Chapter Text
Hayden Pike likes to believe he knows Shane Hollander better than most people. Being his best friend, Hayden is privileged to the inside view of Shane’s life. Knows that Shane always takes losing particularly hard to the point of becoming non-verbal. Knows that drinking is out of the question for Shane during the season and despite being friends for nearly a decade, Hayden hasn’t seen the man eat anything that wasn’t pre-planned and calculated to his exact macros. Hayden knows physical touch can be nearly unbearable for Shane, especially with strangers.
In the beginning stages of their friendship, getting Shane to talk about anything non-hockey related felt like pulling teeth. Hayden has never met someone more focused and dedicated to the sport than Shane. The man lives, sleeps, eats, and breathes hockey. The media likes to portray Shane as ‘not the most sociable’ or ‘boring’ which Hayden disagrees with. Sure, it may take Shane a little longer than others to get a joke. It took Hayden a while to figure out just how funny Shane can be, often caught off guard by his blunt humor.
Every home game Montreal plays, Shane has his routine. Every away game Montreal plays, Shane performs a different but equally precise routine. Hayden knows a lot of hockey players can be superstitious but it’s more than that to Shane. Hayden also knows that Shane plays a lot better when they’re in Boston and Hayden can thank Boston Lily for that. Each time Shane comes back to the hotel room, his posture is looser, a softer smile on his face. While Hayden doesn’t want the dirty details, he’s thrilled his best friend finally found someone.
Hayden tries not to pry too much into whatever Shane has going on with Lily. Shane is like a skittish feral cat. Come on too strong and you risk scaring it off. So, Hayden treads lightly. Maybe that’s how he missed the warning signs. Looking back, Hayden wonders if maybe he pushed more that this wouldn’t be happening. That if he tried harder Hayden would be able to unsee the deep, red lacerations across Shane’s back. That if Hayden had been more serious instead of teasing his best friend about Lily being just a buddy, he could erase the sight of faded yellow and purple bruises along Shane’s torso from his brain. Maybe, just maybe, if Hayden was better at getting Shane to open up, Hayden wouldn’t have nightmares about the bite marks pierced into his best friend’s skin.
Hayden thought he knew his best friend better than most.
Now, it feels like Hayden doesn’t really know him at all.
Tonight, the Montreal Metros played against the Boston Raiders and as usual, Shane made his usual excuses before leaving the locker room at lightning speed once the game was finished. Despite winning the game 4-3, Hayden can’t enjoy the celebration with his teammates because his mind is filled with scenarios of what Shane could be enduring tonight. Unsurprisingly, when Hayden returns to the room, Shane is nowhere to be seen. Hayden’s phone pings with a notification and he nearly rips the charger out of the wall in his haste to see if Shane needed him.
Jackie <3
Congratulations on the win baby!
You guys played one hell of a game
Hayden Pike is the luckiest guy on earth. Marrying Jackie was the smartest thing he ever did, besides signing with the Montreal Metros. Hayden feels his stress lower as he reads his wife’s texts. While Hayden normally tells his wife everything, he hasn’t told her about his suspicions about Shane and Boston Lily. The last thing he wants is to betray Shane’s trust but he’s been dying to talk to someone about this. If Hayden’s being honest, he’s surprised J.J. hasn’t mentioned anything. Hayden knows for a fact that he isn’t the only one who has noticed the bruises.
Hayden knows it’s late but damn if he doesn’t miss his wife. At least that’s the reason he gives himself as he presses ‘call’ on his phone. “Hayd? What’s up?” Jackie’s voice rings through the speaker. “What? Can’t a man call his wife because he misses her?” Hayden responds with a chuckle. “I miss you too but we both know that’s not the reason you called me,” Jackie replies. “How are the kids?” Hayden questions and breathes a sigh of relief when Jackie lets him change the subject. “Jade and Ruby have decided that they are going to become professional figure skaters and Arthur has decided that he only likes bananas and corn chips.” Hayden laughs sympathetically. He knows the twins don’t make it easy on his wife, especially now that they are expecting their fourth. Another reason as to why Hayden hasn’t mentioned anything about Shane. The less stress he can give his wife the better. “So, what are you doing back at the hotel? I assumed you guys would be out later than this,” Jackie teases. Hayden is about to respond when he hears the sound of the hotel key at the door.
The hotel room door starts to creak open and Hayden hastily apologizes before hanging up. “Oh hey man. Thought you’d be back later.” Hayden internally winces at the loud upbeat in his tone. Shane comes into the room quiet, too quiet in Hayden’s opinion, and startles at Hayden’s voice. “Oh uh yeah…I guess,” Shane mutters. Hayden narrows his eyes as he catalogues his best friend. Shane’s shoulders are nearly by his ears with how tense he is. His voice is raw. Hayden’s hands clench the bedsheets as he notices tearstains on Shane’s cheeks. The look on Shane’s face has Hayden stopping in his tracks. It’s more than just sadness. It’s pure devastation.
It’s when Shane goes into the bathroom that Hayden realizes his shirt is on inside out, a size too large, and a handprint lies around Shane’s wrist.
“Did something happen with Lily?” Hayden asks hesitantly as Shane slides into his bed. Shane whips his head around to look at his best friend. Shane scoffs and tries to play it off, “Nothing happened. We’re fine. She just uh…uhm she has an early morning so…” Hayden doesn’t believe that for a second. “Look buddy, if there’s ever anything you want to tell me, I’m here for you. You know that right?” Hayden nearly begs. A wry smile graces Shane’s face for an instant before sliding off, “Yeah, I know. Thanks Hayd.” Hayden leaves it at that, knowing it’ll backfire if he presses more tonight.
Hayden finds out a week later that Shane and Lily split up.
At first, Hayden is overjoyed. Shane is free from the abuse and could be free. So why is his best friend more miserable now than he was when he was with Lily? Selfishly, Hayden is glad to see no more fresh marks or bruises mar his best friend’s body.
When Hayden learns that Boston Lily is really Ilya Rozanov, Hayden is so blindsided by the news, the reality doesn’t register right away. “Look Hayd, I wanted to tell. I was going to tell you, I just…” Shane trails off as he glances at Rozanov, “And I know this is probably shocking and confusing but I promise I really did um…I really did try but I just can’t help it.” It takes Hayden a minute to realize what Shane is implying.
Hayden reaches over to grip Shane’s hands, ignoring the glare from the Russian blonde. “Shane, listen to me. I don’t care that you’re gay. Hell, you could be in some kind of polygamous relationship and I’d still support you. But him? Seriously?” Hayden can’t keep the disgust out of his voice. Rozanov looks at Hayden with similar displeasure on his face. “25th best hockey player should not have opinion,” Rozanov says and Shane elbows him, “Ilya be nice.” And that’s a first. Hayden has never known Shane to call Rozanov anything other than well Rozanov. But it’s the way he says Rozanov’s first name. The exasperated but fond expression in his voice. The barely hidden amused look on his face.
It’s at this point that reality sets in. The reality in which ‘Lily’ was never the one to lay hands on Shane. It was Rozanov.
“Rozanov you motherfucker!” Hayden spits as he launches himself over Shane’s kitchen table. Hayden manages to get a punch in before Shane separates the two of them. “Hayden! What the fuck?!” Shane demands. “You think it’s fucking funny to lay your hands on someone?” Hayden snarls over Shane’s shoulder. Rozanov glares back, “You put your hands on me Pike.” Hayden rolls his eyes, “Oh don’t act like you don’t know! I saw them. I saw fucking everything and I won’t let you get away this.”
“Okay! That’s enough. Ilya go put some ice on your eye and Hayden I’ll walk you out,” Shane says firmly. When Shane leads Hayden to the door, Hayden knows Shane is less than pleased by how this went. “Shane I-” Shane holds his hand up and shakes his head. “Look, I know you two haven’t always been the friendliest but it would mean the world to me if you tried and I’ll be having the same talk with Ilya too.” Hayden nods mutely before hugging Shane tightly, missing the way Shane winces at the pressure. “I love you buddy. Nothing is going to change that. Even if you have terrible taste in men,” Hayden says with a wink so that Shane knows he’s teasing. Shane rolls his eyes and lightly punches Hayden’s shoulder, “I love you too.”
“Does anyone else know?” Hayden asks curiously as he pulls his shoes on. Shane shoves his hands into his pants pockets and nods, “My uh my parents know and um Rose knows.” Shane’s face is turning a soft pink at the admission. “But that’s it.”
“So do not tell secret or I will kill you slowly,” Rozanov calls from the kitchen. Shane rolls his eyes, “He’s kidding…I think.” Hayden has a feeling that if Rozanov found out that Hayden was the one who spilled their secret, Hayden’s body would never be found. “Shane I would never out you,” Hayden says earnestly. “I know. Look it’s late and I’m sure Jackie is missing your help with the kids.” Ever since Amber came into the world several months ago, Hayden and Jackie’s life have been a whirlwind of diapers, sleepless nights and cranky mornings. His wife is a champ. Hayden makes a mental note to order Jackie’s favourite chocolates.
“How long has this been going on?” Hayden asks as he goes to open the front door. Funnily, Shane’s blush deepens. “Since our uh…since our rookie season.” Hayden’s mouth drops open. Rozanov has been abusing Shane for 9 years? Hayden needs to leave before he kills the man Shane is now calling his boyfriend. Hastily waving goodbye, Hayden practically throws himself down the stairs and to his car.
After their breakup, Rozanov manipulated Shane back to him somehow, Hayden thinks darkly as he makes the drive home. Shane takes the world as is, always seeing the best in people, trying his hardest to please everyone. While Hayden feels slightly guilty for admitting it, Shane is the perfect manipulation target. But…Hayden hasn’t noticed any new visible signs of abuse. Maybe Rozanov smartened up after their breakup. Maybe Shane put Rozanov in his place, Hayden imagines gleefully. Shane and Ilya are a similar weight, height and build. Shane can handle himself. That thought is what allows Hayden to make the drive home without turning around and going back.
Hayden is going to die at the hands of Ilya Rozanov and Hayden can’t blame him. When Hayden had filmed that FanMail video for Brad, he never noticed Shane and Rozanov kissing in the window. Hayden doesn’t deserve Shane as his best friend. Shane who told him that it was an accident. Reassured him that of course he knows Hayden wouldn’t have intentionally outed them. Made sure that Hayden was okay after the video was leaked. Jesus, he’s a shitty friend.
And yet somehow, they make their way past that moment. After the abysmal reaction from the Metros to Shane tripping on the ice, Shane signed with the Ottawa Centaurs once his contract is finished. As much as Hayden misses his best friend, he can’t deny how much happier Shane seems. Now that Shane and Rozanov are on the same team, the Centaurs are unbeatable. They are currently going for their 9th straight win this season. The season that started nine games ago. Hayden has no doubt they’re going for the Cup this year.
By some miracle, he and Rozanov have even began to semi-tolerate each other, in small doses. Most of that being Shane’s doing. And once Hayden found out the two were getting married, Hayden knew Rozanov was going to be in the picture whether he likes it or not. Hayden hasn’t forgotten what transpired all those years ago. You know what they say, keep your friends close and your best friend’s husband even closer.
For Shane’s birthday, Rozanov pointedly sends a text to Jackie instead of Hayden inviting them to a surprise party at Shane’s cottage that says lovely Jackie and her lovely children are invited and the husband who Ilya isn’t sure what she sees in him can also come. God, Rozanov is such an asshole.
Hayden and Jackie decide to leave the kids with her parents for a rare-child free weekend. The drive up to Shane’s cottage is nice and several of the Ottawa Centaurs and their spouses are there when Jackie and Hayden arrive. “Ah my favourite Pike!” Ilya exclaims as he sweeps Jackie into a hug. Jackie laughs, “Hi Ilya. Thanks again for the invite.” Ilya waves her off, “Where are the little Pikes?” Hayden must admit that Ilya is surprisingly good with their children, though Hayden has never left Ilya unattended with any of them. “It’s a child-free and parent-free weekend,” Jackie explains happily. “Ah so sad. Pike will not have anyone to beat at Shane’s birthday game,” Ilya says with a smirk. “Fuck you Rozanov,” Hayden snaps. “Boys behave. We are here for Shane, understood?” The glare Jackie fixes them both with have both men looking guilty.
“Where is Shane anyways?” Hayden questions. “His parents. Yuna make excuse to get Shane away so I can decorate for party,” Ilya explains as he guides them out further into the cottage. “They should be here soon. I told Shane he has birthday surprise waiting for him,” Ilya says with a wink and Hayden suppresses a shudder. Hayden ends up talking to Luca Haas and Zane Boodram when Ilya yells at everyone to hide. Everyone scatters inside and outside of the cottage. Hayden and Jackie end up hiding behind the living room wall by the stairs.
Hayden can hear the front door open and Ilya greeting Shane and his parents. “Do I get my surprise now?” Shane asks and Hayden stifles a laugh. Patience has never been Shane’s strong suit. “Later sweetheart. The team wanted to sing you happy birthday,” Ilya says. “Oh,” Hayden can hear the pleased tone in Shane’s voice, “Can we even do a group call that big?” Ilya shakes his head, “No need.” That’s their cue.
“Surprise!” The startled look on Shane’s face is absolutely priceless. Shane turns around and glares at Ilya, “What did you do?” Ilya shrugs innocently, “What? Team wish to sing happy birthday and they will.” Shane shakes his head, but a smile threatens to spill over his lips. “What happened to not making a big deal?” Ilya frowns, “I make no such promises. You are most important person in my life. You deserve to be with the people that love you on your special day. You deserve to be celebrated Moy Lyubov.” Hayden can hear the sincere affection in Rozanov’s tone.
Once Shane makes his rounds through the Centaurs, Hayden and Jackie make themselves known. Hayden will never forget the incredulous smile on his face when Hayden taps him on the shoulder. “I’m so glad you’re here,” Shane says happily. Someone turned on a playlist of music and David, Shane’s dad, lights up the barbecue.
The summer day is hot and humid and Hayden finds himself not the only guy slipping his shirt off. “Hey, who wants to go for a swim?” Dykstra calls from the lawn where he, Young, Holmberg, Barrett, Hayes and Boyle are playing soccer. Everyone readily agrees and makes the trip down to the dock and into the water. “Hollander! Come on in!” LaPointe yells as he jumps off the dock.
“Hollander is boring and does not like the water,” Rozanov says with a gleeful cackle as Shane pushes him off the end of the dock. When Rozanov comes up from under the water, he grins up at Shane, “If you wanted to get me wet, you could’ve just said so.” Shane snorts and complaints from their teammates fill the air. “Asshole,” Shane says fondly.
Hayden gets caught up in a game of water volleyball he doesn’t notice Shane leaving the dock. It isn’t until he’s getting cold that he notices the dock is empty. Hayden swims over to Jackie who’s lounging in a pool floaty with Cassie, Boodram’s wife, Caitlin, Dykstra’s wife, and Lisa, Hayes’s wife to tell her he’s getting out before climbing up with the dock steps.
Walking back up to the cottage, Hayden hears Shane’s voice and pauses. It sounds higher than normal. Hayden frowns as he walks closer to the voice and freezes when he hears the unmistakable Russian accent. When did Rozanov get out of the water? Hayden finds Rozanov crowding Shane up against the bottom of the deck, his hands roaming everywhere over Shane’s body. “Ilya,” Shane says breathlessly, “Everyone’s here.” Ilya doesn’t stop and mutters something in Shane’s ear that has Shane’s reddening quickly.
“Oh Hayden! Can you help me bring out the food?” Yuna calls from the back deck door. Hayden glances up and nods quickly, “Of course! I’m coming.” Another look at Shane and Rozanov as he makes his way to the bottom steps has Hayden freezing again. Hayden blinks. And blinks again but it doesn’t erase the large bruise on Shane’s left side.
No. Not again.