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Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 - Ottawa, ON.
Nothing on the planet could’ve prepared Shane for this moment.
When Luka was born, he and Ilya both wept for what felt like hours. Their surrogate had wanted to recover privately, so after some profuse thank yous and some elaborate gifts from the hockey husbands, they were able to welcome their baby boy into the world on their own.
This time around, there were some introductions that had to be done.
Rose and Sveta were gracious enough to babysit Luka while Shane and Ilya were in the delivery room with their surrogate, Lydia. The baby had been delivered, Shane and Ilya had quietly left the room to let Lydia recover, and were reunited with their newest little one in a separate room after the infant was weighed and checked.
Ilya sat in the armchair of the room, cradling his youngest son close to his chest. “And your brother, solnyshko. Oh, he will love you so much. More than you thought possible.”
Shane, who thought he was out of tears after being the first to hold the newborn to his bare chest and hearing his loud cries, teared up. He sniffled, standing from his position on the chair next to Ilya. His husband looked up at him, chuckling wetly.
“He is precious,” he murmured, accent thick and teary. Shane nodded, wiping a tear off his lashline.
“I’m going to invite Luka in here,” he whispered, eyes fixed on the baby. Ilya nodded, adjusting the swaddled infant.
“Okay.”
Shane nodded, exhaling heavily as he turned away, heart heavy with love. He stepped outside the hospital room, letting out a startled laugh when he immediately saw Rose, Svetlana, and Luka sitting eagerly outside. Shane raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Hello there.”
Luka immediately looked up, squealing in delight and slipping off Rose’s lap, running over to Shane.
“Daddy, daddy!” Shane immediately smiled, crouching down and pulling Luka into a big hug.
“Hi, baby,” he greeted, kissing the toddler’s cheek. “Did you have fun with your aunties?”
“Hi, baby! Baby!” Luka parroted, pointing to the hospital room door. Shane laughed, kissing his baby’s cheek again, looking up at the two women. They looked beautiful— as they always did.
“Thank you for hanging out with him,” he expressed gently. “Labour took a lot longer than we all expected.” Sveta waved him off.
“No problem, Shane. You know that. Have you or Ilya eaten yet?”
“Baby!” Luka demanded insistently, pointing again to the door. The adults all smiled, but didn’t say anything. Shane gently smoothed Luka’s hair back, still holding his squat.
“Not yet,” he admitted, albeit sheepishly. Rose tsked.
“Okay. You let your boys get to know each other while Sveta and I go pick up something that isn’t hospital sludge, and we’ll come back in about an hour to get some fuel into you both and smother your boys in auntie cuddles.” Shane’s smile was so warm it could melt an iceberg.
“Sounds like a plan. Thank you. Both of you. Really.” Svetlana smiled, crouching down beside Shane and pressing a kiss to his cheek, leaving a brown lipstick mark on his skin. Rose crouched by his other side, doing the same thing as her partner, though her lipstick was pink.
Shane couldn’t help his laugh. Sveta turned to Luka. “Remember to use your gentle hands, yes?” She reminded softly, poking Luka’s nose. The boy grinned, nodding at the Russian woman.
“Uh huh! Baby, dada, baby!” Shane chuckled, standing up and taking Luka’s hand.
“Alright, kiddo, alright. Say goodbye to your aunties, okay? We’ll see them later.”
“Bye, ‘Ose! Bye, S’etta!” Luka called, impatiently tugging on Shane’s hand. The women laughed, waving to the toddler as they turned down the hall.
“Quiet, Luka,” Shane reminded as he slowly opened the door to the room. Ilya looked up, smiling warmly at his eldest, still holding the newborn.
“Hi, baby,” he greeted gently, voice soft in the quiet room. Luka’s eyes were fixed on the small swaddle in Ilya’s strong arms.
“Hi, papa,” Luka whispered back absentmindedly, ever the polite boy. He glanced back at Shane, receiving a small nod before walking over to Ilya. He placed his hands on his father’s knees, peering up at the baby. Ilya smiled warmly, gently moving the blanket so Luka could see the infant.
“Luka, this is Dimitri. Dimitri, this is your big brother Luka.” Luka’s brown eyes were wide with wonder. Ilya wanted to cry all over again, watching his boys interact. Shane kneeled down behind Luka, placing a hand on his back.
“What do you think, buddy?” He asked softly, gazing at Luka with so much love. The boy reached out, gently brushing his finger over Dimitri’s cheek.
“Baby,” he whispered, more to himself. “Dee.”
Ilya nodded, looking between his boys with an emotional look in his eyes. “That’s right, my love.”
“Perfect,” Luka murmured, completely fixated on Dimitri. “Brother.” Shane and Ilya exchanged the warmest of smiles. Shane nodded, swallowing around the lump in his throat.
“That’s right, baby. You’re brothers.”
Luka nodded, leaning close to the small swaddle that was Dimitri, and resting their foreheads together. “Love ‘ou,” the toddler whispered to the infant. Shane gently smoothed his hand over the back of Luka’s head, wondering how on earth he got so lucky.
Wednesday, October 31st 2035 - Ottawa, ON.
Luka knew that Nadia and Dimitri were his most favourite people in the world when he was ten years old.
Even when they annoyed him (how could people so little be so loud?), he loved them so much it made his chest hurt.
So when Nadia came up in tears at the school gate because her fairy wings were broken, he knew he had to act fast.
“I can’t wear them, Luka!” She wailed, holding the bent costume piece in her hands. Luka bit his lip, nodding a little. He couldn’t help but agree— the wings were mangled. Covered in dirt, bent in all directions, and missing the decorative ribbons on one side. A casualty from the playground, no doubt.
“I hear you, Dia, I do. Can we practice taking a deep breath?” He asked, crouching down beside Nadia. The five year old inhaled shakily, bottom lip trembling the whole time. Still, she managed, exhaling before resuming her blubbering.
“Wanna go trick an’ treatin’,” she sniffled, tears steadily dripping down her cheeks. It made Luka’s chest clench. He nodded in understanding, gently taking the wings from her.
“Come on, pal. Let’s head home and we can think of a solution there, okay?” Nadia nodded hesitantly, wiping her nose on her jacket sleeve. Luka grimaced, though thanked the stars that she didn’t use her bare hand. He took her hand with his free one, lightly squeezing it as the pair began the walk home.
Most of the journey was spent with Nadia trying to self-soothe, taking exaggerated deep breaths and exhaling loudly. Her hand never strayed from Luka’s.
Ilya had picked Dimitri right up from school for his hockey practice, and Shane wouldn’t be home until closer to dinner time because of a brand shoot. The plan was to go trick-or-treating right after dinner, and Luka knew that neither of his parents would have time to go out and buy new wings, or fix the ones they already have.
It was up to Luka to save the day.
No pressure.
Unlocking the door to their house, Luka let Nadia in first before following her inside, grateful for the shelter from the chilly wind. He was grateful the snow hadn’t started yet, though he wasn’t sure how long that would hold up.
The only thing that would make this worse for Nadia is having to put a snowsuit on under her costume.
Nadia had set her back down, plopping onto the bench in the front foyer, staring forlornly at the broken wings.
“I dunno how to fix it,” she whispered, looking up at Luka with watery eyes. She looked so little, it broke Luka’s heart in two.
The thirteen year old mustered the most encouraging smile he could manage, crouching down in front of his little sister.
“You know what? I think we could turn this into a story.” That piqued Nadia’s interest. The only thing the girl loved more than fairies was stories. She tilted her head, resembling a puppy. Luka’s smile came easier.
“A story?” The teenager nodded emphatically. “Uh huh. You remember that game Dee likes to play— plants versus zombies?” Nadia nodded, tears mostly gone from her eyes, replaced with intrigue and curiosity.
“Well, what if Fairy Nadia—”
“Princess Fairy Nadia,” she corrected, sniffing quietly. Luka rolled his eyes fondly.
“What if Princess Fairy Nadia was bitten—” A dramatic gasp. “—by a zombie!” Another gasp, followed by a giggle. “And she beat up the zombie after, but was still transformed! And she lived out the rest of her fairy days being the undead Princess Fairy Nadia of Castle Hollander-Rozanov.” Nadia squealed in excitement, clapping excitedly.
“Yes yes!” She cheered. “I wanna be undead!” Luka grinned, hiding his relieved sigh. If this didn’t work, he honestly was out of ideas. The last resort was turning into a seamstress and fixing the damn wings himself.
“Let’s go get you Princess Fairy zombified,” the thirteen year old said as he stood, reaching a hand out for his little sister.
“But wait…” Nadia thought aloud, tapping her chin pensively. Luka raised his brows. “I need the bad guy I beat up to be there.” She gasped, pointing at Luka. “You! Come trick an’ treatin’ with me! Pleaseeeeeeeeeee?”
Luka hesitated, eyes darting around the room. “Well, Dia, I—”
“Please?” She asked sweetly, tilting her head and batting her eyelashes. Luka narrowed his eyes slightly. How Shane and Ilya ever said no to her, he’d never understand.
“Okay,” he relented, keeping his sigh internal. Nadia squealed, hopping up and running into the house and singing excitedly. “I’m gonna be und-ead, I’m gonna be und-ead!”
Luka smiled despite his reservations, following his little sister off to her bedroom.
~
When Shane and Ilya pulled into the driveway at the same time, they couldn’t help but smile the sappiest smiles at each other. Dimitri watched Ilya park the car, gagging when he noticed his Papa still looking at his Dad.
“Get a room!” He snarked before slipping out of the car. Ilya rolled his eyes, scoffing playfully and getting out of the car as well. Shane had locked his car, already approaching the two.
“Pardon me for admiring my lovely husband,” Ilya remarked, pressing a kiss to Shane’s cheek and wrapping an arm around his waist once he was close enough. Shane snorted, gently pushing Dimitri’s hair back from his forehead before palming his face and giving a gentle, playful shove. The boy let out a muffled noise, causing both Shane and Ilya to laugh again.
“Come on, kiddo. Let’s get dinner in you before you and your siblings end up in a candy coma.” Dimitri huffed playfully, turning and walking into the house with his parents on his trail.
Upon opening the door, rapid footsteps quickly came down the hall towards the entrance.
“Dee! Dee! Look!” Ilya toed off his shoes, eyes widening when his gaze landed on his daughter, who was covered in dirt and fake blood, and very clearly had zombie makeup applied to her face. Shane froze behind him, having peered over his husband’s shoulder.
Dimitri, was not at all stunned. “Nadia! That’s freaking awesome! You’re the coolest zombie fairy princess, you know that?” Nadia grinned, twirling around in her dress at the compliment.
“C’mon! You gotta get ready to go trick an’ treatin’!” She declared, grabbing her brother’s hand and pulling him towards the staircase, the eleven year old eagerly following. Luka appeared in the entryway just a moment later, dressed in his own zombie attire, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.
“I thought we asked you to babysit, not raise the dead,” Ilya joked, eyes flicking up as he heard Dimitri and Nadia’s loud laughs from upstairs. Luka flushed. Shane had stepped out from behind Ilya, arms crossed over his chest.
“Dia’s wings got broken on the playground and she was so sad. Like, so sad, Papa. I couldn’t just tell her to go without. So we decided Princess Fairy Nadia got attacked by a zombie,” he gestured to his outfit. “But beat him up. So she won in the end, but still got transformed. So she’s an undead, hero Princess Fairy.” Luka nodded to his own explanation, as if it made perfect sense.
Ilya was hopelessly endeared.
“Ah, yes. I see. And that included getting her dress all dirty?” Luka shrugged, looking away.
“We had to make it convincing,” he mumbled. Shane walked over to his eldest, arms falling from where they were crossed over his chest. He stood in front of Luka, slowly reaching his hand up, tilting Luka’s chin towards him.
“You are the best big brother in the world,” he murmured, pressing a warm, lingering kiss to Luka’s forehead. The thirteen year old melted into his father, closing his eyes and letting the tension fall from his shoulders.
Ilya walked over to them, squeezing Luka’s shoulder proudly before letting his hand drop. “We are so proud of you, you know? Thank you for helping our girl.”
Luka’s lips ticked up in a smile. He pulled away after a moment, bashful and sweet. “It’s not a big deal,” he dismissed, turning and walking away. Shane and Ilya shared a private smile, warm and full of love.
~
September 2040 - Ottawa, ON.
The Hollander-Rozanov house was quieter than it usually was.
Shane and Ilya had gone out for their bi-weekly date night, and had reluctantly asked Luka to babysit Nadia. Luka never minded— he loved hanging out with his sister, but Shane and Ilya very rarely asked their children to babysit, insistent that it wasn’t their responsibility. Luka was grateful for it, but he honestly did not mind. He was essentially being paid to order a pizza and sit at home while Nadia slept. There were not many other things Luka would rather be doing.
Shane and Ilya also let Megan stay over, which made things decidedly less boring.
The two eighteen year olds were sitting on the couch, pressed tightly together while they watched a new thriller movie. Dimitri was out with a few friends, due to be home in the next three hours, and Nadia was sound asleep upstairs.
“Luka?”
Or so he thought.
Megan paused the movie as Luka turned around, looking over the back of the couch.
“What’s up, Dia?” He asked, tone patient. The nine year old looked down, dragging her Snoopy sock covered toe over the hardwood floor. Anya trotted over and stood behind her, sniffing the girl’s ankle.
“I—uh, I can’t sleep,” she confessed quietly. Megan glanced between the two, gently squeezing Luka’s knee before standing.
“I need to use the restroom,” she announced, passing by Nadia and offering her a small smile before disappearing down the hallway. The door clicked shut and Luka patted the now empty space on the couch.
“C’mere, pal.” Nadia nodded, walking around the couch and sitting next to Luka. She sat stiffly, hands nervously moving in her lap. Luka looked at her with concern, brows furrowed. He gave her a minute.
Then another.
Then another.
“Nadia?” He asked gently, posture comforting. Nadia glanced at him before looking away, a small hum in her throat. That’s okay. Luka could do some detective work.
“Did you have a bad dream?” He asked quietly. Nadia shook her head.
“Did something happen at school this week?” Another shake of blonde curls. Luka took a deep breath, trying to push back his frustration. How hard was it to say what was on your mind?
Very. He reminded himself. Especially when you’re ten and your mind is stuffed to the brim with ideas.
“Are you missing Dad and Papa?” A nod. Then tears pooling in warm, brown eyes. Uh oh.
“Oh, Dia, hey—”
“Sorry, I know it’s so stupid. I’m literally ten, I shouldn’t be upset like this.” This time, it was Luka shaking his head.
“Hey hey. No, that’s not true at all. You’re allowed to feel however you feel. What do you think will help?” Luka’s voice was achingly gentle, and oh so patient.
“I didn’t get a goodnight hug and kiss,” she whispered, wiping a stray tear and looking up at her big brother. Luka nodded slowly, opening his arms.
“Can I give it a try? See if a Luka hug will maybe substitute a Dad or Papa hug?” Nadia gave him a watery smile, leaning into Luka and hugging him tightly. The eighteen year old pressed a kiss to his sister’s head, rubbing her back. Nadia giggled, her cheek squished against her brother’s shoulder.
“It’s not as good, but it will do,” Nadia murmured, still in Luka’s embrace. Luka laughed, holding his sister tight for another moment before easing out of the hug. Nadia pulled back, holding her arms behind her back, rocking back and forth on her feet. Luka smiled at the action.
“Do you want me to come tuck you back in?” He asked sincerely. Nadia shook her head, glancing back at the staircase.
“No, ‘m okay. Can you ask Dad and Papa to come say goodnight when they get home? Even if I’m asleep, I’ll know.”
Luka laughed fondly, gently patting the ten year old’s shoulder. “Will do. Goodnight, Dia.”
“Goodnight, Luka,” she responded, smiling at her big brother, turning and making her way back to the second floor. As Nadia disappeared up the stairs, Megan came back into the living room with a fond smile.
“You’ll be a great dad one day,” she commented softly, sitting next to Luka on the couch. The boy smiled.
“I learned from the best.”
~
Luka and Megan were both half-asleep, end credits of the movie had come and gone, when the phone rang. Luka startled, blinking away his bleariness as he reached for his cell phone. He checked the caller-id, then the time, furrowing his brows as he accepted the call. Next to him, Megan sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
“Dimitri? What’s up?”
“Luka, heyyyyy—” he interrupted himself with a hiccup. Luka was suddenly much more awake. “Can you— um, can you— woah, holy shit, dude! Fucking stop!”
Luka felt his chest grow tight at Dimitri’s anxiously slurred tone. “Dee, where are you?”
A heavy sigh. “Thank—” another hiccup. “Thank you. I’m at Liv’s house, but I don’t— don’t really wanna be here. Can ya come?” Luka was already standing, reaching for his keys and wallet off the coffee table.
“I’m coming, bud. Can you sit out at the curb and wait for me? I’ll be there in fifteen.” A drunken confirmation before the line clicked. Megan looked much more awake, sitting up straighter and looking at Luka nervously.
“What’s wrong?” Luka exhaled shakily, running a hand through his hair.
“Just Dee. He’s drunk and at a party. Can you stay here with Dia? Please? I know it’s a lot to ask but I don’t want you to have to deal with vomit and—” Megan stood, gently shushing Luka and grabbing his hands. Luka stopped, taking a deep breath.
Megan nodded her approval. “There you go. I’m good. I can handle a sleeping ten year old. Go get your brother, I’ll be here.”
Luka was so fucking grateful for her. He nodded, leaning in and pressing a light kiss to her cheek. “Love you. I’ll be back soon, okay?”
Megan’s cheeks flushed. She nodded, stepping back. “I love you too. Keep me updated, drive safe.”
Luka nodded again, taking another deep breath before turning and swiftly leaving the house, shoes slipped on haphazardly.
~
As Luka pulled up to the house, he immediately spotted Dimitri on the curb, lying back on the grass and staring at the sky. The eighteen year old parked the car a few short paces away, slipping out of the driver’s seat and approaching his brother. The sixteen year old looked up, looking much more tired than he had any right to. Luka crouched beside his brother, sitting on the curb.
“Hey.”
Dimitri hiccuped. “Hey. I think I— uhhh, I think I drank too much.” Luka nodded.
“Okay. How much did you have?” He asked calmly, quietly analyzing his brother. He was sweaty, but not excessively. He also looked pale. It was then Luka noticed the small puddle of puke in the grass on the other side of his brother.
“Like… six hundred beers,” Dimitri said, giggling to himself. Luka raised his brows. Dimitri sat up, immediately reaching for his brother. Luka steadied him, keeping a secure hand on his shoulder.
“Dee,” Luka said, voice firm but not unkind. The boy looked up at his brother, blinking himself into focus.
“Are you okay?” Dimitri furrowed his brows after a moment, processing the question. Reluctantly, he nodded.
“‘M okay. Better now that you’re here.” Luka smiled, rubbing Dimitri’s shoulder.
“You’re sweet. Let’s get you in the car, dude.” Dimitri nodded, standing on shaky legs, steadied by Luka’s hands. The elder led his brother to the car, opening the passenger door and helping him inside. Once seated, Luka ducked his head to catch Dimitri’s eye.
“Hey. Do not throw up in my car. If you need to hurl, let me know and I’ll pull over.” He paused. “Or aim out the window. Okay?” Dimitri saluted. Luka’s seriousness was broken ever so slightly.
“What did I just say?”
“No pukin’ in the Luka-mobile,” Dimitri slurred, nodding wisely. Luka nodded back, reaching for Dimitri’s seatbelt.
“If you do, you’re buying me my next three tanks of gas. With your allowance.” Dimitri groaned as he was buckled in, turning his head. Luka snorted, securing the buckle before standing up properly and closing the door. He walked around the car, getting into the driver’s seat and buckling himself up. He rolled down the windows, glancing at his brother once more before starting the car and driving away.
About five minutes down the road, Dimitri began to speak.
“My friends are fuckin’ dumbasses,” he muttered, rubbing his eyes tiredly. Luka glanced at him, reaching to the centre console and handing his brother the water bottle he had left there. He didn’t say anything, waiting for Dimitri to share more. If there was one thing to know about that kid, it was the fact that he hated the quiet.
The sixteen year old sipped the water. “I just…” he trailed off, gazing out the window. “They’re just assholes.” Dimitri suddenly seemed a lot more sober. “They were sayin’ dumb shit. And being reckless with themselves an’ each other.”
Luka furrowed his brows, glancing at his brother before returning his attention to the road. “How so?”
Dimitri exhaled slowly, taking another sip of water. He rubbed his eyes, leaning back against his seat. “There’s this new guy at my school, right? And he doesn’t really fit in anywhere yet. He’s kinda awkward. And the guys were putting like… dirt and fucking dog shit into his drink and daring him to drink it. It was fucking sick. I got ‘em to stop, an’ Liv made sure the kid got home okay, but like… still. You don’t fucking do that to people.”
Luka nodded, feeling sick to his stomach. He turned down a new road. “Has anything like that happened to you?”
Dimitri scoffed. “No. My last name’s the only thing stoppin’ them though.” There was a long moment of uncomfortable silence. “I think I hate them.”
Luka nodded again, glancing at his brother. “I think I hate them too. Thank you for calling me.”
Dimitri nodded in return, drinking more water. He rested his forehead against the cool glass of the window. “Thank you for coming. Just a shitty fuckin’ night.” Luka hummed, reaching over the centre console and grabbing Dimitri’s shoulder affectionately.
“I’ve got ya, bud. Always.” The sixteen year old gave a small smile in response.
The rest of the drive home was a peaceful, if a little dizzying for Dimitri, endeavor.
~
“Shhh!” Shane murmured, trying to hold back his laughter as Ilya fumbled with his keys, trying to get into the house. Both of them were a little tipsy after dinner, and were desperately trying not to let it show.
“Is stupid, stupid key,” Ilya mumbled back on his third attempt trying to unlock the door, snorting quietly as he saw the little loon keychain he kept on his keys. “Like stupid Canadian wolf bird.”
Shane rolled his eyes, bumping Ilya out of the way with his hip and unlocking the door on the first try, smiling smugly at his husband and ignoring his mutter of ‘show-off’ as they entered the house.
It was quiet, a peaceful quiet, and filled with dim lighting. Luka looked up from where he was sitting on the couch, smiling when he saw his parents. Shane and Ilya both returned the smile, toeing off their shoes.
“Hi, Lukasha,” Ilya greeted, hanging his jacket on the hook. “How was your night?”
Luka crossed his arms over his chest, watching his parents get themselves settled. “Was okay. Nadia wants you to go say goodnight, she missed her kiss. Even if she’s asleep, she insisted she would know if you didn’t. And Dimitri’s not asleep yet, but he could use a check-in too. He had a bad night. I gave him some ibuprofen and lots of electrolytes, so he’s good on that front. Don’t be too mad at him for drinking, he was being really responsible, I promise.”
Shane blinked at the barrage of information, nodding slowly. “Okay,” he said softly, mentally cataloguing everything that had to be done. Beside him, Ilya was nodding as well.
“Okay,” his husband repeated. “We will do that. And how are you, solnyshko?” Luka blinked, as if the question hadn’t even occurred to him. He took a moment to mentally evaluate himself, not wanting to lie to his parents. After a moment, he smiled.
“Good. I’m good. A little bit worried ‘bout Dee and Dia, but I’m good. I like taking care of them.”
Shane’s chest felt like it was going to erupt like a volcano. “And you’re so good at it, baby,” he praised softly. Luka’s cheeks flushed. He looked down at his feet.
“It’s mostly easy. You just gotta listen.” He paused. “And it’s them. Everything’s easier when it’s them.” Ilya hummed, holding his arm out. Luka looked up, moving into Ilya’s space and savouring the tight hug his Papa wrapped him in.
“It’s easy with you too,” he whispered to his son, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. Luka hugged him a little tighter. Shane joined in their hug, pressing a kiss to Luka’s temple. The boy let out a pleased hum.
“We’re the luckiest men in the world, your Papa and I,” Shane murmured. “Thank you for being you.”
Luka hummed, hugging Ilya a little tighter. Reassurance from his dads always made him feel like he was the best person in the world.
And upstairs were two people who would agree with that sentiment with their whole hearts.