Work Text:
“I’m telling you dude, it’s worth the read. It’s really interesting.” Shane knew that he had been ranting on for a little too long, but Hayden didn’t seem to mind. When he’d asked Shane for book recommendations, he’d most likely not realised that Shane rarely engaged with any reading material that wasn’t in some way related to hockey.
They were walking up the driveway to Shane’s parents’ house. The Voyageurs had won against the Centaurs 4-2 the night before, and Shane had a little time to kill before they headed back to Montreal tomorrow morning. He’d already made plans with Ilya that evening. Plans that consisted of nothing but watching a movie, ordering takeout (from a place that could accommodate Shane’s macrobiotic diet), and having incredible sex.
If it wasn’t for Hayden Pike, Shane would probably be over at Ilya’s at that moment. But Hayden had asked if he wanted to do something on their off day, and Shane could honestly say that he did. He had been spending so much time with Ilya since he moved to Ottawa and since Shane had been cancelling plans and giving weak excuses to his best friend for ages, he missed spending time with his best friend off the ice.
Which led them on the journey to Yuna and David. Hayden had told him that Jackie was encouraging him to read more after catching a glance at his screen time, which was… not good, according to Hayden, and that he needed a book, since on the rare occasion he did read something, it was online.
Shane instantly went to one of his favourite hockey books, detailing how the sport had developed and the different plays that were popular over the years. It was fascinating, and he had read through it within a day.
Then, he had given it to his father, and never saw it again.
Before long, Shane and Hayden arrived. He took a while to rifle through his pockets to find his key, much to Hayden’s annoyance. Shane could tell he had been getting antsy from the walk, the cold weather enough to make anyone want nothing more than to stay inside.
“I swear, this book better be worth it, Shane. We could be hanging out watching a movie in the hotel.” Hayden said.
“It's worth it.” Shane replied. “Your hockey strategy needs improving anyway.”
After seeing Hayden’s familiar glare, which was usually reserved for when he had been insulted by Ilya on the ice, Shane realised that maybe needed to spend a little less time with his boyfriend.
Eventually, the key was found, and the door clicked open.
He walked in, Hayden following behind him. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen your mom. Remember, last time, when she gave us both hockey pointers for 20 minutes? And then we destroyed the Admirals? That woman knows her hockey.”
“Yeah.” Shane said, before calling out. “It’s me! Just stopping in to find something.”
He and Hayden walked down the hall before entering the kitchen. Hayden had been talking to him throughout, mentioning how Jackie was asking him to come around the next time they were in town. “She’ll even make food that fits with your weird diet. Once the season ends do you think you’ll—”
Hayden paused suddenly, looking rather sick. When Shane turned away from his friend, he saw why.
Ilya was sitting down at the table, across from Yuna. Empty bowls were in front of them, and they appeared to have been interrupted mid conversation. Both of them were wide eyed and startled.
Why was Ilya here? Since when did he visit Shane’s parents without him?
“Shane! We didn’t know you’d be dropping by. Your dad’s on a fishing trip with friends. And… Rozanov is here. Hi Hayden.” Yuna Hollander was usually prepared for everything, which is why Shane found her startled response alarming. She didn’t know what to say, staring at Shane and pleading for some guidance.
He didn’t know what to do either. Lying or making up some outlandish excuse seemed pointless, now. How many reasons could Hayden think of for why Ilya Rozanov, Shane’s rival, was having dinner with Yuna?
Shane turned to Hayden, who hadn’t moved in some time. He’d gone pale. After everyone’s shock and the lack of explanation provided, surely he had pieced it together in his head.
“Hayden, I–” Shane began, but he was quickly cut off.
“Shane, buddy, let’s go. We’re leaving. Now.” and with that, Hayden grabbed Shane’s wrist and started pulling him out of the house, away from his mother and boyfriend.
This had to be a nightmare. In fact, Shane was pretty sure that he had a stress dream eerily similar to this just a few months ago. The last thing he saw before following Hayden was Ilya’s concerned expression, Yuna holding him back. Shane knew that Ilya had good intentions, but this was a conversation that they needed to have alone.
Hopefully Shane could convince Hayden not to tell anyone, and not to end their years-long friendship.
When they stepped outside the bitter chill seemed worse than before, at least according to Hayden, who violently swore the moment the door was opened. Shane didn’t notice.
He willed his hands to stop shaking. Judging by the way Hayden stormed out of there, he wasn’t happy. Of all the times, why did Ilya have to visit his parents now? A part of Shane felt joy that Ilya got on so well with his family. The concept of Ilya going to see Yuna just to say hi, or to keep her company, was kind of adorable. God, he loved Ilya so much.
“Buddy, why are you smiling right now? It’s freaking me out.” Hayden interrupted his train of thought, and Shane was snapped back into reality.
Shane took a deep breath. He could do this. He had been thinking about coming out to Hayden for a while now, he just didn’t think it would be so soon.
“Hayden, I–”
“I mean, the nerve!” Hayden interrupted, anger evident in his outburst. “Having a rivalry on the ice is one thing. But actually messing with your personal life? Your family? Rozanov has gone too far.”
…What?
“Everyone knows that he is a notorious womanizer, but your mother? Really? She’s married! To your father! And that fucker just doesn’t care. How long do you think this has been going on?”
“Hayden–” Shane tried to interject.
Hayden gasped suddenly, managing to look even more alarmed than before. “Do you think Yuna has given him our hockey secrets? He moved to Ottawa, for some reason, so he needs all the help he can get.”
“Hayden–”
“And David! He needs to know. There’s gonna be a divorce! I know how close you are to your mom, Shane, but this cannot go on for any longer! And ohmygod you must be freaking out right now. Are you okay? I’ll support you whatever happens next. Shane, how are you not having a panic attack right now, I’m close to one and it’s not even my family which has been destroyed.”
Hayden stopped talking, looking at Shane with an unreadable facial expression. Shock, maybe pity? Shane wasn’t good at this on the best of days. He was no longer shaking. He was no longer frozen in a state of fear.
Shane was just confused.
“Hayden, what do you think was happening back there?”
“Rozanov was having dinner with Yuna.”
“No, I mean, why do you think Rozanov was in my parents’ house?”
Hayden’s look of pity(?) only increased. “Oh buddy. Of course you wouldn’t see what’s going on. Why would you? You always think the best of your family.”
“Just answer the question.” Shane was too drained to figure out what Hayden was getting at.
“I’m so sorry, Shane, but Ilya Rozanov was seducing your mother.”
Shane made a sound that he had never made before, somewhere between a gasp and a shriek. He quickly shut his mouth, trying to school his facial expression into something normal.
Apparently, Hayden took Shane’s response as a desire for him to elaborate, as he kept talking.
“Obviously this was a shock for me too, and I have no idea how far they actually went, but if Yuna has invited your sworn enemy into her home, there must be something happening. And didn’t you see her response. She looked so guilty when we walked in. Because we had just caught her cheating with Rozanov.”
“Shane. Are you okay? You scream like frightened kitten” Ilya popped his head out of the door, gazing at him with love and concern, before turning to Hayden and giving him a glare that Shane roughly translated to, if you said something homophobic, your horde of children will grow up without you.
Hayden shot him an equally murderous look.
“Shane is obviously not okay, you homewrecker. How could you do such a thing? You have a reputation as a bit of a manwhore but this is a whole new level of disrespect.”
“What? I have no idea–” he paused for a moment, sighed loudly before turning to Shane. “What does he think is happening?”
Shane couldn’t contain his hysterics for one second longer. Once the laughter started, it just would stop. How the hell did Hayden jump to such a wrong conclusion? And he said it with such certainty. It was impossible to recall the last thing that had been this funny.
At least if Shane explained what really happened, it would seem like the better option.
“Hayden thinks, you– and Mom–” he didn’t even get one sentence in before dissolving into laughter once more.
Ilya turned to Hayden again. “You have broken him.”
“I’ve broken him? Poor guy’s probably still in shock seeing you in his Mom’s home. This is over the line, even for you, Rozanov.”
Shane managed to compose himself. All the nervousness at coming out to Hayden, admitting his relationship with Ilya, had gone. Well, not all of it, but he was no longer close to a breakdown, and he considered that great progress.
“No no no Hayden. That’s not—” Shane trailed off. He stood up straighter, refused to make eye contact with either of them in case he was plagued with another laughing fit, and blurted out, “Ilya, Hayden thinks that you’re trying to have sex with my mom.”
Shane tried to imagine the range of facial expressions that would cross Ilya’s face. First shock, then confusion, then probably some level of disgust, most likely followed by laughing at it just as hard as Shane had.
What he wasn’t expecting, was anger. But then maybe he had underestimated just how much Ilya disliked Hayden Pike.
“You thought what? How stupid are you, Pike? You think that I am so evil I would make love to my rival’s mother?”
“Ilya please don’t say it like that.” Shane objected, but it was clear that Ilya was focused only on Hayden.
“Not only that but you think that I would break up a marriage, to hurt Shane?”
“Well—” Hayden was blushing deeply. Shane almost felt bad for him, having to deal with Ilya’s questioning.
Then he remembered Hayden had thought. It took every ounce of control Shane had not to show his amusement.
“But worst of all, you are dumb enough to think that Yuna Hollander, who loves her son, her husband, and is a member of the most competitive family I have ever met, would cheat on David, and give me, Ilya Rozanov, her son’s rival since rookie season, hockey tips? She would never betray David and Shane like that! I am offended you would even think such a thing!”
Shane finally mustered up the calm he needed to take his eyes off the ground. When he finally looked up, he nearly died from laughter once more.
Hayden Pike, wide eyed, was still staring at Rozanov, but this time with a look of utter bafflement. Ilya on the other hand, was leaning against the doorframe, gazing at Pike like he had just kicked a puppy.
“You mean, that’s not what’s happening?” Hayden said, still hesitant.
“No…” Shane could feel himself getting more and more embarrassed. This is not how he thought coming out to his best friend would go. The astonishment at Hayden’s theory had worn off a little, and Shane could feel himself becoming mildly terrified once again. The laughter was good while it lasted, but will never be mentioned again. Shane would make sure of it.
Ilya moved closer to him, and grabbed his hand. It was warmer than Shane’s and grounded him when he turned to look at Hayden. “I’m gay. Ilya is my boyfriend.”
Because he knew it would rile up Pike even more, Ilya chose this moment to quickly kiss the top of Shane’s head. “I’m sorry Pike had to find out this way.” He said in a low voice meant only for Shane. “I know you wanted to tell him differently.”
Shane leaned against him. “It’s okay. Had to happen sometime, right?”
Hayden looked just about ready to faint. “Your boyfriend. Him.”
“Yes, Pike. me. You see, I use my powers of seduction to sleep with Shane, not Yuna. Is that a problem?” Ilya tightened his grip on Shane.
Shane braced himself for the yelling, the calls of betrayal, the ended friendships. But Hayden, still very pale, was silent.
“Shane.” he managed to say. “I am completely fine with you being gay. You’re my best friend, and nothing would change that. But you really had to pick Ilya Rozanov?”
“Yes.” Shane replied with certainty. He needed Hayden to know that Ilya was going to be sticking around, no matter what he had to say about it.
Hayden took another long pause. “Okay.” he finally answered, mainly to himself. “That’s okay. I know you’d never let Rozanov win.”
Ilya snorted, saying “I do not need his help.”
Shane, equally outraged, protested at the exact same time. “Hell no, why would you think that?”
“Sorry!” Hayden said, putting up his hands in surrender. “I never should have suggested it. I won’t tell anyone, and I’m gonna need a few weeks for this to sink in. Also, I’m telling Jackie.”
“That’s fine. I was planning on telling you both soon anyway.”
“Yes, Pike. If anything, I trust your wife more than you. From what I hear she is a lovely woman. Why would she settle for Montreal’s 15th best player?”
“Ilya…” Shane lightly elbowed his boyfriend. The last thing needed was for another argument to break out.
“And you will apologise to Yuna.” Ilya commanded. “Tell her your stupid idea.”
“What else was I supposed to think?” Hayden asked, clearly exasperated. “I walk in. I see you having dinner with Yuna Hollander. There is nobody else there. Neither of you give an answer to why you were there, and acted very suspiciously. Forgive me for not jumping to the very outlandish conclusion that you’re fucking your rival.”
“Dating my rival.”
“I hate to say it, but in Pike’s defence, we’ve been fucking longer than we’ve been dating.”
“Ilya—“
“Why?” Hayden said. “What about Boston Li— he’s Boston Lily, isn’t he?”
Ilya was trying not to laugh. “It took you long enough, Pike. I’m sure your wife worked it out years ago.”
That, Shane thought, may have been a possibility, actually. Jackie was always very astute. And it would explain a few conversations about how great it was that Scott Hunter could finally be himself, and about how Shane could feel comfortable enough to tell them anything.
Hayden glared at him. “You leave Jackie out of this. Dude, you’ve been obsessing over this girl for years. Almost as long as you’ve known me. And it’s been Ilya Rozanov the entire time?”
Shane hesitated for a moment. “It’s been longer. Than I’ve known you, I mean.”
Hayden chuckled. Shane and Ilya did not. Eventually he trailed off. “You’re serious? But I met you in your rookie season!”
“It was summer before when we first made love—“
Shane slapped his hand over Ilya’s mouth. Now was not the time to traumatise his best friend with any more information. He needed Hayden to understand that his relationship with Ilya was not new. It had been simmering under the surface for close to a decade. They were rivals on the ice only, and something deep and unnameable outside it.
But every time Shane had blushed at whatever was on his phone, it was Ilya. Every time Shane had plans he wouldn’t elaborate on, Ilya. Every time that someone had joked about how much he loved Boston Lily? He had loved Ilya.
And if Shane had to pick one, his best friend or his boyfriend, once again, it would be Ilya.
He just hoped it wouldn’t come to that.
“This whole time…” Hayden spoke so softly that Shane almost didn’t hear. “I’ve been hoping that you're happy with Boston Lily. Wait, did he move to Ottawa for you? Stupid question, of course he did. There is literally no other reason to play for that team. My point is, even though you’re with Rozanov, I’m still rooting for you. I have so many questions, which I expect to be answered over the next few days, but I guess I’ll have to get used to this.”
Shane felt a flood of relief. Hayden knew the truth, and didn’t mind. Correction: he did mind, but he was going to get past it.
“Why are you even here, anyway?” Shane asked Ilya, his initial curiosity returning.
“I spend time with your parents. We have dinner every now and then, and I knew David was away so I kept Yuna company. It won’t be long until I am the favourite son.” Ilya grinned. “Why are you here? You were spending time with Pike today."
“Hayden needed a book recommendation. I wanted to give him one of mine, but Dad borrowed it and hasn’t given it back”
Ilya paused for a moment. He then somewhat reluctantly opened the door, beckoning Shane and Hayden inside. “Come in. Find your boring hockey book. I will answer Hayden’s questions.”
“I appreciate the offer, Rozanov,” Hayden said dryly, “but after learning more information than my brain can currently handle about my best friend, I need a couple days to recover.”
“Hayden, if you want to know anything, ask it now.” Shane told him. He understood the exhaustion, but it would be better for everyone to get this over and done with as quickly as possible.
“Why? It’s not like you’ll change your minds in a week.”
“It’s more for your sake than mine. Ilya will be less… graphic with the details if my Mom is present.”
“Is true.” Ilya replied solemnly. “Now is your best shot.”
And so, all three of them walked back into the kitchen, where they found a very anxious Yuna Hollander.
“Shane, honey, is everything okay? You boys were out there for a very long time.
“Yeah Mom. I told Hayden everything. He’s fine with it.”
“That’s great. Hayden, it must have been a shock to see Ilya when you walked in. You looked so horrified when you realised.”
Shane didn’t laugh this time. He had gotten it all out of his system. Ilya on the other hand, let out a single ha before smugly looking at Hayden. “Pike, explain to Yuna what you thought.”
“You know what Shane, I don’t need the book right this second. I can hear the full story another day, inappropriate sex details be damned. Let’s go.” Hayden tried to make a run for it, but Ilya swiftly blocked his exit.
It was clear that Pike wasn’t going to talk, so Shane did it for him. “Hayden assumed you were going to sleep with Ilya.”
There was a moment of silence as Yuna absorbed this information. Hayden looked like he was ready to climb out the nearest window. Shane wanted to forget that the last ten minutes had happened.
Then, she bent over in laughter. It was worse than Shane’s. It was louder, for one, and seemed to last a lot longer. After a few minutes, Yuna appeared to compose herself, but then she took one look at Hayden and the whole thing started again.
Shane didn’t know how long they were standing in that kitchen for. Eventually, Yuna wiped the final tears from her eyes and stood up without needing to lean on the table for support.
“That.” She said, as if nothing had happened, “is the hardest I have laughed in quite some time. I guess I understand where Hayden was coming from, seeing Ilya and I having dinner together.”
“Thank you,” Hayden said. “These two were acting like I was crazy for jumping to the wrong conclusion”
“Because it is crazy, Pike.”
“I didn’t know what to think! I didn’t even know Shane was gay!”
“But you did know that Yuna was married and loves David.”
“Oh come on. What other reason would you be in their house?”
Shane listened to the back and forth, no longer caring about the argument. Maybe their mutual disdain for one another would settle, but that wasn’t happening any time soon.
Shane met eyes with his mother across the room. She smiled at him. Shane understood what it meant. No matter what happened next, he had Hayden Pike, his best friend, on his side. Another person knew about Ilya, and nothing bad had happened.
Whatever happened next, whatever life threw at him and Ilya, everything would be okay.