(Guys I’ve been crying ever since I watched the finale🫪😭)

Honestly it was so amazing I don’t think I will ever forget this show!

Heated Rivalry x The Untamed anyone?

Shane is such a Protector and Provider. He’s the one who carries the suitcase. He’s the one with the sensible car for safety and comfort. He’s the one with the big house where they can go. He knows how & builds the campfire. He’s the one who buys the food and cooks the meals - even if he could’ve cut the recipe in half. Yes, he’s the world’s biggest bottom and he lovesss to get fucked, but he doesn’t fall into the stereotypes of bottom = feminine at all.

When you think about it, Shane being the Provider is a big part of his whole life. He’s the team Captain and provides the wins & $$$. His mother is his manager, and he’s her only client. His salary & brand deals are the income for both of them. His dad works for the govt. He’s the one footing the bill for that Chablis at the nice restaurant. He’s the one whose name gets them in and pays for things like a Wimbledon trip. He doesn’t resent it, but he does feel the weight of it. But not with Ilya.

Protecting and providing for Ilya is easy for Shane. It comes naturally. This is important for Ilya, who has been the Provider for his own family — which is exploited and abused repeatedly over many years. He feels like he’s always giving so much (bolshe bolshe bolshe) and not only is it thankless, it’s completely unreciprocated by anyone except Svetlana. No one provides anything for Ilya, emotional or material, and CERTAINLY no one protects him.

It makes you wonder about how vulnerable Ilya was when he was younger & unprotected. When his mother died and he was persuaded to lie by the person who was hardest on her, who was also the hardest on him. When he was acting out, engaging in risky sex and looking for trouble. When that didn’t get him the attention or care that he sought. When his own brother hated him, and he knew why. When he was never good enough, always “lazy,” not winning when he was supposed to even though he won a LOT.

Ilya was still the Provider, even then. He still looked out for his father who he could tell was ailing. He still gave his brother money. He still set aside a trust for his niece. No one was providing anything for him in return. So is it any wonder when Mr Hey Heyyy Will You Come to my Cottage offers him ANY solace, even a SHRED of comfort, Ilya is putty in his hands? “Are you hungry? The drive is 2 hrs” “How are your ribs?” Of course, Shane is actually offering a LOT of comfort & security.

“Here,” Shane offers easily. “Here is a place where you can be safe. Where you can be vulnerable. Where you can be fully held for the first time since you were 12. You can be honest about what you’re thinking & feeling. You can be warm by this fire. I’ll protect you from that noise that scared you. You don’t need to be scared. I’ll rub your shoulder & pet your hair & hold your hand while you tell me about the worst thing that ever happened to you.

Ilya couldn’t understand what the reporter is saying, Shane stepped up to answer for him.

He felt something was off with Ilya in Sochi, kept checking up on him.

After Sochi when Shane realized how dangerous Russia is for Ilya, he tried to convince Ilya to not go back by asking if it's safe, if he has to go back.

When Ilya opened up about his father, Shane climbed up on his lap and hugged him. In that entire episode he kept checking up on Ilya to see if he is okay, if everything back home is okay.

When they get to the cottage, Shane is taking his bag, making his food, making sure he is taken care of. When Ilya talks about the danger of having a Russian passport and marrying Svetlana, Shane is the one who stays up all night to make them 10 years plan.

When his mom questions Ilya's loyalty to Boston Shane defends him.

This isnt the end. In TLG, Shane defends Ilya to Hayden and JJ.

When the near plane crash happens Shane proposes to show Ilya that he is 100% sure about them.

Most importantly when the Commissioner threatens Ilya and Shane to destroy their career, Shane snaps and says he chooses Ilya.

but like.... you gotta remember that this man has not kissed shane since tuna meltdown which was like MONTHS and MONTHS ago. he thought they were over! he thought shane had moved on, got a girlfriend, didn't need him anymore!! he thought he'd ruined everything between them and been brutally rejected!!

that was their REUNION kiss. a BREAKTHROUGH kiss, after they both just talked about some really emotional stuff and opened up to one another. after shane apologised and expressed that he does actually like ilya back.