Page 85 of Rookie Rules

"Bennett sees space early," Rowan said. "His timing has improved because he is willing to work at the parts of the game that do not make highlights. Mercer gives us stability on both sides of the puck. The line is producing because all three understand the read."

It was generous. Accurate. More praise than Rowan would have given in September.

Luca felt pride rise before the hurt found it.

A week ago Rowan had lain on the floor of his home and admitted the clock scared him. He had held Luca's hand in bed after asking him to stay. He had left Luca's food visible in the refrigerator.

Here, he could describe Luca perfectly and still remove every reason the description mattered to him.

That was appropriate. The cameras did not deserve the rest.

The problem was that when the cameras left, Rowan often behaved as if no one did.

After media, Finn dropped onto the bench beside Luca.

"You okay, Dangerous?"

"Devastatingly."

Finn followed Luca's gaze toward Rowan, who was speaking with Vale near the door.

"He gave you a real compliment," Finn said.

"I know."

"And you look like someone canceled your birthday."

Luca reached for his jacket. "My birthdays are excellent."

Finn let him avoid the question. His eyes stayed thoughtful for one beat, then he stood and called across the room for Jace to find food.

Luca left alone.

At his apartment, the rooms looked more temporary than they had before Rowan first crossed the threshold. Luca set his game stick beside the wall and put his phone on the counter.

He showered. Ate. Watched the goal clip once without sound.

The camera angle followed Rowan below the pressure, Finn beneath it, Luca entering the weak side. The frame froze on Rowan's glove at his neck. The caption remained beneath it.

Dangerous duo.

At 11:06, Rowan messaged.

Good adjustment after the first goal. Recovery at ten.

Technically caring. Emotionally complete only if Luca performed the missing translation himself.

He typed: Thanks, Captain.

Deleted it.

Typed: Is this the public statement or the private one?

Deleted that too.

Finally he sent: I know.

The three dots appeared, then vanished.