#like.

obligatory tattoo artist x florist AU

I don’t think Shane would openly talk about what happened- he’s too polite and private to do so- but I think it would start to be pretty evident to everyone that he came from a toxic environment.

Like- he apologizes for every loss and mistake as if waiting for full condemnation- seemingly completely unaware that he is 1) a player better than nearly everyone else on the team, 2) not solely responsible for their failures, and 3) only fucking human??

And they notice that he has specific habits. Like. He stays late. He comes in early. He never showers around anyone else if he can help it, especially his husband. He keeps to himself, quiet and tense. He’s surprised when people voluntarily speak with him. He avoids physical touch like the plague. He takes any chirp that is lighthearted poking as serious criticism.

The only times he’s apparently confident and content are when he’s actually playing. He struggles when it comes to practicing with the team at first because he doesn’t expect to have help on the ice. He flinches when his teammates celebrate a goal with him, easily startled by a pat on his back or a knock with a helmet to his head.

And anything with Ilya is stilted and awkward. He avoids touching his husband. He avoids looking at him for too long. He flinches at well-meaning chirps about their relationship status. And Ilya is consistently looking at him with concern and adoration and the slightest hint of disappointment (not with Shane. Just with the situation).