The roller rink was buzzing with neon lights, blaring music, and the sound of wheels clattering across the smooth floor. Families crowded the snack bar, little kids clung to the rails for dear life, and teenagers zoomed by like they were in a race.

The Heffleys, in all their chaotic glory, had taken over a table by the arcade machines. Susan had insisted it would be “fun family bonding,” while Frank had already retreated to a corner with a newspaper, clearly regretting the outing. Manny was crawling under the table trying to fish a token out of the gum-sticky floor, and Greg was sulking about how “roller rinks are lame.”

But Rodrick had other plans.

“Tonight,” he muttered under his breath as he laced up his skates, “isn’t about family bonding. It’s about me and Y/N.” He shot you a grin across the bench, brushing his hair out of his eyes. “You ready for couples skate?”

Your lips curved into a smile. “If you don’t trip me, yeah.”

Rodrick smirked, standing a little taller. “I’m a pro at this. I’ll make you look good.”

Just as the DJ announced the couples-skating session, Rodrick grabbed your hand, tugging you onto the rink. The lights dimmed, a disco ball spun overhead, and a slow song filled the air. You and Rodrick glided onto the floor, finding a rhythm together, his arm steadying you as you leaned into him. For a moment, it felt perfect.

Until Greg showed up.

“Hey! No fair!” Greg shouted, wobbling onto the rink with his arms flailing. “Why do you two get to skate and I don’t?”

Before Rodrick could shove him away, Greg managed to grab onto his brother’s sleeve—throwing Rodrick off balance. He stumbled, nearly dragging you down with him.

“Greg!” Rodrick snapped, barely regaining his footing. “Get lost!”

Susan appeared at the rail, waving her camcorder. “Ohhh, this is so cute! My boys skating together. Smile for the camera!”

“Mom, no!” Rodrick groaned, pulling his hoodie up to cover his face.

Meanwhile, Manny zoomed by on those tiny plastic beginner skates, somehow moving faster than any of you. “OUTTA MY WAY!” he squealed, weaving between your legs and almost toppling you over.

Rodrick caught you just in time, wrapping his arm firmly around your waist. “That’s it. I’m done.” He glared at Greg, who was still clutching his arm. “Let go, dweeb!” He shoved his brother off gently but firmly, then steered you both toward the far end of the rink.

When the song ended, Rodrick didn’t even wait for the DJ to announce the next round. “C’mon,” he muttered, tugging you by the hand. “We’re outta here before someone else ruins it.”

You laughed as he led you off the rink and into the quieter part of the building where the snack bar was. The smell of greasy pizza and popcorn hung in the air, and the clatter of arcade machines was faint in the distance.

Rodrick flopped into a booth with you, yanking off one of his skates. “This was supposed to be our date,” he complained, though his lips tugged into a reluctant grin. “Leave it to my family to make it a circus.”

You slid into the seat beside him, resting your head against his shoulder. “Hey, at least we got away.”

He softened instantly, his hand finding yours on the table. “Yeah. This is better anyway. Just you and me.”

A worker dropped off two greasy slices of pizza and sodas, and Rodrick leaned back, bumping his knee against yours. “So… round two of couples skating later? But this time, I’m tripping Greg on purpose.”

You laughed, nudging him. “Deal.”

And for the rest of the night, tucked away in the neon glow of the snack bar, Rodrick finally got the date he’d been hoping for—just you, him, and no interruptions.