Summary:

Ilya volunteers some information first. "I am good with runes, very good. It's something I study and practice in depth. But I am strongest as a conduit."

The words stun Shane for a moment and it's a fair reaction. It's clear that Shane understands the full implications of the admission. "A conduit?" His voice is soft as he repeats the word.

They stand side by side, both staring at the menu and not talking to each other.

Ilya chances a look at Shane's face and can still see the shock lingering in his expression. But he's checking for pity and feels a small amount of relief that he can't seem to find it.

aka

ilya's a magical prodigy who just escaped from russia to move to boston intending to lay low when he meets a pretty witch with freckles who might just be as powerful and isolated as he is