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Tensions were high. Yunas eyes traced Ilyas every move like he was a lion who’d invaded her home and had every intention to eat her young. Ilyas eyes were down cast as he sorted through his cards in groups of three with speed that rivaled his movement on ice. His arm shot out and placed a yellow three on the pile, then shot back to reach for the green four that had been placed in front of him since the beginning of the round. But he was just a second too slow. Yuna’s hand shot out with such ferocity that Ilya winced back, and placed the green four. Shane quickly followed with a green 5, then focused back on his own deck.
“HAH!” Yuna shouted triumphantly, her eyes scanning the sloppy piles of various colored cards. Ilya grunted in response, sitting back on his heels and surveying the three Hollanders who were kneeling around a coffee table, engaged in some of the most violent card playing Ilya had ever seen from otherwise “boring” Canadians. He bumped shoulders with Shane, earning a death glare that rivaled a very angry kitten.
“Don’t distract me,” Shane said, placing down 3 cards in succession, intercepting his father's valiant attempt to get rid of a yellow seven. “I’m not losing twice in a row.” Ilya looked back down at the cards and managed to beat Yuna to a red 10, but he was smiling the whole time. He leaned toward Shane.
“Your mother is scary, yes?” Ilya whispered at his boyfriend, a shit eating grin on his face. “Nothing like you.”
“I’m scary!” Shane responded quickly, still looking intensely at the table. He shoved his shoulder into Ilyas, who dramatically flung himself away. Ilya fell backwards, clutching his arm in mock agony.
“Illegal move!” Ilya cried out, though he was still smiling. “To the penalty box, Hollander.” Yuna and David were watching this over the top scene unfolding in front of them with soft smiles, the game seemingly forgotten.
“Shane, be nice!” Yuna jokingly scolded her son. Shane rolled his eyes, but everyone could see that he was losing a fight to a smile. “It’s Ilyas first game night.”
“Tell that to my boyfriends knuckles.” Shane grumbled, gesturing to the redness around Ilyas hands from hours of aggressive card slapping. Ilya played up a pout directed mainly at Shane. While everyone was distracted, David suddenly burst into action, placing his last 2 cards, then throwing his hands up in victory.
“Blitz!” The entire room filled with defeated grumbles from the three losers. Yuna threw her cards haphazardly on the table in over the top despair, then got up and started stretching.
“I don’t know about you boys, but I need a cocoa refill before the next round.” Yuna said, having already picked up her own mug, and beginning to reach for Shane's. There were hums of agreement from around the table. David reached for Ilyas mug and began moving to help his wife.
“You're in time out, mister.” David joked, pointing an accusatory finger at his son. Shane groaned and leaned back on his hands. He stretched his legs in a way that bumped into Ilya, earning a teasing shove in return.
“How is it that I’m an only child, but also the least favorite son?” Shane complained as David chuckled.
“Next time, don’t bring home such a charming young man.” David said before turning toward the kitchen. Shane scoffed in disbelief, and looked toward Ilya, who was clearly basking in the compliment.
“See?” Ilya said, scooching closer. “I am charming. You should be nicer.” Ilyas tone was joking, but Shane could see the genuine happiness in the man's face. He couldn't help but indulge him a little, resting his head on his boyfriends shoulder.
“Not in a million years.” But Shane's voice was soft with love and happiness. The pair sat there for a bit, basking in this altogether perfect night. Both trying not to think about how Shane had to drive back to Montreal in less than 48 hours.
“Thank you.” Ilya said quietly after a minute. Shane lifted his head from its place on the other mans shoulder and tried to catch his gaze.
“For what?” Ilya just shrugged non-committally, staring at the mess of cards on the table. Shane reached his hand up, gently taking the other's chin and turning Ilyas face to his. He let his hand fall back into his lap and patiently waited for Ilya to respond. Ilyas eyes searched his boyfriends face for a minute, then returned to the cards.
“I do not know.” Ilya said softly, then glanced back at Shane, uncharacteristically timid. “I guess… Maybe for this.” Shane hummed in response, and returned his head to the slope of Ilyas shoulder.
“You’re welcome.” Shane said as his hand found Ilyas. His thumb gently traced over Ilyas knuckles, still a little pink from the violence of Hollander family game night. “Thank you too.” Ilya made a small noise of confusion.
“For what?” Ilya gently squeezed Shane's hand as he spoke.
“For you.” Shane responded, all but whispering. Ilya didn’t respond verbally, but Shane could feel his smile as he pressed a kiss to the top of his head. They stayed there, taking in the domesticity of it all for a while longer, until Yuna and David returned with four full mugs of steaming hot cocoa.
“Who’s ready to lose?” Yuna said, causing the couple to sit up and begin sorting through the cards in front of them. Ilya chuckled as he saw that competitive glint return to his boyfriends eyes, perfectly reflecting Yunas matching glint.
“You are the ones who will lose.” Ilya said, already shuffling as a wicked grin spread across his face. Shane shook his head in mock exasperation. He was in for a long night.