Chapter Text
They hadn’t been at the Olympic games since 2014. Those games would always stay in Shane’s mind as a surreal experience. Everything had been more intense than usual, the atmosphere had been wild. Since then they never had the chance to attend again. Shane knew the games in 2026 would be their last real chance of getting on the Olympic squad. They were already 35 which in the hockey world was not ancient but… also not young.
When Shane first brought up the Olympics, Ilya had barely looked at him.
“You can go. Win some bronze.”
While he wasn’t surprised by that kind of reaction, Shane still huffed a little. They were watching some renovation show while resting after practice and Shane knew the topic would come up soon anyways. The squad would be assembled sooner rather than later and he needed to know Ilya’s thoughts. So instead of giving up, Shane scooted closer and put his hands on Ilya’s.
“Do you want to go?”
He could feel Ilya tense up a little but he only mumbled “don’t want to play on another team.” Since Russia wasn’t allowed at the Olympics, Ilya could only play under a neutral flag - not on Shane’s team. Shane felt his heart flutter at the thought that Ilya would rather not go to the Olympics than play on a different team than him. Although he knew he would’ve felt the same way. They’ve been playing on the same team for five years now and knew what a difference it made.
It probably didn’t help that Ilya felt so much more like an actual Canadian now. Having to play against his teammates without really playing for anyone.. Shane would have probably said no as well. But he had another idea, so he took a deep breath and barrelled on.
“I thought.. you’ve been a Canadian citizen for five years now, you’ve been playing for a Canadian team for even longer.. Maybe you could compete for Canada?”
Ilya froze before looking at him with big eyes.
“You think they would let me?”
Shane had to laugh a little.
“Honestly, they would be stupid not to. You’re obviously one of the best players in Canada right now, with you we might even have a chance at gold!”
Ilya didn’t seem fully convinced yet, his hands nervously picking at his hoodie.
“But they do not need to let me play. They could say no.”
Shane put his hands on Ilya’s shoulders.
“Look at me.”
Ilya carefully lifted his gaze from his hoodie, surprised by Shane’s tone. He was very serious now.
“Ilya. I would really like to go to the Olympic games with you. I want to win some medals with you. And this is honestly our last chance. I think we should at least try. What do you think?”
Shane’s face turned blurry, Ilya’s eyes tearing up all of a sudden. Sometimes he still couldn’t believe this was his life. That he was married to the love of his life who put so much thought into everything he did. This man who didn’t think of the consequences but rather of his wants. This boring Canadian who wasn’t boring but so outspoken, passionate, perfect. Ilya blinked a few times, hoping to hide his tears. Shane didn’t say anything but simply waited for his response. Ilya nodded, smiling brightly.
“Ok. Let’s try. We can win some gold.”
Shane smiled back before grabbing onto Ilya and kissing him deeply. After a few moments, Shane pushed against Ilya’s chest.
“Would you feel comfortable playing for Canada? And going to the Olympics? Last time… wasn't good.”
Ilya paused to think about it. Of course he was still Russian in some way, but even if Russia wasn't banned from participating he would have no interest in playing for them. He wasn't welcome there and at this point he felt okay about that. Naturally he would've preferred his home country to not wish his death because of who he loved. But what was the point of holding onto his disappointment? He had been a Canadian citizen for a while now and he felt at ease with that. This country had given him his beautiful husband, an amazing hockey team and support he never had before.
His feelings around the Olympic games were a little more complicated. He hadn't lied to Shane, he did want to win gold with him. But even thinking about medals put him back in that room with his father calling him a disappointment. What would his father say if he knew that Ilya was playing for a different country at the Olympics? He couldn't even imagine the reaction of his family.
Then he thought of his mother. Her proud smile whenever she saw him skate. Her cheers when Ilya scored a goal. The happiness she radiated when they went to games together. Whatever his father's thoughts would be, it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was making his mom proud. And she would be ecstatic seeing him play and win at the Olympics. Why would Ilya let his miserable father ruin his life even from the grave? No, he would play for Canada and win gold. For his mother.
Ilya stroked Shane’s cheek, smiling softly.
“Hollander, I can't imagine anything better than winning gold with you together. We will make new memories for the Olympics. Aren't they in Italy this year?”
Shane laughed softly.
“Yeah, I think they are in Milan. Have you ever been there?”
Ilya shook his head.
“Want to make some memories there together?”
“With you always,” Shane mumbled before closing the distance between them and kissing Ilya softly.
**********
Already on the next day Shane mentioned their idea during the team meeting. If anyone was surprised by his plan, they didn’t let it show. Rather, everyone nodded along while he was explaining why Ilya should play for Canada and smiled at Ilya who tried to not let his nervousness show. The reassuring smiles thrown his way made him realize he was probably doing a bad job at it. He didn’t mind that much since everyone in the room was practically family at this point. When Shane was done with his little speech, Coach Wiebe cleared his throat and folded his hands together.
“I think I speak for everyone in this room when I say that Ilya has every right to play for Canada. And should definitely be put on the squad.”
There was an agreeing murmur from the other players.
“But I need you to know that this is not up to me or anyone else in this room. We can send a request to the Olympic committee explaining why this would be a good decision. Shane, you brought up most of the points we should put in there. I will send it out and contact some people. Try to put some pressure on them. But then all we can do is wait and see.”
The room turned almost silent, something that rarely happened with this many hockey players in one place.
Then Bood boomed: “They would be stupid to not let you play, Rozanov. No need to worry.”
Ilya smiled at Bood and replied: “Yes, without me you would have no chance. I will get you gold.” The room erupted into laughter, Shane shaking his head at his husband’s antics.
Troy chimed in: “Is there anything else we can do? Do you need help writing the request?”
They decided on a game plan, keeping the request polite but firm. And then all they could do was wait.
Shane drove them back to their apartment, stopping on the way to get some takeout they could enjoy while relaxing in front of the tv. He didn’t want Ilya to stress about their request and hoped to keep his mind busy with some fun tv shows. Shane knew Ilya hated uncertainty, hated to put his fate into anyone else’s hand. He knew what a big decision it was for him to put that request out there, waiting, hoping not to be rejected. He didn’t know if Ilya would want to hear it but he was so proud of him. Proud for not letting his head stop him from getting what he wanted. What they both wanted. Shane couldn’t imagine anything better than going to the Olympics with his husband. And they would be in Italy. In Milan. Could it get any better? Shane felt so lucky to be living his life at that moment. Yes, they needed to wait for the committee to confirm that Ilya could play for Canada. But with everything they’ve been through, that seemed like the tiniest hurdle in a long time.
They had been through hell and back together, at this point Shane felt nothing could stop them. After hiding for a decade, Ilya nearly dying in a plane crash, being forcibly outed, nearly losing their careers to bigoted assholes, Shane being forced out of his team that he had spent a decade with and led to three Stanley Cup victories… To say this was nothing big might be a little much but it really wasn’t their biggest problem in a long time. Shane also felt hopeful that their request would be accepted. Ilya and him had been leading the Ottawa Centaurs to their biggest victories ever. He might not always feel that way, but he knew that without the two of them the league would lose incredible potential.
Ilya seemed impatient to get inside, Shane barely able to follow with their takeout in hand. He had to roll his eyes at his husband who seemed about to vibrate out of his skin. Ilya had barely turned the key when they heard barking inside - the reason for Ilya’s impatience.
“Anya, my sweet darling!” Ilya exclaimed, bending down to pick her up and cover her in kisses. Shane had to keep his grin under control, loving the intense love Ilya showed their dog. He walked past the two of them greeting each other enthusiastically in the hallway and got out of his coat and shoes. He brought their takeout into the kitchen, arranging it on some plates and bringing it to their couch table. Then he went to grab them both drinks and called for Ilya. Apparently, he was still busy playing with Anya since Shane heard him only then shuffling out of his shoes. Anya came running over, now that her daddy had shifted his attention away from her. Their dog greeted Shane with the same enthusiasm as Ilya.
“Hi, girl. Did you miss us?” Shane scratched Anya’s ears and smiled at her small form. Getting a dog really had been a great idea.
Once Ilya entered the room and got onto the couch, Shane blurted out: “What do you think?”
Ilya raised his eyebrows slowly, asking: “About?”
Shane rolled his eyes at him.
“The request! The other’s reaction! You think it’s gonna work?”
Ilya smirked at his husband’s incessant questions.
“You worried?”
Shane threw his hands up.
“Of course! The others are supportive of course, and it’s probably good that the request comes from Coach but it’s not like any of them really know-"
"Sweetheart,” Ilya interrupted Shane, putting his hands on Shane’s shoulders.
“Breathe please.”
Shane huffed out a breath. Ilya grabbed his hands and pulled him closer.
“I think it was great idea to involve the team, this way we have more support. And like you said, they would be stupid to deny us. But I get it, I’m nervous too.”
Ilya cast his eyes downwards, clenching his hands. Shane immediately melted into him. He knew Ilya didn’t like to talk openly about his feelings, always joking around instead of honestly communicating what was going on. Of course they were both anxious about this.
Shane pulled Ilya into a hug murmuring: “I’m glad that we’re trying. Thank you for that. It will work out.”
They stayed in each other’s arms for a few minutes, breathing together. The rest of the day they spent close together on their couch, watching tv and reading. In the evening, Ilya got a message from Harris, reiterating that the committee had little reason to say no, but if they did, Ilya could still tag along as WAG if he wanted to. Ilya had to laugh at that, pulling Shane’s attention away from his book.
“What’s going on?” he asked, moving closer to look at Ilya’s phone. Shane read Harris’ message over Ilya’s shoulder, quickly hiding his grin in his husband’s neck.
“I knew it!” Ilya crowed, turning to face Shane.
“Knew what?”
”You would like that, wouldn’t you?” Ilya’s voice got lower, making Shane hot all over.
“You would like for me to tag along as your trophy wife,” Ilya whispered close to Shane’s ear, moving his hand on his inner thigh. Shane could barely get out any words as his imagination showed him that exact scenario. Ilya on the stands with all the WAGs, wearing a “Hollander” jersey. God, why was that so hot?
“You’re not my wife,” was the only thing Shane got out, blushing furiously. Ilya sat fully in his lap and put both his hands on his husband’s chest, lightly brushing against his nipples.
He exhaled hotly into Shane’s neck and growled: “No, I’m your husband and I’m gonna be on the ice next to you.”
Ilya placed hot kisses behind Shane’s ears, making him exhale shakily. Shane’s hands gripped tightly onto Ilya’s hips, pressing him closer into his lap. He could already see them in Italy, on the ice together, easily beating every other team. Really, this was a win-win situation. Ilya leaned back and grinned at Shane’s glazed eyes.
“Want to take this to the bedroom?”
He really didn’t have to ask, Ilya barely finished the sentence before Shane lifted him up and walked them through their apartment.
“Eager?” Ilya laughed at Shane’s serious expression, navigating them to the bedroom.
“At this point you should know what you do to me,” Shane drawled, dropping Ilya onto the bed. Ilya licked his lips, watching Shane get undressed. He had to hide his smile when Shane folded his clothes neatly, the hurry from a second ago forgotten. Ilya quickly discarded his clothes as well, dropping them next to the bed. He reached for his erection, already hard at seeing his naked husband. Shane always managed to stun him with his beauty, although he wasn’t even aware of it. Finally, his husband joined him on the bed, straddling his thighs and putting his hands and Ilya’s chest. Shane leaned forward, kissing Ilya’s bear tattoo. Most people thought it ugly or cheesy but Shane had always loved it. It was bold, just like the Russian himself. Ilya’s hand found its way into Shane’s hair, gently tugging him upwards.
Once their faces were close enough they kissed roughly. Shane was already panting into Ilya’s mouth while humping his leg. Ilya loved how eager and shameless Shane was. He knew what he wanted and he went for it. But Ilya didn’t want this to end too quickly, so he got Shane underneath him and held his wrists firmly in his hands.
“Not so fast, Hollander,” he murmured and pressed Shane deeper into their bed. Ilya kissed his way down his husband’s body, spending minutes licking his nipples and biting his hip bone. Shane was writhing underneath him, moaning softly.
“God, Ilya” Shane whimpered, his cock begging to be touched. Ilya didn’t let that stop him, leisurely taking his time kissing every spot on Shane’s body he could reach. He paid special attention to Shane’s thighs, being the place he could spend whole days.
Shane’s strict gym routine really showed in his thighs, his yoga allowing Ilya to bend him however he wanted to. He liked to take advantage of that, which is how Shane found himself holding up his legs next to his face with his arms. His breath was coming quickly while Ilya got comfortable between his legs with a bottle of lube. Before Shane could get his breath under control, he felt Ilya’s mouth on his ass. His tongue was flicking at Shane’s hole, making him whimper louder. Ilya only increased his efforts, dipping his tongue deeper.
He got his fingers covered in lube, then lifted his eyes to Shane’s face: “Okay?” he asked, making Shane nod furiously.
“Yes, please, oh my god,” Shane closed his eyes and tried to relax into Ilya’s fingers. One was already opening him up while Ilya moved his mouth to Shane’s ball, slowly licking over the soft skin. Then Shane felt a second finger enter him, scissoring him open. He moaned loudly, always enjoying the feeling of Ilya’s fingers. They were thick and long enough to reach his prostate. Ilya could barely concentrate on his task, distracted by the noises Shane was making. Seeing his face scrunch up in pleasure and hearing him moan was enough to make Ilya cum. He tried to calm down enough to actually fuck Shane.
Ilya paused for a second to ask: “Do you want me to-””No, want you like this,” Shane interrupted him, gazing at him with dark eyes.
Ilya had to take a moment to swallow before grabbing the lube and spreading it on his erection. He leaned all the way to Shane’s face to kiss him languidly. For this he would always have time. Then he lined himself up with Shane’s hole and slowly entered him. Shane threw his head back, moaning loudly at the feeling of Ilya filling him up. He locked his legs behind Ilya’s back and pushed him forward, urging him to go deeper. Ilya’s breathing picked up while he pushed all the way inside and stopped there. They looked at each other, breathing heavily together. Then Shane’s legs started pushing again, urging Ilya to move. He set a ruthless pace, bringing both Shane and him quickly to the edge. He wanted Shane to cum without touching his dick, grabbing onto his hands and holding them against the pillows.
“Fuck, Ilya, come on,” Shane was whimpering, moving his hips faster against Ilya’s.
“Shane, god, you feel so good,” Ilya breathed into his ear, grunting with every thrust.
“Come on, sweetheart, cum for me,” Shane squeezed his eyes together as he moaned loudly, hearing Ilya’s words. Only seconds after his orgasm hit, making him squeeze Ilya even tighter, even closer. It didn’t take much longer for Ilya to join him, dropping onto his chest, breathing heavily. Shane wrapped his arms around Ilya, kissing his head while slowly coming down from his high. Ilya felt absolutely boneless, exhausted from this whole day.
“You alright?” Shane whispered, rubbing his hands up and down his husband’s sweaty back.
“No, you killed me,” Ilya answered, making them both laugh. Shane made sure to get them both cleaned up, even though Ilya didn’t want to move at all. Once he was satisfied, Shane got back into bed and wrapped his arms around Ilya. He pulled the blanket over them, kissing his husband’s neck softly.
“I love you,” Shane whispered, holding Ilya in his arms. Ilya barely mumbled out a reply, shifting closer to Shane and immediately falling asleep.
*******
Rozy’s boys
Harris: Did you all already talk about who else will be going to Italy? Cause I need to know if I can talk about this now
Bood: Yeah, we know you’re coming along
Harris: It’s so I can make sure you post some good stuff about the games!!
Wyatt: So this is not a vacation with your boyfriend?
Troy: I mean we will literally both be working so
Evan: Yeah, the way you work in Harris’ office…
Harris: Can we maybe get back to my question?
Luca: I’ll be there but playing against you guys
Ilya: Don’t worry, we will beat you, then you can watch the rest of our games
Wyatt: I’ll make sure our goal stays clean :)
Shane: Do you know what other goaltenders will be there?
Wyatt: Yeah, it’s Drapeau
Wyatt: Sorry
Troy: He used to play with you for Montreal, right?
Ilya: Yes before accusing Shane of throwing games to let me win
Bood: So I guess our team will need to have a little talk
Evan: Marlow will also be there
Shane: I mean it’s not like he can injure me when we’re playing on the same team
Ilya: I will give him talk
Troy: Oh but I heard Hayden and JJ will also be there?
Ilya: Just when I thought our team would be good
Evan: They’re not with Montreal anymore right?
Bood: Nope, they’re trying to rebuild Toronto now
Harris: WELL, I’m very glad so many of you will be there! I’ll try to plan some fun activities around your games, lmk if WAGs want to be involved!
Bood: Cassie and Milo will both be there, I think they would appreciate something other than hockey
Evan: Caitlin and Susie are also joining, do you have her number?
Harris: Yes, I’ll get it from the WAG chat, dw!
Troy: Do we wanna know what you talk about in there?
Harris: No hockey talk :)
***********
Troy had barely started packing his suitcase when Harris came running into their bedroom.
“Kip and Kyle are coming!”
His grin was wide, making Troy smile as well.
“Huh?”
Harris danced around the room while explaining his excitement.
“They’re coming along to the Olympics! Kip, I was kinda expecting since Scott is playing for the US, but Kyle will also be there! Apparently Eric and he haven’t been in Milan yet on all their travels and they want to support Scott and Carter.”
Harris rolled his eyes at the last words, showing that he didn’t believe that at all. Troy had to laugh at his antics, then wrapped his arms around Harris, kissing his cheek.
“So will we all hang out together? Have you told them about your plans?”
Harris turned his face, spending a few moments making out with his boyfriend. Then he got back into planning mode, rattling off all his ideas.
“I think it would be so cool to get all the queer hockey guys together you know? Maybe that will help with all the stress of the event! And of course the rest of our guys can also be there, but we need to plan some outings where everyone will be comfortable. I don’t know how difficult it will be for Shane to be around Drapeau. Do you know if they ever talked after that whole shit show?”
Troy’s heart felt too big for his chest, listening to his boyfriend trying to take care of everyone around him. This was never new but he still couldn’t believe the earnestness Harris showed every day. He tried to be more like his boyfriend but he didn’t think he would ever get to that level.
“As far as I know, they haven’t had any contact. Drapeau doesn’t really get into fights as a goalie but I never got the vibe that he was trying to get his teammates to stop bothering Shane either. Should we check with Ilya?”
Harris shook his head, looking at his notes app.
“I don’t think that’s necessary at this point. But let’s keep an eye on that, baby.”
Troy felt his face heat up at the nickname. Would he ever realise that this was his actual boyfriend?
Harris continued talking without looking up from his phone, luckily not seeing Troy blushing like they haven’t been in a committed relationship for years now.
“So do you have anything you want to see while we’re there? I’m trying to work out the actual details but your first game is only in the second week of the games.”
Troy nodded along, wondering if he knew anything specific about Milan.
“I think you’re more of the planner of us two. Oh but remember that the others wanted to go watch some of the other games as well. Shane knows someone at ice skating and Ilya said he wanted to watch the women play.”
Finally, Harris looked up to smile brightly at Troy.
“Don’t worry, all of that is already in here. And I would never skip ice skating, that’s the best part!”
Troy laughed at that and sat next to Harris.
“Shouldn’t you say that about hockey?”
Harris pretended to think about it, before leaning closer and whispering:
“Only when you’re the one playing.”
Troy had to laugh even more at that and went back to kissing Harris. Suddenly, his boyfriend’s phone started ringing, making them both jump. Troy fell back against the sheets and mumbled: “I hope this is something important.”
Harris quickly answered the call.
“Yes? They did? Did you tell him already? Okay, perfect! I can’t wait! Yes, I’ll post something later today. Great, thank you so much! Bye.”
Harris had barely hung up the phone before turning to Troy with glittering eyes.
“Ilya is coming! The committee just called Coach!”
Troy felt a great weight drop from his chest. It wasn’t like he had been actually worried they would say no. It wouldn’t have made sense at all. But he also knew that some decisions around the Olympics never made sense since it wasn’t only about sports. So yes, he did spend some time worrying about his captain. Troy didn’t want Ilya to not be able to join them. Without their captain their team was just a bunch of lost ducklings. They needed him there. And Troy knew how upset Ilya and Shane would have been. He had heard Shane talking about not joining the squad if Ilya wouldn’t be allowed to join. And while he definitely understood that, he also knew that would’ve only made things worse. Shane and Ilya really didn’t need anymore shit from their job. And for once it actually worked out that way. Troy grabbed Harris and spent more time not packing his suitcase. They needed to celebrate the news.