Troubled Water – Chapter Five & Six – Duochanfan

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Chapter Five

June 2010

“Are you sure you want to be here instead of at the hotel?” Shane asked Evan as his little brother coughed.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he said, “It’s just a stupid cold.”

“You’ve always been prone to them,” Shane added, shaking his head, “Right, I’ve got you something to drink, there are snacks in the bag beside you, help yourself. If you feel worse, tell Mom and get her to take you back to the hotel. I don’t want you getting worse.”

“I know, I’ll be fine, Shane,” Evan huffed, but started coughing seconds later. “Really, I’ll be fine, now get down there before I contaminate you,” he grinned.

“I can’t believe this is with Rozanov,” Shane said as he looked down toward the ice from where they were sitting in the stands.

“Yeah, well, best get down there, if you linger too much, Mom’s gonna get pissy with you about it. Need to show your professional side, after all. Now you’re with Reebok,” he added, snorting.

“Ugh, I hate it,” Shane sighed as he stood up fully, “Just be okay, alright?” he told him.

“I know, get lost, Shane, you’re cramping my ‘I’m sick’ vibe here,” he joked, shaking his head as Shane finally started to head down. He had to change still, but it wouldn’t take him long to join Ilya on the ice. The man was already waiting and watching the two of them. Shane hurried and changed.

Evan saw the blush on Shane’s cheeks and smirked slightly at it. He was about to shake his head, and decided not to with the way it was hurting. He wished his mom had let him stay at home. Evan watched the two of them as they went to the face of the circle several times. He could tell that they ahd said a few things to each other, but couldn’t hear them. Soon enough, the two were taking a break and talking to each other. Evan was still in the stands, a little too far to join in, and he pouted as his mom went to talk to Shane, as Ilya filmed some solo shots.

Soon enough, Shane was back down on the ice, filming his own shots. Ilya took off most of his gear and joined Evan, sitting next to him.

“Hello, Rozanov,” he said as he looked at him.

“Little Hollander,” he smirked.

“Not little, I’m taller than Shane,” Evan replied, grinning back at the man. “So, why sit here?”

“Wanted to talk to you,” he said as he looked at him, “You are Shane’s little brother?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “I saw you both,” he said as he looked at him, “The roof during the cup, I went up to find Shane.”

“You saw?” he asked, going stiff.

“I’m not going to tell anyone. I’m not going to bring it up with Shane, even though I know he’s going to hide it as much as damn possible. He’s always scared of upsetting Mom and Dad, he never wants to do that. I’m Bi, and I know Shane is gay as they come. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it. He’s got Mom’s expectations on him, and he also has her family on him as well. I don’t have that as much, except from Mom, but she won’t care that he’s gay or anything,” he told him, being honest. “All she wants is for him to be happy. But it’ll take time for that to happen for him. I don’t plan on hiding myself that much; if people can’t handle me, that’s on them, not me. I gave up my fucks a long time ago. Had no choice.”

“You are blunt.”

“In a way, yeah, I am. Look, I was adopted, I got the bullying, teasing, and sick fucking joke-” he cut himself off, coughing again. He reached for the water bottle and took a few sips of it. “Sorry,” he apologised.

“It’s okay,” he said, his accent thick.

“Yeah, childhood was happy at home, but any time away from my family, and people found out I was adopted. Well, people can be really fucking cruel. All my fucks were used by the time I was ten. Shane found out about some of it, and he helped a lot; he was… protective. Still is doesn’t like the fact that I’m not going to be near home for him to visit. Since I’m with the Admirals,” he snorted.

“But yeah, if you’re going to go after Shane like that, be prepared to be patient with him. He’s anxious, autistic, and thrives on routine and knowing exactly where he stands with people. He will spiral and panic if things move too fast for him. Be prepared to wait, take your time, and talk to him, be open,” Evan told him, “So don’t jerk him around, I will be after blood should you do so,” he warned him.

“Okay,” he nodded again, going back to watching Shane fly across the ice as the camera followed him. “You sharing room again?” he asked.

Evan looked at him, hiding a smirk, “No, Mom’s got it in her head that I need a parent around me because I’m sick. It’s why I’m here and not at home. Dad’s only working to five, so it would have been fine. But not for Mom.”

“She cares,” Ilya nodded a few times.

“Yeah, she does. And I love her so fucking much. She chose me, she took me in, and they didn’t have to. They really didn’t have to. I was just some kid her son found left abandoned in a park in winter. I think… if they hadn’t found me, I wouldn’t have lasted the day. Was ill for about three weeks after I was found,” he told him. “But yeah, she worries easily.”

Ilya nodded before getting up. They had just called for him to come back down to the ice for one last talk and shoot before wrap-up.

XxXxX

Shane had been red as he walked out of the changing room. Evan wondered just what Ilya had done to cause that half-panicked look on his brother’s face. He saw Ilya smirking slightly as he walked out and sent Evan a wink. Evan shook his head as he followed his brother to meet up with their mom to go back to their hotel. He knew that Ilya was staying in the same place as them. It was the closest hotel to the rink they were using for the shoot.

“Right, I’ll be gone for a couple of hours, but try and get some sleep. If need be, you’re brother is close, so you can always ask to stay with him a bit if you feel off,” Yuna said, “I’m just meeting a friend. She might have something for me for you,” she told him, kissing his head and looking like she was a second from demanding that he get into bed so she could tuck him in.

“Mom, I’m fine, Shane is three doors down and I can always pester him for a bit,” he told her, smiling softly.

Yuna smiled back, as she went to get readt. “Alright,” she said, I’ll leave you be. Just take care, and if you need me back here, call me. I don’t mind and Cassie will understand if I need to leave for you.”

“I know Mom,” he said, “love you, and just have some fun and don’t talkl about buisness constantly.”

“I will,” she smiled as she then left.

Evan checked the time; it was just past nine. He got up and checked to make sure his mom had gone. She had to miss the lift, but he waited for her to get on before gathering a few snacks and things to go and bug his brother. He wanted to know what had happened in the locker room that had caused the red look on Shane’s face. He left his room, stopping as he saw Ilya Rozanov being pulled into Shane’s room. He went over, wondering what was going on, and listened at the door, about to know.

“You like sucking my cock,” Ilya’s voice was quiet, but Evan’s eyes went wide at the word.

Evan quickly headed back to his own room, “I don’t wanna know. I don’t wanna know,” he said, trying to wipe the image from his mind. “Fuck,” he hissed at himself, “Why did I go to the door? I should have known better. I fucking said that something was going on. Now I fucking know,” he muttered as he quickly entered his room.

Evan closed the door, tossing the snacks he had carried to the bed.

“You know what, though,” he said, tilting his head and smiling, “I kinda ship it.”

XxXxX

Evan was sitting on his bed, reading the book he had brought with him. He was bored and not sure how long Ilya and Shane would be at things. He wanted to message his brother and tell him to come by when he was done. But he knew that if Shane knew that he knew, he would panic. Evan coughed a few times and resettled on the bed. He was half asleep when someone began to rapidly knock on the door. Evan got up, moving to the door a little slowly as he started to wake up.

He peeked through the peephole and saw his brother. He was dressed, but didn’t look as put together as he usually did. Evan let him inside. Shane was shaking slightly as he stood there in the middle of the room.

“I think I just did something stupid,” Shane said, “I can’t.. I want to, but I can’t,” Shane babled as he shook his head, “Fuck, fucking hell. I am so fucking stupid.”

Evan moved quickly, wrapping his arms around Shane and holding him. Knowing that if Shane was babbling and cursing, he was at the point where touch was welcome, and needed to help ground him.

“I know I messed up, Ev,” he murmured, “But I just… I did, I think, I was stupid but I…” he trailed off, not sure what he could say.

Evan bit his lip, wondering again if he should say anything, “Shane, this has something to do with Rozanov?” he asked him.

Shane froze in his arms. “I… don’t tell anyone, don’t tell Mom she’s going to be so disapointed in me, but I… I liked it, Evan, I did, and I don’t.” He cut himself off sharply, moving out of Evan’s arms and putting some distance between them.

Shane was always so strong and put together, then something changed, and it threw him. Evan watched as Shane went over his thoughts and what he had just done. He glanced up, expecting to see something bad in his little brother’s eyes. Instead, there was understanding and acceptance.

“Mom’s not going to care as long as you’re happy. I know she pushes us into things, but this… whatever just happened between the two of you. She isn’t going to be disapointed, shocked maybe, but not disapointed. It’s just who you are,” he told him, sitting on the bed.

Shane nodded, “I know it is, and I keep trying to deny it,” he said softly.

“Accept it and be happy. It’s not going to be easy in the hockey world, I know that. I’m prepared for having maybe one or two seasons before people pile on me if I have a boyfriend and not a girlfriend. Mom doesn’t know yet. But I don’t mind coming out to her. Yeah, I might end up with a woman, and not a guy like last time, but it’s equal chances of both.”

“But you had a girlfriend, Sam, yeah?” he asked him.

Evan shook his head, “Sam as in Samual,” he told him, “Was a boyfriend. Dad doesn’t care; he knows. I’m going to be telling Mom soon enough, and I know she’ll either have endorsements out of her ears for Pride and that, or making sure that my career will be carefully curated to make sure I am still at the top with you and Rozanov,” he finished.

“You’re not scared of losing hockey? You’ve worked so hard to get into the NHL, as I have. As everyone does,” Shane murmured as he sat down on the bed beside Evan.

“Yeah, I am, but being brave means doing what is right for you even if you are scared. Shane, you’re the person I look up to. I have always done so, but maybe for this, you can look to me. I know you’re scared, I can see it, but if you want Rozanov, then fucking go for it. I don’t know what happened, just know something has,” he said, trying to put the words he had heard earlier out of his head.

Shane looked down at his clasped hands, “I’m not much of anything, except an asian-canadian in hockey,” he rolled his eyes.

“Fuck what that idiot said during the fucking draft,” Evan snorted, “He was talking out of his ass for that,” he added, “Now, what you should do is get in touch with Rozanov and ask to have a very frank talk about what you both want. Knowing you, you didn’t do anything but tell him not to tell anyone anything.”

“I don’t have his number, I can’t call him, and he’s going to Boston soon,” Shane said, biting his lip.

Evan wanted to roll his eyes and wondered just what he needed to do to get these two to talk. It was two or three meetings with each other, and they were in a damn spiral about each other. He didn’t know if he believed in love at first sight, but there was something going on between the two of them.

“Okay,” Evan said, wondering if he could get it somehow, for his brother at least, and even for himself.

“I should. I need to…” he walked toward the door, “Sorry, didn’t mean to…” he trailed off.

“You know I’m always around to talk, Shane, if you need to, call me and we’ll talk. I know you’re heading to Montreal for camp in a few days,” he added, just sitting there as his brother opened the door.

“Yeah, I… I might,” Shane said, leaving as quickly as he had arrived.

Evan shook his head and flopped back on his bed for a bit. He wanted to sleep, but he wanted to sort this out, or at least get a good grasp on everything, so he could batter both of them over the head

Evan got up and dressed. He wrote a note on some paper, grabbed an envelope out of the bag that belonged to his mother. She always carried a few around with her, just in case. Though what that just in case was, he still had no idea. He just hoped that the concierge would be able to get it to Rozanov before the end of the night. Evan picked up his keycard, tucked it into the pocket of his hoodie, and headed down.

“Hi,” he said as he went over to reception, “I’m really sorry, but I have a friend here as well, his name is Ilya Rozanov, I know he’s staying here, can’t remember the room.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t give out information about our guests,” she said, smiling politely and hoping that Evan didn’t get loud like a lot of guests do when they are denied information.

“That’s understandable. I was just hoping that someone would be able to get this to him as soon as possible. I know that you’ll be able to get this to him without me having to hang around the lobby all night and day waiting for him to check out. It must get to him, it’s my number and name, that’s all, nothing bad,” he promised her. Evan was using as much charm as he could with her, trying to get her to agree.

“I can have a porter take it up to him. I’m sorry I can’t give you more than that, sir.”

“That’s amazing, so thank you,” he said, as he handed over the envelope. “Thank you again,” he said, smiling at her as he then left. He had no idea how long it would take to get the note to Ilya, but he hoped it was soon enough that they could talk a bit before he went to bed, and maybe get him to see Shane again to give him his number. Evan made it back to his room, and he curled up on his bed, putting the TV on low, trying to keep himself awake a little longer. He knew that Shane must still be going over what had happened; he just hoped it wasn’t too bad for his brother.

Evan startled awake as his phone rang. He picked it up, an unknown number. “Hello,” he said, as he waited for the one on the other end to identify themself.

“Little Hollander,” came Ilya’s voice.

“Rozanov,” he greeted back, “Shane came to me in a panic,” he told him.

“I tried,” he sighed. “We had a bit of fun, not everything,” he said, not giving details, which Evan was grateful for.

“No details,” Evan told him, making sure he knew not to share. “I just want to tell you that he doesn’t have your number. Shane… isn’t the type for a one-nighter. If you get what I mean. So if you’re just going with a regular hook-up with him, tell him. He needs to know that. If you want something more, tell him,” he said, feeling like he was repeating himself from earlier.

“I will go back, talk with him again, and try to tell him what it is going to be like. It will be hard, but I do not know how to… tell him that yes, I like, but things are not well in Russia, rumors going around about new laws.”

“Do you want to go back?” Evan asked him, “Really, go back to Russia, live there all the time, retire there?” he carried on, being serious as he knew that this was something that Rozanov would have to think hard about.

“I do not… I don’t,” he replied after a few minutes.

“Then see about getting another passport. Is your agent and manager Russian or American?” he asked him.

“Canadian, I got news he fired me, after losing cup. Russian agent not happy, worked more for father. Was trying to get the contract with Boston revoked, so I sign with KHL instead,” he told him.

Evan nodded, “Okay,” he said, “Talk to them about getting an American or Canadian passport, to go through erm… what’s the word?”

“Immigration,” Ilya said.

“Yeah, that one. Sorry, I’m kinda getting tired,” he told him, being honest. He was seventeen, not really equipped to advise at all. He just knows it might be something that Ilya should know.

“Understand, will talk to Shane, and give number.”

“I’ll keep yours as well. In case,” he yawned.

“Get better soon,” Ilya said and cut the call.

Evan slumped on the bed, “Ugh, this is gonna be complicated,” he muttered to himself as he saved Ilya’s number under Chaos, and got ready for bed, hoping that by tomorrow Shane would be a bit happier about the situationship that he now had with Ilya.

Chapter Six

October 2010

The Boston Raiders and the Montreal Voyageurs game was finally over. Shane and Ilya had been at the face off twice during the game. Their coaches making the decision to send them out, showing off the rivlary that the fans had been wanting to see since it had been announced that they would be playing for the teams and not in the juniors.

Shane bit his lip and glanced around the locker room. There was an air of celebration. They had won the game against Boston. Ilya had gone back to Shane’s room after leaving it, giving him his number, and getting Shane’s. That moment had changed something, yes they were planning on hooking up again, when they could, but there was also something like maybe a friendship that could possible grow between them.

Jane

So, I live with someone, but we can still meet up if you want.

Lily

I have own room this time, asked for it, on different floor. 725. 

Jane

Okay, I’ll see you a little later.

Lily

Back at hotel within an hour. See you then

Jane

They want to go out to celebrate, but I’ve made it known I don’t like doing so. They expect me to go out for one drink. But I’m going to skip out. So be there in about two.

Lily

See you then

Shane smiled as he tucked his phone away and finished getting dressed.

“So, coming out?” Hayden asked him.

Shane shook his head, “No, the last time I did, they called me a bore because I don’t drink much. Not going to go if that’s the case. Rather spend time doing something fun than listen to people take apart my personality and character in such a way,” he said, knowing that some of those who had done that were listening in.

“Hollander,” the captain of the team said as he walked over.

“Captain,” Shane said, being respectful.

“You can’t say things like that.”

“Then maybe you need to listen to what they’ve been saying to me. I don’t have to sit here and listen as they call me racial slurs to my face, and then call me boring because I don’t like the alcohol on offer. I’m not a big drinker. I drink around those I trust, and so far, I haven’t felt like I could trust the team yet, considering we’ve barely even started the season, and the camps were the only time I was around any of you,” he said, feeling a little nervous now that most of the team were watching and listening.

“Is that how you feel?” Captain Rodgers asked him.

“Yes, sir,” he answered, “I can’t help that I don’t know any of you; you might have been playing together for years, have built a trust with each other. But when someone new comes in, there isn’t any trust yet. You are people I don’t know. I know you play hockey, I know you play well. That you’re a good team, but that doesn’t translate into being trustworthy to me. Maybe in time, I’ll be going out with you, maybe actually having a drink or two. But I have to see it, and having them call me slurs isn’t the way to go to show that I’m part of this team. Instead, it’s just made me feel like I shouldn’t even be here,” he stated as he finished getting dressed.

“Then come out-” he began to say.

“Captain, I don’t know if I want to,” he stated, interrupting him. He knew he was being rude, but he really didn’t want to listen to his supposed team calling him things he hadn’t heard in years. “In less than a minute of being in the locker room, I’ve already been called a slur. Gook, and it’s the kind that I haven’t heard in a long time. Not since I was in the under-12s and a damn parent called my mom and me that,” he told him, giving the offending player a look.

“Hey, I was-” he began to protest, holding his hands up.

“I know, you’re only joking around, and I’m too sensitive to it. If I can’t take it as a joke,” he rolled his eyes, “Yeah, that’s what my mom and I were told each time we heard them. I don’t fucking believe a damn second of that excuse. It’s just a way for you to pretend that it’s on me that I take offense to an offensive term.”

“So you’re painting us all with the same brush?” someone asked.

Shane looked at them, “When you don’t stop it, you become complicit. I’m a rookie, I don’t have a lot going for me, I know that. But I had hoped that when joining Montreal, I would find a band of brothers. So far, I haven’t.”

“Then you need to give us a chance to change now that we know,” Rodgers told him.

Shane hesitated for a few moments before nodding. “I’ll only be able to come for one drink. I’ve got something going on later that I can’t miss,” he said.

“Alright, we’ll message you the address to come to,” Rodgers told him.

Shane nodded. “Alright,” he said, looking at the captain and the one who had said something. “I’ll try and meet you halfway at least.”

Hayden nodded at him; he’d said something when he had noticed the slur sent toward Shane. But he’d been brushed aside, being told to shut up. He had, but made note of what was said by whom.

XxXxX

Shane looked at the bar that Rodger’s had sent him to. He still wasn’t sure if he wanted to be there. He didn’t plan on drinking at all, but he could at least attempt to socialise. Evan ahd made sure he had learned how to do that right, and to try and fit in with people. Not that Shane wanted to do that. He hated socializing, and often left that part of things to Evan. His younger brother was always better at it.

Jane

I’m at the bar, and I really don’t want to go in.

Lily

It be fine. Have one drink, then come to hotel.

Jane

I will. Hope to see you soon.

Shane tucked his phone away and finally went inside. He glanced around and could see some of the team in one corner of the bar, and the rest scattered around it.

“Rookie,” came the voice of Captain Rodgers as he called him over.

Shane walked over to him. “Captain,” he nodded.

“It’s Al,” he told him, shaking his head, “What’s your posion?” he asked.

“Nothing that will be sold here,” Shane snorted, “I’d rather have a ginger ale for now.”

Rodgers nodded, “Alright,” he said, getting up and going to the bar.

Shane sat down in the booth on the edge, he could see that the two other players he had been left with didn’t look too happy with his presence at all. He gave them both a tight smile as some of the other players came over.

“So, you made it,” one of their defencemen, Andrews, said as he looked down at him. His tone wasn’t happy.

“I did,” Shane said, spotting Hayden walking over to them. “Hey, Hayd,” he greeted his friend and roommate. The man had left earlier since he had to drop something off for his sister.

“Shane,” the man grinned, “Great, you made it. Sorry about not hanging around.”

“It’s fine. I’ve got somewhere to be soon,” he said, shaking his head as Rodgers came back over with a can of ginger ale and a beer in the other for himself. “Thank you, Captain.”

“It’s Al,” he reminded him as he took a seat in the booth. “Well, looks like most of the team is right here,” he said, glancing around.

“Cap,” Andrews nodded, now smiling at the man.

“Did we have to have the chink here?” their current goalie said, sneering slightly as he looked at Shane.

“23,” Hayden said.

“What?” Andrews said, “What’s 23?”

“That’s 23 times that idiot has called Shane that in the last week. 14 times you called his Gook, I don’t just have hockey stats in my head,” Hayden said as he looked at them and then the Captain, “Can you blame Shane for not wanting to be around when he’s being insulted all the time for his heritage?”

Rodgers looked at Hayden, then at Shane, who was looking stone-cold. Not a flinch of a bit of emotion on his face. “That’s enough,” he said, as he looked at Andrews and then Leyton. “No more slurs. I’m shutting that shit down.”

“Coach says worse,” Andrews told him, “So you can-“

“He might be the coach, but I’m the fucking captain,” he stated, “He can do what the fuck he wants. But for my team, I want a fucking team, not a damn war zone. Now cool ya fucking tits and stop the fuckng racial shit that’s been going on. Hollander and Pike are right that you fucks have been pushing it, and ostracizing one of our own.”

“Cap!” someone exclaimed, “We’re just-“

“What, fucking joking around, do you see the one you’re aiming it at laughing?” he asked him, glaring at the man, “I don’t. If he were laughing, then maybe it would be fine. But he isn’t, and I’m not either. I let this slide, over and over again. And then I fucking got a kick in the ass. I don’t like being kicked in the ass because of my behavior.”

“Cap, no one was kicking you-“

“Hollander was pointing out the fucking fucked up shit we were all doing to him. You all complained that he wasn’t a team player. Would any of you want to be on a team that used your heritage as cannon fodder? Kyle, would you stand for it if someone used slurs on your wife because she’s black?” he asked his winger.

“What the fuck, Cap!” Kyle said, eyes going wide, “You know what type of shit she had to put up with. And I would fucking deck the man that said it.”

“So why should Hollander put up with it?” he said, shaking his head, “No one should have to put up with that shit. And on this team, we shouldn’t let it lead, just because our coach is a racist bag of dicks.”

Shane looked up, “I get insults, and that’s fine, but try not to use slurs all the time. You never know who you’re offending and what it could do to them.” These were things that Evan had said in the past when he’d found out Shane had been bullied when they were in school together. Evan had stood up for him, and Shane had learned how to stand up for himself in the end. It had been the turning point for Shane; he didn’t want to keep silent when things went on that he didn’t like. He was starting to stand up for himself more.

Rodgers nodded, “Yeah,” he said, looking around at his team. “Pay attention, don’t use slurs. I want a good team. I want my legacy to be that I captained a great team. And if you’re using slurs like that, then we’re not a good team, we’re just the same as every other fucked up team that uses them.”

“yes, cap,” they nodded, though some didn’t look happy about it.

Rodgers nodded, looking happier than most of them.

Shane shared a quick look with Hayden, he drank half his can and got up, to wander a bit around the bar with his friend. “Not sure how long it’s going to last with coach around, but I can hope.”

Hayden nodded as they moved to one of the other booths, only for them to bump into someone. “I’m so sorry,” Hayden said as he looked at the woman in front of him.

“It’s fine,” she smield at him, “No harm done.”

“I’m Hayden,” he said, holding out his hand, “I’m really sorry.”

“It’s fine, and I’m Jackie,” she smiled back.

Shane looked between the two of them and almost rolled his eyes. He patted Hayden on the back, “I’m going to head out. I’ll tell Cap,” he said, letting Hayden flirt with the woman he’d almost knocked over.

Hayden turned, “No, you don’t have to,” he said, giving a weak protest.

“It’s fine, and nice to meet you,” he said to Jackie before heading off to find the captain. He hadn’t even stayed for the one drink, but the one person on the team that he would have stayed for was now busy flirting with a woman, who was flirting back just as much. He was able to beg off the rest of the night with the team and headed to Ilya’s hotel.

XxXxX

January 2011

Canada had won the International Prospect Cup a second time in a row, beating Sweden this time. Russia, in Shane and Evan’s eyes, had no hope without Ilya Rozanov. He had pulled that team up and made them contenders. Shane hadn’t been able to see his little brother play, but he’d enjoyed watching the recording of it later, even though he knew how it ended. Now it was time for the All-Star games. It was something Shane was looking forward to. Shane had been the Voyageur that they had sent, keeping Rodgers back. Ilya had also been sent, which Shane was happy about.

“1221,” Ilya told him as he skated past after the skill challenges were over.

“What was that all about?” Scott Hunter asked as he looked at the Rookie he was captaining for the All-Star.

“Oh, erm, nothing,” Shane said, shaking his head and getting up to head down the rink to the exit.

“He being an asshole again?” Scott asked him.

Shane looked at him and nodded, “He always is,” he shrugged.

“I’m rooming next to the little bastard,” he snorted, “He’s loud.”

Shane blanched at that, “Oh, right,” he said, feeling nervous about going to meet Ilya later. He was worried Scott might see them, but he still wanted to meet up with him for a bit, without the reporters seeing, as they always made a huge deal out of their so-called rivalry.

“He’s a bastard, but he’s good,” Scott added.

“Yeah,” Shane agreed as he then headed off, needing to get away. They had the game the next day.

Shane took his time changing and heading to the hotel. He was nervous as he stored his gear in his room. He saw Scott as he headed up in the lift, coming into the building as well. Heading to Ilya’s floor, he looked around nervously as he went to the door and knocked rapidly. He bounced around on his feet, looking up and down the corridor, hoping that no one would see him. The door finally opened, and he burst in, closing the door behind him quickly.

“Are you being chased?” Ilya asked, a surprised note in his voice, though it was mingled with concern.

Shaen glared at him. “No,” he stated, “But Scott Hunter is right next door, and he could have come out of his rooma nd saw me waiting there. You took so fucking long.”

“It’s okay, Hunter isn’t the type to gossip,” Ilya tried to reassure him.

“Don’t know about that, he was happily telling me that he had a room next door to you,” Shane told him.

“I’m sorry,” Ilya said.

“No you’re not,” Shane huffed, seeing the little smirk hidden on Ilya’s face. “I-” he was cut off as Ilya brought him closer, kissing him.

“Shane, we have limited time,” he told him, as he held him close. “We’ll talk more later, da?” he carried on.

Shane gave a quick nod as the two kissed a bit more before moving toward the bed.

XxXxX

Shane lay with his head resting on Ilya’s chest; the man had his arms around him, holding him. They still hadn’t gone all the way. Shane wasn’t ready for that, and Ilya understood. Not only that, but Shane didn’t want that to happen in a hotel room. And since neither of them owned their own place yet, they were stuck with whatever hotel room the other was staying at to meet up in.

“You okay?” Ilya asked, rubbing Shane’s naked back.

Shane looked up, leaning up for a kiss, “I’m okay,” he said, a soft smile on his face as Ilya leaned down and kissed him. “I’m sorry,” he added as he settled back.

“If you are not ready, you are not ready. There is no shame in that,” Ilya told him.

“I know, but I… I want to,” he stammered out.

“Shane,” Ilya said, taking hold of his face and tilting it so he could look the other man in the eyes. “It is fine, okay,” he told him, “We are fine. We can do that another time, any time. Not rush, never rush. Worth waiting for.”

“Yeah,” he murmured before they kissed and settled in bed again. “Tomorrow’s the game and we have one more night before we go back.”

“Hmm, not enough time,” Ilya murmured, “We play each other again in a month. We still won’t have a place to meet.”

“No, I’m searching for a place. Thought I found one, but it fell through at last minute. So looking again,” Shane said.

“I am doing the same. Marly is fun to stay with, but like own place now,” Ilya agreed, “Should try and get one before going back to Russia.”

“Yeah,” Shane agreed, yawning, “Hope Scott didn’t hear us,” he murmured.

Ilya smirked, “He would be jealous if he did.”

Shane smacked Ilya on the chest lightly. “Not nice, Ilya.”

“Could ask to join us,” Ilya teased, “he’s hot at least.”

Shane snorted, “Just no, Ilya,” he said, shaking his head, “Alarm is set, right?” he asked.

“Da,” Ilya nodded, “Enough time to sleep, have fun, then shower and leave, to get ready for game.”

“Hmm,” Shane said, eyes already half closed.

Ilya smiled as he felt Shane fully relax against him. He looked down, seeing him asleep, before closing his eyes and drifting to sleep himself.

					

													

										

				

				
				Troubled Water – Chapter Four – Duochanfan
				
				
							

									

										

				

				
				Project File: Trouble Water – Duochanfan
				
				
							

									

										

				

				
				Troubled Water – Chapter One – Duochanfan
				
				
							

									

										

				

				
				Troubled Water – Chapter Three – Duochanfan
				
				
							

									

										

				

				
				Troubled Water – Chapter Two – Duochanfan