My Thoughts

The idea of what that would mean in terms of Ilya healing from unhealthy relationships with paternal figures in his life 😘

You just been so consistent, that stability It's so healthy, it's confusing me I'm done with romanticizing Dysfunction and compromising You treat me so well, it's weird But I love how much I like it

Its like it starts as a chirp, but the longer their relationship goes on, it becomes this note of affection and appreciation for Shane's stability and consistency in his life. Something he hasn't had in anyone else but Svetlana.

Also, if you haven't listened to this song, it is quintessentially Shane and Ilya. Jacob Tierney -- cause you are obviously reading this, please, please put my Canadian Queen, Lennon Stella's music in Season 2.

Another thing I love about the I'm coming to the Cottage moment, is how (and this is more apparent in the books because you have such access to their internal monologues) Ilya doesn't second guess his chance at happiness. Both Ilya and Shane are constantly gearing themselves up to end the relationship leading up to the Stanley Cup Skip Kiss.

They keep planning to end things, but as soon as they are together, they can't do it, but I think Ilya's first reaction being to cancel his summer in Russia and call Shane to let him know that he has made this decision, just is such a beautiful demonstration of how he was looking for literally any sign to say "you can have this". Also, as a eldest child who takes care of their family and is familiar with the pressure that Ilya feels, I understand that instinct to put everyone else's needs before your own and deny yourself happiness. Ilya is ready to end things with Shane, not because he thinks that is what Shane wants, but instead because he knows how much Shane loves hockey and he can't manage the thought of being the reason why Shane could lose hockey. He literally needed a huge ass sign from the universe to alter course, but at the same time I loved that he didn't second guess it, and just immediately accepts it for what it is, which is a path forward.