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Ilya: Where are you?
Shane: Home. Why?
Ilya: Let me come to you.
Shane: Game is in two days. Let's meet after that.
Ilya: But I miss you. You also miss me, yes?
Shane: Yes. But I need to focus.
Shane: Besides, I'm going out to meet someone now.
Ilya: Who?
Shane: Rose. She's in town for a shoot. She wants to hang out with me.
Ilya: My boyfriend is meeting her ex-girlfriend.
Ilya: Life is so unfair.
Shane: She's my best friend.
Ilya: I thought Hayden is your best friend. JJ too. Also me.
Shane: Yeah, and she's my best friend, too.
Ilya: You're so boring, Hollander.
Ilya: I'm gonna beat you in two days and punish you for choosing to have dinner with her rather than see me.
Shane: As if I'll let you win.
Shane: But I will look forward to your punishment.
Ilya: You should, Milyy.
Ilya: I love you.
Shane: I love you, too.
Shane put his phone into his pocket after sending his last message to Ilya. He stood by the door for a moment, keys in hand, taking a breath. Spending time with Rose always felt easy, like slipping into something familiar and comfortable. It had been more than a year since they broke up, and more than a year since he came out to her. That night had changed everything, but not in the way he feared.
Rose did not leave. She stayed.
Somehow, they became even closer after that. She became his best friend, the person he leaned on when things felt confusing or heavy. He could talk to her about his life without filtering his words, without fear of judgment. She listened, asked the right questions, checked on him, and reminded him that he deserved happiness. Shane smiled to himself as he locked his door. He was genuinely happy to see her again. It had been too long.
Ten minutes later, he arrived outside the hotel where Rose was staying. He parked near the entrance and sent her a quick message.
Shane: I'm outside.
The reply came almost instantly. A red heart emoji popped up on his screen.
Shane chuckled softly and leaned back in his seat. Three minutes later, the hotel doors opened, and Rose stepped out. She waved enthusiastically as she spotted his car, her smile wide and bright. Shane felt that familiar warmth in his chest as he watched her walk toward him.
She opened the passenger door and slid inside.
"Hey beautiful," Shane said, grinning.
Rose leaned over immediately, wrapping her arms around him in a quick hug. She pressed a kiss to his cheek before pulling back. "Hey, handsome. I missed you."
"I missed you, too," Shane said. "Seat belt."
Rose laughed and reached for the belt, clicking it into place just as Shane started the car and pulled away from the curb.
"I'm so happy to see you again," Rose said, turning slightly toward him. "Thank God I finally got a break from filming."
"How's the movie going?" Shane asked.
"Exhausting," she replied. "There are so many action scenes. I swear, I'm bruised in places I didn't know could bruise."
Shane glanced at her with a teasing smile. "So what is it this time? Are you playing a kidnapped victim again?"
Rose groaned dramatically. "No. I'm a police officer."
Shane raised an eyebrow. "That sounds promising."
"But," Rose continued, smiling mischievously, "somehow I still get captured by the suspect. So maybe I am kidnapped again."
They both burst into laughter, the sound filling the car easily, naturally.
After a moment, Rose sighed contentedly. "It really feels nice to be here. So tell me, how are you?"
Shane smiled without thinking. "Good. Got a game in two days against Ottawa."
"That's the team Ilya Rozanov is playing for now, right?" Rose asked.
"Yeah," Shane said.
"Your fans must be excited to see you play against each other again. I wonder when he left Boston for Ottawa," Rose wonders.
Shane shrugged, "No idea. But he's a big asset to Ottawa now."
"Lucky them. They have one of the best player and their popularity skyrocketed." Rose pointed out.
"Yeah. I really look forward to it. He's nice to play against," Shane said.
Rose sighed. "Too bad I can't watch it live, but I will definitely watch the replay when I'm free."
They drove in comfortable silence for a few seconds before Shane spoke again. "So, what do you want to do first?"
Rose's eyes lit up. "Shopping."
Shane let out a long sigh. "Of course."
Rose laughed. "I am shopping for you."
"For me?" Shane asked, even though he already knew the answer.
"Yes," she repeated. "Because I wanna make you look sexy and hot so we can find you a boyfriend."
Shane shook his head, smiling despite himself. "Really? You're not gonna make me look like a weirdo, right?"
Rose grinned. "Trust me. You will definitely look great and classy."
Shane sighed again, but it was fond, resigned, and full of affection as he turned the car toward their first stop of the night.
At that moment, Ilya was lying flat on his back, staring blankly at the ceiling of his hotel room. The lights were off, curtains half drawn, the city glow barely sneaking in. His hands rested on his stomach, fingers loosely intertwined, doing nothing to quiet the restlessness in his chest.
He missed Shane.
He missed him so much it almost felt physical. It had been three weeks since they last saw each other, three weeks of video calls and rushed messages between practices, games, and travel. And now, Shane would only see him again after the match in two days.
Two days felt like forever.
Ilya turned his head slightly, eyes unfocused. Shane was spending time with Rose Landry tonight.
Rose Landry.
The name alone made something twist uncomfortably in his chest. The famous actress with the squeaky-clean reputation. The one people loved. The one who had a normal, public relationship with Shane once upon a time. She was beautiful, talented, and, according to Shane, genuinely sweet and kind.
She's also now Shane's best friend.
Ilya exhaled slowly through his nose. He hated the jealousy that crept in, uninvited and unwanted. It was not Rose's fault. He knew that. Shane had never given him a reason to doubt him. Still, Ilya could not help it.
People loved Shane and Rose together. They had smiled for cameras, held hands openly, kissed without fear. Ilya wished he could do the same. He wished he could reach for Shane's hand in public, pull him close, kiss him like nothing else in the world mattered.
He wanted to go public so badly.
But he respected Shane. He respected his fears, his plans, his careful steps forward. So Ilya waited. Quietly. Patiently. Even when it hurt.
His phone rang suddenly, cutting through his thoughts.
Ilya frowned and reached for it, squinting at the screen. The name staring back at him made him pause.
Svetlana.
He hesitated for half a second before answering.
"Privet," he said, his voice low.
"Privet, Ilya," Svetlana replied smoothly. "Where are you?"
"Montreal," he answered. "I have a game in two days."
There was a brief pause, then she laughed softly. "Good. I am in Montreal, too."
Ilya sat up, blinking. "What?"
"Yes. Business meeting," she said. "It just finished. My flight is tomorrow. I am bored, and this city is awful."
"It's okay." Ilya said automatically.
"It is boring," Svetlana corrected. "I want to see you."
Ilya sighed. "I am not sleeping with you."
Svetlana snorted. "Do not be ridiculous. I know you are with 'Jane'." she emphasized the name Jane.
Ilya froze for a second at the name. "Then, why do you want to see me?"
"Because you are my friend," she said. "And because I am going to lose my mind if I stay alone. I just want to hang out."
He rubbed his face with one hand. "You are impossible."
"And you miss me," she added lightly.
"I do," Ilya did not deny it. "Where are you staying?" he asked.
Svetlana gave him the name of the hotel. "Come pick me up," she said. "Save me from this boredom."
"I will be there," Ilya replied.
"Good. See you later, Krasavchik" she said, then hung up.
Ilya stared at his phone for a moment before dropping it onto the bed. He swung his legs over the side and stood up, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off the heavy thoughts clinging to him.
At least this would be a distraction.
He opened the bedside drawer and grabbed his car keys. Thankfully, he had brought his Mercedes SUV this trip. Driving always helped clear his head. It gave his hands something to do, something solid to focus on.
Ilya pulled on his jacket, zipped it halfway, and took one last look around the quiet hotel room. Shane's absence felt louder than ever, but for now, he would push it aside.
He left the room, the door clicking shut behind him, and headed down to the parking garage.
For tonight, at least, he would not be alone with his thoughts.
---
A few hours later, Shane and Rose wrapped up their shopping adventure, arms slightly sore and bags tucked safely into the trunk of Shane's car. As much as Shane complained, he knew Rose had a point. She always did. They went to a fancy rooftop bar and restaurant not far from downtown to have dinner. This place has warm lighting, soft music, a dome-like bubble room on the rooftop for privacy and an intimate vibe, and a quiet kind of elegance.
As soon as they stepped onto the rooftop, the waiter recognized them.
"Mr. Hollander, Ms. Landry. Good evening," the waiter said politely. "Right this way, please."
He led them to a private dome-like bubble room a little farther from the other customers, offering privacy for Montreal Metro's team captain, Shane Hollander, and the famous actress Rose Landry. They took their seats. The table is beautifully decorated and intimate without feeling crowded. The waiter placed the menus in front of them neatly.
"Can I get you anything to drink while you look over the menu?" he asked.
"Sparkling water, please," Shane said.
"Same for me," Rose added with a smile.
The waiter nodded and walked away.
At that exact moment, another set of customers came. Ilya and Svetlana. The receptionist greeted them with a professional smile.
"Table for how many?"
"Two," Ilya answered.
The receptionist was about to signal for a waiter when Svetlana suddenly paused. She leaned slightly forward, eyes narrowing as she scanned the area.
"Wait," she said, pointing discreetly in a direction. "Is that Shane Hollander?"
Ilya followed the direction of her finger.
His breath hitched.
There Shane was, sitting with a menu in his hands, head slightly tilted in concentration. A woman sat to his left, her light-colored hair catching the glow of the centerpiece lamp. Ilya did not need an introduction. He already knew it was Rose. He had known Shane was spending time with her tonight, but seeing it in front of him made his chest tighten.
"We should go somewhere else," Ilya said quietly.
Svetlana looked at him and replied in Russian, her tone calm but firm. "Ilya, we are already here. And I am hungry. I'm not gonna go around Montreal to look for another restaurant when we're here already."
She turned back to the receptionist with a pleasant smile. "I think I just saw a friend," she said, gesturing at Ilya. "They are hockey friends."
The receptionist nodded in understanding.
Without waiting for Ilya, Svetlana walked toward Shane and Rose's table. Ilya hesitated for a second, then followed, his steps heavy but controlled.
Shane and Rose were in the middle of discussing what to order when a shadow fell across the table. They both looked up.
A beautiful woman stood by the door of their bubble room, confident and composed, with Ilya just behind her.
Shane's eyes widened. He stood up immediately, surprise flashing across his face before he smoothed it out. He looked at Ilya and forced a small smile.
"Hey, Rozanov."
"Hollander," Ilya replied simply.
Svetlana entered the dome and extended her hand toward Shane. "Svetlana Vetrova," she said. "Ilya's friend." Ilya also entered the bubble dome and stood beside Svetlana.
The moment her name settled in the air, something sharp clicked into place inside Shane's chest.
Svetlana Vetrova.
The name echoed back to a quiet night in his cottage. He and Ilya were sitting comfortably on the huge couch as Ilya's voice was softer than usual as he spoke about marrying Svetlana so he could be a US citizen and stay in the USA.
The woman that Ilya almost married.
Shane's gaze lifted slowly, taking her in properly this time. She was beautiful in an effortless, unforced way. Elegant. Confident. The kind of woman who looked like she belonged beside Ilya, like they made visual sense together. Standing next to him now, they look devastatingly beautiful together.
For a brief, ugly second, jealousy flared so hard Shane thought it might burst out of him. His heart thudded painfully against his ribs, instinct screaming territory, possession, fear.
This is who Ilya almost married. This is who could have been his wife.
Shane swallowed, steadying himself. He remembered telling Ilya not to marry Svetlana. Shane thought that he would not accept Ilya marrying anyone. Not her. Not anyone. Because Ilya was his, and he was Ilya's, even when neither of them had dared say it out loud yet.
Even now.
He forced himself to breathe and look again, past the sharp edges of jealousy, past the imagined futures that never happened. What he saw instead softened the ache just enough to bear.
Svetlana was not reaching for Ilya. She wasn't clinging, wasn't staking a claim. She stood beside him with the ease of someone who had already survived losing him once and chosen to stay anyway. Not as a lover. As family.
The only family Ilya had left.
Shane felt the tension drain from his shoulders, replaced by something quieter and heavier. Understanding. Respect. Gratitude, even, tangled uncomfortably with the remnants of jealousy.
He met Svetlana's eyes and took her hand.
And in that brief contact, Shane realized something else, something that settled deep and certain in his chest.
Loving Ilya meant accepting the people who had loved him before Shane ever existed in his life. And Svetlana Vetrova was one of them.
Shane shook her hand. "Shane Hollander. Nice to meet you."
Svetlana smiled. "I've been wanting to meet you in person. You are Ilya's 'hockey rival', after all." They let go each other's hand before her gaze shifted to Rose.
Rose stood up gracefully. "I'm Rose Landry. Shane's friend." She held her hand out to Svetlana.
Svetlana's eyes lit up in recognition. "Ahh... The actress." She shook Rose's hand as well. "Not Mr. Hollander's girlfriend?"
Shane's eyes widened in alarm. Ilya wants to drag Svetlana out of that place.
Rose only smiled calmly. "We used to date. We're just best friends now."
Svetlana nodded. "Ahh... Shame. Same with Ilya. We almost married each other." She smiled wryly. "Now, we are just friends."
Shane glanced at Ilya, searching his face. Ilya's expression stayed carefully neutral.
"Are you two having dinner as well?" Rose asked kindly.
"Da," Svetlana said. "But I saw you two and thought it would be nice to introduce myself."
"That's very nice of you," Rose replied warmly. She hesitated for only a moment before adding, "Would you like to join us?"
Shane turned to her in quiet horror. Rose is too kind but inviting Ilya and Svetlana will be so awkward for him.
Ilya opened his mouth to refuse, but Svetlana spoke first. "That would be wonderful. The more, the merrier, yes?" She looked at Ilya expectantly. Ilya sighed and pulled out the chair to Rose's left for Svetlana. She sat down smoothly, thanking him under her breath. Ilya then took the seat across from Rose, with Svetlana on his right and Shane on his left.
The waiter returned with two glasses of sparkling water and froze slightly at the sight of the expanded group.
"Ohh," he said, recovering quickly. "I'll grab menus for you as well. Do you need anything? A drink perhaps?"
"Water for me, please," Svetlana said.
"Vodka," Ilya added.
Svetlana shot him a look and spoke in Russian. "Are you kidding me? You are driving me back to my hotel. You are not drinking."
Ilya sighed. "Just Coke, then," he told the waiter instead.
The waiter nodded and walked away.
For a brief moment, the table was quiet. The waiter returned with Svetlana and Ilya's drinks and menus and left again.
Ilya glanced sideways. Shane was already looking at him. Their eyes met, holding for just a second too long before they both looked back down at their menus, pretending to study the options.
The air between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, not sharp or hostile, but charged with awareness. It was the kind of tension that came from familiarity, from things left unsaid, from knowing exactly what the other person was thinking without needing words.
Across the table, Rose and Svetlana exchanged an amused look, both sensing the tension on the table they share together.
Dinner was going to be far more interesting than any of them had expected.
The waiter returned not long after, placing Ilya's Coke and Svetlana's water in front of them. Then, he took out his pen and notepad to take their orders. They start with their appetizers, then the main dish. Ilya ordered a dessert for himself while the other three didn't. The waiter repeated their order to confirm, collected the menus, and left them again.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Ilya leaned slightly toward Svetlana and spoke in a low voice in Russian. "This is awkward. Why would you want to have dinner with them?"
Svetlana did not even blink. She kept her posture relaxed and replied just as quietly. "I've been wanting to meet him and am interested in meeting her as well. I heard you and him are friendly now. Was that a lie? Relax. Just enjoy the dinner."
Ilya huffed and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms loosely as if that might help.
Trying to steer the conversation somewhere safe, Svetlana turned to Rose. "So, Ms. Landry,"
"Just call me Rose," Rose said.
"Rose then. Are you filming here in Montreal now?" Svetlana asks.
Rose nodded. "Yes. Today's my free day, though. We're shooting another scene tomorrow."
"What kind of movie is it?" Svetlana asked.
"Action-suspense," Rose replied. "I'm playing a police officer."
"That sounds interesting," Svetlana said approvingly. "I look forward to it."
"Thank you," Rose smiled. "What about you? What brings you to Montreal?"
"I work for a luxury car dealership," Svetlana explained. "I had a meeting yesterday with a client interested in buying a few units. It's done now, so I'll fly back to Boston tomorrow. Since Ilya is also here, I ask him to hang out with me."
Shane chimed in, "Did Rozanov buy his sports cars from you?"
"Da, He did. He also sold it back when he moved to Ottawa. I still think it's ridiculous, but he said he likes it there." Svetlana paused, "The cars were sold immediately. Some fans figured out it was his and wanted 'Ilya Rozanov's car' as memorabilia."
Ilya smirked. "I should have signed the dashboard. The price would have been higher."
Svetlana waved a hand dismissively. "Not necessary. We cleaned it anyway before we sell it." Then she turned her attention fully to Shane. "So, how did you two actually become friends?"
Shane opened his mouth, then closed it again, like he was deciding how honest to be. He glanced at Ilya, who was already smirking.
"It started during the All-Stars," Shane said finally. "Practice week."
Ilya nodded. "Gym sessions, too."
Svetlana raised an eyebrow. "Of course, it did."
Shane continued, "We kept running into each other. Locker room, gym, ice. At first, I thought he was still a jerk."
"Still?" Ilya repeated. "I am right here."
Shane shot him a look. "You were a jerk."
"But a charming one," Ilya said easily.
"No," Shane said. "Just a jerk."
Svetlana laughed softly, and even Rose smiled.
Shane went on, "But he was... easy to talk to. He didn't have to sugarcoat anything. He's straightforward. A jerk, but not a pretentious one just to befriend me."
"That was very comforting," Ilya said dryly.
"Shut up," Shane told Ilya. "I'm trying to say nice things about you, even though I feel like I'm vomiting."
"That's saying nice? Calling me a jerk?" Ilya leaned back in his chair. "You're boring, Hollander. You could have said that I'm hot and wanna be hot like me."
"Fuck off!" Shane cursed at Ilya, but they were both smiling at each other before Shane looked back at Svetlana. "He's such a trouble, you know."
"I agree," Svetlana said, and he looked at Ilya, "And you? Why are you friends with Hollander?"
"He's the second-best hockey player in our league. 'Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer', yes?" Ilya said.
Rose and Svetlana laugh at Ilya.
"Are you saying you're the first?" Shane asks.
"Da. I was first drafted before you. I won the cup before you. Me first. You second." Ilya said.
"You're crazy," Shane shot back.
"At least I am not boring," Ilya said. Shane just shook his head at him while smiling. Ilya smiles as well before looking at the two women they are with, "Shane is the one who introduced me to Ottawa since he was born there. It was a random conversation, but he told me about the city, the team, and the people. How quiet it can be. How normal."
Shane shrugged. "It's my birthplace."
"Since my father is gone and I need to focus more on hockey, I don't plan to go back to Russia," Ilya said, his voice calm but firm. "And picked Ottawa as the place I will settle at."
That made Svetlana still for a moment.
"I think Ilya is doing well in Ottawa. He's less of a jerk now," Shane said amusingly. Ilya just stares at Shane while smiling.
"Fans think we're rivals," Shane said quietly. "And we are. On the ice."
"But off the ice," Ilya added, "there was respect."
Shane nodded. "Yeah."
Ilya smirked again. "Even if he is boring."
"And he's an asshole," Shane kicked Ilya's shoes.
Ilya hissed. "See? Violent."
Svetlana laughed, shaking her head. "This explains a lot."
Rose smiled at them, warmth in her eyes. "It really does."
Then, Shane remembers the foundation he and Ilya are planning to do, "Ilya and I are also planning to do a charity foundation."
Rose looked between them, surprised. "You're building a foundation?"
Shane straightened slightly in his seat, clearly caught off guard, but his eyes lit up. "Yeah. We are. It's still in the planning stage, but the idea is to do a hockey summer camp, then the money we will get from it will go to the foundation to help other institutions like suicide prevention groups and others."
Ilya watched him quietly as Shane spoke, hands moving a little as he explained, excitement slipping through the nervousness. Rose and Svetlana listened closely, asking questions, offering thoughts, and suggestions as the idea took shape aloud.
Their food arrived midway through the conversation, plates placed carefully on the table. Shane kept talking even as he picked up his fork, his voice steady now.
"We're thinking of naming it after Ilya's mother to honor her," Shane added softly.
Svetlana's expression shifted immediately. Her eyes shone as she reached over and patted Ilya's hand. "Your mother would be so proud of you," she said. Then she looked at Shane. "Thank you for honoring her."
Ilya felt Shane's shoe brush against his under the table. He nudged it gently in return, a quiet reassurance. Shane smiled slightly and continued eating, still glowing from the conversation.
After the foundation talk settled, Svetlana turned to Rose with renewed interest. "Where do you shop? I really like your style."
Rose brightened. "Ohh, I do shop mostly in LA, but whenever I go, I try to buy from some shop that isinteresting to me. Also, I have a stylist for events and when I really need to dress up. I can recommend a few places. And my stylist, too, if you want."
"That's very kind of you," Svetlana smiled. "You hear that?" she said to Ilya. "She has a stylist to dress her up. You need a stylist now that you live in Ottawa. You have social media duties. Fans need to like the team through you. You can't just post random stuff. They need to see you so there's more attention and interactions."
"What's wrong with my style?" Ilya asked defensively.
"It's good," Svetlana said calmly. "But it could be better." She gestured toward Shane. "Look at Shane. He looks great."
'Of course he is,' Ilya said in his mind. "That's because he has sponsors and stylists," Ilya pointed out.
"Exactly," Svetlana replied. "So you need one, too."
"I don't need a stylist," Ilya said. "I look better naked anyway."
Svetlana shrugged. "I cannot disagree."
'I totally agree,' Shane thought, but just laughed at what Svetlana said.
Rose laughed softly, shaking her head as she looked around the table. The situation was absurd, unexpected, and strangely warm. And for the first time that night, the tension faded into something easy, filled with laughter, good food, and people who understood more than they let on.
The conversation continued so naturally that it almost felt unreal. Laughter came easily now, voices overlapping as if they had known each other for years instead of hours. Rose talked about her past movies, about the roles she loved and the ones that left her exhausted for weeks. Shane chimed in from time to time, teasing her about the stunts she still insisted on doing herself.
They talked about hockey, too. About rival teams, possible cup finalists, and strange pre-game rituals. Shane is amazed by how knowledgeable Svetlana is about hockey, but it's not a surprise since she's the daughter of a legendary goalkeeper and friends with Ilya for a long time. Svetlana shared stories from her and Ilya's younger days in Russia, stories that made Rose laugh and Shane listen closely. It's good to hear about Ilya's younger days. They even drifted into exercise routines and diet plans, which was when Ilya decided to poke at Shane.
"I still don't get your diet. I think you look the same, yes?" Ilya said, eyeing Shane's plate.
"It works for me. It's most athletes' diet plan," Shane replied.
"Didn't know athletes eat boring stuff," Ilya said. "Too clean and bland."
"Actors have strict diets as well," Rose shrugged.
"Thank you!" Shane told Rose.
"Ahh... You're boring as well," Ilya pointed out. Svetlana just smiled and had a bite of her food.
After a while, Ilya pushed his chair back slightly and stood up.
Shane looked up. "Where are you going?"
"Smoke," Ilya replied.
Svetlana rolled her eyes immediately.
Shane sighed, then nodded. "O-okay."
Ilya stood up and stepped out of their dome room, walking toward the front. He stopped a waiter and asked where the smoking area was. The waiter pointed toward the other side of the restaurant, near the bar section.
Around the same time, Rose set her napkin down. "I need to use the restroom and call my manager," she said.
She did not wait for Shane to respond and stood up, already moving away.
Shane was left sitting there as Svetlana casually reached for his glass of wine and took a small sip. She set it back down, studying him quietly.
"Am I right," she asked calmly, "that you are Ilya's Jane?"
Shane froze. He stared at her, heart suddenly loud in his ears.
Svetlana remained composed. "I have been protective of Ilya since we were young," she continued. "When his mother died, I saw how he changed in the public's eye. But with me, he stayed the same."
She paused, choosing her words carefully. "I know that Ilya loves me. And I love him. For a long time, I thought that one day, we might get married."
Shane swallowed, listening.
"When he moved to America and joined the Boston Raiders, something shifted," Svetlana said softly. "He became happy. Free. He still carries the burden of his family, but he is far away from it now. Because he has 'Jane'." She smiled faintly. "I felt him slipping away. I knew he loved me, but he was never in love with me. His heart only had space for one person."
She met Shane's eyes. "You."
Shane hesitated. "Were you in love with him?"
Svetlana considered the question. "Ilya will always be special to me. As I am to him. I loved him enough to marry him. But I love him more than that. I value his happiness more than my feelings." She remained quiet for a while before she spoke again, "He never look anyone the way he looks at you."
She reached across the table and took Shane's hand gently. "You are very lucky to have his heart," she said. "And I am grateful to you for making him happy. I hope that one day, when you are ready, you can tell everyone about your beautiful relationship."
Shane felt his eyes burn. He nodded, blinking back tears. "Thank you," he said quietly.
Svetlana squeezed his hand once more before letting go. "If you ever need someone to teach you Russian, come to me. Ilya will only teach you nonsense."
Shane laughed, wiping at his eyes. "I will." He hesitated, then smiled. "Tell me something about him. Something I should know."
Svetlana smiled, too. "Well," she said, "Let's start with the basics. His favorite Russian dish is..."
At that moment, Rose had just finished her call with her manager. She slipped her phone back into her bag and turned toward the dining area, ready to return to the table. That was when she spotted Ilya.
He stood a short distance away, cigarette between his fingers, looking out toward the Montreal skyline. The city lights reflected faintly in his eyes, his posture relaxed but distant. Rose slowed her steps and approached him, stopping an arm's length away.
"Montreal is growing on me," she said lightly. "It feels like a second home now. Not too different from Michigan."
Ilya glanced at her and nodded. "It is a good city."
She smiled. "Do you feel that way about Ottawa?"
"It's fine," he replied. "Nice house. Cute kid neighbors."
Rose chuckled softly. "Do you miss Russia?"
Ilya exhaled smoke into the night air. "Sometimes. But I'm okay."
Silence settled between them, not uncomfortable, just thoughtful. Then Rose tilted her head slightly.
"You must be the peg."
Ilya frowned and looked at her. "The what?"
Rose smiled, amused. "When Shane and I talked about why we didn't work, I used this example. I said we were like a round hole and a square peg." She paused. "Shane said he liked being the hole more than being the peg. So I figured... You must be his peg."
Ilya stared at her for a second before laughing, the sound surprised and genuine. "That is a very weird concept."
"Maybe," Rose said. "But it makes sense to me."
Her expression softened. "Shane is a good man. Great, even. I know he genuinely liked me, and I really liked him too. But I also knew he deserved someone who truly matched him. Someone he's comfortable enough with to be his true self. Someone who makes him feel happy and loved. And I know it's you."
Ilya's smile faded into something quieter.
"Seeing you together," Rose continued, "even when you're trying to be discreet about your relationship, it's obvious how much you care about each other. It's real. I'm really happy for him." She sighed softly. "I just wish you didn't have to hide. But I understand. The world isn't always ready." Rose smiled again at Ilya. "You're a very lucky man, Rozanov."
"I know," Ilya said simply.
"I'm serious," she added. "It's also kind of amazing that two of the hottest hockey players in the world are genuinely happy together."
Ilya raised an eyebrow. "You think I am hot?"
"Obviously," Rose said without hesitation. "Despite your wild image, you're very handsome and physically attractive." She shrugged. "I'm not sure about your personality, but Shane chose you to be with you. That tells me enough."
Ilya smirked. "It was sexual at first. Then, I fell in love."
Rose laughed softly. "That's actually really sweet." She hesitated, then said, "I hope we can be friends, too. Being friends with Shane's boyfriend sounds nice."
Ilya made a face. "Being friends with someone Hollander slept with sounds like bad news for me. But since you are pretty and nice to Shane, then okay."
Rose nodded. "No rush. We have time." She glanced back toward the restaurant. "We should probably go back. We left Shane and Svetlana alone."
Ilya cursed quietly. "Right."
They returned to the table together and stepped back into the glass dome, closing the door behind them. Shane was laughing at something Svetlana had just said.
Rose smiled. "What are you laughing about?" She sat back down in her seat. Ilya also takes a seat.
"I was telling him about the time Ilya tried swimming in a frozen lake," Svetlana said. "He got out immediately because it was too cold."
"That is a lie," Ilya said flatly.
"I have proof," Svetlana replied. "Do you want to see?"
"No," Ilya said quickly. "Please. That's embarassing."
Svetlana only winked at him.
Ilya glanced around. Their table sat in the far corner, with no one seated near them. He reached for Shane's hand resting on the table and squeezed it gently. Shane looked at him and smiled, squeezing back.
"You two are cute," Svetlana said.
"I agree," Rose added. "I hope we can do this again."
Shane's smile faltered for half a second.
The words 'you're cute together' echoed louder in his head than they should have. His eyes flicked from Rose to Svetlana, a sudden, sharp awareness settling in his chest.
Rose knows. They now know.
Not guessed. Not suspected.
They know.
A familiar fear crept up his spine, cold and instinctive. The kind that came from years of guarding himself, of measuring every touch and every look. He turned to Ilya without meaning to, his fingers tightening slightly around the hand already holding his.
Ilya met his gaze immediately.
No panic. No surprise.
Just that soft, steady smile that always seemed to ground Shane when the world tilted. Ilya gave his hand a reassuring squeeze, then nudged his shoe lightly against Shane's under the table, a quiet, intimate signal meant only for him.
'I'm here. We're okay.'
Shane swallowed, his heart still racing. He had been so careful. So aware of every movement, every glance, every inch of space between them. He had been holding his breath all evening, afraid of being seen too clearly.
But when he looked back at Svetlana and Rose, there was no shock in their expressions. No discomfort. No judgment.
Only warmth.
Acceptance.
Support.
These were not people waiting to expose them or complicate their lives. These were people who shared history with them, yes, but had chosen something better in the present. Allies. Friends. People who wanted their happiness more than their own lingering claims to the past.
The tension finally loosened its grip on Shane's chest.
He let out a slow, quiet breath, leaning ever so slightly into Ilya without thinking about it anymore.
For once, they weren't hiding.
And for once, it felt safe.
"You can come to my place in Montreal," Shane offered and smiled.
"And mine in Ottawa," Ilya said, still staring at Shane.
"Maybe we can do a small party," Shane suggested, looking at Ilya. "Invite Hayden and Jackie. Maybe my parents, too."
"I like that," Ilya said.
"I look forward to the invitation," Svetlana said.
"Just give me at least a week's notice," Rose added. "So I can clear my schedule."
"Deal," Shane said.
Ilya leaned back in his chair, warmth settling in his chest. For once, everything felt easy. He was surrounded by people who mattered, by past and present blending into something kind and accepting.
And most of all, he was sitting right next to Shane, exactly where he wanted to be.
---
The bill arrived not long after, placed neatly at the center of the table.
Almost immediately, all four of them reached for it at once.
"I'll pay," Shane said.
"No," Rose replied. "I invited you."
"I will pay," Svetlana said calmly.
"Absolutely not," Ilya added. "This is on me."
Shane sighed, then simply picked up the bill and handed his card to the waiter before anyone could stop him. "We'll just have dinner again next time when everyone's back in town. Or whenever."
No one argued after that.
After Shane received his card and the receipt, they headed down the building together, the night air cool and refreshing after the warmth of the restaurant. Outside, they paused near the entrance, reluctant to end the evening just yet.
Shane's car was parked in one direction, Ilya's in another.
"I had a really great time today," Rose said, smiling at everyone. "Especially dinner."
"It was unexpected," Shane admitted, "but really fun."
"You have my number, yes?" Svetlana asked Rose.
"Yes," Rose said.
"I'll be in LA in two weeks," Svetlana added. "Maybe we can hang out and talk about our exes and their newfound love."
"It's not new," Ilya muttered under his breath. Svetlana ignores her while Shane shakes his head.
"I would love that." Rose happily said.
The women hugged, exchanging air kisses on each cheek before Svetlana turned to Shane. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his cheek.
"Be happy," she told him softly. "And be strong. Don't be a stranger, Krasavchik."
"Thank you," Shane said. "I hope we see each other again."
"Message me when you're in Boston," Svetlana said with a smile before letting him go.
Rose stepped toward Ilya and opened her arms for him. Ilya pretends he's annoyed but still hugs Rose. "Take care of Shane. And yourself."
"I will," Ilya said. "Don't worry." He let go of her.
She smiled at him. "I look forward to seeing you again, Peg."
Shane's eyes widened. "Why did you call him that?"
Rose grinned at him.
Shane glanced at Ilya and caught him trying very hard not to laugh. He looks back at Rose, "Please don't tell me you told him about that?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Rose shrugged. "Drive me back to my hotel, please."
Svetlana tilted her head, curious. She leaned closer to Ilya, "Why did she call you Peg?"
Shane felt embarrassed, so he waved a rushed goodbye without looking at either of them and started walking with Rose toward his car.
"Hollander," Shane heard behind him. He turned shyly and looked at Ilya.
"See you in two days," Ilya said and winked at him.
"Yeah," Shane replied quietly before turning away again. Rose looped her arm through Shane's as they walked. "Why did you tell Ilya about the peg?"
"It's my way of warming up to your boyfriend," Rose said lightly. "Getting on his good side. He does look intimidating up close but when we talk about you, I can only see the fondness in him. He really loves you, Shane. I'm so happy for you!"
Shane shook his head. "You're unbelievable."
Across the lot, Ilya and Svetlana climbed into his car. As soon as the doors closed, she looked at him.
"Why did she call you Peg?" she asked. "Is that her pet name for you now? You're friends with her already?"
Ilya smiled. "Maybe."
"Huh." Svetlana huffed. Ilya started the car when Svetlana spoke again, "Shane is not just attractive in person. He is also nice and cute. You and Shane really look great together. I'm genuinely happy for you."
Ilya looked at her, at the woman who loved him deeply, second only to his mother. He reached for her hand and kissed the back of it gently.
"Thank you," he said. "For everything."
Svetlana smiled. "You are worth being loved by people who love you."
Ilya felt warmth settle in his chest as he drove toward the hotel where Svetlana was staying, the city lights stretching ahead of them.
---
Ilya: Are you awake?
Shane: Yeah. Just got back from a shower.
Ilya: Can I see?
Shane: No.
Shane: I can't believe Rose told you that.
Ilya: I'm the only hot peg that fits your hole.
Shane: Fuck you.
Ilya: Yes. In two days.
Shane: Svetlana is so pretty.
Shane: No wonder you want to marry her.
Ilya: For US citizenship.
Shane: Right.
Ilya: She's a good friend. Like Rose to you.
Shane: Did you talk?
Ilya: A bit. She's nice. Funny even.
Shane: She is.
Shane: We should really invite them into either of our homes.
Ilya: Let's plan that.
Shane: With my parents, Jackie and Hayden as well.
Ilya: Just Jackie. Hayden can take care of the kids at home.
Shane: Don't be an ass.
Ilya: I miss you already.
Shane: I miss you too.
Ilya: I wish you were here with me.
Shane: In two days.
Ilya: I can't wait.
Shane: Me too.
Shane: I have a practice early morning tomorrow.
Ilya: Got a meeting as well.
Shane: See you in two days.
Ilya: Yes, two days, Lyubimyy.
Shane: Good night.
Ilya: Good night.
Shane: I love you.
Ilya: I love you, too.
---
Montreal Metro's Shane Hollander and Ottawa Centaurs' Ilya Rozanov Spark Double-Date Buzz in Montreal
Montreal Metro's captain, Shane Hollander, and Ottawa Centaurs' center, Ilya Rozanov, were spotted on what appeared to be a double date with actress Rose Landry and a woman believed to be part of Rozanov's inner circle.
A photo taken from inside the restaurant by a fan who's also dining there. The blurry photo shows Hollander, Rozanov, Landry, and the mystery woman dining together. Other photos captured them outside the restaurant saying goodbye to one another.
Landry is currently in Montreal for a movie shoot. Landry and Hollander used to date years ago but now close friends. Rozanov's companion has not been identified, but sources say she is part of his private circle.
When Rozanov left the Boston Raiders and joined the Ottawa Centaurs, he and Hollander have been seen together more often. Once known as rivals on the ice, the two players now appear to share a friendly connection off the ice as well.
Whether it was a casual dinner or something more, fans were intrigued by the unexpected group.