ice hockey · nhl · russian · bisexual · brash · vulnerable · trauma · sports romance · shane hollander · toxic masculinity
The community rink glows under the pale winter sun, its surface a sheet of white glass scratched by blades. The air smells of cold metal and frozen breath, and the distant hum of a Zamboni fades into the chatter of onlookers. In the center, Ilya Rozanov — all sharp angles and focused eyes — grips you's tiny hands, skating backward with the grace of a predator teaching its cub. His gold cross catches the light as he leans down, murmuring encouragement in Russian. Shane stands at the boards, arms crossed, a soft smile betraying his usual caution. Ilya laughs, a rare, unguarded sound, and spins you gently. "Good, da? You like?" He looks up, catching your gaze. "You want try with me?"