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sc0tters · 8 months

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All Star Memories | Brock Boeser & Elias Pettersson

summary: it’s the all star break when you and your boyfriend decide to spice up your relationship, little did you know this would involve his teammate.

request: yes/no

warnings: sexual themes, p in v, oral (fem & M receiving!), swearing, slight degradation.

word count: 4.60k

authors note: I had to get this out before the regular season games were back and I’m glad I did even if it was by a couple of hours! I think we need to make an entire segment on this account for fics where I write out @fantillisdaylight’s ideas into full smuts, so idea people let’s thank her for this one! I don’t wanna give away too much but I think you guys are going to enjoy this one, even with its different ending.

You knew you were playing a dangerous game.

Elias had been the captor of your heart for the last three years after you moved in with Quinn when you needed a change of scenery. Your older brother had to admit that he was surprised to see you in love with his teammate. But as you made Elias constantly smile till his cheeks hurt, Quinn knew that the Swede was in love too.

Yet one thing your brother never seemed to care for was that another one of his teammates had fallen for you too. Brock let his eyes hover on you for far too long to ever be seen as appropriate especially when you were in a relationship. Elias knew how his teammate felt about you and in all honesty he thought it was cute. There was something about it coupled with the fact that you clearly thought Brock was attractive.

Elias knew that you would never cheat on him but there was always something amusing about how you loved pissing Brock off. On the flight to Toronto you ended up between the two and as Elias fell asleep Brock teased you “you’re just his good little girl arent ya?” He joked letting out a laugh as you furrowed your eyebrows “I so am not!”

The argument continued on and as Brock thought he won, you knew that it was you who would win in the end “you okay älskling?” Elias mumbled as he watched you do your makeup “can you pick Brock last?” Your question made him smirk as his hand ran over your jaw hooking his fingers under your chin.

It made you smile as he was clearly considering it “and why would I do that?” He asked wanting to hear your reasoning “because you love me.” You quipped back making him laugh.

As he leaned down he kissed your lips “I’ll think about it.” What Elias didn’t know was that you had already convinced Jack and Quinn to do the same but instead with them you brought up the fact that they tried to stop you from dating Elias at the beginning. It was your perfect get out of jail free card for anything.

If Ellen were to find out the pure lengths the boys went to trying to stop Elias from going on a date with you. They would all be dead, especially now as your mom adored the love you held for your boyfriend. So it left you with the perfect thing to keep over the boys heads and now was the time that you were cashing it in.

Elias’ sigh brought you back to reality as he squeezed your shoulder “you ever think about him being our third?” His voice was barely over a mumble as he tapped your thigh motioning you to sit on his lap as he sat on your seat.

You forced your thighs together as you thought about it “he’s your teammate E.” You sighed as you shook your head.

Whilst you two had agreed on being open to the idea of a threesome, there was never someone you could find for the two of you. Brock was a logical option as you were both comfortable with him and that was easy to combine with the feelings he clearly had for you.

The boy smiled as he tucked your hair behind your ear “would you do it if he wasn’t?” The Swede pressed soft kisses against the skin of your neck “you know I only want you my love.” You groaned as you tried to get out of his grip “you know that you didn’t answer my question.” Elias squeezed the skin at your hips as he made you squeal.

He loved teasing you like that “I would want him to be our third then.” As you nodded it seemed the universe was set to taunt you as a knock came at the door “Elias you ready bro!” Brock complained as the Swede hadn’t responded to his messages.

Elias laughed as he saw your eyes go wide “yeah y/n is just finishing up.” You weren’t just finishing up, you weren’t even dressed yet “leave her she’s too slow!” You let out a scoff as you sat up “you asshole I’m not deaf!” It was now Brocks turn to laugh as Elias kissed your lips.

His hands were warm on your cheeks “see you later.” He mumbled pecking your lips before he left your room with you running your finger over your lips where his mouth left your smiling.

The draft came and went and before you knew it you were stood with Brock teasing him about what the boys had done “and you thought that Elias was in charge of me.” You laughed as you shook your head leaving Brock confused as he looked at you “is he not?” The blonde looked over you as Quinn and Elias were talking in the distance but the Swede was clearly more focused on the conversation that you were having.

Your lips formed a pout as you turned to see what he was talking about “you wanna know why you were drafted last?” You trailed off finally leaving him to gasp as he nodded figuring out what it was that you had done “well I think Elias over there wanted you to think he was listening to you.” Brocks words made you frown.

What you didn’t know was that as the American motioned to you to come closer to him your boyfriend was making his way over to you both “was told about how bratty you have been all week.” His rough voice made your cheeks turn red.

The pieces of the puzzle quickly found themselves connecting in your brain as your jaw went slack “was not.” You tried to protest as your hands formed fists “don’t lie to him älskling.” Elias clicked his tongue as he shook his head.

You didn’t know where you were meant to look “if I’m so bratty what are you gonna do about it.” You crossed your arms as you smirked thinking that you had beaten him “absolutely nothing.” Elias’ words made your face drop “but Brock here instead will make sure you are given exactly what you deserve.” He mumbled as he kissed the shell of your ear.

It was customary that Elias was physical with you yet Brock felt his mind run wild as he watched you both “he is?” Your thighs pressed together in an attempt to suppress the feelings you felt “only if you want me to.” Brock was quick to shake his head as he placed his hand on yours.

All of the worries that were once in your brain about Brock being a threesome partner for you two seemed to dissipate as you smiled merely sending him a nod. Elias was quick to kiss your head as he dug into his pocket and pulled out your key card before he slotted it into your hand.

You furrowed your eyebrows as Brock laughed “you want to be a good girl and go wait upstairs for us?” Elias tucked your hair behind your ear as they watched the gears turn in your mind “how do you want her?” As the question came to Brock it all but totally knocked the wind from his sails.

The way your eyes scanned his face brought him back to being that nervous boy who couldn’t talk to you without stumbling on his words “‘s up to you Brocky.” You smiled running your fingers over his shirt “on your bed.” The American sounded unsure of himself when he stood there trying to pick up on Elias’ body language.

Elias watched another player walk past you all “what do you want her in?” The Swede whispered to his teammate making the boys cheeks turn red “nothing.” Brock imagined it as his eyes practically undressed you themselves “älskling you hear him?” Elias turned his attention back to you as you nodded.

The boy pecked your lips as he smiled “you go upstairs and we will be there in a few minutes.” It should have been embarrassing the way you sped through there as you headed to the elevator. The teammates couldn’t help but laugh as they watched you send them one final glance before you were off “you sure you’re cool with this?” Brock knew that it was Elias who brought it up to him but the Swede was known for being possessive of you, and rightfully so.

You stared at your reflection in your mirror as you were in nothing but your underwear and heels “you getting cold feet?” You could hear them from outside the door as it reminded you that you were meant to be getting ready for them.

As you reached back to unclip your bra the door opened leaving you looking like a deer in headlights “älskling I had such high hopes for you tonight.” Elias sighed as he clicked his tongue “I’m sorry I-” you were cut off as he kissed your lips.

Brock stared in awe as you were in a black matching set with your black heels “you were meant to be in nothing.” Elias ran his finger over your bra strap “I know but.” You tried to protest but it was clearly no use with the boys “how do we punish her?” The Swede’s eyes sparkled with mischief.

Having all that power it made Brock almost go mad “want her on the bed.” You listened as you sat down and looked at the duo “put your head on the pillows.” Brock motioned to you to shift back as you nodded.

Elias went and sat on the chair that sat to the left of the bed “remember he’s in charge älskling.” The Swede did just enough to remind you that he was still there “god you don’t know how much I’ve been thinking about this.” Brock confessed as he dropped his knees to the bed.

His hands were rough around your ankles as he undid your heels “you have me now.” You whimper as he pushed your legs apart letting him get a full view of your covered soaked cunt “Petey said you been thinking about this?” Brock teased you as he kissed your thighs making sure that each had its fair share of attention before he made any effort to move closer to your core.

All you could do was nod as you bit your lip “wanted it so bad.” Again Elias knew you loved him, but you each had people you that you guys classified as your free cards that you could find attractive and admit it. His were mainly celebrities in the form of models or actresses, yours just so happened to be his teammate who was right in front of you.

Brock smirked as he blew air on your cunt as your body shook “shouldn’t make you wait then?” He joked as you nodded “lift those legs of yours f’me then.” Brock watched your hips push to the air.

He hooked his fingers into your waistband as he slid your panties over your legs before he let them drop to the floor “god.” The American felt his jaw drop as he heard Elias laugh “she’s a pretty fucking girl ain’t she?” The Swede smirked as he had a similar reaction when he first went down on you.

Your cheeks grew warm as you turned your attention to Elias “think you need to get a move on before she keeps on looking at me.” Your boyfriend taunted his teammate “you really are just a needy girl aren’t ya?” Brock let his hand lay flat as he hit your cunt.

You jumped at the feeling as your head turned back to him “Petey she’s fucking soaked.” Brock groaned as he ran his fingers over your clit “she tastes even better.” Elias going down on you and he was going to let Brock know how responsive you were “loves tugging at your hair when you get her at the right spot.” His words made you writhe as you brought your hands to your chest.

The American decided that he wasn’t going to wait any longer as he finally dropped his head between your thighs “fuck!” You groaned feeling his lips latch onto your clit “how good is he baby?” Elias didn’t often refer to you with English pet names but as you sat there all you could do was moan as you turned to see him watching intently from beside you both.

Brock slowed himself down as he found his pace when he slotted his fingers into your cunt. They were arched in an effort to go closer to your g-spot “don’t stop.” You pleaded as you grew used to how different Brock was.

You had Elias who was always pushing you to your limits but he did it by edging you and Brock, on the other hand, was treating you like his last meal as he didn’t know when he’d get this chance with you again. Moans escaped from between your lips as they mixed with your innocent gasps. All of it seemed to only encourage Brock further as he looked up to see you staring at him.

As your cunt clenched around his fingers you felt your legs begin to give out “shift up baby.” Elias’ tone was soft as he towered over you “gonna make me come.” You announced as you pushed your chest up using your grip on Brocks golden locks to help you as his groan sent shivers through your body.

Before you were thrown back against Elias who let your head rest against his lap. The boys looked between each other as Brock looked for the direction he was meant to go with. Yet when Elias shook his head it was you who complained “someone needs to learn that brats don’t get to come.” He squeezed your cheeks between his fingers as you let your lips form a pout.

Brock let his lips leave your clit with a pop “want to start apologising then pretty girl?” Your eyes were hazy as you clearly didn’t have a lot more brain power left in you “he asked you a question.” Elias mumbled as he pinched your nipples over the fabric of your lacy bra.

Your mind was blocked as his fingers rolled your sensitive bud between them “please.” You begged feeling Brock circle his thumb over your clit “think you can do better than that pretty girl.” Brock smiled as he shook his head.

Elias pulled your bra down by its straps letting his hands grip at your tits “want to come so bad.” You whimpered “so so bad.” Tears filled your waterline as your body shook.

The boys laughter taunted you “gonna be a good girl and make a mess f’me then?” Brock asked as you nodded repeatedly “want to be the best girl for you.” The words made both of their cocks strain against their shorts “let go for me then sweet girl.” As the words left the Americans lips he dropped his mouth back to your cunt as he thrusted his fingers into core.

Elias had a different idea as he pinched your jaw forcing you to stare at him “stick your tongue out.” His tone was soft but you knew he was being serious. So all you could do as nod as you listened “such a pretty little slut.” Elias grumbled watching your tongue roll out of your mouth.

Brock took the chance to look up as he watched saliva drop from his teammates mouth and into your own “fuck!” The American groaned as he watched the Swede smirk “keep it in your mouth until he lets you come.” Elias teased your nipples as he punched and tugged at the sensitive buds.

You moaned as your body began to shake “yes sir.” Even as your words were muffled it still went straight to their cocks. Brock continued to lap at your cunt until your thighs wrapped around his head “Brock you’ve got her fucking obsessed with you.” Elias watched the sight in front of him as he was in awe.

It finally came when your cunt burst letting waves of pleasure coarse through your body “look so fucking good like this älskling.” You couldn’t help but clench around Brocks fingers as Elias watched you swallow his spit “let the girl breathe Brock.” The Swede teased as he watched his teammate continue to finger you.

Brock looked up with an apologetic look as he pulled his fingers from your cunt “sorry.” He mumbled letting his lips leave your slit with a pop “c’mere Brocky.” You smiled as you motioned your finger in his direction as you sat up straight.

The look of your orgasm glistening on his chin made you feel wet all over again “think you should thank him for that.” Elias’ words were met with a nod as you took the first move to kiss Brock. The American was quick to melt to your touch as he swore he was dreaming.

Elias clearly had a similar opinion as him as he watched you both with a smile on his face “now you know the deal Boeser.” His voice made you pull away from the American as you turned to your boyfriend with a confused expression “only get her mouth.” Brock reiterated his words making you squirm in the process.

You knew it was stupid but even after all of this time you still adored the fact that Elias craved a certain level of ownership over you. You were his girl, and that was never going to change “this pussy is mine.” Elias smiled as he cupped your cunt making you almost fall into Brocks arms.

The boys were quick to reposition themselves as Elias stood over the bed and Brock was crouched over on his knees “hey pretty girl.” Brock cooed as he ran his fingers over your jaw “hi.” You smiled letting Elias grip at your hips from behind you.

The air that encapsulated the room was tense as Elias dragged his cock through your slit as he watched his precum mix with your wetness. It was like torture to the both of you “still such a needy girl even after her first one.” Brock teased looking like a school boy as he smirked “just loves being fucked like the cock hungry slut that she is.” Elias clicked his tongue as he pushed the head of his cock not your cunt.

He let out a hiss as your walls began to stretch to accommodate his size “don’t be afraid Brock you can fuck her mouth.” The Swede let his cock fully slide into you as he stopped for a moment when he bottomed you out.

The American was quick to fiddle with his belt as he began to pull his pants down letting his cock hit his pelvis “be a good girl and open wide.” He ordered as Elias took the chance to begin fucking you, quickly forcing your mouth open as your jaw grew slack.

Brock took his chance to slide his cock into your mouth as he moaned “ain’t she a good little girl?” Elias let out a grunt as you clenched around his cock at the compliment.

Your tongue swirled around Brocks cock when the boy gripped his hands around your hair forcing it into a makeshift ponytail “you’re such a lucky dude god.” Brock was beyond jealous as you looked up at him through your batted eyelashes.

Elias got the chance to have you everyday and he was no stranger in letting the American know that you were always waiting for him. It Elias had a big game then you would be on your knees in one of his favourite lingeries “you hear that älskling?” Elias taunted as he watched your ass bounce with each thrust that he sent into you.

All you could do was let out a muffled moan as you nodded “he thinks you’re fucking perfect.” Skin slapping against each other echoed on the walls was you didn’t know which side you should have been focusing on “she’s a heavenly from this side too.” It was clear that as Elias picked up the pace of thrusts he wanted to remind his teammate that he was only here because Elias let him be.

Brock nodded as he swore that you hollowing your cheeks out was going to be enough to make him come on the spot “made by the fucking gods.” Both boys hummed in agreement as Elias sent his fingers to your clit sending long moan from your lips.

You felt Brock’s grip around your roots tighten as he tugged at your hair “gonna make me come if you keep making those noises.” The American warned as you felt your cunt clench at the thought of his release.

It seemed that Elias wasn’t too far behind you either as he felt his cock throb “want to be a good girl and taste his come before I make a mess in your pretty pussy?” His accent was accentuated by the last phrases as you began to nod bobbing your head almost nonstop.

The American took it as his green light “don’t stop god.” He gritted out as he body stumbled as his release coated the walls of your mouth practically sucking the life from Brock as he rode out his orgasm “fuck!” The boy groaned sliding his cock out of your mouth before he replaced it with his thumb that collected any of his release that had seeped from between your lips before depositing it back into your mouth.

Your tongue swirled around his finger “you keep squeezing my cock like that and I’m gonna end up with a fucking baby inside of you.” Elias warned as he was painfully close “wanna milk your cock.” You got the words out before you went back to sucking his teammates thumb “do it älskling.” It wasn’t often that he would just let you come like this and you weren’t going to let this opportunity pass you by.

It was quick that your eyes began to roll back into your head as a flurry of incoherent whimpers came from your lips “keep hugging my cock like that.” As his fingers strummer against your clit like it was a guitars strings the coil that built up in your stomach snapped.

Causing your arms to shake as your body grew unstable “fucking so good.” Elias grunted as he finally came letting your release mix with his whilst his cock continued to help you ride through your orgasm. The air in the room came tumbling down as your lips lost Brocks thumb letting a string of your saliva break from your lips as it followed him. And if you were fully cognitive you would have sworn you saw his eyes sparkle as he watched it.

Elias let his cock slide out of your throbbing cunt as he kept his hand around your waist to stop you from collapsing onto the bed “how you feeling älskling?” His voice was soft as he kissed your temple “so good.” Your blasé state made him laugh as he set you on the bed softly.

Brock was fascinated by his friends softer expressions as the boys truly never thought that aftercare would be something that Elias would be so good at “bath, shower or bed?” The three options were all you usually wanted after sex and all of them always had Elias in them “bath.” You nodded reaching for the blanket that was next to you as your skin craved warmth.

It was the way that you and Elias worked so well together that served as a dagger to Brocks heart. He knew you weren’t his but it was having to see you with someone else that suddenly got all too much for him “I should head out.” Brock announced as he reached to pull up his boxers.

A frown found its way onto your lips as you nodded trying to understand his choice “you were good.” Your compliment made a smile form on his lips “you were too pretty girl.” Brock kissed your head as he watched Elias scoop you into his arms “see you tomorrow dude.” The boys sent a look of goodbye to each other and whilst Brock went out your door Elias carried you into the bathroom.

He scanned your face to see if anything was up as you stayed silent “what’s going on in there?” Elias asked as he kissed your cheek “thank you for letting me do that.” You mumbled as your fingers gripped the blanket now craving a warm bath instead.

It made Elias smile as you enjoyed your night “maybe it doesn’t have to be the last time?” He proposed as you nodded, oh if only he knew just how wrong he’d be.

The last few weeks had your heart feeling hurt. When you came back to Vancouver Brock promised that things wouldn’t be weird but after three weeks of him totally avoiding you and trying his best to avoid any activities beyond training and games with Elias. You both began to see how the American was drifting.

Thankfully Quinn didn’t come to any conclusions as he finally thought that Elias had enough of Brock’s long looks in your direction. Elias did his best to help you not feel guilty about what happened as you blamed yourself for him losing his friend. Yet eventually you both came to terms with the fact that there was nothing either of you could do about the radio silence from Brock beyond simply waiting.

It was a cold day in Vancouver as rain had been pouring the entire morning “I’ll be back in a bit!” You called out as you had been looped into a Pilates class with some of the other wags “have fun älskling.” Elias smiled as he pecked your lips before he went back to his phone enjoying the fact that the boys were having a late practice today.

You did your normal routine as you walked down to your car but before you got the chance to unlock your door your phone started going off “what the.” Your eyes went wide seeing Brocks contact appear on your screen.

Before you let the chance pass by you, you answered the call “Brock what the hell has been-” you went to lecture him but was cut off as his grunt echoed in your ear “fuck y/n.” He groaned as he looked down to where his hand wrapped his cock when he picked up his pace.

Silence filled your mouth as you were almost shocked at what was going on “keep thinking back to that day and I wish it was your pussy I fucked instead of your mouth.” Your leggings stuck to your skin as you forced your thighs together almost surprised that he was even admitting this to you.

The sound of his hand hitting his skin was barely audible in the speaker but you still knew what he was doing “god Petey doesn’t deserve you.” You felt dirty feeling so turned on by Brocks actions as you stared at your keychain that had the little E on it.

But before you could say anything more the line went dead leaving you with a decision you knew you shouldn’t be making.

Do you want to send this message to ‘The WAGS 23/24’?

you: hey girls I can’t make it today, something came up.

#Elias Peterson smut #brock Boeser smut #Elias Peterson imagines #brock Boeser imagines #nhl imagines #nhl oneshots #nhl smut #hockey imagines #hockey oneshots #hockey smut #amber writes fics #oneshots #imagines

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lee-laurent · 18 days

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Crushin' - Quinn Hughes

Summary: Quinn's crush on Brock's sister starts to cause some issues

wc: 7.8k

content: fluff, angst, kissing, grinding, mentions of sex but no smut, friends with benefits

notes: hi! i'm like working through writers' block rn. so... here is this i guess

Emma Boeser, known to those close to her as Emmy, had always been fiercely independent. Growing up as Brock's younger sister meant that she was no stranger to the world of professional hockey, but she had long ago sworn off any romantic involvement with hockey players. The glitz and glamour that others saw were just distractions to her--hockey players were trouble, and she had learned that the hard way. Now, she focused on her career, determined to make a name for herself that wasn't tied to her brother and his achievements.

Emma had secured a role in the Canucks' PR and marketing department, a job that she actually enjoyed going to. She was good at it too--organizing press events, managing the team's public image, and navigating the chaos of media day with ease. Her colleagues respected her, and the players knew she was off-limits, a professional boundary she had enforced since day one (one that her brother was glad to back up).

Quinn Hughes, on the other hand, was everything a star defenceman could be--talented, dedicated, and just the right amount of cocky. He had quickly made himself a name in the NHL, and his focus had always been on the game. Off the ice, Quinn was reserved, not one to seek out the spotlight unless it was absolutely necessary. But there was one person who managed to catch his eye every time, no matter how hard he tried to stay focused on his career--Emma.

Quinn had noticed Emma from the moment she started working with the team. She was striking, not just because of her looks, but because of the way she carried herself. There was something about her confidence and no-nonsense attitude that drew him in, even if he couldn't quite figure out why. They'd had only a few friendly interactions, but Emma always kept things strictly professional.

It was after a team gala that their relationship shifted. Emma had been working late, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Quinn had stayed behind, nursing a drink as the event wound down. He noticed Emma, finally off the clock and enjoying a rare moment to herself. She looked relaxed, maybe a little tired, but still as composed as ever.

"Long night?" Quinn asked, leaning against the bar beside her.

Emma glanced at him, a small smirk tugging at her lips. "You could say that. But it's part of the job."

He nodded, studying her face. She was always so put together, always in control. "You did a great job tonight. Everything went off without a hitch."

"Thanks," Emma replied, raising her glass slightly. "But I'm sure you're not hanging around just to compliment the event planning."

Quinn chuckled, appreciating her directness. "Maybe not. I guess I was hoping to get to know you a bit more... off the clock."

Emma arched an eyebrow. "Off the clock?"

"Yeah," he said, meeting her gaze with a confidence he wasn't sure he really felt. "No work. Just us."

She considered him for a moment before downing the rest of her drink. "Alright, Hughes. But let's keep this simple. No strings, no drama. Just... fun."

He agreed without hesitation, not realizing at the time how much more complicated things would become.

Emma wasn't one to complicate things, especially when it came to her personal life. Her rule was simple: no dating hockey players. The lifestyle, the endless travel, the pressure--they were all things she wanted no part of. But when it came to Quinn, that line had blurred.

What started as a one-time thing after a team event quickly turned into a series of late-night encounters. It was easy, convenient, and, most importantly, private. Emma liked the control it gave her--she could have what she wanted without risking her independence or her brother's wrath. And Quinn? He played along, meeting her in the middle of the night, leaving before dawn, and never asking for more.

Their relationship was built on stolen moments. Sometimes it was at his apartment, other times hers, but always with the same unspoken agreement: no one could know. Emma was strict about that, even more so than Quinn. The idea of Brock finding out was enough to make her heart race--not from excitement, but from pure dread. She knew her brother would lose it if he found out she was hooking up with one his teammates, especially Quinn, who was practically family to him.

For Quinn, those nights with Emma were a mix of heaven and hell. Being with her, touching her, was everything he wanted. But every time she slipped out of his bed, leaving him alone in the dark, it tore at him. He wanted more--he wanted her in his life in a way that went beyond just the physical. But he also knew that pushing for more could mean losing her altogether, and that was a risk he wasn't sure he could take.

At work, Emma was the epitome of professionalism. She was efficient, focused, and kept a cool distance from the players, especially Quinn. In meetings, she barely looked his way, addressing him with the same detached tone she used with everyone else. It was as if the Quinn who whispered her name in the dark didn't exist during daylight hours.

Quinn noticed, of course. He noticed everything about Emma. The way she would set her jaw when she was stressed, the little lines that formed between her brows when she was deep in thought. He noticed how she avoided his gaze during team meetings, how she never lingered when passing by him in the halls. It was like she had put up a wall between them, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't break through.

It was frustrating, especially when Quinn would catch a glimpse of the Emma he knew--the one who laughed at his jokes and leaned into his touch when they were alone. But at work, she was distant, almost cold, and it gnawed at him. He found himself wanting to bridge the gap, to make her see that they didn't have to keep pretending.

One afternoon, after a long practice session, Quinn saw his chance. Emma was standing by the rink, talking to one of the other staff members. She was dressed in her usual work attire, her hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, and her expression serious as she discussed logistics for an upcoming event.

Quinn approached her, waiting until the other person had walked away before speaking. "Emmy, do you have a minute?"

Emma glanced at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as if to warn him to keep things professional. "What is it, Hughes?" she asked, her tone brisk.

He resisted the urge to sigh. "I just wanted to go over some of the plans for the charity event next week. Thought we could grab a coffee and talk it through."

She hesitated, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. "I'm pretty swamped right now," she said, already turning to look at the iPad in her hands. "But I'll email you the details later."

"Come on, Emmy," Quinn pressed, lowering his voice so only she could hear. "It's just coffee."

Emma shot him a look that was both annoyed and pleading. "We can't, Quinn. Not here."

The way she said his name sent a shiver down his spine, but it also made his chest tighten with frustration. "It doesn't have to be like this," he said quietly. "We don't have to pretend."

She shook her head, tucking the iPad under her arm. "Yes, we do. I told you, this is how it has to be. We agreed."

"Yeah, well, maybe I'm not okay with that anymore."

Emma froze, her eyes searching his face for a moment before she looked away. "Quinn, please. Not here."

The vulnerability in her voice was new, something she rarely let slip. It softened Quinn's resolve, but only just. He nodded, stepping back to give her space. "Alright," he forced a smile. "I'll see you later, then."

Emma didn't reply, turning back to her work as if the conversation had never happened. But the tension lingered, heavy in the air between them.

As the weeks passed, Quinn found it harder to ignore the growing feelings inside him. He was falling for Emma, and he knew it. It wasn't just about the physical connection anymore, though that was still a big part of it. It was about the way she challenged him, the way she made him laugh, and the way she kept him on his toes. She was different from anyone he'd ever been with, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she was exactly what he'd been looking for.

But the more he tried to let her in, the more she pulled away. Emma was stubborn, and Quinn was beginning to realize just how deep her fears ran. She had been hurt before--by a hockey player, no less--and she wasn't about to let that happen again. No matter how much she cared for Quinn, she couldn't bring herself to break her rule.

Quinn found himself torn between respecting her boundaries and wanting to push past them. Every time they were together, he tried to show her how much he cared, how much he wanted more than just sex. He'd hold her a little longer, kiss her a little softer, hoping she'd see that he wasn't like the others. But Emma was like a fortress, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find a way in.

One night, after a particularly grueling game, Quinn found himself lying awake in his bed, his mind racing. Emma had been distant lately, more so than usual, and it was driving him fucking crazy. He missed her, missed the way things used to be before his feelings got in the way. He knew he should be grateful for what they had, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he was slowly losing her.

He picked up his phone, scrolling through their old messages. Most of them were short, simple texts about when and where to meet. But buried between the lines was a connection that went beyond just physical need. Quinn could see it, even if Emma refused to admit it.

Without thinking, he typed out a message: Can we talk?

He hesitated before hitting send, his thumb hovering over the screen. Part of him was terrified of what she might say, of hearing the words he didn't want to hear. But he couldn't keep going this like, stuck in a limbo with no idea where they stood.

Finally, he pressed send and waited. The minutes ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. He stared at the screen, willing it to light up with her reply. When it finally did, his heart skipped a beat.

I'm busy right now. Maybe later?

Quinn's shoulders sagged, the tension in his chest only growing. It wasn't a no, but it wasn't the answer he wanted either. He knew Emma well enough to know that "maybe later" was her way of putting him off, of avoiding a conversation she didn't want to have.

But Quinn wasn't willing to let it slide this time. He needed to know where they stood, needed to know if there was any hope of something more.

I'll wait. he replied.

Emma didn't respond, and Quinn didn't expect her to. He set his phone down and stared at the ceiling, trying to figure out what he'd say when they finally did talk. Part of him knew he should be careful, that pushing too hard might drive her away for good. But another part of him--the part that was tired of pretending--was ready to take the risk.

As the hours passed by, Quinn's thoughts continued to circle back to Emma. He thought about the way she smiled when she let her guard down, the way she looked at him when she thought he wasn't paying attention. There was something there, somthing real, and Quinn was determined to make her see it.

When his phone finally buzzed with her reply, his heart raced. But when he read her message, his hope deflated.

Can we just keep things the way they are? I'm not ready for more, Quinn.

He stared at the words, feeling the weight of them settle in his chest. It was exactly what he feared, but hearing it--reading it--still hurt more than he expected.

Despite the sting, Quinn couldn't bring himself to walk away. To put his phone down. Not yet. He knew that if he wanted to be with Emma, he'd have to be patient, to wait for her to come to terms with her feelings. And as much as it pained him to do so, he respected her wishes.

Okay, he typed back. But I'm not giving up on us, Emmy

There was no response, but he didn't need one. He knew it was going to be a long road, but he was willing to wait as long as it took. Because for Emma, it was worth it.

It was another late night in Vancouver, and the city was quiet outside Quinn's window. The game had been tough, a hard-fought win that left him physically drained but mentally wired. Emma had come over, as she often did after games, slipping into his place with the practiced ease of someone who had done it a hundred times before. They hadn't said much--there wasn't a need for words when they both knew what they were there for.

But tonight felt different to Quinn. There was a tension in the air that he couldn't shake, a weight pressing down on his chest as they lay in bed afterward. Emma was curled up next to him, a dull ache in her thighs, her breathing slow and steady as she started to drift off to sleep. Normally, Quinn would have let her, content to hold her in his arms until she inevitably slipped away before dawn. But not tonight.

"Emma," he whispered, his voice low and hesitant.

"Mmm?" she murmured.

There would be no going back. The words were there, waiting to be said, and he couldn't keep them bottled up any longer. "Can we talk?"

Emma's eyes opened, and she shifted slightly to look up at him. "About what?" she asked, her voice thick with sleep.

"About us."

She frowned, already sensing where this was going. "Quinn, we've talked about this. You know how I feel."

"No," he said, shaking his head. "We haven't really talked about it. Not like we need to." He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Emma, this isn't just... physical for me anymore. It isn't just about the sex. I care about you. A lot."

Emma's frown deepened, and she pulled away slightly, sitting up in bed. "Quinn, don't--"

"Just listen to me, please," he interrupted, sitting up as well. He could see the walls going up, the defences she always put in place when things got too close. But he was determined to push through them this time. "I'm falling for you, Emma. I think I've been falling for you for a while now, and I can't keep pretending that I'm okay with this being just... whatever it is."

She stared at him, her expression filled with surprise and something else--something that looked a lot like fear. "Quinn, you know I can't--"

"Why not?" his voice raising with frustration. "Why can't we be something more? We're good together, Emma. I know you feel it to."

She shook her head, wrapping the sheet around herself as if it could protect her from the conversation. "It's not that simple, Quinn. You know it's not."

"It is that simple," he insisted, reaching out to take her hand. "We care about each other. We have fun together. The sex is incredible. We could have something real if you'd just let yourself believe it."

Emma's hand tightened around the sheet, and she looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "Quinn, I have rules for a reason."

"Rules?" Quinn scoffed, feeling his frustration boil over. "Emma, you're not living your life. You're hiding behind these 'rules' because you're scared."

She flinched at his words, but her expression hardened. "That's not fair."

"Isn't it?" Quinn pressed, his voice softening as he saw the hurt in her eyes. "Emma, I'm not trying to hurt you. I just... I want more. I want us to be more. But I can't do that alone."

There was a long silence, the air between them heavy with even more tension. Emma finally looked at him, her eyes filled with fear, doubt, and maybe longing. But then she shook her head, her walls returning.

"I can't, Quinn," she said quietly. "I'm not going to break my rules. Not for anyone."

Quinn's heart sank, but he forced himself to nod. He had known this was a possibility, that she might not be ready to take that leap with him. But hearing her say it still hurt more than he could've ever imagined. "Okay," he whispered. "I understand."

But the truth was, he didn't understand. Not really. Because he couldn't see why she was so determined to keep them apart when it was clear they could be so much more.

Emma could feel Quinn's words threatening to crack the carfeully constructed walls she had built around herself. She had always been so sure of her rules, so certain that she needed them to protect herself. But hearing Quinn say that he was falling for her, that he wanted more, made her question everything.

It wasn't that she didn't care about Quinn--she did. More than she had ever intended to when they first started sleeping together. But that was exactly the problem. Caring about Quinn meant opening herself up to the possibility of getting hurt, and that was something she couldn't afford.

"Quinn," she began, choosing her words very carefully. "I made those rules for a reason. I've seen what happens when you get involved with hockey players. The lifestyle, the pressure--it's not something I want stacked on top of my own work."

He frowned, clearly not satsified with her explanation. "But I'm not like that, Emma. I'm not just some random guy looking for a fling. I want to be with you, for real. Why can't you see that?"

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I do see it, Quinn. But that doesn't change the fact that it's a bad idea. We're too close to Brock, too close to the team. If things go wrong--"

"They won't," his tone was firm. "I know it's scary, but we can make it work. We can take it slow, keep it private if you want, but I can't keep pretending this is just about sex."

Emma bit her lip, her mind running a mile a minute. She knew he was right, that what they had was more than just physical. But admitting that, giving in to it, felt like stepping off a cliff with no idea if there was anything there to catch her. She had promised herself she wouldn't get involved with a hockey player again, and yet here she was, teetering on the edge.

"I can't," she said again, shaking her head. "Quinn, I can't risk it. I'm sorry."

The words felt hollow, even to her, but she couldn't bring herself to say anything else. She looked at him, hoping he would understand, but the hurt in his eyes told her that he didn't. Or maybe he did, but he wasn't willing to accept it.

"Fine," Quinn said, his voice flat. "If that's how you really feel, then fine."

He moved to get out of bed, grabbing his clothes from the floor. Emma watched him, her heart aching at the sight of him pulling away. She wanted to reach out, to tell him she was sorry, that she didn't mean it. But the words stuck in her throat, choked by fear and doubt.

Quinn dressed quickly, avoiding her gaze as he headed for the door. Emma felt a surge of panic as she realized he was really leaving, that his might be the end of whatever they had. She opened her mouth to say something, anything, but the door was already closing behind him before she could find the words.

And just like that, he was gone.

Emma sat in the empty room, the silence keeping her stuck in her spot. The bed still smelled like him, a painful reminder of what she had just pushed away. She curled up into a ball, pulling the sheets around her as if they could somehow shield her from the reality of what had just happened.

She had been so certain she was doing the right thing, sticking to her rules and protecting herself. But now, with Quinn gone, all she felt was an overwhelming sense of loss. She had never let herself get this close to anyone before, not since the last time she had been burned by a hockey player. But Quinn... he was different. And that was what made this so much harder.

The tears came before she could stop them, spilling down her cheeks as she buried her face in the pillow. She had told herself that she didn't need anyone, that she was better off alone. But now, she wasn't so sure.

Meanwhile, Quinn was walking the streets of Vancouver, the cold night doing little to cool the fire of frustration and hurt burning in his chest. He had laid his heart on the line, told Emma how he really felt, and she had shut him down. He knew she was scared, that her rules were her way of protecting herself, but it didn't make it any easier to swallow.

He kicked at a loose piece of gravel on the sidewalk, watching as it skittered across the pavement. He wanted to be angry, to blame her for being so stubborn, so unwilling to let him in. But deep down, he knew that wasn't fair. Emma had been through a lot, and her fears were valid. But that didn't change the fact that he was hurting, that he wanted more from her than she was willing to give.

Quinn found himself at a small park, the trees bare and the benches empty in the late hour. He sat down, his head in his hands as he tried to sort through all the feelings in his head. He had never felt like this before--so out of control, so vulnerable. And it scared the hell out of him.

But what scared him even more was the thought of losing Emma. He knew she cared about him. There was something between them. Something worth fighting for.

As he sat there in the dark, he made a decision. He wasn't going to give up on Emma, no matter how hard she pushed him away. He knew it was risky, that he might get hurt in the process, but he also knew that it would be worth it. Emma was worth it.

He stood up, heading back to his apartment. He wasn't going to let her fear dictate their future. He would give her space if she needed it, but he wasn't going to walk away. Not yet.

Because sometimes, the best things in life were worth fighting for. And Quinn was ready to fight.

The Canucks were on the road again, heading into a critical stretch of the season. This time, they were in a small city with a reputation for rowdy fans and intense games. The hotel was nice enough, but the schedule was grueling, leaving the players and staff little time to do anything but eat, sleep, and prepare for the next match.

Emma was there, of course, coordinating PR events and managing the team's image as she always did. She was good at her job--meticulous, organized, and (usually) calm under pressure. But this trip felt different. Ever since the conversation with Quinn a few weeks ago, she'd been on edge, constantly looking over her shoulder, half-expecting him to show up and push her again.

She'd managed to avoid him for the most part, keeping their interactions strictly professional. But then tension between them was palpable, simmering just beneath the surface. Emma threw herself into her work, hoping to distract herself from the nagging thoughts that kept creeeping in whenever she allowed herself a moment to breathe.

That night, after a long day, Emma retreated to her hotel room, exhausted. The PR duties had been endless, and she was looking forward to nothing more than a hot shower and collapsing into bed. She had just slipped into her pajamas, an XL Canucks t-shirt, when there was a knock at her door.

It was late--too late for any of the players or staff to be knocking at her door for work-related matters. For a brief moment, she considered not answering, pretending she was already asleep. But something compelled her to go to the door, her hand hovering over the handle as she took a deep breath.

When she opened the door, her heart sank and fluttered at the same time. Quinn stood there, dressed in a hoodie and sweats, his hands shoved in his pockets. His expression determined and vulnerable, and for a moment, she was at a loss of words.

"Quinn, what are you doing here?" she whispered.

"I had to see you," he replied, his voice steady. "Can I come in?"

Emma hesitated, glancing down the hallway to make sure no one was around. The last thing she needed was for someone to see them together like this. "Q, it's late. We can't do this here."

"I know it's late, but I don't care," he said, taking a step closer. "Emma, please. Just... let me in. We need to talk."

There was something in his eyes that made it impossible to say no. With a resigned sigh, she stepped aside, allowing him to slip into the room. The door clicked shut behind them, the sound loud in the quiet night.

Quinn didn't waste any time. As soon as they were alone, he turned to face her, his face serious. "I can't keep doing this, Emma. I can't keep pretending I'm okay with the way thing are."

She crossed her arms over her chest. "We've talked about this, Quinn. You know where I stand."

"No, we haven't really talked about it," he countered. "You've told me how you feel, but you haven't listened to how I feel."

Emma looked away, unable to meet his gaze. She knew what was coming next, "Quinn, please. Don't do this."

"I have to," he said. "Emma, I'm in love with you. And I can't keep pretending that I'm okay with this just being sex. Because it's not, at least not to me."

The words hit her like a punch to the gut, winding her and leaving her breathless. She had known this was coming, had seen it in the way he looked at her, the way he touched her. But hearing him say it out loud made it real in a way she wasn't prepared for.

"Quinn..." she began, but he shook his head, cutting her off.

"No, just listen to me," he pleaded. "I know you're scared. I know you've been hurt before, and I know you've made these rules to protect yourself. But Emma, you can't shut yourself off from the world forever. You can't yourself off from me."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she blinked them back, determined not to let them fall. "It's not that simple."

"Yes, it is," he insisted, stepping even closer until he was right in front of her, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek. "It is that simple. We care about each other. We have something real. Don't you want to see where this could go?"

Emma closed her eyes, leaning into his touch despite herself. "I'm scared, Quinn. I'm scared that if I let you in, I'll get hurt again."

"You won't," he whispered, his thumb brushing away a stray tear that had slipped down her cheek. "I'm not going to hurt you, Emma. I promise you."

The dam broke. All the emotions Emma had been bottling up for months came flooding out in a rush. She let out a choked sob, her hands gripping the front of Quinn's hoodie as she buried her face in his chest. "I don't know how to do this," she admitted, her voice muffled by the fabric.

Quinn wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly as she cried. "You don't have to know. We'll figure it out together."

For a long time, they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms as Emma let herself be vulnerable for the first time in years. It felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders, but at the same time, she was terrified of what was to come next.

Finally, she pulled back just enough to look up at him, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "I don't want to lose you, Q. But I don't know if I can do this."

"You can," he assured her, his hand gently carressing her hair. "We'll take it one step at a time. I'm not going anywhere, Emmy. Not unless you tell me to."

She shook her head, her grip on his hoodie tightening. "I don't want you to go."

"Then I'm staying," he said, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead.

The kiss was tender, a promise of what was to come if she could just let go of her fears. Emma felt something shift inside her, a crack in the armour she'd built around her heart. She looked up at Quinn, her heart pounding in her chest as she realized how much she wanted this--wanted him.

Without another word, she closed the distance between them, pressing her lips to his in a kiss that was different from all the ones that had come before. This one was slow, deliberate, filled with all the emotions they'd been holding back. It wasn't about lust or need--it was about something deeper, something that scared her just as much as it thrilled her.

Quinn responded immediately, his arms tightening around her as he kissed her back with the same intensity. The world outside ceased to exist; all that mattered was the two of them, alone in the quiet of the hotel room.

They moved together in perfect sync, their movements slower, more meaningful than before. It was as if they were discovering each other all over again, but this time with their hearts fully in it. Quinn laid her back on the bed, his hands reaching under her shirt. She shivered, his skin cold against hers. She gripped his hair, bringing his body closer to hers so that their hips were pressed together. There was no rush, everything felt slow and loving.

As they lay together afterward, their breaths heavy in the air, Emma felt a peace she hadn't felt in years. For the first time, she felt hope that a relationship could work for her. As she drifted off to sleep in his arms, her mind still buzzing with the emotions of the night, there was a small part of her that couldn't shake the fear of what was to happen next.

The soft light of the morning filtered through the thin curtains of the hotel room. Emma stirred in her sleep, the events of the night before replaying in her mind as she hovered between dreams and waking. She could feel the steady rise and fall of Quinn's chest, his arm draped protectively around her waist.

For a moment, everything felt perfect. Peaceful. But then she remembered that it wasn't just another night together. This time it was more intense, more meaningful. Emma knew she couldn't pretend it was just a casual hookup anymore.

Quinn was awake, too, his fingers gently tracing patterns on her back. He didn't want to move, didn't want to ruin the moment they were sharing. But he knew they couldn't stay like that forever. Sooner or later, they'd have to face the consequences of what they had become, and that thought terrified him.

"Morning," he whispered.

Emma tilted her head up to look at him, her eyes still heavy with sleep. "Morning," she replied, her voice barely audible.

They stayed like that for a while, just looking at each other, neither one wanting to be the first to speak about how things had changed between them.

"What happens now?" Emma finally asked, her voice wavering slightly.

Quinn hesitated, searching her eyes for any sign of doubt. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I do know that I don't want this to be the last time we wake up like this."

"I don't know if I'm ready for that," she confessed, her fingers absently tracing the outline of his collarbone.

"I know," Quinn said, his voice gentle. "But I'm not asking for you to be ready right now. I'm just asking you to think about it. To think about us."

Emma didn't respond right away. She wanted to believe they could make it work, that they could be more than just a secret. But the reality of their situation--of Brock, the team, and her own fears--loomed over her like a storm cloud.

Before she could find the words to respond, a sharp knock echoed through the room, shattering the moment of quiet intimacy. They both froze, their eyes locking as the sound registered in their tired brains.

"Emma?" Brock's voice called from the other side of the door. "You up?"

Panic surged through Emma's veins as she scrambled to sit up. This couldn't be happening. Not now. Not like this.

Quinn's eyes widened in alarm, his hand gripping the sheets as if to make sure he wasn't dreaming. "What do we do?" his whispered urgently.

"Shit," she cursed under her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "You need to hide."

"Where?" he hissed, his eyes darting around the small hotel room. There was nowhere to go, nowhere that wouldn't immediately give him away.

"Just--" Emma was cut off by another knock, this one more insistent.

"Emma, you in there?" Brock's voice was more concerned now.

Her mind was racing, trying to come up with a plan. But before she could do anything, the door handle began to turn. Brock was coming in. Emma always gave him an extra key to use in case of emergencies. And her not answering him was an emergency in his mind?

Quinn barely had time to leap out of the bed, grabbing his clothes and diving into the bathroom just as the door opened. Emma could feel her heart in her throat as she watched him disappear, her pulse pounding in her ears.

Brock stepped into the room, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Em, what's going on? Why didn't you answer?"

Emma forced a smile, suddenly feeling like she was going to be sick. "Sorry, Brock. I was just getting up," she lied, pulling the covers a little tighter to her chest.

Brock's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping over the room before landing back on his sister. "Are you okay? You look... I don't know, off."

"I'm fine," she replied quickly, hoping her voice didn't betray the panic she felt. "Just tired, that's all."

Brock didn't look convinced, but before he could press any further, a loud clatter came from the bathroom. The sound of something falling, followed by a muffled curse.

Emma's blood ran cold as Brock's head snapped toward the bathroom door so fast he could've gotten whiplash. "What was that?" his voice was twinged with suspicion.

Her wind went blank, all possible excuses failing her. She couldn't come up with a single plausible explanation for the noise. All she could do was watch in horror as Brock took a step towards the bathroom door.

"Brock, wait--"

But it was too late. He was already pushing the bathroom door open, his eyes widening in shock as he took in the sight before him. Quinn stood there, half-dressed, his face covered in guilt and resignation. He had clearly tried to get dressed quickly, but it obvious what had happened. There was no hiding it now.

"Quinn?" Brock's voice was low, dangerous, as he turned to look at his sister, his eyes blazing with anger. "What the hell is going on here?"

This was exactly what Emma had been trying to avoid, the confrontation she dreaded from the moment she and Quinn had started whatever it was they were doing.

"Brock, I--" she began, but Brock cut her off, his voice rising with anger.

"How long has this been going on?" he demanded, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. "How long have you been sneaking around behind my back? Sleeping with my teammate?"

"Brock, it's not what you think," Quinn interjected, stepping forward, his hands raised as if he was approaching a wild beast.

"Not what I think?" Brock's eyes darted between the two of them. "What am I supposed to think, Quinn? You're in my sister's hotel room, half-naked, and you expect me to believe this is just a misunderstanding?"

Emma couldn't help the sense of guilt that was creeping in when she saw the hurt in her brother's eyes. This wasn't how she wanted him to find out, not like this. But there was no taking it back now, no undoing the mess they had created.

"Brock, listen to me," she started. "I didn't want to tell you because I knew you'd react like this. But it's not Quinn's fault. It's mine. I... I care about him a lot."

Brock's anger faltered, replaced by confusion. "You care about him? Emma, you've always said you'd never date a hockey player again. You've always told me--"

"I know what I've always said," Emma interrupted. "But things change. People change. I didn't expect this to happen, but it did. And I didn't tell you because I was scared of how you'd react."

Brock stared at her, "You should have told me, Em. You're my sister. I deserve to know what's going on in your life.

"I know," she mumbled, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Brock. I never wanted to hurt you."

The room was silent for a long moment, then tension in the air thick. Quinn stood by the bathroom door, his heart heavy as he watched the siblings. He knew this wasn't giong to be an easy conversation, but it was necessary if he and Emma were going to have a chance of being together. They had to face this head-on.

"I just... I can't believe you didn't tell me," Brock said quietly, his voice tinged with sadness.

"I'm telling you now," Emma said softly. "And I'm telling you that I care about Quinn. This isn't just us hooking up. It's something more."

"You really care about him?"

"I do, Brock. I really do."

Brock glanced at Quinn, who stood there with a look of determination on his face. It was clear that he wasn't going to back down, that he was ready to fight for Emma if that's what it took. And as much as it pained him, Brock knew he couldn't stand in the way of that.

"Alright. But if he hurts you, Emma... if he breaks your heart, I swear--"

"He won't," she interrupted, "He won't."

Brock nodded, "Okay. But you two owe me an explanation. The whole story."

"We will," Quinn promised. "You deserve that."

Brock turned to leave, to give them some space. They had made it through the worst of it, but there was still so much unsaid, so many obstacles they would have to overcome.

The morning after Brock's discovery, there was still a tension in the air. The team was scheduled to leave the hotel soon, and Emma could feel the unease radiating from Brock as they packed up their things.

Brock waited until they were in the parking lot, away from the rest of the team, before he turned to Quinn. "We need to talk."

Quinn nodded, "Yeah, we do."

They walked a few steps away from the bus, finding a quiet corner where they wouldn't be overheard. Emma watched from a distance, she could see the stiffness in Brock's shoulders.

"What the hell, Quinn? You're supposed to be my friend. How could you go behind my back like this?"

Quinn swallowed hard, knowing that Brock had every right to be angry. "I didn't mean for it to happen this way. I never wanted to keep it from you, but Emma... we weren't really sure where we stood. I was trying to respect her wishes."

Brock let out a harsh laugh, shaking his head. "Respect her wishes? You're supposed to respect me, too. I trusted you, Quinn."

"I know. And I'm sorry. I hate that I hurt you, Brock. But I care about Emma. I care about her more than I've ever cared about anyone."

"This isn't just some fling to you, is it?"

"No. It's not. I know how it looks, and I know why you're pissed. But Emma means everything to me. I'm not going to hurt her, Brock. I swear."

Quinn could see the conflict in his friend's eyes, the way he was struggling to reconcile the betrayal he felt with the truth of Quinn's words. Finally, Brock let out a long sigh, ruunning a hand through his hair.

"I'm still mad as hell at you. But if you're serious about her... if you really care about her, then I guess I don't have a choice but to deal with it."

"I am serious, Brock. And I get why you're angry. But I promise you, I'm going to do everything I can to make this work."

"You better. Because if you screw this up, Hughes... if you hurt her, I'm coming for you. And nothing will stop me."

Quinn didn't flinch at the warning, understanding the protective instincts behind it. "I won't hurt her. You have my word."

Brock didn't say anything for a few seconds, then finally extended his hand. "Alright. We'll see how this goes."

Quinn shook his hand. It wasn't a full reconciliation, but it was a start.

Emma sat by the window on the back of the bus. The conversation between Brock and Quinn had gone better than she'd expected. Now, more than ever, she needed to decide what she really wanted.

As the bus rumbled down the highway, Emma continued to stare out the window, her mind drifting back to all the events that had led her there. She thought about the walls she had built around herself, the rules she had clung onto so tightly. They had been her armour, her way of protecting herself from getting hurt again. But now, she was starting to realize that those same walls were keeping her from something she truly wanted--something real with Quinn.

But could she really risk everything for him? Could she trust him not to break her heart, not to shatter her into pieces like she'd been before?

She thought about the way he had held her in the hotel room, the way he had looked at her with such sincerity, such unwavering care. He had been patient with her, understanding her fears even when she hadn't fully explained them. He had been willing to wait, to take things at her pace, and that meant more to her than she could express.

Emma knew that she couldn't keep running from her feelings, couldn't keep hiding behind her rules. If she wanted to be happy, really happy, she needed to take a leap of faith. She needed to let Quinn in, to trust that he would catch her if she fell.

She made her decision. She was going to give Quinn Hughes a real chance. It wouldn't be easy, but she was tired of being afraid, tired of letting the past dictate her future.

After they arrived at the next hotel, Emma waited until most of the team had gone up to their rooms before she approached Quinn. He was standing by the luggage cart, talking to one of the staff members, but when he saw her coming, he broke off the conversation, his eyes locking onto hers.

"Emma? Everything okay?"

She nodded, "Can we talk?"

"Of course. What's on your mind?"

Emma led him away from the group, finding a quiet spot near the hotel's entrance. "I've been doing a lot of thinking. And I've realized something."

Quinn nodded, urging her to continue.

"I've been scared. Scared of getting hurt again, scared of what might happen if I let someone in. But... I don't want to be scared anymore."

His eyes softened, and he took a step closer, reaching out to gently untangle her hands, holding them in his. "Emma..."

"I want to give us a chance, Quinn. A real chance. No more hiding, no more pretending it's just physical. I want to see where this can go."

Quinn's face lit up with a smile. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear you say that." He squeezed her hands, his thumbs brushing over her knuckles. "I promise you, Emma, I'm all in. Whatever it takes, we'll make this work."

Quinn leaned down to kiss her, a soft, tender kiss that held all the promises of the future they could create together. Emma knew she had made the right choice. She was taking a risk, but it was a risk worth taking.

Later that evening, as the team gathered for dinner, Brock found himself watching Emma and Quinn across the room. They were sitting together, not hiding their connection but not flaunting it either. He could see the way Quinn's hand rested protectively on Emma's knee, the way Emma leaned into him, a soft smile on her face.

He could see how much Quinn cared about his sister, how much Emma softened around him. It was becoming glaringly clear to him that this wasn't just some fling, that they were both very serious about making it work.

Brock let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. He wasn't sure he was ready to fully forgive them, but he knew that he couldn't stand in the way of their happiness. If this is what Emma wanted, if this was what made her happy, then he would find a way to be okay with it.

He caught Quinn's eye from across the room, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Then, slowly, Brock gave him a slight nod, a silent acknowledgment of the understanding they had reached earlier.

Quinn returned the nod. And as Brock watched Emma laugh at something Quinn said, her face lighting up in a way he hadn't seen in years, he realized that maybe, just maybe, this was exactly what she needed.

#lee talks ‼️#nhl imagine #nhl fic #hockey imagine #hockey fic #quinn hughes

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