Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Shane and Ilya keep their private connection alive through messages while playing for opposing teams. Their flirting becomes increasingly direct over the passing seasons, until they arrange another meeting at Shane's apartment after a game. This time they have penetrative sex, with Ilya checking that Shane is comfortable. Afterward, they talk about their approaching Olympic competition. Their easy teasing gives them a little time together before they return to competing for their countries.
At the Sochi Olympics, Russia's disappointing performance brings pressure down on Ilya, who captains the team. He stops replying to Shane. A conversation with Scott Hunter and Carter Vaughn about gay figure skaters performing in Russia makes Shane more aware of the risks around Ilya. His attempt to offer support still receives a cold response. At a gala, Svetlana helps Ilya escape their fathers' attention, then leaves him with Sasha, a former partner whose advances he declines.
Ilya concentrates on hockey and wins the league championship, continuing to keep Shane at a distance. They finally meet again at the awards in Las Vegas. Shane confronts him about his silence, and the argument leads to another night together. Yet their reunion ends painfully when Shane tries to talk about Russia and what their connection means. Ilya closes off the conversation. Leaving the penthouse, Shane begins a message about their failure to kiss, then deletes it. His wish for tenderness remains unspoken.