Work Text:
December 2013
Shane was pulling up his sweats by the time Ilya came out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around his waist. For a moment, Shane lost himself as his eyes followed a water droplet trailing down Ilya's chest to his happy trail before he snapped his eyes back to Ilya's face.
Ilya smirked and raised his brows at him and Shane scoffed, "Shut up, asshole."
"Didn't say anything," Ilya chuckled, raising his hands up. Shane forced himself to avert his gaze as Ilya whipped the towel off and began to dress, focusing instead on a piece of thread that was coming loose on the edge of his blanket. His hands were itching to pull it and he was debating getting his scissors when - "I am done," Ilya announced, bending down to put his socks on.
Shane frowned. "Is that what you're planning to wear outside?"
"Yes," Ilya replied, looking down at his outfit with wrinkled eyebrows. "What is wrong with this?"
"You're gonna freeze to death!" Shane glared at the thin jacket Ilya was wearing, no scarf or gloves in sight.
Ilya rolled his eyes and drawled, "I'm from Russia, Hollander. We do not get cold."
Shane's face scrunched up in annoyance and he stalked into his closet, mumbling under his breath as he tried to find a thicker jacket, a scarf, a beanie and some gloves. Ilya followed him slowly, watching with a tiny smile.
"What are you doing, Hollander?" Ilya chuckled when Shane started manhandling him into the jacket.
"Shut up, just let me…," Shane mumbled, wrestling the jacket onto Ilya. It was a little tight across the shoulders but it would have to do. Shane zipped him up to the throat, doing up the little button at the collar so his neck was covered. He then looped the scarf around Ilya's neck before pulling the beanie down on his head. He carefully tucked Ilya's ears inside the beanie, fingers running to the back of his head to make sure it was pulled down. He grabbed Ilya's hand and started pulling the gloves on for him, making sure each finger went into the right place and gently tugging it in place.
Ilya watched it all happen with his mouth slightly open, eyes fixed on Shane's tender hands.
"There we go," Shane said, stepping back with a proud smile as he surveyed Ilya. "Feeling warm enough?"
"I am going to die of a heatstroke," Ilya deadpanned, dramatically holding his arms out.
"Don't be a baby," Shane quipped, rolling his eyes.
Ilya hid his grin and pulled Shane closer, planting a wet kiss on his mouth. "I really have to go now," Ilya said, a little regrettably.
"Okay," Shane murmured, leaning in for another kiss.
Ilya was in the cab when his stomach suddenly grumbled and he realised how hungry he was. His hotel was still about half an hour away and he he would have to wait an extra twenty minutes for room service food. The thought of waiting almost an hour made his stomach grumble angrily, and he patted it to try and soothe it. He was debating asking the driver to pull up to a convenience store when his phone dinged.
H's eyebrows raised in surprise at a text from Jane, not expecting one until they had another game against each other in about three weeks.
Ilya's face heated up and he knew he was blushing. Rubbing a hand on his cheek, Ilya bit his lip when he smelled Shane's perfume on the scarf. He tucked his nose under it as he replied.
He pulled his bag onto his lap and dug into it, not having to look for very long before he found the protein bars packed neatly into his bag with a bottle of water. He ignored the feeling in his chest, ripping one open and stuffing half into his mouth at once. He quickly turned his phone on when it dinged with another message.
Ilya felt warm all over, even more than he had when Shane had dressed him up. It was a new feeling, scary but good. He wanted to feel like this all the time.
Shane hearted his text. When Ilya got to the hotel, he stood in the elevator, butterflies raging in his stomach as he texted Shane. He wanted to go back to Shane's house already, three weeks would feel like forever.
October 2017
"Are you hungry?" Shane asked, trying to tamp down Ilya's curls. They always got like this after sex, so fluffy and tousled from Shane constantly running his hands through them or curling them around his fingers as Ilya fucked him into the mattress.
Ilya only hummed against his chest, curled up on top of Shane.
Shane quirked his brows and smiled, "That's not an answer, Ilya."
"'M not moving," Ilya mumbled, squishing his cheek into Shane's pec and nuzzling like a cat. "You killed me, moy lyubov'."
Shane giggled and kissed the top of his head. "You don't have to, I'll bring you something here," he replied. Shane adored seeing Ilya like this, the version he got when they were alone or with Shane's parents.
"No, you can't go," Ilya whined, "I won't have my comfy pillow then."
Just when Shane was considering staying in bed for another half an hour, Ilya's stomach grumbled loudly, making Ilya groan in turn. "Think that's my cue, baby."
Ilya groaned again as Shane gently pushed him off his chest and onto the bed, huffing and puffing dramatically as Shane got off the bed and started getting dressed. "You're such a baby," Shane teased, kneeling next to the bed. He grabbed his pillow and prompted Ilya to wrap his arms around it. Placing a kiss on his forehead, he whispered, "I'll be back soon."
"Hurry," Ilya requested, eyes already closed. With another kiss to Ilya's cheek, Shane retreated downstairs to the kitchen.
About forty five minutes later, he had made a grossly unhealthy breakfast sandwich with eggs, bacon and cheese with a side of hashbrowns and yoghurt with berries and granola. It was all for Ilya's benefit, his poor boyfriend had been suffering through Shane's macrobiotic diet every time they ate together.
When he walked back into the room, Ilya was snoring softly. He was buried under the sheets, only his brownish-golden curls peeking out. Shane placed the plates on the side table and before waking Ilya up, went to his dresser and got out the detangling brush he had recently bought. Placing that next to the plates, he carefully peeled the sheets away from Ilya, biting his lip when Ilya's face came into view.
Sometimes Shane could not believe how much he loved Ilya. He looked so innocent sleeping that Shane almost forgot how much of a menace he was. He cupped Ilya's cheek, gently stroking the skin under his eye with his thumb. "Ilya, food is ready," he softly called out, kissing away the furrow between Ilya's forehead as he slowly woke up.
"Hm, smells good," Ilya groggily said, his eyes fluttering open.
"Sit up," Shane instructed. When he did, Shane handed Ilya a plate and climbed onto the bed to sit behind him, guiding him to lean against Shane.
"What're you doing?" Ilya asked confusedly, looking over his shoulder at Shane.
Shane grabbed the brush and tilted Ilya's head forward, saying, "Eat, baby." Ilya tried to look at Shane again, but Shane held him steady with one hand as he ran the brush through Ilya's hair.
Ilya froze at the first stroke, muscles seizing up before he was melting back into Shane, a shiver wracking his body as goosebumps tingled all over. "Again," Ilya demanded, tilting his head back.
"Feels good?" Shane asked, righting Ilya's head before stroking the brush through another section.
"Mmm, Hollander. Shane, ya tebya lyublyu, so good, malysh. Tak khorosho," Ilya slurred.
"Don't forget to eat," Shane gently reminded. He carefully brushed Ilya's curls, being slow cautious where big tangles were present.
Ilya moaned when he took his first bite of the sandwich, making Shane chuckle. "I'm already yours, sweetheart, you don't need to spoil me," Ilya teased, words muffled as his face was stuffed with more food.
"I want to, you deserve to be spoiled."
Ilya smiled and turned to offer Shane the sandwich, putting it up to his mouth. Shane leaned in and took a small bite, Ilya kissing his cheek when he did. Before Shane had a chance to chew and swallow, Ilya pulled him in and pressed a close-mouthed kiss to his lips. "Love you," Ilya said.
"I love you too," Shane replied, resuming brushing Ilya's hair.
November 2018
Shane's head was pounding. He was currently hoping for a time machine so he could go back in time to past him and smack him for even thinking that this dinner would be a good idea. Jackie and him had been trying to keep the peace all evening but Ilya seemed all too eager to tease and Hayden was responding with vitriol. He didn't appreciate Ilya's chirping, but Hayden's remarks were making him angry.
It was weird, he had never before felt angry with Hayden. Never before felt like he wanted to kick his best friend out of his house, out of his and Ilya's house. He was kind of shocked as well. He knew Hayden didn't like Ilya but he had never thought that he would be so comfortable attacking him in his own home, in front of Shane. Ilya was his favourite person in the entire world, the one he loved the most. The love of Shane's life.
Ilya continued ribbing, but Shane thought it was playful. He thought maybe Hayden and Ilya needed a moment alone to hash everything out so after dinner, he offered to show Jackie around the place, shooting a pointed look at both of them as he guided her out of the living room.
It was a quick tour, and he showed Jackie to the bathroom per her request before heading downstairs alone. He paused at the entrance of the living room, half hidden as he heard Hayden hurl accusations and insults at Ilya. And Ilya did nothing but defend himself, he did not even take any shots at Hayden as he did so.
Shane was seething. When he heard Hayden spit out that Ilya obviously wasn't gay, he barged into the room. Hayden and Ilya were standing facing each other on opposite ends of the room. Ilya was stood defensively, arms crossed over his chest, almost leaning away from Hayden.
Shane stalked over to Ilya, catching Hayden's smirk at Ilya from the corner of his eye and Ilya's guilty expression.
"Shane, I -,"
Shane interrupted him, placing his palm on Ilya's cheek. He asked, "You okay, baby?"
"What, yes. Da, yes, I'm okay," Ilya reassured, confusion overtaking the guilt on his face. "I'm sorr -,"
Shane smiled sadly, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "I love you," he whispered, kissing Ilya's cheek before turning to face Hayden. He stood half in front of Ilya, as if hiding him from Hayden's sight. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" he seethed, Hayden stumbling back a step at the rage on Shane's face.
"Moy lyubov'," Ilya whispered, reaching forward to take Shane's hand in his own. He tugged their joined hands backwards, trying to pull Shane to stand beside him but Shane planted his feet.
"I was just -," Hayden tried to defend himself.
"You were just what?" Shane cut him off, his voice rising. "Just insulting my boyfriend after he gave up his one day off with me for the next several weeks for you? Just accusing him of using me like I have no agency over myself? Just questioning his sexuality because he was with other people before we were exclusive?"
Jackie ran into the room just then, taking in the hostile environment with wide eyes as she slowly crossed over to stand with Hayden. She placed a calming hand on his back and asked, "What is going on?"
"Hayden has just been demeaning and ridiculing the love of my life after he so graciously invited him to his house and cooked for him," Shane replied bitterly.
"It's your house," Hayden mumbled under his breath, a scowl on his face.
"Is that all you fucking got from that? And fuck you! This is his house too. I'm going to marry him, everything I have is his," Shane screamed, face flushing red.
"Okay, okay, calm down," Ilya said placatingly, finally pulling Shane back and untangling their hands to wrap an arm around Shane's waist. "Let's not fight."
"Look who's talking," Hayden scoffed, rolling his eyes at Ilya.
Jackie frowned at her husband and said uncertainly, "Maybe we should leave -,"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Shane asked quietly, eyes focused on Hayden.
"We never fought before he came along," Hayden replied, apprehension flickering in his face before it settled on righteous indignation. "And he's the biggest asshole here, always fighting everyone."
Shane's eyes dropped away from him and settled on the coffee table in between them. There was a book laid open haphazardly on it, a Russian story book, one from Ilya's childhood. Only a few hours ago, Ilya and him had been cuddling on the sofa together as Ilya softly read out the story, pausing after every paragraph to translate for Shane. Shane's glasses were on top of the book, Ilya had pouted when Shane had taken them off as the were going into the kitchen to cook for Hayden and Jackie. There were a few magazines splayed out artfully, all with Shane on the cover, that Ilya had bought over the years, the only photos of Shane he could have. A candle next to them, a gift from Ilya. It had a very subtle vanilla scent, Shane didn't like the way strong smelling candles made his head feel all fuzzy.
"Get out," he whispered, the tension in the room snapping at his words.
"Sweetheart -,"
"Shane, what -,"
Shane looked up at Hayden again and repeated, "Get out. I don't want you in my home right now."
Hayden looked horrified, finally understanding that he had pushed too far. "But I…"
"If I had said all that stuff to Jackie, what would you do?" Shane asked tiredly, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just go, leave."
Hayden looked like he was about to say more when Jackie grabbed his hand and started leading him out. At the threshold, she turned back with misty eyes and said, "I'm so sorry, Shane. I didn't know he was going to…be like this."
Shane spared her a small, bitter smile. "Not your fault."
Hayden had already left and Jackie lingered at the door as she murmured, "For what it's worth, you two are perfect for each other. I can see how much he loves you." She smiled apologetically at Ilya.
Shane sniffled and dipped his chin in a tiny nod. Ilya pulled him closer and replied, "Thank you, Jackie. You are lovely, it was nice to meet you."
"You too," she said, and with a wave, she left too, closing the door behind her firmly.
Shane immediately pulled Ilya into a hug, one hand grabbing Ilya's curls and pushing his face into his neck and the other sneaking inside the back of Ilya's shirt. "I'm so sorry he said all that to you."
"It's okay, I said things too," Ilya said, trying to defend Shane's best friend.
"It was different and you know it," Shane quietly replied, kissing Ilya's ear.
"I don't want you two to fight because of me, he was just being protective -,"
"Ilya, baby, I know," Shane said, his fingers making soothing circles on Ilya's scalp. "I won't let him speak to you that way, though. I know he loves me, but he can't treat you like this."
"But -,"
"Love, I'm not breaking off my friendship with him, but we need to have boundaries. I will not let him insult my boyfriend, just like you would not let anyone insult me."
Ilya sighed and after a moment of thinking, murmured, "Okay, I get it."
"Good," Shane whispered, kissing Ilya's neck. He brushed his lips up to Ilya's ear and asked softly, "Wanna bend me over the couch?" He shrieked out giggles as Ilya suddenly hefted him over his shoulder and started carrying him to the couch with a spank to his ass.
October 2021
Ilya was scrolling through the comment section of his latest Instagram post, smiling giddily at all the replies when suddenly the phone was snatched away from him. He waved his hands towards where he thought Shane was asleep. "Hey!" He exclaimed indignantly, pouting even though Shane couldn't see him.
Shane had already clicked the phone off, plunging the room into complete darkness. Ilya huffed and rolled closer to Shane, whining, "Shane, give it back."
"No, bed time," Shane replied evenly, and Ilya heard the sound of his phone being set down on Shane's bed side table.
"Is only one," Ilya argued, trying to sneak his arm towards his phone. Shane caught him by wrist and brought Ilya's palm to his chest.
"Yes, one in the morning. And you have to be up in four hours for your ad shoot," Shane reasoned, bringing Ilya's palm to his mouth and pressing a quick kiss to it.
Ilya rested his head on Shane's chest and settled both his legs in between Shane's, climbing half on top of him. "But I was looking at people say nice things about us!"
"On the wedding post?" Shane asked, placing his hand over Ilya's eyes, forcing him to close them.
"Yeah, saw someone say you look at me with 'heart eyes'," Ilya mumbled, body going lax as Shane used his free hand to gently stroke the curve of Ilya's waist.
Shane pressed a kiss to Ilya's curls, breathing in the smell of his citrusy shampoo. "Of course I do, I love you." Shane's voice had dropped to a soothing whisper now, pulling Ilya even deeper towards sleep.
"You cheat," Ilya grumbled sleepily, goosebumps erupting all over his body as Shane softly scratched his back, his dull nails tenderly raking down his skin.
"I know, baby," Shane replied amusedly. He pulled the blanket higher over Ilya, tucking it in below his ears and then returned to rubbing his back. "Sleepy, huh?" He asked, mirth in his voice, when Ilya yawned noisily.
Shane's hand prevented Ilya from opening his eyes in protest, and he harrumphed. He didn't respond, didn't have the energy to pry open his mouth or even to think of a snarky response. He just pursed his lips to kiss Shane's pec, letting his touches lull him into sleep.
"My sweet boy," Shane sighed quietly, as if not intending for Ilya to hear.