Work Text:
Capable of existing together in harmony
Ilya stared at his phone, re-reading the definition again. Shane said he and Rose were not compatible and he thought he knew what that meant, thought he understood what Hollander was saying and not saying, but he had to be sure. He had to find a jewelry store.
But All Stars weekend was not conducive to running an errand outside of the hotel and Ilya wanted to be the one to pick this piece out.
Finally, Ilya thought he found an opportunity to slip away when,
“Hey, Roz!” Marlow called out before catching Ilya around the shoulders in a bro hug. “The pool bar awaits, brother!” Marlow yells into Ilya’s ear as other players gather around to head en masse to the bar.
“Marley, I was-“ Ilya tries to maneuver away only to be buffeted by a Buffalo defensemen,
“Come on, Rozanov! You owe me a shot!”
There was no dissuading them and no real path to escape until much later in the night. Buzzed but not drunk, Ilya walked to the concierge desk with purpose.
“I need to find a jewelry store.” He told the bored looking concierge.
“I’m sorry, sir. Most stores in the area close by 8.” He broke the news like it wasn’t devastating. Ilya walked away even as the man kept talking.
He wasn’t even sure where Hollander was right now, he wasn’t at the bar. He was flying out early tomorrow and he could assume Hollander would be too.
Ilya walked towards the entrance of the hotel. He noticed through the gift shop window a display of friendship bracelets. Tightly woven string with chevron and diamond designs in all sorts of colors.
Ilya didn’t hesitate.
~~~
Ilya slid to the end of the bed as Shane finished buttoning up his shirt.
“I have something for you.” Ilya was nervous. More nervous than he’d ever been in his life. “It is not up to standard and it’s not what I’d pick if I had more time. But-“ Ilya had gone to his bag and pulled out the friendship bracelet.
Red, white and blue, zig-zags making M patterns up and down the bracelet.
“Oh.” Shane said. Ilya felt like his heart was trying to climb up his throat. And then Shane held out his left arm, wrist turned up. “I think you’re supposed to make a wish as you tie it.” Shane whispered.
Ilya nodded before reverently tying the bracelet and wishing for nothing but more moments like this.