#nhl x male reader

[ghostking4m]

Male readers exist

So this is mostly for the hockey and sports world writers, I don’t mean to be mean or make anyone uncomfortable when I say this, but male readers exist too. Believe i’ve tried writing for male readers, but, I don’t have the talent or even time and energy to write for male readers at my current stage in life. I just want to request that more writers for the sports world, particularly hockey, F1, american football, maybe even just specific athletes. I’ve seen that some writers are including more gender neutral and male readers to their work, but when all you see is straight girls getting every piece of writing, it really sucks and makes us feel pretty shitty

[ironicallydecaf]

Polaroid - Cole Caufield x male reader

For context: reader is a photographer for the Canadians!

(A prequel is in the works 👀)

It was mid afternoon on a Saturday, and a rainy one at that. Because of the weather, you were feeling a little bit tired. The weather wasn’t the only factor, since you had been particularly busy with work lately. It seemed to all catch up with you now. The hockey season quickly approaching meant various photoshoots nearly every day for the past week, which stressed you out terribly, so some rest was very much needed, and deserved.

With the intention of sleeping for at least a couple hours, you grabbed one of your favourite blankets, some pillows, and set up on the living room sofa. While you began to relax, and ever so slowly drift off, you could hear Cole downstairs playing his video game. He wasn’t too loud at all, in fact, his voice echoing upstairs from the basement gave you a sense of added security. With that, you finally dozed off.

Around three hours went by, and it was now close to dinner time. You were still asleep, but not for long. You woke up with a start, because of a bright flash, followed by the sound of a camera clicking. You shot up, at first you thought it was some horrific photography nightmare, but when you looked beside you, it was only Cole on his knees beside you, shaking a Polaroid photo and holding your camera.

You felt a sense of relief and sighed “Hi” you said with a smile. “Taking up photography are you?”

“I couldn’t help it, you looked so comfortable. And plus you’re always taking pictures of me, so I thought why not switch it up once?” He showed you the Polaroid.

You thought that that might just be the cutest thing ever. “It’s very nice” you told him, yawning as you still weren’t 100% awake. “Even if my first thought seeing you sleep wouldn’t be to take a picture.”

“Well mine was ’he barely gets any real rest, so why not capture it’” Cole smiled, climbing onto the couch with you. You both laid down, Cole’s arm around you. The couch wasn’t very big, so you two had to get cozy, which neither of you minded at all. “How was your rest?” He asked.

“It was great” you answered. “I needed it so bad”

“I ordered in for dinner tonight, your favourite” he told you, which made your heart skip.

“You’re too good to me, I love you” you sat up just a little bit

“You deserve it, i love you too” you both smiled, and shared a quick kiss before the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it!” You both shouted, and raced to the door.

[minkyungseokie]

Hello, just wanted to say I had never seen such an eloquent response on Tumblr before. What a great argument! You managed to put into words with such mastery something that I frequently thought when seeing other men complain about women rarely writing x male reader, specially since a great deal of the “male reader community” asks for women not to interact with them and their content. People need to comprehend that pleasing everyone is far fetched and unattainable, and that if your ‘group’ lacks something, the own ‘group’ is responsible for fixing it

Thank you for the compliment. I was worried that my rant had come off rude and unhinged, but it was necessary to say. There’s a reason the F1 has mostly a female reader fanfic community and that’s because it’s full of women. I’ve had people say that they weren’t comfortable writing for male readers and they only write for our gender neutral readers.

What makes it worse if the fact that he literally tries to guilt trip the women of the sports community into worrying what he wants. Like, write it yourself. No one on this app caters to you and the group you’re apart of.

I used to read a lot of male readers and each and every one of them refused to let women interact with any of their writing because it made them uncomfortable, but it didn’t matter to that guy who made the post.

He wants everyone to write for male readers, but refuses to write for any community. That’s called hypocrisy and when I called him out, I’m pretty sure that he made a burner account and tried to intimidate me because that account was freshly made. He ended up blocking me with that account, but it was a wild thing to go through.

I wish more male readers were like you instead of being entitled the way that the OP of that post was. Cause I’ve seen so many male readers all for women to be inclusive, but then get mad once women do what they ask

I’m going to tag this post too let everyone know that you do not have to write for anyone that you aren’t comfortable with writing. It’s your blog, you do with it what you want and not what someone tries to guilt trip you into doing

[keerysfreckles]

mornings in | JACK HUGHES 86

જ⁀➴ headcanons of bf!jack and reader during their mornings spent together !

— no specific pronouns used, pure fluff!!! (written for my love winter and no one else)(jkjk)

masterlist ! | requests are open

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who wraps his arms around you the night before, causing them to be loosely wrapped around your waist when the sunlight flutters through the curtains.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who kisses your forehead if he wakes up before you, before running off to begin his morning routine.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who jumps at the feeling of your head coming up to rest on his shoulder while he's preoccupied with brushing his teeth.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who convinces you to get more beauty sleep so he can cook you breakfast in bed.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who rummages through the fridge, finding your favorite fruit, and preparing a cheesy omelette in a mere ten minutes.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who steals a few strawberry slices off your plate while cuddling up to you, bundled together under the wrinkled blankets.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who offers to take your plate, while you begin your search in your shared closet for the perfect outfit for the day.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who watches adoringly at the sight of you flipping through your section of red shirts, watching the way your smile grows as one of his own worn out devils shirts peeks through the others.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who beckons you toward the bed (where he was unashamedly watching you) just to pull you into a kiss.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who simply pulls you into another kiss, even after your many attempts to get into the shower.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who waits for you on the couch, having his thumb hovering over the play button on the remote, displaying your favorite show paused on the tv.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who's hand absentmindedly rubs over your knee while you curl up against him while watching tv together.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who whispers slight comedic commentary in your ear as the show plays.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who plays with your slightly damp hair as you move to rest your head in his lap, sighing contently at the feeling.

. . . જ⁀➴ bf!jack who steals a kiss from you in the middle of you asking if he'd want to watch another episode.

[hiddencloudboi]

🔞 18+ only MDNI 🔞

Despite knowing good and damn well that he's fucking 6'3 and 200 something pounds of hockey beefcake, that's not gonna stop boyfriend!Matthew Knies from trying to fuck boyfriend reader in a car. It goes about as well as you'd expect.

"Fuck – Matt! This isn't working," you finally say, rubbing the back of your head after bonking it for the fifth time in as many minutes. For the life of you, you couldn't fathom why your man thought the back of your Subaru was the perfect place to do this.

Pulling back, which resulted in him yet again hitting his head on the roof, Matthew winced. His considerable bulk takes up most of the space. "We can make it work, baby. I just gotta ‐ "

You raised an eyebrow while looking up at him. "What, Matty? Tell me how you plan on fucking me without giving both of us concussions."

Matthew's expression can best be described as sad puppy. You sigh, placing a hand on his chest to gently push him back so you can climb onto his lap, feeling his erection pressing against the softness of your ass.

"I wanna rip your clothes off too, Matty. But my car isn't the best place for that. I'm not explaining to your coach why you can't play in the next game."

@gayaristocrat @starboye @b00tyliciousbabe @multireese

[issdisgrace]

Since I think this man needs more people simping over him. I present you guys, Brady Skjei. He is 30 and is currently a hockey player for the Carolina Hurricanes.

[metalbrojack]

Nicojack x reader

Fluff but there’s a bit of suggestive dialogue :p

There isn’t really any mention of gender but the reader plays hockey so… yeah also sorry this sucks bc I’m still bad at writing..

This season is ending badly. To think Nico couldn’t get any more stressed after Jack got hurt.

You went down hard. Your leg made a terrible sound when Lowry landed on you. He obviously didn’t mean to, in fact he felt extremely sorry. Nico went to you immediately and pushed everyone else away, “are you alright? What happened?” He asks, dropping his usual “captain attitude”.

Later you are in the emergency room with Nico, he insisted on going with to make sure you’re ok.

A season ending injury. A broken fibula, the doctor said. A small surgery and long recovery time.

The house that you, Nico and Jack share is quiet for a while. But Jack notices how much of Nico’s attention is on you. Of course he does what any sensible man would do..pout and huff every 5 minutes. “Jack what’s wrong my love?” Nico asks gently as he tries to cuddle up to him. Jack pulls away and huffs sharply. “I dunno.” He mutters, obvious lie. Nico quickly picks up on his words, “okayy but if you’re gonna give me attitude, no lovin’” he says in teasing tone before he goes back to cuddling and kissing your face. You giggle and peek over at Jack, he looks over at you two like a kicked puppy. “Aw neeks, don’t be mean!” You speak before sliding over to Jack. He nuzzles up to your side gently, “he’s such a bully.. at least someone here loves me.” Jack giggles softly, his words full of mischief. Nico scoffs, “oh please! You weren’t saying that last night!” Jack quickly shuts up and turns bright red from embarrassment. You and Nico laugh for a moment, “aw poor jackyyy.” You tease before kissing his cheek. “You know I only kid Jack, I just like to see you embarrassed..” Nico murmurs before placing a kiss on his forehead then yours.

———————>

Well I didn’t know how to end this at all but it’s whatever. Uh it really has been forever since I wrote my bad.

[kadentherabbit]

Hi guys!!!! Soo this is my master list, it will be updated as I write more fanfics in the future, I currently write for ahs/evan peters characters, DC characters and possibly Donnie Darko in the near future! Make a request to be on my tag list!

A little more about me I suppose: gay and trans! Please only refer to me with he/him pronouns. I enjoy gory movies or movies with Evan Peter’s in them :3. You can refer to me as Kaden! I love writing, one of my favorite hobbies but it takes me a while to have any motivation so keep that in mind!

Most of my fics will be about men, and in a gender neutral fashion unless I’m requested specifically male reader or female reader! Keep reading for more!!

My CAI.

My JAI.

I will not write fics that include:

Any bodily fluids that aren’t spit, cum or blood (Strict limits).

Age gaps that include one party being under the age of 18 and another party being over the age of 18. (Aka any sort of pedophilia)

Fics that involve childbirth/pregnancy (may change in future).

Incest or stepcest. Platonic family relationships only.

Threesomes or any smut that includes more than 2 people (may change in future)

Smut for any female or AFAB character.

I hate writing angst.

Characters I currently feel comfortable writing for! ⬇️

Peter Maximoff, Tate Langdon, Richard Grayson, Jason Todd, Bruce Wayne, Tim Drake, Most DC villains, Carl Gallagher, Kai Anderson (May be ooc), Ponyboy Curtis, Two-Bit Mathews, Adam Banks, Kyle Spencer, Wilbur Robinson, Lewis/Cornelius Robinson, Johnny Lawrence, Kevin Khatchandorian.

Characters I need more time with ⬇️

Kit Walker, James Patrick March, Jimmy Darling, Lip Gallagher, Ian Gallagher, Donnie Darko, Luke Cooper, Colin Zabel, Stan Bowes, Guy Germaine, Daniel LaRusso.

(you may suggest these characters! I may just need a little more time to write the fic!)

smut = 𝜗𝜚. fluff =✿. Being worked on = ꩜.

AHS

Tate Langdon NSFW Alphabet 𝜗𝜚

Your fear is my pleasure - Kai Anderson 𝜗𝜚

The only friend you’ll ever need - Tate Langdon 𝜗𝜚 (req)

Kai Anderson fic 𝜗𝜚/꩜ (req)

X-MEN

Peter Maximoff NSFW Alphabet 𝜗𝜚 (req kinda)

Stuffed like a Twinkie - Peter Maximoff 𝜗𝜚/✿ (req)

Mean Dom Peter Maximoff 𝜗𝜚

Peter Maximoff and Reader getting high ✿ (req)

DC

Dick Grayson/Nightwing Blabz ✿

Arkham Knight! Jason Todd Blabz ✿ (Fem! Robin reader!)

OTHERS

Ryan Gosling! Ken Blabz ✿

Rodrick Heffley Blabz ✿

Jack Hughes Blabz ✿/𝜗𝜚

Five Hargreeves Blabz ✿

Cobra Kai! Johnny Lawrence blabs ꩜

[hockeyisit]

Quinn Hughes X OriginalM! character coming soon🤔

[ghostking4m]

Rejection Is Just Redirection

Luke Hughes x reader

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Listen, you didn’t really need college. You broke into the entertainment industry at 16, so college was just a plan b you put on the back burner. Being one of the most famous names and faces in the entire world, you easily had enough money to afford college, so why not give it a shot? After all, your boyfriend went to college, though he did kind of drop out to play hockey.

Once you made up your mind that you’d be going back to school, your next step what choosing your major and what schools to apply to. You write songs and sometimes write poems and books, so maybe English or journalism? Maybe Communications would help you answer some of the dodgy questions the paparazzi ask you. Heck, even political science or economics or business would be a good idea. They would allow you to make a difference in the world. Business sounds like a safe choice. You could do a lot with a business degree. Now to apply to schools.

So here’s the thing, you’re finally in a real relationship that you really don’t want to mess up. Staying in LA would allow you to go to school and continue working, so you could still be in the limelight when you want to be. USC and UCLA would be great choices for that and they’re extremely accredited schools. However, maybe Rutgers is the school you should choose, since it’s close to Luke. NYU might even be an interesting choice since it wouldn’t raise too many questions if you’re going to school in the city because you want to or if it’s because you want to be closer to your boyfriend. It has always been your dream school when you were a kid. Well, it’s decided then!

You honestly weren’t expecting the application and admissions process to be so complicated and grueling. It’s like the education system is trying to torture kids to see who would come out on top as the victor. College really is like the Hunger Games, isn’t it? You hadn’t the slightest idea of how to fill out your major requirement classes or send your high school transcript to the admissions office and your essays were mid at best. You’re a celebrity, it’s not like you needed to try all that hard to graduate high school since you did homeschooling since you were 16. Though, you gotta admit that the feeling of finally being done with the application process was a relief. It’s just a waiting game now for admissions decisions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“T-minus 2 hours until decisions come out. You nervous?” Luke asked as you guys were laying on the couch before he had to go to practice.

“A little, but it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get in. I mean, i’ve already got my career, so why would I worry about getting in so that I could work more to get a degree that would allow me to work even more? Why did i do this again?” you questioned back, joking with him. “If I don’t get in, I’ll just grab my bag and go back to LA and star in the highest grossing movie of the decade… again”

Luke laughed at your comment, despite hearing the quiet hesitation in your voice. He didn’t realize how much you actually wanted to get in. He didn’t know how much you wanted to prove that you’re more than just some face in gossip magazines or the most talked about name in the headlines. You wanted to be seen and treated like a person, someone who people respected because you worked just as hard as they did to get to the same place as them. You always advocated for equality for everyone and yet people always worshipped you and put you on a pedestal.

“Would that be such a bad thing?” he countered.

“I’m not sure yet. Part of me regrets applying, because I don’t want to get in for nepotism or for being famous, but I also want to get in, because I want to make everyone proud of me.” You replied.

It broke Luke’s heart a little to hear you talk about this in the way you are, because how could anyone not be proud of you and what you accomplished at such a young age? You had 6 Oscars, 4 Emmys, the most nominations at the Grammy’s this year, and you were named the most powerful person of the year by Time Magazine, Forbes Magazine, AND Vogue. You were a sensation that was still only just beginning. You had the entire world eating in the lam of your hand.

“Well, no matter what happens, I’m proud of you for trying. You don’t need college, but I applaud your efforts anyway. You could honestly be anything you want, be anyone you want, all you have to do is try and not everyone can do that.” He said, and his heart absolutely MELTED at the tiny smile you tried to hide by hiding your face further in his chest.

He heard you mumble the most adorable, embarrassed “Thanks” from his chest and he couldn’t help but giggle.

“Let’s not think about it for a while, please?” you asked, politely.

“Ok. We can just rewatch the movie where you play a real life version of one of the most famous dolls in the world.” He says, purposefully teasing you!!

“Oh God.” You laughed out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You held your breath as you opened the email concealing your admissions decisions. It felt as if the world was telling everyone to be quiet and listen.

“I got it.” You whispered as quietly as possible.

“You got in?!” Luke shouted, jumping nearly 7 feet high as he got up to look at you.

“No. I got the email that says if I got in or not.” You answered.

“Oh. Sorry for freaking out.” He looks away, slightly embarrassed. You give him a small look and smile full of adoration before turning back to your phone.

“Here goes nothing.” You say as you click on the email. “What? I don’t get it? Oh! I have to log into the admissions portal in order to see the decision.”

You click on the portal login link and enter your login id username and password, fingers slightly trembling with anticipation. Hesitantly, you click on the link that states “An update has been made about your decision.”

Taking a deep breath, you read a letter that says:

“Dear Y/n, Thank you for applying to New York University. We are humbled by the overwhelming interest in attending NYU and the outstanding quality of the applications we received this year. After careful consideration and thorough examination, it is with regret we must inform you were are unable to offer you admission for the Fall 2024 semester.”

“I didn’t get in.” You confessed barely loud enough for a mouse to hear.

Instantly, Luke had his arms around your shoulders and pulled you into his chest, fiercely protective. You were so disappointed that you weren’t even crying, almost as if you were expecting to be rejected.

“Whatever. Fuck them anyway. They didn’t deserve you to begin with. You belong somewhere like UMich or in an Ivy League school. You’re too good for them.” He tries to reassure you. “Look at it this way, you can continue doing what you love most and stay here with me. In the end, you learned something.”

“And what’s that?” you questioned him.

“Rejection is just redirection, that’s all. College wasn’t in the cards for you and life thinks you’re better off in the spotlight, making more money in a single year than those lousy admissions officers make in their entire lives. You were meant to be somebody great. You ARE somebody great and you’re becoming somebody even more perfect than I ever thought possible.”

His words struck a chord in your heart so deeply that you couldn’t help but hold on to him for dear life. You felt your eyes begin to prick with tears. As the first one fell out of your right eye, you knew automatically that they were tears of joy. Your heart swelled with pride and love for Luke as you laughed into his chest.

“Yeah. Fuck them. I don’t need them. I’m a star! You’re all I need.” You teased back. Deep down, you were incredibly disappointed, but Luke’s words of affirmation and love meant more to you than the rejection letter did. Nothing could beat that.

“That’s right, baby.” He laughed as he tighten his grip over you. He gently kissed the top of your head and repeated quiet “I love you’s” for at least 10 minutes.

“What time is it?” You asked.

“It’s…5:30.” He responded gently leaning over to turn on his phone to check. “Oh Shit! I’m gonna be late!”

“Go! Go! Go!” You laughed at him.

God, this boy. You thought, shaking your head. That’s MY boy.

[toasttt11]

sweet nothing

summary: five times jack knew she was the one and one time someone told him she was the one

jack hughes x reader

One

Jack walked around the corner heading to his favorite local cafe and his favorite place to get his morning coffee especially when he has practice as it is on the way to the rink but also close to his apartment that he can walk to get coffee on his days off.

Jack stumbled into someone feeling a hot liquid spill over the other person and his hands shot out to catch the women he stumbled into.

“I am so sorry.” Jack quickly apologized seeing he had ran into to her and her coffee is all over her now, She looked up shyly and Jack’s breath caught in his throat, he has seen many beautiful woman but the woman in front him right now was the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.

“It’s okay.” She softly spoke sending the very attractive male a shy smile.

“At least let me make it up to you and buy you a coffee.” Jack quickly asked looking down at her hopefully, he didn’t want to part with her yet especially not even knowing her name yet.

She let out a shy sigh, “Oh you don’t have to.”

“I want to.” Jack sternly told her giving her puppy eyes making her look at him and reluctantly nod, Jack beamed and held out his hand, “I’m Jack.”

She softly grabbed his calloused hand shaking it softy smiling at him as she introduced herself.

Jack blinked at her very soft touch and hoped it wouldn’t be the last time he got to touch her.

“Come on i owe you a coffee.” Jack beamed and rested a light hand on her lower back as they walked back to the cafe.

She smiled softly thinking Jack reminded her of a puppy. Jack opened the door to the coffee shop and let her walk inside first.

Jack happily followed her to the front counter where she ordered another coffee and than he ordered his own and paid for their drinks.

He grabbed napkins for her and helped her ferry off her sweater making her flash him a sweet smile that just competently melted his heart and he wanted to do anything to get that smile flashed at him again.

The two walked over to the other counter waiting for their coffee once they finished drying off her sweater, “Thank you.” She softly spoke to Jack giving him an appreciate smile.

“Of course.” Jack beamed brightly back at her, he got another smile from her.

They grabbed their coffees and Jack bit his lip not wanting to leave her yet, “Are you busy?” Jack blurted out making her turn to him, “I thought maybe we could talk.” Jack shrugged looking nervous but had a hopeful smile on his face.

“Sure.” She easily agreed making Jack’s smile widen, they walked over to an empty table and sat down.

“So what do you?” She asked curiously sipping on her warm coffee.

Jack blinked and realized she really didn’t know who he was and he smiled even more, “I uh play hockey.”

“Really that’s cool.” She smiled softly, “Do you like it?” She titled her head curiously.

Jack smiled enjoying the question she asked as it’s never a people ask genuinely, “I love it. My brothers both play too.”

She watched Jack’s smile get softer as he spoke about his brothers, “Woah that’s awesome. Who do you play for?” She didn’t know a lot about sports as she has never been really interested.

“I play for the New Jersey Devils.” Jack smiled telling her enjoying that she doesn’t know him as Jack Hughes alternate captain of the New Jersey Devils but as just Jack.

She furrowed her brows having heard that team and realized he played in the NHL, she doesn’t know much but living in Jersey she has learned a few of the team’s names, “For the NHL? that’s incredible.” She smiled softly at him.

Jack smiled in response, “What about you?” Jack leaned closed in curiosity wanting to learn everything and anything about her.

“Oh i’m a writer.” She softly anwsered his question, it was the reason she moved from sunny Florida to the New Jersey area when she started writing her first book with a publishing company and she has never left since.

“Really!” Jack exclaimed looking awed, “Oh! That’s why your name was familiar!” Jack realized why he thought her name was so familiar when she introduced her self, he has read all of her books and they are the few books he actually loves to reread.

“Your books are incredible.” Jack had started reading her books when the first one came out around his draft and he has loved every single one.

She shyly smiled, “Thank you.” She mumbled her cheeks bright red, no matter how many compliments she gets on her books she always flushes bright red every time.

Jack’s face softened seeing her shy smile and red cheeks and knew there was no way he was going to stop until he got to be her boyfriend, even if they just met a few minutes ago he knew something was special about her and had never felt this way from anyone else.

Jack knew she was the one and was sure they will be together one day.

Two

Jack rubbed his face as he sat down in his car after a long and exhausting game. The past few games have been terrible and all brutal loses and Jack feels as if they are never catching a break.

He was sore more than usual and just exhausted physically and mentally.

All he wanted was to see his little book worm and hopefully his future girlfriend. Jack has been talking to her everyday for the past two months since he met her at the coffee shop and every day he knows more and more that she’s it for him but all he needs to confess his feelings first for that to happen.

He has been at her place a few times and she has been at this place a face times so he hoped she wouldn’t mind him random showing up.

He drove the short drive to her apartment and nodded at the doorman as he walked in and took the elevator to her floor.

He ran a ran through his soaking wet hair and walked down the hallway quickly to her door, he knocked on the door and waited for her.

She looked up from her couch where she reading a book hearing a knock, she wasn’t expecting anyone. She stood up and walked to the door and peeked through seeing a tired Jack. She opened the door, “Jack?” She gently said titling her head softly.

Jack let out a long sigh seeing her, he stepped forward and just hugged her tightly and his head rested on her shoulder.

She only blinked and wrapped her arms around him tightly, she took a step back with him in her arms and shut her door.

She stood in her entrance holding him gently and rubbing his back just holding him with no questions asked.

Jack let out a soft breath as he felt himself relax more and more in her arms, her warm and comforting embrace. He’s never felt as comfortable as he does when he is in her arms.

Jack reluctantly lifted his head off her shoulder keeping his arms around her, “Hi.” Jack whispered tiredly.

“Hello.” She softly whispered back her thumb gently rubbing his cheek bone. “I missed you.” She whispered to him giving him a cute little smile. He had been on a few day road trip and when he got back they haven’t had time to see each other yet.

Jack’s face softened hearing her words, “I missed you too, so much.” Jack whispered back, “So much that i think i actually annoyed Nico about how much i talked about.” Jack admitted to her. He may of actually made Nico annoyed.

She blinked feeling her face soften even more, “You talk about me?” She was surprised, she didn’t know if Jack had say anything about her to anyone, not they she expected it but still.

“I can’t shut up about you.” Jack shrugged softly, he’s not stopped talked about her to anyone since the moment he met her.

She smiled softly feeling her cheeks burning, “Oh.” She mumbled.

Jack smiled softly as he saw how red her cheeks were getting, “I like talking about you.” He admitted to her, his hand going up to cup her cheek making her lean into his touch.

She smiled softly at his words her eyes peering up at him hopefully, “Yeah?”

“Of course.” Jack nodded seriously, “I gotta talk about my girl.” Jack added with a small smile and a hint of nerves in his words.

She blinked her smile growing, “Your girl?” She asked hopefully, she’s been waiting for Jack to ask her out for a while now.

“If you let me.” Jack asked hopefully looking at her so incredibly softly, “I would really like to be your boyfriend.”

She nodded with a beaming smile, “I would like that too.” Her words made Jack beam.

He brought his other hand up to her face so he cupped her face from both sides mad leaned down and finally pressed his lips softly to hers.

They both let out happy sighs as they finally kissed.

After a few moments they pulled away and kept their foreheads touching until Jack pulled away to yawn.

“Come on let’s get you to bed.” She grabbed his hand flashing him a soft smile as she pulled his through her apartment. He happily let her pull him anywhere.

Jack luckily had threw on a pair of sweatpants and t-shirt after his post game shower instead of his suit so he could got straight to bed.

She pulled him into her room and pulled back her covers and gently pushed Jack into her bed. She laid down next to him and opened her arm letting Jack cuddle and rest his head on her chest. She brought her hand up to his wet hair and gently ran her fingers through his hair.

“You’re the best.” Jack tiredly mumbled a he felt his eyes closing even quicker from her running her hands through his hair.

She smiled softly at his words and pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead, “Sleep baby.” She soothing mumbled watching as his eyes fluttered shut and stayed close.

Three

She walked through the hallways of the prudential center looking for the suite Jack told her to go to. She was wearing a pair of black leather pants with Jack’s black Devils jersey and a pair of black heeled boots.

Jack didn’t ask her to wear his jersey but he did leave out on the bed for her if she wanted to wear it. She knew he would be thrilled if she wore her jersey.

She walked into the suite and saw a lot of other woman and a few children and knew Jack put her in the suite with the other players families.

A blonde girl looked up and beamed seeing her walk in, “You must be Jack’s girl.” She walked over to her, “I’m Nicole. I’m so glad you here! Jack doesn’t stop talking about.” Nicole giggled as she shook hands with her.

Nicole has heard all about her from Jack and from Jesper telling her that Jack doesn’t shut up.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” She flashed a soft smile at Nicole.

“Come on i’ll introduce you to everyone.” Nicole smiled widely as she looped arms with her and took her around the suite introducing everyone to Jack’s girl.

She was finished getting introduced by the time the game started and she sat down watching Jack skate on to the ice.

This was her first time ever going to hockey game and she’s only started watching hockey when she met Jack and she only watches his games.

Jack looked at up at the family suite and beamed so brightly seeing his girl sitting in there and he could see his jersey on her which just made everything better. He waved getting her attention and he watched her smile once she saw him.

He blew her kiss and he wished he was close enough he could see her cheeks get rosy like they always do.

“She came?” Nico asked amused as he nudged Jack teasingly when he saw Jack starring at the suite with a very happy smile. Nico has never seen Jack lovesick until her and it was honestly really sweet to see.

Jack proudly nodded. He skated away and grabbed a puck from warm up’s and handed it one of the equipment crew and asked them to hold it for him.

He got ready for the game to start.

She was blushing bright red by the attention on her from Jack blowing her a kiss.

“When did you meet?” Kristen Haula softly asked. Erik had told her all about the girl Jack has been talking about for months now, longer than he has ever talked about anyone ever.

“Almost five months ago.” She softly answered, she was glad she got hot coffee spilled on her that day because it gave her Jack.

“How long have you been together?” Cat Toffoli asked the girl softly, she could tell she was in the shyer side but incredibly sweet.

“Three months.” She told her, smiling as she spoke.

She answered a few more questions before the start of the game.

She softly cheered as Jack got a goal in the first period and she felt her face blush at Jack waving at her after his goal.

She loved watching Jack play in person for the first time, it was so much more than watching on the TV, it was like she got to see another side of Jack tonight and she loved it.

The second period started and within minutes Jack scored another goal and blew a kiss up at her that she softly catched and she knew Jack caught her actions because if it was even possible his grin got even brighter.

She shook her head incredibly fond as Jack scored his third goal and pointed at her, she blew him a tiny kiss for his amazing performance making him smile and his ears turn pink.

She walked with Nicole down to the locker room once the game was over and the Devils had won and Jack had gotten a hat trick.

She talked a bit more with Nicole as she waited for Jack.

Jack was the first one out of the locker room and immediately went straight to his girl. He grinned as he walked to her and could read his name on her back as he snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her from behind and spun her around twice making her giggle.

He set her back down and spun her around his arms so she was facing him, “Hi.” Jack leaned his face closer to hers and whispered softly.

“Hi.” She softly whispered back as she brushed back down of his wet hair off his forehead, “You played incredibly.” She praised him making his perk up, he gets compliments all the time on his hockey but coming from her it meant the world to him.

“Thank you” Jack fondly smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, “I got you something.” Jack mischievously told her as he grabbed something out of his suit pocket ask handed it to her.

She smiled softly as she took the puck from his hand seeing he had wrote the date on the side, “Thank you.” She softly told and kissed his cheek gently making him smile happily at her word and affection, She tucked the puck into her pocket.

“Jacky boy!” Nate beamed as he walked over with Nico, he shook Jack’s shoulders grinning mischievously as he looked at the girl in front of Jack, “Are you going to introduce us?” Nate beamed excitedly he has heard all about her from Jack.

“Baby this is Nico and Bast.” Jack introduced them to her wrapping his arm around her waist.

“Hi.” She softly spoke to them, “I’ve heard a lot about you both.” She loves hearing Jack talk about his teammates and with how much he talks about them she feels like she knows all of them personally.

“He talks about you all the time.” Nico calmly told her but grinning teasingly at Jack.

She blushed and smiled up at Jack slightly teasing, in a way only Jack can get her to tease.

Jack fondly rolled his eyes, “So i like talking about my girl.” Jack doesn’t care he would happily talk about her anytime.

She just smiled at him making Nate and Nico share a look and had a feeling that Jack has found his a good one and someone who they would be seeing from now on.

She waved bye to Jack’s teammates before Jack led her out of the arena.

His eyes glanced to her back and looked at how his name was across her back and all he wanted to was make that her name too.

Jack wasn’t going to stop until he got her to be his wife even if they have only been dating for three months, Jack knew she was the one.

Four

Luke has just gotten into New Jersey a few days ago and had just gotten back from his first game.

He was staying with Jack and of course he knew all about Jack’s girlfriend and he noticed immediately how much Jack is on his phone now and how smiley is he when he is on his phone. Jack also just seems genuinely happier lately.

Luke was chilling on the couch after the game in a pair of sweatpants and a hoodie when Jack came down the hallway and into the living room, “You hungry?” Jack raised an eyebrow in question.

“I could eat.” Luke answered back easily stretching out his arms, he could always eat.

“Come on there’s someone i want you to meet and you’ll get food.” Jack fondly rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his excitement to where he was going making Luke realize he was most likely going to meet Jack’s girlfriend.

Luke nodded standing up and slid a pair of shoes on and followed Jack out of the apartment and into the car.

Jack drove them only a few minutes away and into an another apartment building.

Luke followed Jack through the lobby and he noticed how the workers all seemed to know Jack and followed him into the elevator.

“I’m meeting your girlfriend.” Luke bluntly stated not asking because he knew.

“You are.” Jack nodded, “She won’t be able to meet mom and dad during playoffs and i want her to meet a piece of my family.” Jack told Luke truthfully.

Jack was disappointed she won’t be able to go to playoff games as she is going on a book tour for her new book but he was proud of her and would never ask her to cancel something in her career for his career.

Luke nodded and decided to not tease his brother for once sensing that Jack just genuinely her to meet his family.

Jack walked up to a door and pulled out a key and unlocked the door and that made Luke raise an eyebrow, Jack had a key.

Luke followed Jack into the apartment and made a sound smelling something amazing.

Jack chuckled hearing the sound and knowing Luke smelt the food, “Trust me it tastes even better.” Jack has had a lot of people cook for him but no one has ever been better than her.

Once she found out Jack has a strict diet she made sure to make foods that follow his diet but they still taste so good and she’s always making him some type of healthy dessert that still tastes insanely good and he can eat as many as he wants.

“Jack?” She called out from the kitchen hearing the door unlocked, she took a deep breath feeling slightly nervous as she was about meet Jack’s brother.

“Hey you.” Jack softly spoke as he walked into the kitchen and wrapped his arm around her from behind in and kissed her cheek.

“Baby this is Luke.” Jack proudly introduced two of his favorite people to one another.

“Hi!” She smiled softly and shook Luke’s hand, “I’ve heard a lot about you from Jack.”

Luke smiled at the and shook her hand gently back, “Hi, i think i might of heard more about you from Jack.” Luke teased his brother.

She smiled and chuckled softly at Luke’s teasing and Jack’s fond eye roll.

“Do you need any help?” Jack asked her sweetly still holding her from behind.

“No i finished everything.” She set her hands over Jack’s hands and squeezed his hands softly, “Luke do you like spaghetti and meatballs?” She asked hopefully.

Luke nodded quickly looking excited for any food but especially spaghetti, spaghetti is one of his favorite meals.

Luke watched as the two interaction and smiled softly being able to see immediately how in love Jack really is and Luke has never seen Jack this in love. He also saw how calm she makes Jack, the second Jack stepped into the apartment it was like all of his stress and worries just went away.

“Good.” She smiled and walked to the stove and Jack reluctantly let go of her to grab three plates and he handed one to Luke.

They all platted up their plates and headed to her dinning room sitting around the table.

Luke took a bite and made a sound, “Oh my god.” Luke looked over at her in awe, he had never had such amazing spaghetti, “Jack you are not allowed to ever let her go.” Luke declared making her laugh and Jack smile and roll his eyes.

“That is the best spaghetti i have ever had.” Luke told her the second he was done, he had scrapped everything it off his plate within in minutes.

“Thank you.” She flushed at the compliment as it always means a lot when someone likes her cooking, “If you’re still hungry please have seconds.” She encouraged Luke and she knew it was the right thing to say as Luke lit up and got up immediately and headed into the kitchen.

Jack grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, “You know he adores you already.” Jack told her, He knew the easiest way to wins Luke heart is food and he knew having them meet like this would be perfect for them both.

She let out a small sigh of relief her shoulders releasing some tension, “I hope so.” She softly admitted.

Jack fondly smiled and he felt so warm seeing her care so much about what her family thinks about her and how much she wants to have the approval of his whole family.

It means the world to Jack knowing she cares that much and that’s another reason he knew he picked the right one.

Five

Jack looked out the plane window as the plane started to descend down as they were almost in Michigan.

His arm was around her shoulders as she rested her head on his shoulder and his hand was playing with her hair as she slept peaceful on him.

Jack frowned slightly knowing he would have to wake her up but he didn’t want to as he loves how peaceful she looks when she sleep.

“My sweet girl.” Jack softly cooed rubbing her shoulder watching as she groaned softly and her eyes starts fluttering open, “There’s those beautiful eyes.” Jack cooed as she opened her eyes to look up at him. He smiled at her little sleepy smile and blush and how she leaned closer to him her nose nudging his neck.

“How was your nap baby?” Jack gently asked his girlfriend.

“Comfy.” She mumbled pressing a kiss to his neck before lifting her head up and resting her chin on his shoulder.

He pressed a kiss to her nose making her nose scrunch and he smiled lovingly.

Once the plane landed they got up and Jack grabbed their bags for them and they got off the plane and walked through the airport. Jack never lets her carry her bags anymore even her purse.

They walked out of the airport and Jack saw Quinn waiting by the car and he guided her over to Quinn and the car.

Jack dropped the bags by the car and hugged his brother and Quinn hugged him tightly back.

Quinn looked over once they stopped hugging and saw her and smiled gently having heard the most about her than anyone else and he already knew she is perfect for Jack by how happy she makes her brother.

“Hi.” Quinn spoke softly and usually he doesn’t hug new people but with how muchJack talks about her Quinn feels as if he knows her and he hugged her gently.

“Hi.” She gently spoke back with a small sense of relief realizing Quinn had to like her a bit to her hug and she was glad because he’s very important to Jack.

Jack loaded the car while he let the two talk and get to know each other better.

Quinn got into the drivers seat and he couldn’t help but smile realizing that Jack got into the backseat so he could sit with his girlfriend.

The three talked most of the drive back to the lake house and she fit extremely well with Quinn.

Quinn offered to get theirs bags and bring them up to Jack’s room to let Jack go introduce her to everyone.

Jack had a bounce in his step as he held her hand and brought her through his lake house and to the backyard seeing his parents and Luke.

Luke looked up and smiled seeing the two and he got up walking right to his future sister in law ignoring Jack completely and hugged her. Jack just fondly rolled his eyes.

Ellen raised an eyebrow and smiled softly seeing that Luke obviously cares a lot about Jack’s girlfriend. Luke has only had amazing things to say about her.

Ellen has never seen Jack talk about anyone the way he talks about her and in Ellen’s book she already approves because of that and she can see how happier Jack is now and that’s all she wants is for her children to be happy.

Ellen and Jim got up and walked over to them and they hugged Jack first having missed their middle child as Luke talked with her.

“Hi.” She spoke slightly nervous as Ellen and Jim turned their attention to her and she wanted to make a good first impression.

Jack held her hand softly rubbing his thumb over her knuckles, something that Ellen didn’t miss and she smiled wider.

“It is so good to finally meet you!” Ellen beamed and pulled her into soft hug and she was even more surprised here Ellen let go that Jim pulled her into a hug too.

“It’s really nice to meet you both.” She softly but honestly told them as she leaned back into Jack’s side.

“Are you guys hungry?” Ellen asked in a motherly tone she watched as they shared a look and Jack nodded.

“Starving.” Jack answered as they had an early flight and slept most of the flight so they are hungry.

“Why don’t we go to the country club and get some food?” Ellen offered and the two nodded.

“Give us a few minutes and get out of our airport clothes?” Jack asked his mom knowing his girlfriend hated sitting in clothes she wore to the airport.

Ellen nodded and watched as the two walked away and headed inside.

Jack lead her to his room well their room now.

“See it went well.” Jack softly said as he closed the door behind them, his hands rested on her arms giving her a smile. Jack knew how nervous she was to meet his parents and Quinn as she wanted to make a good impression.

Jack has always known his family gets along with others well but they have never all liked someone as quick as they just did with her, She fit into his family immediately and no one ever has fit in like that.

She smiled and nodded relaxing more now and Jack pressed a kiss to her cheek and let her get dressed.

She got ready in the bathroom and when she stepped out in a white sundress Jack groaned, “Baby you are killing me.” Jack didn’t want to leave the room with her looking this beautiful he didn’t want to share.

They have been dating for seven months now and yet Jack still makes her blush just as easily.

“Absolutely beautiful.” Jack mumbled against her lips making her smile and her blush deepen even more.

Jack wrapped an arm around her waist and they walked out of his room and downstairs where they saw his family waiting.

“Ready?” Ellen asked as she looked up and then coming down the stairs. Jack nodded and everyone got up and headed outside into the car.

“Woah what do you think you’re doing?” Jack incredulously scoffed as he saw Luke stealing the spot next to his girlfriend.

“What. I haven’t seen her in a month!” Luke protested wanting to spend time with his friend. Luke really connected well when he first met her and they became really good friends and text each other daily.

“Here scoot over Luke, i’ll sit in the middle.” She easily told the boys as they didn’t even think of her just sitting in the middle of them.

Ellen watched as who she knew would become her daughter in law one day easily break up an argument between Luke and Jack before it became one, something that is very hard with the two stubborn boys.

Jack slid next to his girl immediately and held her hand and let her lean her head on his shoulder as she chatted with Luke as Jim drove them.

Ellen and Jim shared a look hearing how easily she got Luke to talk a lot.

Jim pulled into the parking lot and they all walked into the country club and got a table outside looking out at the water.

Ellen and Jim took the chance to start asking a few questions about her even if Jack probably already told them all the answers.

Jack had his arm around the back of her chair and watched with a content face watching his girl and future wife get along with each of his family members perfectly.

Jack smiled and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.

+One

Jack and her have been in Michigan for almost three months and Jack was pretty sure his entire family adores her more than they do him which Jack completely understood and he was glad they all love her so much.

She became the only person that Jim let touch his grill and he taught her how to cook on the grill and how to catch a fish and how to prepare the fish to cook it.

Jack knew his mom is just so happy to have another girl around and just absolutely adores her. He remembered the happy tears his mom shed when he showed her the ring he had bought.

Quinn loves reading and has been trying to get into it more lately and she helped him figure out what exactly he likes to read and they went to many library’s to get books for Quinn to read. Now Quinn and her will sit together and read in silence. Jack has never seen Quinn warm up that fast to anyone but her.

And Luke, Jack already knows Luke loves like a sister since the first time he met her and he made her food. But the two have spent a lot of time in the kitchen and her teaching Luke how to cook better and Luke gets to taste everything which makes him happy.

Jack just adored having her at the lake house, getting to cuddle on the boat, seeing her wakeboard, watching the sunrises and sunsets, sitting around the fire. Jack loved being able to have her with him the entire summer.

Jack got the chance a few weeks before they headed back to New Jersey with Luke to let her meet the rest of his extended family at a wedding and just as Jack expected she was adored within in seconds.

“You have got a good one Jacky.” Ellen told her son watching her laugh with all the little kids and saw how lovesick Jack is.

“I know.” Jack proudly nodded with a happy smile.

Ellen smiled softly and patted his shoulder, “She’s perfect for you and i can’t wait until she is in the family officially.” Ellen encouraged her son giving him a proud smile and she knew sooner than later Jack would be proposing.

Jack had barely gotten any attention from because all his little cousins have stolen his girl the entire day and during the wedding but when they were taken to bed and he finished his conversation with his mother he was finally able to sweep his girl onto the dance floor.

“Hello my sweet girl.” Jack lovingly mumbled as he wrapped his arms around her and they slow danced together.

“Hi.” She smiled back and her fingers fiddled with the nape of his hair.

“Have you ever thought about our wedding?” Jack asked curiously as they were coming up on eleven months being together and he was completely certain he will ask within the next year. Some may say that’s too soon but when you know, you know.

She blinked looking thoughtful and her cheeks flushed pink, “Yeah.” She sheepishly whispered, it doesn’t help that Jack looks so good in a suit and she thinks about him wearing a suit on their wedding day.

Jack perked up, “Yeah?” He asked happily when he realized she thought about their future.

“Yeah.” She whispered earnestly back, “I would love to be your wife one day.” She admitted to her boyfriend.

Jack beamed brighter than ever and pressed his forehead to her forehead, “I can not wait until i make you my wife, future Mrs Hughes.” Jack whispered to her already waiting for the day he finely gets to marry her.

She smiled content and nudged her nose to his gently.

He was very glad he spilled that cup of coffee on her.

[leaderwonim]

THE WORLD NEVER ENDED | JACK HUGHES

pairing. jack hughes x fem!reader (ft. platonic quinn & luke hughes x fem!reader + male!oc x fem!reader)

genre. childhood best friends to lovers, ANGST, fluff, hurt to comfort, reader & jack are both 18-19 in this!

synopsis: Y/N and Jack Hughes have been inseparable since childhood, spending every summer at his family’s lake house—until his hockey career takes off and leaves her behind. As Jack’s life moves forward and Y/N tries to do the same, the distance between them grows in ways neither of them expected. But when their paths cross again at a breaking point, they’re forced to confront everything they never said and the feelings that never really went away.

The lake house never changes. It still smells like pine and sunscreen, the same old dock creaking under your feet, the same late summer breeze curling through the trees. But this time, you’re the only one here.

You let the beer bottle dangle from your fingers, the glass sweating against your palm as you stare at the still water. It’s late. Too late to be out here alone, and your mom would probably kill you if she found out you were underage drinking, but you’ve been doing this since you were kids—sneaking down to the dock past midnight, toes dipping into the water, whispering about everything and nothing at all.

Except this time, Jack isn’t here. Not really. Not anymore.

The last time you saw him was months ago, after another whirlwind season, after Team USA, after everything. He’d come back, same easy smile, same stupidly messy hair, same Jack. And yet, he wasn’t.

He moved too fast, talked too much about things you weren’t a part of, laughed at jokes from teammates you didn’t know. He had an entire life outside of this town, this lake, this dock. A life that didn’t include you.

It wasn’t his fault though, you couldn’t blame Jack for being excited about this whole new chapter in his life, not when he’s worked his ass off so he could secure a spot in the NHL in the future.

You took a shaky breath, watching as the wind blew the waters back and forth, your thought raced with Jack, Jack, Jack. It wasn’t anything new; you had been in love with him since you had learned what the word love even was, when Ellen and your mom teased you two endlessly after your eighth birthday, declaring that you’d two get married when you were older.

And then he left, at age fourteen to go train at some hockey camp over the summer and you started seeing him less and less. Then he left again for USA Hockey, and all that was left of him was the little times he’d pop up on your screen for a FaceTime, or a quick selfie.

You never told him that it felt like the world had ended whenever he left.

❥

The first time you met Jack Hughes, he was seven years old, standing knee-deep in the lake, grinning like he had owned the world.

“You scared to jump in?” he teases, squinting up at you from where he’s splashing around.

You cross your arms, standing barefoot on the dock, the sun burning hot against your skin. “I just don’t wanna get my hair wet.”

Jack laughs like you just said the funniest thing in the world, and before you can react, he launches a handful of water in your direction. It splashes against your legs, cool and shocking, and you gasp.

“You jerk!” you shriek, but Jack’s already laughing, already diving into the water, swimming just far enough out of reach that you can’t get him back.

You don’t know it then, but that’s how it starts.

The Hughes family’s lake house becomes your second home. Your parents are close friends with Ellen and Jim, and summers are spent tangled in sunburns, mosquito bites, and the smell of bonfires. Jack, being just a few months older, quickly becomes your shadow—or maybe you become his.

You race bikes down dirt paths, climb trees until your hands are covered in splinters, and stay up late whispering under blanket forts in the Hughes’ living room, trying not to wake Luke and Quinn.

“You think we’ll still be best friends when we’re older?” you ask one night, voice sleepy, cheek smushed against your arm.

Jack frowns at you, like you just said something ridiculous. “Duh. Who else am I supposed to hang out with? My brothers?”

You grin brightly, shoving him. “You promise?”

He holds out his pinky. “Promise.”

And that’s that.

As you both get older, things don’t really change. Not at first.

Winters are spent at the Hughes’ house in Michigan, watching Jack skate for hours at the rink, your fingers numb from gripping a hot chocolate too tight. Summers are still for the lake house, where the days blur together in a haze of sun, water, and laughter.

Jack is your best friend. The one who sneaks you extra s’mores when the adults say no. The one who ties your skates when your fingers are too cold. The one who always picks you first for street hockey, even when Luke complains about it. The one who knows everything about you.

And you know everything about him, too.

That he gets grumpy when he’s hungry. That he has to listen to music before every game, or else he feels off. That he’s already dreaming about the NHL, about Team USA, about everything that seems so far away but somehow already feels like it’s coming too fast.

You don’t realize when things do start changing.

Maybe it’s when Jack turns fourteen and starts spending more time away at tournaments. Maybe it’s when you turn fourteen and realize your heart speeds up whenever he looks at you a certain way.

Maybe it’s the summer you turn fifteen and see him talking to a girl from town, and something ugly coils in your stomach. You don’t say anything, though. You can’t.

Jack is your best friend. That’s all. Even if you wish it wasn’t.

When Jack is sixteen, everything does change.

It’s the Fourth of July. The lake house is packed, fireworks already popping in the distance. You and Jack sneak away from the party like you always do, climbing onto the dock and lying side by side, watching the sky.

“You excited for the USA team?” you ask, your voice light, like the thought of him leaving doesn’t make your chest ache.

Jack turns his head to look at you. “Yeah,” he says. “Kinda nervous, though.”

You smile a little, the same smile that had reassured Jack every time he saw it. “You’ll be fine.”

He shifts closer, his arm brushing yours. “You think so?”

“Of course,” you whisper. “You’re Jack Hughes.”

He laughs, but it’s softer this time, almost hesitant. The air between you feels different, thicker, heavier. His fingers twitch on the dock beside yours, and for a second, you swear he’s about to reach for your hand.

But then he exhales sharply, sits up. “We should get back.”

And just like that, the moment is gone.

You stare at the fireworks exploding in the sky, feeling like something inside you is breaking.

Jack leaves for Team USA at the end of the summer.

And you don’t know it yet, but nothing will ever be the same again.

❥

At first, you still talk all the time. He calls after practices, FaceTimes you from hotel rooms, sends you stupid selfies from road trips. And for a while, it almost feels normal. Almost.

But then the calls get shorter. The messages come slower.

You see his name on headlines, hear people at school talking about him like he’s some distant star instead of the boy you grew up with. And suddenly, he feels… far away.

Not just in distance. In everything.

And then one day, you realize you don’t remember the last time he called.

You don’t text him, either. You figured he was too busy anyways—too busy with hockey, with interviews, too busy for you.

His absence leaves a hollow space inside you, one you don’t know how to fill. So you try.

That’s how you end up with him.

Aiden West. Star quarterback. Tall, broad-shouldered, with an easy smile and dimples that should make your heart flutter.

You meet at a party—one you only went to because your friends dragged you out of your house, tired of you spending your nights holed up in your room, pretending you weren’t waiting for a text that never came.

Aidan’s nice. He’s funny. He buys you drinks and calls you baby and kisses you like he means it.

You tell yourself this is good. That this is what you need.

But when he holds your hand, it doesn’t feel the same. When he kisses you, you don’t melt the way you think you should. And when you close your eyes, it’s not Aidan you see.

It’s Jack. Always Jack.

Quinn comes home in December.

You’re not expecting to see him, not really. Ever since he was drafted, he spent all his time in Vancouver, busy with his own life, his own team. But one night, you walk into the Hughes’ house, and there he is, sprawled on the couch like he never left.

“Quinn?” you blink.

He smirks, sitting up. “Hey, kid.”

You roll your eyes but smile anyway. “You’re, like, a few years older than me. I’m not a kid.”

“You’ll always be a kid to me,” he teases, but then his expression softens. “How’ve you been?”

You shrug. “Good.”

He gives you a look, like he can see right through you. Because of course he can.

Quinn has always been quieter than Jack, more observant. He was the one who bandaged your scraped knees when you and Jack were too reckless, the one who ruffled your hair when you had a bad day, the one who watched you grow up and somehow always knew what you were feeling before you even said it.

And right now, you can tell he knows you’re lying.

“You still talk to Jack?” he asks casually.

You stiffen. “Not really.”

Quinn nods, like that’s what he expected. “He’s been busy.”

“I know,” you say quickly, too quickly. “It’s fine.”

He studies you for a moment. Then, his eyebrows furrow. “You dating that football guy?”

You hesitate. “Yeah. Kinda.”

Quinn tilts his head, his expression unreadable. “You like him?”

You swallow. “He’s… nice.”

Quinn leans back, crossing his arms. “You know, I’ve seen you happy before.”

You furrow your brows. “And?”

“And that’s not what you look like right now.”

The words hit deeper than you want them to. You look away, staring at your hands.

Quinn sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Look, I’m not trying to tell you what to do. If you like the guy, great. But don’t force something that isn’t real just because—” He pauses.

You glance up. “Just because what?”

Quinn meets your eyes, and for the first time, his voice is gentle. “Just because Jack hurt you.”

Your throat tightens.

You don’t say anything. You don’t know what to say.

Because he’s right. And maybe that’s the worst part of all.

❥

Aidan is kind when he breaks up with you.

That almost makes it worse.

You can tell he’s been thinking about it for a while. The way he exhales before he starts speaking, the way his hands stay tucked into the pocket of his hoodie like he’s afraid if he moves too much, you’ll see how much this is bothering him.

“You’re not really here, Y/N,” he says, voice steady but laced with something bitter, something tired.

You don’t argue, because you know he’s right.

He sighs, shaking his head. “I like you. I really do. But I deserve someone who looks at me like I’m the only one they’re thinking about.”

Your stomach twists.

“Aidan—”

“It’s fine,” he cuts in, forcing a small smile. “I knew. I think I always did.” He swallows, glancing away before meeting your eyes again. “It was never gonna be me, was it?”

You want to tell him you tried. That you wanted to feel something more, something real. But the truth is, no matter how hard you tried, he was never Jack.

And that was never fair to him.

So instead, you whisper, “I’m sorry.”

He nods, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. “Yeah. Me too.”

A few days pass, and you still feel hollow, like you’re floating through life without really being in it.

You don’t know why you still go to the Hughes’ house. Maybe it’s habit. Maybe it’s because it still feels like home, even when things don’t feel the same anymore.

Maybe it’s because, deep down, you just need someone who knows you.

Luke opens the door, and before you can even say anything, his face twists in concern.

“Okay, what’s wrong?”

You pause. “What?”

Luke steps aside to let you in, closing the door behind you. “You have your sad face on.”

You frown. “Luke Hughes, I do not have a—”

“You totally do,” he interrupts, flopping onto the couch. He gestures for you to sit next to him, and after a moment, you do.

There’s a beat of silence before he says, “Quinn told me everything.”

You freeze. “Everything?”

Luke gives you a knowing look. “Yeah. And I’m not an idiot, Y/N. I’ve seen the way you’ve looked at Jack since we were kids.”

You open your mouth, but no words come out.

Luke sighs, leaning back against the couch. “Look, I know he messed up. Jack is kind of known for that. And I know you’re hurt. But…” He hesitates. “You still love him, don’t you?”

You squeeze your eyes shut. “Luke—”

“Just be honest,” he says gently.

Your throat tightens. “Yeah,” you whisper. “I do.”

Luke nods like he already knew that was coming. Then he pulls something out of his pocket and holds it out to you.

You frown. “What’s this?”

“Tickets,” he says simply.

You blink. “Tickets?”

“To Jack’s game against Finland.” His voice is casual, but there’s something behind it—something careful, like he knows he’s walking a fine line. “I was gonna go, but I think you should instead.”

Your heart stops.

“Luke…”

“Don’t overthink it,” he says quickly. “Just go. See him. Talk to him.”

You stare at the tickets in his hand, your pulse pounding in your ears.

This is a choice. A chance.

And to be completely honest, you aren’t sure if you’re ready.

❥

You end up deciding not to go until the last minute.

The plane ticket burns in your hands, Luke’s voice echoing in your head: Just go. See him. Talk to him.

So you do. You land in Finland, stomach in knots, trying not to think about what you’ll even say to him. If he’ll even want to see you.

But then the game happens. And Jack loses.

The scoreboard tells you everything—3-2, Finland. A brutal, heartbreaking end.

Jack stays on the ice, shoulders hunched, wiping his face as the Finnish players celebrate around him. You can see the way he’s blinking rapidly, how hard he’s trying to hold it together.

It doesn’t work.

By the time he’s in the tunnel for postgame interviews, it’s like the weight of everything finally crashes over him. The cameras capture everything; his red-rimmed eyes, the way his lips tremble when he speaks, the way his voice wavers when he says, “I feel like I let everyone down.”

Your heart cracks wide open. You don’t think. You just go.

You push through the lingering crowd, through the halls of the arena, heart racing. And then—there he is.

Jack is leaning against the wall, head bowed, gripping a water bottle so tightly his knuckles are white. His shoulders shake slightly, like he’s trying to get a grip, but he’s losing the battle.

You inhale sharply, willing yourself forward.

“Jack.”

His head snaps up, eyes widening. And for a second, he just stares.

Like he doesn’t believe you’re real.

“Y/N?” His voice is hoarse, barely above a whisper.

You nod, stepping closer. But before you can say anything else, Jack clears his throat and quickly swipes at his face, straightening up like he’s trying to compose himself.

Then he blurts out, “How’s Aidan?”

You freeze.

Jack lets out a broken laugh, looking down. “Quinn told me you had a boyfriend,” he mutters, forcing a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “I—uh, I’m happy for you. You deserve that.”

You swallow hard, your chest tightening. “Jack—”

“I mean it,” he interrupts, still not looking at you. “I always wanted you to be happy.”

He sniffles, pressing his thumb and forefinger against his eyes. He looks exhausted. Worn down in a way you’ve never seen before.

And suddenly, it’s too much.

The space between you. The months of silence. The fact that he still doesn’t know the truth.

You move before you can stop yourself, closing the gap and wrapping your arms around him.

Jack stiffens, sucking in a sharp breath.

But then—slowly, so slowly—it’s like something inside him gives in.

His hands grip your back, his face pressing into your shoulder, and he melts.

You feel his shaky exhale against your neck. The way his fingers curl into the jersey you’re wearing with his name on the back, like he’s afraid if he lets go, you’ll disappear.

And for the first time in a long time, you feel whole again.

“I don’t—” Jack’s voice cracks. “I don’t know how to fix this.”

Your throat tightens. “Then don’t. Just just let me be here.”

Jack exhales shakily, nodding against you. “Okay.”

Despite your reassurance, he still feels like he’s falling.

The weight of the loss, the pressure, the expectations, it’s all crashing over him, relentless and suffocating. But in the middle of it all, there’s you.

And when you pull back slightly, just enough to look at him, he realizes you’re the only thing keeping him grounded.

Your hands stay on his face, thumbs brushing against his damp skin, and there’s something in your expression, something soft and certain that makes his chest ache.

Then you move closer, tilting your head, and suddenly, suddenly—your lips press against his.

Jack stills.

Then, all at once, he melts into you.

His hands slide to your waist, gripping onto you like you’re the only thing keeping him standing. Your lips are soft, warm, familiar, but new at the same time, like something that was always supposed to happen but never did.

It feels like breathing again. Like finally getting it right.

But then, Jack realizes and he blinks, something clicking in his mind as he pulls back abruptly, still holding onto you but panting slightly.

“Wait,” he says, voice hoarse. “Aidan.”

You shake your head quickly. “We broke up.”

His brows furrow. “What?”

You exhale, your hands sliding from his face to his wrists, squeezing lightly. “Jack, I tried to move on. I tried so hard.” Your voice wavers. “But it was never him. It was always you.”

Jack’s lips part slightly, his breath hitching.

Then, suddenly, he laughs—a broken, disbelieving sound before his face crumples, his eyes shining again.

And just like that, he’s crying.

He presses his forehead against yours, squeezing his eyes shut as his grip on your waist tightens.

“You have no idea how bad I wanted you to say that,” he whispers, his voice shaking.

You smile softly, brushing his hair back. “I think I do.”

Jack lets out a shaky exhale, his hands fisting the fabric of your jersey, like he’s terrified you’ll disappear if he lets go. But you don’t.

Because after everything—after the distance, the silence, the missed chances—you’re still here.

He sniffles, pulling you into another tight hug, burying his face in your shoulder.

❥

Later, when the chaos dies down and the arena empties, you end up in Jack’s car.

The heater hums softly, filling the silence, the city lights casting faint shadows across the dashboard.

Jack sits in the driver’s seat, head tilted against the headrest, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion. You’re next to him, legs curled up on the seat, leaning against his shoulder.

It’s quiet.

Not awkward. Not heavy. Just comfortable.

Jack sighs, nudging his cheek against your hair. “I still can’t believe you’re here.”

You smile faintly, reaching for his hand. “Me neither.”

He squeezes your fingers, his grip warm and sure. “I thought I lost you.”

You shake your head, squeezing back. “You never did.”

Jack exhales, his body relaxing against yours, and for the first time in a long time, hfeels whole again.

❥

The lake house feels the same the next summer.

The scent of pine and sunscreen still lingers in the air, the dock still creaks under your feet, and the water still glistens under the late afternoon sun. But this time, Jack is here. And this time, he’s yours.

He had turned freshly nineteen last month, but still was the same annoying boy you had known since you were seven.

You sit on the old wooden dock, legs stretched out, the warm breeze tangling your hair. Jack is lying beside you, one arm draped lazily over his forehead, his other hand resting on your knee, tracing absentminded patterns over your skin.

It’s quiet, just the sound of the water lapping against the shore and the occasional laughter from inside the house, where Quinn and Luke are probably chirping each other over something stupid.

Jack sighs, turning his head to look at you. “I missed this.”

You smile, threading your fingers through his. “Me too.”

He studies you for a moment, his eyes soft, warm, completely yours. Then, without a word, he tugs you down so you’re lying next to him, your head resting on his chest.

“You know,” he muses, fingers trailing up and down your back, “last summer, I thought I’d never get this back.”

You inhale slowly, letting his heartbeat ground you. “Me too.”

Jack tilts his head, pressing a soft kiss to your temple. “But we made it.”

You lift your head, meeting his gaze. “Yeah,” you whisper, smiling. “We did.”

He grins, the kind that makes your heart skip a beat, then flips you onto your back, hovering over you with that look—the one that reminds you he’s still the same Jack, the same boy who used to splash you in the lake, who used to steal your s’mores when you weren’t looking, who used to be your best friend before he was everything.

“Hey, lovebirds!” Luke’s voice echoes from the house, and you both groan.

Jack turns his head, scowling. “Luke, I swear—”

Quinn’s voice cuts in. “Let them be, Luke. They suffered enough.”

You laugh as Jack rolls his eyes. “I hate that he’s right.”

You shake your head, pulling Jack back down. “Just kiss me already.”

He smirks. “Gladly.”

And as his lips meet yours, the sun dips below the horizon and the lake glistens around you, making you realize everything is exactly the way it’s meant to be.

It isn’t until Luke pretends to fake barf that Jack removes himself away from you, opting to chase down his little brother.

“Boys, am I right?” Quinn says, giving you a grin.

You wrap your arms around him, never feeling as whole as you did now.

[keerysfreckles]

you're gonna go far | WILLIAM EKLUND 72

pairing: william eklund x reader

sumnary: you comfort william after another loss

warnings: no pronouns mentioned, not proofread, really short

a/n: i've been converted into a sharks fan, and ofc the first game i get into they're losing 5-1......

masterlist ! | requests are open

⋆ ˚ ｡ ⋆ ୨୧ ˚

the day william got drafted to the san jose sharks, he was ecstatic. he was quick to move to the sunny state of california. where he met you.

he met you the same year of his rookie year, and the two of you got close fast, especially after founding out you lived in the same apartment building. you two spent countless hours getting to know each other. whether it be at one of your places, at a coffee shop, or over a facetime call while he was away. william was eager to invite you to one of his games, stating that you might be his good luck charm.

and boy did the smile on his face grow when his statement was proven to be true. you were at every single home game after that.

a month or so passes, and william is determined to ask you out. he had it all planned out. after the next home game, one he knew you'd be attending, he'd find tou afterwards wearing one of his jerseys, and ask you right then and there.

you said yes.

it was history after that moment in time. date after date, it proved you two were meant to be together. he kept charming you with his personality, while you seemed to continue wrapping him around your finger as time passed.

soon after you moved in together, considering one of you was at the other's apartment every day of the week, this would just make it easier.

within your time living together, it flowed so naturally, that it didn't feel like you had just moved into his place the week prior.

you fell into routines. whether it was when he was leaving for a roadie, or coming home from one. or if you were off to work, or going out with friends. everything just fit.

a routine you two were both used to was playing out tonight.

william had just gotten home from an intense game against minnesota, losing one to three. now william was no surprise to losing, considering he was aware he wasn't on a top performing team. however he was getting sick of this losing streak. the past seven games were all losses and he was just tired of it.

he stepped into the apartment, still deflated from the game's results. he set his things down in the little section for him by the door.

all he wanted was to change, and lay down with you.

you always knew how to cheer him up after games that didn't go his way. you were always there for him, through his highs and lows.

he quickly rummaged through the fridge, grabbing a water bottle, before walking towards your shared bedroom.

turning his head once he stepped inside, he sees the connected bathroom door closed with water running. he takes the opportunity to change into more comfortable clothes, before sitting on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands.

"i could've sworn i heard you come inside," your quiet voice makes william pick his head up. "are you okay?"

you saw the score right before you hopped in the shower, wanting to do nothing more but than comfort your boyfriend.

he shakes his head, "i'm just so sick of losing. it seems like that's all we're good at doing lately."

you walk over to him, your heart breaking in the process of the sight of his glistening eyes looking up at you. once your in arms reach of him, he wastes no time in simply wrapping his arms around you.

you're standing in between his legs, with both of his arms wrapped tightly around your waist. his face is planted in the crook of your neck.

you feel his body shake before the tears begin falling from his eyes, dampening your collarbone. he buries his face further as you begin running your fingers through his hair, while your other hand just holds him against you.

"i know it might not mean much, but i'm still proud of you," you start to whisper, "i'll always be proud of you. and so will the team. you guys are all in this together will. they're not upset at you, or angry for not winning. you guys will go to practice next week and talk through things then."

you feel his breathing even out, he starts sniffling (a sign he's finished crying), and now his thumbs rub small feather-like patterns up and down your lower back.

"thank you," he responds, leaning back slightly to look up at you. you send him a smile while wiping away any stray tears from under his eyes.

"of course," you lean forward and press a gentle kiss to his forehead. "do you want to go to bed? you've had a long day."

william smiles at your offer, as the two of you maneuver into your normal spots. the only switch tonight being you're the one holding onto william. you knew he needed it, and you were more than comfortable with complying.

you turned the lights off, and you sat in a comfortable silence. you ran your fingers through william's blonde hair once more, as he held onto your waist.

william knew it was going to take time for the team to get better, but his heart grew fonder at the thought of you being there every step of the way.

[brainddeadd]

Devils in Her Corner

Jack Hughes x fem!reader, Nico Hischier x fem!reader, Luke Hughes x fem!reader, Dawson Mercer x fem!reader, Trevor Zegras x fem!reader, Matt Rempe x fem!reader, Matthew Kines x fem!reader, Quinn Hughes x fem!reader

Drafted to the New Jersey Devils alongside Luke Hughes, a young, talented hockey player is determined to make her mark in the NHL. Having already survived the pressures of college hockey at UMich, she steps into the spotlight once again—only this time, the stakes are higher.

With old friends like Luke by her side and a newfound support system in Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, and Dawson Mercer, she learns that success on the ice is only part of the battle. Off the ice, she navigates growing bonds, locker-room banter, and the challenges of being one of the only women in a male-dominated sport.

Meanwhile, connections with familiar faces—like Trevor Zegras and Matthew Knies—blur the lines between friendship and something more, while Matt Rempe, once a friend, now a rival, ensures every game against the Rangers feels personal. In the midst of competition, camaraderie, and a spark of romance, she discovers that finding her place in the NHL might be her biggest challenge yet.

With the Devils in her corner, she’s ready to take on whatever comes her way—on and off the ice.

Day one of training

Someone hits her hard on ice

Bad day

Sick day

All Star

Summer with the Devils Boys: Lake House Shenanigans - summer shenanigans

Loss

Meeting Quinn

Haunted house

Popcorn and panic

Halloween party 2024

Halloween party 2024 no.2

Little Sister of the Devils

Mic’d Up

Thanksgiving

Deck the Malls with Chaos and Hockey Boys

Lights, Chaos, Action: The New Jersey Devils Christmas Movie Marathon

Christmas Chaos with the New Jersey Devils

New Year’s Eve

Valentine’s Day

Rivalries and mixed feelings

Pretty in pink

Caught in the crossfire

Online hate

The interview

Yn's Birthday

Post-Game Interview: Colton Parayko on Y/N

Rivalries and dinner

Dropping gloves

Bar creeps and protection squad

Fights and firsts

First kiss aftermath

First Date

Secrets, Freak-Outs, and Confessions

Support and shovel talks

Between Rivalries and Romance: A Shovel Talk Initiation

Cuddles

Realisations

Through the dark

The Orange Test 🍊

The cancer game

A Day With Trevor

Line in the ice

Safe haven

Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

Support

Payback's a bitch

What the NHL is Saying About Y/N

What Other Athletes Think of Y/N

Two lines or one

Welcome Home, Baby Devil

Missing in Action

Protective Mode Activated

Announcement - part 2

Heels

Halloween party 2025

// upcoming chapters //

[metalbrojack]

Soo like I haven’t written in like…a year or two

BUTTTT I kinda have an idea for a hockey fic…poly nicojack possibly.. how would you feel about that

[babydollmarauders]

OUT — JACK HUGHES

jack hughes x fem!reader

summary: in which everyone has been wondering about the hair tie on Jack’s wrist, and they finally get the answers they were looking for

notes: THANK YOU MADDY ( @thatintrovertedwriter ) FOR THIS IDEA!!! I’M OBSESSED WITH IT!! not proofread and written while heavily sleep deprived

a relationship was never part of my intentions when i accepted my job offer.

in fact, any sort of love was pushed to the far corners of my mind. my focus was on showing everyone that not only men can be equipment managers in the NHL.

i had gone through so much rejection. countless teams citing that they decided to go in a different direction, and hiring a male for the job instead; and though most of the staff would try to deny that my gender was a part of it, there was always that one guy that had no problem with admitting they didn’t believe that a woman had any place in the NHL.

as if the job was hard. as if i couldn’t hand players sticks just as well as any man could.

but then the New Jersey Devils came into play. they had heard some talk about me and were the first team to reach out to me. they offered me the job, and i eagerly accepted. i felt i had something to prove. my gender doesn’t diminish the performance of my job.

so most of the 2022-23 season, i put all my focus into my job. i was amicable with the players, making sure i knew any superstitions or things i shouldn’t do with their equipment, but i never let it pass into any real level of friendship.

and then Jack Hughes happened.

when he got injured and had to sit out for a few games, i was put in charge of keeping him company. for four games my job description changed from handing players new sticks, to babysitting a twenty-one year old, and i wasn’t happy in the slightest.

it felt insulting, and apparently Jack felt the same way. somehow in those four games, we went from sitting across the suite from each other, to bonding over how stupid it was that i couldn’t do my actual job, to forming a friendship.

and in a matter of weeks, our friendship blossomed into something more.

it started with him coming back to my apartment after rough games, watching movies and letting off steam by joking around and playing drinking games. then along the way, we stumbled into bed. one hookup turned into two, which turned into another, which turned into a date, and finally by the end of the season, he was asking me to be his girlfriend.

it took me a week to finally tell him yes. an entire week of struggling with the decision. wondering if, if i start a real relationship with this player, am i proving all those men who told me i had no place in the NHL, right? but ultimately, i decided that my happiness was worth more than someone’s opinion of me, and i told him yes.

***

jackhughes

liked by nicohischier, trevorzegras, and 150,599 others

jackhughes 3/3

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subbanator 🚀

user83 is he wearing… a pink hair tie on his wrist?

user45 where?

user83 it’s on the same wrist with his bracelets

user16 omg you’re right

user02 is his hair even long enough to put up?

user77 @/user02 apparently

user91 what if it’s a girlfriends? oh my god

brendan.brisson Same time next year

***

i’m running late.

i’m running late and i’m rushing.

i’m running late, i’m rushing, and i’m contemplating breaking all rules of the road to arrive to work on time.

nothing is going right for me today.

i was supposed to have the morning off, so i didn’t set an alarm, but then i woke up to find six missed calls from my boss and a text asking if i could come help get equipment ready for practice because one of the other equipment managers came down with the flu.

then, i had to deal with getting yelled at because i didn’t have my ringer on and therefore, woke up after practice ended and didn’t come in and help.

then, i tipped over my brand new bottle of cold brew and had to spend almost an hour mopping my kitchen floor and wiping down the counters to get rid of the stickiness.

then, at the last minute as i was stepping out the door to head to the arena, my hair tie broke. and now i’ve spent the last fifteen minutes scouring my apartment for a new one, only to come to the conclusion that i have to leave now or else risk being yelled at for a second time today.

i give up entirely on my search for a hair tie, accepting my fate of wearing my hair down and rushing out of my apartment so fast that i almost forget to lock up behind me.

when i finally make it to Prudential Center, i’m able to clock in just before i’d be considered late, and i have absolutely no extra time to search for my boyfriend amidst the chaos of the season opener.

instead, i set off straight to the equipment area, working in tandem with my colleagues to make sure every players gloves, pads, and everything in between is ready, before i put each players gear into their respective locker room stalls.

i stack pucks in a high pyramid at the bench, ready for warm-ups, and line sticks up against the glass behind the bench, all set to be handed out when needed.

amongst the frantic running around the arena and getting things ready, i lose track of how many times i’m adjusting my hair; flipping it over my shoulder and tugging it out of my face.

finally, i get a split second to breathe, pulling my hair up in a makeshift ponytail with my hands as i stand outside the locker room, on standby in case any of the players need me.

“hey.” i instinctively drop my hands at the sound of someone talking, my shirt falling back down to cover the sliver of my abdomen that had shown when they were raised.

at the sight of my boyfriend, i sigh in relief, his chuckle reaching my ears as his arms snake around my waist.

“i scare ya?” Jack teases.

his helmet hits against my back, as he holds it in one hand. he’s all geared up, ready to hit the ice for the first game of the season, and oddly enough, i can’t help finding it incredibly attractive.

“just a little.” i huff, and a wide grin spreads across his lips. i smack his chest, but all that it hurts is his padding. “don’t be mean! i’ve had a bad day.”

his smile drops into an exaggerated pout, and he leans down to press a kiss to my lips.

“i’m sorry, baby.” i hum in acknowledgment, waving it off when he asks if i’d like to rant.

“no, it’s okay. i’ll rant later.” i assure him. “after you win your game.”

“our game.” he states, and i roll my eyes.

he’s made sure to never let me forget how much work i put into the team’s equipment and gear. citing that they wouldn’t be able to win without my help.

in his eyes, it’s as much my wins and losses as it is his.

“right.” i nod, patting his shoulders. “in that case, i’m gonna be very upset if you lose our game.”

his head tips back, laughter pouring past his lips, and it sounds like a melody in my ears.

“i’m confident. we’ll win this game.” he assures me, finally letting go of my waist and backing up. “if we don’t, you and i will never hear the end of it from Larks.”

ahh yes, Dylan Larkin. the Red Wings captain and Jack’s friend, whom i met over the summer while visiting Jack at his lake house.

“go!” i shoo my boyfriend off as the rest of his teammates begin pouring out of the locker room, heading off to line up, ready to hit the ice for warm-ups.

waving to the guys, who smile back at me in return, i head out to behind the bench.

as the guys warm up, i double check the bench stock of smelling salts, tums, stick tape, skate blades, and whatever else the guys may need during the game, before standing idly by.

*

finally, the game is underway, seven minutes left in the second period, and my boyfriend has already gotten a penalty in first for ‘roughing’.

i’m watching my boyfriend skate around the ice as i tend to his teammates, anxiously holding my breath as the clock winds down.

Jack zips across the ice, and i’m gnawing at my lip as he gains control of the puck. but before i know it, he’s just scored his first goal of the season.

a small smile splays across my lips, attempting to contain my excitement as he skates past the bench, bumping fists with his elated teammates before taking another lap around the ice.

Luke turns his head to grin at me, but he’s sidetracked as i’m interrupted by a teammate.

“y/n, can i get some salts?” Timo asks, and i nod, spinning around to grab some, my hair whipping in my face as i do so.

i let out a frustrated groan, turning back around to hand the little packet of smelling salts to number 28.

“you okay?” Timo questions, his brows threading together and i nod.

“it’s my damn hair.” i huff as he moves down on the bench, making room for my boyfriend and his line mates who now join on the bench. “i usually wear it up, but my hair tie broke and it’s getting on my nerves.”

wordlessly, Jack absentmindedly sheds his gloves off, pulling something from his wrist before holding it out to me where i stand directly behind him.

my lips part in surprise as my eyes lock on the pink hair tie that’s pinched between his index finger and thumb.

my hair tie.

“oh.” i breathe out, plucking the hair tie from his grasp. i smile, immediately pulling my hair up into a high ponytail. “thank you, love.”

he turns his head just enough to spot me, beaming back at me for a moment before turning back to focus back on the game that’s about to restart.

i lean forward a little, my hand lightly resting against the padding on his back, but he must feel the slight pressure because he leans back a little to show me he’s listening to what i have to say next.

“congratulations, babe. i’m proud of you.” i speak lowly, only for him to hear, before i stand back again, as though the interaction never happened. both of us focusing back on the game that takes place in front of us.

***

***

Jack lays beside me in my bed, absentmindedly scrolling through his social media, nodding along as i rant about my day.

“…but seeing you in the box was a plus.” i finish off my long winded ramble, effectively gaining his attention back at my teasing.

he locks his phone, tossing it to the side as he looks over at me.

“what was that?” he asks mockingly, raising an eyebrow. but before i can repeat myself, his fingers are working against the bare skin of my stomach.

my abdomen tightens as i laugh, squirming and trying to get away from his touch.

“stop!” i cackle, attempting and failing to push his hands away as he tickles me.

“no, say that again!” he chuckles, maneuvering his body now to straddle my legs so that i can’t run away, even if i wanted to. i shake my head wildly. “say it again! what was that? i don’t think i heard you right! cause it sounded like you just said the highlight of your day was seeing me get penalties!”

“that’s not true!” i squeal and he momentarily ceases his attack, tilting his ear towards me as if he’s listening closer.

“i said they were just pluses.” i defend myself, quickly following up, “the highlight of my day was finding out you wear my hair tie on your wrist.”

he looks down at me with a smirk, obviously quite proud of himself.

“stole that from your apartment.” he announces with pride.

“when?” i laugh, reaching up to cup the back of his neck, pulling his face closer to mine.

his hands now rest on either side of my head, holding himself up.

“the second time we hooked up.” he murmurs, dipping down to press a kiss to my lips. “you had complained that day when you forgot you hair tie at home. i never wanted you to be uncomfortable again, so i took one when i left here that night.”

i blink back at him in surprise, my heart thumping loudly in my chest, whooshing in my ears.

“are you telling me, you’ve been wearing that hair tie on your wrist, for the past seven months, just in case i ever needed it?” i ask.

“mhm.” he hums, his nose nudging against mine as he nods, the corners of his lips quirking up in a soft smile.

“i’m so in love with you.” i whisper, pulling him down to capture his lips in a kiss.

his lips slot against mine, his tongue slipping in to tangle with mine in a deep and sultry kiss, before he pulls away.

“oh good, because apparently our interaction tonight on the bench?” he pauses and i furrow my brows, nodding for him to continue. “yeah, apparently that happened while the camera was on me.”

a gasp slips past my lips, and he cringes slightly, nodding his head.

“yeah, we’ve been outted.”

we both let that sink in for a moment, pondering what our relationship will be like now that everyone knows. fans certainly analyzing our every move now.

but despite that, we can finally go on dates in public, and post each other on our social medias without panicking that we may have accidentally posted on our public stories instead of our close friends ones.

“i think i can live with that.” i finally break the silence, and he grins.

“yeah?” he questions, pressing a kiss against my lips, and i nod against him.

“yeah.”