Rating:

General Audiences

Archive Warning:

No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories:

Gen, M/M

Fandoms:

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

Relationships:

Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, Kip Grady/Scott Hunter

Characters:

Scott Hunter (Game Changers), Carter Vaughn, Cliff Marlow | Cliff Marleau, Andropov (Game Changers), Connors (Heated Rivalry), Wyatt Hayes, Tommy Andersson (Game Changers), Vincent Lemaire, Kip Grady, Eric Bennett

Additional Tags:

Group Chats, Texting, Texting Fic, Gossip, Canon Compliant, Canon - Game Changers Series & Heated Rivalry (TV) Combination, Post-Episode: s01e05 I'll Believe in Anything (Heated Rivalry), POV Outsider on Shane Hollander/Ilya Rozanov, Humor, Angst, Grief/Mourning

Language:

English

Collections:

TDH Game Changers / Heated Rivalry

Stats:

Published: 2026-02-21 Completed: 2026-10-14 Words: 13,295 Chapters: 8/8

The Hollanov Conspiracy

Summary

Scott Hunter is added to a group chat after coming out. It's not like anything he expected.

Notes

First time writing a proper chat fic! 🫶 Hopefully the formatting makes sense. 🤞I've done workskins before but I didn't want to do all that coding right now... ^^"

Chapter 1: Calling in an Expert

Chapter Notes

This is the last thing Scott ever expected to happen after coming out. Backlash? Yes. Awkwardness? Inevitable, really.

But a group chat? Not even on his radar.

Carter: Hey! So, a couple of the guys in one of my group chats want me to add you.

Scott: Why? Group chat for what?

Carter: It's a bunch of dudes from different teams. Mostly for gossip.
Carter: They're real chill, I promise.
Carter: Super excited for you. I got a lot of ribbing after the cup win when I admitted I didn't know before you told me.

Squinting at his phone, Scott mulls over Carter's response. The lack of direct answer. He's suspicious, but he trusts his friend. Mostly.

Plus... he's really fucking curious.

Scott: Alright. Add me. No promises I'll hang around though.

The cheering gif is quickly followed by his phone buzzing with over a dozen notifications. A new chat popping up at the top of his messaging app.

Scott blinks. The messages pour in. Greetings, all welcoming. Several gifs and emojis of varying levels of excitement.

Carter: Alright, I got him here.
Carter: Try not to scare him off, assholes.

Immediately, the group responds. Several react with a middle finger emoji. One sends a gif of some kid blowing a raspberry.

Scott: So...
Scott: Who wants to explain the name?

Sully (Heatwaves): Hollander + Rozanov = Hollanov
Sully (Heatwaves): I stole it from the rpf girlies on tumblr. Cute right?

Scott: I am only more confused now.

His message garners half a dozen laughing reactions in less than a second.

Lemaire (Nomads): It's a ship name.
Lemaire (Nomads): Eric and I started this chat way back in 2011, after connecting at the NHL awards.

Scott: Still confused.

Finally, someone answered his question. Not someone he'd met before though, given the lack of a contact name.

Unknown: Basically, we all came together to discuss our mutual conspiracy theory that the league's most intense rivalry is all a smokescreen to hide the fact that Hollander and Rozanov are in a secret long distance relationship.

Unknown: Speak for yourself Hayes. They're fuck buddies, at best. All that chirping? Foreplay!

Sully (Heatwaves): More like the chirping is Rozanov's desperate attempts to keep Hollander's attention.
Sully (Heatwaves): Poor Roz, crushing on the most oblivious man on the planet...

Lemaire (Nomads): Fuck Rozanov. If chirping is his way of flirting, he's trying to get into half the league's pants.

Carter: I mean.
Carter: That wouldn't exactly shock me.

The number of 100 reactions is deeply concerning. Everyone else chimes in with their own theories after that. The chat living up to its name.

Scott: So... you all think Hollander and Rozanov are gay?

Unknown: Or bisexual! Rozanov gets around after all, Marlow confirmed it.

Unknown: Not to mention Hollzy's beard.

Lemaire (Nomads): Put some respect on Rose Landry's name you bastard.

Unknown: Dude, it's not my fault she only dates gay dudes. You've seen the spreadsheet!

Lemaire (Nomads): Fuck you, Marlow.

Switching back to their private chats, Scott sends Carter a series of question marks. Rather than explaining why the fuck he invited Scott to a gay conspiracy theory group, their chat is quickly filled with several shared contacts.

Helpful, but not in the way Scott had been hoping for.

Marlow (Bears): Roz just announced he's going on a two week vacation.
Marlow (Bears): Told the team if anyone calls him while he's gone, he'll cut their balls off and make them run bag skates until they bleed out.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Vivid.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Word from Pike is our captain is going on a two week silent retreat... you got the dates?

Hayes (Guardians): Just gonna skip right over the violent threat, Andy? Rude.

Carter: Fucking Russians man, ruthless.

Andropov (Voyageurs): I'm from Vancouver!
Andropov (Voyageurs): And why would I care if a few Bears bleed out on the ice? It'll just make crushing them next season even easier!

Connors (Bears): Says the man who's team couldn't even make it to the playoffs...

Sully (Heatwaves): Focus boys. What're the dates?

Unfortunately for Scott and his budding headache, the dates match up. The chat explodes with messages as theories fly.

Lemaire (Nomads): Holy shit! He did it. Hollander finally locked that man down!
Lemaire (Nomads): Rozanov hasn't slept with anyone since Tampa right?

Connors (Bears): Technically! He just hasn't *mentioned* any hook ups.

Marlow (Bears): When the fuck did he mention hook ups before? Rozy is too classy to share.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Right... classy. That's totally a word I associate with Rozanov.

Once more, the whole chat reacts. Laughing emojis. Scott taps on the message to add his own. He finds himself smiling at the screen despite himself.

A chat full of hockey players obsessing about whether two men are in a relationship should be terrifying. But it's almost sweet. Lighthearted. Goofy even.

Scott: So why exactly did you all want Vaughany to add me to this chat?

Sully (Heatwaves): Two reasons.
Sully (Heatwaves): 1) Expert opinion.

Carter: They're under the delusion that you'll be able to tell if we're right.
Carter: I told them that's not how it works.

Sully (Heatwaves): 2) We need you to settle a bet and Vaughan refuses to answer.

Lemaire (Nomads): He's a biased source anyway.

Hayes (Guardians): Fact! We cannot trust Carter to verify any information. It would taint the entire pool. Not to mention the precedent it would set.

Andersson: True. Do we really think Marlow will confirm the truth once he's seen the light?

Marlow (Bears): Fuck you. Rozy didn't ditch me for a new wingman. He's just not going home with anyone from the clubs anymore.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Sure, buddy, whatever you say.

The squabbling is almost enough to distract him. Scott's spent enough time in locker rooms to know when he needs to put his captain hat on.

Scott: What's the bet?

Immediately, the chat goes silent. No more dots at the bottom of his screen. Until Eric Sullivan finally steps up.

Obviously, the kid is the defacto leader of this little band of misfits. Though... maybe kid isn't the right word for a defenseman only three years younger than him.

Sully (Heatwaves): Did you plan the kiss ahead of time or was it impulsive?

A laugh bursts from his lips. Scott shakes his head, grinning wide.

Scott: If I'd planned it, I would've gotten Kip a seat closer to the ice.

The dots return. The chat explodes. Gifs. Emojis. Several 'I told you so' and 'Called it!' messages filter through, along with more than a few explitives.

Connors (Bears): Damn it, Price, you barely even talk in here, how do you always know?

Price (Buffalo): I pay attention?
Price (Buffalo): Hunter is superstitutious. He wouldn't jinx his team like that.

Scott: Man speaks the truth.
Scott: Nice to know someone in this chat is using his brain.

At that, the dots reappear and the squabbling begins anew. Scott scrolls through it all, snickering to himself.

They're funny, chirping at each othe rlike they would on the ice. He might not have expected this chat, but Scott thinks he might actually enjoy it. Even if they're all obviously insane.

Seriously, Hollander and Rozanov?! If the kid were gay, which Scott doubts, surely he'd have better taste than that? He hopes so at least. He actually kind of likes Hollander.

Chapter End Notes

I have plans for at least two more chapters! Might write more if the muses provide.

 

Round Up, for reference:

Carter - Carter Vaughan, forward, New York (mixed canon)
Sully (Heatwaves) - Eric Sullivan, third draft pick after Hollanov, went to Phoenix (book canon)
Lemaire (Nomads) - Vincent Lemaire, third nominee for Rookie of the year after Hollanov, Minnesota (show canon)
Hayes (Guardians) - Wyatt Hayes, back up goalie in Toronto (book canon)
Marlow (Bears) - Cliff Marlow, forward, Boston (book canon)
Connors (Bears) - Connor Connors, Boston (mixed canon)
Andropov (Voyageurs) - Montreal (show canon)
Andersson - Tommy Andersson, backup goalie in New York (book canon)
Price (Buffalo) - Ryan Price, defenseman (book canon)

Chapter 2: Sex Vacation 101

Chapter Notes

Ignore the fact I upped the chapter count... it's an estimate. ^^"

With everything after the cup win and convincing Kip to let Scott take him on vacation, he almosts forgets about the chat. It's fairly quiet anyway.

He's on a beach in Italy, soaking in the sun and one of Kip's megawatt smiles when his phone starts buzzing. A lot.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Holy fuck.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Hollander really *is* on a sex vacation!

The questions pour in, the demands for clarification. Scott has to scroll quite a way to find the explanation.

Andropov (Voyageurs): I asked Pike if he'd heard anything from the captain since the baby was born.

Marlow (Bears): Wait, he had *another* baby? Didn't his wife just give birth last year?!

Connors (Bears): And Roz is the horn dog? Okay. Sure.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Fuck off.
Andropov (Voyageurs): But yeah. Baby #4. I don't think the twins are even in school yet...
Andropov (Voyageurs): That's beside the point!

Lemaire (Nomads): I think the point is that we need to send Pike's wife a pamphlet on vasectomies.

Scott snorts, especially when all the reactions start filtering in. Laughing emojis and bright red 100s racking up. He gives it a thumbs up.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Focus assholes!
Andropov (Voyageurs): He's so sleep deprived, I guess Pike forgot about the 'silent retreat' because he fucking *called* Hollander.

Sully (Heatwaves): And Hollander answered?
Sully (Heatwaves): That only proves he's not actually on a silent retreat.

Connors (Bears): Did anyone even buy that?

Hayes (Guardians): It's Shane Hollander. He's recovering from his first major injury.
Hayes (Guardians): Are you saying he *wouldn't* spend two weeks in silence obsessing about training regiments and getting re-attuned with the ice?

Andersson: I'm with Hayes.
Andersson: Made total sense to me.

Carter: Can we all take a second to appreciate the fact Hollander is *not* a goalie?
Carter: We were saved from a truly unholy level of deranged weirdness.

Marlow (Bears): Thank you Unknown Mini Mite Coach. Your foresight is appreciated.

The chat fills with several 'amens' and all the reactions to Carter and Marlow are prayer hands. With two notable exceptions.

A gif of some superhero flipping them off pops up and Andersson curses them all out, in Swedish. Not exactly effective.

He's so enthralled by the banter, Scott nearly chokes on his next sip of lemonade when Andropov finally cuts in.

Andropov (Voyageurs): So, do you guys just not want to hear about Hollander getting a blowjob while on the phone with Pike?

The chat goes silent. Reactions filtering in. Eyes and blown heads all around. Andropov remains silent though.

Sully (Heatwaves): You have our attention kid. We'll be good.

Only once that gets several thumbs up does Andropov start typing and Scott might sit up a little. He hunches over his phone, locked in.

Andropov (Voyageurs): So, Pike was totally oblivious, because again, sleep deprived.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Plus, I think he's totally desensitized to the captain's weirdness at this point. He literally just kept yapping about his inlaws.
Andropov (Voyageurs): But I could hear Hollander getting all breathy. Stammering, barely responding. He even fucking moaned! And I swear there was slurping. Slurping!
Andropov (Voyageurs): He put Pike on mute twice before giving some bs excuse about an amazon package.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Blowjob. My captain was getting a blowjob while on the phone with our ac.
Andropov (Voyageurs): I'm traumatized.

For a beat, the chat remaims quiet, but once its clear Andropov is done, they're talking over one another. Scott can barely keep up as he scrolls along.

Sully (Heatwaves): Could you hear anything from the partner? Was it Rozanov?

Carter: Are you sure he wasn't doing, like, hot yoga? Or weights?

Hayes (Guardians): Marlow, Connors, have either of you heard from Rozanov?

Marlow (Bears): Fuck you, Hayes. I'm not putting my balls on the line for this.
Marlow (Bears): But hell yeah, go cap, satisfy your man.

Connors (Bears): What he said.
Connors (Bears): How long was the phone call?

Andropov (Voyageurs): Like... five minutes? I don't know. Not long.

The gifs Marlow and Connors put in the chat are far too smirky for Scott's taste.

Scott: You don't know for sure it was Rozanov.
Scott: Don't give him points for any goals he didn't score.

The chat fills with emojis. Not reactions. Actual emojis. Laughter and fire. Scott preens a little, despite the flush rising on his cheeks.

Sully (Heatwaves): Yeah, just because they're both on a sex vacation at the same time doesn't mean they're together.
Sully (Heatwaves): Could be a coincidence.

Scott: Your sarcasm is noted and unappreciated.

Carter: Rozanov could just be in Russia. Doesn't he go home every summer?

Connors (Bears): He never makes a big deal about us contacting him when he's in Russia.

Marlow (Bears): And his brother's a dick so I don't think he'll be visiting much now that his dad's dead.
Marlow (Bears): Dude hasn't even called to beg for money since the funeral and Rozy said he gave his brother his apartment in Moscow because his stepmom's a bitch who kept everything.

Staring at his screen, Scott frowns. He takes a breath and rubs at his neck.

Scott: ...please don't make me sympathize with Rozanov.
Scott: I'm still recovering from his attempt at kindness after the awards last month.

That earns him several laughing emojis.

Scott: Being on vacation at the same time isn't definitive evidence.
Scott: We're literally all on vacation right now.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Except Pike.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Pike is in hell.
Andropov (Voyageurs): I'm never having kids.

The subsequent string of gifs nearly ends the conversation. Scott is fully expecting the chat to go dormant for anotber few days, and then Lemaire pops back in.

Lemaire (Nomads): I'm sorry. Who actually spends their summer going on vacation?
Lemaire (Nomads): My break involves as little travel as fucking possible. No planes, trains, or buses.
Lemaire (Nomads): They're totally on a sex vacation.

Carter: I have to agree.
Carter: And don't think I'm not squinting at all your old summer 'holidays' now, cap.

Scott: ...point.
Scott: I'm not saying it's *not* a sex vacation.

Hayes (Guardians): Double negative.
Hayes (Guardians): What makes something a sex vacation rather than a regular vacation?

Andersson: Answering your phone during a blowjob?

Sully (Heatwaves): So, Hollander, at least, is definitely on a sex vacation then.
Sully (Heatwaves): He needs it too. Dude is wound tighter than a girdle on a minister's wife during the season.

Lemaire (Nomads): And now I'm picturing Hollander in a girdle. Fuck you.

Marlow (Bears): Kinky. Bet Roz would love that. Can't imagine Hollander going for that sort of thing though.

Connors (Bears): Hollzy is the definition of quiet and they're always the freaky ones.

Hayes (Guardians): Had to google.
Hayes (Guardians): Basically a weightlifting belt. No way Hollander isn't wearing that on the regular.

Sully (Heatwaves): Gonna be honest, I also had to google. Never thought about it.

Lemaire (Nomads): It was your fucking reference.

Andropov (Voyageurs): This went places I wasn't expecting.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Training camp is gonna be so awkward this year.

"What're you smiling about?" Kip asks when he returns from his dip in the water. Still dripping. He ducks down to steal a chaste kiss and Scott drags him in, earning himself an awkward squawk. "Scott! At least let me towel off first!"

"Nah," Scott kisses his forehead, wrapping his arms around his boyfriend, "I don't mind a little water." He wiggles his phone, "Need something to cool me off after hearing about the latest."

They descend into laughter. Scott holds Kip close as he types out a quick message.

Scott: Alright, I'm muting this chat for now. Gotta focus on *my* sex vacation.

He catches more than a few of the dramatic responses before tossing his phone aside. They'll be amusing later.

For now, he's got his hands full. And maybe his mouth, if he plays his cards right.

Chapter 3: Less Endearing

The start of the season includes several very amusing updates from the chat. Scott bursts out laughing mid-breakfast enough that he finally just shows Kip the chat.

"So..." Kip arches both eyebrows, "You're all speculating on the sexuality of your coworkers together." Scott cringes.

His phone vibrates and the chat lights up with another message.

Connors (Bears): Someone tell Hollander to stop doing Calvin Klein ads.
Connors (Bears): Roz is about to break the damn rowing machine and practice hasn't even started yet.

"I think its more wishful thinking," Scott clears his throat and pushes a hand up through his hair. He flashes Kip a grin.

The eyebrows stay arched. His phone buzzes again.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Make Rozanov behave during interviews first.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Hollzy caught the scrum after your preseason game last night and now we all suffer.
Andropov (Voyageurs): "Hollander is recovered now, yes? Or is injury his excuse for shitty backhand?"
Andropov (Voyageurs): We started practice an hour ago!

Marlow (Bears): How the fuck are you texting us then?

Andropov (Voyageurs): ...I might be hiding in the bathroom.

The West Coast hasn't woken up yet, but everyone on the eastern seaboard reacts with a laughing emoji. Even Kip cracks a smile.

"It's good natured," Scott assures him, "I've decided to find it endearing rather than creepy." He chuckles, "They really want Hollander and Rozanov to be a thing. Carter said my coming out has only given them more hope."

"Just be careful," Kip reminds him, handing him back the phone, "Stuff like that can seem harmless, but it could spiral.

Scott groans, head falling back, "I don't actually think they're gay." He wrinkles his nose before dropping his chin. "And if they are, I hope Hollander has better taste than that fucking asshole," he huffs out. Kip only rolls his eyes.

As if sensing his mood, Rozanov chooses that moment to text him. Their first game this season is against each other, but its still weeks away so Scott startles when his name pops up at the top of his phone.

Rozanov: I see CCM has started new campaign aimed at elderly people.
Rozanov: Congrats! Can think of no better spokesperson than dinosaur Scott Hunter.

A still photo of a television screen is attached. The commercial Hunter did over the summer paused mid-blur.

It has significantly more rainbows than he'd expected, especially for something coming out after pride month. Scott likes it anyway. Loves it even.

Scott: Is there anyway you can be supportive without insulting me?

A single angel emoji is Rozanov's only response. With a sigh, Scott taps back into the group chat instead.

Scott: How about you just get Rozanov out of the gym and onto the ice so he'll stop texting me.

Marlow and Connors react with a saluting emoji. They must take him seriously because he doesn't hear another word from any of the Boston players before his own practice.

In fact, when the chat bursts back to life, intent on giving Scott a headache, its his own damn players.

Carter: Alright, now that you've had time to adjust...
Carter: What do *you* think about Hollanov, cap?

A gif from Andersson of a cat with wide, pleading eyes quickly follows. Mocking him.

Scott: Did Kip put you up to this?

Carter: Oh?
Carter: Did you tell him your theory?

Scott: I told him *your* theory.

Gaze flicking up from his phone, Scott narrows his eyes on Kip. His boyfriend is puttering around in the bedroom, doing laundry. Very nonchalant...

"Did you tell Carter I don't ship them?" Scott checks and the sly smirk is answer enough. He groans, "Why would you do that?"

"They added you for your expertise didn't they?" Kip asserts, eyebrow arching again. Scott squints at him.

They'd discussed, at length, Rozanov's appearance at the club after the awards. His show of support. The possibilities for why he showed up.

"Just because they all agree with you about Rozanov being bi..."

Kip cuts him off with a groan, "You just don't want to admit he might have a crush on you!" Scott gags and glances down.

Sully (Heatwaves): Oh?
Sully (Heatwaves): And what did he think?
Sully (Heatwaves): Plausible?

Scott: Of course it's *plausible.*
Scott: It's just not likely.

His message earns him eye rolls, both in the chat and outside of it. Kip huffs when he reads over his shoulder.

Scott: Rozanov having a crush on Hollander seems the most likely to me.

Sully (Heatwaves): Ha!
Sully (Heatwaves): Suck it, Vinny!
Sully (Heatwaves): My theory is winning!

More than a few middle finger reactions pop up, along with some side eyes, but it doesn't slow Sullivan down at all.

Sully (Heatwaves): And by it, I mean a lemon.
Sully (Heatwaves): There will be no homophobia in this, our most sacred chat, especially not when Hunter agrees with me.

Lemaire (Nomads): Fuck you and your lemons.
Lemaire (Nomads): Even *if* you're right, that doesn't make me wrong.
Lemaire (Nomads): Mutual pining ftw.

Hayes (Guardians): I thought you were on Team Secret Husbands now?
Hayes (Guardians): You went on a whole rant about Hollzy locking that shit down during their sex vacation.

Lemaire (Nomads): I'm diversifying my portfolio.
Lemaire (Nomads): If the Hollanov fans online can have conflicting ships, *I* can have multiple theories.

The hair flipping gif is entirely unnecessary, but Scott laughs anyway. Before the chat can devolve further, Lemaire pushes, hard.

Lemaire (Nomads): And, seriously, Hunter?
Lemaire (Nomads): You don't have a single theory of your own?
Lemaire (Nomads): Weren't you the one that convinced Hollander to get drunk with us at the awards that first year by bringing up Rozanov?

All the eye reactions pop up in quick succession. Scott cringes.

Scott: Yes.
Scott: I literally just asked him and Rozanov to drink with us.
Scott: My original invitation included you too, Lemaire, so don't read too much into it.

A gif fills in the chat. Some random cartoon character squinting. Carter has latched on, quickly.

Carter: Wait, I remember this.
Carter: Didn't you call him 'your boy Rozanov' or something?
Carter: I have distinct memories of Hollzy's little mini panic attack.

Scott: Distinct memories?
Scott: You were drunk, Vaughny.

Lemaire (Nomads): Wait, was that why Hollzy was so jumpy before we did shots?

Sully (Heatwaves): Sounds like you might have tripped over something there, Huntz.

Another gif. Smirking this time. Hunter groans. He sinks into his couch with a frown, well aware of Kip snickering at him.

Scott: Don't read too much into it.
Scott: He was just nervous.
Scott: He also called me Mr. Hunter.

Andersson: Okay, that's just adorable.

Hayes (Guardians): Don't read too much into it?
Hayes (Guardians): This entire chat exists for the *purpose* of reading too much into everything!
Hayes (Guardians): Next you'll want me to stop reading comic books or breathing.
Hayes (Guardians): I would die without comic books, Hunter. Die.
Hayes (Guardians): Can't believe hockey's Captain American is trying to kill me...

As the reactions start filtering in, Scott rolls his eyes at the goalie's dramatics before adding a gif of the same.

Scott: Fine.
Scott: Read whatever you want.
Scott: But as the resident gay expert, I maintain my theory.
Scott: Hollander and Rozanov are just super competitive straight dudes.

The sheer number of thumbs downs his statement earns is a little disconcerting. Especially when they all start typing.

Carter: Kip says you just don't want to admit Rozanov has a crush on you.

"Traitor!" Scott calls out to his boyfriend. He watches all the exclamation marks pop up on Carter's message while Kip cackles.

Scott: I hate all of you.

Sully (Heatwaves): Sounds fake, but okay.

Hayes (Guardians): Incriminating, actually.

Marlow (Bears): Honestly?
Marlow (Bears): I'd buy that.

Connors (Bears): Cap chirps to show affection and he's usually pretty nice about it with you.

Blinking slowly, Scott stares at that last message. His jaw clenching. He stops reading whatever comes after it.

Scott: Nice?
Scott: Rozanov is *nice* to me??
Scott: I can't be within a 100 yards of the asshole without being called old!

Hayes (Guardians): No, yeah, that's pretty tame for Rozanov.
Hayes (Guardians): You should hear what he says to Kent. Barrett too, and he's not even a main target.

Scott: I'm only three years older than him!
Scott: Three!
Scott: But no, I gotta hear about how my knees are giving out and its time for me to retire. Even when I win the fucking cup!

Thumbs flying over the keyboard, Scott lays out every single piece of evidence he has for the fact that Rozanov is an asshole who definitely does not like him.

A crush! Ridiculous! The asshole is just a menace, on and off the ice.

Lemaire (Nomads): Holy shit, I think we broke Hunter.

Sully (Heatwaves): Truly, a magnificent crash out.

Carter: Breathe, cap, we get it.

Scott does take a breath. He looks up from his phone to find Kip sitting next to him. Eyebrow arched and a smirk decorating his very handsome face.

"You realize you just proved the opposite of your point, right?" Kip drawls and Scott glances down to see that, yes, he had only added fuel to the fire.

Marlow (Bears): If anything, this just proves Rozy pays way more attention to you than every other captain he chirps.

Andropov (Voyageurs): I hate to agree with a Bear, but...
Andropov (Voyageurs): His chirps are pretty generic for us. He calls Pike the 15th best player every game, but that's like... it.

Marlow (Bears): What's he say to Hollander?

Andropov (Voyageurs): Never heard.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Same shit he says in interviews probably?
Andropov (Voyageurs): Cap doesn't say. Just ignores him I think.

Lemaire (Nomads): ...what if this is all some sort of love triangle? Roz has a thing for Hunter obviously. Maybe he just doesn't realize Hollzy has it bad for him?

"Fuck..." Scott groans, falling sideways into Kip's lap. He pouts as fingers brush through his hair. Kip is still laughing when he presses a kiss to his cheek.

"Still endearing?" Kip teases him and Scott turns his face into his stomach. This is all Rozanov's fault.

Chapter 4: A Source in Montreal

Chapter Notes

In my head, I call this the ADHD Ramble chapter. Partially because of Hayes, partially because I just... kept adding more. ^^"

If I was gonna be a hockey player though, I'd want to be a Hayes. XD

Andropov (Voyageurs): Alright you fuckers, which one of you did it?
Andropov (Voyageurs): @Marlow (Bears) @Connors (Bears)

Scott arches his brow at the sudden message. Montreal is playing their season opener game tonight and so is Boston, against the Admirals.

Scott: What are you talking about?
Scott: The Bears are in New York...
Scott: We're playing in like an hour.

His message is immediately liked by both Bears. Andropov reacts with an eye roll.

Andropov (Voyageurs): So Pike just *happened* to get a delivery with a bunch of condoms and pamphlets on vasectomies and male birth control options?

Marlow (Bears): Vinny's the one who said it!

Lemaire (Nomads): Immediately throwing me under the bus? Rude.

Andropov (Voyageurs): The package has a Boston postmark!

Across the locker room, Andersson doubles over in laughter. It draws a few eyes, but no one even blinks at his sudden hysterical giggles. He's a goalie after all.

"Please tell me you're not the one who pranked Montreal?" Scott calls out, already sighing. Andersson barely manages to shake his head.

His question has everyone else reaching for their phones though. Scott turns back to his own groupchat to find more than a dozen messages.

Most of the guys find it funny. Several have questions. Scott amongst them. Thankfully, he does not have to ask them himself.

Connors (Bears): Wait...
Connors (Bears): There are male birth control options? Like... for dudes to take?

Hayes (Guardians): Yeah!
Hayes (Guardians): What do you think a condom is for?
Hayes (Guardians): Well, I suppose its for STDs too... but that's not the primary purpose.
Hayes (Guardians): And the ones with spermicide are obviously intended to make them even better about that specifically.
Hayes (Guardians): Check your dates though, cause they expire so fucking fast.

Marlow (Bears): Oh~ I thought it meant like, pills or something. Like what women take.

Hayes (Guardians): Those exist too I think?
Hayes (Guardians): Let me ask my wife. She'll probably know.

Marlow (Bears): Hold up!
Marlow (Bears): Roz just started snickering at his phone.

All the dots at the bottom of the chat immediately vanish. Questions silenced by the impending doom Scott can already feel in his bones.

Marlow (Bears): He said, and I quote!
Marlow (Bears): "Just getting an update from my source in Montreal."
Marlow (Bears): Smug bastard has the biggest fucking grin on his face.

Connors (Bears): Can confirm.
Connors (Bears): It's honestly kind of creepy how happy he is right now.

Marlow (Bears): Yeah. He usually only smiles like that when he's texting his Montreal Girl.

Scott blinks. He squints at the screen. At the message with all the laughing reactions and exclamation points rising in number. Already, Scott regrets what he's going to ask.

Scott: Montreal Girl?

Immediately, the hyenas descend.

Sully (Heatwaves): Oh~ You don't know?!

Lemaire (Nomads): Damn, how did we forget to mention this?

Andersson: Really, Vaughny? You just let cap walk around without this information?

A groan sounds from somewhere behind him. Scott doesn't bother to check on Carter. He glances briefly at the time.

Gear on. Routine complete. There's still a few minutes until they need to head for the tunnels. He thumbs back to his messages.

Scott: What did you do?

Rozanov responds almost immediately. The gif entirely sarcastic. Some cherubic child smiling and fluttering their lashes.

Scott: You're not even playing Montreal?!

Rozanov: Ah! You are jealous.

Rozanov: Don't worry, old man.
Rozanov: Have not forgotten you. I will crush you tonight so you don't feel neglected.

Scott: Fuck you.

Rozanov: No thanks.
Rozanov: Your boyfriend might get mad if I break his old man.

Scott: There's so much wrong with that sentence I don't even have time to explain it all before our game.

He didn't have time to check the groupchat either. Before long, Scott is facing off at the center line with Rozanov in person. The Russian just as smug as his teammates had said. More even.

"Still jealous?" Rozanov quips. Scott just rolls his eyes. "I am surprised you heard about it so quickly," he hums, eyes narrowing.

"You're not the only one with friends in Montreal," Scott says and Rozanov actually startles, just enough for Scott to win the face off at least.

Rozanov takes it personal apparently, because by the end of the third quarter, Rozanov has slammed him into boards more than Scott can count. His ribs ache and he can't even enjoy the Admirals 4-3 win against the Bears.

"Fucking hat trick in the first game of the season?" Scott huffs, ripping off the last of his gear after the media scrum. "Little shit is gonna be so annoying all year now!"

His phone buzzes, just to confirm.

Rozanov: Like your gift?

Scott glares at the kissy emoji Rozanov sends next. He marches into the shower as quickly as he can. The heat and pressure are amazing on his back, but Rozanov's last taunt is still waiting for him when Scott gets back to his cubby.

Rozanov: Told you I had not forgotten.

Exhaling slowly, Scott taps out his response with only a little more force than necessary.

Scott: Maybe if you had, you might have won.

Rozanov: Rude!
Rozanov: And after I am being so nice to you, grandpa?
Rozanov: I am devastated!
Rozanov: When I see Kip I will tell him you're being mean to me.

Scott: And you think he will care?

Rozanov: Let's find out, yes?

And image pops up immediately. Rozanov, in his game day suit, grinning at the camera, one arm slung around Kip's shoulder. Kip is laughing, hand up to wave at the camera.

Cursing emphatically, Scott rushes to get dressed. His hair is still wet when he finds them. Kip has already invited Rozanov to dinner with them. The traitor.

By the time Scott gets back to the group chat, it has over a 100 new messages. He skims through them as best he can.

Marlow (Bears): Montreal Girl is the 'girl' Roz has been seeing for years. Every time we played there, he would disappear for hours at a time, after smiling at his phone for days.
Marlow (Bears): I saw the contact name a few times. 'Her' name is Jane.

The gif after that from Sully is not at all subtle. Scott has seen The Incredibles enough times to know the scene.

He will admit... it is a very suspicious coincidence...

Sully (Heatwaves): When Hollzy was dating Rose Landry, Roz deviated from pattern.

Connors (Bears): And was grumpy.
Connors (Bears): Do not forget the grumpy.
Connors (Bears): The bag skates the practice after that impromptu night out still haunt me.

Lemaire (Nomads): Does this mean Hollander helped Rozanov prank his best friend?
Lemaire (Nomads): Which could mean nothing...

Scott rolls his eyes and keeps scrolling. A wall of text from Hayes soon fills his screen.

Hayes (Guardians): Guys!
Hayes (Guardians): I asked my wife about the birth control for dudes thing.
Hayes (Guardians): You will not *believe* this shit!
Hayes (Guardians): Apparently they cancelled some trials for a pill because the dudes couldn't handle the side effects. But they're the same side effects as the pill for women.
Hayes (Guardians): Which like, yeah, they suck. Lisa was always absolutely miserable and that's why she switched to the implant.
Hayes (Guardians): But still!!
Hayes (Guardians): There was a shot too, but it got stopped or recalled or something. Also because of side effects. Might've caused infertility or something.
Hayes (Guardians): So there is literally *no* male version of the pill on the market right now! That's insane to me!

Apparently most of the guys agree with him. Scott flicks past several overly confident claims that they could handle the side effects of birth control and a few vaguely misogynistic grumbles about how a pill would make it easier to avoid getting baby trapped.

He's caught up now and Scott is actively debating muting the entire chat while watching them argue about something none of them knew existed 24 hours ago. And then Price chimes in, stopping them all in their tracks.

Sully (Heatwaves): I just don't get why it'd take so long to figure this shit out.
Sully (Heatwaves): Isn't it easier to like... take the bullets out of the gun?
Sully (Heatwaves): My mom always said protection is the man's responsibility.

Price (Buffalo): Misogyny.
Price (Buffalo): Dudes don't get pregnant, so people don't care.

Every time Price says anything, the rest of the chat stops. Briefly. It happens rarely, and usually only when he's specifically asked something. The guys usually quick to acknowledge him.

This time they dont't. The silence is awkward, and noticable. Scott sighs.

If he doesn't do something, Price probably won't talk for months. Even though he's obviously correct.

Scott: I have absolutely no skin in this game.
Scott: But if science could develop something to ensure no Baby Rozanovs show up to haunt me, I'd appreciate if they could do it quicker.

Laughing emojis fill the chat and the reactions. Marlow sends a gif of some southern woman scowling.

Andropov (Voyageurs): I mean...
Andropov (Voyageurs): Isn't that what him dating the captain does? If he's with Hollzy, he's not with a woman right?

Sully (Heatwaves): Gay people have babies too.

Andersson: Cap will just have hope they'll make little Hollanders instead.

Hayes (Guardians): But like...
Hayes (Guardians): If they *could* have babies...
Hayes (Guardians): The hockey genes?
Hayes (Guardians): I sure as hell wouldn't want to play against that kid. Guaranteed hall of famer for sure!

Carter: Probably super cute too!
Carter: Hollander's face? Rozanov's hair?
Carter: That kid would have an endorsement deal for diapers before they learn to walk!

Scott takes a moment to squint at Carter's messages. An actual shiver running up his spine. The very idea of a Hollanov combo making him shudder.

They were scary enough on the ice together without imagining what their *combined* skill would look like in a single person.

Scott: Luckily, that kid isn't real.
Scott: Just like the chance of Hollander ever being interested in that asshole isn't real.

Connors (Bears): Why are you being so mean to Rozy tonight?
Connors (Bears): Is this because he posted that selfie with your boyfriend?

Marlow (Bears): Getting a little jealous there, Hunter?
Marlow (Bears): Afraid sweet ol' Kip will fall for a charming young Bear? A rougher, tougher, *better* player?

Scott: Why would anyone go for a Bear when they can have an *Admiral?*
Scott: Or did you miss me scoring the game winning goal tonight?

Andersson: Rozanov *did* get a hat trick tonight though.
Andersson: On Benny!
Andersson: He was on fire tonight, cap. You saw how many shots the Bears took!
Andersson: I don't know how Rozanov got by him even once...

Smiling to himself, Scott took a screenshot of Andersson's message to share with Eric later. He'd have to ask him about his latest training plan too. It was obviously working for him...

Like clockwork though, the rookies of 2010 ruin his day.

Lemaire (Nomads): Silver Lining? If Roz steals your boyfriend, at least you'll win the bet about Hollzy having better taste.

Sully (Heatwaves): Not necessarily.
Sully (Heatwaves): Open relationships are a thing. Maybe Hollanov is casual.

Had they drafted exclusively assholes in 2009? Hollander just so good and polite that every other player in his class had to be evil to balance it out?

Carter: Maybe they need a third.

Scott: I hate all of you.

Chapter End Notes

If anyone can find a way for two men to have a baby together, it is Yuna Hollander. I need to write that... one day~

Chapter 5: A Fight with Daddy Hunter

The Admirals beat Montreal 3-2 and Hollander did his best Terminator impression during the handshake line so Scott is not surprised to see all the notifications on his phone when he turns it back on. He waits until he's out of the locker room - because Scott refuses to make the same mistake a second time - before he actually looks at any of them.

Lemaire (Nomads): Hollander just casually contemplating homicide on the ice right now I see.

Sully (Heatwaves): Don't leave Bennett unattended tonight, Admirals.
Sully (Heatwaves): He just denied Hollzy his hat trick and our boy takes that personally.

Marlow (Bears): Roz already has his phone out. Brace for impact!

More than a few screenshots pop up after that. Scott scrolls past them on the way to his car, reading absently. He swipes over to twitter once he's caught up.

As expected, Rozanov hadn't just tagged Hollander in his chirping.

Ilya Rozanov ✅️ @ilya81
Only 2 goals @shollz24? After I softened them up for you and everything?

↪️Ilya Rozanov ✅️ @ilya81
If Old Man @scotthunterofficial and his Admirals are making you work this hard for so little, my trip to Montreal next week will be so *boring.*

Rolling his eyes, Scott tosses his phone into the cup holder before pulling out of his space. It's a short drive home and an even quicker trip on the subway to Carter's place after he changes. By the time he arrives, they're both on the roof, feet kicked up around the firepit.

"You see Rozanov's tweets?" Carter asks before Scott can even sit down, a giant grin on his face, "He got Hollzy to actually respond for once and the internet is losing its shit!"

Scott exchanges a quick look with Eric before they both pull out their phones.

Ilya Rozanov ✅️ @ilya81
Only 2 goals @shollz24? After I softened them up for you and everything?

↪️Ilya Rozanov ✅️ @ilya81
If Old Man @scotthunterofficial and his Admirals are making you work this hard for so little, my trip to Montreal next week will be so *boring.*

↪️Shane Hollander ✅️ @shollz24
@ilya81 Keep your eyes on the puck, Rozanov.

From any other player that would be a lukewarm response at best. From Hollander...

"Is this a threat? I feel like this is a threat..." Scott mumbles to himself. Carter absolutely cackles when he says it.

Unsurprisingly, the messages in the group chat rise quickly. Scott finds himself laughing despite his better judgement.

Hayes (Guardians): So how long before Hollander actually kills him ya think?
Hayes (Guardians): It's 4 hours from NYC to Boston right?

Carter: 3.5

Lemaire (Nomads): Hollzy is not the type to speed.
Lemaire (Nomads): But its only an hour by plane.

Sully (Heatwaves): Might let Rozanov live in fear until right before their game.
Sully (Heatwaves): Build up the suspense.

Another alert drags him back to twitter.

↪️Ilya Rozanov ✅️ @ilya81
@shollz24 My eyes are always on the puck. That's why I won the scoring race last season.

↪️Ilya Rozanov ✅️ @ilya81
@shollz24 Looks like I will win it again. Or are you betting on dinosaur @scotthunterofficial this year?

"Why does he have to keep dragging me into it..." Scott grumbles. Carter and Eric both laugh at him when he scowls at the phone. He misses Huff.

Going out on the high note of a cup win is all well and good until it leaves Scott alone with the peanut gallery.

"It could be worse," Eric reminds him, taking a sip of his drink, eyebrows arching high, "I thought Hollander might actually drop gloves when I blocked that last puck."

"Would've been a beaut!" Carter snickers, "Bell ringer hat trick." He shakes his head, grinning wide, "Almost worth the overtime it would've cost us."

Scott agrees easily, taking a sip of his beer, "I don't think us winning in overtime would've made him any less homicidal."

His phone buzzes again. He almost ignores it, half convinced it'll just be more public chirping from Rozanov.

If only...

Lemaire (Nomads): You know...
Lemaire (Nomads): This just has me wondering what it would take to actually make Hollzy drop gloves.
Lemaire (Nomads): Care to share, Huntz?

The sheer number of eye emoji reactions is enough to have Scott cringing. For half a second he considers just tossing his phone in the fire pit.

But Carter is staring at him from across the flames. Less than subtle in his impersonation of the damn emoji. Eric arches a brow, glancing between them.

"Am I missing something?" he asks.

"No," Hunter says quickly, right when Carter laughs, "Yes." With a groan, Hunter sinks down in his seat.

He wishes Kip hadn't needed to grade midterms tonight. At least when his boyfriend interrogated him about the fight, he'd gotten a blow job after.

"It's nothing," Hunter insists. Carter hums, squinting at him as he takes a drink.

"Me thinks the captain doth protests too much," Carter clicks his tongue and starts typing on his phone.

Carter: He is *avoiding* the topic, boys.

Sully (Heatwaves): Oh, so there's something *there* there.

Hayes (Guardians): What'd you do Hunter?!

Scott: Nothing.
Scott: Why do you think it was my fault?
Scott: Hollander threw the first punch.

Lemaire (Nomads): Do you have any idea how many slurs Hollzy hears every season?
Lemaire (Nomads): The man is Locked Down.

Carter: You had to have said something, Scotty.
Carter: Tell us! Please!

Scott rolls his eyes at the pleading cat gif that follows. He takes another drink.

"So, Benny..." Carter drawls and Scott immediately stiffens, "Has Scott ever told you what he said to Hollzy last year that made him lose it after the game?"

"No, he has not," Eric sits up, eyebrows arching, eyes wide. He even leans forward. Expectant.

With a groan, Scott types out a message.

Scott: I officially hate all of you more than Rozanov.

Carter glances at his phone and chokes, "Oh my god, Scotty, what did you say?"

"It wasn't anything bad!" Scott huffs. His face burns when Carter just stares, harder.

The longer he puts it off, the worse he looks. He knows that. Lemaire's not wrong about Hollander after all. His skin is thicker than most.

And his last message has incited a proper maelstrom of beggings gifs.

"Okay, so..." Hunter drags a hand down his face, "I might have been having some issues with Kip last year, when I got into that fight with Hollander."

Eric's eyebrows shot up, but Carter actually gasps, "Oh my god, you really provoked Canada's golden boy?!"

Sputtering, Scott shakes his head, arms waving in front of him immediately, "No!"

"Very convincing, Scotty," Eric drawls. Carter nods, thumbs flying. When his phone starts buzzing, Scott knows better than to look.

"Traitor..." he grumbles before he checks anyway.

Carter: Dudes...
Carter: We got a Hollander/Hunter fight because *someone* was fighting with his boyfriend~

Andropov (Voyageurs): For a second, I forgot Hunter was gay and thought you meant the captain.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Then I remembered.

Andersson: Someone remind me to thank Kip next time I see him.

Scott: Do Not
Scott: We'll be doing bag skates for a week if you try.

Sully (Heatwaves): Oh~
Sully (Heatwaves): This is *touchy* touchy.

Lemaire (Nomads): Please tell us you're getting the whole story, Vaughny?

Carter: Not yet.
Carter: He's still grumbling about us all ganging up on him.
Carter: Benny's giving him *the look* though, don't worry.
Carter: He'll get it out of him.

Annoyingly, Carter is not wrong. Scott can only avoid Eric's gaze for so long. Checking the group chat only makes him look more suspicious.

Hayes and Andersson are going on about goalie superpowers. Scott tucks his phone away and gives in.

"Fine," Scott huffs, sitting up in his seat. He points a finger at Carter, "But you're not allowed to read anything into it." His sharp tone only earns him an overdramatic gasp.

"Me?" Carter holds a hand to his chest, sniffling, "Why am I being singled out?"

For the first time, Eric actually looks a little worried. His brows knitting together, "You didn't say something actually offensive did you?" Carter tenses, noticibly.

"Nothing like that!" Scott assures him, quickly. "I'm just worried about how the group chat will... interpret it," he admits.

"Oh?" Carter perks right up, a giant grin spreading across his face.

With a sigh, Scott launches into his story, ignoring Eric's confusion and Carter's excitement. "Really, the whole thing is Rozanov's fault. He'd chirped at me the game before, and then Hollander skates up to me after ours saying almost the same damn thing, too fucking earnest and-"

"What'd he say exactly?" Eric squints at him. Scott feels his cheeks heating up again and groans.

"He said he hoped the next time we played each other I would actually show up," Scott watches them both cringe. He rubs absently as his neck as he says, "Yeah... its one thing from Rozanov, but..."

Carter clicks his tongue, "When Hollzy chirps, he actually means that shit." Eric nods, leaning back to take a sip of his drink.

Scott kind of wishes he had something stronger than a beer when he agrees, "Exactly! So I told him he was starting to sound like Rozanov."

As expected, Carter stills. His eyes slowly widening. Eric just quirks his head, "Wait, what? That's it?"

"Yeah, I just said 'you're starting to sound like him' and Hollander got real defensive real fast," Scott explains, scrubbing a hand down his face, "I didn't even name Rozanov, but... he obviously took offense at the comparison."

"Oh, sure, it was the comparison he was worried about!" Carter nearly falls into the fire he's so busy laughing.

Eric just squints at him, face scrunching up in confusion. He gestures vaguely at Carter, "What is he on about?"

Scott pulls out his phone again. He's about to hand it over before Carter waves him off.

"Oh no, you don't get to know!" Carter teases Eric, exaggerating a pout, "You said you didn't want to be in my 'gossipy' group chat, remember?"

"Your gossipy group chat talks about Hollander and Rozanov?" Eric asks, eyebrow arching as his gaze turns to Scott.

Biting back a laugh, Scott nods, "That would, in fact, be the primary purpose of the chat. Though the guys definitely get off topic more often than not."

The eyebrows rise only higher. Eric sits up, gaze flicking from Scott, blushing, to Carter, still laughing.

"Alright, you have my attention."

Scott: Carter has converted Bennett.
Scott: Try to be normal for at least a minute.

Hayes (Guardians): We'll be normal once you tell us about your fight with Hollander.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Yeah, what'd you say to upset my captain?!

Lemaire (Nomads): Did he shoot you down for a threesome?

Scott: You're almost as bad as Rozanov, Vinny...

Marlow (Bears): He wishes.

Connors (Bears): Cap has never been turned down for a threesome.

Scott: ...you assholes didn't even manage a minute.

Benny: I already regret this.

Carter: Shush! You asked to be here.
Carter: On to the important news!
Carter: Scott told Hollzy he was "starting to sound like him" (Rozanov implied!) and Captain Calm Under Pressure lost his shit.

Sully (Heatwaves): Holy fuck.
Sully (Heatwaves): Gay on gay violence at center ice and nobody knew.

Scott: Fuck off.
Scott: You don't know if Hollander is actually gay.

Lemaire (Nomads): Don't we though?

Connors (Bears): He broke up with *The* Rose Landry.
Connors (Bears): No straight or bisexual man would ever recover from fumbling a woman like that.

"Seriously?" Scott looks up from his phone, ignoring all of the reactions agreeing with Connors. He's left with another of Carter's grin. The asshole.

"Yeah, cap, she's a smoke show, and like, actually a pretty cool person too according to Gloria."

With a groan, Scott slumps in his seat, settling in for the certain chaos coming for him in the chat. The dots at the bottom of his screen haven't stopped bouncing for even a second since Carter's last message.

Benny: Hollander totally thought Scotty was implying they were together right?
Benny: Even if they're not a thing, that's the only reason for him to go off like that.
Bennt: I'm not crazy am I?

Head rising from his phone, Eric wrinkles his nose, "Wait... our final game with the Bears last season... Rozanov checked you like three times didn't he?"

"Oh yeah!" Carter latches on to that, eyes bright, "He spent half the game in the box!"

Scott takes another long drink from his beer. His phone buzzing incessantly.

Sully (Heatwaves): We need to update the spreadsheet.
Sully (Heatwaves): I'm officially on Team Secret Husbands.

Lemaire (Nomads): Right?!
Lemaire (Nomads): Hollzy fought Daddy Hunter over Rozanov and then took him on a sex vacation.
Lemaire (Nomads): If that's not serious, I don't know what is.

Fuck He should have kept his mouth shut. Scott curses, emphatically, as he watches the messages pour in. He'll never know peace again now.

Chapter 6: Mama's Boys

Chapter Summary

Trade News hits the chat like a grenade and then the press conference has Scott in his feels.

Chapter Notes

Warning: This chapter is a bit angstier than all the others. Still lots of humor! But I do not think Scott could hear about Ilya's mom and avoid some sort of emotional crash out.

Scott regrets all of his life choices the moment he looks at his phone. The season is over. Playoffs done. There is not a single reason why his phone should be blowing up.

No good reason anyway.

Maybe Crowell finally saw the write up for his last interview with Men's Health?

He should not have answered that question about PrEP. Or the one about using pineapple juice in his smoothies.

As if it was his fault they caught him off guard?! Its not like anyone else gets these questions...

First Gay Player in the League. Scott could win a dozen cups and he'll probably still only be remembered for his sexuality, for coming out. Not that anyone seems to appreciate when he adds the word 'out' in front of 'gay.'

"Why are you glaring at your phone?" Kip asks, voice rough with sleep and eyes still closed as he turns over in bed. "I thought we agreed no stress - hockey or history - when we're outside the country?"

"I have over a hundred notifications from twitter alone," Scott tells him.

Kip's eyes snap open then, "What happened?!" He scrambles for his own phone on the bedside table.

So much for their vacation in Rome...

Ignoring all of his social media, Scott checks his email first. He breathes an actual sigh of relief when he scolls through the unread messages.

Nothing from his agent. No surprise contract changes or sudden scandals.

He has a no trade clause, sure, and he's the captain, but the Admirals didn't manage back to back cup wins. Scott fully expects a good chunk of the support he's garnered as an out player to dry up along with the hype from his coming out.

The phone buzzes in his hand. A new notification pops on screen.

Sully (Heatwaves): I would just like to remind everyone that Ottawa is Hollzy's hometown.

Scott furrows his brow and clicks into the group chat. Immediately, he understands why his phone is blowing up.

"Holy shit!" Kip gasps. He sits up, gaping at his phone. No doubt looking at the same headline staring up at Scott from the group chat.

Star Center Ilya Rozanov Signs With Ottawa Centaurs

Lemaire (Nomads): Dude wins a second cup and then bails?!
Lemaire (Nomads): @Marlow (Bears) @Connors (Bears)
Lemaire (Nomads): Get in here and explain you fuckers!

Andropov (Voyageurs): This is the best news I've received in my entire life.

Marlow (Bears): Fuck you

Sully (Heatwaves): Not the time Andy.
Sully (Heatwaves): This sucks for Boston.
Sully (Heatwaves): You good, Marly?

Connors (Bears): No.
Connors (Bears): None of us are 'good' rn
Connors (Bears): We're with the cap though. He wanted us to hear it from him and not the news.
Connors (Bears): Invited the whole team and even a few of the AHL guys.
Connors (Bears): No one is taking it well.

Cringing, Scott tries not to imagine that meeting. The damage - either to livers or infrastructure - coming Boston's way. The Bears haven't even finished their celebrations yet and Rozanov pulls this?

"He announced it to his team first," Scott raises his head, eyes wide as he stares at Kip. He doesn't need a mirror to know what he probably looks like.

Kip offers him his best supportive smile, already moving to wrap his arms around Scott's shoulders, to hold him.

"Of course," Kip kisses the side of his head, "Rozanov is an asshole, but he loves his team." Scott exhales.

"Then why the hell would he do this?" Scott pushes a hand up through his hair. "This..." he gestures with his phone, the words stumbling, stuttering, never quite making it out of his mouth.

Scott can't imagine anything that would motivate him to leave the Admirals. Nothing could make him walk away from the guys. Choose to leave his brothers.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Shit. Sorry guys. I know he's your friend.

Lemaire (Nomads): He tell you why the fuck he's leaving his Stanley Cup winning team for fucking *Ottawa?!*

Hayes (Guardians): Did something happen with management?
Hayes (Guardians): Cap space or something?

With a scoff, Scott starts typing. Thumbs flying before he can stop himself.

Scott: No way Rozanov walks because of money.

Benny: He's one of the highest paid players in the league
Benny: And he just won his second cup.
Benny: Man could ask for the moon and any GM with a brain would give it to him.

Price (LTIR): Could, but wouldn't.

"Rozanov loves hockey," Scott huffs, glaring at his phone again, "He loves winning at hockey."

A quick swipe and he's scrolling through twitter, then instagram. Neither provides any answers. No reason, no explanation.

The announcement from Rozanov reads more like a love letter to the Bears than a farewell. Scott nearly throws his phone.

"This makes no fucking sense."

Carter: Ottawa is like 2 hours from Montreal right?
Carter: Like Sully said, its Hollander's hometown.
Carter: If he's not moving for love, I don't know what the hell Roz is thinking.

Connors (Bears): Fuck Hollzy
Connors (Bears): If he *is* the reason we're losing our captain, I'm never forgiving him.
Connors (Bears): Sainty's about to punch a wall. Marly looks like someone shot his damn dog. Even Roz is fucking crying!

Hayes (Guardians): Damn.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Fuck, even we know Rozanov loves you guys.
Andropov (Voyageurs): He fucking says as much at the end of every game.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Gotta be something next level important for him to go.

The chat goes silent. Marly doesn't say anything for months and no one wants to be the one who wakes the sleeping Bears. They nearly set a record for penalty minutes during their season opener.

"It's gonna be a bloodbath when Boston plays Ottawa..." Carter cringes at the television as they watch Ottawa's season opener.

Rozanov is good, but even he can't win by himself. His stormy expression during the post-game interviews proves the Russian knows it too.

Its enough to finally break the silence.

Scott: Anyone want to bet on how long before Rozanov snaps and tries to punch a reporter?

Sully (Heatwaves): Tries?
Sully (Heatwaves): Don't count Rozy out like that, Hunter.

Lemaire (Nomads): Yeah, if Roz wants to punch someone, that fist is landing, no question.

Marlow (Bears): Facts

Connors (Bears): He definitely won't though.
Connors (Bears): Rozy only hits back, never first.

Hayes (Guardians): So... what I'm hearing is that we should bet on how long before Roz manages to chirp a reporter into starting a fight instead?

The laughing reactions pour in immediately and then they're off. Gifs and chirps galore filling the chat, breaking down the months of silence.

Scott smiles as he scrolls through it all. He savors it before getting up to show it all to Kip. It earns him a chuckle and one exaggerated eye roll.

"You know, I think you enjoy that group chat more than your team chat at this point," Kip teases him. When Scott squawks at the accusation, Kip just grins.

"I tolerate this chat!" Scott sniffs, ignoring his boyfriend's snort. He frowns and rolls his shoulders back, "It's just... nice, having some place wholly supportive."

Supportive and also vaguely uninterested in Scott. His team is full of good guys. The locker room is safe. Their team chat.

But he's their captain. The leader. The example.

"It's nice, sometimes, not having to be some perfect gay role model," Scott mumbles, face flushing. Kip just smiles.

He's right, of course. Scott does enjoy this chat more than the one he has with his team. And he'd missed the chaos a bit, these last few months. Missed their random 'web weaving' and overly complicated 'narratives' spinkled amongst the silly memes and dumb questions.

"Go roast the theoretical bisexual," Kip shoos him away, dropping his head as he focuses back on the textbook in front of him. "Let me know when Rozanov sets twitter on fire next."

Unfortunately, its not long before the internet basically implodes. Kip does not appreciate when Scott accuses him of jinxing it. The chat agrees with him

Carter: Tell Kip he needs to work that magic on our playoff chances. WTF?

Lemaire (Nomads): Guys, is it gay to start a charity with your long term rivalry who plays for your hometown?
Lemaire (Nomads): What if you name it after his *mom* and center the whole initiative around her struggle?
Lemaire (Nomads): Asking for a friend.

Sully (Heatwaves): I know you're doing a bit but seriously...
Sully (Heatwaves): The way Hollzy looked at him when Roz talked about his mom?
Sully (Heatwaves): If that's not love I don't know what is.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Dude, I was fucking bawling my eyes out. Cap could've kissed him right on the mouth I wouldn't have seen a damn thing.
Andropov (Voyageurs): @Marlow (Bears) @Connors (Bears) I know you're still grieving, but I'm glad Roz isn't in Boston anymore. I think I'd die of embarassment feeling this level of sympathy for a Bear.

Marlow (Bears): Yeah, I didn't know that about his mom.
Marlow (Bears): Not surprised he played it so close to the vest given how shit his dad was, but damn.
Marlow (Bears): Gonna have to hug that asshole twice as hard before we massacre his team on the ice next.

Lemaire (Nomads): You do that.
Lemaire (Nomads): I'm gonna awkwardly not meet his eyes for like... 3 faceoffs. Maybe 4.
Lemaire (Nomads): And also maybe fly my mom out for our next homestand.

Sully (Heatwaves): "maybe"
Sully (Heatwaves): Fuck off. We both know you've already bought the tickets.

Sniffling, Scott burrows into his couch a bit more. The television is muted. Video from the press conference plays on a loop behind some talking head.

He likes Marlow's message, and Lemaire's, but he can't quite bring himself to press the laughing emoji for Sully's.

Luckily, as happens more and more often as late, Scott is rescued from his pity spiral by Ryan Price. Gay solidarity in action.

Price (Guardians): Fucking brave, both of them.
Price (Guardians): Good to see guys like them centering mental health in this league.

Hayes (Guardians): Agreed!
Hayes (Guardians): Hopefully their teams are more supportive than ours. Maybe if these jerks tried therapy they'd be more bearable.

Andropov: Wouldn't bet on it.
Andropov: Cormeau is in marriage counseling and he is 1000% worse for it.

Carter: Pour one out for the WAGs. At least we only have to deal with these dudes on the ice.

Andropov: Pour one out for *me*!!
Andropov: I'm stuck dealing with Cormeau way more than his wife.

Benny: Which is probably why he's in marriage counseling.
Benny: Not the same as regular therapy btw. Counseling is more for like... learning to communicate. Therapy is for processing.

Sully (Heatwaves): Noted. And highly suspicious... you good Bennett?

Benny: Good enough.

Squinting at his phone, Scott wastes no time swiping over to their private chat. It does him no good.

A wall is a wall, whether the goalie is on the ice or off. Scott huffs and returns to the main chat.

Lemaire (Nomads): We'll circle back to that.
Lemaire (Nomads): Right now I need to process that Hollanov is apparently far enough into their Enemies to Lovers arc to be sharing tragic backstories.

Scott adds his own reaction to increasing number of pointing fingers and exploding heads.

Connors (Bears): Yeah
Connors (Bears): So far in Hollander gets to know shit about Roz he didn't even ahare with his *best friend*

The side eye emote Connors chose to include leaves no question as to whether he's still angry about Rozanov's trade.

If he really did move for Hollander...

Scott winces at the cat gif Connors sends next. A grumpy animated kitten.

Hayes (Guardians): Easy now, CC.
Hayes (Guardians): Some things are easier to share with a partner than a friend.

Lemaire (Heatwaves): And some things only come out post orgasm.
Lemaire (Heatwaves): Give the man a break, he's sharing a pillow with Mr. Perfect, we'd all break under those conditions.

Scott: Seriously, Lemaire?
Scott: Your chirps are subpar but you're somehow still worse than Rozanov.

He ignores the gif of some offended gasp. Lemaire has obviously hit his limit for serious conversations. It'll be at least twenty minutes before he finishes demonstrating his 'superior' chirps.

Thumb hovering over Rozanov's contact photo, Scott takes a breath. He has no idea what to say.

Should he congratulate him on the foundation? Offer him condolences?

A decade hasn't made it any easier for Scott. He takes another breath and pushes thoughts of his own mother away.

Rozanov's cocky smirk stares back at him from the screen. An arrogant rookie looking right at the camera, one finger in the air and a cigarette dangling from his lips.

Fuck. Maybe Lemairr is on to something with the 'avoiding eye contact plan.

Sully (Heatwaves): That's it. I'm calling Mrs. Lem. You obviously need supervision.

Scott snorts. A wet laugh rattles through his chest and he tosses the phone away.

"Kip?" Scott calls out, voice cracking.

He can't call his mom, and neither can Rozanov, but on the screen Yuna Hollander is fretting over the 6ft Russian, glaring daggers at a reporter who tries to follow the blond. She herds Rozanov out of the room. Hollander too.

When Kip rushes into the room, eyes wide and chest heaving, Scott manages a wobbly smile, "You think your parents would want to come for dinner tonight?"

Strong arms envelop him in a warm embrace and Scott clings to his boyfriend, holding tight as Kip whispers all sorts of empty platitudes into his ear. He doesn't cry. It's been over a decade. Nearly two.

There's no reason to cry. He has a good life, an amazing boyfriend, supportive friends. More money than he knows what to do with.

"Oh Scotty!" Margaret Grady clicks her tongue the moment she sees him. Scott hugs her just as tight as he had Kip. Maybe tighter. She rocks him in her arms and... Scott breaks, sobbing into her shoulder.

In the morning, he makes a donation. No texts. No congratulations.

Rozanov doesn't need any more reminders of what he's missing. Not from Scott. They're both fully aware.

He signs it with his mother's name instead of his own and the message is clear enough.

Rozanov: Thank you

The asshole only includes one dinosaur emoji this time. Fucking softy.

Chapter End Notes

A couple things...

Did I give Ilya another cup with the Bears? Yes. Is it canon? No. Is it necessary for the plot? Also no. But its always bugged me that their wins weren't symmetrical before Ilya left Boston and I think it would make the Bears lowkey feral if he left right after winning a cup.

Also, sorry for my long hiatus. Tried new meds. It did not go well... Couldn't write at all. Got a few weeks before the next attempt so hopefully I can wrap this fic up before then! 🤞

Side Note: Is it weird that writing this fic has made me want to ship Sully and Lemaire? We could make that draft class hella gay, all I'm saying... does anyone else see the vision?

Chapter 7: Fuck Brad

Chapter Summary

Scott has a moment of realization.

Chapter Notes

The video drops on twitter like a fucking nuke. Scott isn't sure what leaves him more shellshocked: the video itself, or the fall out in the group chat.

Andropov starts things off on the worse foot possible with a gif from some sitcom. It is not entirely inaccurate unfortunately...

Lemaire (Nomads): Oh its not just happening, Andy, it fucking *happened*
Lemaire (Nomads): Even with Goalie Tight Lips over there being all shy, we knew!
Lemaire (Nomads): We knew the whole time!

Sully (Heatwaves): Whole time may be an overestimation.
Sully (Heatwaves): We don't know the timeline.

Lemaire (Nomads): Unless they were fucking before rookie year, you and I *definitely* knew the whole time, Sully.
Lemaire (Nomads): Don't harsh my vibe.

Sully (Heatwaves): If I don't, who will?
Sully (Heatwaves): Your ego is already too big for your point production.

Carter: Oh~ Burn!
Carter: Leave it to Phoenix to come in hot.

The reactions and gifs are amusing, Scott will admit that. He adds none of his own though. Still staring, wide eyed and frozen, at his screen.

Marlow (Bears): Lets take a moment of silence for all the gay hearts breaking in Boston right now.
Marlow (Bears): They didn't even know they had a chance with Roz before Hollzy swept him off his feet.

Connors (Bears): *stole him

Hayes (Centaurs): Let it go CC.

Connors (Bears): Never.
Connors (Bears): This is proof that Hollzy sabatoged the Bears!
Connors (Bears): He seduced our captain and made him move to the most boring city in Canada. Absolutely diabolical!

Marlow (Bears): Dude.
Marlow (Bears): Did you watch that video?
Marlow (Bears): Have you met Roz?
Marlow (Bears): He is right where he wants to be and I ain't risking my life protecting you if he hears you talking shit about his boy.

Connors (Bears): ...okay, yeah, locker room rules apply, dudes, no snitching on me.

Marlow (Bears): We're looking at you, Andropov. Mouth zipped!

Andropov (Voyageurs): Fuck you!
Andropov (Voyageurs): That was one time!

Andropov (Voyageurs): I had to tell someone when cap told us he was gay and this is suppose to be a safe space!

Scott cringes at the reminder of how the first outing had gone. Even if they'd all agreed to keep their mouths shut, finding out their captain was gay had apparently changed the vibe in Montreal. Not for the better either.

He'd watched every Voyageur game after Andy's crash out and immediately caught on. The only d-man looking out for Shane is Boiziau. His usual lineys seem unphased, but whenever the coach subs someone in for Pike or Andropov...

How the Voyageurs managed another cup last season with their messy passing and horrendous is nothing short of miraculous. A true testament to Hollander's determination and focus.

One look at twitter and Scott is fairly certain there won't be a fourth cup in his future though. Not with Montreal at least.

Scott: What the fuck is this about them being benched??

Hayes (Centaurs): Just got a message from coach about that.
Hayes (Centaurs): He's pissed. Management too. Not their decision. Order came from Cowell.
Hayes (Centaurs): Bood already laid down the law in the GC though. Mouths shut til we hear from Roz. Gonna follow his lead so we don't mess up an damage control they might have planned.

Benny: Good plan. I can't imagine Hollzy and his team don't have a plan for this. And Roz must too, with the Russia of it all I'm sure they have to tread very carefully.

Marlow (Bears): Hazy, can you send me Bood's message? I'll make sure the Bears fall in line too.

Scott: I'll do the same with the Admirals.

Lemaire and Sully chime in then. Bood's message had been short and concise. No nonsense. By the end of the day, half the league has shared it.

Anyone who acts up knows exactly what they're doing, unfortunately. It's more than Scott hoped for, but less than he expected.

The homophobic bullshit online is probably the least of the problems for Hollanov though. Scott paces behind his couch, trying his level best to ignore the constant buzzing from his phone where it sits on his coffee table.

He's already given his agent strict instructions. No comment until they get the go ahead from Hollander and Rozanov's agent.

Their *shared* agent.

Sully will be smug about that forever. The sudden switch in representation Scott had brushed off.

Switching agents isn't *that* big a deal, especially when people get traded.

It's a good time for a change up. A natural impulse. Shifting priorities, new perspectives.

The who seemed unimportant at the time.

Obviously, Scott was wrong. He's been wrong a lot, in fact, and now he can't stop thinking about every interaction he's had with the two of them. Overthinking actually.

The fight with Hollander. Rozanov's chirps. He works backwards, from the most recent season to that first one. Their rookie year. Every game replaying in his head. Every awards show. Every...

"Fuck!" Scott practically dives for his phone, ignoring every notification as he opens the group chat. It takes only a bit for him to catch up.

Hayes (Centaurs): Harris is about to murder someone.
Hayes (Centaurs): I didn't know he could get this angry...

Andersson: What happened?
Andersson: Someone on the team break rank?

Hayes (Centaurs): Nah
Hayes (Centaurs): League social media reached out. Don't know what they said exactly, but Barrett says Harris is like two seconds from going rogue.

Sully (Heatwaves): Oh~ I'm grabbing popcorn.
Sully (Heatwaves): @Lemaire (Nomads) Stop pouting and get in here.

Hayes (Centaurs): That's what I said!
Hayes (Centaurs): Rooks are suggesting memes to mock the trolls.
Hayes (Centaurs): It's gonna be fire!

Andropov (Voyageurs): Fuck you, Hayes.
Andropov (Voyageurs): I'm so jealous rn.
Andropov (Voyageurs): Our team chat is basically a toxic swamp.

Lemaire (Nomads): Was it not a toxic swamp *before* this???

Andropov (Voyageurs): Well, yeah, but...
Andropov (Voyageurs): Even with it muted, the number of messages just keeps going up and everyone's ignoring the As.
Andropov (Voyageurs): I'm nervous cap is going to see this shit...

Scott feels bad for the kid, really. He's in a shitty position. But Scott has his own crisis to deal with.

Scott: I think they've been together since rookie year.

The reactions are immediate. Eyes, gasps, squints. The entire rang of emojis possible.

Scott: All Stars, on the bench, they were talking. I thought they were chirping. Or, I thought Rozanov was chirping.
Scott: He said something as he was skating off. I thought it was nothing. A reference I didn't know.

Lemaire (Nomads): Valid.
Lemaire (Nomads): You're ancient and rookies basically have their own language.

Sully (Heatwaves): Shush!
Sully (Heatwaves): No interrupting Hunter's crash out on memory lane.

Rolling his eyes, Scott ignores them both.

Scott: I'm pretty sure Roz gave Hollzy his room number after the shot accuracy competition.

It takes a minute. The chat fills with emojis and gifs. Bennett is the one who sets it off.

Benny: ...so, you've known they were sleeping together the whole time?

Lemaire (Nomads): Denial so deep he could flood Cairo.

Sully (Heatwaves): Literally *witnessed* the origin point and *still* didn't clock their gay asses.

Marlow (Bears): *queer
Marlow (Bears): Rozy is definitely bi, we've been over this.

Connors (Bears): Competency kink had him risking it all in enemy territory. On brand.

Carter: Seriously, cap, we need to get your gaydar checked out.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Think they make a pill for that?

Hayes (Centaurs): After this long? It's too late, man, he's terminal. There's no hope.

Sully (Heatwaves): Fs in the chat for our resident gay "expert"

The chat actually fills with Fs at that point. Even Price adds one. Scott groans, sinking into his couch cushions.

He should have kept his mouth shut...

As if on cue, Kip walks out of the study, frowning at his phone. He looks up to squint at Scott.

"Why is Carter telling me to take you to a neurologist? Did you get a concussion?"

This is Rozanov's fault, somehow. Or, Hollanov's fault? No, wait, it's the asshole whole outed them. Scott wouldn't have to deal with this if it weren't for fucking Brad.

Chapter End Notes

I was going to include the wedding in this chapter but... I think it deserves its own. So. One more!

Chapter 8: Gayest Draft Class

Chapter Summary

Wedding chapter!

Chapter Notes

The Hollanov Wedding is the least organized event Scott has ever been to in his entire life. He shouldn't be surprised - they literally decided when to have it on a whim right in front of him mid-playoffs - but the lack of chairs still shocks him. Not to mention the random ass song they decided to use for their first dance.

Andropov (Voyageurs): What's happening?
Andropov (Voyageurs): Is it beautiful?
Andropov (Voyageurs): Does cap look happy?
Andropov (Voyageurs): Did Pike start crying?
Andropov (Voyageurs): Somebody answer me already!

Scott rolls his eyes when he opens his phone to find the chat buzzing, even with nearly every member at the wedding.

Connors (Bears): Sucks to suck Andy, should've come if you wanted the inside scoop.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Fuck you!
Andropov (Voyageurs): The second this deal is signed, I'm flying to Ontario just to drag you back with me
Andropov (Voyageurs): Gonna make you climb the Grind and laugh at you for the entire gondola ride down.

Price (Ret): Orcas make you an offer?

Andropov (Voyageurs): Yup!
Andropov (Voyageurs): My agent is pretty sure he can get me a NTC too
Andropov (Voyageurs): Really excited to move back home!
Andropov (Voyageurs): At least in Vancouver, if anyone is homophobic in the locker room, I can complain to my mom in person.

The number of smiley emojis tacked on to Andy's last message should be criminal. Scott smiles anyway.

Andropov (Voyageurs): Seriously though, how's it going?
Andropov (Voyageurs): I called cap yesterday, sent a gift, but I really wish I could be there. Especially with how shitty everything went after playoffs.

Marlow (Bears): *before, during, and after playoffs
Marlow (Bears): Pike's only a little tipsy and he's already spilled enough tea I'd drive to Montreal right now if CC hadn't stolen my keys.

Connors (Bears): I didn't steal your keys!
Connors (Bears): You threw them at me while screaming 'not it' when I asked about a DD.

Marlow (Bears): Oh. Right.
Marlow (Bears): Would you drive me to Montreal after the wedding? Boiziau has addresses.

Connors (Bears): Fuck, no
Connors (Bears): Get the addresses though.
Connors (Bears): We can go tomorrow when you're sober.

Andersson: Can I come?
Andersson: I never get to fight anyone.

Carter: You're a goalie.

Wyatt (Centaurs): So?
Wyatt (Centaurs): Goalie fights are the best fights

Benny: Man speaks the truth

Carter: But he won't be fighting another goalie?

Andropov (Voyageurs): Yeah, Mitty stayed the fuck out of the drama.
Andropov (Voyageurs): And also I think he's working on his own exit strategy, cause the GM here in Vancouver asked me about him.

Carter: Damn, Voyageurs will be fully cooked next year

Benny: Its the off season, or I'd tell you to fight them on the ice instead.

Andersson: Drapeau is a goalie. Can I fight him?

The laughing emojis are valid and Scott barely manages to keep from adding his own when he sees both Carter and Benny typing. He groans.

Why does he always have to be the responsible one?

Benny: I'm too retired for this, ask Scottie

Carter: If cap says yes, sure

Scott: You all suck
Scott: No fighting Metros off the ice
Scott: If you go to prison, we won't be able to humiliate them properly

Andersson sends a truly pathetic gif of a pouting kitten. Scott refuses to break.

Scott: Think of how they'll react to a shut out

Andersson: Fine!
Andersson: But if they go for an empty net, you better set me up for a goalie goal or something

Scott: I will do my best

Connors (Bears): Mean~
Connors (Bears): Let the baby goalie fight!
Connors (Bears): Its the NHL, having a criminal record is basically a rite of passage.

Wyatt (Centaurs): ...and people think goalies are weird?

Carter: Compared to normal people? Yes
Carter: Compared to other hockey players? Still yes, but like... less so.

Scott does react with a laughing emoji to that one. He chuckles to himself and glances around.

The wedding might be a logistical disaster, but he'll admit its beautiful. Scott smiles when he catches sight of Kip talking with Wyatt and one of the Centaur rookies.

Poor kid is blushing like crazy as Kip and Wyatt start talking with their hands. Kip seems very excited about whatever Wyatt is showing him on his phone.

Gaze sweeping across the backyard, Scott stills. His eyes narrows as he checks again. He curses and reaches for his phone again.

Scott: Okay, who's got eyes on Lemaire and Sully?
Scott: This draft class has given me enough gray hairs, I don't need anymore.

The laughter is unappreciated and the responses entirely unhelpful. He probably should've asked before every one got drunk.

And then Price responds and Scott almost wishes he was drunk enough to forget this entire wedding.

Ryan (IF): They're busy.

Scott: ???
Scott: Doing what?

Ryan (IF): The same thing Hollanov was doing when I walked in on them last summer.
Ryan (IF): You might be on to something about their draft class...

Wyatt (Centaurs): I don't know about worst, but they're definitely the gayest draft class.

Scott can feel the headache coming on. He pinches at the bridge of his nose and ignores the annoyingly familiar giggle from the dance floor.

It's his wedding, Rozanov should be happy. The noise grates on his nerves regardless.

Scott: You know what...
Scott: I was gonna ask first, but I can literally feel myself graying.
Scott: This is what happens when you push a man too far!

Ths chat fills with question marks. Scott swipes a glass of champagne from a nearby table and clicks the plus in the upper corner of the chat.

The Hollanov Conspiracy

*Scott has added Hollander to the chat.*
*Scott has added Rozanov to the chat.*

Several gifs of gasps and fleeing mice fill the chat, but no one actually leaves.

Hollander: Hollanov Conspiracy? What is this?

Rozanov: Oh~
Rozanov: Is shipping yes?
Rozanov: You all were shipping two best hockey players all this time?

Scott: Lemaire and Sully clocked you from the start. I got added as a Subject Matter Expert, but apparently I missed it entirely.

Rozanov: Not shocking.
Rozanov: The elderly are often... what is word? Oblivious? Spacey?

Hollander: Senile.

Scott: Seriously Rook?

Hollander: You added me to a decade's old group chat centered around speculating about my sexuality and my relationship.

Scott: Point
Scott: But now that the Hollanov Conspiracy is confirmed, we need a new name.
Scott: What's a good ship name for Lemaire and Sully?

He can hear Rozanov cackling. A short chuckle quickly follows. Scott smiles when they both start typing.

Neither of them come up with a good name, of course, but they're new to this, they'll learn. More importantly... they'll eviscerate the other two idiots for him.

Rozanov: Ah!
Rozanov: For the record, is impossible for Lemaire or Sully to clock us from the beginning.
Rozanov: We had not met them yet.

Hollander: I think I played them before the draft actually?
Hollander: But yeah, no way they've know the whole time.

Fuck.

With a groan, Scott reaches for another glass of champagne. He tucks his phone into his back pocket and pointed ignores the buzzing.

He'll deal with the assholes of the 2009 later. His own husband is smiling at him from across the yard and Scott would much rather find out what Kip's done to make Rozanov's rookie blush that red.

Chapter End Notes

And we're done! Hope you all enjoyed this journey with me! It was very fun to write. 🫶