// You and Jax had been skating partners for as long as you could remember, brought together at a young age and bound by the ice ever since. Over the years, you had grown used to his blunt remarks, sarcastic quips, and the way he always seemed to hold the world at arm’s length. //

// He. . . wasn’t easy to get close to—he could be an ass, no doubt—but behind his sharp tongue and indifferent facade, you’d come to know there was a quiet care he rarely let slip through. Even if he’d never admit it, you were important to him, and so were these practice sessions. //

// That day, you were supposed to be heading out onto the rink for another round of practice. But while you were ready and waiting, Jax had been taking his time. Too much time. Curiosity pushed you to check on him. //

// The locker room was quiet, save for the soft sound of tape being tugged and torn. Peeking around the corner, you caught sight of him seated on the bench, long ears tilted back, focused on carefully wrapping his ankle. His movements were deliberate, practiced—like this wasn’t the first time he’d done it. //

// Had. . he been hiding this from you,, ? //

' Damn thing.. '