To more adventures with you
Our song of the day is – Lauv - I Like Me Better
Post TLG; Husbands Hollanov
MOOOORE Hollanov Bingo! 5! 🎉
@hollanovmicrofic prompt: Ange // @hollanovbingo prompt: Drive // Word Count: 1,085~
He was out of town for a few days due to some brand deals. Now that his commitments are done, he's bound to go back home.
It feels calm. With his window down, feeling the air on his face, a gentle sounding melody is heard.
(Chelsea mon amour: Philippe B.)
Chelsea mon amour.. Je marche et toi tu cours.. Je dors et toi tu rêves.. Et on s'aime chacun son tour
Rhythmically tapping his thumb along with the music, he smiles. It's going to be an exciting day ahead. Who doesn't love going out on a date after days of hard work?
Following the paved drive way, the crunching sound of the gravel can be heard while Shane parks the car.
Click. The door opens. Anya is curled up, sleeping, on her favorite dog bed at the corner of the living room. As soft snoring sounds can be heard Shane calls for Ilya sofly. “Ilya. Are you upstairs?”
“Yes.” Ilya responds. Hearing the confirmation, Shane nods as if to answer and went straight to the kitchen. He can take a breather after that drive. Sitting on one of the island stools with a glass of water.
With their day packs on hand, Ilya descends the stairs and did a quick scan to spot where his husband is. With a wide smile on his face, he thought – Oh how he misses this beautiful man sitting in the kitchen. Carefully, so as not to startle Shane, he crossed the distance and wrapped his arms around the other's waist. “Hey,” planting a kiss on the cheek.
As if on cue, Shane relaxed and rested his back on Ilya's chest. Hmm, he let out a soft hum. Grabbed the back of Ilya's head as he slightly turned around to catch a quick peck on that luscious lips. “Hey to you too.”
“Ready to go?” Ilya asked. “I have our bags and food prepared.”
“Did you pack my bag as I kindly instructed?”
“Of course, mon ange.” Ilya responded confidently with a wink. “I listen very well to instructions.”
Shane laughed tenderly. “Thank you very much.”
While driving through the city traffic, Shane had to double (or actually triple) check the console screen to make sure Ilya has entered the correct address for today's destination.
Noticing the little bit of nervous energy beside him, Ilya playfully comments. “I hope we don't get lost.”
“Oh, I hope not.” Shane side eyeing him with a cute huff.
“Google map is correct and I'm following it.” Ilya insists.
“I have to find and cross the bridge first..” Ilya confidently says. “Then we're good to go.”
That's right. Just follow google maps. Simple. Shane thought.
Nature; Fresh air; Green scenery; The simple things that actually heals the soul. A feel good, relaxing way to also get some exercise in.
Where? You might be curious. From Ottawa to Gatineau. This is where they will end up today—the Pink Lake. To hike the trail, to look at the view, to simply just be together, and you know? Breathe. It's been a whirl wind of a season.
Ilya's driving has been surprisingly smooth, not too fast like how he is usually with his fancy cars. It's a steady pace and Shane took this opportunity to fully relax in his seat. From time to time they'd engage in random conversations—from hockey (as always) to the most mundane thing like the random bakery they had passed by a minute ago. Which according to Ilya, smelled like a delicious sourdough bread.
“According to the map, you need to turn right at the next light.” Shane prompted. “and then we should be there.”
Ilya nods and an okay follows. A few meters of driving and the prompt on the screen indicated their destination is to their left. It clearly looks like a parking lot and a full one at that. Ilya doesn't seem convinced so he slows down at the curb, looks for a safe spot and turns on the hazard light.
“Hmm..” his eyes are scanning the area. “I think this is not it.”
“What do you mean?” Shane asks in confusion. “This is the Park's visitor center. Aren't we supposed to start here and leave the car?”
“No.” Ilya said. “I did my research. This is not what I imagine.” he takes out his phone and ran google maps again. Shane looks at him with amusement. Zooming the map in and out with such concentration on his face. Did the glorious Hollander spirit posses Ilya to be this invested?
“Aha! I know.” Ilya smirks.
“Alright,” Shane pulls a thumbs up. “Drive away.”
The drive is towards a long and winding road. As you would imagine of the entirety of the park, it does not fall short in terms of trees. A variety of species, structure and age. Ever inch of land holds a tree proud and tall.
“I was imagining we were to take the shuttle from the bottom.”
“No,” Ilya replies. “I can drive us to the spot.”
“Is there a parking lot up there?” Shane asks.
When planning came up, one of the things Shane wanted to make a 100% sure of was parking. He knows how this can go south if not planned properly and god knows he doesn't want to get their car towed for whatever parking violation it might occur. He had skimmed through the park website and one advice that came up was to take a shuttle for convenience and to avoid traffic congestion. It was highly advised to say the least.
However, for some reason, Ilya managed to convince him to let loose a little. As much as he tries to hold on to the idea of having control of most things in his life, he did end up saying yes to Ilya doing the research and some planning.
“There is. Mon ange, don't worry.”
Shane nods in agreement. This is their day off and Ilya did his due diligence. It's supposed to be a relaxing day after all. There's no need to worry. And, it didn't take long for them to arrive at their first stop.
“Then why is called Pink Lake?” Ilya asked curiously.
“You ever think about that?”
Good question quite honestly, Shane thought quietly. “Wait. I'm sure there's an info graphic of it somewhere. Let's keep walking.”
“Yes, sir” Ilya salutes playfully. “You can lead the way this time.”
Onward we go. Hold my hand, my darling and let's make more memories together.
(The photos are mine. Enjoy the view 😆. The lake isn't a difficult hike and yes the scene is inspired by the time I went there with a friend lol)
