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On the kitchen counter, the mobile phone buzzed, the volume silent and yet the vibrations loud and urgent.
From his place by the stove, Adam Sheppard glared at it. It had been like this for days now, people cold calling him. Journalists, so called friends and old colleagues. Wanting his opinions or a sound bite. Everyone suddenly wanted a piece of him.
It had all started a few days before, when he had received a call from one, Roger Crowell, the current commissioner of the NHL.
Adam had only met the man in person twice, during his retirement celebration in Toronto years before and more recently, when he had been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Both times, Adam hadn't enjoyed his company. The Commissioner was a slimy piece of work that left Adam feeling like he needed to wash after talking to him. The way he spoke down to people was unsettling, the words fine but the meaning behind them something else.
Adam knew the man had no interest in him personally. Hell, given the feeling Adam got from the guy, he could tell Crowell would be perfectly happy for Adam to disappear and never be spoken of in relation to professional hockey again.
And yet the man had called him with an impossible ask.
Adam had been very aware of the controversy going on. It was hard not to be, given the hockey culture in Avery River, the town he now called home.
Serious accusations of sexual assault had been raised against a famous hockey player, Dallas Kent. Accusations made by girls not much older than Adam's own daughter, Lucy. And to make it worse, Kent was a player for Toronto, the team Adam had proudly Captained for years.
Crowell had made it very clear what he wanted. Toronto was backing Kent against his accusers and wanted a show of support. The team had plans for a celebration of their history, a show game which would promptly feature Kent. And they wanted Adam and a few of the other old stars there to legitimise it. To legitimise the League's stance against the victims.
Adam knew it would be bad, but to make it worse, Crowell hadn't even allowed Adam to get a word in before his blatant homophobia showed.
Crowell had been one of the detractors of Adams' book, especially the claims that the League didn't support their players' struggles with mental health or call out homophobia. The man hadn't outright called Adam and more importantly, Riley a liar but he had definitely tried to trivialise and discredit the story, even going so far as to try and suggest Riley's departure from the League so early into what was shaping up to be an amazing career had been due to his own pettiness instead of a complete failure on the League's part.
So Adam had been unsurprised when Crowell had suggested Riley wouldn't want to attend whatever the Toronto team was planning despite also being a former player and Stanley Cup winner for the team. But the man had managed to add insult to injury by suggesting Adam attend instead with his ex-wife and kids, trying to paint it like Maggie had been a big part of the team.
It was blatantly clear, Crowell wanted Adam to present a normal, ‘heterosexual’ family before the press.
Adam had been disgusted, both on Riley's behalf at once again being neglected by the League and on Maggie, his ex-wife's behalf.
Maggie had also been outraged when Adam had called to tell her. She had never really liked attending these sorts of events, even when she had been a WAG and since Adam had reconnectioned with Riley, the two had become good friends. Hell, Riley was the godfather of her children. Even if he hadn’t been dating her ex-husband, she would still be pissed off. Any insult to Riley was now an insult to Maggie.
Riley, unsurprisingly, was the least upset, which had made Adam sad. His boyfriend had been so badly treated over the years that he had become almost numb to any insults. In fact, the only thing Riley seemed upset about after hearing about the phone call was the fact that the League was backing an alleged rapist. Well, that and the fact that the League had already started dropping hints about the event and Adam’s possible involvement.
Toronto hadn’t gone so far as to announce Adam was attending (Which was probably a good thing. Adam may be content living in a quiet little town, but he still had a lawyer in Toronto and wasn't afraid to call out his former team if they tried) but a few people who asked their media team had been given ambivalent answers. And a lot of their former teammates had already confirmed they were going which was making everyone even more curious about Adam's position.
Unfortunately, that had caused the media to jump on the story. Somehow, Adam’s phone number had been released and the calls had started. It hadn’t been the first time (After the initial accusations had dropped, he had been contacted by a few journalists for statements but Adam had hung up on all of them) and Adam was sick of it.
He was sick of answering his phone and hearing ‘This is so and so from trash mag number 20. I want to ask you about your former teammate’. As if this rapist had ever been a part of Adam’s team. As if Adam supported any of this. No, Adam had been retired when this Kent guy had been signed to Toronto. He didn’t know the guy really.
Unfortunately, he had met Dallas Kent once, back before he had come to Avery River and re-established his connection with Riley.
The guy had been a cocky little jackass. Meeting him and his friend had left a bad taste in Adam’s mouth with how they disrespected their teammates and coach, laughing meanly at anyone they didn’t think highly enough of. So no, even if he had wanted to protect the League and hadn’t been insulted by Crowell, Adam would not attend an event in defence of the guy.
Unfortunately, Adam’s refusal to answer his phone had led to the journalists getting creative. He had heard from Riley the night before that one of them had even managed to find the number for Tuck’s Sporting Goods. Thank goodness, Steve, Riley’s store manager, had been the one to answer the phone instead of Riles. The guy was protective and had immediately told the idiot on the line to fuck off and slammed the phone down.
Adam was just about ready to put out a public comment on his social media (Yes, he had a social media account, even though his kids told him time and again he was embarrassing for it. He rarely used it anyway, only occasionally to post nice pictures of the beach or shout outs to local businesses. Paula’s cafe had been shouted out no less than nine times already) telling everyone to leave him alone but Riley had talked him out of it. As his boyfriend had said, saying anything would just create more interest.
Instead, Adam was pointedly ignoring his phone while sanitising some glass jars. He had been meaning to make a new batch of jams anyway and the chaos was giving him a good excuse to disassociate. He desperately wanted to turn his phone off but couldn’t on the off chance someone he actually cared for tried to contact him.
So he had deliberately lost himself in his task, instead only occasionally glancing at the phone screen to check on a barrage of ‘unknown’ numbers.
So deeply focused he had been on his task, that at first, he didn’t even register the change, the soft buzzing becoming a loud ringing. In fact, if it wasn’t for Lucky, their dog, brushing up against his leg as he shuffled past to his food bowl, Adam probably would have missed it.
Placing a hot glass jar on the cloth on the counter and dropping the tongs next to it, Adam turned to the other phone. It was probably the only private landline Adam had seen in years, mostly put in on the off chance any storms knocked phone reception out. But the number wasn’t public. In fact, only a very few select people had it.
Riley, obviously had the number to his own home at his shop (Adam did too, just for the times he was out and Riley was home). Maggie and the kids also had the number. Riley’s mum and sister. A few of their friends in town. Adam had also given the number to Scott Hunter.
His favourite Rookie (well, no longer a Rookie) had been a great friend over the last few years, ever since they had reconnected after Scott and his team had won the Stanley Cup. Scott and his husband Kip had come out to Avery River for a visit during the last off season. Of course, Scott had the number.
But it didn’t make sense if he was calling. Hell, it didn’t make sense if any of the people who had the number were calling.
Unless….No, Adam was jumping ahead of himself. It was probably a telemarketer who had managed to guess the number and cold call. It couldn’t be a journalist.
But it could also be an emergency. God, what if one of his kids was hurt? What if Riley was hurt?
Feeling a little on edge, Adam reached for the phone.
“Hello?” He said, pressing the handset against his ear with his shoulder as he grabbed at a dishtowel to dry his hands.
“Is this Adam Sheppard?” A voice asked. It was a male voice, with a thick European accent which Adam couldn’t exactly place.
Adam dropped the towel to the bench and gripped the handset. If this was a journalist, he was going to lose it.
“Speaking.” He said in a low, warning growl.
“Ah. Adam. Good to speak to you again. This is Ilya Rozanov.” The voice said.
Adam blinked in surprise. He had met Ilya Rozanov only once, at Scott’s birthday party but he knew a lot about the guy. A famous hockey star currently based in Ottawa. An asshole on the ice but an undeniably talented player. And also, a mental health advocate.
Adam knew Riley had read up on the guy after their meeting, looking into the Irina Foundation. It did great work and Riley had even spoken to Adam about potentially reaching out to offer some support. They didn’t have much they could offer, since Rozanov and his co-founder, Shane Hollander, were both superstars and Adam and Riley were both retired but it had definitely been an idea. And Adam didn’t think they would be knocked back if they did offer something, even if it was just to post information in Riley’s store. He had noticed after meeting both men that Hollander had a crush on Riley. Which…. same.
Still, Rozanov was not on the list of people who had Riley’s landline number. How did he know to call? And why was Ilya Rozanov calling? God Adam hoped this wasn’t another set up from the League. He didn’t want to dislike the guy because he was supporting this rape apologist shit.
“Oh. Hello Ilya.” He said. “How have you been? I’ve been watching your games recently” It was only slightly true. With all the shit going on, Adam had taken a break from the Hockey world. But he was aware of Ilya at least. He was a hard player to miss.
“Am good.” The Russian player said. “Has been interesting season.”
“I can imagine.” Adam replied flatly. He was almost certain that it was obvious what he meant by that. “And sorry to be rude but how did you get this number? It’s private.”
“About that. I hope you are not upset but I got number from Kip Grady. He suggested you may be able to assist me with something.”
Kip. Scott’s husband.
Adam had gotten to know Kip very well and knew he was a smart man. The sort of person Adam knew he could trust. Not the sort to casually hand over people’s information without knowing exactly why.
“Ok.” Adam muttered. He wasn’t sure what to make of that. “And what did Kip think I can assist you with?”
This could be about the foundation Rozanov ran. Maybe it wasn’t just Riley and Adam who were interested in them getting involved.
“I heard you and your….husband?” Ilya’s voice was questioning.
“Boyfriend.” Adam confirmed. He had been planning to propose to Riley during the next holidays but had pushed those plans to the back of his mind while this whole thing blew up. He didn’t want to taint what was going to be the happiest moment of his life with this.
“Ah. You need to, how you say, lock it down. Get ring on his finger.” The man replied. “Anyway, you and your boyfriend played for Toronto, yes?”
Adam took a deep breath. Here we go, he thought. Time to see if Ilya Rozanov was a plant.
“We did.” He said in a tight voice.
“You played with Wyatt Hayes? He is our starting Goalie here in Ottawa now.”
Adam blinked. Wyatt Hayes. That was a name he hadn’t heard in a while. He had played with the kid. Only for a few weeks of the season but he remembered him fondly.
The kid had been just starting out as the team’s third goalie. He had happened to be on the ice when Adam went down for the final time, a hard body check sending him to the ice and permanently damaging his shoulder.
Adam hadn’t remembered much of that incident through the pain, but he had remembered the kid had abandoned his goals and skated to Adam’s side to check on him. He had been the only Toronto player who had.
Adam hadn’t kept in touch with him, since he had been in recovery and then learnt the injury was career ending but he had occasionally looked into the guy and was impressed with how his career had progressed. He had vaguely remembered hearing that the man had transferred to Ottawa a few seasons ago and had even made the All Stars, which, good on him.
“Hazy.” Adam said. “Yeah I played with him. He’s a great guy.”
“Da. He is best goalie in the League and speaks highly of you.” Ilya agreed.
Adam felt himself relax a little. If both Hazy and Kip were involved, he doubted it had anything to do with the shit show in Toronto.
“Anyway, I was speaking with him and he mentioned that it would be nice if Ottawa invited you and your boyfriend to see game and maybe training session. Boost some of the kids confidence. We play Florida on home ice in two weeks' time and would welcome you both if you are avaliable.”
Adam paused. Two weeks time. That was the weekend of the Toronto show game.
“Ummm.” He said, unsure what to say to that but Ilya was quicker.
“Have you heard of Troy Barrett?” He asked.
Adam had heard the name. Of course he had. Barrett was a Toronto player and a lackey of Kent.
“Unfortunately.” Adam muttered but Ilya didn’t seem to pick up on his tone.
“Good. Then you know Barrett was the one to blow up the story against that rapist Kent. He is now being punished by the League because of it. Sent to us at Ottawa and I just learnt, threatened by Crowell to remain silent.”
Adam froze. He hadn't known any of that. Hell, when he had seen the footage of Kent getting called out, he hadn't even focused on who was standing up to him. Had it really been Barrett of all people? And now the kid was being threatened? If that was true, Adam had been seriously wrong about the guy.
And shit. Adam had guessed that someone high up was covering this up but Crowell was actively threatening players? That was huge.
“I know Toronto wants to parade support for that asshole and bury Barrett but he is innocent good guy and doesn’t deserve it. I thought having two Toronto greats come to his game may cheer him.”
Suddenly Adam could see where this was all going.
“And having it on the same day as the show game in Toronto is just coincidence?” He asked.
He could practically hear Ilya’s smirk over the phone.
“I know nothing of any show games in Toronto. I am only caring about Ottawa and how I can support my team.”
“Of course.” Adam said. He was fighting down his own smile now.
He could see Ilya’s plan forming. If Crowell was threatening a player, the kid was probably terrified and feeling isolated. Crowell had power over the Hockey world but what he didn’t have was power over Adam. Adam wasn’t a player anymore. He couldn’t be forced to support Toronto and more to the point, no one could stop him going to an Ottawa match, especially if he was there to see his friend Wyatt Hayes. If he so happened to meet Troy Barrett and tell the kid he was doing the right thing, well, no one could stop him. It was his own opinion after all. And more to the point, no one could be punished, if Adam just so happend to attend of his own will. No one needed to know of this phone call.
“So hypothetically, if I did attend…” He said carefully.
“You and your boyfriend.” Ilya corrected and Adam felt warmth flood his body. When he had been invited to the Toronto match, it had been made very clear that Riley was to be left behind as a footnote in Adam’s past rather than his acknowledged partner. The fact that Ilya was almost making it an ultimatum that Riley be there, was actually so sweet.
“Yes, if me and Riles did attend, I am guessing we would be there in an unofficial capacity?” He said.
“Of course. Is just a game. I can have tickets set aside if you wish but would be rink side, not box. No special treatment.”
“You know…” Adam mused. “I haven’t been rink side at a professional game in years. I’ve almost forgotten how fun it can be, in the crowd with the fans.”
He could hear the Russian suppressing a chuckle over the phone.
“I will speak to Riles. Avery River can be a little dull this time of the year and he deserves a break. Maybe it would be nice to go on a short trip.” He mused.
“I will let you discuss with your boyfriend.” Ilya confirmed. “Oh, and do not be alarmed if a man named Harris Drover calls you. He is good at organising things and will help with anything you need.”
“Thanks Ilya. I guess we will be in contact soon with our answer.” Adam said. They quickly traded goodbyes before hanging up.
Once the phone was safely out of the way, Adam rested his palms on the kitchen bench, letting it take his full weight as he took several slow, controlled breaths.
Doing this would be an act of war. He knew that. It would be blatantly obvious to everyone, if he, Adam Sheppard, former Captain of Toronto, turned up at an Ottawa game instead of a highly publicised Toronto game. And yet, he knew it would be the right thing to do.
Toronto was not the team he had been honoured to be Captain of. Not the team where he had met his boyfriend, which had shaped his and Riley’s lives for most of their late teen and early adulthoods. It was not a team to be proud of. Not anymore.
But Ottawa seemed different. They were being accountable. Supporting a player doing the right thing. Adam could throw his own support behind that.
Reaching for the phone again, he decided to talk to the other person involved. Ilya had made it plain that Riley was a pivotal part of this plan and Adam had no intentions to leave his boyfriend out of the loop. He would see what Riley had to say and if he agreed, well, Adam was happy to follow the plan.
—--
In the end, it hadn’t even been a discussion. As soon as Adam had put the idea to Riley, his boyfriend was on board. Although Riley was also sad about Toronto, he was probably less blind to the failings of the team than Adam and had been ready to throw his support behind Ottawa.
And so, less than two weeks later, they found themselves in the city. The game against Florida had been on the Friday night. The training on Saturday morning, at the exact same time as the Toronto show game.
As Adam had predicted, being in the crowd had been great fun. They had gotten good seats courtesy of Ilya and his friend Harris Drover, just a few meters away from the ice and many in the crowd had recognised them. Both Adam and Riley had been approached for photos and autographs by happy fans. Even the Camera man running the kiss camera had caught them, Adam delighting in planting a smooch on his boyfriend in front of the cheering crowd.
After the game, they went out to dinner with the Hayes', Wyatt and his wife Lisa. Adam had enjoyed catching up with the younger man, hearing about his career and life in Ottawa. Wyatt was confidently predicting that Ottawa had a good shot at making the Playoffs, and based on what Adam had seen during the game, he was probably right to think that.
It had been a wonderful night.
The next morning, the two had made their way to the rink again for their planned meeting with the team. Ottawa’s coach, Brendon Wiebe and Harris, who Adam learnt was the social media and communications director, had met them outside and guided them to the ice where the team were warming up. Harris’ dog, Chiron, had also been waiting, looking adorable in a red and black scarf.
It had been nice.
Made even nicer when they had been spotted and the Centaurs had crowded around.
Wyatt had already been given the heads up that Adam and Riley were coming to training and of course Ilya knew. But the rest of the team had been taken by surprise.
Within moments of stepping onto the ice, the two former stars had been surrounded by an excited group of players, all wanting to meet them in person.
Adam had quickly found himself chatting and laughing in a way he hadn’t in years. It had been a long time since he had been surrounded by the team atmosphere and he had missed it. The Centaurs were a friendly bunch. More like a boisterous family than a team and Adam was glad he was here instead of in Toronto, making nice for the cameras.
Then finally, Adam got to meet the man he had been most interested in.
Troy Barrett had mostly hung around the edge of the group, watching but not approaching. In fact, Adam wasn’t sure if the kid would ever gather the courage to step forward until he had spied Harris giving the guy a not so gentle nudge in Adam’s direction.
Adam could remember Troy now, from their brief meeting that one time in Toronto. Troy had been just as standoffish then as he was now. Only that time, he had been following that Kent kid around, almost like a lost puppy with a potentially violent owner, trying to appease and not wanting to draw attention lest he receive a smack. Now the kid had no one to hide behind. No one to emulate. He had to be himself.
Troy, clearly uncertain, had glanced around wildly as he was pushed into Adam’s orbit, only relaxing a little when he received a wink from Ilya.
“Um, Hi.” He said.
“Hello Troy.” Adam said, holding out his hand for a handshake.
Troy had accepted it but still seemed jittery so Adam decided to make the first move.
“I’ve seen some of your work on social media. It’s impressive. I hope you keep it up.” He commented.
Adam had indeed seen Troy’s work. After they had decided to go to Ottawa, he and Riley had looked into the current team and had found Troy’s posts on his Instagram, promoting organisations supporting survivors of sexual violence. The kid had been busy since calling out Kent and his subsequent transfer. No wonder Crowell wanted to shut it down. It didn't look great for the League, if they were supporting Kent.
Troy looked a little stunned at Adam's words before he managed to muster up a small smile, finally releasing his hand. Adam got the feeling the guy didn't smile much. Hopefully that will change.
“Ah, thanks.” The kid muttered. He looked a little bashful at the praise, but Adam couldn't help but notice that Harris was standing behind him, a huge, proud smile on his face.
He glanced over at Ilya who was watching the interaction. The man gave him a meaningful look and Adam got it.
“And congratulations on the win last night.” Adam added. Troy had scored a goal the night before, helping his team to victory and deserved the acknowledgement. “You are a very talented player. I hope the people of Ottawa know how lucky they are.” He didn't add that he hoped Toronto was missing Troy. He was sure the kid could read between the lines.
Although the kid's face remained impassive, Adam could see his blue eyes light up.
“Thank you.” He said again, this time his voice was warmer.
Adam was about to say more when his attention was drawn away.
“Hey Shep!” Wyatt called from where he was standing with Riley and Boodram. “Any chance we can get you two legends on the ice for a friendly match?”
Adam laughed and shook his head.
“If I take one more hit, I think my physio therapist will murder me.”
“Booo!” Boodram called as beside him, Riley looked relieved. Well, Adam thought, that wouldn’t do. He grinned wickardly at his partner and could see the moment Riley registered what he was about to suggest.
“I guess Riles will just have to do the honours for both of us.” He said casually, grinning.
Riley glared at him as both Boodram and Hayes cheered, slapping his back.
“You can show them your famous fake out, Riles.” Adam continued.
“I haven’t played in years!” Riley protested.
It was a lie and Adam knew it. Yes, Riley had stopped skating for a long time after quitting hockey. In fact, in the whole time from his retirement to his and Adam’s reunion, the man had avoided stepping foot on the ice. But that had changed recently.
Hockey was a big part of Avery River, almost every kid playing for the local team for at least a season and yet, their local rink had been subpar. Adam, with his millions of dollars saved from years of professional Hockey, had seen no issues in channeling some of the funds into renovating the rink for the kids. And it hadn’t been all a selfless act. After all, that rink was where Riley had first learnt to play. Adam was simply preserving an important piece of history.
The Harvey Tuck Sports Centre had been opened with much fanfare and had a steady stream of visitors ever since. Including Adam and Riley.
Skating was a great exercise, and Adam had delighted in dragging Riley back into it. The two had spent hours on the ice together, laughing and skating and generally fooling around after the kids went home. Adam was correct that he wasn’t allowed to play but messing around with Riley after hours, casually passing the puck to each other had become their little secret.
Riley hadn’t lost his skills and honestly, Adam was keen to see him back on the ice and playing again in a team environment.
“Go on Riles!” Adam called, his voice joining the growing demands from the Centaurs. Even Coach Wiebe looked excited.
Sighing in defeat, Riley nodded and allowed Bood to drag him down the tunnel to the Centaur’s locker room
“Oh my god! He’s actually going to play? I have got to get this on camera!” An excited voice said. Adam turned to see Harris behind him, bounding in excitement. Troy, who was still at Adam’s side, actually laughed at the man’s enthusiasm.
“Leave the man alone Harris!” He said. Harris, rather than argue, grinned and poked his tongue out at him.
Adam bit his cheek. Even only knowing them for a few minutes, he could see there was a spark there. These kids weren’t subtle but it wasn’t his place to say anything. Instead he turned to Harris.
“Where’s the best place to watch?” He asked, before allowing the man to guide him down to the penalty box.
After a few minutes, Riley returned with half the players in tow. They had managed to find a spare training uniform for him and Adam had to admit, Riley looked like he belonged in the team uniform with the Centaurs.
Riley skated a few laps to warm up, casually pushing the puck around with the borrowed stick before nodding and skating towards Center Ice.
He joined a line with Boodram and Haas, the team deciding on three vs. three play. Hayes had jumped on the goals with a teasing chirp at Riley, challenging him to get past him.
“Alright Tuck. Show these kids some old school hockey.” Wiebe called from where he was observing.
“Damn, I wish I could be on the ice to film this.” Harris muttered.
Almost like he was summoned, Adam saw Ilya skate over. The Russian was not part of the game, the honours given to the younger players (And Boodram for suggesting it) to allow them to boast of playing with a great, so he was simply skating around. Immediately, he held out his hand.
“Here. You want film?” He asked, holding out his hand.
Harris laughed.
“Don’t break it.” He warned, handing the phone over.
Ilya grinned and skated away as Adam watched his boyfriend.
Riley had always been an enigma on the ice. Not the fastest or most flashy (He had left all that to Adam) but a smart player, able to play just about any position needed and with the ability to predict the outcome of a decision to an almost supernatural level.
In his rookie year, their old coach had constantly placed him on defence due to his size but the moment Adam had taken on the Captaincy, he had put Riley as his linemate. It had been a good choice; Riley always seemed to know where Adam needed him. And where the rest of the team were lagging.
Adam remembered one particular game, years before. The score was tied and their coach had decided to pull their goalie for an extra attacker. It had been going well until one of their younger players had fumbled and suddenly, the captain of the opposing team had been heading unchecked towards the unguarded goals. Except they weren’t unguarded. Riley had already been there, blocking the shot and saving the game.
It just went to show what sort of player Riley was. A team player.
The game began, the puck dropped and Bood scooped it up, charging down the ice and trying to dodge the other players. Riley, as Adam knew he would, slotted into place, weaving between people like he had been playing for 20 years instead of retired.
The three worked together to move the puck towards the goals and Adam saw Wyatt brace to block the incoming shot. At the last second, Haas passed the puck to Riley. It wasn’t unexpected. After all, Riley was the guest and it was obvious the team was going to let him lead. But that didn’t mean they were going to make it easy for him.
Wyatt in particular, was not the sort to take a dive. Adam knew from their dinner the night before, Hayes would play as if he was competing for the Stanley Cup. But he hadn’t been on the other end of a Riley Tuck trick shot.
As he approached, Riley feigned to the right. It was a common trick, designed to try and get the goalie looking the wrong way. Wyatt was ready for it, already moving away from the area to block what he was certain was a fake out. What he didn’t realise was Riley was waiting for him to commit to calling the bluff before he switched sides for a second time, smacking the puck into the air and sending it sailing into the top left corner of the net. Realising his mistake, Wyatt threw up his hand in a wild attempt to block the shot, but he was too late, the puck hitting the back of the net.
“Fuck yes Tuck!” Bood called.
The rest of the Centaurs also broke into rowdy celebrations, regardless of which side they were on for the match. Adam grinned, watching as the team skated to Riley to celebrate. Even Wyatt abandoned his goals to give Riley a fist bump.
“Go Riles!” He called, clapping as beside him, Harris grinned.
“That was awesome.” The man said. “I hope Ilya got good footage because that has to go on Instagram.”
Adam just smiled proudly.
The game continued for a little longer, the players switching sides to play on the line with Riley. Riley didn’t score again but he did assist the rookie, Luca Haas in scoring while Adam continued to cheer him on. A few of the more seasoned players, Ilya and Troy amongst them, gathered with Adam and Harris to watch. Adam couldn't help but notice that Harris was leaning into Troy's side and that Troy had unconsciously placed his hand protectively on Harris' lower back
Finally, Wiebe reluctantly called time on the game.
“That was fantastic!” Luca Haas gasped out as the kids skated back to the team. They were all sweaty and a few of the kids were even questioning how Riley, long retired, had managed to keep up. It was clear the man had gained new fans.
After the team had gathered, Harris requested a team photo with both Adam and Riley. Quickly everyone crowded around, only pausing when Ilya demanded their attention so he could present Adam and Riley with custom Centaur’s jerseys. Adam grinned as he saw ‘Tuck’ and ‘Sheppard’ on the backs, along with their old numbers.
The photo was quickly snapped, Adam making sure that he was standing between Riley and Troy, his arm casually slung over the younger player's shoulder and his boyfriend pressed against his side. The message couldn’t be more clear.
He was on Troy’s side. And always will be.
—--
A few hours later, Adam was back in the hotel room with Riley. The two were naked and coming down from a particularly creative round of sex (So what if Adam thought his boyfriend looked just as hot in the borrowed Hockey gear as he did when they were 20? And so what if he wanted to show his appreciation once they were alone?)
They had a few free hours before they planned to head out to a bar called ‘Monks’ to meet the Ottawa players for a goodbye drink and were making use of their time.
Riley was resting his head against Adam’s good shoulder, casually stroking his chest and Adam had been considering a second round when he heard his phone ping on the bedside table.
He turned to glance at it. Although he knew it was rude to look at his phone during sex, he was curious. It would be out now, that he had Riley had been in Ottawa instead of Toronto and Adam was waiting to see the fallout.
“Oh go on.” Riley muttered, pressing a kiss against Adam’s skin. “You want to look.”
Adam grinned, pressing his forehead against the crown of Riley’s head in thanks before reaching for his phone.
There were a lot of notifications on his phone. But the one he was most interested in, was a text message from Harris.
Adam opened it to find a link. The link immediately took him to an Instagram post on the official Ottawa Centaurs page. It was a short video of Riley on the ice, scoring the goal against Wyatt. Underneath, Harris had written ‘If the great #RileyTuck ever decides to come out of retirement, Ottawa calls dibs on his contract’ #bestintheleague #mentalhealthadvocate
Adam smiled. He was so proud of his boyfriend. He was about to turn the phone around to show Riley the video when the page refreshed. A new post had been added seconds ago. This time, it was the team photo. Adam could see himself and Riley, crowded on all sides by the Centaurs players. Everyone was smiling, looking happy. Even Troy Barrett at Adam’s side, had a small but hopeful smile.
Adam was considering replying to the post when he saw Harris send him another text. This time, when he opened it, he was greeted by a close up of the same picture. Instead of the whole team, it showed him standing with Troy on one side and Riley on the other.
Still smiling, Adam saved the picture to his phone before putting it back on the bedside table and turning his attention back to his boyfriend. He got the feeling he would probably need it sooner rather than later.
—-
Only a few months later, news broke that Dallas Kent was arrested for the sexual assault of five young women. Footage of him being paraded away from the Toronto Rink in handcuffs flooded the internet and soon, all forms of social media was inundated with people backtracking their stance on the situation.
Famous hockey players came out to say they supported survivors, that their initial comments on the situation were taken out of context. That the pictures of them with Kent at the Toronto Show Game were just from a brief meeting and they didn’t know the guy. Didn’t realise he was a monster.
And quietly, uploaded to an Instagram account named @adamsheppardofficial was a photo.
A photo of former players Adam Sheppard and Riley Tuck with current player Troy Barrett.
The caption underneath was simple and pointed.
‘Never met a player who shows more integrity than @troybarrett17. Congrats on him and @Ottawacentaursofficial for their fantastic season. I can’t wait to see what’s next for this team.’