So a week later, Shane drags Ilya into the long ass driveway with his own bike:

“What the fuck?” Ilya says as Shane hands him a black helmet.

“I’m teaching you.” Shane shrugs simply.

“I do not need to know how.” Ilya replies. “And this helmet looks stupid.”

“I know you don’t need to, but no one ever showed you, and I want you to have that experience. Knowing you didn’t makes me sad.”

And Shane is looking at Ilya so earnestly, eyes kind and so so hopeful, and Ilya doesn’t know why it makes him want to cry but it does. He thinks of his ten year old self scared and alone and fearing his father’s hand. He thinks of his nineteen year old self numbing the loneliness with drugs, bodies, alcohol, and anything fast. Then he looks at Shane’s eyes again.

(I love your page so much, have a good day <3)

UPDATE: Fic Added ⬇️

Boy, You’ve Got A Friend In Me

Shane is jealous that he isn't Ilya's best friend (even though he is).

Oh anon I tried to look for this fic and I struggled. I am hoping a fellow friend can help us out (: Keep this post in your likes or saved because someone might find it and Ill update this as needed!!

— room 1221

bonus versions (scanned):

If it wasn't for that meddling kid

By @arustyspork

https://archiveofourown.org/works/77932356/chapters/204199656

Enter his best friend Troy Barrett.

One day after a shitty practice, liya is sitting by the back exit playing with his lighter. He doesn't have a cigarette to light.

Suddenly, Troy parks himself next to him and offers him something small, plastic and cylindrical.

It's bubbles.

Troy got them from a fan a few games ago, they were just sitting in his cubby every since then and he saw people doing it online, so he telt he might as well try it.

And it works.

Now whenever one of them gets stressed they find a quiet spot and start blowing bubbles.

Of course, at some point they get photographed and it turns into a giant meme (imagine something like smoking Ben Affleck, but bubbles).

It's great for their image though and a toy company offers to partner with them.

Wyatt: 22

Bood: 18

Nick: 20

Troy: 19

Evan: 21

Luca: 19

Shane, after a slight hesitation as he considered the question: with a girl 17, with a guy 19

Ilya: with a girl 14, with a guy 16

Tanner: with a girl 17

Everyone: ????

This is art! 😍