Preface
infiltrator of hearts
Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at https://archiveofourown.org/works/86936526.
- Rating:
- Teen And Up Audiences
- Archive Warning:
- No Archive Warnings Apply
- Category:
- M/M
- Fandoms:
- Heated Rivalry (TV), Game Changers | Heated Rivalry - All Media Types, Game Changers Series - Rachel Reid
- Relationships:
- Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, Ottawa Centaurs Team Ensemble & Ilya Rozanov, Ottawa Centaurs WAGs Ensemble & Ilya Rozanov
- Characters:
- Ilya Rozanov, Shane Hollander, Ottawa Centaurs Team Ensemble (Game Changers), Ottawa Centaurs WAGs Ensemble (Game Changers)
- Additional Tags:
- Texting Fic, Texting, Mixed Media, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Found Family, Secret Relationship, Depressed Ilya Rozanov, Ilya Rozanov Loves Shane Hollander, Shane Hollander Loves Ilya Rozanov, POV Ilya Rozanov, Developing Friendships, Friendship, Ilya Rozanov's Montreal Jane, Fuck AI, No AI Used, Not Beta Read
- Language:
- English
- Series:
- Part 3 of Schrödinger's WAG
- Stats:
- Published: 2026-06-18 Completed: 2026-07-09 Words: 10,712 Chapters: 5/5
infiltrator of hearts
Summary
Ilya Rozanov shocked the Hockey world when it was announced that he signed with the Ottawa Centaurs.
And now he doesn't just have to navigate a new team, but also living in a new country; very far away from basically everyone.The Centaurs learn that there is more to their new teammate, more to his repuation.
Quickly they warm up to him and give him the family that he needs.
Notes
surprise???
I don't know why I decided to start yet another fic, while my currently ongoing one is on hiatus, but I promised a spin of for my first a while ago. And here it is!! finally
I went in a little bit of a different direction, though. Because this is a prequel to infiltrators :))
Basically, I want to explore more of Ilya's first year with the Centaurs, before Shane signed with them.
Infiltrators was quite Shane centric, but I wanted to explore more of Ilya's POV in the infiltrators / instigators universe
Explore more of Ilya's relationship with the Cens before the plot of infiltrators; that's the plan at leastBut despite it being a prequel, you don't need to read infiltrators to make sense of this. As none of those things that happen in that fic have happened yet lol
(I still recommend reading that fic though, of course, but shameless plug aside)
I'm really not planning for this fic to be super long (5 chapters at the very maximum; and i mean that this time lol), just a little exploration that isn't focused on the relationship of Ilya and Shane, but on the friendship of Ilya with the Cens :)(Oh and canonically, Troy shouldn't be with the Centaurs yet, but he's here anyway lol; I decided to give myself the grace of moving around the events of the timeline a bit)
I hope you enjoy <3
Edit 29/06/26: I reworked the fic (only structurally, not story wise) and it now uses a work skin for the texting sections!! Please don't hide creator's style if you want to see the fic how it is intended. Thank you :)
Cens 🏒💪🥅
Bood
Okay guys
Just talked to Coach and there's some news apparently
Dykstra
Is this about the new player that got signed?
Bood
Yup
Hazy
Yeah. Read some absolutely insane rumors about who that is on Twitter btw
Chouinard
Who do they think it is?
Hazy
Fucking Ilya Rozanov
Dykstra
What?? 😂
As if he would allow to be traded here
Barrett
Players don't really have a choice where they get traded
You know that, right?
If objecting was possible, I sure as hell wouldn't be here
Dykstra
First of all, rude. We are absolutely delightful
And secondly, I mean, yeah of course I know that
But it's Rozanov we're talking about here
He would rather throw hands at MLH representatives before accepting a trade to the worst team in the league lol
Barrett
Okay yes, that's fair
Chouinard
I feel like you have a very distorted perception of him
Dykstra
Do I though?
That guy's a fucking menace
Wouldn't put it past him
Chouinard
Hmm
If you say so
Hazy
I don't think that speculations like that are going to get us anywhere
So Bood
Who is it?
Bood
That's kinda the thing...
The rumors were true
It's Ilya fucking Rozanov
Hazy
WHAT???
Barrett
Oh wow
Dykstra
Oh God, is him signing with Ottawa a punishment or something??
Chouinard
What do you mean with that now?
Dykstra
Like, he constantly pushed the limits of what was allowed and what wasn't
And now he crossed that line and got traded to the worst team of the league to teach him a lesson, or something 💀
Bood
No, that's the insane part actually
According to Coach, Rozanov signed with us because he wanted to
He was a free agent and deliberately picked Ottawa
Even accepted a HUGE pay cut so they could afford him
Hazy
I'm so fucking confused
Literally what is this timeline???
Chouinard
Do you know the reason for that decision?
Bood
Nope, Coach apparently knows but he didn't tell me anything
But we can just ask him ourselves
Coach gave me his number
Since the contract is already signed and he'll play with us next season, I think it's a good idea to add him here
Zane Boodram added Ilya Rozanov to the chat.
Bood
Hi Rozanov, I'm Zane Boodram! Coach Wiebe gave me your number to add you to our group chat!
Everyone say Hello to our new teammate
Chouinard
Wecome to Ottawa! I'm Nick Chouinard :)
If you should ever need anything, don't hesitate to reach out :)
Dykstra
You absolute fucking madman
Welcome to the team!
And I'm Evan Dykstra
Barrett
Hello
I'm Troy Barrett
Hazy
What the fuck
Bood
That's neither a hello nor a fucking introduction, Hazy
Where are your fucking manners??
Hazy
Right, sorry
Hi Rozanov, I'm Wyatt Hayes
Welcome to the Centaurs, I guess???
What the actual fuck???
hello centaurs
thank you for welcomes
good to be here
Hazy
Is it???
yes of course
why should it not be?
Hazy
Are you-
Is he kidding??
no HE is not 🤨
Chouinard
Very sorry about him, Rozanov
We're just all a little confused about this entire situation, I think
confusion makes goalie rude to me?
interesting
Hazy
Didn't mean to be rude, sorry
Just...
And I will ask this will all the love in my heart
Why the fuck are you here??
Bood
Let me rephrase that a little actually
We're curious about your decision to sign with the Ottawa Centaurs of all the possible teams in the MLH
I'm sure that pretty much every team would've loved to sign you. Yet you picked Ottawa?
ah yes
signed with ottawa for good hockey obviously
Dykstra
Seriously??
of course not
i am teasing, if you have ever heard of it
this team is shit
Dykstra
Thanks?
Hazy
So, what? You got bored in Boston and now we're your fixer upper project?
Is that why you're here now?
"fixer upper"?
i do not know what that means
i thought i have learned all weird english expressions by now
Bood
He's asking, if that means that you signed here to turn this team around
Make sure we win, thanks to your influence
Or something along those lines
ah ok
i mean
will probably help with wins that i am good player
but hockey is team sport, yes?
Hazy
I mean, yeah?
one exceptional player, like me, does not guarantee improvement or wins if rest of team is shit
that only works in montreal unfortunately
and while i am very, very, very good, i am no shane hollander
so we will have to wait and see how it will work out
make improvements together as team, yes?
Chouinard
Sounds good :)
But, what do you mean that only works in Montreal?
Barrett
Yeah, I thought the entire team is good?
I mean, we keep losing to them...
they win because of hollander
so i strongly disagree with them being good team overall
they are nothing without hollander
remember season he was injured?
they did not even make it to playoffs
even though they won back to back cups seasons prior
pathetic
Bood
I never would've expected to ever see you praise Hollander
Don't you two famously hate each other?
That's what the rivalry is all about, isn't it?
eh
hate is nasty word
i do not hate him
he is my friend
and rivalry on ice is not same as blind hatred
Bood
Hmm, that's true
Dykstra
You don't hate him?
That's a little surprising actually
would not start charity with someone i hate
especially not important charity like this
dedicated to and named after my mama
Dykstra
Shit, true. I completely forgot about your charity
Can't lie, the announcement that you two are working together really came out of nowhere
yes
a lot of people are questioning if it is real or serious
stupid people
there is nothing i take more seriously than mental health
which is also surprising to people, probably
Chouinard
Probably, when they only look at your reputation and refuse to dig a little deeper
Because I remember reading an article from a few years ago where you were very vocally supportive of your teammate, when he decided to take a mental health break
he was burned out
needed a break
will always support that
and not unhealthy habits
have seen too many people break because of it
Bood
I'm very sorry to hear that you had to experience that, Rozanov...
thank you
and please call me roz
is easier and less formal
and you probably cannot pronounce rozanov properly anyway
Bood
Okay, gotcha lol
Feel free to call us by our nicknames too, if you want
thank you, bood
will do
Hazy
I'm starting to question my entire life currently
Because what do you mean Ilya Rozanov isn't an absolute asshole??
i am still here you know
Hazy
As if you're not used to people calling you an asshole
fair, am very used to it
does not make it nice thing to say though
but anyway
i am looking forward to play with you
Chouinard
I'm just going to speak for everyone when I say that we're looking forward to play with you too :)
so polite
as to be expected by canadian
always so polite
but thank you
Dykstra
Honestly, the best thing about this is that we never have to play against you again
It always felt like an humiliation ritual 😂😭
haha
because it was 😘
i remember telling boys in locker room that we will send you home crying
and that probably worked
Dykstra
Yup, sure did...
Barrett
Okay but, you haven't answered our initial question yet
what?
Barrett
We asked why you decided to sign with Ottawa and you just skillfully derailed the conversation to avoid answering
would you believe me when i say i did not have a deeper reason for it?
Dykstra
No
Bood
Nope
Hazy
Absolutely not
Chouinard
I think, no
hmm
Chouinard
Was it for the charity maybe?
You're closer to Hollander now
With you two now living in the same country
Makes it easier to organize and host stuff that way, right?
good thinking
and partly true
but no, is not only reason
Hazy
Then why?
when i tell you
you cannot make fun of me
Chouinard
We swear that we won't make fun of you :)
Bood
^
Dykstra
^^
Hazy
^^^
Barrett
^^^^
ok
i left boston and moved to ottawa
for love
Hazy
Of course you did...
What's the real reason?
is real reason
what is difficult to understand about my statement?
was not too many words i hope?
Hazy
... No
And I mean, it's not difficult to understand, necessarily
I'm just surprised
You have quite the reputation, after all and this comes very unexpected
am manwhore
that what you want to say?
Hazy
No?
you do not sound convinced 🤨
Hazy
Fine, maybe that's what I wanted to say
Sorry, I really shouldn't be rude about this
It's your life, I'm not judging
sounds like you are judging, but is ok
was my life
i have settled down
retired from manwhore days
pretty canadian has made honest man out of me
has stolen my heart and i never want it back
but i will not say more about it
relationship is still very new, very fragile
and мое солнышко is so very shy
do not want to ruin anything by saying too much
Bood
So adding her to the WAGs chat is out of the question then?
for now, yes
if that is ok
Chouinard
Of course, that's okay. Why shouldn't it be?
We wouldn't want you to share anything with us that possibly makes you or your girlfriend uncomfortable :)
thank you for being understanding
and also thank you again for mostly friendly welcome
i know that me coming here is odd to you
it is odd to me too
but i really just want to play good hockey
Hazy
I'm really sorry for coming across like such a dick, I'm excited that you're playing for us now
Maybe we'll finally win something lol
is group effort, but if you all are willing to learn мое дорогой has already sent over powerpoint presentation about all of your flaws and weaknesses
with training guides to improve
Bood
I shouldn't be surprised that your girl's a hockey head, but somehow i am 😂
started making lists before me coming here was even in question
absolute hockey freak
here look
*shared a link*
[the link leads to a well-structured powerpoint presentation consisting of over 300 slides]
Barrett
"Absolute Hockey Freak" seems like an understatement, but okay 😀
Hazy
Excuse me how many fucking slides is that???
мое любимый is very thorough as you can see
dedicated to fix horrible players
no offense of course
Bood
None taken
She also included you in those slides btw
WHAT
....
oh
----
Jane 😛💦💕
so i have weak backhand now?
seriously?
Let's call that payback 😘
Chapter End Notes
i hope you're excited about the prequel, because i definitely am!!!
thank you for reading <3
russian translations:
мое солнышко - my sun
мое дорогой - my dear / darling
мое любимый - my darling
Chapter 2
Chapter Notes
hii!!
don't have too much to say about this one, except that it was really fun to write, but i just wanted to quickly thank you all for the incredible response to this fic already!!
it made me very happy to see that so many of you are just as excited about this prequel as i am :)))))i hope you enjoy the chapter <3
Jane 😛💦💕
i cannot lie
it is very weird
Ominous way to start the conversation.
Hello to you too
i am sorry
hello солнышко ❤️
Hi ❤️
So, what's weird?
the guys are
team in general
it is odd
Odd how?
Are they rude to you or something?
goalie was a little rude at first, but not anymore
they are so nice
it is strange
acting like i have been their friend forever
are also super nice and respectful about boundaries regarding our relationship despite getting insulted in your very long powerpoint presentation
For the record
The presentation wasn't meant to be insulting, I analysed their flaws and wrote down different methods to improve
Nothing rude about that
yes, of course
Ignoring the sarcastic tone...
But overall it's a good thing, though?
That they're being nice, I mean
Even when they maybe think that your girlfriend is an absolutely insane puck bunny
Would you rather have them be total assholes to you?
they are not calling you puck bunny, you are hockey head. sounds better, no?
because it is true
is very nice that they are nice and respectful
i just feel like i do not deserve it
i have not done anything for them to be nice to me
have not achieved anything on their team yet
no reason for them to like me yet
Well, there's an easy explanation for that
there is?
Yes, of course
It's because you don't need to do anything special, for them to be nice to you
I told you, they may be not be the best hockey players, which they definitely aren't, but they're really nice guys from what I was able to find out
You don't have to be the provider
You can just be yourself and your team will appreciate you for it
As it should be
are you really in position of giving out that kind of advice?
What's that supposed to mean?
you are only reason why montreal ever wins anything
pike sure as hell is not doing shit
neither do any of your other teammates
you are sole provider for your team
Can we not talk about me and my team?
We're talking about you right now.
дорогой
is very important to address
I know
And we'll talk about it, just not right now, okay?
Please
of course
i am sorry солнышко
i will go back to talk about my team only, yes?
Yes
Thank you
so you are saying they like me for who i am and not what i have achieved on ice?
Yes exactly, because they're good people
And you should give them more of a chance
how do you know that i do not already do that?
Because I know you
You tend to keep people at an arm's length before opening up to them
Marlow being the only exception that I can name right now
you are exception too
Am I, though?
Because I remember that it took us over 7 years of "casual" hookups to have a proper conversation about us and our "relationship"
hm
true
i am sorry
You have no reason to be sorry. I was acting just as dumb, if not worse
But that doesn't matter anymore now that we're officially together ❤️
❤️
You should have some team bonding time with the guys sometime
Maybe that'll help with opening up?
hmm good idea
bood is hosting bbq tomorrow and invited me to come
Oh! That's nice :)
You should go
but you are visiting tomorrow
I'm also in Ottawa next week, for the entire weekend. Would be a lot nicer to see you for 3 days than just for like 4 hours
I could stay home tomorrow, so you can go to the BBQ at Boodram's house and then next weekend, we won't leave the bed for 3 whole days.
Sounds like a good plan, no?
sounds very tempting, cannot lie
especially the not leaving bed part 😏
but you sure that is ok?
you are not mad about last minute plan changes?
I'm the one who's suggesting the plan changes, aren't I?
Besides, Hayden's been really annoying lately. His kids too, if I'm honest. And Jackie...
That I never come by their house anymore, since I'm seeing you every week
I'll show face at the Pike's tomorrow and have dinner with them, so Hayden will leave me alone for at least 2 weeks after that
Win-win for everyone, I'd say
pike acting like he never gets to see you
not like he is seeing you everyday at work
stupid pike
Ilya, be nice. He's my best friend.
if i must 😒
you are really not mad?
I'm really not mad :)
Enjoy the BBQ and call me after, okay?
I want to hear all about it :)
ok, will do
я тебя люблю ❤️
I love you too
So much ❤️
----
Bood
hello bood
i hope offer to come to bbq tomorrow still stands
Hey man!
Of course it does!
You coming?
yes, would like to come
Fuck yes 💪🏼
Just told Cassie, she's thrilled to meet you!!
looking forward to meeting famous lady bood
and heard a lot of good things about your skills
am excited to see if your grilling is better than your hockey
Wow 😂
Not to flex or anything, it definitely is
too bad it is not your job
can you send your address again?
Of course!!
📍Zane & Cassie Boodram's address
See you tomorrow, Roz 💪🏼
~~~~
Ilya had double checked Bood's address on his phone multiple times, worried that it could've changed since the last time he looked it up. Obviously, it didn't. He just needed to be sure.
He was being uncharacteristically anxious about this whole ordeal, he knew it and it really annoyed him. "It is just a BBQ at your new teammates' house," he mumbled to himself in his native tongue, "get it together. Everything will be fine."
He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm himself down. He glanced over to the passenger seat, his eyes focusing on the six pack of beer that he had decided to bring as a gift; the only Canadian beer that he could tolerate.
Shane had encouraged him to bring something, as a thank you for being invited; recommending a good wine, as that was Shane's go-to. But Ilya thought that he should bring something that's more him. Something that screamed "Ilya Rozanov"; wine definitely didn't.
Naturally, his first idea was to bring a bottle of his favorite imported Vodka; not the shitty, poor excuse of Vodka that he could buy here. But that felt a little extreme for a casual BBQ with his team, and his teammates partners, on a Thursday.
He had talked to David, asking for the name of the beer that he didn't find absolutely revolting, the one that David had offered him the last time Ilya went over to Shane's parents' house to watch Shane's game. It felt like the perfect gift; or at least one close enough to perfect for him to feel comfortable with.
After another few minutes of procrastination, Ilya finally managed to get out of the car, the six pack of beer in hand, on his way to the front door.
"Roz!" Bood smiled at him, after he opened the door, "It's so good to see you, come on in." A very warm greeting, as if Ilya had been one of Bood's closest friends for years now and not just his new teammate that he had met a week ago. It started to calm some nerves, as he followed Bood into the house.
He exchanged greetings with the other guys, their partners and also two adorable little girls. Milly and Grace Chouinard, as he had learned; Nick Chouinard's children. Nick's friendly and calm demeanour making even more sense to him now; Ilya immediately got the feeling that he was the team's Dad.
"I did not know that there would be children here," he joined Cassie, Bood's wife, in the kitchen, who just raised an eyebrow at him, "I feel bad for bringing alcohol as gift," he held up the six-pack, "Feels very inappropriate."
"Oh, don't worry about it, sweetie. Despite the girls being here, the guys still have some beers. I'm sure they'll appreciate your hospitality." She queezed his arm, taking the beer from him to place it in the fridge.
"Zane's very happy that you decided to come, by the way," Cassie said, a gentle smile decorating her face, "when you texted him that you'd come yesterday, he got really excited. Something about winning you over with his food, or something along those lines." She chuckled, but Ilya didn't exactly know how to react to learning that.
He was not used to being liked unconditionally.
One would think that his best friend and ex-teammate, Cliff Marlow, or his boyfriend Shane would be exceptions for that. But even with them, Ilya still couldn't shake the feeling that there was a condition for him earning their love. Something that he could lose, if he were to fuck up.
Unwarranted fears, he tried to convince himself over and over again, to no avail.
But now, there were these guys. Men who he literally only met a week ago; he had played against them before, of course. Now, he was getting to know them officially. As his teammates and apparently also friends; maybe, soon.
Ilya hasn't moved an inch, still stuck in the kitchen of Bood's house, carefully observing his teammates interact with each other.
Nick was playing with his daughters, while his wife Selena gleefully chatted with Evan's very heavily pregnant wife, Caitlin.
Lisa, Wyatt's wife, stood a little to the side, talking on her phone. He had learned that she's a doctor, so Ilya deducted that her call was probably related to work; it seemed very serious.
Wyatt, Troy and Evan were deep into a game of Uno; Ilya couldn't tell how if it was of friendly or unfriendly nature. They had very intense looks on their faces, but there was also an occasional laugh or well-timed chirp thrown around.
Bood was outside firing up the grill, shimmying along to the music that played over the speakers. Looking very at peace with everything; Ilya was a little jealous of his seemlingly carefree posture.
"You should try to mingle a little," Ilya was ripped out of his thoughts by Cassie, who apparently had watched him intensely observe his teammates, he turned to look at her, "I don't know what it's like to have to move to a completely new town, new country even and leave everyone behind. Zane was lucky enough to be drafted to the Centaurs, so we never had to move. So, I can only imagine that you may be a little hesitant to insert yourself in their spaces, but that's exactly why we invited you," she gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "we all want you to feel comfortable here, because we're all excited to have you in Ottawa. As a part of this team and our family."
Family, that has always been quite a loaded word for him. His family isn't great. It's broken to the point, that he doesn't consider having one anymore. He hasn't talked to his brother in months; thank God. His father was dead; may he rest in hell. And his Mama, the only person in his family he has ever cared about, left the world too early.
He fidgeted with the cross around his neck, as he considered Cassie's suggestion.
"I will try," he eventually said, "thank you, Cassie."
"Of course, sweetie. Though I suggest avoiding Troy, Evan and Wyatt right now, their game seems intense," she chuckled, "The WAGs should be safe though," she pointed over to Selena and Caitlin, who were now also joined by Lisa, "they're great, I'm sure you'll love them. And they'll love you."
Cassie watched as Ilya joined her friends, immediately being involved in their conversation. Milly and Grace also seemed to be enthralled by the Russian. Their Dad suddenly wasn't interesting anymore, as their attention immediately shifted to Ilya. And Ilya effortlessly managed to win the girls over; a natural with children, Cassie thought, because of course he was. She wasn't sure that there was anything Ilya Rozanov could possibly be bad at.
Eventually, Bood had joined her, looking at the scene of Ilya playing with the children, happily chatting with Nick and the WAGs, with the same fond expression as Cassie did.
"I like him, I think he'll fit right in." Cassie said, not taking her eyes off Ilya.
"I think so, too."
~~~~
Jane 😛💦💕
i have not left yet, but wanted to tell you something already
Oh?
Are you having fun?
so much
they are all great
thank you for encouraging me to go
❤️❤️❤️
Chapter End Notes
it's too warm for me to get this emotional. my darling ilya deserves the world
I LOVE THE CENSSSS!!!!!!!
russian translations:
солнышко - sun / sunshine
дорогой - dear
Chapter 3: Bonus Chapter: Happy Birthday, Roz!
Chapter Notes
hellooo!!!!
giving the *very special* occasion today, i decided to write a special little bonus chapter for ilya, because he deserves the world 🙂↕️
his canon birthday may have passed already, but it's never to late to celebrate, in my opinion. especially if it's because of my own birthday today 😗
hope you enjoy this little excursion ❤️
(i've written and edited this all on my phone; normally i edit on my pc, so please disregard any typos, mistakes or anything like that, thank you :))
about Roz
Troy Barrett created "about Roz"
Troy Barrett added xx members to the chat.
Hello?
Dykstra
What's this about Barrett?
Hazy
A group chat without Roz?
Why are we excluding him?
Chouinard
Judging by the group name, I'm assuming that whatever he wants to talk about is somehow related to Roz
Hazy
I mean, yeah obviously
But still feels a little odd
Barrett
I know, sorry
But a little birdie told me something
Something about Roz
But I'll let him tell you himself
Troy Barrett added Harris Drover to the chat.
Harris
Hey guys :)
Good to finally meet you outside of the work perspective
Hey Harris!!
Chouinard
Hi :)
Hazy
Hellooo
Dykstra
Hi!
So, what's the news?
Harris
Okay so, I've been studying the Cens' social media accounts the past few days
I mean, obviously, it's my job now
And I saw that you guys have this "tradition" that you always organize something fun for a players' birthday
Basically, I just wanted to ask what you guys have planned for Rozanov
If you have anything planned, that is...
What?
Roz's birthday is coming up?
When?
Harris
You don't know??
Chouinard
No, he doesn't really talk about himself that much...
Harris
And you didn't ask him when his birthday is?
Dykstra
The topic somehow never came up
When's his birthday exactly?
So we can get to planning
Harris
June 15th
That's the day after tomorrow??
Shit
Okay
Guys, we have to brainstorm something
QUICK
Dykstra
Okay... So anyone know what he likes?
Hazy
Vodka
But I think, gifting a Russian a bottle of vodka doesn't really scream "happy birthday"
And it's also kinda stereotypical, no?
Doesn't really show that we know him
Hazy
I mean, we met him like 2 weeks ago. So I can't really say that I know everything about the guy
Or anything, really
I mean, yeah. But still, we have to at least look like we're trying
Dykstra
He also likes Hockey
And everything Hockey related
Chouinard
He also said that he really misses his friends from Boston, so maybe something related to that?
I don't know, though
Harris
Don't worry guys, I already have an idea actually 👀
Barrett
Because of course you do
Harris
You know me 😊
I don't know if you've noticed, but last time I brought Chiron to work, Roz was all over him
So, it's quite obvious that Roz loves dogs
OMG
We should have him do a Puppy Interview
He mentioned that he was really jealous when Hollander got to do one a while ago and he was never asked before
Harris
You've read my mind!!
That was the plan :)
Or well, something like that
I doubt that Roz will be able to answer a lot of questions when he's surrounded by dozens of puppies, but yeah.
We'll do a Cens Puppy Interview with Roz being the main focus of the video
Chouinard
Video?
What video?
Harris
Silly boys. I'm the new social media manager
I obviously WILL be making content out of this
A great gift for Roz AND the first piece of content I'm filming for the social media accounts
Win-win for literally everyone 😗
Especially because Player + Puppy Content is always a hit
Sounds awesome
We could do a BBQ at my house after
Roz had a great time last time
Harris
Good idea!! :)
Chouinard
Should we maybe also invite some of his friends from Boston?
It's a little last minute, and they may not be able to come, but could be worth a try?
Dykstra
Who were you thinking?
Chouinard
He's talking about Cliff Marlow a lot, saying that they're close like brothers
So maybe him?
Hazy
👀
Chouinard
And he also talks about a girl named Svetlana quite a lot
He said that they grew up together, if I remember correctly
Harris
I can try reaching out to Marlow to ask if he wants to come
Maybe he can also help me reach this Svetlana
I'm sure Roz would be excited to see them both
Barrett
Should we also ask Hollander?
The Voyageurs don't have a game this weekend, maybe he can make the drive too?
Harris
Oh, are they actually friends?
Yeah, they seem pretty close
He basically doesn't shut up about him
You could think he's obsessed with him or something
Chouinard
Which would make sense, considering that they've spent a decade hating each other
He's still giving him all that attention like he did before, just in a different way now
It's nice to see actually
Harris
I mean, sure, I can try reaching out to Hollander, too
Leave it to me, I'll text @Bood with details when I get them :)
Okay 👌🏼
Harris
The Interview is also already pretty much set up
All you guys have to do on his actual birthday is to make sure he comes to "practice", so we can surprise him
Chouinard
Consider it done
I hope...
Harris
I'd appreciate a little more enthusiasm, but I guess, I can work with that.
Good luck, boys 🫡
Chouinard
🫡
🫡
Dykstra
🫡
Hazy
🫡
Barrett
🫡
~~~~
June 15th
"I cannot believe that you made me come in for practice," Ilya rolled his eyes, as he followed his teammates into the locker room. He didn't exactly have any other plans for his birthday, but practice certainly wasn't on his list.
He wondered if his teammates would've left him alone if they knew it was his birthday, or if they would've been all over him. It's something he won't have to worry about, he thought. That this day will pass like any other and he wouldn't have to waste another thought on his birthday for a year.
He was especially grumpy this year, because Shane had said that he was unfortunately very busy; that he was sorry; that he would make the drive if he could.
Shane was quite secretive about his plans for the weekend, so Ilya just assumed it was somehow Hayden Pike related; which, naturally, made him even more grumpy.
Maybe the grumpiness was also the reason why he agreed to join his new team for a non mandatory practice in the middle of summer. No use of moping around in his house all alone, if he instead could spend time with his new friends. Even if they didn't know it was his birthday.
Lost in his thoughts, he didn't realize that the Cens' home arena was lacking a certain coldness. One that would be mandatory for the ice on the rink to not melt. He started to get changed, put on his gear, when he was stopped by Bood.
"What?" Ilya glanced at Bood's hand on his shoulder, confused.
"You won't have to change actually."
"Why not?"
"You'll see," Bood said with a grin. A grin that Ilya recognized to be mischievous in nature. He looked around the locker room to see that his other teammates had a similar, if not the same, expression decorating their faces. He furrowed his eyebrows.
A less trusting person, would grow quite concerned by their intentions, but the Centaurs haven't given Ilya any reason to distrust them yet, so he chose to just go with whatever they were up to.
He was handed a blindfold and he really had to hold back from making any inappropriate jokes. They would probably land, especially with these guys, but he didn't want to risk anything.
So, he put on the blindfold and let himself get guided to the rink by Bood and Nick; they were probably the only ones who'd make sure that he doesn't 'accidentally' bump into a wall or something.
He felt that they were stuffing something into his pockets; something with a vaguely meaty smell. It raised some concerns, but again, Ilya chose to be trusting of his teammates.
It was not until another pair of hands covered his ears, when he got extra suspicious. He had absolutely no idea what could be going on, but he started to get a little worried.
But all worries and suspicions vanished when someone took off his blindfold.
At first it was a strange sight, his teammates and their partners were standing across from him; they were on the rink, though it was missing the ice. Harris was obviously filming his reaction; hoping for something from Ilya, but he wasn't quite sure what kind of reaction he was hoping for.
"What is going on?" He didn't get an answer, just excitement and giddiness from the crowd across from him.
They all took a few steps to the side to reveal a pretty big crate. He couldn't quite make out what exactly was in it, though.
Not until Troy opened it and Ilya was approached by dozens of adorable puppies. It looked like they were racing each other to see which one would reach Ilya first. They smelled the treats that Wyatt had snuck into his pockets.
"Happy Birthday, Roz!" Everyone screamed in unison, as soon as the first dogs reached Ilya.
He was suddenly overwhelmed by emotion and failed to hold back. His teammates somehow found out that it was his birthday; he assumed that Harris had told them. And they planned this surprise for him.
Instead of saying anything, aside from a chocked out thank you, he just sat down on the floor and let the puppies claim him.
The day started to turn around after all.
----
"We have another surprise for you."
"More puppies?" Ilya asked hopefully, already mourning the fact that his time with the dogs was over, "Please say more puppies, Bood."
"Sorry buddy, no more puppies aside from Chiron today. But the next part of your surprise is at my house, where we'll all go right now."
"Is BBQ really a surprise at this point?"
"Maybe not, but who said that's the only thing waiting for you there?" Bood smirked. Ilya thought about what he could possibly mean by that.
----
Maybe he was a little sick of having his eyes covered, but Bood seemed excited about the additional surprise, so Ilya decided to humour him. His teammates were so excited to see his reaction, that he didn't want to be a grouch.
Yet again, he was led into a room with his eyes covered by a Bood and Nick. Secretly, he was hoping for more puppies to be avaiting him, but that seemed highly unlikely.
He noticed a presence in his proximity, standing right in front of him. A different one, it wasn't either of the guys, he was quick to notice.
"Ready?" Bood asked, Ilya noddded.
The blindfold came off and in front of him stood Svetlana; his darling Sveta.
"Happy birthday, Ilyusha." She said in Russian, a gentle, yet excited, smile on her face. Ilya immediately wrapped her into a deep hug. He closed his eyes to really take in the moment.
She came here all the way from Boston. Despite telling him a few days prior that she would already be in Moscow again, by the time his birthday came around.
He was never more happy about being lied to.
"Mind if I take over?" Another voice approached them, one that Ilya also immediately recognized. He opened his eyes again.
"Marley, you motherfucker." He let go of Svetlana to immediately wrap Marlow into a hug, too.
"Happy Birthday, brother."
"I cannot believe that you two came all the way here."
"Of course we came," they let go of the hug, "but we're not the only ones." Ilya raised an eyebrow.
Marlow placed his hands on Ilya's shoulders and turned him around.
Behind him stood Shane; his boyfriend.
Ilya was at a loss for words. The Centaurs, his new teammates that he hasn't even known for a month yet, cared about him so much that they even made sure Ilya's favorite people in the world would be there for his birthday.
His best friend since childhood, the man that became his new brother and the love of his life. They were all here for him. In Bood's house, because they were invited to his birthday BBQ.
"I thought you were busy this weekend?"
"Technically, I wasn't lying," Shane shrugged, "but I didn't want to ruin the surprise." He smiled. "I told you they're great guys," he said, a little quieter this time.
"I should listen to you more often."
"You really should," Svetlana and Marlow could tell that they really wanted to share a kiss, but didn't, since the Centaurs don't know about their relationship yet.
"Happy Birthday, Ilya." A hug had to suffice for now, but that didn't matter.
This was the best birthday ever.
Chapter End Notes
again, i've done some bending of the timeline, but i think it was worth it 😗
(obviously they kissed later, when they were back at ilya's house 🤭)
Chapter 4
Chapter Notes
hello hello, i'm finally back with another chapter
and as you can see, i now updated the total chapter count. it will actually just be 5 chapters in total, because i decided to sum up multiple planned chapters in the last 2.
so, i'm keeping my promise that i made in the first chapter after all lmaoi chose to do it this way, because i really don't want to drag out this fic for too long, as it was only meant as a glimpse at ilya's time in ottawa before shane joined as well. once this fic is done, i can shift my full focus back onto instigators, which i'm also very excited for again :)
anyway, enough of my yapping
enjoy the chapter <3
caitlin dykstra 🤓🌻
Roz, what the actual fuck is wrong with you???
what???
what did i do now???
When I sent you the link for the baby registry, I expected you to buy us like... One item??
And not every single one on the list??
oh
well
you should have clarified that before sending the list to me then
Even the stuff that we JUST added to the list a few days ago??
How did you do that??
i have my ways
You absolute menace
Thank you so much, honestly
This is WAY too generous
"too generous"??
there is no such thing in my vocabulary actually
Well, you should add it to your vocabulary then
Because this is actually insane!!!
But I appreciate it so much
Evan does too, of course
And so does this little lady
*shared a photo*
[The photo shows Susie Dykstra, Evan and Caitlin's new baby. She is calmly sleeping in her hospital crib.]
she is here already??
when did that happen??
Like... Two hours ago?
I don't know.
Time doesn't feel real anymore
You're the first to know :)
!!!!
congratulations!!!
and thank you for this honour
do you need something?
food?
something to drink?
something for baby?
literally anything?
No, you've already gotten us enough
More than enough, actually
not what i asked
you have just pushed a baby out of your body, you should not have to lift a single finger
The three of us are all perfectly happy
Really
We don't need a thing right now, aside from some more peace and quiet before our families arrive lol
Thank you so much for offering, though ❤️
if you should need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out
i will be there before you can even finish the message asking for something
I wish those people who always call you a selfish asshole would know the real you
You're the best and most selfless person I've ever met, Roz ❤️
you are giving me too much credit
Or not enough
Because I mean every word that I've said
❤️
~~~~
bood 🍗
Hey man 💪
Are you free on Saturday?
another bbq already, bood?
did we not just have one two days ago?
this is getting concerning
do you have a bbq addiciton?
do we need to stage an intervention?
you are not alone 🙏
Oh my God, shut up 😂
I'm not asking because of that
what is up then?
I talked to Evan earlier
He and Cait are losing their minds currently
Because they haven't interacted with anyone but their baby and their overbearing families in like a month
understandable that they are freaking out
caitlin told me that their families are... "special"
"Special" definitely is one word for it...
Anyway, we decided that we need to get them out of the house for a bit
And Nick's girlies have been begging to go to the Zoo again, too
So, we'll do a Centaurs family day on Saturday
Players, their WAGs and the kids
sounds like a good plan
Right? We thought so, too
So... You coming too?
hmm
i do not have family here
i would be in the way, no?
What?
what?
What do you mean you have no family here?
The team's your family!!
You're in Ottawa for a few months already, you're part officially part of the Cens Family now
oh
yes, of course
I mean, you don't have to join us if you don't want to
But, we'd love to have you :)
i do not know if i should come, to be honest
do not have a partner
or a child
would just be me
Troy's coming too and he also doesn't have a partner or child
If that helps?
hmm
it actually does, i think
Nice!
Absolutely no pressure, though.
Would be cool if you joined us, but I can totally understand if you don't feel comfortable or whatever
no, i am sorry for being weird about this
i will come
my jane always says that additional team bonding can never hurt
and someone has to entertain the little chouinards when everyone else is too tired
Haha! Sounds awesome!
I'm glad to hear it :)
I remember that you mentioned that your car's in the shop
Do you wanna ride with me and Cassie on Saturday, then?
well, i have many more cars i could pick
but you know what?
i would like to take you up on that offer
as long as lady bood is the one to drive
you drive worse than me
and that has to mean something
Rude
But true, I guess
Cassie's been saying the same lately
Despite never having an issue with it before
She says that she always gets dizzy whenever I drive her somewhere
I should really work on that before the Baby comes...
baby?
what baby?
Oh shit-
I wasn't supposed to tell anyone yet
will there be a baby bood soon??
You have to promise that you'll keep this a secret until we'll tell the others on Saturday
Please, Roz
Can't have Cassie find out that I flapped my mouth
She'll kill me on the spot
My child can't grow up fatherless
growing up fatherless is not that bad
i survived it
and look at me now 💪
Roz, come on.
just kidding, of course
my father unfortunately was a part of my life for way too long
Dude 😭
but i promise i will not tell anyone
Okay, good
Thank you
so, there will be a baby bood soon?
Yup
Cassie's already near the end of her second trimester, but she isn't really showing yet.
We decided to wait a little longer before we tell anyone from the team
To make sure that everything's fine with Cassie and the Baby, you know?
i understand
is a very scary situation
there will be many changes in your lives
but nice changes, no?
a little bood will be joining you soon
i am sure you will be a fantastic papa
congratulations to you and lady bood, truly
i am very excited for you
You're gonna make me cry, dude
Thank you so much for saying that
of course
why should i not say that?
did anyone make you think that you will not be a good papa?
A few family members
But doesn't matter
fuck them
they do not know you well it seems
zane boody a bad papa?
fucking morons
I appreciate you saying that
But please never say that to their faces if you should ever meet them, though
you make sure i never meet them then
😂😂
and if you, lady bood or baby bood should ever need anything, you know where to find me
my babysitting rates are very fair
Have I ever told you that you're the best?
no?
i do not think so
Well, let me make up for lost time then
You're the best! ❤️
❤️
~~~~
Cens 🏒💪🥅
Bood
ALRIGHT
EVERYONE GET YOUR ASSES HERE
Hazy
HERE!!
Chouinard
HERE too!!
Dykstra
Tired as FUCK, but HERE!!
Barrett
Are the Caps really necessary?
Bood
Would it kill you to show some enthusiasm?
Barrett
Probably
Bood
Wow
Well, anyway
Good that you're all here
Now
@Roz get your ass in here too
Dykstra
@Roz
Hazy
@Roz
Chouinard
@Roz
Bood
Troy, tag him too
Barrett
Fine
@Roz
yes?
what is going on?
told you to not interrupt my precious jane time
stupid boys
you better have a very good reason
Bood
Sorry about that, man
But there's something important that we need to ask you
sounds serious
Hazy
It's nothing bad, of course
Hopefully you'll be excited about it
?
Bood
Soooo
Do you wanna be our new team Captain?
what?
seriously?
Bood
Yeah, man!!!
Dykstra
We all talked about it
Took a vote and all
Hazy
You're the perfect pick for Captain for multiple reasons
which would be?
Barrett
Well, you've been Captain for the Bears for years
So you already have experience with the job
Chouinard
You're also not just a Veteran, but a Franchise Player, too
Which makes you the obvious pick for Captain
Dykstra
And, I mean, we also all really like you
You're our friend and we think you'd make a great Captain
Bood
I also already talked to Coach Wiebe and the Management about our choice
And they're on board too, if you say yes
oh
this really comes out of nowhere for me
you are really sure about this?
Bood
More sure than we've ever been about anything
wow
i mean, of course
would love to be centaurs captain
one condition, though
boody will be my alternate
Bood
Fuck yes!!
I'll gladly be your right hand man 💪
ok perfect 💪
am your new captain then
everyone chant!!
Bood
CAP! CAP! CAP!
Hazy
CAP! CAP! CAP!
Chouinard
CAP! CAP! CAP!
Dykstra
CAP! CAP! CAP!
Barrett
CAP! CAP! CAP!
thank you for the chants
and for the trust
will not disappoint you 💪
~~~~
Cens 🏒💪🥅
Dykstra
Is anyone watching the Montreal game?
Chouinard
Nope, got my hands full with the girls
Hazy
Why the fuck should I be watching that game??
Barrett
I thought Montreal's the enemy?
Bood
They are
So, why are YOU watching the game, Evan?
Dykstra
Listen, I would also prefer to watch literally anything else, but Hockey sounds help calm down Susie
That girl's OBSESSED with Hockey already and she can't even form a thought yet
Hazy
Like father, like daughter
Character Name
Fuck right off, Hazy
I just turned on the TV and the game was on
She's been crying non-stop for 2 hours
But as soon as she heard the TV, she stopped
So, please forgive me fathers, for I have sinned
By watching a Montreal game
Chouinard
From one team Dad to another
Whose daughters are also irrationally obessed with Hockey
You are forgiven, my child
Dykstra
Thank you, father 🙏
Bood
What about the game, though?
I know that you wouldn't mention it to us, if it wasn't something important
Dykstra
Yeah, sorry
After Susie finally fell asleep, I continued watching the game a bit and noticed something odd
I don't know if they were just having a bad day or whatever
But Hollander got beaten up BAD out there
It's fucking crazy
Hazy
Just checked Twitter
And saw some clips that are already trending
The defensemen basically ignored him
Dykstra
Basically everyone, but Pike completely ignored him
Hazy
What the fuck is going on?
Barrett
That's very unlike them to treat their star player this way
Bood
Makes me wonder if something happened?
Chouinard
Hey Cap, do you maybe know what's going on?
Hazy
Roz?
Dykstra
Also very unlike him to not immediately respond when his name is mentioned...
Barrett
Maybe he's just busy?
----
Hayden Pike (derogatory)
Hey Rozanov
Please call me when you see this
It's about Shane
Chapter End Notes
can't have a fic without a slither of drama, of course
and shane getting to ottawa is part of the prequel hehehehe
Chapter 5
Chapter Notes
final chapter time yippeeeeee
don't wanna say that i rushed this fic at the end, but honestly, that would be a lie LMAOobviously, i still addressed everything that i wanted to write originally, i just squished the chapters a bit. BUT IT'S HERE, IT'S DONE!!!
and despite the "rush" i still enjoyed writing this fic and i do like how it turned out.
i hope you enjoy the final chapter :)
Hayden Pike (derogatory)
Hey Rozanov
Please call me when you see this
It's about Shane
Ilya didn't know if he was glad that he broke the promise he made to Shane before leaving for Boston for the weekend, but he certainly wasn't mad at it either.
He promised him that he wouldn't watch Shane's next game. Which Ilya immediately thought was an odd request; as Shane usually loved the thought of having Ilya watch him play. It filled him with a sense of security to know that his boyfriend—the man he had dubbed his guardian angel with the most gorgeous curls—was watching his every move on the ice.
But when Ilya spontaneously had to cancel the plans that he had made with both Cliff and Svetlana due to shit weather; the three of them decided to just hang out at Cliff's house and watch the Montreal vs Toronto game.
Ilya had felt bad about betraying his boyfriend's trust at first, but after the first face off and the ensuing chaos, he could no longer be mad at himself.
Like he was enthralled, he just stared at the screen, trying to wrap his mind around what was happening to Shane. Ignored defenses which resulted in him getting crashed into the boards way more than he should; way more than what was normal.
Toronto was an aggressive team of assholes, but they were never this bad; if the defense would do their job properly.
Both Svetlana and Cliff were also furious on Ilya and Shane's behalf. Screaming at the screen, like they were there in person and their words could actually reach someone else than just Cliff's neighbours down the street.
"What the fuck are they doing???" Cliff cussed, throwing his hands up in anger.
"They are getting paid millions and cannot even do their jobs properly??" Svetlana huffed in Russian, she was too angry to let her thoughts come out in English.
All while Ilya just stared in silence. A paralyzing silence, that made his chest feel tight.
By the end of the game, Shane could only barely stand up straight; his face clearly showing the pain he's been trying to repress the past three periods.
"He looks bad," Cliff commented, glancing over to Ilya, who probably has not blinked once in the past hour.
Ilya didn't even bother to look at his phone, since they started watching the game. He had been getting dozens of messages, but Ilya didn't check a single one; worried that something even worse would happen to his Shane, if he were to take his eyes off of him for even a glimpse of a second.
Aside from the messages that he could've easily ignored with no repercussions, Hayden's been getting very impatient.
Support group for Hollanov survivors
Hayden
Hey Cliff & Svetlana
Is Rozanov still with you?
He's not reading my messages
It's really important
Rose
Dude
What the fuck was this game today??
Hayden
I'll explain later, but right now I have more important shit to take care of
I'm so pissed off
And I really need to talk to Rozanov
@Svetlana @Cliff look at your fucking phones
I'm freaking out right now
I'm here
Hayden
Good
Now make sure Rozanov picks up his fucking phone
Okay
"Ilya, you really have to call Hayden right now," Cliff tried to appeal to his best friend, but Ilya still didn't move even a single inch; his eyes were still glued to the TV screen that Svetlana had turned off more than ten minutes ago at this point. "Help me," he whispered in Svetlana's direction.
She nodded and sprung right into action.
"Ilyusha," She tapped on his shoulder; not resulting in a reaction.
"Hey," another attempt, this time by shaking his shoulders a little harder. Still no reaction; Ilya had completely shut down.
"I guess it is time for the last resort," she sighed and slapped her best friend since childhood. While she didn't like having to return to this method, it was unfortunately the only one that always proved successful. He snapped out of his trance and angrily turned his head to the side to face Svetlana.
"What the fuck was that about, Sveta?!"
"You need to call Hayden Pike. Right now," she handed him his phone, Hayden's contact info already open on the screen.
Hayden Pike was definitely the last person he wanted to talk to right now, but he saw the urgency on Svetlana and Cliff's faces and pressed call. He put on speaker mode and placed his phone on the table in front of him.
It didn't even have to ring a second time, when Hayden picked up.
"Holy fuck, Rozanov. Someone as chronically online as you should really be way easier to reach."
Ilya could almost hear Hayden's eyeroll, but didn't bother to make a dumb comment about it now. There was only one thing he cared about right now.
"Is Shane ok?"
"Define okay," Hayden sighed. "Emotionally he's okay, I guess. Probably not true though, but that's something for us to worry about later. I'll just assume that you watched the game tonight. It was an absolute fucking shitshow."
"An understatement," Svetlana commented, her voice filled with disgust.
"Yeah, for sure. Well, there's a few things that you should know, Rozanov.
To make sure that Shane's physically okay, aside from a few bruises, I dragged his ass to the hospital. He really didn't want to go, but fortunately I can be very persuasive if I have to be. He's currently getting some scans done to see if there's any internal bleeding or something like that. By the way he was thrown around on the ice tonight, internal damages unfortunately aren't unlikely, the doctor I talked to said so too. I'll keep you updated on that, so please don't ignore any messages or calls.
I also already called Yuna and David, they're driving down as we speak. I told them that I'll reach out to you, so they left immediately without calling you first.
Rozanov-" Hayden took a deep breath before continuing. "Ilya, I need you to understand that I really tried my best to help him tonight, but that didn't work as well as I thought it would. I'm very sorry about that. I should've done more, but I couldn't.
But now, probably the most important part that I need to tell you about is that Shane waved his No-Trade Clause after the game," Oh shit, Ilya, Cliff and Svetlana shared the same thought.
"Well, I talked him into doing that. It's drastic, but definitely seemed necessary. Because honestly, I'm not standing by to watch my best friend get beaten up like that again, by his own team. I know that there's a risk that he'll get traded to an even worse hellhole, especially since he's really pissed off the Voyageurs' management, but at this point I don't know if there's a place worse than Montreal for him. I promise that I'll continue to look out for him while he's still here, but I needed you to know all of this, before it breaks the news."
"What has changed? Why does Montreal and its representatives suddenly hate him?" Cliff asked, only hearing a sigh from Hayden as a reply at first.
"He came out to the team yesterday," Hayden answered with a low voice; even more quietly than before. Worried about his surroundings and who could potentially overhear him.
"How could you let him do that?" Ilya raised his voice. This is exactly the outcome he had unfortunately expected from Shane's coming out. "What kind of friend are you?!"
"Hey! I didn't know that he would do it. He ambushed me, just like he did the rest of the team. If I would've known, I would've stopped him. You should know me better than that. I care about his wellbeing more than I do of my own. He's my best fucking friend and I hate to see him hurt like this."
"Fuck," Ilya cussed. "I know this. Sorry. I am just so angry right now."
"You and me both, man. I'm pissed off and the worst thing is that I can't really do shit about it. Coach is not doing anything. He'll just let the team continue like this, because he also doesn't care about Shane anymore.
He has given so much, basically everything that he was capable off, and they throw him away like this. And I can't do anything than just stand by and watch."
Ilya could hear quiet sobs coming from Hayden on the other side of the call. And while the two of them obviously didn't like each other, hearing Hayden broken like this, broke something in Ilya too.
Ilya knew that he had to do something to help his Shane. Something potentially very desperate.
"Thank you for the update, Hayden. Please continue to keep me updated, but I have to go now. Call Jackie and take care of yourself," he hung up without waiting for a reply from Hayden.
"What are you doing?" Svetlana asked, after Ilya grabbed his phone and jumped up from the couch, quickly moving to another room.
"Have to make a call."
----
The person he ended up calling was Harris. He tried to reach the owners of the Centaurs first, Coach Wiebe too, but neither of them answered quickly enough.
Ilya updated Harris on everything that happened.
Shane's abuse on the ice; the fact that Shane insisted to wave his No-Trade Clause to hopefully get out of Montreal quicker. Away from the pain.
"I'm very sorry to hear that Hollander's been having a shit time, but I don't really know what you're expecting me to do now? I'm only the Social Media Manager and-"
"You are the Social Media Manager that can reach out to the Centaurs' management for me," Ilya interrupted him. "Hollander is being traded very soon, and he could come to Ottawa."
"I don't know if a player like Shane Hollander's in the budget. They probably can't afford him."
"Then tell them to cut my pay completely. I do not care. Anything to get him to Ottawa, too."
"That's... Very drastic, you know that, right? Are you serious?"
"As serious as I can be, Harris. I- We cannot let him get traded to fuck ass Toronto or worse. There has to be something they can do. Please, Harris."
"Who can say no to a heartfelt plea like that?" Harris sighed. "I'll make some calls, I'll see what I can do. Can't promise anything, though."
"Thank you, Harris. I appreciate it." Ilya hung up the call and just stared at his phone for a moment, before sending a text to his boyfriend; who was probably scared out of his mind about everything that has happened tonight.
Jane 😛💦💕
i know everything is very scary right now
but we will figure it out together
you will not have to take a single step on your own
i love you so much ❤️
everything will be ok. i promise
~~~~
Ilya hated being nervous about something that technically didn't even have anything to do with him. He was pacing up and down in his future parents'-in-law's living room—like an animal in captivity—waiting to hear literally anything from Shane or Yuna. David had tried to get him to calm down a few times over the past hour already, to no avail.
"Shane will be fine, I'm sure of it," David rested his hands on Ilya's shoulders, making him stop right in his tracks.
"I wish I had your confidence right now, David," he had simply said in reply. Normally, Ilya would love to get reassured by his boyfriend's father like this, but it really didn't work on this day.
This very important day.
The very important, but also very stressful day.
If things would go as planned, Shane's entire future in Hockey could be decided today; in the best way possible.
But if things wouldn't go as planned-
Ilya didn't dare to finish the thought. Everything had to go according to plan today; there simply wasn't another option.
Ilya would've never considered himself a man of faith—and that's not something that will change—but right now he found comfort in it. He pressed the cross—his mother's cross—to his lips and started mumbling words that could be interpreted as a sort of prayer.
Praying that Shane—his darling Shane—will end up with a good team; that all of his efforts wouldn't be in vain. He hoped a higher being, if there even is such a thing, would listen to him.
He had to be sure that Shane would be fine. That his hurt would finally end. Ilya remembered that horrible night, a few weeks ago when Shane called him crying. He was out with his teammates; planned as a final attempt to smooth things over before he would leave the team for good. But that apparently didn't work out as Shane had expected it.
Ilya didn't know the details of what happened. He wanted to ask Shane; find out who he needed to kill on his behalf, but Shane simply couldn't talk about it. So Ilya didn't push.
He didn't know what happened, but what he knew was that it was one of the worst nights of his life. Seeing Shane in distress like that? It hurt something deep in his chest.
He needed to make sure that Shane never had to feel like that anymore.
Fortunately, he didn't have to wait much longer for an answer, as Yuna and Shane arrived home not even an hour later.
Another 45 minutes of not knowing anything almost brought Ilya to the edge of insanity, but that didn't matter anymore. Because Shane didn't seem defeated, or angry at the result of the meeting.
"So?"
"Well," Shane approached his boyfriend, trying to hide the smile that started to creep up on his face. "You think I'll look good in red and black?"
"You-" The words got stuck in his throat for a moment. "You're coming to Ottawa?"
"I'm coming to Ottawa," Shane answered and was immediately swept off his feet by Ilya; the pure joy he radiated, spreading through the room.
This was the best possible outcome to their plan.
~~~~
Jane 😛💦💕
Does the rest of the team know that Coach Wiebe is bi?
Or is that something that just we two know now?
i do not know, actually
was news to me
but good for him
and good for us, too
Definitely
I'm very glad that he doesn't have a problem with us being together while playing on the same team
i mean
playing on the same team is less conflict of interests than playing for opposing teams, no?
I guess so
I'm still very glad
I'll finally feel safe playing Hockey again
AND, most importantly, I finally get to play with you
For more than just one weekend worth of games
that is the best part for me also
get to see your pretty face everyday instead of twice a month
feels like a dream
and you should feel safe playing hockey
those fucking assholes never deserved you
FUCK MONTREAL
Yeah, fuck them...
I mean, I'm happy that I got out of that hellhole
But I'm really worried about Hayden
I can't imagine that he's having the best time right now
i am worried about him also
i hope he will be ok
What's this?
You're being nice about Hayden?
still hate him, of course
do not get me wrong
but he is a very good friend to you
and me also, i guess
he deserves better than rotting in fuck ass montreal
Maybe he can come to Ottawa, too?
Sometime in the future
let us not get ahead of ourselves here
because if we are getting your best friend on our team, we will get marley too
obviously, is only fair
Obviously
That's the only logical turn of events
I'm so excited to meet the guys
I hope they'll like me
they will love you
like i love you
well
maybe not exactly like i love you
but you know what i mean
I do
I love you too
So much
~~~~
Cens 🏒💪🥅
gentlemen
listen up
rumours were true
we have a new player
and i am very excited to make this announcement
Ilya Rozanov added Shane Hollander to the chat.
Hollzy
Hi guys :)
Bood
DUDE
HOLY SHIT
Hazy
WHAT THE FUCK???
Life isn't real
Dykstra
OH SHIT WHAT
We are SO winning the Cup this year
We'll be unstoppable!!
Barrett
And I thought the rumours that Cap signed with us were crazy
Chouinard
Wow
Welcome to Ottawa, Hollzy!!
Hollzy
Happy to be here :)
~~~~
Cassie 💍🩷
Zane baby 🩷
I have a mission for you 👀
----
Cait 🐥💛
Evan!!!!!
You need to do something for me 👀
~~~~
Cens WAGs 🩷💞💕💓
Cassie
LADIES
GATHER AROUND
CAIT AND I HAVE NEWS
Lisa
Calm it with the Caps, Boodram
I just got home from a double shift
I'm here
Barely awake, but here
Selena
I'm here, too!!
What's this about?
Cassie
Ready Cait???
Caitlin
SO ready!!
Lisa
What's going on??
Caitlin Dykstra added Lily (Hollander) to the chat.
Cassie Boodram added Jane (Rozanov) to the chat.
Caitlin
Everyone say hello Lily (Hollzy's girlfriend) and Jane (Roz's girlfriend)!!
Welcome the the Cens WAGs ❤️
Chapter End Notes
i thought doing a perfect transition into infiltrators would be a fun way to end this prequel :)
Afterword
End Notes
thank you for reading :)
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