Training wrapped later than usual. Everyone was tired, but nobody said it out loud. It wasn't the workout itself. It was the air between them. Every drill felt a bit tighter than normal, every correction sharper, every break shorter. They were all trying too hard to pretend nothing had changed.
Blaze stayed behind after the session, leaning against the wall with his notebook while Jason reviewed the day's footage. The gym was almost quiet now, just the hum of the lights and the soft tapping of Jason's keyboard.
"Your notes were solid," Jason said without looking up. "Ryker's stance actually improved."
Blaze lifted a shoulder. "He listens better when I'm not yelling at him."
Jason let out a short laugh. "True."
A moment passed. Not awkward. Just thoughtful.
Blaze shifted his weight to his good leg. "You think the team's going to be like this for long?"
Jason paused the video. "Like what?"
