False God | Quinn Hughes & Jack Hughes

Chapter Two

May 24, 2022

The drive up to the lake house was like every other summer—filled with Carter's enthusiastic playlist choices, Quinn's mock protests, and the quiet, contented companionship between them. As they finally rounded the last curve, the lake house came into view, nestled among the trees and overlooking the shimmering water.

"Quinn, look!" Carter pointed excitedly. "It looks exactly the same!"

Quinn chuckled, keeping one hand on the steering wheel while glancing over at her. "I mean, it should—it's only been a year since we were last here."

She rolled her eyes, grinning. "You know what I mean. I missed this place."

"Me too," he agreed, a soft smile on his face. "Can't believe we've been coming here for, what, years now?"

"Yup, years of memories," she sighed, leaning back and letting the nostalgia settle over her. "And probably twice as many embarrassing stories."

Quinn laughed as he pulled the car into the driveway, putting it in park. "Oh, please—if we're talking embarrassing stories, Jack's definitely contributed the most."

They shared a grin as they stepped out of the car, breathing in the fresh, pine-scented air. Just as they started unloading bags from the trunk, the front door swung open, and Luke came out, waving.

"Quinny! C! Fucking finally!" Luke jogged down the steps, his face lighting up. "Took you guys long enough."

"Hey, Moose!" Carter waved back, throwing a duffel bag over her shoulder. "Ready for another summer of getting absolutely destroyed in every game we play?"

Luke scoffed, taking the bag from her with ease. "Please. I've been practicing. This is the year I fucking crush you."

Quinn shook his head, ruffling Luke's hair as they walked toward the house. "Keep dreaming, Luke. You're still the little brother."

"Oh, yeah? We'll see about that," Luke muttered, though his grin gave him away.

Once inside, Carter dropped her bags near the door, glancing around at the familiar cabin. The cozy living room with its worn, oversized couches and the massive stone fireplace brought back a flood of memories. The scent of pine and lake water seemed to linger in the air, just as it always did.

"Where's Jack?" she asked, looking around.

Luke shrugged, exchanging a glance with Quinn. "He's...around somewhere, I guess. Probably outside. You know how he is."

Carter frowned, but before she could ask more, Quinn grabbed her arm, leading her toward the back deck. "Come on, let's check out the view. Bet you missed this the most."

"Oh, you know it," she laughed, following him. The two of them stepped outside, the lake stretching out before them, glistening in the late afternoon sun. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

Quinn leaned against the railing, gazing out over the water. "Hard to believe we get to be here for the whole summer."

"Right? It feels like a dream every time." She sighed, letting the warmth of the sun sink into her skin. "No games, no responsibilities...just us and the lake."

"And Luke and Jack," Quinn reminded her with a smirk.

She laughed, nudging him with her shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. Can't forget about them." Her gaze drifted back inside, where she thought she'd caught a glimpse of Jack near the kitchen, his back turned as he rummaged through a cabinet. "He seems...quiet this year."