Game Changers, #6
The Long Game
by Rachel Reid
Contents
Chapter Thirty
Overview
After Ottawa’s Pride game and Troy Barrett’s public coming out, Ilya arrives at Shane’s home overwhelmed. Shane grounds him with tenderness and sex, helping Ilya process conflicting emotions. In the quiet after, they share affectionate talk about babies and surnames, underscoring their deepening commitment and future-focused bond.
Summary
Late on the night of Ottawa’s Pride game, Ilya visits Shane unannounced, shaken despite the joy of Troy Barrett’s widely supported coming out. Shane recognizes the emotional crash and offers quiet comfort, holding Ilya while acknowledging the complicated feelings that follow public milestones.
Seeking to quiet his thoughts, Ilya lets Shane lead him upstairs. They shower and make out, shifting from reassurance to intense intimacy. Shane focuses on Ilya’s pleasure, using oral and careful fingering to draw Ilya out of his head, culminating in release that physically and emotionally grounds him.
Afterward, Ilya tenderly reciprocates, and they exchange I-love-yous, reinforcing safety and trust. Their connection functions as both emotional refuge and reaffirmation of their partnership in the wake of Troy’s milestone.
As they wind down, Ilya shares news that teammates Bood and Cassie welcomed a baby, Milo. This sparks playful banter about potential future children and last names, revealing shared long-term hopes. They fall asleep together, content and closer, with Shane soothed by Ilya’s steady breathing.
Who Appears
- Ilya RozanovArrives overwhelmed after Pride night; seeks Shane’s comfort; accepts tender, grounding intimacy; jokes about future children, showing renewed ease.
- Shane HollanderProvides steady emotional care after Pride game; leads intimate reassurance; affirms love; engages in playful future-family talk.
- Troy BarrettComes out publicly before Ottawa’s Pride game; his celebrated moment triggers Ilya’s emotional crash and reflection.
- BoodTeammate mentioned; he and Cassie welcomed baby Milo, prompting Shane and Ilya’s future-family banter.
- CassiePartner to Bood; new mother to Milo, mentioned during postgame pillow talk.