[ In hindsight, Hildareally should have seen that one coming. And after all these years of both enabling and being on the receiving end of Claude's cheeky nature, she should be better about not reacting so expressively when she only has herself to blame for it. If she's being honest however, most of her reaction has to do with the fact that she can practically hear it in a certain smug red-headed roommate's voice.

Claude isn't wrong, of course. She does know. Which makes it all the more miraculous that the only reaction Claude receives is a flat look thanks to the cold of her domain disguising the added flush to her cheeks. ]

"In the past," being the key phrase. It could be worse now for all I know.

[ While it's punctuated with a nonchalant shrug, it's clear from her body language that her attention is fully on him now. Before he's even taken his first step she can tell it's a mistake. Calmly she skates back several inches to watch him steady himself like a foal on unsteady legs squeezing his hands back in return.

There's a brief snort of disbelieving laughter from her. ]

I know for a fact that the ice isn't going to move in here, Claude. [ Not unless she willed it. ] Me on the other hand -

[ When she's certain he's steady she twists cleverly from his grasp before skating backwards several more inches with a twinkle in her gaze. Is this more payback for that comment earlier? Maybe. ]

Come on. The best way to learn is by doing it. This time push out with your skates instead of trying to take a step.