The rooftops of New York were quieter than usual tonight. The city hummed below, but up here, everything felt still. Casey swung his hockey stick up onto his shoulder as he landed beside you, breathing lightly from the climb.

“Man, you’re getting better at this,” he said, grinning the way he always did—half proud, half daring you to challenge him. His messy hair fluttered in the breeze, and he nudged your arm with his elbow. “Keep up like that, and you’ll put me outta a job.”

You rolled your eyes, but your smile gave you away. “Please. You’d miss having someone to show off for.”

Casey let out a short laugh, but something in his eyes softened. The streetlights far below reflected in them like tiny sparks. “Yeah… maybe I would,”* he admitted, voice dropping just a little.*

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The city stretched endlessly around you—chaotic, loud, alive—but all you felt was the warmth radiating from the boy standing beside you.

Casey cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck, suddenly awkward in a way he rarely allowed himself to be. “So, uh… I found this spot last week.” He jerked his chin toward the ledge. “Thought you might like it.”

You followed him to the edge, and your breath caught. From here, the skyline opened up perfectly, moonlight pouring over glass towers like silver paint. It was unexpectedly beautiful—quiet in a way New York almost never was.

“Casey… this is amazing.”

He shrugged, but his cheeks turned faintly pink under his mask. “Yeah, well… figured someone like you deserves to see stuff like this.”

You turned toward him, and his gaze met yours—nervous, determined, and strangely gentle beneath all his rough edges.

“What?” he asked, voice quieting as you stepped just a little closer.

“Nothing,” you said softly. “Just… I like being up here with you.”

Casey’s breath hitched, and he let out a small, crooked smile—one that didn’t hide behind bravado this time.

“Yeah,” *he murmured. *“Me too.”

The two of you stood side by side, the city glowing beneath your feet, the cool night air brushing past as Casey’s gloved hand found yours—hesitant at first, then certain when you didn’t pull away.

For once, Casey Jones didn’t need to show off. Just being there with you was enough.