Shane’s nervous. Which is stupid and ridiculous. But this is the first year where they’re not just fuck buddies and they get to be together and real with each other.
And most importantly: it’s Ilya’s birthday.
Even though they’ve never discussed past birthday celebrations, Shane knows that Ilya hasn’t had a family celebrate his.
Yes — the Bears will have undoubtedly taken Ilya out to get drunk, celebrate their captain, and that they are a family of sorts (far more than the Metro’s are, Shane has come to realize, but that isn’t the point right now) but it hasn’t really been about Ilya.
It was more an excuse to go out.
Shane double checks the plate with the extravagant chocolate cupcake he picked up earlier, glancing around like he was buying porn instead of a sweet treat. Everyone knows Shane Hollander doesn’t eat this type of thing though, so someone will say something if they spot him. He’d even prepared an excuse (“My dad got a promotion. Loves chocolate cake.”) just in case.
But no one had spotted him. Even better because Shane knows for a fact Ilya has notifications set up for any time Shane is posted about.
Glancing at the clock, Shane twists his hands together. Ilya will be here in a minute. He’ll let himself in and Shane will be standing here waiting and then they can celebrate Ilya.
It’ll only be for a night, a handful of hours, before Ilya has to go and fly back to Boston, but it’s something. It’s everything.
“Shane?” Ilya calls out from the entry way. Lost in thoughts, Shane hadn’t heard the door open.
“I’m here!” He calls back, wondering if his grin is evident in his voice. He steps around the counter and smooths a hand down the jersey he’s wearing (one of Ilya’s — Shane had it delivered to the apartment below the one they used to fuck in so no one knew Shane Hollander of the Metro’s was buying a Boston jersey) and waits for Ilya to walk in.
His boyfriend stops the moment his eyes land on Shane. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Shane replies, suddenly breathless. “Happy birthday, baby.”
Ilya’s eyes drop down, widening as they take in the jersey Shane is wearing. “Oh my god.” He whispers as Shane turns slowly, letting Ilya see the name and number on the back. It probably helps that Shane only has his underwear on too.
“There’s also this.” Shane points at the cupcake, “Double chocolate. You’re favourite.”
“And I’m going to have a bite too.” Shane adds on, “Because it’s your birthday cake.”
“And there’s presents from Mom and Dad. For you. Plus I have some.” Shane clasps his hands together in front of him. “It’s not much, but…” He shrugs, “Happy birthday, Ilya.”
There’s tears in Ilya’s eyes as he strides forward, cradling Shane’s face in his hands as he presses their mouths together in a loving kiss.
“Thank you, moya lyubov. This is…perfect. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Shane replies softly, winding his arms around Ilya, “And I can’t wait to celebrate every birthday with you from now on.”
“Yes.” Ilya nods, smiling as he strokes a thumb along Shane’s freckles, “That is best birthday present of all.”
