Summary:

“you know what?” shane starts, half terrified, voice filled with bravado he doesn’t yet feel, “there’s a place nearby that makes the best chicken parmesan. i’ve always wanted to take you.” he wants to take the words back as soon as he speaks them, but the smile that blossoms in ilya’s face feels monumental. shane feels his heartbeat quicken, and hopes his face shows a confidence he’s not sure he possesses. or: shane tries to be brave. ilya just loves him.