Summary:

“So,” Ilya says, dragging the word out. He’s swiping at non-existent crumbs on the counter, avoiding his eyes. “You have dinner at parents on Christmas, yes?” “Yeah.” Ilya nods. “I can house-sit while you are away. Make place pretty, if you have decorations. Make it less boring.” Shane’s eyebrows fly up. “What? You don’t want to come with?” Finally, Ilya looks up at him. Hesitantly, he asks, “You want me to come with?” Frowning, Shane says, “I– yeah. Yeah, of course. You think I invited you here just so you could spend Christmas alone?” Looking away, Ilya shrugs. “I am intruder here, Hollander. You have family. I do not. Makes situation… difficult, maybe. You forget the world thinks we are rivals.” “Not difficult,” Shane says immediately. “You want to come, you’re coming.” Or: Ilya's in Montreal alone during the week leading up to the Winter Classic. Shane doesn't let him spend Christmas alone.