Chapter Text
Shane Hollander had worked hard his entire life to get here. He poured every ounce of his energy into his AP courses, spent ages studying for both his ACTs and SATs, both of which he did near perfect on, made sure that he had an impressive list of extracurricular activities, many of which he was involved in the leadership of. President of the Science Honor Society, captain of his school’s hockey team, Vice president of the chemistry club, in addition to his volunteer service over each weekend. Shane made sure he was a perfect candidate for schools, and finally got into Michigan with a full ride. Now, all he needed to do was take his undergraduate years to perfectly align himself for a prestigious PhD program, so he could get a prestigious postdoc position, so that he could get a job as a professor of chemistry at a prestigious university, then get tenure, and let his life play out exactly as it had been planned. Shane loves a good plan. Plans are safe and comfortable, allowing himself a checklist of exactly what he needs to do to be on track with his life. The next item on his checklist? The admitted students day research fair at the University of Michigan. He needs to figure out what lab to join, so he can start his research career as soon as possible.
Shane donned a name tag at the welcome booth that sat between him and the numerous posters detailing the research projects of each lab. As he passed by the first poster, he made sure to take note of the topic of research and the name of the professor who ran the lab. Each poster had a crowd of current students ready to answer any questions the prospective students may have. Shane paused in front of the poster for the Theriault lab, an inorganic lab that seemed to dapple into a bit of everything else. Shane decided that this was an early contender to keep in mind. As he continued around the research fair, he passed various other labs, including the LeClaire lab, who were animatedly chatting with a crowd of undergraduates, conversing loudly and taking up a lot more room than it seemed fair for any one lab to take up. They were a materials and organic synthesis lab. That was not at the top of his list and the vibe of the lab did not seem… ideal for him. Shane circled back to the Theriault lab, and a serious-looking man gave him a smile. He seemed to be a few years older than Shane, but not old enough to be a professor… probably? Shane didn’t want to assume anything, lest he make a horrible first impression, and ruin his career and entire life plan in one fell swoop. Luckily, the man saved him from embarrassment and introduced himself before Shane had the chance to fumble the interaction.
“Hello, I am Scott Hunter, a PhD candidate working in the Theriault lab. Do you have any questions or do you want to hear about what we do?” ah. PhD candidate. So definitely not a professor.
Shane thought for a minute, “What do you do in the lab? Like your specific research?”
Scott began to excitedly describe his project, only half of which Shane understood, intermittently interjecting with a “wow!” Or an “Oh cool!”. What he gathered from it sounded interesting. It seemed like his project was more analytical work, and had something to do with a metal sensor.
Shane put his name down on the interest list, and left after giving Scott a quick thank you. He did a final lap of the research fair, stopping to read a few of the posters and asking a few questions. As he was about to leave, Shane saw a boy with golden curls observing the research fair with a brooding expression. Shane figured he might as well try to make a friend in his year before he left Admitted students day, and for some reason, something in his head was drawing him to this guy, definitely not because he was attractive to Shane. Because he wasn’t. Totally not. He was only introducing himself because this was the one person in his line of sight that wasn’t already engaged in a conversation. Of course that was why.
Shane walked over to the boy, and read his name tag, “Ilya Rozanov? I’m Shane Hollander.”
“Okay.” He replied, his eyes meeting Shane’s. Shane felt nauseous. Maybe it’s just nerves from meeting so many new people today. That’s what Shane’s brain would like to go with.
“Are you also an incoming student in the Chemistry Department?” Shane asked. Obviously he is new in the department, why else would he be here and not presenting? Ugh.
“Yes.” Wow. He really doesn’t say much.
“Oh, nice! Are you thinking about joining research? I was looking at some of the labs, which ones were you considering?” Shane was barely holding himself back from rambling. Why was he so nervous?
“I am at research fair, yes? What would the point be if I did not want to research?” Fair point, but kind of rude? Maybe he was nervous too.
“Ah yeah. Well, it was nice to meet you, my parents are waiting for me outside. I’ll see you around the department this fall.” Shane said, as he began to make his way to the door.
“Okay.” God, he was starting to think maybe this guy was just an asshole.
Shane found his parents just outside the science building. His mom waved as he walked over.
“Did you find any good research groups?” His mom asked
“Yeah, I put my name down as interested in a few of them.” Shane replied.
“Meet any of the other new students? Did they seem nice?” His mom followed up.
“Yeah, I did.” Shane replied. “He was definitely interesting.”