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When Shane suggested a picnic, something unwound in Ilya. Memories he hadn't touched in years. Wrapped in brown paper like the sandwiches his mother made.
They took a short trail from the cottage, so they'd still be somewhere relatively private. Shane peppered their walk with his own childhood memories.
‘I saw a shooting star for the first time over there.’ He pointed to an opening within the trees.
‘I freaked out and my dad had to convince me it wasn't going to hit us.’
Ilya couldn't help but smile at the image, he stepped closer to Shane and took his hand. He gave it a squeeze.
They eventually got to a grassy plot where the trees thinned out. Ilya lay out the blanket Shane had shoved in his direction before they left, his only responsibility. He slid off his shoes and lay back on the blanket. He closed his eyes, letting the gentle breeze wash over him. He could hear Shane rustling around with boxes and glasses. He thought he caught a faint smell of lavender. Just another memory.
‘I didn't know what you'd want to eat so I might have over packed.’
Ilya rolls on his side as he opens his eyes, Shane is surrounded with tupperware. He looks at Ilya expectantly, his fingers playing with the edge of his shorts.
‘Are we staying here for week? Feeding the wolves?’
Shane rolls his eyes and crawls closer to Ilya. Ilya sits up and puts a hand in Shane's hair.
‘I was aiming for romantic.’
‘Romance is small plastic boxes now?’
‘Asshole.’
Ilya yanked him for a kiss, feeling Shane's smile melting against his lips. Shane's hand found its way up Ilya’s shirt. Before they could go any further, a loud rumble came from Ilya’s stomach. They stopped, opening their eyes mid kiss and fell back laughing.
‘Okay. Maybe I am hungry.’
Shane started to open boxes with fresh fruit and sandwiches. Nothing wild. Healthy as usual but made with care. They ate quietly, with nature as their soundtrack. The soft sound of the water reminded Ilya of the last picnic he went on.
‘What are you thinking about?’
Ilya blinked up at Shane, the sunlight caressing his freckled face.
‘The last time I was this happy.’
Ilya’s hand was fidgeting with his necklace, Shane nodded with a gentle, knowing smile.