The Unexpected Boons of Impromptu Dog-sitting

Alternate Title: Shane Hollander: Stanley Cup Winner, Accidental Dog Sitter

Shane: Is this Ilya Rozanov?
Unknown number: no
Shane: Oh, but the dog collar had this number.
Unknown Number: What? What dog collar? What are you talking about?
Shane: I'm Shane Hollander.
Shane: I have your dog.
Unknown Number: Is this ransom threat?
Unknown Number: Did you kidnap my dog?

Notes:

HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE!!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

In my defense I've stared at the blank box of work title for 10 minutes before typing this. It's fanfiction so like... my unseriousness can be seen from the moon.

A few things:

1. WHAT THE HELL GUYS? I had like 600 user subscriptions and now i have... OVER A THOUSAND? I have social anxiety and the possibility of me accidentally posting something here and the email being sent to over a thousand people is STRESSFUL! I am very grateful for the people who came from Threads after reading the post I made. I hope I've lived up to your expectations.

2. The coding took me forever but I want to give a special shout out to the fic Leave a message after the tone by Anonymous. Truly one of my most favorite fics of all time. I took inspiration from their coding for the voicemails here.

3. I really owe this fandom a lot for keeping my sanity at bay tbh.

4. Obviously read with the creators mode on and read in light mode for best experience.

5. This is beta read (Kait is very busy with her work but she STILL made time for my silly little stories 😭, everyone say "Thank you Kait!"). If you spot any mistakes, no you did not. All of it was intentional because Kait is perfect.

6. Look it's very hard to find consistent pics of the same dog over and over again. I've had some people complain about it in my other epistolary fic. So I've tried really hard to find some consistent pictures this time. Still all of them aren't same. So cut me some slack yeah?

7. Also, the timezones are fucked but I've written this with the idea that Ilya has next to no sleeping schedule because he's in Russia and consistently with his brother. So he is capital D Depressed about it. Shane is the only one (unintentionally) keeping him at bay.

Happy reading!

(See the end of the work for more notes.)

Work Text:

Shane: Is this Ilya Rozanov?
Unknown Number: no
Shane: Oh, but the dog collar had this number.
Unknown Number: What? What dog collar? What are you talking about?
Shane: I'm Shane Hollander.; I have your dog.
Unknown Number: Is this ransom threat?; Did you kidnap my dog?; I have connections in bratva!; Sveta will fuck you up!; ok no wait do not get mad.; Please don't hurt my child; Hello???
Shane: Jesus Christ dude!; I'm not gonna hurt your dog what the fuck!; She showed up to my door!; Her collar had your phone number and address.; I drove there but no one opened.; I knocked for like 20 minutes before bailing.; So now I'm texting you.
Unknown Number: What do you mean no one opened up? I have dogsitter for her. Chadwick is supposed to take care of her.
Shane: Hey it's on you that you decided to trust a dude named Chadwick.
Unknown Number: Give me a moment. I rip Chadwick a new asshole.

—×—

Ilya: Okay Chadwick has two assholes now
Shane: Gross
Ilya: Is Anya okay?
Shane: She seems fine. But I'll need to feed her soon. Do you have her diet plan? Can you share the file with me?
Ilya: Anya_Diet_Plan.pdf; Thank you, Shane.; I am not in Canada right now; But I will find accommodation for her as soon as possible.
Shane: It's cool. Take your time.; She seems like a nice dog and I have a flexible schedule right now.
Ilya: I have bad news.
Shane: Oh?; Can Anya have turkey meat instead of chicken? I've cooked all the chicken I had for meal prep.; I'll be going out in the afternoon to get more groceries. But for now can I substitute chicken for turkey?
Ilya: Yes. She can have turkey.
Shane: What is the bad news?
Ilya: I cannot find sitter for her.; She had bad experience in dog hotels before. I do not want to send her there again.; But all the sitters I know are occupied.; She is puppy and her breed needs a lot of attention and exercise.
Shane: Yeah border collies are active dogs.; So what are you going to do?
Ilya: I do not know; I will not be able to come back to Canada for a while
Shane: How long?
Ilya: At least three months
Shane: Oh
Ilya: I know it sounds very irresponsible of me to adopt puppy and then leave country but this was unexpected; If you can keep her for just a few more days, I can ask my friend from Boston to come and get her.
Shane: Boston? But that's like so far; Does Anya have a passport?
Ilya: No.
Shane: Is your friend going to drive all the way here?
Ilya: I think so.
Shane: Wow that's like 8-10 hours each way.
Ilya: I don't have any other options.
Shane: Well; Okay this is going to sound a little insane.; I'm not doing anything right now that requires me to be outside my home for too long.; And I've had a pet before. When I was young.; I can look after her.; Until you come back.; If you want that is.; I have a decent sized house and a backyard.; I go running every morning. I can take her with me too.; Plus, I've been wondering if I should get a pet or not for a while. So this will be a good practice run.; But it's all still up to you. I can ask around and find a sitter if you want.
Ilya: Are you sure this will not be too much?
Shane: No. Anya is a lovely dog. Very well behaved too. You've trained her well.; I will still need to buy some things for her.
Ilya: You can get them from my house. She has everything there.
Shane: Are you sure you want to give a stranger access to your house?
Ilya: You are already better than Chadwick I think.; Now that I think about it he was bad news from start; He has goatee AND man bun.; Also fanny pack.
Shane: My mom always says: Shane, never trust a man with a fanny pack.
Ilya: He had good reviews!
Shane: I can give you 5 of my friends’ numbers and they will also give you raving reviews about me.
Ilya: I feel terrible for doing this to Anya.; I had to leave in a hurry so couldn't get many details from Chadwick.
Shane: Oh shit, I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be a dick.; Here; You sent a Location Pin📍 googlemaps.com; This is my address.; Our houses are like 20 minutes apart.; Do you want any other proof that I'm legit?
Ilya: No. I believe you.; But are you sure you want to keep Anya?
Shane: She just jumped on my couch and curled up on my lap.; So I think it's her who has decided to keep me.

—×—

Ilya: My front door code is 1217; All her toys are downstairs, the third door from right.; Also take the blue blanket with you. It is her favorite.; Thank you for doing this.; I promise to compensate you accordingly.
Shane: Don't worry about that.; This was a post-meal nap btw; I couldn't buy all her supplements yesterday. I'll get them from your place today.; We're going out for a walk now.
Shane: Went to your place. Got everything.; Anya was looking for you I think.
Ilya: I miss her too.

—×—

Shane: So what do you do?; For a living I mean
Ilya: I make softwares
Shane: Oh; I guess that makes sense
Ilya: What makes sense?
Shane: Your job; Because you can work remotely
Ilya: Also helps if you own the company
Shane: Oh; Yeah I guess.
Ilya: What do you do Shane Hollander?
Shane: I play hockey
Ilya: As a career?
Shane: Yes?
Ilya: Are you any good?
Shane: I'm alright.
Ilya: Should I Google you?
Shane: I mean, you can. You won't find anything too incriminating.; I'm pretty lowkey.
Ilya: So you're boring.
Shane: I guess you could say that.; She doesn't want the dog bed.
Ilya: Yes I could not get her to sleep in the dog bed.
Shane: Something tells me you didn't try very hard.
Ilya: I don't know what you're talking about.
Shane: Good night Ilya.

—×—

Ilya: I have seen you before
Shane: Huh?
Ilya: You run on treadmill sweaty in slutty white shorts.
Shane: Oh you mean the Peloton ad.; That was ages ago.; Wait did you really Google me?
Ilya: I was bored and couldn't sleep.
Shane: Where are you?
Ilya: Moscow
Shane: Oh that's far.; 7 hour time difference
Ilya: 8 without DLS; Which is a very stupid system
Shane: Agreed.; Anya is running around in my backyard right now. I think there's a squirrel in the trees.; She keeps barking.
Ilya: What happens if you have to go film more sweaty ads? Who looks after Anya then?
Shane: My schedule is not so jam packed at the moment.; I should be free until you come back.; And it's not really sweat.; It's mostly glycerin and water.
Ilya: I should tell you there's a very big billboard in front of my office with your face on it telling me to “Relax and have an Olipop”
Shane: Oh my god
Ilya: Who knew drink man with wet t-shirt was also hockey golden boy
Shane: I'm gonna Google you too.
Ilya: I mean you can. There isn't much there to see.; Especially not any Calvin Klein ads
Shane: That was like three years ago!; Stop stalking me!
Ilya: You are dating Rose Landry? Wow!
Shane: Dated!; For like two months.; Almost two years ago.
Ilya: These articles don't agree with you; They think you're taking break but “will rekindle romance soon.”
Shane: Yes because paparazzi knows about my life so much better than me.
Ilya: I did not know I live next to such big celebrity.
Shane: Well I moved here recently actually.; Bought this house only two months ago.
Ilya: Don't you spend most of your time in Montreal?
Shane: Yes.; My parents live nearby.; Look I have to go now.; I will send you Anya updates in the evening.

—×—

Rose: Hey sweetie
Shane: Hey
Rose: How are you settling in?
Shane: I have acquired a dog.
Rose: So soon?
Shane: Well it's not my dog actually; I'm dog sitting for someone
Rose: Who?
Shane: A guy from my neighborhood
Rose: Is he cute? 👀
Shane: I don't know. I haven't met him yet.
Rose: You're dog-sitting for someone you haven't met?
Shane: It's a long story.
Rose: Call me, I'm on my break.
Shane: Alright give me 5mins.

—×—

Hayden: Dude! When are we having a housewarming party??
Shane: You know you guys can come over at any time.
Hayden: By “you guys” you mean…
Shane: You, Jackie, the kids.
Hayden: Right. We're still not talking about it. Got it.
Shane: Nothing to talk about.
Hayden: Roger that.; How about next weekend?
Shane: Let me get back to you on that.
Hayden: Cool!

—×—

Shane: Would it be okay if I let Anya play with a few toddlers?; They're good kids and they love dogs.
Ilya: You have kids the media doesn't know about?
Shane: 🙄 they're my friend's kids; Hayden and Jackie Pike, if you wanna Google them too.
Ilya: Ah, Hayden Pike. 15th best player of Montreal Metros.
Shane: 5th.
Ilya: I read 15th.
Shane: You're annoying
Ilya: Thank you; Anya can play with the little Pikes. She likes kids too.
Shane
Ilya: Why does my dog look like that?
Shane: Like what?
Ilya: Like she's in love with you
Shane: I'm very lovable. Haven't you read the articles? Everybody wants me.; Including Anya.
Ilya: How was party?
Shane: It was more like a small hangout.; It was fine.; But now that they're all gone, the house is too quiet.
Ilya: Aren't hockey players famous for getting married early and having kids?
Shane: Some, yes.
Ilya: Then why aren't you?
Shane: Haven't found the one yet I guess. I'm too focused on my career.
Ilya: Wow. Quote for quote from your boring interviews, Hollander.
Shane: Are you a fan? Do you want me to sign something for you?
Ilya: You are hilarious
Shane: Thanks

—×—

Ilya: What if she forgets me by the time I come back and just wants to stay with you?
Shane: What are you talking about?
Ilya: This is important time of her life. She is building memories. And I am not there. Her papa.; So what if she doesn't want to stay with me?
Shane: She's a dog!; Give her pets, treats, love, and she'll give you all her undying loyalty.; Dogs are easy. It's the people who are the tricky part.
Ilya: Well you're not wrong.
Shane: Trust me, your dog is still your dog. She'll go back to loving you just like she did before you left.
Ilya: This sucks
Shane: I'm sorry; Wait, I tried teaching her a few tricks yesterday. I'll send you the videos.

—×—

Shane: Hey, Ilya; Why does she keep bringing me socks?
Ilya: She wants to go out for walk
Shane: Ah; It's raining here today. Maybe I'll take her to my home gym and she can run on the treadmill for a bit
Ilya: Yes she likes treadmills.

—×—

Jim (Trainer): Don't forget to send your weekly update.; and do those stretches I gave you during Yoga.

—×—

Rose: Shaaaaaaane; What was that shirt you wore to the afterparty?; I wanna buy the same one for John

—×—

Ilya: Send pics of Anya on treadmill

—×—

Mom: Shane check your email. I've sent the new draft of the contract.

—×—

Dad: son can you pick up some vodka on your way to dinner on Saturday?

—×—

Mom: Also bring vodka for dinner on Saturday; Oh your dad already told you I think

—×—

Shane: I think the diet is working. I've put on 10 pounds in like a month.; Shoulders were hurting a lot yesterday btw; But the stretches helped. Muscles not spasming anymore.

—×—

Shane: We ended up in the yard. I'll have to give her a bath.; Wish me luck
Jim (Trainer): Awh that's a cute dog.; Did you adopt recently?; And what's the update on the stretches?; Muscles still hurting?
Shane: Wait what?; Oh; Oh fuck; Holy fuck!
Jim (Trainer): Shane?

—×—

Shane: Oh Jesus Christ; Ilya I am very sorry; This picture wasn't meant for you; Shit I can't even delete it now
Ilya: Is this content for free or do I pay extra for this?
Shane: Oh fuck off!
Ilya: Suddenly I do not feel so bad for leaving Anya with you.; Imagine missing out on this
Shane: Oh my god stop!
Ilya: No; No wonder Cosmopolitan named you hottest hockey player
Shane: You've got to stop googling me man
Ilya: I think you like having a fan
Shane: Oh so you're a fan now
Ilya: After that picture? I'm strongly considering.
Shane: Still considering?; What would it take to convince you?
Ilya: I'm sure you will figure something out Shane.

—×—

Shane: Is there a reason Anya keeps leaving a few kibbles in her bowl after each meal?
Ilya: That's her way of sharing food with you.; Is a sign she likes you.
Shane: That's very sweet.
Ilya: She's sweet girl.
Shane: She really is.; She slept inside my hoodie while I answered a bunch of emails today.; It's nice having her here.
Ilya: Enjoy while lasts; Because I will come back for her
Shane: 🙄 Calm down I'm not gonna steal her or anything.; I mean I can
Ilya: I cannot have heart attack in Moscow this is not funny; Shane???; Where are you???; Where is Anya??; I have bratva on my speed dial; Come back here!
Shane: Do you really have the Russian mafia on your speed dial?
Ilya: Would you like to find out?
Shane: You won't do that; I have your dog
Ilya: 🖕

—×—

Hayden: Talked to JJ today. He was asking about you
Shane: He can text me himself if he wants to talk instead of being a giant asshole.
Hayden: 🫡 noted

—×—

Shane: So weird thing I've been noticing since last night; Anya is not eating as much as usual.; But no need to be alarmed just yet; I'm monitoring her closely; Will take her to the vet if things escalate
Shane: She still hasn't touched her lunch.; I'm gonna try feeding her a treat and see if it's the usual food she's refusing
Shane: No luck with the treats.
Shane: Okay she's not eating her dinner as well.; Can you send me the contact info for her vet?
Shane: Ilya?
Shane: Okay she just threw up.; I'm looking up vets near me.; Text me as soon as you get this.
Shane: We're going to the vet; I'm here. And I'll do whatever I can to take care of her.; It's going to be okay
Ilya: What the fuck?; Shane?; How's Anya?; [shared contact: Vet Anya]; Shane??; What is update?; Fuck; I'm calling you.

—×—

[CALL TRANSCRIPT]

Shane: Hello?
Ilya: Shane Hollander?
Shane: Yeah? Oh, Ilya hey.
Ilya: How's Anya?
Shane: One minute [shuffling sounds and the a door closing] she's okay now
Ilya: Fuck! [ragged breathing]
Shane: Hey, hey, she's okay. They checked her vitals. She's stable now.
Ilya: What the fuck happened?
Shane: Indigestion. Her kibble brand needs to be changed. The doctor said something about changes in metabolism. Apparently it's normal with growing dogs.
Ilya: Is she eating now?
Shane: Yeah. They've given her a little food. She's eating. But they're running saline because she's also a little dehydrated.
Ilya: [deep breaths] Okay
Shane: She will be okay Ilya. It's nothing too serious. The doctors said so.
Ilya: Okay. Yes, okay, thank you.
Shane: Please don't thank me.
Ilya: Shane—
Shane: No please don't. I'm—[sigh]—I'm obviously not up to this task. I messed up. I should've noticed this. Should've done something the moment I felt like something was wrong.
Ilya: Shane—
Shane: Look, I'll send you the contact info for this vet. You should talk to the doctor. And in the meantime, I will look for a proper dogsitter for Anya. Someone who can actually do things right.
Ilya: What? No—
Shane: I'm hanging up now, okay? I'll go back to check on Anya and send you updates.
Ilya: Shane listen to—

—×—

[CALL TRANSCRIPT]

Doctor Mark (Vet): Hello?
Ilya: Hello doctor. I'm Ilya Rozanov. Anya's parent. She's the border collie.
Doctor Mark (Vet): Oh yes! She just left. She's completely fine now. Indigestion is common with animals. Don't worry too much.
Ilya: Can you send me new diet for her please?
Doctor Mark (Vet): Yes of course. I've already emailed them to your partner. He should have all the details there.
Ilya: He—
Doctor Mark (Vet): The young man was very distressed, normal with first time pet owners. But I've talked to him. I think you should talk to him as well. Reassure him. He's blaming himself too much.
Ilya: I—yes, okay, yes I will. Thank you doctor.
Doctor Mark (Vet): No worries. Reach out anytime.

—×—

Shane: We're back home.; She's sleeping now.; I'll send you the details about potential sitters in the morning.; I'm sorry, Ilya.; I really didn't mean for this to happen.

—×—

< Voicemail

Ilya

Mobile
Today at 5:01 AM

▶

Shane, you have to stop apologizing. I do not blame you. The vet does not blame you. If Anya could talk, she would not blame you as well. It happened. It was fucking scary. But it happened. Is over now. You did everything right. Probably better than I could have. I don't want other sitter for her. I will be back soon. Maybe in 40 days or so. Please keep her until then. She loves you. I promise you she does.

—×—

Shane: We're shopping for new kibbles.
Ilya: She looks happy.; How is she doing now?
Shane: She's back to eating her food.; I'm having to sneak in her meds with treats.; She's eyeing me suspiciously. I think she's on to me.; Reminds me of when I was a kid and my mom had to sneak in meds with spoonfuls of peanut butter.
Ilya: Big strong hockey player being tricked with peanut butter; Does Rolex know about this?; Are they sure this is who they want as their brand ambassador?
Shane: Shut up 🙄; I just didn't like the bitter taste of the pills.
Ilya: Very tragic.; Somewhere your mother is telling this story to strangers.
Shane: She absolutely is.
Ilya: "This is my son. Professional athlete.; Could deadlift refrigerator. Needed peanut butter to take children's medicine."
Shane: In my defense, it tasted awful.
Ilya: That's exactly what Anya would say.
Shane: Anya doesn't talk.
Ilya: Not with words.; But from the updates you've been sending me, she apparently has rich inner life.
Shane: I'm just keeping you informed.
Ilya: You sent me a photo of her sleeping.
Shane: It was a cute photo.
Ilya: Then you sent another photo twenty minutes later.
Shane: She changed positions.
Ilya: Ah. Critical development.; Thank God I was notified.
Shane: You're making fun of me, but you're the one who asked for updates.
Ilya: I asked whether my dog was okay.; Instead I receive documentary series.
Shane: Fine. No more updates.
Ilya: That is not what I said.
Shane: Uh-huh.
Ilya: I would hate to miss any major kibble related news.
Shane: 🙄
Ilya: How is she looking at you now?
Shane: Still suspicious.
Ilya: Good. Means you're bonding.

—×—

Shane: Hey mom.
Mom: Hi honey.
Shane: So would it be okay if I bring someone to dinner on Saturday?
Mom: Oh Shane; Of course!; I'm so glad you're choosing to date.; Your dad told me it was too soon but I said no. You should put yourself out there.; So what if the demographics of your dating target has changed? It's a progressive world.; We're sending the announcement soon anyway. You should get to do whatever you please now.
Shane: Mom what?; No stop stop; It's a dog!; Well it's a puppy.; I'm dogsitting for a neighbor and I don't wanna leave her alone. So I was wondering if I could bring her to dinner with me. That is ALL.
Mom: Oh; Well, sure you can. We love dogs.
Shane: Thank you.
Mom: So who's the neighbor?
Shane: Some tech guru. Owns a software company I think.
Mom: What's his name?
Shane: Mom
Mom: What? I'm just making sure your neighbors are good people.
Shane: Ilya Rozanov.
Mom: Why have I heard this name before?
Shane: You're a marketing powerhouse. Of course you've heard of him.
Mom: You flatter me honey.; Bring your cute dog and your cute face to dinner.; We miss you.
Shane: Okay. Love you.
Mom: Love you too.

—×—

Shane: Took Anya to my parents for dinner.; I think you'll have to fight my mother to take Anya away from her.; And she has enforcements, resources, and Japanese blood in her veins.
Ilya: Wow; This is very unfair; I am poor immigrant fighting against the Hollanders for my dog
Shane: Yes John Wick is nothing next to you.
Ilya: I will do what I must for my baby girl
Shane: So my mom said some pretty interesting things today.
Ilya: About?
Shane: You.
Ilya: Are you going to tell me?
Shane: It's nothing you already don't know.
Ilya: What is that English expression?; Oh yes; Humor me.
Shane: Well for starters she showed me your Wikipedia page; Didn't know you had one of those
Ilya: Is no big deal
Shane: Then she showed me the Times article, the books, the apps, the graduation day speech you gave at McGill.; Dad was impressed by the way. He's a McGill alumni.; And then she's showed me the Irina Foundation website; What are you? Tony Stark?
Ilya: Hayes would love to hear you say that.; He calls me that sometimes.
Shane: You didn't tell me you were such a big deal.
Ilya: Didn't seem relevant.
Shane: Right. Me being a mere dogsitter and all.
Ilya: Yes. You should have that written on your gravestone: Here lies Shane Hollander, full time hockey player, part time mere dogsitter.
Shane: You are so funny
Ilya: Thank you
Shane: 🙄
Ilya: I did not tell you because in my experience people tend to see me differently after knowing my background
Shane: Yeah I know what you mean.
Ilya: I thought you would.; I read an interesting article the other day.
Shane: Oh?
Ilya: Yes. Something about you being traded to Ottawa. The article was saying you have been loyal to your team in Montreal for a decade, so this trade rumor was surprising.
Shane: Yeah, it was a surprise for me too.
Ilya: So is true. You're coming to Ottawa.
Shane: Yeah.
Ilya: Why?
Shane: You'll find out soon.
Ilya: Can I not get exclusive news?
Shane: My agent would strongly advise against it I think.
Ilya: Okay
Shane: I made some decisions about myself that my team and management didn't accept too kindly.
Ilya: But you made them for yourself; Is it going affect your skills?
Shane: No. I've always been this person, so I don't think so.; But people tend to think they get to have an opinion about my life just because of my job.
Ilya: Hmm; This decision, will it make you happy?
Shane: At first I thought so. But now I'm not so sure.
Ilya: Does this have something to do with what Scott Hunter did?
Shane: Wow Ilya, you know a lot about hockey I see.
Ilya: No, not really.; When he came out, my foundation reached out to him and discussed fundraiser collaboration for lgbtq hockey youth.; He agreed.
Shane: Was he fun to work with?
Ilya: Given he's nearly as old as Nyasasaurus, yes he was fun.; That is oldest dinosaur.
Shane: And you just know dinosaur facts on the top of your head?
Ilya: My niece is going through a phase. She teaches me these things.
Shane: How many siblings do you have?
Ilya: Just an elder bother.
Shane: Hey isn't it like 5AM there?
Ilya: Yes.
Shane: Why aren't you sleeping?
Ilya: I can't sleep sometimes.
Shane: Oh; Do you have meds for it?
Ilya: Yes but they make me loopy. I need to be clear headed these days.
Shane: Oh?
Ilya: Yes.; But you should sleep.; Goodnight Shane.
Shane: Goodnight.

—×—

Mom: Honey how was the meeting with Coach Wiebe?
Shane: Really good.; He is not what I expected.
Mom: Right?; Do you think you guys will be able to work well together?
Shane: I have to; But yes I think it'll be a better experience compared to Theriault
Mom: That's a low bar; A lot of people are better than that fucker.
Shane: Mom!
Mom: I said what I said.; Did you meet anyone from the team?
Shane: I met the captain, Zane Boodram. We played together in juniors for two years so it was nice reconnecting with him.
Mom: Oh I remember him.; Strong kid with a level head.; Rare in hockey.
Shane: He invited me to the BBQ party they'll be having before development camp starts.
Mom: You should go.; Take Anya. She'll soften the deal for you.
Shane: I don't think I'll have her till then.; Ilya will be back in less than a month.
Mom: Well it's not like you guys can't stay friends.
Shane: Mom
Mom: What?; I've checked his background. He's alright.
Shane: You're blowing this way out of proportion.
Mom: Hey, I said be friends and that's all.
Shane: You forget that I'm your son.
Mom: Never. I will never forget the best thing I ever did in my life.
Shane: I have to go now.; Love you mom.
Mom: Love you too.

—×—

Farha Jalali: Just a reminder that the video is set to post at 12 PM EST tomorrow.
Shane: Yeah I remember. Thank you Farha.
Farha Jalali: I'm with you no matter what.; But I do suggest you keep your phone switched off for the time being. At least until the first wave passes.
Shane: Yes, I've let my family know I'll be unavailable for a couple of days.
Farha Jalali: What you're doing is extremely brave. I'm proud of you, Shane.
Shane: Thank you Farha.

—×—

Shane: Hey Ilya; So I won't be here for a day or two probably starting from tomorrow.; Can't send Anya updates for the time being.; But I'll switch my phone on as soon as I can.

—×—

[CALL TRANSCRIPT]

Ilya: Shane?
Shane: [little groggy] Ilya?
Ilya: Are you okay?
Shane: Yeah why?
Ilya: Your texts
Shane: Oh yeah. I meant to switch off my phone but I guess I fell asleep.
Ilya: What is going on?
Shane: [sighs] You know what, everyone will know in a few hours anyway. So I guess I can tell you.
Ilya: Tell me what?
Shane: I'm gay, Ilya.
Ilya: [silence] Okay. Should I order you rainbow cake then?
Shane: [laughs]
Ilya: So that's a no?
Shane: No I think I can do without the cake. My diet won't allow one anyway.
Ilya: So this is why you are changing teams?
Shane: I didn't really have much say in the matter.
Ilya: What do you mean?
Shane: [shuffling sound, deep sigh] I, uh, I came out the season after Scott Hunter did. I knew the team wouldn't be thrilled about it but they kind of just… shut me out I guess. They wouldn't pass to me during games. The hangouts became scarce. All I had was Hayden by the end of it. And I don't have many friends to begin with. JJ, another teammate, was a friend but I don't know, he started acting weird too.
Ilya: I am sorry to hear this. You deserve better friends.
Shane: I don't know anymore. But yeah we lost a game. I fucking tripped during a pass and missed it. That was the breaking point I think. The whole team, except Hayden I guess, kind of just turned on me. Blamed me for the loss.
Ilya: They forget you help them win four cups? That they were shit before you showed up? Last in their division with no cups for over three decades. They forget this because what? You are gay?
Shane: [rueful chuckle] You're such a fan boy.
Ilya: So what if I am?
Shane: It's cute.
Ilya: Anyone who calls themselves Metros fan is dumbass. There is no Metros without Shane Hollander. Everyone can see it.
Shane: Ilya.
Ilya: You are coming to Ottawa, yes? Everybody will see you take Ottawa to playoffs and help them win 5 cups. Do you know why? Because it is you. You have done it before and you will do it again. And then nobody who matters will care about who you like to fuck in your bedroom.
Shane: [silence] You knew who I was this whole time didn't you?
Ilya: I did. It is hard to live in Canada and not know Shane Hollander.
Shane: [chuckles] So what, you were messing with me?
Ilya: No. But it was refreshing, da?
Shane: I guess. So what? You're a Metros fan?
Ilya: Uh, no.
Shane: Boston? Toronto?
Ilya: No. I'm a Shane Hollander fan.
Shane: Oh really?
Ilya: Yes.
Shane: Since when?
Ilya: 2010.
Shane: Wh-what?
Ilya: My friends from McGill took me to a game. You were playing against Boston I think. Saw you steal the puck from Boston Captain’s stick. Couldn't take my eyes off you the whole game.
Shane: [swallows] That's a long time.
Ilya: Yes.
Shane: You could've met me. With your connections.
Ilya: I did not know I had a shot with you.
Shane: I mean we could've been friends.
Ilya: [chuckles] I don't want to be your friend Shane.
Shane: Oh?
Ilya: And I don't think you want to be my friend either.
Shane: When are you coming back?
Ilya: Ten days.
Shane: Why are you in Russia, if you don't mind my asking.
Ilya: I don't. My father passed away recently. I'm here to settle things about his will and my inheritance.
Shane: I'm sorry about your loss.
Ilya: We were not close. I think he hated me actually.
Shane: Really?
Ilya: I do not know for sure. We never talked about it. But we were not on good terms. I left Russia when I was eighteen and didn't come back until he got really sick.
Shane: You said you have a brother right? What about him?
Ilya: [snorts] Oh he definitely hates me. He even said it. Doesn't matter that I have paid for his addictions and my father's treatment for years.
Shane: I'm really sorry. This is terrible. Didn't you say he has a daughter?
Ilya: [sighs] Yes. I am worried about her too. Her future. I have talked to my lawyers about it but unfortunately there is not much I can do unless she's eighteen and legally able to make her own decisions. I have a trust fund for her when time comes but that is about it.
Shane: [barking sounds] Oh hello, when did you get here?
Ilya: Anya?
Shane: Yeah, she climbed up on the bed. Come here sweet girl.
Ilya: I miss her so much.
Shane: Do you want to see her?
Ilya: Yes.
Shane: Okay let me switch to video call.

[REQUESTING VIDEO CALL]
[REQUEST ACCEPTED]

Shane: [smiling shyly] Hey.
Ilya: [in awe] You have freckles.
Shane: Huh?
Ilya: And you wear glasses.
Shane: [touching his glasses like he forgot he had them on] Oh right sorry [tries to take them off]
Ilya: No please. Keep them on. They're… nice.
Shane: [blushes] Alright. Here [flips the camera to show Anya on his lap]
Ilya: She's gotten so big. Hi sweetheart.
Anya: [looks at the camera curiously with her head tilted to one side and then barks twice]
Shane: [laughs] She recognizes your voice.
Ilya: I cannot wait to hold her again.
Shane: Let me show her the screen. Maybe she'll recognize your face [taps the screen and then flips it towards Anya] Anya, look, who is this?
Anya: [stares at the screen for a moment before jumping up and barking in excitement]
Ilya: [laughs] Hello sweet girl. I miss you.
Anya: [tail wagging, tongue lolling, trying to dig into the screen]
Shane: [chuckles] This is so adorable.
Ilya: I will be home soon, I promise.
Anya: [keeps barking with enthusiasm]

—×—

Ilya: Sokolov
Maksim Sokolov (Lawyer): Ilya.
Ilya: I pay you a lot of money, yes?
Maksim Sokolov (Lawyer): You pay what I am worth, yes.
Ilya: And the point of that is for me to do what I please, am I correct?
Maksim Sokolov (Lawyer): No.
Ilya: I think yes.
Maksim Sokolov (Lawyer): I believe you are trying to make a point.
Ilya: I want to go back to Canada.
Maksim Sokolov (Lawyer): Your ticket is booked for 10 days from now.
Ilya: No, I want to go back now. Today.
Maksim Sokolov (Lawyer): May I ask what prompted this?
Ilya: What is that you say in court? A need to know basis?
Maksim Sokolov (Lawyer): Fair enough.; I think whatever is left here, I can handle the rest myself.; I will email or call if anything else needs your immediate attention.
Ilya: Wonderful. See you in Ottawa then.

—×—

< Voicemail

Ilya

Mobile
Today at 11:11 PM

▶

Hello Shane. Your phone is turned off, so you won't hear this before we meet I think. I just watched the video. And even though you told me the night before, I still wanted to say, congratulations. I know it was hard for you. Must have been really scary. It's scary but you're brave. I'm very happy for you. But I'm also very happy for me I think. Because now I get to ask you out and not give a fuck about what anyone else says. You just wait Hollander, I will show you romance [laughs]. I have to go now. Plane is boarding soon.

—×—

[TRANSCRIPTION OF A VIDEO RECORDING]

[Shane turns on his old video camera and points it to Anya. They are both in his front yard. The weather is bright and sunny. A perfect summer]

Shane: Anya, let's practice some tricks we learned okay? I'll give this to your papa.

Anya: [standing with her tail wagging, tongue out and eyes wide in excitement]

Shane: Anya, sit.

Anya: [sits and barks, tail continues to thump on the grass]

Shane: Good girl. Anya, up!

Anya: [stands up and barks twice]

Shane: Аня, сидеть!

Anya: [sits]

Shane: Аня, гавкни два раза!

Anya: [barks twice in quick succession]

Shane: Аня, позируй для селфи!

Anya: [raises her two front legs up to her face]

Shane: Аня, лежать!

Anya: [puts her legs down]

Shane: стоять!

Anya: [stands up quickly]

Shane: [laughs, delighted] Хорошая девочка, Аня!

Anya: [barks in happiness]

Shane: Аня, дай пять!

Anya: [raises one front paw to gently bump against Shane's faced up palm]

Shane: Anya, spin!

Anya: [goes to spin but stops midway only to look at something behind Shane and start barking]

Shane: [confused] Anya?

Anya: [continues to bark at something]

[Camera turns and in frame there's a man standing wearing a white half-sleeved shirt with all buttons open, a white tank top underneath, and light blue jeans. He's smiling holding a bouquet of flowers. His face is a little blurry but it's clear that he has curly dark blond hair]

The man: Анечка! Иди сюда, моя хорошая девочка! Иди к папочке!

Anya: [barks once, then starts whimpering, and then she's running at the man at full speed]

Shane: Anya!

Anya: [doesn't stop running until she tackles the man on ground and starts licking his face]

Shane: [starts to run] Oh fuck!

Anya: [continues to bark]

[Camera goes unsteady before finally stilling and focusing on the man splayed on the ground with a huge grin patting Anya in earnest. The flowers are on the ground next to him]

Shane: [shakey voice] Ilya?

Ilya: [smiling at someone beyond the camera] Yes, Shane?

[Video ends]

—×—

The Prince Leaves the Kingdom

Shane Hollander on Coming Out, Walking Away, and Starting Over

By TIME Sports

For nearly a decade, professional hockey revolved around one man.

At 28, Shane Hollander's résumé already reads like the final chapter of a Hall of Fame career. Four championships. Three league MVP awards. Eight consecutive seasons above 100 points. The only player in Major League Hockey history to record four 130-point seasons. The fastest skater to reach 1,000 career points. The face of the Montreal Metros' modern dynasty.

Before Hollander arrived, Montreal hadn't lifted a championship trophy in thirty years.

After he arrived, they couldn't seem to stop.

Now, in a move that has sent shockwaves through the sport, Hollander is leaving.

In a video posted simultaneously across his social media accounts last week, the league's biggest star publicly came out as a member of the LGBTQ community. In the same announcement, he revealed he would be stepping down after nearly a decade as captain of the Metros and signing with the Ottawa Centaurs—a franchise that has spent most of the past decade, much like all the other franchises of the Atlantic division, looking up at teams like Montreal.

The announcement immediately became the most viewed hockey-related social media post in league history.

The questions followed just as quickly.

Why now? Why Ottawa?

And why would the best player in the world leave a throne he built himself?

Hollander sat down with TIME to discuss all of it—or at least as much of it as he was willing to.

TIME: You've spent most of your professional life being introduced as "Captain Shane Hollander." How strange does it feel knowing that's no longer your title?

Hollander: It feels strange because it was such a big part of my identity for so long. When you're named captain at twenty-one, you don't really understand what that means yet. You just think it's an honor. Then one year becomes two years, then four, then seven.

Eventually you stop separating yourself from the role. So yeah, it's strange. But it's also exciting.

I've spent a lot of years being responsible for setting the tone in a room. There's something refreshing about walking into a new building and just being another player again.

TIME: Just another player might be underselling it.

Hollander: That's fair.

TIME: Your announcement combined two enormous pieces of news. Coming out publicly and leaving Montreal. Were those decisions connected?

Hollander: They were connected in the sense that both came from me asking myself a very simple question.

What kind of life do I want to live?

For a long time, hockey answered every question for me. Where I lived. What I prioritized. What I talked about. What I didn't talk about. At some point you realize you're not just a hockey player. You're a person who happens to play hockey. Once I started looking at things through that lens, a lot of decisions became clearer.

TIME: You've been one of the most scrutinized athletes in North America since you were a teenager. Was there fear involved in publicly coming out?

Hollander: Of course. Anybody who says there isn't fear is either braver than I am or lying. But fear gets smaller when you're tired of carrying it.

TIME: Did seeing another superstar player come out publicly influence your decision?

Hollander: Representation always matters. When people see someone living honestly and surviving it—sometimes thriving because of it—it changes what's possible in their own minds. I think that's true in sports. I think it's true everywhere.

TIME: There has been enormous speculation about your departure from Montreal. Fans are trying to connect dots. They're looking for villains. Do you understand why?

Hollander: I understand why people want simple stories. Sports are built on simple stories. Heroes. Villains. Betrayals. Loyalty. Real life isn't usually that clean.

TIME: Are people misunderstanding what happened?

Hollander: I think people are trying to understand something they don't have complete information about.

And honestly, that's fair. But I have a lot of respect for a lot of people in that organization. Coaches. Trainers. Teammates. Front office staff. We accomplished incredible things together. Nothing can take that away.

TIME: You don't sound angry.

Hollander: Why would I be?

TIME: Some people expected you might be.

Hollander: Montreal gave me opportunities that changed my life. I don't think gratitude and disappointment are mutually exclusive emotions. People are complicated. Organizations are complicated. That's probably all I'll say about that.

TIME: You have become, whether intentionally or not, one of the most visible LGBTQ athletes in professional sports.

Hollander: That's still a weird sentence to hear.

TIME: Why?

Hollander: Because I still feel like the same guy. Yesterday I was Shane. Today I'm Shane. The only difference is now there are fewer things people don't know about me.

TIME: Do you feel additional pressure because you're also one of the few Asian faces at the very top of the sport?

Hollander: I don't spend much time thinking about being first. I spend more time thinking about not being last. If some kid sees me and feels like there's room for them here, that's meaningful.

That's enough.

TIME: Let's talk hockey. You're leaving a perennial contender for a team that's nowhere near the same level of success. Why Ottawa?

Hollander: Because building something is fun. People assume winning is the most satisfying part. Winning is great. But creating is addictive.

Walking into a room and helping establish culture. Helping younger players believe they belong. Watching a team become something bigger than people expected. That's exciting.

TIME: You're essentially choosing difficulty.

Hollander: Maybe. Or maybe I'm choosing growth.

TIME: You've won almost everything there is to win. Four championships. Multiple MVPs. League scoring records. What motivates you now?

Hollander: The same thing that motivated me when I was twelve years old. Can I get better tomorrow than I was today? That's it.

People assume elite athletes wake up thinking about trophies. Most of us wake up thinking about details. The angle of a pass. A stride. A shot release. The trophies are just receipts.

TIME: You are widely considered the best player in the world. Does that label carry weight?

Hollander: It carries expectations. The thing about expectations is they don't disappear. If you're trying to become the best player, people have expectations. If you are the best player, people have expectations. Either way someone's expecting something. You might as well focus on hockey.

TIME: What's left for you to accomplish?

Hollander: A lot. I'd like to help bring a championship to Ottawa. I'd like to continue growing the game. I'd like to have a life that's bigger than hockey. I think that's healthy.

TIME: Bigger than hockey sounds intentional.

Hollander: It is. For most of my life hockey was everything. Now I think it should be something incredibly important. Not everything.

TIME: Does that include making room for a serious relationship?

Hollander: It includes making room for happiness.

TIME: That's a very carefully worded answer.

Hollander: Thank you. I've had a lot of practice.

TIME: Is there someone special in your life?

Hollander: There are special people in my life.

TIME: That's not what I asked.

Hollander: I know.

TIME: Are fans ever getting more than that?

Hollander: Maybe someday.

I spent a long time keeping parts of my life private. Just because I've opened one door doesn't mean every room is suddenly public property.

TIME: Fair enough. Last question. When people look back on your career twenty years from now, what do you hope they remember?

Hollander pauses.

For the first time during the interview, the answer doesn't arrive immediately.

Hollander: I hope they remember the hockey. I worked really hard for the hockey.

But I also hope they remember that I didn't spend my whole life pretending to be somebody else. If they remember both, I'd be pretty happy with that.

For years, Shane Hollander represented certainty. The franchise cornerstone. The captain. The champion.

The safest bet in professional hockey.

Now, for the first time in his career, he is stepping into uncertainty by choice. Leaving behind a dynasty. Leaving behind a title. Leaving behind a version of himself that the public thought it knew completely.

Athletes often speak about courage in terms of blocked shots, playoff injuries, and championship moments. This is a different kind of courage. The courage to begin again.

And somewhere in Ottawa, hockey's prince is preparing to start over.

Notes:

I've worked on this for so long that I've started to hate it now, so do let me know what you think. Pretty please with cherry on top.

Oh, and it was Kait's idea to add that shirtless shane selfie. Thanks Kait!

If you're into epistolary AUs, I've another fic called Tactical Advantage. Give that a go.

Comment and share your thoughts please. Leave a kudo and feed a starving fanfic author.

I still have a bunch of Anya pics left, so I might just do a part 2. Subscribe if you wanna read that.

I'm on Tumblr and Threads. Come say hi if you want.

Subscribe to my ao3 account if you want to be notifed when I update new stories or my wips.

Take care and have a great day ❤️

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