here's the thing. ilya loves having shane in his arms. that is a fact. he loves coming up to hug him from behind, he loves pulling him in for a kiss, loves dragging shane in to sit on his lap, loves getting his hands on every part of his body he possibly can to re-map the expanse of his skin as if he didn't memorize it years ago. holding shane in his embrace, feeling him relaxed and warm against him, knowing he's here and safe, ilya loves that. there's a part of him that never wants to let go.
but by god, ilya rozanov LOVES being in shane's arms. ilya is used to being a large guy, tall and muscular and hot and intimidating looking - all perfect for hockey, all great for when he was seeking out a hookup, but not so perfect for when he just wanted to exist, just needed casual comforts and softness and to not be Rozanovβ’ for a while. but none of that matters with shane. because shane matches his build and his height and his muscle, and even if he didn't neither of them would care, but for once it gets to be ilya who curls up in a strong, comforting embrace and fuck, he never, ever wants to leave. he LOVES cuddling into shane's side when they watch TV, with shane's arm over his shoulders and a hand running through his hair. he LOVES laying between his legs and curling up against his chest, he LOVES shane casually wrapping an arm around his waist, even if it's just to move him out of the way, he LOVES that shane never seems to want to stop playing with his curls, he LOVES the sweet loving kisses pressed to his cheek and his neck and his hands, he LOVES being the little spoon or falling asleep in any way that means he's comfortable in shane's embrace. ilya's absolute favorite place in the world to be is wrapped up in shane hollander, feeling more loved and adored and cared for than he knows what to do with. it has been so long since he's ever felt even a fraction of the comfort and safety that he feels when shane cuddles him up, reminding him that it's okay to just let go every once in a while and soak it in. the moment shane gets his hands on him, ilya is just absolutely melting, falling in love all over again. if he could spend forever in shane's arms, he would, with the only breaks being the times when they switch it up so he's holding shane instead. they are each other's safe space and happy place, and physical touch is just SO important