Chapter Text
Unknown Number
Unknown
Hi, is this Lily?
Lily
Who is this?
Unknown
I’m Jackie, Hayden Pike's wife? We’re friends of Shane's.
Lily
Hello.
How did you get my number?
Unknown
Please don't tell Shane but I asked Hayden to snoop on his phone.
We know you’ve been dating for a while and we’re planning a surprise birthday party for Shane so we wanted to invite you.
Lily
I don't think I can come.
Unknown
Oh I thought you might be around for his birthday. You're from Boston right?
Lily
I will be with him but I don't think he wants me to meet his friends.
Unknown
But you’ve been dating for so long! And we all know you exist. Surely it wouldn't be a problem.
Lily
I don't know.
Unknown
Maybe I can still add you to the group chat so you can help us choose a gift and everything? And then we’d get to know each other. His birthday is in a month so you can decide later whether you want to come.
Lily
Ok.
Birthday planning team 🎂
Jackie
Hey everyone! We’ll get to the planning soon but first I thought we could chat a little and learn to know each other since some of us have never met.
For now there's only five of us but let me know if there's other people we should invite!
Hayden
Thanks babe for taking care of this ❤️
Jackie
Don't think I'll do all the planning on my own, I'm still counting on you Hayden.
JJ
Unlike your husband, I promise to help 🫡
Shane gets along fine with the other guys on the team but they’re not really that close. I guess it depends on how many people you want at this party.
Jackie
Yeah, Hayden said the same thing.
Rose
Hi everyone! Thank you so much for inviting me! I’m shooting a movie rn so I don't know if I'll be able to help a lot but I'll do my best. So excited to meet all of you!
Shane doesn't really like big crowds, so a small group might be for the best. Especially since it’s his birthday, we should make sure he has a good time!
Jackie
Noted. We'll just keep the group small then!
And no worries! I knew you would be busy (can't wait to see the movie!!!) so it’s really not a problem. Having you at the party will already be amazing!
Hayden
So she’s excused from planning but I'm not?
Jackie
Are you shooting a movie?
Hayden
No
Jackie
I thought so.
Jackie Pike
Lily
You didn't tell me Rose Landry would be here.
Jackie
I asked Hayden to get her number from Shane's phone when he got yours! I didn't get to meet her when they were dating so I'm so excited! Can you believe a movie star is coming to our party?
Lily
Amazing.
Jackie
Oh my god I can't believe I didn't think of that.
Lily I'm sorry.
They seem to be such good friends now, it just made sense to invite her.
Lily
I get it.
Shane will be happy.
Jackie
I assume you haven't met her?
Lily
No.
Don't really want to.
But now I may have to come to keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't get too close to my Shane.
Jackie
She seems very respectful and considerate, I doubt she’d do anything.
But if it gets you to come then maybe it's a good thing 😇
Lily
I still have to think about it.
Jackie
It's ok, you still have time to decide!
Birthday planning team 🎂
JJ
I can't believe we might finally meet Lily after all this time.
The reason for our captain’s wellbeing and sanity.
And ours by proxy.
Hayden
Yeah, I have to say I'm really happy you guys got back together. He was really miserable without you.
No offense Rose.
Rose
None taken! I know I wasn't really doing it for him haha.
But I'm sorry, who’s Lily?
Jackie
She's Shane’s girlfriend! I thought you knew, sorry!
They were dating but had a bad breakup before you guys got together and then they started dating again more recently.
At least that's what we assumed based on Shane's mood and a few texts that the guys saw on his phone. He’s very secretive about this.
Lily
Yes we started seeing each other again after your breakup but we only became a real thing last summer. We were never official before that.
Rose
Oh! I knew he was seeing someone but I didn't know your name! He's very secretive indeed.
Lily
I am too. I am not sure I will come to the party because of this.
Rose
I see. But I’d love to meet you if you come!
Boyfriend stealer
Boyfriend stealer
Hello “Lily”
Lily
Hello “Rose Landry”
Why are we using quotes?
Boyfriend stealer
Because I know Shane's gay as hell.
So if you are really dating him, there's no way you are a girl.
Lily
You are a girl and he dated you.
Boyfriend stealer
Yeah and he gave me some of the worst sex I’ve had in my life.
And him being gay is the reason we broke up.
Come on, what's your real name? He told me he had a boyfriend but he won't tell me anything about you.
Lily
I am not telling you.
Boyfriend stealer
Come oooooon
Lily
No.
And stay away from my boyfriend.
Boyfriend stealer.
Oh wow.
Are you jealous??
Shane is super gay and so in love with you, you really have nothing to worry about.
He won't tell me who you are or show me a picture, but he won't stop telling me how much he loves you.
It’s kinda boring honestly.
But I’m sure we could be good friends if you give me a chance!
Lily
I doubt that.
Birthday planning team 🎂
JJ
Where are we doing this btw?
Jackie
Probably at our place. Yuna and David have offered to host, but considering Lily might come it’s probably a bad idea.
We’re already inviting Lily behind his back, I don't think Shane would want us to introduce her to his parents without him knowing.
Lily
I have met Yuna and David already.
Jackie
WHAT
Hayden
Wtf?
JJ
Shane will barely admit to us that you exist but he has introduced you to his parents?
Jackie
OMG that's huge Lily!!! How did it go?
Lily
It was on accident.
We were at his cottage last summer and his dad walked in on us kissing.
Shane had panic attack.
But now they love me like I'm their second son.
*child
Sorry, English is not my first language.
Jackie
That's amazing I'm so happy for you!!
Hayden
Wait.
You were at the cottage last summer?
Lily
That is what I said yes.
Hayden
I had an… interesting phone call with Shane when he was there.
He was trying to act normal but those noises weren't fooling anyone.
Lily
I don't know what you are talking about.
Jackie
What phone call? Why do I not know about this?
JJ
Yeah, tell us more Hayden
Lily
Pike, if you say anything I will tell Shane to give you the worst practice of your life.
Neverending drills. Until you collapse.
Hayden
Ok ok
I’d rather forget what I heard anyway.
You guys are freaks.
JJ
Omg
Were they having sex while on the phone?
Rose
Why are we talking about Shane’s sex life?
Lily
It is better now that you’re not in it.
Jackie
Come on girl, be nice.
I know the situation isn't ideal for you but I don't want drama on Shane’s birthday.
Rose
Don't worry Jackie, It’s just friendly banter.
Lily
I promise to be on my best behaviour for Shane.
Rose
Until we leave and you're alone with Shane. I doubt you will be so well-behaved then.
Lily
We do get very freaky when we’re alone.
Rose
Alone or on the phone with someone else, apparently.
Hayden
Can we stop talking about our Captain’s sex life please.
JJ
You’re the one who brought it up!
Hayden
Yeah and then Lily started threatening me! I don't want to hear about how he fucks her.
Rose
I’m pretty sure Lily fucks him.
Jackie
Rose!
JJ
She did say they get freaky.
Jackie
Not helping, JJ.
Lily
😈
Boyfriend stealer
Boyfriend stealer
I said it was friendly banter but we're good, right?
Like Jackie said, we should avoid drama in front of the birthday boy.
Lily
We are good.
You are more funny than I thought.
Boyfriend stealer
Thank you?
Lily
You’re welcome
Boyfriend stealer
I can't believe you got away with saying you’re David and Yuna’s second son by pretending English is not your first language.
Lily
I do not pretend.
Boyfriend stealer
Really?
Shane mentioned you had an accent but I thought you were British or something.
Lily
Is true Shane loves my accent. He asks me to say ‘I love you’ in my language all the time.
Boyfriend stealer
Boring
Lily
Do not worry, I teach him many dirty words.
Boyfriend stealer
Nice
Jane <3
Lily
I have an idea.
Jane <3
Should I be scared?
Lily
No no.
You remember when you said you were ready to come out to friends and tell them about me?
I know how we can do that.
Jane <3
Oh? Tell me more.
Lily
I can't.
It’s a surprise.
But it will be fun.
Jane <3
Now I’m scared.
Please don't do anything stupid.
Lily
Of course not.
I know it is very important.
Do you trust me?
Jane <3
I do. But not knowing what you’re planning is not really helping.
Can't you tell me anything about it?
Lily
I think we should just kiss in front of them.
But you can say something first if you want.
Jane <3
Who are we talking about exactly?
Lily
The Pikes and JJ.
Jane <3
Ok, that sounds good.
Lily
And your girlfriend.
Jane <3
??
Rose?
Lily
So she still is your girlfriend.
Jane <3
You know she’s not.
How long are you going to stay mad about this?
Lily
Probably forever.
You are lucky I still love you.
Jane <3
I love you too
Birthday planning team 🎂
Jackie
Ok I received payment from everyone so I'll send Hayden to pick up the gift tomorrow.
JJ
Amazing, thank you Jackie!
Hayden
No ‘thank you’ for me? I'm the one doing all the work here!
JJ
You’re only doing what Jackie told you.
Rose
Yeah, thank you Jackie!
Lily
Thank you Jackie!
Hayden
Wow.
Jackie
Do you have anything to add, Hayden?
Hayden
Thank you babe
Jackie
Better.
So my lovely husband will pick up the gift tomorrow and I've placed a cake order this morning.
JJ are you still taking care of the drinks?
JJ
Yep I stocked up on booze and I’ll get a bunch of ginger ale for cap.
Jackie
Perfect, thank you!
Lily
Thank you JJ!
Rose
Thanks JJ!!
Hayden
Really?
JJ
You’ve got a problem, Pike?
Hayden
It seems like you guys have a problem with me!
Jackie
Of course not babe
Btw thank you girls for choosing the gift! Couldn't have done it without you.
JJ
Yeah thank you!!
Hayden
Alright I get it.
Lily
You are so easily offended Pike.
Anyway.
Everyone, I have good news!
I am officially coming to the party 🥳
Jackie
Omg really???
JJ
I can't wait to see cap’s face when he realises we've met you
Rose
Do you think he’s going to be mad?
Hayden
Maybe a little.
Lily
Don't worry he will be too busy kissing me 🥰
Jackie
Lily you’ll have to make sure he knows you’re happy to come and that you think it was a good idea
Lily
He will not be mad, I promise.
Boyfriend stealer
Boyfriend stealer
Wait
If you’re coming
Does that mean you guys are gonna come out??
Lily
Well I'm not going to pretend to be a woman for the party.
Boyfriend stealer
You could wear a wig
Lily
I would not hide my beautiful curls.
Boyfriend stealer
Wow, finally some information about what you look like!
But for real, he knows you're planning to tell the others, right?
Lily
No he doesn't know because I hate my boyfriend so I'm doing this behind his back.
You think I'm stupid?
Boyfriend stealer
Alright yeah that was a dumb question.
Sorry.
But you didn't tell him about the surprise birthday, did you?
Lily
Wow you really think I am stupid.
Boyfriend stealer
Ok I'll just stop asking questions
Lily
Good
Boyfriend stealer
But I was thinking
Lily
Wow
I didn't know you could do that.
Boyfriend stealer
Shut up
You remember when Jackie said that Yuna and David had offered to host the party? Maybe it would be a good idea.
It might reassure Shane to have them around when he comes out to the others, since they’ve already met you.
Lily
That is good idea.
Birthday planning team 🎂
Lily
Hey Jackie, do you think it’s too late to accept Yuna and David’s offer to host?
Jackie
There's only a week left but we could still ask!
Do you think Shane would like it better there?
Lily
Maybe yes
Hayden
He’d be less likely to yell at us in front of his parents if he's mad
JJ
True
Lily
I will text Yuna.
Yuna Hollander
Ilya
Hello Mrs Hollander.
I have a request for Shane's birthday.
Yuna
Ilya, I’ve told you a hundred times to stop calling me that.
Ilya
Sorry. Yuna.
Yuna
What can I do for you?
Ilya
I have heard you offered to host the birthday party for Shane. Is it still possible?
Yuna
Of course! Does that mean you’re coming?
Ilya
Yes I will be there.
But you cannot tell anyone! Is surprise.
For Shane and his friends.
Yuna
I thought his friends were the ones planning the party?
Ilya
Yes they are. But they don't know Shane is gay, they think he has girlfriend named Lily.
I am Lily.
We will be coming out to them at the party.
It will be nice to have you to support Shane.
Yuna
I see.
Of course, we’ll be here for him. And for you.
Ilya
Thank you, Mrs Hollander.
Yuna
Rozanov.
Ilya
Sorry. Thank you, Yuna.
Birthday planning team 🎂
Jackie
Alright everyone, big day tomorrow!!
The Hollanders are expecting us for 6pm to set up everything, Shane should arrive at 7pm.
Rose
I can't wait to finally meet all of you!!
JJ
I can't believe we’re going to meet Rose fucking Landry!
Hayden
I can't believe we're going to meet THE Boston Lily after all this time!
Boyfriend stealer
Lily
Rose
Boyfriend stealer
You're outshining me, they're more excited about meeting you than meeting me!
I’m almost jealous
Lily
Rose.
Can we be serious for a second please.
Boyfriend stealer
Oh
What's wrong?
Lily
I think I'm a little anxious.
Boyfriend stealer
About meeting the others?
Lily
No about meeting your dad.
Yes about meeting the others.
Boyfriend stealer
It’s gonna be ok, don't worry!!
You’ll be with Shane! And David and Yuna will be there, and they love you, don't they?
Lily
Yes.
But I have to meet the others before Shane arrives.
Boyfriend stealer
I’ll be with you!
Lily
Yes.
The thing is I'm a little anxious about meeting you too.
Boyfriend stealer
I promise I don't bite
Lily
I hope not.
Only Shane is allowed.
Boyfriend stealer
I don't want to know
Do you want to meet me for coffee before joining the others? Would that help?
Lily
Maybe.
I should change your name in my phone.
Boyfriend stealer
Why? What's my name?
Lily
Nothing special.
Boyfriend stealer
Sure
Let's meet for coffee at 4pm
Lily
Ok
Thank you Rose.
—
Ilya saw her from the other side of the street. He was too scared to move. What would she think? How was she going to react? Would she even recognise him? Understand that he’s Lily?
His anxious thoughts suddenly stopped when she waved at him, a big smile on her face. He finally found the courage to cross the street, and Rose gently wrapped her arms around him.
“I had a feeling it might be you.”
“You're not mad?”
“Why would I be? I'm finally meeting the man who brings joy to my best friend.”
They talked for an hour, Rose seemed to have a hundred questions for Ilya. It felt good, to be able to talk to someone about Shane without using a fake name, and to be himself with someone new. Ilya didn't have many close friends, but after that hour, he knew Rose could be one of them.
“So what's the plan?”
“I can't tell the others that I’m Lily until Shane arrives.”
“They’re going to ask how Ilya Rozanov ended up at his sworn enemy’s surprise birthday party.”
“I already talked to Yuna about it, it should be fine. But we should probably not get there at the same time.”
“Alright. I’ll go there first. If the others are dicks to you, I'll come save you.”
“Thank you.”
—
When he knocked on the door, Ilya heard what he assumed was Jackie’s voice
“Lily’s finally here!”
The smile on her face quickly faded when she recognised Ilya.
“Uh- Hi?”
“Hello.”
“What are doing h-”
“Ilya! Come on in!”
Jackie turned around to look at Yuna, confused. Hayden and JJ were standing next to her.
“You invited him?” Hayden asked.
“Yeah, of course! He and Shane are very good friends.”
Ilya heard a small laugh. He turned to see Rose, hiding her smile behind her hand.
“Ilya, come help me with the food.”
“I’ll help too!” Rose said cheerfully.
They followed Yuna, passing in front of the others who seemed to be frozen in shock. Once in the kitchen, Ilya let out a big sigh.
“Thank you for quickly getting me out of there.”
He felt Rose's hand stroking his back in a reassuring gesture.
“How do you feel?” she asked.
“My heart is pounding.”
“You don't have to talk to them until Shane gets here if you don't want to.”
“I can hear them whisper in the other room.”
He couldn't help but imagine what they were saying. Nothing nice, for sure.
His phone buzzed.
Jackie
Lily, are you on your way? Shane should be here soon!!
Ilya looked at his phone, unable to do anything. Yuna patted his shoulder gently.
“It’s gonna be ok, don't worry.”
Time passed terribly slowly until it was time for them to gather in the living room. Even with the lights off, he could feel the others looking at him. He had trouble breathing, his heart was racing. He was starting to feel dizzy when Rose grabbed his hand.
“It’s gonna be ok,” she whispered.
He squeezed her hand in return.
They finally heard keys turning in the lock, and the door opened. When the lights turned on and everyone yelled “Happy Birthday!”, the smile on Shane's face removed a weight from Ilya’s heart.
Shane greeted his friends, hugging them one after the other, but he kept glancing at Ilya. When he finally got to him, Shane grabbed both of Ilya’s hands and suddenly every single one of his worries disappeared.
“That’s the idea you were talking about?”
“Yes. Do you like it?”
“I do.”
Ilya noticed the silence surrounding them, he knew everyone was looking. Behind Shane, he saw Rose smiling fondly. He took a deep breath and squeezed Shane's hands tighter.
“So, do you want to say something first?” Ilya asked.
“I don't.”
Before Ilya had time to think, Shane closed the gap between them with a kiss. He heard a few gasps, and Rose’s joyful laugh, but the only thing that mattered to him in this moment was his boyfriend’s lips.
He looked at Shane for a few seconds, as if they were all alone in the world, and finally turned to look at the others.
“Sorry everyone, Lily’s not coming.”