Summary:

Shane pulls back, carefully cradling Ilya’s face. “Maybe we shouldn’t.” “You don’t want to?” Ilya’s eyes are bottomless; swimming with grief. He says it like he really means, You don’t want me? “That isn’t what I mean,” Shane says gently, brushing his thumb over Ilya’s cheekbone. Ilya’s eyes flutter shut, as if being treated so tenderly causes him physical pain. Like he isn’t used to it. “You’re hurting. I don’t want you to regret it in the morning.” Ilya’s eyes open. “I have never regretted a moment with you.” * Or: the missing hotel room scene in Florida after Shane comforts Ilya.