Ambushed – Chapters 6-9 – Duochanfan – Complete

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Chapter Six

Shane looked at Farah and Anita. “So, I’ve gone over the offers. Montreal is retaining some of my salary,” he began.

“They are; the offers are from New York, Boston, Vegas, Seattle, Toronto, and more. The best ones I see are New York and Boston. Boston and New York have the better ones, with Toronto being third.”

“Toronto is never going to happen. Homophobic, and since I’m gay, I’d never play for a team like that,” Shane said, shaking his head, “They’re just as bad as Montreal for that crap.”

“New York or Boston then? I know Montreal would prefer New York out of the two. There is no way they would want you and Rozanov on the same team,” Farah smiled.

“Well, I’d like to cause as much trouble to Montreal as possible, so Boston for me. I know New York offers a lot too, but I want to be with Ilya and our son. I don’t want to have to travel all the time. I know that Boston is only offering a two-year contract while New York is offering five. But I think that is more because they are unsure how Ilya and I are going to react. Management doesn’t know about us. Only Coach LeClaire and Cliff Marlow know about our relationship at the moment. We do plan to tell management and the rest of the team. We don’t want to hide from them. Ilya talks a lot about how accepting the team and how Boston is, with the LGBTQ+ community.”

“New York is good like that as well,” Anita said, playing devil’s advocate.

“I know, except for one of them; they’ve said a lot of things to me and others over the years. So no to New York. And I don’t think Ilya would forgive me for playing with Scott Hunter,” he snorted.

Farah laughed, “No, I don’t think he would. Melissa has been complaining about Rozanov and how he has been trying to get her to find out what Boston has offered.

“Boston makes a good offer, and I will take it. Reaching out to management to talk to them about Ilya will be good. If things go well, hoping I can sign an extension on the contract,” Shane said, smiling softly.

“Right, we’ll call Boston’s GM now and talk with him, let him know that you and Rozanov don’t have any problems with each other,” Farah said as he made the call.

“Hello,” came the reply as the call connected. “Steven Marshal speaking.”

“Mr Marshal, this is Farah Jalali, Shane Hollander’s agent. We’re calling to discuss the offer that you made,” she said.

“Ah, Miss Jalali, I was hoping you would call. How is Mr Hollander? Is he well?” he asked, and Shane could hear the genuine query in his voice.

“I’m very well, thank you, Mr Marshal,” Shane said. “We’re calling about your offer,” he stated.

“I see, and is that offer good?” he asked.

“It is,” Shane said, “Farah will happily go over the details of it and help get the contract sorted for me to sign. But I’m pleased to say that in a week or two, I will be a Boston Bear.”

“I am very happy to hear that. I know that you’ve just had a baby, so you’ll be put on paternity straight away. We just ask that you come in for one practice, so you can meet the team. We will also ask Rozanov to do the same thing. I hope that will be okay for you?”

“It will, and don’t worry about Rozy; he and I are actually friends. We keep the rivalry going because it’s what is expected of us. I’ll be calling him to tell him the news, if that’s alright with you.”

“Of course,” Steven said, “Go ahead and tell him the news. Hopefully, by the end of the week, you’ll be able to head down here to Boston to sign a new contract, and congratulations to you and your partner on your new arrival.”

“Thank you,” Shane told him, “I will let Farah and Anita sort out all the details, and I look forward to seeing you.”

“And you as well, Mr Hollander.”

“Please, call me Shane,” he said, “And thank you,” he smiled as he handed the call over to Farah and Anita to finish out the deal with.

Shane sat back, smiling as he listened to them, getting Boston’s GM to go over the usual contract; he knew a little of what to expect as Ilya had told him about his own contract a few days ago. The details were hashed out, and Shane agreed to it all, with only minor tweaks here and there.

“Right, so Thursday next week, you’ll have to head down to Boston to sign,” Farah said at the end. “We’ll go down there to make sure the contract is all in order, and you’ll meet us there,” she told him.

“Thanks, both of you,” Shane said.

“Go home, enjoy spending time with Ilya and with little Mikhail,” she said softly, “and send more pictures; he’s adorable.”

Shane got up. “Thanks,” he said once more and headed out. Excitement was building in him at the thought of playing with Ilya. He loved playing against him, but the dream of playing with him sometimes kept him awake, just thinking about it.

XxXxX

Ilya looked up from the floor, where he was changing Mikhail’s diaper. “Shane,” he grinned, only to yell out when a stream of something very warm hit him, “how the hell does it get so high!” he exclmained as he quickly put something over his son.

Shane stood there laughing, “I keep telling you, you need to cover him,” he said, shaking his head, “Go and clean up and I’ll deal with Mr Pee’s a lot.”

Ilya nodded, “Menace,” he said to his son as he got up and let Shane take over, cleaning himself up. He walked back and found Shane had cleaned up Mikhail and the living room floor. The baby was now happily guzzling down his bottle.

“Nice and clean?” Shane teased lightly.

“I am,” Ilya pouted, “Oh, Ayami has accepted our offer; she still isn’t that happy with it.”

Shane nodded, “Didn’t think she would, but that’s for dealing with that while I was gone,” he said, looking from Mikhail to Ilya.

“So, what team are you playing for?” Ilya asked, sounding hopeful.

“Boston,” he grinned, “You knew I was going to choose them, no matter what was going on. Never a doubt.” 

“I did, but also, I worry somewhere else would be better for you.”

“There is nowhere that would be better for me than playing right beside you, and being right there as Misha grows,” He said as Ilya sat beside him.

He leaned in and kissed Shane, “Good, we’re building a home, family together.”

“We are. We’ll be asked to go in for a practice, a meet-the-team thing. Let’s bring Mikhail with us, and let them see us as a family,” Shane said, looking at the baby in his arms, “I…” he trailed off.

“We will. But we will meet with management and Coach first. Marly will be at the house; he said he and the others have brought gifts for Mikhail. Marly has made sure they only buy for one, since some have wanted to buy for you too,” he added.

“Ah, yeah,” he nodded, “We have until Thursday next week, before I ahve to be there to sign the contracts. Farah and Anita are going to be coming with to make sure everything is right.”

Ilya nodded, pulling Shane to rest against him and looking down at their son; he was almost done with his bottle. The little slow pulls as he was falling asleep while drinking. “He is so beautiful,” he murmured.

“He really is,” Shane agreed as he slowly pulled the nipple out of Mikhail’s mouth; the baby opened and closed his mouth. “He’s so sleepy,” he smiled as he raised him to his shoulder, a spit-up cloth already there waiting as he rested him there and rubbed and tapped his back. Waiting for the little burp he gave. “Good boy,” he murmured, as he carried on for a few moments more before resting him back down in his arms. Keeping the cloth over his chest just in case.

“How about we have everyone over for a dinner, or just something ordered in, with the Pikes and Boiziau over. Like we did when you told them about Mikhail and me?” Ilya suggested. They had been thinking about having a meal together, but the apartment will need packing away, and JJ and Hayden had both promised to help with that.

“Yeah, something fun, just a way to keep it casual, without having to rush around. Having a pizza and movie night with them was good. We can do that on the Monday. It was nice to just ease into things like that. Jackie… might not be up to something more… formal,” Shane said, worrying about Jackie. He’d gone out to see her the day before, just for a coffee. She looked better than the last time they’d met up. More herself, but Shane knew that she was still recovering.

“Then we should do that. We’ll have your parents around the next day for dinner. David has helped in finding movers for us. They will take everything down for us. We are going to be driving down on Wednesday; David said he would be here to supervise,” Ilya said quietly.

“Mom’s going to be there as well. She’s already got a list working on what should be packed in what boxes and crates. A lot of the stuff is going to be taken to the storage. The cottage I’m building should be finished before the playoffs. So we can have it sent there after,” Shane said. “I’ve called them up, made a few changes to the plans since Mikhail has entered our lives,” he added quietly, “They’re just being approved, but they should be, since it’s mostly interior layout that I’m changing slightly.”

Ilya nodded; he’d seen the changes to the plans and approved of them as well. Though he was surprised that Shane had asked for his. “I know,” he said, “Now, I’ll send a message to Pike and Boiziau about what we are doing and that we’re doing it Monday. Make sure we get fun foods in for the kids.”

Shane smiled at him, leaning over for a kiss. “Thank you,” he said.

Ilya smiled back as he got to work on contacting the two.

XxXxX

Jackie was the last to walk into the apartment; most of it was packed away, leaving out only what they needed for the last few days before heading down to Boston. “Hey, I would ask how you’re feeling, but I think you’re sick of being asked that,” Shane said as he hugged the woman tightly.

“I am,” she murmured, “But I am doing better. I’ve been put on medication to help,” she said, “Getting used to it, Hayden has been wonderful and helping me as much as he can while he’s home. Mike and my Mom are helping out too.”

“Good,” he said as he let her go.

“I can’t believe you bagged Ilya Rozanov,” she said, repeating what she had said when she had found out about it while they had met for coffee.

“I couldn’t resist the accent, you know,” he said, grinning and laughing as she did the same. “Not only that, but fucking hell, Jacks, when he’s holding Misha,” he shook his head.

“Oh, ovaries,” Jackie nodded, “I’m like that with Hayden. When he holds the girls and even when he holds Artie.”

“Hayden said that to me when I first saw Ilya with our son,” Shane said softly as he led the way inside.

“I have both!” came a joyful cry from the living room.

“And Ilya has Artie as well now,” Shane snorted.

“Oh?” she frowned as she walked into the living room. Seeing Ilya Rozanov in the middle of the couch, a baby in each arm, but this time a twin on each side curled against him. “Ah,” she nodded, “I see.”

Hayden went over to Jakcie, smiling and taking her hand. “We’re discussing if we should watch Shrek or Cars. I’m going with Shrek, Rozy agrees, JJ wants Cars,” he said, “You two need help to decide it.”

“I’m going with Cars,” Shane said.

“Booo!” Ilya called out at hearing that.

“Sorry, but I’m team Shrek,” Jackie said, laughing lightly as she was guided to one part of the case.

“Shrek it is,” Ilya grinned, “Are you two okay with that?” he asked Ruby and Jade.

“Shrek’s fun, we watch it a lot,” Ruby nodded, grinning up at Ilya.

“We have layers,” Jade grinned, giggling.

“Like onions,” Ruby laughed as she joined her sister.

Shane smiled at them as he looked around the room. Ilya and JJ were now arguing about which Shrek movie was the best, Hayden saying something occasionally. Hayden said something occasionally. Shane shook his head and looked at Jackie. “Shall we get them all some drinks, as I don’t think they’re going to think of it on their own?”

“Sounds good,” Jackie said, as she followed Shane into the kitchen. “Thank you,” she said as soon as they began to sort out drinks.

“Thank you for what?” Shane frowned, looking over at her.

“Helping, you and Hayden, I know you’ve taken them both in a lot when I’m overwhelmed. Looking after Artie as well. Hayden’s been a god-sent angel half the time; he’s taken over so much, and he’s fighting that fucking coach and management to get extra time with us,” Jackie said, shaking her head.

“Don’t worry, they’re being roasted online at the moment for how they treated me. With them looking at Montreal and how everyone has been treated when it comes to paternity leave,” he said, smirking slightly.

“I know, some of the other WAGs have been putting together and posting online, not just for Montreal, but for other teams as well that do the same thing,” Jackie said, “It’s nice to see so many come together. The online response as well to the posts we’ve been doing has gone viral.”

“I saw that the League is starting to look at it. So it should become standard instead of leaving it to the teams,” Shane said softly.

“What are Boston going to do with yours?”

“They are going to have it extended to end at the same time as Ilya’s; they… don’t know that we’re together, we’re going to tell them that when we go and sign things. There is a team practice that we’re being told to go to, so I can meet the team before I start with practice fully with them.”

“Boston’s pretty good for it then?” she asked.

“Yeah, Bostona nd the Admirals are the better ones when it comes to paternity time,” Shane said. “I think Dallas, Florida, and Ottawa are also just as good,” Shane said. “It’s not exactly easy to find a good team for that. Montreal is the worst of them, along with Toronto. They don’t care about the players at all, just the score and the money.”

Jackie nodded as they finished gathering the drinks and headed out.

“Hey,” Hayden said, as he smiled at his wife. She handed out the drinks she had and then settled beside him. An arm went around her, pulling her close. She smiled as she leaned against her husband. JJ now had Mikhail in his arms, while Arthur was with Ilya.

“It’s nice being here,” Jackie said, “I’m going to miss him when he’s gone.”

“Same,” Hayden said, knowing that he’ll be missing his best friend just as much, and he’d miss Ilya too. The man got under his skin, but he’d seen a side of him that Hayden knew not many others got to see, the softer side. The side that wasn’t the asshole he portrayed to the world.

“What’s the plan?” she said, “I know you ahve one.”

Hayden smirked. “I’ve stopped talks with Montreal about an extension. I’ve entered talks with another team. Not Boston, but close to them.”

“Admirals or Scouts?” she asked.

“Admirals,” he answered her quietly. “JJ is in talks with Florida; he has been for a while, I think. End of the season, both JJ and I will be gone. We have no trade clauses, Shane’s agent helped ours get them. And we both enter Free Agency at the end, so we have choice,” he grinned, “Farah taught my own a few tricks.”

“He’s so fucking cute,” JJ said as he looked at Mikhail.

“Yeah, he is,” Shane smiled proudly as he settled beside Ilya.

“Artie is also very cute, and Jade and Ruby are beautiful little ladies,” Ilya said as the two girls looked at him.

“Of course, we’re princesses,” Ruby said like it was a fact.

“Hmm,” Jade hummed as she nodded, drinking the chocolate milk that she had been given.

Jackie looked at JJ and said, “Hand him over; I want a cuddle before we don’t get a chance to.”

JJ pouted but got up and brought the baby over to Jackie. Jackie was slightly hesitant as she took him into her arms. “There you go,” JJ said as he stood up straight, Jackie now holding Mikhail.

“Hey, sweetheart,” she murmured as the newborn blue eyes opened and stared at her. She knew the baby couldn’t really see her, but there was something in that gaze that made her smile that little bit more. “He’s going to drive you both crazy with antics, I can just picture it,” she said as she looked up.

“He’s a Rozanov, it’s in his blood,” Shane said, laughing lightly.

“But he is Hollander as well; he will be fine,” Ilya said, as he looked down at Arthur, “He and Artie will be best friends. I know it.”

Hayden and Shane smiled at each other and nodded; they both hoped that would be the case.

 

Chapter Seven

The last few days in Montreal dragged; it felt like they were waiting another week before they drove down from Montreal to Boston. Stopping every hour and took a small break of an hour or two. Neither of them wanted Mikhail in his car seat for long. One of them would drive, and the other would sit in the back with Mikhail, just in case. Arriving in Boston, it had been late. Marlow was at Ilya’s house, welcoming them in, a meal ready for them. He took Mokail from them, hurried them to eat and shower, while he took care of Mikhail for a bit to let them rest; he ended up staying the night and watching the baby, to give his dads the much-needed rest from the stressful almost fifteen-hour journey that normally would take five to six.

Shane got Mikhail ready for the journey to the TD Garden. Ilya was going with him. They thanked Marlow for staying and got him to go home, even though he had offered to watch over Mikhail while they went to meet with management. Not only for Shane to sign the contract, but also for them to tell them that they were in a relationship.

“Okay,” Shane said, “We’re running late, but we’re ready,” he added, looking at Ilya.

“Let’s go,” Ilya smiled as he took the keys from Shane and they headed to the SUV that they preferred to use with Mikhail.

Shane got in the back and Ilya in the driver’s seat. Mikhail was strapped in, whining a little before settling down as the SUV started moving. Shane looked at Ilya a few times, smiling softly, still not really believing he got to have all this. Ilya and a son, a life that was his own, and maybe a team that would be fully supportive, and not the transient support that Montreal gave him, and only when they were winning.

It didn’t take that long to arrive at TD Garden; the offices for the Bears were on the top level. Ilya led the way, with Mikhail happily sleeping in his Papa’s arms. “It is going to be great,” Ilya said softly as they walked through the most empty building. There were a few support staff around, watching them in fascination as they walked.

“Yeah, it’s going to be good,” he grinned, knowing that Ilya had told the GM, coach, and Owner that he would be bringing Shane in to sign the contract.

They reached the office to find Anita and Farah standing outside of ti. “Are you ready for this?” Farah asked as soon as she saw her client.

“I am,” Shane nodded, smiling as Ilya handed over Mikhail to him. Ilya had told him to be the one to carry him into the office.

Anita opened the door and smiled, “He’s beautiful,” she said, “Let’s get you signed up. We’ve gone over the contract several times, and all the clauses that you want are in there,” she finished as they went inside.

Inside were Coach LeClaire, GM Steven Marshal, and the owner Laurance Dry. Along with the Boston Bears’ main lawyer, Davina Forn.

“Welcome to Boston, Mr Hollander,” Steven Marshal was the first to greet him, “I’m still surprised that you agreed to play with us,” he added.

“Rozy,” LeClaire greeted his team’s captain.

“Ilya, good to see you again, son,” Steven said, a smile on his face. “I don’t know if Mr Hollander would like you to stay-“

“He can, because there is something else you need to know before I sign. It’s a little big, but I don’t think it’ll affect anything,” Shane said as he looked at Ilya.

“What Shane is trying to say and be polite about is that Shane and I are together. The paternity leave we need is to settle our son together,” Ilya said, shrugging as Shane rolled his eyes at him, “What, you would take three business days to say something because you are too polite as a Canadian? Boston will correct that,” he grinned at his boyfriend.

“Together…” Steven said, looking from one to the other.

“Da,” Ilya nodded, “Together,” he said, smiling at Shane and taking a hand that wasn’t holding their son. “We have been for a long time. Always hidden, always in secret, always because of stupid rivalry. People think it means hate.”

“It doesn’t; it means respect. I respect Ilya on the ice, always have done, from the first time we met each other on the face-off dot at the International Prospect Cup. I’d been watching his plays for weeks leading up to it. Our relationship started before our rookie season, and it grew and grew. Ending up with this little one,” Shane smiled as he looked down at their son.

“Mikhail Ilyich Shayevich Rozanov-Hollander,” Ilya said proudly.

Shane smiled at him. “Yeah, mouthful still,” he said softly.

“I know, but good, and fun. If he takes after me in height, he’ll grow into it,” Ilya grinned back at him.

“So, that was what you wanted to tell us, that you are both together?”

“Yes, and before you ask, he didn’t know who I was going to choose. I had plenty of offers, but, well, I wanted to be closer to my family, and what better way to do that than to play on the same team,” Shane smirked.

“He is evil,” Ilya complained, “He kept it from me until he said he was going to sign,” he pouted.

“I have to get my own back in some way,” Shane said as he looked at them, “So let’s get the contract signed, if you still want me.”

“Of course we do,” Laurance said, laughing lightly, “I can’t believe this has been going on under people’s noses for so long,” he said, shaking his head, “People are going to lose their minds over it.”

“Yes,” LeClaire nodded.

“Right,” Davina said as she called Anita and the others to the table, “Let’s get all this signed and filed.”

Shane went over, sitting down as he let Ilya take Mikhail. They went through the contract once more, making sure everything on it was correct, and all parties knew what it meant. Shane signed and grinned at Ilya. He was finally a Boston Bear.

XxXxX

Marlow almost bounced as he finished getting dressed; the rest of the team were there for a practice, but this time, they were also going to have Ilya and Shane joining them for a couple of hours. Marlow knew that they would be bringing Mikhail as well. The rest of the Bears hadn’t been able to see the new addition to the lineup yet, and he didn’t mean just Shane.

“You are so fucking excitable today,” Victor said, shaking his head at his friend.

“Can’t help it, Viks,” he grinned, “Hollander is coming by and so is Rozy; we’re finally going to see our captain’s kid,” he said, knowing exactly what was in store for the team when they met.

“I know, Hollander is coming in, and Cap is coming in with his kid. Kind of wish he’d bring Jane in as well, really would love to see the woman that was able to lock their captain down, and tame him.

“One day,” Marlow grinned, laughing as he finished getting ready and heading out with the rest of the team.

They finished their warm-ups and began to do a few drills. LeClaire took to each of them in turn about what they should work on. Marlow heard LeClaire call them all back. There were Ilya and Shane. Standing in their gear. But in Shane’s arms was Mikhail.

Marlow was the first to reach them. “Hey,” he grinned, “Ready for the team to descend?” he asked.

Shane nodded, and not a second later, the rest of the Boston Bears arrived, crashing into the boards and each other as they clammered to get a look and to meet Shane.

“Where’s your baby, Cap?” Victor asked as he looked at the man and then the baby in Shane’s arms, “Though, Hollander, it’s great to see your kid,” he added, getting a look at the baby.

“That is my son,” Ilya answered him, grinning at the frown.

“But also mine,” Shane grinned, seeing the now confused looks on nearly everyone’s faces.

“Both… of yours?” Connors asked, eyes narrowing.

“Yes,” Ilya nodded once, “Ours.”

“How?”

“Well, when two men love each other very much, sometimes they decide to have a child together. We had a surrogate, egg from a member of Shane’s family, and then boom, baby,” he said, having already tld marlow and LeClaire what they were going with, and why. They were fine with it, since it was up to them how they were going to present it.

“You mean, you’re together?” Victor asked, getting a nod. “How… long?”

“Since before rookie season,” Ilya smiled as he put an arm around Shane.

“Wow, really? What about Jane-” Victor stopped, eyes going wide.

“Hollander is Jane?” Carmichael asked, already knowing the answer.

“Da,” Ilya said, “We have been something for a long time.”

“What about the women you were with?” Connors mentioned, before getting an elbow into his side, sending him down onto the ice.

“Shut up,” Hammersmith hissed.

Shane rolled his eyes. “Mostly an open relationship,” he told them, shrugging. Even though it hurt a little that Ilya had been with others. But he knew that Ilya hadn’t been picking up as many as he had been in years past over the last year or so.

“Right,” Marlow nodded, “So, who is the little guy then?” he asked, knowing the rest of the team would want to know the name at least.

“Mikhail Ilyich Shayevich Rozanov-Hollander,” Ilya said proudly, “our little Misha,” he murmured as he wiggled his fingers at his now 18-day-old son. 

“Mikhail, good name,” Victor said, “Congratulations to you both. Are you going to come out publicly about this?” he asked, “So we know if we can post anything about it.”

“Not yet, we want to get more settled into life here in Boston, and for me to at least be able to play a game or two. We’re also looking at the Nanny services around Boston, since we’re not going to be able to take him to games.”

“Don’t worry too much about that,” LeClaire said, “My daughter, eldest, is a qualified nanny; she just finished with a family. They’re moving away. I can send you her resume and such, so you can check her out. If you want. She’s also able to travel with us on the road, so you can have Mikhail with you while he’s still young. And it won’t be a hard transition when he gets older.”

“That would be amazing, thank you. It was one of the things we wanted to talk to you about, bringing Mikhail with us after paternity finished. We don’t want to leave him behind all the time,” Shane said softly, his chest tightening with the thought of having to leave him behind when they went on roadies. 

Ilya shook his head, “No, we do not want to leave him behind.”

“We’ll make sure to get rooms for you as a family so that he can be with you on the night. A Nanny should be nearby so they can take over at night if you need more sleep. They are there to help,” LeClaire told him, “A parent has to take care of themselves just as much as the baby.”

“Hayden and Jackie said the same,” Shane said, “That we should take at least a night for ourselves, every now and then. Keep the romance alive, they said.”

“Da,” Ilya grinned, “have a plan to take Shane to the Italian place we found.”

“Oh, that’s a good place, I call dibs on babysitting Misha!” Marlow said before any of the others could.

“No fair, I call second time they need a babysitter,” Connors called out.

Others began to do the same, the noise getting a little loud.

“Quiet,” Ilya said, his voice commanding, and they all went silent, “Misha is sleeping, do not wake him. He is going to be with Coach while Shane and I come out on the ice for the rest of practice.”

LeClaire took the baby from Shane and let the team out onto the ice. Giving out orders a little quieter than normal. 

XxXxX

Shane smiled as he let the midwife into the house. Shane and Ilya had contacted someone as soon as they moved to Boston. This would be the first visit since arriving in Boston. Normally these visits would already be done with, but with the cross-border move, and with Mikhail’s low birth weight, they wanted to monitor a little longer. They had been in Boston for four days. Mikhail was 19 days old, as they had gone to the rink the day before.

“Thank you for coming,” Shane said as he led her through to the living room where Ilya was holding Mikhail, who was awake. He’d just been changed and fed.

“I’m Julie Lola,” she said, introducing herself. “How has he been doing since the move?” she asked, as she then walked over.

“He’d been doing well; his intake for milk has gone up a little now. He’s been drinking around 70-80 ml each feed, not much on the spit up,” Shane said, “He’s drinking every couple of hours still.”

“Right,” she nodded, “Just going to do the general check; he had a heel check last week?” she then asked, as she settled on the couch.

Mikhail was handed over as Ilya answered, “Yes, it was not nice,” he huffed, not liking the way his son had cried at that.

“I know, it isn’t, but it’s needed to make sure he’s nice and healthy,” she reassured Ilya. “I have the notes from his previous midwife,” she said, “He’s been gaining weight, and if he’s at a good weight now, we should be able to discharge him. Now, I know nothing about the biological mother, or donor?” she asked, frowning slightly.

“Donor was my cousin, though we’re keeping that quiet,” Shane said, “She’ll get in trouble with my family for doing it should they learn,” he added, walking over, “She’s recovered well.”

“You are still in touch?” Julie asked him, glancing up from her check of Mikhail, who was grizzling at it.

“Yes, we talk often; she’s doing well, back at University after taking some time off,” Shane answered, “she’s a good young woman, and I can’t thank her enough for what she’s done,” he added as he looked at Mikhail, still in awe at what Ayami had done for them.

Julie nodded, “It’s good to have family like that,” she murmured, “Will she be around the baby much?”

“No, she lives in Montreal; she’ll be around during family events, of course. She doesn’t want anyone in my family to know what she’s done. Her parents would have her shipped to Japan if they found out, thinking she was irresponsible. They are not understanding of a lot of things,” Shane said, trying to be delicate. He loved his aunt and uncle, but they were a little narrow-minded when it came to a lot of things. He had no doubt they would be giving him a few looks when he announced to the rest of the family that he was with Ilya and they had a son.

“I see,” she nodded, “He has sacral dimples,” she commented.

“Yes, he’s been checked to make sure there is no other health conditions, but they are hereditary. I have them myself,” Shane said. He’d made sure to have them checked when Mikhail had been a week old. Not wanting to take any chances. He knew his mother had noticed them when she had changed him. She had given Shane a look, and he’d had to say that the egg donor had them, which was true. Yuna had been skeptical, but hadn’t said anything else yet about them.

“Good,” she nodded, “Right, weight,” she said as she pulled out what she needed. She had stripped Mikhail down to just his diaper; he was now crying fully.

Ilya wanted to scoop him up and hold him, soothing him. He’d remained quiet throughout everything, letting Shane handle most of the questions. “What weight should he be?”

“At this point I would like to see him near 6 lbs,” she said as she began to weigh him, “5 lb 11 oz,” she said, “Not too bad with the high loss of weight at the beginning.” She let Ilya take Mikhail to redress him and wrote down her notes.

“We’re athletes and travel for our work. We’re hiring a nanny to come with us while on the road. I know it says that air travel isn’t recommended, but is it okay to do that? We’ve got our own plane to travel, he’ll be joining the team and us on that. Along with an approved car seat that can be used on the plane,” Shane asked her.

“As you said, it’s not recommended, but it’s more of a case of his immune system. To make sure it’s developed well. Are the people on the flight going to be people you are around a lot?” she asked.

“Yes, team, team doctors, and a few others, management, and socials,” Shane answered her, as Mikhail’s cries lessened. The tenseness finally faded from Shane’s shoulders.

She nodded a few times, “I should be okay. He’s doing well, apart from his weight, but with low birth weight it can happen. I’m hoping that by next week, he should be over 6 lbs. As soon as he is, I’ll discharge him from the service, and his pediatric doctor will have his full notes,” she told the two.

“Thank you,” Shane smiled, “he has his first appointment with his doctor here in two days.”

“Good to hear, and that’s it,” she smiled, “I just want to check where he is sleeping at the moment, and we’ll be done.”

Shane nodded, showing her where Mikhail slept and getting a few tips on making sure Mikhail was safe while he slept before leaving the two dads with their son.

 

Chapter Eight

Shaen held Mikhail as he walked around the house. They were to leave for practice, the first full day away from Mikhail, and neither parent was ready for it. The month of paternity leave had come and gone too quickly for the two. Ilya took over holding Mikhail as Shane packed his own things away, ready to head to the rink. Smiling from the corner of the room was LeClaire’s oldest daughter and their new Nanny for Mikhail, Sarah.

“You’re going to have to leave, or my dad’s going to be calling me asking me to kick you both out,” Sarah said as she walked over to Ilya. “Here, let me have Misha,” she said. After the interview with the two, she had signed up for some Japanese and Russian lessons. Wanting to be able to use the two languages she had heard them speak around Mikhail during the interview. She already had English, French, and German; she really didn’t mind adding more languages. She found them fascinating.

“We could alwy-“

“No,” Sarah told the two of them firmly before Ilya could finish what he was about to say.

“What do you mean no?” Ilya huffed as he handed over his son.

“I know that you want to stay behind,” Sarah told him, her words a bit softer now, “But you need to head into work. You’ll be gone for about six hours, maybe longer if they have you do anything with the media. And since this is the first practice not only for Shane, but for you both coming back from Paternity, there is a high chance of it.”

Shane huffed at that, “I know, I’ve already been told that there is going to be a small press conference for us both to welcome us back,” he rolled his eyes, “Not a welcome I like,” he muttered.

“I agree,” Ilya nodded, looking pensive at his son, “Are you sure it is a good idea to leave?” he asked again.

“Yes, I’ve had clients where the baby wasn’t even a week old when the parents both went back to work. I know it’s hard, but you’ll get into the swing of it. It’s not going to hurt anything for being working parents,” she told them, “Now finish getting ready and head on out. Oh, and Dad messaged me, warning me that press are waiting around the main entrance. Head to the side to avoid them; they’re not supposed to be there yet,” she added.

“Thanks for the warning,” Shane nodded as he finished packing. “Bye bye, Misha,” he murmured, kissing his son’s cheek and forehead, before Ilya did the same.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Ilya added.

“Don’t worry, Misha and I have the house covered,” Sarah said with a soft smile.

The two left the house and headed to the car. They were leaving the SUV for Sarah to use, since it had Mikhail’s car seat in it.

“I feel really fucking bad leaving him,” Shane said, knowing Ilya felt the same as him.

“Da,” Ilya nodded once in agreement as he got into the driver’s seat.

Shane buckled up. “Think it’ll get easier?” he then asked, glancing over as Ilya slowly pulled out of the parking spot and down the long driveway.

“No,” he said, shaking his head, “It will never get easier; we will just get used to having to do it.” He used the fob to open the gate and headed out,

Shane nodded, leaning back and closing his eyes. Ilya put some music on. Both of them felt guilty for leaving Mikhail at home. They had asked Sarah to send them both pictures and updates every hour or so. She had agreed easily, but told them that after the first few practices she’ll take longer and longer to do so, until they are only getting one update halfway through the day. They hadn’t been happy about that, but had agreed to it in the end.

Traffic hadn’t been the best, but they had made it to TD Garden, where they would be doing their practice that day, instead of the usual practice rink. Taking the warning seriously, they went through a side entrance, not the usual one they went through when practicing at TD Garden, which happened when there was going to be press around.

“Good to see you made it,” Marlow grinned at the two of them as they entered the locker room.

“I would say you couldn’t keep us away,” Shane said, as he glanced at Ilya.

“But we didn’t want to leave Misha,” he huffed as he went to his cubby and set down his bag.

Shane found his next to Ilya’s and frowned as he saw the A on the jersey, “Alt, already, but I-“

“We all know that you deserve it,” Victor said, “All of us agreed you should have the second A.”

“I would have given you mine, but they said no,” Marlow pouted, “I hate being the A sometimes. I have to be sensible,” he muttered.

“You sensible, Marly,” Carmichael snorted, “You took a date to a funfair, ate a load of greasy things and then went on so many rides you threw up in her lap,” he reminded him.

“Yeah, but she still came back for a second date, and then another, and now we’re engaged,” Marlow laughed, “She’s a fucking star man,” he added.

“She’ll have to be to put up with you,” Victor told him, shaking his head.

“Right, get ready,” LeClaire said as he walked into the locker room, “Glad to see you avoided the press,” he added, looking at Shane and Ilya as they all began to change. “We’re going to be having press around. We’ll be doing the basic drills and some scrimmages, no concrete lines or anything yet. We want to keep them guessing. So Hollander, you’ll be on one team, and Rozy, on the other,” he said, keeping them guessing, and never knowing. We’ll practice with Hollander as the center when there is no press around.”

Everyone nodded, and the team was divided up, ready for later. They headed out on the ice, flashes from cameras capturing Shane’s first skate out onto the ice, and Ilya’s return to it. LeClaire had to remind them a few times not to shout any questions out, as there would be a small press conference after practice with the two men.

Practice ended, and after a shower and changing into the suits they had brought for the presser. They dressed and followed LeClaire. They met with Penny, who was the Public Relations manager for the Boston Bears.

“Right, we have allowed some questions. I know they are curious as to why you moved from Montreal, and since it was a contract clause, it’s up to you what you want to say about it,” Penny said, “They’ll be asking about the kids,” she added, “So be warned on that.”

Ilya and Shane listened to her as they walked to the press room. Everything had been set up. The room was noisy as they entered. The three of them sat down as Penny took a place at the back of the room. The noise went down for a second, as they settled down, and the questions began.

“Hollander,” one reporter called out, “What’s it been like in the Boston locker room after playing for Montreal?”

“It’s been good; they welcomed me in, and we had a really good first practice together. I had to admit that I was a little worried, since we’re usually on the opposite side. But Boston has been great to me, and welcoming. They even met my baby,” he smiled as he spoke, only a bit of the smile was the media one he’d trained himself to use.

“Rozanov,” a second, younger reporter called out to the Boston Captain. “How does it feel having Hollander on your team?”

“It is good,” he said. “We work well together, have a deep respect for each other. We also have a kid,” he grinned, “We have… shared a lot recently.”

“Speaking of kids, how are you both finding being parents, and how have both of your girlfriends been coping with being new mothers?” a woman near the back asked them both.

“Being a dad is… something magical. It really is; it’s been a hell of a journey as well, moving from Montreal to Boston,” Shane said, “But it’s been worth it, and my partner has been amazing. Loves our son a lot. Couldn’t ask for someone better to parent with.”

“I agree,” Ilya nodded, “It has been amazing; my son is so tiny, and my partner is great. They love our son so much.”

“Do we hear wedding bells for you both sometime soon?” the second reporter asked them.

“Da,” Ilya nodded, glancing at Shane.

“Yeah, I think there will be some wedding bells at some point. But when that will be, will be after I propose,” Shane added, laughing lightly.

“I shall propose first,” Ilya said, “I will beat you.”

“Not a chance, Rozanov; I’ll be first,” Shane said, rolling his eyes at Ilya.

LeClaire shook his head and wondered just what he had gotten himself in for in having both Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov on the same team.

“Did either of you think that you would be parents at the same time?” an older man at the side asked them.

“No, we really didn’t think it at all,” Shane answered him, being honest.

“But it has been a fun thing to share,” Ilya nodded a few times.

“Hollander, we all know that something in your contract with Montreal was broken; can you expand on that at all?”

“I have several clauses put into my contract should I become a dad. One of them was for five weeks of paternity leave, which is the normal amount for anyone working in Montreal. I was actually only asking for two weeks’ leave, to get used to things. And they said no, breaking the clauses in my contract; there were other breaches as well, which meant that I was a free agent, and they couldn’t do anything against it. They did try to bring me back in with a very weak contract, but I turned it down. Boston had one of the best offers for me, and gave me leave for a month, or rather, five weeks. Rozy had the same as me, which is why we’re back at the same time,” Shane answered, being honest about it. “Montreal and all teams do need to do better when it comes to paternity leave. So many are becoming fathers and aren’t able to spend those first few weeks with the baby and their partner as they recover from the birth.”

“The Commissioner is looking into it at the moment, which we are both happy about. We are hoping that new fathers from here on out in the NHL will be able to have a good paternity leave to spend that beautiful first few weeks with their babies,” Ilya added, knowing that the NHL were finally looking it over, and reviewing it to make it league-wide.

“Did either of you think that when you became dads, that you would be leading the way on how paternity leave should be given to those in the NHL?” the young woman at the front asked them both.

“No,” they said at the same time.

“We didn’t think that at all. All I wanted was to spend a couple of weeks with my partner and son before I had to go back to practice and games. I have to admit not looking forward to our first few games on the road. I have a week to prepare myself to leave him behind, and it’s going to hurt,” Shane sighed.

“Da, it will,” Ilya nodded in agreement, “Not looking forward to it either.”

The reporters asked a few more questions before Penny stepped in and stopped the presser. Shane and Ilya were finally able to leave and go home to Mikhail, who was sleeping when they arrived home.

XxXxX

Shane glanced around at the team; they were in the tunnel, being introduced out onto the ice. They were facing the New York Admirals for Shane’s first game with the Bears and Ilya’s first game back. One by one, the team went out.

“And we have a new dad coming from Montreal to Boston, we have Stanley Cup Winner, Rookie of the Year, and many more accolades, but most important is the new Alternate Captain of the Boston Bears, Shane MF Hollander!” the announcer yelled out.

Shane shook his head, but grinned as the noise in the stadium went to deafening levels as he skated out. He raised his arm and waved as he did a lap around the rink, and then a second. They then introduced Ilya.

“Back from becoming a Papa is our Stanley Cup Winner and MVP, teh Captain of the Boston Bears, Ilya Rozanov!”

Ilya skated out, the noise just as loud as it had been for Shane. Ilya skated around, leaving and grinning before he joined with his team. They huddled up for a second.

“We fucking got this!” Ilya yelled as his team yelled it back. Some went to the bench, and others headed to their spots on the ice. Shane went to the face-off dot, grinning at Scott Hunter as the man stood opposite him.

“Rozanov not centering,” Scott stated as he shook his head.

“Nope, he’s letting me have that honor today.”

“I can’t believe you’re both dads,” he added.

“Neither can we half the time,” Shane told him, “Let’s play, because I’m going to be making your knees creak in protest.

“Fuck off, damn you already sounding like him,” he mentioned.

“Yep,” Shane grinned as the puck dropped and he swooped in and shot it to Ilya. The game was on, and Shane and Ilya had been working closely with Marlow to make sure the first line would be anyone on the ice.

Shane followed Ilya as he and Marlow headed into the offensive zone. The puck passed between the three with practiced ease. Shane pivoted as Scott tried to get the puck from him; he slapped it over to Marlow, who passed back as soon as Shane was free again. With a twist of his wrist, the puck headed to the net, hitting the back of it with the alarm going. The first goal of his career with the Bears, and a great assist from Marlow.

The game ended with Boston winning by four, a hat trick for Shane, and a single one for Ilya. Who was pouting as Shane had put up four points, while Ilya only had three.

“You did good, Rook,” Scott said as he looked over at the younger man.

Shane grinned over at him, “You didn’t do too bad either for a senior citizen.”

“fuck off,” Scott said, rolling his eyes, “I am not going to put up with both of you fucking chirping me like that. Get something new.”

“Yes, he needs new!” Ilya said as he draped himself over Shane’s back. “I tell him this, he doesn’t listen. He baby chirper, needs to learn, we’ll teach him right soon,” he added, grinned as Shane tried to shake him off.

Shane huffed when Ilya just moved with him. “Pain in the fucking ass,” he muttered, “I won today,” he added, “So you have a few things you need to do.”

“Noooo, don’t want to,” Ilya moaned as he skated off, “Marly, Shane is being mean again!” he complained to his friend.

“What the hell?” Scott said, looking between the two of them.

“He’s being over dramatic,” Shane said, shrugging, “It’s normal.”

“It’s something,” Scott shook his head, “You happy with Boston? I know we made an offer.”

“You did, and it was a good one, tempting to take, but I think being in Boston, it’s been good for me. Better than you think,” he added, “Good game though,h Hunter,” he finished.

“You too, rook,” he nodded as they both were the last ones off the ice.

Shane headed to the locker room, where the team was already in full swing in celebrating their win. “Well,” he said, “That was a good game,” he added casually.

“Good game, he said. Victor huffed. “Good game,” he rolled his eyes.

Connors laughed, “Fuck if that’s a good game, I think anyone facing you would hate to see a great game.”

“A great game is only achieved when the entire first and second line have scored andit’ss a shutout,” Shane said, “It’s happened once for Montreal, in my second year with them.”

“Yeah, that was a fucking intense game,” Marlow said, “I remember watching it with Rozy.”

“Ohh, watching the partner,” Connors teased his captain.

“I was watching the enemy,” Ilya huffed, as he changed out of his gear.

“And watching Hollander’s arse,” Marlow added, “I saw where your eyes went,” he grinned at his friend.

Ilya snorted and headed for the showers.

“Nice to know he likes me,” Shane grinned as he stripped and the team headed to shower before donning their suits and heading out. Shane had to stop for the press for a few minutes.

“How was your first game with Boston?” the reporter asked him.

“It was great, the team really came together, it was a lot of fun, and I am looking forward to more games like it in the future,” he answered.

“We were surprised that you took Rozanov’s place as Center of the first line; was that the plan all along?” another asked.

“No, it’s something that we’re going to be working on around the season, to find where I am best suited; today I was center, next game I could be on second line,” he said, though he knew that the only change would be who was center of the first line. He, LeCliare, and Ilya were talking over which teams would be better for each of them to be at the dot for.

Shane answered a few more questions before he was able to make his escape and join the rest of his team, as they headed out to a restaurant and bar where a room had been booked for them. They would be eating and drinking, in moderation, as they celebrate the win. Though Ilya and Shane wanted to head home before they had even had a drink. Neither wanted to be away from Mikhail too much.

 

Epilogue

The Stanley Cup Final for the 2015/16 season was in Game 7. San Francisco had made it all the way to the final for the third year running. They had faced Boston two years ago, Montreal last year, and Boston this year. The final game was being played at TD Garden, and the last sixty seconds of the third period were ticking down with the game 3-3. Yuna and David were in the stands with Mikhail sitting on his grandmother’s lap, wearing ear defenders.

Comments had been high that Shane’s son was in the crowd, and people were wondering if they would ever get to see Ilya’s at some point.

The puck hit Shane’s stick, and he moved quickly, dodging one defender as he tried to send Shane into the boards. Slapping the puck to Marlow, he weaved around as they headed into the offensive zone. Ilya shot forward. Thirty seconds left.

Marlow shot over to Ilya; the one marking Ilya made it difficult to get as he was suddenly in the Russian’s face. Ilya got knocked, but was able to keep possession of the puck as he shot it back towards the neutral zone. Hammersmith picked it up, moving quickly to get it to Marlow. Who sent it off toward Shane. Ten seconds left.

Shane dodged once more, before slapping the puck as hard as he could toward the net. It hit the top bar before shooting into the net. The alarm blared as the goal was registered; not even a second later, the claxon went as the game ended.

Boston had won the Stanley Cup. The noise was deafening as the Boston fans roared loud and proud for their team. The music blared, and fans jumped up and down. San Fransico nodded at the team, heading off the ice as the carpet rolled out and it was time for Commissioner Crowell to present the Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy. The team stood to the side as the Commissioner looked at them.

“This playoff wasn’t what we all expected,” Crowell began. “We have two new fathers winning the cup, but they also helped in setting the standard when it came to paternity leave. We watched Captain Rozanov and Alt Captain Hollander through the playoffs, watching them meet each other over and over again in the middle. Hollander just eked out his Captain for the Conn Smythe Trophy. Hollander,” he called out, looking at Shane, holding the Conn Smythe award.

Shane moved forward and took it. “I’m speechless. I didn’t think I would get this, this year. Rozy played these playoffs brilliantly, led the team, and kept us going when we were tired. So, I share it with him, and the rest of the Boston Bears, that I am proud to call my team.”

“Now, for what I am sure the rest of the Bears are waiting for, I am proud to present the Boston Bears the Stanley Cup trophy after a very excellently played playoffs. And their amazing season.  Captain Ilya Rozanov,” he said, as he held the trophy out for Ilya to take.

Ilya stepped up, but then stopped before taking it. He reached back, smiling at Shane. Shane grinned as he headed over, taking the offered hand in his, and together they reached for the Stanley Cup and lifted it above their heads before sharing a kiss as they held it up. Together they took a lap around the stadium to cheers from their team, and the slow waning shock of the crowd.

They skated back and handed it to Marlow. The team took their turn before their families began to descend on the ice.

“This is fucking epic!” Marlow grinned, as he could see the crowd watching Shane and Ilya as Yuna and David made their way down to the ice.

“I know,” Shane grinned, happy to cause some chaos.

Shane and Ilya headed over to David and Yuna, who were holding Mikhail. The eight-month-old was in a very special jersey, specially ordered just for this game.

Mikhail’s eyes lit up seeing his Daddy and Papa. He began to get excited, his arms and legs moving as he reached for them. He babbled happily as Shane reached for him, taking his son into his arms and peppering kisses on his face. Ilya hugged Yuna and David before getting the chance to hold his son, and did the same as Shane, kissing him a few times on his chubby cheeks. The back of Mikhail’s jersey was now on show. On the back was the Name Rozanov-Hollander, and instead of one number, there were two. 24 and 81.

Yuna took the award from Shane as team pictures were being taken with the cup. She laughed as the team got the two to brign their son. Standing behind the cup as it stood on the ice. They placed Mikhail in it, each of them holding a hand.

In the first picture taken, Shane and Ilya were staring at each other, the team cheering them and looking at the two. In the second, they were kissing, and the team was still cheering and laughing. In their third picture, they were now looking down at Mikhail, and in the last, c they were cheering with the rest of the team as Mikhail was squealing his own joy.

XxXxX

Shane Hollander @ShaneMFHollanderOffical

@IlyaRozanov81

Ilya and I have been in a relationship with each other in some form since before we started our rookie season. Two years ago, we decided to try surrogacy for a baby. It worked, though we didn’t think it did at the time. Eight months ago, a beautiful baby boy entered our lives, and it changed everything.

When Montreal decided that i wouldn’t get the paternity I needed to settle things between myself, Ilya, and Mikhail. To know the plan we had to have in place to be long-distance parents, trying to find that middle ground. They gave me the push I needed to make a change for the better, for me. I have wonderfully supportive parents, friends, and now a team that backs both myself and Ilya.

[Picture of Shane and Ilya standing together, with a month-old Mikhail held between them, the baby facing away from the camera.]

 

IlyaRRRozy @IlyaRozanov81

@ShaneMFHollanderOffical

Shane and I have always been something; we have loved each other from afar, scared of things we didn’t need to fear. We now have a beautiful son that takes after his Dad, and not just with me. Those, yes, Shane, I know those curls are all me.

Montreal, thank you for being a shit team and giving me and Mikhail Shane. And thank you for making sure you’ll never get another cup. Boston for the WIN!!!

[Picture of Shane on a bed with Mikhail curled on his bare chest. Shane looked at the camera with a slightly annoyed but fond expression on his face.]

 

Swiftie for Life @Swiftfan2019

Wow, fucking wow. They’re fucking together, and the baby was planned? This is fucing hell. I can’t believe it, the Hollanovs were fucking right! It’s a dark day in Hockey history.

 

What does the MF Mean @Hollyshoe

I really do want to know what the MF in Hollander’s name means. Like, is it really Mother Fucking?

 

Curious Me @SeeNoEvil69

@Hollyshoe. Holly shoe, lol. And fuck knows no one has said anything; even his fucking wiki page says it’s mother fucking, but really it can’t be fucking right.

 

What does the MF Mean @Hollyshoe

@SeeNoEvil69 it’s fucking holly hoe!!! fml. And yeah, yo @ShaneMFHollanderOffical, weigh in on this!!

 

Shane Hollander @ShaneMFHollanderOffical

@SeeNoEvil69, @Hollyshoe. That shall remain a mystery. No one will tell you if they value their lives.

 

Hollanovs united @Hollanvo2014

OMG, OMG. Hollanovs!!! This is not a fucking drill; it really fucking happened, and they are parents. Those that have fanfics of this shit, I need more asap. Like how it was when they first saw their son. And everything. I need it!!!

 

Hollanovs Lucky @HollanovsAlive

This is fucking A. Like fucking serio.

 

Pucklife @ParkLife94

I don’t know if I want this shit in the league.

 

Draft Dreams @LuHa2000

@Parklife94 go back to 1994, you’re too old for this! I can’t believe my two idols are together. This is so damn amazing! Congratulations to you both!

 

Jackies Hubby @HayPike35

With permission from @IlyaRozanov81 and @ShaneMFHollander, I can share one thing for you all. The moment Ilya Rozanov met his son for the first time. I wasn’t able to get Shane’s, since when I arrived, little Misha was already in his daddy’s arms.

[Picture of Shane handing over newborn Mikhail to his Papa. Ilya looked on in awe and shock as he took the tiny baby into his arms. Shane with a large and warm smile on his face as he looked up from Mikhail.]

And I have more pics of the two with their son in the first two weeks, along with Ilya running off with my own son Artie. Which reminds me. See you in the summer when you come to Ottawa!

XxXxX

Shane laughed as he put the phone down, “Expect Hayden to want to visit when we get to the cottage in a week.”

“Fuck that and look at this!” Ilya called out as he gestured to their son. It had been just over a week since they had won, and they had finished with the parade and the interviews. Their son was almost nine months old now, and both were excited as he had been standing.

Shane got up and followed him to where they were out on the patio. Mikhail was bounding on the balls of his feet as Ilya stood a few steps away from him.

“Come on Misha,” he said to him, holding out his hands, though there was a camera set up to record them both.

Shane smiled as he walked over and knelt beside Ilya. “Come on, champ,” he called to their son.

Mikhail bounced a few more times before moving away from the chair he had been holding onto and took his first step away from it. Ilya and Shane held their breath as Mikhail took a second step. Mikhail wobbled a little before taking a third. He squealed in happiness as he began to pitch forward, but kept his feet going as he ended up falling into his Papa’s arms, having taken seven steps to get to him.

“You did it!” Ilya crowed as he picked up his son and spun around.

Mikhail laughed brightly as Ilya stopped and began to kiss his cheeks.

Shane moved close, “Oh, you are such a clever boy,” he murmured, glad he had been able to witness Mikhail’s first steps.

Ilya and Shane shared a bright-eyed grin, both of them wanting to cry as they praised their son. There were still many more milestones to come, but they would be there together, for them all.

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