r/heatedrivalryfanfics

i know there have been a million and one posts on here about how good Map Contact by Regolith is already but make it a million and two. that was SO damn good holy shit. we have some real writers in here. and to the author if you’re in here, i am sending you lots of (virtual) flowers and freshly picked blueberries ❤️❤️

Absolutely LOVING this AU that has freak4freak Ilya and Shane. By the godlike angel_deux (who wrote THE zombie fic "well I guess we're gonna find out" amongst other amazing fics)

Edit: alexei and Ilya so get along here, sort of, which is nice because Ilya deserves good things.

Summary:

Ilya is a Bratva hitman, and Shane is his crime scene cleaner. When Shane finally pays off his debts and signals his intentions to leave, Ilya has only the summer to convince him to stay.

So, months ago, in my one facebook group I'm in, someone shared the following post... she was looking for this specific fanfic and I've spent HOURS and DAYS of my life these last like 4-5 months trying to find this fic and have not been able to find it.

"Hoping one of you lovely souls can help me find a fic on Ao3

I’ve read hundreds of stories since I became obsessed with Heated Rivalry.

Have been looking for weeks for a story I read and honestly cannot find it in my saved bookmarks or history, I am still trawling through my history and bookmarks and as a result have reread many stories but still can’t find the one I’m thinking of, here’s what I remember of the story and hope one of you lovelies can help me find it 😊

- Shane is a Centaur and they’re playing against Montreal, they know it’s going to be a rough game

- Montreal's new centre is an asshole and rough checks Ilya into the boards

- Shane starts to chirp him when they’re facing off trying to bait him into starting a fight

- Shane chirps that they’re going to score 9 goals for every inch of his husband's d!ck which tips Montreal’s centre over the edge and he starts a fight with Shane which Shane absolutely finishes

- Luca realises that Shane has been baiting the centre to start the fight as he was surprised by Shane chirping

- The Centaurs are impressed with Shane’s fighting skills as they know he isn’t known as a fighter

- In-between periods Ilya and the team ask what Shane said to prompt the fight so Shane tells them and Ilya tells the team that they’re half way there and to go out and do what his husband said

- They do get 9 goals and win the match

Thanks in advance 🥰"

I want to read this fic so badly and so far no one has been able to find it. I tried asking on the discord and got zero reactions. I know it may have been asked here back when this woman first requested this fic, but I'm hoping maybe if it's shared now, that someone new might see it and know the exact fic we are looking for.

The idea of this fic has been living rent free in my head ever since I saw this post and I really wanna read it. 🤣 please help!

This week, I read 23 Heated Rivalry fics by 21 different authors. The total word count was 739,996. Here they are, in the order that I read them:

athlete-in-residence by tunamelts
words: 89,766, status: complete
Final year college hockey captain Shane Hollander, who is happily out as gay, has his world turned upside down by the arrival of ex-KHL player Ilya Rozanov as a professor and assistant coach. Despite their age difference and professor-student relationship, they can't resist each other. Fun, light-hearted, and much freakier than I was expecting (complimentary).

in his corner by chellefic
words: 15,646, status: complete
In 2012, Shane learns about the conditions for queer people in Russia and decides that he has to do something to keep Ilya safe — somebody needs to be in his corner. Obviously, the best option is if they get married in Canada. A very sweet marriage-of-convenience-but-also feelings story.

we can be something hollander by msparker
words: 51,255, status: complete
After the post-Sochi ghosting and then the Vegas hook-up where they didn't kiss, Shane breaks things off with Ilya to protect himself from further heartbreak. Over the next couple of years, Ilya tries to convince him to give them another chance. Meanwhile, Shane dates someone else and Ilya starts to get a grip on some of his own issues. I love Ilya pursuing Shane and Shane realising his own worth, so this one ticked a lot of boxes for me.

we're modern idiots by poading
words: 8,790, status: complete
I'm a day one Tortured Poets stan, so naturally this fic about post-TLG Ilya processing some of his trauma about the situationship era by listening to the album while crying means everything to me. Obviously he would think "Down Bad" is about him and Shane! They're always in the gym!

afterimages by flowerylanguage
words: 29,566, status: complete
This is the first work I read from the 2026 Hollanov Big Bang, which as a longfic lover I am following avidly and saving everything with glee. During the situationship era, an explicit photo of Shane leaks from Ilya's phone and it is decided that pretending they were/are in a committed relationship is the best way to contain the fallout. Such a good premise! And given that the story is all about photos, it's so great that catsolari's art is there to show you what they look like. Gorgeous. As you'll see as this list goes on, fake dating/mutual pining is very much my jam at the moment.

you've been flirting with me by camilles_wrld
words: 30,211, status: complete
Set in New York, neither Shane nor Ilya play hockey. Irina's alive and Ilya lives with her in the Bronx. They both work at a bar in Manhattan and via shared shifts and subway rides, become closer. Ilya, who has always thought he was straight, begins to realise that maybe he isn't... Extremely cute.

beautiful stranger by sixsevenmactruck
words: 45,558, status: complete
Although I love to be tortured by an angsty fic as much as every other mentally unwell bisexual on the internet, sometimes I just need to read something where everybody is always ok and only good things happen to them. This lovely piece is just that: Ilya and Shane both work in offices in Vancouver (Shane in HR for the Canucks, because he needs some hockey in his life) and cross paths while commuting on the train. After a few weeks of making eyes at each other they start talking because Ilya loses his wallet and Shane finds it. And then everyone lives happily ever after, no further questions!

we’re okay, most days by anarchyat4am
words: 6,637, status: complete
The first time Shane and Ilya hookup in room 1410, Shane notices that Ilya has scars on his thighs that look like they're from self-harm (mind the tags and author notes on that). Navigating their way around that leads to slightly better communication about their feelings, which changes their story a little. (I also read the much longer sequel to this, see below.)

you're in it now by 2Violets
words: 9,337, status: complete
Shane is a stressed-out doctor in Ottawa, who loves his routine and his garden and his dog, Deke. Ilya is the chaotic neighbour he's been hooking up with for months, who he ran away from when it started to feel a bit too real, and who was fucking someone else when he went back to apologise. Luckily, Jackie Pike is on hand to help them through it.

forgive me, I’m trying by anarchyat4am
words: 32,233, status: complete
The sequel to the self-harm fic mentioned above. More from Ilya's point of view, covering the development of their relationship and his own mental health journey. The characterisation of Cliff Marleau as Ilya's mentor/best friend in Boston is especially good.

a pox on all your houses by apocryphal
words: 19,776, status: complete
I've been hearing about "the chlamydia fic" for ages but only just got around to reading it, and it did not disappoint. There are laugh out loud moments in this — Svetlana's reaction to Ilya admitting he gave her an std is a highlight — but it's also surprisingly tender and emotional, given the subject matter. Also, I feel like it's realistic, given how much canon Ilya is supposed to have fucked around pre 2016.

clap when you land by quietafterdusk
words: 120,119, status: complete
I went through a real Ilya whump phase a few months ago and read most of the plane crash fics I could find then, but I must have missed this one. It has a pretty standard plot: the Centaurs' plane goes down, Ilya survives but is in a coma for a long time, and Shane has to deal with coming out for both of them while he's still unconscious. I felt like the joys and frustrations of rehab, for both of them, were dealt with will in this take on the trope.

the lake house by ratherunnecessary
words: 30,551, status: complete
I don't normally seek out "game changers universe characters as a friend group" fics, which is what this one is. Nobody is a hockey player but Shane still has the cottage and he invites Scott, Kip, Rose, Svetlana, Elena etc for summer weekends. Ilya joins the gang and he and Shane begin a multi-year campaign of emotional terrorism against each other, aka hooking up casually and secretly while trying to keep it normal for their friends. Of course, it goes very well! I have not yet read the sequel, in the city, but I'm looking forward to it.

trientalis borealis by adasel
words: 20,201, status: complete
The second of my two Hollanov Big Bang reads this week. A lovely historical piece set in 1919 around Muskoka, where big-time Hollywood star Rose Landry is filming a movie. Private eye Ilya Rozanov and his assistant Svetlana are there to investigate threats being made against her, while Quebec journalist Shane Hollander is there to cover the homecoming of a Canadian starlet. There's art by Buoymehome and Shane knits in this, which melted my heart.

say it again, husband by coffeetextandfriendship
words: 9,094, status: complete
Honeymoon smut, featuring a night out at the Kingfisher in New York and Ilya having a feral reaction to the word "husband".

welcome to the floor by devils_mignonette
words: 7,038, status: complete
Fair warning, I am an "Ilya bottoms sometimes, what of it" truther. This situationship era take on that made me giggle: Ilya has had hiccups for over a week, Shane fingers him and that fixes the problem. Magic.

ring tan by heroesamongus
words: 7,304, status: complete
A quick secret marriage fic where the cat gets let out the bag by Ilya having a tan line where is ring sat all summer.

we called his husband by jj_smith
words: 4,223, status: complete
Wow, I really was on a secret marriage kick this week. This one is more from Yuna's pov, when she finds out that Shane is married after he gets hurt on the ice and the hospital calmly informs her that they've already called his husband. Then Ilya shows up.

it's a date! by paoncheri
words: 9,213, status: complete
I adore a #ObliviousShane and an Ilya who is in pursuit. Here, we get a look at some of the times Ilya takes Shane on a date through the years, beginning in summer 2010. Unfortunately, Shane doesn't always know that they are on a date.

stars and moons by ratherunnecessary
words: 16,642, status: complete
My second fic by this author this week and I loved this one a lot. Non hockey playing Shane and Ilya live in the same apartment block in Toronto, initially connecting on Grindr (Rose and Elena run Shane's account for him, as he finds the process too stressful) before realising that they are neighbours. Shane makes a valiant attempt to be "Toronto's king of casual" before the feelings inevitably come for him. Extra points for the inclusion of a good bakery scene (I love a good bakery scene).

mr. landlord, mr. real estate by snofkins
words: 34,857, status: complete
This one is a gem I'm sure I'll re-read a bunch of times: hockey player Ilya moves into the building that non hockey player Shane owns/manages and proceeds to torment him with both beautiful abs, his many one night stands, and his annoying maintenance requests. For some reason, Shane expressing affection via interior design or real estate always makes me smile and there's plenty of that here.

the day we met by sugarmouse
words: 33,976, status: complete
I haven't read much omegaverse, although I dabble when the premise intrigues me. Celebrity Hockey Alpha Shane uses a matchmaking service and gets served traumatised non-hockey Russian Omega Ilya; they spend 24 hours together trying to decide if they want to mate for life. It reminded me a bit of a non-omegaverse fic, this is such a bad idea by iimpish, which has a similar vibe — minimal smut, both very cautious and slow to open up, great pacing. The author has put the day we met in a series and I'll be hoping a sequel drops soon.

pull at the thread by xogray
words: 108,003, status: complete
I maintain an "all star" list of my favourite ever fics and this one went on it before I'd read even half of it. Ilya never showed for the hookup in room 1410 and they were rivals for eight years with no benefits. Then Scott Hunter came out, a post-Rose Shane came out, and Ilya followed suit. Yuna has the brilliant idea that they should get into a PR relationship to maximise the publicity and give each other a bit of protection as they deal with the homophobic league... A top tier fake dating fic with great secondary characters (Rose, Svetlana, Yuna and David are all excellent in this) and such a good climax at the end.

All love and thanks to the brilliant writers and artists who are keeping me going at the moment with their work. See you next time for another round-up of my frankly unhinged fic-reading habit.

It is driving me crazy that I can’t find this fic! Shane and Ilya are at a team gathering. Somebody asks them about their relationship and Ilya asks Shane in Russian how he wants to handle it. Shane panics and says “That’s what friends are for.” Feels Ilya get upset and then says “Boyfriends. That’s what boyfriends are for.” And Ilya takes out the ring on his chain and says something along the lines of ‘don’t sell me short, Hollander. Fiancés’

Can anyone help? Or did I make this up??

Edit - Found! I was remembering it wrong. It is Back and Forth from New York by alphalupi.

I’ve read a ton of the fics that are excellent Hockey (Goal on Own Accord, Rule 69.3) and would love some other recommendations. I don’t think there’s any others that get that deep into Hockey/Front Office (Policy Changes I read but didn’t love) but I’d appreciate any fics that feature front office/hockey. Please have it be over 50k words.

Don’t include: A/B/O, Mpreg, Ilya/Shane as non MHL
Bonus points: Social media/mixed media elements

I saw someone make a post like this, and I wanted to do this as well!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/89623056/chapters/238065421
Roads Diverged in a Wood (WIP)
AnActualPenguin
I just recommended this and I am going to recommend it again because it is CRIMINALLY underrated. Mainly about our Shane who temporarily swaps universes with a Shane who never reconciled with Ilya after tuna melt. Excellent writing and really beautiful analysis of how one decisions can change so much and there are infinite Shane’s and Ilya’s where any singular decision changes so many outcomes. >!It broke my heart when our Shane got switched with a Shane who lost Ilya to the plane crash, and that Shane lived with the knowledge there are universes where Ilya lives while his died. This just one singular scene-!< relatively low angst overall considering the situation.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/92007481/chapters/245099216
Live Like You Are Going to Die (Completed)
Soupcasserole
I didn’t think I was going to like this one because I thought it was going to be a “love cured Ilya’s depression” story, but it was not that at all. Genuinely HILARIOUS moments and Ilya gets like passing life advice from other players, but also I thought the author did a great job depicting a depressed mind even during “happy moments.” There are no MCD or graphic deceptions, but the last chapter kind of hits you like a truck though so proceed with caution. It’s not huge displays of love or a relationship that gives people the strength to keep living, it’s “stupid” things that keep people going for another day.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/91000936
You Make Me Brave (WIP)
I initially was reading this by the same author. I LOVE confident Shane pursuing Ilya is this kind of reminded of Drawn In because it’s a college AU (hockey player Shane, gymnast Ilya) and Shane is down bad. In this one, Ilya is the one who is hesitant to go public with their relationship which I don’t see written too often, and I they do a great job explaining why non famous people also have plenty of reasons for not coming out, but I am still waiting for the author to explain how Shane and Ilya are going to tackle those challenges in just one chapter.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/90341306
Cocaine Rat (Completed)
Anonymous
Short one where Ilya has a stalker and this story is told in the POV of the stalker. Might be bizarre to say, but I was almost disappointed there wasn’t more violence. I think they did a great job balancing delusion with the confidence of the stalker.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/91596271
I see you creeping (i see you from the sideline)
avenueblue (Completed)
This one has more than 500 kudos, but I just finished it last night and it’s EXCELLENT and deserves even more hype. It takes place between Tampa and the cottage where Shane and Ilya haven’t fully come to terms with their love for each other, and I love how Ilya shows up for Shane in this even when Shane doesn’t want to drag Ilya into his “mess” (Shane’s words, not mine). Like not asking for help is sometimes the more “selfish” thing to do.

I’ve been loving fics where like Hayden or other outside POVs see hollanov and realize that Shane is chattier/more comfortable, etc… with Ilya. I also love the ones where Ilya realizes Shane is different with him. For example I just read Shane Hollander is a Yapper by brucethecat so I want that kinda vibe?

🚨🚨NEW CHAPTER 4 FOR GATORADE GALAS AND MOSCOW MULES!!🚨🚨

RED ALERT! RED FUCKING ALERT!!

I, as this fanfics biggest fan, am overwhelmed I haven't even read it yet but RED ALERT!

Warning, it might get a little graphic while I explain. Also, if you have other recs where Shane was the one who was in a plane crash, please link them here!

I’m looking for a fic where Montreal’s plane was the one that went crashing, and I think most of the players died? Shane, Hayden and JJ survived, and Shane was helping other passengers to leave the wreck before him. There was a scene where they passed the dead body of a teammate and had to keep going.

Not sure if dark romance is the correct word but looking for fic recommendations that may involve themes of stalking, manipulation, possession etc similar to aimee_s’s works (so so good pls check them out) Basically turning the obsession factor up to 11. Open to other darker themes not mentioned here as well