gigi_champagne

15h

Ilya's back stiffens, a swirl of dread forms in the pit of his stomach. Shane watches Ilya read and puts a hand in his leg. Ilya's lips curve up into a grin as he scrolls.

"He likes me. They like me?" He looks up.

"They'll love you soon."

Ilya swallows the sudden lump in his throat. This is everything he'd dared to hope for, everything he'd dreamed about.

"I was scared today. Going there. I didn't know what to expect."

"I didn't either. I mean..."

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15h

Shane's voice fades and his eyes drift somewhere far away. "I knew they'd be OK. It's ok, Ilya. Everything is ok." He takes Ilya's arm and puts it over his shoulders. He places a soft kiss to Ilya's chest over his t-shirt.

"Thought they might...yell? Freak out? You know, because it's me. Your big, bad, Russian rival." He squeezes Shane's shoulders and kisses the top of his head. Shane hums, sounding content. Ilya reads the conversation twice more before they hear a car horn outside.

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15h

Ilya considers getting up or putting some space between them, but Shane doesn't move a muscle.

"They have a key, obviously," Shane says and adjusts to be a little more comfortable.

"Swedish princess?" Ilya asks after a beat.

Shane snorts. "I'll tell you later. Hey?"

"Hmm?"

"How do you say 'family' in Russian?"

"семья," Ilya replies.

"Moya sem'ya?" Shane repeats. "Is that right?"

"Да, ты — моя семья." Ilya pulls him closer.

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July 2017 Incoming text from Dad

Dad: Getting ready to head over, if that’s OK.

Shane: Yup!

Dad: Just making sure.

Shane: All good Dad, thanks.

Dad: I'm really sorry, Shane.

Shane: For what?

Dad: You said you were on a silent retreat. I shouldn't have come over.

Shane: It's ok, Dad.

Dad: I didn't recognize The Code.

Shane: The what now?

Dad: I should have known you had someone there and stayed away.

Shane: Oh.

Dad: I invaded your privacy. I feel really terrible about it.

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Shane: It's fine, you didn't know.

Dad: It's not fine, Shane. What I did. You should've been able to tell us when you were ready to.

Shane: I should have told you a very long time ago.

Dad: I like him. Don't tell your mom but I've always admired Ilya as a player.

Shane: Don't tell Mom but, same.

Dad: We're looking forward to getting to know him as a person.

Shane: He's my favorite person.

Dad: I can tell.

Shane: I'm really happy. I love him a lot.

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Dad: And he clearly thinks the sun shines out of your ass.

Shane: DAD

Dad: I didn't mean it like THAT. Oh God. It's just nice to see my kid happy and loved.

Shane: You probably thought I was gonna be alone forever.

Dad: We hoped you'd find someone.

Shane: Sorry he's not a Swedish princess...

Dad: I gave your mom so much shit for that.

Shane: Haha. She meant well. Always does.

David: See you soon.

Shane: See you!

David: Should I text again from the driveway? Just in case?

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Shane: lol no I think this is enough notice.

David: maybe put a towel on the doorknob or something?

Shane: I promise we'll keep it G-rated until after you guys leave.

Dad: 14A is fine, Shane.

Shane: You sure? I'm sure it must be a little weird for you.

David: It's your house. If you want to kiss your boyfriend or hold his hand, cuddle on the couch - I'd rather see you boys be comfortable after hiding this for so long.

Shane: Love you, Dad.

Dad: Love you too, kiddo.

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