Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

January 2021

Shane and Ilya were luxuriating in bed that morning after the proposal, cosy under the thick duvets and in each other’s arms. They were both shirtless as they cuddled, Shane’s hands tracing Ilya’s gold chain where the ring now sat, while Ilya played with Shane’s hair absentmindedly.

“Moya lyubov,” Ilya started. Shane’s answering hum urged him on. “Were you serious last night? That we can be less careful? And this summer…”

Shane untangled himself enough to look at Ilya’s eyes. “Yes,” he said with conviction. “It’s scary, but I’m so tired of the world not knowing.” 

He took a deep breath, hand going to Ilya’s chest where the latter’s heartbeat can be felt. “When…”

“Shane.”

Shane shook his head. “No, I have to let this out.” He took another breath, and tears pooled at the corner of his eyes. “When I thought you had left me, I thought I was going to die myself. And no one would have known, Ilya. No one would have guessed that the most important person to me, the most beautiful thing to have happened to me, has died. And I can’t–” 

His voice broke, and that made Ilya reach out for him. Shane let himself get back to his original position, but he continued, “I need everyone to know that you, Ilya Rozanov, are the love of my life. That you are my whole fucking world. And if you die, I die.”

Ilya made gentle comforting noises, his hands now at Shane’s back. “I love you so much, Shane.”

Shane reached up again to pepper Ilya’s face with kisses.

“I’m telling my team, next practice. Will probably tell J.J. first, though,” Shane then said, in between kisses. Ilya stilled at that, searching his face. He just shrugged and reiterated, “I told you, I’m tired of hiding.”

Moisture filled Ilya’s eyes. “Dorogoy…”

Shane smiled, shyly, “And you can tell your team and friends, too.”

Ilya took a shuddering breath and, with great effort, flipped their positions. Now, it was his turn to pepper Shane’s face with kisses.

***

“Yeah, so my team is not taking the news well. It was obviously a shock, but they’re honestly making it hard to be around them now,” Shane told Rose. It was a week after the proposal, and they were in Shane’s apartment in Montreal, Rose having had to come up to film something. Ilya, who came up due to a couple of days off, was in the kitchen cooking something while the two of them sat on the stools in front of the kitchen island, with Rose nursing a glass of wine and Shane’s open can of ginger ale on the table.

The woman was privy to how the Montreal team reacted to Shane’s coming out. She bonded with Ilya over how much of an asshole the team is, save for Hayden and J.J. The news that Shane was in a relationship with Ilya only made the environment more hostile. Shane hadn’t been benched, but their most recent game showed a different dynamic on ice. Sports commentators mentioned it.

Rose wouldn’t be surprised if Shane leaves Montreal at the end of the season.

In contrast, Ilya’s team was welcoming and had been nothing but giddy at the news. Obviously delighted that Ilya Rozanov bagged himself the Shane Hollander.

“I think, if we’re truly coming out this summer, the public needs to be prepared.”

“Ooh, yes, a soft launch!” At Shane’s look of confusion, Rose hurriedly explained. “Basically, giving hints to the public that you are in a relationship. Like posting photos of you at dinner with someone sitting across from you, but the face is not shown at all. Taking photos of gifts you receive and just saying ‘thank you’ without naming anybody. For celebrities, which you two are, being seen more often out in public. Not necessarily all loved up, but like, places you wouldn’t be expected to go? Does that make sense?”

Ilya finished cooking and was plating the food. “So all we need to do is go out, then? Let people take photos of us?”

Rose nodded. “Yes, like that. It will get people thinking and more used to seeing you together. Then, when you do finally do a hard launch, it is not a surprise anymore.”

Shane made a face at that. “Is there any way to do this without attracting a lot of attention?”

Ilya came around the island after setting the plate down. His smile was mischievous as he took Shane’s face in his hands, slightly squishing it. Shane’s hands automatically came up to Ilya’s waist. “We will always attract attention. Look at us.”

Shane rolled his eyes. “Not what I meant, asshole.”

Ilya kissed Shane’s nose. Rose tactfully focused on the food in front of her. 

“But we can’t entirely keep the attention away, moya lyubov. We might as well lean in to it.”

As Rose bit into the food, a thought popped into her head. As the lovers became more lovey-dovey beside her, the idea took shape, sharpening into focus. 

The abrupt sound of metal striking glass made the two men jump apart slightly. Rose noted Shane’s flushed face and Ilya’s plumper lips; she’ll tease them about that later. For now, she forged on. “How open are you two to leaning into the attention for your hard launch?”

The two looked at each other, some form of silent communication going on. Finally, they looked at her. “What do you have in mind?” Shane asked, cautiously.

“I have a friend – Bruno Mars –”

“You are friends with Mr Mars?” came Ilya’s almost outraged voice, whipping his head to properly look at Rose. “How come I didn’t know? Shane, Shane…”

“I’ve only heard one song from the guy! Just the Way You Are! Mostly because Hayden played it every single day after he met Jackie.”

Rose laughed. “Okay, well, to be fair, I only met him recently during an awards show.”

“I must meet him!”

“This plan would be perfect then! His new album is coming out in two weeks, called “The Romantic”,” Rose started.

Ilya nodded his head. “Yes, I have heard of this. It’s already pre-saved in my Spotify.”

“Well, I’ve heard one of the songs, and I think it’s perfect for you two. The official music video for it is done, but I know there’s talk of getting celebrities to use it for their weddings – there’s apparently a lot getting married this summer – and then releasing it as sort of an anthology music video for the song.”

“Ok, so what is plan?” Ilya was excited now, losing his grip on the finer points of English grammar in the process. Shane could feel his fiancé practically buzzing beside him.

“You’re planning for the wedding in late June, right? I’m thinking of pitching your story to Bruno to see what they make of it. I’ll present it hypothetically at first. Then see how it goes.”

Ilya’s smile was so bright it got Shane to nod along.

February 2021

The album came out on an ordinary Friday. In that odd time between lunch and dreaming of what to do over the weekend.

For Ilya and Shane, it was like a permission being granted.

Had they been scheduled to play today, they would have been too busy going over their pre-game rituals and would not have had the time to hear the song Rose was talking about as soon as it dropped. As it is, their schedules matched, allowing them to spend a whole 24 hours together before Shane had to go back to Montreal tomorrow morning. 

They were in Ilya’s house in Ottawa, having a lazy mid-day lounge after a lazy, but mindblowing, morning sex. Something was playing on the television – a rerun of an old sitcom – when Rose messaged saying that the album dropped.

After that discussion last month, Rose informed them that she reached out to Bruno and his team. They’re interested to hear more and, after some back-and-forth, have agreed to let them listen to the song first before going further.

“What was the song title again?” Shane asked, already opening up the Spotify app on Ilya’s phone and looking up Bruno Mars’ discography.

“Risk It All,” came Ilya’s reply as he moved to mute whatever was playing on the TV.

After a few seconds, the song's melody wafted through the air, enveloping them.

It was…emotional. Passionate. A quiet promise of doing everything just for a chance, a touch, a fragment of time to be with that person.

Say you want the moon. Watch me learn to fly.

The lyrics stunned Shane, and he looked at Ilya, whose eyes were closed as he leaned back on the couch.

If you told Shane before, hell, a minute ago, that a simple line in a song would fully encapsulate what Ilya had done for him, for their relationship, Shane would not have believed you.

But here were those lyrics.

He remembered that one summer evening in 2017, when he woke Ilya up to tell him about a plan. To leave Boston. To come to Ottawa.

And Ilya had simply said yes.

Disregarding everything – a promise of another Cup, his legacy uncertain, a chance to go back to Russia and visit his mother's grave – he simply said yes to Shane.

Oh, I'll do anything, anything you ask me to

And Ilya really had. 

In the original plan, he asked Ilya to wait until they were both retired before coming out. He sees how stupid that is now, with everything that happened to them in between then and now. But back then, in the quiet of the night when everything was both new and old, with no inkling of what would come next, Ilya still said yes to Shane.

Shane didn’t realise he was crying until he was sniffling and tears were cascading down his cheeks. Ilya opened his eyes, startled. Whatever his fiancé saw must have alarmed him because he all but lunged to Shane’s side of the couch and stuck to him like a koala.

He laughed at the ridiculousness of it all through the tears.

“Sweetheart, what’s wrong?” God, Shane felt his heart ache a little bit with that worried tone from Ilya. “What is it? Was this about this coming summer? We can-”

He leaned back a bit to look at Ilya and shook his head. “No, no. It’s not that,” he tried to smile so he could reassure the other man but it must not have come across as genuine because Ilya’s frown did not let up. “The lyrics just reminded me of well, everything you’ve done. For me.”

The song was about to end now, reaching a telling crescendo, so Ilya reached for his phone to play the song back. As the lyrics came up again, Ilya’s eyes flashed with recognition. “Shane…”

“You did so much. For me. For us. And when it was my turn to do something, I…” he trailed off, vividly remembering the fight they had over the Christmas season. 

“Hey, hey. No, okay?” Ilya continued to whisper soothing words, once again enveloping Shane in his arms. Shane let him. “We talked about that one. That part is over. We both promised to communicate more, da?”

Shane nodded. 

“And Shane, moya lyubov, I love you. But you can’t make me do anything I do not want to. I want to make you happy, so I do it. I want to be with you, so I say yes. I risked, I sacrificed because I want you and me together.”

“But I still asked for too much. And I didn’t have to risk a lot.”

“Is same.”

Shane looked at him now, confusion in his features. “What do you mean?”

The playlist switched over to a new song, and Ilya turned it off first before continuing. “Shane, the fact that you chose me, that you love me, that you share your parents with me, and that you were willing to create gazillion plans so we can be together is a risk in itself.”

His confusion must not have let up because Ilya sighed and continued, “Shane, look at you: Golden boy of hockey. No bad reputation. Your family is solid unit. You could have had anyone – a nice boy in Montreal. Someone easier to explain.” A corner of Ilya’s mouth twitched upwards in response to that self-deprecation.

Then, he turned serious. “But we can’t deny that there are people just waiting for an excuse to force you out of the league. Despite the glory, some bastards think you do not belong there: you’re half-Japanese, and you look like it, solnyshko. And at this point, is open secret that you are gay. One more thing, and they will be only too happy to call for your retirement.”

Shane’s brows furrowed. Of course, he knew all these things, but something about that last thing Ilya said struck him, and his confusion turned to anger. “You think you are a weakness to be used against me?”

Ilya, to Shane’s growing anger, just shrugged. “Is me. Big, bad Russian. With a fucked up brain.”

Shane cupped Ilya’s cheeks, a little too fiercely, but Ilya did not complain, “Hey, your brain is not fucked up, okay? It just needs a little help. Your therapist and I are here for that. When you want to tell my parents, I’m sure they can be here for you, too.” A beat, then, “Also, never, ever think you are my weakness. No, Ilya. You are my strength. I will give up everything for you, too.”

It was now Ilya’s turn to be misty-eyed. God, Shane’s eyes were blazing, and the fierce sincerity and assurance wrapped him up like a hug. And because Ilya could not help it anyway, he resumed cuddling with his fiancé. “Shane, the things I did for you – which are all equal to the things you did for me, by the way – I will do those again and again. Just for a chance to hold you, as Mr Mars would say.”

Shane smiled; the anger at the suggestion that Ilya is a mark against him was slowly dissipating. He still wasn’t entirely convinced that his contribution to this relationship is equal to what Ilya had done, but he’s going to spend the rest of his life making sure Ilya will never regret being with him. “I love you.”

“Ya tyebya lyublyu.”

Later, when they have both calmed down again, they will talk about what to do. The laundry list of things and people they have to work with is already looming at the back of Shane's mind.

For now, though, they can hold each other.

June 2021

[@BrunoMars✅ posted a photo: close-up photo of two hands, wedding rings visible, suit cuffs - one light pink, the other slightly darker shade of blue - are visible. The post is overlaid with the song Risk It All, particularly the part "It's crazy, but it's true, there's nothing I won't do, I'd risk it all for you."]

There was a plan for this one, but well, and I think it's safe to say this is very appropriate for the occasion, plans change 🤷‍♂️ Risk It All [a very special music video] 07.02.21

Chapter Text

A white background with black text appears on the screen. The words below stretched across it, in the same font style as on the “The Romantic” album cover.

Risk It All

A Very Special Music Video

06. 26. 21

The chords of a, by now, familiar, slow, romantic mariachi music floated through the speakers. It was lively and yet tender. The video slowly opens to said mariachi playing, Bruno Mars sits in front of them in a suit, cowboy hat, and a guitar. It was similar to the opening sequence of the original music video released at the start of the year, but this time they were in a garden of an expensive-looking property, rows of bright flowers peeking behind the ensemble, with the walls of a big house serving as a backdrop. The video’s treatment was of colour saturation and nostalgia, the same as the original.

Overhead, the sun shone softly while a soft breeze rustled the leaves.

In the lower-left third of the camera, a big fuzzy brown dog was lying on her belly on the grass, asleep as the sun shone on her. She would’ve been easy to miss if she hadn’t yawned a beat before the singer started his crooning. 

For just the chance to win your heart

You could set the bar beyond the stars

I'll do anything, anything you ask me to

The music switched to a more sedate arrangement. Still lively. Still tender.

The scene cut to a close-up of a bowtie with a man’s hand fixing it. A hint of a gold chain was visible to the audience as the sunlight came through the windows. The camera zoomed out a bit to show the back of an older man’s head – he had been the one fixing the bowtie. He was shorter than the man in front of him, allowing the audience to see the other man’s cupid’s bow lips, his clean-shaven chin, and strong jaw.

A cut. Blue eyes sparkling.

There’s a shift again, and the audience is treated to a full-body shot of the man’s back; the head of dark-blonde curls was a notable detail. The viewers can now clearly see the older man’s features: David Hollander, wearing a suit, albeit much more muted than the younger man's. 

His lips were moving, eyes emotional as he looked at the younger man. The blonde nodded and then hugged the older man before him. The tears were unseen, but the slight tremors from the taller man’s shoulders were a sign. David patted his back.

Say you want the moon

Watch me learn to fly

Ain't no mountain you could point to

I wouldn't climb

The video shifted again to the singer, waiting at the end of an aisle as he strummed his guitar and sang.

A cut, and then the guests were shown mingling on the lawn. The sun, the clear skies, and the same flowers suggested this was in the same area as the opening scene. A series of medium shots filled the screen.

Marleau, St Simon, Pike, and Boiziau were exchanging what seemed to be amusing stories. Cliff and Victor laughed while Hayden was making a funny face as a reaction to whatever it was J.J. was saying. They were in formal wear fit for the summer.

The next shot was of a group of Centaur players: Bood, Dysktra, Boyle, Chouinard, and Barrett, in a debate that was becoming a bit heated. Bood, frustrated, takes out his phone and starts typing with urgency. Dykstra kept talking. Barrett rolled his eyes. 

Kyle, Svetlana, and Harris were discussing something serious, probably swapping stories about what it’s like to be in management. Svetlana covers her mouth, aware of cameras around them, as she delivers a piece of gossip to both. Kyle and Harris were flabbergasted when she was done. Sveta was nodding empathetically.

In one corner, Price, Hunter, Bennett, and Hayes were taking photos. Price, being the tallest, was holding the camera for a selfie. Bennett and Hunter were holding up peace signs. Hayes was throwing a finger heart.

Far away from the crowd, but still within Hayden’s eyesight, were Haas and little Arthur Pike, drawing quietly in one corner. Arthur reaches for the colour blue and looks up at the sky before looking back at his drawing again.

Across them were the Centaurs rookies LaPointe, Young, and Holmberg with the kids Jade, Ruby, Willa, and Andrew. The smaller and larger kids were playing an overtly complicated game of rock, paper, scissors. Young was somehow losing here while the kids laughed at him.

Coach Weibe and his wife were talking to Max Riley and Leah Campbell. Both men had their arms around their wives, swaying slightly to the music. 

Rose Landry and Fabian Salah were in a larger group mostly made up of the Centaurs’ wives, but includes other guests like Jackie Pike and Kip Grady-Hunter in the mix. Everyone was listening in as Fabian told a story, gesturing with his hands. Kip quipped with something, and the group dissolved into giggles, some holding on to each other as they belly-laughed.

It's crazy, but it's true

There's nothing I won't do

I'd risk it all for you

Bruno Mars walks through a house, hat in hand, stopping at several framed photos. The contents of the photos were not made public. He stops at a large framed photo on the wall, the content of which the audience is still not privy to, but there’s a heaviness in the air, a significance to the photo. As he leaves, a hint of hockey sticks in an X formation was displayed on a wall behind where he was a moment ago.

A cut – freckles. Brown eyes. A familiar pair of cufflinks. A woman’s hands skillfully securing each button and pin. 

Yuna Hollander comes into shot over a young man’s shoulder, looking every bit like the mother of the groom. She was intent on taking care of the buttons. When she looked up, her eyes were misty, and she was trying not to cry. She cupped the young man’s face and said something. Her voice did not come through, but the words “Your dad and I love you” were easily read.

The young man’s head bowed a bit, shoulders relaxing. He proceeded to hug his mother. Through misty eyes, Yuna tightened the hug and kissed his cheek.

To hold your hand and call you mine

I'm tryna be your man 'til the end of time

Oh, I'll do anything, anything you ask me to

The singer was outside again. The same place where the guests were milling around earlier, but no one was around, just empty seats. Close-up shots of the aisle decor – flower arrangements, seat covers, petals on the floor – as he walked through the aisle. Fingers lingered on the chairs as he passed by.

The camera angle then panned over the chairs on the other side, a slow transition revealing that the guests were now standing in front of their designated seats. They are facing the aisle, excitement palpable as they look to the side toward the entrance. A close-up of the kids, standing together, leaning as kids do to get a better look.

Shane Hollander was standing at the end of the aisle.

His black hair was trimmed and styled for the day. His plump lips took on a smile that seemed forever etched on his face. His eyes unfocused and glazed, looking at something over the camera lens, zeroing in on his goal.

He walks, dreamlike, as if he were stepping on clouds. Afraid that at any moment, it will burst. 

It does not stop him from taking a step too fast, eager to reach the person on the other end.

I would run through a fire

Just to be by your side

If your heart's on the line

You could take mine

Ilya was shown on the other end of the aisle.

He was standing somewhat rigidly, as if he relaxed enough, he would not be able to stop himself from running towards what he was looking at. His eyes took on a stormy blue hue as tears gathered, but his smile mirrored that of Shane’s – soft, forever.

David and Yuna were then shown to the side. Yuna was openly crying while David’s arms were around her. His tears threaten to fall, too.

Anya was sitting on the grass at their feet.

It's crazy, but it's true

There's nothing I won't do

I'd risk it all for you

The singer appears on screen again, this time he’s alone in the garden, playing fetch with the same brown dog from earlier. It was Anya. 

As the dog brings the ball back to the singer, the scene changes to inside the house. The same photos shown earlier were now seen in full.

A screengrab, printed, of that cheek kiss from the 2017 All-Star game. 

Ilya, asleep on his stomach, wearing a Hollander jersey.

Shane, on the couch, looking up and wearing a Raiders jersey with a C in front. The hair suggests this was way before this year. His smile was wide and easy, eyes crinkled with happiness, and something rarely seen in public.

A family photo – Yuna, David, Shane, and Ilya – taken in a living room. The cake and gifts suggest it is someone’s birthday. Ilya was wearing a 24K Magic World Tour merch t-shirt.

A photo of them at the cottage, taken sneakily but clearly, showing them lounging on the deck. There were two large lounge chairs, but they were crammed into one. Ilya was lying on top of Shane, his eyes closed, and his head came up to the other man’s chest. Shane’s hand was on his head while the other one held up a book as he read. Ilya’s arms were around Shane’s.

Then, finally, the framed photo on the wall. It was grainier than the rest of the photos, obviously a screenshot from a video, angled higher than eye level to capture the majority of the room. There was a date stamp at the bottom: 11/Oct/2020.

Shane and Ilya, standing in a nondescript living room, facing each other. Shane, in a magician’s cape and top hat. Ilya, wearing a red bow tie and a flowered headband. They were both holding a plastic ring. The Pike twins were across them. Arthur was on the side, holding a musical toy. There was a scattering of stuffed toys on the floor, made to look like guests. The giddiness of that day radiated through the screen, making the mock wedding more real than it was.

I would swim across the sea just to show you

Sacrifice my life just to hold you

I could go on and on

To prove that you belong here in my arms

Shane and Ilya were at the aisle now, in a full-body shot showing they were standing in front of the justice of the peace. A close-up of their hands, holding each other’s, flashed before the music cut off at the end of its crescendo.

The shot transitions to show the two men, showing their faces as they recite their vows.

“I, Shane Hollander, take you and all that you are, Ilya Rozanov, to be my lawfully wedded husband.”

“I, Ilya Rozanov, take you and everything that is you, Shane Hollander, to be my lawfully wedded husband.”

Say you want the moon

Watch me learn to fly

Ain't no mountain you could point to

I wouldn't climb

The newlyweds kiss as the audience behind them goes crazy, flower petals showering them, clearly thrown from behind the camera. A tear can be seen from both grooms.

The camera then goes for a slow 360-degree shot, as one would see at the end of a romantic movie. It stops at its original point and freezes there. The video fades to black.

But not for long.

It's crazy, but it's true

There's nothing I won't do

I'd risk it all for you

A new clip, different from this curated video, came to view. It was an older one, and while still professionally shot, technological advancements date the video to around ten years ago. It was in an ice rink, taken specifically on centre ice. The younger versions of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov slowly skated to the middle, all serious, game face on.

Until they reach each other.

And they start laughing. 

The carefree attitude, the ease they have towards one another, and the early sparks of love were evident in their eyes. 

The screen truly fades to black this time

It's crazy, but it's true

There's nothing I won't do

I'd risk it all for you

The music fades out.

A voice-over, clearly Yuna’s, comes on. “So since when?”

“Since rookie season,” came Shane’s serious reply.

“Since rookie season?!” 

A Russian accent comes through, playful. “Not true, Hollander. The summer before.”

A photo fills the screen again. It stays there for a moment: Ilya and Shane, backs to the camera and holding each other’s waists, both wearing Centaurs jerseys. Hollander, 24. Rozanov, 81.

Fade out

Chapter Text

January 2021 - JJ (and Hayden)

Two days after he proposed to Ilya, Shane found himself inviting JJ and Hayden to his house. The three happened to be the only ones in the parking lot that morning, having come in earlier than the others for practice. Shane thought now was as good a time as any.

“Are we meeting your boyfriend?” JJ had asked. Hayden, who was slightly behind JJ, gave Shane a horrified look. Shane almost rolled his eyes.

“Yes,” he answered with a nod. 

JJ looked absolutely gleeful, like a kid being handed the keys to a candy shop and told to take as much as he wants. “Mon capitaine! Of course I’ll be there! I can’t wait to meet your boyfriend!”

Shane smiles. Hayden looks about ready to faint.

“Do we know this person? Is he another player in the league? Does he live in Montreal?” JJ whips his head to where JJ was standing. “Why are you not saying anything? Have you met him?”

Hayden opened his mouth to attempt answering that question when, thankfully, they were saved by another teammate who came in early.

Hours later, JJ came up to Hayden and Shane again. “So who is he?”

***

“ILYA ROZANOV?!” came JJ’s accented shriek. The disbelief is coming through loud and clear. Beside him, Hayden facepalmed. JJ’s reaction was way worse than his, but who could blame him? For a couple who liked to have everything be as relatively normal as possible, they sure do like throwing grenades at everyone.

The taller man raised his eyebrow as he took off his shoes at the foyer and place it in the shoe cabinet right by the door. It was those cabinets that blend into the wall, making it hard for infrequent guests to locate. But Rozanov – fucking Rozanov, really? – simply pressed the side where the latch is with ease. JJ now also noted that some of the shoes inside the cabinet are definitely not in Shane’s size.

As if that wasn’t enough, the guy then took off his coat and swiftly located the other latch for the coat closet. JJ’s eye almost twitched when he saw a larger-sized Centaurs hoodie inside. 

Shane, nerves jumping haywire, stood close to Ilya, a familiar gesture of welcoming him back home. He would have already kissed his fiancé had there been no guests around. Ilya, sensing the distinct lack of kiss, turned his attention to Shane.

Smiling brightly and yet warmly, he cradled Shane’s cheek with his hand. “Hello, solnyshko.” 

Up close, Shane could see the concern lurking in Ilya’s eyes. He also knows that Ilya was asking for permission, giving him plenty of time to pull back if he didn’t want to show affection. Fuck that, Shane thinks. But instead of verbalising that, Shane smiled, nerves melting a bit. “Hi, moya lyubov.”

The kiss was relatively chaste, just evidence of a relationship, a long-term one JJ thinks. The kind he’d seen his parents give each other at the end of the day. Also did Shane just speak Russian?

JJ needed to sit down.

He pivoted back to the living room and flopped down on the nearest couch. JJ ran his hands through his face. “What –” he saw Hayden standing in front of him, gauging his state and standing between him and the couple who had since come into the living room. Like he was a wild animal. His eyes narrowed.

“You knew?!” 

“Yes. But Shane didn’t tell me. I guessed.” After eyeing him some more, Hayden continued. “You okay there, bud?”

JJ ignored that. “You?” (Hey! Was Hayden’s protest) “You figured this,” he gestured at the couple behind Hayden. “Out?”

Hayden went for nonchalant. “Yeah? Shane used to disappear a lot when we were in Boston. Then, he stopped disappearing in Boston. Then, started going to Ottawa a lot right after Roz signed with the Centaurs? Not hard to figure out from there.”

Ilya snickered behind them. Shane groaned. When Hayden turned around to glare at the two, Rozanov just rolled his eyes. “What? You are acting like it’s not big deal, but it was to you. You reacted worse.”

“I did not!” Hayden countered.

“Hayds, the only thing you didn’t do was shout Ilya’s name out loud like JJ,” Shane looked at him then, a tentative smile but definite worry in his eyes.

He raised his hands as an appeasement. “I’m okay. Happy for you. Just. Mon Dieu. I need a minute.”

Rozanov, the asshole, just shrugged at him. “Okay, but my fiancé promised me chicken parm, and I am hungry.” At that, Rozanov turned around, once again slapping it in everyone’s faces how at ease he is in Shane’s house. More proof that this is real. 

But also –

“FIANCÉ?!”

Late January 2021 - Centaurs

Because it was a cold-ass night in January, on a Tuesday, the only people at Monk’s were the Centaurs. They were celebrating a win against San Jose, and while the chances for playoffs are not confirmed yet, the dream was becoming real by the second. San Jose was strong that year, and holy shit, they just beat them.

These were the thoughts running through Bood’s mind as he took on shot after shot. He has been in this team for close to ten years now, and, while they have won some, they have never won like this year. He glanced around the bar to look for Roz to give that man a smack on the cheek.

His captain was the reason for this. Took about two seasons to build them up like this, but they’re here now

Bood saw the three stooges – LaPointe, Young, and Holmberg – slapping money on a table, in front of Haasy. There’s a huge glass of what looks like beer in front of the Swiss, and Haas was eyeing it suspiciously. 

In a different corner of the bar, Barrett and Hayes were engaged in a conversation until a few seconds later, Harris arrived, and Troy’s face lit up after seeing his boyfriend. Wyatt chuckled and left the two lovebirds alone. He caught up with Dykstra and Chouinard, tearing up the dance floor.

Various other members were enjoying themselves around the bar. But he couldn’t find Roz anywhere.

Did he leave early again?

Bood rolled his eyes and went to check outside. 

When Roz moved to Ottawa in 2018, the team wasn’t sure what to make of it and what to expect of him. Fine, yeah, okay, they all expected something - party boy, nuisance, picks girls up everywhere - but who they got is someone funny, pushes them to do their best, and yes, he’s still a nuisance, but not malicious about it. Just a guy who liked to joke around and was good at being a little shit.

Most notably, though, is that he disappears whenever they have free time. And he’s always glued to that damn phone of his when he’s not on ice, smiling widely to himself and even blushing. While it was a mystery to the rest of the league and fans, all of the above have convinced Bood and Wyatt that Roz moved here for someone.

They just couldn’t prove it yet.

Well…until now maybe.

“Ah, moya lyubov,” Bood had heard the endearment frequently enough to recognise it. “I have missed you,” came Roz’s tender voice from the corner. It was a dark corner, that blind spot between the bar’s façade and the dimly lit parking lot, where no one bothered to install lights because it was only two steps before you’re reaching for the door handles.

Bood stood just a few steps away, barely making out Roz’s back. He could also see the man hugging someone, and whoever that someone is had their hands on Roz’s ass. He wanted to get closer – Cassie called him nosey once – but was too afraid to ruin this moment.

He also took a look around. While the bar’s location wasn’t entirely isolated, it was a little ways away from the centre of town. The road also wasn’t that near the entrance, and the vehicles passing through were few and far between. And, again, it was freeze your balls off weather tonight. Bood wasn’t surprised that virtually no one was out.

“Aww, was my fiancé lonely?” 

It was a man’s voice. 

Bood’s eyes widened at the recognition. Holy fuck – was that…?

As if the universe is giving him confirmation, the other man leaned back to get a better look at Roz’s face and whatever source of light was near them caught his features.

“SHANE FUCKING HOLLANDER?!” 

The couple froze and jumped apart. 

Bood slapped his mouth shut.

It was a tense moment as the three of them sized each other up: Roz, standing between him and Hollander, an arm outstretched to shield the other guy, staring at Bood with narrowed eyes. Hollander, whose hand gripped Roz’s outstretched bicep, looked as if a deer in headlights. Bood, one hand still on his mouth, brought up his other hand as if to say he came in peace.

A few seconds later, he dropped his arms. “Sorry, uhm–” How does one address the situation that his captain is in a relationship with another captain? His rival-turned-friend? Bood thought it was safest to recount why he was outside in the first place. “I was looking for you because you suddenly took off. And then,” he gestured wildly at the scene. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”

Roz’s mouth twitched, some of the tension leaving his captain. He looked back at Hollander, whose face remained carefully neutral. “I told you team is obsessed with me.”

That broke whatever Hollander was thinking because he rolled his eyes. Bood himself couldn’t keep from scoffing at the remark. 

“You’re such an asshole,” Hollander quipped, a slight smile playing on his lips.

“Yes, but I’m your asshole.”

A light wind reminded the three of them that they were outside in the cold. He shivered a bit and saw Hollander get closer to Roz. “Do you guys want to come in?” And maybe explain this whole thing before I go crazy?! Was what he wanted to add, but was afraid to get murdered by his captain. By the looks of it, Hollander is the only witness and will probably help Roz bury the body. 

Roz turned to look at the other man, his head tilted slightly. Some sick telepathy shit is happening, the kind that he and Cassie sometimes have when something is going on in front of them, and they can’t talk about it yet. Finally, Hollander nodded.

“Can you help tell team I have announcement to make?” Roz asked him, the gentlest he’s ever heard from the man, but also somehow the most giddy he’s ever seen him. And he’s seen Roz play with Chiron.

Bood smiled at the two. “Leave it to me.” He turned to enter the bar again when a thought struck him, and he slowly turned around. Roz was now rubbing Hollander’s arms up and down to warm him up. The two looked at him again.

“Fiancé?”

His captain’s eyes lit up the way they did when he delighted in something that would shock the team. In a good way, anyway. “Yes, part of announcement.”

Bood mock-saluted and did not waste time going in to tell the rest of the team about Roz’s announcement.

After confirming that they were still the only people in the bar – the staff, used to their antics, can be trusted not to say anything – he proceeded to gather everyone and put tables together. 

A few minutes later, the couple walked in.

“Holy shit,” one of the rookies breathed. 

"Is that?"

"What's going on?"

Wyatt, mouth agape, caught Bood’s eyes. Bood, smug, just shrugged.

“Hello, everyone,” Roz greeted them, bounding in like a golden retriever. He was holding Hollander’s hand, and that’s where everyone’s eyes are focused on.

Roz pulled out a chair and gestured for Hollander to sit there before he sat down on the chair beside him. He looked at everyone’s flabbergasted face, all waiting with bated breath, and smiled. Evilly.

“Shane and I are lovers.”

A beat. Then, pandemonium.

“Ilya, what the fuck?” 

“Roz, what –”

“I fucking knew it!”

“Yo what!”

“I’m too drunk, right? There’s no way–”

“Is this a dream? Am I dreaming?”

“Huh. Well, this explains a lot.”

Roz was too smug for his own good. Bood saw Hollander – Shane – pinch his arm, and he jumped. “Shane, why would you pinch me?” He asked, rubbing the spot.

Shane rolled his eyes. “You couldn’t have eased them into it?”

Roz groaned. “We already agreed to make announcement tonight. What’s the difference?”

“I don’t know – introduce me first or something?”

His captain pouted – pouted! – then turned back to their audience. “Okay, fine. Everyone, this is Shane Hollander, number one pain in my butt, but second-best player in the league. He is also my fiancé.”

It was Shane’s turn to groan as the rest of the team started going crazy again. Roz looked gleeful. “We will answer one question at a time.”

February 2021 - Svetlana and several Raiders

“What the fuck is going on?!” was what woke Shane and Ilya up from their mid-afternoon nap. They were in Ilya’s house in Ottawa with Shane having a very rare four-day off – something about Chicago weather grounding all flights – and making the drive last night. The Centaurs were supposed to play against Boston tonight, but some arena damage pushed the game to tomorrow afternoon instead. 

Last night’s activities got them so tired that they ended up napping almost right after lunch. 

And the excitement they felt at the possibility of being together, mid-season, for more than 48 hours, put everything else in the back of Ilya’s mind. 

Like how he invited some of his old Boston teammates to come to his house that afternoon for a round of drinks and catching up. And to also maybe tell them about Shane, seeing as he started putting up photos of them and not exactly hiding his fiancé’s items around the house. 

Svetlana coming with the team as part of her work will also make this easier. Although, Roz was sure, she had some idea.

Which was just as well because she’s the one who came into their bedroom, hissing at the two of them. Thankfully, they were literally just napping and were fully clothed. But there’s obviously no way to spin the intimacy that still came with being on the same bed and cuddling.

“Hello, Sveta,” he greeted in Russian.

Shane sat up carefully, leaning into the headboard, looking like a caught animal. He cleared his throat and greeted her, too. In Russian.

Svetlana’s perfect eyebrow was arched so high up it almost disappeared into her hairline. She was smiling, though, so Ilya was right that she knew what was going on.

“Well, you have five minutes to sort yourselves out. I left the lumbering fools downstairs.”

Before they could say anything else, they heard Marleau’s raised voice. “Hey, what the hell? Why does Roz have a photo like this with Hollander?!”

Svetlana chuckled. “Two minutes, I guess.”

With that, she walked away. Through the door, they heard her call out to them. “Behave yourselves! They’re coming down!”

“They?!” came a confused shout.

Shane closed his eyes and breathed in and out. Ilya found his hand and brought it to his lips. Kissing all over it, up to his arms. He then sat up to continue the kisses on his shoulder. It was grounding, and allowed Shane to collect himself. When he was sure he got his breathing under control, he turned his head to catch Ilya’s lips.

Shane forced himself to lean back, though, or they’ll never get downstairs in a couple of minutes. “I didn’t know they were coming today.”

“Sorry, lyubimiy. I got too excited about you coming last night and us spending more time.” He kissed Shane’s neck to emphasise his apology. “I was going to tell them about us, too.”

“Oh,” was all Shane could say, mostly because Ilya spoke that last sentence into his neck and the vibrations from that action took him into a delicious tailspin.

Before anything else happened, Shane reached over to Ilya’s cheeks so they were staring at each other. “We can do that. Do you trust them?”

A voice from downstairs floated up the room. “Holy shit! Is this a Metros t-shirt?” A beat. “With Hollander’s name at the back?!”

“Shane, I think we have no other choice now.”

***

“Wait, so,” Marleau started, coming down from the high of finding out about them. “How long has this been going on?”

Shane and Ilya looked at each other and then back at the room. They’re in the living room, the two of them sat on the single cushioned chair, Shane on Ilya’s lap, while the rest of Ilya’s old teammates were scattered around them. Svetlana was sitting right across from them, on the other single chair. Ilya’s teammates proved to be calmer about the situation, though very much shocked, but once it was proven that they would not turn nasty about the whole thing, Svetlana’s facial expressions took on an impish look. 

“Uhm, since rookie season,” was Shane’s reply.

“Fuck off–”

“What–”

“No way!”

“Hollander, I did not stage that CCM commercial for us only for you to say rookie season. It was summer before.”

Shane rolled his eyes. “That is not helpful, Rozanov.”

“You call each other by your last names?!” came Hammersmith’s delighted reply.

Shane blushed, but before he could say anything, Connors slapped his arm. “Don’t you get it? It’s like their pet names.”

Marleau was stuck with something. “Hold on,” he said, making everyone turn to him. “So if something has been going on since then, Montreal Jane is…?” he looked at them, encouraging them to continue the sentence.

“Me,” Shane confirmed.

“Oh my god…Jane, Shane,” St Simon said, running his hands through his face. “How did we not get it?”

“It’s all the concussions,” Sveta teased.

“Fuck off. You didn’t know,” Marleau glanced at her. “Did you?” 

“I had an idea years ago. But only confirmed it today.”

“Huh.”

“Okay.”

“I need a drink.”

Shane jumped at the opportunity to do something. While the tension considerably deflated, the whole thing is still making him feel antsy. “I’ll get it.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.”

Shane smiled shyly as he rushed to the kitchen to get drinks for everyone.

“And he knows his way around your house,” Marleau commented, because, while Roz’s place is not exactly a maze, the ease with which Hollander moved around the place suggested frequent stays.

“He has to. He picked out place for me.”

Carmichael gasped. “So it was true!”

Ilya raised his eyebrow. “What is?”

“You moved here for someone?”

“Well, yes,” he answered, gesturing in Shane’s direction. “It’s better to be closer, no?”

Marleau’s lips curled. “Wow, who knew Rozanov was so romantic?”

The old Rozanov would have told these fuckers to fuck off, but the real one, the one who is so excited for his future with his Shane, just smiled genuinely. “Yes, of course. Have you seen Shane?”

He was met with wolf-whistles and Svetlana cackling. This was also the time Shane came back from the kitchen, balancing a pack of beer and a bottle of vodka in one arm while holding two glasses in the other. 

Shane blushed again as he caught the last bit of conversation. He quickly put the pack of beer, which the Raiders tore into, desperate for a drink after receiving such important information, in the middle of the centre table. 

He walked over to Svetlana. “Sorry, I should have asked if you wanted vodka instead?” he gestured at the glass and bottle of good-quality vodka. 

After Svetlana confirmed that she did, indeed, prefer vodka, and after Shane gave her a glass of it, she looked at Ilya. “Look, Ilyushka, Shane is already your much better half. He is much more considerate."

Ilya flipped her off, and Svetlana just giggled in delight. 

Shane blushed even harder but had to keep his shit together as he poured vodka into the other glass for Ilya. When he turned, Ilya was smiling at him softly. “Thank you.”

“Oh my god, they really have been together for so long. Look at this domestic shit,” St Simon said, and that cracked everyone up. Even Shane smiled.

Ilya rolled his eyes as he pulled Shane back to his lap. “Shut up, Sainty. Or I will never invite you to the wedding.”

There was a pause in the room. Svetlana, the smartest out of all of them, immediately caught on as the rest’s brains loaded. She smiled widely, warmly. 

“WEDDING?!” The five Raiders lost it.

Shane sighed as he leaned back against Ilya’s chest. “You need to stop announcing our wedding this way.”

March 2021 - Kingfisher Crew

Scott is not usually one to scroll mindlessly on social media. Even before he met Kip, he was only on it for sponsorships and hockey-related events. He was so deeply closeted that he felt paranoid about accidentally liking or viewing a half-naked man’s post, and then he would have been outed. But Kip is on social media. Not chronically, just enough to be apprised of certain things, which is how Scott came to find out about the Hollanov rumours.

“What’s a Hollanov?” he had asked Kip as his husband downed the last of his smoothie.

“Like a ship name: Hollander and Rozanov,” Kip answered, tongue coming out to trace his lips and make sure no stray smoothie was left behind.

Scott almost drooled at the sight, but he’s got to focus on the task at hand. “What do you mean? No, not the ship thing. I know about those,” he added when Kip was about to explain shipping to him. Scott was lucky enough that the majority of the fans seemed to love his husband and had gotten to calling the two of them Skip. “I meant the Hollander and Rozanov thing.”

“Well, okay, it started as an Internet joke thing, and stayed within the World Wide Web 99% of the time. People really like an enemies-to-lovers situation. However, lately, they have been spotted more frequently. Together. Outside of camp or hockey business.”

Huh.

“And! Last week, there was an Ottawa-Detroit game in Ottawa. Hollander’s parents were in attendance, sporting a Rozanov jersey.”

That conversation was this morning. At the time, he told Kip that the two may have just become better friends over time. Kip looked at him, doubt in his eyes, but had to rush to a meeting, and so they didn’t get to discuss the situation further. 

But now…

Now, Scott is thinking. They have a game against the Metros tonight, and before practice, Carter came up to him with information.

“Got info saying Metros have been playing weird since January,” Carter said, voice low. “Their plays are scattered, and Hollander is usually left alone unguarded. Only Pike and Boiziau seem to be doing their jobs.”

Scott isn’t sure if this is connected to anything. But it would make sense if, say, Hollander told the team about dating Rozanov. He heard rumours about Hollander coming out to the Metros about two years ago, and the response was lukewarm, to say the least. No noticeable changes in play were made then. However, if Hollander IS dating Rozanov, then this might push the Metros over the edge. With the current weird energy being the result. 

Still, Hollander and Rozanov?

His thoughts got away from him as he took centre ice, and he was faced with Hollander’s laser-focused determination to win. He didn’t think of it until later, after winning, and he was nursing a drink with Eric at the Kingfisher. 

“Have you heard the rumours about Hollander and Rozanov?”

Eric stared at him, calculation present in his face. But before the other man could speak, a familiar voice in a Russian accent permeated the room. Scott’s eyes widened. Eric visibly braced himself. What the heck?

“Ah, there they are. This place is less gay bar and more Jurassic Park,” Rozanov said, ending his sentence in something Russian, as he spotted them. 

There was a chuckle, which caused Scott’s eyes to narrow a bit, but that was short-lived as whoever was chuckling then said, “Ilya, be nice.” It was another familiar voice, the voice he had heard maybe just two hours ago, causing Scott to whip his head to its source and Eric to lean hard enough so he could make sure he was seeing this clearly.

Rozanov sauntered in, looking like the cat that got the cream, holding Hollander’s hand. For his part, Hollander was looking fondly at the man in front of him. Kip, who was manning the bar while Kyle was on a break, looked in Scott’s direction with his eyebrows raised as if to say ‘Are you seeing this?’

Scott just pressed his lips together and looked around the bar. The community making up the Kingfisher, and their guests, knew to keep this a safe space and live by the motto that what happens inside (unless illegal) stays inside. After checking and being reassured that while they have a decent number of customers tonight, most people inside are patrons.

Rozanov and Hollander arrived at the booth he was occupying with Eric. Scott had to ask. “Hollander, I understand why. But what are you doing here?”

“Had game in New Jersey this afternoon and drove here,” the little shit replied nonchalantly. “Scott, go sit with Eric. I want to sit with my Shane.”

Despite himself and despite grumbling about why he had to be the one to move, he still stood up to sit next to Eric. Before he could fully move out, though, he caught a word from Rozanov. “‘My Shane’?” 

Rozanov smirked at him while Hollander rolled his eyes. “Well, yes. See?” He brought up their hands, still linked, to Scott’s face.

“Ilya, sit down. You’re going to give Hunter a heart attack. This much shock is not good for old people.”

Scott did not know which one to process first: the possessive comment, the two holding hands in front of him, that the two were on a first-name basis, Rozanov actually sitting down when Hollander told him to, or that Hollander – Hollander – chirped him with an old man joke.

As he pondered which one to address, he heard Eric laugh. He narrowed his eyes at one of his oldest friends. “You know you were called old, too, right?”

Eric just shrugged, which was infuriating, and brought his soda to his lips to avoid answering. As Scott sat down, Kip came up to them bearing Rozanov’s vodka, which they finally have on their drinks list, much to his chagrin.

“Here you go, Ilya!” he said, placing the drink on the table. He then gestured to Hollander. “And for your guest?”

“Thank you, Kip. Ginger ale?”

Kip was apologetic. “We don’t have it, sorry.”

Rozanov pouted. “Why not?”

“No one really orders them.”

Hollander cut off whatever Rozanov’s retort would have been by grabbing his arm. “It’s okay. Beer would do.”

After confirming what kind of beer Hollander would like, Rozanov spoke up again. “Where is Kyle? He wouldn’t want to miss gossip.”

“He’s on a break. I’ll get him.” Kip all but bounded off to the back. 

“So,” Scott started. “Elaborate.”

“Shane and I are lovers.”

Hollander gave a long-suffering sigh. One he’d hear from long-term couples. “What will it take to get you to stop using that word?”

“But is accurate, huh?”

Hollander just stared at the other man, while Scott just rubbed his hands over his face. “So how long has this been going on?”

Eric piped up. “Not just last year, right?” 

“You knew something?” Scott asked, taken aback.

Eric, again, shrugged. “I noticed these two trying to be slick at the All-Star Games last year. Hollander said he was going to bed early, and Rozanov claimed he was going to the bathroom, only he turned in the direction Hollander went instead.”

Rozanov looked at Eric with mischief. “Ah, so you knew. See Hunter, Bennett may be from Triassic period, older than your Jurassic, but he got it. What’s your excuse?”

“Triassic? Where did you get that word?”

“I watched a dinosaur documentary with your dad the other day.”

Hollander smiled at him fondly and raised his hand to tame a flyaway curl.

Scott looked at Eric and was at least satisfied that he wasn’t the only one seeing whatever was happening in front of them. Hollander and Rozanov, really?

“What did we miss?” Kip asked, sliding Hollander’s beer to him. Kyle, eyes bright and very curious, was behind Kip.

Whatever Rozanov’s answer was, nothing (and he’s had enough shocks for today, thank you very much) would have prepared Scott for what came next.

“Hello, Kyle. I was introducing Shane Hollander, the second-best hockey player, and the love of my life. You are all invited to our wedding this June.”

Scott was underreacting, and he knew it. He slowly put his head down on the table.

***

“We have to stop shocking people with our coming out,” Shane said, half an hour after they had sex. He was looking down at Ilya, who was lying spent on his stomach, and tracing his fingers over his fiancé’s back muscles.

Ilya opened one eye, the one visible to Shane. “Hollander, you are so boring.”

“Ilya, I’m serious. Poor Hunter got drunk trying to digest our information. I swore he was close to passing out when we told him that he and Kip were the reason we got together.” Shane pointed out. “And last month, the Raiders were barely able to play because they had hangovers. Sveta had to drag their asses back to the hotel. Haas almost got alcohol poisoning, and Barrett was so insufferable with his ‘I knew it’s. JJ is still shocked, I think. Very supportive – he almost punched Comeau the other day – but shocked.”

Ilya groaned and, with great effort, rolled onto his back, draping an arm over his forehead. Like a god granting a mortal’s wishes. “Fine, we’ll keep it less shocking.”

Shane smiled and kissed him. “Thank you.”

January 2021 - Bruno Mars

It was a rare day off, especially when he’s in the final stages of his upcoming album, and Bruno was sorry to be spending it poolside in his mansion in Los Angeles. He tried to do something fun today, but his mind kept wandering to the plans proposed to him to ensure the longevity of his songs.

His songs had staying power, thank you very much. Even songs he wrote and did not include in any album. All I Ask is being used in short-form videos these days! Uptown Funk is still being used for movies and television series all over the world – he just received a check the other day for when that song was used in a Nigerian show. Nothin' on You just reached a milestone play count over at Spotify.

But the label wanted to push Risk It All as the wedding song of the century, to compete with Can’t Help Falling in Love and At Last. Why does he have to compete with those songs? They’re legendary for a reason! 

Much as he loves all the songs he has created, and treats them like his babies, he also believes that once it’s out there, they’ve gotta take space on their own. And, okay, call him egotistical, but he liked to think he was talented enough that those songs have a solid foundation to stand on their own.

But the label is the label, and he now has to consider how to move forward. There was also that underlying message that he’s got to be thankful they’re letting him in at all with these decisions, when labels can just go forward without his input. And damn it, they’re right, too.

Unfortunately, the latest, and so far front-running, idea was to have different celebrities use it for their weddings. Like that one music video Maroon 5 did where they showed up to different people’s after-wedding parties and made an anthology out of it. 

And while they’re not going to do the same – no, the plan was to show actual weddings – it leaves so much to be desired. It doesn’t capture the essence of the song. If he’s going to be forced to make the song the wedding song of the century, then he’s going 101% in on this. He’s got to find people who risked it all for their love. But also that these people need to be comfortable with that kind of media exposure. He needs to find those people.

Sadly, the label only gave him until the end of today to think of something else. Otherwise, they will go ahead with this plan. He looked at the sunny skies and told himself that, if he doesn’t get an idea in five minutes, he’ll just give the a-okay and be done with the whole thing.

Four minutes and thirty seconds passed in absolute silence. Bruno sighed and took out his phone to message his people about the decision when his phone lit up.

Rose Landry

He smiled. There’s always time for a pretty lady.  “What can I do for you, beautiful, beautiful Rose?”

“Hello, Bruno,” she answered brightly. 

After a few seconds of catching up, she went straight to business. “So, I heard that there’s a summer plan for Risk It All.”

He groaned. He doesn’t even care who blabbed because that shit wasn’t his idea. “Rose, tell me you’re here to save me.”

Bruno could just imagine the actress perking up. “I might be. I have an idea, but first, let me tell you a story.”

Internally, Bruno wanted to tear his hair out. Externally, he turned on his charms so he could get this over and done with. “Go ahead, pretty flower.”

She chuckled and went on. “So, let’s say, hypothetically,”

Bruno nodded. “Hypothetically, of course.”

“Hypothetically, two professional hockey players fell in love.”

This was getting interesting. Bruno sat up in his lounge chair. “Go on.”

“Two professional hockey players fell in love. They have been painted as rivals since, I don’t know, they started playing professionally? And they’re rivals because they’re also the best in their field. They are both captains and the only ones who can match the other on ice.”

Bruno signalled to his assistant to bring him a pen and paper. “Wait, Rose, hold on.” As the assistant got him the pen and paper, he repeated what he had heard so far and ended it with, “in theory.”

“Mm hmm. In theory. They have also been in love since before they even got drafted, but did not admit or even know it until, uhm,” she seemed to be consulting something on her end of the line. “2017?”

“Okay, so, allegedly, how long before they admitted their feelings?”

“Uhm, say, seven years.”

“Seven? What were they doing at the time?” Bruno asked, incredulous, before he remembered to tack on the word “Allegedly.”

“Right well, allegedly, they have just been hooking up. In secret. Then they became official in 2017 and have been in a relationship since. Still, in secret.”

As he digested that information, his lips thinned, counting the years. “They have been a secret for more than ten years? That’s crazy.”

“But, hypothetically, it’s true, Bruno. And I know, I know, there’s a lot to digest here. They are at the top of their careers. One is semi-out, but reception to his sexuality within his team is lukewarm at best. The other can’t really come out until he is secure in his status in Canada, because, well…Russia.” 

Bruno frowned. He has some idea of Russia and its anti-LGBTQ+ laws, and it’s not looking favourable. “And, hypothetically…”

Rose took it as her cue to continue. “Say, they’re tired of hiding. One almost died a couple of weeks ago, and they decided to come out to everyone and get married in June. Not necessarily in that order.”

“So they’re risking it all…” A lightbulb went off in his mind. The woman on the other line felt that as well. 

“Yes, I’m glad you can see the vision.”

And Bruno could. He could imagine the whole thing playing out. Shoot the coming-out video, which would also be their wedding. The implications, the drama, the legacy that his music would be part of…

He smiled widely. “Rose Landry, thank you. I want to know more.”

“And I can tell you more. Hypothetically.”

Bruno ended the phone call and immediately went inside the house, clapping his hands in front of his team. “We’ve got work to do!”

Chapter Text

The morning of the proposal

“Are you sure about this?” Hayden asked as he watched Shane load up every electric candle he could find into the cart. They’re also currently waiting for the sales guy to come back with another box from the stockroom. Luckily, they were alone in the aisle, and Hayden could quiz his friend to his heart’s content. The team had gotten in earlier than expected that morning, and Shane dragged him to the nearest store that sells electric candles, explaining his plan along the way. Why electric candles, he had no idea, but he learned a while ago (courtesy of Jackie) that Shane probably had inside jokes with Rozanov…just like any other couple. Hayden will get an aneurysm if he thinks about it too much.

Shane put the last one into the cart before he answered Hayden. “Yes. I should’ve proposed a long time ago and married him before all of this.”

The set jaw in his buddy’s face almost discouraged Hayden from continuing, but he’s got to try. “Look, I know uhm, he was great with the kids, and he’s always respectful of Jackie and your parents. But god, dude–”

“It’s him or no one else.”

“Look, I get that he’s pretty much all you’ve known–”

Something snapped in Shane. Hayden could see it. He’s known his buddy for a decade now, and he’s always known him as someone composed. The dude’s not a robot, but he doesn’t know Shane to have outbursts. Maybe from that dinner years ago, when he formally met Rozanov as Shane’s boyfriend, which he’s completely owned up to, but that was the first time he’s seen it. 

But now, Shane’s posture shifted, and it was the only warning he got before Shane put his hand on his shoulder and gripped it. It wasn’t particularly painful, but the pressure told Hayden that maybe Shane’s calm demeanour is all a mask for how keyed up he still is. 

“Hayden, listen to me.”

Hayden, for his part, gulped and looked Shane in the eyes. 

“I’m tired of hiding. I’m marrying that man and not Satan, not even God, could stop me from doing so.”

Nearing footsteps got Shane to let go and return to acting casual, as if he didn’t just stare his long-time friend into the eyes and show him a glimpse of hell. It was the sales guy with a couple of boxes of electric candles. Shane dutifully took one, thanked the guy, and steered the cart to the cashier. 

Hayden’s soul was just returning to his body when he noticed they were on their way back to the car. 

“Shane–”

Shane whirled to face him. “What? Need to convince me again how Ilya isn’t the right person for me?!”

Hayden put his hands up in surrender. “Jesus. No. I was just going to ask if you have even bought the ring yet?”

Afternoon, post-proposal day

“You boys need a plan,” Yuna said as soon as Shane and Ilya finished telling her their recalibrated plan. After the initial congratulations and happiness (there were definite tears), Shane dove in, talking about becoming less careful and coming out. Starting probably with JJ, seeing as they have a morning practice tomorrow.

“You and your plans,” Ilya teased lightly, sharing a look of fondness with David. He knew, after this long, that it’s the mother and son’s way to feel grounded. 

Shane huffed but otherwise ignored him. “Of course. Regarding the public side of things, I figure we’ll wait for Rose to come in a week after next. She’ll best know how to handle that.”

“And your teams?”

“Ottawa will be fine. The team is full of supportive people,” Ilya answered, taking Shane’s hands in his. 

Shane looked down, focused on the now soothing gesture Ilya is making with his thumb. “The Metros…may not be like Ottawa.”

Yuna and David exchanged a look. They knew that Shane’s coming out two years ago was not received warmly. The Metros were polite at best but did not go out of their way to support him except for his friends. Yuna knew they were only tolerating her son because he was still winning them cups.

Shane took a deep breath. “I’m planning to tell the team after I tell JJ. While I would like to be optimistic, chances are, I would need a new team come next season.”

Everyone in the room stilled. 

Ilya moved so he’s fully facing Shane. “Moya lyubov, you don’t mean…”

“Maybe,” Shane shrugged.

Yuna seemed to get her senses back and stepped in. “Let’s discuss next season later. But I need you to talk to Farah and let her know that she would need to be there when Montreal’s GM pulls you in for a meeting.”

“Yeah, we scheduled a meeting with her later this week.”

“We did?” Ilya turned to his fiancé, all confused.

“Yes. I checked our calendars.”

“But…”

As the two bickered and David laughed at their antics, Yuna thought further. “Shane, Ilya…” The three men’s attention went back to her. “You might also need to get in touch with a lawyer. One who specialises in harassment.”

The week after…

Yuna Hollander’s foresight was especially useful because as soon as Shane told the team, the Metros’ GM and Theriault pulled him into a meeting. Farah was immediately called, along with the lawyer they consulted, for the discussion.

The two probably didn’t see that coming because as soon as they entered the office, the GM and his coach looked at Shane in disbelief. He just shrugged and took his seat.

“Thank you for coming, Mr Hollander, and…” the GM looked at the two women, almost afraid of the confirmation.

“This is Farah Jalali, my agent. And Anne de Leon, a lawyer.”

“Mr Hollander, I assure you, there is no need for any of this. We would simply like to discuss the announcement you made with your team, confidentially.”

“Then,” Farah started, taking out a recorder. “In that case, you wouldn’t mind if this meeting is recorded?” She placed the recorded squarely on the desk.

In the end, Shane didn’t even have to say much. Farah and Anne did much of the talking. Shane made a mental note to increase Farah’s fees and recommend Anne to anyone who will need her services.

“For the record, you have pulled my client into this meeting because he announced he’s going to get married. Something players normally do except they do not get pulled in a meeting like this right after,” Farah did not ask, she stated it. And held the GM’s eyes as she did so, daring him to contradict what she said. "We are here in case any contract discussions need to be made."

“I would like to remind everyone that the league’s official stance, posted here, on the MHL’s website,” Anne interjected, showing a printed copy of the web page. “After Scott Hunter’s coming out in 2017, and again with Troy Barrett’s earlier this week, is that the league is supportive of players and their abilities to live their lives. Are the Montreal Metros not committed to the same stance?”

The GM and Theriault blinked at that. Shane bit back a smile. 

“Well, see, it is affecting the team’s dynamics,” Theriault finally said. Some venom in his voice coming back. “The GM and I,” he looked at the GM then, but the man, being the manager and smarter than his coach, refused to look back and instead stared at the recorder in front of them, as if it was a snake waiting to attack. “Felt that the announcement was too sudden, and it shocked the others.”

Anne pulled out another document, this one is two pages long and then some, and placed it in front of the two men. She then gave a copy to Shane and Farah although they didn’t need it. “This is a chronological timeline of all the other players, past and present, who got married and their own relationship timelines. You will notice some have been highlighted: Tremblay, met his now-wife in January 2012 and married her in July 2012. Drapeau, February 2013 versus June 2013. Comeau, met in August 2013 and married in December 2013. Johnson, met his now-wife in December 2017 and married her in March 2018. There are more, but most notably: Taylor, July 2014, met his now-wife in a bar in Vegas and got married that same night. Did any of their ‘too sudden’, ‘shocking’ romances affect the team’s dynamics? Or is it because my client is marrying a man?”

The GM’s breath hitched. He knew what the lawyer in front of him is insinuating. “I assure Hollander here that it is not because of that.”

Anne looked at Shane and Shane just nodded. “Good. Because my client here has been involved with Mr Rozanov before and all throughout your three cups.”

Jaws dropped.

“We would hate for his time here to end in litigation, no?” That was Farah, who was also pulling out a document which Shane can recognise is a copy of his current contract. “Because I would like to remind everyone in this room that Mr Hollander has a full no-trade clause. This negotiation from three years ago was backed by: the second cup, which became three last season; his jersey being one of the best-sellers for ten years in a row now; Metros’ seasonal tickets at a steady uptick of an average of 5% per year owing to my client here – you can check Appendix One for analytical data from your own sales team, corroborated by the MHL’s sales offices; and guaranteed sponsors for Montreal from brands that Mr Hollander has relationships with – see Appendices Two to Five arranged by Mrs Yuna Hollander, Mr Hollander’s brand manager.”

“Be that as it may,” says the GM who got his voice back. “The Metros reserve the right to structure the team as we see fit.”

“This is understandable and is well within your rights.”

“I am glad that we can see it. A relationship with Mr Rozanov might not be in the team’s best interest.”

“Are other players’ significant others also part of the team?” Anne asked, every bit as trained as a lawyer of her calibre.

“Excuse me?”

“There seems to be an implication that players’ significant others are part of the team. Please clarify the extent of what a players’ wife is expected to do as part of the team.”

“They’re not part of the team and there are no expectations but–”

“So you see, it is also within the rights of my client to be confused as to what relationship with Mr Rozanov you are insinuating. The only relationship he has with the Metros is only with Mr Hollander and the timeline of their involvement has just been established.” Anne leaned forward. “Do the Metros have a different stance regarding their captain’s personal life?”

The GM looked haunted while Theriault looked like steam was coming out of his ears.

“No, we don’t.”

“Good. Then we agree that the season will continue as normal.” Farah said, wrapping up the conversation. 

As they stood up, Shane looked at Farah and Anne and both nodded at him. “I’m a free agent at the end of the season and fully intend to be with, by then, my husband. I hope the rest of the season doesn’t further sour the ten years I spent with this team.”

Theriault couldn’t help himself. “What about your plan to retire with the Metros?! Hollander, you can’t be serious right now.”

“I’d rather be with Ilya.”

With that, he left the room.

March 2021, day after telling the Kingfisher crew their news

They were getting ready to leave their hotel room – which was not the same hotel the rest of the Metros were staying in, thank God; Shane is feeling braver every day, but why look for trouble? – when a ping from his phone caught his attention. A second later, Ilya’s phone buzzed. 

They looked at each other, brows raised. Maybe it’s nothing, Hayden or JJ sending him links to fangirl speculation tweets? Or the Centaurs group chat roasting Ilya for getting ‘caught’ again? It couldn’t be their coaches or even GMs. Ever since that talk back in January with the Metros’ GM and his coach, the two left Shane alone, just counting down the days for the season to end. They hinted at a new contract, the fear of Rozanov and Hollander in one team getting through their homophobia-adled brains, but Farah firmly shut that down.

On Ilya’s part, Wiebe had been accepting, welcoming him to the club of married men now that he’s engaged. The GM, while still part of the old boys club, was smart enough to set aside whatever feelings he has about them and understand that a Rozanov-Hollander in his lineup will be very beneficial for his team, as Farah impressed upon him earlier this month. It might have also helped that the owners pretty much salivated at the thought of this duo and cups in the future, especially within the context of business. While it stung, especially after a decade with the Metros, Shane was so grateful that Ilya’s team got his back, and they will be there for him when he couldn’t.

They both reached for their phones and saw the email from Crowell’s secretary.

Mr Crowell would like to see you by 4:00 p.m. today. The schedule has been cleared with your team.

“Uh-oh. Old fuck wants to see us,” Ilya said from where he was standing.

An icy cold feeling tried to wrap itself around Shane, but he tamped it down. Taking a few calming breaths, he looked at Ilya, who was watching him intently. “No way in hell are we going there without legal representation.” He forwarded the message to Farah and Anne with a message tacked in asking for advice.

A call from Ilya’s phone stopped either of them from saying more. “It’s Wiebe.”

“Put it on speaker.”

Ilya did so as he answered. “You’re on speaker, Shane’s with me.”

“Good. This is about that email, and I’m guessing you already saw it. Hello, Hollander.” After Shane greeted him, Wiebe went straight into it. “I raised hell with the GM about you staying in New York for this meeting, asking why the hell is my captain being asked to skip practice so near the playoffs? Apparently, Crowell did not inform management about this. Long story short: one of the Cens owners is currently in New York for business, and the guy’s a trained lawyer. You should get a call from him about meeting you soon.”

“And Shane?” Ilya asked, his heart twisting at the thought of Shane not getting the same protection.

They could practically see Wiebe’s wry smile from his tone. “He’ll be part of the team soon, right?”

The call ended just as a message from Farah came in.

Ottawa reached out to Anne and me. One of the owners will be present with you. This is a good sign moving forward.

The harried feeling Shane got earlier seeped out of him, leaving him exhausted with the events of this morning. He didn’t want to think about how he didn’t even get a message from the Metros about this while the Cens stepped up for Ilya. He’d just go crazy.

Before he could spiral, he walked over to the bed and belly flopped down, burying his face in the softness of the mattress and concentrated on breathing. He heard Ilya’s footsteps as he stepped closer and felt the mattress dip as his fiancé sat down. Shane’s left hand floundered a bit, trying to locate one of Ilya’s hands, which the latter complied with. 

Ilya stared at Shane’s back, just watching the love of his life calm himself down. The past few months haven’t been easy – Shane’s team full of assholes goes unchecked every game – but he’s so proud of how Shane was handling it, freaked out and all. What did someone tell him before? Being brave is not about not being scared at all, but being scared and doing it anyway. Shane is always so brave.

Ilya rubbed circles on the back of Shane’s hand as he waited.

Another phone call came through. The number was not in his contact list, but from that talk with Wiebe, he’s sure who is on the other line. 

“Mr Rozanov!” came the cheerful voice on the other end of the line after his greeting. “Etienne du Saint-Ives here. I think you and Mr Hollander had better come to my office, say 10 a.m.?”

Ilya had been around enough influential people to know that’s a rhetorical. “Yes, sir. If we can have address…”

“It’s a block away from Madison Square Garden. Don’t worry, my driver will pick you up.”

***

“Mr du Saint-Ives, I was not expecting you,” was all that came out from Crowell when he saw who was with them. It was almost comical how he narrowed his eyes at first at seeing Shane and Ilya so close together – while they didn’t come in holding hands or making out, the closeness definitely confirmed whatever was going on – and then the man’s features slackened as du Saint-Ives strolled inside. Smiling. Calm. Looking for all the world as if there were no pressing matters at hand. 

“Yes, yes, I was in New York on orders of Cat,” the man said airily and did not wait for permission and sat down on the chair in front of Crowell. “You know how she is.”

And it looks like Crowell did know how she is because he thought for a moment, and his shoulders slumped before he sat down. Shane and Ilya looked at each other. Neither of them has ever met Catherine du Saint-Ives and so have no basis for what these two are on about, but if even Crowell is wary of her, then they don’t know if they’d ever want to meet her. They took their seats on either side of Etienne.

“Now, imagine my surprise when I received a call talking about how our coach was angry that his captain was being detained in New York by the commissioner. I said this is impossible, non? The commissioner will not do something as, comment dit-on,” he frowned as if searching for the right word, turning to Shane, who spoke French, but before Shane could even supply an answer (bold?), the man continued. “Imbécile as demand players to meet him without clearing it with the GMs at least? Knowing we’re a shoo-in for the playoffs?” Etienne was now looking at Crowell with a bewildered expression, innocently waiting for the commissioner to explain himself. 

“I’m sure you can understand, I invited Hollander and Rozanov here to clarify what is going on between them. Talk amongst fans and spectators alike says they are together, and it has been very distracting.”

“Who is distracted, exactly?”

“The rest of the league.”

“New York won against Montreal last night. We won by just one point over New Jersey. Last week, Florida beat us while Montreal won against Los Angeles. I could go on and on, but I’m sure you can tell that the season seems normal to me, almost the same statistics from every other season. I don’t see any distractions.”

“Be that as it may–”

“Crowell, the league is selling more tickets! Whatever chatter is happening is boosting sales, encouraging more sponsors. Isn’t this the bottom line, eh?”

“We don’t want to send the wrong message or whatever message Rozanov and Hollander here are pushing," disdain stained his tone. "On top of your Barrett’s activism.”

The change was so minimal and yet so defined. One minute, the man sat as if he was simply having a chat with an old friend, the air of confidence only rich men who do not need to earn their keep can only have swirling around him, and the next, he was Etienne du Saint-Ives, scion of the du Saint-Ives family. His eyes were sharp, wolf-like, stalking his prey. 

“And what message, Crowell?”

For a minute, no one spoke. Crowell even gulped. 

“I think the league needs to be careful, no? The past five years alone were not easy for the league: criminal arrests left and right, Zullo first and now Kent? Not to mention other players in between? Brow-raising trades happened, too. There are also attempts to investigate whether the league takes care of its players off the ice - Duncan Harvey? Addicted players after major injuries? If the authorities dig deep enough, I wonder what they’ll uncover?” He let the words sink in.

Shane and Ilya risked a look at each other. The arrests were made public, so they knew those, but the rest? There’s a lot to unpack there.

Crowell mulled over the words and paled. It was astonishing to witness.

“And so therefore, with strong recommendations from Cat,” Etienne emphasised that last bit. “It is best to leave Ottawa alone, eh? Let the season play out as normal. And we all get what we want.”

Crowell shook himself back to reality. “But Hollander –”

“Will be a Centaur soon. You think these two will want to be apart after they are married?”

“Married?!”

“Come now, Crowell, don’t be obtuse. You think these two will risk their careers for a quick fuck?” Etienne turned to them both, smiling that easy smile. “Sorry, a bit crass.”

Ilya’s mouth twitched. “None taken. Was not quick.” Despite the situation, Shane groaned.

Genuine delight filled Etienne’s eyes at the joke. But then he turned to Crowell, and it was all serious again. “In any case, these two, again, handed the league the opportunity to grow their fanbase even more. Be smart about it.”

He stood up without preamble, back to the way he was when he came in. The deceptive, easygoing act which he seemed to have perfected is in place. Shane and Ilya followed.

“See you around, Crowell,” Etienne said without looking back.

As they arrived at the ground floors, Etienne turned to the lovers, genuine cheerfulness back on his face. “That was fun. Always a good time to terrorise Crowell. Rozanov, get us to the second round of playoffs at least, oui? And Hollander, your agent knows who to contact when the time is right.”

As they watch Etienne du Saint-Ives leave, the two were left feeling like the tornado that swept them up this morning just landed them back on their feet. 

“We have some time left. Do you want pizza?” Shane asked, looking hopefully at Ilya.

Ilya smiled.

April 2021

As Shane returned to the locker rooms after the post-game presser, the tension inside just got thicker. They lost, 3-1 in favour of Florida right here in Montreal, and were now out of the playoffs. And it’s only the first round. 

It hurt, the tightening in Shane’s chest like a vise that wouldn’t let go, but this was more so because he liked to win. The analytical part of his brain, however, had long accepted that if the team didn’t improve their attitudes in January, no way were they getting the cup this year. And they didn’t. 

Frankly, Shane was surprised they made it into the playoffs in the first place.

Small mercies, though, at least one of them is now free to focus more on the wedding planning. Who knew even a small affair, by their money’s standards, took so much time and energy? 

He stepped in and noticed Hayden and JJ standing by the door with their arms crossed. The rookies in the corner can’t seem to stomach what’s going on and were huddled up trying to avoid everyone’s eyes. The others glared at him. A weaker person would have already succumbed to the suffocating atmosphere inside.

You’re brave.

Ilya’s whispered words, once upon a time in the cottage, steadied Shane.

He walked towards his stall without looking at anyone. His two friends followed him. As he was taking the remnants of his gear off when somebody finally had enough. 

“Happy?” Comeau spat. “This is what being Rozanov’s little bitch gets you. Gets us.”

Hayden and JJ were on Comeau before anyone could even blink. 

“What the fuck, Comeau?” Hayden asked, getting up in Comeau’s face.

JJ poured a litany of French swear words as Drapeau added fuel to the fire. 

Other members added, or in some cases, tried to stop what was happening.

Shane can only stare.

Ten years.

No. More than ten years. He dedicated his life, his career to the Metros. Breathed hockey for the Metros. Dreamed of retiring as a Metro.

Hid his love for Ilya – hid Ilya – for the Metros.

And this is what he gets?

When he told them in January, he didn’t expect a parade. Fuck, his coming out in 2018 did not even receive the bare minimum of ‘thank you for telling us’. It was ignored at best, so long as he won those cups. When he didn’t in 2018 and didn’t again in 2019, snickers were aimed his way. Glares were thrown when they thought he wasn’t looking. Rookies were maliciously warned away from him.

He couldn’t believe he was about to make Ilya wait for another five years for this fucking team.

It was so ridiculous. Past him was so ridiculous that present him couldn’t help but laugh. It started as a giggle, until it became full-blown belly-aching laughter that his teammates stopped to stare. 

When Shane looked at them again, tears in his eyes from all that laughter, still giggling, the team formed a perfect tableau: Hayden and JJ each had one hand bunched in the collars of Comeau and Drapeau, respectively. Fists were raised. The rest of the team was either screaming in their ears or actively pulling the others away. They all looked at him as if he were going crazy.

“Hey, Shane, buddy?” Hayden asked at the same time as Comeau’s “What the fuck are you laughing at, you faggot?”

The fight was about to start again when Shane finally composed himself and stopped them, in his captain's voice that miraculously (or perhaps with too much hockey training in their minds) they still listened to.

“I’m laughing because, fuck, this is all so fucking ridiculous,” Shane started, turning around so he could start flinging his things into his bag. He turned back to the tableau in front of him “I won you those three cups, three!” he emphasised the number with his hands in front of Comeau’s face. “The whole time I was Rozanov’s little bitch and what you call a faggot. The whole time!” 

It was quiet as everyone in the room, save for Hayden and JJ, processed that information. The only sound that could be heard was Shane wildly packing his items. For the first time in his life, he ignored the orderly way he would normally do it. He took off his gear and immediately wore his sweater and sweatpants over his compression wear – he will regret this later, but fuck it if he cared right now.

“And now you’re angry because what? I’m marrying a man? Or is it because I’m marrying Ilya? You think this was me, us, just being what – horny? Pathetic? Fuck you, we’ve been involved way before anyone in this room has ever even met me.”

He picked up his bag, nodded at Hayden and JJ, and left.

Straight to Ottawa.

July 2021

It was nice to be back at the rink as a married man. Shane and Ilya took two weeks after the wedding to hole themselves up in the cottage, including the time when the music video dropped, savouring the time together with almost zero distractions.

The Internet apparently lost its collective shit, according to Yuna. She also had to field calls from brands with whom she promptly scheduled meetings in August (as per their agreement beforehand) and invitations for interviews, where she told them that my sons are currently on their honeymoon. Please call back by the end of July. Apparently, that statement had been published everywhere and pretty much confirmed what everybody had been speculating, even if there was no music video.

Apart from Shane’s parents, their only communication came from the producer, asking them for the final approval of the music video edit.

They watched the video and cried and laughed at many parts, pointing out several moments for observation. It was almost perfect, but Ilya told the producers to cut off the shot showing the empty chair where Irina would’ve sat down (with her name on a card on the chair) out of respect for the little family he had back in Russia. Some of Irina’s relatives are still alive, his niece, he guesses, would now be in high school, and he didn’t want any retaliation to befall them, especially her.

He didn’t want to do it. Ilya wanted to show the world his mom, but with how Russia is, it was best to allow his relatives plausible deniability over his marrying Shane. His husband (god, his husband!!!) held him as he cried, making that decision. It was irrational; anyone could go online and quickly find out who his family members are, but he still wanted them to have some form of protection. 

Pushing those thoughts aside, he held Shane’s hand as they entered the Cens’ rink to start the first day of camp. To their surprise, not only did no one pull out from the camp, but enquiries had been made for more slots in the future.

As they walked in, way earlier than everyone else but definitely not earlier than normal people, aka the Cens admin staff, they spotted Harris coming their way with an absurdly large tumbler. Harris smiled upon seeing them.

“Hey, newlyweds!” he greeted, energy high either naturally or from whatever is in that tumbler.

“Good morning, Harris,” Ilya and Shane said. 

“Aww, look at you,” he cooed. “Talking at the same time, holding hands. So married, so in love!” 

Ilya could practically see hearts jumping out of Harris’ eyes. Shane looked at Ilya, as if he couldn’t quite believe what was going on. He just nodded at his husband.

Harris gave them an update on Chiron and the online situation. So far so good: Numerous cute, funny fan edits have been making their way around the internet, thirst comments, and excitement from Ottawa now that Shane is a Centaur. Harris hinted at some negative comments, but Ilya was thankful he focused on the positives, given how Shane might react.

They parted ways to start the day or, in Harris’ case, go back to his office to continue planning the media rollout for the next season.

The first day of camp went by smoothly. Or as smooth as can be with twice the guardians and parents coming in to observe. Whether they were observing the husbands or their charges was anybody’s guess, although Shane and Ilya were very thankful that Yuna imposed a strict no phototaking zone inside the rink. At the time, it was to ensure that the campers (all minors) did not get photographed without consent, but it definitely helped now with all the open curiosity of people watching how they interacted. 

Ilya was relieved that, this time around, he didn’t have to hide how to act around Shane.

Later, as they were leaving the rink, Troy, holding a box, stopped them. “Harris said this came in just now. It’s for Ilya.”

Thinking it was any other merch, Ilya took it, and they headed to their car. It wasn’t until he and Shane were loading their things that he noticed it: the Cyrillic script adorning the shipping label.

Time stopped, and Ilya felt everything and nothing. His chest thundered as he got wrenched back to Russia, to the coldness and bitterness that seemed to wrap around him as he grew up. To the way he hastily left and swore to never return. To the hateful exchange he had with his brother.

Ship to: Ilya Rozanov

Return: Alexei Rozanov

Shane nudged him. “Ilya?” he asked, staring at his husband, glued to where he was standing.

Ilya looked at him, and Shane sucked in a breath at the blank stare he met. 

“Ilya,” carefully, Shane inched closer and took the box he was gripping. He frowned, recognising enough of the alphabet to know it said Rozanov twice. His lips thinned as he deduced that this came was Alexei. “Sweetheart, let’s go home first, okay?”

Ilya could only nod and let Shane steer him towards the car.

It wasn’t until they were home, with Shane gently leading him to their couch and Anya worriedly circling his feet as she didn’t get her usual greetings, that Ilya came back.

He zeroed in on the box that Shane was holding. 

“We don’t have to open it.”

We. He should have guessed that Shane would not let him do this alone.

Ilya shook his head and steadied himself. “No, let’s open it.”

Shane sat down next to him, and together, they opened the box. Ilya gasped as he recognised what he could see: an old toy car, a child’s drawing with the paper yellowing, showing how long ago it had been, and a handkerchief. Beneath those are a folded letter and a thin yellow envelope.

Ilya took out the letter first. He knew the letter was definitely from Alexei, and while he didn’t want to hear anything from his brother anymore, his curiosity got the best of him. Still, he took the time to mentally prepare.

It was in Russian. Of course it was. 

You have made your choices very clear. Here are the last items tying you here. Never come back.

And God, it wasn’t like Ilya was ever planning to come back. Not until things are way better. When he made his choices years ago, he knew it would most likely not be in this lifetime. Still.

He crumpled the paper and had every intent of throwing it, but couldn’t bring himself to move his arm. He was holding on to the balled-up paper so tightly that it was starting to hurt. Shane, who was every bit aware of him, placed his hand on his forearm. The light touch snapped the tightening coil within him, and his grip loosened enough for his husband to take the paper and throw it away. 

When Shane came back, he had a glass of vodka with him. Ilya downed it in one go.

“My brother,” he started, after finishing his drink and feeling Shane’s gaze on his face. “He told me to never come back.”

“Ilya,” Shane started, getting up to sit on Ilya’s lap and wrapping his arms around him. “I’m so sorry.”

“Not your fault, sweetheart.” 

Shane leaned back to look his husband in his eyes, cradling his face as he did so. “You have done so much. So much. I’m sorry, this is what you’re getting out of it.”

Ilya shook his head. “You’re who I’m getting out of this, Shane. You’re my home. If the choice is hell with you in it or heaven, I wouldn’t think twice to choose hell.”

Shane kissed him, chastely. And then, deeper. They were gasping for air when they broke away. “I’m trying to be romantic, but here you are so horny,” Ilya teased, wiggling his eyebrows.

Shane rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile on his face. He slid off Ilya’s lap and sat down where he was. They looked at the box again. “Are you sure?” he asked, his chin jutting out in the direction of the box.

Ilya nodded. Then, he took out the old toy car. It was wooden, the design suggesting something made way before Ilya was born. Even as a child, he remembered the toy’s paint was already chipped and now, with more time that had passed, the colour had completely faded. He cleared his throat before he spoke. “This was mine, but before that, it was my grandfather’s – mama’s papa. I remember his kind eyes as he gave it to me. He passed not long after that.”

Ilya set it aside and picked up the yellowing paper. On it were four stick figures, from left was a figure of a man with lips in a straight line, a slightly bigger boy with brown hair, a smaller boy with curly yellow hair, and a woman with curly hair. Below each drawing was a child’s scribble of who each one was – Papa, Alexei, me, Mama. Ilya stared at it for a long time, his lips wobbling as he tried to stop his tears from falling. Shane pressed closer to his husband and rested his chin on his nearest shoulder.

When Ilya composed himself, he set aside the drawing and picked up the handkerchief. It was Irina’s favourite. “Mama’s. She would use it to wipe dirt on my face or if I scratched myself.” 

As Ilya unfolded the handkerchief, the faint whiff of jasmine hit him. And then he was back in that cold house. Except…it wasn’t cold yet. His mama was alive, waiting for him in the living room as young Ilya excitedly jumped on her lap when he got home, telling her all about his day. A streak of dirt must have been visible on his chin because his mother took out this same handkerchief and wiped it off. Ilya remembered this scent permeating his senses at that age, a quiet comfort from an otherwise dysfunctional household.

His tears were falling now as he clutched the handkerchief closer to him. Shane wrapped his arms around him, rocking him as comforting noises filled the silence between sobs.

Later, much later, after Shane insisted on eating first and maybe taking a nap from an emotional afternoon, Ilya went back downstairs and stared at the rest of what was inside the box. Shane, who was in the kitchen getting their dinner ready, came to the living room when he heard Ilya come down the stairs.

He immediately sat down as Ilya reached into the box to take the envelope. His hand rested on Ilya’s arm. “Should we? We don’t have to do this. At least not today.”

Ilya smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. “Yes.”

"You'll see Galina this weekend, right? Do you want to move up the date?"

"Solnyshko, it's fine."

Shane watched him for a moment. Whatever he saw in Ilya’s eyes made him let go.

Ilya had a feeling of what he would see inside, but it still took his breath away to see the photos. There wasn’t much. Just five pictures.

Ilya as a newborn, held by Irina. They were in a hospital room. Irina lying on the hospital bed, exhausted but eyes bright as she showed off Ilya to the camera.

Ilya’s first birthday with Ilya mid-blow of the candles and Irina holding him up. There were a bunch of kids around them, gestures showing they were all mid-clap.

Toddler Ilya in denim overalls and a bright yellow sweater underneath, standing in front of sunflowers with Irina crouched down beside him. The wind must have blown at the exact moment the shutter clicked because her long curly hair covered pretty much her whole face, and only her bright smile can be seen. 

Ilya pointed at it, a genuine smile on his face. “My earliest memory. I also remember we couldn’t take any more pictures because I got fussy, and the wind was picking up.”

Next, the photo showed Ilya, Alexei, and Irina in a restaurant. Ilya, farthest from the camera, leaned in a little bit towards Irina so he could be seen; Irina sat between the boys with her arms around their shoulders. Alexei was mid-bite of his food, but turned to the photographer just in time. Some other people, perhaps family members, can be seen next to them, but they were in the shadows and not facing the camera. Servers holding trays and plates were in the background.

The last one was a family photo, taken in a studio. Grigori was sitting down, and Irina was between the two boys behind him. It was all so formal. Grigori was wearing his police uniform with all his medals, the boys were wearing suits, and whatever could be seen of Irina showed that she was wearing a formal dress. There was no warmth.

He stilled when he saw the last one. “This was the last. Before,” he couldn’t continue what he wanted to say because, oh, the tears were falling again. 

Shane held him.

The day after

[@ilyarozanov ✅ posted a photo: Toddler Ilya in denim overalls and bright yellow sweater underneath, standing in front of sunflowers with Irina crouched down beside him. The wind must have blown at the exact moment the shutter clicked because her long curly hair covered pretty much her whole face, and only her bright smile can be seen.]

[translated from Russian] Mama, thank you for giving me life so I could find my way to him. I love you.

Chapter Text

January 2021 - morning of proposal

[@SportsMoi ✅ posted a photo: Pike and Hollander with boxes in the shopping carts, walking to their car. One of the boxes is labelled ‘electric candles’]

Montreal Metros Captain Shane Hollander and Alternate Captain Hayden Pike spotted buying boxes of electric candles after their loss against Washington.

@shanepike: so domestic!

↳@shayden4ever: i know! They’re so cute 😍 But that’s literally four boxes of electric candles what the heck are they planning?

@applemartini:

@seriouslyserious: they’re literally those people in math problems

@asdfghjkl12345678: hey buddy everything okay?

@shanesfreckles: has anyone told shane they can bulk order those or…?

↳@hollzy4hallzy: bestie, i love shane, but you’re seriously expecting jocks to think?

↳↳@shanesfreckles: he’s not a jock?! 😠

↳↳↳@hollzy4hallzy: he’s literally the captain of a sports team 😭

January 2021 - around a week after the proposal

@MTLgirlie: wtaf are the Metros doing? Why is no one covering Hollander’s ass?

↳ @hockeygirl24: ugh you said it! Pike and Boiziau are the only ones helping but obviously that’s not enough!

↳↳@MTLgirlie: if Hollander’s pretty pretty face gets beat up I will storm the lockers of Montreal!

↳↳↳@hockeygirl24: you and me both twin!

|

↳@MikeHockey: I agree. The stats from October to December were nothing outstanding. If this display continues, MTL can say goodbye to the playoffs.

January 2021 - coming out to the Centaurs

@OTTeroos🔒: no one’s going to see this cos i locked down this account and everything i write here is only for me but i still need to say this: I JUST SAW TWO HOCKEY PLAYERS KISSING OUTSIDE OF MONK’S

↳@OTTeroos🔒: they think they’re slick but i saw them i saw them i saw them

↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: will not name names in case of any leaks but i know what i saw and holy shit what the fuck

↳↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: an announcement should come any moment now right? Right? Fuck i might need to take this secret to the grave

↳↳↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: i literally see one of them regularly at the grocery store i work at HOW AM I MEANT TO MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH HIM NOW!!!

February 2021 - The Romantic album drop day

@Brunosgirl: TODAY IS THE DAY!!!

↳ @24kmagicluv: LFG BRUNO!!! BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ALBUM!!!

↳↳@lovergirlxoxo: bestie i cried at Risk It All ♥️he truly is a yearner

***

[@ilyarozanov ✅ posted a story: blank wall, heart emoji in the middle. The song Risk It All blasts through]

@rozycheeks: okay hi mr rozanov sir what does this mean 😀

@thirsty4roz: THE ultimate yearner song for valentine’s?! SIR?!

@rahrahrozanov: ROZANOV CONFIRMED YEARNER?!

***

[@shanehollanderhockeyplayer ✅posted a story: a different part of the same song can be heard over a photo of pink and purple plastic heart rings]

@shanesfreckles: ALERT ALERT SHANE HOLLANDER POSTED SOMETHING NON-BRAND RELATED

↳@hollzy4hallzy: AND NOT HOCKEY-RELATED TOO!

↳↳@shanesfreckles: !!! you are so correct!!!

@thirsty4roz: huh…the same song as Rozanov’s story just now? #noticing

↳@shaneyshimmeringsplendid: girl get a grip, it’s THE anthem for today of course everyone’s posting about it!

↳↳@hollaatyourander: whatever delusional shit you’re on, get it out of this space!

@thirsty4roz: brb going to start a rumour

(@thirsty4roz changed their username to @hollan0visreal)

@hollan0visreal: wtf there are so many hollanov usernames already? Where were you? Where was I?

↳@hollanov: welcome to the collective 🎉

↳↳@hollan0visreal: how did you get THAT username?

↳↳↳@shilya2481: @hollanov has been here since around draft days, pushing this agenda

↳↳↳↳@hollan0visreal: queen shit!!! 👑👑👑 how though

↳↳↳↳↳@hollanov: I was 11 years old with unlimited access to the internet in the late 2000s 🤷

===

@OTTeroos🔒: hahahahaaha ok cool cool cool cool

February 16, 2021

[@tmz ✅posted a photo: Shane walking ahead of Ilya to open the door to a restaurant.]

Rose Landry’s ex-boyfriend spotted at dinner with rival captain in Ottawa

@ottawadefender: why tf are you so weird?!

@MTLgirlie: stop being creeps challenge failed spectacularly by TMZ

↳@shanesfreckles: also TMZ his name is SHANE HOLLANDER

@rahrahrozanov: they are friends?! Can’t two men just be friends?!

↳@xxilyaxx: ok but sources say h*ll*nder is gay?

↳↳@rahrahrozanov: that’s so fucking weird of you to bring it up? Even if he is, so what if they’re out for dinner?!

↳↳↳@xxilyaxx: Sure sure but…a couple of days after valentine’s? 🤨

↳↳↳↳@rahrahrozanov: that’s it. Blocked

@hollanov: as the founding member of hollanov nation, let me say that whilst we love them and wish to see them as a couple, posting paparazzi shots AIN’T IT!!!

↳@hollan0visreal:

|

↳@shaneyshimmeringsplendid: i have never been so conflicted about a statement until now

|

↳@shanehollandershoe:

@rozycheeks: TMZ: when I walk into a room, I am first the mother of a dead PRIVACY BECAUSE ALL OF YOU OVER THERE KEEP INVADING THEM WHDCJDCJDHJCHSJK

===

@OTTeroos🔒: repeat after me: i am sworn to secrecy i am sworn to secrecy i am sworn to secrecy

↳@OTTeroos🔒: in case future me asks – I SWORE MYSELF TO SECRECY COS IM NOT A SNITCH

Late February 2021

[@ilyarozanov ✅ posted a story: boxes of supplies littered around his living room. Plastic, presumably protecting the packages before, were placed on the side. A caption: decorating 👍 can be seen on the lower-third of the screen. A blur of a leg can be seen further away as it walked past.]

***

@MTLgirlie: ok seriously hello? @MontrealMetros what is happening to your gameplay?

↳@seriouslyserious: Sammy, I can’t believe they lost to Buffalo! And Buffalo’s starting centre is currently in IR!

↳↳@MTLgirlie: rumours say tensions in the locker room but they gotta get their heads in the game. Seems to me only Hollander, Pike, and Boiziau are locked in 🙄

|

↳@hockeypucks123: like does MTL even want to get into the playoffs or…?

@asdfghjkl12345678: even if this is the case, they need to get their shit sorted because they are being paid upwards 900k AAV to shoot a puck into the net. Teachers’ salaries do not get anywhere near this amount and they’re dealing with children’s lives on the daily!

[QT: @MTLgirlie: rumours say tensions in the locker room but they gotta get their heads in the game…]

↳@christysteves: you are so right bestie

|

↳@applemartini: draft teachers like you’d draft rookies @ Canada Gov!

***

@ESPN ✅: OTT wins second game against BOS. Final score at 3-1.

↳@ottawadefender: I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT LET’S GO CENS BAYBEHHHH

|

↳@sixthCens: LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

March 2021 - around a week before NYC

@rahrahrozanov: watching the OTT vs DET game and why are David and Yuna Hollander here?! 🤨

↳@hollan0visreal: what? Where? 👀

↳↳@rahrahrozanov: ew i dont take photos of strangers in public

↳↳↳@hollan0visreal: well why are they there

↳↳↳↳@rahrahrozanov: cos they live in Ottawa?!

↳↳↳↳↳@hollan0visreal: they also haven’t been to any other game in person except MTL since Shane was drafted in 2009, thought about that? 

|

↳@ilyarozanovsagent: i might be in the same game as you! I think they’re also wearing Rozanov jerseys?!

↳↳@rozycheeks: ohh i’m here too and yeah i think i see them

↳↳↳@hollaatyourander: damn a friend is there and i just messaged her and…can back it up too

@sixthCens: chat what does it mean if your so-called friends’ parents are out here supporting your friend wearing his jersey? 🙂

↳@ottawadefender: have none of your friends’ parents ever liked you before or?

↳↳@sixthCens: not to this extent?!

↳↳↳@ottawadefender: that’s a self-roast i think

@hollanov: multiple sightings of Yuna and David Hollander in the audience for OTT vs DET…wearing Rozanov jerseys. What does this mean?!

↳@hollanov: No official photos yet so I can’t add to the board sorry.

|

↳@shanesfreckles: it means you are crazy and have no friends

|

↳@shayden4ever: delusional

↳↳@hollanov: babes hayden pike is married and has 1000 babies AND the Hollanders have never worn his jersey to any games gtfoh!!!

===

@OTTeroos🔒: 

***

[@ilyarozanov ✅posted a photo of a fuzzy brown dog, still in its late puppy stages]

My darling, Anya H. Rozanova ♥️

@shanehollanderhockeyplayer and 57.1k others liked the photo

@rozycheeks: aww Anya is so cute! (♥️by author)

@ottawadefender: please make her own ig page!!!

@hdrover: so happy that Anya has found a new home with you guys! (♥️by author)

↳@hollan0visreal: ‘you guys’??? 🤨 Anya H.?!

|

↳@oldmanyaoifanclub: something is going on idk what it is but something

↳↳@ilyarozanovsagent: wow, great insight from someone whose username is Old Man Yaoi Fanclub

@hollanov: 🙂you all see who liked it right?

↳@xxilyaxx: girl you and me #connecting

↳↳@shilya2481: #noticing

↳↳↳@hockeygurlz: #bunchaweirdos

@hollzy4hallzy: what does the H mean??? 

@hollaatyourander: H?

===

@OTTeroos🔒: H? H?!?!!! ARE THEY EVEN SUBTLE?!?!?!?!?!?!!?

↳@OTTeroos🔒: or…are they soft launching

↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: the next time i ring up his items im just going to ask for info im about to die over here

***

[@ilyarozanov ✅posted a story: a meme from one those meme pages showing the words: “i want a puppy but my husband didn’t want a puppy. So we compromised and I got a puppy.” The word ‘husband’ had been overlaid with the word ‘partner’ instead.]

@rozycheeks: so confirming that Rozanov is taken right?

↳@ilyarozanovsagent: my client can not confirm nor deny this…

|

↳@hollan0visreal: yes taken and i think we know by who 😌

↳↳@rozycheeks: 

***

@hockeypucks123: 2-1 Montreal vs Los Angeles?! With OT??? I mean MTL won but seriously man come on… 😩

↳@MikeHockey: Now mathematically, MTL is most likely in the playoffs but I’ll be surprised if they make it past the first round ‘cos yikes 😬

↳↳@hockeypucks123: something definitely happened in the locker rooms. Sources say discord but nothing confirmed

↳↳↳@MikeHockey: yeah seems management wants to keep that under wraps but at this point seems like an open secret

↳↳↳↳@hockeypucks123: whatever it is they better be grateful for Hollander because he scored those two goals…actually he’s been the one scoring every time no thanks to the rest of the Metros

↳↳↳↳↳@MikeHockey: amen

***

[@ilyarozanov ✅ posted a story: a video of him closing the door of a car, showing the ground for a few steps, and then quickly tilting the camera up to show the grocery store façade. A caption: grocery day 😎 can be seen on the screen. It’s quiet around, only the sound of walking and distant sounds of cars passing by. It should be noted that Ilya could be seen getting out of the passenger side of the car and it was not his car. A shadow of someone walking ahead of him can also be seen but it can be argued that it’s just someone else in the vicinity and not necessarily with him.]

@rahrahrozanov: a few days ago, the man was decorating his house. Now he’s grocery shopping. He also revealed he has a partner. Ok we love a domestic king!

@hollanov:

↳@hollanov: that’s not his usual car? 🤨

↳↳@hollanov: taking notes

===

@OTTeroos🔒: are they moving in together? Oh my goooooodddddd

↳@OTTeroos🔒: will it be insider trading if i bet on h*******r leaving the m*tr*s at the end of this season??? 🤔

↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: ok i wont cos with my luck?! I’ll be made an example of instead 😩

March 2021 - Kingfisher night

[@KipGradyHunter ✅ posted a photo: Hunter drunk as hell, draped over Kip. Eric had Kyle on his lap. Shane and Ilya side-by-side giving the world’s biggest grins (or smirk in Ilya’s case).]

Always a fun night at the @KingfisherNYC 😎

@shanehollanderhockeyplayer, @ilyarozanov, @ericbennett, @kyleswift and 12.3k liked the photo

(The user has restricted who can comment on this post.)

***

@hollanov: 

↳@hollanovdefenseattorney: oh good you already saw it on IG 😀

↳↳@hollanov: where am i what timeline is this

↳↳↳@hollanovdefenseattorney: fuck if i know mel

March 2021 - sometime after meeting with Crowell

[@SportsMoi ✅posted a photo: Shane and Ilya in a pizza shop, sat near the windows. Ilya is taking photos of his pizza slice while Shane is talking.]  

Montreal Captain Shane Hollander and Ottawa Captain Ilya Rozanov spotted eating pizza in NYC a few days ago!

@hollanov: 🙂

↳@hollan0visreal: y’all just broke Melanie over here

@MTLgirlie: what is this?!

@rahrahrozanov: wtf is rozanov even doing there he was supposed to be in NJ?!

@rozycheeks: yooooo those weirdos might actually be on to something?!

@shanehollandershoe: shane why are you with the enemy!!!

↳@xxilyaxx: ok im gonna set aside my shipper hat to tell you that babes…they have been running a charity together for TWO YEARS?! We can assume they are actually friends.

@hollanovdefenseattorney: 

@shilya2481: shaydens found dead in a ditch

***

[@ilyarozanov ✅posted a photo: him holding a slice of pepperoni pizza in front of Shane who was mid-talk. The pizza was the focus.]

ok pizza but company needs to stop telling me why mhl offices are in nyc

@CliffMarleau, @ScottHunter and 50k others liked the photo

@shanhollanderhockeyplayer ✅: See if I tell you anything else again, you asshole 🙄

@xxilyaxx: im not going to discuss how this looks like a date or whatever the more pressing matter is that sirs there are better pizza places just 5 more minutes away by foot from where this is

@ilyarozanovsagent: bruh idk how to defend you because *gestures wildly at everything*

@ShaneHollandersPRTeam4real: your honour! It’s just a pizza outing with a friend!!!

@shaydenisreal: stay away from her get a job

↳@hollanovdefenseattorney: bruh stfu even @ShaneHollandersPRTeam4real agrees they’re at least friends 🤷

↳↳@shaydenisreal: hayden is a better friend!!!

↳↳↳@hollanovdefenseattorney: so you agree that shane and hayden are only friends? 🙂

@Vaughny ✅: tell me next time bro! I could hook you guys up at my uncle’s pizzeria! (♥️ by author)

↳@ilyarozanov ✅: will boring commentary be part of it

↳↳@ilyarozanov ✅: you guys can’t see it but @shanhollanderhockeyplayer just flipped me off he is so mean to me

↳↳↳@shanhollanderhockeyplayer ✅: 🙄

@shilya2481: shaydens found deader in a ditch

@hollanov: never fear! I took screenshots and have updated the board!

===

@OTTeroos🔒: 

===

@OTTeroos🔒: finally got the chance to ring up his items today and there’s a case of ginger ale and as someone from ottawa we know everything about canada’s golden boy so i asked him

↳@OTTeroos🔒: “oh your good friend Sh*n* H*ll*nd*r really likes this brand 👀”

↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: he smirked!!! And said “he does, doesn’t he?”

↳↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: THEN WINKS AT ME LIKE HOLY SHIT 

↳↳↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: i know and now he knows that i know and i know that he knows that i know and–

↳↳↳↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: i will go to war for these two

===

@OTTeroos🔒:

↳@OTTeroos🔒: holy shit i just remembered that the night i saw them OTT won against San Jose and i remembered crying because NEVER IN MY LIFE DID I THINK OTT WILL DO WHAT THEY’RE DOING NOW 

↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: and then i remembered praying like pls take us to the playoffs this year and then maybe also win the cup if not now then next year 

↳↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: AND BABY if im reading this situation right!!!! I might need to go back to my Catholic faith stat

Early April 2021

[@BoodsFoods ✅ posted a photo: a group photo of the Cens outside Bood’s yard. The sun is setting but the yard lights are bright. They’re all in a variety of poses. Ilya was on the outmost left of the photo, body turned towards his teammates but facing the camera. Bood is the one who took the photo, selfie style, while holding up kitchen tongs. Smoke from the grill can be seen on the lower right corner of the screen.]

Playoffs bound! 🏒🎉🏒🎉🏒🎉

@ilyarozanov, @troybarrett, @superhayes and 30k others liked the photo

@ottawadefender: 

@sixthCens: IN MY LIFETIME?!?!?!?!?!?!!?

@hockeypucks123: Centaurs making the playoffs…maybe I should go confess to my crush (♥️ by author)

***

@hollan0visreal: [photo side-by-side of a zoomed in Ilya Rozanov from Bood’s post, wearing an oversized leather jacket next to Shane Hollander in an oversized leather jacket walking the streets of Montreal last fall] 🙂

↳@hollanov: compelling evidence! Thanks, B!

|

↳@SportsFan: this doesn’t prove anything? 🤨

↳↳@hollan0visreal: [zoomed in to the big ‘SH’ pattern by the sleeve on both jackets. The pattern is stitched in the same colour as the jacket and so can’t be seen unless looking for it] 🙂

↳↳↳@SportsFan: whatever

|

@hollanovdefenseattorney: sharing clothes?! Your honour they are boyfriends! 

↳@hollaatyourander: shut up oh my gooood

|

@ShaneHollandersPRTeam4real: hmmmmmmmmmm we are seeing the vision

(@ShaneHollandersPRTeam4real changed their username to @ShaneandIlyasPRTeam4real)

===

@OTTeroos🔒: i want to join the ho*****vs in this fight so bad but im so scared if i do ill run my big fucking mouth too much 😩

***

[@ilyarozanov ✅ posted a story: a video of Anya on a neatly made bed, her tail’s wagging. “Yes my darling. My princess. You can have allll space on bed.” A deep, deep sigh can be heard off-camera just before the video ended.]

***

@xxilyaxx: ok but imagine getting talked through by rozanov like this. Shane Hollander you lucky lucky man.

↳@shilya2481: oh good, i am not the only one who thought that sigh sounded like Hollander

@shanepike: 😐 my cousin got me to do a blind react to the sigh and my first thought was “Hollander?!” because we’ve all heard that sigh before. She then showed me the whole video and ………………………

↳@shaydenisreal: 

@hollaatyourander: i was ready to dismiss the whole thing before i listened and then i did and now i am questioning everything that led me to this point

End of April 2021

@MikeHockey: somehow the Metros losing is not surprising to me at this point. Just sad they’re eliminated on home ice.

↳@MTLgirlie: we have never been this bad since before Hollander signed smh

↳↳@hockeygirl24: jumping in to say that the most surprising thing to me about this whole thing is NOT Montreal losing during the first round but that we even made it to the playoffs

↳↳↳@MTLgirlie: seriously, everyone is absolutely losing it around here, they’re calling for the team’s heads on a pike, except for Hollander, Pike, and Boiziau

↳↳↳↳@MikeHockey: I agree tbh they’re the only ones who seem to be playing hockey still

***

@SportsMoi: Rumours of locker room discord contributed to a dismal season for the Metros, anonymous sources say.

↳@MTLgirlie: ik ur a gossip rag but all of MTL have been hearing this too

↳↳@SportsFan: streets are saying hollander walked out of the locker room

↳↳↳@MTLgirlie: oh who could blame him though

↳↳↳↳@hockeygirl24: queen, somebody told me Pike and Boiziau followed right after but not before shouting at some members to ‘get the fuck away’

↳↳↳↳↳@MTLgirlie: 😩 i cant believe that in all my years, i will find drama in HOCKEY and not like…my reality shows

|

↳@anonsourz: i have a cousin who works for the team and they said hollander being rumoured gay IS the reason for the discord

↳↳@hollzy4hallzy: 🙄 the rumours have been going on since 2018, why is it only affecting them now?

↳↳↳@anonsourz: well apparently hollzy made some sort of announcement back in january (think: relationship) and that’s when it started

|

↳↳@MTLgirlie: noah fence anonsourz but until we get definite proof i cant believe this. I mean i truly believe there’s locker room discord but the reason you’ve given is perhaps a touch too flimsy.

***

@hollanov: Here’s why I fully believe Roz and Hollzy are a thing (digitised version of the corkboard) [1/73]

↳@SportsFan: Man, let it go.

↳↳@hollanov: 

↳↳↳@SportsFan: Ok, but remember Hollander was with Rose Landry back in 2016? Riddle me that

↳↳↳↳@hollanov: if you go to post 43/73 you will see the theory which is: Roz and Hollzy were on a break and she was (sorry Rose queen ily) a rebound!

↳↳↳↳↳@SportsFan: wow

|

↳@ilyarozanovsagent: damn i was going to make fun of you but these are all well-explained with solid evidence from public and legitimate sources

↳↳@shilya2481: yeah mel doesn’t use speculations or paparazzi stuff. Evidence is objective and she uhmmm proposes her conclusions

|

↳@shaneyshimmeringsplendid: i have never seen someone so unhinged do something so…hinged

===

@OTTeroos🔒: want to reach out to @ ho*****v so bad so she can add to her corkboard or whatever but i think she’ll keel over and die if i tell her what i know

↳@OTTeroos🔒: P.S. her? Him? Them?

Early May 2021

[@shanehollanderhockeyplayer ✅ posted a video of a gorgeous hiking trail. A brown dog, presumably Anya H. Rozanova, was seen zooming past his legs before the video stopped.]

Good day for it.

@ilyarozanov, @yunahollander, and 73.5k others liked the video

@hollanov: ok i see 😀

↳@hollan0visreal: QUEEN DID YOU SEE AT THE END?

↳↳@hollanov: yessss…also the shadow at the end is a man with curly hair?! 

↳↳↳@hollanovdefenseattorney: hello what does this mean 🙂

↳↳↳↳@shilya2481: fuck if we know twin just that they might have hiked together…

↳↳↳↳↳@hollanov: and yet

↳↳↳↳↳↳@shilya2481: exactly. And yet…

@HaydenPikeOfficial ✅: The kids saw this btw and now want you guys to take them, and I quote, “to look for Tinkerbell”

↳@shanehollanderhockeyplayer ✅: We’ll arrange it when it’s not so crazy anymore.

@rahrahrozanov: huhhhhh

@oldmanyaoifanclub: You guys?! WE?!!??

↳@shanehollandershoe: HUH

===

@OTTeroos🔒: 😀

***

@ottawadefender: alright!! Game 1 of round 2 of the playoffs!! [photo of the twitter user showing OTT stretching on ice at the background]

@hollzy4hallzy: Let’s go OTT! Rooting for Hollzy’s boyfriend’s team!!!

↳@rahrahrozanov: how sure are you that they are boyfriends? 😭

@sixthCens: Hollander and parents in the audience! Wearing Rozanov jerseys! [photo of the jumbotron showing them]

↳@rahrahrozanov: holy shit

@hollanov: guys i feel like i am made of bees with the way im buzzing right now 😀

@SportsMoi: Yuna and Shane Hollander seen arguing from the stands in tonight’s OTT-FLA game! [video of mother and son passionately shouting at the ref after he gave Roz a penalty, as caught from the jumbotron. Yuna was gesturing with her hands while Shane was standing up with his hands outstretched mouthing ‘What was that? What was that?!’. David was just happy to be there. The jumbotron briefly replayed what led to the call by the ref and it then came back to Shane unhappy with his hands on his waist.]

↳@shaneyshimmeringsplendid: LMAO Shane really be like 

↳↳@sixthCens: pls the CENs are howling with laughter [video taken from inside the stadium, bench full of CENs laughing. Bood fell off his seat.]

@rahrahrozanov: and Roz?

↳@hollzy4hallzy: smiling over there at the sin bin [video of Rozanov on the jumbotron, smiling fondly, then ducking his head when he noticed the camera. His face is red which could either be from the physicality of the game or something else.]

@CliffMarleau ✅: Russians do not blush, my ass.

↳@hollanov: sir?

|

↳@hollzy4hallzy: hello Mr Cliff pls expound (or pound me 🤷 im free Thursday 4:00 pm)

↳↳@applemartini: oh wooooooow

↳↳↳@BostonBabes: delulu is the solulu!

|

↳@sveta: 🤣🫵 @ilyarozanov

***

@ottawadefender: alright!! Game 2 of round 2 of the playoffs! Last one before they head to Florida for two games. Let’s get it boys! 💪

@shilya2481: bestie this is not the time to be sick!! @hollan0visreal!

↳@hollan0visreal: i can see the light

↳↳@shilya2481: 🙄 you sneezed twice. get up.

@shanesfreckles: Hollanders are here again! They’re seated with the other SAPs! [photo of the jumbotron showing the OTT SAPs plus Hollanders. Shane is in between Cassie and Lisa. He’s holding Milo who is wearing noise-cancelling headphones and playing with his toy. Yuna and David are talking to Harris and Caitlin. Other SAPs are talking amongst themselves.]

↳@hollanov: Shane Hollander confirmed Ottawa SAP?!!!

|

↳@xxilyaxx: i need the reaction from Roz stat

↳↳@shanesfreckles: they have not shown him at all and im too far from the ice 🫤

===

@OTTeroos🔒: 😀

May 10, 2021

[@shanehollanderhockeyplayer ✅ posted a photo: a bouquet of flowers at the background and an expensive-looking pair of cufflinks, still in its box, at the foreground. He was holding said gift and his hands, particularly a ring on the fourth finger, was visible]

Thank you 🖤♥️🤍

@ilyarozanov and 81.2k others liked the photo

@ilyarozanov: Happy birthday, Hollander. 

(The user has restricted who can comment on this post.)

***

@hollzy4hallzy: i know someone who works at this fancy restaurant downtown Ottawa and i was told Hollander and Rozanov are having dinner. Together. Alone. Looking…cozy.

↳@rahrahrozanov: ssshhh not so loud you will summon them!

↳↳@hollan0visreal: hello

↳↳↳@rahrahrozanov: oh god

↳↳↳↳@hollzy4hallzy: nope not telling you anything else. That is it. Take it or leave it.

↳↳↳↳↳@hollan0visreal: 🫡

***

@hollanov: sighhh @ilyarozanov and @shanehollanderhockeyplayer i am running out of money to buy red yarn for my detective corkboard please release a statement or something i cant keep using my student allowance for this thanks kings <3

(@ilyarozanov ✅ liked this)

↳@hollanov: 

@hollan0visreal: holy shit confirmation?!?!!?!?!?!?!??!

@shilya2481: 🙂 im dead im sure of it

@xxilyaxx: WHAT THE FUCK

@hollanovdefenseattorney: YOUR HONOUR THIS IS EVIDENCE. I DO NOT KNOW FOR WHAT BUT THIS IS EVIDENCE!!!

@ShaneandIlyasPRTeam4real: holy mother of…

@rahrahrozanov: i have been fighting off the hollanovs for so long and yet…

@ottawadefender: CAP?! CAPTAIN ROZANOV?! PLS ADDRESS US

@tmz ✅: Absolute pandemonium online as Centaurs Captain @ilyarozanov liked a tweet from a Hollanov fan [screenshot of the exchange above]

↳@@shanepike: A hollanov fan? Baby that’s THE hollanov shipper!

↳↳@rahrahrozanov: tmz out here fucking up so much they got shayden fans defending @hollanov

|

↳@xxilyaxx: eww tmz go away this is family business

===

@OTTeroos🔒: THE ANNOUNCEMENT. IT IS COMING. I CAN FEEL IT. I AM ABOUT TO BE RELEASED FROM THIS PRISON SOON!!!

Mid-May 2021

@ottawadefender: Sad that Cens were knocked out of the playoffs, but tbh I can't believe we made it to round 2 and I, for one, am so happy! Rozanov really said he’ll transform the team and now look at us! Let’s get that Cup next year!!!

↳@sixthCens: oh fr fr. something about them coming back differently since Tampa especially with Roz…

↳↳@ottawadefender: oh god why would you remind me?!

***

[@CliffMarleau ✅ posted a photo of him, Roz, Hollander, Svetlana, Rose, Pike, and Boiziau in a restaurant in Ottawa]

Trading war stories 😀

@ilyarozanov, @shanehollanderhockeyplayer, @HaydenPikeOfficial, @sveta, @RoseLandry and @Boiziau shared the post in their stories

@ilyarozanov and 40.3k others liked the photo

@ShaneandIlyasPRTeam4real: detective hat on! 🕵️

↳@hollanov: adding it to the corkboard! 🤓

@BostonBabes: well THIS is a wild combination

@christysteves: streets are saying Roz and Hollander are together and this is a meet your boyfriend type of sitch

↳@xxilyaxx: meet the bf? This looks more like a wedding party get together!

↳↳@christysteves: i see your point

@applemartini: so is it true then? Hmmmm

@abossinBOS: #noticing

@hockeygirl24: war stories?! Wym @CliffMarleau 

@sixthCens: 

***

@anonsourz: @hollanov i have info about your ship from THAT restaurant

↳@hollanov: no thx i only do ethical shipping 💋

↳↳@anonsourz: which is???

↳↳↳@hollanov: i only use official materials and what they put out 

↳↳↳↳@anonsourz: you literally use @SportsMoi stuff 🤨

↳↳↳↳↳@hollanov: yeah but only those with evidence (see non-doctored photos) AND nothing about speculations in the captions 🙂

↳↳↳↳↳↳@anonsourz: whatever. Ur missing out on the biggest hockey gossip then

↳↳↳↳↳↳↳@hollanov: 🤷

End of May 2021

@hockeygirl24: did i just hear gil**** com**u and pat**** dapr**u at the table next to me make derogatory comments about H*ll*nd*r?

↳@hockeygirl24: i am aware i have no evidence but im still shaking and i have to let it out. It was disgusting.

↳↳@hockeygirl24: gc: did you see those flowers? On H*ll*nd*r’s post? Jesus he’s such a fucking p*nsy// pd: bet he takes it up the a**// gc: oh no doubt. I also dont believe that f*g claiming they’ve been together for that long// pd: pssh he just said that to save face// gc: imaging throwing your career out the window for some d!ck// pd: still blaming him for this season // gc: did you see him in that WAGs area *laughter* // pd: best place for that fre*k

↳↳↳@hockeygirl24: guys i think im going to be sick

↳↳↳↳@hockeygirl24: i didnt hear much after because i had to get away it was awful

|

↳@hockeygurlz: oh no babe im so sorry you heard that

|

↳@MTLgirlie: this is so disgusting of them. Gay or not, Hollander carried the Metros for a decade and won them three cups!!!

|

↳@shanesfreckles: all this from people who don’t even look like they wash their hands? 🤢

|

↳@hollzy4hallzy: gil**** com**u and pat**** dapr**u dont let me catch you 🔪🔪

|

↳@shanehollandershoe: saying all that while looking like that ain’t it babes

|

↳@ilyarozanovsagent: bruh i dont even go here but saying hollander is the reason you didn’t get the cup this year is stupid!!! Also the way they talked about their captain is so vile. What the heck is going on in that org?!

|

↳@ottawadefender: @ hollander ik a certain team that has maybe has some cap space and where you alr have friends in and the ppl are chill 👀👀👀

***

@hollanov: Going to set aside my shipping hat for a bit. If true, these players need to do better. Using vile words like those in the year 2021 should not be tolerated at all. The LGBTQ+ community deserve better from this sport and its players. The MHL and the Metros need to be better!

June 15, 2021

[@ilyarozanov ✅ posted a photo: an expensive-looking turntable setup in what looks like a living room. Bruno Mars’ new album, “The Romantic”, in vinyl form, is at the forefront of the photo. The identical ring to something posted from last month can be seen worn on one of the fingers of a different hand.]

Thank you, moya lyubov ♥️

@shanehollanderhockeyplayer and 82k others liked the photo

@shanehollanderhockeyplayer: Happy birthday, Rozanov.

(The user has restricted who can comment on this post.)

***

@hollzy4hallzy: y’all reporting again. Same restaurant. Same people. Same vibe.

↳↳@hollzy4hallzy: highk trust the person enough to say au revoir being a solo fan and hello hollanov nation!!! 💪💪💪

|

↳@oldmanyaoifanclub: GATHER AROUND HOLLANOV NATION!!!

|

↳@rozycheeks: holy shit i cant believe im about to believe the hollanov shippers

|

↳@hollaatyourander: there’s no explanation for this…

|

↳@shanesfreckles: i mean no photos yet…

|

↳ @hollan0visreal: 

***

@hollanov: 

↳@hollanov: ok so the ring right? @ilyarozanov @shanehollanderhockeyplayer

(@shanehollanderhockeyplayer ✅ liked this)

|

↳@hollanov: 

|

↳@hollan0visreal: MELANIE HOLY SHIT

|

↳@shilya2481: MEL DO WE NEED TO CALL AN AMBULANCE FOR YOU

|

↳@shanesfreckles: 

***

@oldmanyaoifanclub: shaydens found deadest in a ditch [side-by-side screenshot of @hollanov’s interaction with Ilya from May 10 and with Shane from today]

***

@rozmaranov: it’s okay @ shaydens…we have passed in 2018. I think you’ll be fine…

↳@shaydenisreal:

===

@OTTeroos🔒: 

June 19-25, 2021

@hollzy4hallzy: chat, streets are saying multiple league players are in ottawa

↳@applemartini: maybe they’re here for the museums…

↳↳@hollzy4hallzy: bsffr rn

***

@cens12345: i just saw scott hunter and husband at OTT airport?!!? [photo of Scott and Kip exiting the airport, holding hands. It was daytime.]

↳@ottawadefender: the camp maybe?

↳↳@cens12345: nah the camp does not start until mid-July?

↳↳↳@ottawadefender: HUH

|

↳@rozycheeks: pause because i just saw eric bennett too? With his boyf?! [photo of Eric and Kyle, waiting at the curb outside the airport exit. It was nighttime.]

↳↳@ottawacitiCENs: ok i need somebody to explain soon 😭

***

@sixthCens: hello i just ran into a couple of boston raiders players at this bakery i go to WHAT [photo of Cliff, Connors, and Hammersmith in line at the bakery]

↳@ilyarozanovsagent: ?????

↳↳@sixthCens: something is up

↳↳↳@ilyarozanovsagent: i saw someone post yesterday that they saw hunter and husband at the airport and now this?!

|

↳@abossinBOS: you mean to tell me that a rando in ottawa just casually ran into some raiders while i, who lived in boston my whole life, have never seen any in the wild?!

***

@Fabian4ever: Can’t believe I saw Fabian here in Ottawa! Dream come true 🥰 Thank you to his amazing bf for taking the photo for us ♥️[photo with Fabian Salah in OTT]

↳@hollanov: HOLD ON. I checked. Fabian does not have a show in Ottawa. And I know Ryan Price, Fabian’s bf, is friends with some of the hockey players mentioned the past few days sighted in OTT. WHAT IS GOING ON?!

|

↳@xxilyaxx: I’m connecting some dots

↳↳@seriouslyserious: You ain’t connecting shit 

↳↳↳@xxilyaxx: I’m connecting them 

***

@hockeypucks123: Did I mention that a friend runs a tailoring business in downtown OTT? And that JJ Boiziau just picked up a suit this morning??? 😀

↳@hollzy4hallzy: SOMETHING IS ADDING UP

↳↳@hollzy4hallzy: after much thought, they didn’t add up unless…

↳↳↳@hollan0visreal: i think ik where this is going twin. Does it help if I tell you I just saw the Pikes at the park next to the OTT museum yesterday?

|

↳ShaneandIlyasPRTeam4real: ok whose wedding is it?!

↳↳@hockeygirl24: i think…deep in our bones…we know.

***

@ottawadefender: Why do i feel like some hockey avengers assemble shit is going on here in Ottawa? Did Dallas Kent and his evil evil minions of gross men break out of prison and the queers and allies are here to defend our town?

↳@sixthCens: Evil evil minions of gross men is an apt description for the whole @ toronto team

↳↳@ottawadefender: thank god barrett got out of there and is living his true gay self [♥️ by @troybarrett✅]

***

@RoseLandryFanClub: Rose with a fan in Ottawa | June 19, 2021 [photo of a fan with Rose. The fan’s face is blurred for privacy.]

↳@RoseLandryFanClub: disabling the comments section because too many hockey-related comments are being made. Yes, we know she’s friends with hockey players Hollander and Rozanov (and possibly more of them), but we’d like to keep the space filled with love instead of speculations on why she’s here, which is frankly, none of our business. Thank you for understanding.

(The user has disabled comments on this post.)

***

[@tmz ✅ posted a series of paparazzi shots: photos Bruno Mars partying in a club along with his posse. One photo where Rose can be seen. Another one with a group of people including Rose, Shane, and Ilya. One more with Cliff, Boiziau, Bood, and Hayes tearing up the dance floor while others in the party look on. There’s another photo of Ilya leaning in on the bar, his right arm resting on the counter, as he talks to Shane who was standing right in front of him. You can’t see Ilya’s face but Shane was smirking. The closeness in their stance can be argued either way–it’s too noisy in the club or that they’re way more than friends.]

Bruno Mars, Rose Landry, MHL players spotted in a club in downtown Ottawa!

@sixthCens: FIRST WE HAVE THE QUEERS AND ALLIES HOCKEY AVENGERS AND NOW THIS?!

@ottawacitiCENs: hello ottawa mayor is there a celebration we do not know about?

@shilya2481: somebody come tell me it doesn’t look like a send-off party, Bruno Mars notwithstanding 🙂

↳@hollaatyourander: this week had been wild. We don’t know anymore

@shayden4ever:

@rozycheeks: is roz hitting on hollander?

↳@hollzy4hallzy: well yeah how else can he keep his boyfriend?

↳↳@rozycheeks: what the hell…sure

***

@hollanov: looking at my corkboard and feeling oddly emotional…

↳@hollan0visreal: we’re on the cusp of something!

↳↳@hollanov: ik…just a decade of figuring out whether this ship is real or not and i have a feeling we’ll soon get an answer…idk how to feel

***

[@SportsMoi ✅ posted a photo: Shane and Ilya walking Anya. Shane is laughing freely while Ilya looks at Shane fondly. Anya is staring straight at the camera lens looking less like her golden retriever mix and more like whatever percentage belgian malinois she’s got in her DNA.]

Hollander and Rozanov walking Anya H. Rozanova!

@shanesfreckles: yo this is domestic af they actually look good tgt im gonna pass out

↳@shanesfreckles: i have risen and am now a convert

|

↳@ShaneandIlyasPRTeam4real: we got another one!!!

@hollzy4hallzy: rozanov to hollander in this photo

@MTLgirlie have never seen Hollander look so free? And so happy? And I’ve been a Metros fan through and through. We’re talking: there when they drafted him, there for every game, there for every presser…and we’ve got this? Oh lord I’m crying.

@hockeygirl24: after what I’ve heard in that restaurant, I’m so glad Hollander has got someone to make him laugh like that. Whatever they are, they seem to be good for each other.

@hollanov: i–

@sixthCens: ok yeah cute whatever speculations. But I would not want to meet Anya H. Rozanova in a dark alley if she’s looking at me like that.

↳@rozycheeks: like father like daughter lmaoooo

***

@ESPN ✅: MHL: The list of the 2021 free agents and predictions by Tim Costa here: [link]

@HockeyNews ✅: 2021 Season Highlights and 2022 Predictions here: [link]

@CANSports ✅: ‘Dismal’ Metros season should encourage Hollander to explore his options as veteran – Opinion by Ken Graves here: [link]

@SportsDesk ✅: Hollander leaving the Metros? Link in bio for more details.

@HockeyCentral ✅: Rumours swirl as Hollander’s UFA status nears with no signs from MTL.

June 26, 2021

[@BrunoMars✅ posted a photo: close-up photo of two hands, wedding rings visible, suit cuffs - one light pink, the other slightly darker shade of blue - are visible. The post is overlaid with the song Risk It All, particularly the part "It's crazy, but it's true, there's nothing I won't do, I'd risk it all for you."]

There was a plan for this one, but well, and I think it's safe to say this is very appropriate for the occasion, plans change 🤷‍♂️ Risk It All [a very special music video] 07.02.21

@Brunosgirl: omg!!! Risk it all was already a banger back in February and now we’re getting a special MV! 

@lovergirlxoxo: expected nothing less!!! This song is about to make history again i can feel it!

@24kmagicluv: 🧐 lemme cross-reference sth…

↳@24kmagicluv: 

↳↳@24kmagicluv: you bet your ass i’m tuning in on July 2, 2021.

@hollanov: WAIT THESE HANDS–

@hollanovdefenseattorney: don’t say sike don’t say sike don’t say sike don’t–

@shilya2481: us hollanovers if it’s not them: 🤡

***

@hollanov: boards (cork and digital) have been updated! 👇

↳@hollanov: Here’s why I fully believe Roz and Hollzy are a thing [1/95]

===

@OTTeroos🔒: i go on a social media cleanse for a week and i come back to all of these?!

↳@OTTeroos🔒: otoh i can def finally tell somebody soon 

↳↳@OTTeroos🔒: maybe i’ll just make my account public and let the hollanovs see this

July 1, 2021

@CANSports ✅: Hollander not re-signing with the Metros: sources

↳@hockeygirl24: are we surprised?

[QT: @hockeygirl24: did i just hear gil**** com**u and pat**** dapr**u at the table next to me make derogatory comments about H*ll*nd*r?]

↳↳@shanesfreckles: 

@MontrealMetros ✅: The Metros would like to wish Shane Hollander the best of luck in his new journey. 

↳@MontrealMetros ✅: We would also like to remind fans that unsubstantiated claims may be liable to legal action.

|

↳@shaneyshimmeringsplendid: Hollander was with you for more than a decade and you’re addressing the whole thing in ONE line?! Wow. Guess who won’t be renewing their season tickets.

|

↳@shanehollandershoe: you have a rumoured queer athlete and then you do this after pride??? it’s NAWT a good look in scott hunter’s internet, babes

|

↳@MTLgirlie: You barely functioned this year and you’re letting Hollander go?! Wow.

July 2, 2021

@24kmagicluv: 5 minutes till video drop. I will be live-streaming my reaction to it! Come join me here: [link]

Mila @24kmagicluv has started a live

[transcript]

Mila: Hello Bruno Mars nation! (greetings, waiting for the viewers to go up, a few mins later…) Not going to lie to you, I have another motive for live streaming this music video. The world of hockey, my other interest, has been in a tailspin since earlier this year. I can’t pinpoint exactly when all the craziness started but speculations about TWO of the top hockey stars kind of broke containment from tumblr around February? Yes, chat, speculations like that. It then reached some kind of fever pitch the past couple of weeks. Which brings me to the Instagram post: Bruno posted a photo of two hands – male hands – and it looked familiar so I was like hold on: is there some connection? With the way everything was unfolding, this music video might break all sorts of record if true. If it’s really them. If not, then we just clowned ourselves (wide smile). Right it’s been 5 minutes so let me refresh the page and– (the sound of a mouse clicking can be heard and on the split-screen, you can see Youtube refreshing and then showing the newest video uploaded a few seconds ago)

Mila: It’s here! (clicks play) Ok so June 26, 2021. Must have been shot then? That’s the same day this special music video was announced.

Mila: Ugh I just love the opening of this song. It really puts you in such a romantic mood. (off-key singing: For just the chaaaance to win your heaaaarrttt). I truly truly truly 100 percent love this song.

Mila: (brows furrowed) But that house looks so familiar? Hmmm…

Mila: That dog? Isn’t that– hmm maybe not. I mean many dogs look the same. Chat, I’m actually nervous. What am I about to see?

Mila: (head tilted, brows furrowed) Gold chain? Crucifix? (eyes widening) Holy—

Mila: WAIT! (pointing at the screen) Those lips!!! SOMEONE CALL THAT @HOLLANOV GIRL BECAUSE GIRL–

Mila: (shot up straight from the chair) Dark blonde curls?! That build? WAIT OKAY I AM PAUSING THIS. (deep breath, sits down) Sorry, as someone who is a hockey fan, my mind is being blown right now and it will continue to be blown as this music video probably continues on. For those who are not fans: Google Ilya Rozanov. Ok? I will keep playing now so I can… EEEEP

Mila: (plays video) WAIT WAIT That’s David Hollander! Holy shit ok uhhh non-hockey fans I will debrief you later– holy…

Mila: Oh no…they’re crying. Shit. Where’s the fucking tissue? Will this MV make me cry? (locates tissue and grabs a couple just in time for–) OH NO ROZANOV IS CRYING??? (sniff) I mean I assume this is Rozanov!

Mila: (off-key singing: Saaaay you want the moon watch me learn to flyyyy–) Oh whoever the cinematographer is…give them an award now! The shots are a fucking beauty!

Mila: (stands up again, jaw dropping) MY MIND IS BEING BLOWN RIGHT NOW. These are hockey people! A good assortment, too. Raiders, Metros, Centaurs, Scott Hunter is here?! A few retirees, too?! We’ve also got PWHL reps, people! What do they all have in common????

Mila: (puts arms down in shock) ROSE FUCKING LANDRY?!??? With the WAGs? (pause) Or is it SAPs now? 

Mila: WAIT WAIT I AM PAUSING AGAIN. (pauses video, sits back down) Where’s my phone? (locates phone and starts typing something) Ok some of these people were mentioned to have been sighted in Ottawa like two weeks ago…along with sightings of Bruno Mars. OH MY GOD so they were all here for the same event? Which was probably this music video!!! WOOOH okay (deep breaths, plays the video).

Mila: Okay walking through the house…If the man from earlier was Rozanov, then I think this is house. HOCKEY STICKS! (points at screen) What does that – FRECKLES?! 

Mila: (squints) YUNA HOLLANDER?! Then is this…SHANE HOLLANDER?! Wait what is she saying? (rewinds the video a bit) Ok not that great at lip reading but it looks like she said ‘your dad and I love you’? Awww. Awww wait my heart (dabs tissue at corners of eyes). Someone in the chat who can lip read please confirm! 

Mila: OH GOD IT’S A WEDDING! IT’S A WEDDING RIGHT?! I mean we probably got that earlier but this set-up? You can’t deny anymore. So it means that– SHANE HOLLANDER IS STANDING AT THE END OF THE AISLE. IS HE GETTING MARRIED?! IS THIS REAL? WHO IS HE MARRYING???

Mila: (stands up abruptly, headset set-up almost got ripped out of their sockets) ILYA ROZANOV??? ILYA ROZANOV IS AT THE OTHER END OF THE AISLE??? PAUSE PAUSE!!!

Mila: (hands over mouth, state of shock. A good 30 seconds flew by. The chat is going crazy) oh my god… (shows hand on camera) look, I’m shaking. What did I just see?

Mila: (sits down. But stands up again) I can’t sit still chat. Are we ready? Fuck. Whatever. (plays video) Oh my god, the way they are smiling at each other (sniffs, sobs a bit).

Mila: (watery voice, still singing off-key: There’s nothing I won’t do, I’d risk it allllll for youuu–) Oh god what am I seeing really? Are we seeing the same thing??? (sniffles, more tissues taken out from the packet)

Mila: (gasp) The photos from earlier! Ok I’m watching this again to properly dissect these photos but one looks like an All-Star Game – I REMEMBER THIS! Hollander scored a goal and then Rozanov kissed his cheeks-slash-helmet. 

Mila: Oh look…they wore each other’s jerseys! Hollander looks so happy! For context: the man’s like, super media-trained he’s almost like a robot. But these photos show real smiles. And with Rozanov?!

Mila: (hits pause angrily as a thought came in her brain) I SWEAR TO GOD IF THIS IS NOTHING BUT A PROMO SOMEBODY WILL PAY!!! I’m already too invested. I didn’t ship them despite the mounting speculations from the previous months but oh my gooood, now you can pry Hollanov away from my cold, dead hands (glares at the camera before hitting play again).

Mila: (laughs) ha! Of course Rozanov would have a 24k Magic World Tour merch! The album screams Rozanov lol.

Mila: This is so stinking cute! Look at them cuddling at that lounge chair!

Mila: (GASP) This looks like…the Pike kids! Hayden Pike’s kids! Performing a wedding ceremony for Rozanov and Hollander? Dated October 2020? Wait this means…Bruno hasn’t even announced the album yet that month! I mean obviously plans can be made in advance especially Hollywood but to involve kids is a bit… and I don’t see them doing that so–

Mila: Oh my god Oh my god Oh my god! They’re holding hands – (shuts up as Shane and Ilya exchange vows, mouth open in disbelief. By the end of the vows, there were tears everywhere).

Mila: (squeaks breathlessly) Husband?

Mila: I– holy shit they’re kissing!!! THEY ARE KISSING KISSING! IS @HOLLANOV SEEING THIS? ARE THE HOLLANOV NATION MEMBERS SEEING THIS?! I NEED TO KNOW ARE YOU OKAY??? I AM NOT!!!

Mila: THERE IS TONGUE AND EVERYTHING. THIS IS NOT A MOVIE/PR KISS. TWO HOCKEY BROS KISSING LIKE THIS? NUH-UH NO WAY THIS IS NOT REAL. (takes a very deep breath). I need to calm down. My cortisol levels!!!

Mila: Again! The cinematographer needs that award ‘cos these are very beautifully set up.

Mila: Wait…what is this video at the end? (gasp) It’s that CCM they did before they were rookies! Oh gosh they were so young! Hold on!! Hold fucking on!!! Were they…already in love since then?! Chat, watch that last bit and tell me if you’re seeing heart eyes there, too. Last time I was that giggly was when I liked a guy so–

Mila: (abruptly stops as the voice-over comes on, features slackening as the audio keeps playing) THE SUMMER BEFORE ROOKIE SEASON? SO THEY WERE ALREADY IN LOVE SLASH TOGETHER SLASH SOMETHING IN THAT CCM COMMERCIAL?

Mila: Chat, I’m about to–OH MY GOD. HOLLANDER SIGNED WITH THE CENTAURS? TO BE WITH ROZANOV? ROZANOV AND HOLLANDER IN ONE TEAM??? Chat, this if like if Tupac and Biggie- okay if Prince and Michael Jackson. Ok no? References too old? If Backstreet Boys and NSYNC. (laughs) I think you can guess how old I am.

Mila: (sobers up and sits back down, head in hands as she stared mindlessly at the screen. This lasted for a minute) I– What– (clears throat) Did I just get a fever dream or? 

Mila: (reads what the chat is saying) Wait there are statements posted on Instagram now?! From Yuna Hollander? (grabs phone and pulls up Instagram. As that loads, more messages came up from the chat) The guests have also been posting? Oh my God…

[video ends]

***

[@yunahollander posted a photo: Shane and Ilya in their wedding suits, indoors on a couch. Ilya was turned towards Shane, nuzzling his hair, while Shane leaned on Ilya. Both eyes were closed but both are smiling.]

My sons had quite the journey to get here but we’re glad they’re here now. Dad and I love you ♥️

***

[@CliffMarleau ✅ posted two photos: the first one was Shane and Ilya mid-exchanging vows and the second one was Ilya being carried by Cliff, Hammersmith, Connors, St Simon, and Carmichael. They were all mid-laugh on the second photo.]

Glad you got your Montreal Jane, Cap!

***

[@HaydenPikeOfficial ✅posted a photo: Shane and Ilya taken from the chest up. Both of them had their hands squeezing the others’ cheeks to make their lips jut out. Wedding bands prominent.]

I guess my children will, officially, get another uncle?

***

[@sveta posted a photo: Ilya and Shane up close to the camera, wedding bands shown. Ilya had his mouth open and eyes wide as if he couldn’t believe it. Shane had a shy smile.]

Happiness looks good on you both ♥️♥️♥️

***

[@RoseLandry ✅posted a photo: Ilya and Shane taking a breather from the party, seated on a chair in the corner. Both of them just leaned back, not saying or doing anything except hold hands. The photo was taken from a distance, amidst people walking past and there was a blur effect as everyone around was moving except for the couple.]

Get you someone who can be your anchor 👨‍❤️‍👨

***

@BoodsFoods ✅posted a story: a video showing Bood drunk and his arm around Shane. “I’m so glad you're the reason Roz came here!” Shane blushed red. 

@superhayes ✅ posted a story: spinning slowly at the edge of the makeshift dance floor. Lisa was with him, giggling as she let her husband spin her along. You can see the guests having the time of their lives at the background, some waved as the camera got them.

@troybarrett ✅ posted a story: a picture of the newlyweds hugging as they were mid-sway. Other couples around them were in similar positions, suggesting it was a slow song.

@sainty ✅ shared Cliff’s post in his story and added a caption: You guys couldn’t have gotten married while Roz was in Boston so Hollander can come to us instead? 😩

@Boiziau ✅ posted a story: a video of him jumping up and down while a jumpy, dance music blasted. He was joined by Dykstra, Marleau, Connors, and Hayden.

@ScottHunter ✅ posted a story: it was a video in selfie mode. It looked like the intent was to show off Kip and get a view of the area but then Kip looked at him to say “You know they’re most likely now going to be in the same team right?” 

Scott took that in for a moment, then shocked, turned to his husband and said, “Kip, love of my life, delight of my soul, every sun to my shine, are you telling me that me kissing you on ice in 2017 has led to the possibility of the league having to face these two ice menaces at the same damn time?” 

Kip nodded empathically. Scott winced as he looked at the camera again. “Sorry!”

@hammersmithtime ✅ posted a story: a video of him chanting “chug, chug, chug!” at Boyle as the latter finished a large glass of beer. He’s joined by a few others: Carmichael, Young, Holmberg, Dillon, and Carter. Boyle finished it and put the glass down as he exhaled loudly to their cheers.

@LucaHaas_OTT ✅ posted a story: a photo of a piece of paper with a sketch of the newlyweds as they left the aisle, holding hands on the left. On the right is a sketch of Shane and Ilya’s hands, clasped together, wedding bands shown.

@hdrover posted a story: a video in selfie mode, Cliff is behind him. Cliff looked like he was hiding as he looked around him.

"Buddy, what are you doing all the way over here?"

Cliff looked at the camera, scared. "I'm hiding from Mrs Hollander."

"Why?"

"I gave her son a concussion in 2017 and I don't think she has forgiven me."

"How do you know?"

"She's been glaring at me all day."

"Fair."

@cassieb posted a story: a video of the makeshift dance floor as most guests were dancing around and having the time of their lives. A caption at the bottom can be seen: “Damn, the Hollander-Rozanovs know how to throw a party!”

@sel_chou posted a story: a video starting in selfie mode showing Selena leaning to Nick’s chest. Nick had one of his arms around his wife’s shoulders but looking at something off-cam hooting and hollering. Selena wagged her eyebrows, smiling, as she then changed the camera shot to show what’s happening in front of them: Shane and Ilya are slicing the big wedding cake.

***

@hollan0visreal: somebody check on @hollanov!!! I myself am still shaking 😭

@hollaatyourander: holy shit i cant believe those crazies are actually right

@hollzy4hallzy: HOLLANOV CONFIRMED!!! 

@ShaneandIlyasPRTeam4real: ALL WE DO IS WHAT???

↳@xxilyaxx: WIN!!!

@sixthCens: daaamn congrats to the RPFers but most importantly to the Hollanovers for this INSANE FUCKING REVEAL TODAY

@ottawadefender: HOLLANOVERS PEOPLE OF THE YEAR @ TIME MAGAZINE 

@hollanov: 

↳@hollanov: im going to be here for a few days i think

|

↳@hollan0visreal: twin get up, now we need Rozy and Hollzy to go over your corkboard and give feedback on what you got right or wrong

↳↳@hollanov:

holy shit you are so right

|

↳↳@SportsFan: im so amazed that you fangirls immediately found something else to do

↳↳↳@hollan0visreal: lmao fan spaces are run like the military, hit us up @ department of defence!

↳↳↳↳@SportsFan: normally this WOULD be a joke but you guys got this right so 

***

@MikeHockey: 

ROZANOV AND HOLLANDER IN ONE TEAM?!

↳@SportsFan: but no confirmation from Cens yet right?

July 3, 2021

@OttawaCentaurs ✅: Looking forward to playing with our newest Centaur: @shanehollanderhockey! [photo of Shane with a Centaurs t-shirt in front of him, showing his last name and number]

@ESPN ✅: MHL - Hollander confirmed Centaur in the upcoming season; signed 7-year contract at $9.5M AAV. Read more here [link]

@SportsDesk ✅: Prediction: Hollander-Rozanov Cens era will last ten years. Read more from hockey analyst Chris Flowers here [link]

@HockeyCentral ✅: ‘Congrats to the newlyweds but nothing new in PWHL’: How the rest of the men's hockey world need to focus on amping up strategy against Hollander-Rozanov domination [link]

@CANSports ✅: The MHL’s first hockey husbands to take the ice together next season. Link in bio for more.

***

@SportsFan: FUCK

@ottawadefender: i kept on giving now i’ll know what it’s like to receive

@sixthCens: for no particular reason, here’s Kelly Clarkson’s A Moment Like This

@ottawacitiCENs: WE NEED A PARADE STAT @OttawaGov @OttawaMayor 

@shanesfreckles: ooof did baby take a pay cut?

↳@rahrahrozanov: i mean roz takes home $15M AAV I think they’ll be fine

@hollanov: hockey husbands let’s goooooooo

@xxilyaxx: everybody in the league right now 

July 4-11, 2021

@SportsMoi: For those wondering where the hockey husbands are, we reached out to Mrs Hollander, the husbands’ brand manager and Shane Hollander’s mother, and received the following message: [audio recording of Yuna saying “my sons are currently on their honeymoon. Please call back by the end of July”].

↳@hollanov: MY SONS!!! 🥹

|

↳@shaneyshimmeringsplendid: the concept of Rozanov having Mrs Hollander as his MIL is sending me to high heavens. Rozanov better treat Hollander right because not only will he have the rest of Canada cooking his goose, Mrs Hollander will feast on his blood

↳↳@ilyarozanovsagent: in my client’s defense [screenshot of the photo posted by SportsMoi back in June of Ilya and Shane walking Anya, zoomed in on Ilya’s heart eyes]

|

↳↳@rahrahrozanov: wym @shaneyshimmeringsplendid? Rozanov is clinging to your boy Hollander like someone’s about to take him away [screenshot from the music video of that photo showing Ilya and Shane lounging on the deck with Ilya lying on top of Shane]

↳↳↳@rozycheeks: like do you not see that it’s getting him to let go that’s gonna be the problem 😭

↳↳↳↳@shilya2481: lmao from all accounts, these two are exactly where they would like to be 🤣

***

@AndyCamera: I was the behind-the-scenes camera man for THAT CCM commercial and have half an hour before break is over. Ask!

↳@shilya2481: What do you remember that day to be like? 🤔

↳↳@AndyCamera: It was mostly a normal day but I remember getting a bit annoyed ‘cos these two rookies just can’t get serious for a moment…well now, in 2021, I know why 🤪

|

↳@hollzy4hallzy: 🙋 can’t get serious? What does that mean? 

↳↳@AndyCamera: Everytime they look at each other (which we needed for the shot) they kept giggling. It was cute at first but like…they kept doing it. I might have also been running late for my date that day so was starting to get antsy 😩

|

↳@hollanov: so did anyone notice they were already in love or at least felt some sort of connection then?

↳↳@AndyCamera: TBH, I didn’t. I know how hockey is like and the culture so didnt even think whatever was going on was actually going on. I didn’t get a chance to debrief about that day with any of the CCM staff either ‘cos us production crew weren’t in-house. (1/2)

↳↳↳@AndyCamera: But post-prod editor (not into hockey) said ‘oh those two kids are so cute together!’ as she handed the file over. At the time we thought she was weird but perhaps we owe her a fruit basket now. (2/2)

|

↳@rozycheeks: sir how did they get a copy of the shot? Or was that Bruno Mars’ team reaching out?

↳↳@AndyCamera: Oh let me check with my friend, now Head of CCM Marketing @JayWalz

↳↳↳@JayWalz: Hi! Bruno Mars’ team reached out to us. I didn’t know for what at first but the powers that be cleared it so they must’ve gotten an explanation. I then signed off on the footage and there you go.

|

↳@hollan0visreal: any other fun fact you can share with the room?

↳↳@AndyCamera: Ok, something I heard but didn’t think much about at the time (but at this point, is most likely true) was that originally, the ad was only going to feature Rozanov but he suggested Hollander be part of it, too. 

↳↳↳@hockeygirl24: Rozanov out here planning a whole commercial just to see/get to know Hollander better before their rookie season but I can’t even get a text back 🙃

***

@OTTeroos: okay not in private anymore and ik u only do ethical shipping but i think in light of that music video…here you go @hollanov 

↳@hollanov: 

↳↳@hollanov: i hate that you’re so correct. If you showed me this back in January i def would have ignored you BUT HERE WE ARE

↳↳↳@hollanov: also im sorry you were spiralling on your own 😭

***

@tmz ✅: Screenshots from twitter user’s account suggest there may be other witnesses to first gay hockey affair! See more here [link]

↳@hollzy4hallzy: there’s something about how you word things that’s so hideous. Blocked!

***

@christysteves: lmao @OTTeroos ok so not exactly insider trading but let’s just say you should be glad you didn’t put money on this knowing what you know and then have gambling heads find out later on 🙃

[QT: @OTTeroos: will it be insider trading if i bet on h*******r leaving the m*tr*s at the end of this season??? 🤔]

↳@OTTeroos: 😳

***

@hollan0visreal: i could never be otteroos because what do you mean they saw hollanov kiss in 4k right in front of their salad and had to hold on to that information for SEVEN MONTHS i would’ve died

↳@xxilyaxx: otteroos is god’s greatest soldier fr fr no cap

***

@ilyahollanderrozanov ✅: thanks for keeping secret @OTTeroos. Send address for gifts pls

↳@OTTeroos: 🫡

August 2021

@anonsourz: This can either count as a late gift to the newlyweds OR not but at least I waited a month so… [video of Gilbert Comeau and Patrice Drapeau in a restaurant discussing Hollander, taken at the end of May 2021 according to the time stamp. The angle shows some distance but the discussion can be clearly heard.]

↳@anonsourz: further context ⬇️

[QT: @hockeygirl24: are we surprised?]

↳↳@anonsourz: not so ‘unsubstantiated’ now is it @MontrealMetros?

|

↳@MTLgirlie: this is very disappointing from the Metros. Guess who won’t be buying season tickets until you get your shit sorted

↳↳@hollaatyourander: you and me both!

|

↳@seriouslyserious: are you saying @MontrealMetros will never see the Cup again because of *checks notes* HOMOPHOBIA?!

|

↳@abossinBOS: everyone was going to be pissed with Rozanov because of course him and Hollander are in love and now together and this was all a grand plan blah blah blah…but IT WAS ACTUALLY YOU?! THE TEAM IS THE REASON?!

↳↳@montreal4ever: i mean only drapeau and comeau in the vid right? So can we say it’s only them?

↳↳↳@abossinBOS: watch the wedding video and tell me how many metros came to the wedding?!?!?!?! 🤨

***

@anonsourz: whoops there’s more! 🫨 [screenshots of various Metros’ players social media likes and reposts/retweets, all of it derogatory with some even targeting Hollander specifically]

↳@hockeygirl24: 

|

↳@montreal4ever: shame on @MontrealMetros! Do better!

|

↳@shanehollandershoe: crying because what do you mean Hollander was with these people for so long?! And they’re like this?!?!?!!

|

↳@rahrahrozanov: holy shit! If they’re like this with their captain, i wonder how safe the rookies are over there?!

↳↳@hollaatyourander: unfortunately, some of the rookies aren’t that great [screenshot of a rookie retweeting homophobic tweets]

↳↳↳@rahrahrozanov: ok fuck that guy in particular

|

↳@floridafan1234: @MontrealMetros couldn’t suck up their homophobia long enough to avoid putting rozanov and hollander in one team huh? And the rest of the league has to suffer???

↳↳@edmontonman: shit i just hope mtl pays premium insurance cos they’ll need it 👍

↳↳↳@torontomanfan: something something 30 minutes @ MTL!!!

↳↳↳↳@caroincarolina: im still blaming Scott Hunter 

***

@tmz ✅: “Not the man I married!” - inside the nasty divorce proceedings of Metros’ Gilbert Comeau here [link]

@SportsMoi: Metros’ Drapeau donates 20k to LGBTQ+ organisations a week after Montreal Metros organisation’s 50k donation

↳@MTLgirlie: so just 70k in total? wow

↳↳@hockeygurlz: the bar was in hell but they found a way to play limbo rock with it

***

@ESPN ✅: GM Bouchard and Montreal Metros have parted ways. More here [link]

@HockeyCentral ✅: Montreal Metros fires head coach. Read that and more upcoming season news here [link]

September 2021

@ilyahollanderrozanov ✅: @hollanov i give A- you got 79 out of 95 (Shane said that’s equivalent to A- here). Some are very wrong and some do not have correct context so wrong explanation. Good job! 👍 Also send address for gift pls

↳@hollanov: 🫡 

↳↳@hollanov: can i see the corrections then? for study purposes 👀

↳↳ ↳@ilyahollanderrozanov: points 7 and 11 are nagefksglkhwcq

↳↳↳↳@hollanov: sir?

↳↳↳↳↳@ilyahollanderrozanov: sorry husband said i cant point out sexy stuff

↳↳↳↳↳↳@shanehollanderrozanov: Ilya!

***

[@shanehollanderrozanov ✅ and @ilyahollanderrozanov ✅ posted a photo: Shane and Ilya’s stalls with their names on it: S. Hollander-Rozanov and I. Hollander-Rozanov]

Let’s go, Cens! 🖤♥️🤍