THIS post by @darlingofdots came across my dash today and then I was cross stitching and this popped into my head so here you go.
Shane wants to hold his husband's hand.
This isn't a particular reason why, nor is there any reason he can't. There is simply this need that has bubbled up inside of him that insists he hold Ilya's hand.
And he can, is the thing.
They're out. Not just physically, but everyone knows who they are to each other. The dust has, mostly, settled at this point. Shane has found his place with the Centaurs and created a home with Ilya in Ottawa. They don't have to hide.
And they are physically out right now.
At some Saturday market, the warm August air settling around them that will probably become unbearable later and have them hiding indoors with the AC blasting on high. Anya is happily walking beside them, her leash slack and looped around Ilya's wrist, more because the bylaws require one than anything else. Ilya is next to Shane, his reusable tote weighed down with the fresh fruit they've already collected and swinging from his shoulder. His golden curls gleam in the sunlight, making him look even more angelic than usual (although Shane knows of the mischievous devil that also lives inside this divine form). Sunglasses are perched on his nose, hiding away his hazel eyes, but Shane can still tell when Ilya's eyes flicker over to Shane. Not for any specific reason āShane had asked, one day, why Ilya keeps looking at him, his husband had shrugged and said because he can and wants to.
The best thing is that no one has bothered them. There'd been a young child, briefly, at the one candy stall Ilya likes to stop at, chatting with the elderly lady who sells them each week. The child had looked up at Shane and Ilya with wide eyes, mouth falling open in awe and shock as young mind processed who they were seeing. But all they'd done was wave shyly when they noticed Shane noticing them. Shane had smiled and waved back before the mother had led the child away.
Besides that, it's been like they're any other normal couple out enjoy the not-too-warm weather, strolling through the local farmer's market.
Shane gets a small thrill, knowing that they are like any other normal couple. He and Ilya didn't have that for so long.
So, he brushes the back of his fingers against his husband's before slotting their fingers together, reveling in the press of Ilya's palm against his.
There's no fear or panic as Shane holds Ilya's hand either; just pure contentment at getting to do this.
And when Ilya turns his head to beam brightly at Shane, radiating love and pride, well, that makes it all the better.