"You made me a better player," I say wistfully. His words make me long for the game, missing it like a physical ache in my chest. I swallow the lump in my throat and nod, focusing on how good it feels to be on the ice with him instead.

I smile and lift one of his hands up over his head, gliding in a circle around him while watching him fondly. "You make me a better man in general, I'm pretty sure."