Strawberries and Cigarettes
A lot of people think that Shane doesn’t know any songs. This isn’t true. Hidden on his spotify account, mostly used for listening to podcasts, is a playlist called Ilya. It has existed since 2010, slowly growing.
The Centaurs are on a late flight from Washington to New York. Shane is sleeping, his head nestled on Ilya’s shoulder. His headphones are in and he’s smiling softly to himself. Curious, Ilya carefully takes one of Shane’s headphones out and transfers it to his own ear. The playlist cycles through several slow, beautiful songs.
All My Love - George Ezra
Can’t Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
Strawberries and Cigarettes - Troye Sivan
Then, incongruously, Boney M’s Rasputin starts playing. What the fuck? Ilya checks Shane’s phone screen to see the name of the playlist. He has to press his hand to his lips, shoulders shaking and tears rolling down his cheeks, in an effort to hold in the hoots of laughter which would certainly wake up his ridiculous, wonderful husband.
Later, in their hotel room, Ilya holds his soft, sleepy love close. “Shane?” he asks softly.
“Why is Ra Ra Rasputin on a playlist with my name?”
“Do you think I’m Russia’s greatest love machine?” Ilya teases.
Shane can’t keep the laugh out of his voice when he retorts, “I think you’re an asshole.”
“Noooo, Shane. Is lovely.”
Shane snuggles closer. “Really?”
Ilya kisses Shane’s forehead, then starts to croon softly.
Sugar and smoke rings, I've been a fool
But strawberries and cigarettes always taste like you
Racing to 60, I've been a fool
But strawberries and cigarettes always taste like
Lighters and candy, I've been a fool
But strawberries and cigarettes always taste like you
