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hd-junglebook · 2 days

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Can I Help You

Part 1 - Word Count 3136

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This is a little shorter than I wanted it to be, but here is my first ever Luke Hughes series. message me to be added to the tag list. Enjoy!

Luke sat in the chilly office, his fingers nervously tapping on the worn textbook in front of him. His father's anger was palpable to put it lightly, the tension he left in the room thick enough to cut with a knife.

The threat of losing his hockey privileges forever loomed over him like a dark cloud, but Luke's mind kept drifting to the upcoming game. It was all he could think about, consuming his every thought.

He needed to make it to that game, not just for himself, but for his father, his teammates, and the sheer love of the sport that coursed through his veins.

This was his last chance to prove himself, to show everyone that he wasn't a lost cause. But no matter how hard he tried, academics remained an enigma, a puzzle he couldn't quite solve.

The worst part was that it wasn’t just the pressure from his dad, but his coach, worst of all. The memory was fresh in his mind, the words still ringing in his head.

"Luke, you're one of our star players, but I can't keep you on the team if your grades don't improve. This is your last chance. Get a tutor, get your act together, or you're benched for the season."

Lost in his thoughts, Luke almost jumped out of his skin when a sudden knock at the door pierced the silence. His eyes darted away from the textbook, heart racing in his chest.

"Who's there?" Luke muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. Seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Then, a familiar feminine voice broke through the stillness, sending a shiver down his spine.

"It's me, Luke. Can I come in?" The voice was like honey, smooth and sweet, and Luke's mind instantly lit up with recognition.

It was her, the girl of his dreams, the one he had been secretly pining for. The hottest girl in school, and the one he had been assigned to work with.

In a flash, Luke leapt to his feet, nearly tripping over himself in his haste to reach the door. Energy surged through his body, a sudden burst of adrenaline that made his heart race and his palms sweat. He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself before turning the handle.

As the door swung open, Luke found himself face to face with her, his breath catching in his throat.

"Hey," he managed to stutter out, his voice cracking slightly. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, a blush spreading across his face as he tried to play it cool, leaning casually against the doorframe.

But inside, his heart was pounding, his mind racing with a thousand thoughts and possibilities, all centered around the stunning girl standing before him.

Her dark hair was pulled into a bun, her glasses resting on her nose as she looked Luke up and down. "You know what day it is Luke?" The girl says playfully as she enters the room.

Luke immediately blushes, as he was already aware of why she was in his room today. "Uh, yeah" he replies quickly, not wanting to give off the idea he didn't know.

She smiles, a devilish grin that just made Luke melt even more. "Good, then let's get started," she said softly, as she sat down next to him.

Luke sat next to her, the tension in the room was thick, could cut it with an axe. Luke was a nervous wreck, every word he said left an awkward pause before she would reply, and she always had the perfect response on standby.

He started to sweat, realizing how lucky he was to be in this position, she was the hottest girl in school, but still just another person. He kept going over in his head, what do I say next?

"Are you paying attention?' she probed with a smile.

"Oh yeah, definitely, I'm sorry I was uh, just thinking about something I'll try a little harder from now on" Luke's blushing and nervousness increases and his tone becomes shaky as he speaks. The girl giggles a little to herself, knowing the effect she has on him.

It was midway through their lesson when Luke finally worked up the courage to speak. "Hey, I know it's pretty out of nowhere, but..." he hesitates, not knowing how to finish the sentence.

The girl looks at him, waiting for him to finish, and he quickly composes himself "My frat is hosting a party on Saturday, and um... I was wondering if you would come and... uh... you know..."

Her eyebrow arched slightly as she considered Luke's invitation, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Are you asking me to be your date to the party, Luke?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Luke felt his cheeks burn, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to find the right words. "Well, I mean... yeah, I guess I am," he stammered, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.

"I just thought it could be fun, you know? We could hang out, maybe dance a little..."

She leaned back in her chair, studying him with those piercing eyes that seemed to see right through him. "I don't know, Luke," she said, her tone teasing. "I'm not sure if you can handle me on the dance floor."

Luke's eyes widened, his mouth going dry at the thought of dancing with her, feeling her body moving against his. "Oh, I can handle it," he blurted out, immediately regretting his words as he saw the glint of mischief in her eyes.

She laughed, a sound that made Luke's heart skip a beat. "Alright then, you're on," she said, reaching out to poke his chest playfully. "But I have to warn you, I've got some moves that might make you blush."

Luke grinned, feeling a surge of confidence at her acceptance. "I'm not afraid of a little challenge."

She smirked, leaning in closer until her face was just inches from his. "We'll see about that," she whispered, her breath hot against his skin.

With that, she pulled back, turning her attention back to the textbook in front of them as if nothing had happened. But Luke could still feel the electricity crackling between them, the promise of something more hanging in the air.

…

She stepped out of the car, the crisp winter air cut through the bustling campus of the University of Michigan, carrying with it the promise of snow.

As she walked across the bustling campus, her breath forming small clouds in front of her, Y/N's mind drifted to the mountain of homework waiting for her back at the dorm.

y/n sighed, adjusting the heavy bag on her shoulder.

Before long, she arrived at her dorm building, the sound of laughter and chatter spilling out from the open windows. She climbed the stairs to her third-floor room, the noise growing louder with each step.

y/n opened the door, she was greeted by a familiar sight - her two roommates, Emma and Clarke, engaged in a fierce battle of Wii Sports. Emma shouted, swinging her controller wildly as her Mii slammed a tennis ball across the virtual court.

"Oh, it's on!" Clarke yelled back, her tongue poking out in concentration as she returned the shot. Y/N couldn't help but laugh at their antics, shaking her head as she closed the door behind her. "I'm home, nerds!" she called out over the din of the game.

"Hey, look who it is!" Emma exclaimed, not taking her eyes off the screen. Her voice carried a teasing lilt, the corners of her lips tugging into a mischievous grin.

"How's the new boy?" Clarke added, grunting as she lunged to make a particularly difficult shot. "Did you make any progress on turning jocks to geniuses today?"

Y/N rolled her eyes, flopping down on the fluffy beige couch. "Ha ha, very funny. For your information, Luke will be making great progress. He might even pass his classes this semester if he follows my advice."

"Ooh, first name basis, huh?" Emma waggled her eyebrows suggestively, her playful tone punctuated by the sound of button mashing. "Sounds like someone's got a crush on the hockey hottie!"

Y/N threw a pillow at her, laughing. "Shut up! It's not like that. I don't date students, remember?" Her voice was light, masking the faint flutter in her chest.

"Yeah, yeah, we know," Clarke said, finally tearing her eyes away from the game as it ended in her victory. "But you've got to admit, he's pretty cute.

For a jock, anyway." She smirked, her gaze flicking towards Y/N as if daring her to disagree. Y/N hid her smile behind a stray pillow, the warmth of her cheeks betraying her amusement.

As she cracked open her textbook, her mind couldn't help but wander to her previous relationship. Y/n didn’t necessarily lie to Luke, she didn’t date students but that wasn’t the reason she declined Lukes’s offer.

Mark was the star quarterback of the football team. They had started dating in their sophomore year after a tutoring session, drawn together by their shared drive and passion for success.

At first, things were great. They were the power couple of the campus, turning heads wherever they went. But as time went on, the cracks started to show.

Mark became possessive, jealous of any time Y/N spent with anyone else. He demanded constant attention, even when Y/N needed to focus on her studies.

Their fights were explosive, echoing through the halls of the dorm. Y/N knew it wasn't healthy, but she was in too deep. She loved Mark, or at least she thought she did.

It all came to a head one night when Mark showed up at her dorm, drunk and angry. He accused her of cheating on him, of putting her studies before their relationship.

Y/N tried to reason with him, but he would not listen. In a fit of rage, he put his fist through the wall, inches from her face.

That was the final straw. Y/N ended things then and there, despite Mark's pleas and promises to change. She knew she deserved better, and she wasn't going to let anyone, no matter how much she cared for them, derail her future.

But Mark couldn't seem to let go. He still texted her late at night, telling her how much he missed her, how he was going to make things right.

He'd corner her on campus, pleading for another chance. Y/N was firm in her resolve, but a small part of her couldn't help but wonder what might have been.

She shook her head, trying to focus on the words in front of her. That was the past, and she had moved on. She had her studies, her friends, and a bright future ahead of her. No boy, no matter how charming or persistent, was going to change that.

…

Y/N stepped onto the ice, the cold air rushing over her skin as she took a deep breath. She adjusted her headphones, making sure they were securely in place, before reaching up to tighten her ponytail. Her hair was pulled back, the silky strands glinting under the bright lights of the rink.

With a final tug on her gloves, Y/N began to skate, her blades gliding smoothly over the glossy surface. She moved with purpose, her strides long and powerful as she built up speed.

The music in her ears was soft at first, a gentle melody that seemed to float through the air around her.

the opening notes of "After Hours" began to play, Y/N closed her eyes for a moment, letting the music wash over her. She could feel it in her bones, the rhythm pulsing through her veins like a heartbeat.

With a deep breath, she opened her eyes, her gaze focused and determined.

Thought I almost died in my dream again

Y/N struck a pose, her arms extended gracefully and her back arched. She held the position for a moment, her muscles taut and her expression serene. Then, with a sudden burst of energy, she pushed off, her blades cutting through the ice like a knife through butter.

Fightin' for my life, I couldn't breathe again

She glided backwards, her arms sweeping through the air in a fluid motion. Her hips swayed to the beat of the music, her body moving with a natural grace that was both sensual and athletic.

As the tempo increased, Y/N picked up speed, her legs pumping and her heart racing in her chest.

I'm fallin' in too deep

Without you, don't wanna sleep

With a sudden twist of her hips, Y/N launched herself into a spin, her arms tucked in close to her body. She rotated faster, her ponytail whipping around her face and her eyes closed in concentration. The world blurred around her, the colors and lights melting together into a dizzying kaleidoscope.

Unbeknownst to Y/N, Luke had just entered the rink through the locker room door. He paused for a moment, his hand still on the handle, as he caught sight of her on the ice. His eyes widened, his mouth falling open slightly as he watched her move.

Cause my heart belongs to you

I'll risk it all for you

I want you next to me

This time, I'll never leave

She was a vision, her body moving with a fluidity and grace that was almost otherworldly. Luke couldn't tear his gaze away, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched her spin and leap. He had never seen her like this before, so completely lost in the moment, so utterly free.

Quietly, Luke made his way over to the bleachers, his footsteps muffled by the thick rubber mats. He sat down heavily, his elbows resting on his knees as he leaned forward, his eyes never leaving Y/N's form. He could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, his palms growing damp with sweat as he watched her move.

Y/N was oblivious to his presence, her focus entirely on the music and the movement of her body. She glided across the ice, her blades flashing in the light as she picked up speed. Her arms were extended, her fingers graceful and delicate as they traced patterns in the air.

I'm fallin' in too deep, oh

Without you, I can't sleep

Insomnia relieve

Talk to me, without you I can't breathe

As the song reached its climax, Y/N's movements became more intense, more passionate. She launched herself into a series of jumps, her body twisting and turning in mid-air as she defied gravity. Luke's breath caught in his throat, his eyes wide with wonder as he watched her soar.

And I said, baby, I'll treat you better than I did before

I'll hold you down and not let you go

This time I won't break your heart, your heart, no

Finally, as the last notes of the song faded away, Y/N struck her final pose, her chest heaving and a triumphant smile on her face. Luke couldn't help himself - he burst into applause, startling Y/N out of her reverie.

She spun around, her eyes wide with surprise as she spotted Luke sitting in the bleachers. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air crackling with tension and unspoken emotions. Then, slowly, Y/N skated over to the edge of the rink, her gaze never leaving Luke's.

"How long have you been watching?" she asked, her voice soft and slightly breathless.

Luke swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry. "Long enough to know that you're amazing," he said, his voice low and filled with admiration. "I had no idea you could skate like that."

Y/N ducked her head, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "It's just something I do for fun," she said, shrugging slightly. "I never thought anyone would see me."

Luke stood up, making his way down to the edge of the rink. "Well, I'm glad I did," he said, his eyes intense and filled with an emotion Y/N couldn't quite place.

"You're incredible, Y/N. Truly incredible." For a long moment, they just stared at each other, the air between them electric with possibility.

Then, slowly, Y/N reached out her hand, her fingers brushing against Luke's. "Skate with me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Luke hesitated for only a second before taking her hand, allowing her to pull him out onto the ice. He skated up to Y/N, a playful grin on his face as he reached out to take her hand. "Wow," he said, his voice slightly breathless.

"You weren't kidding when you said you had some moves. I'm definitely going to have to bring my A-game on Saturday if I want to keep up with you."

Y/N laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she squeezed his hand. "I told you," she teased, her voice low and flirtatious. "I've got skills on and off the ice. You better be ready to dance your heart out."

Luke raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "Oh, I'm ready," he said, his voice filled with confidence. "I may not be able to do all those fancy spins and jumps like you can, but I can definitely hold my own on the dance floor."

Y/N smirked, her free hand coming up to rest on his chest. "Is that so?" she asked, her fingers toying with the collar of his shirt. "Well then, I guess we'll just have to see who can outlast the other. Think you can handle a little friendly competition?"

Luke's heart raced at her touch, his skin tingling where her fingers brushed against him.

"With you? Always," he said, his voice low and husky. "I'm not afraid of a challenge, especially when the reward is getting to dance with the most beautiful girl in school."

Y/N's cheeks flushed pink, her eyes widening slightly at his words. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Luke," she said, her voice slightly breathless. "But don't think that means I'm going to go easy on you. I play to win, on and off the ice."

Luke chuckled, his thumb rubbing small circles on the back of her hand. "I wouldn't expect anything less," he said, his eyes locked on hers.

"But just remember, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve too. And I'm not afraid to use them to get what I want."

Y/N's breath hitched slightly, her body swaying closer to his. "And what exactly is it that you want, Luke?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Luke's gaze dropped to her lips, his heart pounding in his chest. "You," he said simply, his voice rough with emotion. "I want you, Y/N. And I'm not going to stop until I make you mine."

…

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hd-junglebook · 2 days

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It's Always Been You

Part 1 - Word Count 3670

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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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