Page 108 of Rookie Rules

Too perfect, Luca decided after the fifth rep.

He hit every route at exact speed. He called each switch before Rowan needed it. When the defense changed the pressure, Finn found the support lane without looking at the marks Rowan had drawn in frost.

"Again," Finn said after a clean entry.

Rowan glanced at the clock. "Main group in two."

"One more."

They ran it.

Luca carried right. Rowan swung low. Finn crossed through the middle and received the pass with his blade already open. The practice defense stepped toward him. Finn sent the puck behind the pressure to Luca.

Shot. Save.

"Good," Rowan said. "Done."

Finn skated toward the line without argument.

Luca followed. "You always this excited about unpleasant people?"

"I love a challenge."

"That sounded rehearsed."

Finn looked at him. For one beat the social ease disappeared.

"Careful, rookie."

The words were not loud. They carried no smile.

Luca stopped skating.

Finn took one breath and restored himself. "You might discover veterans contain multitudes. Most of them boring."

"Tragic."

Luca let the exit remain open.

Finn tapped his stick against Luca's shin pad, an apology or thanks neither would require him to define.

After the extra reps, Claire intercepted Luca and Rowan at the gate.

"Interview in twenty," she said. "Same room as media day. Hockey only, ten minutes."

The joint segment promised after the dangerous-duo story had survived the two losses because public narratives preferred chemistry to standings. Luca showered, changed into a team quarter-zip, and took the chair beside Rowan beneath studio lights.

The host began with their 5-5 record, then moved quickly toward the line.

"You two seem to read each other before the play develops," she said. "Can that be taught?"

"Repetition," Rowan answered.

Luca looked at him. "He's very romantic about the process."

The host laughed. Rowan did not, though his knee shifted once beneath the table until it nearly touched Luca's.

"Bennett," she said, "what have you learned from Hale?"