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Shane woke up on a gloomy October morning and looked at his sleeping husband. Ilya looked peaceful, with his mouth slightly open and his cheek pressed against the pillow. It was early in the morning, and even though it was their first wedding anniversary, Shane decided to let him sleep. He pulled himself up until he was sitting on the bed, and took his phone from the bedside table. He once again glanced to the side. He couldn't help but love the man laying next to him, and he wanted everyone to know Ilya like he did. He's gotten many questions through the years on why he chose Ilya Rozanov out of all people, and this question always felt silly to Shane. Because looking at him now, the answer was simple. Loving him was the easiest thing Shane has ever done. In moments like this, he felt guilty about keeping their relationship secret for so long. He knew Ilya was ready to be public long time before he was, and even after they were outed, it wasn't easy for Shane to be openly affectionate. Thinking that his husband deserved to be loved loudly, Shane went on Instagram and started a new post. He spent some time, accompanied by Ilya's snoring, to pick a few of his favourite pictures.
The first was taken from Shane's eye level and it showed a halo of golden curls on his lap. Ilya's face isn't fully visible, but there is a blanket draped across his shoulder, and his hand is wrapped around Shane's thigh. Ilya's laying on the side, bathed in an orange glow of the bonfire, looking peaceful and so incredibly soft. There's a warm light coming from behind them, produced by a few lamps scattered around the cottage. Shane remembered this picture very well, and it always held a soft spot in his heart. It was taken during their first visit at the cottage, during which they became official and Ilya opened up to him about his mother. This is when they made a plan for the future, to slowly become them.
The second is the first time they spent Christmas together at the Hollander family's home. Shane remembered taking this picture. Ilya and Yuna are visible from the back, turned to each other, laughing while making medovnik - a traditional Russian cake. From the side profile, you can see Ilya's eye is crinkled in the corner from pure joy. He has a bit of sticky honey smudged on his cheek, and Yuna is looking at him with pure adoration. Shane remembered looking at them and feeling full of love. His then boyfriend fit with his parents, in the space where he grew up, as if he's always been there. Sharing traditions, making new ones, and becoming closer than ever before.
Next, was a short video of Ilya cooking, with multiple boxes scattered around him on the ground. It was taken right when they moved to their shared house in Ottawa. In the video, he's wearing worn sweatpants and a Centaurs hoodie. He's stirring something in the pot, then - as if he felt Shane coming - he looks back over his shoulder and smiles widely. He doesn't look at the camera - he's staring straight at Shane with the fondest, most loving look. Shane remembered feeling overwhelmed that day. That whole year, really. He lost his team, he lost his friends, he lost the support of many Montréal fans. But he gained this - a future husband, who checked on him, made him take a break, cooked him food without breaking his microbiotic diet, and then planned a strategy for unpacking so that Shane had something to follow, step by step. Shane has never felt so seen, understood and loved.
The fourth was a bit silly to break up the sentimental energy of the post. It shows Ilya getting his nails painted by some of the Pike children, Jade and Ruby. The girls' faces are covered, Ilya is frozen in the frame, looking at his hand while the other is being worked on. His hair is pushed back by a headband, and he's sitting on the floor next to a tiny plastic purple table while the girls sit on matching stools. Shane remembered just walking into the living room after putting Arthur to sleep. He spent a moment looking at the scene, and imagining how good of a dad Ilya would be. It made him imagine a life he never thought he'd have.
Last, but definitely not least, was a picture from their wedding day, taken exactly a year ago by David during their first look. They chose not to be professionally photographed during this moment, and only wanted family with them. Ilya is wearing an oversized suit with brown blazer and beige pants. His shirt is already half unbuttoned, while Shane's done fully up. He is in all black with a golden pin and boots. They're both mid-step, clearly about to approach each other, and Ilya's arms are fully stretched out, trying to reach Shane as fast as possible. He's grinning wildly, but his eyes are watery, betraying his emotions. Shane remembered how Ilya's voice trembled during his vows, and how he kept mouthing I love you to him across their backyard throughout the evening.
Once he was happy with his choice of pictures, Shane typed in the caption.
Happy one year wedding anniversary to the love of my life. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. My gorgeous, kind, brave husband. You're my partner and my best friend, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Я тебя люблю.
Shane hit "post" and put his phone on silent. He lowered himself on the bed until he was laying flat again and pressed his chest against his husband's back. He rested his forehead on Ilya's shoulder and wrapped his arm around his waist until his hand covered Ilya's heart. He fell asleep almost immediately, but he didn't feel bad for breaking his routine. He can ditch his daily run once a year in favour of cuddling his husband, he thought.
Next time Shane woke up it was to the familiar ticklish feeling of Ilya's mouth on his neck.
"Gorgeous, kind, and brave, hm?" He whispered right into his ear with playfulness lacing his Russian accent.
"All facts" Shane responded, grinning widely. "Hi"
"Good morning, my love. Happy anniversary"