Chapter Text
April 1st
The first day of April is typically known as April fools day around the world. In Japan, this day would mark the first day of the school year.
For Haruka Hollander, it's his birthday. A day he has never enjoyed.
It's a day that Haruka didn't expect much from besides getting made fun of even more. Haruka may only be turning eight years old but he could understand when adults singled him out. It never helped that he was also the youngest in his class when he lived in Japan.
Despite only having two school years in Japan, Haruka had been in six different schools. In Canada, Haruka has only gone to one school for the whole year he's lived here. He liked this school and even had a few friends. Haruka didn't want to go to a different school.
It is currently spring break and Haruka has been at David and Yuna's cottage in Ottawa. Shane has been traveling for the past nine days.
It was strange at first to Haruka for Shane having to travel for over a week at times. Not long after the current hockey seasons started, the first long road trip came up. Shane had overthought everything and nearly took Harua along but Ms. Rin, Yuna, and Jackie convinced Shane not to go with that plan. Jackie had watched over Haruka during that time because of school.
It got easier now that Shane was just a call away without having to ask Jackie to use her phone.
There had been times where Haruka found himself a bit lonely, like the past few days. He knew he wasn't lonely at all because David and Yuna are here with him. Shane has put more effort than anyone else to make sure he wasn't lonely.
Haruka just wondered what his life would be like if his mother hadn't died eight years ago when he was born. If his father didn't hate him. If he never came to Canada and met Shane— someone who cares for him without hate.
Haruka shook his head softly to try to get the bad thoughts out of his head. He didn't need those thoughts. It only makes him sad.
"Haruka, you got jam on your face." Yuna chuckled softly and leaned her hand over. She used her napkin to wipe his cheek clean.
"Thanks." Haruka mumbled softly as he finished up his breakfast that Yuna and David made as a birthday breakfast. Apparently they used to make Shane a special birthday breakfast before he moved out.
Later on today, Haruka is going to have a birthday party. The minute that the three older Hollander family members found out that Haruka never had a birthday party, they started planning. Yuna had taken charge of it while David made sure to ask his opinion on practically everything. Shane has unfortunately been too busy with hockey to help much planning, but Haruka knew that Shane was paying for anything and everything.
Shane has explained to Haruka that the hockey playoffs were soon and that he was going to be very busy. The only reason why Shane didn't have to deal with playoffs when he took Haruka in the previous May was because Montreal got knocked out. Haruka hadn't really cared at the time.
"Obaachan... I am full." Haruka looked up at Yuna. Ever since he started calling Shane dad, he started calling Yuna grandma and David grandpa in Japanese. Haruka couldn't quite pronounce the two words in English– he was still learning!
Yuna smiled warmly at him. "You ate a lot, that's good enough for me."
David nodded and chuckled. "You even ate your vegetables."
Haruka only eats his vegetables because Shane lets him drink strawberry smoothies during breakfast. That had been the deal and now Shane owed him nine smoothies.
"They are yummy." Haruka declares despite that not being the truth. He only liked the ones that are quick and easy to eat like carrots.
Yuna looked towards David and spoke, "Remember when Shane wouldn't eat his vegetables if they were touching anything?"
"Pretty sure he still gets that disgusted look when his food touches without his permission." David comments.
Haruka glanced between the two. He could imagine that Shane was like that– especially since Shane tries not to let his food touch or when Shane keeps things organized in the fridge. Haruka definitely preferred the organization that Shane has over the disorder and chaos of the previous places he lived at.
The two adults continue to talk about things that Haruka zoned out for. Something about logistics and people. Boring adult stuff.
Haruka went to get up from his chair and paused. He looked at Yuna –who was the boss of the house, he had decided long ago– and spoke. "Obaachan. Need to use bathroom."
Yuna smiled softly at him and nodded softly. "Are you done eating as well?"
Haruka hummed and nodded as he got up from his chair. Haruka quickly went to the bathroom. By the time he got back the dishes were already picked up and David was loading them into the dishwasher.
He didn't see Yuna, however he did hear familiar voices coming from the front entrance. He gasped and ran towards the entrance.
"Jackie!" Haruka yelled out the moment he saw the women.
"Hi Haruka! Happy birthday!" Jackie says as he hugs her leg.
A small giggle could be heard behind Jackie alongside the familiar voice of Klara, "Wow, Jackie. Hogging Haruka all for yourself I see."
Haruka moved just enough to look behind Jackie's legs. He spotted Klara, Klara's mom Rachel, Sandra Miitka, and Sandra's son Samuel. Klara was holding one of Jackie's twins while Sandra was holding the other. Rachel held a couple of gift bags.
He took a step away from Jackie and looked at the others. He waved at the small group and said, "Hi."
Yuna invited the group inside the house and showed them where they could put things. The adults made their way in the house while Haruka approached Samuel.
"Sam!" Haruka immediately gave Samuel a hug.
"Haru!" Samuel hugged back, a large smile on his face despite his missing front tooth. Samuel is Sandra and Soren Miitka's only child. He's shorter than Haruka despite being a year older, but the two of them got along well.
"Your tooth gone!" Haruka pointed out once they broke the hug.
Samuel laughed loudly, "I got hit in the face by a puck! The mask helped to stop it mostly but my tooth came out!! The tooth fairy gave me twenty dollars!"
Haruka stared at Samuel. He knew that Samuel wanted to be a goalie just like his father. "Twenty dollars!! That's a lot!"
The two of them went into the living room and talked about many different things like comics, what they had gotten for Easter, and many other things.
Time passed quickly and two more kids Haruka's age showed up, unlike Samuel's mother, their parents didn't stay.
The first one who arrived was Katie. She was Haruka's first friend when he started schooling. She had immediately declared that they were friends because they both were foreigners. Katie's family used to live in America but moved to be closer to her grandparents.
The second one, and last kid invited, was Jaxon. The same Jaxon Haruka got into a fight with because Jaxon made fun of Katie's lisp. Jaxon had apologized to Katie then to Haruka not long after the fight. Haruka had accepted it but didn't forgive, at least until a month ago.
Haruka had started karate on the weekends as a way to help to channel his anger, which has helped a lot. Jaxon happened to be in the same class as him. They tried to beat each other and were competitive which somehow eventually led them to becoming friends– even if neither boy wanted to admit it.
The four of the kids played on the wii that Haruka got for Christmas. They were playing Just Dance but currently couldn't agree what song to do.
"But I wanna do 'Bad Romance' by Lady Gaga! Mama and papa play it all the time!" Samuel argued.
"What about 'What does the fox say'? That's a fun one!" Katie glared as best as she could.
"'I like to move it' is much better than 'What does the fox say'." Jaxon huffed.
"Nuh uh." Katie stuck her tongue out.
"Is too!" Jaxon spat back
"Booooooo!! 'I like to move it' sucks!" Samuel agreed with Katie.
Haruka watched the three kids argue about. He had a small smile on his face– he really had friends.
Suddenly Jaxon pointed at Haruka. "What song do you want!? It's your birthday! You pick!"
"Uh..." Haruka looked up at the television and at the song list. "Can we do 'Diamonds' by Rihanna? That's a good song from him."
Jaxon and Samuel looked at eachother with confusion.
Katie giggled loudly. "Haruka! Rihanna is a girl! Not a boy!"
Haruka's face flushed bright red with embarrassment. Of course Rihanna was a girl. "I–I knew that! I was just testing you!"
"No you didn't! Your face is really red!" Jaxon laughed as he poked Haruka's cheek.
"Haru... you still don't listen to music often, do you?" Samuel tilted his head with a smile.
Haruka looked away from the three teasing friends, clearly very embarrassed. He mumbled, "At least I knew Rihanna is a singer... my dad couldn't do that..."
Samuel gave a pointed look. "Your dad is the Shane Hollander. He's excused."
Haruka pouted as he thought of the times he heard one of Shane's teammates joke about Shane not knowing a music artist. Shane should definitely not be excused because he's famous.
"So? Carter Vaughn is a hockey player like my dad but he knows all the best music!" Haruka argued back.
"But Carter Vaughn isn't the greatest hockey player of all time." Samuel stated as if it was a fact.
"Whaaaattt!! Who dares say such nonsense!!" Said the voice of Carter Vaughn nearby.
Samuel whipped around and glared at Carter. "I did!" He then realized who he was talking to. "Wait..."
Carter smiled down at the children with lots of amusement. He elbowed the man next to him, Scott Hunter. "Can you believe them?"
Scott scoffed but had a large smile on his face. "Yeah I can because I'm a way better hockey player then you."
"Hey!!!" Carter yelled back, gaining the laughter of the boys.
Klara, who seemed to arrive with and stood by Carter and Scott, was laughing loudly. "Don't worry Carter, maybe Scott will retire alongside my dad this year and you'll finally be able to show that you're a better player."
Haruka tried to hide his laughter at Klara's dig at Scott's age. Scott could merely sigh and wonder why he was getting so many strays.
"Nahhh, Scott has at least another year before he goes into retirement with Snhneider." Carter chuckled to himself.
Katie looked between Carter, Scott, and Klara with confusion on her face. "Who are you?"
Haruka ignored Carter's laughter and the surprised noise that came from Scott. Haruka pointed at Scott. "That's the Scott-ojisan I told you about!" He then pointed at Carter. "That's the Carter dude I told you about." He finally pointed to Klara. "That's Klara! She's the one that showed me Vines!"
Carter's laughing turned into a coughing fit. Scott barked out laughter, "You're just some dude!!!"
"Oh." As Katie said, she wasn't all that interested in the two men. Katie's eyes stayed on Klara with a smile. She looked back at the television. "Let's just go with Haruka's pick of songs."
Samuel and Jaxon stared up at the two of the newcomers. Samuel seemed less impressed than Jaxon.
"You two are the Scott Hunter and the Carter Vaughn... wow." Jaxon said, amazed.
Haruka made a grossed out face at Jaxon. "Didn't know you like hockey."
Jaxon nodded quickly, bare taking his eyes off of the two adults. "Mom and dad don't really care but my grandpa is a huge Admirals fan.
Samuel stuck out his tongue at Jaxon. "Metros is better! We're gonna get the cup this year! Right, Haru?"
Haruka shrugged, he glanced at Carter. "Scott-ojisan is my favorite."
Samuel gave a disapproving noise. "Nuh uh! How can he be your favorite when the Shane Hollander is your dad! My dad is my favorite!"
"Your dad is a goalie! He doesn't count!" Jaxon butted in.
"He does too!!" Samuel argued back.
"There’s nothing wrong with liking goalies. Goalies are really nice. Eric Bennett and Wyatt Hayes are really cool people." Klara commented while keeping an eye on the boys. She already knew of the past incident between Haruka and Jaxon.
Katie stood next to Carter and Scott as the three boys argued about favorite hockey players. She looked up at them with a curious look. Katie studied them before speaking up to them. "Are you two single?"
Scott gave an awkward chuckle while Carter nodded. "Yeah, why?"
"My uncle wants a boyfriend and you two are good looking." Katie bluntly said.
Scott choked on air.
Carter laughed and shook his head softly. "Sorry, I only like aunties. No uncles for me but I hope he finds a boyfriend he loves."
Katie thought for a moment then nodded. "Okay."
Scott glanced at Carter, watching to see if there was any disgust– which there was none. In fact, Carter seemed supportive of Katie's uncle despite not knowing him. Scott could only hope that he gets brave enough to be able to come out to Carter but Scott knew that won't happen for a long time. He's not that brave, at least right now.
Katie looked at Scott. "You?"
Scott didn't get to respond due to Haruka practically running into his legs and giving him a hug. Haruka looked up at him, his chin against Scott's leg. "Why you here Scott-ojisan? You have game tomorrow."
Scott patted Haruka's head. "Yeah here in Ottawa. Carter and I came here a day early for your party."
Haruka thought for a moment and nodded. "Okay." Haruka broke the hug. "These my friends. Katie, Jaxon, and Samuel. Sam's dad is Soren Miitka." Haruka pointed at each kid when he said their names.
Scott and Carter glanced at each other and smiled. Carter squatted down to be eye level with the kids while Scott sat down on the couch.
Klara watched with amusement, remembering when she was that young meeting more famous hockey players other than her father and his team.
Jaxon and Samuel were very excited to be meeting Scott and Carter, even though Samuel wasn't the biggest Admiral fan. Katie and Haruka were off to the side as neither of them really cared for hockey.
Haruka spotted Yuna taking photos off to the side but didn't say anything. If Yuna wanted pictures, she could have them. Haruka already knew not to deny her photos. He was pretty sure there were at least a hundred photos of him on her phone.
Tiny hands grabbed onto Haruka's arm, which caused him to let a small yelp of surprise out. Katie giggled loudly as she gently grabbed Ruby's tiny hand.
"Oh! Jade! Ruby! Hi!" Haruka said once he calmed back down and realized who was there.
Ruby babbled to Katie with a large smile while Jade held onto Haruka's sleeve.
"Haka!" Jade yelled out as she bounced on her feet.
Haka was the nickname that Jade and Ruby made for Haruka since they couldn't exactly pronounce words, much less names, correctly. The twins were just starting to walk– Haruka wasn't completely sure about their age but he knew their birthday was in August.
"Haka!" Ruby repeated despite not even looking in Haruka's direction.
Haruka smiled warmly as he picked Jade up and held her a bit awkwardly. She didn't seem to mind purely based on her giggles.
"Hi Jade. How is you? Where is your mom?" Haruka questioned a bit but didn't expect much of any answer– children this young don't typically respond in full sentences.
Jade simply stared at him before deciding to hug him. She giggled to be put down so Haruka did exactly that.
The twins were truly the only babies that Haruka has ever been around like this. His previous homes barely let him around their children around his age. Haruka was extremely happy that he's allowed to be near Jade and Ruby.
Jade held his hand and began to guide him away from the group. Haruka spotted Jackie standing with Rachel, Sandra, and David. They were chatting about something Haruka didn't care to listen to.
"Mama! Haka here!" Jade called out.
Haruka gave an awkward wave as the four adults looked over at them. Rachel and Jackie were giggling about something Sandra said while David pretended to be not amused but the small smile on his face told a different story.
"I see, you got your Haka." Jackie smiled warmly at them. Jade bounced in her place while continuing to hold onto Haruka.
"So cute, I miss Klara being that small." Rachel giggled.
Jade proceeded to wipe her snotty nose with her sleeve.
"I do not miss that." Rachel added. "Jackie, I don't know how you can be pregnant again after having twins. One was too much for me."
Jackie shrugged, "Only the twins were planned."
Haruka stared at Jade's snotty sleeve with disgust. He wondered if he was like that at that age. Haruka really hoped that he wasn't gross like that.
David leaned down and cleaned Jade's sleeve with a paper towel. "I miss it a little. Even as a kid, Shane hated being disorganized and messy so Yuna and I didn't get to experience this sort of stuff with him."
Sandra made a small disappointed noise. "Shane wasn't a troublemaker? That seems accurate."
Jackie playfully shoved Sandra softly. "What? You think Shane would've been a troublemaker as a kid? It's difficult to imagine that."
"Shane is a literal angel for when it comes to trouble. Look at all the fights he defused." Rachel pointed out in a matter of fact tone.
Haruka disagreed with her statement. Shane could be scary when upset. Haruka has seen the way normal Shane and upset Shane are on the ice. Extremely different.
Haruka was just always thankful that Shane never directed being upset towards him. Haruka thinks he would cry if that were to happen and Haruka doesn't cry for anything.
David patted Haruka's head. "However, Haruka here is a bit of a troublemaker. Most of the time it's fun at least."
"Ojiichan!" Haruka protested with little effort.
"I mean, Haruka has gotten into more fights than Shane. That has to count for something." Jackie joked.
Haruka could feel his face heating up.
"That's the least of my worries," David chuckled. "The most troublesome thing he's done is roll around a mud puddle while it was raining, then not wanting to take a bath. Shane would've passed out if he saw."
Haruka remembered that day a few months ago. David watched over him for a few days because Yuna and Shane were away on some business trip. It had downpoured nearly all day and when the rain let up, David let Haruka play in it.
When it was time to get back inside, Haruka remembered claiming that the rain was cleaning him despite having mud all over. It had taken a while for David to get him inside and in the bath. Haruka ended up sick in the end.
Haruka's face burned red. He turned away from the adults who decided to share stories about him.
It was so embarrassing being reminded of things that he did. Despite that, Haruka kinda preferred being embarrassed like this then how he was humiliated in the past.
Haruka left Jade with the adults and went back into the living room.
Klara sat with Katie while Katie was doing Scott's nails, clearly not by choice purely based off of the neon orange, pink, glitter, and at least seven other colors of nail polish. Scott tried to hold still but he wasn't certain.
Jaxon and Samuel sat next to Carter. Carter acted out a backhand hit to the boys as he told some story. The two boys were enthralled by Carter's story.
Haruka looked between the two groups and didn't know which he wanted to be a part of. On one hand, Haruka didn't feel like having his nails painted but on the other hand, Carter was likely talking about something that would bore him.
Instead of choosing, Haruka went to the couch and sat. He grabbed his phone that laid on the side table and found the app that tracked plane flights. Haruka quickly found the most recent one Shane shared with him and frowned.
It says the plane already landed in Ottawa three hours ago. He knew Shane, Hayden, JJ, Felix, and Soren Miitka took a different flight then the rest of the Montreal team.
Haruka just didn't like that the cottage was about a two hour drive from the airport.
Shane was late.
It was strange because Shane was never late. Shane had promised to get the cottage as soon as possible.
If Haruka could do math correctly then Shane should've been here an hour ago.
Haruka went to his text messages and opened Shane's.
Dad
7:42 AM
Dad: You won't likely see this until later but happy birthday Haruka ❤️
8:37 AM
Dad: We're getting on the plane now. See you in a few hours
8:48 AM
Haruka: see you soon
12:19 PM
Haruka: where are you
Haruka: dad
Haruka: plane said you landed in ottawa
Haruka waited for a few minutes, just waiting for a response back. Shane was really good at responding back to him quickly unless he was on the ice. Haruka knew that Shane wasn't on the ice.
"What are you doing Haruka?" Scott asked curiously. He was now painting Katie's nails and focused on his task.
"Wouldn't you like to know weather boy." Haruka quoted a vine and immediately gained the laughter of Klara and Katie.
"Huh???" Scott raised his eyebrows with confusion. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It's a vine, ya old man!" Carter chirps at Scott, gaining the laughter of Jaxon and Samuel.
Haruka chuckled along with the group. He felt the familiar vibrations of a text message.
12:26 PM
Dad: Sorry, we got a flat tire halfway there.
Dad: I'll be there soon. Only 37 minutes away.
Haruka: it okay
Haruka: just want to hear from you
Dad: ❤️
Dad: The family that helped us had a kitty
Dad: [Image]
Dad: They said his name is Socks
Haruka: cute 😍
Dad: When did you learn to use emojis?
Haruka: Lily taught me
Haruka stared down at the cute kitty on the screen. Cats are his favorite animal. Dogs were too rambunctious and had too much energy for Haruka to handle. He wished Shane would let him get a cat but Haruka knew that cats and any pets are lots of responsibilities.
Haruka hadn't realized that he drifted off to sleep until he was being gently shaken awake.
"Hmm?" He hummed softly, rubbing his eyes.
"Haruka, it's time to wake up. It's nearly cake time."
Hearing Shane's voice made him wake right up. Haruka wrapped his arms around Shane's neck as the man leaned down. Shane helped Haruka hold onto him like a koala.
"Oh? Did you miss me?" Shane chuckled softly.
Haruka shook his head. "No." He pretended that he wasn't being clingy.
He looked around the room and saw that most people who were invited were there. JJ, Carter, and Jaxon were talking about something while Felix and Samuel were listening. Felix held Jade in his arms while she messily attempted to braid his hair.
Scott was quietly talking to Klara, Jackie, and David while he sat in the chair. Katie and Jade had fallen asleep at some point on top of Scott but seemed to refuse to let go of Scott. Scott looked rather awkward holding the two girls, as if he wasn't used to kids.
Sandra and Rachel were giggling at something while Soren simply smiled and listened.
Hayden and Yuna weren't in the room but Haruka could hear their voices as Shane walked towards the kitchen. He didn't pay attention to things for a while, adult talk was boring.
Soon enough Haruka sat in front of the table while the group sang happy birthday. Haruka never heard such an embarrassing song before. Cake was served and it was nearly completely gone within thirty minutes.
Haruka tried not to cry when it came to the present giving time. He never saw so many gifts specifically for him on his birthday. Christmas was one thing, Haruka knew those gifts were mostly from Shane, Yuna, and David.
Getting gifts for his birthday like this from people who had no legal obligations for him, gave a very different feeling.
These people chose to be here.
They chose to be kind to him.
Haruka could barely believe it.
Haruka opened the second to last gift. It was from Lily despite not being here. He immediately began to laugh when he saw the jersey and the note attached.
"Huh? What's funny dear?" Yuna asked.
"Lily doesn't like that I like Scott-ojisan."
Haruka held up the Rozanov Boston jersey that Lily sent as a gift. It was bigger than his size, likely for Haruka to be able to wear it in the future.
Shane groaned with annoyance while the other Metro players looked with disbelief.
"But you're not a fan of Boston!" Samuel practically yelled out.
"Lily is!" Haruka rebuttals.
Carter and Scott side eyed the jersey and Shane.
"So uh, this Lily sent a Rozanov jersey despite knowing that Haruka is a fan of Scotty and the fact that you are literally his father, Shane." Carter pointed out.
Shane let out a loud sigh. "Lily has been trying to convert Haruka into being a Rozanov fan."
"Like hell that is happening." Hayden immediately said. Jackie jabbed her elbow against him and made a shushing noise.
Soren leaned over to Scott and Carter to explain who Lily was, at least the little bit that the team knew about her.
Haruka ignored the conversations happening in favor of staring at the handwritten note. He knew that Lily preferred Boston over Montreal because she is from Boston. Lily joked about Rozanov being a better player then Shane and other things like that.
Haruka wondered if Shane and Lily had a relationship like Yuna and David. He also wondered if he'll be able to actually be able to meet Lily one day.
"Oh. Lily also gave more nerf darts." Haruka held up the nerf gun dart package. It was a pack of a hundred foam darts.
Jaxon and Samuel cheered. The three of them planned to have a nerf gun war later on.
Finally Haruka got the last gift. It was in a smaller box compared to Lily's gift box. It was from Scott and Carter.
He gasped and looked up at Scott and Carter. "Tomorrow?"
Scott smiled warmly and Carter nodded.
"Tomorrow? What's tomorrow?" Katie asked.
"What is it?" Jaxon demanded.
Samuel tried to peek but Haruka prevented the gift from being seen.
Haruka counted the amount of tickets inside. Seven. One for him and each of his friends, which would leave three extra tickets. One for Shane, Yuna, and David. Those were the only people he could think of that could join him.
Haruka looked at his three friends and smiled brightly. "Want to watch Centaurs play against Admirals tomorrow?"
He showed the group the seven tickets to the Ottawa Centaurs vs New York Admirals hockey game tomorrow. He laughed at the smug looks Scott and Carter gave the Metro players.
Lily
12:00 AM
Lily: HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎂 🥳 🎉 🎈 🎁 🎊
Lily: [gif]
8:53 AM
Haruka: thank you Lily 😊
3:04 PM
Haruka: thank you but I no wear Rozanov shirt
Haruka: bad shirt
Lily: 💔💔💔 you would look adorable in Rozanov's jersey
Haruka: no
Haruka: not wearing it ever
Lily: heartbroken 💔 😥 😔