okay Ilya gets a turn
okay okay so 2014!Ilya, he's just won the cup he can still feel the weight of it in his hands, still feel the weight of the victory in his heart, knowing his mama would be proud of him and aching because he'll never see it, gleeful he beat Hollander to the cup but also kind of wishing he could've shared the moment with him, or at least played the final game against him somehow. anything for him to be there. even tho they have spoken for months. and then he sees himself, a ring on his mother's chain, and a Centaurs jersey stretched across his chest and nothing makes sense. why would he leave Boston? and future Ilya says it'll be a while. before you feel this way again. let yourself live in it, oke? and 2014!Ilya shakes his head, gesturing at the jersey, the ring I don't win anymore and they ship me off, this is it, yes? I am not even good enough to be Hollander's rival? my father was right? and future Ilya's face hardens and he steps forward, grabbing 2014!Ilya's shoulder and turning him around to see standing behind him, himself at 12 years old. still in the suit from his Mama's funeral and looking so desperately hopeful and future Ilya says you cannot look at him and say Papa was right. it will never be true. not when everything we do saves him and 2014!Ilya shakes his head, still too much pain from being in Russia that January from the Olympics, from hiding every piece of himself somewhere no one can see it and says but I am no longer a bear. Boston throws me out and future Ilya sighs that dramatic ass sigh he's got and goes no, you follow the most beautiful man to his country because you love him and every mile closer to him is worth anything that comes with it. and 2014!Ilya, freshly avoiding Shane for 6 months, freezes with true fear a man? and future Ilya smiles da. the only one you have wanted since 17. you know him. and future Ilya hooks a finger through the chain of his necklace, letting the ring catch the light and he has the match. he is on your team. you are going to win the cup again and you are going to do it as yourself with the man you love at your side. and future Ilya smiles at 12 year old Ilya. you're doing it for him. it will always be for him and 2014!Ilya stares at him and goes ...Hollander? and future Ilya grins Yes. My Shane and then he walks away, leaving Ilya alone again but feeling warmer than he's ever felt
Shane's version

















