Rating:

General Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category:

M/M

Fandoms:

Heated Rivalry (TV), Game Changers | Heated Rivalry - All Media Types, Game Changers Series - Rachel Reid

Relationships:

Kip Grady & Ilya Rozanov, Kip Grady/Scott Hunter, Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, Kip Grady & Scott Hunter, Shane Hollander & Ilya Rozanov, Mention Troy Barrett/Harris Drover

Characters:

Kip Grady, Scott Hunter (Game Changers), Ilya Rozanov, Shane Hollander, Ottawa Centaurs Team Ensemble (Game Changers), New York Admirals Team Ensemble (Game Changers)

Additional Tags:

Future Fic, Fluff, Established Relationship, Kip Grady & Ilya Rozanov Friendship, Protective Ilya Rozanov, Protective Kip Grady, Happy Ending, Warning: Hockey

Language:

English

Series:

Part 16 of Troublemakers

Stats:

Published: 2026-05-23 Words: 6,026 Chapters: 1/1

Troublemaker Reheated

Summary

Kip and Ilya find themselves reminiscing about the past and future at the 2026 MHL Awards.

Notes

Sorry for taking so long to get another story in this series out. I was inspired and have been working on a Hollanov fake dating AU called 'The Dating Game' instead. The first two chapters are already posted so please go check it out if that interests you.

Also, I entered a big cosplay contest for the start of July (and probably bit off far more than I can chew) so I have spent the last few weeks crafting instead of writing. I have never done something that requires a build book, so I am learning as I go and it has taken up a lot of my time.

The MHL MVA awards of 2026 were looking to be an incredible night.

Which, Kip mused as he sat in his designated seat at the table, was a good thing, since it was probably going to be his last.

Kip had been to a few of these nights already, starting back in 2017 when he had been introduced to the Hockey community as Scott Hunter’s boyfriend. Hell, he had even been personally ‘banned’ from attending a few of the nights by the former Commissioner himself.

Nine years.

It was hard to believe it had been nine years since he had first stood in a room full of hockey players, the spotlight on him and the uncomfortable feeling he was going to be attacked if he didn’t tread very carefully.

And now here he was again, for the last time.

Well, last time as a player's husband. Because tonight, while the rest of the community was gathered to celebrate the best players of the year, he was here to celebrate Scott’s retirement.

It had been a hell of a ride.

The last few years had been a whirlwind of chaos. There had been friends leaving and new friends arriving, marriages (Two, in fact. The Drover wedding and the Vaughn wedding. Both had been beautiful and Kip had been so proud to see his friends thrive and find their happiness). There had been injuries and times when he had been terrified for his friends, his hockey family. And there had been triumphs. A serious change of the status quo.

When Kip had first arrived in the Hockey world, it had been dominated by two powerful teams.

Montreal and Boston. Rozanov and Hollander.

That had since changed dramatically.

Boston was still a good team, even without Ilya there. Cliff Marlow, as the current Captain, had managed to keep the team steady and although the Raiders weren’t the dynasty they had been, they were still a highly rated team. The Metros on the other hand…..

To use the term ‘dead in the water’ was probably too kind. Scott had once said, the complete collapse of the team in less than two years would be studied by Hockey strategists and players for years to come. The loss of Hollander and the subsequent scandals which had plagued the team had not just destroyed the team's reputation but dropped them from the top team to the bottom of the pile.

Not that they didn’t deserve everything they got. Toronto, the other scandal riddled team in the League, had at least acknowledged there was a problem and began a massive rebuild. But the Metros owners were arrogant enough to believe they didn’t have a problem and years later, it was still biting them. Hell, last Kip had heard, the owners were looking to sell the team because of how bad it had become. The fans were leaving in droves and the current team's reputation was in the gutter. Most of the players were looking to leave as soon as their contracts were up, with the exception of the few whose reputations were so poor, no other team would touch them.

But the brutal fall had left space, and new teams had risen to the top.

Unsurprisingly, Ottawa was one. The combined forces of Hollander and Rozanov, along with carrying some other seriously talented players had made the team almost unstoppable.

The other team was the Admirals.

Although Scott had been devastated to lose his best friend and assisting Captain, Carter Vaughn when he moved to LA, it had kicked off a restructure which had proved remarkably successful. Matti Jalo had stepped up to take the Assisting Captain role (and would soon be the Captain) and some strategic draft picks had helped build the team which had managed to win its second Stanley Cup just the year before.

Kip had been told time and again, it was remarkable that in less than a decade, the two most dominant and long standing teams had all but disappeared in their wake, two teams which had always been considered mid-tier (Well, Ottawa had been considered the worst team in the League) had taken their places and were now dominating the sport. And he knew that his husband deserved at least a little bit of the credit for that.

Which was why the hockey world was both mourning and celebrating Scott’s retirement. Not that he was going far.

Scott had discovered through his participation in the Game Changer Hockey Camps, that he liked coaching young players. And more to the point, he was good at it.

After doing several years of volunteering for the Irina Foundation, it had been universally agreed that while Pike dealt with the youngest kids and Ilya worked with the middle-aged group, Scott was in charge of the older players. He was great at reaching through the teenage bullshit and getting them to give their all. And they adored him in return.

It had also long since been noted that he had a great approach in helping the Admirals rookies as well and it wasn’t a surprise when Murdock had floated the idea of Scott joining the coaching team when he had started seriously considering retirement.

The old assistant coach for the Admirals, Miles Brandon, had just accepted a coaching position with the Guardians so the timing was perfect for Scott to step into the new role. Besides, Murdock knew the players would value a coach who wasn’t so broken that he couldn’t keep up with them on the ice.

Scott himself was thrilled to be able to remain with his beloved team. Kip knew it had been a fear of Scott’s. As much as he had once longed to be released from the spotlight so he could be himself, now he was out and open to the world and no longer hiding any secrets, the idea of turning his back on his team, on the men who he had fought some of the fiercest battles in his life with, was depressing.

So being able to still be there, to be part of the team even if he wasn’t playing, was good for the man.

Kip knew it would be an adjustment. Coaching meant longer hours with less pay. More logical thinking and less brute strength. But Scott was resilient and thanks to his own smart investments throughout his career, it wasn’t like he was going to hurt for money. Hell, the Kingfisher had become a huge success to the point that he and Eric Bennett had been seriously discussing the possibility of buying up another bar just from the profits of the first one.

And maybe in a few years' time, if both Kip and Scott were ready to move out of New York, Scott could become the Head Coach of another team. Maybe in Canada. But until then, Scott was going to continue being a two-time Stanley Cup Winner, a Gold Medalist and a part of the New York Admirals, a group of people who were currently crowding around the table Kip was sitting at, talking animatedly.

Scott was seated beside him, chatting away with Tommy Andersson, who was looking nervous. The man had been nominated for the Vezina Trophy this year but since he was up against Wyatt Hayes, it was looking to be a tough fight.

Tommy may not think he deserved the nomination, but he had really proved himself over the last few years. Even if he didn’t take the trophy, Kip knew everyone was proud of him.

A loud bark of laughter from Kip’s left drew his attention away from his husband.

The table next to the Admirals was full of Ottawa Centaurs. In the old days, Kip was sure everyone would worry about putting the two most dominant teams' tables within fighting distance, especially since the Centaurs had been the ones to knock the Admirals out of the playoffs for Scott’s final season. (And the send off had been so sweet in the end. The teams had gone to the final game in a dead heat, either ready to take the win and head to the Stanley Cup game. It was only two dropped goals that had ended the Admirals run but it hadn’t been a terrible loss, and the Centaurs had been right there on the ice to farewell Scott along with his team. The Centaurs support team had also come down to congratulate the man, joining their Admirals counterparts in giving Scott the goodbye he deserved. Hell, Kip had even spied Ilya Rozanov fighting back tears as he hugged Scott, muttering something about dinosaurs. Kip remembered it well because he had been waiting at the end of the line of players, just behind Ilya, ready to kiss his husband and walk with him off the ice for the final time)

So no, there was no issue with the Admirals and the Centaurs being seated next to each other. They were not the Raiders and the Metros. Rather than being rival teams, many now considered them ‘sister’ teams.

They definitely mingled a lot off the ice.

Oh, during games the players gave it their all. There was no mercy shown when there was a cup on the line. But off the ice, the two teams took every opportunity to mingle.

Every time the Centaurs came to New York, the locals knew the Kingfisher was going to close for a private party and the same went for Monks in Ottawa. When the Centaurs had won the Stanley Cup in both 2024 and 2026, all the Admirals players had been invited to the game to cheer them on, and the Admirals had returned the favour for their own 2025 win. None of the players on either side would refuse an invite to the other's home base.

It also helped that the teams were intertwined even more in the coming season.

Everyone knew that Luca Haas was never going to stay in Ottawa. As much as the kid loved the city, with a roster containing the likes of Rozanov, Hollander, Drover (Troy had taken his husbands name after marriage) Hayes and Boodram was never going to afford Luca’s revised contract after his rookie term was up.

Kip had heard from Scott and Ilya about the scramble to try and secure the kids' contract once it was announced he was leaving. Fortunately for the Admirals fans, thanks to several circumstances including an early warning about the kid going free agent, the closeness of the teams and Luca’s own desire to be closer to a certain fashion photographer he had been in a long distance relationship with for the last few years, the team had managed to move some people around and Luca had signed on with them for the next few seasons.

Kip doubted that Luca was going to forget his roots in the League so it was logical that the ties between the two teams would continue to grow closer.

Which was why, despite being seated at the Centaurs table, Luca was leaning his chair back to a possibly dangerous degree to have a conversation with Matti and one of the Admirals' rookies, Marius. Lisa Hayes, Wyatt’s wife, was also there, happily chatting away with the boys. And of course, there was Maria, also in the conversation. Kip’s old friend was now a certified WAG, after Matti proposed to her a few years ago.

Kip couldn’t stop the smile. God, he loved these people. For someone who, only a decade ago, knew practically nothing about hockey, it was remarkable how much of his life was now devoted to the game and he was thankful for it and the family he had formed because of it.

Glancing around, he spied a few more people he recognised. Shane Hollander, rather than being with the Centaurs, was standing by another table, the one reserved for the Toronto Guardians, talking while also trying to hold onto a wriggling little girl. That was unsurprising. The rebrand had shifted the roster of that team to the point it was almost unrecognisable but one of the main changes was the new Captain.

Hayden Pike was a damn fine player, despite what Ilya Rozanov would say to the guy. You didn’t become the Assisting Captain of one of the most dominant teams in the League for years without being very good. The fact that the Metros had taken the ‘A’ off him once Shane left the team was considered by most to be a slight against Hayden for standing with his friend rather than any tactical plays by the team looking to shuffle around their roster.

After all that mess, Hayden wasn’t going to stay with Montreal for long. There was no room on the roster at Ottawa but since Toronto’s rebrand had been at the right time and they were looking for a star to be their Captain, it had been a good move for the man.

It helped that Adam Sheppard had fully backed the move and had once again started going to Toronto games now Pike was Captain. It also helped that Pike and Miles, as the new Head Coach of the Guardians, had cut a lot of the dead weight away. Anyone involved in the Kent situation was gone and a new generation of players were slowly filling out the team. It wasn’t a top tier team yet, but it had promise now.

Young, the Centaur’s rookie goalies had also moved to the Guardians and Kip had even heard rumours Toronto had tried to lure Troy back, not that it had worked. Troy, even if he was willing to forgive his former team, was not going anywhere without Harris and Harris was an Ottawa boy, through and through.

So of course, Pike and his family were here. Even his kids, despite most other players leaving their children at home for these sorts of events. Kip had met them all at the Game Changers camps over the years and knew they were good kids who loved their uncle Shane. Hell, they loved a lot of the players who had been involved in their lives.

Kip could still remember a particular camp when the Pike’s twin girls had been moved to the teenagers' team being coached by Scott. Ilya had decided to use the girls to tease Scott, trying to encourage them to follow his lead and call Scott a dinosaur. It had backfired spectacularly on him when Ruby Pike had decided Scott was her new favourite and had stated that Ilya was just as old and therefore, was a dinosaur too.

Since then, Ruby had been Scott’s unofficial ally in the ongoing chirping war between the two. Ilya had been sulking since that revelation and Hayden, despite being a little disappointed his daughter didn’t consider him her favourite Hockey Player, seemed to enjoy the discourse the girl had caused.

Speaking of, Kip cast his eyes over the tables, trying to locate the former Russian, now Canadian Citizen.

Ilya wasn’t at any of the tables, as far as Kip could see, not even the Raiders table where a lot of his former friends were seated.

Kip frowned a little. He had managed to wave at Ilya when they had first arrived at the venue but in the whirlwind of the press and the clamour for Scott’s attention from just about everyone in the hockey world, they hadn’t managed to exchange more than quick pleasantries. Now, in the small lull before the ceremony officially got under way, the man wasn’t around.

Well, Kip wasn’t above tracking him down if he had to. Turning to Scott, he quickly muttered that he was going to get a drink. Scott had glanced at him and nodded, pressing a kiss to Kip’s hand before turning back to his conversation. Unlike the first awards ceremony when Scott had been scared of any possible backlash and had set his friends up as body guards, they were more than comfortable for Kip to move around on his own now.

Standing, Kip gave the large room one more cursory glance, just to see if his favourite Russian/Canadian had appeared. Then he stepped out into the crowd, pushing his way towards the outer hallway where the bar had been set up.

As he moved through the press of bodies, he briefly locked eyes on an older man who gave him a friendly nod. The new Commissioner, John Somerton, was standing in a group with a few of the more senior League officials.

In the end, the downfall of the former Commissioner Crowell had been swift and brutal. And surprisingly, none of Kip’s circle of friends had been directly involved.

Kip had long been aware of Shane Hollander’s recording of the meeting where the man had threatened Ilya and his careers. Fortunately, he had never had to release it, since Crowell had enemies within his own camp, people who were fed up with his casual sexism and homophobia.

After Dallas Kent had been sentenced to a year's imprisonment (Far, far too short a time in Kip’s opinion but he wasn’t ignorant to how the judges tended to favor famous white men and knew the asshole had been given white privilege) Crowell had made the huge mistake of publicly speaking out, indicating that he still wanted Kent in the League after his sentence was served.

Using flowery words, such as ‘promising young man’ and ‘rehabilitation’ and ‘mistake of youth’ had not saved him and the man had done a great job of digging his own grave by backing the convicted rapist.

The backlash had been swift and brutal, the public outraged. And once blood was in the water, it was only a matter of time. Many of Crowell's own employees had come forward with stories of how the man had harassed and threatened them, how he made suggestive comments towards young female employees and the terrible things he had spat about the LGBTQ+ community when he thought he was untouchable.

Although none of the players had spoken out, the admin staff were more than happy to mention the meetings he had with Scott, Troy, Shane, Ilya and many other players where he threatened their careers and livelihoods if they didn’t follow his ‘personal’ values.

Crowell had tried to paint the reports as ‘disgruntled employees making things up’ but the sheer number of stories and his past comments had destroyed his credibility and finally he was forced to resign in disgrace.

Somerton had been immediately promoted to the top job and so far, seemed to be a good choice. It helped that he was far more tollarent than his predecessor, even briefly attending the Game Changers Camp week in Ottawa and spending time speaking with all the players and coaches.

Although the man had to walk the fine line to keep the old crowd happy while also embracing the newer fans who had arrived with Scott, Shane, Ilya and Troy's coming out, Kip had faith that he could do it. The fact that the man’s son was a transgender man had gone a way to making them trust he cared and was not just paying lip service to their work.

Kip had been heartbroken for both the Commissioner and his child when he learnt that the Commissioner's son, Chester, had been too scared during his childhood, to come out to his dad due to Somerton’s career and the perceived stigma from the League. He had also been touched when, on meeting both the Commissioner and Chester with Scott, both had credited their actions after the Admirals first Stanley Cup win with helping them communicate again and for Chester to finally feel safe enough to begin living his life as his real self.

So, Kip wasn’t afraid of giving the Commissioner a friendly smile as he moved past, stepping out of the grand room and into the smaller entrance.

The crowd thinned here, most guests already heading to their seats for the beginning of the event, which made it easier for Kip to scan his surroundings and look for his friend.

Finally, he spotted the other man, walking over to the bar at the edge of the hall. Kip made his way over, following in Ilya’s wake. He didn’t bother to call out. Ilya was always very aware of his surroundings and would probably already know Kip was there.

By the time he reached the bar, Ilya was leaning against it, scanning the menu in his hands.

“What are you drinking?” Kip asked as he too, leant against the bar.

Ilya lowered the menu and glanced at Kip, a small smile already on his lips.

“Kip.” He greeted, voice warm. It had been a while now, since they last spoke in person, instead talking over the phone through their usual method of teasing and memeing each other. In fact, the last they had a moment to speak face to face had been the second last game of the playoffs between the Admirals and the Centaurs, when Shane and Ilya had come over to Kip and Scott’s apartment and Ilya had spent ten minutes laying on the floor, playing with Cathy and muttering ‘so soft’ in Russian.

(Kip knew that Ilya was now working on Shane to get a cat. Shane apparently had put his foot down but Kyle, being the troll he was, had told Ilya about the mythical ‘cat distribution system’ and Ilya was now hopeful it would pick him. Kip was certain that it wouldn’t be long before Ilya got fed up and ‘forced’ the system and he had taken to sending the man listings from shelters in Ottawa for cats that needed good homes. Shane had definitely cottoned on to their scheme since Scott had been enlisted by Shane to tell Kip to stop giving Ilya ideas. But Scott hadn’t tried too hard, since he was firmly wrapped around his tiny cat daughters' paws and wasn’t against other cats getting a good home. Besides, according to Ilya, Anya needed a sibling.)

“Hey Ilya.” Kip replied, smiling. He reached out and accepted the half hug Ilya offered. They had long since moved from the awkward handshakes that was expected of them, ever since Ilya had dubbed Kip his ‘brother’ along with Troy and Marley during his wedding breakdown.

Kip returned the warm hug for a moment before pulling away.

“Are you getting a drink?” He asked.

Ilya snorted.

“No. I was just checking out the competition.” He said, nodding to the shelf full of bottles above the bar.

Kip grinned at that. He was very aware of Ilya’s recent business venture. After cutting all ties with Russia (both by cutting off his remaining family there and becoming a Canadian citizen and due to his disgust of the regime controlling his home country) Ilya had decided he no longer wanted any connection to the country. He had even gone so far as to boycott as much as he could.

Which was where he had discovered a new market. Russian vodka was considered some of the best and Ilya had grown up on the stuff, so he had missed it when he cut all ties. And he wasn’t the only one.

Ottawa had a small community of Russian ex-pats who all shared Ilya’s feelings about their old country, and it hadn’t been difficult to form a small group of interested backers for his new project. Working with a Canadian distillery, Ilya had created and fully funded a new vodka brand, using an old Russian recipe and Canadian ingenuity.

The vodka, called ‘Wolf Bird’ had only just bottled its first batch and Ilya was now in the process of organising the last bit of marketing for it. He had already approached Scott and Eric about stocking it in the Kingfisher (With a promise Kyle wouldn’t use it for any cocktails. Kyle had pointedly crossed his fingers when he had agreed to that) and they were now waiting for the launch party which was due to take place just before the next Game Changer Camps.

Ilya had already made it clear a portion of the profits were going to be donated to several charities for mental health, women's rights and queer issues. And he definitely had ambitions for expanding the brand, hopefully making it global eventually.

“You enjoy competition.” Kip stated, eying the shelf and Ilya grinned.

“Yes. Grey Goose is going down.” He stated.

Kip had been a bartender for years, so he knew enough to be able to tease.

“Not Smirnoff?” He asked.

Ilya pulled a face.

“Is trash brand. No competition at all. Only good for Kyle’s cocktails.” The man said.

Kip laughed. He was pleased Ilya was viewing his new venture with the same enthusiasm as he treated Hockey.

“As if you would let Kyle use Smirnoff for your cocktail.” He pointed out.

Ilya winced. As much as he hated the idea of Kyle using a good vodka in a cocktail, he was still flattered that one of the best-selling drinks in the Kingfisher was a cocktail made in honour of his and Shane’s relationship.

“He should know better.” Ilya finally muttered. He looked annoyed for a moment before shaking it off. Then he looked at Kip.

“What are you drinking?” He asked.

Kip shrugged. He was content with a beer but could tell that Ilya was up to something. And Kip had learnt that it was always better to let Ilya Rozanov do whatever he wanted than fight him.

“Not sure yet.” He muttered, picking up the menu Ilya had abandoned. He didn’t bother to glance up from the page as Ilya gestured towards the bartender. Within moments, two glasses were placed before the men. Kip lowered the menu and glanced at the glasses. They were both empty.

Frowning, Kip turned to ask Ilya what he was doing but then he spied the man pulling a silver flask out of his pocket. Ilya opened it and poured a clear liquid into both glasses.

“Wolf Bird?” Kip asked and Ilya smiled.

“First batch.” He said proudly. Then he slid one of the glasses over to Kip.

Kip glanced at it for a moment before picking up the glass. He hoped the bartender wasn’t upset with Ilya for bringing his own liquor, but he was also sure his friend had probably tipped well for the empty glasses.

“If I end up drugged or so drunk I can barely speak, I am blaming you.” He warned.

Ilya smirked at that, slipping the flask back into the pocket of his suit jacket.

“Won’t make you sleep. May make you drunk enough to make Hunter thankful. I am sure the old man struggles to get it up sometimes and can do with a tipsy husband helping him.” He shot back.

Using his free hand, Kip punched him in the shoulder which caused Ilya to laugh. He always loved teasing Kip’s relationship with his husband, even though he was probably one of their biggest supporters in the beginning.

“Asshole.” He muttered but there was no heat in it. He even accepted the small toast, clinking his glass against Ilya’s before taking a sip of the vodka.

Kip wasn’t really a vodka person but thanks to being Ilya’s friend, he had learnt how to drink it neat and notice the taste profiles. Wolf Bird was very smooth, with a subtle hint of grain and wood. Very similar to the other Russian vodkas Kip had tried before. And yet it had a slightly sweet aftertaste, which was pleasant and warming. Kip could tell already, it was going to do well on the market. Ilya should be proud.

“It's very good.” He said, knowing Ilya was waiting for his verdict. The hockey player smiled.

“You think?” He asked and Kip knew he was fishing for complements, but Kip wasn’t mean enough to deny him. He knew what Ilya’s childhood had been like and wasn’t going to deny the man any kind words, especially when they were true.

“I think you have a very competitive vodka on your hands.” He said.

Ilya beamed before relaxing against the bar again, allowing the relevant silence to wash over them for a few moments.

"You know, I don't think I ever thanked you. For coming over to talk to me at my first awards show." Kip said.

Ilya glanced questioningly at him.

"I was so nervous. Terrified that I was intruding and all these homophobic hockey players were going to target me for making their idol gay." Kip explained. "When you approached me in public, I was so close to running away. But you were friendly and kind. I know better now but at the time, I thought that you didn't have to do it. Didn't have to throw in your lot with a random gay guy instead of the people you had grown up around. And it was so brave that you did. You made me welcome and made this space welcoming."

Ilya slowly nodded. Then he leant forward, his voice low.

"You want to know a secret? I only did it to get under Hunter's skin." The man replied.

Kip snorted.

"Oh, I know. Still doesn't mean it wasn't brave or that I don't still appreciate it. You are my friend, Ilya. And I value you."

Ilya leant back, looking a little emotional at that. He finally glanced down at his own drink, swirling the remaining liquid inside it as he contemplated his reply. Then, not finding anything else to say, he changed the topic.

“So, are there plans for retirement?” Ilya finally asked.

“I’m not the one retiring.” Kip pointed out. “I still have work on Monday.”

“Not going to be full time Dinosaur tamer?” Ilya asked.

“According to you, I am that already.” Kip pointed out.

Ilya nodded.

“True.”

“How about you?” Kip asked.

It had been on his mind since Scott had announced his own retirement. The old guard was ending, giving way to the new generation of players. Luca, Youngy, Marius and the others. And Ilya, despite what he said, was closer to retirement than his draft. He was still a great player but there were new players appearing all the time, ready to make their marks and Ilya couldn’t play professionally forever. No matter how much he denied it. His body was already starting to betray him., given he had sat out a few games that season with a recurring knee issue.

Besides, between him and Shane, statistically it was only a matter of time before one of them got a career ending injury, no matter how careful they were. So, what would they do next?

“Have you been thinking about retirement?” Kip tried again. “I mean, you have options.”

Ilya glanced at him and Kip raised the glass.

“Wolf Bird could be your next thing.” He pointed out. “Grow the brand. It has potential.”

Ilya nodded in understanding.

“Yes. And the Irina Foundation. And Coaching. I have many options.” He mused.

“And Shane?” Kip asked.

Shane was probably the more difficult one when it came to figuring out his next move. Hockey had been his life and with the way his brain worked (Shane had finally given in after a lot of pressure from his friends and family and gotten assessed. Turns out, he is autistic) he would struggle once it was over. Maybe he could do something like house flipping. Ilya was always bragging about Shane’s property portfolio. But it seemed Ilya already had a plan for that.

“Shane will be stay at home dad to our children.” Ilya said with confidence.

Kip glanced at Ilya, giving him a questioning look.

“Children?” He asked. Shane wasn’t allowing a cat in his house right now. How would he manage kids?

“Yes. Maybe. Eventually.” Ilya replied and he actually looked a little sheepish. Kip guessed he either hadn’t talked with Shane about this or he had and the two had decided not to speak to anyone else just yet. Like a secret.

Which meant once again, Kip was in the position of being Ilya’s secret keeper. A position he couldn’t help but be honoured to hold. It showed just how much his friend trusted him.

Smiling, Kip took another sip of the Wolf Bird.

“If it means anything, I think you and Shane would be awesome dads.” He offered.

Ilya glanced at him.

“You think?” He asked in the tone of a man who had grown up with a shit father and had the urge to break that chain while still fearing he wouldn’t be able to.

“I do. I think you would be incredible. Your children would grow up so loved and never have to doubt their place in the world.” Kip added.

Ilya actually looked a little teary eyed at that.

“You just have to be cool with them pooping on you for the first year or so and Shane having them on the ice before they can walk properly.” He finished and Ilya laughed at that. It brought him back from the high Kip had given him.

“You and Hunter would also make good papas.” Ilya complemented. “But don’t tell Hunter that came from me.”

Kip smiled. He and Scott had talked briefly about children, early in their marriage but had agreed they weren’t ready at that moment. Maybe, now Scott was retiring and would be more available, and Kip was more settled in his career, it was time to bring it up again.

“Maybe one day.” He said eventually.

Ilya nodded.

“Yes. One day, maybe there will be a new hockey team full of queer hockey players’ children. The Pike kids can be honourary players to make up the numbers.”

Kip laughed.

“I guess, if the Drover’s also decided to have kids. I don’t think between us four, we can make the numbers, even with the Pikes.” He mused.

“Oh, they will. Harris is clucky, even if Troy hasn’t realised it yet.” Ilya said.

Kip snorted into his drink. He definitely could see the Drovers’ being parents. Harris would be another incredible parent and would guide Troy and keep him and their children safe.

“It’s a nice idea.” He muttered, smiling. “Having kids.”

“Yes. And my kids will adore their Uncle Kip and Uncle Dinosaur Scott.” Ilya said. Kip laughed again.

Despite the chirp, it was a nice image. Having kids. Kip would definitely have to speak to Scott again about it soon.

Kip’s mind stewed on it as Ilya glanced up and realised that the hall was emptying, and everyone was making their way to the tables for the beginning of the show. His mind was still racing when Ilya grabbed his arm and walked him back to their tables, when he took his place back next to Scott, grabbing his husband's hand and threading their fingers together under the table while Ilya sat down in his own seat and almost dragged Shane onto his lap, planting a loud kiss of his cheek much to Shane's annoyance and not so secret pleasure.

It was still on Kip’s mind when they cheered and applauded the winners of the night, consoled the losers. When Scott got a special mention from the presenter for his remarkable career, and when Shane took home the Hart Trophy.

His mind was still racing with possibilities as he and Scott left the ceremony, waving goodbye to their friends and heading back to their hotel room a little drunk and euphoric. It only stopped briefly racing as Scott pressed him down on the bed and began kissing at his neck appreciatively.

Once he and his husband were both satisfied, it came back with a vengeance, Kip wondering about having a little boy or girl with Scott’s winning smile.

Kip knew it wouldn’t be long before he was verbalising his thoughts to his husband. After all, for Scott Hunter, Professional Hockey was finally over. There would be no more away games, no more injuries. No more stress or trauma for either of them.

Now it was finally time to begin the rest of their lives together. And Kip couldn’t wait to see what that would be.