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skinny dipping

Pairing: Quinn Hughes x Reader

Warnings: Angst, nudity, implied sex, strong language

Summary: Inspired by skinny dipping by Sabrina Carpenter. What happens when you run into your ex at your favorite coffee shop?

Word count: 2.9k words

It'll be a Wednesday

And I'll be going in this coffee shop

Hear the barista call an oat milk latte and your name

And I look up from my phone

And think there's no chance it's you, but it is

It was supposed to be just another summer day in June. It was your day off and like always, you visited your favorite coffee shop that opened up a few summers ago. You grabbed your iced matcha latte from the counter and thanked the barista. You began making your way to your favorite spot when suddenly you heard “Iced oat latte for Quinn!”

Your heart stopped for a moment when you heard that name and you nearly died when you looked up from your phone. It was him. Quinn Hughes, the man you loved so deeply during your college days. You haven’t seen or spoke to him since he left for Vancouver over six years ago.

The two of you locked eyes as he smiled and began walking towards your table.

You'll say, "Hi", I'll say, "Hi, how are you?"

You'll say, "How's your family? How's your sister?"

I'll say, "Shannon's being Shannon"

You take a deep breath before giving Quinn a smile in return. “Hey.”

“Hi.” He’s sitting across from you now, close enough to take a look at his handsome face. His eyes are still the same shade of mesmerizing blue, and his smile still carries the same boyish charm from when he was 19. He pretty much looks the same, except for the dark facial hair that coats the lower half of his face.

“I didn’t expect to see you here,” you say, your heart pounding in your chest.

“Well, the season ended over a month ago, so I’ve been living in the lake house again. And I felt pretty bored today, so I decided to take out the boat and explore the area.” You nod. “But anyways, how have you been?”

��I’ve been pretty good. I finally moved out once I graduated. I was offered a job here and I’m really loving it. How are you doing? How’s your family? How’s Jack and Luke?”

He smiles. “I’m also doing good. I was named captain two seasons ago and so far, it has been a great experience. Vancouver winters are brutal though. My parents are definitely enjoying life without us three, they actually bought a new house last year! And Jack and Luke are killing it, they’re both playing for the Devils.”

After a minute of nonsensical chatter, you'll say

"Well, this was really nice, maybe we should do this on purpose sometime"

The two of you continue to have lighthearted conversations for the next hour about hockey and your families. Quinn checks the time on his phone.

“This has been really nice. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well. I wish I can stay, but I need to go. We’re having some family over for dinner tonight and Mom needs some help setting up.”

“It has been. It’s nice to see you again. I’m glad you’re doing well too.”

“Maybe we can continue this conversation another time?” Quinn asks, a hint of hesitation in his voice.

“I’d love to. Here, I’ll give you, my number. I changed it five years ago.”

He copies your number into his phone, his fingers slightly trembling. “Thank you. How about I text you the next time I come here?”

“Sounds good with me.”

“Great! I’ll see you soon, Y/N.”

“Bye, Quinn.”

And just like you’re left alone with your thoughts again. You always thought that if you saw Quinn ever again it would be painful, maybe even dreadful. But it was the opposite. Sure, it felt bittersweet, but it almost felt…nice?

And it'll have been long enough that we won't harp on

Arguments in your garage

All the ways we sabotaged it

What it was and what it wasn't

You and Quinn began dating in your first year of college. You were his biggest supporter; you knew that he was going to go far with hockey. You knew that one day he could possibly move somewhere else, but you didn’t want to accept that. As long as he was getting to live his dream, you were happy.

When he got drafted by the Canucks in 2018, that meant he eventually had to move to Vancouver. Since he needed time to develop his skills, he wasn’t leaving quite yet. But it was something the two of you spoke about a lot.

What would happen? Would you stay together? Was it possible for you to move with him? Could he potentially wait a little longer before leaving? You still had three years of school left.

You two hadn’t even been dating for a year but the love you had for each other was real. You may have both still been young, but you truly saw a future with each other. Nothing hurt more than imagining life without the other in it.

As Quinn gained more experience, you began to struggle with feelings of guilt about holding him back. He constantly reassured you that you didn’t, but your brain and heart kept convincing you that you were nothing but an obstacle getting in his way.

And so, the night before he left for Vancouver you decided to end things with him.

He was very upset. This wasn’t what you had agreed on, you were going to be long distance, and he’d come home to you during the off season.

“I want you to be happy Quinn. I really want to see you succeed and I refuse to be the one who holds you back.”

“Damn it Y/N, I am happy! You make me the happiest goddamn person in the world, and it would mean the absolute most to me if you could still be the person by my side no matter what.”

You sighed, tears beginning to run down your face. “Quinn, you don’t understand. If you really love me, let me go. Please.”

Finally, he gives up and everything in him breaks.

“Fine. If this is what you really want. But I’m never going to forget you, Y/N. I will always love and miss you.”

And that was the last time you ever saw him.

We've been swimming on the edge of a cliff

I'm resistant, but going down with the ship

It'd be so nice, right? Right?

If we could take it all off and just exist

And skinny dip in water under the bridge

You’ll never forget the first time you went skinny dipping. It was with Quinn, of course. That night, you two snuck the boat out into the water after everyone had gone to bed. The evening had been another one filled with people and parties and chaos, and it was the first time the two of you had been alone for hours.

You were telling him how overwhelmed you felt when suddenly he had an idea.

“Grab some towels and your swimsuit Y/N. We’re taking the boat.”

“Quinn, are you crazy? It’s 3 in the morning, where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

As soon as you were ready you two got into the boat and he began to drive. The ride was a bit scary; it was eerily quiet, and you were surrounded in nothing but darkness. Soon enough, dawn came, and you didn’t feel afraid anymore. Quinn cut the engine and began taking off his trunks.

“Quintin Jerome Hughes what the hell are you doing?”

“Take off your bikini, Y/N. We’re going skinny dipping!”

“What if someone sees us? And the water’s freezing!”

He shushes you by pressing a small kiss onto your lips. “Don’t worry, Y/N. No one’s going to see us I promise. And if you feel cold, just come closer to me.”

“I’ve never done this before,” you confess shyly as you untie your bikini top.

“I know. Which is why we’re doing it now. Take my hand.”

You squeeze his hand, and he leads you to the edge of the boat.

“God, you are so beautiful Y/N,” he says, admiring your naked body. “Are you ready?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

“3,2,1, jump!” Still holding onto hand, the two of you plunge into the cold water.

“It’s freezing!” you cry out, finding your way into his arms.

“I know! But isn’t this fun?”

“It is. Let’s do this again tomorrow!”

“We can do this every single day if you want. We’ve got all summer,” he winks at you. “But we should probably start heading back soon. I’m going to be in big trouble if Dad wakes up and the boat’s missing!”

The two of you share one last kiss before climbing back into the boat.

You'll suggest a restaurant we used to go to

And I'll say, "Won't that be too nostalgic?"

And you'll say, "Maybe, but let's do it anyway"

Quinn kept his promise and texted you a few weeks later. Now you were both figuring out where to go. When the day came, you still hadn’t decided so now you sat at the same coffee shop going through your options.

“Chinese food?”

“Nah, it makes my stomach upset.”

“The diner?”

“I was just there yesterday.”

“How about Northwood?”

“I haven’t been there since… you know. I kind of do miss the food, but are you sure Quinn?”

“I’m sure. I haven’t been there either, so why not?”

Northwood was a family restaurant that had a special place in you and Quinn’s hearts. It was the first food you tried when you went to his lake house for the first time. After you broke up, you vowed to never set foot in it again.

“Let’s do it.” You smile and take his hand.

We won't sit at our same old table, I promise

And we won't bring up the past, we'll keep it bureaucratic

And we won't say it

But both of us, we'll be thinking about how different we are

When you walk into Northwood, not much has changed except for the menu, which is now displayed on a chalkboard.

“They finally fixed it,” Quinn says, laughing. Back then the menu was only displayed on pieces of paper.

You are relieved to see that your favorite club sandwich is still available. For old times’ sake, Quinn orders his usual: a cheeseburger.

After you order your food, the two of you scan the restaurant in order to find a place to sit. Coincidentally, the only table available was the one you two always sat at: the one in front of the table in the right corner of the room. You can’t help but look at each other and smile. You remembered how nervous you felt during the days that led to this one. This restaurant was a special place during you and Quinn’s relationship, and even when you passed by, your heart sank to your stomach just a little bit. But today was different: like that first day in the coffee shop, you felt pleasant.

“It really feels like setting foot in the past.” He looks around the room, focused on something that can’t be seen.

From those scared little kids that had those

Arguments in your garage

All the ways we sabotaged it

What it was and what it wasn't

Once again, you and Quinn started off with small talk. But eventually the comfort you felt around each other was restored, and you were able to talk about the past.

You are served by a waitress who was often here during your dates and Quinn can’t help but feel nostalgic.

“Remember that time Trevor asked out that waitress and her husband was at the next table over? That was hilarious!”

“Yes! I still think about it sometimes. How is he doing? I miss him.”

“He’s doing great. He just got drafted by the Flyers after being in Anaheim. He hasn’t stayed at the lake house in a few years though. Jack and he don’t talk as much as they used to.”

You can’t help but feel a little sad. Out of Quinn and his brothers’ friends, Trevor was your favorite. But instead of being melancholic, you choose to join Quinn on his trip down memory lane.

“Remember the first time we went skinny dipping?” You cringed at yourself after being met with a longer silence. That moment was a significant one in your relationship, and you weren’t sure where Quinn stood with talking about it currently. So why did you say that?

You are brought back to life when he meets your eyes with a smile. “Of course, I still remember. I’m pretty positive that it’s one of my core memories. I’m sure I have a memory orb of it, like in Inside Out.” He reaches across the table and takes your hands. “I have an idea but I’m not sure how much you’d be into it.”

“I love ideas. Tell me!”

“How would you like to do it again tonight?”

“Quintin Jerome Hughes are you being serious?”

He laughs at the use of his full name but his eyes and smile only display certainty and sincerity. “As serious as I’ll ever be.”

We've been swimming on the edge of a cliff

I'm resistant, but going down with the ship

It'd be so nice, right? Right?

If we could take it all off and just exist

And skinny dip in water under the bridge

That night you were also invited to the family’s dinner, much to everyone’s surprise. But everyone was so happy to see you, you were only greeted by hugs. Ellen and Jim held you tight, and Luke and Jack squeezed all the air out of your lungs.

It truly felt good to be back at the lake house, you felt right at home and welcomed. You didn’t get tired of conversations; everyone was genuinely interested to hear how you’re doing now, and you felt the same way about them.

Finally, at around midnight, you and Quinn were finally alone again. The two of you stayed on the front porch, sitting on the patio swing with drinks in your hand.

“How does it feel to be here again?” he asks you, sipping from his cooler.

“Honestly? Really nice. I thought everyone would hate me after you know…”

“Oh Y/N. My family could never hate you. In fact, they missed you.”

You sigh. “I literally broke your heart, Quinn.”

He grabs your hands. “Y/N. There hasn’t been a day where I haven’t thought about you. If we switched places, I’d want the same for you, to be happy. I loved you so much.”

Your heart stops at his use of past tense. There is a moment of silence as you squeeze his hands and smile at him.

He stands up from the swing. “Are you still interested in skinny dipping with me?”

“Of course.” He pulls you up and you begin making your way to the dock.

The ride to your old spot is peaceful and fills you both with a sense of longing. It is mostly silent, but you’re sitting on his lap just like all those summers ago.

Finally, you arrive. Although the night is still young, the dawn is already beginning to break. Quinn cuts the engine, and the boat stops with a halt. He begins to strip down to only his swim trunks. You follow his lead, leaving yourself in nothing but your bikini.

He stops for a moment, admiring you. “You’re still beautiful.”

You smile, your heart swelling with warmth. “Why thank you.”

Once the two of you are naked, he takes your hand. “Are you ready, Y/N?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

In no time the cold water engulfs you. You never let go of his hand. You and Quinn laugh as you re-enter the surface.

At last, the sun has begun to rise again. You take a glance at Quinn, who’s also admiring the view. In a split second he catches your gaze and the next thing you know you’re being pulled in for a kiss.

When your lips meet again, it feels like the souls of two lovers have met again in a new life. The familiarity comforts you, and the novelty is thrilling.

Eventually, he pulls away, but he continues to hold you close to him, smiling. “I never stopped loving you, Y/N.”

Tears fill your eyes, and you kiss him again. “Neither have I, Quinn.”

We've been swimming on the edge of a cliff

I'm resistant, but going down with the ship

It'd be so nice, right? Right?

If we could take it all off and just exist

And skinny dip in water under the bridge

You are awakened from your deep sleep by the sound of birds and the sun’s warm light pouring in through the curtains. Everything feels peaceful, you feel satisfied. As you continue to slowly wake up, you feel Quinn’s arm wrapped around your waist. His warmth covers you like a blanket, and his breathing grounds you, reminding you that you’re at his family’s lake house, in his room, in his bed, and in his arms. You turn around and admire his handsome face as he sleeps. Eventually, he also wakes up and looks surprised to see you in his arms. But once he realizes it’s you, he smiles.

“Good morning,” you say softly, your voice still raspy from sleep.

“Good morning,” he whispers, still surprised by your presence. “Am I dreaming, or is the love of my life really in my bed right now?”

“I’m really here.” You lightly kiss his cheek.

“I couldn’t be any happier. I am so grateful to have you in my arms again. You make all my dreams come true.

“I love you, Quinn.”

“I love you more, Y/N.”