Chapter Text
Shane was not one to backtrack; when he made a decision, he followed through with it at full force.
Of course, this fact seemed to be completely eviscerated from his mind as he stared at the text he sent to Ilya an hour before. It was only 9am and they had been talking until the early hours of morning, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ilya was sleeping in on his day off. Not everyone was as freaked out about waking up at the same time everyday, even if he was completely miserable with matching bags adorning his undereyes.
He chewed on his lip, opening the message again for the umpteenth time. This time, however, three dots appeared on Ilya’s side of the message. He quickly exited the app and threw his phone across the couch, picking up his book in a nonchalant manner. Minutes ticked past and his eyes remained glued to the first line of the chapter, reading it over and over again. The words were not processing, instead his mind caught on the thought of what Ilya might be saying to him. With a sigh of defeat, he picked up his phone again and opened the new notifications, once again ignoring the silenced notifications from his friend group chat.
Ilya
you wake up so early sweetheart
how do you do this?
also, i have booked restaurant
can i pick you up at 1? or is that too early?
i know we were talking about dinner but i really want to see you
Shane smiled at the quick succession of messages. He chewed on his lip, trying to think of a reply. He began typing and deleted it a few times before deciding on something. His heart resembled a jackhammer by the time he finally pressed send. It was only eight words and yet, he felt he had run a marathon before immediately being sat down for an English exam.
Shane
Good morning, Ilya. I hope you slept well.
Ilya
oh the best
so…
Shane
1 works for me! Are you sure you don’t mind picking me up? I can just meet you there :)
Ilya
no
i am a gentleman
please let me pick you up
pleeaseeeeee
Shane
Okay, if you don’t mind :)
I’ll send you my address later :)))
Ilya
thank you, pretty boy ;)
save the rest of your day for me <33
Shane
I will.
Heart thundering, he placed his phone down and laid back against the couch cushions. He replayed the bits of conversation he could remember from last night - the low timbre of his voice, the teasing laugh and little quips he kept throwing in.
He picks up his phone, intending to laugh at the messages his friends are leaving him, instead finding two missed calls from his own mother. His stomach sinks and worry immediately sets in. He rushes to call her back, jumping when she picks up on the first ring.
“Mum, is everything okay?” he asks, worriedly.
“Hi-ya honey, of course! I was just checking in on you, baby.”
Shane lets out a deep breath. In for four, hold for six, out for four. He repeats the mantra and lets his body return to form as he hears his mother talking in the background.
“Shane, you okay?” she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.
“Sorry, I just saw your missed calls and it made me freak out a little bit. I’m okay.”
She tittered. “Well, no nothing is happening, I just wanted to check in because I heard about a little date happening today-”
Shane groaned, running a hand through his hair.
“Don’t be like that, honey. Your dad and I-”
“Dad knows!?” he exclaims, sitting upright.
Yuna’s voice is drowned out by a much deeper one. “Hi buddy, yeah, I’m here.”
“Oh god, seriously? Guys, it’s nothing, I swear.”
“Mhmm and that’s why Rose was calling us up at 8am, talking about how you’ve got a date today and you’ve been ignoring her?”
“Rose!? I knew it.”
“Okay, don’t be like that, Shane. She was just worried because she hadn’t heard from you and I can’t blame her - neither should you.”
“Worried my butt,” he grumbled under his breath, rolling his eyes.
“So, she mentioned something about him being the firefighter I gave your number to? Honey - why didn’t you tell me? This is so exciting!”
“Because it’s nothing. We’ve just been talking, Yuna,” he groans, emphasising her name.
“Well, Shane, it does sound like something.”
“Well it’s not.”
“Okay well… he’s handsome, right? I knew you’d like him.” She had a humorous tone and Shane just knew she was grinning ear to ear.
“Oh, in saying that, Shane, you wouldn’t happen to have a picture? Your mother kept talking about how handsome he is and that he’d give us the cutest grandbabies,” David cut in, clearly curious.
Shane blushed at the only image he had of Ilya, processing his dad’s words. “No, I don’t have a photo of- GRANDBABIES?? Babies as in plural? You guys do know two men can’t have a baby together, right?”
Yuna laughed, a sound of pure glee and delight. “Oh trust me, Shane, we know how babies are made. I just meant in general. A girl can dream, isn’t that right, dear?”
“Uh-huh, don't discount your mother’s dreams, son. Science is moving quickly these days,” David stated
“So… let’s backtrack this a bit - what’s this we hear about a date?” Yuna asked.
He groans, knowing he can’t get away with anything at this point. “He’s picking me up at one o’clock and we’re grabbing some food and stuff.”
“Ooh, picking you up?” his mother says, approvingly. “Where is he taking you?”
“Oh, uhm, it’s a surprise?” The line went silent and he had to double check that he didn’t accidentally hangup. After a few moments his mother cleared her throat.
“A surprise? Oh honey, you must really like him.”
“We’re happy for you, Shane,” his dad says, a beat after Yuna. They both sounded watery, almost as if they were tearing up over such a small feat.
He ducks his head, a dopey smile taking over his face before remembering that he’s still talking to his parents. “Uhm, yeah, he’s really nice. It’s just - it’s our first time meeting, so don’t go overboard. It might not actually be anything serious, okay?”
“Okay honey, nonetheless, we’re really excited for you to take such a big step, okay?”
He looked down at his hands, noticing the picked skin about his nailbeds for the first time. “Yeah, okay. Thanks for calling - I’ll update you guys over dinner next week.”
His mother squealed. “I am holding you to that, Shane. Love you.” His dad lets out his own goodbyes and they eventually hang up. His eye twitches as he opens up the, unfortunately, familiar group chat.
Degenerates
Shane
Rose Elizabeth Landry you will begin to cough in three days.
Rose
Shhaaaaneeeyyyyy
WE MISSED YOU
Let me come over preettyyy please
Kip
Shane!!!!!
Hayden
Shanee make it stop
Don't leave us on read
Rose
Im sorry but you werent replying ahhh
Shane
So you called MY MOTHER????
Kip
HAHAHAHAHAHAH
SHAME
Hayden
LOL
Jackie
How are you guys so awake jfc
Rose
idk im just used to it
the will of christ emboldens me to be alert on the off chance that my gay little baby gets a boyfriend
Kip
LOL
Hayden
OUR gay little baby
Jackie
I know that’s right!
Rose
OUR????
bitch where’s my child support????
Hayden
Nevermind, that's YOUR baby for real!
Shane
I hate you guys.
Rose
no u don't
Hayden
No you don’t
Kip
no u dont
Jackie
Lol sorry shane
Shane
Blocked.
Other notifications begin popping up, but he places his phone on the coffee table again, closing his eyes and thinking about that to come. So many thoughts filled his mind. What exactly were they going to do?
He tried to quiet his mind, picking up his book again.
Shane began humming to himself, the sun hitting him just right as he lounged in the living room. He was almost in a daze, thinking about all the possibilities - something he had never really dwelled on before. He had been on dates, easy blind dates set up by his friends and occasionally had a crush that gave him the courage to ask someone out, but he’d never really thought about the one. He also had never felt particularly attracted to someone past face value, but something about Ilya and their exchanges had him feeling bubbly.
Maybe it was in the way Ilya was patient - never rushing or pressuring Shane in the three weeks they had been talking. Or maybe it was the gentle timbre of his voice, a voice he had only heard once before, yet in his daydreams he’s hearing it everyday for the rest of his life.
Time seems to pass in slow motion and when Shane finally looks at the clock on his mantle, he nearly falls off the couch - it’s almost midday. He rushes to his room, tripping over air as he slid into the room and threw open his wardrobe. He was almost a hurricane, throwing on clothes in a rush, checking the mirror before switching outfits. He tried every variation possible, linen shirts with jeans, singlets with a leather jacket, oversize tees tucked into shorts - nothing was working.
Shane sat on his bed, wearing only his underwear, and took a few deep breaths. Looking at the clothes spread across every surface, his left eye began to twitch and he felt a headache brewing. He groaned, realising what he had to do. He grabbed his phone from the living room and found Rose’s contact, bracing himself for the dramatics she would no doubt perform in the next moment. Of course, she picks up on the first tone.
“Ahhh, so he returns,” Rose’s voice, an octave higher with dramatic effect, says over the phone.
“Girl, not right now. I need your help, please Rosieeee.” Shane whines, a pout on his face - she can’t see it, but he hopes it is loud over the line.
“Oh doooo not, please Rosie, me… YOU’VE BEEN IGNORING MY TEXTS ALL MORNING,” she cried, rather dramatically if you asked Shane.
“Rose, you literally called my mother, so I think we’re even.”
“Oh, so Yuna got a hold of you, did she?” He could hear the smirk on her voice.
“Yes and you know she did because I texted you about it and you proceeded to mock me.”
“Mhmm and what exactly did you two talk about, Shane Mildred Hollander.”
“You know that’s not my middle name,” Shane snapped, glaring at her name on the screen.
“Blah blah blah, details Shane - I need details,” she replied, cutting him off.
“Well we didn’t talk about much, just the fact that you betrayed my trust and told her about Ilya.”
“Wait no, not you and Yuna’s conversation - you and this hot firefighter, Shane. You know I want the insider scoop. ALSO - she already knew about Mr. Firefighter, so don’t blame me for doing the people’s work and updating her.”
“Rose, there’s literally nothing to talk about,” he grumbled into the air.
“There’s nothing to talk about and yet you have a date today - that’s a far cry from what you were telling us last night at the bar…”
“I plead the fifth.”
“Bitch, we’re in Canada, now spill.”
“Look nothing really happened… I mean I asked him for a photo and then we were just talking. Uhm… And then I sent that photo you said I should send and he really liked it and called me and then we talked for a long time - we fell asleep on the phone and yeah, it was nice.” Shane knew he was rambling, but Rose just squealed in delight.
“What did he sound like? I bet his voice is all deep and raspy.”
“Yeah,” he sighed dreamily. “It was deep- oh my god, Rose, he has an accent! He’s Russian and his voice is so deep and yet so gentle.” Rose was still squealing on the other side. She requested a facetime call and he quickly accepted, her giddy face being the first thing he saw.
“Shane! You’re glowing - you’re totally in love!!” she exclaimed upon seeing his face.
He ducked his head out of frame, lifting a hand to the back of his neck. “No, don’t be silly Rose. It’s nothing serious.”
“Shane, I have known you forever and know for a fact, that you do not take any situation anything but seriously. I know you’re shy about these things, but you never need to hide from me, Shaney.” She looked at him through the screen, seeming to look through his eyes and into his very soul, despite their separation by mobile devices. She smiled at him reassuringly, always knowing when she needed to be gentle and when she needed to push.
“I- I think he may be my dream boyfriend, Rose. I’m just scared about coming on too strong.”
“He calls you sweetheart and all sorts of pet names. He’s been patient and not rushed you over the past couple of weeks. Shane, I think it’s safe to say that it’s not possible for you to come on strong at this point.”
“Really?”
“No, honey, he’s definitely in and matching your pace depending on whatever Yuna said. Trust me.” She sounds emotional and Shane stares at her, giving him a watery laugh. “Do not give me those big puppy dog eyes, Shane, he’s into you - you’re into him. Just do what feels natural, baby, you can do this.”
He gives her a small smile, biting his inner cheek. “Thank you, Rose. I feel a lot better.”
“Okay… So was there a reason for calling or did you just want to update me?”
Shane jumps up. “Oh my god, he’s picking me up in half an hour and I still don’t know what to wear. Please help me, Rose.”
At the panicked look on his face, Rose laughed, clearly delighted. “Oh perfect, did he say what the vibe was? What are you two doing?”
“He said he wanted it to be a surprise, but he mentioned a restaurant.”
“Surprise? Oh, you must really like him, if you didn’t ask anymore questions.”
“Why does everyone keep saying that?” he said, exasperated.
“Shane, you are the epitome of control. If you’re letting him take control of this on the first date, then that must mean you’re some sort of comfortable with him.”
“It’s weird, Rose. I feel oddly at ease letting him take control, like, deep down I know he’s going to take care of me.”
“Okayyy, not to be that guy, but I feel like this is about to take a turn down kinky lane and I am seriously about to fujo out, babe.” She had a delighted grin on her face.
“K-kinky?” A warmth swept up Shane’s chest as he began stammering. “No, Rose. I just mean, I feel reassured and comfortable… Why would you say that - god forbid, I’m trying to be vulnerable with you.”
Rose was cackling. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it. I could probably see your blush through the window if I looked right now.”
“Well, you’d definitely see me flipping you off, I don’t know.”
“Okay, but seriously. His arms? I know I’m a lesbian, but I have an imagination, babe.”
“Well, stop imagining - he’s mine.” He pouts, shooting her a small glare.
‘And so possessive already, ooohhhh.”
“Okay shut up. Can you help me or not, we’re running out of time.”
“Oh shush, we have plenty of time, it’s not like you’re doing makeup or anything.”
“Yeah, but I still have no idea what I’m going to wear, Rose Landry.”
“Those jeans that make your ass look so good.”
“Huh?”
“Those blue jeans that make your ass look so good, Shane. Don’t make me say it again.”
He glares at her through the screen, moving back into the bedroom and placing the phone on the bed. He rummages through his drawers, knowing exactly what pair of jeans they are - Jackie has slapped his ass enough times with them on.
“Has JJ said anything to you?”
Shane is tugging the jeans up as he leans back over the phone, looking down at Rose. “JJ? No… Why?”
Rose just hums. “No reason, he’s just been giving a weird vibe since you brought up Mr. Hot Firefighter. I was just wondering about that.”
“Oh, no. I mean, after we dropped you off, he gave me a big hug and said he’ll always have my back. He was really sweet about it - he’s a great friend.”
Rose just hummed again. “I know, baby. Just checking. Have you got those jeans on yet?”
Shane leans the phone on his lamp, giving Rose a full view of his body. “Okay, jeans are on. What top?”
“Okay, real quick - give me a spin in those.” He does a slow spin without hesitating. “Okay, perfect. Ass is still absolutely fucking insane in those, Shaney baby.”
He smiles, his cheeks warm. “Okay, so what shirt? One of the linen ones?”
“Do not put the blue linen shirt on, Shane, I swear to god.”
“I was just asking…” He pouts, his eyebrows furrowing.
“I reckon white tshirt, since it’s just lunch - something nice and casual.”
He pulls a white tshirt off the hanger, pulling it on. “I can’t believe I called you up for help to just get told to put on jeans and a tshirt.”
“Shut up, these are the jeans and tshirt. Okay… give me a spin.” He holds his arms out, spinning. “Prefect. Now, pop on a sweater - something light and no jacket. If you get a cold, he may give you his jacket, which also gives the perfect excuse to see him again.”
He looks back at her from his position in the closet. “Is that actually a thing? I thought it only happened in movies.”
She groaned. “Seriously, Shane? If my girl was cold, I’d give her my jacket in a heartbeat.”
“You don’t have a girl?”
“That’s not the point,” she snapped, glaring at him through the screen.
“But what if I get cold and he doesn’t give me his jacket?”
“Shane, my sweet summer child, he will give you his jacket and if he doesn’t then he’s not worth the energy, okay?”
Shane smiled at her, running a hand through his hair. “Okay.” He turned back to his wardrobe, pulling out an oversized green sweater. “How about this one?”
Rose hummed, staring at the screen for a moment. “Put it on and give me a spin.” He was quick to follow instructions, spinning as she laughed. “Ok that’s perfect. You look positively scrumptious, honey. Pair it with your slightly platformed docs and your usual jewellery - he will struggle not to eat you up on the spot.”
“Oh shut up,” he says, pulling on some socks as a notification pops up. “Oh shit, he’s here early Rosie, what do I do?”
“I think you’re meant to go out and meet him, honey.”
He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment before quickly opening them. “Okay, I’ve got this. I’m going to do this.”
Rose squeals. “Good luck, good luck. I love you and let me know if you get luuucky,” she chirps, waggling her eyebrows suggestively. “I’m looking out the window and boy, he is fine as fuck from here.”
“Stop spying, you little creep,” he says, rolling his eyes before hanging up. He shoves on his shoes and slips out into the hallways. He’s a ball of nerves as he makes his way downstairs. He steps outside, eyeing the tall man leaning against a sleek black car.
The photo he sent, in which he was already stunning, didn’t do him enough justice. His hair was almost golden, curling against his nape and forehead. He was tall, maybe just a bit taller than Shane, but his shoulders were wide and his hands large as he stood up straight and smiled, bright and wide. He crossed the path, meeting Shane in the middle.
“Hello, Shane,” he says, his voice somehow deeper in person. Shane is frozen - he hopes the small squeak he heard wasn’t him, but Ilya laughs and Shane knows otherwise. They are still standing apart, taking each other in when Ilya speaks again. “May I hug you?”
In many ways, he imagines this is what coming home feels like. Ilya is warm, soft and hard at the same time - he feels the hard panes of muscle under the leather jacket, but he holds Shane gently, as if he is something precious. He smells of cedarwood, tobacco and something sweet that he can’t exactly put his finger on.
They’re only hugging for a moment, but Shane sees it - trudging home after a long day in the library and finding Ilya hunched over the stove making a fragrant soup, sees the hugs and grocery shopping and someone to hike with. It’s all too quick, but he sees both the mundane and extraordinary - when they finally pull apart, Shane’s out of breath.
Ilya smiles down at him. “Shall we go?”
Shane nods, returning a large smile of his own. Ilya leads him to the car, his hand on Shane’s lower back, almost burning a hole through his sweater. He opens the door for Shane, guiding him so that his head doesn’t hit the frame of the door, before closing it gently.
They’re quickly on the road, the radio a low hum of background noise as Ilya steers them across roads.
Shane peaks over at Ilya, spying his large hands - one on the wheel and the other on his lap. He’s smiling and humming gently to the music. He turns to look at Shane, catching him staring - causing Shane to jerk his head to look out the window awkwardly, a warmth rising in his cheeks when he hears a throaty chuckle.
“It’s okay, malysh, you can look.” He reaches over to pat Shane’s thigh before returning his hand to his own lap, a small smile on his lips.
Shane chews on his own lip, looking at the other man’s side profile, taking in the high cheekbones and thick lips. “So… what were you planning for today?”
“Hmmmm, do you really want to know?”
“Well, I’m asking you, am I not?”
Ilya laughs, it’s quick and unexpected, he looks surprised afterwards. “Okay yes, well, we will have a delicious lunch at the waterfront, then we will go for a walk and keep talking - get something sweet as well. We will see how you feel and then, because your mama tells me you are very competitive, we can walk to the arcade and see how much of a sore loser you are.”
Shane gasped in offense. “I am not a sore loser, thank you very much… Because I never lose.”
“Oh, are you sure? I am also known to never lose.”
“Ooh suuure - that’s what they all say until they verse me.”
Ilya laughs again. “Oh we are definitely going to the arcade - and do not beg me to take it easy on you.”
“Huh, if anything, you will be begging me to take it easy on you, sir.”
They’re at a traffic light and Ilya turns to look at him. Shane can see his eyes flit down to his lips before looking into his eyes again, a smirk appearing on his face. “No, sweetheart, I don’t think I will be.” The light turns green and he continues driving, the air around them suddenly thick. Shane sends a small prayer of gratitude to the ancestors that the radio is still softly playing, otherwise he’s sure that Ilya would be able to hear his heart beating out of his chest.
They don’t talk much for the rest of the drive, just a few gentle words, otherwise complete and comfortable silence. They arrive at a small Mediterranean restaurant, one he’s seen in passing, but never actually stopped in. It is a cute building - large windows, flowers, painted a vibrant blue that matched the sea in the distance.
“Do not move,” Ilya says as he gets out of the car, Shane is confused for a moment, watching as he quickly circles the car and opens Shane’s door, offering him a hand. A laugh bubbles out of him as he takes Ilya’s hand - it’s warm, roughened with callouses but somehow still, so soft.
Ever the gentleman, Ilya leads him through the doors, once again holding them open and speaks to the staff.
They’re seated in the corner, next to large windows that overlook the bay. Ilya insists on ordering a little bit of everything and they’re given a plate of flatbread and dips to snack on while they wait.
“Okay, this is going to be a lot of food, Ilya,” Shane says, nibbling on a piece of bread.
“Ah yes,” he says, dipping his bread into the hummus. “But you do not consider that I-” he pauses, shoving the bread into his mouth and chews, all while holding eye contact with Shane. “I am a growing boy, Shane.” He flashes a smile that could probably win awards. Shane feels flustered, his stomach doing flips at the handsome man in front of him.
“A growing boy… How much more are you planning to grow? You’re already pretty huge, dude,” he teased.
Ilya’s eyes flicked and he raised a single brow. “Dude?”
Shane flushed, looking down at the plate and quickly shoving another piece into his mouth and shrugging.
“Ah, I know - you like what you see and you feel shy and you’re trying to…compensate? Da?”
“No… that’s just how I speak…bro.” Shane cringed, as Ilya let out a surprised laugh.
“You are funny man, Shane Hollander. Very pretty and very funny.”
Shane raised his eyebrows, surprised. “Pretty?”
Ilya leaned forward, his elbows on the table. “The prettiest.”
Chewing on his lip, Shane took a deep breath before blurting out a jumble of words. “I think you’re really pretty as well.”
“You are also so sweet and so shy, but I think it is nice. You are sweet boy, Shane,” Ilya said softly, a gentle smile on his face. They chat back and forth, Shane fighting giggles at every turn, when the food arrives. Their table was packed full of food and Ilya kept leaning over and pushing more onto Shane’s plate. Shane felt giddy, a soft warmth lingered beneath his skin and he had not been able to wipe the smile off his face for some time.
It was a comforting meal, talking about their childhood and families between each bite; each sound of Ilya’s laughter sending a flicker of warmth through Shane’s core. Shane had never felt this level of immediate safety and comfort with anyone before. His friends could attest to this fact, it had taken weeks for them to befriend - often comparing him to an awkward stray cat. Years later, Shane was beyond grateful for the forced socialisation and experience with masking, although he didn’t see the need to right now. Something that once took his friends weeks to learn, was now easily obtainable because of the love and care he got from his friends and family. The thought made him giddy enough that he missed what Ilya said.
“Pardon?” Shane asked, straightening up and staring into Ilya’s eyes.
Ilya leaned in close. “You didn’t tell me you are famous, pretty boy.”
Confused, Shane tilted his head in question.
“There are some people trying to get a glimpse of your handsome face.” Shane straightened, startled. He quickly turned his head, spying a small group that immediately ducked their heads behind menus when he turned.
Shane groans, covering his face in his hands.
“Friends of yours?” Ilya asks, a smirk playing on his lips as he leaned on his fist.
“I’m so sorry, I do not know how they found us - but I will kill them.”
He turns again and they all look away, he remains staring-glaring, if anything, catching them by surprise when he catches Hayden’s eye. The man yelps and looks away, but it is no use. Rose, Hayde, Jackie and JJ were sat a few tables back, pointedly not staring at Shane and Ilya - well, except Rose, who had admitted defeat and was, in fact, smirk pointedly at Shane and Ilya.
He watches as she turns away, catching a server’s attention and says something, gesturing wildly in their direction. There is a moment of contemplation before the server nods and his friends all slowly stand and make their way towards the large table next to them. Shane groans and looks at Ilya, who seems greatly amused by the events of the day.
Rose sits closest to Shane, only a metre away, with a smug look.
“You guys are unbelievable.” Shane glares at the group.
Rose does a dramatic turn and gasps. “Shane? Oh my goodness! What are you doing here? And who is this handsome fellow with you?” Ilya laughs and Shane pointedly glares and turns away, deciding to ignore their entire existence.
“Don’t look, Ilya. Just pretend they’re not there.”
Ilya smiles, his teeth showing, as he leans in. “Okay, I am brilliant actor, malysh, if you say they are not there then they are not.” He makes a point of stabbing a piece of chicken with a fork and lifting it to Shane’s mouth. Shane, in turn, smiles back at him and bites into it, maintaining eye contact as the table next to them bursts into gasps and varying forms of surprise.
“You never share food,” Hayden exclaimed. Shane turned to glare and found himself stifling a laugh at the terrified look on his face. Everyone else had wide, terrified eyes. Jackie leant over Hayden to look at Ilya properly. “What exactly did you do, Mr. Handsome Firefighter? The last time I tried to take a fry from his plate, he nearly bit my hand off,” she said, nearly tearing up.
Ilya sat up straight, looking awkwardly at Shane and only Shane.
“Uhm, sweetheart? Am I still ignoring them or can I reply?” Ilya asked.
Shane just sighed, a defeated noise. “It’s okay, Ilya, we can’t ignore them - they’re the most annoying people on the planet and it’ll only get worse from here.” Ilya nodded and turned to Jackie.
“I did nothing, Shane is just kind and open to sharing with handsome men, like myself.”
Hayden squinted at him. “But he never shares with me.”
“Yes, I said handsome men.”
“Okay, Shane, I do not like this man. Let’s go.” The table roared with laughter, and Shane smiled freely at Ilya. JJ, sitting furthest from them, didn’t laugh - or smile, he instead just watched, taking note of every smile and moment of laughter as if somehow keeping score. Shane sent him a small smile.
JJ sat up and leaned his elbows on the table. “So, Mr. Fireman? What’s your name? Shane has never really mentioned you before.”
Ilya’s eyebrows twitched, eyes quickly shooting to Shane and then back at JJ.
“Well, yes, this is our first date,” he stated before looking at the entire table with a smile. “My name is Ilya Rozanov, I am a firefighter at nearby fire station, I am Russian - obviously, and I like to cook, go to the gym, watch silly Canadian movies and text Shane. It is nice to meet you all.”
Rose smiled. “It’s nice to meet you, Ilya.” The rest of the table nodded along with easy smiles, except JJ, obviously. “Shane is famously single, so we just need to make sure whoever wants to date him is… worthy. And serious about him.”
Ilya nods seriously, eyebrows furrowed in genuine care. “Of course, I am very serious about Shane.”
“Okay,” Shane exclaims. “That’s enough. How did you even know where I was?” he asks, bewildered. They all seemed relatively ashamed, except Rose, who had a shit-eating grin on her face. He glared at her. “Rose Elizabeth Landry?”
“Oh don’t full name me, Shane Mildred Hollander.”
“Please stop telling people that is my middle name - you know it’s not.”
“Never,” she says with a wicked glint in her eye. He glared at her as she started speaking again. “Also, you do know we have your location, right?”
“So you follow my location and show up on a first date for what exactly? Are you guys okay in the head?” Shane asks, almost genuinely concerned for their mental states.
“Shane, you ignored us all morning - what were we supposed to do?” Rose says, a pout on her lips. Shane looked at the rest of his friends, who all looked similar shades of guilty. “And we planned it all in the group chat, so if you didn’t see it then you can blame us,” Rose finished, seeming exceedingly proud of herself.
“We didn’t plan this, Shane. She forced us,” Hayden exclaimed. “Check the messages - there was blackmail involved, Shane. She was very serious.” Him and Jackie had solemn looks on their faces and Shane had to fight a smile.
Uh-huh, I’m sure she did. And what about you, JJ? Did she blackmail you as well?”
“Of course not, I had to see this date for myself,” he responded, leaning back as the server placed trays of food in front of the small group. Shane watched them with fondness, but also extreme irritation. He looked over at Ilya, who had just finished his drink and tilted his head in question.
“Well it was great seeing you guys, but I think Ilya and I are done here,” Shane says hesitantly, a silent question to Ilya, who in turn nodded and looked at them.
“Yes, it was lovely to meet you all - I hope we can see each other again,” Ilya says to the group, standing and quickly pulling Shane’s chair as he stands.
Rose cheered good-heartedly with them. “Oh Ilya, you’re such a gentleman, you can come out with us anytime.”
“Yeah, it’ll be nice to teach the others some manners,” Jackies says, eyeing Hayden and JJ in a joking manner.
“Yeah, yeah. See you, Shane - and rude Russian man with him,” Hayden says, waving them off. JJ just nods again, not saying a single thing. Ilya settled their bill and they stepped out of the building, Ilya holding open the door for Shane again.
Ilya took Shane by the elbow and began pulling him in a direction. “I thought we’d walk by the water towards a dessert store on the other side of the viaduct. I hear they are quite delicious.”
Shane smiles, matching Ilya’s stride. “That sounds delicious.” They continued walking in silence before Shane stopped and turned to face him. He was chewing on his lip, cheeks red and avoiding eye contact.
“I’m sorry they just showed up like that… I- I never would have imagined that they would be such nosey idiots.” He shuffled on his feet a bit, staring at the ground.
“Hey,” Ilya said softly, lifting Shane’s chin with a soft touch. “It’s okay, Sweetheart. It was nice to meet them and I promise is not going to scare me away, okay?” He continued to stare at Shane and when he didn’t get an immediate response, he leant in to make eye contact. “Okay?”
Shane lifted his eyes, noticing the kindness in the other man’s gaze - the gentleness in which he held Shane’s chin and softly wrenched eye contact out of Shane. Shane licked his lips, pretending he didn’t notice the way the other man’s eyes darted down to them. “Okay.”
“Perfect, you are such a good boy. Come - let’s continue our walk.” And continue they did. Shane was surprised that Ilya hadn’t started whistling a disney toon at the way he was so excitedly talking. It was refreshing - as if they hadn’t just spent two hours talking about their entire lives; as if they had known each their entire lives.
“I don’t think your friend… JJ? I don’t think he liked me,” Ilya says, looking out over the horizon as they slowly neared the other side of the bridge. Shane thought about his words - JJ had seemed strangely tense.
“He’s just protective… you’ll get used to him - I’ll tell him to relax, don’t worry,” Shane replied.
“Okay… And the rest of your friends are very nice, yes? That was Rose - the one who took that photo?”
“Yeah.”
“Blyat, I didn’t get to thank her for that photo,” he cursed, shaking his head as Shane laughed and pushed him away. A gust hits them and Shane shivers. Ilya notices, pulling off his leather jacket and draping it over his shoulders.
“No no, it’s fine. You’re going to get cold as well, which just doesn’t make sense.”
“No - you’re cold, I’m not. Just wear it, sweetheart.”
He looks down, before peering up at Ilya through his eyelashes, chewing on his lip. “What if we swap? You can wear my sweater and I can wear your jacket?” Shane suggested.
Ilya’s eyes seemed to darken as he quickly nodded. Shane started to pull off the sweater, his shirt getting caught and riding up his stomach. Ilya followed the movement, his jaw slack and Shane quickly blushed as he realised his predicament and pulled the shirt back down and swapped items of clothing with Ilya.
He put his arms through the holes, the warmth of the leather sinking into his bones. “Uhm, yeah, I run pretty cold. I knew I should have brought a jacket as well, I just wasn’t thinking,” he says, melting into the jacket, the smell of Ilya completely engulfing him, claiming him. He wondered if it would be weird if he were to sniff the jacket? He looked over at Ilya to find the man already inhaling the sleeves of the green fabric with his eyes closed. Shaned laughed and whacked him. “You freak,” he teased.
Ilya smiled at him. “For you, yes. I guess we are a good match - with me running hot and you running cold, don’t you think?” He slips an arm through Shane’s, linking them at their elbows and pushing him into the ice cream shop. Shane got a sensible single scoop of a cucumber yuzu sorbet in a cup while Ilya got a three scoop monstrosity on a cone composed of peanut butter, chocolate fudge and strawberry cheesecake - what this said about their personalities, Shane didn’t stop to think about it.
“That is genuinely so disturbing, Ilya.”
“What? You have problem with my dessert?” he gasped incredulously, quickly ducking to lick the ice cream which started to drip down the side of the cone. His lips were covered in chocolate and his nose had picked up some strawberry cheesecake; it was almost like watching a ridiculously cute oversized puppy devouring a treat and Shane couldn’t fight the giggle that bubbled out.
“You are making an absolute mess,” Shane exclaims, leaning over with a napkin to dab at his face. Ilya just smiled lazily under the attention, closing his eyes. “Now keep eating your ice cream before it drips all over my favourite sweater.”
Ilya grinned at him, blowing a raspberry before attempting to demolish the ice cream cone. They slowly wandered back in the general direction of the restaurant, Shane intermittently infodumping about his latest read between tiny spoonfuls of ice cream - Ilya nodding and asking small questions at each interval, prompting Shane on. By the time Ilya finished his small monstrosity of a dessert, Shane was giddy.
“So…” Shane started, a shy smile on his face. “Are you ready to lose?”
Ilya gasped dramatically. “On my honour, I have never faced such disrespect. Come,” he responds, grabbing Shane’s arm and leading them away from the waterfront. “I must humble you.” Shane just scoffs in response, leaning somewhat happily into the other man’s warmth.
It wasn’t often that Shane had the chance to stop by an arcade. Usually, they were a bit too loud and overstimulating for him, but under very specific circumstances, arcades were a pleasant experience. Like tonight, for example, Ilya led them to a quiet arcade - hidden away from the main street where hoards of kids were no doubt tearing up the larger arcades and game zones.
The step in and Shane immediately spies an air hockey table in the corner. A wicked grin takes over his face as he turns back to Ilya. “How about table air hockey?”
“Hmm, but only if you are okay with losing. Many times.”
Shane scoffed, getting into position and quickly hitting the puck without warning. Ilya had quick instincts, but he wasn’t quick enough - he wasn’t upset, instead just squinting his eyes and focusing. They go back and forth, letting very few goals pass between the two of them.
“I used to play,” Shane says, blocking the puck. Ilya looks up in surprise.
“Hockey?”
“Yeah - I always wanted to go pro, but I broke my leg in high school and then not being able to train really got me anxious and super conscious of how different I was to my team mates. It was a weird cycle and I decided to just quit. I had other interests - it wasn’t my whole life.” This seemed to distract Ilya, who was looking at him with a soft expression, and Shane took his chance and scored another goal.
“Is too bad, I would have liked beating you at hockey.”
“Oh yeah? I don’t see how you could beat me, considering you can’t even beat me at air hockey.”
Ilya laughed. “Next date, we are definitely going ice skating and racing, da?”
Shane smiled. “Already thinking about the next one? We haven’t even finished here yet.”
Ilya hummed, eyebrows furrowed with concentration as the puck quickly moved between them. “I am already thinking about the next ten, Shane. Don’t be silly.”
“Hmm, is that all you’re thinking about?”
Ilya’s eyes jerk up to meet Shane’s, quickly losing his focus again as Shane gets another goal. “Oh, you are such a tease, lyubimy… Let’s just say I am thinking about how badly I am going to beat you at every other game we play.”
Shane’s triumphant smile did not go unnoticed, thus bringing in a new cycle of competitiveness. They fought over who could shoot the most zombies (Ilya), who could get the most fish in a fisher rpg (Shane), who could shoot more balls through the hoop (Shane), who could punch harder (Ilya), who was the hungriest hippo (Ilya). They sat in race car seats, getting tossed in every direction for the longest race possible, which was unsurprisingly won by Ilya. They found two large horses hidden in an alcove - a literal horse race - and were quick to hop on gleefully. It was a whole new experience - something akin to riding a bull probably as they roared with laughter over the fake animals they rode.
Shane eventually won, but they were both laughing too hard to even care. Ilya helped Shane down from the high seat on the horse.
“I’ve never ridden a horse before, but I guess this confirms I’d be a good rider,” Shane says, seriously.
Ilya’s eyebrows are nearly lost in his hairline before he laughs, quick and easy. “Hmm I guess you are a natural, da?” he murmured, his breath catching on the shell of Shane’s ear. The man immediately went warm as he stepped back and looked around.
“Uhm, Ilya… How about I win you something for tonight?” Shane asked, gesturing to all the claw machines they had yet to approach.
“You will win something for me?” Ilya asked, tilting his head and surveying the options.
“Yeah, I’m weirdly good at them. Seriously, pick anything and I promise I’ll win it for you.”
Ilya paced in front of the machines before stopping in front of a snoopy claw machine.
“You want a Snoopy?”
“Yes - look at him, very cute and innocent just like you.”
“Like me?”
“Yes, Solnyshko, so pretty and sweet.” Shane just blushed at the words, pushing past him to look at the options. “That one,” Ilya says, pointing to one Snoopy facedown at the top of the pile. “Please, Shane, I want that one - please, please, please.” Ilya had a pout on his face, his eyes quietly - well, loudly - begging for the one plushy.
Shane laughed, making a few mental calculations before touching the control panel. Ilya’s face was pressed against the glass, cheering him on. It took two tries, but he was able to quickly grab hold of the chosen Snoopy and drop it in the prize chute. Ilya cheered, jumping up and down before quickly hugging Shane, slapping a wet kiss on his cheek before grabbing the small grand-prize. Shane stood in a daze, touching his cheek, before laughing at the other man’s excitement. He quickly pulled out his phone to take a photo.
“I can’t believe you’re this excited over a little puppy,” he said, taking more than enough photos. Ilya just smiled at him, closing his eyes and throwing out some exaggerated poses.
“Hey - is not just a puppy, this is our child now. You birthed him and now I must give him a wonderful life - and you, of course.”
“Birthed?” Shane exclaimed with wide eyes. “I just won him for you.”
Ilya gasped, hugging the toy to his chest. “Shhh, he can hear you,” he said with a frown on his face before humming and patting the toy’s back - as if it were a real baby. Ilya looked up at Shane from the Snoopy, laughter quickly bubbling out upon seeing the incredulous look on Shane’s face.
“Did you… did you just baby trap me?” Shane asked with wide eyes, his lips struggling not to turn up at the corners.
“Me babytrap you?” Ilya asked with an exaggerated gasp. “YOU… you are the one that has thrust this life into my hands, sir. But also, if baby trapping you is an option then… You are papa now, you cannot leave me.” He pouted, grabbing Shane’s hand in his own. Shane, in turn, just laughed - letting Ilya pull him under his shoulder, wrapping his own arm around Ilya’s waist so that they were almost hugging.
“Hmm,” Ilya said, squinting at Snoopy before looking up at Shane. “He has your eyes I think.”
“Yeah?”
“Mhmm, very sweet and soft. He’s lucky, he will be very pretty, I think,” Ilya whispered, maintaining close eye contact. Shane could feel that man’s breath on his face.
“Pretty?” Shane asked shyly. Ilya’s eyes dipped downwards, away from his eyes.
“The prettiest.” A moment passes and Shane can hear his own heartbeat.
It happens fast - their faces close enough that their breath has become one, their noses touching, their bodies instantly realigning so that Ilya can cradle his jaw in one hand and Shane can tighten his hold on his waist. They kiss.
If their first hug was coming home, this was the first breath of air after being under water for too long. Ilya tastes sweet, no doubt from the chocolate monstrosity he had before. His lips are as soft as they look - almost softer even. He’s warm and sweet and his masculine scent seems to embed itself entirely into his skin, Shane is sure that by the time they pull apart, he won’t know any smell but that of Ilya.
The kiss was tame, probably meant to be nothing but a peck, but Shane dragged his tongue across Ilya’s soft lips and when Ilya opened his mouth, Shane was quick to shove his tongue in. He was almost too eager to get a taste, to forget about where they stood and to drop to his knees and ask for more. How exactly Shane had gone his entire life without Ilya in his embrace? He didn’t exactly know.
Ilya pulled back, a whimper leaving Shane’s mouth as they caught their breath, arms still wrapped around each other. Ilya smiled. “Just a little taste, kotik.” Shane laughed, leaning in and pressing a few more soft kisses against his cheek, the corners of his mouth. Ilya’s hold on him tightened. “No, Shane. This is our first date, baby. We are also still at the arcade and no doubt about to traumatise anyone that walks past, da?”
Shane immediately straightened, remembering where they were. He was no doubt already red, his skin feeling hot and unnaturally tight. Everything in him screamed as he pulled out of Ilya’s embrace, smiling shyly. “Sorry… I-I got distracted.”
Ilya smirked. “It is known to happen, do not apologise. I am meant to be gentleman and not take… liberties, Sveta told me this is the right way. But you are too sweet, I couldn’t help myself.”
“Well… It was nice - I don’t mind it… Liberties I mean… Being taken-” Shane cut himself off, somehow feeling his body get even warmer. “Liberties being taken, oh my god, let me stop right now.”
“Okay, well next time I will take many liberties.” Ilya leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Now maybe I should take you home, you have given me a baby - you must be a tired mama.”
“Why am I the mama in this situation?”
“You are the one doing the baby trapping, da?”
“Hey, YOU babytrapped me.”
“No no no, I distinctly remember you telling me to choose any and then you winning him. You trapped me with baby, Shane. You must pay.”
Ilya linked their arms and started leading them out of the arcade. It was maybe a fifteen minute walk back towards where the car was parked, but they took their time - pointing out spots and landmarks that they had their own stories associated with them. Ilya cradled Snoopy in one arm the whole time, Shane in the other - he was almost a sight for sore eyes.
When they make it back to the car, he holds open the door for Shane again and it all feels completely natural - as if they have always been Ilya and Shane that have known each other for their entire lives.
By the time the car arrives back at his complex, Shane almost doesn’t want to leave. Ilya hops out and goes to open his door again, and walks him to the entrance with a hand on his lower back. Eventually, they stand at the main doors, the silence between them all too loud.
Shane looked at him, feeling all of a sudden shy. “Did you want to come up?”
“Shane, you do not know how much it pains me to refuse.
“Then don’t?” Shane adds a pout.
Ilya hums, leaning in and giving him a quick peck on the mouth, then more quick kisses across his cheeks. “I am being perfect gentleman for first date - you are going to tell your mama about this, da?”
“Maybe…”
“I promise that next time I will come up.”
“Next time?”
“I did say I have next ten dates planned.”
“You did.”
“Will you let me take you out again, Shane?”
Shane looked down at his shoes before peeking up at Ilya again. “This was probably the best date I’ve ever been on, Ilya. I’ll let you take me out as many times as you want if it means I get to see you again.”
Ilya groaned, stepping back with hands dramatically thrown up to his chest. “You are killing me, Shane. I must thank you mama for whipping out a presentation and handing me the cutest boy possible.”
“She WHAT?!”
“No no do not think about that right now. It’s getting cold - you must go upstairs and get warm and cozy. And send me a photo, okay?” He was staring at Shane so intensely.
“Okay.”
Ilya leaned in and they shared another kiss - all talks about previously taking liberties seeming lost on them. By the time they pull apart, Shane is red and pouting. They spend another five minutes saying goodbye, Ilya staying at the entrance to watch and make sure that Shane got into the elevator safely - as if there was danger lurking behind every corner.
Shane makes his way up to his floor in a daze. It isn’t until his door is shut behind him and he’s switched on his living room lamps that he remembers.
He’s still wearing Ilya’s jacket.