Summary: Quinn loves hearing y/n say his name for any reason, because he loves that she needs him so openly and doesn't shy from it. Even if she's mad, he just loves his name in her voice.
Author note: sort of a request for more of the youngest sibling!reader from @lilmoonily03
Themes/warnings: Smut, pretty much brat!reader
Quinn Hughes x youngest sibling!reader
Word count: 1.8k
Quinn steps into the apartment and is almost alarmed by the silence but he only gets one step in.
"Quinn!" Y/n exclaims making him feel like everything is completely correct in the universe. Her whiny tone bringing him more comfort than he'd care to admit.
"What is it baby?" Quinn smiles as she appears pouting, eyes rimmed and puffy which makes him actually worry as he closes the space between them with a bit more speed. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I tripped over and bit my tongue." Y/n mumbles which quickly returns his smile before he pulls her chin a little to drop her jaw making before she sticks out her tongue.
He can't actually see any damage but he plants a kiss on her tongue anyway making her jump back with a nearly accusing expression.
"Kissing it better, baby." Quinn smiles pulling her closer again. "I got you a gift while I was gone."
"You did?" Y/n gasps perking up, the bitten tongue long forgotten like the "magic" kiss fixed it immediately. Though when Quinn is moving fast enough, y/n begins to poke having given him a whole 5 seconds to move and reveal the gift. So his name is whined out again making her bite back a smile. "Quinn...what did you get me?"
"So impatient." Quinn chuckles as he moves back to his bag and pulls out a few books that he'd spotted while killing time on his way to dinner with some of the team. He'd ended up in a book shop, admittedly to buy some of his own books, but he couldn't help but search for some of the books that contain filth his girlfriend enjoys reading. "I don't think I recognised any of these from your current collection."
"No. I don't think I've seen these before. Thank you, baby." Y/n hums then grinning as she moves and pecks his lips only for his hand to grip onto her waist and she is kept in a deepening kiss. Y/n tries to break it, but Quinn is unwavering. "Quinn-"
"What baby?" Quinn asks moving his lips from her own to the column of her neck, his nose nudging her jaw to force her head back and give him better access.
Y/n whimpers a little when his teeth sink into her skin a little as he pushes her back.
In truth his favourite thing for a welcome home is always going to be sex. But one big part of that is always his biggest turn on and it's hearing his name spill past y/n's lips again and again.
This time he bent her over the arm of the sofa, teasing her as he pressed his tip against her pussy, slipping forward over her clit. Aided by her dripping wetness making her give him the exact thing he wants.
"Quinn." Y/n whines shifting forward and trying to move back hoping to impale herself on him but failing as he slips and knocks her clit again making her snap a little more annoyed this time. "Quinn."
He doesn't bother to reply with anything verbal, only taking the double whine of his name as reason to thrust forward into her. Both their moans reverb around them.
Quinn is thrusting in and out of her with vigour, hands holding her waist and pressing her further into the arm of the sofa to maintain the control he knows she wants to fight him for but he's lost in his own chase for lust.
Y/n gets off on rougher treatment anyway, something about her youngest child brattiness needing some sort of taming. At least that's how Quinn views it, and maybe gets off on it.
When y/n nears her high Quinn's name rings out her mouth like a prayer and as if it actually is possible to wear out his name, each one grow quieter and weaker before she completely loses her voice. Her pussy spasming around him as he holds her hips using her orgasm to milk himself to his finish before slamming into her as he practically inflates her with his cum.
The heat following her and stretching her walls makes her moan his name one final time. He leans over her holding his body over her own for a second before he kisses her back.
"Aright, baby." Quinn sighs with a smile easing out of her and moving back.
He sucks in a breath finding the view of her completely unmoving as his cum leaks back out of her onto the floor.
They could never have carpet with how much cleaning up his returns home require. Rarely do they actually make it to the bedroom.
"Let's get you cleaned up." Quinn chuckles giving her a gently pat on the ass while she whines at him but makes no effort to move.
-
Quinn sighs as he runs his finger up y/n's spine, standing at the bar as she wears a backless dress.
His brothers and himself just had their last game against each other for the season and going out for a last.
"Quinn." Y/n grumbles as she continues to go ignored by the bartender.
They've been here enough times that the bartender seems familiar with Quinn's gentle possessiveness, harsh enough that the bartender won't approach till Quinn turns properly. At the moment his back is leaning against the counter.
"What?" He asks softly knowing exactly what she's whining his name for. But he's like a genie, in his head he's set a new rule that he needs her to say it three times.
"Quinn, we're supposed to be getting drinks for the table and I'm being ignored and you're not helping." Y/n huffs, glaring at him but he just continues to trace up and down her spine, waiting for that last ring of his name. "Quinn." Her tone snappy and sharp as she loses her patience, probably on the edge of climbing on the counter and jumping to make her own drinks.
Quinn finally turns raising his hand and getting attention immediately while y/n huffs from beside him. He orders the drinks with y/n's input as she leaned on the counter.
Quinn takes the drinks for himself and his brothers while y/n picks up her cocktail and frolics over to his brothers.
Y/n spends the night drinking and drinking till she's practically latched onto Quinn, whining his name as the night draws to a close and they leave, parting ways from Jack and Luke.
They get back to his apartment and y/n slides out her dress before Quinn has even got the chance to close the door properly.
"Quinn." Y/n sighs like a siren calling for him to follow her which he does without a second thought, picking up the dress with a small smirk to himself.
By the time he catches up with y/n, she is crawling onto the bed, completely naked, rubbing at her face lazily with a make up remover wipe.
"Quinn, can you finish it?" Y/n pouts holding out the wipe but Quinn moves to get a clean one, taking the dirty one from her and holding it with his other hand as he gently wipes off her face clean of any residue the first wipe didn't get off. "Thank you, Quinny."
He smiles leaning down kissing her softly which she melts into and chases him as he pulls away from her then smiling lazily at him in all her naked glory.
Her hands raise and make a grabby motion, a silent request (or demand) for him to cuddle with her. He undresses and climbs into the bed with her, rearranging her so she's also laid under the sheets and pressed to him.
"You know my name has never sounded as good as when you say it." Quinn states softly as she nuzzles her face into his neck.
"Quinn." Y/n hums before her tongue strays past her lips and she licks up his neck then giggling to herself while Quinn sighs at her drunk antics.
-
It's rare that y/n is genuinely angry at Quinn. She gets snappy or huffy with him. But upset and angry at him? That's so rare he could count the amount of times on one hand.
In her defence, this occasion was justified. Or it certainly was in her head.
"Quinn, you never listen!" Y/n barks, fists balled and face flustered with emotion. Not the good kind, but it fails to have the intended effect on her boyfriend. Instead all he wants is her to keep saying his name. It's practically hypnotic to him.
"It's just shampoo, baby." Quinn states and she withdraws like he's just told her that a dead rat would makes an acceptable loofah.
"It's the wrong shampoo, Quinn." Y/n frowns crossing her arms, still unaware of how much he's loving the sound of his name in her voice.
She'd asked him to get her shampoo on his way home and while he remember the brand and shape of the bottle. He did not remember the exact label, so he got the wrong specific type. A fool's mistake but he made it none the less.
"I'm sorry." He concedes and y/n melts in an instant. "I'll go out and buy the right one. I'll buy a few bottles so you have a few for a while."
Y/n shuffles towards him and he smiles accepting her hug as she slides her arms around his waist and he pulls her tightly to himself.
"I'm sorry...Can I blame mercury in retrograde?" Y/n mumbles, words muffled by her face pressed into his chest.
"You can blame whatever you like."
"Quinn..."
"What...?"
"I'll just use this shampoo then we can buy more. No point in wasting it. That's stupid."
God forbid y/n do something she deems stupid.
"Alright, well I'll still grab some next time I go out at least." Quinn promises and earns no voice of argument for that. "I love you, baby."
"I love you too, Quinn." Y/n hums, practically purring his name with the knowledge of it having such an effect on him.
Y/n flutters her eyes in a way that has been perfect by years of working her parents and anyone else to get her way.
"Quinn..." Y/n sighs softly earning a look. "...Can we please get to the lake house before your brothers this time? I want time alone there without them."
He's certain this is a side effect of being the last child standing when it came to living under her parents roof. She seems to find it a little more overwhelming or overstimulating to be in such a crowded house without being given time to acclimatise to the unfamiliar environment before being thrust into socialising too.
"Yeah, if you want baby. We can do whatever you want." Quinn nods, though he's hyperaware that she knows starting any request with his name is going to be met with agreement to her any demand.
Prompt: An accident on the boat causes the younger two Hughes brothers to freak out as they bring you back to a protective Quinn
Warnings: blood, injury, swearing
The sun had just started to go down in Michigan, the lake seemed to glow in the soft light. The four of you tired, a little red from spending all day outside, but all happy. Quinn’s arm draped over you as you lay in between his thighs. The quiet was quickly cut by a rumble of Luke’s stomach, the intensity of it making you smirk.
“When is dinner?” Luke asks, sitting up and shaking his still slightly damp hair out like a dog.
“You hungry yet?” Quinn asks you, his hand making small strokes around your stomach.
“Who cares if other people are hungry? Did you not hear me? It sounds like I haven’t eaten since Christmas.” Luke complains.
“Alright, alright.” Quinn says, sitting up, your back still pressed tight to his chest. “I’ll start the grill.”
You lean your head back, looking up to your boyfriend. Sometimes you could not believe this was your life, how you managed to find not only the perfect guy, but a family that accepts you for you. Even though you’re a year older than Jack, you were adopted as Jack and Luke’s ‘little sister’.
As you stare up at your boyfriend, you couldn’t help but smile.
“Wanna hit the lake one more time?” Jack asks you.
“Oh yes, because I’ll take care of it all while you go out on the boat.” Quinn says to his brother while he looks back down at you.
“What are big brothers for?” Jack questions, his smile blooming as his older brother scoffs.
“You guys go, I’ve got dinner tonight.” Quinn states, moving his thumb under your jaw as his lips lock onto yours.
“Well now I’m not hungry anymore.” Luke states, making you chuckle into the kiss. Pulling away to death glare at the youngest Hughes. Jack turns his face away, but the heavy shaking of his shoulders wasn’t missed by you or Quinn.
“Just wait until you’re in love Lu.” You coo, standing up, the comfort of Quinn’s chest leaving you. Luke only sticks his tongue out at you in response.
“I’ll start the boat up!” Jack says, running down to the dock before Quinn can change his mind about not needing any help.
“You sure you don’t need any help?” You ask, turning around to face him. “I can stay behind and help you, turns out I’m pretty good at handling some meat.” You bite your lip, looking up to your boyfriend, who’s smirk is the biggest you’ve seen it all day.
“Oh my fucking god you guys are disgusting.” Luke says. “We’ll be on the boat, Y/N. For… whenever you’re done with whatever this is.” He says, pointing at the two of you then going to follow Jack. You swear you heard slight mumblings of ‘god’ and ‘disgusting’.
“Go have fun love, but you’ll be owning up to your words later.” He says, pointing at you. You kiss him again, moving your fingers to grab at his slightly damp hair. A groan slipping from him, causing your ego to go through the roof. There’s no denying the effect you have on him, but seeing it and hearing it are two completely different things.
“I’ve got to go,” you say pulling back as Quinn groans into your neck. “before your brothers decide to leave me behind.”
“They’d never. I think they love you more than they love me.” He jokes, pulling his head away from your neck.
—
You pull the wrap around your body tighter as you finally make it down to the boat. Jack sitting in the drivers seat, while him and Luke bicker over music. The sun was closer to the water, the laughter of the three of you carrying across the lake.
“How was that one?” Jack asks, wading in the water. You look to Luke, who shakes his head.
“A six.” Luke states.
“A six?” Jack exclaims, climbing back onto the boat, flipping his wet hair out of his eyes. “That flip was at least an eight!”
“Mmm, complaining? Now you’ve bumped it down to a five.” You say, making Luke throw his head back in laughter.
“Five?” Jack echos, “that’s cold hearted, sis.”
“Yep, a five. Can you even count that high?” You question, making Luke lose his mind.
“Oh it’s fucking on.” Jack says, before dragging you up by your arm.
“Don’t you fucking dare!” You yell before Jack shoves you off the boat, but not before you grab his hand pulling him in with you.
The cold hits you immediately but as you surface you feel it, a strange and painful throb on your thigh, it worsens as Luke cannonballs over your head. You start to grab onto the boat, not looking back at the brothers in the water.
“Oh come on sis, I’m sorry!” Jack exclaims, thinking you were upset about him pushing you. But, as you pull yourself up and your leg rests on the back of the boat you freeze.
“Holy fuck.” Luke says, wiping his eyes and swimming over to you.
That’s when the burning starts, a thick flash that seizes up your entire leg. What the hell had even happened? You didn’t feel the initial cut, but you fell way too close to the boat for comfort.
“Oh my god Y/N, I’m so sorry.” Jack starts, and you knew it was serious as soon as he started using your name. Jack had started calling you Sis as soon as you and Quinn had started dating. Not that anyone ever questioned it anyways, it made you feel apart of the family, and it made Quinn’s heart soar knowing that his brothers, who are equally his best friends, love his girlfriend.
“No, no. It’s not your fault.” You say looking down to your thigh, you didn’t normally get queasy around blood. It’s a very normal thing to see with a boyfriend and his two brothers in hockey. But something about the way the cut heavily drips down your thigh and lands on the boat makes you want to throw up.
Jack launches himself onto the boat, Luke directly behind him. But you remain, staring at the blood still running, the pain intensifying by the second. Luke grabs a towel, moving back to you and laying it over the cut.
“I have to press down on it okay?” He says softly, as if he spoke normally it would startle you.
You only nod, blinded by the pain it’s causing.
“You’ve got to get in a seat, we have to get back.” He continues with a soft tone, something you don’t normally hear from the youngest Hughes brother. You nod, not feeling fully in control of your body.
Both brothers move to your sides, gripping under your arms and as gently as they could sitting you down on one of the seats of the boat. Your leg resting straight out in front of you, as Luke moves your hand to press down on your leg. You pretend not to notice the deep red staining the light blue towel. You can’t ignore however, the red that’s staining Luke’s hand. Blood. Your blood.
Jack starts the boat up, apologizing profusely and asking if you’re okay. You did hear everything he was saying, but you couldn’t manage to make a response. The stains and rich colors surrounding you making your head feel fuzzy.
“He’s not answering.” Luke says to Jack, putting his phone back into one of the cup holders. You could see the tightness in his shoulders, another out of character trait for him. It takes a lot to raddle the brothers, but seeing both of them sharp spined and wide eyed didn’t help your growing anxiety.
“It’s okay, we’ll be back in five minutes.” Jack says, his eyes continuing to glance from you to the open water in front of him.
“Hey,” Luke says to you, trying to get your attention. Your eyes flick up to his, seeing the worry planted in them. “You’re going to be okay, we’re almost home. You can’t die because of a cut, imagine how embarrassing that would be. I’d never let you live it down”
A small chuckle leaves your lips at that, but the movement caused searing pain to run through your entire leg. Your hand is warm, the blood thick in the towel that you’re pressing down on. You were trying to stay strong, trying not to cry over a little cut. It’s just a scratch, just a scratch. And you’ll be with Quinn soon, and he’ll fix it.
It’s just a scratch
It’s just a scratch
It’s just a scratch
But the scratch has now fully coated the beach towel, and the smell of blood was shoving its way into your nose making you want to gag. You didn’t know how much longer you could take this.
“Quinn.” you say, voice cracking a little bit. You just wanted your boyfriend. Your boyfriend who made everything better, who always knew exactly what to do and how to fix everything.
“We’re getting you to him, we promise.” Jack says, maxing out the speed on the boat.
You could see the dock, see the stairs that led up to the house. The house that you loved, and the house that Quinn was currently in, not having any clue his girlfriend was currently gushing blood in his boat. As soon as Jack got to the dock Luke made a jump for it, running up the steps to get your boyfriend.
“Come on Y/N, we’ve got to get you to the house.” Jack says, moving so you can throw your arm around his shoulder. You stifle a little cry as you stand, the cut a continuous painful pulse. You lean your weight into him as he gets you both off the boat and onto the dock.
“I know, I know. I’m so sorry.” Jack says, helping you slowly but still with a sense of urgency.
“Y/N? Holy shit.” You hear, and you know that voice. You could pick it out in a crowd of thousands of people. Quinn moves fast, bolting down the steps to where you and Jack are trying to hobble your way up. “Jesus sweetheart.” He says, his eyes sizing up your thigh. The bloody towel was left behind in the boat, so now it was back to trickling down your leg, your breath starts to shake a bit. “Hey, look at me. You’re going to be okay. We just have to get you stitched up, and you’ll be good as new. Okay?” Quinn says, being careful not to scare you. He looks in your eyes, and a part of his heart cracks as he sees them filling with pain and fear. “Everything’s okay sweetheart, just breathe for me.”
“It hurts, Quinny.” You say, your body getting transferred from Jack to Quinn. He picks you up bridal style, rushing you to the car.
“Just focus on me, yeah? We’re going to get you all fixed, don’t worry I’ve got you now.” He comforts you, trying not to shake you in his arms as you get to the driveway.
“Can you guys please turn off the grill and get dinner put away?” Quinn asks as Luke opens the car door for Quinn to set you down.
“We can come-“ Luke starts, but Quinn cuts him off.
“Please.” Quinn says, looking at them.
“Y/N I’m so sorry.” Jack says, his face pale and eyes wide. You could see the regret covering all his features, and the normally outgoing and courageous man you know looked small.
“It’s okay Jacky.” You say, giving him a small smile, the only thing you could muster. You didn’t want him to feel bad, it truly wasn’t his fault. But you know him better than most, and he’ll blame himself for this. Quinn closes the car door, saying something to his brothers as he runs around to the drivers seat before hauling ass out of the driveway.
“You can cry now, they can’t see you.” He says, gripping my hand in his.
“How did you know?”
“Because I know you, love. They wouldn’t have judged you for crying in front of them. Especially given the circumstance. Hell, they wouldn’t judge you for crying about anything.” He reasons, his hand tightening ever so slightly on your own.
“It hurts like a bitch.” You whisper, eyes lining with tears. “I didn’t want him to blame himself. I thought it would be worse if I broke out in tears.”
“It’s going to be okay. I’ll get you all fixed up, and we can do whatever you want. It’s all you for the night.” He says, and the tears finally hit your cheek. “It’s all you every night, for the rest of my life.”
—
With 17 new stitches, you were finally back in Quinn’s car heading back to the lake house. You cringed getting back in the front seat, seeing the red that was soaking into the fabric.
“I don’t give a shit about the car, love.” Was his only response, shutting the guilt down in you before it could fully bloom.
Backing out of the parking spot, he hands you his phone, letting you turn on your playlist. Quinn’s phone was ringing off the hook, but he continued to ignore them all. Singing along to your favorite songs with you was more important than whoever was calling. With one hand on the wheel and the other holding your hand, he drove you both back to the lake house.
The entire hospital process Quinn didn’t leave your side, he talked to you about what’s been going on in the team group chat, this movie he heard of that he thought you’d like, keeping you updated on his book, promising to take you to all your favorite places each day for the rest of the summer. Anything he could think of to distract you, and it was the promise of taking you book shopping that you were going to hold him too. Not that he minded of course, he loved reading with you, both of you laying together in your own worlds but just doing it together was what mattered.
You have never been more thankful for him than you are now. And as you pull in the driveway, and you shift to start to get out, he gives you one look that silences that idea.
“I can get out of the car on my own.” You say, tiredly smiling at him knowing you’re battling for something you’ll never win.
“I know you can, but you’re not.” He says, coming around to the passenger door and lifting you up to carry you in the house.
“Is this what it’s going to be like until I get the stitches out?” You ask him, resting your head in between his neck and shoulder as he walked. “You carrying me around for everything?”
“I’d carry you around like this for the rest of your life if that’s what you wanted.”
“Oh my, I think somebody likes me.” You joke.
“Like you? No.” He scoffs, shaking his head as he makes it through the front door. “I’m a little far past like. In fact, I’m so in love with you that you might have to beg me not to carry you around like this for the rest of my life.”
Before you could respond, you were interrupted by two voices yelling, “Welcome back!”
Quinn chuckles, walking towards his two brothers. As you take in your surroundings, you smile brightly at the pair. The couch had been covered with blankets, and pillows lined the corner of the couch making a comfy looking spot. One of Quinn’s sweatshirts laid over the back of the cushion, luckily you had spare clothes you changed into at the hospital from Quinn’s car, but the promise of his favorite sweatshirt was too good to pass up. The tv was on, your favorite movie paused at the beginning. Pizza boxes laid out on the coffee table, plates and napkins accompanying them.
“You’ve been busy.” You say at the brothers, as Quinn sets you down in the corner of the couch, slipping the sweatshirt on over your head.
“We got all your favorites, except the ice cream situation. We couldn’t remember which flavor was your favorite, so we got five just to be safe.” Jack says, twiddling his thumbs.
“You bought FIVE?” You exclaim. “Wow Jack, I didn’t even know you could count that high.” You say, laughing at the insult that started this whole debacle.
Quinn laughs, covering you with a blanket, kissing you softly on the lips.
“Come on you rookies, you know it’s caramel cold brew.” Quinn states, sitting down next to you and putting his arm up so you could lean in.
“I fucking told you.” Luke says to Jack.
“No you didn’t. If I remember correctly you said, ‘why not just buy them all’.” Jack exclaims, turning towards the younger brother.
“Are you saying I don’t deserve them all?” You tease, the three looking at you.
“We would have bought out the whole damn store for you Sis.” Jack says, plopping down on the couch and grabbing himself a slice of pizza. Luke grabs a plate and places a few slices on it before handing it to you.
“Thanks Lu.” You say softly, sitting up just enough to be able to eat. Your thigh was numb, but pains every once in a while shot through.
You listen to all three of them talk, enjoying the comfort and food. Before you know it the house is back to being filled with laughter and bickering from all sides.
As Luke and Jack go head to head about who’s a better player, Quinn takes your empty plate from you and rests it back on the coffee table. He tucks you into his side, brushing your hair behind your ear and kissing your forehead.
“PLEASE YOU FELL OVER!” Jack yells, standing up with arms waving all around.
“Oh yeah says Mr. Can’t Stay on his Feet.” Quinn says, adding to the fray.
“Sis come on, back me up.” Jack says, looking defeated.
“I’ve seen some wipeouts in my time, but that Jacky was the worst.” You say, shrugging lightly.
“HA!” Luke yells, pointing his finger at Jack. Before the middle brother scoffs, saying he’s going to grab everyone ice cream.
“How long do you think I can milk this injury?” You ask your boyfriend.
“Probably until the day we all die.” He says, kicking his feet up on the coffee table.
“Good.” You say, watching Jack set bowls out in the kitchen. “Because my car needs to go in for an oil change, think I can guilt Jack into it?” You joke.
Quinn laughs, his chest rumbling. “If he tries to get out of it, just start reaching for your thigh. He’ll do whatever you want then.”
“You’re evil Quinn Hughes.” You say, tilting your chin to fully look up at him.
“No, I’m just an older brother.”
“Not just an older brother.” You state.
“No? What else am I?” He asks you, and you smile lightly before looking at the man who you love as you say,
Hiii, i love your writing first and foremost, and if you don’t mind I’d like to request a Quinn angst to fluff , they have been fighting for a few days and reader does her everything shower so she takes her ring off but then forgets to put it on while she’s for the day , Quinn is in shambles and thinks of the worst , sorry if it’s too long , hope you have a good day :))
What's with you guys and apologising??? NEVER APOLOGISE TO ME!!! I love all the long requests I love the short requests I love all of them!
My first Quinny request! I’m manifesting a goddamn re-signing to the Wild. QUINNESOTA BABY, but for now we have this hehehehehehehe please enjoy this and anon I hope its what you wanted. I couldn’t help but include Bug (aka healthcare! reader) in this, I felt like Quinn would totally want advice from his little sister ya know! You don’t have to read the healthcare! Series to understand this tho.
Word Count: 8194
Warnings: Use of Y/N, AFAB Reader, Angst, Emotional arguments, Relationship conflict, Miscommunication, Feelings of emotional neglect, Hurtful dialogue, Crying, Panic and anxiety, Fear of abandonment, Emotional breakdown, Comfort after conflict
Summary: After days of escalating arguments over Quinn prioritizing hockey and failing to make Y/N feel seen, their relationship reaches a breaking point. Brock, Jack, Luke, and Bug help Quinn realize that Y/N wasn't asking for less hockey, she was asking for more of him. When Quinn mistakenly believes Y/N has left him after finding her engagement ring on the bathroom counter, he breaks down, only to discover she'd simply forgotten to put it back on after her shower.
------------
The front door slammed shut hard enough to rattle the pictures on the wall. Quinn barely had a chance to drop his hockey bag before Y/N was standing in the kitchen doorway, arms crossed so tightly they almost looked painful.
"Nice of you to finally show up."
His shoulders sank. "...I'm late."
"Three hours."
"I know."
"You said six."
"I got held after practice."
"You couldn't text me?"
"My phone was in the locker room."
She let out a laugh that held absolutely no humor. "Seriously?"
"What?"
"You expect me to believe not one person in that entire building had a phone?"
Quinn sighed. "I wasn't thinking."
"No. You weren't."
"I said I'm sorry."
"You've said that a lot lately."
He frowned. "What does that mean?"
"It means every plan we make ends with an apology."
"I can't control practice."
"I'm not asking you to."
"Then what are you asking?"
She pointed toward the dining room where dinner still sat untouched on the table. "I spent two hours making your favorite meal, I lit candles, I bought your favorite dessert, and I sat here like an idiot waiting for you because I actually believed you'd be home this time."
His patience snapped a little. "I told you practice ran long."
"No, Quinn. You told me three hours after you were supposed to be here."
"I was busy!"
"And I wasn't?"
He stared at her. "You think I was out having fun?"
"I think I wasn't important enough to get thirty seconds of your time."
His jaw clenched. "You know that's not true."
"Do I? Because lately it feels like hockey gets every piece of you that's worth having."
His eyes narrowed. "Of course."
"What does that mean?"
"You always do this."
"I do what exactly?"
"You make me feel guilty for playing hockey."
"I have never asked you to stop playing."
"You don't have to."
She stared at him in disbelief. "Are you even listening to me?"
"I hear you."
"No, you're hearing whatever lets you be the victim."
His eyebrows shot up. "The victim?"
"You disappear for hours without a word, and somehow I'm the bad guy because I tell you it hurts."
"I work my ass off every single day!"
"And I support you every single day!"
"You have no clue what the pressure is like!"
"And you have no clue what it's like loving someone who makes you feel like you're always waiting!"
"I don't make you wait!"
"You left me sitting at that table for THREE HOURS!"
"I DIDN'T HAVE A CHOICE!"
"You always have a choice!"
"I CAN'T JUST WALK OUT OF PRACTICE!"
"I'm talking about ONE TEXT!"
"I SAID I WAS SORRY!"
"Sorry doesn't fix everything, Quinn!"
"It should count for something!"
"It doesn't when it's every single week!"
The apartment fell silent for half a second. Quinn's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. "So what?" he said bitterly. "You want a boyfriend with a nine-to-five?"
She blinked. "What?"
"Someone who's home every night at five? Someone who never travels? Go find one."
Her face crumpled. "You really think that's what this is about?"
"I don't know anymore!"
"No." She shook her head slowly. "You don't."
He laughed, but it sounded broken. "I've given everything I have to get where I am."
"And I've never asked you not to!"
"Then stop acting like hockey is ruining your life!"
She stared at him. "I didn't say hockey ruined my life."
"Then what are you saying?"
"I'm saying..." Her voice cracked. "...I'm starting to wonder if there's even room for me in yours."
The words landed like a punch. Quinn looked genuinely hurt. "That's bullshit."
Tears filled her eyes. "...Excuse me?"
"You heard me."
"I've built my entire life around supporting you."
"I never asked you to."
Her expression changed. Not angry anymore. Devastated. "You... never asked me to?"
"I mean–"
"No." She took a step back. "No, don't."
"I didn't mean it like–"
"You didn't ask me to move here?"
"Y/N–"
"You didn't ask me to leave my family?"
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't ask me to plan every holiday around your schedule?"
"Stop twisting my words."
"I'm twisting them?" She laughed through her tears. "I've spent years making sure your dreams came true because I love you."
"I know that."
"And the first time I tell you I miss you..." She swallowed hard. "...you make me feel like I'm some burden you dragged along."
"That's not what I said."
"It's exactly what you said."
He raked both hands through his hair. "I can't do this."
"No." She nodded. "I don't think you can." She turned and started toward the stairs.
"Where are you going?"
"Away from this conversation."
"Y/N."
She didn't stop.
"Y/N!"
She spun around halfway up the staircase. "What?!"
"I am trying!"
"So am I!"
"I'M DOING THE BEST I CAN!"
"So am I!"
"I CAN'T SPLIT MYSELF IN HALF!"
"I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO!"
"THEN WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME?"
She looked at him for several seconds. When she finally answered, her voice was barely above a whisper. "I just wanted to feel like you'd miss me as much as I miss you."
Quinn's face fell.
She wiped at her cheeks with the sleeve of her sweatshirt, his that she stole. "I'm done talking."
She turned and hurried upstairs. A second later the bedroom door slammed hard enough to shake the hallway walls.
Quinn stood frozen in the living room. His breathing slowed. The adrenaline faded, and all that was left was the sickening realization of everything he'd just said.
He stared at the staircase. "...I didn't mean that."
Upstairs, Y/N slid down the bedroom door onto the floor, burying her face in her knees as sobs finally overtook her, and for the first time she wondered if love was enough when two people were hurting each other this badly.
----
The next afternoon wasn't supposed to become another fight. It started with a phone call. Y/N had just gotten home from running errands when Quinn walked into the living room with his phone pressed to his ear.
"...Yeah, that's fine." He listened for a moment. "No, I'll make it work." Another pause. "Tomorrow morning? Yeah." He hung up.
Y/N looked up from the couch. "What's tomorrow morning?"
Quinn dropped his keys on the table. "The team moved our charity event."
"The one we were supposed to go to together?"
"Yeah."
She smiled a little. "Okay. What time?"
He hesitated. "...You don't have to come."
The smile disappeared. "What?"
"It's just... with everything going on..."
"What does that mean?"
"I just figured maybe you'd rather stay home."
She stared at him. "You figured?"
"I was trying to make things easier."
"For who?"
"For both of us."
Her laugh was short and sharp. "That's funny."
"What's funny?"
"You keep making decisions for me and saying it’s better that way."
"I'm not making decisions for you."
"You literally just decided I wasn't coming."
"I didn't say you couldn't."
"You said I didn't have to."
"Because I thought maybe you wouldn't want to."
"You thought wrong."
He sighed. "Can we not do this again?"
Her jaw tightened. "'Again?'"
"Every conversation turns into this."
"No, Quinn. Every conversation turns into you assuming you know what I want."
"I know you."
"You clearly don't."
He rubbed a hand over his face. "I was trying to give you space."
"I didn't ask for space."
"You barely talked to me all morning."
"Because every time I look at you, I hear what you said."
His shoulders slumped. "I apologized."
"And that magically fixes it?"
"No."
"Then stop acting like it should."
"I'm trying to move forward." His frustration finally bubbled over. "So what, Y/N? How long am I supposed to keep paying for one bad night?"
Her mouth fell open. "...Paying for it?"
"You know what I mean."
"No, explain it."
"I apologized!"
"And?"
"I've owned what I said!"
"And?"
"What else do you want from me?"
She stood. "I want you to stop acting like your apology erased what you said."
"It should count for something!"
"It does!"
"Then why does it feel like nothing I do is enough?"
She looked at him, tears already gathering. "Because you're still trying to fix my feelings instead of understanding them. You’re not listening to me, Quinn"
"I do understand them! I’ve been listening the entire time! I just don’t know what you want from me!"
"No, you’re not. You listen enough to understand your guilt."
He froze. "What?"
"You hate feeling guilty."
"That's not fair."
"So you keep trying to rush me into forgiving you because then you don't have to sit with what happened."
His expression hardened. "That's not why."
"Then why are you so desperate for me to act normal?"
"Because I miss my fiancée!"
"So do I!"
Silence. The words hung between them.
Quinn looked like she'd hit him. "What does that mean?"
"It means I don't recognize us anymore."
"You think I do?"
"I think every time things get uncomfortable, you try to solve the problem instead of talking through it."
"So I'm the bad guy for wanting us to be okay?"
"No!"
"Then what?"
She threw her hands into the air. "You don't listen!"
"I AM LISTENING!"
"NO, YOU'RE WAITING FOR YOUR TURN TO TALK!"
His voice rose to match hers. "I'M TRYING TO HAVE A CONVERSATION!"
"THIS ISN'T A CONVERSATION!"
"THEN WHAT IS IT?"
"IT'S ME BEGGING YOU TO HEAR ME!"
"I HEAR YOU!"
"NO!" Her voice cracked. "You hear words! You don't hear me!"
Quinn laughed bitterly. "You know what? Fine."
She stared at him. "What does that mean?"
"It means I'm done defending myself."
"I didn't ask you to defend yourself!"
"It sure feels like you did."
"I'm asking you to care!"
"I DO CARE!"
"Then why do I feel so alone?"
His chest tightened. "Because you keep pushing me away."
She looked at him in disbelief. "I'm pushing you away?"
"You won't let me hug you, won't let me kiss you, you barely even look at me!"
"Quinn, you fucking hurt me."
"And what about me?"
The apartment went silent. Y/N blinked. "What about you?"
"I'm hurting too!"
"You think I don't know that?"
"No, I don't think you do."
She took a slow step toward him. "I have spent the last two days worrying that I somehow wasn't enough for the man I love."
"And I've spent the last two days wondering if you're halfway out the door."
She shook her head. "Do you hear yourself? I’m fucking terrified, Quinn."
"So am I."
"You don't act like it." She laughed, wiping tears from her face. "What exactly do you want me to do, Quinn?"
"I want you to fight for us."
Her expression shattered. "I HAVE BEEN!" Her voice echoed through the apartment. "I left my family, moved here, built my life here! I've loved you through road trips, injuries, bad games, trades, everything! I have never stopped fighting for us!" She pointed at her own chest. "But right now..." Her voice became dangerously quiet. "...I'm fighting you."
Quinn's anger vanished. "Y/N..."
"No." She grabbed her purse from the chair. "I can't keep screaming at the person I love." She walked toward the front door.
"Y/N, don't leave."
She didn't stop. "I need air."
"Please."
She paused with her hand on the doorknob. Without turning around, she whispered, "I miss us." Then she walked out, closing the door behind her.
This time, Quinn stood in the middle of the apartment, surrounded by words neither of them had meant to say, and the growing fear that every fight was pushing them a little farther apart.
----
Quinn couldn’t stay home. Not after watching Y/N walk out the front door with tears streaming down her face. Instead, he'd driven aimlessly for nearly an hour before ending up in Brock's driveway.
He sat in his car for another ten minutes, staring blankly through the windshield. When Brock opened the front door after Quinn's half-hearted knock, one look at him was enough.
"...Jesus."
Quinn looked exhausted. His eyes were bloodshot. He hadn't shaved. His hoodie was wrinkled from sleeping in it.
"You look like shit."
"I know."
Brock stepped aside. "Get in here."
---
Quinn sat on Brock's couch, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor while Brock set two beers on the coffee table. Neither of them touched them.
"So." Brock leaned back. "What happened?"
Quinn let out a long breath. "We've been fighting."
"I figured."
"For days."
"About?"
Quinn laughed bitterly. "Everything."
He told Brock about the missed dinner. The arguments. The things he'd said. The things she'd said. How every conversation somehow became another fight.
When he finally finished, Brock sat quietly for a few seconds. "You are such an idiot."
Quinn looked up. "...Thanks."
"No, seriously." Brock pointed at him. "You're a moron."
"I already know that."
"I don't think you do."
Quinn frowned. "What are you talking about?"
Brock sighed. "Remember two days ago?"
Quinn looked confused.
"At the rink."
"When?"
"We all had that hour between meetings."
Quinn's face stayed blank.
"Bolds texted his girl." Brock pointed toward himself. "I texted Sunny. Hell half the room was texting their wives, girlfriends, fiancées..." His eyebrows lifted. "And Matt looked over at you."
Quinn slowly remembered. "...Yeah."
Brock nodded. "He asked, 'You gonna text Y/N?'"
Quinn closed his eyes. "...Yeah."
"You know what you said?"
"No."
Brock shook his head. "You said, 'Nah. She'll be fine.'"
Quinn's stomach dropped.
Brock continued. "And Bolds looked at you and said, 'Dude... just text her.'"
"Goddammit."
"You laughed." Brock stared at him. "You laughed and said she'd understand."
Quinn buried his face in his hands. "...Fuck."
"And both of us told you to send the damn text."
"I know."
"So why didn’t you text her?” Brock's voice was firmer. "You keep talking about these fights like they came out of nowhere."
"They didn't?"
"No." Brock leaned forward. "They started because she's been trying to tell you something for a long time."
Quinn swallowed.
"She misses you."
"I know."
"No." Brock shook his head again. "You heard what she said, You didn't listen."
Quinn stared at the floor. “That’s what Y/N said.”
Brock ignored him. "You know what every single fight you described had in common?"
"What?"
"She wasn't asking you to quit hockey. She wasn't asking for less hockey. She was asking for more Quinn, and every single time..." Brock sighed. "you acted like she was telling you to quit hockey."
"I wasn't trying to."
"I know you weren't, but that's what you did."
Quinn rubbed both hands over his face. "I just– I felt attacked."
"I know." Brock nodded. "And your feelings matter."
Quinn looked up hopefully.
"But."
That one word made his stomach sink.
"You don't get to invalidate hers because yours are hurt too. You kept saying, 'I'm hurting too.'"
"Because I was."
"I believe you." Brock's voice softened. "But when your fiancée tells you she's been feeling lonely for months..." He held Quinn's gaze. "...that's not the moment to make sure she knows you're hurting."
Quinn looked away. "...Yeah."
"That's the moment to hear that the woman you love is telling you you’re hurting her." Brock continued. "Think about what she actually said."
"'I miss you. 'I miss my best friend. I just wanted one text. I want to feel like I matter.'" He spread his hands. "Those aren't attacks."
Quinn's throat tightened. "I thought she was asking me to choose."
"That's because you got defensive."
"I know."
"You were so busy saying you love her," Brock's voice became gentler. "that you never actually showed her."
Quinn blinked rapidly. "I thought saying I was doing my best..."
"...would make her feel better?"
Quinn nodded.
Brock sighed. "It probably made her feel guilty."
Quinn froze. "What?"
"You basically told her, 'I'm already giving everything I have.'" He looked Quinn dead in the eye. "How's she supposed to ask for anything after hearing that?"
Quinn felt sick. He'd never thought about it like that.
Brock wasn't finished. "And then..." He winced. "You said probably the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard."
Quinn whispered, "'I never asked you to.'"
Brock nodded slowly. "Yeah, that."
"I didn't mean–"
"I know you didn't, but she can never unhear that."
Quinn's eyes burned. "I know."
Brock leaned closer. "If my girlfriend moved across the continent for me, rearranged her whole life because she believed in us, sat home making my favorite dinner while I forgot to send one text." He shook his head. "And then I told her I never asked her to do all that?" He let out a slow breath. "I'd expect her to wonder if any of it mattered."
Quinn couldn't breathe. His chest physically hurt. He remembered her face. The exact moment she'd gone from angry to devastated.
"I did that."
"You did."
Tears filled Quinn's eyes. "I made her feel like an afterthought."
Brock nodded once. "I think she's been feeling like one for a while."
The words broke something inside him. Every late practice, missed dinner, forgotten text, every "I'll make it up to you." Every promise he'd genuinely meant, and failed to keep.
He covered his face with both hands. "Oh my God..." His voice cracked. "I'm the reason she thinks she comes second."
Brock didn't sugarcoat it. "Yeah."
Quinn cried quietly into his hands. "I love her so much."
"I know you do."
"I was trying so hard..."
"I know, but loving someone isn't the same as making them feel loved."
Quinn sat there, shoulders shaking. "I've been such a fucking moron."
Brock reached over and squeezed the back of his neck. "Yeah, but you're not beyond fixing it."
Quinn looked up, eyes red. "How?"
Brock gave him a look. "You stop trying to prove you're right, stop keeping score over who's hurting more, and for the love of God." He pointed toward Quinn's pocket where his phone sat. "Next time send the damn text."
Quinn pulled his phone out. The screen lit up with a picture of him and Y/N on the beach, both of them laughing at something outside the frame. His thumb hovered over her name.
Then he looked at Brock. "...What do I even say?"
Brock smiled sadly. "Tell her you finally understand how hurt she's been.”
----
The house was quiet when Quinn walked in.
"Y/N?"
No answer.
He tried again, louder. "Y/N?"
"I'm upstairs." Her voice was emotionless.
That scared him more than if she'd been yelling. He climbed the stairs two at a time. The bedroom door was open. Y/N was sitting on the edge of the bed, absently folding one of Quinn's sweatshirts. She didn't look at him when he stepped into the room.
He took a shaky breath. "...Can we talk?"
"No."
"Y/N, please."
"No."
"I just need five minutes."
"No."
He stepped farther into the room. "I went to Brock's today."
"I don't care."
"He made me realize–"
"I said I don't care."
Quinn stopped. She still hadn't looked at him.
"I know I've hurt you."
"I don't want to hear it."
"I wasn't listening."
"I know."
"I finally understand–"
"No." She put the sweatshirt down and finally met his eyes. "You don't get to do this."
His heart sank. "...Do what?"
"You don't get to disappear all day, figure everything out with Brock, come home, and dump it all on me because now you're ready."
"Y/N–"
"No." Her voice cracked. "I'm not doing it."
"I'm not asking you to forgive me. I just want you to hear–"
"I DON'T."
The words echoed off the bedroom walls.
She stood so quickly the bed frame rattled. "I don't want to hear anything you have to say."
His face fell. "...Please."
"No."
"I finally understand."
"I don't care."
"I know why you're hurting."
"I don't want to hear it."
"I know I made you feel like an afterthought."
"I SAID I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!" Tears spilled down her cheeks. "You don't get to make me cry again."
Quinn froze.
She was shaking. "You know what's going to happen if I let you keep talking?" Her breathing hitched. "You're going to apologize. You'll cry, tell me you love me, tell me you didn't mean it, and because I love you.” Her voice broke. "I'm going to forgive you."
His chest tightened painfully. "Y/N..."
"No." She wiped angrily at her tears. "I have spent days questioning whether I matter to you. I'm finally starting to feel angry instead of just sad. I need that right now. I need to be angry." She laughed bitterly through the tears.
He whispered her name again.
She shook her head. "I'm protecting myself. I know you finally figured it out, and I'm glad, but I can't be the person who makes you feel better about hurting me."
Those words knocked the air from his lungs. "I don't want you to make me feel better."
"I don't care." She pointed toward the hallway. "Leave."
His eyes widened. "...What?"
"Leave."
"Y/N, please."
"Leave."
"I'm begging you."
"And I begged you to hear me."
He couldn't argue with that.
She pointed at the door again. "I'm serious. I don't want to hear another apology, another explanation, another promise, another 'I didn't mean it, another 'I'm trying. I don't want another word."
He stood frozen. His eyes were full of tears. "I love you."
She squeezed her eyes shut. "I know and I love you, but please leave before you make this harder."
He didn't move.
"If you love me..." Her voice was barely audible. "...respect the one thing I'm asking you to do."
His shoulders slumped. Slowly, he nodded. Without another word, he turned and walked toward the door, but when he reached it, he hesitated for just a second. Then he stepped into the hallway. The bedroom door closed behind him with a quiet click.
Quinn stood outside staring at the white painted wood. His forehead rested against it.
On the other side, Y/N slid down the door until she was sitting on the floor. The second she heard his footsteps disappear down the hallway, she buried her face in her arms and sobbed.
---
Saturday morning. Y/N sighed as she looked at herself in the bathroom mirror.
"I need an everything shower."
Maybe she'd feel more like herself afterward. She twisted the engagement ring off her finger before turning on the water. It had become routine months ago. The ring always came off before washing her hair. She'd place it in the same little ceramic dish on the bathroom counter, shower, dry off, finish her skincare, then slide it back on.
Always.
Steam filled the room as she spent nearly an hour washing her hair, exfoliating, shaving, using every expensive product she'd convinced herself was necessary. She finally felt relaxed.
Afterward she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel, blow-dried her hair, put on lotion, did her makeup, and started thinking about the errands she needed to run.
Groceries. Dry cleaner. Picking up Quinn's suit from alterations. The florist she'd promised she'd stop at.
Her phone buzzed.
Her best friend. "You still coming?"
Y/N glanced at the clock. "Oh, crap."
She hurried into the bedroom to get dressed. Jeans. Sweater. Sneakers. Perfume. Purse. Keys. Coffee. She kissed the top of Bear's head as the dog wagged his tail excitedly.
"I'm only gonna be gone a couple hours." She walked past the bathroom without another glance, and the little diamond ring sat forgotten on the counter.
---
Quinn got home about twenty minutes after she left. Practice had been miserable. He hadn't been able to focus for more than thirty seconds at a time. Every drill had felt off. Every whistle had made him jump. Even his teammates had noticed something wasn't right, but he'd brushed them off with a weak, "Just tired."
He wasn't tired. He was scared. The argument from yesterday morning kept replaying over and over.
Y/N's voice. "I'm scared we'll say something we can't take back." The look on her face when she'd walked out the front door. The way she'd barely looked at him.
He'd convinced himself the space would help. Maybe she'd cool off. Maybe he'd come home, they'd finally sit down, and he'd tell her everything Brock had said. Tell her he understood now. Tell her he was going to be better.
He just needed one chance. He unlocked the front door. The apartment was silent.
He kicked off his shoes and tossed his keys into the bowl by the door before rubbing both hands over his face.
"Baby?"
Nothing. He looked toward the living room. Blanket folded. TV off. No music playing. No Bear greeting him. No Y/N humming while cooking.
His stomach twisted.
Maybe she'd gone to the store or to get coffee. Maybe she'd just needed more time.
Part of him was relieved he'd have a few minutes to gather his thoughts before she came home.
He wandered toward the bathroom to wash his hands. As he pushed the door open he froze.
The ring. Her engagement ring was sitting in the middle of the bathroom counter. Not tucked safely inside the little ceramic dish she always used. Not beside her moisturizer. Not next to her makeup brushes.
It was centered. Like it had been placed there intentionally.
Quinn stopped breathing. "No..." His voice barely existed. His eyes refused to leave the diamond. "No..."
The room suddenly felt too small and far too hot. His heartbeat pounded so loudly it drowned out everything else.
Slowly he reached for it. The ring settled into his palm it felt impossibly heavy.
His knees almost gave out. "No..." His breathing became uneven. "No, no, no..." He looked around the bathroom desperately.
Maybe there was a note. Maybe she'd left something explaining– Nothing. His stomach dropped so violently he had to brace himself against the counter.
Every horrible possibility he'd spent days trying to ignore slammed into him all at once.
She was done. She'd finally reached her limit. The missed dinners, road trips, forgotten texts, broken promises. He'd pushed too far.
He stumbled backward into the hallway wall. His chest tightened so sharply it almost hurt to inhale.
His phone. He yanked it from his pocket.
No texts. No missed calls. Nothing from her.
He opened her location. Across town. Not moving.
His mind filled in the blanks before logic ever had a chance.
She's with someone, telling them, and figuring out how to leave. She left the ring so I would understand before she had to say it out loud.
His hands started shaking so badly he almost dropped it. He sank onto the edge of their bed, staring at the diamond resting against his palm.
The memories came all at once. Standing in front of her dad asking permission. The jeweler sliding the ring across the glass counter. Second-guessing every tiny detail because he wanted it to be perfect. The proposal. Her tackling him into the flowers because she'd been too shocked to speak.
The tears. The laughter. The way she'd stared at the ring like it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.
"I'm never taking it off." She'd laughed. "Unless I'm showering."
His eyes squeezed shut. "I screwed everything up." His voice cracked.
Every fight replayed in painful detail. Every sarcastic response, defensive comment. Every time she'd simply wanted him to hear her, and he'd heard criticism instead.
His throat tightened until swallowing hurt.
He looked down at the ring again. "I'm so sorry."
He'd played through broken fingers, separated shoulders, concussions, deep bruises that covered half his body, but none of them compared to this.
He clutched the ring tighter. "I'm so sorry..." His vision blurred.
Without thinking, he hit Jack's contact.
The phone rang twice.
"What's up?" Jack sounded distracted.
Quinn couldn't get the words out. "Jack..."
Jack went quiet. "...Quinn?"
"I..." His breathing hitched. "I think..."
"What happened?"
"I think she left me."
Silence.
"What?"
"The ring."
"My ring?"
"No... her ring."
"It was on the bathroom counter."
Jack sat up wherever he was. "...What?"
"She left it there. She won't answer me and she's across town. We've been fighting, and I found the ring." His words were tumbling over each other. "I think she's leaving."
Jack pinched the bridge of his nose. "Hang on. What happened?"
Quinn told him everything.
Jack was quiet. "...Man." Jack sighed. "You really fucked up."
Quinn's shoulders fell. "I know."
"No.” Jack shook his head. "I mean..." He let out a long breath. "Luke and Bug have had some pretty nasty fights, said dumb shit, slammed doors, gone to bed angry, but Jesus, dude."
Quinn shut his eyes. "I know."
Jack's voice softened just slightly. "You made your fiancée feel like she was second place."
"I KNOW.” Quinn covered his face.
"You don't reassure someone they're loved by explaining why they shouldn't feel lonely." Jack sighed. "I love you, man, but you were an idiot."
Quinn nodded weakly. "...Yeah." Finally Quinn muttered, "I should've known better than to call you."
Jack snorted despite himself. "Probably."
"Can you..." Quinn swallowed. "...Can you put Bug on?"
Jack frowned. "What?"
"I need to talk to her."
Jack sighed and pushed himself off the couch. "Hold on." Quinn could hear him walking through the house. "Bugs!"
A muffled voice floated down the hallway. "What?"
"Quinn wants to talk to you."
There was a beat of silence. Then another voice, much closer this time. "...Why does Quinn need to talk to my girlfriend about his relationship problems?"
Luke.
Jack snorted. "Because apparently I'm too mean."
Luke appeared to have wandered into whatever room Jack was in because his voice became clearer. "Absolutely not."
Quinn closed his eyes. "...Luke."
"No." Luke didn't even let him continue. "I finally have a day off and I'm trying to smother my girlfriend. We have plans! We were gonna order food, watch movies, and I wasn't planning on letting her leave my arms until tomorrow."
Jack laughed. "I can unfortunately confirm that's exactly what he's been doing all morning."
"I got up to get water," Bug called from somewhere in the background. "He followed me."
"I wasn't following you." Luke sounded offended. "You walked away from me so I corrected the situation."
Jack made a face. "See? I told you."
Luke ignored him. "So why exactly are you interrupting my quality cuddling time?"
Quinn sighed. "...I need Bug."
Luke groaned dramatically. "I don't like the sound of that."
Jack crossed his arms. "You really don't."
Luke's joking tone faded. "...What happened?"
Jack looked toward him. "He thinks Y/N left him."
Luke's expression changed instantly. "What?"
"He found her ring on the bathroom counter."
Luke stared for a second. "...Oh."
Jack nodded once. "And after everything he told me..."
Luke let out a slow breath. "...Yikes."
Quinn buried his face in one hand. "Thanks."
Luke rubbed the back of his neck. "...Dude."
Quinn let out a defeated laugh. "I know."
Luke sighed and glanced toward the hallway. "Bugs?"
She rounded the corner, already suspicious. "What?"
Luke wrapped an arm around her waist the second she got close, pulling her against his side.
She looked at the phone. "Is that Quinn?"
Jack nodded. "He wants to talk to you."
She frowned. "Why?"
Luke answered for him. "Because apparently my brother made some really stupid decisions."
Bug's expression immediately fell. "Oh..."
Luke kissed the top of her head before handing her the phone. "Be nice."
She looked up at him. "I'm not gonna yell."
"I know." He smiled sadly. "I think disappointed might actually be worse."
Bug took the phone. "...Hi, Quinn." Her voice was soft.
He tried to answer, but othing came out.
"Quinn?"
His breathing hitched. "I..." His voice cracked so badly he had to stop.
Bug waited. She could hear him trying to breathe through tears on the other end of the line. "Quinn?"
"I think..." He swallowed hard. "I think I ruined everything." The words dissolved into a sob.
Bug's heart sank. She glanced up at Luke, who was already watching her with concern. He quietly rubbed a hand up and down her back before walking Jack into the kitchen to give them some privacy.
Bug lowered herself onto the couch. "Hey..." Her voice became even gentler. "Take a breath for me."
"I'm trying."
"I know."
"I really..." Another shaky inhale. "I really fucked this up, Bug."
She stayed quiet, letting him talk.
"I love her so much."
"I know you do."
"I didn't..." He sniffled loudly. "I didn't know she felt like that." Another sob escaped him. "I thought..." He laughed bitterly through his tears. "I thought we were just fighting."
Bug closed her eyes. "Oh, Quinn..."
"I didn't know she felt alone. I didn't know she stopped asking because she thought she'd make me feel guilty." His breathing became uneven again. "I would've answered every text. I would've left practice for five seconds if I'd known. I would've–" His voice broke completely. "I would've done anything."
"I know."
"I just..." He looked down at the engagement ring still sitting in his palm. "I looked at this thing every day. I looked at her, and I still missed how unhappy she was."
Bug felt tears prick her own eyes. "Quinn..."
"I don't deserve her." He laughed without humor. "I made the person I love feel like she was second. I made her think she wasn't worth thirty seconds of my time." His voice cracked again, and he started crying harder. "I'm such a fucking idiot."
Bug let him cry. She didn't interrupt. She didn't rush to reassure him. When his breathing finally slowed enough that he could hear her, she spoke quietly.
"You were an idiot."
Quinn let out another broken laugh. "Yeah."
"But you're not a bad man."
He didn't answer.
"Quinn."
"I don't feel like a good one right now."
"I know." She tucked one leg underneath herself on the couch. "You know why I'm disappointed?"
He whispered, "...Why?"
"Because I know you. You've always loved people outwardly. You remember birthdays, drive hours just to surprise people, you’d cancel plans in a heartbeat if somebody needed you, give the shirt off your back, so seeing you miss something this important," She sighed. "it just doesn't sound like you."
Quinn wiped at his eyes. "I don't know how I missed it."
"I think you got comfortable. I think you loved her so much that you assumed she knew."
He closed his eyes. "And I stopped showing it."
Bug nodded even though he couldn't see her. "Yeah."
Finally Quinn whispered, "Do you think she hates me?"
"No." The answer came instantly. Bug smiled sadly. "I think she's exhausted, heartbroken and protecting herself, but I don't think she hates you."
He let out a shaky breath. "I found the ring. I thought..." He looked at it again. "I thought she was leaving me."
Bug's expression softened. "Oh, Quinn."
"I sat there for two hours thinking this is what I deserve." His voice dropped to a whisper.
Bug felt her chest tighten.
"You know what? I'm really glad you got scared."
Quinn frowned. "...What?"
"I know that sounds awful, but maybe that fear finally let you feel a tiny piece of what she's been carrying. She kept wondering am I still important?'" Bug sighed softly. "And today you wondered if she still wanted you."
"I never thought about it like that."
"I know." She smiled sadly. "But now you have."
Quinn looked down at the ring resting against his palm. "I don't know how to fix this."
Bug's voice was calm. "You fix it by becoming the man she thought she was marrying."
A tear slipped down Quinn's cheek. "I want to. I really want to."
"I know you do."
He took a shaky breath. "...Do you think she'll even listen to me?"
Bug was quiet for a long moment. Finally she answered honestly. "I don’t know… maybe."
His heart sank.
---
The front door unlocked almost two hours later.
Quinn's head snapped toward the hallway. His heart was pounding so hard he thought he might actually be sick.
The grocery bags rustled before she even stepped into view.
"...Quinn?"
No answer.
She frowned. "Quinn?"
She rounded the corner into their bedroom. The second she saw him, she froze. He was still sitting on the edge of the bed. His elbows rested on his knees, both hands wrapped around something so tightly his knuckles had gone white.
His eyes were bloodshot, cheeks were streaked with dried tears, he looked like he hadn't moved in hours.
"...Baby?"
He looked up. The second their eyes met, something inside him shattered. He stood so fast the engagement ring slipped from his trembling fingers and landed on the comforter.
Y/N's eyes followed it. "...My ring." Her gaze darted to her naked left hand. "Oh..." Her face drained of color. "Oh my God." She stared at her own hand. "...Quinn."
His breathing was uneven.
"You..." His voice cracked so hard he had to stop.He tried again. "You don't..." Another shaky breath. "You don't want to marry me anymore?"
Y/N's eyes widened. "What?"
"I found it." He pointed toward the ring without taking his eyes off her. "It was on the bathroom counter." His chest rose and fell with panicked breaths. "I thought..." He swallowed, but it did nothing to steady his voice. "I thought you left it there because you were done."
She took one step toward him. "Quinn, no–"
"I know." He shook his head before she could continue. "I know I deserve it."
She blinked. "What?"
"I know." His tears started falling again. "I know I've been a terrible fiancé. I made you feel like you didn't matter, I made you feel alone, I kept defending myself instead of listening." He laughed bitterly through the tears. "I finally get it."
He looked down at the ring. "I just..." His shoulders shook. "I didn't think, " His voice dropped to a whisper. "I didn't think I'd lose you before I got the chance to be better."
Y/N's heart broke. "Quinn–"
"I'm sorry." The words came out before she could say anything. "I'm so sorry. I'm sorry for every dinner I missed, every text I forgot, every time I made you feel guilty for needing me. I'm sorry I made you question whether you mattered." He wiped angrily at his face. "You've always mattered. You've always been the most important person in my life. I was just too stupid to make you feel that way."
His breathing hitched. "I know you don't owe me another chance, you don't owe me forgiveness, after everything I did and said–" He looked at her with completely broken eyes. "I wouldn't forgive me either."
Y/N could barely breathe.
He reached down, picked the ring up with trembling fingers, and held it in both hands. "I was going to spend the rest of my life making you happy." His voice cracked. "And I made you miserable instead."
Another tear slid down his cheek. "If this is really the end." He looked at the ring. "I'm so sorry this is how I loved you."
Y/N crossed the room in three quick strides. "Quinn."
He flinched when she reached for him, as though he expected her to take the ring and walk away. Instead, she gently took it from his shaking hands. He watched silently. She slipped it back onto her finger then she held up her left hand between them.
"I forgot."
He stared.
"I took an everything shower. I put it on the counter, my best friend called while I was getting dressed, I got distracted, and I walked out without it." She shook her head, tears falling freely now. "I forgot my ring."
Quinn just stared at her hand. At the diamond back where it belonged.
His lips parted. "You..."
"I'm not leaving you."
He closed his eyes the breath he let out sounded almost painful, and his knees nearly buckled. Y/N reached out instinctively, catching him by both arms before he lost his balance.
He buried his face against her shoulder, and a sob escaped him before he could stop it. "I'm so sorry."
She held him tighter.
"I'm so, so sorry."
"I know."
"I never wanted to make you feel unloved."
"I know."
"I'll spend the rest of my life proving you come first if you'll let me."
She closed her eyes. Neither of them spoke for a long moment. She simply held him while he cried into her shoulder, his hands clutching the back of her sweater like he was afraid she'd disappear if he let go.
The grocery bags still sat forgotten by the front door. Nothing about the last few days had magically disappeared. The hurt was still there. The conversations they still needed to have were still waiting.
Y/N rested her cheek against his hair, she quietly whispered, "I forgot my ring, Quinn."
He nodded against her. "I know."
She kissed the top of his head. "I'm still here."
His arms stayed locked around her as though every instinct in his body was convinced that if he loosened his grip even a little, she'd disappear. Y/N could feel his heartbeat racing against her chest. It wasn't slowing down.
She rubbed slow circles across his back, feeling the occasional tremor run through him every time he tried to steady his breathing. "Quinn."
He only buried his face farther into her shoulder. "I really thought..." His voice was muffled against her sweater. "I really thought you were gone."
He pulled back just enough to look at her, eyes were swollen from crying, and his curls were a mess from repeatedly dragging his hands through them. He looked exhausted.
"...I don't deserve that."
"What?"
"You comforting me."
She frowned. "Quinn..."
"No." He shook his head. "I spent days making you cry, and then I found a ring on the counter and suddenly I fell apart." He laughed once, bitterly. "I got two hours of the fear you've been living with for months."
Y/N's expression softened. "You don't have to compare them."
"I do." His voice cracked again. "Because it was only two hours and it destroyed me."
Silence settled between them.
His eyes filled again. "I wasn't trying to make you feel that way."
"I know you weren't choosing hockey over me because you didn't love me." You were choosing hockey because you trusted I'd still be here." She smiled sadly. "And I always am, I always will be."
Every word felt like another weight settling onto Quinn's chest.
"I took you for granted." The admission barely rose above a whisper. "I spent so much time worrying about stupid shit I stopped being the man who deserved to put that ring on your finger."
"Quinn."
"No." He squeezed her hand gently. "I need you to hear this."
She stayed quiet.
"I'm not asking you to forgive me today, to pretend this week never happened, or to trust me just because I'm crying." He took a shaky breath. "I'm asking you to let me earn back what I broke."
She searched his face for a long moment. "You know that's going to take time."
"I know." He nodded.
"I know."
She studied him and reached up, smoothing a curl away from his forehead. "I love you."
His eyes closed for a moment. "I love you more than hockey."
She gave him a look.
He nodded. "I know that shouldn't even have to be said."
"It shouldn't."
"But I made it feel like it did." He leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers. "I'll never stop apologizing for that."
She gently shook her head. "I don't want apologies anymore. I want consistency."
Quinn nodded once. "You'll have it."
----
The groceries had eventually made it into the fridge after Quinn insisted on putting every single bag away while Y/N sat on the counter and watched him with the tiniest smile she'd had all week.
Now they were curled up together on the couch. Y/N was tucked into Quinn's side beneath their favorite blanket, one of his arms wrapped securely around her waist. His hand absentmindedly rested over the engagement ring she'd accidentally left behind.
Every few minutes his thumb would brush over it because he needed the reminder that it was back where it belonged.
Y/N caught him doing it for about the tenth time. "You know it's not going anywhere."
"I know." Another tiny rub over the diamond. "...Just checking."
She laughed quietly. "You've checked like twelve times."
"I don't think it's been twelve. Maybe thirteen."
She rolled her eyes fondly before leaning over and kissing his cheek. "You dork."
"I've been called worse."
She reached for her phone. "We should call Bug."
Quinn looked at her. "You sure?"
She nodded. "I think she deserves to know she doesn't have to worry anymore after you stole her from Luke for your quarter life crisis."
He smiled. "Yeah."
The FaceTime rang once.
Then the screen lit up.
Bug answered completely horizontal. Her face was practically buried in Luke's chest. One of Luke's arms was wrapped around her shoulders while the other lazily held the phone above them.
His chin rested on top of her head. Neither of them looked like they'd moved in hours.
Y/N burst out laughing. "...Seriously?"
Luke looked offended. "What?"
"You guys are literally one person."
"No." Luke shook his head."I'm the blanket."
Bug grinned. "And I'm attached to the blanket."
Quinn couldn't help smiling. "I thought you had plans today."
Luke looked down at Bug. "We did. We accomplished them."
Jack's voice floated from somewhere off camera. "You've been on that couch for like six hours!"
Luke didn't even look away from Bug. "And?"
"You've ordered food twice!"
"It was lunch and then dessert."
"I don't see the issue." Bug giggled. "I wanted cheesecake. So we got cheesecake."
Jack appeared behind the couch just long enough to roll his eyes. "I live with the grossest people."
"You literally walked in here just to complain," Luke replied.
"I did." Jack shrugged. "And I'd do it again." He disappeared as quickly as he'd arrived.
“Can we kick him out? Please?”
“I HEARD THAT!”
“GOOD!”
“No I wanna keep him,” Bug said looking up at Luke. Bug looked back at the screen. "So..." Her eyes flicked between Quinn and Y/N. "You two look a lot less miserable."
Y/N smiled. "We're okay."
Bug let out the breath she'd clearly been holding. "Oh, thank God."
Luke smiled too. "I was about to drive up to Michigan and knock some sense into my brother."
"You already did." Quinn laughed. "So did Jack, and Brock."
Bug smirked. "As they should have."
Quinn nodded. "...As they should have." There wasn't even an ounce of defensiveness in his voice anymore.
Y/N squeezed his hand.
Bug noticed and her smile grew. "You've got your ring back on."
Quinn instinctively looked down at Y/N's hand. His shoulders relaxed all over again. "...Yeah."
Y/N caught the look on his face and smiled softly before intertwining their fingers. "I'm pretty sure he's looked at it every five minutes."
Luke snorted. "I believe her."
"Traitor."
"I live with Bug." Luke shrugged. "I've learned arguing with your girlfriend is generally a bad survival strategy."
"Damn right," Bug said proudly.
Y/N laughed so hard she had to lean into Quinn. He wrapped his arm around her a little tighter without even thinking.
Luke caught the movement. "There he is."
Quinn frowned. "What?"
"The clingy Quinn. I was wondering when he'd come back."
"I'm not clingy."
All three of them just stared at him.
Even Jack yelled from the kitchen, "Bullshit!"
Quinn looked down at Y/N. "...Am I clingy?"
She smiled sweetly. "You've held my hand for almost two hours."
He glanced down. "Oh."
Luke grinned. "Told you."
Quinn looked back at the screen. "I'm not letting go."
Bug's eyes softened. "I don't think anyone's asking you to."
Y/N rested her head on Quinn's shoulder. "I'm not."
Quinn kissed the top of her head. "Good."
Another comfortable silence settled over the call.
Luke tightened his arm around Bug, who responded by burrowing even closer until only half her face was visible.
Y/N pointed at the screen. "Look who's talking about clingy."
Luke looked genuinely confused. "This is my normal."
Bug nodded. "Very normal."
Jack shouted from the other room,
"He’s followed her around like a lost puppy all morning!"
"I was making sure she got back safely!" Luke called.
Everyone dissolved into laughter.
Y/N looked up at him, smiling as he laughed so hard he had to wipe tears from the corners of his eyes.
She leaned up and kissed him softly. When she pulled back, Quinn smiled at her with a warmth she'd been missing.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I know." She kissed him once more. "I love you too."
A/n: I did crank this out in about 45 minutes. I did have three redbulls today.
Masterlist
The weeks had been building up to this. It was the first time Oliver had been able to come to a game since he was born. And the first y/n has been able to attend since giving birth.
Back in Vancouver Y/n and Quinn had thought he was too young to bring to an arena full of people. Quinn more specifically worried about Ollie’s immune system.
Then the trade happened. Quinn was whisked away to Minnesota over night, while Y/n was left to pack up everything with Ollie, and of course the help of Ellen.
Then came the Olympics, postponing the minestrone again.
But they finally made it.
Ollie had never looked so cute. A tiny Minnesota jersey over his sweater and a beeniee squishing down the thick brown hair hed popped out with, definitely inherited from his father.
“Can you see dada, Bub?” Y/n whispered to the child she held on her hip while rink side during warm ups.
“Mm mm.” He shook his head not quite being able to pick out his father from the blurred jerseys passing by.
“Gotta look reeeeal careful Bub.” Y/n point out to the ice. “See right over there.”
The boy follows her motion. “Da da!” He bounced up and down. Reaching out to the glass with a smile causing y/n to chuckle. She let her son tap on the plexiglass.
Across the ice Quinn’s ears picked up the familiar call, turning his head to see the pride and joy of his life. Excusing himself from his coach and gliding over with a big smirk he stopped on the other side of the glass waving to his son.
“DA!” Ollie hit his little fist on the glass with a smile.
“Gentle Ollie” y/n reminded him.
“Hey bud.” Quinn mouthed hoping Ollie would understand.
“Da play.”
“Yeah dad’s playing tonight bud. You gonna cheer for me?” Quinn spoke so Ollie could heard through the glass, thankfully the arena wasn’t too loud yet.
Ollie nods with a giggles.
“You gonna cheer for me too?” Quinn turns his attention to his wife.
“Depends how good you play.” Y/n teased.
“Always so mean to me.”
———
During the game Y/n and Ollie watched from the Quinn’s player box. Ollie fascinated with how the players moved around the ice, his full attention on the game.
Y/n had seen that look before. It’s the same one Quinn has when he watches hockey
Complete captivation.
‘Just like your dad’ y/n thinks to herself patting Ollie’s head.
The moments gone all too soon. The crowd collecting wincing when Quinn is checked into boards hard.
“Dada!” Ollie shouted in panic eyes locked on the jumbotron replay.
“Hey hey Bub it’s okay.”
“Da owie.” The child exclaimed, frustrated that to him his mother didn’t seem concerned enough.
“I know hun I know. Dad’s gonna be okay I promise.” Y/n pulled him close. “See there he is he’s up again.” She pointed out the ice showing her son that Quinn was indeed okay.
But that wasn’t enough, Ollie’s face contorted as he started to cry. “Dada.”
“Aw buba.” Y/n held her son close hoping to lessen his worries.
The moment the game was over y/n took a mildly still distraught Oliver down to the family area where they waited to see Quinn.
He came out of the locker room sweaty and still half in his gear.
“Hey bud how’d you-“
“Da!” Ollie almost cried, lunging forward into his father’s chest.
“Woah there, what’s this about.” Quinn looked to y/n.
“Not quite fond of the violence yet.”
“When I got checked?” Quinn asked to clarify.
“Yeah.”
“Oh Buddy.” Quinn took Ollie out of y/n arms.
“Dada owie.”
“I know bud im okay.” He put the boys hand on his face. “See all okay.”
Ollie pouted still not satisfied with the conclusion.
Quinn kisses Ollie’s forehead “tell you what. Let dad go get changed and you give me a full check up when we get home okay?”
Ollie’s nods still pouting.
“Alright back to mum, I’ll be as quick as I can. till then you hold on to this.” He holds up a puck to the boy.
Ollie taking hold “Puck!”
Y/n huffed “great, he can say dada and puck but I can barely get Ma half the time?” She said only half upset, earning a chuckle from Quinn as he hands Ollie back over.
Leaning into y/n he kisses her cheek “you can give me your own check up after his bedtime.” Quinn winked and turned, heading back to the locker room.
“Ma red.” Ollie poked Y/ns face.
“Yeah…dad does that sometimes.” She mumbled with a small smile.
Cooper, now five, is a complete daddy's boy. Not that he calls Quinn dad just yet. But, God, you've never seen a boy so attached to a father-figure in your life.
Quinn is still Cooper's personal superhero. SuperQuinn, to be specific. He got that nickname when he saved Cooper from from eating concrete at the park. He had looked up at Quinn with the widest eyes and said, "Wow! You're like Superman but cooler...SuperQuinn!"
You still remember that day you both met Quinn like it was yesterday. The gratefulness in your heart that this kind-hearted stranger had found your boy and not some psycho. You don't think you've lost that gratefulness to this day.
Now, you're just grateful for different things.
How Quinn will read Coop bedtime stories because he knows you're exhausted from working from home and raising a son all at once.
How Quinn had understood from the get-go that you and Cooper are a package deal. Your first three dates were with Coop at the park, a movie theatre and at a mall with a kids' play pen. He never once made you feel like you had any of the baggage you were always made to feel was too heavy.
How when he had asked you to move in with him, he'd already alloted Cooper a room in his plans.
How he loves you. All of you. Not just the mother, but the person too.
That fateful Friday in the grocery store had led to the greatest love of your life and the best addition to your home.
Just days filled with chaos, little kid drama, and exhausting schedules.
Today, for example, was a whirlwind.
Quinn had to leave the apartment at 7 in the morning. No big deal, right?
Except for the huge tantrum that your son threw because he thought that Quinn was going to take him skating, not go skate with the team for practice.
Quinn took this "minor" emotional setback from Cooper like a champion and had carried him back to his room and put him in bed. "Bud, I'm sorry we won't be skating together. But, think about it. Do you really want to skate with all the old dinosaurs from my work?", Quinn asked your son with a smirk.
Coop paused to think about it. That did sound kinda boring...
"N-no", he replied mid-tears.
"How about mom and I take you skating soon? Isn't that waaaay more fun?", Quinn proposed.
Cooper immediately nodded excitedly.
"But, there are rules you have to follow, okay?" To this, Cooper looked concerned yet nodded.
"Two rules only. Go back to bed and be good for Mom", Quinn laid out in front of him.
"Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!", Coop giggled.
Quinn smiled and ruffled his hair. He left Coop's room with a smile on his face and happy he could resolve the tantrum before he left. God knows how many times he's left Cooper with you while he's being difficult. The guilt practically eats him alive every time.
He walks up behind you and presses himself against your back. You're making him coffee to take to the rink, well, you were before he started distracting you. Mid-neck kisses, Quinn asks, "How would you feel about buying a home together?"
You stop wriggling in his arms and suddenly turn around. A home? Together?
"Is this about your contract with Vancouver, Quinn?", you prod.
He nods, a tiredness suddenly becoming apparent on his otherwise young face.
Things had long ago not been good with the team. Quinn comes home frustrated daily. With the guys for making him feel like he's the only one fighting for wins on the ice. With management for making stupid decisions. With himself for allowing it all to happen.
He'd started trade talks a few weeks ago after sitting you down one night and explaining how things were looking for him right now. How not trading could mean the end of him. The end of the point-producing, defense machine he'd fought tooth and nail to become.
You'd understood.
You weren't sure Cooper would.
On one hand, Cooper would go to the bottom of the Mariana Trench if it meant being around Quinn.
On the other hand, your son had his whole life here. His pre-K class and his friends. His favorite park and toy store.
Sure, he can make new friends and find new favorites. But, he's still so little you worry this will all be too jarring.
You suddenly feel a kiss on your cheek. "Earth to Yn?", Quinn asks.
"Y-yeah?"
"I had said that yes this is about the trade. I think it's happening sooner than even I thought it would", he honestly replies.
"Where?"
"Looks like Jersey, Minnesota, Detroit, or New York."
"Oh. Oh, wow", you say nervously.
He had noticed your anxiety around the topic of him switching teams but now wasn't the time to poke at that. He had to get to the rink and fast.
"Honey, when I get home later..let's talk about this. Kiss Cooper when he wakes up for me. And text me if you need anything, yeah?", he says with a kiss on your forhead and a cup of Joe in his hand.
You nod absentmindedly.
You're left alone with your thoughts before you know it.
After two hours of skating, Quinn's making his way back home. He's worried in a way. Not about where he gets traded to, he knows his management will do their best for him. He's worried about you and Cooper. Would you follow him to wherever he was going?
It was selfish to want, he knew that.
This was your home and your city. You were a Vancouver girl through and through. Your son's no different with how much he loves everything Vancouver-related.
But, he loves you. He loves Cooper. He couldn't love the family unit you'd become over the years more.
He opens the door and his heart stops.
Nothing's wrong. Quite the contrary, actually.
Everything is normal. And normal at home was perfect.
Cooper's playing mini-sticks in the hallway and grunting in frustration at the foam puck not going where he aimed.
You're typing away at your laptop with frustration etched into your eyebrows.
Without thinking it twice, Quinn walks closer to your and kisses both your brows. You jump in surprise. "Home so early?", you ask with a yawn.
"Mood was shit, so coach let us go early. I think they all know", Quinn admits.
You hum in response.
"On that note, I wanted to talk to you", Quinn starts.
You stop typing and shift slightly in your seat. You know what this is about. You're just not certain on how this conversation will pan out.
"Last night, the GM of the Minnesota Wild put up a good offer. The Devils' offer doesn't compare and no other team has the trade options that Minny does. I, uh, I think that's where they're sending me to."
You can suddenly feel the air grow thick between the two of you.
Minnesota? You'd only been to the states on road trips and the occasional visit to Quinn's family. Living in Minnesota is nothing like visiting it.
"And I-I know I'm asking for a lot, Yn. I know Vancouver is your home. I can't expect you to leave just for me, that's silly. But, I would love for you two to go with me. You two are my everything and having our own home in Minnesota is all I could want for the future", he finishes.
In your heart, you know your answer.
Yet, you don't know what your son wants. You don't want to pack his whole life up into a suitcase and change everything he knows forever.
So, you ask him.
Asking a five-year old's opinion on moving is silly, you're aware. But, you're also aware that if he agrees to go you'll feel ten times better about uprooting his life.
"Coop, baby? Come here, please!", you yell into the hallway.
You instantly hear his mini stick drop and little feet run across the hardwood floors. He appears in front of you in an instant, no longer the little boy who toddled around but the kid who runs with ferocity.
"Yeah?", he asks.
"Quinn and I have been thinking", you begin. "We want to have a house. A big one for all of us. With a backyard for you to play in, bud", continues Quinn.
Cooper's nodding, like he doesn't see why you had to call him and stop his game for this.
"But, baby, we aren't going to be living here anymore if we get that house. We're going to Minnesota. That's faaar from here", you gently explain.
"Like an hour away?", he innocently asks.
Quinn snorts. "No, bud. Like a plane flight away."
"Oh."
"But, we don't have to go if you don't want to. We love you a lot and we know you like it here", you say.
"Will Quinn go alone?", he asks with watery eyes.
"Yes. We would stay here and see Quinn when he plays against the Canucks", you state.
You can tell by the sadness that washes over his face that staying in Vancouver is not a viable option without Quinn. Good, you thought, we agree.
He runs into Quinn's legs and Quinn carries him up like its second-nature. "No, Quinn, no!", he says into Quinn's chest.
"Shhh, bud, it's okay. If your mom agrees, we can all get a house together in Minnesota, yeah?", he says to soothe Cooper. Cooper nods with tears watering in his eyes.
Quinn looks to you, asking you the biggest question again without even saying the words.
You nod and a slight smile settles on your lips.
Its a good thing home is a feeling and not a city or living quarters.
The warm moment is suddenly interrupted by a loud ring belonging to Quinn's work phone.
You nod towards him. Cooper's laying slack on Quinn's upper body, so you grab the phone for Quinn. You pick up the call and feel a chill enter your home.
"Quinn? Bill here", the man on the other side of the call asks.
You nudge Quinn who seems to be in a daze at the trade becoming reality.
"Yes, Bill?", Quinn responds.
In eight words, your lives change forever. "Pack your bags, you're a Wild starting today."
Nine years of her sitting in cold rinks with coffee going lukewarm in her hands. Nine years of superstition seats and pre-game kisses pressed quickly against stubble. Nine years of loving him before the world did.
And tonight, she’s in the stands when he wins gold.
The arena is thunder. Red, white, and blue blurring together. Her heart is pounding so hard she swears the people next to her can hear it.
Her hand is locked with Ellen Hughes. On her other side, his dad is half-standing already, like he knows what’s about to happen.
On the ice, Quinn Hughes looks calm.
He never is. Not really. She knows the way his jaw tightens when he’s overthinking. The tiny exhale before a faceoff. The way he taps his stick twice when he’s nervous.
Final minute.
Tie game.
She presses her palm to the glass—an old habit from their teenage years when she’d stand against the boards after high school games, waiting for him to glance her way.
He keeps the puck in at the blue line. Smooth. Controlled. The play stays alive.
The horn sounds.
For a split second there’s silence in her head.
Then the arena explodes.
Gloves hit the ice. Teammates pile together. Jack Hughes launches himself at Quinn from the bench, nearly knocking him over in celebration.
She’s crying instantly. Laughing and crying at the same time, hands over her mouth like she’s trying to hold the moment in.
“He did it,” Ellen says beside her, voice breaking. “He actually did it.”
When the medal ceremony begins, Quinn’s eyes search automatically. It’s instinct. He finds his parents first.
Then he finds her.
Even from across the rink she sees it—the way his shoulders drop when he locks onto her. The smallest smile tugging at his mouth.
The medal is placed around his neck.
He doesn’t look down at it.
He looks up at her.
When families are allowed onto the ice, her legs feel unsteady. The rink smells like champagne and melted ice. She steps carefully, overwhelmed and blinking through tears.
He sees her immediately.
He skates straight to the boards and hops over like he’s done a thousand times—except this time, instead of heading to the bench, he heads to her.
He doesn’t say anything at first. He just pulls her into him.
Full lift. Spinning once, because he can’t help himself.
“You’re here,” he breathes into her hair.
“Where else would I be?”
Nine years. She’s never missed the big ones.
He pulls back just enough to slip the medal over his head and place it around her neck instead. It’s heavier than she expects. Cold against her skin.
“This is ours,” he says, forehead pressed to hers.
Behind them, Jack is already teasing. “Okay, save it for the wedding!”
Quinn rolls his eyes but doesn’t let her go.
Later, in the tunnel, they’re FaceTiming Luke Hughes from his apartment in New Jersey. The screen shakes as Luke yells.
“I SHOULD’VE BEEN THERE,” Luke shouts, grinning so wide it’s almost painful.
“You were,” she laughs, tilting the phone so Luke can see the medal around her neck.
Luke squints dramatically. “Is that mine?”
“In your dreams,” Quinn says, shoving the camera closer to his face. “You’re buying dinner next time.”
Luke pretends to wipe a tear. “I’m proud of you, dude.”
There’s a beat—soft, sincere.
“I know,” Quinn says quietly.
At the after party, it’s chaos.
Music loud enough to shake the walls. Medals clinking against glass bottles. Teammates dancing badly. Someone sprays champagne way too close to her hair and Quinn immediately pulls her into his chest to shield her.
He keeps a hand on her waist the entire night.
Jack drags him into the center of the room at one point, and Quinn goes—laughing, loose, glowing—but every few seconds his eyes find her again.
They always do.
At one point they slip into a quieter hallway, the noise muffled behind a heavy door.
He leans back against the wall, pulling her between his knees.
“You’ve been there since before any of this,” he says softly.
She smiles, brushing damp hair off his forehead. “I liked you before the gold medal.”
He laughs, shaking his head. “Good. Because I liked you before you knew how to drive.”
She swats his shoulder, but she’s smiling.
Nine years of inside jokes. Of growing up together. Of choosing each other over and over again.
Inside, his family is waiting. Ellen waves them back in. Jack is already retelling the final shift like he scored the goal himself. Luke is back on FaceTime, demanding someone show him the dance floor.
Quinn laces his fingers through hers and pulls her back into the noise.
Gold medal around his neck.
Her hand in his.
Nine years down.
And tonight, under bright lights and champagne-sticky floors, it feels like forever isn’t nearly long enough.
