Rating:

Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Category:

M/M

Fandoms:

Heated Rivalry (TV), Game Changers Series - Rachel Reid

Relationships:

Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, David Hollander/Yuna Hollander

Characters:

David Hollander, Yuna Hollander, Shane Hollander

Additional Tags:

POV Outsider, David Hollander Finds Out About Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, POV David Hollander, POV Yuna Hollander, Yuna Hollander Finds Out About Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, Coming Out

Language:

English

Series:

Part 2 of Finding Family

Stats:

Published: 2026-04-20 Completed: 2026-05-06 Words: 6,278 Chapters: 5/5

And Ilya Makes Four

Summary

“I was thinking,” Shane says without looking up from his salmon, “about how you guys said it was okay if I wanted to bring someone over for Christmas?”

Yuna gasps sharply, but David speaks before she can. “Of course, son.” He says warmly. “Do you have someone you want to invite?”

Shane nods slowly, eyes still glued to his plate. He takes a deep breath before looking up, not quite meeting David or Yuna’s eyes, but rather staring off at the space between them. “Can we have Christmas at the cottage? I’m… I mean, we are pretty private and I don’t want to have to explain to the neighbors—”

His son is blushing bright red, but all David can think about is ‘we’. Since when are Shane and this mystery person a ‘we’? Just how serious is this relationship?

He had noticed that Shane’s on his phone a lot. That on the rare occasion that David manages to stir the conversation away from hockey, Shane would bring up things he’d never shown interest in before: movies about racing cars or international music.

David had figured that there was someone in his son’s life, but not that they were a ‘we’.

 

Or

How Yuna and David come to adopt their second son

Notes

Chapter 1: A Theory

Chapter Notes

David has a theory.

It started out as an idle observation when Shane was still in high school, years ago. 

David remembers what it was like to be a teenage boy, is the thing, and he especially remembers what it’s like to be a teenage hockey player. He was never one for locker room talk, but he can admit that it intrigued him, back in the day. Hearing his teammates talking about girls used to make him curious, even when he thought the way they talked about it was degrading or uncalled for.

Teenage Shane was nothing like that.

He wasn’t fascinated by talks about women and he wasn’t appalled by them either. By all accounts, David’s son was utterly uninterested in the subject. Which was fair enough, he supposed. Ever since his boy was about 5 years old, there was only one thing guaranteed to keep Shane’s attention and that was, of course, hockey.

So David didn’t think much of it at first.

Not until Shane showed up with a girlfriend, Natalie. He was 17. That, too, sends David down memory lane all the way back to his high school sweetheart. David had been positively obsessed, it was a wonder he even passed grade eleven at all.

He can see it in Natalie: she’s head over heels in love with Shane in that seemingly all encompassing way only teenagers are capable of. It only makes it that much more painful to watch as Shane doesn’t seem to reciprocate it whatsoever.

No, that’s not fair.

Shane seems to reciprocate it perfectly. He opens doors for her and dresses up for their dates and buys her flowers on Valentine’s day. Only someone who knows Shane (like David or Yuna) can see that the boy is doing his best to follow some arbitrary script that he doesn’t understand or particularly care about.

It comes as no surprise when Shane breaks up with Natalie a week ahead of the draft. It’s also unsurprising that it barely even bothers Shane.

It solidifies the theory in David’s mind: Shane doesn’t like girls. And, if he doesn’t like girls, it’s entirely plausible that he likes boys instead.

Shane doesn’t openly stare at men or anything as obvious as that. Well. Except for when he’s watching hockey tape… But that’s different, right? David tries not to think too hard about it.

The point is, David can’t prove anything. He just has a feeling.

Even Yuna doesn’t see it. To hear her tell it, Shane’s one true love is hockey. 

“Of course he’s not interested in girls.” She says when David shares his theory. “He’s training to join the NHL. He knows he can’t afford those kinds of distractions.”

She has a point, of course. Shane’s not the kind of boy to allow himself to get distracted, much less to let something come between him and hockey. But he’s still a teenage boy. And David knows all too well that there’s a difference between ignoring distractions and the distractions not existing.

But it’s just a theory.

It could be nothing.

When David’s out looking for a hockey book for Shane’s 18th birthday, he accidentally comes across A Guide to Loving and Supporting Your LGBTQ Child (literally, that’s the name of the book). He buys it and reads it from cover to cover in less than a week. 

It’s very enlightening, regardless of whether or not it applies to Shane. David makes sure to follow the advice about how to cultivate a welcoming environment and stores the more specific advice safely in the back of his mind.

Just in case.

Years go by. 

Shane joins the NHL, playing for his beloved Voyageurs. He’s the second overall draft pick in his class, which makes David insane with pride, although Shane seems pretty pissed about it and Yuna spends the whole night staring daggers at the boy who got drafted first.

Shane becomes friends with his teammates and happily attends their weddings without ever talking about having a girlfriend himself.

Shane wins rookie of the year and goes on to have great season after great season with the Voyageurs, until they make him their captain.

Through it all, David doesn’t forget his theory. It seems more likely at some times that others, but it’s always there at the back of his mind.

He re-reads the book from time to time. When Montreal has their first Pride night, David is happy to wear a rainbow Hollander jersey.

And Shane remains distraction-less. Or rather, he remains silent about any distractions David may or may not have noticed have been growing.

“I was thinking,” Shane says without looking up from his salmon, “about how you guys said it was okay if I wanted to bring someone over for Christmas?”

Yuna gasps sharply, but David speaks before she can. “Of course, son.” He says warmly. “Do you have someone you want to invite?”

Shane nods slowly, eyes still glued to his plate. He takes a deep breath before looking up, not quite meeting David or Yuna’s eyes, but rather staring off at the space between them. “Can we have Christmas at the cottage? I’m… I mean, we are pretty private and I don’t want to have to explain to the neighbors—”

His son is blushing bright red, but all David can think about is ‘we’. Since when are Shane and this mystery person a ‘we’? Just how serious is this relationship?

He had noticed that Shane’s on his phone a lot. That on the rare occasion that David manages to stir the conversation away from hockey, Shane would bring up things he’d never shown interest in before: movies about racing cars or international music.

David had figured that there was someone in his son’s life, but not that they were a ‘we’.

“That’s fine, honey.” Yuna’s voice brings him back to earth. “We don’t mind, right?” She nudges him.

“No, no.” David agrees quickly. “Christmas at the cottage sounds great.”

“Okay.” Shane sighs in relief. “Good. Then I, uh, I have someone I want you to meet.”

David smiles. “We look forward to meeting—” Him? Her? Them? “— your person.”

“Yeah.” Finally, Shane’s face breaks into a small smile. “It’ll be nice.”

“It’ll be great!” Yuna affirms, her voice maybe a little too high. She, too, looks down at her food to spare Shane from eye contact. “Do you want us to clear up the guest bedroom? Your gym equipment is still there, I think.”

“It’s fine, we can share.” Shane says it fast, like it’s all one word, before quickly standing up. “I’ll go find the restroom.”

David watches his son walk away until he disappears around the corner, before turning towards his wife. “Well. That was certainly something.”

Yuna blinks, working her jaw for a long moment. “Our boy’s dating another boy, isn’t he?” She says at last.

“I think so.” David reaches out to take her hand.

“Okay.” Yuna nods to herself, he can almost see the gears turning in her head. “I’m going to need that book of yours.”

“Yes.” David laughs. “We should probably read it together.”

Chapter End Notes

Oh, me? I had a lovely weekend of not thinking about hollanov! I baked carrot cupcakes with chocolate forsting and I made some progress on my trans flag knitted blanket and... I now I'm back on this fucking bullshit, because of course I am lol

I'm trying to be less serious about this spin off (shorter chapters, taking longer to write, hopefully not staying up until 3AM), but I have no chill so who knows how it's gonna go?

Chapter 2: A Surprise

Chapter Notes

Yuna had prepared for today.

She did her research and she read David’s book and then she bought another book and read that one too for good measure. She thought about what she would say, about “I love you” and “I’m proud of you” and “thank you for telling us.” 

Then, she spent many a sleepless night pondering over homophobia in hockey culture and how it must have felt for Shane to be immersed in that for all these years with no support. Or with only what little support David was able to get away with subtly providing. God, Yuna has never been more grateful to her younger self for such an outstanding choice of husband.

Finally, Yuna went into full planning mode. How would this impact Shane’s career? Obviously, Shane himself has already thought of this, as evidenced by his insistence on moving their Christmas celebration from their Ottawa home to their secluded cottage. But is that enough? How can Yuna make sure Shane won’t lose the thing he loves over the person he loves?

There’s a whole folder of ideas and strategies, contacts and contingencies that she brings with her to the cottage. She keeps it in her room, waiting to share it with Shane later on.

All that to say, Yuna had thoroughly prepared herself. She had been unequivocally ready to meet Shane’s boyfriend (or partner! Whatever terminology they prefer.)

And yet, now that she is sitting opposite Ilya Rozanov, who proudly proclaims himself to be her son’s lover, Yuna has never felt more blindsided in her life.

Shane’s saying something. Or maybe Rozanov’s saying something, Yuna’s not following. The only thought going round and round in her mind is:

“But… You hate him.”

Because that’s the thing, isn’t it?

From the first time they met, the first time they played against each other, the only thing Shane had told them about Rozanov was “he’s a bit of a dick”. And Rozanov had never done a single thing to dispel that notion! He was an asshole on the ice: baited other players into fights, played dirty. And he was an asshole off the ice: always cocky in interviews, often talking shit about Shane specifically.

Yuna has had good reason for hating Rozanov in Shane’s name over the past 3 years.

And now Shane’s in love with him?

Except it’s even worse than that. It’s not that now Shane’s in love with Rozanov, like something shifted somewhere along the way and landed them here.

No.

Shane says they’ve been in love the whole time. Since they were drafted. 

That night in Los Angeles, while Yuna was too angry to fall asleep, fuming over the smug smile of the boy who stole her baby’s moment, Shane was… what? Sneaking around with that same boy? Falling in love with him?

And what hurts the most is that Shane never told her about it. Her baby has been in love for years and she had no idea.

That is, until Shane confesses why he never told her about it. Until he apologizes to her for ruining their plans, like Shane getting the right sponsorships was more important than him experiencing love and happiness.

That hurts far more than anything else, it snaps Yuna’s heart clean in half.

She’ll have to rethink some things. Her role as Shane’s manager, for starters. And she’ll have to figure out how to never again let it interfere with her role as Shane’s mom.

But she can’t fix that in one instant. Right now, what she can do is apologize. Tears in her eyes as she promises that nothing matters to her more than Shane’s happiness.

It’s not much, she knows. Real tangible change will have to follow, so that next time something this important happens in Shane’s life, he won’t feel like he has to wait three years before telling her about it.

But it’s enough for now.

David, her wonderful brilliant husband, comes up with an excuse to get her a moment to regroup, leading her away from Shane and into the kitchen. The moment they’re out of sight, Yuna allows herself to properly fall apart. David pulls her into his arms, guiding her head to his shoulder and rubbing soothing circles on her back.

“It’s okay.” He says softly.

“It’s not.” Yuna sniffs.

Because it’s not okay. She fucked up so bad and Shane had to pay the price for it. He’s been going through so much, alone.

And all the while David knew that something might be up. He’d told her years ago that he had a theory Shane might not be straight and she dismissed him without second thought.

It seemed so obvious to her that if Shane had something to share he’d just tell them about it. And that if Shane never told them anything, it was because he was too focused on hockey to make space for romance.

Oh God.

All those nights she caught him up past his bedtime, fixated on some hockey video with the narration in Russian. That wasn’t just hockey, that was a crush. And all the times Shane went off about Rozanov being ‘the best’ or ‘the one to beat’. That wasn’t just a rivalry, he was in love.

Her beautiful exceptional son who could never understand a social situation that didn’t revolve around hockey went out and found someone who speaks his language. It’s so obvious now that she knows, but she never saw it before because Yuna was the one too caught up on the hockey. On some fabricated narrative about a rivalry that was never anything more than two competitive boys enjoying the game they play for a living.

“It will be okay.” David kisses her forehead. “We know now. He told us because he trusts us, so now we can support him.” 

Yuna takes a shaky breath. “Okay.” She says decisively, ready to pull back to dry her tears and go fully into planning mode. The situation is so much more complex than she initially thought, she’ll need a second folder. But when she looks up, her gaze freezes on the scene unfolding in the dining room. “Oh.”

David looks over his shoulder as well, to where Shane and Rozanov are still sitting at the table, now in a position much like Yuna and David were just a moment ago: Shane has his head on Rozanov’s shoulder while Rozanov comforts him.

“Would you look at that?” David whispers, a warm smile on his face.

She shouldn’t be surprised, not after everything Shane has told her today. But there’s a difference between knowing that her baby is in love and witnessing it with her own two eyes. “I’m going to have to learn to like Rozanov, aren’t I?” She says under her breath.

David snorts. “You can start by calling him ‘Ilya’.”

Yuna’s eyes grow huge as she realizes her husband is right. And, to her horror, she doesn’t seem to mind that very much at all.

Chapter End Notes

I, for one, am having a lot of fun alternating Yuna's and David's POVs! They have such different approaches to parenting, but they both love their son so much, I can't wait to explore how each of them deals with this development.

Chapter 3: An Accident

Chapter Notes

David isn’t snooping. He’s not.

Or, at least, he’s not snooping on purpose.

It’s just that he had noticed Shane’s water bottle was still in the kitchen and he knows Shane hates having to go down the stairs in the middle of the night. And, because David’s a good host, he didn’t just fill up Shane’s bottle, but rather a carafe, which he placed on a tray with two glasses and carried up the stairs.

It’s not until he’s standing in front of Shane’s closed door that he realizes the flaw in his plan: with both hands occupied on the tray, he can’t knock on the door. David’s vaguely wondering if he can kick the door softly enough to make it sound like a knock and not like he’s trying to break into his son’s bedroom when he hears Shane’s voice from inside.

“I know you know it’s ‘doe eyes’, asshole.” Despite the language, Shane sounds like he’s grinning. After a moment, he adds: “and I don’t have doe eyes!”

David can’t help but smile. Shane absolutely has doe eyes. Sometimes. They’re kind of cute, David will admit. To the extent that a 200 pound hockey player can be cute (which, in the case of David’s son, is very).

From inside the room comes Ilya’s laugh. The sound almost takes him aback. It’s nothing like the smug laugh he’s heard from Rozanov in interviews or the polite chuckles from Ilya during dinner. It’s a bright bubbly sound that apparently only Shane can be trusted with. 

“Fine.” Ilya says with a dramatic sigh. “You looked at me with big, brown Shane Hollander eyes and…” He trails off before continuing with a more subdued tone. “And you said my father is a dick. Said I don’t deserve that. Of course I fell in love that night.”

Oh.

That was…

Wow.

David should not be listening to this. He turns to leave, only to remember that he’s still holding a tray. Should he come back with it later? Should he knock now? Or would that be interrupting a private conversation?

“You kissed my hair.” Shane says before David can decide.

“I did?” Ilya asks, sounding genuinely confused.

“In the bathroom.” Shane explains. “You said you’d keep me safe and you kissed my hair and… I trusted you. That was it for me.”

There’s silence after that and David figures this is his chance. He’ll just drop off the water and then he’ll leave the boys to their deeply personal conversation about… He’s not even sure what this conversation is about, other than it obviously being about them falling in love.

Somehow, David manages to balance the tray on one arm, leaving his other hand free to—

“My mama used to do that.” Ilya says, almost too quietly to be heard through the door. David freezes with his hand mid-air.

When Ilya speaks again, it’s in Russian. Honestly, it’s a relief that David can’t understand him. At least he can’t intrude on this part of the conversation.

It’s somehow a shock when Shane responds in Russian. David had heard it at dinner and Shane had confessed to studying the language for years, but David’s still not used to it.

It makes sense, in a way. Shane doesn’t do anything halfway, so it’s entirely like him to learn a whole new language in order to better understand someone he cares about. Especially because Ilya’s English is pretty good now, but it probably wasn’t when he they first met three years ago.

But it’s also a stark reminder of just how much Shane kept hidden for so long. How much dedication does it take to learn a whole new language? Not to mention one as distinct as Russian? And all without ever letting anyone know you’re studying it.

David didn’t really need proof that this was as serious as can be for Shane, introducing Ilya as his boyfriend was evidence enough. But if he had needed proof, this would be it.

“You were following the only script you know.” Shane’s saying. It takes David a second to realize that they must be back to English if he can understand it. “You made sure I was safe and hidden before going to face the monster yourself.”

Ilya scoffs. “He’s hardly a monster.”

“He was to me.” Shane says simply. “That night, he was something out of my worst nightmares.” 

Jesus.

Just what on Earth happened to make Shane talk about it like that?

David’s starting to work himself up worrying about it when he realizes there’s silence from inside the bedroom. A lull in the conversation. 

He knocks on the door before he can second guess it.

For a long moment, there’s no response. Then, Shane clears his throat and calls out “come in.”

It takes some concentration for David to balance everything in one arm as he opens the door with the other, but he manages it by moving very very slowly.

“Just thought I’d bring you boys some water before I go to bed.” He says brightly as he finally steps inside the room, hopefully disguising the fact that he heard a good chunk of their conversation.

Shane moves to get out of bed, but Ilya’s closer and faster, already taking the tray from David before Shane even fully stands up.

“Thank you, David.” Ilya says softly as he places the tray on the side table.

“Yeah.” Shane looks fondly at his boyfriend before smiling at David. “Thanks, dad.” 

 “No problem.” David nods before turning to leave the room. “Good night, boys.” 

There’s a chorus of ‘good night’s as he closes the door, but David doesn’t stick around to hear anything else before he quickly escapes to his own bedroom.

“Is something wrong?” Yuna asks from where she’s sitting up in bed.

It’s not surprising that she can read the anxiety on his face, he would expect nothing less. But he doesn’t have an answer for her, so he just shakes his head and goes straight into the bathroom for his bedtime routine.

Is something wrong?

David wouldn’t know. He overheard half a conversation about an event he has no context on. A part of what he overheard was in Russian!

Still.

He has to assume that nothing’s wrong, right?

Whatever Shane and Ilya were talking about happened years ago. They obviously made it through alright and now they’re here, happy and safe and in love.

By the time David gets in bed, he’s mostly convinced himself that there’s nothing to worry about.

Mostly.

“What do we know about Rozanov’s family?” He asks quietly.

Obviously, they don’t know anything about Ilya’s family, because Ilya hasn’t shared anything. But Yuna might have some outstanding information about Rozanov in the hockey encyclopedia she calls a brain.

“Not much.” She says after a moment, shooting him a curious frown. “His mother passed away before he joined the league, I think? He never talks about anyone in interviews.”

David nods slowly, taking in this new information. “I have a feeling that Ilya’s father is… not good.” He says at last.

“Not good.” Yuna repeats inquisitively. “In what way?”

David has no idea how to explain it. “In a way that no child deserves.” He settles on, echoing Shane’s words from earlier.

Yuna finally turns to face him completely, her face serious. “What makes you say that?”

“I don’t know.” David sighs. “I’m not even sure what I heard. I just get the feeling that the kid doesn’t have anyone looking out for him.”

“Well.” Yuna’s face softens as she takes his hand. “Shane’s looking out for him now.”

She says it like that’s the end of the subject, but he knows they’re both thinking the same thing: Shane’s just a kid himself.

Chapter End Notes

It doesn't matter if you're a 21 year old pro athlete millionaire, to your parents you'll always be a kid 🤷

Chapter 4: A Realization

Chapter Notes

By morning, Yuna is confident in her plan to support not only her son having a boyfriend, but also his years-long clandestine relationship with his rival, Ilya Rozanov.

The night had taken her into many a rabbit hole. From Rozanov’s performance on the ice, which she was obviously already familiar with, to his persona off the ice and the frankly underwhelming sponsorships attached to it. She also makes a depressing detour into Russia’s history and laws around homosexuality, which prompts a brief search into immigration law.

All in all, she feels as prepared as can be, if a little sleep-deprieved. 

And then Ilya walks into the kitchen wearing Shane’s Reebok shorts and a Boston Bear’s T-shirt. 

Yuna forces herself to take a deep breath. There’s an intruder in her house, but it’s fine. He’s Shane’s boyfriend, so he belongs here. Even if he wears the enemy’s colors.

“Good morning, Mrs. — Yuna.” Ilya says awkwardly.

“Good morning, Ilya.” She manages a welcoming smile. She’s about to start some kind of small talk when she notices that he’s still frozen by the door. “Did you need something from the kitchen?” She asks instead. 

“Shane is running.” Ilya says by way of explanation. “I want to make his smoothie?”

“Oh.” Yuna hadn’t expected that. Shane can be very particular about his smoothies, she learned a long time ago not to interfere with his system. But surely Ilya would know that, right? “Of course, everything should be in the fridge.”

Ilya smiles. “Thank you!” He fully steps into the kitchen.

“I got blueberries.” She offers, already turning back to her own preparations for breakfast, setting up the coffee machine. “He adds them, sometimes. For sweetness, I think.”

“Yes.” Ilya agrees, but what he actually gets out of the fridge are a cucumber and an avocado. “I’ll use blueberries tomorrow. Today is grass smoothie day.” He shudders theatrically. 

Yuna’s caught between amused or shocked. “How do you know?”

“Is Monday.” Ilya shrugs.

“Right.” Yuna says slowly. “But how do you know Monday is green smoothie day?” She hadn’t even known there were different smoothies assigned to days of the week.

Ilya turns around, a wide smirk on his face. “I cheat.”

“You what?” Yuna can’t help the high pitched yelp. Because that sounded like Rozanov just admitted to cheating, which would be insane. Rozanov can play dirty, but he doesn’t cheat. And if he did, he wouldn’t tell Yuna, his biggest rival’s mother. Right?

Oh God, does he mean he cheats on Shane? That’s almost worse. 

Rozanov – no, Ilya. Ilya laughs, loud and bright. “Here,” he says, moving towards her and taking his phone from his pocket, “I show you.”

Yuna studies him suspiciously for a long moment, but curiosity eventually wins out and she looks down at what he’s showing her on the screen.

It’s a picture of a laminated sheet of paper. She stares unseeingly at it until it clicks, it’s a list of smoothie recipes, each with an assigned day of the week. 

“He keeps it in the pantry.” Ilya explains. “For making grocery lists, I think.”

And there it is. Monday, green smoothie: cucumber, avocado, spinach and kale. “I had never seen this.” The words fall out without Yuna’s input.

“Your son is very easy to love, Mrs. Yuna.” Ilya says softly. When she looks up to meet his eyes, he winks. “He comes with a manual and everything.”

And then he’s gone, his phone back in his pocket as he turns his back to her and finds a chopping board.

Yuna is frozen in place. She knows Shane can be particular about how he does things, about his routine and especially his food. Loving Shane comes as easily as breathing to her, and even she struggles with his peculiarities sometimes. 

She can’t deny that it’s been a worry of hers that this would make it hard for Shane to find someone who understands him. Someone who could meet him where he is, love him as he is.

And here is Ilya fucking Rozanov, collecting pictures of her son’s routines like they’re his very own ‘how to love Shane’ manual. Worse yet, Ilya follows the manual despite his clear distaste for the green smoothie he’s currently preparing.

Yuna clears her throat and finally turns on the coffee machine before walking to the fridge and getting out a carton of eggs. For breakfast, which she’s supposed to be making. With Ilya Rozanov, who she has just realized loves her son so much it makes her tear up.

She can do this.

When in doubt, she returns to the only thing she can be sure of: hockey.

So that’s how Shane finds them a few minutes later: engrossed in a discussion about the Bears and their opportunities this season.

Shane looks so happy as he walks into the kitchen, as he greets Ilya in Russian (which she’s still not over) and hugs him. And Ilya is no better, positively melting into Shane like he’s not still sweaty and stinky from his run.

They’re so obviously in love, Yuna’s heart swells with it.

Once she’s alone with Ilya again, after Shane’s left to take his post-run shower, Yuna finds herself asking the question that’s been eating at her since last night: “who’s your agent?”

Ilya halts with his hand halfway into a bag of kale. “What?”

“They are severely underselling you, you know.” Yuna continues. “You could do so much better.”

“He’s Russian.” Ilya explains as he resumes adding vegetables to the blender. “Focuses on the Russian market.”

“That’s a terrible strategy.” Yuna scoffs. “You play for the NHL, not the KHL. People in North America would love to see more of you.”

Ilya lets out a delighted laugh. “Is what I keep telling him.” 

She proceeds to tell him about all the ideas that crossed her mind while she researched his career last night. Ilya seems very excited about it, has ideas of his own. 

They discuss what brands he’d be interested in working with as she cooks the bacon and then the eggs. He’s unwilling to commit to a single car brand, because he enjoys diversity. He’s passionate about representing Adidas, but frustrated that his campaigns are so Russian-centric. He would be interested in endorsements of high fashion brands, but his agent never goes for it.

Yuna brings up the Calvin Klein partnership Shane had last year, thinking they’d be interested in having Ilya do something similar.

“You don’t have to do that.” She hears Shane’s voice form from the doorway. His face’s completely closed off, nothing like the smile he had on earlier. 

Yuna opens her mouth to reassure that she’s happy to help Ilya, but then she notices that Shane isn’t looking at her at all. His eyes are fixed on his boyfriend.

“It’s okay, lyubimyy.” Ilya says with a soft smile. “I do not mind.”

“It’s not okay.” Shane sighs before finally turning towards her. “Ilya’s not your project, mom.”

It hits Yuna like a punch to the gut. Wasn’t it only yesterday that she promised herself she wouldn’t let being Shane’s manager get in the way of being his mom? It hadn’t even occurred to her that this is essentially the same thing.

“I’m sorry, Ilya.” She says earnestly. “I didn’t mean to pressure you—”

“No.” Ilya interrupts her, albeit gently. “Don’t be sorry.” And turning to Shane, he says: “your mother is very kind, lyubimyy. She’s only offering to help.”

Shane looks doubtful and, after a long moment, he says something in Russian.

It’s a weird feeling, to be an outsider in one’s own home. To watch as Shane has a whole conversation she can’t understand. To realize, once again, that Ilya has become the person who knows Shane the best.

It’s in the nature of parenting, she supposes, that kids grow up and find their own people.

That doesn’t make it hurt any less.

After Ilya replies (also in Russian), Shane’s face relaxes into a smile once again. “As long as you’re sure.” He says, going back to English.

“I’m sure.” Ilya crosses the kitchen to kiss Shane’s cheek and hand him a glass of the green smoothie. “Here’s your disgusting grass juice.”

“Don’t be an ass.” Shane laughs and half-heartedly shoves him away. His face sobers when he meets Yuna’s eyes again. “We appreciate your help, mom,” he says softly, “but maybe let’s not talk about brands during Christmas?”

“Of course.” Yuna forces a smile. “Let’s go have breakfast.”

Shane leaves the kitchen first, grabbing the coffee pot on one hand while sipping on his smoothie with the other. Ilya follows after him, carrying the dishes of bacon and eggs. He stops by the doorway and smiles back at Yuna before walking away.

Yuna has to take a moment and recenter herself. She puts away all thoughts of Shane’s or Ilya’s career opportunities, carefully packaged to be addressed later, once the holiday is over.

Today, she’ll focus on being a mom. And a mother-in-law.

Chapter End Notes

Shane: I have too many fries, I'll make myself sick :(
Ilya: I don't have any fries at all :(
Shane: Maybe we could...
Ilya: ... Share?
Shane: :)
Ilya: :)

**The fries are Yuna's momagerial talents

Chapter 5: A Decision

Chapter Notes

Out of the corner of his eye, David can see Ilya tiptoeing out of the kitchen. He’s smuggling out a plate of cookies and David expects him to look sheepish when they make eye contact, but Ilya only grins and nods towards the back porch.

At least he’s willing to share the contraband, David thinks, idly amused. Still. It takes a much stronger man than him to decline his wife’s Christmas cookies, so he gets up and follows Ilya out.

Noticing the movement, Shane briefly looks away from the recorded New York v. Tampa game from last week. He looks at David, then follows his gaze to Ilya, finally spotting the cookies and affectionately rolling his eyes before turning back to the TV.

Out on the porch, Ilya extends the plate towards him. There are only two cookies, so David takes one and leaves the other to Ilya, who picks it up and sets the empty plate down on the garden table.

“I hope Yuna wasn’t boring you with shop talk.” David says lightheartedly, before the silence can grow uncomfortable between them.

Ilya doesn’t respond at first. When David looks over, he sees a confused frown on the kid’s face, like he’s trying to work out a particularly complicated puzzle.

It takes a moment longer for David to realize why. “Shop talk just means talking about work.” He explains. “So, you know, hockey, endorsements, that kind of stuff.”

“Ah.” Ilya’s face clears instantly. “No.” He smiles shyly. “Yuna is very kind. And very good at what she does. I like, uh, shop talking with her.”

“Talking shop.” David corrects mildly.

Ilya sighs dramatically. “English is stupid language.”

David laughs. “Yes, it really is.” Then, he sobers up. “It’s okay if you want her to step back, you know. I heard there was an… awkward moment this morning.” 

“Was nothing.” Ilya waves his concern away. “Shane worries too much.”

“He does, at that.” David concedes with a fond smile. His son inherited Yuna’s anxious personality, but somehow managed to multiply it tenfold.

For maybe the next minute, they just eat their cookies in companionable silence. And then, Ilya speaks up. “He doesn’t understand, I think.”

David blinks. “Oh?”

“Shane,” Ilya looks out at the darkening sky, “he is very used to this.” He gestures vaguely to the house and the yard around them. “Loving family, loving parents. Is very hard for him to imagine… not everyone has this.”

Well, If David needed any confirmation about Ilya’s bad family dynamics, this was it. He tries to keep a casual demeanor as he replies. “That would be my fault, probably.”

“Da.” Ilya snorts. “Shame on you David Hollander, for being too good father. Loving your son too much.”

David straight up laughs. “Yes, how do I live with myself?”

Ilya looks over at him, a genuine smile on his face.

“I meant that maybe I shielded him too much.” David explains after he’s sobered up. “My family isn’t like this.” He copies Ilya’s earlier gesture. “My parents weren’t particularly kind. And they were really unkind to Yuna. They’re gone now.” He pauses for a moment before confessing. “I never told Shane about any of it. I think maybe I didn’t want him to see the ugly parts of the world.”

Ilya studies him for a long time before looking away. “Good.” He nods at last. “Shane deserves everything beautiful. And he’s too good for people who don’t respect his mama, anyway.”

As silence settles between them, David realizes that this might be his best opportunity. “Do you have anyone, Ilya?” He asks quietly. “Back home?”

“Ah.” Ilya stretches vowel, stalling for time. “Not like you and Yuna, no. I have… a friend. Svetlana. She is like sister.”

And David knew this already. Or strongly suspected, at least. It still breaks his heart to hear it. “Well, you have us now.” The words are out of his mouth before he even realizes he’s made a decision. “Yuna and I.”

“I love your son very much, Mr. Hollander.” Ilya turns towards him, his face suddenly serious. “I promise I will do everything I can to make him happy.”

He says it like it’s a trade off. Like he’s used to negotiating what he needs to give in exchange for basic human decency. 

David feels his own face softening. “I gotta be honest with you, Ilya, that promise doesn’t mean much to me.” He says slowly, but he doesn’t give Ilya any time to react before continuing. “Because I’m pretty sure that you’d do that regardless of whether or not you promised me.”

Ilya’s face betrays a smile. “Yes.” He concedes. “Probably.”

“Then I’d rather you promise you’ll reach out to us if you need anything.” David offers him his hand to seal the deal.

Ilya stares at the extended hand, before looking up at David’s face and back down to his hand before shaking it. “Okay.” He says simply.

Sensing the end of the conversation, David steps back and picks up the abandoned plate. “I’ll return this to the kitchen. Face the consequences for our crimes.” And, when Ilya looks reluctant, he adds: “you should go sit with your boyfriend before he gets consumed by the game tape.”

Ilya laughs, but nods. He holds the door open for David to walk back inside before closing it behind them and going to sit down next to Shane on the couch.

David finds Yuna by the counter, packing the cookies from the rack and into a box. He leaves the empty plate on the sink and walks to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

“I see you’ve found an accomplice.” She comments dryly.

David kisses her neck. “The cookies are delicious. Thank you.”

Yuna fits the last couple of cookies into the box before closing it and leaning back into him. “Did you two have a good talk?”

David hums affirmatively. “I think you should reach out to Ilya.” He says. “After Christmas. I think he’d really like to hear your ideas.”

Yuna, of course, picks up on what he’s not saying. “And…?” She prompts.

“And,” David follows, “Shane needs a break, honey. He works too hard, being the face of Asian Canadian Hockey.”

“I know.” Yuna sighs. “I know. I’ll do better.” 

“You’ll be great.” David tightens their embrace and kisses her cheek.

“Anything else?” Yuna asks after a long moment.

“Oh, yes.” David says, like he’s just remembered something. “And I’ve adopted Ilya, he’s ours now.”

Yuna snorts inelegantly and reaches a hand back to play with his hair. “Is that so?”

“Yes.” He looks over her shoulder to where he can just about see Shane and Ilya play wrestling on the couch. “And we’re not giving him back.”

“Good.” Yuna decides. “I think he fits right in.”

Chapter End Notes

David Hollander about Ilya Rozanov at the end of this fic:

And for my next trick: does anyone else hear wedding bells? 👀👀👀👀👀👀