Chapter Text
Shane
Shane doesn’t like noise. In fact, he hates it. His life has been arranged in a way that means he can avoid it. He chose a career in IT and works remotely, his flat is in a quiet area, his neighbours mostly sixty and over. Apart from work, he keeps himself busy with his favourite hobbies: reading and running in the woods.
There is an exception, one he had not expected. Shane loves his best friend’s children. They are noisy, chaotic, unpredictable, and they own his heart. Ruby and Jade are five now, blond curls, innocent eyes, and have too much energy for their own good. Arthur is eight months old, and he gives the best cuddles. Jacky is pregnant again, Hayden told him a few days ago.
So, is it a good idea to add a pet to that mix? Shane isn’t sure, but then, he is just the chosen uncle, and he knows how hard it is to resist those children's eyes.
“We’ll just be looking around,” Hayden had said. “Haven’t even told the girls. And Jackie is very sensitive to smells at the moment, so I need you to come with me.”
Now, Hayden is parking the car. The car park is mostly empty, so hopefully, there won’t be many people here. As they walk up to the small building, Shane notices how much it has changed. He’d been here as a kid, but he doesn’t even remember what for. Back then, the buildings had seemed run down, and the kennels had been crowded. Now, the arrangement of buildings seems to be the same, but it is obvious that a lot of effort and work has been put into making the place more colourful, more attractive for visitors. As they step through the gate and walk the thirty feet to the main door, Shane notices that there are now outdoor runs for the dogs and cats. He can see a big, ginger cat,sleeping on a cat tree in a kennel just to his left. The fluffy feline seems relaxed, less stressed than he remembers the animals being, from his childhood visit. Not that it is paradise, as this is still a shelter, but it seems to be a better place now than it had been.
He follows Hayden inside, trying to pay attention to the small talk Hayden is making with the young man in the lobby.
“We just want to look around a bit, if that’s okay,” Hayden says, and the guy explains where they can go, before they walk along a small corridor and through a glass door with a large cat on it. For a while, all they do is look through glass windows and coo at the cute, elegant creatures sleeping, playing, and pacing before them.
“I want to take them all home,” Hayden pouts. “But Jackie has an allergy, so no cats.”
Shane huffs. “Why did we even look in here, then?” Shane could have a cat, maybe. His flat is big enough, but he has never had a pet, and he does not deal with change well. Still, he wants to take at least 80% of the animals home, or at least sit with them and scratch their little heads. “Why did you put me through this?”
“Because they are sooo cute. Okay, let’s see. I think it’s dogs, next. We can just have a look. They also have smaller animals in the other building.”
Shane follows him again. The kennels are just as loud as he remembers and as soon as they step in front of one of the kennels, the dogs around them run up to the glass, fighting for their attention by barking and jumping.
He sees one dog sitting alone, that doesn't run, bark, or jump. It seems afraid of the noise and the chaos. They stare at each other for a minute, he feels like they both understand the other one's apprehension. Shane wants to hold it and protect it from the echoing noise and loneliness of being the odd one in a crowd. His heart breaking for the poor thing. It makes him feel even more overwhelmed, as he wonders how it feels to be in here all day, never being able to leave.
Hayden doesn’t seem to mind the noise. He starts sweet talking to every single dog, and that means the barking doesn’t stop, it gets worse, causing Shane to give Hayden a sour look. It is so loud, so consistent, and Shane needs to escape before his head explodes. He touches Hayden’s shoulder and points at a door that leads outside, not waiting for an answer, before quickly pushing through it.
Quiet surrounds him like a blanket, and Shane feels the tension leaving his shoulders. For a few minutes, he just breathes before taking a few steps into the garden. The outdoor runs for the dogs are to his left, so he turns right. A small path leading him to a smaller building, with a “Staff only” sign, before he reaches an area with what must be dozens of guinea pigs, enjoying the sun and munching on veggies.
For a while, Shane watches them, listening to their quiet squeals. It is calming to follow their movements and watch them interact. Shane could do it for hours, but a movement catches his eye. The door to the staff building opens, and the man that steps outside must be the most beautiful man Shane has ever seen. He is tall, maybe a bit taller than Shane. His dirty-blond hair curling beautifully, wildly, as it shimmers in the sun. He has a sharp, stubbled jaw, a t-shirt with the shelter’s logo fitting snugly around impressive arms, and a chest Shane wants to bury his face in. What traps him though, are clever, blue-green eyes, both observant and kind.
Shane swallows his own spit and looks down in an attempt to hide the blush creeping over his cheeks. He has never reacted to anyone like this. Yes, he has found men attractive before, but this. This is new and Shane is overwhelmed by his own reaction to him.
As he looks down, he realises the man is not alone. A medium sized dog trots over to Shane, looks up at him, and then starts wagging it’s tail. To his own surprise, Shane slowly squats down, letting the animal smell his hand.
“Sorry. This is Anya.” The man’s voice draws Shane’s attention back to him, low and smooth. He must be Eastern-European or Russian, as his tongue does not fit around all of the English consonants.
Shane should not be thinking about his tongue. Or his mouth.
“Hello, Anya,” he says, because it is easier to talk to the dog. “Nice to meet you.”
“She just had check-up with vet. Is all good. She is good girl.” The man’s eyes grow soft as he watches Shane pet her black-and white fur. “You want to adopt? Or just look around?”
Shane clears his throat. It would be polite to get up, but Anya is not a fan of that. “Oh, no. I’m here with my friend. Him and his wife want a pet for the kids. They have three little ones. Well, four. Jackie, his wife, is pregnant. What animal would you say could work for them?” He’s babbling now, great. Hayden should be here, telling him to stop. Where is Hayden? Still with the dogs inside?
“Well, sound to me like no animal is best for him. So many kids already. Pet is big responsibility.” The man shrugs, stepping closer. From here, Shane can read the name tag on his shirt.
Ilya.
“That’s what I told him.” Shane looks up at Ilya, feeling very small now, and as he debates getting up again, Ilya kneels down next to him, bringing those fascinating eyes into view. Blue and green dance with each other, shifting, blurring together until Shane feels dizzy. Dropping his gaze does not help, because his arms are just - delicious. Never - of that Shane is sure - has he used that word to describe a human, but that golden skin, those muscles, the veins disappearing into his tight fitting shirt, look good enough to bite. Ilya is so close, just Anya between them, her tail wagging happily. Shane’s heart starts racing. God, he is so hot, Shane cannot think straight. His mouth just keeps running. “Jackie would be the one carrying the burden of taking care of all the kids and a pet. And babies need a lot of attention. He travels for work, so it is irresponsible.”
Shane scratches Anya behind one of her floppy ears.
“Good thinking. People don’t consider. Think that dog is cute, or cat, or want to adopt bunnies, but is bad with kids, because they hate when kids pick them up and grab them. Are flight animals. Need to run. But people only think about cute animal, and what animal can give them. Not other way around.”
Both anger and sadness colour Ilya’s voice. He cares so much. That is obvious.
“Are there other options? For Hayden, I mean? My friend?”
“Yes. Kids can come here for play hour with cats. Or can come and take dog for walk. We need volunteers. Need all help we can get.” Blue and green eyes wander along the buildings behind them, encompassing the entire area. Shane can only imagine how much work, sweat, and heart goes into working here, how much heartache they have to endure and how much Ilya knows about people’s carelessness or even cruelty against animals. He wishes he could help and very egotistically, he also wants to see Ilya again.
So, Shane does something brave, surprising himself most of all.
“Well, I go running at least five times a week. If I wanted to … take a dog with me, how would I go about that?”
And then he awaits Ilya’s answer.
Ilya
Ilya has talked to a lot of people during his time at the shelter. They come here, they fall in love with animals, and feel sympathy for their situation. It is so easy to see the emotions in their expression, in how their brows furrowing or smiles dance around their mouths. He usually focuses on the animals he works with, not the people coming here, but he cannot stop himself from following Anya as she makes her way towards the guy currently watching the guinea pigs.
He is less expressive, as if he is holding back feelings towards the creatures around him, but Ilya is convinced that there is deep emotion in the depths of his eyes, as he looks at Anya. He sees the way his dark eyes sparkle like cool pools of water in the moonlight and Ilya needs to pull himself from their depths to answer his question without looking like a fool.
“Okay. I can sort for you. Take one dog or different ones?” Ilya stares at the man in front of him, wondering if he means it, or is he just being kind, because he made him feel bad for the animals here. He looks sincere. He has a very sweet look about him. Childlike and innocent. Maybe it's the freckles, sprinkled across his nose and cheeks. He sees him flick his tongue across his lip in what he thinks is a nervous gesture. He isn't sure, but it makes something jitter in his belly.
“Well, I thought maybe one, or, or maybe different. I mean…. I don't really mind. I just thought, you know, I could do my bit. Help out a bit.”
He's jabbering nervously, and Ilya finds it endearing. He could listen to this guy talk for hours. He offers him a small smile and he sees the man settle and calm. Maybe it's inbuilt into his years of working with helpless animals, but he knows people and he knows what they need, sometimes before they do. “I.. I like Anya. She seems sweet. There was also another dog I saw in there.” He motions towards the kennels. “Quiet. Looked like it was terrified of the other dogs”.
Ilya smiles. This guy is beyond anxious. As if I am anyone to be nervous of, Ilya thinks. He watches as the man stutters through his words, touching his eye as he speaks. This man is unusual and Ilya likes unusual. He thinks about the dog in the kennel. He straight away knows which animal he means, because this man reminds Ilya of her and this confirms his feelings of what a kind soul the man has. He noticed her in the corner. Only kind people would not overlook her. Maybe Chloe would have been a nice friend for him.
“Oh, Chloe. Yes, she is good dog. Going to new home in few days. Had tough time before here, but will be happy there. New owners have lot of space and no noisy children like your friend.” He laughs, imagining how loud his friend's house must be. “But Anya would be good for company. Has lots of energy and gets lonely, yes? She has taken liking to you. I can sort out and contact you, if you leave number at desk. What is name?”
The guy reaches out a hand to shake Ilya’s. “Shane. Good to meet you.” As they shake hands, Ilya gets a better look at how strong the man’s arm muscles are as they ripple when he squeezes his hand. Ilya wonders what kind of workouts Shane does. Yoga, maybe. He is probably very flexible, which makes thoughts that shouldn't, enter Ilya’s head. He is obviously fit, if he runs that much. He wonders if the rest of him is as muscly as his arms, before telling himself to snap out of it. Honestly, he can't even remember the last time he had thoughts like that about anyone. Maybe he’s tired, because he cannot be thinking about people, who are trying to help, in that way.
“Ilya. Is also very good to meet you.” He flashes him a toothy grin, knowing the effect it has on people. Shane's smile widens, along with Ilyas, and he wishes Shane wouldn’t keep avoiding his eyes and look at him, so he can get a better view of those bottomless pools, hidden under floppy tufts of straight, jet-black hair. He wants to swipe it away, to stare into those eyes and look deep into Shane’s soul. Shane fascinates him and he doesn't even know why. This just feels different than he's ever felt before.
“Great. I'll definitely leave my number and hope to hear from you… from someone,” Shane says and then catches himself quickly, cheeks turning pink. Ilya finds his own face heating up too. He's hard to read, but that's flirting, right? If so, Shane sucks at it, and Ilya hopes to get a chance to teach him. “I’d better go and look for my friend,” Shane motions over his shoulder with his thumb, walking backwards but not looking away from him yet. “Or I will never get him out of here.” Shane bumps into the wet floor sign as he moves and blushes brightly, before bending to pick it up, which really doesn't help Ilya with pushing thoughts of Shane out of his head. Shane lets out a small laugh and a shy smile as he turns to walk away. “Bye, Ilya, bye Anya.” He waves awkwardly.
“Bye, Shane. I'll call you.” He says, more to himself than Shane. Ilya bites his lip, trying to hold back his grin from being seen by the world. This may be nothing. Just a harmless game of flirting. He may have a partner, a girlfriend even. Ilya knows that people flirt with him, knows they tend to find him attractive. He's not being bigheaded when he thinks that, it's just a thing. There is something about his personality that draws people in, but he doesn't normally feel the pull both ways. Honestly, he feels more love for animals than people. They're kind, forgiving and don't expect things in return. They don't ask for things, don't demand things and don't hold grudges. He has had way too much of that in his life already.
Trust is hard for Ilya. He's like a dog that has crawled back too many times, just to be kicked again. He struggles with putting his heart on his sleeve, knowing it's easily taken and torn apart. Family isn't something he knows much about, having been estranged from his for ten years now. He moved away as soon as he could, when he realised he just couldn't take it anymore.
He moved as far away as possible, knowing no one and not even caring. His English was good enough to get by, but is improving constantly. He found a new home here, feeling drawn to the creatures who have also felt the pain of loss and feeling unloved. He's worked hard, helping to build up the shelter, repairing it and improving the life of the animals in his care. He has a small home here, where he lives, and it suits him fine. He's on call if needed and someone else is always around during the day.
Sometimes he misses people, but honestly, he's happy with the distraction of being with the animals, and cuddling up with an injured creature who needs overnight care. He even enjoys the hourly feeding of newly born animals, who cannot be fed by their mother. He's given his life to his calling, but he never regrets it. He doubts he will ever find someone willing to share this life with him, but occasionally he wants that. He just refuses to let himself get carried away by it. His heart can't take that.
Shane
It takes him a while to find Hayden. He finally does spot him back in the lobby, talking to a member of staff. His best friend’s face is lacking the enthusiasm he had when they first arrived at the shelter.
“Hey,” Shane says softly as he comes to stand next to him.
“Hey, you. Harris here told me it might not be a good idea to get a pet right now. At least not without having another serious conversation with Jackie about it. Shelter policy.”
Shane is not surprised, Ilya had told him as much. Seeing Hayden’s disappointment saddens him, but at the same time Shane’s brain is going through every second of the interaction he just had with Ilya.
“Sorry, buddy,” He says, eyes already fixed on the front desk. “Maybe the girls could volunteer here? I talked to Ilya - he works here, too. He said they always need volunteers, so I offered to help.”
“You talked to Ilya?” Harris tilts his head a bit, apparently confused, but he recovers quickly, kindly smiling at Shane. “He’s right. We need a lot of volunteers.”
“I told him I would take one of the dogs for a run. He said to leave my number at the front desk.”
“Oh, sure. There is a form, actually.” Harris walks towards the desk and Shane follows him, Hayden momentarily forgotten.
“That Ilya guy must have left quite the impression,” Hayden says, when they are back on the road. “Shane Hollander, doing something spontaneously.”
Shane blushes. If Hayden only knew. If Hayden had seen Ilya, then he might have understood immediately. Shane keeps his eyes on the road as he answers. “He just told me about them needing volunteers, and I go running every morning anyway. There are some dogs that enjoy that and I could take them with me. It’s a small detour, so I’ll have to adjust my schedule but that’s okay.”
“Yeah, it’s a good idea. It's always good to have animals around. Good for the soul.” Hayden smiles over at him. “I’m just not used to you doing things without thinking them over ten times.”
“Hmm, I know. Guess I just really liked Anya… the dog I met. I’m not much of a dog person, but she is really sweet. Full of energy, but not loud, or hectic.” Hayden stops at a traffic light, and Shane prays that it will turn green quickly so Hayden will stop looking at him.
“Harris seemed surprised that his colleague was nice to you. Made me think he is a bit of a dick, maybe?”
“You’re thinking about it too much, Hayd. Maybe Harris just doesn’t like him. He was nice to me. He loves the animals at the shelter, that much is clear.”
“Right, just wondering. I know you, Shane.”
“Are you jealous that Ilya will be my new best friend? A guy I talked to for like ten minutes?” Shane smirks, turning towards Hayden for the first time.
“Oh, shut up! I’m just glad you’re doing something new. It’s a good thing. I’m just disappointed I’m not taking home bunnies or guinea pigs for the girls. They would have loved that.”
“I think it’s great that Ilya and the rest of the staff care so much about where the animals go and that they want to make sure the animals have a good life.”
“I know. But I don’t want to be logical about that right now, I want to be emotional.”
“Ah,” Shane says, focusing back on the road. “Feel free to do that, then. Not sure I can help, though.”
“That’s okay, bud. Thanks for tagging along today.”
The conversation fizzles out after that, but it is never awkward between them. Hayden knows Shane gets lost in his head sometimes, and maybe, with three kids at home, he enjoys the silence as well.
Shane returns to his flat after having dinner with the Pikes. He loves all of them, but he has had a bit too much social interaction for one day. He texts his mom to say he will call her tomorrow, then locks the door behind him, shutting out the world.