Chapter Text
Shane’s eyes fluttered open first. It was 7:30 a.m. on a Thursday, and he was in bed with Ilya, his husband. Shane knew he should probably wake Ilya up so they could get ready and head to their team meeting and practice, but instead, he lingered—choosing to marvel at Ilya for a few more minutes. He couldn’t believe how much he loved him and how much they’d been through to get here. The memories flashed through his mind, and he smiled at the thought of them. He’d never seen a more handsome man, and he was still proud that Ilya belonged to him.
Minutes passed and Ilya began twisting himself awake. Once his eyes settled on Shane, he smiled and said good morning. They were both lying on their sides, smiling at each other. Shane closed the space between them, placing an arm around his waist and nestling his face on his neck. He slipped his leg between Ilya’s, and Ilya wrapped an arm around him in response. They wanted to be in each other’s skin, but they’d settle for this.
Ilya kissed Shane’s hair and they cuddled silently for a moment. Ilya finally said, “We should probably get up,” even though he didn’t move. Shane groaned, then kissed Ilya’s chest before getting up.
“You go shower and I’ll get started on breakfast,” Ilya said.
On days that they didn’t have practice, they’d usually complete their morning routine together: workout, shower (and sex), then make breakfast for themselves and the dogs before taking them out for their walks.
This morning though, they had an early team meeting and practice. They kissed as they headed out the door and Ilya insisted that they drive his Porsche. He knew Shane thought it was too flashy, but he loved that Shane indulged him anyway—simply because it made him happy.
++++
Once they arrived at the Centaurs training facility, they bumped into Haas and Bood, who greeted them.
“What? You lovebirds couldn’t get out of bed again this morning, huh?” Bood teased with a smile. Ilya jokingly swatted at his head, intentionally missing. Their teammates loved that Shane and Ilya were a couple but didn’t miss an opportunity to tease them about it.
In later conversation, Haas asked them if they had met the new assistant physical trainer. “He’s an uhh…interesting guy,” he said sardonically.
“What does that mean?” Shane asked.
Coach Wiebe and other training staff entered the room as they were talking and greeted the team. “Alright. Good morning, everyone. It’s the start of the season. Let’s find our groove early and dominate. Details matter. Start on time, play fast, trust the system. Last season was good, but we need great. I’m liking our momentum so far. Let’s get to work.”
The room filled with murmurs of agreement.
Coach Wiebe went on to cover the new game plays, then gestured for a stubby, middle-aged man, with unkempt brown hair to step forward. “This is Ned Brown and he’s our new assistant physical therapist. He’ll be working alongside Ashley and he’s here to support you guys all season.“
The man gave a friendly wave and stepped back to his original spot. Ashley, the team’s head athletic trainer, stood behind him watching him cautiously.
Coach dismissed everyone and instructed them to get ready for practice.