Chapter 1
“You know it’s crazy to me how no one has figured it out yet?” Ilya hears Shane say, while he finishes making their morning drinks. Shane’s gross green health drink and his cup of coffee. Ilya walks over to the couch where Shane is staring at his phone. They both have a rare few days off in a row and are at their house in Ottawa. With this being Ilya’s first season in Ottawa he is enjoying having Shane so close that they can spend more time together. The weeks apart are much harder now that they have been official for a while now, but they have a plan to stick to. Unless the plan is about to be ruined. “What do you mean? -has something been posted?” Ilya can feel his heart rate start to increase, his mind thinking back to anything that would out them. “No, I am just looking at these old photos of us and the way you are looking at me with your heart eyes.” Shane says smirking at Ilya. “I do not have heart eyes, Russians do not do this. It is you with hearts for eyes.” Ilya grumbles while sipping his coffee. “I mean come on look at us.” Shane says turning his phone showing the picture of them from All Stars 2017. “See you are doing it right now!” “Fine, but only heart eyes for you, my love." Ilya cups Shane's cheek giving him a quick kiss. "It is true people are idiots. How can they look at us and not see how in love we are.” Ilya smirks, swiping through some more photos off Shane’s phone. Shane looks at him eyes softening into, what he would call heart eyes. Then, something shifts and he starts thinking, becoming determined as he grabs his phone back from Ilya and snaps a picture of their drinks on the coffee table. Then he opens Instagram and starts typing. “What are you doing?” Ilya asks, concerned over the quick shift in attitude. “Posting our morning drinks.” “You don’t post on Instagram.” Ilya has been the one posting random pics, at least random to those who are not Shane and himself. “Well, maybe I should start.” Ilya pulls up his own phone to find Shane’s post. Likes and comments are already pouring in.
ShaneHollanderOfficial Instagram Post 1m ago Picture of two drinks. Caption: Slow mornings are the best. Comments: Hollanov2481: who’s the second drink for? 👀
ShaneHollanderOfficial: Ilya
HockeyDad77: Nice one 😂
Shayden4eva: Not Hayden 😭 Hockeygirl24: Wish it were me
“Shane you can’t say that!?” Ilya exclaims looking at his response to Hollanov2481. “Yes, I can.” Shane says, sipping his smoothie. “Ooo this is good you're getting better at making these.” Ilya ignores the compliment. “I thought you wanted to wait to start the charity this summer to announce our friendship?” “I- I think I want to do something, and I might not, well... actually you may love this.” Shane says starting off stammering and ending with a smirk. God, Ilya loves this man. “Solnyshko, what are you thinking? What is making you look like you are plotting something... bad” “Have you heard of gaslighting?” Ilya is taken aback. Not because he doesn’t know what it means, he has had the rookies explain it to him, but he is surprised Shane knows gaslighting. “Yes, Young explained, it's when you say something the other person knows is not true and you still act like it is. Frustrating them, yes?” “Yeah, basically. I think we should start gaslighting everyone.” Shane looks at Ilya to see his reaction. “I don’t understand.” “No statements, no plans, of course we’re still doing the charity, but let’s just act like we already came out to everyone.” Ilya smirks. “Gaslight them?” Shane nods. “How would this work? Like, right now I could just take you out to lunch and hold your hand?” Ilya says feeling lighter than he has since he first told Shane he loved him. The excitement to share with the world his relationship with Shane. “Yes” Shane says smiling, reaching for Ilya’s hand. “What happens when internet explodes?” Ilya asks, not used to being the logical one. “We don’t do anything. When people we know bring it up we gaslight them and tell them we’ve been out for awhile now. Like uh- What do you mean you don’t remember, that sort of thing.” Shane shrugs nonchalantly. This man has never been nonchalant a day in his life. Ilya can’t help but laugh. “Oh, this will be fun.” Ilya says, tackling Shane and smothering him with kisses.
~~~
Ilya does take Shane to lunch later that day. They are sitting at a table inside their local cafe arguing over who gets to choose their first date. Now that they are public. They need a first ‘real’ date. “Shane, I made the first move therefore I get to plan our first date.” Ilya says, eating a bite from Shane’s bowl. “First, keep your fork to yourself, this is my bowl. Second, technically I think it was me that made the first move.” “Ah yes, saying don’t smoke here. Really wooing me, Hollander.” Ilya tries taking a second bite from his bowl and is smacked away by a laughing Shane. That is when Andrew and Willa race over barreling into the table. “Mr. Ilya!” Willa says as Andrew says at the same time “Is that Shane Hollander?” Kate walks up a second later. “Sorry Ilya, they saw your car and zoomed in before I could get them to slow down. We didn’t mean to...interrupt.” She glances at Shane then eyes back on Ilya. “No problem, always happy to see Ottawa’s number one fans. I’ve missed you all too, and yes I don’t think you have met my boyfriend Shane yet.” Ilya nods to Shane and checking in with a raised brow. Shane blushes and gives an awkward wave. “Nice to meet you all. Ilya talks about your signs all the time. If you are ever in Montreal let us know and I’ll get you tickets to a real hockey game.” Shane says winking at Ilya. The kids gasp. “We would NEVER root for Montreal” They look over at Ilya. “We wouldn’t betray you. Do you believe us?” “Of course, Shane meant if Ottawa is playing in Montreal. That way you can see me beat him and make him cry.” “In your dreams.” Shane says kicking him lightly under the table. “So, is this a new development for you two?” Kate asks, watching them bicker back and forth. “Eh, old news. It’s been a couple years now. Why I moved to Ottawa this year. You don’t remember?” Ilya works hard to hide the amusement and refuses to make eye contact with Shane knowing he will break. “Oh, I’m so busy I never am up to date on hockey gossip.” She says ruffling Andrew's hair. “Well, Shane, if you're ever in town and you two want to come by for dinner, I think we can look past the Montreal part right, kids?” “Yeah come over for dinner!” Willa says jumping around. “I can show you my new hockey stick!” Andrew says. “Mine too!” Shouts Willa. Shane looks at Ilya holding back the emotion he suddenly feels being open and accepted so fast. “That sounds great. Maybe later closer to the holidays we usually have some time off.” “Well, let’s let these love birds get back to it. Bye Ilya, nice to meet you Shane.” They walk off picking up their to-go order and heading out. “It worked.” Shane says, kinda surprised. Ilya barks out a laugh. “It did, it really did.” Reaching out to hold Shane’s hand.
~~~
IlyaRozanov81 Instagram Post 1 hour ago A mirror selfie of Ilya working out. Shane’s leg can be seen slightly in the background. Caption: Can’t stop won’t stop. Comments: OttawaFan17 - Whose behind you 🤨
IlyaRozanov81 Shane who else would it be?
GoCensGo - Russian humor gotta love it. BostonGirl87 - We miss you come back! 😭
~~~
Ilya eventually won the argument for the first date, with the exception that Shane gets to take him out tomorrow before he has to leave and go back to Montreal. Ilya has overheard his team mates in the locker room mention this nice restaurant. They have taken their wives and girlfriends out for anniversaries and special occasions. This feels like a significant occasion. The waiter is taking away their dinner plates as Shane leans forward to take his hands in his. “Ilya, I know the whole gaslighting thing is kind of silly, but I just want to say tonight has been perfect. Thank you for putting this night together and being brave with me. Coming out even if it is in a silly way, it is still nerve racking. Does that make sense?” “Yes, lyubimyy. I’ve wanted to be out for awhile now, I guess it is hard not loving you in front of everyone. I have this incredible partner with beautiful freckles. How could I keep what we have hidden? Gaslighting is, yes, silly, but I think it suits us. We are brave and the world can’t keep me from loving you loudly. It can deal with it.” “Ya tebya lyublyu” “Ya tebya lyublyu” “Rozanov?” The couple turns to see Wyatt Hayes and his wife come up looking confused, well his wife is hiding it better. “Hazy! You can’t stay away from me huh? Our break is, what, for 3 days,and you had to find me and interrupt my romantic date night?” Ilya jokes, winking at Shane. “Date night?” Wyatt repeats glancing at Shane. “Yes, the thing you do with a romance partner, to woo them and make them feel cherished. Is that not what you are doing with Dr. Lisa tonight?” “Well, yes but you are here with Hollander?” Wyatt says dumbfounded. Shane and Ilya share a confused look. Shane says quieter. “Ilya, I thought you said your new team was good, and not homophobic?” “What!? I’m not-” Wyatt says hand up, but Ilya interrupts. “Hazy, what is wrong with you? The first time you meet my boyfriend you are being homophobic. Yes, because we are two men we still go out on dates, they’re not just for straight people.” Ilya wants to laugh so bad looking into a panicked Wyatt Haze's eyes. His wife seems to be in on the dramatics. “No I’m not- I didn’t know you were dating Hollander. I’m just surprised!” Wyatt glances at his wife for support who rubs his back trying to calm him down. “Ah, I see this is not homophobia but bad teammate etiquette. You should have known he was my partner. This is old news. Why do you think I moved here in the first place? Also why I miss team outings. I must get as much Shane time as possible.” He says squeezing Shane’s hand and smiling at him. “ Yeah, of course I must have just forgotten that. My bad, Roz, I hope you have a great rest of your date night. Hollander, good to see you..sorry about- yeah sorry.” “Hayes, don't worry about it, we are all good.” Shane says with a smile. “Nice to meet you and your wife.” Lisa speaks up then, with a sparkle of mischief in her eye “Before we leave, Shane, since my husband seems to forget everything and I didn't know you two were an item. Let me know if you’d like to join the Ottawa WAGS chat. I can get your number from Ilya. No pressure though. We can also work on changing the name.” She says with a wink, then drags her husband out of the restaurant. The waiter then drops off their dessert. A slice of cake with one fork. It’s mostly for Ilya, but he is hoping to convince Shane to take at least one bite. “You have to join the WAGS chat! Please, I must know what the wives and girlfriends are saying!” “Maybe, I don’t know. It would be weird right? Me being on another team and all.” “No, no weirdness please my love for me!” “Maybe.” Shane says with a smile. “So, that one also kinda went well.” Ilya laughs remembering Wyatt's face. “It was perfect. You played your part so well! I could kiss you.” “Do it.” Shane says, leaning forward. Eyes looking down at Ilya's lips. Ilya kisses him right there in the middle of The Loon.
~~~
Cens Chat (- Roz + Harris) Wyatt: Did Cap tell us he is dating Hollander? Bood: Are you drunk? Wyatt: No! Dykstra: I think we would remember if he said he was dating Shane Hollander Young: Yeah Roz is hella straight Harris: Why do you ask? Wyatt: I just ran into him at The Loon with Hollander on a date Wyatt: He kept telling me he told us Wyatt: He made me look homophobic in front of Lisa Bood: No way Dykstra: He confirmed he was on a date? Wyatt: Yes Bood: Did he tell us and we are just bad teammates? Harris: Oh my god! I would have for sure known Wyatt: That's what he told me! That it was bad etiquette to not know teammates partners Wyatt: Also Shane might be joining the Wag chat! Haas: I can't even process this right now Young: 😂😂😂 Young: Oh my god I know what's happening Wyatt: So he did tell us? Harris: No way I would have not forgotten THAT Bood: We are actually bad teammates and accidentally homophobic Holmberg: 💀 Young: Cap asked us the other day to explain gaslighting Haas: Oh this makes more sense Harris: Oh my god yeah that makes sense. Wyatt: No it does not Bood: Rookies/Harris explain Harris: Roz is gaslighting us. He is coming out and just pretending he came out to avoid the chaos especially with it being Shane Hollander. Harris: This will still be chaotic once everyone finds out, but I get it. Young: Exactly Holmberg: This is the best day ever. Wyatt: Oh yeah that makes sense Wyatt: It also definitely worked on me Bood: Thank god I thought I was a terrible team mate Harris: Troy you’ve been quiet. Barrett: I might have already known. Harris: You didn’t tell me! Barrett: Not my secret to tell. Happy for him though Wyatt: Same Bood: Same Harris: Same Dykstra: Same Young: Well, now we have to help him gaslight the rest of the world. Liked by all chat members.
~~~
The next morning Shane and Ilya are decked out in workout clothes heading to their next date. “Shane I love you, but leave the dates to me. My dates are sexy, romantic, and hot. This is going to be sooo boring.” Ilya complains from the passenger seat. “It’s not boring.” “You are tricking me into doing yoga with you. If you really wanted me to do yoga we could do it at home, why do we need to go out and waste a date on this?” “You might actually enjoy it if you gave it a chance.” “I tried it once and I’m not flexible like you. It was weird and I cannot watch you stretch for me if I’m doing it.” Shane pulls into the yoga studio parking lot. “Just shut up and try to have fun.” Shane says with a smile. “ I think you will really enjoy this.” “Okay. For you I will try.” They grab their mats and head inside opening the door to little yips and barks. Ilya stops as he crosses the threshold, taking in the room and whipping around to Shane. “It’s PUPPY yoga! Shane, lyubimyy moy, you are the light of my life, the wind in my boat, my heart beat, my pomidor. I love you, thank you for the best date. I will never doubt you again.” Ilya says each endearment with a kiss on Shane’s face. Shane has turned completely red. “Ilya, please behave.” Shane whispers, taking his hand and laying out their mats which are instantly covered in sweet little pups. Ilya does very little yoga over the next hour mostly playing with the puppies and ending up with one sleeping on his lap. Eventually the session ends and the yoga instructors explain that each puppy is available for adoption. Ilya's eyes replicate that of the puppy on his lap. “No.” “But I haven't even asked yet.” “No.” “But sweet hearts look at her.” “She is so cute, but no. With our jobs we wouldn’t be home enough for her, especially as a puppy.” Ilya sighs, handing the precious angel to the instructor who has walked over to them. “I couldn’t help but overhear. What do you all do for work?” She asks cradling the puppy to where Ilya can keep petting her. “We play hockey. I’m the Captain for Montreal and my boyfriend Ilya is the Captain for Ottawa.” Ilya is proud of Shane for being the one to say out loud who they are to each other. He reaches to grab his hand. “Oh, wow! My husband loves the Centaurs. Sorry, I’m not as familiar with hockey” She opens her mouth to say something else, but closes it, then thinks before saying “I have a bit of a selfish question. Since you are local celebrities, and it sounds like you enjoyed the class, would you mind being in an instagram post promoting the class. I don’t have to tag your accounts or anything but any help getting the word out about the class and getting these pups adopted would be incredible. No pressure though! I know I’m not, like, a typical sponsored brand and I can't offer anything other than free classes. Which, please feel free to come back anytime! Ok, I am rambling and I am going to stop talking now.” She says blushing. Ilya shares a look with Shane and they know this would actually get media attention and as they discussed yesterday, explode the internet. What better cause though? “Yes, we would love to. You can also tag us. We will definitely be back, but we pay and donate. Anything for these precious angels.” Ilya says taking the puppy back for the photo op. Shane nods, finding his own puppy. She grins “Thank you so much! I can’t believe this. We have had the worst luck getting these guys more attention. I’m Anya by the way.” For the next 15 minutes Shane and Ilya pose in different positions with the pups and help Anya create a caption and promise to share it to their pages. Shane and Ilya grab their stuff and leave hand in hand.
~~~
OttawaDownwardDogs with ShaneHollanderOfficial and IlyaRozanov81 Instagram post 1 hour ago Series of pictures of Ilya and Shane with puppies doing yoga poses. Last image is Ilya being lick attacked by multiple puppies while Shane laughs adding another pup to the pile. Caption: We had special guests join us this morning, and I am not talking about our adorable puppies! Shane Hollander, Captain of the Montreal Voyagers and Ilya Rozanov, Captain of the Ottawa Centaurs stopped by for a Puppy Yoga class. This was their first puppy yoga class and they had a blast. “Best yoga class ever!” - Ilya Rozanov “The most fun I’ve had doing yoga.” -Shane Hollander They also want to remind everyone that these pups are up for adoption. Please find more information on our partners page Ottawa Humane Society. They will also be matching donations for the next 24 hours. Donate at the link in our bio. Comments: Hollanov2481: WHAT HockeyGirl: Are they together together? BostonBearsFan93: hockey players and puppies! 😍 OttawaCentaurs: That’s our Captain! 🐶 ♥ The RealBood: Where was my invite? WyattHayesOfficial: Yeah Hollander next time invite the rest of us. IlyaRozanov81: I will match donations for the next 81 hours 😉
ShaneHollanderOfficial: the 24 hours was not because of my number 🙄
IlyaRozanov81: Oh you don’t want me to help the puppies for 81 hours? You hate puppies now?
ShaneHollanderOfficial: 🙄🙄🙄 RozanovsWife: I want to lick him too 👅🥵
ShaneHollanderOfficial: no
IlyaRozanov81: Only puppies...and Shane 😏
Chapter 2
Chapter Summary Yuna, Farrah, and the Voyagers find out.
Chapter Notes
Y'all are so nice! I didn't think anyone would read this, lol. I now have a vision for the general story so expect one more Chapter after this. I don't work this weekend so hopefully I'll be able to finish it all while I have some down time. See the end of the chapter for more notes Ilya and Shane come home from Puppy Yoga still laughing about the Instagram post, and how Ilya is already planning a mandatory Puppy Yoga team outing with Harris. “See Harris understands the vision!” Ilya sends Harris a thumbs up to scheduling plans with the rest of the Centaurs. “I bet Coach Weibe would come too.” “I bet he would.” Ilya and Shane jump at the voice coming from further in the house. Yuna stands there with crossed arms and the mom look. Shane recovers first. “ Hey mom- what's up?” “What's up?” She says dryly back. “This is Shane’s plan!” Ilya says immediately throwing his boyfriend under the bus. “Ilya!” “Sorry, lyubimyy moy, she is so scary.” Ilya whispers to Shane. From Yuna’s raised brow he knows she heard him too. “Let’s take a seat and actually talk through what you two are doing.” Yuna turns to the living room taking a seat. Ilya and Shane follow sitting together on the couch. “Talk about what?” Shane asks nonchalantly. “You aren’t going to gaslight me.” “You know about gaslighting?” Shane says surprised. “Yes, now tell me what you two are up to with the Instagram posts and puppy yoga?” “Gaslighting.” Ilya says as an explanation. “No, I know what gaslighting is. I am asking what you two are doing. What happened to your plan?” Yuna looks from Ilya to Shane. “Well, Ilya is right, we are gaslighting. We have decided to just pretend we’ve been out this whole time. No statements, no plan, just us living how we want to. Publicly being in love.” Shane grabs Ilya’s hand. “ -and letting people think they forgot we came out and are gaslighting them into thinking we’ve been out for a couple years.” Yuna sighs deeply. “Let’s call Farrah.” Farrah is amused and surprisingly ok with this plan. She is working on statements just in case and working on any back up material they might need, but she is optimistic for how people will react. “No one likes to look stupid. I do suggest you get as many close friends, maybe Rose Landry, to help you with the gaslighting. The more people seem to be in the know. The more everyone else will want to pretend they were also in the know. Now this isn’t going to work on everyone, but I think this will be fun.” Farrah ends the chat with a bit more agent chit chat and a promise from them to call her with any other ‘fun’ ideas. Yuna leaves shortly after that, and sadly so does Shane. Shane is packing up the last of his clothes, when Ilya comes up from behind him hugging his waist and placing a gentle kiss on his neck. “This has been the best weekend.” Ilya sighs into Shane’s neck. Shane turns fully hugging Ilya. “The best.” He whispers into his curls. “I have to head back, since we do have morning practice.” Cringing thinking about having to talk to his team. “Drive safe, and let me know how your team reacts.” ““Ya tebya lyublyu” “Ya tebya lyublyu”
~~~
Montreal Team Chat Mitty: Has everyone seen the post? Wilson: Yup, did anyone know Hollander is gay? Drapeau: Yeah I don’t think anyone knew. Comeau: Definitely would have remembered we had one of them on our team. Hayden: Wow. Saying ‘them’ is wild. JJ: Yeah, let's not be homophobic. Olsson: Yeah I’m cool with the gays. Didn’t know about Hollander though. Olsson: Do you think Montreal does puppy yoga? My girl would be all over that. Hayden: Probably, but also guys, we’ve known since rookie season Hollander has been on and off with Rozanov. Wilson: Rookie season!?
~~~
Montreal Secret Boyz Chat JJ: Hey, am I a bad friend or did I forget Capitaine was in love with Rozanov? Also gay? bi? Shane: Hey sorry, I just finished my drive back from Ottawa. Shane: Gay, Ilya’s Bi and no you are a great friend and I wanted to tell you sooner. Hayden happened to guess so he knows, but we’ve just decided to pretend we’ve been out and go with it. Hayden: So gaslight everyone? Shane: Yup Shane: Sorry JJ, I understand if you hate me. JJ: No I get it. That must have been hard with the rivalry, hockey culture, and Russia. Shane: Yeah it’s been rough. Shane: It’s hard not to tell everyone about how much I love him. Then there is the constant anxiety about getting caught and having to deal with the spectacle that would be. Shane: So, now the plan is gaslighting. Hayden: This will be fun! JJ: We’ve already started in the team group chat 😈
~~~
Montreal Team Chat Hayden: Yeah I mean Hollander is a quiet guy but I didn’t think everyone would forget. JJ: Yeah, I think Cap has been official with Rozanov for a couple years now. Mitty: No way. I think we would have remembered. Shane: Uh guys we’ve been together for years now, you were cool with it before what happened? Comeau: No you didn’t. Drapeau: Maybe you did. Now that I think about it. Drapeau: You never hooked up with girls. I guess I forgot you had a thing with Rozanov. Shane: Yeah, that makes sense. We’ve been hooking up since rookie season. I guess maybe it’s been so long you’ve forgotten Shane: I also never talk about our personal relationship in the locker room to keep things professional. Shane: I didn’t think you’d all completely forget though, I mean I pulled Ilya fucking Rozanov 😏 Wilson: Yeah totally Mitty: Must have just blocked it out with focusing on hockey Gagnon: Yeah sorry Cap Olson: I guess coming in as a rookie I didn’t hear about it totally cool though Comeau: Yeah that’s cool, but let’s keep it professional now that we all remember. JJ: Huh, I forget you don’t talk about him in the locker room since you won’t shut up about your summers at the cottage. Hayden: Yeah it must be easy to forget when he isn’t being a menace in your home [attached picture of Rozanov with the Pike children having a nerf battle] Comeau: You trust him with your kids Hayden: Surprisingly great with kids Hayden: Please don’t tell him I said that. Olson: Huh wouldn’t expect that Shane: Anyway see you tomorrow for practice
~~~
Montreal Secret Boyz Chat JJ: That went better than I thought. Shane: I’ve said that every time so far. Hayden: Maybe Ilya was onto something with the gaslighting idea. Shane: It wasn’t his idea. Shane: It was mine. 😈 JJ: Yes Capitaine! I knew you had it in you! Hayden: Didn’t see that coming 😂 Shane: Thanks again for backing me up with the gaslighting JJ: Anytime Hayden: Always man, just please don’t tell Rozanov I said he was good with kids. Shane: Yeah sure. Hayden: You already told him. 😑 Shane: 😇
~~~
Jane and Lily Chat
Jane: Gaslighting the voyagers was easier than I thought. Jane: Also, Hayden said you are good with kids. Lily: Thank you for new chirp material! I will never let him forget this. Lily: Also Centaurs figured it out right away but they are very happy for us and will gaslight too! Jane: How did they figure out we were gaslighting? Jane: Wyatt seemed to fall for it Lily: They made secret chat with Harris and rookies remember explaining gaslighting to me. Apparently Harris put it all together. Lily: Everyone demands to have you at the next BBQ to celebrate first hockey boyfriends. 🥰 � Jane: Can’t wait!
~~~
Shane enters the locker room a bit later than usual. He knows the chat went pretty well, but it will be different in person. Most of the team is already there and everything feels pretty normal. JJ and Hayden give him a nod and wave as they get ready for practice. “How was Ottawa?” Hayden asks, lacing up his skates. Shane begins his routine. “Good saw my mom yesterday.” “How is the beautiful Yuna?” JJ asks, eyeing the room for anyone acting differently towards his friend and Captain. “She is good. Met with her and my agent, since I’ve started to post a bit more on Instagram. They feel the need to remind me how social media works apparently.” He chuckles thinking of some of the comments on the puppy post. “Hollander!” Looking up everyone is eyeing Coach Theriault who looks pissed. “Yes Coach.” Shane forgot he would have to deal with Coach too and not just his teammates. “My office, now.” Shane sighs and heads into his office where the PR manager is also waiting. “So, you're gay and involved with another team's captain.” “Well, yeah, but you already knew this. He is my emergency contact and everything.” Shane thankfully updated his list of contacts privately via their online portal. Hopefully this fact helps persuade the coach into thinking this is old news. He was right as Theriault starts clicking on his computer immediately verifying his emergency contact. “I think I would have remembered you clearing this with me.” He says frowning at the screen. “Well, I guess it all happened when Scott Hunter came out, and maybe it got lumped in with all of that.” Shane kind of feels bad using Scott, but he would probably be fine with it. Now that he thinks about it he should probably reach out to recruit him as a gaslighter. “This relationship can’t become a team distraction.” “It hasn’t and it won’t. Like I said you and the team have known for a while. I don’t discuss it at work, because we keep everything professional. We take our jobs very seriously and would never let our relationship influence the way we play.” Marcel, the Voyagers PR Manager speaks up then. “I know you came out to us a while ago, but I guess people are just now remembering with you posting more to social media. Which actually has increased your jersey sales. We've seen quite the spike in impressions on our site, socials, and sales for you in the last 24 hours.” “You remember Hollander saying he is involved with Rozanov.” Coach Theriault’s attention is finally off Shane for a second. “Well, yes I am in charge of PR. He told us once they became an official couple. He also said he wanted to keep it professional with the separation of personal vs work life. So, it is not discussed or brought up intentionally.” Marcel states shooting a look at Shane for confirmation. “Exactly.” Shane says trying to hide his confusion on why Marcel seems to be in on it. Maybe he is just that good at gaslighting. “Fine, Marcel and Hollander, you both can go. I have a call to take.” Coach Theriault barely glances at them as his attention returns to his computer. Marcel follows Shane out of the office grabbing his arm and leading him into their office. “Harris filled me in.” Marcel states bluntly. “Oh, I didn’t realize you knew Harris.” Shane is grateful Harris thought to loop in the Montreal PR manager. He isn’t sure how that conversation would have gone otherwise. “Yes, I know most of the comms teams throughout the league. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know I think this is insane, but I will help ‘gaslight’ and support you through this transition. Now I know practice was supposed to start 5 minutes ago. You are not one to be tardy.” “Thanks Marcel!” Shane says heading back to the locker room and seeing Coach Theriault talking to the entire team without him. I guess he wasn’t as convinced as Shane thought. “Is this ‘relationship’ a distraction to this team? I need to know now if I need to make a call for the greater good of the Voyyagers.” Theriault says eyeing each team member. Looking expectant towards Comeau. “No Coach.” “Yeah they've been together awhile and we have no problem beating Rozanov.” “Not a problem for us. What is it 3 Stanley Cups to 1. I think we have the better-half on our side.” “Hell yeah!” “That’s what I’m talking about.” “Soon to be 4 cups!” Shane holds back the emotion of seeing his teammates all at once start talking about how they have no problem, which he knows isn't everyone on the team, but hearing the acceptance is almost too much. Reality crashes back seeing how pissed off Coach looks. “Fine. Since no one has an issue, get out and practice. 30 extra minutes of practice for running late.” He storms off back into his office, shutting the door. Shane knows some team members and unfortunately his Coach are not ok with him and Ilya, but as he steps onto the ice he feels much lighter than he ever has playing with his team. He doesn’t even mind the extra practice time. ~~~ Private call between Crowell and Coach Theriault “You mean he’s been openly gay this whole time?” Crowell shouts through the phone. Theriault is pinching the bridge of his nose and sighs into the phone “I guess.” “You guess!? It’s your job to help us maintain our brand. We have certain standards for our teams. We can’t have Coaches guessing!” Coach Theriault does not respond knowing there isn’t a response that would go over well. “How will it look for us to do something now once they have already been together for years!” Crowell continues on. “I must have missed it. How do you want me to proceed? I can bench him.” “No, you can’t bench him. That will look homophobic and make us look like idiots.” “Then what do we do.” “Nothing for now. Just do your job and actually pay attention to what’s happening with your team.” “Yes, sir.” Theriault ends the call. He leans back in his chair looking at the wall in his office, specifically the last three team photos of them holding the cup. Did he seriously forget that Hollander was gay and involved with Rozanov.
Chapter End Notes
Next chapter Rose and Scott will be brought into the loop. Then the general media get their moment. Thanks again for reading :)
Chapter 3
Chapter Summary Rose and Scott get looped into the madness. Shane and Ilya finally address the media.
Chapter Notes
Thank you to everyone who has enjoyed the story so far and left a comment! I have never had so much fun writing before. I think I'll definitely continue with some other fic ideas. Hope you enjoy the last bit of gaslighting <3 ShaneHollanderOfficial Instagram post 3 hours ago Picture of Shane and Ilya sitting by the lake at the cottage, their backs to the camera and the sun setting. Caption: Missing those summer sunsets. Comments: Hollanov2481: So are we never going to address that you are with ROZANOV
TheRealBood: This is from years ago, old news
Young03: Yeah what a throwback pic of Cap! RoseLandry: ♥ ScottHunterHockeyPlayer: Great pic. Admirals will make sure to help start your summer early this year.
IlyaRozanov81: Who let you have your phone? 🧓
IlyaRozanov81: Time to go back to nursing home. 🦖
ShaneHollanderOfficial: Ilya be nice. HockeyGirl: my heart 😭 ~~~ Rose: So Shane: So? Rose: You have anything you need to say to me. Shane: I finally watched that X-Squad movie you did a great job ♥ Rose: Shane Shane: Rose Rose: Fine, when were you going to tell me you were dating Ilya Rozanov Shane: I did Rose: No you didn’t Shane: Yes, I did Rose: 😐 Shane: Remember when you told me I was gay and I said I have been with a guy before. I told you it was Rozanov and I let you know we became official that summer. Shane: It’s been awhile now. Can’t believe you forgot. Rose: Oh, I see Shane: You do? Rose: Yes you did tell me that summer. 😉 Shane: Why are you winking? Rose: 😉 Shane: Stop, why are you doing that? Rose: Secret is safe with me. 🤐 Shane: There is no secret, we’ve been out for forever. Rose: Uh huh totally. Shane: Ok great. Rose: Great. Shane: So you will help us gaslight everyone? Rose: Absolutely 😊 ~~~ Scott: I wanted to reach out and congratulate you two on coming out. Proud of you both. If you ever need anything you can always reach out to me. Scott: How have your teams handled this news? Ilya: My Father had dementia. Scott: Oh, I am sorry to hear that... Are you ok? Ilya: I recognize the signs. Scott you are forgetting things in your old age. Ilya: Shane and I have been out almost as long as you. Same year we’ve been through this conversation before. Ilya: I have resources I can send for help with mind. Scott: Ilya, I do not have dementia. Ilya: Ah yes my Father didn’t know he had it either. Scott: Can you be serious for one second? Ilya: Yes, very serious. You may need to retire earlier if you cannot even remember second gay hockey player, and first bi hockey player. Scott: If I retire early it will be because I’m sick of dealing with you, asshole. Shane: Sorry guys, just got off the phone with Rose. Give me a second to catch up. Shane: ILYA Shane: Scott, I am so sorry about him. Ilya, you can’t joke about dementia. Ilya: Sorry, lyubimyy moy. Shane: Thank you for reaching out, Scott, we both really appreciate it. Ilya is right, we've been official since you came out. Now, we are gaslighting everyone into thinking we’ve been out. Shane: Trying to minimize the spectacle. Scott: I see. That makes sense, crazy, but I get it. Ilya: Hmm, it seems your mind isn’t all gone. Shane: Ilya last warning. Be nice. Ilya: 😇 always Scott: Like I said if you need anything don’t hesitate to reach out. Shane: Actually, if you don’t mind helping us out. We are getting as many people to help support the idea that we’ve been out to help everyone that’s not in the loop go with it. Ilya: It has been very effective. Voyagers fell for it fast. Scott: Put Kip and I down for gaslighting. He is very excited. Ilya and Shane like this message. ~~~ Shane is sitting in front of the media. This will be the first time he has had to directly address the media with the knowledge that everyone knows he is in a relationship with Ilya. “Shane, I have to address what everyone has been thinking. Can you confirm you are dating Ilya Rozanov?” “Oh, um, sure. I mean yes we are still dating. A lot easier now that he is closer. You all should know this by now though.” “What do you mean by that?” “Well we announced we were dating a couple years ago and were pretty obvious about being on and off since our rookie season. That’s why you all like to post about the rivalry. Makes it extra intense when you think of the couple aspect.” A new journalist speaks up then, taking advantage of the moment of silence. “Yes, our team at Montreal13 have always been excited to highlight the rivalry between you and your partner Rozanov. It seems some have forgotten you have been out now since what year was it again?” Shane hides the smirk thinking no way, is this actually working. Was Farrah right that no one wants to look stupid for not knowing. “It was right after Hunter in 2017 we became official that summer, but like I said, old news so if anyone wants to talk about my hat trick tonight...” Another reporter jumps in steering the conversation towards tonight's game. Shane shares a glance with Marcel in the corner. They nod their head, eye brow raised. I guess it did work. ~~~ The Centaurs were in the process of finishing their own game and they are on fire tonight. It seems with the team all on board to gaslight in their Captain’s honor they have just clicked this week during practice. Ilya accepts a pass from Bood and sends it into the top right of the net giving him his first hat trick as a Centaur and bringing the final score to 3 -1. Centaurs rush Ilya on the ice cheering and going absolutely crazy. Their first win with Rozanov this season. Their first win in a long time. Eventually Ilya finds himself in front of the media about an hour after Shane has done his round. Ilya hasn’t had time to watch them, but he is eager to see what the reporters will ask him tonight. He glances at Harris in the back who seems relatively calm. This helps put Ilya at ease as well. “Ilya, you know at Ottawa7 we have always been supportive of your privacy with your partner Shane Hollander these past years. We are thrilled to see you two share more of your lives together. Has this influenced your play tonight in any way?” Ilya blinks, processing the lengthy English and does not hide his smirk. It worked. “ Ah, yes thank you all for your privacy and support these past few years. It is much easier to spend time together being closer. It definitely feels good to be settled into Ottawa and the team is finding our stride and clicking on the ice.” “Tonight felt different. As Captain how did you rally your teammates and inspire them to ‘click’?” “Puppy yoga. I tell team win this game and I take everyone to OttawaDownwardDogs. You know them, yes?” “Puppy yoga?” “Yes, Shane took me this last week and they have the cutest puppies. They-” Ilya stops seeing Harris motion to wrap it up. “Well, it is important to bond and increase team relationships. This is a good way to build team morale giving everyone a goal. Thank you, any more questions about winning tonight?” Several hands go up and Ilya sits back finally releasing the last bit of tension. Ilya and Shane have officially come out and everyone is rolling with it. Shane is a genius. Ilya gets unexpectedly choked up thinking that he couldn’t imagine being able to love Shane openly and have hockey, yet it is really happening. They can be together, open the Irina Foundation, maybe eventually get Shane to Ottawa, and start their lives together publicly. ~~~ That summer following Shane’s announcement that he will be joining the Ottawa Centaurs he has one more major announcement, no gaslighting needed this time.
ShaneHollanderOfficial and IlyaRozanov81 Instagram post 24 minutes ago Picture of Ilya in front of Shane who is down on one knee surrounded by candles at the Cottage. Next picture of them laughing at the CCM shoot. Caption: Falling in love with you has been the greatest honor of my life. From the very first time I saw you in 2008 I knew I’d never be able to stay away. You have supported me and loved me in ways I could have never hoped for. I’m so lucky to have been able to call you my boyfriend, now my fiance, and even my rival. You have always pushed me to be the best I can be and have always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. I can’t wait to be able to call you my husband. 💍 Comments: YunaHollander: My boys! Congratulations ♥ ScottHunterOfficial: Congratulations!
IlyaRozanov81: Thank you old man Hunter.
Kip92: Congrats next drink on us at The Kingfisher! (Stop calling Scott old 🙄 ) Hollanov2481: Oh my god 😭
Hollanov2481: Still in denial that they ever officially came out
RoseLandry: Literally been out for so long. I would know 😉
ScottHunterOfficial: Can confirm Ilya copied me and got with Hollander.
IlyaRozanov81: Liar, Hunter is lying. Look at last photo we have been in love looong before you.
Hollanov2481: I’m dead 💀
ShaneHollanderOfficial: please don’t die RoseLandry: ♥ ♥ ♥ Can I be your maid of honor?
HaydenPike: No, that is my job.
IlyaRozanov81: Yes Hayden is maid of honor. No take backs. I will find pretty dress for you.
HaydenPike: No I meant best man!
IlyaRozanov81:Too late 😈 HockeyGirl: my heart congrats you two 😭 OttawaCentaurs: Congratulations Captain! � ♥ 🏒
Young03: Congrats Cap! Glad to see you announce it this time 😉
Haas: So happy for you two! 🥳
WyattHayesOfficial: Can’t wait to celebrate!
TheRealBood: Already planning the BBQ celebration! Congrats!
TroyBarrett: Congrats! JJVoyagersPlayer: Oh my god! You two look so young! Can’t believe you’ve been together so long. Congrats Capitaine! Will miss you in Montreal! HaydenPike: Congratulations to both of you!
JackiePike: All the kids say congrats and can’t wait to see their Uncle Shane and Ilya get married...again.
IlyaRozanov81:Yes, make sure Ruby and Jade know theirs was the real one. RozanovsWife: I guess I need to change my username
ShaneHollanderOfficial: yes
IlyaRozanov81: Shane you can now be RozanovsWife
ShaneHollanderOfficial: no
Chapter 4: BONUS CHAPTER
Chapter Summary We forgot Svetlana and the Centaurs do puppy yoga.
Chapter Notes
I recently reread this and realized I forgot Svetlana, so that means Ilya and Shane did too. I also needed a bonus chapter for the Centaurs puppy yoga session. Enjoy! See the end of the chapter for more notes BONUS SCENE: We forgot Svetlana! Shane and Ilya are enjoying their first free day together after ‘coming out’. They are lounging on the couch watching a nature doc when Ilya’s phone starts to ring. Leaning forward to grab it off the coffee table he almost drops it seeing the name that flashes across his screen. “Fuck!” Ilya exclaims shooting Shane a look of terror. “We forgot Svetlana!” Shane’s eyes widen before he breaks out into laughter. “She is going to kill you. How did you forget to loop her into the gaslighting?” “She was on a cruise out of Florida and I completely forgot.” He watches as the call ends going to voicemail. His moment of relief is brief as she calls back again. “I have to answer her, she will not stop.” He sighs before swiping to accept the call. “Sveta! How was Florida and cruise?” Ilya says cheerfully. He puts the phone on speaker so Shane can hear. “Ilya Grigoryevich Rozanov I am your oldest and closest friend. I did not think when you moved away from me that meant you stopped trusting me with important information.” Ilya looks up at Shane and grimaces. Damn, she is pissed. Shane gestures to the phone the silence has been too long. “Oh you are too good to speak to me now too. You’ve moved onto your Jane. Yes, I have known Shane was Jane and I was a great friend letting you come to me first, but I guess the world gets to know before I get a call or even a text.” Ilya jumps in while she catches her breath before ripping into him even more. “Svetlana calm down-” Ilya sees Shane cringe as he says that, fuck. “We have already talked about this. Remember during the funeral after the fight with my brother. We spoke about Jane and Shane. This is old conversation-” Shane is shaking his head trying to get Ilya to stop. You can’t gaslight Svetlana. “Fuck you Ilya! That is not going to work on me. Tricking everyone into thinking you’ve been out. I’ve seen Hollanov stan twitter and they haven’t been fooled either.” Shane whispers “Hollanov?” “Am I on speaker phone? Was that Shane? Shane, you love Ilya and must know about me. How could you let him leave me out of the loop. He made this plan to trick everyone and didn’t send me a single text. I’ve known about you for years, and never told your secret.” “Sorry Svetlana, um, actually the idea was mine to gaslight everyone. We sort of made the plan in the moment and went with it before looping in anyone.” Shane finishes hoping to calm her anger a bit. Silence. “Sveta? Are you ther- ” Ilya says before being interrupted with loud laughter. “Oh my god! Shane! That’s incredible. I didn’t expect this from you. Oh we are going to be such great friends. I see why you are perfect for our Ilya.” She says still chuckling. “I only just got back from vacation when I saw twitter freaking out. Once I am settled in I expect a long call from you Ilya explaining all this and catching me up.” “Of course, Sveta. I love you and I am sorry I forgot to loop you in.” Ilya says, smiling up at Shane. Well, that wasn’t too bad. “Also share Shane’s phone number with me. I have to go, but I will be catching up with both of you soon.” She hangs up before either can respond. Shane glances down at the phone and then over to Ilya. “Is she always like this?” “You mean aggressive and loving. Yes, she is my best friend. I can’t believe I forgot to at least text her even if she didn’t see it until she came back.” ~~~ BONUS SCENE: Centaurs and Puppy Yoga “Listen the fuck up!” Ilya is standing in front of his team gathering everyone’s attention. This would usually be followed up with an inspiring speech helping get his team in the mindset to crush their opposing team, but that’s not what’s going on today. Today Ilya along with the rest of the Ottawa Centaurs, Harris, and Coach Wiebe are all dressed and ready for Puppy Yoga. “We won our first game and as a treat we will be playing, I mean doing yoga with puppies. Be on your best behavior. Anya is your Captain today and has changed her schedule to fit us in for a private session so do what she says. Harris will also be getting video and photos for our social media, so be good or I never bring you back with me to play with puppies.” “Yes, Captain.” Repeats from all players excluding Wiebe who is shaking his head and smiling. The team files into the yoga studio where the puppies have been corralled into a pen waiting to be released for yoga. Anya walks up to Ilya beaming. “Ilya! It’s so good to see you again! You and Shane have been such a blessing to the Ottawa Humane Society with your donation matching. You may have noticed some of our puppies have been adopted out as well. We are thrilled to have your team join us today!” Anya says glancing around as the team sets out their mats and claims their spots. Ilya notices the rookies already fighting for spots up front. “We are happy to be here. Will be good for team bonding. I told them to be on their best behavior, so if any act up you can threaten them with bag skate.” Ilya says sincerely. He will not let his team get him kicked out of puppy yoga for good. “Well, I don’t think I’ll need to do that. We will be doing very easy movements today with our pups.” Anya makes her way to the front of the studio. “Hello Ottawa Centaurs! I am Anya and I will be guiding our session today. We are so happy to have you all join us. Please select a mat and find a space that is comfortable for you. I will get us started on some breathing exercises while I let out our little friends.” Anya’s soothing tone calms everyone down and soon enough the entire team is slowly breathing and stretching eyes closed until they begin to hear the little pitter patter of puppy feet. “Come here my little angels!” Ilya says fully giving up on yoga and sits down on his mat picking up a puppy. “Hey, that's not fair! Why does Cap get to stop and play with the puppies?” Young says while trying to balance on one foot as a puppy licks his foot on the ground. “Cap, is the exception today. Everyone else I expect to follow Anya’s instructions-ow, sorry this little guy is a nibbler.” Couch Wiebe says picking up the puppy that bit his toe. The session continues with Ilya doing absolutely no yoga and only cuddling and playing with puppies. Holmberg has two puppies that keep pulling on his shorts drawstring, almost successfully pantsing him at one point. Haas is actually really good at yoga and at one point has two puppies balanced on him as he stretches into downward dog pose. “Haas do not move this is perfect for the video I am planning.” Harris says videoing him and the puppies balancing on top. Dykstra sneezed once and has now convinced himself he is allergic to dogs. Ilya picks up a puppy off Dykstra's mat that he is trying to get away from. “If you are allergic to dogs we can’t have you on the team anymore. We’ll have to look into replacement this week.” Ilya says, squishing his face into the puppy he is holding. Coach Wiebe sighs. “Rozanov you cannot kick out a team member for having an allergy. Also, you don’t have the power to kick anyone off the team.” The team laughs as Ilya just shrugs and whispers to the puppy. “I tried.” “I can’t move.” The team looks back to Bood who is stuck laying on his mat with a puppy asleep on his chest. “They're so cute I can’t wake him up.” He whispers as Harris moves to get more content. By the end of the session each player has a puppy sleeping on their lap as they chat about their win and the season ahead. “Cap I still can’t believe you successfully gaslit the entire world into thinking you already came out with Hollander.” Holmberg says rocking his puppy like a baby. Ilya smiles stroking the back of the puppy in his lap. “Shane has a beautiful mind. I didn’t think it would work out so well either.” Ilya keeps petting the puppy in his lap while the team continues chatting. Distracted by the puppy he didn't notice Harris filming them still, and Harris didn’t notice that he left in their conversation about gaslighting when he posted a video recapping their day. Oops.
Chapter End Notes
Thanks for reading!
End Notes
I had so much fun writing this! I never write so it was a fun change for me. Hope you liked it. Might continue with the rest of the world seeing the puppy yoga post. Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!