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Admittedly Scott knew he shouldn’t be doing what he’s doing. Hollander is a nice kid. They’ve spent time together off the ice. Scott had just had it. Too many things were piling up. Between meeting Kip and the crippling loss of tonight's game, Scott snapped when Hollander made a barb at him. It was a harmless chirp. One which Scott had definitely said worse than in the past. That being said, he just snapped.
“Hope next time we play, you decide to show up!” Shane was breathless and smiling after winning 5-1.
At that moment, Scott longed to tell Hollander about Kip. He didn’t want to fight. He was just lonely. Plus, Scott knew Shane was at least somewhat fluid.
“Cheap” Scott spat a little closer in Hollander's direction than necessary.
“True” Shane agreed with a laugh. He spat on the ice, opposite the direction of Scott, a true testament of Shane’s current pacifism.
The retort was teasing his tongue. Scott felt as if he was full of helium. Then, he popped.
“You’re starting to sound like him” Scott was still hunched over his stick, breathing heavily. Honest to God, he didn’t mean his words to sound as threatening as they did.
Shane's eyes flashed dangerously. The rookie seemed a little confused by Scott's words. Silence fell between the two men for a minute. Only their panting breaths filled the air. Even the roaring Montreal crowd faded in background noise.
The minute ended and Shane said, “I’m sorry, what?” Hollander sounded as if he genuinely didn’t hear Hunter. Scott wished he didn’t. But he was in this now. Scott’s additional frustration at the rest of his life was coming to a head.
“You fucking heard me, Hollander,” Scott couldn’t bear them being Scott and Shane right now.
Shane’s expression matched the feeling of terror Scott felt every time sexuality was brought up in conversation. He paled as both men stood up straighter.
“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?!” Hollander was furious now. Rightfully so. What did Scott mean by that? He wanted a potential ally and confidant. Instead, Hollander balled his fists at his sides.
“In Russia, I saw how you looked at-” Hollander lunged at Hunter before Hunter could finish his sentence.
It was definitely the right move. Too many eyes were on the two men now.
Hollander didn’t fully fight Hunter. He got one good hit to the jaw in. Good call. Scott needed to stop talking. This was clearly not working out how he wanted it to.
Blood filled Scott's mouth. He had abandoned his mouthguard at the end of the game and he couldn’t spare time to slip it back in. It was a rookie mistake. One which the actual rookie between them didn’t even make.
Hunter punched Hollander in the side. He aimed for the weak spot of the man's equipment. He had perfected this move in his second season in the MLH.
Hollander was known for having a remarkably high hockey IQ though. Easily, he anticipated the move and skated to the side so Scott hit air.
Shane caught Scott’s eyes and he momentarily softened, chewing on his cheek. He let two of his teammates haul him back.
Four more gloved hands pulled at Scott. Hollander and Hunter were still fuming at each other. They yelled and jeered at each other as their teammates escorted them to their respective benches.
Neither of them stayed for the routine post-game handshakes. Scott and Shane needed to talk.