Chapter Text
It’s the first practice after the summer break. Ilya hasn’t seen most of his team since they lost in the second round of the playoffs against the fucking Admirals. It’s a small consolation that at least Hunter hadn’t won the Stanley Cup again. It would just make him think he’s fit enough for another season instead of finally retiring.
‘Hello guys!’, he calls casual as fuck as he enters the locker room with a wide grin. Behind him, a muted sigh and some shuffling follows.
Some of his teammates shout a greeting back though most eyes are fixed on the person right behind him, the very person who had insisted on being early to make a good impression but an incident with Anya, some treats and the new rug had them running late. Well, at least late for that person’s standards.
Ilya leaves Shane behind near the door to get greeted by his new teammates and crosses the room to his locker, barely able to hide the giddy smile at the enthusiasm that Shane receives. A look over Ilya’s shoulder confirms that he’s red as a tomato but smiling through the introductions.
Today is the best day of his life, Ilya decides. Okay, maybe not the best day but certainly top ten. At least.
After lots of introductions and handshakes and whatnots, Shane finally makes his way to the locker right beside Ilya’s, a smile on his face.
Yeah, top five.
The transfer had only been finalized in summer and had become official only three weeks ago but Ilya’s glad that of the warm welcome his team gives Shane, so at odds with how the Voyageurs had reacted to Shane publicly getting outed as gay and then tripping in that seventh playoff-game against the Centaurs. They hadn’t even known about that little part with Ilya being the boyfriend he’s kissing in that fucking Fanmail video before those fuckers had turned on their captain and hurled whatever homophobic shit at Shane. Shane had never been very forthcoming about what exactly had been said but the implications alone had sent Ilya into a cold fury. He’s looking forward to destroying the Voyageurs any chance he gets.
And now, Ilya would get to do it with the love of his life by his side. Together.
‘Wow, I seriously can’t believe this.’ Wyatt sidles up to them.
Ilya has to tear his eyes away from Shane’s shy smile. ‘What?’
‘First you come here, now Shane fucking Hollander follows.’ Wyatt shakes his head. ‘Fuck. No one will beat us.’
‘That is the plan, yes.’, Ilya agrees with a grin, pulling his shirt over his head.
‘So, how was your summer?’ The goaltender leans on the locker next to Ilya’s.
‘Good. Spent some time at the cottage, beat Shane at running. Was perfect.’
Shane mutters something under his breath but he’s blushing again, the light dusting of pink only pronouncing his beautiful freckles.
Wyatt ignores the jab and nods at Ilya’s necklace that now sports the simple black ring right next to his mother’s cross. ‘Any other news, Cap?’
‘Oh.’ Ilya picks up the chain as if seeing it for the first time. ‘Yeah. Is sign of – what is it called? – ownership.’
‘Ilya!’
‘What?’ He turns to Shane who glares up at him.
‘It’s not – That sounds horrible.’
Ilya shrugs. ‘Okay, it’s an engagement ring. Call it what you want but you know I only belong to you, sweetheart.’ He flutters his eyelashes at Shane who shoves him with a grin.
‘Asshole.’, he mumbles quietly enough as the fire in his eyes dies down, replaced by fondness.
Ilya grins back and turns to the locker room at large who had fallen silent. ‘Everyone, meet Shane, my fiancé.’
Silence hangs thick in the room after Ilya's proclamation. He's thrown his arm around Shane's shoulders, pulling him in a bit. Some of his teammates look a little unsure but some are already smiling, probably happy for their captain.
'Seriously?', Bood asks with a raised eyebrow.
'Yeah. Of course. He asked. I thought to myself: Ilya, you can't pass up opportunity like that. Think of those beautiful freckles.'
Shane scrunches up his nose adorably. 'My freckles?'
Ilya shrugs. 'Are easily the best thing about you.'
Shane rolls his eyes a tad bit too dramatically as if they had had the same argument thousands of times before.
Ilya looks down at where Shane is still tucked into his side. He gets a little lost in his dark eyes, in the smile that tucks at his lips.
Now his teammates are laughing, some shake their heads grinning.
Wyatt snorts. 'Jesus, Roz. Good one.' Laughter erupts again. It's music to Ilya. 'Uh, well, congratulations, I guess.', he offers up.
And if it sounds a bit amused, Ilya is willing to let that pass. Probably shock. Maybe they just need some time getting used to the idea. Who cares? At least they don't have to hide anymore.
Ilya's grin widens.
'You are all invited for big wedding, of course.', Ilya adds some seconds later.
'Of course.', Bood agrees with a grin. 'There also better be an open bar.'
The suggestion is greeted with more laughter but Ilya just has eyes for Shane.
'We can do that.', Shane easily agrees.
Then the team gets back to preparing for their practice, some still shaking their heads grinning. Some clap him on the shoulder on their way out.
'Typical Roz, right?' Bood bumps Shane's shoulder.
Shane huffs. 'Yeah.', he agrees with a grin.
Ilya's heart sings.
*****
'That went better than expected, no?', Ilya asks as soon as Shane closes the car door behind him a few hours later.
Practice had been great. No, scratch that. Awesome. Perfect. It would take a few sessions to get everyone to click but Ilya is going to damn that curse. They would get the fucking Cup this year.
A careful smile stretches Shane's lips. 'They are all great. It's a good team. And they only seemed a little shocked. By us.'
'But recovered fast.'
'Yeah.' Shane's smile widens. He reaches over for Ilya's hand, pulling it towards him. 'They took it really well. Didn't make a fuss.'
Ilya squeezes his hand back, trying to absorb Shane's pain through the simple contact. Yes, they would make Montreal pay for this. Make them regret ever insinuating that Shane is worth less just because of whom he loves.
Ilya kisses his knuckles.
Shane’s looking at their intertwined hands. 'They even teased us about the wedding.'
'Is good sign.', Ilya assures him.
'It's so... Fuck.' Shane grins. 'Now we gotta do the open bar.'
'Cheapskate.', Ilya teases fondly. 'I love you. And the team will love you too in no time.'
'I already love them.'
Ilya's stomach flutters. It's too good to be true. And just because he can't leave perfection alone, he asks: 'Does that mean I get to kiss you in front of them?'
Shane sighs. 'I thought we agreed to be professional.'
'I'm done hiding.'
They had agreed to that after Shane had told him he’d be transferring to Ottawa. No more hiding, no more pretending. They had meant to come out together over the summer but Shane had asked for a few more months in peace because the media would be all over them, over him again. So Ilya had agreed to wait with the official statement but not with their team knowing.
'Okay. Can you give me a little time though?' Ilya nods immediately. 'And even then, only within reason.', Shane declares.
Ilya rolls his eyes and starts the engine. 'Whatever you say, sweetheart.'