OMG OMG OMG YOU AT LEAST NEED TO HEAR THE TALE OF JEFF CARTER AND MIKE RICHARDS. I tell it in all its glory in my hockey RPF primer; you don't need to read the whole thing; just scroll down to the Separated by Cruel Fate Pairing. It is the BEST THING, and it ACTUALLY HAPPENED.

And hello, fellow kidfic issues person! I SALUTE YOU. I think - it's parenthood. It changed us.