Work Text:
molly🏒 @mollynshi
OH MY FUCKING GOD. HORRIFIC HIT ON HOLLANDER. HE ISN’T MOVING
Video description:
Shane Hollander looks back while skating and gets absolutely blindsided by Marleau. Pike immediately drops the gloves and goes after him. Shane is on the ice with his arm over his face, completely still.
Ilya Rozanov’s smile drops. He tries to skate toward Shane before officials stop him.
Announcer: Ilya Rozanov still on the ice, looking very concerned. Not even Rozanov wants to see someone hurt like that.
Paramedics rush onto the ice.
Announcer: It’s unclear if he’s responsive or not.
Shane is lifted onto a stretcher.
Ilya skates closer, visibly panicked. “Is he okay? Fucking tell me,” he yells before a referee shoves him back.
Referee: Get to your bench, Rozanov. I’m not telling you again.
Announcer: You can say what you want about this rivalry. These two have played against each other for more than a decade. There’s obviously a lot of admiration there.
Shane is wheeled out of the rink.
Comments
→ Sam @dadbodenthusiast: WHAT HAPPENED
→ ivy🌸 @cwndplants: I hope he’s okay
→Jenni🐰 @roommatefromhell: Are we conveniently ignoring the elephant in the room 
→ alwaysjk @sadplaylistcore: Why does Rozanov look like that
→ Ben is seeing Boston bears @puckhead: I’ve never seen Rozanov look like he’s about to throw up on live television before
Ilya updates @ilyaupdates
Ilya Rozanov has been called off the ice.
Video description
The arena PA system announces, “Ilya Rozanov, please report to the medical office immediately. Ilya Rozanov.”
The Bruins coach grabs him and speaks quietly before signaling for a replacement. Ilya bolts down the tunnel.
Announcer: Looks like both Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov will not be playing tonight. That’s… unusual.
Ben is seeing Boston bears @puckhead
So Rozanov was called off the ice after Hollander’s injury? Anyone else putting two and two together? #NHL #HockeyGossip
Conspiracy Tracy @TracyWantsTea
I think Rozanov is Hollander’s emergency contact. Shane’s parents always come to his games and they didn’t tonight. They must be out of town. Someone needed to sign forms immediately and Rozanov got called. I’m 90 percent sure.
Comments
→ vibin @blueeyed789: They are mortal enemies. You’re delusional.
→ →Jess💕 @jessiedi: They are rivals not enemies.
→ → →vibin @blueeyed789: Same thing.
→ Eumppappa @deereyedpuppy: This account spreads misinformation every week lol.
→ ivy🌸 @cwndplants: Wait non oomf… you might be onto something.
Conspiracy Tracy
Correction. I am now 95 percent sure.
Conspiracy Tracy @TracyWantsTea
I think Rozanov is Hollander’s emergency contact. Shane’s parents always come to his games and they didn’t tonight. They must be out of town. Someone needed to sign forms immediately and Rozanov got called. I’m 90 percent sure.
Ilya updates @ilyaupdates
Everyone keeps talking about Hollander. Can we check in on Ilya too? He looked devastated. Imagine watching someone you care about get injured like that.
Conspiracy Tracy @TracyWantsTea
Someone just sent me this. I’m now 99 percent convinced.
Video description
A slowed down replay of Shane looking back before the hit. Bright red arrows point directly to Ilya Rozanov watching him.
Comments
→ Ilya’s happy trail🤤 @ilyafatass: Nah, they fucking
→ →Ally🐾 @allindan: You’re disgusting. Let men be friends.
→ Hope @hockeyblinditems: I feel the chemistry
→ → vibin @blueeyed789: This is how they always play. You people need help.
nhl memes @NHLMemes
Rozanov leaving the game to go to his rival
Me leaving work because my bestie got her period
Same energy
Comments
→ Sam @dadbodenthusiast: Hollander got injured and you’re making jokes. Not funny.
Ben is seeing Boston bears @puckhead
My friend just saw Rozanov in the hospital elevator and followed him. He went into Shane Hollander’s room.
Comments
→ Jess💕 @jessiedi: So we’re believing the power of attorney rumor right
→ ivy🌸 @cwndplants: Damn
→ hollanov married @hollanovmyparents: Hollanov is real
BREAKINGPUCK dot com
NHL SHOCKER: ILYA ROZANOV LEAVES GAME FOR SHANE HOLLANDER. RIVALRY OR SOMETHING MORE?
By now, hockey fans everywhere are asking the same question. Why did Boston Raiders star Ilya Rozanov leave a live game to rush to the hospital where Montreal Voyageurs captain Shane Hollander was being treated?
Sources confirm Hollander suffered a broken arm and a concussion after a brutal hit during tonight’s game. But moments later, Rozanov was summoned off the ice and escorted straight to the medical office, never returning to the bench.
Eyewitnesses report Rozanov arriving at the hospital shortly after Hollander and being allowed into his private room. Notably, longtime friend and teammate Hayden Pike was reportedly denied access.
So why was Rozanov allowed in?
Both teams have been contacted.
Ilya jumps out of his chair when he sees a movement on Shane’s bed and hears a mumbling.
“Are you awake, Hollander?” he asks, rushing to his side. “Nurse.”
A nurse hurries in while Ilya presses himself against the wall, hands shaking. He mutters a prayer under his breath. He just needs Shane to be okay.
“Hey,” Shane murmurs, reaching out blindly. Ilya hesitates, then takes his hand. The nurse is busy adjusting the IV and does not seem to notice.
“It’s my handsome husband,” Shane slurs and Ilya freezes. “Ilya,” he adds, dragging the name out before giggling.
The nurse looks in their direction. Fuck.
Ilya lifts his hand in an attempt to cover Shane’s mouth. “Shush,” he whispers, but Shane just kisses his palm and pulls him closer with his hand. Ilya sighs and takes his hand off, still making eyes at his husband to get him to keep quiet.
“I missed you,” Shane murmurs.
Ilya exhales and gives up entirely. “I was very worried. You’re okay, yes?”
Shane nods far too enthusiastically. “Yes.”
“Don’t speak. Just rest.”
The nurse clears her throat just as Shane is about to talk. “The medication is strong. That’s why he’s confused, but we’ll keep monitoring him. He should fall asleep soon.”
“Thank you very much,” Ilya says, trying not to make eye contact with her.
The nurse leaves with a knowing smile on her face.
Ilya strokes Shane’s hair until his eyes close again, leaning into his touch and humming happily. Ilya just frowns. He can tell the man is in so much pain. He wishes he could take it all away.
The door bursts open just as they are getting lost in their moment.
“Shane?” Yuna asks, panic clear in her voice. David is right behind her. Ilya steps back immediately to give them time with their son.
Once Shane is asleep again, Ilya goes out of the room to text Hayden.
After the nurse signs the NDA, Hayden collapses into a chair outside the room.
“So let me get this straight,” he says slowly. “Shane is gay. You are gay—”
Ilya turns his head towards him so fast. “I am bisexual.” Hayden looks like he has more questions, so Ilya adds, “Shane is super gay.”
Hayden’s face contorts into an ‘O’ shape. “Okay. And you have been secretly married for two years. You are his emergency contact. And I only find out because he got injured.”
Ilya ducks his head, shrugging with no intention to share any more information.
“I need a drink,” Hayden says.
PR Statement from the Montreal Voyageurs
“Shane Hollander designated Ilya Rozanov as an emergency contact several years ago due to logistical concerns related to frequent travel and family availability. There is nothing unusual about this arrangement. Shane is resting comfortably and appreciates the concern from fans.”
Comments
→ Jess💕 @jessiedi: Wouldn’t it make more sense to list his best friend and teammate?
→ alwaysjk @sadplaylistcore: Now I’m even more confused
→ ivy🌸 @cwndplants: Logistical concerns is CRAZY wording
→ Sam @dadbodenthusiast: Several years ago???? Why did he need an emergency contact from another team
→ vibin @blueeyed789: So Hayden Pike is chopped liver then
PR Statement from the Boston Raiders
“Ilya Rozanov was granted permission to leave the arena due to a personal matter involving a fellow player he has known for many years. This decision was made out of respect for player wellbeing. Any speculation beyond that is inaccurate.”
Comments
→ Eumppappa @deereyedpuppy: PR teams are working overtime
→ Conspiracy Tracy @TracyWantsTea: “They have known each other for many years” Correct. They have been married for many of those years.
BREAKINGPUCK dot com
Neither organization addressed reports of Rozanov lurking around Hollander’s hospital room or alleged comments overheard by hospital staff.
Hospital representatives declined to comment, citing privacy laws and several very aggressive NDAs.
Hockey stats @hockeypopbase
Fun fact: Hollander and Rozanov have the exact same off season travel schedule for the past two years. Probably coincidence.
Comments
→ Belle🩷🩵 @ha0binisreal: Delete this
→ Hope @hockeyblinditems: No actually keep going
hollanov married @hollanovmyparents
They let Rozanov in the room and not Pike. I am screaming crying throwing up. My Hollanov are so in love.
Comments
→ 🦝 @yaoiforfun: Enemies to lovers to husbands Yaoi. I’m sat.
→ → zerocola🐴 @pedanticbitch: You mean rivals to lovers?
nhl memes @NHLMemes
NHL PR teams explaining why two rivals share legal paperwork
Reporters interviewing the PR Teams
Can you clarify why Rozanov was listed as Hollander’s emergency contact instead of a teammate or family member?
The Montreal PR rep smiles tightly. “Next question.”
Boston’s PR rep clears their throat. “Ilya values compassion.”
🩺 @nightshiftnurse23
I was the nurse in charge of Shane Hollander.
Comments
→ Hope @hockeyblinditems: OMG TELL US TELL US
Nurse account disappears twenty minutes later.
ivy🌸 @cwndplants
So, this is worse than confirmation.
(Photo description: Nurse account can’t be found.)
Conspiracy Tracy @TracyWantsTea
I love being on the right side of history.
ivy🌸 @cwndplants
So, this is worse than confirmation.
(Photo description: Nurse account can’t be found.)
“I’m fine. Really,” Shane says for the tenth time when Ilya tries to pass him a glass of water.
Yuna and David just keep eating their pasta.
Hayden, meanwhile, has his jaw open, looking between Shane and Ilya as fucking Rozanov rubs Shane’s neck and Shane leans into it. Is he really the only one seeing this? Why is no one else grossed out by this?
Hayden clears his throat, startling Shane, who immediately looks away and leans out of Ilya’s touch. His best friend still has not made eye contact with him ever since he left the hospital. And he looks like he is actively avoiding the conversation altogether.
Honestly, it kind of hurts.
That Shane did not feel safe enough to tell him about this. Or even the wedding. Did Shane really think Hayden was like the homophobic hockey players? He would never do that to him. Never.
Still, Hayden finishes his food in utter silence, trying very hard not to cry. It hurts in a weird way. Yeah, maybe he would not approve of Rozanov. That is fair. But Shane is still his best friend. The person he tells almost everything about himself to.
He takes one more bite and realizes he can’t do this.
“I need to use the restroom,” he says, not looking at Shane as he walks toward the bathroom he knows so well. He has been in Shane’s house more times than he can count. Right now, it makes everything feel worse. Maybe their friendship did not mean as much as he thought it did.
Hayden is pulled out of his thoughts when there is a knock on the door.
He is just staring at his reflection anyway, so he reaches out to open it. Shane stands there, awkward in his own house.
“Can I come in?” Shane asks, like they are not standing in his bathroom.
“Sure.”
Shane leans against the sink, making himself comfortable. Hayden just stands there, suddenly unsure what to do with his hands.
“I’m so sorry,” Shane says immediately.
That is not what Hayden expects. At least, Shane knows he did something wrong.
“It’s okay. I understand,” Hayden says. He does not understand.
“No, it’s not okay,” Shane presses. “I should have told you. I feel so fucking bad about it right now. Like why didn’t I just tell you? I was nervous and I never wanted to come out, but it’s you. Of all people.”
He spirals, waving his only hand that is not in a cast around wildly.
Normally, Hayden would step in and tell him to calm down, but right now, he just has the same question stuck in his head. Yeah, Shane. Why didn’t you tell me?
Hayden stays quiet for a long while, even after Shane finishes talking. They just stare at each other in silence.
“I wish you told me,” Hayden finally says when he finds his voice. “But what’s done is done. And you’re still my best friend.”
“You’re mine too,” Shane says quickly. Hayden has a hard time believing it right now, but he takes his word for it.
“I’m going to keep apologizing for a long time,” Shane adds. “I’m really sorry, Hayden.”
Hayden sighs and finally asks the question that has been bothering him since the hospital.
“But Rozanov? Really? Shane?”
Shane lets out an awkward little chuckle. “I know you two hate each other.”
“No, hate is a strong word,” Hayden mutters. “He’s just an asshole. And him being all sweet with you makes me want to gag.”
“Well,” Shane says, trying to sound casual, “he’s your best friend’s husband, so.”
He says it like it is a joke, and Hayden knows it is. Still, the more he thinks about it, the less funny it becomes.
Ilya Rozanov is basically his brother in law.
Oh fuck.
Hayden closes his eyes and takes a breath. “Why did you two even get married? And when? Did you get another best man?”
He pauses.
“Wait. Did you have a big wedding and not invite me?”
“No, no,” Shane says quickly, eyes wide as he shakes his head. “We didn’t get married because we proposed to each other or anything like that. It was kind of a marriage of convenience. Wait, that sounds bad.”
He starts pacing the tiny bathroom, trying to find the right words while Hayden tries and fails to imagine what the hell he means.
“My mom suggested it,” Shane explains. “Since Ilya doesn’t really have family here and we were already in love, she said he should have someone who could make decisions for him if something happened. I said no at first. I didn’t want to make Ilya uncomfortable because of my mom’s ideas.”
He shrugs. “But then Ilya wanted it too, so we talked about it and decided to just be married on paper for now. We figured we could have a big wedding later when we’re actually ready.”
Hayden nods slowly. “Oh. Yeah. That actually makes sense.”
“But then he ended up being the one making decisions for me instead,” Shane adds with a small laugh.
Hayden snorts despite himself. “Yeah.”
He hesitates before asking the next question.
“So how did you guys even end up…” He trails off, then sighs. “Falling in love?”
Shane smiles softly. “Oh, it’s a long story.”
Later, when Shane has his head resting on Ilya’s arm, Ilya finally asks, “So how did it go with Hayden?”
Shane realizes a little too late that he probably should have checked with Ilya before telling someone else everything. “I’m sorry. I told him everything,” he says, sounding guilty.
“No, is okay,” Ilya says, rubbing his stomach with his free hand. “He was cool with it, yes?”
“Yeah,” Shane says. “Well, he still can’t accept that it’s you. And he also wants to be our best man for our actual wedding in the future.”
“No, no,” Ilya says immediately. “I would rather have Scott Hunter.”
Shane lifts his head to stare at him, shocked. “You would rather have Scott Hunter?”
Ilya considers it for a second. “Hmm... Maybe not Scott Hunter.”