Chapter Text
Shane knew he was in too deep. He may have known this for a while, but his brain was just catching up. He laid in the large bed in Rozanov’s penthouse as the Russian showered. Shane felt too much like jelly to join. A smile crept onto his lips as he thought about their night together. He couldn’t even care that Rozanov won MVP tonight or the fact that he hasn’t talked to him in 6 months. This is where he wanted to be right now, his mind a lot clearer than it had been in days.
He wasn’t quite sure how much time had passed by the time Rozanov came out of the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist, a washcloth in one hand and a glass of vodka in the other. He flopped down next to Shane and held out the glass.
“I told you. As reward.”
Shane sat up the rest of the way and took it from his hand, letting their fingers brush for a second longer than what was acceptable in his head. Ilya carefully cleaned him up as he took a sip and immediately frowned. Shane wasn’t one for alcohol most of the time, but this was fucking strong.
“God, how do you drink this?” Shane said.
“Started in the womb. Russian babies grow up on this.” Rozanov said nonchalantly.
“That’d explain a lot.”
“Shut up.” Ilya took the glass out of his hand and set it down on the bedside table with a clank. He turned more on his side and cradled Shane’s face as he captured him in a deep kiss. They stayed there and lazily made out for a while, not caring about the busy streets or the world around them.
This didn’t feel very casual anymore. Whose hookups stick around to just make out? Shane didn’t want it to end, though, so he just enjoyed it for however long it lasted.
But eventually, they had to come up for air. They just sat there in a weirdly comfortable silence.
“You should probably go,” Rozanov started, sounding…reluctant? “You have early flight.”
“Yeah, I do.”
As Shane went to get off the bed, Rozanov was already handing him his folded up clothes.
Shane stared down at him, taking the pile from his hands. “Thanks.”
He got dressed, trying to ignore the watchful gaze of the other man. He should be used to this, but it still felt so vulnerable. He gathered up the rest of his things and started making his way towards the door. Rozanov followed him, still just in a towel, carefully watching Shane. They both paused for a moment, just staring for a second.
“I’ll see you next season.”
“See you next season.”
As Shane turned to open the door, Rozanov grabbed his arm and hauled him back around, slamming his lips into the other. Unable to ever keep it in a brief kiss, he held Shane’s face and just kissed him desperately before having to pull away. He gave one more small peck before smiling and saying “See ya.” As he turned and headed back towards the bedroom.
Shane stood there, thanking whatever God or deities were out there that he turned away before seeing the blush creep up his neck. He turned the door handle and walked out towards the elevators.
Despite Rozanov being in Moscow and Shane in Ottawa for the Summer, they still texted. They texted a lot more than usual.
Shane wasn’t complaining, but he couldn’t shake the slight jealousy building in his gut when thinking about Rozanov likely partying it up with some girl, or girls. He was out living his best life while Shane was at his parents', trying not to think about the upcoming season for now.
He knew he shouldn’t be feeling like this. It’s just sex, no feelings. He’d repeat this mantra in his head, trying to force himself to believe it. It would work, eventually.
Even with the 7-hour time difference, Rozanov still managed to get back to Shane often.
Lily: Hope you’re not too lonely without me in boring Canada
Jane: Fuck you
Lily: No you have to wait a few more months for that ;)
Jane: You’re insufferable
Jane: How’s Russia
Lily: Is Russia
Lily: Not as boring as Canada
Jane: Partying then?
Lily: Not so much
Shane decided to be a bit more bold.
Jane: Miss me too much?
Lily: Yes you and all your boringness
Lily: Who else would yell at me for smoking and tell me how bad it is
Jane: Well, it is bad for you
Lily: No shit
Jane: When do you come back?
Lily: Why? You miss me too much now?
Jane is typing…
Jane: Shut the fuck up
Lily: I’ll be back in 3 weeks
Jane: Cool
No matter what Shane tried, he couldn’t stop thinking about Ilya fucking Rozanov. His parents have even noticed him smiling down at his phone, probably thinking it’s some girl. Not his rival who he’s been hooking up with for years. Luckily, they respected his space and his answers of not wanting to talk about it, or him saying it’s just Hayden sending more cute pictures of his kids.
He’s not sure how he’s been able to hide this for so long, but he doesn’t really have much of a choice. For now, he can fill his mind with the pre-season training he has to look forward to.