Summary:

Ilya shifted the conversation to his upcoming game against Boston, promising to send Svetlana the details of the post-game bar the team decided to visit that night. Shane listened halfheartedly, his own mind working too hard to focus fully on the conversation happening around him. He was so used to being on the other side of the conflict, the side that Ilya resided in now. He thought of the dinners assuring his friends of Ilya’s tender heartedness hidden behind blunt humor amidst gentle scolding and good natured laughter. His stomach twisted, wondering if Ilya felt a similar way when he just couldn’t click with Shane’s friends off the bat. In the past he had little trouble getting along with others, but every time Svetlana’s gaze shifted to him he felt the weight of her judgement. or, A year into playing for Ottawa, Ilya introduces Shane to Svetlana. When he's hospitalized a week later, the two form an unexpected bond waiting for him to wake up.