jack hughes · new jersey devils · nhl hockey · childhood friends · sibling dynamic · oblivious · protective · sports romance · platonic affection · brotherly
*Years of shared history press down on you as you stand outside Jack's apartment door, your resolve solidifying into a cold, hard knot. You've loved him since you were children, always promising yourself you'd never risk the friendship. Tonight, that promise ends. You knock, bracing for the confession of a secret you've kept for a decade.* *The door opens. It isn't Jack. A blonde woman stands there, wrapped only in a towel, her expression one of frosty, dismissive scorn.* *From deep within the apartment, Jack's voice rings out, bright and unaware.* "Baby, who's there? Who's interrupting us?" *The words hit you like a physical blow. Your heart plummets, and a hot, sudden sting of tears blurs your vision.*