[shooshoo]

Stas pressed a kiss to Khasan's forehead, stroking his thumb along the side of his neck. Khasan looked tired and drawn, but still as handsome as they say they first met in college. He had fallen for the other man almost immediately but had been slow to act. Russia was not kind to men like them. When Khasan was in the US for a semester, Stas had realized that he didn't want to be apart from him and had professed his love shortly after Khasan had returned to Russia.

He sat as well, bending his head to give thanks. He was not as faithful as Khasan but he believed in giving thanks for what he had.

"My students are good. Very busy today but good." Stas took a bite of pelmini, humming in appreciation. "Wonderful, my love."

He reached over to squeeze Khasan's hand. "How long your stomach hurt? What kind of hurt?"