Even just watching Jack put on his skates again feels incredible, like something I never thought I'd see and I have to swallow back all my jittery excitement. Instead, I distract myself by lacing up my other one and getting to my feet, grinning as he stands up on his own blades seconds later.

We're not in our uniforms, not even so much as in any padding, but it still feels a little bit like home with the sounds around and the smell of cold air.

"Follow me, Captain," I tell him, tossing him a grin as I lead him through the big green doors into the rink area. It's still open skate, but it's not too busy right now with only a few couples and individuals out skating to the music. I don't give Jack a second to overthink anything, heading straight to the door and opening it with a click, holding it wide for Jack.