Preface
They Mean Well, I Swear
Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at https://archiveofourown.org/works/79933751.
- Rating:
- Mature
- Archive Warning:
- No Archive Warnings Apply
- Category:
- M/M
- Fandoms:
- Heated Rivalry (TV), Game Changers Series - Rachel Reid
- Relationship:
- Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov
- Characters:
- Ilya Rozanov, Shane Hollander, Cliff Marlow | Cliff Marleau, Brad Hammersmith, Victor St. Simon, Connors (Heated Rivalry), Ryan Carmichael, Boston Bears | Boston Raiders Team Ensemble (Game Changers), Harris Drover, Original Characters
- Additional Tags:
- Group Chats, Humor, Coming Out, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Texting, POV Multiple, POV Outsider
- Language:
- English
- Series:
- Part 1 of Trying Their Best
- Stats:
- Published: 2026-02-20 Completed: 2026-04-01 Words: 12,802 Chapters: 23/23
They Mean Well, I Swear
Summary
Ilya and Shane agreed to come out to their teams separately. The Bears take it well and promise to have Ilya's back, but they have questions.
aka a bunch of well meaning straight (?) guys asking about how things work
Notes
Used this for the chat coding: Fictional Messenger.
This timeline is set for the start of the season (or whenever they would all be back in the locker room) after the cottage! Ilya and Shane agreed to share that they're queer with their teams, and if the team takes it well, they can share that they have a boyfriend, with potential for sharing the name of said boyfriend in the future
Names are pulled from book canon and show canon, as I needed more people in the group chat
Fuck AI, up the ass
Chapter 1: Bears Boys
Chapter Notes
I loved writing this. I used the last name only names from the show to be the rookies, since the ones from the books are established players
Cliff Bar
@Rozy thanks again for telling us today, if anyone gives you shit, let us know
St-Simon
yeah thanks roz
Oregan
thx roz, that couldn't have been easy to share
Dubek
thanks for trusting us
St-Simon
we have your back
Rozy
thank you for being nice, was a bit scary
Zadonsky
always roz, gotta take care of our captain <3
wait that's a platonic heart
St-Simon
lmfao you idiot it's fine to send hearts
Connors
sending hearts doesn't make you gay
right? @Rozy
Rozy
i don't know, send more to find out
Zadonsky
…..for real?
Sebbin
one of you take one for the team and send hearts
Hammersmith
dumbass he's messing with you, an emoji can't magically make you gay
Varkov
does sending half a heart make you bi
St-Simon
are you kidding?
Varkov
sorry, was that bad timing for a joke?
Cliff Bar
I want you all to know that Roz is cackling in the car right now
Sebbin
are we allowed to ask questions?
Varkov
what kind of questions?
Sebbin
idk, just like. how it works or whatever
Hammersmith
what do you mean
Sebbin
how do you know if you'll like a guy more than a girl or a girl more than a guy
there are too many options
St-Simon
do you think bi people are just fucking anyone they find attractive
Hammersmith
have you met Roz
St-Simon
good point
do you think bi people who are not Roz are fucking anyone they find attractive
Sebbin
maybe?
Connors
do you fuck anyone you find attractive
Sebbin
no….
Varkov
why not
Sebbin
because talking to people is scary
Hammersmith
you're so adorable rook
Sebbin
hey!
Rozy
marlow dropped me off, you all have questions?
Chapter End Notes
Cliff is 100% the person to type at red lights. couldn't figure out timestamps but cliff starts the convo before getting in the car to take ilya home. why is he taking ilya home? idk i just really wanted him to tell them team that ilya was cackling
Chapter 2: Bears Boys
Chapter Notes
they're trying their best
Rozy
i see, go quiet when i answer
Sebbin
we're not ignoring you!
Oregan
yeah!
Rozy
but no questions?
Oregan
Yes questions!!
St-Simon
we just wanted to make sure we weren't asking the same questions
Rozy
okay, i make deal. everyone gets one question that i will be serious about
go
St-Simon
did you tell us cause you have a boyfriend
Rozy
will it be an issue if i do
Varkov
NO
Hammersmith
nope
Rozy
okay, yes
Connors
yes to boyfriend?
Rozy
is that your question
Connors
it's a follow-up
Rozy
fine, yes to boyfriend
Connors
GUYS CAP ISN'T SINGLE
Hammersmith
yes we all saw the same message
Cliff Bar
I have a question
When do we get to meet the boyfriend?
Rozy
not yet. soon. maybe. depends
St-Simon
what about jane
Rozy
what about jane
Hammersmith
you and jane have been fucking for years, did you drop her for the boyfriend
Carmichael
why did he stop replying
Varkov
Roz
Connors
@Rozy
Carmichael
where did he go
Hammersmith
oh fuck was he two timing
Varkov
roz get back here
Sebbin
did you break jane's heart
Rozy
i had to get permission
St-Simon
…..
for what
Rozy
jane is boyfriend
Connors
oh
jane was girlfriend but now boyfriend?
Zadonsky
I know this one, she's trans!
Sebbin
He you idiot
Zadonsky
sorry he's trans
Rozy
no jane is not trans
Sebbin
but
jane is boyfriend?
Carmichael
WAS JANE ALWAYS A GUY
Rozy
…..yes
St-Simon
holy shit no wonder you were so weird about it
Connors
so what, you were fucking jane and everyone else and now you're exclusive?
Rozy
exclusive?
Varkov
like just jane, no one else
Rozy
duh, that's why jane is boyfriend
Oregan
good for jane
St-Simon
yeah for putting up with his ass all this time
Dubek
who takes it
Rozy
do i ask if you fuck a woman or if she fucks you
Dubek
no?
Rozy
then stupid question
Dubek
Sorry Cap
Zadonsky
how does a woman fuck a guy
Varkov
do you need the birds and the bees talk
Zadonsky
I KNOW HOW SEX WORKS
Oregan
obviously not
Zadonsky
roz said if she fucks you
how does she do the fucking
St-Simon
I mean
Pegging is an option
Zadonsky
pegging?
Hammersmith
no one tell him
Zadonsky
why not??
Cliff Bar
google it
Zadonsky
oh
oh i see
um
i have to go
Hammersmith
Bet he's embarrassed his dick got hard
Zadonsky
am not!
St-Simon
embarrassed or hard
Zadonsky
neither?
Dubek
can gay guys do missionary
Rozy
yes, why not
Dubek
well
cause
it's in the back
Rozy
so?
Dubek
how does that work
Rozy
i feel bad for your girlfriend
Dubek
you said you'd be serious!!
Rozy
i am serious
Sebbin
wait can lesbians do missionary
St-Simon
What is wrong with you?
Sebbin
it's a valid question!!
Cliff Bar
I can't believe I'm saying this, but some of you need to watch gay porn
Chapter End Notes
forgot to add in all the names for this chapter when i uploaded the first chapter so yay for posting the second chapter within an hour of the first lol
Chapter 3: Bears Boys
Chapter Notes
I've decided that Cliff is the only one using proper capitalization over text, everyone else has auto-caps turned off on their phone
Connors
what does it feel like to bottom
Rozy
don't know. jane loves it though
Connors
ask jane then
Rozy
okay hold
Connors
what should i hold
St-Simon
ugh stop with the dad jokes
Oregan
wait if two guys have kids, does that mean double the dad jokes?
Connors
duh
Oregan
nice
Rozy
i have to quote
"it feels amazing if it's done right. you have to prep and use a lot of lube but it's worth it. super intense"
everyone say thank you jane
St-Simon
thank you jane
Connors
thank you jane
Sebbin
thank you jane
Cliff Bar
thank you jane
Varkov
thank you jane
Oregan
how do you know if you're gay
Rozy
do you want to suck a dick
Oregan
not really
Rozy
then you're not gay
Oregan
what if it's a really nice dick
Rozy
okay maybe a little
Zadonsky
is pegging the same as bottoming
St-Simon
lol he came back after "research"
Zadonsky
shutup, something came up
Varkov
yeah it did
Connors
leave him alone he can't help it
Rozy
it depends on who strap is connected to
Sebbin
what does that mean
Cliff Bar
You need to do more research
Sebbin
i swear i don't mean this in a bad way but how do you know you won't want boobs or pussy in the future
Rozy
is serious question?
Sebbin
yes?
Rozy
hm
i like both but i only need one other cock. would be okay without pussy forever if i have jane
Connors
damn roz that's weirdly romantic
Dubek
what about boobs
Rozy
his boobs are perfect
Sebbin
he has tits?
Rozy
everyone has tits. his are perfect
Hammersmith
they're called pecs on men Roz
Rozy
pecs, tits, same thing
Zadonsky
I THOUGHT OF ONE
Carmichael
oh boy
Connors
here we go
Zadonsky
it's a good one i promise
Connors
do we place bets now or later
Varkov
nah give him a chance
go on
Zadonsky
can you suck your own dick
Varkov
dude
i take it back, no more chances for you
St-Simon
you don't need to be gay to suck your own dick
Zadonsky
you don't?
St-Simon
no? just flexible and blessed
Zadonsky
huh
okay
oh my mom is calling
St-Simon
he's totally going to try it and be disappointed isn't he
Carmichael
definitely
Cliff Bar
I think we should hold off on questions until we get answers on what Zadon discovered
Chapter End Notes
babies of the team with their own group chat next chapter (had to research how many rookies can be on a hockey team, internet said more than 2 isn't great so can't be rookies of the team)
Chapter 4: We Aren't Babies
Chapter Notes
decided that chapter names are the names of the group chat being shown (otherwise known as I couldn't figure out the coding to make the group name appear)
tiny babies of the team have their own group chat where Zadonsky is the POV we're seeing, he is a delightful little himbo baby (in my eyes) so everyone gets nicknames
Zasky
guys
Beck
called it
knew he would end up here
Sebb
what
Zasky
what exactly does flexible and blessed mean
flexible mostly makes sense
but why blessed
Oregano
lmfao you're totally going to try it aren't you
Zasky
no!
Sebb
liar
Zasky
okay i thought about it
a little
Oregano
blessed means your dick is long enough to reach your mouth if you are flexible enough to bend towards it
Zasky
oh
is it like yoga
Oregano
wtf does that mean
Zasky
like you have to stretch first to get limber or whatever
Oregano
idk probably?
hear me out
Sebb
nope
Oregano
no for real!
hear me out
we all trust each other, right?
Beck
right
Zasky
yeah
Sebb
yep
Oregano
okay so
i know we're all curious
Beck
about?
Oregano
sucking your own dick
Zasky
google says it's called autofellatio
Oregano
sucking your own dick sounds better than that
i also known that admitting it to the elders is terrifying
Beck
they would never let us live that down
Oregano
exactly
so we make a pact
Zasky
like a blood pact?
Oregano
no stop asking things like that what is wrong with you today
Zasky
i ran out of adderall
Oregano
lmao that makes sense
Sebb
dude
Beck
get that fixed
Zasky
i was going to!
i got distracted by roz coming out
Oregano
i refuse to respond till you call your doctor
Zasky
but what about the pact!
Oregano
nope. no pact till you get your shit fixed
Zasky
fine, hold on
Chapter End Notes
this is dedicated to my doctor sending my adhd meds to the wrong pharmacy
Chapter 5: We Aren't Babies
Chapter Notes
hee hee hee hee hee
Zasky
okay they're sending my script in
pact now?
Oregano
say please
Zasky
i hate you
Oregano
no you love me
Zasky
whatever
please
Oregano
good boy
Zasky
STOP THAT
Oregano
lmao it's so easy to get you riled up though
pact idea
we all know we're curious
so we agree. all of us. if we try it. we tell each other
Sebb
we don't have to do it?
Oregano
nope
just if you do
share
even if you find out you can't
Beck
i can agree to that
Sebb
same
Zasky
yeah i guess
Oregano
all in agreement, pact is in place
now
have any of you already tried
Beck
sooooooooo
fun fact
i tried that years ago
Sebb
and?
Beck
and what
Oregano
could you?
Beck
i could kind of touch it with my tongue then i gave up
Oregano
lmfao just bent in half wiggling your tongue towards your dick
Beck
hey
you try it and see how hard it is
Oregano
oh i already have
Beck
what the fuck
share
Oregano
only like an inch or so
it was weird
Beck
damn better than me
Oregano
two of you are being very quiet
Sebb
i'm reading
Oregano
@Zasky
whatcha doing bud
Beck
i bet he's trying it
Oregano
ayo book nerd, speak up
Sebb
i have not tried it
Beck
are you going to
Sebb
idk
Beck
two of us have admitted it
Sebb
it feels like that doesn't count for the pact
Oregano
tf why not
Sebb
cause you both said it was a while ago
pact seems like if any of us try it after the pact is formed
Oregano
fuck
he's got a point
Beck
god dammit
fine i'll go "read" hold on
Sebb
what is wrong with us
Oregano
we are being supportive of creative minds
Sebb
what does that even mean
Oregano
who knows, put your phone down and see if you can suck your dick
Chapter End Notes
next chapter will go back to main chat before coming back here
St-Simon
anyone heard from Zadon?
Connors
better question, anyone heard from the babies?
Varkov
the fact you called them babies and none of them spoke up is worrying
Hammersmith
what could they be doing
St-Simon
i mean
we know what Zadon is doing
Connors
lol do you think they're all trying it
Cliff Bar
Guys, we're starting to cross the line here
Connors
what line, it's called being curious
Cliff Bar
You're speculating about if the babies are sucking their dicks right now
Connors
correct
Cliff Bar
That's the line
Stop speculating
Maybe Roz coming out encouraged them to do some thinking about themselves
That's none of our business until/unless they want to say something
Carmichael
cliff you can totally suck your own dick can't you
Cliff Bar
I am not dignifying that with an answer
Rozy
I can
St-Simon
stfu for real
Rozy
is weird. Jane does it better
St-Simon
of course he does
Hammersmith
if the babies are busy, can we go back to questions
Rozy
i dont care
Connors
is a prostrate orgasm real
Varkov
dude
Connors
it's a legit question!
St-Simon
i need you to purchase an aneros. for science
Connors
a what
St-Simon
look it up
Connors
what the fuck is that
St-Simon
the answer to your question
Varkov
either you buy it or it gets mysteriously placed in your locker
Connors
wtf
St-Simon
your prostate is a gift
use it
Hammersmith
isn't that gay
St-Simon
no you dumbass
Hammersmith
but it's up your ass
Connors
so?
Hammersmith
and that's gay
Connors
no it isn't
Hammersmith
yes it is
Connors
pegging exists for a reason
Hammersmith
yeah but don't bi guys do that
wait
@Rozy
Rozy
do not ask
stupid question
you can enjoy your prostate without being gay
Cliff Bar
Touching your ass doesn't make you gay
Connors
wanting to touch another guy's ass might mean you're gay
St-Simon
please tell me you're still cleaning your ass in the shower
Varkov
please say that
please
Hammersmith
the water just runs down as i clean
St-Simon
you dirty mother fucker
Hammersmith
fucking rude, i'm not dirty
St-Simon
CLEANING YOUR ASS IS NORMAL
YOU FREAK
Cliff Bar
Be nice
Hammersmith
yeah be nice
Cliff Bar
Oh no, not to you, go clean your ass you weirdo
Hammersmith
what the fuck
Cliff Bar
I refuse to continue this conversation until you report back with a squeaky clean ass
Chapter End Notes
so sorry to Hammersmith for being the scape goat in this chapter. i've heard conversations just like this before and one of them had to take the fall for being the gross straight guy
Chapter 7: Bears Boys
Hammersmith
clean
Cliff Bar
Did you use soap
Hammersmith
yes fuck off
St-Simon
good
now do that every time you shower
Hammersmith
fine
St-Simon
question time again?
Varkov
if you go out for dinner, who pays for the meal
Connors
wait that's a good question
cause society says the man pays
but you're both men
Rozy
huh
we make bet usually
Varkov
about?
Rozy
about who pays
Connors
seriously?
Rozy
yes, very competitive
Carmichael
makes sense cap would date someone just as competitive
Varkov
do you ever not make a bet?
Rozy
maybe depends on which house we're at? if i go to his, he buys meals, he comes here, i buy meals
Varkov
that's surprisingly reasonable
Carmichael
can you both get beard burn
Rozy
no
Carmichael
why not
Rozy
he can't grow beard
Carmichael
roz how young is he…
Rozy
young? no. bad genetics
Connors
oh
Carmichael
okay
St-Simon
roz since you're bi, is anal different with a guy than a girl
Hammersmith
you're assuming he's had anal with a woman
Connors
he's a freak, he would find other freaks
Hammersmith
good point
Rozy
yes and no?
St-Simon
explain
Rozy
you have to be careful with woman and can go harder with a man. most men are more prepared
Hammersmith
is sucking dick fun
Rozy
the best
you should try
Hammersmith
nah i'm good
Varkov
are glory holes real
Rozy
what
Connors
a glory hole
Rozy
what is that
Connors
uhhhhhhhhhhh
someone else answer that
Cliff Bar
@Rozy google would be better than any of us
Rozy
what the fuck is that
have not seen
have not used
sounds like porn
Varkov
do you feel safe with us in the locker room?
Rozy
yes?
Varkov
i mean like, is there anything we can do to make you more comfortable around us?
Rozy
no?
Connors
we just want to make sure we aren't doing anything that could hurt you, even on accident
Rozy
so sweet. best team
nothing i can think of
idea though
you know what you hear teams say on ice
maybe check homophobes harder from now on
Varkov
deal
Cliff Bar
Done
Hammersmith
got it
Connors
absolutely
St-Simon
they won't see it coming
Connors
that's what he said
Beck
reporting back
i am not flexible enough for this
Oregano
same, my muscles are getting in the way
Beck
okay brag about your abs
Oregano
i'm not!
Beck
you are
Oregano
maybe a little
thing one and thing two, alive?
Beck
they could be busy
Oregano
still
Beck
i meant with real life
Oregano
meh
excuses
we made a pact
they agreed
Sebb
i don't want to talk about it
Oregano
YOU AGREED TO THE PACT
Sebb
i know
Oregano
would you feel better if we promise not to ask questions
Sebb
maybe?
Oregano
i promise i will not ask any question other than could you do it
Beck
i make no promises
Oregano
dude
Beck
what
Oregano
we are being supportive
Beck
fine i promise to not ask questions unless they're needed
Sebb
okay
Oregano
so could you do it
Sebb
sort of?
Beck
………
………………..
klujasDFHIJGASDUIHAGSRHUJI
Oregano
you good?
Beck
i can't ask questions
i promised
Oregano
why are you keyboard smashing
Beck
UGGHHHHH
WHAT DOES SORT OF MEAN
THAT'S A QUESTION
IT'S A NEEDED QUESTION
Sebb
um
um
i guess
blessed but not fully flexible?
Beck
oh
Oregano
that's okay
Beck
good for you
Oregano
okay thing two your turn
@Zasky are you alive
Beck
what if he got stuck
Oregano
how would you get stuck
Beck
idk pull a muscle or something
what if he's stuck bent in half
Sebb
oh god
is that possible
Beck
the internet says it is
Oregano
do we need to go on a rescue mission
Beck
to do what exactly?
Oregano
to save Z
Sebb
from?
Oregano
uhhhh
himself?
Beck
so you're telling me you want us to break in to his apartment to make sure he isn't stuck after trying to suck his dick
Oregano
not break in
i have a key
Beck
why do you have a key
Oregano
not important
Beck
what the fuck
Sebb
i think he would rather die than be caught like that
Oregano
okay what if only one of us goes
Sebb
not it
Beck
i mean
i live closer
but i don't really want to see that
Oregano
i see how it is, leave the guy with the key to check
Beck
logically
yes
you have the key
we don't
therefor
you check
Oregano
fine, i'll update you guys in a bit
Chapter End Notes
i've been hinting at something with the babies of the team *wink wink, nudge nudge*
Chapter 9: Baby <3
Chapter Notes
does this make sense in the canon HR universe? absolutely not. does this make sense in the hockey universe? idk, probably not. does it make sense in my head for these lovely little cubs? absolutely
enjoy <3
Or
Baby
are you alive
Z | Baby <3
please do not do a rescue mission
Or
ah so you can read the chat but not reply
Z | Baby <3
it's embarrassing
Or
why is it embarrassing
Z | Baby <3
i don't wanna say
Or
come on you know you can tell me anything
Z | Baby <3
i know
Or
so say it
Z | Baby <3
no
Or
say it or i'm coming over
Z | Baby <3
you're coming over anyways, it's your night to cook
Or
i'm aware
but if you are stuck, i am giving you plenty of time to admit it
Z | Baby <3
i am not stuck
Or
butttt?
Z | Baby <3
i did not get stuck
Or
so you did try it!
Z | Baby <3
yeah
Or
and
Z | Baby <3
and what
Or
could you do it
Z | Baby <3
yes.
Or
BABE
I WANT TO SEE
Z | Baby <3
NO
NO YOU DON'T
IT IS NOT SEXY
Or
oh please, everything you do is sexy
Z | Baby <3
no it isn't
Or
i beg to differ
Z | Baby <3
shut up, you have to say that
Or
no i don't
i mean it
and i want to see
Z | Baby <3
no
Or
what if i promise to do that thing with my tongue that you like
Z | Baby <3
oh god
after dinner?
Or
yes
Z | Baby <3
for as long as i can stand?
Or
yes
Z | Baby <3
okay
Or
okay i can see?
Z | Baby <3
fine
Or
i'm so hard right now
Z | Baby <3
what is wrong with you
Or
what, i can't think about how hot it is that my boyfriend can suck his own dick?
Z | Baby <3
shut up
speaking of
Or
sucking dick?
Z | Baby <3
no, boyfriend
do you think we should tell roz
Or
nah i think we're selling it well in the main chat
Z | Baby <3
okay but maybe tell roz separately? so he knows he's not alone?
Or
ah
good point
we can tell him after practice tomorrow
Z | Baby <3
what about the rest of the team?
Or
what about them?
Z | Baby <3
i mean, they seem to not care about roz
Or
yeah but that's someone who isn't on our team
what if we tell them and they trade one of us
Z | Baby <3
sue for discrimination
Or
with what money
Z | Baby <3
that's why we should tell roz
you know he'll have our backs
Or
hm
you make a good point
Z | Baby <3
i always do
Or
hush
Z | Baby <3
you love me
Or
i know
say it
Z | Baby <3
i love you
Or
mhm
Z | Baby <3
dude
Or
what
Z | Baby <3
you say it back
Or
well
Z | Baby <3
babe
that's not funny
Or
what's not funny
Z | Baby <3
i'm barricading my door
Or
BABE
NO
I'M SORRY
I LOVE YOU
babe
baby
please
love of my life
Z | Baby <3
what
Or
i'm just messing, you know that right?
Z | Baby <3
hmph
Or
you did not just hmph me
Z | Baby <3
so what if i did
Or
you have an attitude today
Z | Baby <3
so
Or
so maybe i need to take care of that
Z | Baby <3
no you don't
Or
oh yes i do
i'm coming over early
i expect you to be ready for me
Z | Baby <3
fine
Or
good boy <3
Chapter End Notes
my lovely little himbo baby and his sir
Oregano
he's alive
Sebb
not stuck?
Oregano
not stuck
Sebb
did he get stuck
Oregano
lmao no
Beck
SO HE DID DO IT
Oregano
@Zasky care to answer that
reminder we have a pact
Zasky
i did it
Beck
AND
Zasky
i could do it
Beck
AND?
Zasky
it was weird
Beck
cool
good for you
Oregano
did you guys see the main chat
Sebb
no why
Oregano
they figured out what we were doing
Zasky
bullshit
Oregano
okay they guessed
Sebb
we are not going to confirm
Oregano
or deny?
Sebb
we could deny
Beck
if all four of us deny that is suspicious
Sebb
so we throw one of us under the bus?
Oregano
no you idiot
we all neither confirm nor deny
Beck
that might work
Sebb
i feel like we've bonded
Zasky
huh?
Beck
why?
Sebb
it's like team bonding
but for us
Oregano
because we all tried sucking our dicks?
Beck
don't phrase it like that, that sounds like we had an orgy
Sebb
we could
Oregano
what the fuck
Zasky
no
Oregano
we could not
Beck
i literally have a girlfriend
Sebb
okay so a threesome
Oregano
do you even want to do that
Sebb
not really
but if we come up with something even bigger they will forget about the sucking dick thing
Oregano
so your solution is to go from sucking your own dick to fucking two of us??????
Sebb
you know i can see how that sounds bad
Oregano
you think???
Beck
no offense to any of you but i don't want a threesome
or an orgy
Oregano
same
Sebb
yeah that might have been a dumb idea
Oregano
oh really, you think??
Sebb
is there anyone on the team you would fuck
Beck
what are we even doing
we're all straight
right?
guys?
am i making assumptions…
Oregano
i'm gay
Sebb
woah
Zasky
um. yeah. same
Sebb
double woah
Beck
holy shit
thanks for sharing
Sebb
oh no
Oregano
?
Sebb
did we make you uncomfortable with the sucking dick thing
Oregano
nah
like you said
team bonding
in a very fucked up way
Sebb
i support you guys!!
Beck
same, congrats
Zasky
congrats for what?
Beck
being gay?
Oregano
why congrats?
Beck
idk isn't that what people say?
Zasky
what people?
Beck
the internet?
Oregano
you're lucky you're pretty
Beck
hey!
what does that mean
Zasky
exactly
Sebb
does roz know?
Zasky
no we want to tell him in person
Beck
we?
Sebb
both of you?
Zasky
oh
yeah
we're dating
Beck
WEHATGFS
WHAT
WHAT DO YOU MEAN
Oregano
you see, when two people really love each other
Beck
NOT THAT
HOW LONG
Zasky
a while
Beck
HOW LONG IS A WHILE
Oregano
since the first roadie
we got put in the same room
kind of led from there
Beck
holy fucking shit
wow
Sebb
yay for love
Beck
oh my god roz is going to have a field day
Zasky
a what?
Sebb
he's going to love this
Zasky
you think so?
Beck
absolutely
Sebb
he's gonna make a group chat for the three of you, calling it now
Zasky
why?
Sebb
all the gays in one chat
wait am i allowed to say that
Oregano
say what
Sebb
the gays
Oregano
lmao yeah, it isn't a slur to say gay
Sebb
okay
just checking
Zasky
thank you guys for being chill
we've been worried about the reaction
Beck
if anyone says anything, i'll beat them up
Oregano
no you won't
Beck
i will try really hard to beat them up
Oregano
yeah and you'll get hurt in the process
Beck
worth it
Oregano
lmfao talk valentina
Beck
who?
Oregano
nothing, you're being a good ally
Beck
oh okay
thank you?
Oregano
just keeping being you
Sebb
when are you telling roz?
Zasky
thinking about tomorrow
Sebb
we get all the details right?
Oregano
duh
Beck
should we respond in the main chat?
Sebb
wait
you both were asking dumb questions there
Oregano
yeah cause we don't want people to know
Beck
oh
that's actually a really good plan
Zasky
should we keep it up?
Beck
fuck it, go for it
Oregano
i got you, hold on
Chapter End Notes
a few of you in the comments have referred to the babies of the team as cubs so I am absolutely stealing that, with love <3
just a bunch of little cubs, ugh, I love what I've done with them and what they're becoming as I write
Realizing this is set in late 2017 and I used a meme from 2022……we’ll just ignore that
Oregan
@Rozy
Rozy
?
Oregan
question
Connors
one of them comes back with a question while the rest are silent
Rozy
answer
Oregan
How do you decide who's penis is going to open up and accept the other penis?
Carmichael
what the actual fuck is wrong with you
St-Simon
lmfao are you being serious
Rozy
…..
what
the
fuck
@Cliff Bar
Cliff Bar
What did I do
Rozy
you need to share links with the child
Cliff Bar
What kind of links
Rozy
the porn you wtched
Varkov
the what
Cliff Bar
The research links?
Rozy
did you see question
Cliff Bar
Yeah it's called docking
St-Simon
HOLD UP
THAT'S A REAL THING
Cliff Bar
Yeah, if at least one of the penis owners has foreskin
Haha, you all go quiet, I know you're looking it up
Varkov
that looks uncomfortable
Hammersmith
oh my god my eyes
Sebbin
it's like a hug
but for your dick
why is this a thing
Carmichael
IT'S LIKE A HUG?????
Dubek
i can see it
Cliff Bar
I think we need an intervention from ourselves at this point
Especially given how the conversation has been going
So
I am asking a question for everyone except Roz
Rozy
boring
St-Simon
an intervention question?
Varkov
okay
Cliff Bar
Everyone has been very supportive, and that's wonderful, but we are heading into uncharted territory with some of these questions. And some answers. So. @everyone on a scale of 1-10, how gay are you?
Rozy
10
Cliff Bar
I literally said it's not for you
Rozy
wanted to feel included
St-Simon
2 or 3
Varkov
1
Zadonsky
4
Carmichael
1
Dubek
3
Hammersmith
1
Oregan
4
Connors
3
Sebbin
0
St-Simon
lol the scale starts at 1
Sebbin
oh
5 then
Dubek
lmao how do you go from 0 to 5
Sebbin
it's confusing
Cliff Bar
Hey, judgment free zone here
St-Simon
i noticed you didn't answer
Cliff Bar
6 on a good day
Zadonsky
if you like dick, are you attracted to your own
Varkov
back to questions i see
Rozy
duh, is very nice dick
Connors
ooooooooooooooo i know i know
St-Simon
uh oh
Connors
objectively, who is the hottest guy in the league
Rozy
me
Connors
other than you
Rozy
Hollander
St-Simon
boooooooo
boooooooooooooooooooo
Varkov
your rival can't be hot
Zadonsky
I mean
have you seen his ads
Connors
hate to agree but he is attractive, if that's your thing
Dubek
@Rozy how often can gay guys have sex
Rozy
daily, multiple times
Dubek
but
what about clean up
Rozy
what about it
Dubek
well
I
you have to clean up there or whatever, right?
Rozy
yes. diet helps as well
Dubek
but if you're doing it often, when do you have time to clean
Rozy
ah
St-Simon
wait fuck that's a good question
Rozy
sometimes mess can happen
lots of fiber helps
Cliff Bar
I think if you want to stick your dick in someone's ass, you need to be mature enough to know you might make a mess in the process
Connors
ew
Cliff Bar
It's just a fact, anal can be messy
Carmichael
speaking from experience?
Cliff Bar
Yes, I have had experience
St-Simon
CAN WE HAVE A TEAM BONDING NIGHT AT A GAY BAR
Oregan
YES
Varkov
you want an entire team of hockey players to go to a gay bar
they'll think we're there to beat them up
St-Simon
or we will look like very good allies
Cliff Bar
We should talk to HR first to see what the optics would look like
Dubek
allyship would be a good look for us
Connors
first NHL team seen together at gay bar
Zadonsky
we know what the rest of the league is like, we would all be called slurs. every game
Cliff Bar
For the love of all things holy, we are not taking a group of giant men to a gay bar without talking to HR first to make sure we don't end up in tabloids
Sebbin
okay dad
Chapter End Notes
the scale question came directly from here.
Rozy
am glad you told me
but
you have issues
Oregan
excuse me?
Rozy
"How do you decide who's penis is going to open up and accept the other penis?"
YOU ARE GAY
WHY ASK
Oregan
ah
see
we had a plan in place
Rozy
a plan
Oregan
yes a plan
Rozy
what is plan
Oregan
we wanted to make sure we came across as stupid straight guys
Zadonsky
straight guys who know about docking apparently
Oregan
roz didn't even know
and he's queer
Zadonsky
omfg
roz
you're totally gonna try it now aren't you
Rozy
no
Zadonsky
you are!!
your poor boyfriend
Oregan
that's assuming the boyfriend doesn't know what docking is
Rozy
he doesn't
Zadonsky
how do you know
Rozy
i asked
Oregan
dude
did you explain after asking
Rozy
no
Oregan
so you made him look it up?
Rozy
he won't
he overthinks
probably thinks it has to do with a ship
Oregan
i am begging you to tell us what happens after you try that with him
Rozy
oh so i have to share sex life with baby gays
Zadonsky
not if you don't want to
Oregan
yeah we don't want to overstep
it was just really nice to see the team's reaction to what you said yesterday and we felt brave enough to tell you
Rozy
am i the first?
Zadonsky
um
no?
Rozy
no? why not?
Oregan
we accidentally told the other younger players
Rozy
why accident
Zadonsky
um
we used the word we to refer to both of us
Rozy
how
Oregan
what do you mean
Rozy
what context
Zadonsky
oh you know
just
stuff
Rozy
no no no you must share now
Oregan
we made a pact
Zadonsky
NOT THAT
Rozy
?
a pact?
Zadonsky
NO PACT
Rozy
yes pact?
Zadonsky
ABSOLUTELY NOT
sorry roz his phone has been confiscated temporarily
Rozy
i see
i will find truth
Zadonsky
Beck made a comment about all of us being straight and we didn't respond then came out separately
then accidentally referred to us as "we" for coming out to you
so then they asked why it's "we"
and we told them
and then today we told you
that's it
Rozy
hmm
there is more
Zadonsky
no there isn't
Rozy
we'll see
Zadonsky
you won't
anyways
Oregan
i can't believe you don't know what docking is
Zadonsky
wait
roz do guys get circumcised in russia
Rozy
not usually
Zadonsky
so you have foreskin
Rozy
yes?
Oregan
so did you not know the english word docking or the entire act itself?
Rozy
have not done before
Zadonsky
will you be doing it in the future
Rozy
might
depends on jane
Oregan
his name isn't actually jane, right?
Rozy
no, fake name
Zadonsky
do we get to know his real name?
Oregan
do we get to meet him?
Rozy
maybe
one day
very secretive
Zadonsky
it's cause of russia?
Rozy
yes. cannot go home once public
very scary telling team
what is there is a mole
Oregan
if anyone leaks it, i'll kill them
Zadonsky
dude
Oregan
in minecraft
Rozy
minecraft?
Oregan
oh it's just a saying
so the cia agents in our phones know it's a joke
Rozy
there are agents in phone????
Oregan
probably? all our data is in the air
i doubt there's anyone actually looking at everything we do
but they could access it if they wanted
but the joke is that if you do something jokingly incriminating on your phone, you tell the agent to look away
Zadonsky
roz?
you good?
is he okay?
roz the agent isn't real
Oregan
probably
Zadonsky
oh god what if he's freaking out
roz
@Rozy
there is no agent
Oregan
probably
Zadonsky
stop that!
you're not helping!
Rozy
no agent?
Zadonsky
no agent
Rozy
how to encrypt phone
Zadonsky
are you asking us
Rozy
yes
Zadonsky
uhhhhhhhh
idk google it?
wait
maybe don't
new phone?
burner phone?
Oregan
no he'll look like a drug dealer
Zadonsky
oh
yeah don't do that
Oregan
roz it's fine
besides you have him saved as jane right
Rozy
yes
Oregan
then if anything happens, people will think he's a girl
so double fine
Rozy
i guess
Zadonsky
we need to take you to a gay bar
Rozy
that is public
Zadonsky
oh. right
Oregan
whole team?
Rozy
still public
Zadonsky
even that counts?
Rozy
yes, it shows support
Oregan
fuck
i'm sorry man
Zadonsky
but
are you serious with jane?
Rozy
yes. been many years
Zadonsky
do you want to go home?
Rozy
no. nothing left
Oregan
shit, yeah, your dad died didn't he
Rozy
yes
Zadonsky
what if you soft launch things?
Rozy
soft launch?
Oregan
yeah like doing small things to let the world know, like showing up at a gay bar with the team, posting subtle pics of two dinner plates, holding a hand but no face, stuff like that
Rozy
hmm
i will talk to jane first
see what jane thinks
then
only then
discuss gay bar
as whole team
Oregan
okay, jane approval, then HR approval, then gay bar
Zadonsky
sounds like a plan
Chapter End Notes
not me looking up 'ilya rozanov circumcised' to make sure i had the right information
thinking about maybe doing a chapter showing ilya and shane talking about team reactions? not sure yet. originally this was only going to be about how boston would react before ilya moves but this is an AU, so i could do whatever i wanted here in their universe
Lily
i am sorry your team is terrible
Jane
They're not terrible, they're just processing
Lily
they have had time to process
still being terrible
Jane
It's new to them! They need time to figure it out
Lily
what is there to figure out
you are gay
you have been gay
end of story
Jane
Yes but they are now looking at it in the lens of dealing with a gay guy in a locker room
Lily
what, they think you will come on to them
Jane
Maybe
Lily
stupid, you only come on to me
Jane
They don't know that either
Lily
not safe to share that?
Jane
I haven't said I have a boyfriend. I wanted to wait to see how they reacted to just me first
Lily
and we see how that is going
terrible
then my team
is asking about docking
Jane
What is docking?
Jane
What the fuck
Why are they asking about that?
No, why do they know about that?
Lily
guy who asked was overcompensating
Jane
??????
For what?
Lily
he has boyfriend on team
Jane
What…
Lily
two cubs are dating
Jane
Is this a joke?
Lily
is serious!
they felt brave to tell me earlier today
and explained that they asked dumb questions to fit in
Jane
Fit in?
Lily
yes, with the rest of the straights
with dumb questions
Jane
Is that why you asked me how it feels to bottom yesterday???
Lily
yes, one of them asked
Jane
Is your whole team gay??
Lily
ah, no? maybe? very curious
they asked who pays on dates since man always pays
Jane
What did you tell them?
Lily
that we bet on it
Jane
They're fine with it? All of it?
Lily
of course
Jane
They know about Jane, that was one thing, but they're asking you more? Do any of them have an issue with it?
Lily
not yet. one is gross though
Jane
Gross how?
Lily
he did not wash his ass. he thought that was gay
Jane
Oh that's common
Lily
what
Jane
Have you never listened to guys in the shower? They make such a big deal about touching their ass to clean it
Lily
it's part of your body, you clean body in the shower
Jane
Yes, but for some guys touching your ass is automatically gay
Lily
you have shitty team
with shitty ass
i will keep in mind for future chirps
Jane
ILYA
You cannot do that, they would question who told them
Lily
i will blame Hammersmith
Jane
Why him?
Lily
he is the one with a shitty ass
although the team forced him to clean
Jane
What
What is wrong with your team?
How did they force him to clean his ass??
Lily
ah. they refused to ask more questions until he cleaned
Jane
They held questions back for that??
Lily
yes, they have been good
will let you read chat next time we see each other
Jane
I'm glad your team is being supportive
Lily
i wish your team was also being supportive
Jane
Me too
Chapter End Notes
AO3 being down for all of Sunday was rough, so maybe two chapters today! Have to finish writing the next one first
Chapter 14: Bears Boys
Chapter Notes
man AO3 did not want this chapter to go up either. all the love to the volunteers that run this website
Connors
@Rozy as a guy, how do you determine who gets what position
Varkov
wrestling match, winner tops
Connors
no way
Varkov
idk, maybe they do, it's Roz
Carmichael
they bet about dinner, they probably bet about that too
Varkov
what, like if Roz scores, he gets to top?
Cliff Bar
You do know that vers is a thing, right?
Dubek
what is that
Cliff Bar
Versatile? It's kind of like being a switch but vers is for top or bottom and switch is more for BDSM
Oregan
all hail the sex god
Dubek
hail the sex god
Cliff Bar
I am not a sex god, I just do my research
St-Simon
about gay sex?
Cliff Bar
About any sex
It's good to be knowledgeable about these kind of things
Zadonsky
should we even bother asking roz, it sounds like you have all the answers
Varkov
i mean roz is the one having gay sex
St-Simon
it's just sex, why does it have to be called gay sex
Varkov
cause he's gay?
Rozy
i am not gay
Hammersmith
huh?
Carmichael
you literally just came out to us
Rozy
i am bi, not gay
Connors
isn't that the same thing
Cliff Bar
Don't even get me started on that
Rozy
i am bi, so i am queer
Varkov
so we would call it queer sex?
Zadonsky
no that sounds like it could be misinterpreted as a slur somehow
St-Simon
it's just sex, you don't need to specify what kind
Hammersmith
i have a question
Connors
oh no
Hammersmith
what, i can't ask a question
St-Simon
you can't even wash your ass
Hammersmith
HEY
Varkov
he's not lying
Cliff Bar
Let him ask
Hammersmith
roz did you ever hook up with Hunter
Rozy
that's disgusting
Sebbin
i think that's homophobic
Rozy
i don't care about the gay thing, why would i have sex with an old man
St-Simon
he's only a few years older than some of us
Rozy
exactly, a dinosaur
i would never
i did talk to him after the kiss thing
Varkov
did you tell him about you
Rozy
about me yes, about jane no
St-Simon
why not
Rozy
we were not official yet
Oregan
wait
when did you become official
Rozy
during the summer
St-Simon
is that why you disappeared for two weeks???
Rozy
yes, spent time with jane
met the parents
Varkov
oh my god he met the parents
he is serious
St-Simon
okay so gay bar when
Rozy
i want to talk to jane first
St-Simon
will you bring him if we go??
Rozy
no, but if we go, we will end up on the news. it will be public for all of us. reporters will be rude and nosy
want to make sure jane is safe and secure first
Sebbin
wait that's really sweet
Cliff Bar
We also need approval from HR and the PR team first.
St-Simon
it's both of them now??
Cliff Bar
Yes, HR to protect us, PR to protect our public image
All of us have seen/heard the reaction to Hunter, if you're serious about us going to a gay bar, every single one of us needs to be prepared for that same kind of reaction. To the entire team
Oregan
fuck the media, i want to go to a gay bar with all of you
Rozy
let me talk to jane before HR and PR
Chapter End Notes
this was supposed to be a one or two chapter text fic with funny reactions that the team has, how have I turned it into this??
I would need to do research on this so idk if it will happen, but thinking of potentially doing a chapter where the group chat is the HR/PR people and their reaction
Chapter 15: Jane+Lily
Chapter Notes
HR/PR chapter will exist in the future, can't say when for sure. Thank you for all the love being shown <3 <3
Lily
Моя любовь
Jane
That's me
Lily
have you thought more on what we talked about
Jane
The gay bar or the coming out?
Lily
both
Jane
I'm still not ready to come out publicly. I'm sorry
Lily
shitty team with shitty ass
Jane
I refuse to acknowledge that
Lily
cause true
Jane
It takes time
Lily
not that much time
what does management say
Jane
Oh
Um
They warned me about being a distraction
Lily
I will kill them
Jane
You can't say that
Lily
in minecraft
Jane
In what?
Lily
internet joke baby gays taught me
to distract agent in phone
Jane
Your agent is in your phone?
Lily
no, CIA
Jane
What
Lily
it would be easy if they explained
i could add you to groupchat
as Jane?
to start with?
Jane
I don't know
Lily
they are like us
not rivals
but two players
Jane
They would only know me as Jane?
Lily
of course. until you are ready
they can keep secret
Jane
Okay. I might not say much
Lily
you are so brave
Я тебя люблю
Chapter End Notes
The urge to have Shane join them in Boston but then the realization that that would mean Ilya needed to do something quick about his visa
Shane joining the Bears in this universe: WOOOOOO
Realizing that means Ilya potentially needing to deal with American citizenship: BOOOOOOO
Realizing this would also mean never meeting the Centaurs: BOOOOO *SOB*
Shane gets to experience the baby gays next chapter!
No idea where this fic is going. I write a chapter, proofread/edit, run through Fictional Messenger, proofread/edit, copy and upload the HTML, proofread again, then post. Nothing is concrete for future chapters lmao
Chapter 16: Papas+Cubs
Chapter Notes
This somehow became the longest chapter of the series?? Enjoy <3
Rozy
hello children
your papa has a very important question
Oregan
we are grown men cap
Zadonsky
and you aren't our dad
Rozy
you wound me
Oregan
what's up
Rozy
you can keep a secret?
Oregan
that feels like a dumb question given you know about us
Rozy
you can keep a jane secret?
Zadonsky
oooooooo what kind of jane secret
Rozy
jane needs to be around more queer people
and i have permission
if you both keep mouths shut
to add jane to this chat
Oregan
LHJFSADUOHGSFDKBJ
Zadonsky
breathe babe
Oregan
WE CAN KEEP MOUTHS SHUT
OMFG
WE WANT TO MEET JANE
PLEASE
Zadonsky
will we be the first to interact with jane?
from the team?
Rozy
yes, you are both first
cliff knows more details but he has not talked to jane
i expect good behavior, yes?
Oregan
aye aye captain
Zadonsky
AYE AYE CAPTAIN
Rozy added Jane to the conversation
Rozy
good behavior
jane, meet cubs
Oregan
HI JANE
Zadonsky
hello jane
Jane
Hi
Oregan
we don't bite
Zadonsky
you don't
Oregan
we don't bite others
wait, cap, does jane know
Rozy
about?
Oregan
us
Jane
He told me
Zadonsky
good, no hiding here
Oregan
jane you have no idea how fun it is to fuck with the minds of straight men
Jane
Excuse me?
Oregan
the team doesn't know about us, right? so we have been asking the dumbest questions about sex to throw off the scent
Jane
Why?
Zadonsky
it started out as a tactic to make sure we wouldn't out ourselves but now it's entertaining
Jane
There's questions about sex in the team's group chat?
Rozy
yes i told you this
Jane
I thought it was just one or two, there's multiple questions?
Rozy
yes, little cubs asked about docking
Jane
Oh this is them
Oregan
YOU TOLD HIM ABOUT THAT
Rozy
of course
Oregan
jane my apologies for our behavior
it's just really fun seeing how straight jocks react to things like that
Jane
Your team was fine with that question?
Zadonsky
yeah? why wouldn't they be?
Oregan
lmao they had to look it up first
sebb said it looked like a hug for your dick and that got everyone rolling
Jane
Everyone was laughing?
Zadonsky
not in a making fun type of way
Oregan
yeah then marlow had us all rate ourselves on a scale of 1-10 on how gay we are
Jane
In the team group chat?
With everyone?
Oregan
yes?
Zadonsky
i know that hockey has a reputation but our team is surprisingly really chill about it
Oregan
ughhhhhh gya bar when
Rozy
gya
Oregan
gay**
Rozy
gya bar
Oregan
shut the fuck up, it's a typo
Rozy
how dare you speak to your papa like that
Oregan
YOURE NOT MY DAD
Rozy
of course not, i am papa
Oregan
YOURE NOT MY PAPA
Rozy
jane our children don't love me
Jane
Our??
Rozy
if i am papa, you are also parent
Zadonsky
i refuse to call you papa
Oregan
jane did roz tell you about how we all reacted to finding out that "jane" and his boyfriend were the same person
Jane
He said the team took it well
Zadonsky
i take full responsibility for this but when cap confirmed that jane and boyfriend were the same, i said you must be trans
Jane
What?
Zadonsky
yeah like jane was girlfriend but now jane is boyfriend sort of thing
Jane
They were fine with that?
Oregan
yeah? really, our team is great, just a bit dumb when it comes to anything that's not hetero-normative
Rozy
hetero-normative?
Jane
I'm also lost
Zadonsky
eeeeeeee babe babe babe we get to teach the elder queers something
Rozy
elder….
Zadonsky
slightly older than us queers**
Rozy
better
Rozy
oh
fancy word for straight people
Oregan
yes and no
it's straight people who also have never had to think that anything in the world isn't also straight
it's a lot more nuanced than that but close enough
Jane
Your team chat is full of straight men asking about gay sex?
Rozy
Моя любовь
we have been over this
it is just sex
Jane
Whatever, your team has been asking about men having sex with each other?
Zadonsky
i know we just met but you've asked that more than once
is it really that shcoking?
Jane
Yes.
Oregan
oh fuck a period, he's being serious
wait, jane, should we use he/him or she/her to refer to you in the chat
Jane
He is fine
Oregan
just he?
Jane
Oh. He/him is fine
Oregan
please tell me you know about pronouns
Jane
I know what pronouns are
Rozy
jane is here to experience baby gays
Zadonsky
i think i should resent that but oh well
jane did you have a bad experience with a team in the past?
sorry in advance if i'm overstepping but you do seem really shocked about our team dynamics
Jane
I'm an athlete as well. I came out to my team the same day as Ilya
Oregan
ohhh fuck, another athlete!! what sport?
Zadonsky
oh no
Oregan
what?
Zadonsky
context clues
Oregan
oh
oh jane
Zadonsky
your team didn't react well, did they?
Rozy
shitty team
Oregan
jane i'm so sorry, i understand your reaction now
if it was the same day, then it's been a little bit
has it gotten better?
Jane
It's fine, they're getting used to it
Zadonsky
what about management, or your coach?
Rozy
minecraft
Oregan
oh
Zadonsky
minecraft?
Oregan
remember what we taught him?
Zadonsky
oh
OH
fuck that, what sport is it so i know who to boycott
Jane
Why would you boycott?
Zadonsky
fuck supporting a team that can't support one of their athletes, in this day and age?? who cares who you're fucking if it isn't hurting the team
Rozy
you made your father cry
Zadonsky
why are you crying?
Rozy
when will you learn i am papa
Oregan
is jane father then??
Zadonsky
wait fuck, jane, don't cry
Oregan
how do you know he's crying
Rozy
we are on the phone
Zadonsky
jane please don't cry
Oregan
yeah, they're not worth your tears
Zadonsky
shit how bad is the team then
are we really the exception for hockey?
Oregan
what about Hunter's team?
Rozy
he said most are fine about it
didn't sound like all though
Zadonsky
fuck we are the exception
there's at least three queers on our team
Rozy
more than the dinosaur
Oregan
does it always have to be a competition between you two
Rozy
yes
Oregan
fair enough
Zadonsky
jane, you don't have to tell us anything, but we have your back
and i know our team would too
Oregan
yeah, they mean well, they're just a little dumb about it
Jane
Thank you. That means a lot
I'm not ready to share more details about myself, but if/when I am, I would feel comfortable telling both of you
Zadonsky
fuck now i'm gonna cry
Oregan
we're here for you jane!!
Rozy
love you little cubs
Oregan
yeah yeah, love you too
Zadonsky
love you cap!
Rozy
PAPA
Zadonsky
NO
Chapter End Notes
all the feels over this chapter. I just really want this version of Shane to experience other team dynamics. imagine coming out to your team and they tell you to get back in the closet then you get to witness your boyfriend's team asking about docking, and they're not malicious about it? i would break so fast
St-Simon
GUYS
IM GONNA HAVE A BF
Hammersmith
how many of you are there
Cliff Bar
Smithy, I am side eyeing you right now.
Varkov
congrats! we support you!
St-Simon
wait
OH FUCK NO NO NO
I AM STRAIGHT
I LIKE BOOBIES
Carmichael
god you guys suck at references
White Chicks, right?
St-Simon
DUH
Sebbin
why are you gonna have a bf
Rozy
what is bf
boyfriend? no
best friend? maybe?
St-Simon
you all suck
it means bitch fit
Connors
should you be saying bitch
St-Simon
it's a reference, fuck off
fine, whatever, rephrase, I AM GOING TO LOSE IT
Cliff Bar
Are you okay? Did something happen?
St-Simon
HOW HAVE NONE OF YOU SEEN IT
Varkov
what am i missing
Oregan
are you talking about Ottawa?
St-Simon
YES ABOUT OTTAWA
THEY STOLE MY IDEA
Dubek
oh that
Cliff Bar
The city or the team?
Dubek
the team
Cliff Bar
What did the team steal from you?
St-Simon
WHY ARE YOU ALL SO BORING, CHECK SOCIAL MEDIA MORE OFTEN
Varkov
wait what the fuck
they did steal your idea!
Zadonsky
why am i seeing photos of the centaurs at a gay bar
St-Simon
THAT SNEAKY LITTLE THIEF
WHY DOESNT HE COME UP WITH HIS OWN IDEAS
Oregan
……….am i bugging or is that also a reference
Zadonsky
it's a reference
Oregan
you're telling me we could have been watching musicals with Vicky this whole time
Dubek
who cares about that, we wanted to go to a gay bar first!
Rozy
it was a competition?
Dubek
i mean. no. but yes?
Rozy
we are losing competition?
Connors
there's nothing to lose, they just beat us to it
Rozy
i am talking jane into it now
Sebbin
is he coming??
Rozy
no, but the public will know we went. if i go, it is public
St-Simon
that doesn't mean you're coming out though, it's just a bar
Rozy
Russia does not care
Varkov
oh
Cliff Bar
Talk to Jane, we'll give HR a heads up
St-Simon
WE'RE GONNA BE SUCH GOOD ALLIES
Chapter End Notes
setting things up for the future
St-Simon is that one guy where his reactions are constantly references to things he's watched/seen/heard, but in the sense of the ones that became an earworm, not ones that are typically well known (i had that scene from White Chicks stuck in my head when I started writing this at two in the morning, while giggling to myself)
this would not exist until this fic is complete, and i don't know when that will be, but i might make this a 2 part series, where the second part would be social media reactions to things the team(s) start doing once the ball gets rolling. no promises, i might do it, i might not
Chapter 18: Comms+HR
Chapter Notes
Massive thank you to chungledown-bimothy for walking me through what the perspective of HR might be for something like this
Diana
I think I'm dreaming
Todd
Why?
Diana
Tell me why Cliff Marlow just walked into my office with a spreadsheet breaking down the optics of why it's a good idea for the team to go to a gay bar together
Helen
I think you're dreaming
Todd
No way
Jerry
You're lying
Diana
I swear
Jas
Was it a prank?
Diana
It didn't seem like a prank
Todd
What did you tell him?
Diana
I'm pretty sure I sat there with my jaw on the floor without saying a word
Helen
You had to have said something
Diana
Duh, eventually
Jas
And??
Diana
I told him that nothing in their contracts says they can't do that, as long as they don't commit any crimes
Todd
Did he say why they're wanting to do this?
Diana
It was heavily implied that they want to be supportive. And something to do with Ottawa
Helen
Oh yeah, the Centaurs got photographed at a gay bar last night
Jas
Are they thinking it's a competition of who can be more supportive?
Helen
Honestly? Who cares? A bunch of jocks are wanting to show support for a marginalized community and we all know how that community has been treated the last few months
Jas
You're so real for that
Todd
Is this a weird workaround of showing support for Scott Hunter?
Diana
Maybe? I did tell him that they didn't need my permission to go, since it's not an official team event
Helen
Yeah just a bunch of jocks invading a gay bar
Like that won't be threatening
Diana
I got the impression from the spreadsheet that they're prepared for that
Todd
Did he say when they're going?
Diana
They're aiming for this weekend
Jerry
Oh god the poor interns
Steven
yes the poor interns
they need to fund my caffeine addiction at this point
Crystal
i talked to the social media intern for the centaurs earlier, someone save me from what's coming
Helen
Both of you will be okay, this sounds like an all hands on deck situation
Todd
Someone needs to tell the boss
Helen
Not it
Diana
I already emailed him
Figured a heads up was the least I could do
Jas
There's no way he made an entire spreadsheet just because of the Centaurs
They've been planning this
Helen
Wonder why
Todd
Maybe one of them is friendly with Hunter?
Jerry
Or maybe one of them came out
Diana
Let's not speculate
They know to come to us if things are going to be public
Until then, we keep our mouths shut
Steven
i wonder if i can talk them into bringing me with them. for photos
Diana
Cliff should still be here, go find him and ask
Steven
on it!
Diana
We're all on board with this, right?
Of course
Todd
No issues from me
Crystal
oh my god twitter is going to blow up
Jerry
My sister is queer, it's nice to see support like this from guys you wouldn't expect
Diana
Everyone keep an eye on your emails, we'll back them up if anything seems weird from higher up
Chapter End Notes
I read through the Bruins staff directory to figure out how many people might be in a group chat like this for a hockey team. Could easily be 20+ and I did not want to come up with that many fictional names so I went for basic. What do each of these OCs do? No clue. 2 are social media interns, Diana is Senior Human Resources Manager, and the rest fill in blanks between Human Resources and Communications
Chapter 19: Night at the Gay Bar
Chapter Notes
mixed chats for this chapter, enjoy <3
Cliff Bar
Has anyone seen Steven?
Varkov
who is steven
Cliff Bar
The social media intern we brought with us
Sebbin
we brought an intern?
St-Simon
dude it's been thirty minutes
are you already that drunk
Sebbin
no?
Connors
why is that a question
Sebbin
not drunk
so loud
Rozy
steven is in the bathroom
Cliff Bar
Are they okay?
Rozy
steven is good, they wanted a break from us
Carmichael
are we missing the babies too? i only have eyes on Sebb
Dubek
i am babysitting
St-Simon
at a bar? you brought a baby?
Dubek
wtf no
Sebbin
then what baby are you sitting
Dubek
^^^^^^^^^^
Connors
awwwwwww Beck is being the responsible baby
Dubek
you do realize we are all in our twenties
Varkov
so young and free
St-Simon
I NEED TO FIND THE DJ
Carmichael
wait where is Beck, i only see Sebb and no Beck
Dubek
Sebb isn't the only one who needs it
Connors
oh yeah Zadon and Oreo are here
Rozy
steven was talking with them earlier
i am sure they are fine
Dubek
yeah they are fine
Varkov
………
something seems fishy
Sebbin
are there fish here
Cliff Bar
Someone please get Sebb some water
Hammersmith
oh god my eyes
Cliff Bar
Smithy what's wrong now
Hammersmith
some twink has people taking shots off them
St-Simon
WHERE
Dubek
nowhere
he saw wrong
no twinks here
Connors
i can see at least 5 from where we're at
Rozy
correct no twinks here
Sebbin
they're so pretty
Dubek
oh god i lost sight of Sebb
St-Simon
LIVING YOUNG AND WILD AND FREE
Carmichael
how did you already get the dj to play that
St-Simon
I AM SO PERSAUSIVE
Rozy
it is my second language and even i can tell that it spelled wrong
Cliff Bar
Grab water for Vicky too
Connors
Roz where did you jacket go
Varkov
better question, where did you get a crop top
i swear he had on a normal shiort when we came in
Sebbin
it wqs no underneath
stevn said
Dubek
are you with steven now
Sebbin
yerasf
Dubek
does anyone have steven's number
actually, nvm, i'll go find them
Connors
Marly who is that 👀
Varkov
did you say Marly
Connors
look in the corner behind the speakers
Carmichael
has anytone ever seen him move like that
Varkov
GET SOME MARLY
Connors
i am seeing things i dont tink i should be seeing
St-Simon
SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS
Sebbin
so so sp preetteyu u knwor?
Varkov
who is pretty
Dubek
he is compromised, no questions
Varkov
what are you, his lawyer?
Dubek
……yes
Sebbin
pretey pouty lipas
Connors
i am learning things about our team tonight
Varkov
why does it seem like half the team has gon emissing
Connors
think we should implement dont ask dont tell for tonight
Varkov
deal, come dance on the bar with me
St-Simon
I AM DOWN FOR THAT
We Aren't Babies
Beck
WILL YOU TWO STOP HUMPING EACH OTHER AND HELP ME
Sebb
so so petery
Beck
yes yes, steven is very pretty, please leave your hands above their waist
and get off your phone you weirdo
Sebb
preety
Zasky
why can't i grind on my boyfriend
Beck
what if someone posts photos
Zasky
who is going to recognize us
they will pay attention to the older guys first
Beck
it's a gay bar but we're still in Boston, this whole fucking town knows us
Zasky
meh
Beck
not meh, i promised to look after us!!
smithy saw you earlier!
Zasky
he called me a fucking twink
do i look like a twink??
Oregano
my twink
Zasky
I AM NOT A TWINK THANK YOU VERY LITTLE
Beck
smithy just learned the word and he thought you were a twink
Zasky
fuck off
Oregano
beck beck, we're calling a cab and heading out, you good with sebb?
Beck
i am one breath away from pulling him off of steven
Oregano
steven looks into it
Beck
not the point, sebb is not sober enough to be acting like this in public
Zasky
good point
Oregano
you get sebb, we'll grab steven and get them dropped off on our way home
Beck
on it
Chapter End Notes
Steven is non-binary btw!
will either do a jane+lily chapter next or a morning after roll call
Cliff Bar
Sound off
Everyone alive?
Rozy
so alive
Dubek
i'm up, sebb is passed out on my couch
Zadonsky
we made sure steven got home safe
in case anyone was wondering
Hammersmith
i called it a night when i couldn't find anyone
Carmichael
i'm feeling great
Hammersmith
you drank more than most of us
how are you not hungover as fuck
Carmichael
drank an equal amount of water to the drinks i had
Hammersmith
boring
Cliff Bar
@Zadon did all the babies leave together
Zadonsky
yeah we called it a night when sebb got too drunk, we're all good
thanks dad
Cliff Bar
Not your father
Rozy
SO YOU WILL CALL HIM DAD BUT I CAN NOT BE PAPA
Zadonsky
correct
Cliff Bar
Do I want to know?
Zadonsky
he wants to be called papa, idfk
Connors
i have so many videos to share
you're all old, we closed the bar down
Rozy
who
Connors
me, varkov, and vicky
look at this
(video of St-Simon and Varkov dancing on top of the bar. Connors can be heard giggling in the background)
(video of St-Simon leaning against a brick wall outside. He appears to be snoring while standing)
(inside what appears to be Connors apartment, it pans to show a bedroom. Varkov is passed out, half on the bed and half on the floor. Peering into the connected bathroom, St-Simon is asleep in the tub)
Cliff Bar
Very glad you got them home safe
Are they awake yet?
Connors
nope
Dubek
oh we're sharing images now?
(picture of Sebbin asleep on a couch. both arms are flat above his head and his face is covered by a throw pillow)
Carmichael
that looks so uncomfortable
Zadonsky
is he breathing?
Dubek
yeah the pillow keeps moving up and down, he's good
Cliff Bar
Anyone been online yet?
Rozy
it is not too bad. just a few photos and videos
Zadonsky
yeah nothing scandalous. pretty chill actually
Oregan
i saw a tweet asking if being bears was a prophecy
Hammersmith
how?
Oregan
bear is a term for a husky and hairy gay man
we're the bears and we went to a gay bar
Connors
so marly is a bear?
Oregan
i don't think he's husky enough
Zadonsky
steven said we should plan something with the Centaurs next time we play, we all go to their bar or they all go to ours
Rozy
we do not own bars
Cliff Bar
We could
Connors
why would we do that
Carmichael
good allies?
Connors
what do any of us know about running a bar
Cliff Bar
Good point. I'll put a pin in it
Oregan
@Rozy how does jane feel about last night
Carmichael
jane was there????
Rozy
no
jane was at home
staying up to talk after i got home
wearing very sexy glasses
Oregan
gross
Carmichael
that's homophobic
Oregan
it is not, i don't want to think about roz doing sexy things
Rozy
it is a very good image, very sexy
you should all appreciate you get to see me in locker room for free
Connors
bet we start a trend of teams going to gay bars
Cliff Bar
The league is too homophobic for that
I could see the Admirals doing it next. Not anyone else though
Rozy
did not know dinosaurs were allowed in public
Hammersmith
we're the same fucking age roz
Rozy
yes but you are not from the time of the meteor
Connors
we should make this a monthly thing
try out a different gay bar each month then rotate
Cliff Bar
There are some livers here that will revolt against that
Rozy
livers are also homophobic
Chapter End Notes
The image of Sebb on the couch is based on a guy I knew in college who would take naps exactly like that, arms thrown above his head and a pillow or blanket over just his face
I don't quite know where to go from here while keeping the chat format. I know what I would like to do with the plot but haven't quite figured out how to get that across over chats. We'll see
Chapter 21: Harris
Chapter Notes
Centaurs social media intern and Bears social media intern!
Harris
you're gonna lose our streak
wake up!!
Steven
awake
Harris
streak!!!!
Steven
sent
Harris
THANK YOU
Steven
why are we yelling
too early for yelling
Harris
it's 2pm
Steven
early
Harris
did you have a good night? get good photos?
Steven
oh fuck
Harris
?
Steven
i can't find my phone
or camaera
actually
i don't know where I am
Harris
you're texting me on your phone??????????
are you okay? are you safe?
Steven
i have a blanket
so maybe?
hold on
Harris
what do you mean maybe???
Steven?
i will call you, don't think i won't
hello??????????????
Steven
i know where i am now
Harris
that doesn't answer anything!!
Steven
two of the guys let me crash on their couch
they also have my camera
and water
and alkaseltzer
god my head hurts
Harris
do you have a deadline for submitting the photos?
Steven
yeah later tonight
why would you encourage me to have fun after wrapping up with photos
Harris
cause that's what i did when we went out
but that was also because i was the one who recommended the bar for the team
Steven
still can't believe they did that
Harris
there's a reason but i can't say
Steven
will i find out eventually?
Harris
most likely
how did your team pick the bar?
Steven
you know
that's a good question
Marlow was the one who suggested it but it didn't seem like he picked it
it seemed like he took it as a suggestion, did research, then the majority approved it
i told you about the spreadsheet right?
Harris
yes!! did you get pics of it??
Steven
nope, wasn't fast enough
it was so organized
i hate excel but damn it made me want to try
Harris
if they keep going out to places, i bet there will be another spreadsheet
Steven
maybe
how risque can the photos be
Harris
you saw the ones that i got approved
base it around that
Steven
i'm going through my camera roll and apparently drunk me had different ideas than sober me
Harris
go on
Steven
tell me why i have photos of drunk me and Sebbin
Harris
what kind of photos 👀👀👀
Steven
i'm still looking
Harris
👀👀👀
Steven
so it starts out fine
but it goes from fine to worse to meh
Harris
meh?
Steven
yeah
Harris
why meh?
Steven
uhhhhhhh
so it turns out that drunk me was smart enough to hand the camera off to someone sober for safe keeping
but then that person started taking photos too
Harris
and??
Steven
i have a photo of me and Sebbin
Harris
AND??
Steven
you know the cliche slow dance image of a couple at prom
Harris
yes……..
Steven
that's what we're doing
Harris
at a bar?
Steven
at a bar
Harris
i'm assuming the music wasn't slow?
Steven
of course not
Harris
so you and Sebbin?
Steven
idk about me and Sebbin
there is no me and Sebbin
i think
Harris
would you want there to be a you and Sebbin? 👀👀
Steven
idfk
maybe?
i want to talk to him sober
go from there
Harris
makes sense
I gotta run, i'm back at my parent's for the weekend!
Steven
have fun on the farm!
Harris
always
don't forget to submit the photos!!
Steven
aye aye
Chapter End Notes
Harris gives off vibes that he would care about snap streaks in 2017/2018 so yay for the opening to this chapter
I have a plan for the future of this! This specific fic started because i wanted to show the chaos of "supportive but confused straight guys" and the weird questions straight guys always ask when they find out one of their buddies is gay. BUT. As you can see, if you've made it this far, the team is supportive! Ilya isn't alone! so where do we go from here?
I want to figure out how to wrap up this fic and then make it a series. I have a couple more chapter ideas/plan for this fic before completing it, then the series will (tentatively) include the backstory chats for how/why the centaurs ended up at a bar, how/why Harris got in touch with Steven, the shitshow Shane is going through, and then either wrap it up or go from there
Genuinely, thank you for all the love being shown to this fic. I did not plan on posting more than a couple chapters and the reaction to it has made me want to write more <3
Rozy
are you gonna tell them
Cliff Bar
Tell them what?
Rozy
how you picked the bar
Cliff Bar
Do I need to tell them?
Rozy
nah
if they ask though?
Cliff Bar
Bernie said I can tell the team if I want to
Rozy
they all think you were with a stranger
Cliff Bar
Yes, because they wouldn't recognize Bernie
Rozy
big man marly is dating the owner of the bar
was going to say mr bar owner but mr isn't right?
Cliff Bar
I think the most accurate would be Mx but Bernie doesn't like that
We've been workshopping other options
Rozy
there is miss mr mrs ms mx?
Cliff Bar
Yeah, Mx is the unofficial/official gender neutral one but it's kind of controversial
Rozy
how do you say mx
Cliff Bar
It's like the word mix but with a softer i
Rozy
how is an i soft
Cliff Bar
The way you pronounce it, something about not putting as much emphasis on the i
Rozy
but bernie does not like it?
Cliff Bar
They're trying out different options since they keep having to introduce themselves to other business people
Bernie's niece said that they could try out Mage
Rozy
so instead of mr bar owner it would be mage bar owner?
Cliff Bar
Something like that
Rozy
it sounds good
very witchy
Cliff Bar
Ha, I'll let Bernie know that you approve of Mage
Rozy
you should at least tell the baby gays
Cliff Bar
They don't know that I know about them
Rozy
it's their fault for being loud in the room next to you
Cliff Bar
It's every fucking roadie man
How are they not exhausted in the morning?
Rozy
they felt brave enough to tell me
you should be brave enough to tell them you listen to them fuck every trip
Cliff Bar
Dude
Rozy
am i wrong
Cliff Bar
No but I am not listening to them by choice
Rozy
ok
Cliff Bar
I'm not!
Rozy
you are being added to the group chat
heads up
Jane is in groupchat
Cliff Bar
WHAT?
YOU LET HIM MEET THE BABY GAYS BEFORE ME?
YOU TOLD ME ABOUT HIM FIRST BUT I DON'T GET TO MEET HIM FIRST??
Rozy
ah
yes
good point
answer phone, will add Jane to call, introduce you, then groupchat
Papas+Cubs
Rozy
my babies
papa has news
Zadonsky
you are not my papa
Jane
Ilya leave them alone
Rozy
not until they acknowledge their father
Oregan
what is the news
Rozy
our family is expanding
Zadonsky
YOU GUYS ARE HAVING A BABY?????
Oregan
OMFG CONGRATS
Jane
Ilya.
No. No baby.
Rozy
our gay family is growing
our children will gain an uncle
Jane
Are you actually going to add him?
Zadonsky
I require context please and thank you
Oregan
you're adding someone? that's what expanding the family means?
Rozy
of course
be on your best behavior
Rozy added Cliff Bar to the conversation
Rozy updated group to Papas+Cubs+Guncle
Oregan
I have so many questions
Jane
What is a Guncle?
Zadonsky
Gay Uncle
Oregan
CAP
WHY IS MARLY A GUNCLE
Rozy
he is your uncle
Oregan
NO HE ISN'T
Rozy
hmm. agree to disagree
he is also gay
Cliff Bar
I am queer, not gay
Oregan
MARLY IS ONE OF US
Rozy
he also has something to tell you
go on
Cliff Bar
I really hate you right now
Rozy
you love me
Cliff Bar
Whatever
Okay so
Let's just say no one in this groupchat surprises me
Zadonsky
what does that mean
Cliff Bar
I know about Jane already
Oregan
WHAT DO YOU MEAN
Cliff Bar
I know about Jane?
Oregan
BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN
Jane
Marlow knows who I am
Zadonsky
I WILL NEVER EVER EVER CALL YOU PAPA
YOU TRAITOR
Oregan
YEAH I SECOND THAT
Rozy
NO MY BABIES NO LONGER LOVE ME
Jane
can we take a second and back up?
Marlow said that no one here surprises him
there are two of you who should surprise him
Zadonsky
omfg
you're right
Oregan
Ilya Rozanov did you just out us
Rozy
I WOULD NEVER
Cliff Bar
He really didn't
Oregan
but
you knew?
Cliff Bar
Yeah, so, maybe next time you want to enjoy a night in on a roadie, double check who you're sharing a wall with
Zadonsky
please excuse me while i throw myself off a bridge
Oregan
BABY NO
Cliff Bar
I'm pretty sure it's just me, I keep getting rooms next to you, but yes. I've known for a while
Jane
and you didn't say anything?
Cliff Bar
No? Why would i?
Jane
you don't care?
Oregan
Jane. Sweetie. None of us care
Jane
you're all gay, you wouldn't care
Cliff Bar
The team doesn't care either
Jane
at all?
Oregan
do we need to go over this again?
Marly, Jane doesn't believe us about the team
even after we sent photos from the bar
Cliff Bar
Is the reason for that still the same?
Oregan
Jane's team? Probably. He won't tell us what sport he plays though
Cliff Bar
OH
That's good to know
Yes, sport
Jane plays in an unknown sport
I am so glad I was told that they know that @Rozy
Rozy
slipped my mind
Cliff Bar
Mhm, sure, slipped your mind
Oregan
I'm missing something again
Jane
is Zadon okay? Did he actually find a bridge?
Oregan
He's fine, he's on the couch pouting
Zadonsky
I AM NOT
Cliff Bar
Are you texting while sitting next to each other?
Oregan
duh
Cliff Bar
Rozy would like for me to share one more thing
Zadonsky
oh god
Cliff Bar
Nothing about the two of you
It's about the bar we went to
Oregan
what about it?
Cliff Bar
I picked that bar because I know the owner
Zadonsky
oh that's cool
Jane
how do you know the owner?
Rozy
yes, how do you know the owner?
Cliff Bar
We're dating
Oregan
HOLD UP
PAUSE
MARLY IS DATING BERNIE????
Cliff Bar
How do you know Bernie?
Oregan
IT'S THE NAME OF THE FUCKING BAR
Rozy
do not speak to your guncle like that
Oregan
HE IS NOT MY GUNCLE
YOU'RE NOT MY DAD
Rozy
correct, I am papa
Oregan
NO YOU ARE NOT
Cliff Bar
Leave him alone
Yes, I am dating Bernie. It's been a couple years now
Jane
Ilya
Rozy
Yes Моя любовь
Jane
Is your entire team gay?
Rozy
baby
queer, not gay
he is still learning, do not mind him
Cliff Bar
It's a pretty open team. Good guys and good staff
Roz runs a pretty tight ship, we don't let guys get away with any bullshit
Oregan
it's part of why it felt safe to be with Z
Zadonsky
yeah it's been a really pleasant surprise
Jane
Ilya
Rozy
yes?
Jane
tell them
Rozy
tell them what?
Jane
about me
Rozy
Are you sure?
Cliff Bar
Are you being serious?
Jane
Fuck this
Hello baby gays
Oregan
Hi Jane
Zadonsky
Hello
Jane
Obviously yes, but you can keep a secret, correct? As if your life depends on it?
Oregan
Of course
Zadonsky
my life will depend on it
Jane
So
The sport I play
It's hockey
Oregan
yooooooooo one of us?
Zadonsky
one of us!!
Oregan
NHL or AHL?
Jane
NHL
Oregan
wait…..
Cliff Bar
Will they figure it out or do we tell them?
Oregan
Cap…… everyone says you have a montreal girl
obviously we know he's a guy now
but. you. montreal
Zadonsky
what about montreal?
Oregan
dude
jane
hockey
NHL
Montreal
Zadonsky
okay? so he's on the Voyageurs
OH FUCK WAIT
Oregan
EXACTLY
Zadonsky
NO
NO FUCKING WAY
Oregan
CAN WE EVEN TYPE IT
Rozy
you said CIA would see
Oregan
JOKEFSGFDSFGKNGDAJKPOKARWEKJNWETJNGABKS
HELLO JANE IT IS SO LOVELY TO MEET YOU I AM NOT FREAKING OUT AT ALL HOLY FUCKING SHIT
Zadonsky
YOUR FUCKING RIVAL
ARE YOU FOR REAL
Rozy
very hush hush
Cliff Bar
I see they're taking it well
Oregan
OH MY FUCKING GOD
PAPA LANDED HIMSELF SHANE MOTHER FUCKING HOLLANDER
Jane
delete that please
Rozy
NO HE CALLED ME PAPA
SCREENSHOT LIVES FOREVER
Jane
delete the text at least please
this is a very big deal for me to share it
Oregan
yes, of course, sorry
Zadonsky
I'M CRYING
THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE
Rozy
see? it is all okay. it will work out
Jane
we'll see
Chapter End Notes
yay for long notes!
Bernie is androgynous and non-binary. in my head, i'm thinking an older, adult version of the look that young Victor in Yuri on Ice! has, the long hair and the feminine/masc vibes. I realize that there are multiple non-binary OCs in the fic now, but! I am non-binary and will continue to insert non-binary representation if a fic has room for an OC <3
Does a gay bar called Bernie's exist in real life in Boston? Nope! Double checked to make sure. Started okay calling them Ben but hated the idea of being like "oh yeah we're gonna go drink at Ben's." That just sounds like some guy you know, not a barI want to do one more read through before determining if one more chapter is needed. Making the timeline switch where the boys reveal their relationship right after the cottage changes a lot of things, especially given how scared Shane is in The Long Game. Hockey is everything for him and he truly believes that the world will end if people find out about him and Ilya. So to take that character and those thoughts and turn it into a fic where he is willingly telling people (RIGHT AFTER THE COTTAGE) means a bit of a switch up in personality. I still think that this version of Shane is scared, especially given how poorly his team behaves at just coming out, but seeing the support system around Ilya is a huge factor in his feelings starting to change. In this universe, Scott Hunter kissed his boyfriend on live TV, Shane spent two weeks at the cottage with Ilya, his parents know and like Ilya, and two NHL teams have been publicly seen out at gay bars. All the while this lovely group of guys exist and are doing their best to be supportive of their captain, in a parallel to what Shane is experiencing.
I can't remember if it was a fic, something I saw on Tumblr, or something I saw on Twitter, but it was about Ilya and Shane coming out the same time/year as the kiss. It would be slightly easier for them to do it then, as the league has been forced to show support for Scott. If Ilya and Shane come out the same time, they will look very bad at walking back all the "support" for Scott. This version of Shane has to be aware of that, in some capacity. And it will be explored in the future of the series!
Chapter 23: Jane+Lily
Lily
I am very proud of you
You did not have to tell them
My brave boy
Jane
It's not fair
Lily
What's not fair
Jane
Why do you get a team that's so supportive
And gay
Lily
Queer
Jane
Queer, sorry
Lily
I know you do not want to talk about team but please know I am here for you
Jane
It's killing me
I hate it
I've never had a day where I didn't want to be on the ice
I woke up this morning dreading the thought of sharing a rink with them
Lily
Oh Моя любовь
You deserve better
Jane
Look at your team
They don't care
You went to a gay bar
Fuck, you have teammates dating each other
And no one says a word against it
Lily
Will you tell me details in person?
Jane
Yes
I'm so sick of hiding
I wanted to retire here
This is my home
Why does it feel wrong to be here now
Lily
We should talk to Mama Yuna
You don't have to put up with this
What about management
Jane
Fuck management
Lily
Woah
Your coach?
Jane
Fuck him too
Said I'm a distraction
Told me to stay in the closet
Lily
Send address
Jane
What?
Lily
Send. Address.
Jane
Mine?
Lily
Your coach
Jane
I am not giving you his address
Lily
Hm
Mama Yuna will help me
Jane
DO NOT TELL MY MOM
Please
Just
Please can we discuss this in person, before making any decisions?
Lily
Ok
In person
Then you will give address
Jane
I will not
Lily
We'll see
You will be okay for a couple more weeks?
Jane
I'll make it
Even if it kills me
Lily
Do not joke
Jane
Sorry
I can do it
Lily
Spend time with Pike
Jane
You're willingly telling me to hang out with Hayden?
Lily
Unfortunately
Jane
Why?
Lily
He is your friend, no?
So let him be a friend
Shoulder to cry on
And if he will not, I will handle
Jane
Stop threatening people
Lily
I have threatened no one
Jane
Saying that you'll handle someone and asking for an address is a threat
Lily
Is not
Jane
Yes it is!
Lily
Maybe I want to handle how Pike deals with friends
Jane
And the address?
Lily
Gift basket
Jane
Liar
Lily
You can't prove wrong
Jane
Thank you
Lily
You're welcome
For what?
Jane
For being there for me even when I don't tell you everything
Lily
You do not have to thank me for the bare minimum
Jane
Still
I know I need to work on communicating
Lily
Is okay. We will learn together
Jane
You're amazing
Lily
We will figure this out. Figure out what it means for you to play hockey
Even if you have to leave shitty team
Jane
I don't want to think about that yet
Lily
Ok, no thinking
It will be okay
Jane
I hope so
Lily
я тебя люблю
Jane
Я тоже тебя люблю
Afterword
End Notes
We made it to the end! Never thought this would end up being 23 chapters, let alone more than 2. It ran away from me and took a life of it's own. Much love to this universe and it's version of the Boston Bears. Lovely bunch of queers and himbos
Much love to y'all and all the support being shown. I've turned this into a series, where the next part will be Shane's perspective and then potentially a third part for the Centaurs. Zero promises on anything, I've got a few WIPs I'm working on right now so it all depends on my own motivation to write more. Feel free to subscribe or bookmark the series if you want updates on that in the future <3
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