Ilya loves calling Shane nonsensical nicknames, but he knows Shane is uncomfortable with him using them out in public, even after they're out, so he abstains from it mostly. But he still wants to so badly, wants everyone to know how much he loves Shane, that they belong to each other.
There's one name though, one that Ilya pulls out when he wants Shane's attention, when he feels fond but knows Shane is in that mood that won't let Ilya be gentle with him. Shanya.
It's the closest thing to a Russian diminutive Ilya has come up with, and when he realizes it's one of the only names he can get away with on public, boy does he take advantage of it.
The Centaurs notice. Of course they do. They notice how Shane's jaw clenches when they call him "Holly" or "Holzy". They notice, and some guess, just how many comments, how many "jokes" the Metros had to make to get Shane to react like that to what should be an affectionate nickname.
And so, when Ilya starts calling him Shanya in practice, and Shane gets this not-quite smile in his face, the rest of the team catches on quickly.
Surprisingly, its Luca who tries it first, the vowels clear and precise just like Ilya does it. Teasing, but fond with it. Shane starts a little, and they all hold their breaths, subtly waiting for the downturn of Shane's mouth, the tightening of his shoulders. And then Shane rolls his eyes upwards, that half smile that talks of fond exasperation, and everyone sighs in relief. It's fair game after that.
"Damn Shanya, what a fucking shot!"
"Shanya, how the hell did you manage that?"
"There anymore water, Shanya?"
Idk something about Shane's nickname changing from what the Metros called him, to a name given to him by his husband, a name used by the team that loves him, given by the man that most loves him.
theartofmadeline
kianamaiart
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