NHL x READER

Crossed wires |quinn hughes

Words: 815
Requested💕💕

You and Quinn Hughes had been best friends for as long as you could remember. Growing up together, you'd shared everythingâ€"inside jokes, late-night talks, and an unspoken understanding that made your friendship rock solid. But recently, something had shifted. The way his eyes lingered on you, the way your heart raced when he was nearâ€"it was obvious to both of you that this wasn't just friendship anymore.

You were falling for Quinn, and you were pretty sure he felt the same. Neither of you had said anything, though, both too scared to risk what you had.

One night, everything seemed to be aligning. You were at Quinn's place, sprawled out on the couch, a movie playing in the background that neither of you were paying attention to. Quinn had his arm draped over the back of the couch, his fingers occasionally brushing against your shoulder. You felt your heart pound, wondering if tonight would finally be the night one of you said something.

Just as you were about to speak, your phone buzzed. You glanced at the screen and saw a text from your coworker, Jake.

**Jake:** *Can't wait to see you tomorrow ;) Dinner was fun.*

Quinn glanced at your phone and frowned. "Who's that?"

You hesitated. "Oh, just Jake from work. We grabbed dinner the other night."

Quinn's arm dropped away, and he leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Didn't know you were seeing someone."

"I'm not," you said quickly. "It wasn't a date or anythingâ€"just two coworkers hanging out."

Quinn's jaw tightened, and he stood up, pacing the room. "Right. Just coworkers."

You blinked, confused by his sudden shift in mood. "Quinn, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," he said, though his tone betrayed him. "It's just… I thought we were on the same page, but clearly, I was wrong."

"Same page about what?" you asked, standing up to face him.

He hesitated, running a hand through his hair. "Forget it, Y/N. It doesn't matter."

"No, it does matter," you insisted, your voice rising. "What are you trying to say?"

"Why didn't you tell me about Jake?" he asked, his frustration finally spilling over. "I thought we were more than just best friends. But if you're seeing other people, I guess I was wrong."

You stared at him, your heart sinking. "Quinn, it wasn't like that with Jake. You're jumping to conclusions."

"Am I?" he shot back. "You didn't tell me about him, Y/N. What else am I supposed to think?"

The tension in the room was suffocating. Hurt and frustration swirled between you, and for the first time, it felt like there was a wall between you and Quinn.

"Maybe I didn't tell you because I didn't think it mattered," you said quietly, your voice trembling. "But clearly, you don't trust me."

Quinn's eyes softened for a moment, but his frustration was still evident. "I just… I don't know how to do this, Y/N. I care about you. A lot. And the thought of losing youâ€""

"You won't lose me," you interrupted, your own frustration bubbling to the surface. "But we need to talk, Quinn. We can't keep dancing around this."

The room fell silent, both of you standing there, unsure of what to say next. Finally, Quinn sighed, his shoulders slumping. "You're right. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

You nodded, the tension slowly beginning to dissipate. "And I'm sorry for not being upfront. I care about you too, Quinn. More than just a friend."

His eyes met yours, and for the first time that night, you both let down your guards. "I've liked you for a long time, Y/N," he admitted, his voice soft. "I just didn't know how to tell you."

"I've liked you too," you said, a small smile breaking through. "We're both pretty bad at this, huh?"

Quinn chuckled, the weight in the room lifting. "Yeah, we are."

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from your face. "But maybe we can figure it out together."

You nodded, your heart swelling. "I'd like that."

Without another word, Quinn leaned in, his lips capturing yours in a soft, heartfelt kiss. It was everything you'd both been too afraid to admit, wrapped up in that one perfect moment.

When you finally pulled away, you rested your forehead against his, both of you smiling. "So," you said, "does this mean we're officially more than friends?"

Quinn grinned. "Yeah. And no more misunderstandings. From now on, we talk about everything."

"Deal," you said, your heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks.

As you curled up together on the couch, the movie forgotten, you knew that this was the start of something beautiful. The tension was gone, replaced by a newfound sense of understanding and love. And for the first time in a long time, everything felt right.