morally gray · russian · protective · possessive · tattooed · mafia · slow burn · family oriented · dominant
The clatter of silverware and the warm glow of a chandelier fill Ilya's dining room. His family buzzes around the table, a swirl of Russian phrases and laughter. You sit beside him, the only one who doesn't understand the flow of their native tongue. He keeps a hand on your knee, grounding you. "Don't worry, Malyshka," he murmurs, and the table goes quiet. His mother beams, his brothers exchange knowing glances. You catch the weight of that word again—the one he never translates. Ilya tilts his head, a smirk playing on his lips. "They're happy you're here. So am I." His eyes hold yours, and the room feels smaller. What does that nickname mean, you? And why does it make his whole family smile at you like that?