Twenty-Three | Anastasia

In the morning after a healing night together, Anastasia and Nate talk openly. Nate reassures Anastasia he would never jeopardize her dreams, and Anastasia admits she trusts him despite Aaron’s accusations. Aaron’s angry noises in the apartment underline the strain, and Anastasia confesses her new fear of lifts after being dropped.

Later, overwhelmed by Aaron’s silence and Nate’s continued benching, Anastasia goes to a dive bar alone, determined not to cry. A group of drunk men close in on her, but Russ appears, pretends to be her boyfriend, and escorts her out. They share coffee; Russ shyly reveals he works at the bar and relates to her need to earn money, while avoiding personal details.

Russ has already alerted Nate, who arrives and drives them. After dropping Russ at his frat, Nate gently asks Anastasia to open up. She admits Aaron is avoiding her, she can’t practice, and she’s terrified of lifts. Nate proposes a solution: he will be her temporary partner for the eight weeks until Nationals, training and doing lifts safely.

Anastasia resists, worrying about mixing their relationship with skating and Nate’s lack of figure-skating training. Nate insists he’s strong, capable on the ice, and will prioritize her safety. Despite her doubts, Anastasia agrees to partner with him, setting a new course for their training and relationship.