Chapter Text
September
“I win! I am the winner! I will go down in history as the fastest, the most talented, the best-"
“Oh my god, Ilya,” Shane rolls his eyes. “You unpacked your boxes slightly faster than me, and you’re acting like you won the cup-"
“I have won the cup. Before you did, in case you forgot-"
“You’re an idiot,” Shane groans, collapsing down onto the very comfortable couch that was delivered earlier today, despite the fact that he still has one box left to unpack.
It was his idea to turn the unpacking into a competition, knowing it would motivate Ilya to actually deal with all the stuff that arrived from Boston today instead of trying to convince Shane to christen every inch of the new house with sex.
Obviously, it was a good one, since they’ve already finished with all the kitchen and living room stuff and it’s not even dark outside yet. The rest can wait - Shane will be here for a few more days, and they have no obligations other than dinner at his parents’ house tomorrow night.
Ilya plops down on the couch next to him, leaving virtually no room between them, and throws an arm around Shane’s shoulders.
They’ve spent almost every day together since Ilya was eliminated from the playoffs in May - mostly at the cottage, but also a bit of time in Montreal and at Ilya’s now-sold home in Boston - and they still can’t get enough of each other. It’s by far the most time they’ve ever had, but Shane knows it’s just going to be harder when they have to separate for the season.
“Thank you for helping me with all of this,” Ilya says softly, nuzzling his nose against Shane’s temple.
“Of course, it’s nothing. Just unpacked a few boxes.”
It really is nothing, not compared to switching teams and moving to another country for the sake of their relationship.
“You did more than that, helping me organize the movers and find this house to buy and everything else,” Ilya reminds him. “Was much less stressful than last time I moved.”
“Last time you moved, you were eighteen and in a completely foreign country where you didn’t know anyone,” Shane says. “This was always going to be easier, but I’m happy I could help.”
He still thinks about how scared Ilya must’ve been back then. He always seemed so stoic and sure of himself, at least in the rare glimpses of him Shane got in those days, but Shane can’t even imagine what it would’ve been like to move away from his family and everything that was familiar to him at such a young age. Even the move from Ottawa to Montreal was kind of daunting, and that was with his parents just two hours away and his mom staying with him for the first month to ease his transition.
“It is a really nice house,” Shane comments, looking around at the high ceilings and the natural light coming in from the back windows.
He had been the one to find it online, and had asked his mom to take a look at it while they were at the cottage back in June. Ilya’s transfer wasn’t finalized yet, so it would’ve been too suspicious for him to go in person.
Of course, Ilya trusted Yuna implicitly and decided to put in an offer a couple of weeks later, as soon as he signed with the team. He didn’t want to jinx anything going wrong, but Shane had already been certain the deal would go through - Ottawa had the space and the salary cap for him, so they probably couldn’t believe their luck when Ilya’s agent reached out. They pretty much struck gold with Ilya Rozanov wanting to come to their team, for reasons nobody outside their very inner circle could begin to comprehend.
Ilya also struck gold - not just because he’s closer to Shane now and will be able to get his Canadian citizenship eventually, which were the main reasons for the move, but in the literal sense. His record-breaking new contract, along with the sale of his house in Boston, made the purchase of one of the most expensive houses on the market in Ottawa feel like pocket change to him.
“Yes, I am happy with it,” Ilya smiles. “Too big for just me, but so was the old house.”
“Well, you’ll have company a lot more,” Shane points out, squeezing his thigh. “Mom’s already talking about coming next week to help you decorate.”
“That is very nice of her,” Ilya hums, leaning further into his embrace. “Sveta might come visit soon, too.”
“That will be nice.”
Shane no longer bears any resentment toward Svetlana, not now that he and Ilya are so committed and he knows that she poses no threat whatsoever to their relationship. They’ve even met a couple of times now, and Shane’s found her to be a lovely person and a great friend to Ilya.
She also lives in Boston most of the year, when she’s not in Moscow - two homes that Ilya has given up or someday will give up completely for Shane.
He finds himself going down this path of thinking often, worrying that Ilya will be unhappy or resent him for everything he’s given up. Not just Boston, where he’s lived his entire adult life, but also the team that drafted him and where he won his first cup. Probably his only cup, at least for a while, considering the state of the Centaurs.
But then Ilya looks at him how he’s currently looking at him - with big, shining, eyes that Shane can only describe as the colour of the ocean and a soft smile reserved only for him - and he feels a lot better about it.
He’s reminded that Ilya loves him as much as he loves Ilya, which is an absurd and unquantifiable amount, and that everything he’s given up and everything they both risk every day they’re together is in service of that love.
“What are you thinking about?” Ilya murmurs, playing with a strand of Shane’s hair at the nape of his neck.
“Just how much I love you,” Shane replies.
It’s been over a year now, but he still can’t believe he gets to answer that question honestly - well, at least to Ilya. When Hayden asked him why he was grinning at his phone like an idiot during the Pikes’ barbecue last weekend, he had to lie and say someone sent him a funny meme when in reality Ilya was texting him about all the rooms they were going to “break in” in Shane’s new house in Montreal when he got back.
Ilya’s smile grows impossibly bigger as he tugs Shane into his lap and kisses him.
“We’re not done unpacking,” Shane reminds him between kisses, already losing conviction by the second.
“We are taking a break,” Ilya says, lightly grabbing his ass with one hand and pulling off his own t-shirt with the other. “I unpacked the lube, the rest can wait for tomorrow.”
Shane rolls his eyes, but he really can’t argue with that.
They’ve done more than enough today, and he’s very excited to try out the brand new king-sized bed waiting for them in Ilya’s room.
“Take me upstairs, Rozanov.”
The first week back for preseason is always a bit rough, getting into the swing of the rigorous practice schedule again.
This year, it comes with two new challenges for Shane:
- He has to be apart from Ilya - only two hours now, but still - after spending basically the whole summer together for the first time.
- He’s decided that he wants to come out to his team and he’s fucking terrified.
He’s never really had to come out before, at least not in the traditional sense. He told Ilya he was gay after fucking him for the better part of the decade, Rose figured it out herself, and his dad literally walked in on him making out with his arch rival.
There are a couple of reasons he wants to share his sexuality with the team. For one thing, he would really like to be able to share something as important as his relationship with Ilya with his best friend, and he would rather ease Hayden into things than ripping off the Rozanov band-aid. He’s also really sick of lying and hiding his true self from the people he spends most of his time with - he doesn’t think he can tolerate one more teammate trying to set him up with a hot girl.
It’s still risky. He’s heard a lot of homophobic jokes thrown around over the years, and he doesn’t know how much of that is just “locker room talk” and how much is genuine prejudice.
He knows that some of the guys probably won’t see him the same afterward, that it might affect their dynamic, but he just can’t bring himself to care anymore. He already knows he’s going to spend the rest of his life with Ilya, so he’s going to have to deal with the backlash at some point. He might as well start small.
The morning of the last practice of the first week before preseason games begin, he texts Ilya.
Shane
Today’s the day. I said I was gonna do it the first week so I don’t lose my nerve. Gonna tell Hayden on the way to practice then the rest of the team.
Lily
I am so proud of you. You are being very brave ❤️
Shane
Thanks baby. I’ll call you after. I’m nervous but also if they’re assholes about it then fuck them, right?
Lily
Yes. And I can be there in less than 2 hours to beat them up.
Shane
I could beat them up myself 🙄
Lily
I know but would be so fun for me
It will all be ok. I love you 😘
Shane
I love you too ❤️
It’s less than five minutes later that he gets the text from Hayden that he’s parked outside.
Shane’s new house, which he bought after selling his apartment building downtown, is in a nice, residential area closer to their practice facility, so it now makes sense for he and Hayden to carpool.
It’s good for the environment, and for a time like this when he needs a private conversation with his friend without their teammates or Hayden’s kids listening.
He takes a deep breath and heads out the door and into the passenger seat of Hayden’s van.
“Hey,” Hayden says with a yawn, obviously exhausted from back-to-school and back-to-work routine changes.
“Hey,” Shane responds. “How was your night?”
“Amber woke up at two and didn’t get back to sleep for an hour, and then Ruby had a nightmare and spent the rest of the night in our bed,” he responds, yawning once more. “You?”
“Played video games and went to bed at ten,” Shane grins.
“God, I miss being single.”
“No you don’t,” Shane reminds him.
“No, I don’t,” Hayden sighs in admission, “but I could use a night off.”
“I’ll babysit soon, promise,” Shane offers. “My new house has lots of space, they could come stay with me.”
“You’re a livesaver, man,” Hayden grins. “My sex life thanks you.”
Just as he’s about to reverse the car out of the driveway, Shane puts a hand on his arm to stop him.
“Look, um - there’s something I have to tell you.”
Hayden looks at him seriously.
“Are you okay? You’re not, like dying, are you?”
Shane can’t help but laugh at Hayden jumping to the worst possible conclusion - well, maybe second worst when he eventually tells him he’s in love with Ilya Rozanov.
“No, I’m fine,” he says quickly, and then, before he can change his mind, “I’m gay.”
There’s a long moment of silence. Maybe it’s not actually that long, but it feels like an eternity before Hayden speaks.
“That…kind of makes a lot of sense, actually.”
“It does?” Shane asks, a bit concerned.
“Oh, I don’t mean - I don’t think it’s obvious or anything,” Hayden amends. “I just…well, you never wanted to talk about girls. And you broke up with Rose Landry after, like, a month.”
“She actually broke up with me,” Shane admits. “After figuring out I was gay and being super cool about it.”
“And…Boston Lily. I’m guessing that’s actually a guy?”
“Yeah,” Shane exhales. “He’s a guy.”
He decides to stick with the plan of leaving it at that for now. He does eventually want to tell Hayden about Ilya, since he trusts him enough to keep their secret, but this is enough for today.
Hayden nods, still slowly processing this information.
“Well, I’m glad you told me, man,” he says sincerely. “I’m sorry if you didn’t feel like you could tell me sooner-"
“It really wasn’t personal,” Shane insists. “I’ve only recently come to terms with it myself, and only Rose and my parents know. Well, and…the guy I’m seeing. I’ll tell you about him eventually, it’s just…he’s in the closet too, so it’s a bit complicated. But it’s gotten pretty serious.”
Hayden nods again, smiling now. “Then I’m really happy for you, bud. I know it can’t be easy with all the shit people say in this league, but I support you. One hundred percent.”
Shane smiles back at him, a weight lifted off his shoulders.
“Thanks, man,” he says. “About that, I, um-I’ve decided to tell the team today, too.”
Hayden looks much more surprised by this than the reveal that he’s gay.
“Really?”
“Yeah, I know that some of the guys might have a problem with it. Believe me, I’ve gone over the hypothetical scenarios a million times in my head,” Shane says, probably not even hyperbolically. “But I just can’t keep hiding from everyone.”
“Okay,” Hayden says, nodding in understanding. “Then I’ve got your back.”
They fall into normal conversation as Hayden pulls out of the driveway and heads toward the rink, which means more to Shane than anything.
He’s gay, and Hayden knows this, and nothing has changed between them, meaning one of his worst fears didn’t come true.
He’s ready for the next step.
Ilya’s first week with the Ottawa Centaurs goes about as well as he could’ve expected.
It’s strange being on a new team after nearly a decade with Boston. There are new locker room traditions, new staff to get to know, and a very different overall energy than he’s used to.
The captain, Zane Boodram, is a nice guy who doesn’t seem at all threatened by Ilya’s presence, which is a bit of a surprise considering his reputation and status. Not that he wants to be known for those things, necessarily, but he expected a bit of apprehension about his joining the team.
Instead, everyone has greeted him warmly, with the older players giving him recommendations for local restaurants rather than judging him for his asshole reputation, and Boodram inviting him over for a team barbecue instead of asking when he’s going to come for his C (which Ilya has no plans to do, unless everyone else on the team, including Zane, wants that.)
The rookies, including this year’s second draft pick, a kid named Luca Haas, do seem a bit terrified of him, but this was often the case in Boston, too. As soon as they realized that Ilya wasn’t actually a dick - not off the ice, and not to his own teammates - they always relaxed.
The pace is slower, and the intensity of practices is turned down a few notches from what he’s used to with the Raiders, which isn’t exactly surprising.
But when they lose their first preseason game against Buffalo, despite two goals from him, he has to remind himself of the reason he came here.
The moment he gets to his car after showering and bidding the team and coach - none of whom seem that surprised that they lost - goodnight, he calls Shane.
Thank god, he picks up right away.
“Hey,” Shane says, clearly smiling from the sound of his voice.
“Hi,” Ilya exhales, feeling slightly better already. Shane Hollander is magic. “Did you see the game?”
“Yeah,” Shane says, a bit apologetically. “Those were great goals.”
“I can’t remember the last time I lost to Buffalo.”
It’s probably been a couple of years, at least. Boston were cup contenders nearly every year he played for them - they weren’t in the business of losing to bottom-of-division teams.
“It’s just preseason,” Shane reminds him. “The team will start to improve now that you’re on it.”
There’s no denying that Shane’s had a much better start to pre-season than Ilya has. They’ve won both games they played so far, one in New York and one at home against Detroit.
He also successfully came out to Hayden and the rest of his team, which went well - or at the very least, nobody expressed any negative opinions in front of Shane - and he’s seemed more confident ever since.
Ilya is so glad that Shane doesn’t have to hide that part of himself from his team anymore, even if it will probably be a while before he gets to do the same. He’s only been living in Canada for a couple of months, so it will be a while before he feels secure enough in his ability to get citizenship here. The risk of coming out when he could still be deported to Russia is too high, and he doesn’t know his team well enough to trust them with that secret.
“Yes, maybe,” Ilya says, leaning back against the headrest and closing his eyes for a moment. “What are you doing tonight?”
“Nothing, I have an early practice tomorrow.”
“Is it okay if I come to Montreal right now?” he asks timidly. “I will leave early, I have practice in the afternoon. I just…would rather see you than go home right now.”
“God, Ilya, of course it’s okay,” Shane says immediately. “I would love that. You must be tired from your game, though, are you sure you want to drive two hours?”
Now that the thought of being in Shane’s arms has entered his brain, he’s not sure if he’ll be okay if he doesn’t drive there right now.
“Yes, will be fine,” he insists. “I will see you soon. No need to wait up if you are tired, I just want to sleep next to you.”
“I’m obviously gonna wait up, I’ve missed you like crazy this week,” Shane says, his smile once again audible in his voice. “Drive safe, please.”
“I will. Love you.”
“I love you too.”
The drive to Montreal is pretty exhausting after a long week, but it’s not nearly as bad as having to drive more than five hours or fly to see each other like they did for all of last year.
Ilya blares his Russian rap playlist to stay alert, counting down the kilometers on his Waze app telling him the fastest way to get to Shane’s.
It’s about 10:30 by the time he pulls into the driveway, and he practically runs up the steps and lets himself in with his key.
The new house is big, although not as big as Ilya’s in Ottawa, which he lovingly teased him about - “I am sorry you are no longer highest paid NHL player, good thing you have me to be your sugar daddy” “I make ten million a year before sponsors, asshole” - after they both closed on their respective properties.
Shane, as promised, is still awake (barely) and watching a baseball game on TV in the living room when Ilya walks in, a soft smile gracing his face the moment he sees him.
“Hey,” Shane says, reaching his arm out to beckon him closer and laughing as Ilya decides to jog the remaining distance and unceremoniously plop himself down on the couch next to him.
“Hi,” Ilya says, planting a firm kiss on Shane’s lips and then burying his face in his neck, an arm thrown over his waist. “I am so sleepy. We will have to get up very early tomorrow.”
“Why?” Shane murmurs, his hand lightly stroking Ilya’s back as he puts the game on mute. “My practice is at eight, but you can sleep longer if you want.”
“Because I am too tired to fuck you tonight, but then I will not see you for another two weeks,” Ilya explains. “It has to be tomorrow. I will set alarm.”
“You being so logistical about our sex life is very hot to me, you know,” Shane laughs, pecking his temple. “C’mon, let’s go to bed.”
They make their way upstairs, exchanging a few soft kisses along the way and stopping to grab water in the kitchen.
Shane’s bed is perfectly made as always, and it only occurs to him as his boyfriend begins to undress that he didn’t bring a change of clothes, or anything with him other than the dirty pre-game clothes in his bag in the car.
He could very well borrow something from Shane, but he would rather use it as an excuse to sleep in just his boxers.
“You want a hoodie or something?” Shane offers, sliding on a t-shirt and plaid pyjama bottoms himself. “I know I keep it pretty cool in here.”
“No, want to feel you,” Ilya says, stripping down to his underwear.
Shane grins at him for a moment before tugging the shirt he just put on back over his head and folding it neatly on top of his dresser.
Ilya loves him so much that he feels like he could explode sometimes.
They brush their teeth side by side - thankfully, Ilya already has a toothbrush here - and then climb into bed together, Ilya curling up against Shane’s chest and putting his ear directly over his heart.
Just when he thinks Shane’s fallen asleep, and he knows he’s soon to follow, he hears his boyfriend’s voice cut quietly through the silence.
“Are you regretting it?”
“What?” Ilya blinks in confusion. “Driving here?”
“No, I mean-“ Shane sighs, pulling back slightly to see his face. “Moving to Ottawa. To the Centaurs.”
It’s probably not a ridiculous question, considering how tonight’s game went and how this season is likely to shape up for him, but it takes everything in Ilya’s power not to scoff at the suggestion.
“Shane,” he says softly, taking his chin between his fingers and forcing their eyes to meet. “Before, if I had a bad game, or hard week, I would sit at home missing you. Now, I get to come here and fall asleep next to you. It is not possible to regret this.”
Shane just looks at him, his hand finding Ilya’s under the blankets. “Even if you have more bad games now?”
“Yes,” Ilya says without a beat. “This will always be worth it, moya lyubov. You will always be worth it.”
Shane’s eyes are a bit misty as he leans in to kiss him.
“Thank you, baby,” he whispers when they pull apart, their noses still touching. “For moving here, and for driving here tonight.”
“You do not have to thank me, both were for very selfish reasons,” Ilya teases. “Speaking of, blowjob alarm goes off in seven hours. Time to sleep.”
“Oh my god,” Shane rolls his eyes, even though they both know Ilya’s definitely getting his dick sucked the minute that alarm goes off.
Ilya
Dinner with your parents tonight. Yuna likes Chardonnay, right?
Jane
Yes, but she’s really not that picky
Ilya
I still want to get her favourite. And what kind of flowers?
Jane
That’s not necessary. It’s just a casual dinner, you’ve been there a bunch of times
Ilya
Yes, but not without you. I want to be a good guest.
Jane
You’re hardly even a guest to them at this point, I’m pretty sure you’re their favourite
Ilya
That is true. You are going to be replaced Hollander.
Maybe I will sleep over in your childhood bed tonight, see if Yuna still has your little Buzz Aldrin sheets she told me about
Jane
Buzz Lightyear, Ilya. From Toy Story, the kids movie
Ilya
Whatever, both are astronaut
“So, Ilya, how are you liking Ottawa?” David asks as he refills his glass with ice and delicious Russian vodka for the second time - and they haven’t even had dinner yet.
At this rate, he’s going to have to Uber home and collect his car tomorrow, but he couldn’t possibly say no to the beverage that the Hollanders went out of their way to buy for him.
Just like he can’t answer this question honestly (that Ottawa is very boring and his new team sucks) without the possibility of offending the people who have lived here for most of their lives.
Instead, he focuses on the part that’s both true and that he knows won’t upset them.
“I am very happy to be so much closer to Shane,” he says with a smile and a small sip from his glass.
“Yes, that must be a nice change,” Yuna smiles. “I can tell how happy it’s making him, too.”
This isn’t really new information, but it still warms Ilya’s heart to hear it from Shane’s mother.
“And your team?” David asks. “I know the…playing style must be an adjustment, but are they nice guys?”
“Yes, they seem to be,” Ilya nods. “They are very relaxed and chill. Maybe too relaxed for an NHL team, but nice to talk to.”
“Well, that’s a positive,” Yuna says. “And it’s only a matter of time before the team improves on the ice, too, now that they have you. I mean, the season hasn’t even started and the media is buzzing about your signing and what it means for the league.”
“Thank you,” Ilya says, taking another sip to conceal his blush. “I hope so.”
David serves dinner a few minutes later, some delicious steaks with green beans and potatoes. Ilya cooks from time to time, or he’ll get takeout, but most of his food is prepared by a meal delivery service that a lot of athletes use - with limited time and a basically unlimited budget, it’s the best option. But having a home-cooked meal like this is always the best, and he very rarely got one until Shane and his family entered his world.
It’s only midway through the meal, after he’s been there for more than an hour, that Yuna finally asks him a question directly pertaining to Shane.
Ilya doesn’t realize it until it happens, but it does occur to him in the moment how much she and David genuinely care about him and his life, and not just how good a partner he is for their son.
He has to push that overwhelming but heartwarming thought aside so that he can properly respond to her question, especially given the topic.
“Has Shane said much to you since he came out to the team?” she asks. “I only ask because he can be so closed off with us sometimes, but he doesn’t seem to have that problem with you.”
“I think they have been okay,” Ilya says, which is true for all he knows about the situation. “I am sure there are some who are judging, hockey is not the most inclusive sport. But he is captain, and their best player, so…”
“Yeah,” Yuna sighs. “Unfortunately, he’s not a stranger to that.”
Ilya frowns slightly in confusion, and Yuna glances at David for a moment before elaborating.
“Growing up, most of the kids weren’t outwardly mean to him, probably because he was the best player on every team he was on,” she says, sipping her wine. “But…well, I remember when he was seven or eight, one of the boys on the team had a big birthday party, and they invited everyone except Shane and one other kid. The only other Asian boy on the team.”
Ilya’s blood boils as it clicks into place what Yuna meant, the other part of Shane that has made him feel like an outsider in the predominately white, almost exclusively straight hockey world for his entire life.
“That is terrible,” he says, his hand subconsciously clenched around his fork. “Did Shane understand? That it was racism?”
“We had a long talk about it, since he was so devastated he wasn’t invited and couldn’t really grasp the reason,” David says. Then, looking at his wife fondly, he adds, “And Yuna wrote a very strongly-worded email to the parents of the boy whose birthday it was.”
Ilya smiles slightly, though his heart is aching at the thought of Shane, so young and so sad because of some stupid racists.
“I bet they regret it now that Shane is the biggest hockey star in Canada,” he says. “And that boy is probably working at the gas station, or something.”
“Yes, that’s true,” Yuna laughs. “And how are you feeling?”
“About Shane coming out to his team?” Ilya asks, brow furrowed, and she nods. “It has been fine. I am proud of him.”
“Oh, I know that, honey, but it’s okay if you feel a bit sad about it, too,” Yuna says, tentatively reaching out and squeezing his arm gently. “It can’t be easy, worrying about your citizenship on top of everything else.”
Ilya pauses, unsure of what to say for a moment. Honestly, his main concern lately has been ensuring that nothing fucks up his plans with Shane - signing for Ottawa, setting up the foundation - but the ever-present fear of what would happen to him if he somehow got outed publicly or deported always lingers in the background. He hasn’t even gone back to Russia since he and Shane made it official last summer, and he has no real desire to, but it would be very dangerous for him there if his sexuality were exposed.
Obviously noticing the fear in Ilya’s eyes, Yuna continues, still gripping his arm.
“Just so you know, we wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you. Even if, god forbid, someone did find out about you two before you’re ready, or something happened with your visa-we’ll make sure you get to stay here, that you’re safe.”
Ilya blinks, nodding gratefully.
“Seriously, kid, I’ve got lots of connections in parliament,” David adds with a small smile. “And, you know, worst case, I’m sure Shane would marry you in a heartbeat.”
“David,” Yuna scolds gently, but she’s beaming at Ilya now. “He’s right.”
Ilya is sure he must be blushing like crazy at this point, his heart feeling like it’s going to explode at this outburst of parental affection and support. He hardly remembered what that felt like until he first met Shane’s parents last year and they immediately accepted him into their family with open arms.
And if that weren’t enough, sitting around the table with them both smiling at him as they discuss the idea of him marrying Shane is almost too much for him to take.
He still can’t believe he gets to have this.
“Thank you,” he says quietly. “That is very nice of you both.”
It’s a poor representation of how much he’s really feeling right now, but it’s too hard to properly convey that with the English language.
“Of course, Ilya,” Yuna smiles again. “I’m going to go grab dessert, and then maybe we can talk about some of the details for the foundation press conference? Shane’s been too busy this week to talk much, so you get the inside scoop.”
Ilya smiles back at her, nodding his head.
“That sounds great.”
Ilya
Hi. You are the best and I love you so much
Jane
I love you too. Are you drunk?
Ilya
A little. David had more good vodka. Don’t worry, I am sleeping over in your room
Jane
I can’t believe you were getting drunk with my parents tonight while I’m stuck in a hotel room with Hayden. How was dinner?
Ilya
It was very good. They are very nice to me.
Jane
Good. I’m happy you have them around now.
Ilya
Yes, me too
Also I would always invite you to all my birthday parties if we were little kids playing together
Jane
What?
Ilya
Nothing. Bed time now. Love you 🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️
Jane
Love you too, sleep tight and drink some water. ❤️
Ilya
How can I drink water if I am sleeping
Jane
Not in that order, asshole
Ilya
👍💦🫡
October
The Centaurs are off to an undeniably rough start to the season.
It’s not really unexpected from a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in almost 20 years, so Ilya isn’t that surprised, but he’s still not used to losing four games in a row.
It would be a lot easier to swallow if he were actually getting to see his boyfriend on a regular basis, but his and Shane’s road games have conflicted so much for the first three weeks of the season that there haven’t been any days where they’re both at home and neither of them has a game. It’s not as long as the separations they had to endure last season, but it feels like torture after their incredible summer.
Tonight, after losing badly in Detroit despite a strong effort from Ilya, he wishes more than anything that he could be back at the cottage, lounging on the deck with Shane and enjoying the warmth of the sun and the sound of the loons.
Instead, he’s in a hotel room with Bood, listening to him talk to his girlfriend Cassie about how much he loves and misses her while being unable to do the same to his own partner. Who he also loves and misses, like, an insane amount.
To make matters worse, he couldn’t call Shane right now even if he were alone, because he’s out for dinner at some fancy sushi place with his beautiful movie star ex-girlfriend after beating LA 5-1 today.
He has no reason to be jealous about this, he knows that, but when he sees paparazzi pictures of Shane and Rose smiling and entering the restaurant on Twitter, he groans and buries his face in his pillow.
“You good, Roz?” Zane asks him, taking out one of his headphones.
“Yes, fine,” Ilya says, getting up and pulling his hoodie on. “I will give you some privacy, be back in a while.”
“You don’t have to-"
“Is okay, I need a cigarette,” Ilya says truthfully. “Don’t tell coach.”
Bood laughs and nods in agreement before resuming his sickeningly sweet conversation with Cassie while Ilya slips out of the room.
By the time he makes it to the smoking area outside the hotel and lights his cigarette, he decides to give in to another impulse and text Shane. He might be a jealous boyfriend, but he doesn’t care. It’s not fair that Rose Landry gets him all night when Ilya hasn’t seen him in weeks.
Ilya
How is dinner
He exhales when Shane responds right away.
Jane
It was good, we left and are at Rose’s friend’s party now in the hills. This house is crazy.
Ilya
Of course you are only talking about the house, Mr. Real Estate. There are probably lots of celebrities there.
Jane
Maybe, I’m kind of just standing in a corner. I feel so awkward at these things.
How’s your night going? Sorry about the game.
Ilya
It’s ok. Boodram was talking to his girlfriend for like an hour so I went outside for some air
The call comes within seconds, and Ilya grins down at his phone before answering.
“Hi-"
“You shouldn’t be smoking,” Shane cuts him off. “How many times do I have to-“
“Yes, yes, I know,” Ilya groans, his lips still curved into a smile at Shane’s voice. “I am just having one, I deserve it after this shit week.”
“I’m sorry,” Shane says again. “I know it sucks, but I watched some of the highlights and I really do think you’re improving the team already. You definitely need a new goalie, but I read something online about that being a priority for your ownership before the end of the year?”
Ilya just listens to Shane’s rambling, admiring his ability to try to make the best of a shitty situation and be a total hockey nerd at the same time.
“Where are you?” he asks, choosing to change the subject. “It is very quiet for a party.”
“Oh, I went outside to get some air, too,” Shane says. “Actually get some air. I’m on a balcony, the sunset is amazing.”
“Not as amazing as my view of a Detroit parking lot,” Ilya jokes. “Where is Rose?”
“She was talking to some hot guy so I kind of wandered off.”
“Ah, you are partying with hot guys in Hollywood now?” Ilya asks teasingly. “Should I be worried?”
“Considering he’s a straight guy flirting with my straight female friend, I would say no,” Shane retorts. “Well, I guess he might not be fully straight, but still. I would much rather stay out here and talk to you.”
Ilya sighs, picturing Shane on the balcony of some mansion looking out at the sunset. It’s nearly midnight here, the sun having set hours ago, but he wishes so badly that they were on the same coast. That he could join him on that balcony and wrap his arms around him and not care if anyone sees.
“I miss you, lyubimyy,” he says. “So much.”
“I miss you so much, too,” Shane says softly. “I’m so excited for next week. I can’t believe we get two nights.”
Shane has a few days off next week during a period when Ilya is at home and has only one game, and they’re both thrilled at the prospect of getting so much time together. Two nights shouldn’t be as exciting as it is, but Ilya will take what he can get right now.
“Yes, I am very excited,” Ilya smiles. “I have big plans for us.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. Most involve your cock or your ass or both.“
“Of course.”
“But I also have a new chicken recipe I want to make for you,” Ilya adds. “We can have romantic date night. With candles.”
“That sounds amazing,” Shane sighs happily. “I would love to keep talking to you all night, but I should probably find Rose before she thinks I left without her.”
The disappointment hits Ilya like a truck, but he also has a flight in less than eight hours and knows he should probably try to sleep.
“Okay, sweetheart,” Ilya says, taking one last drag of his cigarette before putting it out. “We will talk tomorrow night, yes?”
“Yeah, I’ll be in the hotel with Hayden, but I’ll sneak away to call you at some point,” Shane promises. “Have a good sleep. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Ilya says, reluctantly ending the call.
He contemplates another cigarette, but he thinks better of it and heads back up to the room.
Bood is now asleep and no longer talking to Cassie, so Ilya brushes his teeth and climbs into bed, using his phone flashlight to navigate the dark room.
He dreams of kissing Shane and winning games, two things that he logically knows will happen again but feel impossibly far away right now.