"Yes, I think we did." That is why Jesper put in the work to make this happen. He's good at wheeling and dealing and with the coin and right silver tongue, it all worked out well for the day. He doesn't know if he can make this a regular thing, but it was really needed for the group here now. Healing takes time. A beach day won't fix their issues, but it gives them all something. A distraction.

Even for Kaz, who hates the water and is dressed head to toe, but he is here. And Jesper keeps glancing over at him, checking in, and despite those obvious details, he seems to be doing alright. Hard to tell with Kaz.

He lets her keep one of his hands, their fingers curled together, while the other one caresses against her hair. "I don't know," he says honestly. "He's good at adapting." They know that well of the merchling. He's smart and sharp and he can surprise people.

But he also knows that's not really what she's asking. It's about them, somewhat. "It does seem to hurt less, unless he's hiding it very well. He still is letting me in as a friend." Which is all Jesper can ask for in the end. His friendship. "I got a year back of memories. It happened all at once, when we got back. So now it feels like I'm two years ahead of him. A year being here, and a year being with him."