Chapter Text
The timer that told Ilya it was time to check the test went off, but he didn’t need to look at it. He already knew what it said.
He had been feeling sick for about two weeks now. It came on suddenly and intensely. At first he thought maybe he was getting a stomach bug, then he thought it was stress as the season got underway. All the things he tried telling himself to ignore the truth.
Ilya was pregnant.
The little plus sign on the plastic stick confirmed it. He had snuck off to the store after practice to grab the pregnancy test, then went to the bathroom all the way on the other side of the arena from Ottawa’s locker rooms where he knew no one would walk in on him. He took a deep breath and shoved the test to the bottom of the trash. He couldn’t deal with this right now. He had a game to get to.
“Where’d you get off to?” Troy Barrett said when Ilya returned to the locker room.
“Had to run an errand.”
“You know you can ask Harris to go on a run if it’s getting close to a game.”
“And have you both find out all my business? No thank you.”
Ilya had meant for it to be a joke, but it came out more biting than he wanted. He walked over to his stall where Shane was already dressed and ready.
“Where have you been?” Shane asked. “The game starts in 20 minutes.”
Ilya loved playing on the same team as his husband, but there were moments he could have used a bit more space.
“I had to run out.”
Ilya pushed past Shane and started changing from his practice clothes to his uniform.
“Out?”
“Yes. Out.”
Shane took a step forward and lowered his voice so only Ilya could hear him. There was so much chatter happening around them that they didn’t have to worry.
“Hey, talk to me,” Shane said. “You’ve been weird all week. Are you okay?”
All it took was the sweet compassion in his husband’s voice to turn Ilya’s heart to mush. He suddenly felt guilt in the pit of his stomach. He had been afraid to tell him he might be pregnant, and now he felt bad for worrying him.
“Yes,” Ilya said with a kind smile. “I am okay. Just a little… what is the saying, under the weather?”
Shane smiled. “Yeah. Okay. Maybe we should give the doctor a call tomorrow.”
“Good idea.”
It was a better idea than Shane realized.
Ilya wanted to tell him, he really did. They had talked about having kids. One day. Far in the future, after at least one of them retired. This was all very sudden and unexpected. Ilya wasn’t even sure how he felt about it yet, he couldn’t expect Shane to be.
The team began filing out toward the ice and Ilya followed. He got as far as the arena and stopped short.
The reality of what he was doing hit him all at once. Whether he was ready to accept it or not, there was a tiny life starting to grow inside him. The moment he stepped onto the ice, he’d be putting them in danger. Ilya wasn’t sure how he felt about all this yet, but he knew he didn’t want to do that. He turned around so quickly that Luca Haas crashed right into him.
“Shit. What-“
“I cannot play,” Ilya said before Luca could get another word out.
Ilya stepped out of line and went to find Coach Wiebe. The game was about to start so he’d already be out on the team bench. Ilya didn’t want to create a scene in front of the fans, so he thought it would be a better idea to go back to the locker room and send him a text.
Ilya was so distracted when he stepped into the hall that he didn’t see the venue motor cart speeding in his direction. For a split second, Ilya felt himself collide with something resembling a golf cart.
Then everything went black.
***
When Ilya’s eyes blinked open the next morning, it took a moment for him to realize where he was. He had a pounding headache and his whole body was sore. There was the subtle beeping of machines, distant voices passing in the hall, the sterile smell of a hospital room.
“Ilya.”
Shane’s voice entered his ear and swirled around in his head while his memory of the night before came back in pieces.
All of a sudden, Ilya sat up with a loud gasp. He looked down at his middle, then up at Shane, panicked. His head was spinning and he wasn’t sure how much of it was because of a head injury.
After they got married, Ilya had made Shane his emergency contact and medical proxy. He knew that if anything happened to him, on the ice or otherwise, Shane would be there and he would know Ilya’s wishes if decisions had to be made. A scenario he never imagined was this being the way Shane found out he was pregnant.
“Is the… Am I… Did they…”
Ilya frantically spit the words out in no particular order. His brain couldn’t decide which question to ask first: if the baby was okay, or if Shane knew there was a baby. Thankfully, Shane seemed to see through the panic in his eyes. He reached out and took Ilya’s hand.
“Baby’s okay.”
Ilya closed his eyes and let out a huge exhale. He felt relief wash over him and in that moment he understood exactly how he felt about the baby. He wanted it more than anything. He opened his eyes and looked at Shane.
“I’m so sorry,” Ilya said, his voice dry.
Shane shook his head. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“I am worst husband ever,” Ilya said as tears formed in his eyes. “I can’t believe this is how you found out. I should have told you already. I am so sorry.”
“Ilya, look at me.” He gave Ilya’s hand a little squeeze. “Do I look upset?”
Ilya studied his husband’s face. He was looking at him with kind, soft eyes. There was nothing in them except love.
Ilya shook his head and a tear ran down his cheek. Shane reached up and wiped it away.
“I’m just glad you’re okay. You scared me.”
Ilya let himself exhale again. Shane was right. The important thing was that everyone was okay. Shane reached up and ran his fingers through Ilya’s hair.
“How long have you known?” Shane asked after a while.
“I took test after practice.”
Shane’s mouth curled up into a smile. “You’ve known less than a day and you’re already guilt tripping yourself for not telling me?”
“I suspected for a while. I should have told you right away.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“I… I was not sure how you would react.”
As Ilya said the words he realized what a ridiculous reason it was. Shane loved him more than anything. What had he been so afraid of?
“Tell me now,” Shane said gently. “I want to hear it from you.”
Ilya paused. Saying it out loud was still so scary.
“I am pregnant.”
Shane nodded, the love in his eyes unchanged.
“Is it what you want? To have the baby?”
Ilya felt his other hand float to his belly. He nodded, the tears coming again.
“It is. It really, really is.”
Shane smiled again. He reached up and grazed Ilya’s cheek with the pad of his thumb.
“Good. Because I want that too.”
Ilya felt a swell in chest so great he thought it might set off his heart monitor.
“Really?” he choked out. “You are sure?”
“Very sure.”
Shane leaned in and kissed him. Ilya slid his fingers through Shane’s hair and held him close. His amazing, perfect husband. The love of his life. The father of his unborn child.
Child.
They were about to be parents.
“I love you so much,” Ilya said between kisses.
“I love you too.”
Shane looked down to Ilya’s middle and put a hand on his belly. Ilya put his hand on top of his. They both let the moment sink in, trying to wrap their minds around this wonderful, shocking, overwhelming news. Shane pressed a long kiss to Ilya’s forehead. They were still locked in an embrace when the doctor walked in the room.
“Good morning, Mr. Rozanov,” she said with a friendly smile. “Feeling better this morning?”
“I do not remember how I felt last night.”
“That’s to be expected. You got quite the concussion.” She took out a small light and looked into both of Ilya’s eyes while she spoke. “I’m sure you don’t remember me either. I’m Dr. Porter.”
“Is nice to meet you. Again.”
“Has your husband filled you in?” she asked, glancing at Shane.
“Only that baby is okay,” Ilya said.
“Yes, we ran a few tests,” Dr. Porter said with a kind smile. “We also treated you for a concussion and bruised ribs. You’ll be okay with some rest. When they told me you were a hockey player I figured you got injured, you know, playing hockey.”
Of course Ilya would end up in the hospital for the most embarrassing reason ever.
“I will not be playing hockey for a while now.”
“That’s exactly right,” the doctor said. “Do you know how far along you are?”
Ilya shook his head. “Not very far, I think. I just took test yesterday.”
“Well, would you like to take a look at your baby with an ultrasound?”
Ilya and Shane exchanged an excited smile.
“Yes, please,” Ilya said.
The doctor pulled an ultrasound machine to Ilya’s bedside. Ilya felt Shane take his hand again as they watched Dr. Porter prepare the wand.
“This will just be a bit cold,” she said.
Ilya pulled up his shirt and revealed his flat belly. It was hard to believe what was happening on the other side. The doctor pressed the wand to Ilya’s skin and moved it around. She stared at the screen without saying anything and Ilya started to worry that something was wrong.
“Is everything okay?” Shane asked, getting the same feeling.
“Tell me about your symptoms, Mr. Rozanov,” the doctor said. “How have you been feeling?”
Ilya didn’t like that she ignored Shane’s question.
“Some nausea,” he said quickly. “Is baby okay?”
“Has the nausea been very strong?”
“Yes, very strong. For about two weeks,” he said impatiently. “What is wrong with baby?”
Dr. Porter turned the monitor so they could look at the screen. It was hard to make sense of what they were seeing, big swirling shapes of black and gray. The doctor pointed to the screen and made a circular motion with her finger.
“You see this black space right here? That’s the gestational sac. By the size, I’d say you’re about six weeks along.”
“But everything looks okay?” Shane asked, squeezing Ilya’s hand a little. “Healthy?”
“Oh yes,” the doctor said before pointing to another spot on the screen. “And you see this one here? That’s another gestational sac. Both strong and healthy.”
Ilya and Shane stared at the screen.
“Um… both?” Shane finally said.
“Yes,” the doctor said. “You’re having twins.”
They stared at the screen some more.
“No,” Ilya said firmly. “That is wrong. It cannot be twins.”
The doctor smiled to herself as she put the wand away.
“I know this is quite a shock,” she said. “This is a very common reaction.”
Ilya had just barely gotten his mind around one baby, now suddenly there were two. He was starting to feel very overwhelmed when he felt Shane’s hand on the side of his face. He looked up and saw his husband gazing down at him with love and awe.
“Hey, we can do this,” Shane said softly. “We got this.”
Ilya looked into his husband’s eyes, and he knew they could.
Chapter Text
The first thing Ilya noticed when he woke up the next morning was the feeling of Shane’s hand gently rubbing his belly. He smiled.
“What are you doing?” Ilya said without opening his eyes.
“I can’t believe there are two babies in there.”
Ilya let his eyes flutter open and looked at Shane curled up at his side, one hand on his belly. Their dog, Anya, was sleeping soundly down at their feet.
“They are very tiny,” Ilya said. “The size of a pea. I googled.”
Shane snuggled in closer and pressed a kiss to Ilya’s flat stomach.
“I can’t wait for them to start growing.”
Ilya raked his fingers through Shane’s hair. “Be careful what you wish for. I am going to be huge. Like giant whale.”
Shane laughed. “There can never be too much of you.”
Shane sat up and leaned in for a kiss. He put his hand on the side of Ilya’s face and pressed their foreheads together. They both sighed, feeling safety and comfort in their touch.
“You sure you’re okay with this?” Shane said softly, brushing Ilya’s cheek with his thumb. “It’s your body that has to go through it. I don’t want you to do anything you don’t want to do.”
“I am sure,” Ilya said. “Is a little scary, but, also exciting, yes? Two babies.”
“It probably would have been better to start with one.”
“Okay, next time I get accidentally pregnant I will make sure it is just with one.”
Shane playfully pinched his arm and Ilya pretended to yelp in pain. This made Anya wake up with a stretch and a yawn.
“I don’t think she’s going to like sharing all our attention,” Shane said.
“No, she will be wonderful big sister.” Ilya patted the bed beside him. “Come.”
Anya sleepily walked up to Ilya’s side of the bed and licked his face. He ruffled her fur and kissed behind her ears. After getting her fill of morning kisses, Anya sniffed down Ilya’s front and stopped with her nose pressed to his belly.
“Whoa,” Shane said.
Ilya smiled and ran his hand over Anya’s back. “You see? She knows. She is already looking after them.”
They cuddled together and enjoyed the lazy morning, their perfect little family. Their family that would not be little for much longer. Eventually they found their way out of bed and into the kitchen for breakfast. Shane made eggs and toast while Ilya took Anya out for a walk. They ate together and started to talk about next steps.
They had a lot of planning to do, but first things first. Ilya couldn’t play hockey anymore and they were going to have to find a way to tell the team. There was a small part of Ilya that felt guilty, having to abandon the team mid-season, but he didn’t feel guilty about the reason why. He already felt so much love for the babies he and Shane were bringing into the world. He was ready to do anything to keep them safe and healthy. At least it was already spring and it wouldn’t be long before they got to the summer break.
“I will go to Coach Wiebe’s office before practice tomorrow,” Ilya said while he and Shane were sitting on the couch. “He wants to talk about how I’m doing after getting injured. He is in for real surprise.”
“How do you want to tell the team?”
“Let’s just make announcement in the locker room right after. I don’t want to make a whole big deal out of it.”
Shane smirked. “They’re definitely going to make a big deal out of it.”
Ilya rolled his eyes, but he secretly loved it. Their babies would have a whole team of uncles excited to meet them.
“Okay, just don’t let Harris throw a party or anything.”
***
Harris didn’t throw a party, but he did run out and buy cupcakes for the entire team as soon as the announcement was made.
Everyone on the team was just as excited as expected. There was a moment of shock at the pregnancy announcement, then an even bigger shock when they added that it was twins. Troy was the first person to break the tension by crossing the room and throwing his arms around both Ilya and Shane.
“Well shit, you guys. This is amazing!” he said, pulling them into a big hug.
Similar words of support from everyone else followed. The immediate cheers and congratulations helped Ilya feel a lot better about not being able to play for the rest of the season.
“You’re lucky I can’t play anymore,” Ilya said. “Now you have excuse for not making the playoffs.”
“You wish Rozanov,” Bood said. “The stadium will still be filled with people wearing your jersey, even if you’re not playing.”
“You’ll still come to the games, right?” Haas asked, a touch of pleading in his voice.
“Of course, Luca. You will not get rid of me that easily,” Ilya said. “At least not until I am too big to walk out the door.”
“We’d actually like to keep this out of the public while we still can,” Shane said. “For now the official statement is that Ilya’s on leave from his injury for the rest of the season.”
“That won’t be a problem,” Troy said. “If you two can keep your relationship a secret for as many years as you did, we can definitely keep quiet about a baby for a few months.”
“Babies,” Ilya corrected.
“Whew, you guys really don’t do anything half way,” Bood said.
“Feels better to go all the way,” Ilya said.
“Don’t be gross,” Shane said before turning to the rest of the team. “Let’s get out on the ice before the sun goes down, alright guys?”
Ilya thought he would hate having to sit on the sidelines while his team was on the ice, but he discovered he liked watching without the pressure of participating. He especially liked watching Shane.
Ilya had always loved watching Shane play, but ever since they played for the same team, Ilya rarely got to watch just as a fan. The way he skated along the ice, seamlessly moving around other players, speeding by with the puck. He really was the best.
Ilya watched his husband from the bench and felt his hand float to his belly. He smiled and imagined the two little lives that he and Shane made together. He wondered what they would look like, what their voices would sound like. He wondered what they’d inherit from him and what they’d get from Shane.
One thing that Ilya was sure of, was that he’d never felt happier.
Chapter Text
Ilya woke up in the morning to the sound of Shane in the shower. He listened to the running water and felt the warmth of Anya snuggled up against his legs. His serene morning only lasted a moment before he was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea that sent him diving out of bed.
Ilya ran to the bathroom and dropped to his knees in front of the toilet. He was too busy throwing up to realize the running water had stopped and Shane had gotten out of the shower. When Ilya was finally able to take a breath, Shane squatted down on the floor beside him.
“You okay?” Shane asked, rubbing his back.
“I thought I was over the worst of it,” Ilya said, grabbing a piece of toilet paper to wipe his mouth.
“Remember what the doctor said. It’s usually worse with twins.”
Ilya tossed the toilet paper in the trash and looked up. It was unfair how gorgeous his husband was, wet from the shower and wearing nothing but a towel. If Ilya wasn’t busy trying not to vomit up his insides, he’d want to drag Shane into their bed immediately.
“I’ll get you something to settle your stomach,” Shane said, leaning in to kiss Ilya on the forehead.
Soon after, Ilya was sitting at the kitchen table with a can of ginger ale and a piece of lightly buttered toast.
“You feel any better?” Shane asked, sitting down next to him.
“Much. It comes and goes.”
Shane ran his fingers through Ilya’s hair and looked at him with his big adoring eyes.
They thought telling the team about the babies was a big celebration, but somehow celebrating with David and Yuna was even bigger. Shane and Ilya had invited them over for dinner and shared the news. There were cheers, tears, and a whole lot of hugging. Sometimes Ilya couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have found his way into such a wonderful and loving family.
“I’ll take Anya for her walk,” Shane said. “You stay and rest.”
“No, I want to take her. The fresh air will be good.”
“Let’s go together then.”
They took Anya outside after breakfast and walked through the neighborhood, waving to neighbors and taking in the familiar sites.
“We should start putting together the babies’ room,” Shane said while they walked hand-in-hand. “The next eight months are going to fly by. We have a lot to do.”
“We will get everything done,” Ilya said. “And is more like seven months. Doctor said twins usually come early.”
“Oh god, you’re right.”
Ilya smiled and reached for Shane’s hand.
“It is enough time. Now that I can’t play I will be bored out of my mind. Nothing else to do but build cribs and buy baby clothes.”
That made Shane smile. He squeezed Ilya’s hand a little.
“I can’t wait to dress them in cute little onesies. Tiny baby shoes.”
“Don’t forget about diapers,” Ilya said.
“Less excited about that.”
They circled the block with Anya and walked back towards their home while they talked more about the future.
***
It had been a few weeks since Ilya and Shane had found out about the babies and the shock was starting to wear off. They were shifting into preparation mode as time was already flying by.
The two of them were in the bathroom getting ready one morning, moving around the space in their usual routine. Shane was washing his face in the sink while Ilya stood behind him brushing his teeth. Shane patted his face dry with a towel and gasped when he caught a direct glimpse of Ilya’s shirtless torso.
“Ilya!”
“What!” Ilya said, nearly choking on the toothpaste foam in his mouth.
“Look at you.”
Ilya followed Shane’s eye line down to his midsection and saw a small, soft mound where his rock hard abs usually were. Ilya moved his hands instinctively to his belly, cupping it gently while he gazed down.
“You popped,” Shane said, stepping in to add his hands on top of Ilya’s.
They stood there for a moment, both looking at the visible evidence of their babies.
“This is so crazy,” Shane said. “Our babies are in there.”
“I love them already,” Ilya said.
“Me too.” Shane kissed the corner of Ilya’s mouth, not caring about the tiny bit of toothpaste he caught on his lips. “What do you and the babies want for breakfast?”
Ilya thought for a moment while he spit and rinsed in the sink.
“Tuna melt,” he said.
“A tuna melt? For breakfast?”
“It is what babies want. Do you want to tell them no?”
“Never.” Shane kissed him again. “Give me twenty minutes.”
The two ate breakfast and then sat on the couch together until Shane had to leave for practice. Ilya still went to team meetings and games, but he started to feel like he was just taking up space at practices and Coach Wiebe told him to take the time to rest if he wanted to. Ilya would be lying if he said he wasn’t feeling a little left out.
“I’ll come home after practice,” Shane said, his hand resting on Ilya’s thigh. “There’s an hour break before the game.”
Ilya shook his head. “That is waste of time, coming all the way home just to go right back. Stay there and get ready for the game.”
“You don’t mind being here alone all day?”
“I should get used to it. When next season starts I won’t be going to team meetings or games either.” Ilya put his hand on his belly. “And technically, I am not alone.”
Shane gave him a soft smile. “I’m sorry. I know you feel like you’re missing out on the season.”
“Is okay. It is for very good reason.”
Shane leaned in and kissed him. “Text me if you need anything.”
“I will not.”
Shane gave Ilya a playful shove as he got off the couch.
Ilya could handle being alone for a few hours, but he quickly realized how little he had going on his life when he didn’t have to worry about hockey. No plays to review, no videos to watch, no meetings to prepare for. He could hardly remember a time in his life that wasn’t completely consumed by hockey.
He supposed that was all about to change soon anyway.
Ilya walked into the room that was going to be the babies’ nursery. For a while it had been Ilya’s game room that never got used. Then when Shane moved in it sort of became a place where they stored boxes of Shane’s things that never got unpacked. In the last few weeks they had completely cleared it out to make space for all the new things they had to buy.
Ilya stood in the empty room and imagined what it would look like. Two cribs. A changing table. A closet filled with baby clothes. Maybe some shelves with books and a chest for toys. Of course toys. Lots and lots of toys.
Anya came trotting into the room while Ilya was looking around. He bent down and rubbed her soft little ears.
“Is going to be very different around here soon,” he said as he pet Anya. “Are you ready to be big sister?”
Anya looked up at him with her earnest puppy eyes. Ilya smiled and kissed the top of her head.
“Can I tell you secret? You promise not to tell?” Ilya sat down on the floor and ruffled Anya’s fur with both hands. “I am afraid I will not be good at it. Being a dad. I am not sweet and patient, like Shane.”
Anya licked his face. Ilya smiled.
“I cannot even discipline you. How will I do it with my own babies?”
Anya licked him again.
“You’re right, I am sorry. You are my first baby.”
Ilya continued petting Anya until she started to whine to be taken outside. He took her for a walk and didn’t spend a second of it thinking about hockey.
Chapter Text
Shane got out of bed on the first morning of summer break and wandered into the babies’ room. He found Ilya sitting on the floor, surrounded by disassembled crib parts. By now Ilya’s belly was a soft little mound, but still easily hidden beneath loose fitting clothes. Shane could hardly stand how adorable he looked.
“How long have you been awake?” Shane said, rubbing his eyes.
“Not long. I wanted to get a head start on building the cribs.”
“That nesting instinct kicking in already, huh?”
“The bigger I get the less I will be able to do. I do not want to leave things until the last minute.”
Shane got down on the floor beside Ilya and kissed him.
“Maybe we could wait just two more weeks? My break starts today and I’d really like to spend it relaxing with you.”
Shane made a good point. Once the babies arrived, who knows when they would get to relax again. Ilya leaned back on his hands and his shirt settled against his abdomen, highlighting his tiny bump.
“When do you want to leave for the cottage?” Ilya asked.
“Sometime this afternoon. I want to clean up the lawn a little so the house looks nice while we’re gone.”
Ilya smirked. “Mr. Real Estate.”
“Shut up.” Shane leaned in and kissed him again, giving his belly a quick little rub. “Do you need help packing?”
“No. I am not too pregnant to pick up a couple of t-shirts.”
“Fine,” Shane said as he left the room. “But I better not catch you lifting any heavy luggage.”
Ilya smiled as Shane walked away down the hall.
***
Their two weeks at the cottage was a wonderful and much needed break. They enjoyed every relaxing second. Lazy mornings in bed, cozy nights by the fire. They didn’t want it to end.
Toward the end of the two weeks, Hayden and Jackie brought the kids to spend a day by the water. Shane had told Hayden the news over the phone, but this was the first time they saw each other in person since the announcement.
Shane stood at the grill making burgers for everyone while Hayden stood beside him with a beer in his hand. Jackie was sitting on a lawn chair re-applying sunscreen to one of the kids while Ilya played in the water with the rest of them. Shane looked over at his husband who was pretending to be a shark that the kids were attacking with inflatable pool toys. Anya ran excitedly back and forth along the water’s edge, barking to be included in the action.
“Sheesh, are you two ever going to stop looking at each other with heart eyes?” Hayden said, taking a sip from his beer. “I swear you’ve been in the honeymoon stage for like ten years now.”
Shane smiled and returned his attention to the grill.
“I’ll stop looking at Ilya with heart eyes when you and Jackie stop having babies.”
“Low blow, Hollander.” Hayden looked over at the water and watched the kids playing for a moment. “I’m so glad you two are finally joining us in this nightmare.”
“You’re really making me feel better about the whole becoming-a-dad thing.”
Hayden laughed and clapped him on the shoulder.
“You know I’m kidding. Being a dad is awesome, seriously. It’s the best thing in the world.”
“I can’t wait.” Shane started stacking the burgers onto a serving tray. “I’m also terrified.”
“You’ll be great. You and Ilya make a good team.”
Shane looked up. “Sorry, did you almost just say something nice about Ilya?”
Hayden rolled his eyes. “Look, I know I give the guy a hard time, but he was made for this. He’s practically a big kid himself.” They looked over at Ilya tossing little Arthur in the air while he giggled and screamed. “Just don’t tell him I said something nice about him.”
Shane laughed and carried the tray of burgers to the table. “Lunch is ready!”
Hours later, after everyone had their fill of food and sun and the lake, the Pikes decided it was time to make their way home. It was a group effort to carry all the exhausted kids into the car and strap them in. The adults said their goodbyes in the driveway and promised to get together again soon.
Shane and Ilya weren’t quite ready to call it a night, so they made a fire in the backyard and sat beside it as the sun went down. Shane laid longways on the bench by the fire pit and Ilya leaned back against his chest. Shane wrapped his arms around him and brought his hands to rest on his little belly.
“Today was fun,” Ilya said as he settled deeper into Shane’s embrace.
“It was.” Shane pressed a kiss to the top of Ilya’s head. “I can’t wait to spend summers here with our kids.”
Ilya smiled.
“We are going to need a bigger cottage.”
They watched the fire crackle in front of them, imagining their kids running around the cottage in a few years.
“Hayden told me not to tell you he said something nice about you, but he thinks we’ll be great parents,” Shane said.
“And you are such good friend that you told me right away.”
Shane smiled and pinched him. Ilya took one of Shane’s hands and brought it to his lips. He kissed the back of his knuckles.
“Do you think Hayden is right?” Ilya asked. “We will be good parents?”
“I hope so.”
There was nothing but the sound of the crackling fire for a long moment.
“What if we are not good at it?” Ilya said gently.
Shane felt the weight in Ilya’s voice. He tilted Ilya’s chin up so they could see each other.
“What do you mean?”
“I am worried about being parents.” He paused. “Not about you. About me. I do not know anything about being good dad.”
“Ilya.” Shane sat up so he could get a better look at him. “I just watched you spend an entire day with four little kids who couldn’t get enough of you. You’re amazing.”
“That is not the same. My father was terrible person, and terrible dad. I do not want that for our babies.”
Shane suddenly understood what this was about and his eyes softened. He ran his hand through Ilya’s curls, soft from the lake water.
“You’re nothing like your dad. Not even close. I know you’ll be a great parent because you’re already taking care of our babies and keeping them safe.” Shane put his hand on Ilya’s belly. “I don’t know anything about being a parent either, but we’ll figure it out together. We’ll be okay.”
Ilya was surprised to feel tears forming in his eyes. Maybe it was the hormones, but he was overwhelmed by how much he loved Shane and how lucky he was that he got to spend his life with him.
“I love you,” was all Ilya managed to say to keep from crying.
Shane kissed him. “I love you, too.”
They sat by the fire until it was just a few flickering embers, then walked together to bed.
***
Their two uninterrupted weeks together went by way too fast. The next day, Shane would be returning to work with the team to get ready for the upcoming season, and Ilya would be staying home.
As far as the public knew, Ilya was officially on leave for the season due to an injury. They wanted to keep the real reason private for as long as possible so they could enjoy it without the press all over them.
Ilya had some feelings about not returning for the season, but he had a happy distraction. They had scheduled a checkup with the doctor on the last day of the break so Shane would be sure to make it.
Ilya was sitting on the exam table with Shane at his side when the doctor walked in.
“Hello, you two. It’s nice to see you,” Dr. Teller said. “How are you feeling, Ilya?”
“A lot better lately. No nausea in weeks.”
“That’s great to hear.” The doctor tapped a few keys on the computer. “Tell me what else you’ve been feeling.”
Ilya told the doctor how his appetite had returned and how he was feeling. She asked a few more questions and told him what to expect in the upcoming weeks. Then she asked Ilya to lie back on the table and lift his shirt so she could do an ultrasound.
At twelve weeks, Ilya’s twin belly was a soft little mound. Shane reached over and took Ilya’s hand as they both watched the screen. For a moment, the monitor was a large blur of black and gray. Then, the clear shape of a tiny baby came into view.
“Holy shit,” Shane said. He looked at the doctor. “Sorry.”
“That’s okay,” she smiled. “This right here is Baby A.”
“Looks okay?” Ilya said. “Baby is healthy?”
“Healthy and strong. The perfect size for twelve weeks.” Dr. Teller moved the wand around until another tiny baby shape appeared. “And here is Baby B. Both look perfectly strong and healthy.”
Shane leaned in and kissed the side of Ilya’s head. Ilya felt a tear roll down his cheek and didn’t even bother trying to hide it.
“Now let’s see if we can hear a heartbeat,” the doctor said.
She flipped a switch and the monitor made a strange swelling sound as she moved the wand around Ilya’s belly. Then suddenly the swirling turned into a very fast boom boom boom boom.
“That is baby’s heartbeat?”
“Mhm.” The doctor nodded as she moved the wand around some more. “I’m getting two strong heartbeats here. You might have a couple of athletes on your hands.”
Ilya and Shane looked at each other, trying hard not to completely melt into a puddle as they listened to the sound of their babies’ heartbeats.
“They are perfect,” Ilya said.
Chapter Text
Once the season got underway, the days were a blur of errands and meetings and appointments. Shane was busy with the team and Ilya spent every moment he could getting ready for the babies. They managed to schedule Ilya’s next doctor visit on a rare afternoon off for Shane so he could be there.
Ilya laid back on the exam table while Dr. Teller moved the ultrasound wand around his belly, something he never got bored of. Shane held Ilya’s hand as they both watched the monitor with heart eyes.
“Both Baby A and Baby B look good,” she said. “Progressing nicely. Have you felt them move yet?”
Ilya shook his head. “No. Is that normal?”
“Completely. You should start to feel movement very soon.”
Shane gave Ilya’s hand a little squeeze as they watched their babies take shape on the screen.
“Do you want to know the sex?” Dr. Teller asked.
Shane and Ilya exchanged wide smiles.
“Yes, we would like that,” Ilya said.
The doctor moved the wand around, trying to get exactly the right angle.
“Okay,” she said, still settling on the perfect spot. “Baby A is a boy.”
They both gasped.
“Really? A boy?” Shane said, his eyes watery.
“Mhm.” Dr. Teller moved the wand around some more. “And it looks like Baby B is… a girl.”
They gasped again.
“A girl!” Ilya said as he turned to look at Shane.
They stared at each other with tearful smiles. Hearing the sex of their babies made everything feel real. They were bringing actual tiny humans into the world.
“Congratulations,” the doctor said. “I’ll print you some pictures.”
***
By 20 weeks along, Ilya had a bump that was impossible to hide, no matter what kind of clothes he put on. Even though they had only told family and friends, Ilya still went out in town and occasionally dropped in on a team meeting with Shane. They had somehow managed to get this far without anyone snapping a picture of Ilya’s obvious baby belly and blasting it all over the internet. Since they knew it was only a matter of time, they decided to make the announcement official.
Coach Wiebe had arranged for a press conference to discuss Ilya’s hiatus from the team. Reporters were filling the room while Ilya and Shane got ready in the bathroom down the hall. Ilya walked up to the mirror and smoothed out his clothes. The only pair of dress pants that still fit and a fitted white shirt.
“Do I look okay?” Ilya said, looking at his reflection.
Shane walked up beside him and kissed the side of his neck.
“You look amazing.”
Ilya continued to look at himself in the mirror with a serious expression. Shane sensed his stress and wrapped his arms around his middle.
“I can still do it with you if you want,” Shane said.
Ilya shook his head. “They will ask a lot of stupid questions. No reason for it to happen to us both.”
“We both did this though.” Shane rubbed a hand over Ilya’s belly. “You don’t have to do any of it alone.”
Ilya exhaled and settled back into Shane’s embrace. He put his hands on top Shane’s.
“I am never alone, remember?”
The bathroom door creaked open and Harris popped his head in with a hand over his eyes.
“Sorry to interrupt. They’re ready for you out there.”
“You can open your eyes, Harris. We’re fully clothed,” Shane said.
Harris lowered his hand and looked at them both.
“What did you think we were doing in here right before press conference, pervert?” Ilya said.
“I’m not judging,” Harris said. “You coming?”
“We’ll be out in two minutes,” Shane said.
Harris left them alone and Shane gave Ilya a long kiss for good luck.
“Let’s go tell the world about our babies,” Shane said.
Ilya smiled and kissed him again.
***
Ilya took a deep breath from behind the door to the press room. He could hear the reporters buzzing on the other side. He looked down and rubbed a hand over his belly, then quickly pushed the door open before he could change his mind.
The moment Ilya entered the room, there was a sudden and overwhelming silence, like everyone was taking a breath all at the same time. Then all at once, the room erupted with cameras snapping and microphones raised in the air and questions being shouted from all directions. Ilya walked over to the table at the front of the room and paused for a moment before sitting down, making sure everyone got a good look at him.
Ilya leaned toward the microphone and when the chatter finally quieted down, he spoke.
“I guess now you all know why I am not playing this season.” Ilya took an intentional pause. “I have bruised rib.”
Light laughter bounced around the room which made Ilya relax a little. He glanced over to the side of the room and saw Shane standing by Coach Wiebe and Harris. He felt stronger knowing he had their support right at his side.
“No, that was joke,” Ilya continued. “The real reason I am on hiatus is because I am pregnant. Hollander and I are growing our family.”
There was a moment of more murmurs and snapping cameras. Ilya figured he may as well get the worst part over with.
“Any questions?”
What seemed like a hundred hands went up in the air. One reporter stood and held a recorder out in front of him.
“Does this mean you’re retiring?”
“Uh, no. It does not.” Ilya glanced over at his coach. “Honestly, I am not sure what next season will look like yet. But I am not done with hockey. And hockey is not done with me.”
The crowd seemed satisfied with that answer as everyone buzzed with excitement. Another reporter stood.
“Rozanov, do you think Ottawa has a chance at the playoffs this season without you?”
Ilya felt irritation rise up inside him. Of course he was an amazing player, one of the best, but he believed in his team. He didn’t like when people implied that he was the only reason they ever won a game.
“Ottawa is great team this year. Excellent defensemen. Amazing center. They are already winning games this season. They will still be great without me. Maybe a little less handsome.”
The press laughed at that. Ilya looked over at Shane and saw him smile. Things were going well. Another reporter stood.
“Rozanov, do you know what you’re having?”
“Having for what?”
“I mean, do you know if the baby is a boy or a girl?”
“Oh.” The question surprised Ilya. Then he smiled and glanced over at Shane again. He was going to have fun with this one. “A girl.”
The room erupted in more chatter. It took so long for them to settle down that Ilya had to lean into the mic and speak over them.
“And a boy.”
Chatter quieted down and the reporters looked at each other confused. The same reporter stood back up.
“Sorry, did you say you’re having a girl or a boy?”
“A girl and a boy. We are having twins.”
The room erupted again. This time, he didn’t try to settle them down.
***
When Shane got home from the game the following night, he found Ilya on the living room couch underneath a blanket. Anya was curled up on his lap and there was an empty pint of cookies and cream ice cream on the table in front of him.
Sports news had been absolutely flooded with talk about Ilya and Shane’s impending twins, and not all of it was positive. A lot of people had opinions about two men in the league having a baby together, how Rozanov was throwing his career away. Fortunately it didn’t overshadow coverage of Ottawa’s game. The announcers only mentioned it twice during the broadcast.
“You should have had Haas play right wing,” Ilya said without taking his eyes off the TV. “He is faster than Bood. Other team had many fast skaters.”
“You know we won the game, right?” Shane said as he walked over to the couch.
“By one goal.”
Shane plopped down beside Ilya and looked at him. Ilya turned and saw him staring.
“What?” Ilya said.
“You look adorable.”
Ilya turned back toward the TV, but he was fighting a smile. He pet Anya gently on the head.
“You played very well. Amazing shot in second period.”
Shane smiled and kissed him on the cheek. He settled into the couch and put his arm around Ilya. They watched a few minutes of replays from a different game.
“You think New York’s gonna make it to the playoffs this year?” Shane said.
“If there is a miracle. Scott Hunter is-“
Ilya suddenly sat up so quickly that he startled Shane and nearly knocked Anya off the couch.
“What! What is it?” Shane said, panicking.
Ilya grabbed Shane’s hand and pressed it to his belly.
“Babies are moving.”
“Really? Is this the first time you’ve felt them move?”
Ilya nodded. They both stared down with their hands pressed to Ilya’s belly, thinking about their tiny babies.
Ilya tilted Shane’s face toward him and kissed him. Other people could have all the opinions they wanted. The two of them were completely head over heels in love with their babies, and that’s all that mattered.
“I love you,” Ilya said.
“I love you, too,” Shane said. “All three of you.”
Chapter Text
Shane walked into the bedroom one afternoon and found Ilya standing in front of the mirror with his shirt lifted up to his chest. He was turning and examining his reflection from different angles.
“What are you doing?” Shane said.
“I look bigger than I thought I would by now,” Ilya said, sliding a hand over his belly.
Shane had been invited to play in the all-star game this season, and they were both flying out for it that weekend. Ilya would be seeing a lot of colleagues he hadn’t seen since the pregnancy announcement, and he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t feeling a little insecure.
“You’re 24 weeks pregnant with twins. You look like you’re supposed to.”
“Babies are size of an ear of corn,” Ilya said, looking at himself from the side.
“Where do you get all these food size comparisons?”
“From internet.”
Shane walked up behind Ilya and wrapped his arms around him, cradling his growing belly. Shane pressed his nose to Ilya’s neck and took a long inhale.
“You look perfect,” Shane said, pressing a gentle kiss to Ilya’s skin. “How do you feel?”
“I feel okay. Appetite is good. My back is starting to hurt more.”
Shane slid his hands to Ilya’s back and dug his thumbs into the muscle of his lower back. Ilya moaned.
“Mm. That feels good.”
Shane massaged Ilya’s strained muscles for a bit, then Ilya turned to face Shane and got down on his knees.
“What are you doing?” Shane said while Ilya was unzipping his fly.
“What does it look like?”
“These second trimester hormones are no joke.”
Before Shane could finish another thought Ilya took all of him in his mouth. He worked him quickly, bobbing his head as he sucked. Shane raked his fingers through Ilya’s hair.
“Fuck, you look so good Ilya,” Shane panted. “On your knees, pregnant with my babies.”
Ilya increased his rhythm, knowing Shane was close. Then suddenly Ilya felt Shane’s grip tighten as he released down his throat. Ilya swallowed before slowly pulling off him and getting to his feet. Shane was quick to pull him into a messy kiss.
“Fuck, you’re good at that,” Shane said after they kissed.
“Is only because you come in five seconds.”
“Shut up.”
Shane let his hands wander to the hem of Ilya’s pants but he pushed him away.
“You don’t want a turn?” Shane asked.
“Not here.” Ilya gave him another quick kiss and started backing toward the door. “Was going to take a shower. You going to make me do it all alone?”
Shane smiled as he quickly followed Ilya into the bathroom.
***
All-star weekend was a big party, as always. As soon as Shane and Ilya dropped their bags in their hotel room, they went out to the pool and bar where players from all over the league were hanging out, many of them already drunk.
They both were exchanging hugs and high fives all afternoon while they caught up with friends and old teammates they hadn’t seen in a while. There were also many, many congratulations on the babies.
Ilya felt all the love and support, but he couldn’t help but notice a few uncomfortable stares and whispers from around the room. There were definitely people in the league who had a problem with two men having a baby together. The same people who had a problem with Shane and Ilya being together in the first place. Ilya tried not to let it bother him and focused on all the fun things planned for the weekend.
Shane was amazing in the all-star game, unsurprisingly. He was a great player, and Ilya never got tired of watching him. As much as he enjoyed watching, Ilya missed being on the ice with his husband. He loved their competition, how they made each other better.
Ilya felt the babies kicking as he watched Shane play. He smiled and brought a hand to his belly.
“I know,” he said quietly. “I like watching your dad play, too.”
Another thing Ilya missed from before being pregnant was not having to constantly use the bathroom. He made it about halfway through the second period before he couldn’t hold it any longer. He walked through the arena and found the nearest bathroom.
Ilya’s pregnancy had progressed to the point where it was no longer possible to see his own zipper. To save himself the embarrassment of unzipping blind, he’d started using the stall instead of the urinal in public bathrooms. He was just finishing up when he heard the bathroom door open and two people walk in.
He recognized their voices, two assistant coaches for other teams. Ilya was just about to let himself out of the stall when he heard his own name.
“Did you see Rozanov came this weekend?” one of them said over at the urinal.
“Of course. How could you miss him?” the other one said. “I can’t believe he had the guts to show his face. What an embarrassment.”
“His face isn’t what I noticed. Did you see that belly?”
The other guy made a noise that sounded something like disgust. “It’s one thing to throw your career away, but to let everyone see it! I’m surprised Crowell didn’t have him removed.”
Ilya heard the two walk over to the sinks and turn on the water.
“Hollander’s the one who should be removed. I can’t believe he still got invited to the all-star game after he knocked up somebody on his own team. They both should be kicked out of the league.”
That was the last straw for Ilya. He threw open the stall door so loudly that it startled both the men at the sinks. The second they saw Ilya’s reflection in the bathroom mirror, they both froze. They stood completely silent as Ilya walked up between them and washed his hands. He walked over to the paper towel dispenser on the wall and dried his hands. Just as he was about to open the door, he paused.
“Assistant coaches who care more about who players are fucking than playing hockey,” Ilya said. “That is real embarrassment.”
Ilya walked back to his seat and watched the rest of the game with his head held high.
***
“You sure you don’t want to go out?” Ilya said as he settled onto the hotel bed. “A lot of the players are going to a bar nearby. You should go.”
Shane’s team had played great in the game, and most of the players were going out to celebrate. Ilya was feeling pretty exhausted after the long day, but he didn’t want Shane to miss out on the fun.
“I don’t want to go if you’re not feeling up to it.” Shane plopped down on the bed next to Ilya. “Besides, I kind of like the idea of us hiding out in a hotel room for all-star weekend. Feels like old times.”
Ilya smiled. “This time is not a secret.”
Shane swung his leg across Ilya’s lap and straddled his thighs, facing him. He leaned in for a long kiss. Shane tangled his fingers in Ilya’s curls and kissed him for a few minutes, then quickly pulled back.
“What’s wrong?” Shane said.
“Nothing is wrong.”
Shane shook his head. “Something’s wrong. You’re not yourself.”
Ilya let out a long sigh. “Is nothing, really. I don’t want to ruin the weekend.”
“Hey.” Shane took Ilya’s face gently in both hands. “You’re not ruining anything. Talk to me.”
Ilya sighed again and slid his hands over Shane’s waist. He told Shane everything he’d heard in the bathroom and what the two assistant coaches had said. Shane just listened quietly, but Ilya could tell he was fuming mad.
“I’ll kill them,” Shane said when he’d finished. “I’ll report them to the league. They can’t just talk shit about players’ personal lives like that.”
“Is not worth it. Crowell will just side with them anyway.”
Shane shifted so he was beside Ilya again. He reached an arm around Ilya’s shoulders and pulled him in to rest against his chest.
“I’m so sorry that happened,” Shane said, pressing a kiss to Ilya’s head. “I hate that anyone made you feel like that. Especially about our babies.”
“I do not think our babies are embarrassment,” Ilya said. “I am not ashamed.”
“I know that, sweetheart.” Shane kissed him again. “You don’t have to tell me.”
Ilya took Shane’s hand and pressed it to his belly.
“They were kicking during the game. They like watching you play.”
Shane smiled and held him a little bit closer.
“I can’t wait to get on the ice with them. Buy them tiny little ice skates.”
“I think they should learn to walk on regular ground first.”
“Is that how you learned?”
“Of course not. How do you think I became best hockey player in the world?”
They both smiled as they laid in each other’s arms in the hotel bed, thinking about their babies. They heard laughter in the hall as a few players passed by.
“Let’s go out,” Ilya said after a while.
“We don’t need to go out.”
“I want to. Let’s go to the bar where the other players are and let people take a hundred pictures of me and put them all over internet. We spent so much time hiding us, I do not want to hide our babies.”
“Okay.” Shane kissed him again. “Let’s go out.”
Chapter Text
Ilya and Shane were glad they decided to go out the instant they walked into the bar. Other players were already several drinks in and cheered when they saw them arrive. They grabbed a table by the bar and joined the fun.
At some point, Ilya wandered over to the pool table and challenged Luca Haas to a game. Despite Luca being a little obsessed with him, Ilya couldn’t resist destroying him in a round of pool. They were taking their last turns when Scott Hunter joined them.
“I play winner,” Scott said.
“You sure you won’t break a hip?” Ilya said, sipping from his Coke.
“I made it this far in the season without getting injured. I think I’ll survive a game of pool.”
Luca gracefully accepted defeat after his last move and handed the pool stick to Scott.
“Do you have to be so good at everything?” Luca said to Ilya.
“Don’t worry, you are much better at hockey than you are at pool,” Ilya said with a smile.
Ilya and Scott reset the balls and started playing. They didn’t do a whole lot of talking at first. They listened to the sound of their teammates and friends laughing and having a good time at the bar.
“So I haven’t had the chance to say it in person yet,” Scott said as he lined up his pool stick with a ball. “Congratulations.”
“For being amazing at hockey and pool?”
“For becoming parents, asshole.” Scott took the shot. “Should I take it back?”
Ilya smirked. “Thank you. Is very exciting.”
Ilya walked around to the opposite side of the table and lined up his stick. He took the shot and landed a ball in the corner pocket.
“But also, terrifying. Right?” Scott said.
Ilya paused for a moment as he looked at the pool table.
“Yes. That too, a little bit.”
Scott smiled and reached for a cube of chalk. He rubbed it against the tip of his pool stick. “I remember feeling all of that when Kip was pregnant. And we were only having one. I can’t imagine two at once.” Scott lined up his next shot and leaned over the table. “I also remember some of the really fucked up things people said when they thought I couldn’t hear them.”
Ilya drummed his fingers against the edge of the table for a moment. He picked up his Coke and took a sip.
“People are stupid.”
“That’s definitely true,” Scott said. “I know it’s not the same because I didn’t have to stop playing, but, it sucks to hear everyone talk about your personal life like they know anything about you. I’m just saying, you know, I get it.”
Ilya brought a hand to his belly. “Thank you.”
Ilya felt a hand slide along his back and then felt Shane’s familiar kiss on his cheek.
“Is he being nice to you?” Shane asked Scott.
“As nice as he can be,” Scott said. “You played great today.”
“Thanks. We had a great team this year,” Shane said. “It was fun.”
“I’m glad you came,” Scott said as he lined up his next shot. “Both of you.”
Ilya felt Shane’s hand on his lower back and smiled. He was glad they decided to go out.
***
The difference between 24 weeks pregnant and 30 weeks pregnant was shocking to Ilya. According to the doctor the babies were growing rapidly now, but Ilya didn’t need to be told. It seemed like every time he found a shirt that fit, he had outgrown it by the next laundry cycle.
He stood in front of the bedroom mirror tugging at his red sweater to stretch it down as much as possible. He imagined that if he was only carrying one baby, this is how he would look when he was ready to pop. But he was carrying two, and he still had 10 weeks to go.
“That’s a nice sweater,” Shane’s voice said as he entered the room behind him.
“I have never worn it because it was way too big when I got it. Now it barely fits.”
Shane came up behind him and put his hands on Ilya’s waist. “You look good in anything you wear.” He kissed Ilya’s neck. “Or when you’re wearing nothing.”
Ilya smiled. “Your parents will be here any minute. You want them to walk in on us doing it?”
It was Christmas Day and Yuna and David were coming over to celebrate the holiday at their place. They were looking forward to a quiet Christmas with the four of them.
Shane cringed. “You’re right. My parents have seen enough. Let’s not ruin Christmas.”
Ilya smiled and rubbed a hand over his big belly.
“Next year there will be two more of us.”
Shane smiled and kissed Ilya’s neck again.
“I can’t wait. Christmas is a lot more special with little kids around.”
Ilya sighed and leaned back into Shane’s arms. “Christmas was not big deal when I was growing up. My father thought it was big waste of money. Spending it with your family is very different.”
“They’re your family too,” Shane said, giving him a little squeeze. “Don’t forget that.”
Ilya could never forget how lucky he was to be a part of this amazing family. He had to pinch himself every day that this was his life, and soon they’d be adding two more.
Soon there was a knock at the door and Yuna and David walked in with armfuls of gifts and plates of food. Shane reminded them that there was already plenty of food, but that didn’t seem to bother them.
They had a wonderful afternoon of opening gifts and then an amazing meal at the dinner table. They had settled in the living room and were enjoying an after dinner drink - non-alcoholic for Ilya - while they talked and enjoyed each other’s company. At one point Ilya had gotten up to use the bathroom and found Yuna loading the dishwasher in the kitchen on his way back.
“You do not have to do that,” Ilya said, one hand supporting his lower back. “We will deal with dishes tomorrow.”
“Nonsense. I won’t have you doing extra housework while you’re carrying two babies around,” Yuna said. “You shouldn’t even be on your feet. Come on.”
Yuna set the dishes down long enough to pull out a kitchen chair. Ilya smiled as he settled himself carefully into it.
“I remember my feet were always killing me when I was pregnant with Shane,” she said, returning to the dishes. “And you’re doing double duty.”
Ilya brought a hand to rest on his belly. “It is starting to get more difficult. I can’t do all the things I could before.”
“Well of course you can’t sweetheart. Your body is busy doing one really important thing.”
Ilya looked down at his belly as he cradled it with both hands, picturing his two little babies inside.
“Getting pregnant was a surprise,” Ilya said after a pause. “Followed by an even bigger surprise. But I feel very lucky. I am excited for babies to get here.”
Yuna smiled as she opened the cabinet beneath the kitchen sink and pulled out the box of dishwasher pods.
“We couldn’t be happier for you both. You’ll be wonderful parents.” Yuna popped in the pod and closed the dishwasher. “David and I talked about having more. But, well… it just wasn’t in the cards for us.”
“You did perfect job with the first one. No need to have more.”
Yuna paused as she pat her hands dry on a dish towel and Ilya was certain he saw her eyes glistening. She walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek.
“I’m so glad you’re my son,” she said as she tucked one of his curls behind his ear.
Now it was Ilya whose eyes were glistening.
“Come on.” Yuna extended a hand to help him up. “Let’s get back to the living room.”
They returned to the living room where David and Shane were leaning over a box of photos on the coffee table. Anya was sprawled out on the rug with a new Christmas Tree shaped chew toy.
“Yuna, look at this.”
David held out a photograph of a toddler sized Shane on the beach in full vacation gear, complete with sunglasses and a yellow duck pool tube.
“Oh my god!” she yelled so loudly that Anya jumped. “Where did you find these?”
“They were in a box I had in storage,” Shane said. “I found it when I was making space for the babies’ room.”
Ilya settled into the couch beside Shane as they all passed more pictures around. Ilya listened to story after story of Shane as a baby and loved each one even more than the last. He soaked in all of the joy and laughter around him and thought about how his favorite Christmas gift was knowing that his babies were being born into a family that was already bursting with love for them.
Chapter Text
“You really don’t have to go. I know it’s a lot for you.”
Shane reminded Ilya for the tenth time that he did not have to go to tonight’s hockey game. At 32 weeks, it was difficult for Ilya to do just about anything other than rest, but he insisted.
“You are playing Montreal,” Ilya said from deep inside their bedroom closet. “That is a lot for you. I want to be there.”
Ilya stepped out of the closet with an oversized sweatshirt that neither of them could even remember buying. He held it up to himself in the mirror.
“I think this will be the last game I make it to this season anyway. A lot of walking around that giant arena, even when I am just there to watch,” he said. “Do you think this will fit me?”
Shane took the sweatshirt from Ilya and guided him to lift his arms so he could help him get into it. Ilya faced the mirror while Shane tugged the shirt down over him.
“It fits,” Shane said.
“Barely.”
Shane smiled and reached his arms around Ilya to cradle his belly. Ilya put his hands on top of his.
“I’m going to miss this belly.” Shane nuzzled a kiss into Ilya’s neck. “It looks good on you.”
“You still have a few more weeks with it.”
“You think the twins will make it all the way to 40 weeks?”
“No. I will burst before then.”
Shane smiled and hugged him close.
“Are you sure you want to come tonight?”
“Yes, Hollander! I will not miss out on opportunity to shout at Montreal players how terrible they are.”
Shane kissed him again. “You’re the worst.”
“I think you mean I am the best.”
***
Ilya didn’t regret going to the game, but his body was telling him otherwise. His feet throbbed and his back ached with every step. He was enjoying catching up with the team in the locker room before the game, but knew he needed to sit down soon. He wished everyone luck and waddled his way out of the locker room. He turned the corner toward the staff offices and nearly walked straight into commissioner Crowell.
“Ilya Rozanov!” he said in his typical fake joy. “Just the man I wanted to see.”
Harris was standing behind him and mouthing the word sorry which Ilya took to mean that he was sorry he didn’t get a chance to warn him that this terrible man was in the building and looking for him.
“I did not know you were in Ottawa,” was all Ilya said.
“You know how I like to drop in on big games,” Crowell said. “Come on, I’ve got us set up in the box. Join us.”
Ilya wasn’t sure what Crowell meant by big games. Ottawa versus Montreal was certainly a big deal to Ilya and Shane because of their history with the team, but there were bigger games in the league that Crowell could show his face at.
Regardless, the seats in the private boxes were much more comfortable than the ones for the general public. There was also a private bathroom and room for Ilya to get up and stretch his legs when he needed to.
“Okay,” he said, and followed Crowell through the arena.
Ilya immediately walked straight to the front of the box and sat down to watch Montreal come out on the ice. He felt the relief in his back and realized how exhausted he’d been by staying on his feet for so long. Crowell made small talk with a few other men in suits that Ilya didn’t bother introducing himself to. Ilya was so locked in to the game starting that he barely noticed Crowell take the seat next to him.
“These are great seats, aren’t they?” Crowell said. “I’ve always liked watching games from up here. It’s much quieter, more private. You can really take everything in.”
Ilya looked around and saw what Crowell meant. The dark tinted glass that separated them from the fans. The private bathroom and food service so they never had to walk through the arena. Ilya suddenly understood why Crowell had come to this game and why he had brought them to the box.
“No one can see me in here,” Ilya said.
“I figured you would be much more comfortable here,” Crowell said. “Considering your condition.”
“You mean pregnant with Shane Hollander’s babies,” Ilya said as bluntly as possible.
He saw Crowell’s jaw tighten.
“I was hoping we could talk about that,” Crowell said, nearly turning red over how hard he was trying to stay polite. “Now that you’re far along, you must be very busy preparing. I’m sure you have a lot on your plate.”
“Not so much that I can’t make it to a game.”
“Right.” Crowell coughed. “Well, I’m sure you would be much more comfortable watching from home. This is no place for someone in your condition. I’ve been speaking with some members of the board and we all think it’s best if this is the last game you come out to this season. I’m sure you agree.”
Ilya was fuming. Little did Crowell know that Ilya had already planned to not come to any more games this season, but he wanted to do it on his own terms, not because the league was forcing him. Suddenly Ilya felt the urge to attend every single game from now until the babies came, even if it meant going into labor in the middle of a face off.
“You mean it would be best for the league if fans did not see their best player walking around with huge pregnant belly.”
“Ilya,” Crowell said sharply. “You know the league supports you and Shane. We just don’t want things to get out of hand.”
“Yes. Would be really terrible if other players saw us and started getting crazy ideas like wanting to be happy and having a family.” Ilya made an attempt to jump out of his seat dramatically but what his belly allowed was more of an awkward shuffle to his feet. “I am going back to watch game with my family.”
Ilya walked across the box toward the exit. Just as he reached the door, a security guard stepped in his path. Ilya spun back around to face Crowell.
“If you do not let me go I will make such big fucking scene that every person watching the game in this arena and at home will see me.”
Crowell looked at the security guard and sighed. “Let him go.”
Ilya left the box and walked away as fast as his legs would carry him.
***
Ilya found a seat behind the boards near the Ottawa players area to watch the game. The second the timer ran out on the first period, Shane hopped right over to where Ilya was sitting.
“Are you okay?” Shane asked immediately. “Harris said that Crowell came looking for you.”
“I’m fine. Crowell is being asshole, like always.”
“What did he want?”
“Nothing important. You should focus on game.”
“There’s no way he came all the way out here for no reason.”
“Shane. I will tell you everything you want to hear about Crowell later. Now you need to focus on kicking Montreal’s ass.”
Shane managed a small smile. “Fine. I’m going to hit the locker room before intermission’s over.”
“Wait.”
Ilya stood so he was eye-level with Shane. He reached his hand into Shane’s sweaty hair and pulled him into a long kiss. Ilya kept kissing him until he heard the entire crowd break into cheers. They broke apart and both looked up at the giant screen where the cameras were showing their kiss to the entire arena. Shane blushed and Ilya smiled.
“Okay,” Ilya said. “Now you can go.”
Chapter Text
Shane and Ilya laid in bed the morning after their kiss was seen by everyone at the game on the Jumbotron. It turned out that everyone at home saw it too, after the live TV broadcast captured it on camera. Shane scrolled through his phone reading all the comments which, thankfully, were mostly positive.
“All the comments on the clip Harris posted are saying how cute we are,” Shane said. “Crowell must be losing his mind.”
Ilya was lying on his side facing Shane. He ran his hand over Anya’s fur where she was snuggled against his belly.
“Who cares what stupid Crowell thinks,” Ilya said.
Shane put his phone down on the bedside table and turned toward Ilya.
“I hate that he treated you like that yesterday. I wish I had been there.”
“Is okay.” Ilya shrugged. “Nothing you could have done anyway.”
“I could have told Crowell to go fuck himself.”
“Okay. I would have enjoyed that.”
Shane reached down and laid a hand on Ilya’s belly. “Seriously. He doesn’t get to stress you out like that. He has no right. If he tries to control you like that again, I’ll have the whole team stage a walkout. They would do it.”
Ilya smiled. “You are being protective papa.”
“How could I not be protective of my two… what are the babies the size of now?”
“Cabbage.”
“My two little cabbages.”
Ilya rolled his eyes but inside he was swooning. He loved watching Shane gush over their babies. Anya squirmed on the bed as she started to wake up for the day.
“Crowell can stop me from watching or playing hockey ever again if he wants,” Ilya said. “He cannot take away what really matters.”
Shane furrowed his brow. “What do you mean playing hockey ever again? I thought he just didn’t want you coming to any more games this season?”
“I am just saying it would not be worst thing in the world if Crowell said I could not play anymore. Our whole lives are about to change.” Ilya rubbed a hand over his belly. “Staying home with babies instead of going back to hockey does not sound so terrible.”
The corners of Shane’s mouth curled into a gentle smile. “You want to stay home with our kids full time?”
“Maybe. I don’t know.”
“You don’t have to decide now. But if that’s what you want to do, I think you’d be great at it.”
Ilya smiled. Shane scooted down on the bed beside Anya so he could press a kiss to Ilya’s belly. Ilya raked his fingers through Shane’s messy bed hair.
“The boy is kicking,” Ilya said. “Can you feel?”
Shane laid his hand on Ilya’s belly and felt a tiny thump thump against his palm. He smiled.
“How can you tell it’s the boy?”
“The boy is always looking for attention.”
Shane crawled up to meet Ilya and pressed a long kiss to his lips.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” Shane said softly. “Everything your body is doing for our babies. For our family.”
Ilya felt his heart flutter. Even after all these years and the life they’d built together, his husband still knew how to make him melt. He reached up and touched the side of Shane’s face.
Anya got up with a yawn and a stretch in the middle of the bed. She followed it up by turning around and licking Ilya’s face.
“I think someone else is excited about the babies,” Shane said.
“Babies will be her new favorite,” Ilya said. “The second they are born she will forget all about us.”
Shane ruffled Anya’s fur and she nuzzled into his touch.
“I’ll take her for a walk and then make breakfast before I leave for the arena,” Shane said.
“Why are you leaving so early? You have afternoon practice today.”
“Right, well, I told Luca I’d run some drills with him before practice.”
“Ah, good idea. His stick work was sloppy as shit during yesterday’s game.”
“What do you and the babies want for breakfast?”
Ilya thought for a moment while he rubbed a hand over his belly.
“Pancakes.”
“I think we’re out of flour.”
Ilya pouted. “Are you going to tell babies they can’t have pancakes?”
Shane sighed but he was fighting a smile. “I’ll pick some up after I take out Anya.”
***
Shane didn’t feel great about lying to Ilya, but he knew if he said where he was really going before practice, Ilya would freak out. The last thing Shane wanted to do was cause his very pregnant husband any more stress.
Shane had Harris call Crowell’s assistant to find out what hotel he was staying at and what time his flight was leaving. Shane just had to wait in the lobby for about 20 minutes before Crowell walked out of the elevator.
“Shane Hollander,” Crowell said, taken by surprise. “I didn’t expect to see you today.”
“I need to speak with you,” Shane said. “I won’t take much of your time.”
Crowell nodded to his team and told them he’d meet them outside at the car in a few minutes. Then he and Shane stepped into a small alcove near the main entrance.
“I have a flight to catch. We can schedule-“
“This won’t take long,” Shane interrupted. “I just came to tell you in person to stop bullying my husband.”
Crowell’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
“The fact is that there’s nothing in our contracts that says we can’t start a family while we’re still in the league, and they definitely don’t say anything about a player not being allowed to attend a game while pregnant. Ilya acts like it doesn’t upset him, but I know it does. This team is our family and you have no right to show up here and try to force him into hiding.”
Crowell stood there dumbfounded as he listened. Shane could practically see his blood boiling.
“I don’t know who you think you’re talking to, but you better think very carefully about what you say next.”
“This is all I’ve thought about for the last 24 hours,” Shane said. “I know what Ilya and I are worth to this team and to this league. If you do anything to try to intimidate him out of doing what he wants again, I’ll tear up my contract.”
“I’m glad you think so highly of yourself, Mr. Hollander, but the league will survive just fine without you.”
“Maybe, but I won’t be the only one. Like I said, this team is our family and if I walk away, the rest of them will too,” Shane said. “Don’t force the players to choose a side, Mr. Crowell. None of them will choose you.”
There was practically steam coming out of Crowell’s ears. He paused for a moment and adjusted the collar of his shirt. He was furious, but Shane knew he was right. Shane and Ilya had friends on the team and throughout the league that had their backs. If Crowell wanted a fight, they’d be ready.
“Well, I think I’ve heard enough,” Crowell said. “I’ve got a flight to get to.”
Shane watched from the lobby as Crowell left the hotel. Shane felt his heart racing as he came down from the adrenaline of what he’d just done, but a smile slowly crept across his face.
***
Ilya spent the next couple of weeks preparing for the babies’ arrival, at least what he was physically able to. At 34 weeks, it was difficult to do just about anything. His body ached in ways he didn’t know was possible, and just standing in place for more than a few minutes left him out of breath.
As much as he was struggling, there was a part of him that loved every moment. He loved feeling the babies he and Shane made together move inside his belly. He loved thinking about them growing safe and healthy as they got closer to making their arrival.
Ilya was doing his best to make lunch for himself one afternoon while Shane was at practice. Anya sniffed at his feet while Ilya assembled a sandwich at the kitchen counter. He broke off a bite sized piece of chicken and tossed it to Anya who happily gobbled it up.
“I would give you more but I am eating for three,” Ilya said. “I will give you extra treats later.”
Ilya was spreading butter on a slice of bread when he winced at a cramp in his belly. He let out a slow breath and brought a hand to his middle.
“I know. It is getting tight in there,” he said out loud to his babies. “You will be joining us out here soon.”
Ilya set his completed sandwich on a plate and decided he should use the bathroom before taking it to the living room. Once he sat down, it wasn’t an easy process to stand back up. He waddled his way into the bathroom while Anya stayed in the kitchen hoping to catch a few crumbs.
When Ilya got to the bathroom, he pulled down his pants and his heart sank. He reached for his phone immediately and called Shane.
“Ilya. Is everything-“
“I’m bleeding,” Ilya said.
“What?”
“I don’t know what happened. I just went to the bathroom and I… I’m bleeding.”
There was a brief pause before Shane responded.
“Stay right where you are,” he said. “I’m coming home and I’m taking you to the hospital.”