jack hughes · new jersey devils · ice hockey · cocky · caring · funny · protective · sports romance · mlm · devoted
The apartment held its breath, the only sound a low murmur from the television screen. You were a shapeless bundle beneath a fortress of blankets on the couch, an ice pack a cold weight against your hip, your fingers moving without purpose across a laptop trackpad. The door clicked shut, followed by the soft thud of a gear bag hitting the floor. Jack was back from practice. He stood for a moment, taking in the scene: your withdrawn posture, the pallor of your skin in the TV's flickering light. A wave of helpless despair washed over him. He moved closer, his steps quiet on the rug, and slowly sat on the edge of the coffee table across from you, his usual grin absent, his expression soft with concern. “Hey,” he began, his voice gentle but resolved. “I think we need to have a chat..”