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hd-junglebook · 16 days

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Its Always Been You

Part 4 / Word Count 5816

Masterlist

Summary: And so, the trip to Michigan begins with a little surprise guest.

In the dim glow of his bedroom, Jack's world felt like it was crumbling around him. The shadows danced across the walls, mirroring the chaos within his mind. Jack's hands trembled as he held the phone to his ear, his breathing uneven and his heart racing.

"Luke, I don't know what to do with myself," Jack's voice trembled, a mix of anguish and vulnerability. His eyes were glassy with unshed tears, and his free hand clenched into a tight fist.

"I've acted like a complete fool all week. Y/n hates me. I'm feeling… I'm feeling things I never felt before for y/n, and I think I've finally lost my mind."

Luke's harsh tone cut through the silence, his confusion evident. "Jack, what the hell are you talking about?" There was a rustling sound on the other end of the line, as if Luke was sitting up in bed, suddenly alert.

Jack's pacing resumed, his frustration palpable. He ran his fingers through his disheveled hair, his footsteps heavy against the carpeted floor.

The room felt suffocating, the walls closing in on him as he struggled to contain his emotions.

"I told y/n I knew how she felt about me, and then I broke her heart. She left me all alone for three days. Jesus, I just saw her locking lips with some loser in the hallway. It's taking everything in me not to go out there and drag him outside."

"Jack…" Luke barely got out before he was interrupted again.

Before Luke could respond, Jack's voice rose again, defiant and emotional. "I'm not done." He halted his pacing, standing in front of his dresser where a picture of y/n and him sat.

It was from the night of his draft party, a snapshot of happier times. Jack's fingers traced the edges of the frame, his eyes fixated on y/n's smiling face. The photograph seemed to mock him, a cruel reminder of what he had thrown away.

He thought back to that night, his emotions, how he begged her to leave her life behind and move to New Jersey. The memory was vivid, the excitement and hope he felt then now replaced by a crushing sense of regret.

The scent of her perfume, the warmth of her hand in his, the sparkle in her eyes—it all came flooding back, intensifying the ache in his chest.

Rustling came through the speaker of Jack's phone. "I ruined us, Luke. I've ruined the best thing I've ever had." Jack's voice cracked, a single tear escaping and rolling down his cheek.

"Dude, it's almost 12am, and you're babbling about something everyone and their mom knew already. How long did you think you could fight your feelings?" Luke's tone softened, a mix of exasperation and concern.

"I don't know, Luke." Jack stayed still for a moment, his shoulders slumped in defeat. The door of their apartment closed, and he hung up on Luke when he heard footsteps approaching.

Jack perked up, holding his breath as he listened to them get closer. His heart raced, a glimmer of hope sparking in his chest.

Another door closed, leading Jack to swing open his door. Y/n had already closed her door, the click of her lock reverberating through the silent apartment.

Jack's hand hovered over her doorknob, his fingers trembling. He wanted to knock, to apologize, to pour his heart out, but fear and uncertainty held him back.

…

The sound of her alarm woke her from her restless sleep, the shrill beeping cutting through the stillness of the early morning. Her eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the darkness around her.

The room was bathed in a deep, melancholic blue, the shadows clinging to the corners and casting an air of despair. The curtains, a soft, sheer fabric, billowed gently in the breeze from the slightly open window, allowing a sliver of pale moonlight to penetrate the gloom.

"Here we go again," she mumbled groggily, her voice heavy with exhaustion and resignation. The words felt thick on her tongue.

She sat up in her bed, allowing the blanket to fall in a heap on her waist. The sheets, once a comforting embrace, now felt suffocating, tangled around her legs like the thoughts that consumed her mind.

y/n looked around the room with despair, her gaze lingering on the familiar objects that held countless memories—the framed photographs on the dresser, the stack of well-worn books on the nightstand, the discarded clothing strewn across the floor.

Y/n sighed again, the sound echoing in the emptiness of the room. She pushed the blanket off of herself fully, the cool air of the apartment sending a shiver down her spine.

Her steps were light as she dressed herself, opting for comfort over style for the plane ride back to Michigan. She pulled on a soft, oversized sweater, the fabric enveloping her like a comforting hug, and a pair of well-worn leggings that had seen better days.

As she moved about the room, gathering her belongings, the floorboards creaked beneath her feet, the sound amplified by the silence that hung heavy in the air. The scent of stale coffee and the lingering aroma of chocolate chip cookies wafted through the apartment.

Jack's door opened across from her room, his yawning loud against the stark silence of the world outside their little apartment. The sound made her flinch, her body tensing as she braced herself for the inevitable encounter.

She could hear his footsteps, the shuffling of his feet against the hardwood floor, and the rustling of his clothing as he moved about his room.

Y/n rolled her eyes, not ready to interact with Jack just yet. The thought of facing him, of seeing the guilt and regret in his eyes, made her stomach churn. She focused on the task at hand, pulling her suitcase up to the door, the wheels squeaking against the floor.

Her eyes landed on the corkboard that hung on the wall beside the door, the pictures of their innocent smiles and young faces causing her heart to break even more.

In one picture, they were grinning broadly, their arms wrapped around each other's waists as they posed in front of a sunset on the beach. In another, they were dressed in formal attire, attending a friend's wedding, their eyes sparkling with happiness and love.

Y/n's fingers traced the edges of the photographs, the glossy paper cool beneath her touch. A lump formed in her throat as she studied each image. She could feel the sting of tears behind her eyes, the emotions she had been trying so hard to suppress threatening to spill over.

She pulled the door open, rushing past the open bathroom where Jack stood in the mirror, his toothbrush dangling from his mouth and a look of surprise etched on his face.

Y/n moved with the speed of a cheetah, her feet pounding against the floor as she made a beeline for the safety of the kitchen.

Just as she thought she had escaped the awkwardness, the front door jingled, keys rattling against the metal knob like a mischievous poltergeist trying to gain entry.

Y/N stood frozen in place, her body rigid with shock as the door to the apartment swung open. The sudden intrusion had caught her completely off guard, and she felt as if she had been turned to stone, unable to move or speak.

As she watched, a tuft of blonde hair bounced into view, the golden locks reminding her of the fairy tale character Goldilocks. But this was no innocent child stumbling upon a bear's cottage; this was a full-grown woman barging into her home uninvited.

"Daphne? What the hell are you doing here?" Y/N managed to choke out, her voice rising in pitch with each word until it reached a near-shriek. The disbelief and anger dripped from her tongue like bitter honey, leaving a foul taste in her mouth.

Jack's girlfriend fully entered the apartment, dragging a garishly pink suitcase behind her. It was as if she had packed her entire life into that one piece of luggage, ready to move in and stake her claim.

The suitcase was so bright it hurt Y/N's eyes, a beacon of chaos signaling the impending doom that was about to unfold.

From the corner of her eye, Y/N saw Jack emerge from the bathroom, toothbrush still dangling from his mouth. White foam dripped down his chin, making him look like a rabid dog caught in the act.

His eyes widened as he took in the scene before him, darting back and forth between the two women as if trying to comprehend the gravity of the situation he had found himself in.

Daphne's gaze flicked between Jack and Y/N, her initial smile slowly fading as realization dawned on her face. "We planned this months ago, silly," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.

"Non-refundable ticket. We talked about this, Jack. It's only been three months; you can't get rid of me that easily."

She let out a laugh that sounded more like a witch's cackle, her eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief and something darker, more possessive. It was clear that she had no intention of leaving, no matter how unwelcome her presence might be.

Y/N felt her heart sink into her stomach, a wave of nausea washing over her as the reality of the situation hit her like a ton of bricks. Daphne was here, in their home, and it seemed that Jack had been keeping even more secrets than she had realized.

The air in the apartment suddenly felt thick and suffocating, the tension so palpable you could cut it with a knife. Y/N's mind raced with a million questions, a million accusations, but she couldn't seem to form the words.

All she could do was stand there, frozen in place, as the world she had built with Jack came crashing down around her like a house of cards.

Jack let out a heavy sigh, his hand rubbing the front of his scalp as if trying to erase the memory of ever agreeing to this disastrous plan. His face scrunched up like he had just bitten into a particularly sour lemon, the bitterness of the situation leaving a foul taste in his mouth.

He glanced sheepishly at Y/N, his eyes darting between the two women like a puppy who had been caught chewing on his owner's favorite pair of shoes.

"Can you give us a sec? Please?" he pleaded, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he were afraid that speaking any louder would cause the fragile peace to shatter.

Y/N scoffed, her arms crossing over her chest as she fixed Jack with a withering stare. "No, we have to leave soon, and if I don't have my coffee, I just might jump off the plane dealing with you both," she retorted, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Her eyebrows rose so high they nearly disappeared into her hairline, the thought of being trapped on a plane with these two making her seriously consider grabbing a parachute and taking her chances with gravity.

Jack's face reddened, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "We need privacy though!" he said, his voice tinged with annoyance.

He threw his hands up in the air, as if he were trying to physically push away the awkwardness that had settled over the room like a thick fog. "Could you give us some time?"

Y/N let out a humorless laugh, the sound harsh and grating in the tense silence of the apartment. "Oh, you need privacy? That's rich, coming from the guy who couldn't even bother to tell his best friend that his girlfriend was coming to visit."

She shook her head, her eyes narrowing as she fixed Jack with a look that could have melted steel. "You know what? Fine. You two lovebirds enjoy your little reunion. I'll be in my room, packing my bags and booking a one-way ticket to anywhere but here."

With that, she spun on her heel and stalked off towards her bedroom, her footsteps echoing like gunshots in the stillness of the apartment. She could feel Daphne's eyes boring into her back, could sense the smug satisfaction radiating off the other woman in waves.

But Y/N refused to let it get to her, refused to let the hurt and betrayal show on her face. She had always prided herself on being strong, on being able to handle whatever life threw her way. And she sure as hell wasn't going to let Jack or his girlfriend see her crumble.

As she reached her bedroom door, Y/N paused, her hand resting on the knob. For a moment, she was tempted to turn back, to march right up to Jack and demand an explanation.

But she knew that it would be pointless, knew that whatever he had to say would only make the pain worse.

So instead, she took a deep breath and stepped inside, slamming the door behind her with a resounding thud. And as she sank down onto her bed, her head in her hands and her heart in pieces, Y/N couldn't help but wonder how everything had gone so wrong, so fast.

…

Y/N walked back out into the living room, Daphne turned to her with an expression of exaggerated surprise. Her eyes were wide, and a cute smile was plastered on her face, the kind of smile that made you want to pinch her cheeks but also question the sincerity behind it.

"This is your best friend, right? She's a lot shorter than I remember," Daphne said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. It was clear that she was trying to get under Y/N's skin, to establish her dominance in the situation.

Y/N couldn't help but scoff, her eyes rolling so far back in her head that she nearly caught a glimpse of her own brain. "And you're the EX-girlfriend, right?" she retorted, putting extra emphasis on the "ex" part. Two could play at this game, and Y/N wasn't about to let Daphne win.

Jack let out a groan, his head falling back in frustration. "God, just my luck," he grumbled, his eyes rolling so hard they nearly got stuck in the back of his head.

He knew that he was in for a long and uncomfortable conversation with Daphne, and the thought of it made him want to crawl into a hole and never come out.

Y/N took a deep breath grabbing her coffee, the warm liquid providing a momentary comfort before made her way back out to the kitchen. Y/N grasped the cold metal handle, the chill sending a shiver down her spine.

"Let's go before I change my mind," she said, her voice flat and emotionless. She didn't want to give Jack or Daphne the satisfaction of seeing how much this situation was affecting her, didn't want to let them see the cracks in her carefully constructed façade.

…

The journey to the airport had been a tense affair, with Y/N pointedly ignoring Jack's attempts at conversation and Daphne chattering away obliviously in the background.

Y/N could feel Jack's eyes on her, his gaze heavy with unspoken apologies and explanations, but she refused to meet his eye, focusing instead on the passing scenery outside the car window.

they made their way through the bustling terminal, Jack tried once more to pull Y/N aside, his hand gently grasping her elbow. "Y/N, please, can we just talk about this?" he pleaded, his voice low and urgent.

Y/N yanked her arm away, her eyes flashing with barely contained anger. "There's nothing to talk about, Jack," she hissed, her voice sharp as a knife. "You made your choice, and now we all have to live with the consequences."

Jack's face fell, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "It's not like that, Y/N. If you would just let me explain..."

But Y/N cut him off with a bitter laugh, her head shaking in disbelief. "Explain what, Jack? How you don’t like me? How you play this stupid hot and cold game with me? No, I think I've heard enough explanations to last a lifetime."

She turned to walk away, but Jack's hand shot out once more, his fingers wrapping around her wrist. "Please, Y/N," he whispered, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "I never meant to hurt you. You have to believe that."

For a moment, Y/N wavered, her resolve crumbling in the face of Jack's obvious distress. But then she caught sight of Daphne waiting impatiently by the gate, her foot tapping, and her arms crossed, and the anger came rushing back in full force.

"I don't have to believe anything, Jack," she said, her voice cold and distant. "You made your bed, and now you have to lie in it. I just want to forget about all of this and move on with my life. So please, just leave me alone."

With that, she wrenched her arm from his grasp and strode towards the gate, her head held high and her heart shattered into a million pieces.

The seating arrangement on the plane felt like a cruel joke, a twisted game of fate that had placed Y/N in the middle of the very chaos she had been trying to escape.

She found herself sandwiched between Jack and Daphne, her body pressed against the cool glass of the window as if she could somehow merge with the clouds and drift away from the awkwardness that permeated the air.

Jack sat rigidly in the middle seat, his body a tense barrier between Y/N and Daphne. Y/N could feel the heat of his skin, could smell the familiar scent of his cologne, and it made her heart ache with a longing she couldn't quite suppress.

On Jack's other side, Daphne slept peacefully, her head lolling against his shoulder and her soft snores filling the space between them. She seemed blissfully unaware of the silent war raging within Y/N's mind, the turmoil that threatened to consume her from the inside out.

Y/N's foot tapped incessantly against the floor, a nervous habit that betrayed the inner chaos she was desperately trying to conceal. Each tap was like a metronome, counting down the seconds until she could escape the confines of the plane and the suffocating proximity to Jack.

She could feel his eyes on her once more, could sense the weight of his gaze boring into the side of her head. But she refused to look at him. Instead, she focused on the clouds outside the window, on the endless expanse of blue sky that stretched out before her.

Y/N was lost in thought, her mind a whirlwind of emotions and memories, when Jack's hand suddenly shot out, startling her back to reality. Before she could react, he had shoved a headphone into her ear, ignoring the sputtered questions and the look of indignation that flashed across her face.

His fingers brushed against her skin, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. It was a reminder of the connection they once shared, the easy intimacy that had defined their friendship for so many years. Y/N's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing as she tried to process the unexpected gesture.

As the familiar opening credits of her favorite episode of Game of Thrones filled her ear, Y/N's eyes widened in surprise. She glanced at Jack, searching his face for an explanation, but he steadfastly refused to meet her gaze.

His eyes remained fixed on the screen in front of him, as if the answers to all of life's questions could be found in the flickering images.

Y/N couldn't help but steal glances at Jack, her eyes tracing the contours of his face, the curve of his jaw, the way his lashes cast shadows on his cheeks.

Each glance was a silent question, a plea for him to acknowledge the unspoken words that hung between them. But Jack remained stoic, his attention unwavering, as if he had erected an impenetrable wall around himself.

Even as she tried to immerse herself in the show, Y/N couldn't shake the awareness of Jack's presence beside her. The warmth of his body seemed to seep into her skin, igniting a longing that she had tried so hard to suppress.

She could feel the rise and fall of his chest, could hear the soft whisper of his breath, and it made her heart ache with a bittersweet mixture of love and loss.

Beside her, Jack remained a silent presence, his body so close and yet so far away. Y/N couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking, what he was feeling.

…

Y/N stepped out of the airport, the crisp Michigan air filling her lungs and invigorating her senses. She took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scent of pine and freshly cut grass that always seemed to linger in the air.

The sun peeked through the scattered clouds, casting a warm glow on her surroundings and making the world seem a little brighter, a little more hopeful.

She scanned the crowd of people waiting outside the terminal, her eyes searching for a familiar face. And then, like a beacon in the chaos, she spotted him.

There, leaning against a sleek black car, was Luke. A grin spread across his face as he caught sight of her, his eyes crinkling at the corners in the way that had always made her heart skip a beat. "Y/N!" he called out, pushing himself off the car and striding towards her with open arms.

Without hesitation, Y/N dropped her bags and ran to meet him halfway. She threw her arms around his neck, feeling the solid warmth of his body as he wrapped his arms around her waist, lifting her off the ground in a spirited hug. For a moment, the world seemed to fall away, and all that mattered was the comfort and familiarity of Luke's embrace.

"I missed you so much," Y/N mumbled into his shoulder, her voice muffled by the fabric of his shirt. She breathed in the scent of him, a mixture of cologne and something uniquely Luke, and felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her.

Luke chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest and vibrating against her own. "I missed you too, shorty. It's good to have you back."

He set her back down on the ground, but kept his arms around her, as if he was afraid she might disappear if he let go. Y/N couldn't help but smile up at him, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging that she hadn't felt in a long time.

Behind them, the sound of footsteps on the pavement broke the spell. Y/N turned to see Jack and Daphne approaching, their faces a mixture of exhaustion and something else, something harder to define. Jack's eyes met hers for a brief moment, a flash of emotion passing between them before he looked away, his jaw clenching.

Luke's arms tightened around Y/N, a silent show of support and protection. "Hey Jack, Daphne," he said, his voice carefully neutral. "Glad you could make it."

Daphne smiled, the expression not quite reaching her eyes. "Thanks for picking us up, Luke. It's been a long flight."

Y/N could feel the tension crackling in the air, the unspoken words and unresolved issues hanging between them like a thick fog. But for now, she pushed them aside, focusing instead on the feeling of Luke's arms around her and the promise of a few days away from the chaos of her life in New Jersey.

Jack moved forward, his arms open wide and a grin plastered on his face, Y/N felt a flicker of hesitation. There was something about his expression that seemed forced, as if he was trying too hard to appear casual and unaffected by the tension that hung thick in the air.

But before Jack could reach them, Luke's hand shot out, smacking the side of his head with a resounding thwack. The sound echoed through the parking lot, drawing the attention of a few curious onlookers. Jack stumbled back, a bewildered look on his face as he rubbed the spot where Luke's hand had made contact.

"Ow, what was that for?" Jack asked, his voice a mix of surprise and mock indignation. His brows furrowed as he looked at Luke, trying to decipher the reason behind the sudden attack. Y/N could see the gears turning in his head, the confusion and hurt flickering behind his eyes.

Luke lowered his voice, his tone stern yet laced with underlying concern. He leaned in closer to Jack, his eyes locked on his brother's, as if he was trying to convey a message that went beyond words.

"For being an idiot and for bringing her here. Did you forget about what you said on the phone?"

Y/N felt her heart skip a beat, her mind racing with the implications of Luke's words. What had Jack said on the phone? What secrets had he been keeping from her, even as he tried to bridge the gap between them?

Jack's face flushed with guilt, the color rising in his cheeks like a crimson tide. His eyes darted to Y/N, then back to Luke, a silent plea for understanding.

For a moment, no one spoke. Y/N could feel Daphne's eyes on her, could sense the other woman's curiosity and suspicion. But she refused to meet her gaze.

Finally, Luke broke the silence, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "Come on," Luke said, releasing Y/N and grabbing her bags. "Mom's waiting at home with lunch. She's been cooking up a storm all morning."

Y/N grinned, the thought of Luke's mother's cooking making her mouth water. "Lead the way," she said, falling into step beside him as they made their way to the car.

As they walked, Y/N could feel Jack's eyes on her back, could sense the weight of his gaze boring into her. But she refused to look back, refused to acknowledge the part of her that still longed for his touch, his presence, his love.

Instead, she focused on the warmth of Luke's hand in hers, on the promise of a few days of respite and healing. And as they drove away from the airport, the skyline of Detroit rising up in the distance, Y/N couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope igniting in her chest.

Maybe, just maybe, this trip would be the start of something new, a chance to leave behind the pain and heartache of the past and find a way forward, one step at a time. And with Luke by her side, and the love of her family to guide her, Y/N knew that anything was possible.

…

Lukes’s car pulled up to the familiar two-story house, Y/N felt a wave of nostalgia wash over her. The red brick facade, the white wooden porch, the sprawling oak tree in the front yard - every detail was exactly as she remembered.

She stepped out of the car, the warm breeze caressing her face and tousling her hair. The scent of freshly cut grass filled the air, a sweet perfume that brought back memories of lazy afternoons spent lounging in the sun and late-night conversations under the stars.

Y/N took a deep breath, letting the peace and tranquility of the moment settle over her like a comforting blanket. For the first time in days, she felt the knots of tension in her shoulders begin to loosen, the weight of her worries and fears slowly melting away.

Beside her, Jack and Daphne were unloading their bags from the trunk, their voices a low murmur against the backdrop of chirping birds and rustling leaves. Y/N hesitated for a moment, her eyes lingering on Jack's face, taking in the lines of stress and fatigue that creased his brow.

In that moment, she made a decision. She was tired of being angry, tired of holding onto the hurt and betrayal that had consumed her for so long. Life was too short to waste on grudges and resentment, too precious to let slip away in a haze of bitterness and regret.

With a determined set to her jaw, Y/N strode over to Jack, her steps purposeful and sure. He looked up as she approached, his eyes widening in surprise and a flicker of hope.

"Hey," she said, her voice soft but steady. "I just wanted to say... I'm sorry for the way I've been acting. I know things have been tough lately, but I don't want to keep dwelling on the past. You're my best friend, Jack, and that's never going to change."

Jack's face softened, his eyes shining with a mix of relief and gratitude. "Y/N, I..." he started, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry too. For everything. I never meant to hurt you, and I know I have a lot to make up for. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn your trust again."

Y/N felt a lump form in her throat, the sincerity in Jack's words tugging at her heartstrings. She reached out and took his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I know," she said, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "let's just focus on enjoying this trip and being there for each other, okay?"

Jack nodded, his own smile breaking through the clouds of tension that had hung over them for so long. "Okay," he said, his voice filled with a tentative hope. "That sounds perfect."

Together, they made their way up the porch steps, their hands still intertwined. Y/N could feel the warmth of Jack's skin against her own.

"Welcome back, sweetheart," Ellen said, her voice warm and rich like honey. "We've missed you so much."

Y/N felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes. “I've missed you too," she said, her voice muffled against the older woman's shoulder. "It's so good to be home."

…

Luke led Daphne and Y/N up the stairs, their footsteps echoing on the hardwood, Jack seized the opportunity to pull his mother aside. His heart raced, palms sweaty as he glanced nervously between her and the staircase, his body practically vibrating with anxiety.

Ellen's brows furrowed, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear as she sensed her son's distress. She placed a gentle hand on his arm, her touch a silent invitation to share his troubles.

"Jack, honey, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with concern. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

Jack swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat. He ran a shaky hand through his hair, his eyes darting around the room as if searching for an escape. But there was none to be found, and he knew that he owed his mother the truth.

With a heavy sigh, he guided her to the couch, his movements stiff and awkward. They sat down, the worn cushions sinking beneath their weight, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Jack broke the silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "Mom, I... I messed up. Y/N and I, we had a fight. A big one. And I don't know how to fix it."

Ellen's eyes widened, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. But she remained silent, allowing her son to continue.

"I didn't tell her about Daphne, and she found out in the worst way possible. And now... now she can barely look at me. I don't know what to do, Mom. I can't lose her."

Jack's voice cracked, the tears he had been holding back for so long finally spilling over. He buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking with the force of his sobs.

Ellen's heart ached for her son, for the pain and regret that radiated off him in waves. She reached out and pulled him into a hug, her arms wrapping around him like a protective cocoon.

"Oh, Jack," she murmured, her voice filled with a mix of sympathy and gentle chastisement. "I know it's hard, but you have to be honest with the people you love. Secrets have a way of coming out, and they always hurt more in the end."

Jack nodded, his face still buried in his mother's shoulder. "I know," he said, his voice muffled by the fabric of her shirt.

"I just... I didn't want to hurt her. But I ended up doing exactly that." Ellen pulled back, her hands coming up to cup Jack's face. She looked him in the eye, her gaze filled with a wisdom born of years of love and experience.

"Do you remember the time that boy was bothering Y/N in school?" she asked, her voice soft and reminiscent. "You came home with a black eye and a split lip, but you were so proud of yourself for defending her."

Jack's lips twitched, a hint of a smile breaking through the tears. "Yeah, I remember. She was so upset, but I just wanted to make her feel safe."

Ellen nodded, her own smile mirroring her son's. "You brought her back here, to this very house. And you let her lay her head on your lap, and you caressed her hair until she fell asleep. Do you remember what I told you then?"

Jack's brow furrowed, his mind stretching back to that distant memory. "You said... you said that love is the most pure thing you can feel."

Ellen nodded, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips. "And I see it in you, Jack. When you look at her. You love her, don't you?"

Jack took a deep breath, his shoulders straightening his heart skipping a beat at his mother's words. He had always known, deep down, that his feelings for Y/N went beyond friendship. But to hear it spoken aloud, to have his deepest secret laid bare... it was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"I... I don't know what to say, Mom," he stammered, his cheeks flushing with a mix of embarrassment and longing. "Y/N and I, we're just friends. And besides, Daphne...” He trailed off, his eyes flickering towards the staircase where his ex-girlfriend had disappeared just moments before.

Ellen sighed "Jack, honey, the longer you wait, the harder it's going to be. Sooner or later, you're going to decide whether you want to be with her in that way or let her go and find love in someone else.”

Jack stood up, his heart lighter than it had been in days. He hugged his mother one last time, breathing in the comforting scent of her perfume. "You're right, Mom. I need to be honest with myself, and with Y/N. But... but I can't do it now. Not with Daphne here. It wouldn't be fair to anyone."

"Ellen patted his cheek, her touch a silent benediction. "I understand, sweetheart. But don't wait too long, okay?

…

Tag List <3

@favsrachz @jacktoria4ever @bunbunbl0gs @ivy-34 @rebelatbay @bxtchopolis

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luvhughes43 · 1 year

Text

boyfriend | quinn hughes x actress!reader

request: Quinn fic or insta edit where everyone thinks y/n is dating jack because she’s always around him or in the back of his pictures but it’s just bc reader and quinn are both pretty private about it 🤭

note: i changed it up a bit but i hope u like it!

njdevils

liked by ynoffical, _quinnhughes, and others

njdevils VAN vs NJD, actress yn ln joined us today to drop the first puck of the game! stay tuned🏒😈

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fan01 OMG???

ynoffical i had so much fun! thank u for having me❤️

fan02 yn in her hockey era?

fan03 now hear me out... her and jack hughes..

jackhughes

liked by _quinnhughes, nicohischier, and others

jackhughes this weekend📸✌🏻

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fan04 what is yn doing with jack hughes

lhughes_06 now hold on...🤨

fan05 JACK HUGHES AND YN CONFIRMED???

trevorzegras yaba daba doooo☕️

fan06 IS THAT YN LN ON THE LAST SLIDE???

_quinnhughes 💙💙

ynoffical

liked by _quinnhughes, hallebailey, and others

ynoffical thank you so much theacademy for having me at this years 95th oscars ceremony! i had so much fun and i am so proud of my wonderful costars and peers for the amazing work everyones been doing🫶

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hallebailey stunning

ynoffical miss u🥲

fan07 where's jack hughes?

florencepugh you look gorgeous❤️❤️

ynoffical thank youu! you were beautiful!💙💙

fan06 the blue emojis... do u know who else uses blue heart emojis...🧐

fan08 MOTHER!!!! YOU LOOK SO GOOD😭🙏💗

ynoffical

liked by zendaya, _quinnhughes, and others

ynoffical some behind the scenes from the past week..🤭

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madelyncline soft launching [blank] i see...🤭🤭

ynoffical 🤭🤭

fan08 WHOO??? WTF?? ISTG IS IT JACK??

_quinnhughes glad u had a good time at the oscars

ynoffical i had a lot of fun after too ! 🤭

fan09 are we all just going to ignore this comment or...?

fan10 she's dating jack hughes = confirmed

jackhughes who's that guy in the last picture?🤔

fan11 OH ITS DEFINITELY HIM LETS GOOOO

_quinnhughes

liked by ynoffical, jackhughes, and others

_quinnhughes giggling? i think thats what the girls are doing nowadays

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ynoffical WHY ARE U EXPOSING ME😭😭

_quinnhughes u look cute wdym!

ynoffical you're lucky i like you.

_quinnhughes only like?🤔🤭

fan12 WAIT WHAT???

fan13 HAS SHE BEEN DATING YOU THIS WHOLE TIME???

jackhughes finally !

_quinnhughes 🧍‍♂️

jackhughes dont lie i know you've seen my insta comments lately

trevorzegras LETS GO QUINNY🔥🔥

lhughes_06 i can't believe quinn is actually dating someone famous

bboeser its unnatural

ynoffical

liked by _quinnhughes, madelyncline, and others

ynoffical since were exposing each other here's a hard launch ! (and no i am not dating jack hughes)

tagged: _quinnhughes

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jackhughes super cute _quinnhughes

ynoffical NO BECAUSE WHY DOES IT LOOK LIKE IM HOLDING HIM HOSTAGE??? HE LOVES ME I SWEAR😭😭

madelyncline my favourite couple ever🫶

ynoffical i love u sm😭💙

fan14 YN AND QUINN OH WOW😭🙏

lhughes_06 there's no way

_quinnhughes luke you've literally met her?😭

_quinnhughes I love you💙💙

ynoffical i love you !💙

fan15 can't believe youve been in love with quinn this whole time and everyone was saying u were with jack😭

#quinn hughes blurb #quinn hughes x reader #quinn hughes imagine #quinn hughes #quinn hughes insta edit #luke hughes x reader #jack hughes x reader #nhl fanfiction #nhl imagine #nhl fic #nhl blurb #trevor zegras x reader

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huggybearluvr · 2 months

Note

hey!

Can I request a fic with Daswon Mercer ? Like any storylien you want.

only mine || dm91

summary: Yours and Dawson's relationship has never been defined or public. However, after Sebastian Aho starts chirping yours brothers using you as the target, Dawson can't help but defend his girl.

warnings: mentions of a fight (not much detail), slut shaming? kinda not really

Masterlist

You knew there was a possibility of a fight tonight. Your brother Jack, had fought Sebastian just last season in the playoffs. However, you did not expect to see Dawson standing over the hurricanes player.

The game was going pretty smoothly both teams playing equally well, the score was 0-0 half way through the second.

Your breathe hitched watching as Aho poked the puck away from Bratt taking it down the devils end for a one on one with Daws.

The net hit the back of net earning many boos from the crowd. However, your eyes were fixaited on him as he skated over to your brothers. You couldn't hear what he said but by the angered look on your brothers faces it wasn't good.

You watched as Dawson immediately turned around, pushing your brothers back, as he flung off his gloves. Aho followed however, did not get a single hit off, as Dawson knocked him to the ground and continued his attack.

It wasn't until Nico and Jack ripped Dawson off of him that the fight was over. Dawson was ejected from the game slinging out some harsh threats you couldn't hear past the ice, breaking a stick, and leaving the ice.

You immediately got up heading to the locker room.

You flashed your badge and I.D at the security guard making your way to the locker room.

You gently knocked on the door wanting to make sure Dawson was alone before you entered.

"What." Dawsons aid angrily before he turned around seeing you, his eyes immediately softened. His arms opened, inviting you in. You hesitated for second standing at the door, "Baby please, need you right now."

He gave you a pleading look. You stepped forward into his arms as they wrapped tightly around you.

"You know your my girl right?" He whispered into your ear, "I want you to be my girl, no one else's."

You pulled back untucking your head from his chest to look at him, you gave him a soft smile, kissing his lips," I know Daws, I know."

"Now, tell me what happened?" You asked giving him a pleading look.

"Fucking Aho," He said shaking his head recalling his words," He was chirping your brothers but when he brought you into it I kinda lost it," He admitted knowing that it wasn't the best idea he's had in awhile.

"What did he say?" You asked curiously.

"He said he was gonna take you for a spin next and he was sure you'd slut yourself out to any guy in the league."

Your eyes rolled, "Well I'm sure he learned his lesson."

Dawson let out a soft chuckle, leaning down meeting your lips once more," That's my girl."

"Only your's Daws, only your's," You smiled up at him.

--------

Inbox is open! request prompts are in navigation!

#dawson mercer #dawson mercer imagine #dawson mercer x reader #dawson mercer fic #devils lb #njd insta edit #nj devils

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huggybearluvr · 4 months

Note

can i request a smut with dawson Mercer that it’s a Hughes sister and her and mercs get drunk and hook up?

sheets | dm91

pairing: dawson mercer x hughes!reader

summary: You woke up in an unknown bedroom, the actions of the previous night slowly coming back to you, as you lay besides your brothers teammate and friend.

warnings: alcohol consumption, drunk sex, oral (f receiving), fingering, use of pet names, p in v (unprotected).

Masterlist

You slowly woke up to the sun's light shining through the window, your eyes fluttered open taking in the room around you.

You had no idea whose room you were in, you hand quickly rose to your face rubbing at your eyes.

You felt a body beside you to which you ignored trying to remember the events of last night.

You sat at the bar in your little black dress, already a few drinks in waiting on your refill.

"How you doing tonight?" Dawson, your brothers teammate approached sitting beside you.

"i'm doing great," You smiled ,"And yourself pretty boy?" You asked feeling the confidence of the alcohol to finally flirt with the boy you have had a crush on since you moved to jersey.

He smiled placing his hand to you leg," 'm doing great, better now though."

You smiled up at him.

"What do you say we get out of here?" He asked with a smirk.

"I'd say let's go now," You smiled standing from the bar stool taking his hand.

Your hand rubbed at your head, you turned over to see the man beside you.

Dawson. You really did leave with him.

His hands were exploring your body as he carried you into his apartment.

He went straight to his bedroom setting you on the bed, to strip himself of his clothes, watching as you did the same.

He was quick to push you onto your back, smiling as he leaned in to meet your lips.

He slowly trailed his lips down your neck to your chest littering your skin with hickies, claiming you.

As his lips tugged at your sensitive nipples, you moaned out, lacing your fingers into his hair tugging at the roots, He pulled back smiling as he dropped to his knees.

He slowly kissed down your thighs, moving his hand to rub your clit with his thumb applying the perfect amount of pressure.

"Mhh, Daws more, please," You begged out at the feeling.

He inched his way to your clit moving his hand as his tongue dipped between your glistening folds.

You hand made its way back into his hair as his tongue circled your clit in figure eights.

His finger slowly slid into you pressing against your walls.

He continued his attack on your clit slowly slipping in another finger working you to your orgasm his other hand pumping his cock.

"Fuck Daws, m' so close," You moaned out grinding your hips creating more friction against his tongue and fingers.

"Mhmm gonna cum on my tongue baby?" He moaned against your pussy the vibrations sending a shiver down your spine.

"Mhmm," You moaned out continuing your movement against his tongue your orgasm taking over as your movements sped up, Dawson never stopping.

He pulled back, "God, you have no idea how long i've wanted to do that," He smiled, pulling himself up to position himself on top of you.

He pumped his cock lining it up with your entrance before pushing himself inside, "Fuck, baby feels so good," He said throwing his head back at the feeling.

After waiting a moment for you to adjust to his size he pulled back out leaving just the tip inside you before plunging himself back inside you, creating a steady rhythm inside you.

"God baby want you to be mine," He moaned out.

"Then make me yours, Daws," You moaned out pulling him down to meet your lips in a rough kiss.

You moaned into his mouth as his hand came in contact with your clit rubbing slow circles.

"Mhmm baby, you wanna be my girl?" He asked his eyes staring straight into yours.

"Wanna be your girl Daws," You muffled out at the feeling of his cock pounding straight into your g-spot.

"Good girl," He smirked, pushing himself faster inside you, working to reach both your orgasms.

As his hand sped up against your clit working in sync against his movements inside you, you moaned out slowly unraveling around his cock, He smirked speeding his movements to push you through out your orgasm.

As your legs shook around him he pulled out, pumping his cock in his hand, releasing his cum onto your stomach.

"mhhh, what a good fucking girl, covered in my cum," He smirked down at you.

"Let's get you cleaned up baby," He said with a smile taking your hand walking you to his bathroom.

He turned on the shower starting it for the pair of you.

After you shower, he gave you one of his devils t-shirts to sleep in.

You slid it over your head with smile following him into his bed. He grabbed you waist pulling you closer to him.

"What do you say baby, be my girl?" He asked with a sweet smile.

You smiled leaning over to kiss him," I'd say I would love to be your girl, Daws."

As you laid in his bed, you rolled over laying your head onto his chest. His eyes fluttered open, his arms wrapping around you, "Good Morning."

"Morning," You smiled looking up at the boy.

You reached over to the night stand grabbing your phone seeing it was filled with messages and calls from your brothers.

You groaned, Looking at the message asking why you were at Dawsons. You soon heard a knock at the door your eyes going wide.

"I think that might be my brothers," You spoke laughing.

"Do you wanna get it?" He asked closing his eyes, " I don't wanna get up."

"Yeah, I'll get it," You got out of bed slipping on a pair of Dawson's sweats walking out of the bedroom.

You walked over to the door unlocking it and pulling it open.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Jack said as him and Luke entered the apartment.

"Are these Dawson's clothes?" Luke asked as he pointed out your current appearance.

"God enough questions my head is pounding," You spoke, as you looked over to see Dawson walking out of the bedroom.

He looked up to the door," What are you guys doing here?"

The boy just looked at him and then looked at you.

"Are you to together?" Luke blurted out. You honestly weren't sure if Dawson remembered the conversation form last night.

"Yeah we are," He spoke as he began making some coffee.

You smiled over at him then to your brothers, "Now shoo, I know you have much better places to be," You said as you shooed your brothers out of the apartment.

You then walked over to Dawson, taking a cup from him as you both went over to sit on the couch.

You smiled looking at him, "I'm glad they didn't kill you."

"Me too."

#dawson mercer #dawson mercer imagine #dawson mercer x reader #dawson mercer fic #dawson mercer smut #devils lb #njd insta edit #njd smut #nj devils #nj devils smut

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huggybearluvr · 4 months

Note

Y/n being Nico's cousin or sister who has been dating Alexander Holtz but has been hiding it from both Nico and Coach Ruff until one of the games where Alex has his first goal of the 23-24 season

proud girlfriend moment | ah10

instagram edit

pairing: alex holtz x hischier!reader

summary: After dating Alex for the last six months you can't help but hard launch your relationship to share how proud you are of your boyfriend.

Masterlist

y/nhischier

liked by alexholtz, nicohischier, and others

y/nhischier Okay, so Ik we were gonna keep our relationship a secret, BUT I am to proud of you not to post something about your first goal of the season!! Alex I am so beyond proud of you, and can't wait to watch you in the rest of the games this season! You are absolutely amazing, and I love you so much!

view all comments...

nicohischier well this was uhm unexpected.

y/nhischier surprise!

nicohischier I mean I only told you not to fall for Jack or Daws, so I can't really be that mad...

dawsonmercer WHAT

jackhughes THATS SO FAKE NICO

alexholtz you guys didn't stand a chance anyway.

nicohischier wait a second.... HOW LONG HAVE YOU TWO BEEN TOGETHER.

y/nhughes Before I even moved here...

nicohischier WHAT

alexholtz oopsies...

lukehughes Glad I don't have to hide it any more

nicohischier you knew before me?

y/nhischier ofc he knew, besties know everything.

alexholtz I love you baby, thank you for the post <3

y/nhischier I am so beyond proud of you! I love you!

njddevils Our new favorite couple!

#alexander holtz #alex holtz #alex holtz fic #alex holtz blurb #alex holtz x reader #alex holtz x y/n #njd insta edit #nhl x reader #nj devils #njd lb #new jersey devils

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hd-junglebook · 26 days

Text

It's Always Been You

Part 1 - Word Count 3670

Masterlist

Jack and Y/N had been best friends for as long as she could remember, their lives intertwined like the threads of a tapestry woven by fate. Every day since their mothers met had been spent in each other’s company.

From the innocence of school dances, where the soft melodies filled the air and they'd sway to the rhythm, to the milestones of graduations where the crispness of their graduation gowns brushed against their skin, marking a new beginning.

His hand often found its way to her shoulder, offering comfort during heartfelt moments or playfully nudging her when teasing. Throughout it all, Jack had been a constant presence in Y/N's life, his laughter a familiar sound, and his touch a reassuring gesture.

Y/N's affection for Jack didn't blossom until their freshman year in high school—a tender, all-consuming love that left her breathless, her heart pounding at the mere thought of him. The warmth that spread through her cheeks whenever he smiled in her direction was unmistakable.

She found herself stooping to petty tactics, her hands nervously fidgeting as she whispered rumors about any girl Jack mentioned, her eyes darting around to gauge his reaction, hoping to keep his focus solely on her.

Her body language betrayed her insecurities, her shoulders tense, her posture slightly hunched when around other girls, trying to mark her territory.

She yearned for his attention, her eyes often seeking his across crowded hallways, her fingers subtly tracing patterns on her desk whenever he was near, a silent plea for him to notice her.

Yet, despite her efforts, Jack's gaze never lingered on her the way she longed for. To him, she was nothing more than a cherished sibling, a confidante, and a friend. Y/N's heart would sink like a stone dropped into water every time she caught his eye quickly darting away from her.

Her fingers would nervously twirl a strand of hair, a habitual gesture she adopted when feeling anxious or disappointed. She'd often catch herself biting her lower lip, a subconscious attempt to hold back the feelings threatening to spill out.

Y/N had always known that she wasn't Jack's type, but it didn't make the truth any less painful. As they grew older, the sting of reality felt like a cold gust of wind against her face, sharp and biting. Jack's dream of playing in the NHL became a reality, she resigned herself to the fact that his heart would never belong to her.

When he was drafted, Y/N expected him to leave her behind, to start a new life without the weight of their shared history.

But to her surprise, Jack begged her to come with him, to be his anchor in a strange city where he knew no one.

…

Everyone gathered around the television, waiting for the announcement that would change the course of Jack's life. Luke, Ellen, and Jim had done their best to ease his worries, their laughter echoing through the room as Jack rambled on, his nerves getting the better of him.

Y/N shifted nervously as her vision remained fixed on the television screen in front of her, awaiting the verdict that would change Jack’s life forever.

Her body felt heavy as she leaned against the kitchen island for support, anxiety mounting in her chest with each passing moment as their lives hung in the balance.

The tension of the moment was unbearable, yet she remained silent, praying that the outcome would be positive.

Ellen and Luke had gone all out, decorating the house in the team's colors of red and black. They had invited close friends and even convinced Quinn to come back from Vancouver to support Jack.

The cheering and applause filled the room as the result was announced, filling the air with excitement and joy. Jack’s voice rang above the noise, his eyes searching the crowd for her as his hands raised to his head in disbelief. She had never seen him this excited before, the thrill and joy radiating from him in a way that made her feel a strange wave of happiness wash over her.

The intensity of his gaze swept over the faces, his pupils darting from one to another, the crease in his brow deepening with each passing second. “Y/N?"

The room seemed to spin around him, the bright lights blurring into a kaleidoscope of colors as he desperately sought the one person he needed to share this moment with.

His heart raced, thudding loudly in his chest, as he desperately scanned the faces of his loved ones.

She was slightly surprised that he had even noticed her among the crowd of people. She had stayed relatively hidden away, standing quietly near the edge of the celebration. She felt slightly touched by the fact that he had called her out, a small smile crossing her face as she stepped forward.

y/n took a deep breath, preparing herself for the impact of his embrace, knowing that it would be both a source of comfort and a reminder of what she could never have. The crowd shifted around them as she moved closer to Jack, the people parting around them as they gave them space.

Jack's eyes locked with hers, and for a moment it seemed like the entire world had come to a halt. His eyes burned with purpose as he moved quickly toward her, his long strides filling the space between them. He slammed into her smaller frame, his arms wrapping firmly around her waist to stead her as he held her close.

She stumbled backward, his warm grasp keeping her upright. His body pressed up against hers, filling her senses with the warmth of his touch. As he held her, she could feel his heart pounding against her chest, the pace matching her own.

The sounds of the celebration around them seemed to fade away as Jack began to cry, his grip on her tightening as he buried his head in the crook of her neck.

The warmth of his body pressed up against her, the feeling of his warmth filling her with an odd mix of joy and heartache. She wrapped her arms around him, cradling him close to her as she held onto him tight, embracing his warmth as she savored the feeling.

"Congratulations, J," Y/N whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the blurred celebration.

She ran her fingers through his hair, a familiar gesture of comfort that they had shared countless times before. The familiar and almost-automatic nature of the action made her heart ache, reminding her of all the moments they had shared, and all the moments they would never have.

Jack squeezed her tighter, burying himself further into her neck as they remained in a close embrace. His breath came in small hitches, and his body trembled slightly against hers, the adrenaline still coursing through him while the celebration raged on around them.

He pulled back slightly, his hands carefully cupping her face. His eyes were red-rimmed and filled with a mix of happiness and something else that Y/N couldn't quite place. As he leaned his forehead against hers, his breath mingled with hers.

"I couldn't have done this without you, Y/N. You've always been there for me, through everything. I don't know how to do this without you by my side."

Y/N's heart skipped a beat, the words she had longed to hear falling from his lips. But she knew that they didn't mean what she wanted them to. Jack needed her as a friend, a confidante, not as a lover. The realization made her throat tighten, but she forced herself to smile, to be the support he needed.

"Come on, don’t get sappy on me,” she choked out, her voice wavering like a fragile leaf caught in a gust of wind. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, the salty taste of them already on her lips. “I'll always be here for you, J. No matter what."

The words tasted bitter on her tongue, a promise that she knew would only bring her more pain.

While party continued, Y/N found herself drifting further into the background, her silence a stark contrast to the festivities that surrounded her. She watched as Jack was embraced by his loved ones, their pride and happiness evident in every hug and handshake.

The thought of Jack leaving, of not having him by her side every day, was almost too much to bear. Y/N had always been there for him, through every triumph and every setback, but now she felt like she was being left behind. She wanted to be happy for him, to share in his joy, but the pain of unrequited love was a heavy weight on her heart.

…

Once the celebration at Jack's parents' house wound down, Y/N found herself standing in the backyard, the cool grass tickling her feet.

The fading hues of blue and orange painted a mesmerizing picture above, mirroring the tumultuous swirl of emotions within her heart. The gentle breeze caressed her skin, teasing the hem of her dress as it fluttered softly around her.

Y/N found herself lost in her thoughts. Unbeknownst to her, Jack watched from the porch, his own thoughts a whirlwind of emotions.

He observed Y/N, captivated by the way the evening light danced upon her features, casting shadows that seemed to dance in harmony with the gentle sway of the trees.

He sat on the porch steps, the soft glow from the porch light casting shadows on his face, she could see he was lost in thought. The glimmer of sadness in her smile went unnoticed as she watched him, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the palm of her hand.

She settled beside him, their shoulders barely touching. Jack looked forward, his gaze piercing through the distance between them until it locked with hers. jack took her hands in his, his touch gentle yet firm.

"Y/N," he said softly, his blue eyes shimmering with innocence and sincerity. "I need to ask you something."

She nodded, her heart pounding against her ribcage like a drumbeat, the sound resonating in her ears.

"Will you come with me? To New Jersey?" The words tumbled out of his mouth, filled with hope and uncertainty.

Y/N's breath caught in her throat, her fingers tightening around his, seeking reassurance as she searched his face for any hint of hesitation or doubt. Confusion mingled with amusement, escaping her lips in a soft laugh. "Jack, stop playing around, it’s not funny."

His expression grew solemn, the playful glint in his eyes replaced by a depth of earnestness. His grip on her hands tightened as well, his fingers intertwining with hers in a firm embrace, grounding her in the moment. "I’m serious," he murmured.

"Think about it, we could leave it all behind for a little while," he continued, his voice soft yet persuasive as he continued. "I want you to come with me. I'll take care of everything, I promise," he assured her, his words wrapping around her like a warm blanket. "You won’t have to worry about a thing out there."

Y/N's mind reeled, trying to process his words. Jack proceeded to try and convince her, his voice filled with excitement. "Imagine the life we could have together, Y/N. A fresh start in a new city, just the two of us. We've always been there for each other, and I don't want to do this without you."

She searched his face, looking for any sign that this was a cruel joke, but all she found was innocebce. Her heart ached, the temptation to say yes nearly overwhelming her. But the rational part of her brain reminded her that Jack's feelings for her were not the same as hers for him.

"Jack, I..." she started, her voice trembling. "It’s so sudden and I haven’t prepared anything. What if we stop being friends or what if..."

He pulled her closer, his forehead resting against hers. "Please, Y/N. I need you. We've always been a team, and I can't imagine doing this without you by my side."

Tears pricked at the corners of Y/N's eyes as she struggled with the decision. The thought of leaving everything behind terrified her, but the idea of being separated from Jack was even more unbearable.

In that moment, staring into his pleading eyes, she knew she would follow him anywhere, even if it meant sacrificing her own heart in the process. The desperation in his voice tugged at her heartstrings, and despite the agony of being so close to him yet so far from his love, she couldn't refuse him.

…

Y/N plopped down into her seat behind the glass, the arena buzzing with enough energy to power a small country.

It had been a year since Jack's draft day, when she'd made the brilliant decision to uproot her entire life and follow him to the glamorous state of New Jersey. She scanned the ice, trying to spot her best friend among the sea of red and black jerseys.

Tugging at the sleeve of her Hischier jersey, Y/N couldn't help but cringe. The fabric felt like it had been woven from a blend of sandpaper and poison ivy.

"Never letting Jack do the laundry again," she grumbled, glaring down at the oversized jersey that made her look like a kid playing dress-up in her dad's clothes.

Trusting Jack with laundry had been a rookie mistake, but in her defense, she'd been too busy juggling work and her new role as an unofficial NHL WAG (without the benefits) to do it herself.

The Devils had just taken the ice for warmups, and the crowd was already on their feet, cheering like they'd been promised free beer for every decibel they could produce.

Y/N spotted Jack skating around, his movements so fluid and graceful that she half-expected him to start pirouetting at any moment.

Suddenly, he glided up to the glass right in front of her, a coy smile on his face as he took in her annoyed expression. The girls around Y/N screamed, their shrill voices making her eardrums beg for mercy.

Jack tapped his stick against the glass, a playful gesture that made Y/N's heart skip a beat, "You're lucky you're cute, Hughes," she mouthed, narrowing her eyes at him. His grin widened, and he mouthed back, "You love me."

But then, his eyes dropped to the jersey she was wearing, and an angry pout formed on his lips. "Hey, that's not my jersey," he mouthed, his brows furrowing in a way that was both adorable and infuriating.

Y/N felt her cheeks heat up, and she silently cursed her face for betraying her emotions. If only Jack knew just how true those words were, and how much she'd given up to be there for him.

But before she could come up with a witty retort, Jack was off, skating away to join his teammates in their pregame rituals.

She leaned back in her seat, resigning herself to a night of itchy fabric, eardrum-shattering screams, and the bittersweet torture of watching the man she loved chase his dreams while she cheered him on from the sidelines.

…

The Devils and Hurricanes were locked in a fierce battle, the scoreboard showing a frustrating tie that refused to be broken. The tension in the arena was palpable, and Y/N could feel it thrumming through her veins as she watched the players slam into each other, their skates carving intricate patterns on the ice.

Her gaze was fixed on Jack, his #86 jersey a beacon amidst the swirling sea of red and black. He lined up for the faceoff, his body tensed like a coiled snake ready to strike.

Even from her seat, Y/N could see the fierce determination burning in his eyes, the set of his jaw that spoke of an unbreakable focus.

This was Jack in his element, a force to be reckoned with, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a swell of pride at the sight of him.

The ref lowered his arm, the puck balanced on his fingertips. Y/N held her breath, her fingers digging into the armrests of her seat.

The arena seemed to freeze, suspended in a moment of anticipation that stretched on for an eternity. And then, with a flick of the ref's wrist, the puck dropped, and all hell broke loose.

The ice exploded into a whirlwind of movement, players slamming into each other with the force of speeding trains. Sticks clashed and skates flashed as they battled for possession, the puck zipping back and forth like a bullet.

Y/N's eyes strained to keep track of it all, her heart in her throat as she watched Jack dart and weave through the chaos.

He moved like a man possessed, his skates cutting through the ice with a grace and precision that left her breathless. Jack dodged checks and spun past defenders, his stick a blur as he fought for control of the puck. Y/N's pulse raced as she watched him, her body instinctively leaning forward as if she could somehow will him to victory.

The seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as the two teams clashed. Jack's face was a mask of concentration, his brow furrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line.

And then, with a burst of speed that left everyone in the dust, Jack broke free. He charged down the ice, the puck clinging to his stick like a magnet.

Y/N's heart soared as she watched him go, her breath catching in her throat as he bore down on the Hurricane's goalie. This was it, the moment they'd all been waiting for, the chance to break the tie and seal the victory.

Y/N gripped the armrests so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her entire body tensed as she watched Jack close in on the net. The arena held its breath, every eye glued to the ice as the drama unfolded. And then, with a flick of his wrist that was almost too fast to see, Jack sent the puck flying, a black blur streaking towards the goal.

The final buzzer sounded, and the Devils left the ice victorious. She made her way down to the locker room, her heart racing with anticipation. She couldn't wait to see him, to wrap her arms around him and tell him how proud she was.

…

Her heart skipped a beat as Jack walked into the locker room, his eyes instantly locking with hers. The rest of the world seemed to fade away as he made his way towards her, his tall frame towering over her smaller one. His hair, still damp from the postgame shower, fell into his face in an unruly mess that somehow only added to his charm.

"Hey, pretty girl," he said, his voice low and husky, sending a shiver down Y/N's spine. The term of endearment rolled off his tongue with an ease that spoke of familiarity, and Y/N couldn't help but melt a little at the sound of it.

She looked up at him through her lashes, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Hi, love," she whispered back, the words feeling both natural and thrilling at the same time. Around them, the locker room buzzed with activity as Jack's teammates celebrated their hard-fought victory.

"You were amazing out there," she murmured, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I'm so proud of you, Jack."

He grinned down at her, his eyes sparkling with a mix of joy and adoration. "I couldn't have done it without you, Y/N. Knowing you were up there, cheering me on... it means everything to me."

Y/N's heart swelled at his words, a lump forming in her throat.

She felt like she was floating on cloud nine, until the sound of footsteps echoed through the locker room, and Y/N felt Jack stiffen in her arms. Reluctantly, she pulled away, her eyes fluttering open just in time to see a tall, stunning woman enter the room.

The newcomer was breathtaking, with golden hair that seemed to shimmer under the fluorescent lights. She moved with a grace and confidence that was almost otherworldly, and Y/N couldn't help but feel a pang of inadequacy in her presence.

It was like looking at a living, breathing goddess, someone who belonged on the pages of a magazine or the silver screen.

As the woman drew closer, Y/N's heart began to race, a sense of unease settling in the pit of her stomach. She glanced up at Jack, searching his face for any sign of recognition or explanation, but his expression was unreadable, his eyes fixed on the approaching figure.

The woman came to a stop beside them, her full lips curving into a smile that was both dazzling and unsettling. Y/N's breath caught in her throat as she took in the newcomer's flawless features, her porcelain skin and piercing blue eyes. It was like staring into the face of perfection, and Y/N felt a sudden, irrational surge of jealousy and fear.

"Jack," the woman purred, her voice like honey and silk. "I've been looking everywhere for you."

Y/N's world tilted on its axis, her mind reeling as she tried to process the implications of the woman's words. Who was she? What did she want with Jack? And why did Y/N suddenly feel like an intruder in her own love story?

The air felt heavy with tension and unspoken secrets, and Y/N's heart raced as she struggled to make sense of it all.

She looked up at Jack again, silently pleading for an explanation, but he wouldn't meet her gaze. Instead, he cleared his throat, his voice strained as he replied, "Daph. What are you doing here?"

The woman – Daph, likely Daphne - laughed, the sound like tinkling bells. "Can't a girl surprise her boyfriend after a big game?"

And with those words, Y/N's world shattered, the pieces falling around her like shards of broken glass. She felt like she couldn't breathe.

…

@ivy-34 @rebelatbay

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hd-junglebook · 23 days

Text

Its Always Been You

Part 2 - Word Count 4932

A.N - Don't hate me for how long this is OR that it's just arguing. I needed thing to move along sue me. And if you are mad, that's why y/n got her feelings hurt. sucks to suck.

Prev - Next

Y/N stared out the window, watching the city lights blur past as Jack navigated the busy Newark streets. The silence seemed to stretch on endlessly, broken only by the soft hum of the engine and the distant sounds of traffic, each second feeling heavier than the last. Y/N had not made a peep, her thoughts racing like a freight train through her mind.

Her mind raced with questions, each one more painful than the last. How could Jack have kept something like this from her? How long had he been seeing Daphne, and why had he never mentioned her before?

Y/N had always thought that she and Jack shared everything, that their bond was unbreakable. But now, she couldn't help but wonder if she had been fooling herself all along.

The thought that Jack might have known about her feelings for him made Y/N's stomach twist with humiliation. Had she been too obvious in her affection, too transparent in her longing?

The idea that he might have been pitying her all this time, or worse, laughing at her behind her back, made her want to curl up and disappear.

Y/N's eyes burned with unshed tears, but she blinked them back, refusing to let them fall.

Instead, she focused on keeping her breathing steady, on maintaining the fragile composure that was all that was keeping her from falling apart. The streetlights flickered past in a blur, casting fleeting shadows that danced across the car's interior.

The glow from the dashboard illuminated Jack's profile, his jaw clenched and his eyes focused on the road ahead, but she could feel the tension radiating off him in waves.

Beside her, Jack gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white with tension. Y/N could feel the weight of his gaze on her, but she couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes. She didn't trust herself not to break down if she did, to unleash the torrent of emotions that were swirling inside her like a hurricane.

The silence was now feeling unbearable, a thick fog that clouded her thoughts and stifled her words. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, her fingers twisting and turning in a nervous dance. Her heart felt like it was caught in a vice grip, each beat echoing loudly in her ears.

But still, she said nothing, the words lodged in her throat like shards of glass. What could she say, really? What words could possibly encompass the depth of her pain, the magnitude of her unrequited love?

“Can you please talk to me, Y/N? I don’t get what's the big deal," Jack pleaded.

She risked a glance in his direction. He looked as uncomfortable as she felt, and for a moment, Y/N felt a flicker of hope. Maybe this was all just a misunderstanding, a terrible joke that they could laugh about later.

But then she remembered the way Daphne had looked at Jack, the possessive gleam in her eye and the casual intimacy of her touch. There was no denying the truth of their relationship, no matter how much Y/N wished she could.

As they came to a stop, the soft purr of the engine died down, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Jack pulled into the garage of the apartment building, navigating the narrow road with ease due to the sparse traffic of the late hour, making the drive up seem even longer.

“It’s nothing, Jack. I was just shocked. You never even mentioned her to me,” Y/N began, her voice shaky. Her eyes darted to his, searching for understanding as she bit her lower lip nervously. “We’re supposed to tell each other everything, and you hid a girlfriend from me,” she continued.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Jack's hands tightened on the wheel, his jaw clenching. "Y/N, I..."

Jack's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around her wrist. "Y/N," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'm sorry. Just let me explain somehow.”

Y/N swallowed hard, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. "Okay. Let’s just get upstairs first."

With that, Y/N pulled her wrist from his grasp, she opened the car door and stepped out into the cool night air, her legs shaking beneath her. She couldn't bear to hear whatever explanation Jack might offer, couldn't stand the thought of listening to him speak of daphne.

They made their way up the steps to their apartment, Y/N's heart felt like it was breaking with every step. She had always thought that loving Jack was the one constant in her life, the one thing she could count on no matter what.

…

As they reached their floor, Y/N fumbled with her keys, her hands shaking so badly that she nearly dropped them. She could feel Jack's eyes on her, could sense his hesitation, but she refused to meet his gaze. She didn't trust herself not to break down completely if she did.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Y/N managed to unlock the door. She stepped inside, the familiar scent of their apartment washing over her.

Behind her, Jack closed the door softly, the click of the latch sounding like a gunshot in the heavy silence. Y/N could hear him take a deep breath, could sense him searching for the right words to say.

"Y/N," Jack said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He took a step towards her, his hand outstretched. "It's not really what you think. Daphne and I... it's complicated."

Y/N laughed, the sound harsh and bitter. "Complicated? Is that what you call it when you have a girlfriend you never told your supposed best friend about?" She spun around to face him.

"Did you think I wouldn't find out eventually? Did you think you could just keep living this double life and I would never know?"

“I can't lose you, Y/N. You're my best friend, the most important person in my life. I know I screwed up, but I'll do whatever it takes to make it right. I'll spend every day proving to you that you can trust me, that I'll never keep anything from you again."

Y/N's eyes searched his face, looking for any sign of deception or insincerity. But all she saw was honesty and fear, a desperate need for her to believe him. She could feel the tension between them, thick and heavy.

"I know Jack," she answered, her voice barely above a whisper. "I’m sorry, it’s just been a long night. Let’s just let it go. I mean, for Christ’s sake you’re not even dating."

“Can we just watch a movie or something. Forget about her for tonight.” He suggested.

“Maybe tomorrow jack, I’m just really tired.” Jack looked disappointed but he nodded anyway, sitting himself on the couch as y/n walked to her room.

As she pushed open her door and stepped inside, Y/N finally allowed herself to break, the tears she had been holding back spilling down her cheeks in hot, salty tracks.

She sank to the floor, her back pressed against the door, and let the sobs wrack her body, mourning the loss of a love she had never truly had.

…

Y/N groaned as the shrill sound of her alarm pierced through the fog of sleep, dragging her back to consciousness. She blinked blearily, her eyes adjusting to the soft light filtering through her curtains.

For a moment, she couldn't remember how she had gotten into bed the night before, her memories hazy and fragmented.

The events of the previous evening came rushing back, hitting her like a tidal wave. Daphne’s appearance, the breakdown she had. Y/N threw her hands over her face, huffing out a string of unintelligible words as she tried to process the whirlwind of emotions that swirled inside her.

With a heavy sigh, she pushed off the blanket and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The apartment was eerily quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the city traffic outside her window. Y/N wondered if Jack was still asleep, or if he had already left for practice.

She padded softly to the bathroom, her bare feet cold against the hardwood floor. The thought of a hot shower to soothe her aching head and wash away the remnants of last night's tears sounded like heaven. Y/N turned the water to its highest temperature, steam filling the small room as she stepped inside.

The scalding water cascaded over her skin, turning it pink and raw. Y/N tilted her head back, letting the spray hit her face and wash away the smudged mascara that had dried on her cheeks. She closed her eyes.

A nagging voice in the back of her mind that whispered that she would never be enough, that Jack would always choose someone else over her.

Y/N shook her head, trying to dispel the negative thoughts. She couldn't let herself go down that rabbit hole, couldn't let the pain and insecurity consume her. She needed to be strong, to focus on herself and her own needs, even if that meant putting some distance between herself and Jack.

She was just about to step out when she heard the sound of footsteps approaching. Curious, she peeked through the sheer curtain, the gauzy material allowing her a glimpse into the hallway beyond, to see Jack standing in the doorway, his hair mussed from sleep and his eyes still heavy with exhaustion.

There, standing in the doorway, was Jack, looking like he had just rolled out of bed. His dark hair was mussed from sleep, sticking up in endearing tufts that made Y/N's fingers itch to smooth them down. His eyes were still heavy with exhaustion.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the tension from the night before still hanging heavy in the air between them.

The early morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow over Jack's features and making his blue eyes appear even more vivid than usual. Y/N's heart skipped a beat as she drank in the sight of him, her gaze roaming over the strong lines of his jaw and the curve of his lips.

Even disgruntled he still looked beautiful.

Jack caught sight of himself in the mirror. His eyes widened as he took in his disheveled appearance.

Unable to resist, Y/N couldn't help but laugh at the sight of him, her shoulders shaking with mirth as she watched him pout at his reflection. The sound seemed to startle him, and he turned to face her, his lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated frown.

Even as he tried to look offended, Y/N could see the twinkle of amusement in his eyes, the hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Oh, you think this is funny, do you?" he asked, his voice still rough with sleep. The sound sent a shiver down Y/N's spine.

Y/N nodded, her laughter growing louder as Jack's pout deepened. She grinned at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm sorry," she said tucking herself behind the curtain, not sounding sorry at all.

"But you should see yourself right now. You look like a grumpy puppy who got woken up from a nap."

Jack's eyes narrowed, but the smile he had been trying to suppress finally broke through, lighting up his face and making Y/N's breath catch in her throat. "A puppy, huh?" he said, taking a step towards her. "I'll show you a puppy."

Jack's eyes sparked with mischief as he lunged towards Y/N, his hands outstretched as if to grab her from the shower. Y/N let out a yelp of surprise, her laughter echoing off the tiled walls as she quickly tucked herself behind the shower curtain, the flimsy material serving as a makeshift barrier between them.

"Jack, wait!" she pleaded, her voice breathless with laughter. "You can't hit a guy with glasses!"

Jack paused, his hands still hovering in the air as he raised an eyebrow at her. "You're not wearing glasses," he pointed out, his lips twitching with amusement.

Y/N peeked out from behind the curtain, her eyes wide with mock innocence. "Well, no, but I could be. You never know."

Jack shook his head, a chuckle escaping his lips as he stepped back from the shower, his hands raised in a sign of peace. "Alright, alright, you win. I surrender."

Y/N emerged from behind the curtain, her hair damp and her cheeks flushed from the steam. She was suddenly acutely aware of how close they were standing, the small bathroom feeling even more cramped with Jack's tall frame taking up space. She could feel the heat radiating off his body, could smell the faint scent of his cologne mixed with the clean scent of soap.

For a moment, the world seemed to fall away, and all Y/N could focus on was the intensity of Jack's gaze and the way his eyes seemed to darken as they roamed over her face. Her heart raced in her chest, her skin tingling with a sudden, electric awareness of his presence.

But then, the events of the previous night came rushing back, hitting her like a splash of cold water. The hurt, the betrayal, the overwhelming sense of confusion and uncertainty - it all came flooding back, making her throat tighten and her chest ache.

Y/N felt her smile fade, the laughter dying in her throat as she took a small step back, putting some distance between them.

She averted her gaze, suddenly finding the pattern of the shower curtain incredibly interesting as she tried to gather her thoughts.

The sound of the water hitting the tiles seemed to grow louder in the silence, the steady rhythm a stark contrast to the pounding of her heart. Y/N swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry as she struggled to find the right words.

"I'll be out in a minute, then it's all yours," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She couldn't bring herself to look at him, couldn't bear to see the hurt or confusion in his eyes.

Jack's hands fell to his sides, his expression growing serious. "Are you still mad at me?” he said softly. “I meant what I said last night, Y/N. I'll do whatever it takes to make things right between us."

Y/N nodded; her throat tight with emotion. "I know you will, Jack. I’m not mad at you, I’m just not feeling good right now.”

Jack was quiet for a moment. Y/N could hear him shift his weight, could sense the way he was searching for something to say. But in the end, he simply nodded, his shoulders slumping slightly as he took a step back.

"Okay," he said softly, his voice rough with an emotion Y/N couldn't quite place. "I'll just... I'll wait in the living room." And with that, he turned and walked out of the bathroom, the sound of his footsteps fading as he made his way down the hall.

She knew that they couldn't go on like this forever, that they would have to face the hard truths and difficult conversations sooner or later.

But for now, she simply wanted to lose herself in the warmth of the shower, to let the water wash away the pain and confusion and leave her feeling clean and new.

…

After their last awkward encounter, y/n had decided to find someone to talk to. Y/N lay sprawled on her stomach, her feet swinging lazily behind her as she cradled her phone in her hands.

The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, casting shadows across her features as she poured her heart out to her best friend, Jenn.

"I just don't know what to do," Y/N confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and despair. "I mean, I always knew that Jack and I were just friends, but I guess a part of me always hoped that maybe, someday, he would see me as something more."

Jenn’s face filled the screen, her brows furrowed in sympathy as she listened to Y/N's tale of woe. "Oh, honey," she said softly, her voice tinny through the phone's speakers. "I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine how you must be feeling right now."

Y/N sighed, burying her face in her pillow for a moment before lifting her head to look back at the screen. "It's just... I feel so stupid, you know? Like, how could I not have seen this coming? I really thought moving all this way together would open his eyes."

Jenn shook her head, her expression fierce. "You're not stupid, Y/N. You're human. And sometimes, when we're in love, we see what we want to see, even if it's not really there."

Y/N felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes, and she blinked them back furiously. "I just don't know what to do now," she said, her voice small and lost.

"I mean, Jack is my best friend, but how can I be around him knowing that he's with someone else? Knowing that he'll never see me the way I see him?"

They were quiet for a moment, Jenn/s face was pensive as she mulled over Y/N's words. "Maybe," she said slowly, her tone cautious. "Maybe it's time for you to start thinking about yourself for a change."

Y/N frowned, not quite wanting to get into her plan. "Not this again, we’re not playing matchmaker."

She leaned forward, her expression earnest. “whatever, but maybe it's time for you to put yourself out there, to start meeting new people and exploring new possibilities. You've been so focused on Jack for so long, but there's a whole world out there waiting for you, Y/N."

Y/N bit her lip, her heart racing at the thought. "I don't know, J. I'm not really the dating type. And besides, who would want to go out with me?"

She could feel the eye roll through the screen. "Are you kidding me? Y/N, you're gorgeous, smart, funny, and kind. Any guy would be lucky to have you." Y/N felt a blush creep up her cheeks at Sarah's words, a small spark of hope igniting in her chest.

Jenn nodded emphatically. “Why don't you download one of those dating apps, like Tinder or Bumble? Just to see what's out there, you know? No pressure, no expectations, just a chance to meet some new people and have some fun."

Y/N let out a surprised laugh, the sound bursting from her lips before she could stop it. "A dating app? Seriously?" The idea both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. She had never been one for casual dating, had always been more of a relationship kind of girl. But maybe Jenn was right.

Maybe it was time for her to step outside her comfort zone, to take a chance on something new. “It could be fun! And who knows, maybe you'll meet someone amazing who will make you forget all about Jack and his stupid secrets."

"Okay," she said slowly, her smile growing wider. "I'll do it. I'll download a dating app and see what happens."

…

The soft beat of y/ns favorite song played softly in the background as she stood in front of her mirror, taking one last look at her reflection, she debated between two pairs of heels when she heard the front door open, and the sound of familiar voices filled the apartment.

Her heart skipped a beat as she realized that Jack was home, and he wasn't alone. She took a deep breath before stepping out of her room.

The black mini dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and the smokey eye makeup gave her a sultry, mysterious air. She had spent the better part of an hour getting ready, determined to make a good impression on her date.

"Hi John," Y/N said, her voice soft and slightly breathless as she caught sight of Jack's teammate standing beside him. She couldn't help but notice the way John's eyes widened as he took in her appearance, his gaze traveling up and down her body appreciatively.

"Wow, Y/N," John said, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You look amazing. Got a hot date tonight?"

Y/N felt a blush creep up her cheeks, but she forced herself to maintain eye contact, a coy smile playing on her lips. "Maybe," she said, her voice teasing. "Guess you'll have to wait and see."

Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Jack stiffen, his jaw clenching as he watched the exchange. She tried to ignore the way her heart raced at the sight of him, the way her skin tingled with awareness of his presence.

"Well, whoever the lucky guy is, he's in for a treat," John said, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer before he turned to Jack, a knowing look in his eye. "Don't you think, Jack?" Jack's expression was unreadable, but Y/N could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his hands clenched at his sides.

"Yeah," he said, his voice tight. "Y/N always looks great."

Y/N felt a thrill of satisfaction at the barely concealed jealousy in his tone, but she forced herself to keep her focus on John. "Thanks, John," she said, her voice warm. "You're too sweet." She took a step closer to him, her heels clicking on the hardwood floor.

"You know, I've been meaning to ask you something," she said, her voice low and conspiratorial. "Why don’t you come over more often? It would be nice to see you more.”

John's eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face. "Well jack here is trying to keep you to himself. Just say the word and I'll clear my schedule."

Y/N laughed, the sound light and flirtatious. "I might just take you up on that," she said, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

She could feel Jack's gaze burning into her back, could sense the tension radiating off him in waves. But she refused to let herself be swayed. "Well, I should probably get going," she said, glancing at her watch. "Don't want to keep my date waiting."

She brushed past John, her arm grazing against his as she made her way towards the door. "It was great seeing you, John," she called over her shoulder, her voice sweet.

"Don't be a stranger, okay?" And with that, she was gone, the sound of her heels echoing down the hallway as she made her way out of the apartment. She could feel Jack's eyes on her until the very last moment.

Y/N felt Jack's hand close around her arm, his grip firm but gentle. Before she could protest, he pulled her towards him, spinning her around until she was facing him, her body pressed against his chest.

Her breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, their faces mere inches apart. “Supposed to tell each other everything, remember? Guess that doesn’t apply to dates or girlfriends,” he snapped, tone dripping with sarcasm. His gaze was icy, challenging him to respond.

They both stood in the dark hallway, a silent standoff. The pale blue moonlight filtered through the narrow window, casting an eerie glow on their faces. y/n finally broke the silence, his voice as cold as the icy blue of a frozen lake. "If you're going to be like this, maybe I should find somewhere else to stay tonight."

Jack's eyes narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line. The once vibrant blue of his eyes had dulled to a stormy gray, reflecting the turmoil within.

"I broke up with her three months ago, okay? You've been avoiding me for a week straight," he shot back, his words tinged with frustration and a hint of desperation.

"I..." He searched for the right words, but they eluded his grasp, slipping through his fingers like grains of sand in an hourglass. The silence stretched between them, as vast and empty as a cloudless blue sky. Jack didn't know what she wanted him to say.

In fact, all he could see was her eyes, two deep pools of blue that threatened to drown him in their depths. He was at a complete loss for words, his mind as blank as a fresh canvas.

"I know you have feelings for me. I never brought it up because if I was wrong then you'd be mad at me, but I've known for years," he finally confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, heavy and suffocating, like a thick blanket of blue smoke.

She felt a lump form in her throat as she listened to his words, each syllable carving a deeper wound in her already battered soul. The revelation was like a bolt of lightning, striking her heart with a searing pain.

She knew. Jack had known all along, yet he had chosen to remain silent, to spare her the pain of rejection. The realization settled over her like a heavy fog, obscuring her thoughts and feelings, leaving her lost and alone in a world devoid of color.

Her hand remained clasped in his, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. She wanted to hold on, to cling to his warmth and the fleeting hope it offered, like a drowning sailor grasping at a lifeline in the vast ocean of despair.

Her fingers trembled, the icy blue of her veins visible beneath her skin, as if the color had been drained from her very being. And then, like a dagger to the heart, came his final confession.

"And I wish things were different, but there's no good way to say this. I don't like you in that way, but I really hope you find someone that does.

His voice was soft, barely audible above the deafening silence that engulfed them, but he didn't let go of her hand. It stayed there, a lifeline that tethered her to the harsh reality of the moment.

Y/N felt as if the air had been sucked from her lungs, her heart shattering into a million pieces at his words. She had always known, deep down, that Jack didn't feel the same way about her, but hearing him say it out loud was like a knife to the chest, the blade twisting with every syllable.

Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision until all she could see was a hazy blue mist. She blinked them away, unwilling to let them fall in front of him, to show him just how deeply his words had cut her.

Her free hand clenched into a fist at her side, nails digging into her palm, the pain a welcome distraction from the agony that consumed her heart.

She wanted to scream, to cry, to beg him to reconsider, but the words lodged in her throat, as heavy and immovable as a boulder. Instead, she simply nodded, a jerky, mechanical motion that belied the turmoil within.

She forced herself to meet his gaze, her eyes a dull, lifeless blue, like the sky before a storm, void of the sparkle and warmth they once held.

The tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to spill over and reveal the depth of her anguish. "How long have you known?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, a fragile wisp of sound that hung in the air between them.

Jack sighed, his shoulders slumping as he released her wrist, his hand falling limply to his side. The warmth of his touch lingered on her skin, a cruel reminder of the connection they once shared.

"A while," he admitted, his voice heavy with guilt. "I didn't know how to bring it up without hurting you, so I just... didn't."

Y/N nodded, her throat tight with emotion, the lump growing larger with each passing second. She swallowed hard, trying to dislodge the knot of pain that threatened to choke her.

"I see," she said, her voice flat, devoid of the vibrant emotion that once colored her words. "Well, I guess I should thank you for finally being honest with me, even if it is a little late."

She turned to go, her heart heavy with the weight of his rejection, each step a monumental effort as if she were wading through quicksand.

Before she could take more than a few steps, she heard Jack's voice, soft and sad, calling after her, a desperate plea for understanding.

"Y/N, I'm sorry," he said, his voice cracking with emotion, the raw honesty of his words cutting through the suffocating silence. "I never meant to hurt you. You're my best friend."

She walked away, her heels clicking on the tiled floor as she made her way to the elevator. Jack's words echoed in her mind like a cruel, endless loop, a haunting melody that played on repeat, taunting her with the knowledge of what could never be.

She had always known that loving him would end in heartbreak, the inevitable conclusion to a story that was doomed from the start.

But somehow, that knowledge did nothing to dull the pain that threatened to consume her, body and soul, leaving her hollow and empty, a mere shell of the person she once was.

As the elevator doors closed behind her, she leaned against the wall, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs, the tears she had fought so hard to contain now flowing freely down her cheeks. The fluorescent lights cast a harsh glow on her face, illuminating the tracks of her tears.

She closed her eyes, willing the pain to subside, but it only seemed to grow stronger.

…

the next chapter is going to be put off for a while since I want to get until dawn started. Also do y'all not fw Until Dawn I really think Jack could eat us up in a fic that isn't revolved around hockey. there's only so many variations. But do you guys even want until dawn, please let me know.

225 notes · View notes

hd-junglebook · 26 days

Text

Bodies

Prologue

Prev - Next

AN : I feel like this is a little out of range for most, I haven't stumbled upon a Jack Hughes apocalypse fic, so I made one. This is just some character buildup, so you understand Part 1 when it comes out.

Masterlist

You finished writing the end of the sentence on the board, the space filled with the assignments for your class. The students chatted behind you, discussing the book while you continued highlighting its key parts.

You love these moments, where literature transcends the pages of a book and becomes a living, breathing entity in the minds of your students.

The shrill sound of the bell cuts through the air, interrupting your thoughts. Glancing at your watch, confusion struck; the bell rang ten minutes early, catching you off guard as the school board hadn't informed you about the half-day.

"Okay guys, make sure you finish up your worksheets," you say, trying to mask your confusion with a reassuring smile. “I need all your papers done by Monday! Enjoy the rest of your weekend,” you announced.

You watch as the students quickly gather their belongings and rush out of the classroom, their chatter fading into the hallway. The unexpected early dismissal leaves you feeling slightly disoriented, but you try to shake it off.

As you straighten the stacks of papers on your desk, you can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment that the engaging class discussion was cut short.

You make a mental note to follow up on the unfinished discussion next week, perhaps dedicating some extra time to really dive into the nuances of the text.

In the meantime, you decide to take advantage of the unexpected free time to get ahead on your lesson planning and grading.

Your phone buzzed, pulling you away from your task. Hurriedly picking it up, you saw your best friend Lexi’s name flashing urgently on the screen.

With trembling fingers, you answer the call, dread pooling in the depths of your being as her panicked voice fills your ear, “Y/n, I need—” She choked out, “There was an accident at work, this man attacked me, he bit me, Y/n.”

The urgency in her voice sends a shiver down your spine as she recounted the details, the wail of the alarms around her blared through the phone’s speakers. “Where are they taking you Lex?”

“RWJ Hospital, please come, I need you.”

You hung up the phone in despair, struggling to comprehend what was happening. Quickly grabbing your bag, you headed into the hallway, ignoring the worried glances from other teachers as you pushed open the double set of doors leading to the parking lot. Children boarded their buses as the sky began to darken.

“Shit!” You cursed, fumbling with your car keys, hands shaking as you finally managed to unlock the door and slide into the driver's seat.

The engine roars to life as you pull out of the school parking lot, your tires screeching against the asphalt with little regard for the parents in the pickup line.

You try to focus on the road ahead, but your thoughts keep drifting back to Lexi's words: "he bit me."

The strange phrasing sends a chill through your body, and you can't shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong.

The streets were crowded with cars, turning what should have been a simple five-minute drive home into a 15-minute ordeal of waiting at traffic lights.

You think ahead and cut across the grass that leads onto the backroads, switching on the radio, hoping to distract yourself from the gnawing anxiety. However, instead of the usual upbeat pop songs, you're greeted by an urgent news bulletin:

"Breaking news: Reports of violent attacks are coming in from across Jersey. Eyewitnesses describe individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior and attacking others without provocation. Authorities are advising all residents to stay indoors and avoid public areas until further notice..."

Your heart pounds in your chest as you slam the mute button, could Lexi's attack be related to these other incidents?

The thought makes your stomach churn, and you press down on the accelerator, desperate to reach your house.

…

A helicopter flew overhead towards the city, its loud rotors adding to the worry already in your stomach.

The sight of your neighbors frantically packing their belongings and fleeing the area only serves to heighten your anxiety. You can't help but wonder what they know that you don't.

You wiped your hands across your face before pushing the door open, a sigh of relief leaving you as you noticed your roommates’ cars in the driveway.

You hurry towards your front door, fumbling with your keys as you try to unlock it. Your hands are shaking, making the simple task feel like an impossible challenge. Finally, you manage to turn the key and push the door open, stepping into the familiar comfort of your home.

“Jesus fuck.” You utter, looking around the messy living room for any sign of life. “Guys, are you here?”

there's no response.

Inside, the usual warm and inviting atmosphere is replaced by an eerie stillness. The only sound is the ticking of the clock on the wall, echoing through the empty rooms. A sinking feeling settles in the pit of your stomach as you realize that they might have already left without you.

As you're about to leave, you hear a loud banging on your front door. Your heart leaps into your throat, and you freeze in place. The banging continues, growing more insistent with each passing second. You slowly approach the door, your hand hovering over the handle.

You peek through the peephole, your heart pounding in your chest, only to be greeted by a familiar mop of blonde hair. Relief washes over you as you realize it's your roommate, Viper. You swing the door open, a smile breaking out on your face.

"Viper, thank God it's you! I thought-"

Before you can finish your sentence, Viper rushes past you, nearly knocking you off balance. "Move, move, move!" she shouts, her voice laced with urgency.

You stumble back, confused by the abrupt entrance. As you regain your footing, you notice Dest, your other roommate, standing in the doorway, an exasperated look on her face.

"Seriously, Viper?" Dest sighs, shaking her head. "You nearly slammed the door on my face!" Viper, already halfway across the living room, turns back with a shrug.

You look between your two roommates, trying to make sense of their sudden appearance. "Where were you guys? Have you seen the news?"

“We were in the city when all hell broke loose.” Viper commented, she began rummaging through the kitchen cabinets, her slender fingers deftly sorting through the cans and packages.

She huffs out a breath, blowing her golden locks away from her face as she reaches for a can on the top shelf. "I've seen enough horror flicks to know how this plays out," she retorts, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

She holds up a can of beans triumphantly, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "And I, for one, am not going to be the first to die because I was too busy being a snack for the undead."

Viper tosses the can into her backpack, along with a few other non-perishable items. She zips up the bag with a flourish, the sound echoing through the kitchen.

Slinging the backpack over her shoulder, she turns to face you, her lips curled into a smirk. "I'm ready to kick some zombie ass. Or run away screaming. Whichever comes first."

Dest rushes back into the living room, her arms laden with supplies.

As she dumps the contents of the bag onto the coffee table, revealing a collection of batteries, flashlights, pads, and a well-stocked first-aid kit, her fiery red locks cascade around her face like a protective curtain.

With a quick, practiced motion, she arranges the items with efficiency, her pale blue eyes searching your own.

"We should get out of here while we still can," she states nonchalantly.

You grab your own backpack, the fabric feeling oddly heavy in your trembling hands as you hastily stuff in the items Dest hands you. You take a deep breath, trying to calm your nerves.

"Yeah…Yeah, we should go," you say, your voice wavering slightly in the stillness of the room.

…

The three of you headed outside seeing smoke billow into the clouds. You unlocked the car door, still seeing the neighbors rushing to pack their cars to the brim. "Y/n, dear, wait!" Your neighbor calls, hobbling towards you with surprising speed. "Have you heard the news?”

Mrs. Beverly takes a moment to compose herself before speaking. "There's been reports on the news about some sort of virus spreading," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're saying it turns people into... into monsters. It's spreading fast, y/n."

You pause, turning to face her, a knot of dread forming in the pit of your stomach. "I've heard bits and pieces," you reply, your voice tight with apprehension. "But we need to get to the hospital. You should really get out of here Mrs. Beverly. "

Her eyes widened in alarm, her gnarled hands clutching at the hem of her sweater. "I’m old y/n, there’s nothing out there for me." she murmurs, her voice trembling with sympathy. "But you need to be careful out there.”

You nod, gratitude swelling within you for her concern. "Thank you, Mrs. Beverly," you say, forcing a reassuring smile. "I'll be careful, I promise. But right now, I need to go."

With a quick goodbye, you three continue on your way, the weight of Mrs. Beverly’s words hanging heavy in the air.

…

The traffic on the highway worsened by the minute, minutes turning into hours as you waited behind dozens of cars leading out of the city.

Frustration fills you but the traffic remains at a standstill, a seemingly insurmountable barrier between you and safety. “God, can we just walk at this point. I feel like I’m gonna melt if I stay in here,” Viper bellowed from the back of the car.

Clenching your hands against the wheel, you finally make the decision to abandon your car and join the throngs of people on foot. Viper and Dest followed suit grabbing their bags and slamming the doors shut.

The air is thick with the acrid smell of exhaust fumes and the distant wail of sirens. You weave through the maze of cars on the highway, feeling a light breeze gently pushing your jacket off your shoulders.

Walking through the maze of cars, each one filled with an antsy family trying to leave the city, you were so close to where you needed to be. Your eyes focused on the buildings just out of reach when you bumped into a lady standing outside her car.

Stumbling back in shock, you looked up to a grey-haired lady, immediately apologizing. "I’m so sorry; I wasn’t looking where I was going," you stated as you helped her regain her balance.

The lady steadied herself, placing a wrinkled hand on your arm. She looked up at you with kind, understanding eyes.

"No need to apologize, dear. It's quite alright," she said, her voice soft and reassuring. You nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over you.

"Edith," the lady supplied, extending her hand to Viper and Dest. "Pleasure to meet you all, despite the circumstances." Just then, a man exited the car, pushing his way to you both with a nasty scowl on his face.

"What's the holdup? Can't you watch where you're going?" he barked at his wife, blaming her for being in the way.

As you tried to diffuse the tension, the man's anger only seemed to escalate. His words were like daggers, cutting through the already thick atmosphere of frustration and impatience. "Hey, she said she was sorry," you interjected, your voice tinged with irritation. "There's no need to be so hostile."

The man's scowl deepened, his eyes flashing with barely contained rage. "Mind your own business, kid. This is between me and my wife."

You could feel your temper rising, fueled by the stress of the situation and the man's unwarranted aggression. "She's right. The traffic is bad enough without you making it worse," you shot back, your words laced with defiance.

The man took a step closer, his imposing figure casting a shadow over you. "You don't know the first thing about what's going on here. Just stay out of it."

Viper and Dest caught up to you then, their faces etched with concern. "Everything okay, Y/N?" Viper asked, eyeing the man cautiously. Relief washed over you at the interruption, grateful for the chance to break away from the confrontation.

“Yeah, I was just leaving. It was nice to meet you, Edith.”

The sound of helicopters overhead drew your attention. You glanced up to see a fleet of choppers zooming through the sky towards the city, their presence ominous against the backdrop of the skyline.

The roar of the helicopters grew louder, drowning out all other sounds. The steady thump-thump-thump of their rotor blades echoed through the air, sending vibrations rippling through the ground beneath your feet.

"What's going on?" you asked, a sense of unease settling in the pit of your stomach. You watched in awe as they flew in formation, their sleek silhouettes slicing through the air with precision.

Dest followed your gaze, his expression grim. "Looks like they're bombing the city," she said quietly. The city was under fire, and there was nothing you could do but watch from the sidelines.

In an instant, the air was filled with a deafening cacophony of noise as the choppers unleashed their payload as the orange hue of the flames spread across your face. The ground trembled beneath you as the bombs were dropped, sending shockwaves rippling through the earth.

A collective gasp rose from the crowd as the first explosion rocked the city skyline. A plume of smoke billowed into the air, dark and foreboding against the backdrop of the orange-hued sky.

As you, Viper, and Dest stand on the side of the highway, watching the helicopters in the distance, another one suddenly comes closer, its ominous silhouette looming overhead.

You look up just in time to see a bomb drop, landing mere yards away from where you stand. The world seems to slow as adrenaline courses through your veins, your heart pounding in your ears.

Viper's instinctive reaction kicks in as she grabs your arm, pulling you back from the danger with a forceful urgency.

“Come on. Now!” she shouts pulling you away from the road and to the tree line. Dest is right behind you both when another bomb drops, and she falls to the ground.

You yank on Viper's arm, your voice piercing through the chaos as you shout, "Wait!" Both of you scan the highway frantically, searching for Dest's frail form.

Just as panic threatens to consume you, you catch sight of her, staggering dangerously close to the edge of the road.

You and Viper rush to her side, throwing an arm over each of her shoulders for support. The screams around you blend with the deafening explosions, creating a cacophony of fear and desperation that threatens to overwhelm your senses. With Dest between you, you hobble away from the highway.

“We have to keep going.”

...

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