The Quiet Game – Chapter 12-17 – Duochanfan – Complete

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Chapter Twelve

Shane was avoiding the locker room. They were loud, and he’d never had his hearing aids in during any of those that were more because Theriualt was there, but Hayden was the one that usual came along. This time, JJ had been the one voted to go. The teams were set, and the mini tournament was about to start between the four teams. For the first time, Ilya and Shane would be playing on the same team; it was the dream for the two of them. Both had wondered if they would ever get the chance.

“Are you going to go in?” Ilya asked from behind him.

“Got them in,” Shane said softly, “I don’t like the noise, but I  need them since no one knows I’m deaf, and yes, I know that you, Scott, JJ, and Carter know, but it’s not going to be the same. Yeah, you know the signals that Hayden and I came up with, but they are based on the way Theriualt works. I don’t know if they’re going to work for LeClaire,” he added. Boston’s coach had been asked to manage their team for the games. A little bit of friendly fun, getting to try out new teams. They’d been able to practice a few times together over the long weekend.

“LeClaire will listen,” Ilya told him, “he’s a good man, and a good coach. Listens to his captains, and the team,” he said quietly as he pushed open the door and they walked in.

Shane sighed and walked in after his boyfriend. “Let’s do this,” he said as he looked around the locker room. it went quiet for a moment. “Hey,” he greeted everyone, heading over to where his gear had been set up. Ilya was in the cubby next to him, and on Shane’s other side was Scott. Carter and JJ were on Scott’s other side.

“This is going to be amazing, we’re going to fucking win,” JJ exclaimed as he looked at them, “We have the top fucking three players in the NHL on this team, we are stacked!”

The noise level in the room erupted, louder than any locker room Shane had been in. A sudden sharp pain went through his head at the noise. He couldn’t help the small cry that got the attention of the entire room as Shane’s hand shook as they reached up to his head. 

Ilya was in front of him in an instant. “Shane,” he said, calling the man’s attention as he reached up and gently removed the hearing aids. He handed them to JJ, who stood waiting.

Shane slumped onto the bench and rubbed his temples. The pain was still shooting through his head. Ilya moved his hands, and then ran his fingers through Shane’s hair, scratching lightly on his scalp, knowing the action soothed him when the noise around him hurt. He didn’t say a word, there was no point in doing so since Shane couldn’t hear him.

“What the hell is going on?” LeClaire finally asked as he looked from Shane to his Boston Captain.

Ilya looked at JJ and nodded. “Tell him, I will deal with Shane.”

JJ nodded back, “Sure,” he said as he turned to LeClaire and the rest of the players that was now looking at JJ for answers.

“Well?” Hillage asked, a player from LA.

“Shane’s deaf, has been since he was about seven,” JJ said, “He wears hearing aids most of the time, apart from in locker rooms, since the noise in locker rooms can get fucking ridiculous,” he said, his accent starting to thicken even more.

“What the hell happened?” LeClaire asked, frowning in concern.

“The noise level was too much; he doesn’t wear them in locker rooms. But since Hayden wasn’t picked for this, and I don’t know the signals they use for coach talks,”

“He decided it would be best to use them and hope the room doesn’t get loud,” Ilya said as Shane looked at him. ‘You okay?’

Shane nodded. ‘Level was too much, doesn’t happen often, if they keep it down, I can put them back on.’

Ilya shook his head. ‘No, I can translate if you want to keep them out and only put in your game day one.’

‘I don’t mind, I know-‘ Shane began, only to stop signing when Ilya shook his head again.

‘I know you don’t like having them in most of the time, don’t do it just to make others comfortable. If you want to use them, do it because you want to, not because they expect you to. I may not be best translator, but I can do enough to talk to you.’ He told him.

Shane smiled softly and nodded. ‘Thank you.’

“I will be translating as I’m the only one here with enough ASL skills to do so,” Ilya said as he signed. He stood up and then moved to sit beside Shane. “He doesn’t like to wear his aids all the time. It’s more comfortable without them. He has one he will use during the game. To amplyfy the buzzer and whistles, but it will basically only do that, and the hum of the crowd.”

“Right,” LeClaire nodded, “As long as he can play, I’m fine. Let’s get ready, we’re out for warm ups in twenty,” he said after checking his watch.

The room got ready, it was a little quieter, as they looked at Shane and Ilya as they signed to each other. JJ occasionally doing the same, though his was a bit more stilted movements and the two would gently correct him at times.

XxXxX

The locker room after the games was celebratory; they had won. Showered and dressed again to head back to the hotel, plans were being made to meet on the beach later for some fun. Carter was organizing a bonfire and food on the beach for them all and the families. Word had quickly spread among the All-Star players that Shane was deaf. Shane hadn’t been sure what to make of it, since people didn’t know about him before.

Shane went straight to Ilya’s room instead of his own, needing to be around Ilya to calm the rising panic at that many people now knowing that he was deaf. ‘I just don’t know if it’s going to change things.’ He said, frowning as he sat on the edge of the bed.

Ilya moved closer. ‘It will change some things. For most of us, we are in awe of you. You are the second-best player in the league. After me. And you do it with a disability.’

‘Being deaf isn’t something that stopped me. I grew up learning how to move and work around the hearing world. To have so many know-‘ he shrugged.

‘It will be fine.’ Ilya tried his best to reassure him. ‘We have food out on the beach with everyone, let everyone see that nothing has changed from any other year. We will see how things are going to be.’

Shane nodded, getting up and holding Ilya. Ilay wrapped his arms around him, and the two stood there for a while. Ilya smiled and kissed him. ‘We don’t have time for more.’ Ilya reminded him after letting him go.

Shane pouted. ‘Not fair.’ He told him, huffing as he went to put his hearing aids on, knowing the beach celebrations he would need them. There would be too much going on for Ilya to be stuck translating him all the time. Even if the man was happy to do so. The two got ready to head to the beach. Shane had brought a few things in case he wanted to spend the night in Ilya’s room. Having told JJ, Scott, and Carter that he would be with Ilya. They would help run interference if needed.

Ilya pulled him in for a kiss as soon as he was done. “Don’t pout, we’ll have some fun later on tonight.”

“Yeah,” Shane smirked, “Oh, and erm, I want to talk to LeClaire about something while we’re on the beach. Do you think he’ll be there?”

“For a bit, he usually likes to join for an hour or two before leaving to meet with the other coaches for their own celebrations,” he said, remembering a few times that LeClaire had been asked to coach the All-Star. Players could have coached themselves, but it was always better for someone else to step in, to see the bigger side of the fun.

“Good,” Shane nodded.

“What is going on in your head, Shane?” Ilya asked, sensing that something was about to shift.

“Trade deadline is coming up soon,” Shane told him, “I want to trade as soon as I can before it, so I can play in the playoffs, if the team I go to is in it,” he added.

“You’re thinking of Boston?” Ilya said, standing up straight and looking at his boyfriend.

“Boston and New York, both just about have the cap space for me,” he stated, “I’ve talked to Murdock, and they’re not sure they’re in the right place for me to be added, but they will try if needed. Montreal is homophobic and racist, and with Theriault, I don’t feel safe on that team, and haven’t done so in a long time. The fire just really brought home how unsafe I am there. Murdock knows I’m deaf, which is why he’s unsure. LeClaire knows as well, but we’ll see what he says.”

“It would be a dream,” Ilya grinned at him, “having you so close.”

“I know, and I did think about you coming to Canada and finding a team, but… it would mean me staying in Montreal for longer while we find a team that could take both of us,” Shane said, “I’ve been looking around, and Ottawa would be a contender for it, but it would take about two years for us to get there. We’re both free agents. They wouldn’t be able to get one of us until the 2018/19 season at the very least. And for a second, a high-profile player to be added to the roster, another two seasons, maybe three.” Shane had done the math, looked at the stats, and even with UFA coming up for both of them, they still faced the same problem: Ottawa wouldn’t be able to get them at the same time, there would be a gap. And Shane knew he wouldn’t be able to stay in Montreal another year.

Ilya listened, and he had those same concerns. He feared what would happen should Theirualt continue with what he was doing in isolating Shane from the team. The man was, and Shane knew it. “Then talk, I will make sure everyone keeps away so it is as private as it can be on a beach in Florida,” he said, kissing his cheek. “You ready?” he asked.

“Yeah, let’s go,” Shane smiled. There were no game-day suits for All-Stars, just a relaxed tone to the entire thing, no suits, just fun clothes to relax in, though Shane was still questioning Ilya’s choice of shirt.

XxXxX

Shane and Ilya walked to the beach, it was a private beach, part of the hotel that the players had asked permission to use for the night. Tomorrow, they would all be heading back to their own cities, and Shane and Ilya hated the fact that they would be apart yet again. Though only for a week, they had a game against each other in just over a week in Boston.

“Hey, Rozy, Hollander!” Carter called out, “Come on and join the fun!”

They waved back and headed over.

“You have your aids in?” Carter asked, not seeing them.

Shane laughed and nodded, “Yeah, he said, moving his hair slightly so they could be seen.

“You really know how to cover them,” he said, shaking his head, “It’s like… You want them hidden.”

“More like I got used to hiding them. My family expects me to use them all the time, even though I don’t like to. I use them around things like this, but at home, I don’t wear them at all,” he said, shrugging as they headed to where the fire pit was blazing fiercely.

“Right,” Carter said as they joined the rest of the players. “So word got around you’re deaf, so expect questions and asking if it’s really true.”

Shane snorted, “That’s fine, I don’t mind answering, but after the third time, I’m going to get annoyed.”

“Fair,” he nodded, “Maybe do a tell-all before we eat, and then tell them to fuck off the nosy bastard?” he suggested, grinning.

Shane laughed and nodded, “Yeah, might be the way to go,” he agreed.

Carter yelled for everyone to gather around for storytime and handed the floor to Shane. He explained a little more of how he had ended up deaf, how he’d hidden it for years. Scott and Carter knew more about Theriault and how he doesn’t feel safe in Montreal anymore. Even with Hayden being there.

“Crazy, man, fucking crazy,” the Detroit goalie said, shaking his head.

“We’ve all been looking at ASL courses,” another added, “We’ve been trying to learn the sign Alphabet.”

“There’s a fun game you can play with that,” Shane said, “it’s something I did when I was first learning it,” he added, “You choose a word, and you sign the letters, like charades, but with Sign, and the others have to figure out what the word is. In groups, you have one person signing ten words and the rest figuring out the word. Later on, when you start learning the words, you can sign back the word and not the fingerspelling of it.”

“That sounds like fun,” Carter said, “come on, let’s organise. Rozy, you’re joining, you’ll be a good judge for this.”

Ilya nodded, “I will keep them occupied with a game, we play with Rose and Svetlana now wishes to learn too. I play with them.”

“Thanks,” Shane murmured as he watched his boyfriend organise the game, while food was being handed out and gathered.

Shane found LeClaire standing to one side. “Coach LeClaire.”

“I had a feeling you’d come to me sooner rather than later,” he said, “Sometimes tells me that you were expecting a very different reaction to what you got when they learned you were deaf.”

Shane nodded, “Theirault doesn’t like the fact that I’m deaf, never happy that I was on the team. He made it known a lot, through action, that he wasn’t gone. Has been doing it for years. But it’s gotten dangerous. The fire was the last straw. I’m waving my no-trade clause. The trade will hit just before the deadline. I’m reaching out to a few coaches to see if they would be happy with me being in the room. I know Ilya, Vic, and Marly will be fine with me joining Boston, much like Scott and Carter would with the Admirals.”

LeClaire nodded, “You’re closer to Rozy,” he added.

“Yes, he figured out before Rookie season that I was deaf, took the time to learn, and even to learn the signals I use in the locker room when Coach is being difficult. I can lip-read, but it’s not a reliable skill. Hayden and I came up with a system that would help with that, and Ilya knows it already. He took the time to learn, since he knows I don’t like using my hearing aids in the locker room, and you saw why.”

“I did,” he nodded, “And you’re thinking Bears and Admirals only?”

“They’re the two contenders for it, and it’s more because you both have cap space, but only just to take a contract. I don’t feel safe in Montreal, haven’t for a long time, but the fire really drove home how unsafe I am with the Voyageurs. Theriault has shut down any mention of me telling the rest of my team about being deaf. Hayden only knows because he ignored what Theriault told him, and JJ, because we did it under the table and secretly. The rest of the team are…”

“Right, I’ll have to talk with the GM, and they’ll need to know about you being deaf. But Theriault and Montreal, could they be a problem with your trade?”

“No, one thing about my mother is she was a contract lawyer for a long time when I was a kid; she and three others were the ones to negotiate my contract. She put clauses in there and notes that they won’t even see coming until I’m up for trade, and then their hands will be tied. My mother is a shark. She’ll make sure I get a good contract, but it will be something I’ll want. And that you and Boston will be happy with.”

LeClaire nodded, “I’ll talk to them, and with the way you and Rozy played together today, it would be nice to see it daily, but could you do it daily?”

Shane nodded, “Ilya and I are friends, have been for a long time. The rivalry people see is just what the NHL has manufactured,” he stated, “So you don’t have to worry about that. But, this is all according if Boston wants me, I’ll have final say on where I go, just make the trade something they’ll want.”

LeClaire nodded; the Montreal owner and GM were not the smartest bunch when it came to trades. The only things they had done that were good was getting Shane in the draft. “Right, I’ll talk and see what can be done. If we’re in a position to make a move when the trade hits, then we will. I’ll let Rozy know what is going on; he’s the captain. You won’t take that from h-“

Shane shook his head, stopping LeCliare, “No, I don’t want that at all. I’m happy to be just one of the guys. All I want to do is play hockey.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” he said.

“Thank you,” he smiled greafully before heading over to the group who were loudly arguing about some of the fingerspelling that some of them were doing.

 

Chapter Thirteen

Ilya grinned as the game ended. He looked at Shane, who was fist-bumping his team as they left the ice. It was two weeks since Tampa. Boston and Montreal were facing each other in Boston; they’d be playing their last game against each other, in less than three weeks. Rose had been in the crowd; she had butchered a Rozanov and Hollander jersey, putting them together. On the back was the number 21, and Hollanov at the top. Both Ilya and Shane had been trying to hide the laughter from everyone. JJ, Cliff, Hayden and Victor all knew what that was about and were doing the same.

“She’s a nut, but an awesome one,” Cliff said as he was the last off the ice.

“She is, and she’s a lovely gremlin. We are meeting later. Come with?” he asked as he and Cliff headed down the tunnel with the rest of the team to the locker room.

“Sure,” Cliff nodded.

“Right, you fuckers, you all owe me $3000,” Ilya yelled out.

“Not fucking happening, Rozy!” Connors called back, “You said you would pay us for every goal, not the other way around!”

“It’s lie, liar told you that!” Ilya said as his phone began to ring again. It had been doing it all day, and again it was his brother. “What do you want?” he asked as soon as he answered it. His world narrowed with the simple words his brother said.

“He is dead.“

Ilya collapsed to the floor of the locker room. Cliff and the others noticed how quiet their captain had gone, and looked on in horror as he was now on his knees, phone falling from his hand.

“Rozy?” Cliff said, kneeling beside him, “What’s going on?” he asked.

Ilya remained quiet.

“Rozy,” Cliff said once more, reaching out, unsure of what the hell was going on. The screen on his phone was blank. So that didn’t give him any idea of what was going on. He looked at Victor.

“He’s dead,” Ilya said softly, a moment later.

“Who?” Cliff asked, as Victor shuffled the rest of the team toward the showers to give their captain some privacy.

Victor walked back, “I’m going to message the others,” he said quietly as he went to his phone.

Cliff nodded as he began to get his captain up and to make sure he showered before changing. The team was subdued, even after their win. Their captain was quiet, not the usual loud, boisterous man they all knew and adored.

XxXxX

Shane looked at his phone, it was buzzing again as he finished getting changed. He opened it up, reading the message and going pale. “Fuck,” he snapped out, putting his aids in properly and looking at Hayden. “I need to run, might not be at the hotel until later. Something’s come up I need to help with.”

“Rose and Lily?” Hayden asked as JJ walked over.

“Yeah, Lily,” Shane told him, “I need to get to them.”

“I saw the chat,” JJ said quietly, “Go, we shall cover. Rose is going to be nearby waiting for you.”

“Thanks, both of you,” Shane told them about to grab his gear.

“Take what you need, we’ll take the rest back to the hotel,” JJ told him, both of them standing around him so no one else could get close.

“Thanks, both of you,” he said as he hurried out of the locker room.

“Where the fuck is Cap going?” Comeau yelled out as the others looked at JJ and Hayden.

“Needs to get somewhere,” Hayden said, “personal, so don’t even bother,” he added.

“Come on, Pike,” Drapeau snorted, “What the cap does is our bu-“

“No, it is not,” JJ shook his head, “His personal life is not for debate or conversation.”

Hayden hoped that would be the end of it, but some of the others continued to ask until he said, “Shut the fuck up. We’ve already told you that the Cap had to get going, something was going on that is personal, and needs his attention. Drop it, because you’re not going to learn more than that,” he snapped at them.

JJ and Hayden listened as the rest of the team muttered about being told no as they dressed to get back on the bus to head to the hotel. They still had to deal with Theriault as soon as he entered the room.

XxXxX

Shane met with Rose as Victor waved them over. “Come on, I’m going to take you to Rozy’s place. Marly was able to get him out and take him,” he said as the two met up with him.

“Thanks,” Shane nodded, biting his lip and worrying about Ilya, “How… was he?” he finally asked.

“Not good, he shut down for a few moments. ” Marly is taking care of him for now, but I know he would prefer it if you were there, Hollander,” he told him, driving down to a side entrance. “I got Connor to bring my car to the underground so we can get out.” He doesn’t know about you, Hollander, but he does think I’m doing this for Rose.”

“Thanks,” Shane said again, as they followed Victor to the underground and got into a car that was waiting for them. Victor slipped into the driver’s seat and headed out, the tinted windows hiding them from those waiting for players.

Rose leaned against Shane, “He’s okay,” she said softly, “Whatever is going on, we’ll be there to help.”

Shane nodded tightly. remaining silent through the rest of the drive. He jumped from the car as soon as it was behind Ilya’s privacy fencing and rushed inside. Cliff was standing there, nodding as he gestured to the living room. “Ilya,” Shane called out as he hurried to the living room.

Ilya looked up, his face contorted in grief. “Shane,” he said as Shane rushed over and wrapped him in his arms. “He’s dead, he’s dead, and I wasn’t there.”

“Oh, baby,” Shane said, comforting him as he let Ilya grieve for his father. The man might not have been a good man to his sons, either of them, but he was still Ilya’s father.

“Right,” Rose said, looking at the two of them, “We need to get you back to Moscow. Is there anything you need to sort out while there? Funeral things, will, things like that?” she asked, making a mental list of what might be needed.

“I sorted the funeral things out last time I was in Russia,” Ilya said softly, “That’s taken care of already. Just wake, and being there, getting there.”

Rose nodded, “Right, I’m going to make a few calls and get us on the next flight out of Boston to Moscow.”

“Us?” Ilya and Shane blinked at her.

“You shouldn’t go alone, and I know a bit of Russian,” she added, “Had to learn for a role, and well,” she said glancing at Shane.

“We’ve been competing in Duolingo and taking lessons,” Shane added, “She’s better than me, was going to suprise you in the summer,” he said, giving a shy smile.

“So yes, I’m going with you,” she told him, “I know you have your friend, Svetlana, and I’m hoping that she’ll be coming as well.”

“She is,” Ilya nodded, “She’s on her way, she will be here in an hour,” he added, leaning against Shane.

“Good,” Rose said, “I’ll make sure the booking is for three of us. Can you get her details so I can do it,” she added, already looking at her phone. “We’ve got one leaving in four hours,” she said, “Layover in Istanbul,” she said, “Would that be fine?”

Ilya nodded as he got up and gave Rose what she needed to be able to book all three of the next flight out of Boston. “You don’t have to come,” he said to Rose once more.

“I’m coming,” she stated, “you’re my friend, Ilya, I want to be there to support you, and I know that Shane would be if he could.”

“I would, in a heartbeat, if it didn’t put you in danger. I know Rose can take care of herself, and being with you means I know you have extra support, with Svetlana to help, too,” Shane said as he pulled Ilya against him as soon as he sat back down beside him.

Four hours later, Ilya, Svetlana, and Rose were on a flight out of Boston and headed to Moscow. Shane wished he could go with them and be there for him.

XxXxX

Rose stuck close to Ilya as he was around his family. It had been an icy greeting from Ilya’s brother. The man had been rude, that was until Rose had spoken back to him in Russian. The funeral was happening now, and Rose and Sveltana were on either side of him. Both were holding a hand. They had a video call with Shane for a bit before Svetlana took Rose out to a meal so that Ilya could talk with Shane alone.

The wake was where the drama was. Ilya had been quiet since the moment the funeral had started, even with his family around him, making demands, though as soon as Rose and Svetlana moved near him, they stopped. Especially after they had been told that Rose spoke Russian and that she was a famous movie star in America.

Ilya stood, having had enough of his brother glaring at him across the large table. The family was eating a meal. A chair was empty, left for his father. He was done with Russia; this would be the last time he would come. Sveltana and her family were helping him set things up for his niece. And any other children his brother may have in the future. Everything was covered, even the family had a trust, held in place for emergencies. He would be cutting contact with them all. Not one truly cared about him; they only cared about the money he could give them and what they could take from him.

“When will you stop avoiding me?” came the quiet snap of his brother as he walked in behind Ilya.

“I wish I could avoid you for the rest of eternity,” Ilya replied, giving him a stone-cold look. “What do you want this time?”

“I want to know what the plan is now?” he asked, staring at him, “I want to know what you’re planning.”

“Do I not get a chance to fucking breathe, we have only just burried our father,” he hissed.

Alexei rushed at him and slammed him against the wall.

“GET OFF ME!” Ilya said, pushing his brother away.

“Shut up, they are ou-“

“I don’t fucking care,” Ilya glared at his brother. 

“You were not the one here, with our father, looking after him, being with him all the fucking time.” Alexei hissed at his brother, “I was. You’re nothing but a faggot that left and abandoned his family.”

“I abandoned you? Who the fuck do you think paid for all this? There is no fucking money left with our father’s estate. Nothing, not a fucking ruble. Polina is already back in St Petersburg; she didn’t even dare show her fucking face. She knows there is nothing left of the Rozanov estate except his home. Every single thing that has been brought in the last five years has been from the money I earned, everything. Including the fucking money you snort weekly. The money that pays for your daughter and your wife comes from me. Everything from me, and not one thank you do I get for it. Instead, I am belittled, yelled at, and asked for more and more. And I am sick of being nothing more than a fucking bank for this family.”

“The least you can fucking do,” Alexei sneered at his brother as two women entered the room.

“I think you should go back to your wife and daughter,” Svetlana said as she and Rose stood side by side.

“This doesn’t concern you,” he snapped, “You brought two fucking whores.”

“I thank you not to call me such names,” Rose said, her Russian was slightly accented, but easily understood.

“There is a trust fund for my niece. She has an education and medical trust that is being watched over. The main trust will be released in three parts, one at 18, one at 21, and the last at 25. There is an emergency medical fund set up for the family. But I am done funding the lifestyle of those who don’t appreciate it. The apartment I am going to empty and sign over to you. I’m done with you, with this family. I will talk to you again when this is done,” Ilya growled at his brother, wanting nothing more than to punch the man in his face for insulting the two women who had stood by him since he had found out about his father’s death.

“I think that’s more than generous,” Rose snorted, “Considering the only things I’ve been hearing from this family to Ilyusha is them wanting new clothes, new luxuries, a new home, decorating their old. Not once have I heard them ask him how he is doing. Just demanding more and more from him.”

Alexei stalked toward her. Rose didn’t flinch; she had been brought up in a family with four older brothers, and she’d learned how to deal with them easily. Alexei moved quickly to try to hit her. Rose snorted as she quickly moved aside, grabbed a hand, and, using Alexei’s momentum against him, threw him over her shoulder and twisted his arm until he yelped in pain.

“Now, I have four older brothers; you really think that would have worked against me?” Rose huffed as some of the others began to wander into the room, keeping quiet as they saw the scene.

“Now that is a woman,” Ilya grinned and laughed.

Svetlana looked appreciative as she slowly clapped, “Wonderful take down.”

Rose smiled cutely and winked, “Been a few weeks since I last used that move on someone.”

“LET ME GO!” Alexei shouted, mirroring his brother from moments before.

“Are you going to act like a gentleman or a fuckign idiot?” Rose asked sweetly as she twisted his arm just that little bit more.

Alexei yelped, “Let me go,” he said, trying not to cry out a third time. “I will be good.”

“Good to hear, and if you want to see more awesome moves like that, do try again,” Rose said as she let him go and stepped back.

Ilya watched as his brother got up, holding his shoulder and looking wide-eyed at Rose. “Never underestimate a woman, especially one with older brothers,” Ilya couldn’t help but say. He looked at the family and went over what he had just told Alexei, that he was done funding their lifestyle, and that there were provisions set up for emergencies. Still, they would have to petition the lawyer and Scetlana’s very shrewd cousin. That he had put in charge of the fund to see if it would be allowed.

The family broke into arguments, trying to stop Ilya.

“It is done, and I won’t be changing my mind. You have all shown me nothing but greed from the moment I was drafted into the NHL. Wanting money, and nothing more. The clothes you wear, the homes you live in, the cars you drive, the food you eat. Every single bit of it is from me and the work I do. Yet each of you condemns me for being in the NHL, but know that if I had stayed here, in Russia, and played here, I would earn a pittance compared to it. But you would have demanded every ruble I got, and bled me dry, well, no fucking more. I am done with a family that is not a family and hasn’t been for a long fucking time,” he said as he looked at Rose and Svetlana and, in English, knowing his family didn’t understand the language, “Shall leave, I would like to call my Jane.”

Rose nodded, moving to Ilya’s side, “I know, she’s worried about you,” she said softly, this time in English

Ilya smiled softly as the three of them started to walk away, even with his family yelling for him to stay so they could sort things out. “You were my brother Alexei, and you pissed it away. I would have done anything for you for so long. Because I remember when I was little, and you were there, you were a brother, and now, I don’t know who the fuck you are anymore. But you haven’t been my brother since Mama died. I know you blamed me for it, but the one to blame was the bastard that we just buried.”

They grabbed their coats and headed out into the bitter cold. An hour later, they were at the apartment that Ilya had in Moscow that would be handed to his brother. The last thing that tied him to Russia was gone.

Rose handed Ilya his phone, “Call him,” she told him.

Ilya nodded as he moved to his bedroom. 

“Hey,” Shane’s voice was a welcome balm on what had happened over the last few hours.

“Shane,” he said, voice breaking.

“Oh, baby,” he murmured, “You’ll be home soon. I’ve got two days for when you’re due back, I’ll meet you in Boston. I’ll be waiting for you at home,” Shane told him.

Ilya smiled as he gave a small sob, “I will be happy with that,” he said softly.

“So will I, are Rose and Svetlana taking care of you?” he asked.

Ilya laughed, “Yes, Rose is kickas,” he said as he began to tell Shane what had happened at the dinner.

Rose moved away from the door as she went to find Svetlana in the kitchen. She was making the three of them some tea, “He’s finally talking with Shane,” she said softly, “Thank you.”

“You’re pretty good with your Russian,” Svetlana told her.

“Thank you,” Rose smiled back, “It’s nice to use it in real life instead of for films. Shane and I practice so he can talk with Ilay,” she added.

“He is deaf?” she asked, getting a nod, “How does that work for him?”

“He uses hearing aids, and they are strong ones; he’s profoundly deaf. Without them, he hears nothing unless the noise is so loud it could break eardrums,” Rose snorted slightly, using what Shane had told her once. She explained a little of what it was like learning alongside Shane and with him teaching her ASL, along with her tutor in it. “He has good voice control, even without his hearing aids, but he prefers sign language. He’d been learning alone until we met,” she said, as they wandered into the living room, the heavy brocade curtains keeping out the cold night.

The two talked, with Svetlana only disappearing to give Ilya his tea. They would be leaving Russia in less than two days.

 

Chapter Fourteen

Shane moved around Ilya’s kitchen with ease. There was a folder he had put together over the last few days to one side. One that he wanted to talk to Ilya about. He’d talked to a lawyer about it first and an immigration lawyer as well. He made everyone who knew about them aware of what he was planning, and hoped they would help him make it work. Boston and Montreal were going to be playing against each other in eight days. The two days leading up to it were free time for each team, except for a practice skate early on game day.

Shane had kept his hearing aids in, wanting to know the second that Ilya was home. So when he heard the front door open, he wiped his hands after putting the chicken and bacon pasta dish that Ilya liked in the oven and went to greet his boyfriend. Rose had already contacted him that she and Svetlana were going to head to her place in Boston to wind down before she had to head to LA. Ilya walked into the home, his suitcase trailing behind him. Earlier that day, a crate had arrived from Russia, the last of Ilya’s things, and things that he had taken that had once belonged to his mother. Shane had it moved to another room, to let Ilya take his time in dealing with what was inside. Marly and Victor had been a great help with that.

Ilya looked up, seeing Shane standing there. He didn’t waste a second as he dropped everything and went over to him. Shane was quick to wrap him tightly in his arms, holding him through the quiet sobs. Grigori Rozanov may have been a bastard, but he was still Ilya’s father. Someone whom Ilya had wanted just a bit of affection and acknowledgment from, but never received.

“Moyu lyubov,” he murmured against Shane’s hair. Closing his eyes and taking in the one thing he had wanted since the moment he had left Shane’s arms to go back to Russia.

“I’m here, baby,” Shane murmured back, rocking them where they stood and rubbing along Ilya’s back. He could feel how tense his boyfriend was. “Go and wash up, shower, and change. Dinner will be ready soon,” he told him gently as they slowly parted. Ilya leaned down for a kiss, and Shane kept it short and sweet.

“Thank you,” Ilya said softly, “Thank you for being here, for being you.”

Shane smiled at him. He gently cupped Ilya’s face and pulled him in for another kiss. “I will always be here if I can. I love you.”

“Ya tebya lyublyu,” he murmured against Shane’s lips before heading to do just that. 

Shane watched him go and went to the suitcase. He pulled it toward the laundry room and began to separate and sort the clothes. He knew the suit would need dry cleaning, but the rest could be laundered at home. Shane worked quickly and quietly, listening to the shower start and twenty minutes later finish. He could just about hear it with his hearing aids on. Dinner was quiet, Ilya was off, and Shane knew it was going to be a day where Ilya just needed quiet and comfort.

Ilya tilted his head as they got ready for bed. He reached out, “You are tired, and headache?” he asked, though he could see the little frown between Shane’s brows. He gently took off Shane’s hearing aids, hearing the little sigh of relief as the world went silent for Shane. He let Shane take them from him and tuck them away in their case.

‘Thanks,’ Shane sighed, smiling at him as they then made their way to the bed and got it. Shane settled against Ilya’s chest, feeling the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed.

Ilya moved his hands in front of him so Shane could see. ‘I love you.’

“Love you too,” Shane said aloud.

Ilya smiled warmly as he let his arms fall around Shane and held him close as he shut the world out and rested.

XxXxX

Shane got up early, smiling as Ilya curled around the pillow. He grabbed his hearing aids; he wanted them today. He was going to ask Ilya something really important. Something he had been wanting to ask for the last couple of months, since things had become official. He’d put it off time and time again; now, he knew that Ilya didn’t have to go back to Russia, that he was free of the family obligation. To Shane, it was the best time to do it, and he wouldn’t mind that the next time they faced each other on the ice, they would be husbands instead.

Shane began to prepare breakfast, which was being cooked. He knew that Ilya loved pancakes, maple syrup, and bacon, along with a couple of poached eggs on toast. HeShane put some soft music on as he began to set the table, the food was being kept warm as he went to wake Ilya. He walked into the bedroom, smiling. “Ilay, time to wake up,” he said, leaning over and kissing him.

Ilya grumbled a little, slowly opening his eyes to look at Shane. “Come back to bed,” he murmured, reaching for Shane.

“I have breakfast ready, come and eat and then maybe we’ll come back to bed,” he said, a shy smile on his face as he got up.

Ilya huffed, but began to follow, taking Shane’s hand, and he was pulled toward the kitchen. He stopped as he saw the set up, food warm and ready to be eaten, drinks ready. The lighting in the room a little darker than normal, intimate. “Shane?” he asked as he galnced at him.

“come on, we don’t get chance to do this often,” Shane said, feeling nervous about his plan as he got Ilya to sit down and he served breakfast for the two of them.

Ilya grinned as he looked over at Shane, happy that they were eating together adn there was no sign of one of Shane’s smoothies. “Thank you,” he said.

Shane smiled back, “Nothing you need to thank me for,” he told him, “I like this, not often I get to cook for you, since you enjoy it so much,” he chuckled lightly.

“I do, it’s nice to cook for those you love,” he said softly.

“It really is,” Shane said as they neared the end of breakfast. “Ilya,” he said as he got up, pulling something out of his pocket.

“Shane?” he frowned as Shane moved around the table and dropped to one knee.

“I have loved you for a long time, and I have been scared so much by what it could mean. But I know I don’t want to spend any more time just being your boyfriend; I want to be your husband. Ilya Grigoryevich Rozanov, will you do me the utmost honor of marrying me?” Shane asked, holding out the now open box with a black tungsten ring with a meteorite ring in the middle of the band. It was understated, but shone in the low light of the room.

Ilya’s eyes went wide, “I… Da, YES!” he said brightly, a large smile overtaking his face as he looked at his now fiancée as the man slid the ring onto his finger, “Wow,” he murmured as he pulled Shane in for a kiss, “I love you. Ya tebya lyublyu,” he murmured against his lips.

Shane smiled back, “Ya tebya lyublyu,” he whispered, hoping his pronunciation of it was okay. He’d been working hard for weeks to be able to say it back to Ilya.

“I can not wait until we are married,” Ilya told him.

“How about the day before our game in Montreal?” he asked. “I’ve been… I’ve been making plans, and well… I want to be married as soon as we can, would yo-“

“Yes!” Ilya nodded as he jumped off his chair and grabbed Shane, bringing him up and holding him tightly, “Yes, marry as soon as we can,” he laughed brightly.

“I ahve plans in place, it’s not much, just us, the Pikes, JJ, Rose, Svetlana, Marly, and Vic. I’m thinking about Carter and Scott as well as Kip, too,” he said. “I know I should tell my parents, let them be there. I just don’t know what she’s going to make of it all.”

“Then start with, you gay,” Ilya pointed out to him, causing Shane to laugh, “Go Mom, Dad, I’m gay, and Ilya Rozanov knows how to fuck well,” he grinned.

Shane slapped him on the arm playfully, “Not fucking happening,” he laughed, resting his head against Ilya’s shoulder, “Fuck, it’s going to be hard, but-“

“Exactly how it should be when we fuck,” he carried on, not repentant in the slightest.

“Ilya!” Shane exclmained, “Not helpful!”

“But fun,” he grinned down at him, “Now, you plan that later, we celebrate,” he began, kissing him deeply, “We just got engaged.”

“But the dis-“

“Can wait,” he said, as he pulled Shane toward the bedroom.

XxXxX

Shane and Ilya went over the plans that Shane had made, contacting those whom they wanted to be there. They would get married in Montreal. Scott, Carter, and Kip were going to be able to get there, since they were playing Ottawa the same day that Montreal and Boston would play. The Admirals would arrive the day before, giving them time to get to Montreal and back. Since Shane had made it possible to happen in the Pikes’ backyard. Jackie was having a fun time getting it sorted with JJ and Hayden, not being as helpful as she would have liked. The officiant was selected carefully. Shane’s lawyer and agent, Farrah, worked hard to make it all happen and to keep it secret.

By the time Shane made it back to Montreal for a home game, everything was ready; all that was needed was for everyone to be able to show up on time. Though there was one more thing that needed to be done, and that was to finally talk to his parents. He still didn’t know if he should, if it was a good idea. He loved them both, but his mom sometimes made things a little more difficult than they should be. David was different, always trying to do his best and be there for Shane, whether that was lending an ear for Shane to complain to, or someone to confide in.

His parents would be at the game that night. He got dressed and headed to the rink. He smiled as he arrived. There was some press around, taking pictures of Shane and the other players as they arrived for the game. They were playing Detroit tonight. Some of the others in the league had reached out about him being deaf, and he’d answered them honestly. 

“Hollander!” Theriualt yelled geting in Shane’s face as soon as he stepped inside and away from the press. “My office now,” he demanded as he led the way to the small office he had near the locker rooms.

Shane’s face went blank as he followed. The door was slammed shut behind him as soon as he stepped through.

“How fucking dare you let anyone know you’re defective!” he yelled in his face.

“I had a sound issue and it was found out,” Shane defended himself, knowing it didn’t really matter at all.

“They all fucking know I have a disabled brat that doesn’t know how to be part of a team on my roster and it’s not on. How fucking convient for you that I can’t fucking bench you for this shit!” he carried on ranting.

Shane stood there, listening to it. He’d heard something similar over the last several years. It was the same as it had been since he’d joined and Theriault had figured out he was deaf. The GM and Owner hadn’t said anything until the contracts were signed. Shane did not doubt that if Theriualt had found out first, then he wouldn’t be a Voyageur at all.

“Get out of here, Hollander, get the team through this fucking game, and it better be a win,” he threatened as he dismissed Shane.

Shane stared at him, “You’re a fucking idiot,” he told him, “You really are, you comprimised my saftey at every single hotel, you compromised my ability to lead a team because you refuse to treat me like a team player. I’m a better fucking player than you think, because I worked around all your fucking shit, and I will do so until I say fucking good bye to the Voyageurs.”

“Get out of my fucking sight, you fuckign cocksucker,” Theroault yelled at him, nostrils flaring in anger as he looked about a second away from lunging at Shane.

Shane snorted and sneered at him before turning and leaving the room. He headed to the locker room. Seeing most of the team there. Each of them staring at him and he knew that they knew he was deaf. JJ and Hayden nodded at him, letting him know that the room was hostile and to be prepared.

“What?” Shane asked as he headed over to his cubby and began to change.

“You’re fucking deaf?!” Comeau exclmained.

“How the fuck can you play?!” Drapeau asked.

“Well,” he said in a patronising voice, “I put on skates, just like you, and skate a lot better than you.”

JJ snorted, “And scores more than anyone.”

Hayden nodded, looking serious, “And assists on goals more too.”

Shane did his best not to laugh, “And I was doing all that by the time I was three.”

Hayden grinned, “I saw the video of you scoring on your dad. I know he played goalie for a while.”

“Yeah, he wanted me to be in goal too. I hated it, so off I was to center,” Shane laughed, ignoring the looks he was getting.

“Fucking tell us if we’ve been dealing with someone that’s disabled,” Laine called out, not looking happy with the revelation.

“I’m deaf, I became deaf when I was seven after being really fucking ill, I almost died. Instead, I survived without my hearing. I’ve been playing hockey, since I recovered, deaf since then. I use hand signals, lip reading, and people not being dickheads to make sure I keep up with everything. And if you have a fucking problem with me being deaf, well, you can shove it so far up your fucking ass that you’ll never be able to shit it back out. Because I don’t give a fuck what you think. I know how I play, I know I’m fucking good at it, or I wouldn’t be winning the awards and getting us the fucking cups. Theirault can go swiveling on this stick that’s up his ass from now on. I’m sick of catering to the fucking idiots around me,” he called them out, “Now, are you ready to play some fucking hockey, or complain that someone with a disabilty in now in your fucking locker room. Because let me tell you, boys, I’ve been deaf the entire time you’ve known me. You didn’t have a fucking clue because Theriualt wanted you kept in the dark, not me. I wanted to tell you, and I know I tried a few times.”

“You did,” Koch nodded, “You said that you were deaf, and Theriault told us that you weren’t and that you were making shit up for attention.”

“Yeah, attention,” Shane said as he moved his hair and let them see the hearing aids he was wearing, “I wish I could hear, there are things that I’ll never be able to hear properly, and it fucking kills me at times.”

Hayden knew he was on about the kids; sometimes, the noises and coos they made were just too quiet for Shane’s hearing aids to pick up. It upset Shane that he couldn’t hear them. That there were things that it wouldn’t pick up. He reached out, squeezing Shane’s shoulder before turning to the room. “Get ready, we have warm-ups in ten.”

‘You okay?’ JJ signed.

‘I’m alright, coach being a dick.’ Shane added. ‘Wasn’t happy people know.’

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Comeau demanded to know.

“Learn ASL, and you’ll find out,” Shane said, “JJ has, Hayden has, hell, even some of the admirals and the Bears have done so.”

“Others in the league are as well, as soon as they found out,” JJ added, “We’ve even got a group chat so we can practice with each other, and share where we are.”

“And play games,” Hayden snorted, grinning at Shane. 

“Fingerspelling game?” Shane asked, turning to look at the two.

“Yeah, it’s fun, and it helps,” JJ grinned, “We play a lot when we can. Hayden’s kids are great for it.”

Hayden nodded, “It’s one of their favorite games.”

Shane smiled and laughed, “Okay,” he said as he took off his hearing aids and tucked them away. The room was watching him as he prepared for their warm-ups. The small in-ear one went in as he kitted up.

Warm-ups were tense within the Montreal team. It didn’t help that one of the Detroit players, who was at the All-Star weekend, grinned and waved at Shane.

‘Hello. I’m learning.’ He sighed to Shane.

Shane grinned back at him, ‘Hey, doing well.’

‘Learning, fun.’ The man said before going back to his warm-ups.

Warm-ups were over, and the game soon began. It took until the second period for Montreal to click together again. Theriault glaring at Shane for most of it, and Shane knowing he blamed him for people finding out he was deaf for the lack of cohesion with the team.

When the game was over, Theirualt cornered Shane. “You are the cause of this, sort it.”

“The only way to sort it was to have had the truth given to them right at the beginning, so blame your fucking self for this shit,” Shane told him as he finished getting his gear together and leaving the stadium. He wasn’t going to stand for the shit that man yelled at him anymore.

 

Chapter Fifteen

Jackie and Svetlana moved around the Pike backyard. There was a large marquee that had been set up, heaters inside to keep the cold March Montreal air out of it. Inside had been decorated beautifully. After Svetlana had settled a few things in Boston, she’d made the journey to Montreal, and she and Jackie had tackled making everything perfect for the little backyard wedding. Hayden and JJ hadn’t been as helpful at the beginning as they had tried. It had taken just over a week to get everything organised fully. The officiant was there, and the papers that they would need to sign were ready and waiting for them.

Cliff and Victor ahd arrived with Ilay. Scott, Carter, and Kip had made the drive from Ottawa, where the Admirals would be playing the next day. Rose had arrived on a late-night flight, napping in one of Hayden’s guest rooms until she needed to get ready. Shane was in a room, looking at the garden. He couldn’t believe that they were doing this, his dream now a reality.

“You okay?” Hayden asked as he walked over. He was wearing a new suit, just for today. The dark blue made his eyes shine a little brighter.

The cream colored suit that Shane had chosen for today was a deep contrast. “Yeah, I am,” he said, his eyes shining a little, “Just can’t believe this is really happening.”

Hayden smiled, staring at the tie Shane was wearing, “You know, Ilya would find is sexy without the tie and a couple of buttons undone.”

Shane laughed and then nodded, “He’d be shocked too,” he agreed.

“Do it then,” he prompted as Shane nodded and Hayden got the tie off, and Shane undid the top two buttons of his white shirt.

“Well, how do I look now?” Shane asked.

“Looking good,” Hayden grinned. “I know this isn’t usually for the men,” he said, “But this belonged to my grandpa, and you’re my brother in all ways but blood.” Hayden paused for a moment and pulled something out of his pocket. It was a pendant, a deep blue sapphire shone brightly in the light from the window, silver metal surrounding it, with intricate Celtic engravings around the edges. “Something borrowed, blue, and old. As for new,” he said after he put it on Shane, he pulled something else out, a broach. It matched the pendant, in being silver and sapphires in the shape of a Lily. He put that on him, “There, now you’re really ready,” he grinned.

“Hayd,” he said, tearing up.

“No fucking crying, dude,” Hayden said, smiling brightly.

Shane sniffled and nodded, “Sure, fuck you,” he said, “You do this and expect me not to fucking cry, you fucker.”

“And everyone thinks you’re the polite one, you swear more than Rozy does,” Hayden grinned. “Let’s go down and get ready.”

Shane nodded and the two began to head out of the room.

XxXxX

Ilya looked out the window, seeing everyone starting to gather. He turned as Svetlana walked over. “Svetlana,” he smiled at his childhood friend.

“Ilyusha,” she smiled, hugging him tightly, “I am so happy for you,” she told him.

“I am so happy, Svetlana, it’s like a dream,” he said, holding her tightly, “A dream, I am marrying my Shane.”

“You are,” she smiled as she let him go. “I have something for you,” she told him, bringing out a delicate brooch.

“That’s Mamas,” he blinked as he looked from it to Svetlana.

The gold filigree roses shone beautifully in the bright sunlight. “Yes,” she nodded, “it was, she gave it to me a few days before. Told me it was for her future daughter-in-law. I knew we would never marry, no matter how we felt about each other. But today, you wear that, because your Mama is walking beside as you go to your future with Shane.”

Ilya felt a tear fall down his cheek as Svetlana pinned it to his black suit. The black shirt was partially undone, the gold a stark contrast, but giving the outfit an elegant touch. Svetlana smoothed down his clothes, wiped away the tear, and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“You are my family,” she reminded him, “Always. Now, let’s go and get you married.”

Ilya nodded, kissing her cheek as the two of them left the room.

XxXxX

The two stared at each other as they walked toward the arch that had been set up. The officiant was waiting for them, a gentle smile on her face. They met in the middle, with Hayden and Svetlana stepping away as Shane and Ilya took each other’s hands and stood in front of their friends, and the ceremony started.

“Ilya and Shane have prepared their own vows for today. Shane,” she said, geturing for Shane to go first.

“December 2008, in a crummy carpark in Regina, Saskatchewan, I met another seventeen-year-old hockey player that I’d been watching videos of for two years. I didn’t know I was about to meet my soulmate. It would take another year and a half before our connection would get the chance to really start growing, in private hotel rooms, in secret condos, and meeting when no one would know. From 1410 to 1221,” he smiled, “To more and more. Until a day, I was invited to a home in Boston, and I felt panic at having to confront the feelings I had tried to ignore. You met me where I was, you showed me how much I meant to you the moment you raised your hands and signed my name. One of only five people who had learned ASL for me. Ya lyublyu tebya vsegda i navsegda,” Shane said, “Always and forever,” he added, repeating the last part.

“Ilya,” the officiant said as sniffles could be heard from the gathering.

“You came to me in that parking lot and I was lot. Seeing you at the draft only made me realize I wanted you. I wanted to be close, so Toronto happened, I made it happen, just to see you again. I met your mother as I made my way to your room that night. I paniced and got off on floor 15 and walked down to your room, to make sure she didn’t know where I was going. I thought hookup, casual, but I was already gone, I was already in love with this slow hockey player with a weak backhand,” he chirped lightly, getting a few laughs, “But you captured my attention, no matter what I did, I always came back to you. You had my heart from the start, and you’ll have it forever and beyond,” Ilya said, as he let Shane’s hands go. ‘I love you with everything I am, you are my soulmate, the one that makes me whole. I never want to spend a day without you.’

‘I love you, too, Ilya.’ Shane replied, his hands carefully forming the words before they held hands again, only just restraining themselves from kissing each other.

“Ilya Rozanov, do you take Shane Hollander to be your lawful wedded husband, in sickness and heath, till death do you part?” she then asked.

Ilya nodded, “I do.”

“Shane Hollander, do you take Ilya Rozanov to be your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and health, till death do you part?” She turned to Shane.

Shane smiled brightly, “I do.”

“Now, we shall exchange rings, they are a symbol of everlasting love between two people, never-ending like the love you hold for each other. The commitment that you will now share. Ilya,” she said, smiling softly at him.

Ilya pulled out the ring he had gotten for Shane. It matched the one that Shane had brought for him, “With this ring,” he began, sliding it, “I promise to be with you always and forever, through eternity.”

Shane was prompted as he began to put Ilya’s ring on his right hand, “With this ring, I promise to be with you forever and beyond. From this life to the next.”

“By the power granted to me by the Canadian government, I now pronounce you husbands, you may kiss,” she smiled.

Ilya cupped Shane’s face and brought him closer and kissed him, keeping it sweet before stopping and resting his forehead against Shane’s. “Ya tebya lyublyu,” he said, before kissing him a second time.

“I love you,” Shane replied, murmuring it against Ilya’s lips.

“May I present to you all, Mr Ilya Rozanov-Hollander, and Mr Shane Hollander-Rozanov,” she smiled as the gathered began to clap and cheer. The videographer that they had hired and gotten to sign an NDA captured everything at the wedding. The food had been catered, but only two people were there that wasn’t in the know. It was being done buffet style for the wedding.

Around the long table that had been set up. Hayden stood up. “A long time ago, the year 2012, I saw a shy guy blushing as he texted someone. Who would later be known as Lily, who became Boston Lily. And then in November last year, I would find out that Boston Lily was actually Ilya Rozanov. It took me a moment to switch my mind from wanting to bash his head in with a hockey stick to giving a toast to the fact that he not only loved my best friend, but also met him where he was when very few others did. To Shane and Ilya, may the years you have together be long, happy, and fulfilled. Look after my brother, Ilya, and Shane, look after Ilya too. Be happy, both of you.”

Everyone raised a glass and toasted to the happy couple before Cliff stood up.

“Svetlana has kindly let me take this one,” he said, giving the woman a nod of thanks. “Like Hayden, there was a Jane, then a Montreal Jane, and then a Shane Mother Fucking Hollander. I couldn’t believe it at first, but then I thought about it, and who else would Ilya feel was his equal but Shane? With gooey feels being aired in locker rooms. And blushes, even if Rozy does try to insist that Russians do not blush. He really did, Shane, so much, whatever you were sexting him, do it again, it’s fun to watch him stumble over shit. But seriously, watch them together when you get the chance. You’ll never see two people as in love as they are. To Ilya and Shane, may your future be everything you wish and hope for!” he raised his glass in a toast, and the others joined in.

“To Ilya and Shane!” they called out, before drinking.

The night carried on, food and drinks were handed out, music started up, and Ilya and Shane shared a dance, smiling and swaying side to side gently as they moved around the dancefloor that had been laid for the day. Night was descending when the group settled into chairs and on the ground, resting against things. A good night, hot drinks as the night began to cool even more.

“Today was wonderful,” Jackie said softly as she leaned against Hayden. They’d spent just as much time dancing as they could. Jackie’s mom had taken the kids for the day. Jackie was seven months pregnant now, glowing with it, and hadn’t broken down in tears apart from the vows. 

“It was, thank you,” Shane said as he looked over at her, “Thank you, both you and Svetlana made this a dream. I… I thought at first we’d just go to a courthouse, just me and Ilya, maybe with you two and Svetlana. But…”

“We wanted something that would give us joyful memories,” Il;ya carried on for him, “This was beautifully done, you should be a wedding planner, you are very good at it,” he smiled.

“Nah, too much chance of Drama, I like watching, not being part of it,” Jackie laughed as se pulled Hayden’s arm around her and held his hand, glad that they’d had some loveseats set up around the place. They had been moved to the dance floor; tomorrow, while the game was going on, everything would be taken down.

“Valid,” JJ nodded, “I remember my cousin’s wedding, it was on and off again nine times before she ran off at the altar, leaving my cousin wondering what the hell was going on. Found out she was cheating on him with her personal trainer.”

“See, drama I would have had to deal with, no chance,” Jackie muttered. “But I’m glad this wedding went right for you both.”

“Yeah, it was perfect,” Shane said softly, “Really was.”

“I have a question,” Scott said as he looked at the newlywed couple.

“What like?” Shane asked, glancing over, Kip was curled against Scott, like Ilya and Shane were curled up.

“1221,” he said, “That was the All Star, Nashville, yeah?” he asked. “You were really together, back then, and I knew I fucking heard something.”

Shane blushed, “Fuck,” he said.

“Yes, we were in the next room, not much happened, just the usual,” Ilya smirked, “We waited for the sex condo for more,” he grinned.

“Ilya!” Shane said, smacking his chest, “idiot.”

“Sex condo?” Cliff asked, “What the fuck? Spill man.”

“Ugh,” Shane said, “I didn’t want people seeing Ilya coming back and forth from my apartment. I was being watched at the time. Just before the end of the 12/13 season, I started getting notes and letters in the mail. Picutres of myself around Montreal, or in Ottawa, sometimes at away games as well. This was just before the Ruby and Jade were born.”

“Yeah, I remember. That was some scary fucking shit,” Hayden nodded a few times.

“You had a stalker?” Ilya asked, “When was this? Why wasn’t I told?” he said, eyes widened in panic.

“Ilya, it’s okay, it was dealt with. It’s why the condo was bought, not just as the sex condo, but as a second place where I could be safe if my main apartment was compromised,” Shane said. “It wasn’t just for me and Ilya to meet in. It was somewhere else I could feel safe. It’s why it wasn’t fully done up, since I didn’t trust many people at the time to know about it and to have it linked to me. He broke into my apartment the night we met at the condo.” 

“He what?” Ilya exclmained, looking at Shane like he thought the man had been hurt.

“I was with you,” Shane said, reassuring him that everything was fine. “He broke in, I didn’t go back there at all, I moved somewhere else in the end. He was caught and charged. He’s still in prison and will be for another year. When he gets out, a permanent restraining order, everything my mom can lob at him as well to make sure he never comes near me again. It’s over, but yeah, sex condo was a safe space. Only Ilya knew where it was.”

“Yeah, fucked me over when I went to Shane’s and found the door partially open and no Shane. Thought he’d been kidnapped,” Hayden snorted. “Then he strolls up, looking like he’d just been fucked, only to realise now he had been. You fucker,” he said, trying to lighten the mood.

“Not my fault, I didn’t know, the system didn’t warn me, but the police were able to find him after that, arrested him, and charged him. Thankfully, we were able to keep the whole damn thing quiet. I really didn’t want the hassle of it all,” Shane shrugged.

“Tell me these things,” Ilya said, holding him tightly.

“I will, promise,” he replied, moved up and kissed him, “It’s the only time it happened, and it happened a long time ago now.”

“I could have lost you,” Ilya murmured.

“He was too busy fucking you to know his apartment had been broken into,” Hayden snorted, “You being around protected him.”

“True,” Shane nodded, “I was safe with you when the worst of it happened.”

“Rozys need to be dicked down, saved the day,” Carter snorted.

Shane blushed, knowing that night was also the first time he’d been with a man. Ilya knew that too and squeezed him a little before kissing him. “My trade opens up tomorrow,” Shane said softly.

“I hate that we’re losing you,” Hayden said, “But we both understand that being in Montreal isn’t good for you. It’s toxic for you. Both JJ and I have another year before we can see about trading out, but we’re looking already.”

JJ nodded, “We’re not going to remain here, the room is toxic as fuck, you’re the only reason why I’ve stayed as I have.”

“You made the room bearable, livable. No matter what we did, they’re all fuckers. And I hate that we’re going to lose you, but what I hate more is that I’m not going to be able to play alongside you again,” Hayden sighed.

“Such sombre talk for a wedding,” Rose said, “Where’s the fun, the out there stories!” she exclmained as she leaned against Svetlana, the two had gotten along well in Russia and continued talking even when Rose had to leave for LA.

“Story,” Hayden grinned, “How about the time Shane butt dialed in the middle of meeting up with Rozy and some of the things I heard are not for the public at all.”

“What?!” Shane’s eyes went wide.

“Shane, you’ve butt dialed me several times since December. I sometimes thought you were doing it on purpose, but you were too busy deep throating Rozy to notice.” Hayden smirked and then laughed as Shane went red.

“He’s very good.”

“I heard,” he rolled his eyes.

“Not the only time it’s happened,” Cliff said, “Not only that,” he began as the other all told stories of the things they’d see the newlywed couple do over the last few months.

As the night finally ended. Scott, Kip, and Carter were shown to the guest rooms in Hayden’s home, while the others went home or to hotels that they had booked for the night. Shane and Ilya went home, spending the night and morning together, before their game.

 

Chapter Sixteen

Boston Vs Montreal. The energy at the stadium was explosive. The noise rattled the very foundations it stood upon. Shane was in the locker room, and Theriualt was being his usual self when it came to talking with his players. He made sure to keep facing away from Shane, not letting the man lip-read, even though he knew Shane couldn’t hear him. This time, though, the other players in the room were oblivious as to what was going on.

“Coach,” JJ said, deciding that it was time to say something, since the rest of the room knew what was going on. “You should be facing Captain Hollander to make sure he knows what’s going on. He can’t hear at the moment, and you need to face him so he can lip-read.”

“I don’t have to do shit,” Theriualt snapped, “If he wants to play the game, then he’s going to play the game.”

“But how can he play if he doesn’t know the plays?” Mitty asked, frowning as he looked at his coach, the others around him beginning to realize that their coach had always known Shane was deaf, that the man had really kept it from them.

“That’s because he’s dumb,” Theirualt snapped, “He doesn’t know how to listen to me-“

“He knows how to do shit,” Hayden snapped, “You’re the piece of shit that blocks him at every turn.”

“Be careful of what you say to me, Pike, I will bench you,” Theriualt warned him.

“Or what, you bench the entire team?” JJ added, “You’re excluding the captain, and you have done all the time.”

“We have a fucking game to win, and none of you fucking pansies better fuck this up,” he said, ignoring them.

Shane looked at Hayden, who’d been giving quick signals that something was going on. Shane had caught some of it with his lip reading, but he knew that there was more to it. He would have to get the full story later on. It was time to play.

XxXxX

Shane slid up to the face-off circle, ready for puck drop, smirking over at Ilya, who mouthed. ‘See you later.’

Shane grinned and gave a sharp nod. They battled with their sticks for a few moments. The puck dropped, and the game began. Shane got the puck and passed it to Hayden, sending Ilya a smirk at the win. The game was fast-paced, as it always was. Shane received the puck again, Ilya trailing behind him. Shane couldn’t help but glance back, a smile on his face.

Ilya grinned at Shane, watching him play; it was always a beautiful sight to see his husband. His smile dropped as he saw Cliff coming in for an intercept. Shane didn’t have time to react as he was hit. Ilya could tell the angel was wrong as Shane slammed into the ice. Skidding a bit until he stopped moving. Ilya skated over fast, as Hayden and Cliff did the same thing. The whistle was loud as the game stopped.

“Rosanov, Marlow, Pike, to your benches!” a ref yelled out as Medics were slow on getting to the ice.

“Shane,” one of the medics said as they went to the young man unconscious on the ice.

“Shane, come on,” the toher said.

“He won’t be able to hear you,” Ilya said, as he knelt down, ignoring the ref, “He is deaf.”

“That would have been reported to us,” the first said, shaking his head, “Shane, come on, we need you to wake.” He began to slowly and carefully remove the helmet. The other was putting on a collar. Shane hadn’t woken.

Ilya huffed at them, gently moving closer and reaching out, pincing him where he knew the pads weren’t protecting him. He did it again, getting a groan from him.

“I said back to your benches!” the ref warned them all again.

“The staff here don’t know that Shane is deaf,” Hayden said, “Rozy knows and can speak with him full in ASL, as can I.”

“It was ne-“

“Fuck it being told, the management of Montreal is fucking shit that they hid him being deaf,” Cliff yelled out, “He’s always been deaf, since before even joining the Voyageurs, just management didn’t want it being known, and he was kept from telling anyone.”

Ilya could see Shane was waking, squinting his eyes and trying to move. “Damn it,” he said, looking at one of the medics. He took the hearing aid out, that Shane used during the games and handed it to Pike. “Put that away when you get a chance.”

“I will,” he nodded, keeping hold of it as Ilya moved to take Shane’s hand.

“What is he doing?” the medic asked,

“Shane isn’t going to be opening his eyes; he’s effectively blind and deaf at this moment, so Rozy’s going to use the signs we have come up with to ask about hurts and things like that. So if you want to know something, tell him so he can translate, and let’s hope Shane is with it enough to respond verbally. His words will be slurred, and off, he’s not going to be able to think about modulating at all,” Hayden said. It had taken weeks for the two of them to come up with something to use, basing it on the protactile method of communication. Using pressure points on the hand to ask where things hurt and pain ratings. It wasn’t perfect, but it’s what they had come up with. Hayden had spent time teaching it to Ilya, just in case.

Ilya pressed and waited for Shane to answer.

“Ilya,” he called out, it was louder than normal, and slightly slurred, but at least he knew Shane was aware enough to know who was beside him.

Ilya continued to ask questions, letting Shane say the answer as best as he could. They got him up on the backboard and are finally heading off the ice. “I am coming with,” Ilya said.

“No, you’re heading back to your bench before I give you a game misconduct,” one of the refs threatened.

“I am going to the hospital with my husband, I’m not letting him be on his own when he’s going to be vulnerable. Hayden, make sure to gather his things and meet me there. I’ll call his parents and tell them where we are going. I know they are at the game today,” he snapped back, glaring at the man before turning his attention back to Shane.

“I’ll talk to them instead, you get to the hospital with Shane. I’ll talk with David and Yuna,” Hayden said, shaking his head.

Ilya gave a nod as he walked off the ice. As he went, he shed his gear, seeing one of the Boston equipment managers picking up after him. He was able to take off his skates and catch them up before they closed the doors of the ambulance on him. Ilya nodded his thanks as he carried on with Shane. In the ambulance, Shane lost consciousness again. Ilya watched as the paramedics worked on his husband, and someone got in the driver’s seat and headed to Montreal General.

The English words washed over him, his mind not fully engaging as he waited for Shane to wake up. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was directed to a side room to wait as treatment began. Ilya settled to one side as he waited for them to allow him to go back. He didn’t know how long he had been sat there when David and Yuna Hollander rushed into the room.

“Why are you still here? Why are you here?” Yuna questioned, her voice sharp as she stared at him.

Ilya looked up before sighing and closing his eyes for a second. He didn’t want to be the one to talk to Shane’s parents about this. He knew Shane wanted to tell them, but the other man was hesitant about doing it. “It is… complicated,” he said softly, “Would be best to sit, they said they will come when he is ready for us.”

“Don’t ignore the question, Rozaonv,” Yuna demanded.

“Yuna, let’s sit down,” David said, seeing a tenseness in Ilya that he could recognise.

Yuna looked at her husband and then back at Ilya, “I wan-“

“Mrs Hollander,” Ilya began, “I… please, sit down, I will talk, but this is better sitting, please,” he practically begged her, gesturing to one of the chairs in the waiting room.

Yuna moved and sat down, “Talk.”

Ilya sighed again as David sat down beside his wife. “Shane and I have been friend for long time, since before rookie. But we also… together,” he said awkwardly, “married,” he added quietly.

“Married, Shane isn’t married, he wouldn’t do that without us,” Yuna insisted, shaking her head, “I don’t know what type of game you’re playing here, Rozanov, but I want you gone before I get security to escort you out.”

“I will not be leaving my husband alone,” he stated. “I will prove,” he said, pulling out his phone. The video of their vows had been sent to him that morning; he’d already watched it a couple of times with Shane. He handed his phone to David, knowing from Shane that he was the calmest out of the two of them.

David frowned but took it. Watching the video with his wife. Both of them open mouthed, staring and listening to what was going on. “You… are married?” 

“When, when was this?!” Yuna demanded to know, hurt evident in her voice.

“Yesterday, we filed the papers this morning before game,” Ilya told them, looking from one to the other, “Shane didn’t know what he should do. To tell you both, we were going to try to think about having you over for dinner, to talk. At cottage in summer. But we didn’t want to wait; we wanted to do this now.”

Yuna shook her head, “He… wouldn’t do this without us.”

Ilya looked at her, “He loves you, yes,” he nodded, “I do not know what Shane would want me to say,” he added quietly.

“Just tell me why my own son wouldn’t want his parents at his wedding?” Yuna said, voice shaking as she stared at Ilya as David handed the phone back.

Ilya sighed and nodded, “I do not know for sure, but yesterday was for us, something with those that we know will be there when this is out there. People we trust with every part of ourselves. With Shane and his deafness, they are all learning sign language, every single one of them. He knows you love him, want to be there, but part of him is afraid,” he said hesitantly, wondering if he should say anything about the hurt Shane felt when it came to his extended family, to his parents, and feeling like they didn’t protect him from some of the things they said and did while he grew up. Even now, as an adult, he was only now starting to feel protected by his parents when it came to his extended family’s behaviour toward him.

“Afraid of what?” David asked, his voice calm.

“To disappoint you both, and to be ignored about knowing what he wants,” he replied quietly.

“We’ve done that before,” David said softly as Yuna stared at her husband.

“When have we done that?” she asked, sounding confused.

“Yuna,” David began, “We do it all the time,” he said softly. “We’ve let him down when it came to my family, and some of yours. We let him down each time we insist he wear his hearing aids and tell him what he should be doing.”

“He did not want it to turn into a spectacle; he wanted himself, what he wanted. And that was something quiet, and simple, something us. You are very… on point with brands and his visibility.”

“In other words, he didn’t want me there in case I turned it around to show him being a role model?” she asked bluntly, still feeling hurt, and wondering why her son hadn’t trusted her to listen to him.

“Da,” he nodded, “That too,” he said softly, “Shane is a good man, loves you both, but yesterday was for us. One day, maybe a larger thing. But we like small, intimate. For a very long time, we have been together. No one really knew about us. Those who did were at the wedding. Only them and an official,” he finished.

“I see,” David said, holding Yuna’s hand, “Shane never really liked the big holidays, gatherings,” he added, thinking about some of the past family events that they’d made Shane go to, even though the family had barely included him. He would often be alone during them, and David and Yuna had come to realize that it was more of a case that he’d never really been included when it came to family. He looked up at Ilya and said softly, “He didn’t trust us because we’ve let him down when it comes to family. We didn’t protect him from them.”

Ilya was quiet, “You love him, but you kept peace, when he needed you to be on his side. He was a child whose life had changed and would never be what people would call normal ever again,” he began, looking mostly at David, “Instead of putting boundaries with family, you let them carry on in cruel ways. You finally did something recently, stood up for him, let him finally be himself without having to fold himself into little pieces. He avoids family because to him, they are not family.”

David nodded, Yuna let out a little hittching sob. “We really fucked up a lot with Shane,” David said.

Yuna leaned against him, “We let them… we let them do that all the damn time and we should ha-” she began, only to cut herself off.

“Da,” Ilya agreed, “But that is past, change now, be here now. Show him you mean what you did last time,” he told them both.

David nodded as the three of them went quiet, waiting for news.

XxXxX

Ilya slowly walked into Shane’s room. His parents were walking behind him. They’d been told Shane had a broken collarbone, concussion, and bruised ribs, but he was going to be okay. They would be keeping him in overnight at the very least before they would release him. Ilya had already talked to LeClaire about bringing Shane back on the flight home to Boston. Ilya really didn’t want to leave Shane alone, not when he was hurt.

Shane was awake on the bed, a goofy smile on his face, and Ilya knew he’d been given something to take away the pain. “ILYA!” he called out, his voice slurring, “Ilya,” he giggled, reaching out his good hand toward his husband, “Husband.”

Ilya went over, taking a hand, and using one hand, spelled out, ‘I L O V E Y O U.’

“Love you too,” he smiled, relaxing back on the pillow a little more. “Love you so much,” he laughed, “I can’t hear myself, it’s funny.”

Shane relaxed even more as Ilya gently brushed his fingers over Shane’s face, seeing the bruising that was there. Cliff had been sorry about the hit, but ILya knew that was just part of being part of hockey. IT was bound to happen at some point. He just hated how the Montreal Medics had responded, they hadn’t known that Shane was Deaf, didn’t know how to comunicate with him to ask anything. Ilya smiled as Shane gave a little snorting snore as he fell asleep.

“He didn’t even notice us,” Yuna said from where she was standing on the other side of the bed.

“He is in pain, he is focused at the moment on one thing,” Ilya said, “Give him time to come down from the painkiller high,” he added, hooking a foot around the chair near the bed and pulling it closer, so he didn’t have to let go of Shane’s hand. “Would you not be doing the same?”

“I would, I know that,” David smiled, “I could hear the love in his voice, and that is all I want for him, so… welcome to the family, just this bit, the rest can… fuck off, I think. You are right, we never put him first when it came to family. And I know that hurt him. I’m his dad, and I failed.”

“But you still show up,” Ilya said, “He loves you both so much, listen to what he says. At home, he doesn’t wear hearing aids; he hates them, so many of us are now learning sign language. Those at All-Star found out Shane is deaf; they are all learning, and more and more are joining in. People are being there, stepping up. The only ones that do not are Montreal,” he pointed out. “He is not safe there anymore. Hayden and JJ agree.”

“The fire,” Yuna said, “I know… I know that I asked him not to tell at first, but that was-“

“Because they would treat him differently, like he couldn’t do anything. Yes, I know, and I agree, at first it should be kept quiet, but as soon as he has shown them what he can do, he should have said. I know he did with Montreal, but they made it difficult for him to even be effective because Theriualt uses his deafness against him. His team found out today, Hayden told me,” he added, “They are not… sure.”

Yuna nodded, “I had hoped the Voyageurs would be a good team and fit for him.”

“They are not,” Ilya told her, being blunt, “He wishes to move. His season is over, no matter what now. He will want to go elsewhere.”

“Boston,” she said, not too happy with that.

“I am hoping, I know Farrah has been asked to be on the lookout and make… erm question-“

“Enquiries?” David prompted.

“Yes, that,” Ilya nodded, “New York is also a possibility.”

Yuna nodded again and settled on a chair with her husband beside her as they waited for Shane to wake up.

 

Chapter Seventeen

NHLSportNews @NHLSportNews

Shane Hollander, Married, Deaf, Injured?!

Last night, we were all anticipating the rivalry between Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, as Montreal and Boston went head-to-head for the last time this season. With playoffs looming and Montreal fighting for a wild-card spot, it was to be one of the most anticipated matchups between the two teams. Boston is through to the Playoffs, guaranteed spot. So what we expected was a fast action game, goals, assists, and as many saves as both goalies could make in three periods. You all know the usual when it comes to these two top teams.

The beginning of the game was just like normal. Quick movements, Hollander and Rozanov facing off at the dot. Hollander with the puck, heading quickly through the neutral zone. Then, a hit. Marlow came out of nowhere, and Hollander was down. Play froze, no one moved as they waited for Hollander to get up. Except that one did move, Rozanov headed over to where Hollander lay. Pike and Marlow are doing the same seconds later. Refs tried to warn them away as Medics headed onto the ice. There wasn’t a fight; not a single movement went toward violence. A player was down, and it was an arena being quiet, a wave of concern at the forefront of everyone’s mind.

But, normal for a player to be hurt during a game; it happens. But what was being said on the ice, which was overheard by spectators, is what has everyone talking. Rozanov told the medics that Shane was deaf. He wouldn’t be able to hear them. Pike and Marlow agree and added their own support to the claim. A deaf player, it hasn’t been seen in decades. But here we are, but is this a recent issue, or something long-term? We don’t know. We can only speculate, and most would agree that this has to be something new to Hollander; there is no way he would be able to be as good as he is without being able to hear. Hollnader is one of the top players in the league, with only Rozanov and Hunter being contenders of the same level.

If Hollander being Deaf was the only thing to report, this would be a short one. It’s not. As Hollander was being taken off the ice, Rozanov was heard telling medics that he would be going with his HUSBAND. Husband, now, this reporter did a little digging, and in fact, it was filed that very morning, was the marriage license of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov.

The two had been married the day before the game. IN a private wedding. The witnesses on the license were Hayden Pike and Cliff Marlow. So we know that they are at least involved in this. How long has this been going on? What has their relationship been? Have they ever lost games for the other, and can we really trust them to be honest about their play?

There is so much going on, and I’m calling it now to have them investigated and to see if their integrity stands.

Ilya scoffed as he finished the article. He knew he would have to put something out, from him and Shane. Yuna had said as much before she had left the night before. Ilya looked up as the door opened and Cliff walked in with LeClaire.

“Rozy,” Cliff greeted, “How’s he doing?” he asked as he glanced at Shane.

“He is doing alright. Was a quiet night for him. except concussion checks. He hated that,” Ilya snorted. They all hated concussion protocol. Every single one of them had gone through it at some point in their career.

“Married?” LeClaire asked.

Ilya looked at him, “Yes,” he nodded once, “Married, been together almost ten years, before rookie season.”

“Fucking hell,” LeClaire said as he ran a hand through his short salt and pepper hair, “Before Rookie, when exactly before?”

“Draft, we… had a moment then, we didn’t get to see each other again properly until the CCM shoot. That’s when things really started. It was casual for a long time, now not, very much not. This is forever,” Ilya said, as he looked at Shane and took hold of his hand again, “Only person I love, Coach,” he whispered reverently as he watched his husband sleep.

“I can give you some time off, to be here with him, a week, two,” LeClaire said, going over what he could do for his top player.

“I wish to bring Shane to Boston. He is no longer going to play for Montreal; he wants out. He is UFA now,” Ilya said, knowing that LeClaire got what he was implying.

“That’s what that was about,” he muttered to himself, nodding, “Right, and you’re going cerm- you want to come on the team flight?” he asked.

Ilya nodded, “Would be best, safer for Shane, without having to go through public areas. He is going to be in pain, and it would be best for him to be with us than with me in first class.”

“Alright, we leave in seven hours, just so you know. Will he be able to leave by then?” he asked, looking over Shane and wondering if it would be possible.

Ilya nodded, “They already wish to release him; they only wanted to keep him overnight. He is to go for one last scan and then test, and that is it; he will be released. They are waiting for him to wake.”

“Alright, I’ll make sure everyone is aware, you’ve got them asking questions. Be warned, they’ll want to know everything, the bunch of fucking gossips.”

“Like you don’t live for it either, Coach,” Cliff smirked at the man as the door opened again, and this time Hayden and JJ walked in. “Hey,” he greeted the two Voyageurs.

“Hey, how’s he doing?” Hayden asked as he closed the door behind him.

“He’s doing well, scan and tests left, then he can go home,” Ilya repeated.

“Boston?” JJ asked, getting a nod, “Thought so, the… team is having a hard time playing nice. I kicked him from the group so he doesn’t have to see that shit, but… I know you mentioned and he did about leaving Montreal, do it.”

“We’re both going to get out as soon as possible as well. Shane’s a free agent now; he’s done seven seasons with a team, so he’s good to go. He made sure to only take a contract until that date. They’re going to get nothing for him,” Hayden smirked, “Only the coach knew that Shane wasn’t going to resign with how he was being treated. Head office doesn’t, they’re going to be fucking fucked.”

JJ laughed bitterly, “Really fucking are.”

“I’ll get things started and have his agent call the GM as soon as,” LeClaire said, “I’m going to head back to the hotel and make sure the misfits are ready.”

“Hayden, will you be able to get some things ready for Shane to come to Boston?” he asked his husbands best friend.

Hayden shook his head, “I’ve already done it, it’s in the car, I’ll just hand it over to Cliff, and he can take it with him,” he said as he moved his shoulder, bringing Ilya’s eyes to the small backpack that was hanging on it, “Got something for him now as well, to change into. Something comfy, and his noise-canceling headphones and a blanket he likes when he’s not feeling great.”

“I know the one,” Ilya murmured.

“Right, that’s all packed and waiting, along with a suitcase of things for him while he’s in Boston,” Hayden added.

Ilya nodded. LeClaire headed off, while Haydena nd Cliff went to switch things around. “JJ,” Ilya began, “Keep me informed with what Montreal is doing.”

“I will,” he promised. “It’s bad, I’ll send you a few screenshots. They’re not happy about him being Deaf, but it’s even worse that he’s gay and married to you.”

Yuna and David arrived with breakfast for Ilya and Shane, for when he woke, something light.

XxXxX

Ilya moved around the living room. The Bears were all gathered; it was the Playoff final, the New York Admirals had made it, and Boston had been kicked out during the second round. Shane was still recovering, but Ilya and the Boston WAGs had helped with that. His parents had flown in for a few days to stay with him while Ilya was playing in New York, and losing. Shane and Ilya had made plans to head to Shane’s cottage for the rest of the summer, mostly hiding from nosy reporters who couldn’t stop asking questions about their relationship, or the fact that Shane was deaf.

Ilya slipped onto the couch beside Shane. The man had his hearing aids out and was watching the game intently. ‘You okay?’ Ilya asked as soon as Shane looked at him.

‘I am.’ He smiled back, looking content. 

‘Hey, no secret conversations.’ Cliff signed at them both, sticking his tongue out before laughing. All of the Boston Bears were learning ASL, from the janitors to the GM and Owners. Every single one of them as they tried to tempt Shane to come to Boston, though really, it was practically a done deal that would be announced with all the other signings for next year.

Shane huffed but went back to watching just as the final buzzer went. The Admirals had done it. They had won. ‘Mom did say the Admirals would win it this year.’

‘She did?’ Connors asked, frowning as he moved his hands clumsily, but Shane was able to easily tell what he was saying. Shane had slowed himself down, giving the Bears a little more time to understand what he was saying.

Shane nodded. ‘She did, she’s like me. We both see the ice differently. She played the women’s league for a while, center. She was damn good, some of her old games are on YouTube.’ He smiled, ‘She stopped when she found out she was pregnant with me.’

‘I didn’t know your mother played?’ Ilya frowned.

‘Under maiden name.’ Shane told them, as attention was pulled back, as they watched Scott Hunter going around the rink and calling someone down. Shane frowned and then his eyes lit up as he realised what was going on. He grabbed his hearing aids, putting them in and wincing at the sudden sound. “He’s doing it,” he whispered.

“Someone from the crowd is coming down to meet Hunter on the ice,” one of the commentators said.

“He really is,” Ilya said, as he laened back and Shane rested against him, moving akwardly as his shoulder protested the movement. He was doing a lot better, but it still ached with how little he had used it for the last few weeks.

Everyone cheered when Scott kissed Kip in the middle of the ice.

“Fuck yeah!” Connors yelled out.

“Damn!” Cliff joined in joyfully.

“He’s fucking hot, how the hell did old man hunter get him!?” Hammersmith muttered, but there was a smile on his face.

Shane shook his head at the comments, “They’re in love, but its hard being a secret. I’m glad they don’t have to do that anymore.”

“You knew?” Connors asked as he and the others turned to face the couple on the couch.

Ilay nodded, “Da, we knew. They were at a wedding.”

Victor nodded, “They were so relaxed, but you could tell that tension was going on between them.”

“Yeah, Kip didn’t want to be pulled back into the closet, and a lot of his friends didn’t know what was going on. That he was seeing someone. He was able to tell a couple of them and his dad, but that was about it,” Shane added, “It’s hard to hide all the time.”

Hammersmith nodded, “Yeah,” he said, “I’m bi, I have a boyfriend,” he blurted out, “We’ve been together for about two years now. I-“

“Where is he?” Ilya asked, “Send for him, bring him in, the WAGs are here too,” he added, gesturing to some of the women who were dotted around, though most had gone outside with the younger children to play and keep them occupied.

“I didn’t know how to say. But… you two, and Hunter… maybe it’s okay now,” he added quietly as he looked at the two of them.

Shane smiled, “Call him and have him come around, we’ll bop them on the head if they get too much,” he promised.

He grinned back and pulled out his phone to make the call. Half an hour later, a smaller young man was let into the home, with dark eyes and sandy brown hair that fell into them, walked in, and was introduced to his boyfriend’s team.

XxXxX

LeClaire stood at the front of the room, going over plays. His hands were moving in time with the words he was speaking. Shane followed along easily. Shane was center, first line, and Ilya was going to be his right winger for this match. During practice, they had switched places often. Working well with Cliff on their left. This would be their first game. The pre-season games had been third and fourth liners mostly with the rookies, to let them get a feel for the game and the ice.

Shane glanced around as LeClaire finished.

‘Holly, you ready for this?’ Cliff signed at him. Using the ASL sign for holly as his nickname. It was a simple sign. The pointer finger of one hand out, with the pointer and thumb of the other hand pulling away from it, making the shape of a holly leaf as it did.

‘You bet,’ he nodded, signing back.

The air around them was electric as they headed out to the ice for warm-ups first. They skated out onto the ice, New York doing the same. Shane waved at Carter and Scott, who waved back.

Ilya moved over to him as silence descended on the stadium. Ilya grinned as he looked around, knowing that Shane had no idea what was going on. ‘My love, look around you.’ He sighed, getting Shane’s attention.

Shane frowned. There was no vibrating from the noise like usual, and the buzz that he normally heard wasn’t there. He turned and followed what Ilya was gesturing at and saw the crowd. They were all silent. Just little murmurs, but no noise as they all signed the same two things. Either his name was spelled out H-O-L-L-A-N-D-E-R or the new nickname he’d gotten after he had signed with the Boston Bears. Holly.

Shane started to smile and laugh. ‘For me?’ he asked as he looked at Ilya.

‘Welcome to the Bears, my husband.’ Ilya said as he walked over and kissed him. That was when the vibrations started, the noise of the stadium with it already filled seats.