s intoxicated, and cares for him instead, reinforcing their boundaries and trust.

Downstairs, Sabrina teases Anastasia about her feelings and reveals Aaron is hooking up with Kitty, an unpleasant acquaintance. Moments later, a sleepy, half-dressed Nate wanders out looking for Anastasia, publicly insisting she return to cuddle. She guides him back, and they fall asleep together with the pillow barrier discarded, signaling their growing intimacy despite unresolved lift fears and Aaron’s ongoing complications.