Summary:

“Pretend we don't know each other?” Shane repeats, a little confused in all honesty. Wasn't therapy about talking? “Yes. You are meeting for the first time in this room. Introduce yourselves.” Shane shifts in his seat, slowly turning to Ilya. It's not all that different from the first time they'd actually met; the awkward vibes radiating off Shane are almost identical. They're just missing a snowy forecast and a cigarette. He decides to go a step further, standing up. It feels the right thing to do under the circumstances. Who meets for the first time sitting down? He takes a step forward, holding his hand out to Ilya. Or not Ilya. This random man he’s about to meet, who happens to look a lot like Ilya. Ilya takes the cue, standing from his own chair with a shake of his head. He takes Shane’s hand, shaking firmly. “I’m Shane, uh, Shane Hollander.” Ilya nods. “Ilya Rozanov.” —————— Or: Shane and Ilya get sent to reconciliation therapy, and of course, handle it super well.