Aurora left the baggage claim of Zayed International Airport on Thursday evening, the night before the first Free Practice session of the weekend. She scanned the crowded arrival area, a space packed with people looking for friends and family.

Aurora's best friend, Jack, was leaning against a pillar by the exit, his familiar grin widening the moment their eyes met. Aurora couldn't contain her excitement to see him, especially considering how much time had passed since the two had last been together in person.

"Rory!" called Jack, meeting her halfway.

"Jack!" Aurora sped up, throwing her arms around her best friend's neck. His arms wrapped tightly around her, lifting her slightly off the ground. She laughed, a combination of relief and happiness, burying her face in his shoulder.

"You're really here," said Jack, setting her back on her feet, but not letting go.

Aurora tilted her head up to look at him. "Like I'd miss this? Jack, I'm so excited for you. When you texted me the news I actually started crying."

"Thanks, Ror, it really means a lot," said Jack. "Come on, let's go back to the hotel. You look exhausted."

"Rude," said Aurora, playfully shoving away from him.

"I was joking," said Jack, grabbing Aurora's bags for her without her even asking him to. "How was your flight?"

"Long," said Aurora. "There was a delay on the way to Sydney, I thought I was going to miss my second flight."

"Thank goodness you made it. I don't think I'll be able to make it though this weekend without you," said Jack. "Are you hungry?"

Aurora shook her head. "They gave us dinner shortly before we landed. Also, I'm too tired to eat."

Jack laughed. "Then let's get you to bed."

As they walked to Jack's rental car, Aurora filled him in on everything that had been happening at home. Her auditions for the Australian Ballet's spring performance were coming up after Christmas, for which Aurora had been training nonstop. She told Jack about how her roommate, Rebecca, had almost set their apartment on fire making a stir fry. Jack told her the entire story of how he landed a chance to drive for Alpine in the season's last race. Aurora hung on to his every word, though her energy was fading rapidly.

"Are you okay?" asked Jack, opening the passenger door for Aurora.

Aurora nodded. "Yeah, just tired."

Jack's blue eyes softened. "It's only ten minutes to the hotel. Maybe I'll speed a little for you."

Aurora smiled gratefully. "You're the best."

The ride to the hotel was quiet, as Aurora was too tired to speak. She tried to focus on the lights of Abu Dhabi as they drove, but her eyelids were beginning to droop. She was half asleep by the time they arrived at the hotel.

"Rory?" asked Jack, gently shaking her shoulder.

"Hmm?" hummed Aurora, opening her bleary eyes.

"We're here," said Jack softly.

Once the two were settled in their shared hotel room, Aurora immediately laid down on the bed.

"Is it alright if we share? I know we do that at home sometimes-"

"It's fine," said Aurora, interrupting Jack's rambling. "I don't mind at all."

"Don't kick me then," joked Jack, setting Aurora's suitcase next to his own.

"I don't kick you," complained Aurora. "You're the one who elbows me all the time."

Jack feigned offense. "I do not. How dare you make these accusations against me."

Aurora giggled. "Before I brush my teeth, can I film something really quickly?"

"Video diary?" assumed Jack.

Aurora nodded. The young woman created videos documenting her life that she posted to YouTube for her friends and family to enjoy, though it was mostly for her own memories. She was planning on making one of these video diaries for the race weekend, since the Grand Prix was so important for Jack.

Aurora struggled to get off the soft bed. She dug through her carry-on to find her camera bag. She had received the small video camera for her seventeenth birthday, which had sparked the video diary tradition.

"Alright, I just landed in Abu Dhabi. It took maybe seventeen hours to get here, I'm not sure. It was a long time. I'm at the hotel with Jack," she panned the camera over to show off her best friend, who waved at the camera. "He has his first practice session as an official F1 driver tomorrow, so I'll make sure to get some footage for it. I'm really jet-lagged, so we're both about to get some sleep. Do you have anything to add in, Jack?" she asked.

Jack shook his head. "Nope. Media day was really fun, but that's all I have. I'm excited for tomorrow and the rest of this weekend." He turned to face Aurora. "Is that okay?"

Aurora laughed. "It was perfect." She hit the stop button and put the camera back in her bag for the next day. "Okay, I call the shower, I feel gross."

"Go for it," said Jack. Aurora grabbed her toiletry bag and headed for the bathroom. "Rory?"

She turned around. "Yeah?"

"I'm really glad you're here," said Jack. "There isn't anyone else I'd rather have here than you."

Aurora smiled softly at him. "I'm glad to be here, Jack."