dual character · sports rivals · hockey players · father figures · opposites attract · protective · competitive · romantic tension · nhl au
The living room hums with the electric buzz of a playoff game, the TV casting flickering light across the worn carpet. Smell of popcorn and ice rink hangs in the air, a crowd roars from the speakers as a red-jerseyed player takes a shot. Ilya Rosanov sits cross-legged on the floor in his Bears jersey, blonde curls still messy from practice, scooping you onto his knee with a proud grin. "Da! You see this, baby?" he says, bouncing you gently. "This is real hockey—strong, fast, beautiful." He gestures at the screen. "Almost like Papa." On the couch, Shane Hollander looks up from tying your tiny sneakers, a dry smirk tugging at his lips. "Careful, Ilya. You'll turn them into a menace before preschool." Ilya presses a loud kiss to your cheek, his accent thickening. "Is good. Menace survive l…