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Ilya stomped out his cigarette. The fact that he had enough time to finish one is unusual. Normally Shane would have left the arena and met him in the parking lot by now.
Normally after there teams play each other they meet in the parking lot and head to one of their ‘apartments’. This time they where in Montréal so they where heading to Shane’s ‘sex dungeon’ as Ilya called it. He still couldn’t believe Shane bought an entire building for them to fuck in. Shane definitely had a real-estate fetish.
Ilya decided he had enough of waiting around for Shane and decided to go looking for him. It was cold, not Russia winter cold but cold enough where Ilya didn’t want to be hanging around too long. Knowing Shane he’s been held up by some fans and was being too polite to tell them he had better places to be. Preferably in Shane’s stupidly comfy bed making those sweet noises Ilya loved to drag out of him. With that thought in mind Ilya headed back inside.
Ilya walked around for a few minutes finding that it was mostly empty, just the usual security and cleaning staff. Not surprising as the game ended over an hour ago at this point and they were rather good at clearing the arena quickly after games. Makes it easier for players and their families to leave without being mobbed by fans. Most players don’t mind meeting and talking to fans loved it in fact but after games most just want to go home and be with their families or go back to their hotel.
Eventually Ilya found Shane but instead of being surrounded by adoring fans like he expected Shane is crouching down talking to a little boy who was rubbing his red eyes looking up at Shane in awe. Ilya had a pretty good guess as to what’s happened. The little boy who couldn’t be older than 11 years old must of been here with his parents and gotten lost in the crowd leaving the area then scared he hid until he found the first familiar face to ask for help. To be fair getting lost is easily done Ilya had done so many times as a child. The kid is smart for asking for help.
Ilya approached the pair, purposely at an angle so the little boy could see him as he must be scared enough as is he didn’t need a stranger making him jump as well. “Hey Hollander who’s your friend?” Ilya asked coming to a stop a couple of feet away. No need to make the boy feel crowded. Shane turned slightly in Ilyas direction a look of relief flashing on his face before gesturing to the boy “This is Luca. He was just telling me that he came here on holiday with his family” Shane said with a smile.
“You’re Ilya Rozanov” Luca mutters like he can’t believe what’s he’s seeing. His eyes flicking back and forth between Shane and Ilya so fast Ilya is surprised he’s not getting dizzy. “A man of great taste I see. It’s nice to meet you Luca” Ilya smirks before it changes into a kind smile as he slowly lifts his hand to shake the boys much smaller hand. Luca gently takes Ilyas hand a small gasp leaving his mouth then they made contact as if he was expecting Ilya to be a figment to f his imagination. Ilya noted the small colossus on his hands, smaller than his own but definitely there. “You a hockey player Luca?” Ilya asked. “Uh- Yes I play for school” Luca answered is accent coming out a bit, a small proud smile on his very round baby face. Ilya felt his heart literally melt. He would die for this baby boy. “I’m sure you’re a very good player.” Ilya assured with a smile and a gentle hand squeeze before letting go.
“How on earth did you know that?” Shane asked a look of confusion on his face. “I am the best player in the league Hollander. I know a future superstar when I see one” Ilya said with a wink. “Well how about we start to have a look for your family? I’m sure they are worried” Shane asked turning back to Luca with a small smile. When Luca gave a small nod Shane stud back up his knee giving a loud crack.
“You okay there old man? Do you need help walking with your geriatric knees?” Ilya joked turning and holding out a bent arm as if to link arms with him, sending a wink over to Luca making him giggle. “Oh fu-fudge you Rozanov I’m only like 3 weeks older than you! Where did you learn that word anyway?” Shane quickly catching the swear word before it slipped out, shoving Ilya away with a small smile before turning to Luca and offering him a hand. “You do know I’ve heard the word fuck before right?” Luca asked with a small laugh “I’m 11 not 2” Luca finished grabbing Shane’s outstretched hand. Ilya did a mental fist pump at guessing the boys age right.
“Hollander is physically incapable of swearing in public especially if there are young impressionable ears around” Ilya teased quickly cover Lucas ears for a second before gently take his other hand. “Let go to one of the security guards. They must have reported you missing by now” he reasoned leading them towards where he last saw a security guard.
“My mamma is gonna kill me.” Luca whined as they walked down the hallway. “I’m sure she will be relieved that you are okay” Ilya assured. “I’ve been in your situation many of times” Ilya added with a small smile remembering his mother held him extra tight that night. “Me too. My sense of direction is horrible” Shane added his own story with a laugh.
Soon they found a security guard. Lucas family had reported him missing and were currently searching outside the arena. “We will stay with you till your family gets here.” Shane reassured Luca when the boys grip on their hands tightened. “Ye I would like to meet the family who have made such an amazing kid” Ilya assured with a wink.
“LUCA!” A frantic voice cried out as a woman rushed towards them. “Luca, tack gode Gud att du mår bra!! Var var du?” (Luca thank god you are alright!! Where were you?) the woman who Ilya guessed was Lucas mother gushed as she grabbed hold of Luca. “Mamma, jag gömmer mig när jag inser att jag inte kan se dig! Du kan inte tro vem som hittade mig!” (mum I hide when i realized i couldn't see you! You won't believe who found me!) Luca rushed grabbing hold of his mother’s hands as they cupped his face, tears gathering in his eyes. At that Lucas mother looked up from her son and spotted Shane and Ilya who smiled and gave a small wave. “Det är männen från dina affischer!” (It’s the men from your posters) The woman muttered in shock “Mamma” Luca whined his face turning red with embarrassment much to Ilyas amusement.
“Hi I’m Shane Hollander. I’m so glad we managed to find you” Shane introduced himself holding out his hand. “Jenifer, thank you so much for finding Luca I was worried sick” Jenifer thanked pulling Shane into a quick hug before turning to Ilya and doing the same. “Ilya Rozanov. It was no problem really. Your son is lovely.” Ilya said with a smile before turning back to Luca “I didn’t ask before but what position do you play?” Ilya asked. “Oh we change it around a lot so we get use to them all I prefer playing right wing tho” Luca replied with a smile. “An excellent position. I’m rather paschal to playing Center myself” Ilya joked with an exaggerated point at himself making the other laugh.
They talked for a bit about there holiday what they had done so far and what they had planned for he rest of the 2 weeks that they where visiting a family friend who had moved to Montréal a few years before hand, and a bit more about Luca’s hockey team. “They are never gonna believe me when I tell them I met you guys!” Luca complained with a huff thinking about the chirps his team will through out thinking he lied. “Well how about this. We take a photo for you to show your friends and sign your jersey?” Shane suggested gently squeezing Lucas shoulders. “Yes I’m sure you will be the coolest kid in school with this story. Being saved by the two best players in the league. A truly excellent choice in jersey by the way” Ilya said looking down at Luca’s Boston 81 jersey. Luca simply grinned and nodded in reply, flapping his arms a bit in a happy dance. Ilya somehow felt his heart turn into even more of a puddle, this kid really was adorable.
Soon the pictures were taken and Lucas jersey was signed and it was time for them to part ways. “Well best be leaving Luca your pappa and sisters are waiting outside and I’m sure Mr Hollander and Mr Rozanov need to be getting home” Jenifer said with a kind smile. “Okay” Luca agreed sadly “Thank you again for helping me” it was clear that he didn’t want this to end. Ilya crouched down to Lukas hight “It was no problem at all Luca. Now I need you to promise me something” Ilya said with a smile. Luca tilted his head in confusion like a puppy. Ilya wanted to protect this boy from all that was wrong in the world. “You keep practicing. I’m sure your backhand is already better than Hollanders. Like I said earlier I know a future superstar when I see you an he’s standing right in front of me. Someday we will see you on the ice.” Ilya said with a smile. He 100% believed what he was saying too.
“First of all my backhand is fine. And second of all he’s right you know. He’s not the only one who can see it.” Shane said opening his arms offering Luca a hug which he of course accepted and the one Ilya offered as well. “In fact what is your last name Luca?” Ilya asked. “Haas why?” Luca asked his brow scrunched in confusion. “So we know who to look out for of course!” Shane said with a laugh as he ruffled Lucas hair. Luca didn’t know whether to beam at the show of affection from one of his idols or complain about his hair being messed up. Ilya decided it messes his hair up even more making Luca laugh in delight.
They said their goodbyes before Shane and Ilya finally after also most 3 hours make their way back to Shane’s car. Once they were in settled and on the road Ilya broke the comfortable silence. “He’s a good kid, gonna be a great player one day” Ilya said with a smile “oh ye definitely. Rookie of the year do you think?” Shane asked the pulled up to a red light. “Of course the kid is gonna give us a run for our money someday” Ilya said “I can’t wait to meet him on the ice” he added with a laugh Shane softly joining in.
There was no doubt about it they were gonna meet Luca Haas again.