Chapter 1: first prince

Chapter Summary Shane stumbles across a secret. It's the beginning of an unlikely friendship.

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes December 2019 Lily You really think we should go? Will be fun Will get to watch the most famous celebrities in the country get shitfaced and make fools of themselves I’m not even American. Neither are you. True. Should have married Svetlana after all So I could be proper American at American New Years Eve party Guess I’ll ask Rose if she’s gonna be there. 😭 You're so cruel to me Hollander Don’t dish out if you can’t take it. Oh but no one takes it as good as you I don’t know why I put up with you. Because I have big dick you love to take 🙄

Lily Everything ok? Yeah, just a little loud, lots of people. I’ll just go catch some air real quick, I'll be back soon. Want me to come with? Nah, I’m alright. Ready to leave this party soon though, so I can give you a proper New Year’s kiss. Can’t wait 🥰

January 2020

New Year’s From: shanehollander@irinafdn.com To: Henry Your Royal Highness, Found your mail address through the Okonjo foundation, I hope that’s alright, even if this isn’t charity related. I thought I should reach out, clear the air. Sorry if I’m out of line here. My name is Shane Hollander, and we met very briefly at the Young American New Year’s Eve Gala. I wanted to apologize for interrupting a moment that was clearly meant to be private. You’ve got nothing to worry about from me. I just wanted you to know that. In fact, I’ll give you a secret for a secret: I know exactly what it’s like to hide that part of yourself, and how scary it can be to think you've been caught. So. You keep my secret, I’ll keep yours? Kind regards, Shane Hollander Co-Founder of the Irina Foundation

Re: New Year’s From: hwales@kensingtonemail.com To: S. Hollander Dear Mr Hollander, I’d say you have no idea what a relief it is to hear from you, but it appears you know it very well. Thank you, sincerely. I have to admit I'm not overly familiar with hockey, so I wasn't sure just who I'd accidentally bulldozed past in my flight from the gardens. (Very sorry about that, by the way.) Usually, my equerry would ask you to sign an NDA, but given the circumstances I figure we'll be fine without one. You needn’t apologize for interrupting. It was a drunken mistake on my part, and I should have been more conscious of my surroundings. Hardly the time or the place. Or the person, probably. You didn’t happen to see Alex’ reaction, did you? You don’t have to answer that, of course. I just don't have anyone else to ask. Know that your secret is safe with me, too. Thank you again. Henry

Re: New Year’s From: shanehollander@irinafdn.com To: Henry Your Royal Highness, No worries, I’m not offended. I know other places aren't as intense about hockey as we are. Plus, it was dark and you probably had other things on your mind. I'm just glad I could help, or at least keep you from worrying about the random guy you almost knocked over on your way out. I don’t really have an answer for you about Alex, I’m sorry. I didn't want to intrude even more, so I went back inside. Didn't see him for the rest of the night. Have you talked to him at all after? You don’t have to answer that either, of course. I know we don’t really know each other, but it seems like we have a few things in common at least. If you need someone else to talk to, a friend, someone who gets what it's like, you have my email. Or I could give you my number, if you want? Kind regards, Shane Hollander Co-Founder of the Irina Foundation

Re: New Year’s From: hwales@kensingtonemail.com To: S. Hollander Dear Mr Hollander, I haven’t spoken to Alex, no. He’s reached out, but truth to be told I’ve been too much of a coward to reply. I would appreciate another friend to talk to. Someone who knows what it’s like to be in the public eye and having to hide. And who isn’t already sick of hearing me lament about the tragic state of my love life. Just to give you an idea of what you're getting yourself into by offering me friendship. If you want to take the risk, my number is attached. Talk to you soon, I hope. Henry

Prince Henry Hi. This is Shane. Hollander. Do I have the right number? Shane! I see you’ve decided to take the risk. Course. Would be kind of a dick move to offer friendship and then chicken out, right? Sorry, should I swear? Is there some kind of royal protocol I should be following? Or address you in a specific way? Never really talked to a prince. Just call me Henry. I’m not big on ceremony or titles. And feel free to swear however much you like. I hear it’s a thing for professional athletes. Hockey players especially, yeah. My friend Hayden is trying to cut back on the swearing for the sake of his kids, and I think their swear jar could pay for their college tuition at this point. Poor man. Should I save you as something other than HRH Prince Henry, by the way? For like, privacy? Probably a good call. Henry Fox? Changed Prince Henry to Henry Fox Done. You wanna talk about it? Lament, you mean? Sure, that. It’s all rather cliché, honestly. Sad, lonely gay boy meets handsome, radiant straight boy, lonely gay boy falls in love, lonely gay boy pines pathetically for years and eventually kisses straight boy under the stars while completely sloshed. Lonely gay boy runs away and proceeds to ghost straight boy for weeks. And almost knocks over the gay hockey player that was just trying to get some air. Ha, yes. Sorry about that, again. You've known each other long? Rio Olympics 2016. I think I was done for the moment he first looked my way. I feel that. Felt like that when I met my boyfriend for the first time. Oh, boyfriend? Yeah. Took us a while though. Glad you got there in the end. Me too. So you and Alex are friends? He kind of hated me for a while. I didn’t make a great first impression during our first meeting. But we are now, I think. All it took was destroying a £75 000 cake together. Man, even I’ve seen those headlines. #Cakegate? #Caketastrophy? Something like that. It’s nice that Alex doesn’t hate me anymore, obviously, though obviously it's really intensified the already pathetically intense pining. I’m sorry. That’s rough. He seems like a reasonable guy at least, so he probably won't rip your head off? Let’s hope so. I’ll have to make an appearance at the White House State Dinner at the end of the month. Wish me luck. Good luck!

Henry Fox

You were right. He didn’t rip my head off. Glad to hear it. How did it go? I am currently reading up on Alexander Hamilton. … The founding father? Seems like I should know a bit more about him, given that I was almost ravished while pressed against one of his portraits. Dude! That is so fucking weird, but also congratulations? 😌

February 2020 Henry Fox [picture: Henry and Alex shaking hands at a polo match] I see you two are doing alright. Didn’t know you play polo. It was the one sport on the palace approved list that I didn’t hate. I’m not made for rugby, or tennis, or shooting. Or fencing, honestly. There’s probably not a lot of polo in Canada, is there? Not that I’ve ever heard of, nope. Sounds complicated though, having to steer a horse while trying to score. You play a sport where you’ve got knives strapped to your feet. Hey, my foot knives aren’t sentient beings with wills of their own. Touché. Bet your foot knives have never taken a shit in the middle of a game before, either. Not yet, at least.

Henry Fox Can I ask you a personal question? Sure, ask away. When did you know? That you're gay, I mean. Hm. I think I always knew, to some degree? Never had a big moment of revelation. Kept it mostly to myself until I was 18, but I accepted it long before. Right. How about you? If you don't mind me asking. Way too long. Took me until I was 26. To be fair, Alex didn’t know until I kissed him either. It’s nothing to beat yourself up about. I’d been hooking up with my now boyfriend for years at this point. He laughed in my face when I came out to him as gay about 7 years in. Seven years? My god. Yeah. I knew I was into men, obviously, but I think I wasn't ready to accept that I was fully gay, you know. Figured that maybe, if I just met the right girl... Except the right girl doesn't exist? Met the perfect girl, actually. Beautiful, kind, curious, interested in hockey, absolutely fucking hilarious. And it still didn't work. And that's when you realized? Oh, fuck no. I was still trying to convince myself this could work. Lucky for me, I had her. She sat me down and walked me through admitting I'm gay. I was so sure she'd be mad, but she wasn't. She sounds wonderful. Sometimes, we need someone in our lives to hold our hand through the difficult realizations. She is. She's one of my best friends now. You got people like that in your life? To hold my hand through the realization that I liked American boys who are mean to me? No, I arrived there all by myself. Ha. I'd judge you, but my boyfriend is a bit of an asshole, so. Glass houses. Maybe we should raise our standards. My standards are plenty high, I think. At least he's the only one who's ever been able to meet them. My, you're sappy. Don't tell anyone. But what I meant was, do you have people in your life that you can talk to? About everything? I do, don't worry. I've got my sister, Bea, and I've got my best friend Pez. And a therapist, too. Right, Percy Okonjo. Looked a bit into his charity work when I was looking up your mail. He does good work. He does. And he spent hours and hours listening to my tales of woe about how the son of the American president wouldn't let me put my tongue in his mouth. That's a good friend right there.

March 2020 Henry Fox Happy birthday! Thank you! I’ve actually been meaning to text you. I’ll be in New York at the end of the month, and saw that Montreal is playing. Could I come to one of your games? Really? You wanna come to a hockey game? I figured I could at least try to develop an interest in the sport, given that I’m now friends with (from what google tells me) one of the top players in the world. Flatterer. But sure, what the hell, let’s do it! Game's mostly sold out, but I’ll figure something out. I’d give you my regular tickets, but you probably shouldn’t sit in the middle of the crowd, right? Best not, no. If only for the peace of mind of my PPOs. Actually, remember my ex-girlfriend? The one who basically told me I was gay? She's gonna be there too, and she's got a private box. I can ask her if you can join? I'd appreciate that. Oh, and do you think she'd mind Alex and Nora tagging along?

Rose Landry Anyone in the box with you at the Admirals game on Friday? Not yet Miles is out of town, and honestly most of my co-stars are insufferable, I don't want to spend even more time with them Whyyyy? 👀 Friend of mine wants to come to the game as well, but he’s kind of super famous, so I can’t just give him my regular seats. Sure, I can share! At least then I won't look so lonely up there lol Who’s your famous friend? Prince Henry. WHAT And he asked if he could bring Alex Claremont-Diaz and Nora Holleran as well. SHANE HOLLANDER??? SINCE WHEN ARE YOU FRIENDS WITH THE PRINCE OF ENGLAND WTF Eh. Not like he’s the crown prince. No, he’s much more handsome 😘 Sure, if you’re into that. Who isn’t into the prince charming type? Not rugged enough for me.

Henry Fox It’s alright with her, all 3 of you. She also said it’s fine if I give you her number so you can coordinate that day. [Contact: Rose Landry] Wait, you DATED Rose Landry?? Sure did. You a fan? Of course! She did a film with my father once, actually. Must have been around 2009, 2010? I remember he was fond of her. I've wanted to meet her for a while, but things always seem to get in the way. Oh my god yeah, I remember. She was the daughter of some important American diplomat and got kidnapped by the mob or something, and he was the secret service agent who saved her? And there was a whole car chase across the tower bridge? That's the one. He took me to the set a few times, but never got the chance to talk to Rose. Man, I should rewatch that movie sometime. Maybe on the next flight. Rose was at New Year's as well actually, you didn't talk to her? I was a bit preoccupied that evening, as you may remember. Right. With the pathetic pining. And making unwise, drunk decisions about where to put your tongue. Worked out for me in the end, didn't it? I mean, I guess. Anyway. Rose is a delight, so. You’re welcome. 🙏

Henry Fox Should I show up in a Hollander jersey? It seems the customary thing to do. Knock yourself out. You’ll be rooting for Montreal? Not sure yet. On the one hand, the friend I’m coming to see is playing for Montreal, and Canada's at least part of the Commonwealth. On the other hand, the Admirals have Scott Hunter. Come on. He’s a million years old. Google says he’s like 3 years older than you? See? Fucking ancient. But figures even you’d know Scott Hunter. I might not keep up with hockey, but I keep up with gay news. It made quite a splash, what he did. Took a lot of bravery, I imagine. Yeah. Gave me and my boyfriend the push we needed to admit our feelings for each other. I’ll be forever grateful to him for that. Still. If you show up wearing a Scott Hunter jersey I’m never talking to you again. Hollander jersey it is.

Article: Prince of England, or Prince of Hockey? [The title picture is a cropped selfie, showing Rose and Henry smiling into the camera in matching Hollander jerseys] Has there ever been a more stacked box at a hockey game? On any other day, the presence of FSOTUS Alex Claremont-Diaz and the VPs granddaughter Nora Holleran in matching New York Admirals jerseys would send tongues wagging. Today, barely anyone is talking about them, apart from wondering if they may have been on a double date with the hottest potential romance today between acclaimed actress Rose Landry (X-Squad), and Prince Henry. [picture: the full picture from the title, showing that Alex is the one who took the selfie and he and Nora are standing to either side of Henry and Rose.] Years ago, the rebel Princess Catherine shocked the world when she married famous actor Arthur Fox (James Bond). Is Prince Henry now following in his mother's footsteps, falling head over heels for a famous movie star? Landry herself co-starred alongside Arthur Fox in the movie Tower Bridge in 2011, and fans are theorizing that that's where the then 18 year old actress and the then 12 year old prince first met. [picture: 12 year old Henry and his father, both sitting in director's chairs at the set of Tower Bridge. Arthur is holding a script and showing it to an attentive Henry.] Notably, in the selfie that rocked the internet yesterday, Landry and Henry are sporting matching jerseys, and not just any jersey, but Shane Hollander's number 24. Rose and the Montreal Voyageurs Captain (who has also been dubbed 'the prince of hockey') were one of THE celebrity couples of 2016/2017, despite never officially confirming their relationship. To this day, every time the two are seen together out in public, speculations about a possible rekindling of their romance run wild. [picture: an old paparazzi shot of Shane and Rose exiting a bar together, holding hands and smiling at each other.] Now, ice hockey fans, followers of the royal family, and of Rose Landry alike are wondering: are the matching jerseys a hint about a budding romance between Landry and Prince Henry? Or have old feelings resurfaced between her and Hollander? Whatever the truth turns out to be, it seems that this princess has managed to snatch herself a prince either way.

Rose Landry [link: “Prince of England, or Prince of Hockey?”] Damn Rose, two princes? Am I not enough for you? If I have to share you, you’ll have to share me ^^ Absolutely not. Don’t you know I’m a very possessive and jealous boyfriend? Oh, so you get a blonde man but I don't??? Mine has curls, it doesn't count. I think it should count double, actually. I should get two men in return, at least Nope. You gotta pick just one. You, obviously. You’re my favorite. 😘 Though I know someone who might object Henry, obviously. Obviously 😋 But also, can you believe that article? Implying that our romance started at the set of tower bridge? He was 12!!! I was 18!!! I think I saw him once when he came to watch the shoot, and we didn't even talk! That's insane, yeah. Can you post something clarifying that? If I did, ppl would take it as confirmation we're together Best to just let it die down Wanna get dinner again soon? Maybe that'll make the rumors die down faster. Now I DEFINITELY know someone who'll object to that It was his idea, actually. He might be jealous, but he said he doesn't want people spreading rumors like that about you. "People think you're dating every time you are in the same state anyway. Might as well be useful for once." In that case, yes please. You play in Toronto in two days, right? Yeah. Got the next day off though, you wanna meet up there? I'll meet you in Ottawa, I know that's where you want to be ^^ (And it's the least I can do, so I don't steal you away from him for too long) Thank you ♥

Henry Fox [screenshot: a tweet saying “i think the prince of england and the prince of hockey should have to duel to the death for rose landrys hand”] It seems the people are out for blood. What kind of duel do you think they’re thinking? Pistols? Swords? Hockey sticks? If it’s the last one, I might stand a chance. You have a lot of faith in the one year of fencing lessons I was forced to take almost a decade ago. Not surprised about the rumors though. After Rose talked me through being gay, she also told me that like 80 percent of her boyfriends left her for other men. She just can't escape it. Like a gay magnet. Even now, according to the press her options are 1. her gay ex-boyfriend and 2. the gay prince shagging the president's son. My god. I feel like I owe her an apology.

May 2020 Henry Fox Is there always this much fighting on the ice? You watched the game? Isn’t it the middle of the night for you? Couldn’t sleep. I don’t remember this many fights at the game in New York. Yeah… Fighting happens, of course, but Toronto are assholes. They provoke a lot of fights. Kent is the worst of them, and Barrett isn’t too far behind him. Those two are thick as thieves. You showed them, though. Go Montreal! 🙂

Rose Landry [video: Henry in a kimono on stage at a karaoke bar, hair disheveled and holding a microphone, singing a very loud and off-key rendition of “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen] Oh wow. [photo: a selfie of Rose, June and Princess Beatrice, all wearing equally colorful kimonos and grinning into the camera] Thank you for introducing them to me, you’re my favorite gay ex-boyfriend ♥ Glad you’re having fun. And you’re my favorite ex-girlfriend too.

Celebrity Watch Magazine ☑ @celebwatchmag 'Super Seven' out for a celebratory night in Los Angeles - and the internet goes crazy! We've compiled a list of highlights here.

June 2020 Henry Fox Congratulations! Twice over, Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe, it’s been a busy month for you. Thanks! You have no idea how happy I am that the season is over, though. I need a fucking break. Any plans to relax afterwards? Gonna seclude myself at my cottage with my boyfriend and have tons of celebratory sex. Attaboy.

July 2020 Rose Landry [picture: selfie of Rose and Bea at Wimbledon, both sticking out their tongues. Henry and Alex are behind them, Alex throwing up a peace sign with a big grin and Henry smiling softly] Man, my dad would be so jealous of you right now. Not even because you’re sitting in the literal royal box, he just really likes tennis. The company is great, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get into tennis tbh Hockey is better, anyway. What a surprising thing to hear from hockey prince Shane Hollander 😋 😀 Gotta say though, as lovely as Henry and Bea are, their brother? Sheesh. Kind of a dick 🫣 Hope Henry’s alright, he looked really pissed earlier. Alex went to check on him, I think? Then he’ll be okay.

Henry Fox You ever just wanna say “fuck it” and tell everyone the truth? Often, yes. It’s not an option though. Yeah. I imagine it’s even more complicated for you than it is for me. Still complicated enough, from what I’ve read about the NHL. Even after Scott Hunter’s coming out. You’ve read about the NHL? I like to know what my friends are up to. Figured I might get some context after watching your games. Oh. That’s nice of you. Anything happen to make you think about coming out? Went on a double date with another gay couple. They're out, we're not. And it just made me think. We got a plan, right? Keep this secret until retirement. But that will probably be another decade at least. And right now, that feels like fucking forever. Sorry. I know it's probably worse for you. Not like you can retire from being a prince. Well, technically I could abdicate. That might be a bigger scandal than the gay thing, though. But it's not a competition. Both of our situations suck, alright? I hope you and your boyfriend find a way. Yeah. Me too. Thanks, Henry. Really. Anytime.

August 2020 Henry Fox Turns out I’m playing a polo match in Ottawa soon. It's meant to signal the close relationship between the crown and Canada, or something. I wasn't really paying attention, honestly. It’s on Saturday, you want to come? Damn, so there IS polo in Canada. Sure, send me the details and I’ll be there. Anyone you wanna bring? So I know how many tickets you need. Oh, hm. My parents, maybe? I know they’d be into it. No problem. 3 tickets, then? … I’d also like to bring Ilya Rozanov. He’s the co-founder of your charity, right? The hockey camps? Ha. Yeah. No one in the hockey world would think about our charity if I told them I’d want to bring Ilya somewhere. Maybe you need more non-hockey friends. Probably, yeah. Four tickets, then. And I’m looking forward to meeting Ilya. And your parents, of course.

Henry Fox Your Ilya's a bit of a prick, but I like him. He likes you too. Does he? I’m pretty sure he called me boring 3 separate times. He calls me boring all the time, so. So. Yeah. That's the other thing, right? That it's him. Even more so than the gay thing. I'm out to my team, and most of them have taken it ok. But I don't think anyone would accept that it's him. Because you're on different teams? That, and because the press has more or less built up this huge rivalry between us. We try pushing back against it a little with the charity, and it's a bit better now that Ilya plays for Ottawa instead of Boston, but. It's still there. And if it comes out, it might end both of our careers. I'm really sorry, Shane. That's an awful situation to be in. I get it, though. Being gay would be enough of a scandal, but if anyone found out it's Alex? The consequences are unthinkable. We really know how to pick em, don't we? We sure do. You guys are returning to the cottage for the rest of your break? Before training camp starts, yeah. Alex invited me to his father’s lake house in Texas. What did you say? Well, I'm overdue for a proper vacation. Have fun!

Henry Fox [picture: Henry in his swimwear, June and Nora in their bikinis leaning into his sides. June and Henry are smiling, Nora is licking Henry’s cheek] [picture: a shot of the sunset from Shane’s cottage, Ilya’s silhouette seated on a rock with a blanket around his shoulders] [video: a short clip of June playing the guitar and singing a song by the campfire, Alex and Nora humming along] [picture: Shane flipping off the camera, but with an undoubtedly fond look on his face] Sorry, that was Ilya. [video: Alex on the dock in his swimwear, already dripping wet and impatiently bouncing on his feet, asking: “You rolling?” and barely waiting for confirmation before taking a running start and cannonballing into the lake. It causes a big splash] [video: Ilya, likewise in his swimwear and on the dock, grinning as he says “You call that a splash? I’ll show you splash, pchelka!” before also taking a running start and cannonballing into the lake. The splash is noticeably bigger] He wouldn’t stop pestering me to “send this to Prince Charming, Shane.” Those two would get along, wouldn't they. Like a house on fire.

Henry Fox I fucked everything up. What happened? I left. The lakehouse? I think Alex was gonna tell me he loves me. And you don’t want that? I thought you’ve been in love with him for years? Yeah, that’s the fucking problem. I ruined everything, except there shouldn’t even have been anything to ruin. I thought I could just have this part of him, you know? Until he grew bored of me. I didn’t think I’d have to be the one to break my own heart. Tell me what happened. Can we call? Yeah. Call ended: 1h and 7mins Thank you, Shane. I’ll think on it.

Henry Fox [picture: someone sleeping in bed, golden sheets pulled up to hide them almost completely. Their hair is dark and curly.] I took too long to think on it. Alex isn’t very good at waiting. He is very good at convincing me, though. Stood outside yelling in the pouring rain until they let him inside, then told me he loves me. It was agonizing. But the thought of never having this again is unthinkable. You were right, Shane. There is no fighting this. I don’t want to fight it anymore. I just want to be allowed. Sorry. You probably won’t see these messages until you wake up, time zones and all. It’s been an emotional morning. I’m happy for you, Henry. Ilya says to tell Alex “good job, pchelka.” And yeah, proud of both of you.

September 2020 Henry Fox Just saw Alex off at the airstrip. He’s on the plane now, and it feels like my heart has been carved out of my chest. Yeah. I’m familiar with the feeling. How do you do it? Say goodbye over and over again? Does it ever get any easier? I’ll tell you if it ever does.

September 27, 2020 Rose Landry Have you seen it already? Seen what? Henry and Alex It's fucking everywhere online Oh fuck.

Henry Fox Are you alright? Sorry, fuck, stupid question. Of course you’re not. I’m so sorry that this happened. Kind of glad we didn’t keep writing emails to each other though. Shit. Sorry. Not helping. The messages aren’t going through, so your phone is probably off. Sorry for spamming. But I’m here for you. If there’s anything I can do to make it better, tell me.

Rose Landry I think his phone is turned off. Yeah, communications lockdown or sth according to June and Nora But he's not alone Bea is with him Alright. Keep me posted if you hear anything, yeah? Will do ♥

Henry Fox Very Canadian of you to apologize four times within just a few text messages. Sorry. I think it’s not even really the Canadian thing, it’s just me as a person. You doing ok? It’s a lot. But Alex is here, and I’m with him and Bea. Staying off social media for now and tomorrow we’ll figure out where to go from here. Alright. Take care of yourselves, you two. Ilya and I are in your corner, always. Thank you.

October 2020 Henry Fox Ilya wants me to tell you to tell Alex that his speech was incredible. I feel like a carrier pigeon. But he’s right, the speech was really good. I’ll let Alex know. He wants to make sure that both you and Ilya know that June is the one who wrote the speech. ‘United Claremont-Diaz Power’. I get what you mean with the carrier pigeon thing.

Henry Fox You think you want kids one day? Wow, slow down. At least take me to dinner first before talking about knocking me up, where are your manners? Ha fucking ha. Real original. Seriously, though. I think so? I do like children. I think I could be a good father one day. But if Alex and I have kids, we’ll damn them to a life in the public eye. They’ll have no choice in this at all. I don’t know if that’s something I want. How about you? I do, I think. Ilya is great with kids. Incredible, really. We babysat Hayden's kids today today. Ilya painted their nails. With sparkles. The twins asked if we were married, and when we said no, they insisted on making honest men of us both. [picture: two small, plastic rings side by side] These were our wedding rings. My god that is adorable. I worry, sometimes. How we can keep this up for another decade. You know, Shane, it doesn’t have to be a decade. Feels like it does. Yeah. I know.

Henry Fox Happy Halloween! [picture: mirror selfie of Alex and Henry dressed up as Han and Leia from Star Wars] You kids are adorable. Thanks, grandpa.

November 2020 Henry Fox Ilya wants me to tell you to tell Alex to tell his mother congrats on the reelection. This is ridiculous. Little bit, yeah. “But Shane, I have a direct line to the president now!” Direct line my ass. [contact: Lily] Ignore the name, old inside joke. Give it to Alex? I feel like we might regret that eventually, but I will.

Chapter End Notes

Thought about coding this as actual text messages, but then remembered that I have exams in like 3 weeks and do NOT have time to teach myself how to do that. Part 2 is gonna continue with Shane and Henry, tho maybe I'll write a spinoff about Alex and Ilya someday ^^ Most of it is done already, just ironing out some details as I read through The Long Game again (plus maybe the special edition bonus chapter in RWRB)

Chapter 2: second prince

Chapter Summary getting outed bc your emails were hacked as a bid to cause a scandal and win an election vs. getting outed bc you got caught smooching the hell out of your fiancé in a fanmail vid November 2020 Henry Fox I’m watching that documentary. I see now what you mean with the whole rivalry business. Also, your man’s got heart eyes when he talks about you. Hayden says the same thing. I keep telling him to be more careful, but... I also never want him to stop. By the way, Ilya said that you bought a brownstone in New York? How is he the first one to know about this? Alex is very excited about it, he's been telling everyone. But yes. Can a prince even like, live outside of his country? What, like a magic curse? You think I'll waste away without British soil to nourish me? I meant legally, you dipshit. My, insulting royalty now? The people would be shocked. The people would be shocked about a lot of things about me, I think. You're a man full of surprises. Anyway, might get complicated, but it's not impossible. And it's worth it, to be closer to Alex. Let me know if you need help decorating. I'm great at that. You are? Full of surprises indeed. Yes please. I'll let you know when I'm planning on moving. I've never had to choose my own furniture before. The thought of picking out a couch is strangely terrifying. I've got you covered.

Henry Fox Another decade it is. What happened? Had a meeting with the Commissioner of the NHL today. Basically told me not to come out. What the hell. He said that? Not directly, but I got the message. You know he can’t actually force you to not come out, right? Legally, I mean. I know. But he could still ruin my career. Have me traded to a shit team, apply pressure that I get barely any ice time, all of that. I don’t have the energy to fight him. Hell, I don’t want to be some kind of gay rights icon or whatever, I just want to play hockey. I just want to be with Ilya. I just want people to leave us alone. I get it, yeah. Whether you decide to go against the Commissioner or not, know that I’m in your corner as well. Thanks, buddy. December 2020 Henry Fox [picture: David the beagle in a little Christmas hat] For Ilya. Matches the photoshoot he did with Troy Barrett. I'll show it to him if he ever talks to me again. Had a fight. Oh boy. Wanna talk about it? Not really. He just sounded very bitter on the phone. And I was an ass. You've apologized? Been trying to work up the nerve. And figure out what to say. You got this! Let me know if you need more puppy pictures to offer in apology. Ha. Maybe. If I get really desparate.

Henry Fox He just sent me a heart emoji. I’ve been crafting this stupid fucking apology text for an hour and he just. Sends me a heart. Like it was so fucking easy. Sometimes we are our own worst enemy.

Henry Fox I wish everyone would shut the fuck up about my diet for once. Sorry, you don’t have to listen to me rant on Christmas. It’s fine, better listening to you rant than spend time with Phillip and Gran. What's happening? Also, Merry Christmas! Though it doesn't sound that merry on your end. Yeah, fuck. Merry Christmas to you too, should have opened with that. Sorry. It's alright. Complain away. Yeah. Ok. I’m an athlete, right? And I’m on a fucking performance diet. And they just keep teasing me about not having a bagel for breakfast, or not having cookies. Ilya especially. This whole Christmas has been weird, honestly. Like everyone’s on edge. I think that Ilya is keeping something from me, but I don’t know what it is, or how to get him to tell me. Like what? Like he’s cheating on you, or like he doesn’t like your haircut? He’s not cheating on me. I know that. He wouldn’t. And I know he likes my haircut. He pouts every time I even suggest cutting it off. That’s good at least. I don’t know what he’s not telling me, so I don’t know how to ask without sounding like I’m accusing him of something. Plus, if he has a problem with me, he should just fucking say it instead of chirping me for not eating cookies or make fun of me for everything else. My, that is a powderkeg of a situation. For sure fucking is.

Henry Fox How did the rest of Christmas go? Did things calm down a little? I realized I’m the worst boyfriend ever. Uh-oh. What happened? [voice memo: 14:38 mins] Jesus that’s long. Sorry. I’m just rambling for most of it. Fact is, I fucked up everything by taking him for granted, and I didn’t even realize how miserable it was making him. You said you called your mother, right? What did she say? That I should calm down. That Ilya is not going to break up with me. That I should 'be cool' for once in my life. Ilya is a terrible influence on her. I think you should probably listen to her. From what I can tell, that man loves you to pieces. Give him some time. Be cool. And then, when he’s ready, I think you and Ilya should have a proper talk about where you go from here, together.

Henry Fox The more I think about it, the more I think I should have noticed how isolated Ilya really is. You know how he said that only my friends were allowed to know? And I got defensive and all, but it's not wrong. Not really. You've told your friends? Not really, but also kinda? Most people found out by accident. My parents know because my dad caught us making out. They love Ilya to death, and he sees them more often than I do at this point, since they all live in Ottawa. But they're still your parents, and not his. Yeah. Rose knows, of course, and Hayd guessed what was happening, and I kinda confirmed it, and obviously his wife knows as well. So both of my best friends know. And there's me. And there's you. Alex knows too, of course, but he knows mostly because you know, right? And it gets worse. Worse how? He can't even tell people he's bi. Remember our fight earlier, when he sent me a heart after I'd been stressing for so long how to apologize? I was pissed because he came out to his teammate. Or not pissed, but scared maybe? Most people have at least heard the rumor that I'm gay now. So if people knew he was bi, it would be pretty easy to connect the pieces. Why he moved to Ottawa, why we started a charity together, all of that. So I've taken that from him, too. You haven't taken that from him, Shane. It's a sacrifice he's making for your relationship, not something you've done to him. Feels like it though. Feels like I'm making him miserable. Are you? Or are the circumstances around your relationship making him miserable? Stop being reasonable, it's annoying. I'm trying to panic spiral over here. Sucks for you. But I don't think you're what's making him miserable. In fact, I think you make him very, very happy. So. When you see each other again, you'll work on those circumstances around your relationship, alright? Make sure you both have a support system outside of each other. Yeah. Will do. Thank you.

Rose Landry Ok Miles cancelled on me AGAIN, so PLEASE tell me that you're coming to the NYE party at the white house again 🙏 Sorry, not really feeling up to it at the moment. 😭 That's ok, I'll miss you though Everything going ok with you? How's Ilya? Can we call, maybe? Give me half an hour!!! Call ended: 1h and 34 mins Listen to your mom, Hollander! Be cool! You're all ganging up to bully me, aren't you? 😘 Give my best to Henry and the others, alright? Of course!!

January 2021 Unknown Number [video: Henry and Rose dancing together at the New Year's party. Henry looks a bit awkward, but like he's having fun] happy new year! this is alex, btw bet you 50 bucks that the tabloids will spin this into a story and just ignore he's gay Saved Unknown Number as Alex Claremont-Diaz Happy New Year! And I know better than to take that bet, they absolutely will. rude honestly, i'm like. right here?? Well, you're the one taking pictures while your boyfriend is dancing with THE Rose Landry. at least he's having fun learning the important american tradition of sweatily shimmying to lil jon cultural exchange and all that Rose is great at getting awkward gay guys to loosen up a little on the dance floor. Speaking from experience. lol you're funny. I see why roz likes you

Alex Claremont-Diaz Morning! Hope the hangover isn't too bad. party was worth the suffering i have to endure now sooo what's up? I wanted to ask you something about Ilya, if that's ok? ask away man aight not answer, though. sanctity of the confessional and all that, you know? Huh? like, if he told me something in confidence, i'm gonna keep that to myself. obviously Oh. Yeah, right. So you guys talk? yeah, we do been texting a bit since november? more in the past few days though, and more serious topics and he's threatening to teach me hockey or skating at least Oh. That's good. I'm glad to hear it. he didn't tell you? I know you've been texting a little. And about the hockey thing. The bet, I mean. I just figured it would be good for Ilya to have someone to talk to who's his friend first, you know? Plus, there's not many bisexual people around us I've noticed. So I wanted to ask if you'd reach out to him, but. way ahead of you dude, don't worry he's a bit of a dick and he keeps calling me a little bee in russian, but he's got his redeeming qualities, ya know I do know, yes. How is he doing, as far as you know? We haven't talked much since Christmas, and I just. Worry. like i said, secret of the confessional, but don't stress about it too much, alright? won't do either of you any good he's worried about you worrying, like a worry spiral. so best thing you can do is try to be chill for now and just, ya know. communicate with each other next time you get the chance I'll try my best. Thank you.

NHL Hockey Updates @HockeyUpdatesDaily The Ottawa Centaur's plane was forced to make an emergency landing on their trip from Ottawa to Tampa Bay. No injuries have been reported. The team is "still in shock," according to Coach Brandon Wiebe, "but grateful it didn't end as badly as it could have."

Henry Fox Christ, I saw the news. How are you holding up? Don't really know. Freaking out a little bit over what could have been. Understandable. But it didn't happen, remember that. He's alright. Yeah. It's stupid to freak out after the fact, I know that, but. I’m not even the one who almost died, fuck. No, but Alex has got Ilya covered, so I'm checking in on you. He had me send him pictures of David so he could send them to Ilya to cheer him up. Can you send them to me too? Of course. [picture: David in a fuzzy little Christmas sweater] [picture: David curled up on Henry’s bed and sound asleep, a little stuffed candy cane toy tucked underneath his paw] [video: David on his back, wriggling around happily as Henry scratches his belly]

Henry Fox My friend JJ just tried pep talking me because he thinks that the guy I've got an unrequited crush on almost died. And I just sat there and thought: what if he had? There’d be no pretending, I’d be fucking losing it. I wouldn’t even have had a right to claim his body, or any of his possessions. And for fucking what? For hockey? Because the commissioner told me to keep it quiet? Because assholes out there might have a problem with it? He could have died! He’s alive, Shane. You’re not going to lose him. Damn right I'm not. I'm not waiting another decade. I'm not even waiting another fucking year. Oh? You got plans, Hollander? I might. And what are those? Shane? You can't just leave hanging like this, man! I'll tell you soon.

Henry Fox The Centaurs seem to be on a roll lately. Strange to see, isn't it? I'm also not surprised though. They do have the second best player in the league. The best being Scott Hunter, obviously. Fuck off, Fox. Rude. I do hope the Centaurs make it to the playoffs. If only for the chance to see Alex trying to navigate on skates. Ha, me too. But they're a good team. Now that they believe they can win, I think the chances are good.

Ilya Rozanov ☑ @ilyarozanov81 Listen up everyone! The Centaurs will make it to the playoffs this year, and if they do, @agcd has agreed to let me teach him hockey. He'll try to argue his way out of it, but I have screenshots. He WILL skate.

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd replying to @ilyarozanov81 is it too late to beg for mercy

February 2021 Henry Fox Weird that the NHL has this whole pride night thing, and still so few players are out. Yeah. I’m glad that Barrett is getting so much support from the fans and from his team. I hope we'll have the same next year. Next year??? I may have proposed. Oh my god. And he may have said yes. Oh my GOD! That's what you were planning? Told you I'd tell you soon. We're probably going to come out and get married this summer. Once the season is over, and on our terms. I'm sick of hiding. Congratulations! Needless to say, you've got my support. Publicly as well, if you want. Thank you. I know Ilya's team will be good about it at least, with how they reacted to Troy. Plus, they've never given Ilya shit for being friends with me, so. I just hope my team doesn't take it too badly. If they do, they don't fucking deserve you. Ha. Yeah, maybe.

Henry Fox Hey, can I ask you a favor? Of course. So you remember my best friend Hayden? He's got two twin daughters, and their 8th birthday is coming up soon. And one of them, Ruby, is kind of obsessed with you. She's got like, half a dozen posters in her room. Hayden does these FanMail videos, you know, where people can pay to have someone congratulate them for their birthday or send a message or whatever? And that just made me think of if you'd do one for Ruby. You can say no, of course, I don't want to take advantage of our friendship or anything. It's very sweet that your definition of taking advantage of your connection with royalty involves asking if they'll congratulate a child for her birthday. Of course I'll do it. Really? Thank you! They're twins though, should I congratulate both of them? Anything specific you want me to say? No, just Ruby. Jackie says it's important they each get a present that's entirely their own, that they don't have to share with each other. Jade is really into photography now, so I'm buying her her first camera. It's one of those kiddie camera things that you can throw around and dunk in water and it won't break. Adorable. No way in hell is Ilya going to outdo my gifts this year. You're competing on who can get them better gifts? Are you surprised? Not really, no. Of course you would. Anyway, you don't need to say anything special. Just the usual happy birthday stuff I think. She'll be over the moon if it comes from you. I'm on it. [video, 1:39min] Will this do? Shit man, that's sweet. And like. Profound. Glad my English literature degree is being useful for something, if only to brighten a little girl's day.

March 2021 Henry Fox [picture: Shane's living room with a large amount of dog toys scattered around] You think he’s going overboard? First you're getting engaged, now you’re getting a dog?? Ilya did. Surprised me with it yesterday. Her name is Anya. [picture: Anya sitting on the carpet, head tilted and her tongue lolling to the side] She’s adorable! Isn’t she just? We’re going over to Hayden to introduce her to the kids later. Send more pictures! Obviously.

Henry Fox [picture: Anya sitting still as she's hugged by both Pike twins at the same time, one from each side, her tail noticeably blurry mid-wag] [picture: Jackie Pike smiling and sitting on the rug in their living room, Anya's head in her lap] [picture: Hayden Pike feeding Anya a treat, a slightly suffering look on his face] He knows he'll have to get a dog now. But he loves her. [video: Ilya and Anya excitedly jumping around the Pike's living room with Arthur and Amber, the two youngest Pike kids, laughing and squealing and barking] You see what I mean? Oh he IS good with kids. He IS a kid, that's why. But also, yeah he is. [GIF: David excitedly waddling circles around Henry, who is apparently about to take him on a walk] David's looking forward to meeting Anya! Still can't get over your dog having the same name as my dad. He's in good company, your dad's nice.

NHL Hockey Updates @HockeyUpdatesDaily Shane Hollander, Captain of the Montreal Voyageurs, and Ilya Rozanov, Captain of the Ottawa Centaurs, caught in a passionate embrace in the background of FanMail video by Hollander's teammate Hayden Pike. So far, both remain unavailable for comments, and there has been no statements from either of their teams or the NHL.

Henry Fox I’m so sorry, Shane. If you two need anything, Alex and I are here for you. We can relate, obviously. Part of me wants to laugh. Not a big part, I’m mostly panicking. But also. We managed to hide this thing for a decade. And months before we were gonna come out anyway, THIS is how the world finds out? It's a little bit funny, true. Still, it's awful to have that choice ripped away from you. Yeah. How did Ilya take it? He's a bit relieved I think, that it's out there now. Also, when we first watched the video, he kept saying how much better your birthday wishes to Ruby were, and how "maybe Prince Charming could teach Hayden how to sound smart in these videos". Made me laugh at least, while I was freaking out. Well, he was a bit all over the place, that I'll have to admit. Hayd feels awful, of course. Not about the quality of his video, but. You know. Told him it's not his fault. Not like he hacked into our private emails and outed us on purpose. It was just a stupid mistake. I suppose. The result is the same, though. What are you going to do now? I don’t know. We've both been benched. My team isn’t talking to me. And we’re meeting with the Commissioner again. Jesus. Do you want me to post something in support of you two? It would draw a lot more attention to you both, but also a lot of sympathy. Might be a good thing to have in hand when you’re talking to the Commissioner. I’ll ask Farah if she thinks it’s a good idea. She's our agent. Alright. She can check over whatever I write before I post it, too, just to be safe.

She says yes. Which is a good thing, considering Alex already tweeted about it. Never good at keeping his mouth shut, that one.

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd this just in: who your favorite hockey players choose to smooch in their free time is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS. everyone calm the fuck down

Prince Henry of Wales ☑ @hrhprincehenry As someone who has had their relationship and sexuality exposed to the world before I was ready to share either, my heart goes out to Shane and Ilya in this moment. I'm lucky to be able to count both of them among my friends, and I've always admired their tenacity, their professionalism, and their competitive spirit. What happened to them, just as with Alex and myself, should not have happened, and I urge the public to respect their privacy as much as possible going forward.

Henry Fox The Commissioner tried to make us pretend it was a prank we were pulling on Hayden. I almost laughed in his face. Oh, sure. That kiss definitely gave off 'straight bros smashing faces to prank someone and obviously hating every second of it.' Told him where he can stick it. Kind of. Told him our counteroffer: that we do whatever the fuck we want, including playing hockey. Generous of you, considering you're the two best players he's got. True. We're off the bench at least. So. That's something. Your teams would be screwed without you, anyway. Our teams are also facing each other in the first round of the playoffs. Like things aren't already tense enough. Great from a marketing point of view though, honestly. Crowell should be thanking you. You know, my mom said the same thing.

Ilya Rozanov ☑ @ilyarozanov81 I know, I know, you've all been waiting with baited breath for more information, so here I am to give it to you. YES! Centaurs are in the playoffs, and so @agcd will have to learn hockey! I will teach him this summer. Hope that clears things up

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd replying to @ilyarozanov81 you're so lucky i can't be mean to you right now dude. i'll still be rooting for you #GoCentaurs

Henry Fox [picture: selfie of Henry, Alex and David in Henry's room at Kensington. Henry is wearing his Hollander jersey, Alex is wearing Ilya's, and David is wearing a miniature Rozanov jersey as well] David, you traitor! Ilya sent it as a birthday present, and I didn’t want David to feel left out. I can’t believe this. If it helps, he peed on it during the second period. I know what I’m telling Ilya during the next face-off.

Henry Fox Things going ok with your team, by the way? That obvious? A little bit, yeah. Might be the first time I'm not having fun playing against Ilya. Or playing hockey in general. You know that board game, Operation? I feel a little bit like I'm playing that every second on the ice and in the locker room. Like just one wrong move will be enough for everything to come crashing down. But well. I guess they did just find out I'm fucking the enemy. You've been fucking the enemy the entire time, didn’t stop you from winning them three Cups. Yeah. Hope they realize that in time. They better. Plus, you're not just fucking the enemy. You're engaged to him, they'll have to deal.

April 2021 Henry Fox Game 7! Good luck!

Going into overtime??? You can't do this to me, Shane, my heart can't keep up!

Ah, damn it. Alex is going to be insufferable about this. Sorry. Hey, you don’t have to apologize to me. It sucks, but you’ll get another shot next season, won’t you? Not sure. My teammates think I let Ilya win. What? They think I tripped on purpose. That’s fucking ridiculous. Yeah. Hayden and JJ know it is, but the rest of them… I won three Cups for this team. I’ve been their Captain for a decade. Fuck, I gave up so much for them, to be the perfect fucking player. And it still wasn’t enough. It never fucking will be. Assholes, the lot of them. Minus Hayden and JJ. At least the season is over for us now. Small mercies. That’s something. Hey, you wanna meet up in New York soon, now that you're free? My brownstone isn't furnished yet, but I was gonna get on that as soon as I can. Might be a good distraction? Or we can do something else, of course, I don't mean to make you do more work now. Ha. Maybe. Need to decompress for a bit first, I think. But after. Yeah. I'd like that.

Henry Fox [picture: selfie of Shane and his parents at an Ottawa Centaurs home game against the New York Admirals. They’re all smiling and holding up three fingers to signal the third game in the series. Yuna and David are wearing Rozanov jerseys] Weird to watch it from the crowd, but it’s also nice to watch it with my parents. To support him, together. Give my best to Yuna and David! They send their love. They're also very excited to be on first name basis with a prince. Though I guess everyone is on first name basis with you. I don't think I even know your last name. It wouldn't fit on a jersey, I can tell you that. Speaking of, my dad thinks it's hilarious that he and your dog now have matching names AND matching jerseys. Too proud to wear a Rozanov jersey yourself? Oh, I told him if he wins, I’ll wear one tonight. In private. Shane, you beast! Good for you. Good for Ottawa, honestly. Extra incentive for him to score. Sure, sure. Everything to help out the home team, right? Call it a bonus, maybe.

Henry Fox You’ll never guess what happened. Is it related to the jersey thing? Cause then I don't know if I want to guess. What? No, get your mind out of the gutter, Fox. Scott Hunter dropped by our house after the game! Oh? What did he want? Expressed his sympathy and all, made sure to mention how weird it is seeing us together, but also essentially offered us his friendship? He wants to form a sort of hockey coallition, from what I understood, that can fight against discrimination as a unit instead of leaving it up to the individual players. That’s huge! What did you say? We're in, obviously. Figure that Barrett and a few other Centaurs will join as well, and Hayden and JJ. At least I hope so. Fingers crossed! I have been thinking about getting into contact with Hunter as well, actually. And with you and Ilya, on behalf of your Irina Foundation. You know those queer youth shelters I’ve taken over from Pez? Figured we could do some joint projects together, with the shelters and your hockey camps. Huh. Just a suggestion. I’d love to work together. Hadn’t thought about it before, but yeah, it makes a lot of sense. You're back in New York, right? Yeah. Staying at a hotel for now while I start furnishing the brownstone. How about Ilya and I drop by for dinner at your place the day after tomorrow? We'll be in New York anyway for the next two games against the Admirals. And depending on how those games go, I'll be able to help you with decorating sooner rather than later? Oh, yes! I'll let Alex know! Also, what do you think about this couch for the living room? [Link] Oh god, no. Leave it to me, I'll collect a few options.

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd what’s better than one power couple? TWO power couples!! [photo attached: selfie of Alex and Henry leaning into each other on one side of a private dining table at a fancy restaurant, and Ilya and Shane on the other, all smiling]

Ilya Rozanov ☑ @ilyarozanov81 replying to @agcd But пчелка, you forgot the most important one! [photo attached: picture of Anya and David sleeping cuddled up on the couch in Henry's hotel suite] May 2021 Henry Fox Happy birthday, old man! I wish I could say you’re wrong, but I feel ancient. Also. I’ve decided to leave the Voyageurs. Good! Still feels weird. I was gonna stay there forever, you know? I was gonna retire there. Told you they don’t deserve you if they don’t appreciate you. You’re too good for them. Yeah. Starting to get that. Know where you're gonna sign instead? Potentially. I have an inkling where it might be. 😉 Also. I wanted to ask you something. You think you and Alex could make it through a wedding without causing an international incident? Depends, how expensive is the cake? Probably like 300$? Hardly worth knocking over. I think it should be safe. Might stay a few feet away from it at all times, just to be safe. Any requests for wedding presents? Bring David. Anya misses him. Will do. I'm looking forward to it.

June 2021 Henry Fox Thanks for Scott Hunter's number, by the way! He and Kip have been a huge hit with the kids. Wish I could come up to watch Alex struggle in person, but turns out that running queer youth shelters takes a bit more work than expected during Pride Month. Who would have thought? � I'll send you pictures, don't worry. Ilya just texted me 'of course the children love Hunter, they love dinosaurs'. Mind you, this is the first and only time he's ever texted me. They might be friends now, but at least that part is never gonna change. Good to have some stability in life, I suppose.

Ilya Rozanov ☑ @ilyarozanov81 A man who keeps his promises 🐝 Or tries to at the very least [video: Alex looking quite unsteady on his skates, using the hockey stick in his hand like a crutch as he slides around on the ice. In the background, you can hear Ilya shouting "Don't lean on it, pchelka, is not made for leaning!", followed by Shane's soft laughter from behind the camera]

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd replying to @ilyarozanov81 fuck you man, i'm half mexican and half texan and neither of those halves were made to be on the ice 😭

Ilya Rozanov ☑ @ilyarozanov81 Maybe Shane's teaching style is better suited for poor hot blooded American [video: Shane and Alex next to each other on the ice, Shane showing Alex how to grip the hockey stick correctly, then demonstrating how to shoot the puck into the nearby goal. Alex copies his movements, and while he still looks very wobbly on his skates, he manages to shoot the puck into the net. Ilya can be heard whooping loudly behind the camera]

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd to anyone who thinks that their relationship is a liability - explain this [video: Ilya and Shane laughing as they battle each other for the puck on the ice, chasing each other down over and over again, pushing each other to new speeds, new heights, so fast they become a kind of blur of red and white and blue]

July 2021 Henry Fox Actually, there might be another thing you can help me with for the wedding. If you're up for it. Your wish is my command, my friend. (Within reason, obviously.) So at first, Ilya and I said we wouldn't do wedding vows because we're both not great with words, right? Except apparently, Alex told him that that's super fucking unromantic and now, he and June are helping him write his vows. United Claremont-Diaz power, I see. Yeah. So like. I've heard the speeches June writes, I've read some of her articles. No way I can compete with that. You two and your constant competition, I swear. It's not even that, I just want to give him something as beautiful as what I'm sure they'll come up with, you know? So I was wondering if you could help me write my vows. Shane. Yeah? I'd be fucking honored.

Henry Fox The Centaurs!!!! You signed with the Centaurs!!!! Sure did. Knew it! I'm gonna have to get another Hollander jersey now, aren't I? At least I'll match with Alex and David now. And we can root for the same team. I’ll send you a number 24 jersey for David. He can wear the jersey of whoever scored more goals in the previous game. As extra incentive. Stop involving my dog in your foreplay, Hollander. Fuck off, Fox. 😋 We still on for the wedding vow brainstorming session call later? Of course. I made notes. Of course you did.

Chapter 3: wedding impressions

Chapter Summary Some impressions from the Hollander-Rozanov wedding.

Chapter Notes

Added a few more wedding moments, so I put them in their own chapter (might add to them later on as well). See the end of the chapter for more notes

Ottawa Centaurs ☑ @OttawaCentaursOfficial Congratulations to our Captain Ilya Rozanov and our newest teammate Shane Hollander for tying the knot! #FirstHusbandsOfHockey [picture: Ilya and Shane in their Ottawa Centaurs jerseys, Shane smiling politely at the camera and Ilya beaming as he looks at Shane]

Celebrity Watch Magazine @celebwatchmag Wedding Puppy Alert! Click the link for a collection of the most adorable pictures of Prince Henry’s dog David and the Hollander-Rozanov’s dog Anya stealing hearts across the globe. [GIF: Anya playwrestling with David between wedding guests, both of them wearing brand new hyphenated Hollander-Rozanov Centaurs jerseys]

Rose Landry ☑ TheRoseLandry Love my two gay boyfriends! Even if I have to share them with their boyfriends and husbands 😋 [picture: Rose grinning widely, one arm wrapped around Shane and one arm around Henry, who are both in tuxes for the wedding. Both of them are smiling bashfully]

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd i feel like there should be a vote about who had the better wedding vows. thoughts, anyone?

Prince Henry of Wales ☑ @hrhprincehenry replying to @agcd Absolutely not.

June Claremont-Diaz ☑ @JuneBugCD replying to @hrhprincehenry Sounds like someone is scared he'd lose 😌 #UnitedClaremontDiazPower

Jackie Pike @JacksPike I think she just met the love of her life. [picture: Henry crouching down, a soft smile on his lips as he shakes the hand of a clearly starstruck Ruby Pike. Jade, holding her new camera, is taking a picture of them in the background]

Wyatt Hayes ☑ @hazygoalie Of course Roz of all people would have a wedding where multiple guests are important enough to bring their own security personnel, but they didn't even consider that maybe chairs would be a nice touch

Troy Barrett ☑ @TroyBarrettHockey replying to @hazygoalie I have grass stains on my ass. But I also got to gossip with Rose Landry while sitting on that grass, so I'll take it. She's my favorite superhero

Rose Landry ☑ @TheRoseLandry replying to @TroyBarrettHockey Adding you to the gay boyfriend roster immediately! ♥ 😊

Yuna Hollander @YunaHollander24 The moment we've all been waiting for - the meeting of the Davids! [picture: David Hollander, having pulled on his Ottawa Centaurs Rozanov jersey over his suit, posing with David the beagle in the Hollander-Rozanov jersey]

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd okay who picked that fucking song for their first dance. this should be illegal

Harris Drover @justharrisdrover replying to @agcd I'm sorryyyy, they put me on the spot, I panicked! 😭😭😭 I figured that Shane might at least KNOW this song

Alex Claremont-Diaz ☑ @agcd replying to @justharrisdrover alright i'll forgive you. IF you send me another crate of that cider

Harris Drover @justharrisdrover replying to @agcd 🙇🙇🙇 I'm on it!!!

Shane Hollander-Rozanov ☑ @shanehollanderhockeyplayer The best day of my life @ilyarozanov81 [photo: Shane and Ilya, holding hands as they're exchanging vows, both of them visibly tearing up]

Ilya Rozanov-Hollander ☑ @ilyarozanov81 replying to @shanehollanderhockeyplayer And mine. But also, my vows were definitely better

Chapter End Notes

As much as I'm clowning on them, I'm kinda fond of how shitty and rushed their wedding is. Idk I think it fits them very well. (also, I'm in the middle of planning my own wedding rn and it's so fucking stressful that the idea of just going "hey, whatever, we just invite ppl and do it in the backyard" is so fucking appealing to me, you have no idea)

End Notes

Mayhaps there will be an Ilya and Alex spin-off (half of it's already written lol) Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!