HEATED RIVALRY ONESHOTS
Episode 1
Scott knew coming out would change his life. He’d pushed it away for years, not wanting that change—until his team won the cup, adrenaline surging, and he kissed Kip. The joy overwhelmed fear; he didn’t regret it.
The response was mixed. Comments stung—ruining hockey, not belonging—but private messages from people in similar situations cured teenage Scott’s anxieties. Thousands reached out, finding courage in his story. He cried in Kip’s arms, happy and sad tears. Kip was the best part: no more hiding, free, even with the hate.
Then came the 2018 MLH awards. Scott was a shoo-in for MVP. He wanted to win for himself, teenage Scott, everyone who messaged. Fuck the haters; he deserved it.
Kip couldn’t come. Scott’s hands shook around his drink, eyes darting, checking for hate. Most were too scared to say it to his face.
Kid
Mr. Scott Hunter, sir?
Scott flinched, spilling drink on his shirt, swore.
Scott set down his drink, examined the stain. A napkin was extended; he took it, looking at the kid—Dean Nguyen, 18, Boston Raiders rookie, Best Rookie contender. He recognized him.
Scott
No, it’s fine, honestly, kid. Should’ve been paying attention anyway. Nguyen, right?
Dean extended a hand; Scott shook it, feeling sweat and a slight tremor. Dean opened his mouth, then shut it, glancing around.
Scott
Is… everything alright?
Dean looked around, then into Scott’s eyes. Scott recognized the look—familiar, a glint he’d seen in himself. He smiled, calmer.
Dean
I just wanted to say… what you did at the final game… It was… brave. I- I think we need more representation like that… in hockey. Um…
Scott nodded, letting him speak.
Dean
I… You’re a big inspiration to me, sir. I… I have a boyfriend back home. He was the first person I called when I made it into the league. And… I was too scared to tell anyone, because… hockey isn’t the sport for that.
Scott knew. He remembered hiding, thinking hockey players weren’t gay. Then Kip—everything. Now, free, inspiring others, fixing his own cracks.
Dean
But you, sir… You’ve changed all of that. And I’m grateful. I probably won’t come out any time soon, but it’s nice… knowing there are others like… me.
Dean
Yeah. My dad… Not the most supportive. But seeing you, I feel… seen. Represented. Maybe it’s stupid, but…
Scott hugged him. After a pause, Dean hugged back, firm.
Dean
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Hunter.
Scott
No need to thank me. You’re doing great, kid.
Dean cried harder, squeezing tighter. Scott let him, then Dean pulled back, wiping cheeks.
Scott
Don’t be. This means… a lot to me. Don’t listen to anyone. If anyone gives you a hard time, tell me. Or Rozanov.
Dean
Thank you, Mr. Hunter.
Scott
Just call me Scott, kid.
Dean's Dad
Dean! What are you doing?
Dean gulped; his dad glared.
Dean's Dad
We have to go sit.
Dean nodded, smiled at Scott, then hurried to his dad. Scott noted the lingering glare.
Scott’s phone buzzed—Kip’s contact, with a pink heart. He answered, smiling.
Kip
Hey, baby. How’s it going? Sorry, I couldn’t come-
Scott
It’s not your fault. Um, it’s… pretty great, actually.
Scott
One hundred percent. Can’t wait to see you when I get home, yeah?
Dean stood at the podium, hands interlocked, paper sweat-stained.
Dean
Holy- Oh my goodness, sorry. Thank you. Woah. This is truly such an honor. I’ll read my speech now.
He took a breath, eyes on the paper.
Dean
Thank you so much, MLH, for deeming me Best Rookie for 2018. It’s been my dream since I was a kid. I’d like to thank my family, friends, coaches, teammates—past and present. You made me the best player I can be. But most importantly, thank you to all the players who came before me, who paved the way.
His eyes found Scott, who nodded proudly.
Dean
This has been a historic year. I’m grateful to play alongside legends, and to those who paved the way for me, before and after. Thank you all so much. Here’s to another great season.
He lifted the trophy, smiling. The audience cheered. As he descended, his eyes met Scott’s; Scott nodded, clapping.
Scott had won 2018 MVP. Gay, not supposed to belong—and he’d won. Stepping on stage, chest tight with joy, hands shaking. He thought of Kip, queer kids looking up to him, the healed kid inside. He saw Dean cheering, wide with pride, and laughed. This was a win—for him, the LGBTQ+ community, the league, hockey, maybe the world.
Episode 2
Shane Hollander just needed to run to the grocery store to pick up some ginger ale and snacks before his next few days in Boston with his team. Simple, quick—if he didn’t get sidetracked.
He walked across the parking lot, careful to avoid cars and ice, grabbed a stray shopping cart. Five yards from the front door, a voice cut through the air.
Girl Scout
Girl scout cookies!
Shane tensed. He couldn’t just walk by the little girls in blue vests. He sped up, but one approached with wide, puppy dog eyes.
Girl Scout
Please, sir, buy our cookies. They're only five dollars a box.
Shane
Um, I don't have cash on me.
The girl’s eyes saddened. Shane’s heart skipped a beat—he couldn’t be the MLH player who made a Girl Scout cry.
Shane
But- But I'll go get some in there right now.
Girl Scout
Thank you, sir!
Shane pushed into the store, thinking, What the fuck did I just do? He pulled out his phone, typed a group message.
Shane
[typing] Anyone want girl scout cookies? There's a booth at the grocery store.
His phone buzzed nonstop, vibrations overstimulating him. He ignored it, grabbed a twelve-pack of ginger ale—sipping one to calm nerves—Ritz crackers, chips, then got $60 cash back.
The texts flooded in: teammates wanted Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties… numbers swam in his head. A new text popped up—not from a teammate. From Lily—Ilya.
Shane
[reading] I like mint ones. And peanut butter with chocolate.
A small smile eased his tension. He shut his phone.
Girl Scout
How many boxes do you want, sir?
Shane
How much do you have left?
Shane pulled into the hotel with nearly seventy boxes—all the booth had left. His wallet was hundreds lighter. Hayden met him at the entrance.
Hayden
[eyes wide] Dude, what the fuck? You bought… Geez.
Shane
I panicked, okay? I'm not good with numbers.
Hayden
[laughing, then softening] Okay, let's bring these up. The guys will be siked.
They were. Teammates took two boxes each, shoving money at him. Only a few left—Shane gave those to staff.
Hayden
[through a mouthful of cookie] You're gonna have to do this more often, Hollander.
Shane smiled, sipping ginger ale, fiddling with the tab. He thought of the cookies in his car, waiting for later.
Later, Shane told Hayden, "Need some fresh air, I'll be back soon."
Hayden
[snickering] Go enjoy some Boston Lily, huh?
Shane ignored him, slipped out. He pulled up to Ilya's house, heart racing, finished his second ginger ale. Knocked gently. The door flew open.
Ilya
Like what you see, Hollander?
Shane
Shut up. [enters, holds up a plastic bag] I brought you your cookies. Two boxes of each flavor. Figured we could eat some together tonight after...
Ilya smiled, digging into the bag like a kid on Christmas. Then he froze, holding up a light blue box.
Shane
[sheepish] That's, uh- That's mine. They're my favorites.
Ilya
'Shortbread'? Really?
Shane
Yeah, they're a classic.
Ilya
They're boring, that's what they are. [smiling, sets it aside] But you need to share them for me to try anyway.
Ilya dragged him toward the bedroom, fingers working Shane's shirt buttons, pressing quick kisses to his face.
Episode 3
Shane is in a hotel room, clutching a ginger ale, tense. He’s dressed in a dusty purple suit, matching Rose’s beaded, sparkly purple dress. The neckline of his button-up digs into his neck, pants feel tight, and the light makeup on his face itches.
Rose
You were gone for a second, babe. What's up?
Shane
Sorry, I've never done this before.
Rose gently nudges her makeup artist’s arm, mutters 'excuse me', and moves to Shane.
Rose
Hey, Shane, it's okay. Look, I'm not going to lie, this may be a lot. But I'm right here. I'll be with you the whole night.
Rose rests her hand on Shane’s cheek, rubbing her thumb gently. They hold the position, Shane leaning into her hand slightly.
Rose
Okay, let me go finish my makeup.
Shane nods, twists his face to kiss her fingers before she pulls away. His phone buzzes in his pocket; he ignores it.
Shane stares down the red carpet, more stressed. Rose stands behind him, fully glammed.
Rose
It's fine. What's going on in there, Shane?
Shane’s eyes shift to the crowd and flashing lights.
Rose
Hey, hey. Shane, look at me for a second?
Shane glances at her, then gets distracted by someone calling from down the carpet. Rose rests her hand on his cheek again.
Rose
It's a lot. But I'll be right here, the whole time. Then after party, then it'll be over, quieter, we can go home. Okay?
Shane nods, lips curling up.
Rose
Okay. Use that model face, baby.
Shane and Rose walk onto the carpet hand in hand. Lights flash, people scream. They freeze, Shane’s hand hesitantly around Rose’s waist. He looks down at her, then out at the lights, jaw tightening.
Voice from crowd: Rose! Shane!
Voice from crowd: Rose Landry!
Voice from crowd: Shane Hollander!
Rose taps Shane’s hand, a reminder to move. They stop, pose, smile, move on repeatedly.
Shane steps out of camera view, sighs, runs hands through his hair.
Shane
I'm good. What's next?
Rose
We watch the movie. We'll be sitting with Andrea. You remember her?
Shane
Yeah, yeah. She's nice.
Rose
The nicest. Come on, let's go to the bar.
In the theater, Shane fiddles with an empty ginger ale can tab. His phone buzzes; he pulls it out.
Text on screen: Lily - Purple looks good on you. You should stop dressing so boring. Asshole.
Shane types back: Thank you. And fuck you.
He sees a screenshot of him and Rose on the carpet, then stands to get another ginger ale. The bartender gives him a look; he hands over the empty can.
Bartender nods, moves on. Shane returns to his seat; Rose is gone. He pulls out his phone again.
Text on screen: Lily - In that suit, anytime.
Shane rolls his eyes, pockets the phone, pops open the new ginger ale. Rose returns, smiles, then purses her lips.
Rose
You're blushing, like, through your makeup. Did someone hit on you or something?
Lights dim, the screen shows a preview. Rose leans her head on Shane’s shoulder. His phone buzzes again; Shane smiles.
Shane zones out during the movie but smiles when he sees Rose on screen. Rose wraps her arms around his bicep. His phone buzzes five more times.
In the car on the way to the after party, Shane fights the urge to check his phone, then pulls it out, tilting the screen away from Rose, who’s on her phone and singing along to the radio.
Text on screen: Lily - Those pants show off your ass well. You should model more Jane.
More pictures of him and Rose, then another text with an image. Shane sets the phone down quickly, then picks it up cautiously.
Text on screen: Lily - Look what that suit did to me. If only I could be with you tonight... I'd love to take suit off of you.
Shane types: I'll be with my girlfriend, sorry.
He hits send, turns on Do Not Disturb, slides the phone back into his pocket.
Shane turns to Rose, who has an excited smile. He reaches for her hand, and they get out of the car together.
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