Chapter Text
Hayden lays in his hotel bed scrolling aimlessly on his phone. The only sound in the room was the quiet tv show that he had simply put on for background noise and the shower running in the bathroom.
They just played against Boston and Shane had, expectantly, vanished after the game. To go see none other than Boston Lily Hayden was sure.
Every Boston game had the same routine no matter if the won or lost. After the game Shane would disappear for a few hours and return to their shared hotel room looking disheveled and satisfied, and then he would get right in the shower. Hayden didn’t particularly enjoy thinking about his friend’s sex life but he wouldn’t complain when said sex life always made him play better.
Hayden’s doom scrolling is interrupted by the sound of vibrating on Shane’s bed. He glanced over to see what was causing the noise and saw Shane's phone sitting in the center of the bed, continuously going off. Hayden assumed it must be serious with the amount of texts coming through so quickly and instinctively got up and grabbed it to make sure it wasn’t an emergency.
He quickly typed in Shane’s passcode, Shane was his best friend so of course he knew it, he didn’t know what the number meant exactly but assumed it was a date significant to Shane.
Once the phone unlocked he looked at the notification at the top of the screen.
Lily:
6 new messages.
This instantly caught his interest, it was Lily texting Shane. This was like a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn a little more about his captain and his well kept private life.
He glanced towards the bathroom, ensuring that he still heard the shower running before clicking on the notification and opening the text thread.
Lily:
You make it back?
Hollander.
No response huh?
Ignoring me again?
Or maybe you are just tired from your after game workout ;)
Did Hayden comment on your limp again and you are embarrassed?
Hayden makes a face seeing his name mentioned in the final text. He recalled once that Shane had returned from a presumed Lily hook up with a slight limp and when he questioned him about it Shane told him he had tripped on his way into the hotel and Hayden didn’t think twice about it. Now he was wondering what the fuck Shane and Lily got up to that would cause Shane to limp.
He didn’t have to wonder for long as another string of texts popped up at the bottom of the screen.
Lily:
Do not be embarrassed, just means we are doing it right.
Is not just my fault.
You’re the one who asked me to bend you over the arm of the couch before we could get to the bedroom.
Hayden had read enough. He locked the phone and dropped it back on the bed where he found it before flopping back into his own, just in time as he heard the shower shut off.
Hayden couldn’t get the words out of his head as he tried to act normal as Shane exited the bathroom.
“Your phone has been going off.” he said, trying to seem like he didn’t know what it was.
“Oh, probably my mom or something.” Shane said picking up his phone, Hayden noticed his friend’s face flush red as he typed, this time he knew why.
Hayden just watched as Shane sat on the bed, looking at Shane he would never guess he was into kinky stuff. Never judge a book by its cover as they say.
—
Hayden couldn’t help it, he was curious, judge him if you want but he needed to know more about this Lily person in his best friend’s life.
Sadly it was proving more difficult to get any information on her as Shane would deflect any topic Hayden tried to bring up about her.
“So, you find anyone to go on double dates with me and Jackie yet?” he asked as him and Shane jogged around the path near his home.
Shane let out a sigh hearing the question. “Really? This again?”
“Yes this again! Dude I need someone cool to double date with, everyone else doesn’t vibe with me like you do. Everyone else seems lame.”
Shane raised an eyebrow towards him “I’m telling the team you said that.”
“Come on man seriously though. You don’t have anyone serious in your life?” he pressed.
“I seriously don’t. I’m not really looking for that, just want to focus on hockey.”
“So Lily isn’t serious then?”
Shane almost tripped over his own feet at just the mention of her name.
“What? No…Lily is just like a friend.” He lied, Hayden knew he was lying based on how his face flushed.
“A friend that you hook up with every time we go to Boston?”
“We don’t-“
“Look, all I’m saying is if it’s not serious, which I don’t believe, then you need to lock it down and make it serious so we can have double dates.” Hayden said, stopping Shane from going on a ramble about how him and Lily were only friends.
He successfully stopped it, causing Shane to simply grumble out something Hayden didn’t understand. But he was unsuccessful in his mission to find out more about Lily.
—
Hayden had yet to find out any new information about Lily, No matter how or what he asked Shane ignored it or changed the subject. He would get more information one way or another.
The team was celebrating in their locker room after a win against Boston on home ice, he should be celebrating with his team but he kept his eyes on Shane as he typed on his phone, he wondered if Shane was texting lily.
“Hollander.” Their coach's voice caught both their attention, causing them to look at him. “Some news people out here want you to do an interview.”
“Okay, be right out.” Shane replied, setting his phone down on the shelf in his cubby and made his way out of the locker room.
Hayden’s eyes watched him leave before shooting to the unattended phone. This was his chance. His eyes darted around the room to make sure no one was paying attention to him, they were all too busy celebrating the win. He grabbed the phone and unlocked it, clicking on the messaging app and finding Lily’s name.
He clicked on the thread and scrolled up. Maybe snooping on his best friend wasn’t the best thing to do but he was so curious about this girl that Shane was so infatuated with for years yet claimed they were only friends.
He found a stopping point and let his eyes skim through them.
Lily:
You played very good today.
Was very hot.
But you should have scored more.
Shane:
Fuck you.
We kicked their ass.
Lily:
Yes, that’s why I said it was hot.
Turned me on.
Shane:
Are you seriously trying to sext me?
I just got off the ice, I’m still in my locker room.
Lily:
Worried you will get hard?
Or you already hard? ;)
Shane:
I will text you later “Lily”
Lily:
Don’t keep me waiting ;)
Hayden’s brows furrowed together. Why would he put Lily’s name in quotations? Like her name wasn’t Lily or something, but why wouldn’t it be? If Shane was in a relationship with a girl or even just texting one why would he feel the need to make up a fake name for her? And why would she be in on the fake name?
Hayden tries not to dwell on it and scrolls past the segment of texts that turned too sexual for his liking and stopped when he believed it was safe.
Lily:
You eat today?
Shane:
Yes.
Lily:
Real food?
Not your nonsense food.
Shane:
I always eat real food.
Lily:
Shane.
Eat something.
Shane:
Fine I will.
Lily:
Send proof you did.
Shane:
I will.
Lily:
<3
Shane:
<3
Hayden didn’t know that they texted about regular things like this and not just sexual stuff, or that Lily seemed to care so deeply about Shane’s well being. Everyone knew Shane was weird with food but no one dared speak on it, not even Hayden himself. But here Lily was telling him to eat and Shane just listening to her instantly, this only cemented in his mind that Lily had to be more than a friend.
He scrolled more trying to find some sort of proof of who Lily was.
Lily:
You ready to lose tonight?
Shane:
Fuck off.
We are gonna win.
Lily:
Want to make a deal?
If you win I will fuck you however you want.
Shane:
And if I lose?
Lily:
Secret.
Shane:
Asshole.
Lily:
Don’t worry.
You will get all 9 inches either way ;)
Hayden's eyes widened at the last text he read. What the fuck did that mean? Nine inches? Did this girl peg Shane? Was Shane into that? Or…
Holy shit.
Lily was a man.
That is why he put Lily in quotes, Lily wasn’t a real name because Lily wasn’t a woman. She, or he, was a man. Everything suddenly made sense. That’s why Shane never talked about it, why Shane denied being more than just friends with Lily, why he wouldn’t tell anyone anything.
It all made sense.
The phone in his hand vibrated, a new text from “Lily” appeared.
Lily:
Meet at your place?
We should celebrate your victory.
Hayden stared shocked, not only was Lily a man, but he was here in Montreal? He was pretty sure “Lily” lived in Boston. Did he travel just to see Shane? Does he do this often? Are they a couple? Did Shane feel like he had to lie to Hayden? About his sexuality? About having a boyfriend?
Hayden couldn’t ponder on it longer, he heard the locker room door open followed by Shane’s voice. He slid the phone back into its spot and tried to act calm as Shane took his spot back next to him. He watched as Shane picked up his phone, he saw the small smile that formed on his face as he typed, Hayden knew for sure he was responding to “Lily”.
—
Despite his efforts Hayden had not made any progress on getting Shane to talk to him about his sexuality and his secret boyfriend. Hayden had tried everything, talking about how he supports LGBTQ+ rights, posting about gay rights online, hell he even told Shane about some experiences he himself had before he met Jackie. But nothing, Shane would only nod along with that same nervous expression he always wore on his face, maybe even more prominent than usual.
Today was an off day for them and Shane had decided to come over and hang out at the Pike’s house, and by hanging out that meant that Shane gave him and Jackie a small break by helping out with the kids.
Shane currently sat on the living room floor while Ruby and Jade placed every accessory they owned on him, tiaras, hair clips, clipping fake earrings to his ears, the works. Shane just sat and let it happen conversing with Jackie as he received his makeover, his phone long forgotten on the couch next to Hayden. Hayden glanced at the phone next to him and slowly picked it up, like any quick movement would make Shane catch in to what he was doing.
He unlocked the phone using the still unknown date and wondered if it was linked to whoever “Lily” was.
Hayden clicked on Shane’s photos and scrolled through them, he found nothing truly incriminating, except that Shane seemed to take pictures of every single cat he saw and that he took a lot of gym selfies.
Unhappy with his findings he clicked back on the messaging app and found it already open on the thread with Lily. He scrolled through it, trying to find any inkling of who Lily may be.
Lily:
Need something to make you play hard tonight?
Shane:
I always play hard.
Lily:
Not what I meant.
Shane:
Fuck you.
Lily:
More like “Fuck me please.”
Is usually what you say.
Shane:
I’m gonna stop answering you now.
Lily:
*image*
This will make you play hard.
Hayden stared at the image, it was a shirtless photo with the face cropped out. There was nothing really telling about who this could be, the only thing he could see was a gold cross necklace sitting on the man’s chest that looked vaguely familiar but he was sure there were plenty of men who wore something similar so it wasn’t very helpful to him. One thing he could tell was that, whoever Shane’s mystery man was, he was totally jacked. At least his best friend seemed to have good taste in men.
He scrolled more, he knew there had to be something that would tell him who this guy was, he was determined to find it. With one more quick glance to ensure Shane was still distracted by his children, he found that Shane had even more accessories placed on him in the short time he looked away. He looked back at the phone and kept searching.
The more he scrolled he noticed that Shane and “Lily” texted pretty much daily, mostly about sexual things, Hayden had learned a little too much about his friends sexual preferences than he had ever wanted to know, but they also talked about many other things. and sometimes even nothing in particular.
Shane sent him photos of cats he had seen and in return the mystery man sent back photos of dogs he had seen. Both sent shirtless photos, Shane’s showed his face but “Lily” never showed his face, the same gold cross was in every single one.
There were many texts of the man ensuring Shane had eaten a proper meal, texts from Shane reminding him to take medication, texts simply about how their days were, talks about hockey and other players. Lots of mentions about Scott Hunter being hot, which Hayden didn’t know was a thing, Shane even briefly mentioned fear that Scott Hunter knew about him being gay, Hayden felt himself get a little sad at this wishing Shane would have talked to him about it.. There were also lots of texts from “Lily” shit talking Hayden himself which upset him too, but he was glad to see Shane defend him.
Lily:
Send selfie
Shane:
I’m busy right now. Out with Hayden.
Lily:
Do not talk about Hayden.
I want to see pretty face.
Shane:
Later.
Lily:
No.
Not later.
Now.
Please.
Shane:
Fine.
*image*
Happy?
Lily:
Very.
So pretty.
Pretty freckles.
Hayden found himself smiling at that exchange. He liked how whoever this was talked to Shane, it was very sweet. He even thinks he remembers this. Sitting next to Shane as he took a quick selfie, something Shane didn’t do very often.
Eventually something else stood out to him as he scrolled causing him to stop and read a segment.
Lily:
Would you ever wear my jersey?
Shane:
Fuck no. I’m not wearing another team's jersey.
Lily:
Not even in bed?
Shane:
Why would I wear your jersey in bed?
Lily:
So I could fuck you with my name on you.
Hayden had to stop himself from gasping. Shane’s secret boyfriend was another player? That explained the secrecy even more. One gay player was one thing, but two? Two players dating each other was completely unheard of. He knew he should stop here, put the phone down and play it cool, but he couldn’t stop his eyes from reading more.
Shane:
You would find that hot?
Lily:
Unbelievably so.
Would be like claiming you as mine.
Putting my name on you and fucking you so hard it’s all you remember.
If I win next time we play you will wear it.
Shane:
Fuck Rozanov.
This time Hayden couldn’t stop the gasp that left him as he locked the phone trying to erase it from his memory. He tried to make his face seem casual as both Shane and Jackie turned to look at him with confused faces.
“You okay man?” Shane asked.
Hayden cleared his throat and tried to put on a normal smile “Wow Shane. You look beautiful.” he said, hoping his voice wouldn’t give everything away.
“Told you that you looked pretty uncle Shane!” Ruby shouted as she clipped yet another clip into Shane’s hair.
Shane’s eyes shot to the phone in Hayden’s hands “Is that my phone?” he asked, his voice seeming to raise in pitch.
“Oh yeah um…I felt it go off and picked it up thinking it was mine.” he lied holding the phone out to Shane who snatched it from his hands before turning his attention back to the kids who continued their make over.
Rozanov.
The name wouldn’t leave his head. Was that seriously Shane’s mystery boyfriend? Were they dating? How long? Was it a serious relationship? Everything made sense. Meeting up in Boston, the planning to meet up in Montreal was every time they played Boston, the necklace Hayden had seen in the shirtless selfies was one he now recognized as one Rozanov wore all the time. Hayden couldn’t stop thinking about it as he stared at Shane.
He definitely took back thinking that Shane had good taste.
—
They are playing against Boston, their first time since Hayden had discovered what he did. So far he was good at playing to cool, Shane didn’t suspect a thing but he couldn’t help but shutter every time he saw Shane typing on his phone.
Why did it have to be Rozanov? Why couldn’t Shane have picked any other player? He hated that guy, and he used to believe Shane did too.
He watched as Shane skated over to Rozanov. He was sure everyone else assumed it was for some shit talking, hell that was what he used to think, but now he watches more closely. He sees the way they sneak smiles at each other, he wonders if they are planning on meeting up after this, if that is what they were talking about right now. He just couldn’t believe this is the guy Shane chose.
He needs to talk to Shane.
—
The team is in the locker room after the game against Boston, They had lost.
Shane is, as usual, typing on his phone. No doubt planning with Rozanov about when they are meeting up. Hayden thinks back to the texts he had seen about the jersey and realizes this would be the game they made that plan for. He feels a shiver of disgust go through him at the thought of Shane wearing a Boston jersey, it being Rozonov’s jersey only made it worse.
Hayden leaned over towards him and whispered “Hey, can I talk to you in private? After everyone leaves?”
Shane looked away from his phone to respond to Hayden, a look of concern on his face. “Yeah of course. Everything okay?”
“Yeah yeah, just need to talk to you about something.”
Shane just nods his head and goes back to typing on his phone.
This was gonna be tough conversation.
—
The team clears out of the locker room slowly, leaving Shane and Hayden alone. Hayden has to work up the urge to speak, thankfully Shane does it first.
“What did you wanna talk about? Everything okay?” Shane asked.
“Yeah…it’s um…a relationship thing.” Hayden regrets the words as soon as they leave his mouth seeing how wide Shane’s eyes go.
“Oh my god. Is everything okay with Jackie? What happened?” His voice comes out frantic and panicked, Hayden quickly backtracks.
“No no no no. Nothing with Jackie, everything is great with Jackie. Don’t worry.” he reassured and watched as Shane visibly relaxed. “It’s not my relationship I wanna talk about.”
Shane’s face went flat. “Did you keep me here to gossip? I don’t really have time for that, I have plans after this.” he said.
Hayden mentally cringed at the mention of Shane’s plans “I know you do. That’s what I want to talk about.” Hayden said, trying to figure out how he was gonna say it.
“What? I don’t understand what you mean.”
Hayden took a deep breath, it’s now or never. “I know you are meeting up with Boston Lily after this.”
“Oh my god this again-“
“Let me finish.” Hayden said and Shane stopped talking and just crossed his arms.
“Okay.” he took in another breath. “I know Boston Lily is not a “Lily”. I know it’s a man.”
Hayden watches Shane’s face change, it’s probably the most emotion he has ever seen Shane show on his face. It goes from confusion, to realization, to panic, to fear.
“I- I don’t- I have no idea what you’re talking about. That’s not-“ Shane fumbled out, like he had no idea what to say.
“Shane…I know.” Hayden said, placing a hand gently on Shane’s shoulder.
They stood in silence for a while, Hayden wanting to give Shane a moment before putting more on him.
Eventually Shane speaks, his voice coming out quiet, almost weak. “Please don’t tell anyone.”
“Dude, I would never do that. Never.” he squeezed Shane’s shoulder softly.
“How did you find out?” Shane asked.
Hayden froze, here goes nothing. “I um….I saw some texts on your phone about “Lily” um…bending you over and giving you quote “all nine inches” so…Frankly it was a little more than I needed to know.”
Hayden swears Shane’s entire face turns red and his mouth falls open, like he wants to speak but no words leave.
“That’s not all…” Hayden adds.
Shane sits down on the bench and covers his face with his hands. “Oh god I can’t do this.”
“I know Lily is Rozanov.” Hayden blurts out, and just as fast as he sat, Shane is up on his feet.
“What?! How do you- Why would you think that?” Shane’s voice comes out rushed, the panic evident on his face.
“Dude…Don’t try to lie to me.”
“Well you’re wrong. You know he’s a man but that’s it, You are wrong about the other thing. Me? With Rozanov? Are you crazy? The dude hates me.” Shane sounds more like he is trying to convince himself rather than Hayden.
“Shane I saw the text of him asking you to wear his jersey in bed. You said his name.”
“How do you know-“ there’s a pause as Shane connects the dots “Holy shit. Did you go through my phone?”
Hayden freezes “um…”
“You did?! You asshole! That is so messed up!”
“Hey! In my defense I just wanted to learn more about “Lily” and you were literally giving me nothing.” Hayden defended.
“Cause it’s my business! If I wanted to tell you about Ilya I would have on my own!” Shane’s voice raised and Hayden was glad the team was long gone by now.
“Woah, Ilya? You guys are on a first name basis?”
“Don’t try and change the subject! You completely betrayed my trust! You went through my personal things and read private messages! That is so unbelievably fucked up!”
“I know it is I know. And I’m sorry, I really am but…dude Rozanov? You can do like way better than him man, the guy is like a total asshole. You should find someone nice and good for you.” Hayden said, trying to keep his tone calm. He briefly thinks back to all the sweet texts he saw, there’s no way Rozanov was sweet like that.
“I don’t care if you think he is good for me or not! It’s my life! He treats me good! He is sweet to me! You don’t know the real him so you can’t act like you do!”
“I’m just saying we could find you someone better-“
“There is no better! I don’t want someone better! I want him! I love him!”
Silence filled the room, you could hear a pin drop. Hayden just stared at Shane in shock. Love? He had no idea it was that serious.
“You…You love him?” Hayden said in almost a whisper.
“Oh my god…” Shane sat back down on the bench. “Oh my god.” he repeated.
“Do you really love him?” Hayden asked, slowly taking a seat next to Shane.
“Yes.” Shane whispered, like no one was supposed to hear it.
“Holy shit dude…I had no idea.”
Shane turned to face him, his brows furrowed together like they usually were. “You cannot tell a soul, not even Jackie. I haven’t even told him that. I swear to god Hayden I will murder you.”
Hayden put his hands up defensively “I already said I would never tell dude…I just didn’t know this thing with Rozanov was so serious.” He couldn’t cover the distain in his voice as he said the name which earned him a glare from Shane.
“Cause it wasn’t your business, it was mine but you just went ahead and made it yours.” Shane grumbled looking away from Hayden.
“And again I am very sorry for that. But if you love Rozanov-“
“Ilya.” Shane corrected.
“Okay. If you love Ilya, then I as your friend will support you and your relationship.”
“Thanks…” Shane says and the room again goes silent till Hayden speaks.
“If it helps I definitely learned my lesson on snooping through your phone. Found out way too much about your sexual preferences, read way too many sexual texts between you guys. I think I am forever scarred by this whole ordeal.”
Shane buried his face into his hands “Oh my god please stop talking.”
“I’m serious man, I don’t think I will ever look at you the same. Especially knowing you are gonna leave here and wear Roz- I mean Ilya’s, jersey during sex.” He said with a small laugh.
“I’m leaving!” Shane stood up and started gathering his things quickly, Hayden laughed more as Shane rushed to the exit.
“Have fun getting laid!” Hayden shouted after him, still laughing as Shane lifted his hand, flipping him off as he walked out the door.
Maybe Shane had bad taste, but he was still Hayden’s best friend and Hayden would support him through anything. Even if it meant supporting a relationship with Rozanov.