But Shawns face had the same giddy expression as every other time you have done this, his smile so big that his teeth couldn’t help but be the center of attention and his dimples were on full display. 

Wasting absolutely no time he wrapped his arms around your waist under your arms forcing you to lean back into his chest, his nose scraping the tops of your shoulder just sniffing the remnants of your perfume you put on hours before.

9:24 pm Shawn’s apartment, Studying 

Tomorrow Shawn and you had a midterm in Feeny’s class and somehow you had coerced him to study. You had made some practice questions for the two of you but when you got halfway done you felt the deep need to be closer to Shawn but also knew you had to finish your work.

So what ended up happening is you rested your notebook and paper on the back of the couch while you sat in Shawn’s lap legs wrapped around his waist and chins resting on the others’ shoulder as they did their respective school work. After finishing the sheet you let your body go limp on Shawn’s frame arms strewn over his neck and shoulders and head dangling there as well, your body finally relaxing for the first time that day. 

Shawn’s signature scent of warm vanilla and wood shavings lulled you to sleep as he continued to work. 

He didn’t even realize you were asleep until he was on the second to last question and he felt the vibration of a soft snore through his neck. Hurriedly he finished the remaining questions and figured you guys could pick up and put away the school work in the morning. 

Placing his a hand under your leg that was wrapped around him and another hand on the small of your back he gently lifted you up from the couch, making sure not to wake you as he brought you to his bedroom to sleep for the night. 

As he carefully carried you up the few small steps he caught Eric coming out of his room and whispered a soft “Shh” before he could say a word. 

Eric understood so he whispered, “Everything okay”? 

“Yeah, she just fell asleep. Could you call Y/N’s Mom and tell her that she fell asleep while studying and I thought it wasn’t the best idea for her to drive tired that she is just going to spend the night here, also that I will see her tomorrow when I drop Y/N off after school”.

“ ‘Course man,” Eric said with complete certainty understanding that it was important that your mom knew you were safe but not being able to make it home.

Shawn nodded his head in thanks and continued to walk you into his room, mentally thanking himself for two reasons. One was that he left his bedroom door open so at least he didn’t have to struggle with that and two being that he cleaned his room for once and he had nothing to be embarrassed about.

Caressing the back of your neck in his hand he very gently laid you down on the bed pull the covers out from under your body and then over you. He was grateful you had changed into a pair of his sweatpants when you got there earlier in the day, so at least you wouldn’t have had to sleep in jeans and be uncomfortable.

Brushing some loose hair out of your face he slid into the other side of the bed, lifting his chin up to leave a sweet kiss on your forehead. In your sleep you made a soft squeak and moved closer until you found Shawn’s body and snuggled up to him an unconscious smile on your sleeping face. 

It was moments like these that Shawn really realized that you were his greatest gift of all. A lot of things may not have panned out for him but you have always been this ever-shining light that he feels so lucky to have and to hold as well as love. And he reminds himself at that moment as he has your sleeping figure embraced in his arms to never take any part of loving you for granted.

12:15 pm Shawn’s Apartment (Again), Lazy Day

It was the end of the week and both you and Shawn were absolutely knackered; Midterms went off without a hitch and the entire group passed which meant that the upcoming break was going to be nothing but relaxation. 

As per usual you were sat in Shawn’s lap, reading a book with your back resting against the arm of the couch. And him using your lap as a table while he wrote in that little notebook of his; you wonder a lot about what he is writing about but you never let your curiosity get the best of you. 

Whatever lies between the pages of that journal is obviously very important to him, and until he decides to share and show you that it is none of your business. 

Shawn absent-mindedly rubs your legs with his free hand, you peer at him over the top of your book. A grin tugging its way onto your lips. 

You couldn’t ever get enough of this boy who is growing into such a great man, he treats you as if you deserve a throne and tiara just for waking up in the morning. Loving him was such a gift and you waste no time or effort, showing and telling him that every day.  

You must have zoned out for a moment because your book was now in your lap and Shawn’s eyes were locked on your features his face twisted with a bit of worry and confusion. 

“Babe is everything alright,” he asked ever so softly then his hand came up and cupped your cheek. 

You nodded in response then gave him an audible answer, “Yeah, yeah was just thinking”.

A hand rested on your face his thumb rubbed the skin in an up and down motion, that if you were standing you were fairly certain your knees would have given out from underneath you from the flurry of emotions that evoked you. 

A smirk made itself apparent on his sweet face and when his eyebrows lifted up he said in a bit of a cocky attitude as if to suggest something. 

“Yeah about what,” he said, his eyes danced from your eyes then down to your lips and back up again. 

Gosh did this boy know how to press your buttons, but in the very best way. 

Your hand reached out to his arm that hung there next to your head and you answered truthfully. 

“About how much I love you” this definitely caught him off guard, you could tell by the way his mouth hung open and how his eyes glassed over in ecstasy. 

Letting your hand travel up to his chin, you refocused his gaze back to your eyes instead of the space that was currently between the two of you. 

He gulped but not out of fear but out of overwhelming emotion. 

Not letting himself even finish his own breath he leaned over, slicing through the previously said space; and he kissed you with absolutely no caution. 

His hands pulled you the rest of the way onto his lap and then grabbed your face yet again to make sure he had you, just as much as you had him. 

You let yourself kiss him back, a giggle being suppressed in your throat from the joy and surprise you felt. Letting your hands take control of the situation you delve into his pretty brown locks in the hopes of grasping onto anything that will stabilize you in this moment. 

Running out of breath the two of you separated to get some air but that was before Shawn said “I love you too” that knocked the wind out of you yet again. 

Excited, you fiercely wrap your arms around his neck and tug him down to lay down with you. 

Both of you giggling over the playful manner that suddenly hit you.

That someone is quick to bend down and offer her a hand up and help with her books, that someone being Shawn Hunter her boyfriend of only a few short weeks but a friend of much longer. 

“Y/N I’m so sorry are you okay” he apologizes. 

“No worries honey” Y/N smiles up at him. 

Shawn turns his head as to not look directly at her, his face full of embarrassment from her falling and the casual nickname. 

Mustering up some courage to speak he grabs her books off of the tiled floor and says “So are we still having movie night at your house tonight”?

Shawn hands Y/N the stray books and notebooks and she answers “Yuppers, my parents gave me the okay the other night, and get this! They’re letting us use the basement with the bigger TV; perfect for ‘The Gore Saga: Knife to meet you’”!

Trying to convey the same excitement as she is Shawn lies right through his teeth saying “That sounds awesome, I can’t wait”. 

For a little background, Shawn hates horror movies with gore. Paranormal he can deal with, maybe even psychological thrillers, anything but gore. But it was Y/N’s turn to pick the movie and he didn’t want to be the one to ruin anything for her. So no matter how much he squirmed and cringed he decided he will not say a word on the matter; for her sake and his, he did have his own pride to look out for as well. 

After all of her belongings were stowed away in her backpack she swung the object back over her shoulders and turns her head over towards Shawn’s then spots Cory and Topanga. 

Y/N wouldn’t want to leave her friends out so she tells Shawn “I think we should invite Cory and Topanga, I think it would be fun to have the four of us hanging out”. 

Before Shawn could protest she was already walking over to the infamous couple. 

Shawn usually wouldn’t be against having his two best friends come along but knew if he chickened out they would most definitely poke fun at him and his pride couldn’t take that hit. Also, he wanted to be alone with Y/N cause the difference between tonight and the other movie nights they have had; is Y/N’s parents were gone for the weekend. And Y/N’s older siblings would be the ones “watching them” which meant they could basically do whatever they wanted. Which meant he gets to spend the night, per Y/N’s request of course. 

“Hey Y/N, Shawn how are you guys”? Topanga asks. 

“Besides falling back there, Doing pretty good. Hey, we wanted to ask you two a question” Y/N answers. 

“Okay shoot”.

“So Shawn and I are having a movie night tonight and was wondering if you guys wanted to join us.” 

While Y/N said this Shawn stood behind her swinging his arms and overtly mouthing the word “No”. 

Cory is confused and doesn’t get the memo and almost says yes but Topanga gets the hint that Shawn wants to be alone with Y/N for the night and jabs her boyfriend in the side. 

“We actually have our own date planned tonight but thank you for the offer,” the girl opposite Y/N says. 

Cory still doesn’t get the memo and says “We do”? 

“Yes Cory, remember”?

“No actually, which is alarming cause I remember anything and everything Topanga related,” Cory says with a genuinely worried expression on his face scratching his head.

Topanga leans over and whispers in her partner’s ear, a sudden look of understanding coming over him. 

“Right that date thing” Cory laughs and says “You two have fun...lots of fun” a cheeky smile insinuating something else and walking away behind Topanga. 

“Was he being weirder than usual or was that just me” Y/N turned and asked Shawn. 

“It was definitely him, Trust me”. 

“Okay, will you walk me home. I really don’t want to take the bus today”. 

“Yeah of course. One second let me just grab my bag from my locker”. 

After Shawn grabs his backpack filled with his overnight things and his books that Y/N made him begrudgingly put in there too; they head towards her house. 

It is a nice spring day the only downside was the slight chill in the air despite it being sunny outside. 

Even though Y/N had a sweatshirt on she was still freezing, it was as if Shawn sensed this and put his arm around her shoulder her hand coming up to interlock their fingers. They walked in sync staying close on the narrow sidewalk. Most of the walk was silent because they spoke through touch and subtle glances. 

When they arrived at Y/N’s house her parents were still home but there was no worry, they trusted the two teenagers and her parents just adored Shawn. They wanted Y/N to be with Shawn before Y/N even knew she wanted to be with him. 

“Hi Mr. and Mrs. Y/L/N almost ready for your weekend getaway,” Shawn asked her parents when they entered the house. Suitcases were lined up next to the front door. 

“Almost, we are just going down our checklist making sure we don’t forget anything.” Y/N’s Mom said frantically checking boxes on the slip of paper in her hand. 

“We left money on the kitchen table for food tonight, so you guys order whatever you want for your movie night” Y/N’s Dad informed them. 

“Thank you, Dad. Love you guys have a safe trip” their daughter pulled each of her parents into individual hugs. 

Her Mom gives Shawn a hug as well “Love you Shawn, be good okay” he nods and returns the squeeze. Y/N’s family has always been there with open arms for the Hunter boy since they were kids. He even stayed with them for a while as well as the Matthews when his Dad went looking for his Mom a while back. 

Y/N’s Dad opted out for the hug and gives Shawn a handshake instead saying “The Gore Saga huh, you’re a braver man than I am Shawn. I have no idea how she enjoys those movies”.

Shawn just laughed as the adults made their way out of the house. 

Later after the pair have eaten and gotten everything set up; blankets and pillows on the couch, refreshments, and the rented VHS tape of ‘The Gore Saga: Knife to meet you’.

Shawn gulped on the couch while Y/N slid the tape into the VCR; she hurried back over to the couch excitedly and all of Shawn’s fear disappeared when she hopped onto the couch next to him. Her smile wider than ever and her head rested on his lap, he distracted himself from the film by running his fingers through her hair. Sometimes making short little braids then pulling them apart right after, and for the most part, his tactic worked. Until she sat up and stretched out next to him to make herself more comfortable, he didn’t have her touch to soothe him anymore. 

(Warning descriptions of gore coming up)

After a few minutes a pretty gruesome scene unfolded on the screen in front of them; its the part of the movie where the killer gets one of the dumb ones who run into every trap he has set while trying to run away, and this guy was now being ran through a humongous factory meat grinder...and he’s dead. Blood, guts, and bones is all that comes out of the other end. 

Shawn could no longer keep his composure he was bugging big time, but when he looked over at Y/N he saw the opposite expression on her face. Where his face was full of disgust and fear, hers, on the other hand, was full of glee and joy. Who would have known that the sweet Y/N Y/L/N was a gore fan, the same girl who cried when they were nine because some kids destroyed an anthill at recess. 

Again he couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Y/N”? he softly pleaded her name. 

She turned her body towards him her eyes barely leaving the screen she was so captivated. 

“Yes, Shawnie” she continues. 

“Could you please come back over here and let me hold you or you could hold me, Even better”! Shawn reached out for Y/N desperately. 

Scooting back over to her guy she motions for him to lay on her lap and god does he! He clasps his arms around her left one holding it against his chest. She senses some of his discomfort, and she makes work by running her nails down his scalp and a rushed breath and hum escaped Shawn’s lips. 

Putting her focus back on the TV while she continued soothing the boy who laid on her legs. 

Another putrid scene of killings displays on the screen and Shawn jumps from underneath her. 

“Shawn, Baby are you okay”? Y/N asks concerned her fingers brushing her sweet boys face. 

“I’m sorry babe it’s just this movie is really scary, but you’re so into it I’m trying not to cover my face the whole time but- WHAT IS THAT”! Shawn screeches. 

Y/N jumps at the shrill noise of his scream but cannot help but laugh shortly after. 

He is just too adorable sometimes, she would have never thought her hot shot of a boyfriend would be squeamish of a little gore. 

Never the less she smiled at him still clinging her arm to his chest while his head laid on her lap.

“Babe, are you okay,” she asked still giggling. 

“Yes …” another blood splatter to the screen made Shawn jolt yet again. His eyes showed defeat as he finished “...No, I mean. This gore stuff isn’t exactly my favorite. 

“Well, why didn’t you just tell me that earlier, Duckie” Shawn always had a soft spot for that pet name it was one she didn’t use often but when she did it made his heart flutter beyond words. 

“I didn’t want to ruin your fun, Y/N/N,” he said sheepishly. 

“Oh, baby. That’s very sweet of you but I have plenty of other movies we could watch. I’ll finish this one another time, no big deal” Y/N let out a breathy laugh at just Shawn being Shawn, and the whole ‘I’ll watch it because you enjoy it’ thing made her stomach flip. 

Giving Shawn another option she says “How about a romantic comedy”? Shawn nodded his head frantically. He would deny it if anyone else knew but Y/N knew Rom/Coms were secretly his favorite. 

Sadly he peeled his body away from hers so she could go and eject the tape and put the new one in. After sliding in the much less graphic film she was less than surprised that she saw Shawn waiting for her to cuddle him on the couch, he had moved from one end to the other where the couch had an ‘L’ shape so they could hold each other while still being able to watch the movie. 

But she wasn’t complaining, whenever she got to touch Shawn in this sweet innocent way she felt like when you do when you’re at home safe and most of the time drowsy. 

She laid there in between his leg;  back laid back against his chest. He had his arms around her torso playing with her fingers that laid relaxed on her sides, and his face was buried into her hair. 

“Shawn darling, what are you doing” she giggled at the tickle of his nose brushing her jawline while he smelled her cascading locks. “Mhm your hair smells so good, and it’s so soft.” his hands slip away from her sides as he starts to comb through the Y/C/H that covered Y/N’s shoulders. After he got all the small knots out, he started braiding her hair again but this time all together instead of little strands. 

Y/N tried her best to pay attention to the love story in front of them but was more distracted by her own, right here in her basement. If she were coyer and the movie wasn’t on she would most likely jump this boy, just to shower him in kisses.

After a while long after Shawn had stopped playing with her hair, Y/N relaxed into his frame, her hands and legs tangled with his underneath the heavy but comfortable knitted blanket on top of them. 

Then came a scene where the guy and the girl have their first kiss and with all of the emotion that’s been building up, they physically cannot keep their lips off of one another and a makeout session ensues. 

Just thinking about Shawn kissing her made Y/N instantly blush, even if they were way past first kisses. 

And now Y/N was the one who couldn’t hold it together anymore, she needed kisses Now. 

Turning in Shawn’s arms she misplaces his head from the crook of her neck where every once and while leave soft little pecks across the splay of skin on her neck and jaw. And it was making Y/N’s body flush with anticipation, but nothing came of it. 

Shawn looked surprised that Y/N had moved but all he softly said was “Baby whats wrong? Do you not like the movie”? And he tucked the loose hair around her face back behind her ear. His hand lingered on her cheek thumb grazing the almost invisible baby hairs that tickled while he does so. 

Instead of answering his question Y/N leans in slightly, puts her arms around his neck and toys with the hair at the nape of his neck sending shivers down his spine. 

Knowing what she wants, she makes eye contact with the beautiful boy in front of her and asks “Can I have a kiss please” with the softest voice because she is still afraid he might say no and he is allowed to say no. 

Wasting absolutely no time he closes the gap between them as he cups her face with one hand and the other holding her lower back in a way to balance her almost. Their lips moved as one and Y/N couldn’t help but smile into the kiss a giggle about to pop because of her happiness. 

But before she could, Shawn was laughing and he had to pull away to compose himself. 

Y/N chuckled with him “What’s so funny huh”?

“You’re just so cute and polite. I love that you always ask me before kissing me. And honestly its sometimes surreal that you’re my girl ya know, I mean look at ya.” 

“You aren’t so bad yourself Hunter. And I enjoy being ‘Your girl’ very much”.

Y/N fanned her hands out on Shawn’s chest keeping some distance between them while they spoke so she could see him properly. 

Shawn leaned back in asked “May I kiss you, Princess” “Of course” she answered shortly attaching her lips back to his in a hurry. 

“Well, it’s a good thing I don’t own a belt” flashing a dopey but charming smile her way, in hopes to lighten the situation. She rolled her eyes to prove she wasn’t amused by his joke.

“Okay look Y/N…” he slowed as his tone got serious “...The whole reason I went out with those other girls is to fill the time until now. Your parents have that rule about no dating till you’re sixteen.” He grabs her free left hand and holds it with his gently. “That is why they only lasted two weeks. I wanted to get good at dates so when the time was right, then I could make sure it is perfect”. 

His eyes darted down to the floor, hair falling over his doe-like eyes, after a moment she caved.

Bending down slightly she looked up at Shawn’s face that was dangling in defeat; her right hand brushed the stray hairs behind his ear and squeezed his hand in the other. Looking at her he couldn’t help but smile in the slightest like one does at a sleeping puppy. With her hand wavering on Shawn’s cheek she spoke, “Is that the same story for the kissing I suppose” a cheerful smile showing no malice on her face. 

“From what I recall you stole my first kiss Y/N/N” Shawn laughed lightly at the memory sending a wave of nostalgia his way. 

____________________________________________

Age 12

It wasn’t a secret that Shawn had a crush on Y/N for years already but she never let that get in the way of their friendship, even though admittedly she had a crush on him for equally as long. 

It seemed like every day he was asking her to marry him, probably because it was in fact, every day.

She never showed it but she loved his persistence, even if she always turned him down. 

On this particular day, Y/N was wearing an overall type of dress that had a sunflower pattern on it with pockets and underneath it, she wore a white long sleeve blouse perfect for the fall weather. 

Hot on Y/N’s heels was Shawn with Cory and Topanga following farther back in their own conversation 

As if on cue Shawn says smoothly “Y/N that dress is pretty on you, I look forward to seeing how beautiful you will look on our wedding day”. Cory and Topanga join the two near the lockers and Cory says in a  fake deep booming voice “You may kiss the bride” as Topanga joins in on the fun humming of ‘Here comes the bride’. Y/N looks at Shawn as he closes his eyes and puckers his lips in a comedic way, not expecting anything to come from it. Y/N grabs Shawn by his shirt collar and puts him back to the locker, his eyes widening in confusion and fear thinking he is about to get pummeled. 

But instead, Y/N plants her lips on his in a kiss, it only lasted not even a moment ,but it still left the both of them breathless. 

Sliding down the locker onto the floor both of them said a unison “Woah”. 

Blushed faces, Pink lips, and an understood adoration of one another was the recipe of Shawn and Y/N’s relationship. But that first kiss would have the pair yearning for the next, for years to come.

________________________________________

Back at age 16

“And I wouldn’t trade it for a second, Shawnie” her hand still cupped Shawn’s cheeks and his face turned a shade of red that Y/N loved to see travel to his ears. 

Regaining a bit of his confidence with hearing his nickname from her he says “So will you go out with me Y/N Y/L/N. I promise you won’t regret it.” 

Y/N stared at Shawn for a few seconds taking in and soaking his words up, she didn’t have much to lose and even if she did, losing whatever it was  for the gift of Shawn Hunter would always be worth it. 

“Yes, Shawn I’ll go out with you. But you better have something phenomenal and never before seen planned since you talked your dating game up so much”. 

“Just you wait, darling” he lifted her hand up, their fingers still interlocked and kissed her hand princess style. Y/N leaned over and kissed Shawn’s nose, her face turning red this time. 

Shawn got all giggly, Y/N had never seen him this way but she was definitely enjoying seeing a different side of him she was pretty sure only she could bring out of him. 

“So I will see you at 6,” Y/N said, giggling a little now too, pulling her hand away from his, she could only get a two-thumbs-up from him as a response. At the same time, Mr. Turner came and dragged Shawn away, and to class still unable to do anything but giggle. 

Y/N was swapping her books in her locker when Mr. Feeny came up behind her and says “I just saw Mr. Hunter down the hallway it was as if he was on laughing gas, you didn’t happen to know anything about that now would you Miss. Y/L/N. Because I believe you broke the poor boy.” Mr. Feeny put a hand on her shoulder and laughed with his coffee in the opposite hand. He had watched this dance between the two for years, growing and maturing as young adults and destined lovers. “Love is a precious thing that shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially young love, for it is at its most precious time of a person’s life” then he walked away without saying another word. 

Later that Friday night Y/N stood in front of her mirror and smoothed her casual pink dress out. 

Staring at her reflection she thought to herself “I cannot believe I’m going on a date with my best friend”, but she was smiling ear to ear. Shawn and Y/N’s friendship was unique in the way that they behaved as if they held the label of boyfriend and girlfriend, what with the hand holding, him carrying her books, and his arm slung over her shoulder being a regular sight. But when anyone would ask it was always the same response “We are just friends” or the occasional “She’s not allowed to date yet” coming from Shawn. But after a long nine years the night is finally here. 

Hearing the door shut from downstairs she hears chatter and then her father calling her down shortly after. 

Coming down the stairs she could imagine how cliche she looked based on the way she felt, that was until she saw how Shawn looked at her. Eyes glazey, mouth slightly hung open, and his hand scratching the back of his neck (a nervous habit that he couldn’t ever kick) she loved every bit of it. He looked at her like she put pieces of her soul into the sky and that's what made up the stars, and somehow she knew only he could ever make her feel as if she really did.

There was an electric charge in the air and the words between the nervous teens seemed to dissipate. 

No words were needed anyways they both knew.

“Um, Y/N … wow, you’re so beautiful” Shawn couldn’t hold his tongue any longer even if it was in front of his date's Dad. 

“You look great too Shawn” Y/N walked forward, grabbed his hand and interlocked their fingers showing no discomfort in front of her Dad. 

After being best friends for almost ten years Y/N’s family knew Shawn was going to become part of the family one day and this was just the beginning of it, they only had that rule so the pair could do some growing up before getting their hearts involved even more than they already are. 

“Go have fun Sweetie I trust you and Shawn to stick to the same rules,” Y/N’s Dad said cheerfully.

“Thank you Mr.Y/D/L/N I’ll have her home by 11 'o'clock  as usual sir” Shawn knew the rules indeed and surprisingly they were the only ones he followed.

Going out the door hand in hand was a new feeling that Y/N relished in, she knew that when she was with Shawn everything would make sense eventually and from experience, she knew when Shawn Hunter was around everything made sense in her world. 

“So what do you have planned for us tonight, so-called King of Dates”.

“Well first off it is not something as lame as King of dates, many like to refer to me as ‘Oh great one’.”

His eyes locked onto her features taking in every slight curve of her soft face then continued. 

“But that’s behind me, now I have my girl here and nothings going to ruin that without going through me first.” 

Y/N blushed walking with him further. 

After taking the subway and walking for a while Y/N could see it in the distance it was the park where she and Shawn had first met, except this time the jungle gym and trees had twinkling lights strewn everywhere and there was a blanket laid out in a clear area.

The look on Shawn’s face was immeasurable to how he actually felt inside, his chest was on fire but then again so was the rest of him but in the best way. He only feels like this around her, perhaps it's because she knows the real him and not the fictitious version everyone at school knows him as.

Turning his head he looked at Y/N’s expression, it was priceless. 

He swore he had never seen her eyes go this big, it was as if she held the suns rays in her irises

Shoulders hunching up slightly Shawn asked nervously,“Do you like it” ?

It took her a moment to answer and he started to panic, fumbling over his words he says “If you don't I totally get it we can go and do something else or…”

Putting both hands on the shaky boy's shoulders she said “Shawn this is better than any date we’ve had in my dreams”.

Finally coming back to reality Shawn’s voice goes soft and questioning “You dreamt about our date”?

Y/N giggles at the same softness that Shawn used “Only since we were seven, you goof”. 

“Wow I had no idea, glad I could exceed your expectations Y/N”. 

“Shawn you always have, there has never been a moment where you have ever let me down” Y/N’s hand fell down from Shawn’s shoulders and reached for his hand then pecked his cheek.

Now it was Shawn’s turn for his eyes to explode with happiness. 

“Well then let's get started m’lady”. 

Hide and go seek a game that has been Y/N’s favorite over the years and now here they are playing it at age sixteen. Usually Shawn would feel childish and refuse playing such a game any other time  but with Y/N everything changed in the best ways, if she wanted to do something he would move mountains just so it happened. 

For the first round Shawn was the hider and Y/N was the seeker, hiding on top of the jungle gyms roof , it took a lot of willpower for Shawn not to laugh. 

“3...2...1...ready or not here I come Shawnie”! She yelled from below. 

When she opened her eyes she went straight for the tree’s, looking around every single one with a large trunk. When she realised he wasn’t there then she went to every other area, not even thinking of looking up to the roof. 

Shawn watched as she looked around confused, he was so in awe with her he zoned out and lost track of her, that was until she shouted from underneath him “Found you”!

Then they switched positions Y/N was now the hider. When she hid she didn’t try as hard, she actually wanted him to find her. She climbed their tree, the one where they had first played all those years ago.

It was a medium sized tree easy to climb but sturdy enough for something like a tree house, thick branches and all. 

It took Shawn longer than expected to find her but what matters is he did. 

“Found you” He said softly. 

“You always do” she jumped down,  him guiding her with his hand.

She kept his hand in hers as she pulled him down gently to the blanket underneath them, sitting down legs spread out next to one another.  

He complied doing as she silently asked, just as he always did and always would. 

“This tree holds a lot of memories” Shawn says pulling her into his side wrapping his arm around her, their hands still clasped together.

“It sure does, do you still carry that pocket knife you got for your tenth birthday” Y/N asked curiosity filling the air. 

Pulling out the pocket knife in question Shawn says “Yeah, why”?

“Could we add one more memory into this tree by engraving out initials into it” .

Shawn's heart was a mess at this point, he obviously did something right if she wants their initials engraved into their tree, he thought.

Wasting no time or words he untangles himself from her disappointedly, and starts carving. 

You would think there would be hurt feelings at some point because of Shawn’s active dating life and Y/N’s lack thereof, well before this of course. But it was actually the opposite, I mean sure sometimes Y/N would get a tad jealous at him going out with these other girls. But soon she realised that they only get him for a few short hours every saturday night, while she has him every other day of the week. She also had realised that what she has with Shawn they are never going to have, certainty. Y/N always had known she was going to have Shawn by her side no matter what and she would be by his, whether that would be romantic or not. 

Finishing up the last letter he took a moment to look at his handiwork then decided to add the finishing touch, a heart to enclose it all. 

Shawn looked up for Y/N’s approval and she was beaming, if smiles were lazars then hers could cut steel. 

“Shawn I don’t know if I have ever told you this but, You’re my favorite person” Y/N grinned but her words were spoken with solid truth.

“Even over Cory and Topanga” Shawn joked. “Yes, each and every day”.

Y/N leaned into Shawn’s space, even closer than they were before.

It was as if a spell had been cast onto him, he was so nervous and yet so calm. 

Leaning towards her as well, now engulfed in each other's breath Shawn rests his forehead to hers.

Hands finding one another blindly on the blanket, no map needed.

“Shawn…” she says with a  softer voice than he has ever heard it.

“Hmm” He hums, eyes fluttering open to look at her. 

“Thank you” she leans back to look him in the eyes properly. 

“Y/N the pleasure is really all mine..” but before he could finish she interrupted him.

“No I mean just thank you for everything, not just this… date. Thank you for being everything to me”.

Shawn's heart swelled more than he ever thought it could. Taking a moment to find the words he says 

“Y/N you’re not only the most beautiful girl I have ever known on the outside; but the brightest soul on the inside as well. You remember the first time we met yeah?”

“Of course, no one wanted to play with either of us, so we played together,” she said, absentmindedly playing with his fingers in hers. 

“Yes that is true. But what you don’t realise is how lucky I got, meeting you is why I am who I am today, So...thank you right back.”

Y/N didn’t protest, she just smiled and then her stomach growled so loud; it was as if it was hooked up to a loudspeaker. 

The pair fell into a pile of giggles, true belly laughs forming every passing second. 

Pulling Y/N to her feet Shawn looks to his watch and says “Okay we have plenty more than enough time to go and grab a burger from Chubbies; how does that sound”. 

The laughter still hung in the air between the two of them. 

“Sounds great, let’s go” Y/N says , eager to go and eat. 

Shawn reached out for her arm to stop her “Um one second, I have a surprise for you”. 

“I had somewhat of a plan on how to give this to you, But I guess this will have to work; Close your eyes”

He instructed and she listened, not wanting to ruin the surprise. 

With her eyes shut she only heard a bit of rustling from beside her. 

Shawn had hid her surprise behind their tree covered with a dark cloth so she wouldn’t find it too early; but instead he was struggling to find it himself. 

“Okay here we go” Shawn mumbled when he finally found the familiar box he placed her surprise in. 

“You can open your eyes now, Y/N/N” and when she did there he stood nerves and all, with a baby blue box and a dainty ribbon tied around it. 

“Shawn” Y/N says with a look that is serious. “I know, I know you don’t like presents but please just let me do this” and she does. 

He hands her the box with shaky fingers; her eyes dart up to his when their hands brush together during the transaction. 

Staying relatively close to her as he awaits her reaction, she unwraps it painfully slowly. 

After taking off the ribbon she ties it to her wrist, knowing she’ll want to keep it as a memento. 

Then finally she opens the small box and inside is a weathered silver heart shaped locket.

Her hand flies up to her mouth in surprise, tears filling the waterline of her eyes.

“I remember you telling me when we were about nine or ten; how your Dad had given the locket to your Mom when they were our age…” he taps her hand as if to silently ask if it's okay if he grabbed the said locket from the box.  “...you loved that necklace so much I told myself that one day I would give you one of your own. And I also took a page from your Dad’s book as he used the locket to ask your Mom to be his girlfriend”. 

The silver chain and locket attached to it dangled expectantly in Shawn’s hands. 

“So what I’m saying is...Will you Y/N...Will you be my girlfriend” a flustered Shawn asked his childhood friend. 

Y/N wiped the tears away from her eyes and nodded her head profusely, this being one of the few times he has seen her at a loss for words.

Shawn just let out a relieved and breathy “Really oh my gosh”; but wasted no time going behind her to clasp the jewelry around her neck. 

Lifting up her hair and angling her head down to make it easier for him to do so. 

She was beyond happy and once he said “Okay”. 

She spun around so quickly she got dizzy; and basically jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck into a hug, in return he wrapped his arms around her abdomen. “Shawn I love it, thank you so very much” she whispered into his ear  “Anything for you darling”, her face growing a flame at the use of the pet name. 

When the hug died down, Y/N bent down and grabbed the blanket they had used earlier. And wrapped it around her shoulders, grabbing his hand and walking in the direction of Chubbies. 

Shawn stopped in his tracks and she gave him a confused look. 

“What” Y/N asked as Shawn took the blanket off of her shoulders. He shrugged off his own jacket and said “Here take my jacket, it will be much warmer” a blush tinted both of their cheeks and they continued on to Chubbies. 

The walk was silent besides the sounds of nature and Y/N breathing in the scent of Shawn’s clothing hanging from her shoulders, a smell so unique she could only classify it as Him. 

Y/N rested her head on his shoulder as they walked, knowing they would be at the restaurant within a few short minutes. The display of affection even though it was small was enough to make the butterflies that resided in Shawn’s stomach since he met her, go insane. In his defence even though touches between the two were a normal behavior, she has never done this and he honestly loved every bit of it. How she trusted him to have these most precious moments with, of all people. 

Arriving at Chubbies it was packed as it usually was on a Friday night, every inch of the place filled with bodies. Except one booth in particular, their booth. Y/N’s head snapped up to look at her now, Boyfriend. 

“Shawn, What did you do?”

“I used the best friend card” Shawn points as they make their way down the stairs and Y/N sees Cory dressed in a suit with black sunglasses; and everytime someone even goes near the booth he says “This booth is reserved for two of my best friends” How sweet Y/N thought.

Taking a seat Shawn lets go of her hand and takes a seat opposite from her; But she reaches immediately back for his hand which makes him happier than he’d care to admit to anyone but her. 

“Thanks Cory, see you later,” Shawn says. “My duty is done, I got it. Have a good night love birds” .

After a burger and countless fries it's surprising that the pair haven’t run out of things to say to each other. 

Right now they’re reminiscing about how Shawn dressed up as a girl for an article for the school newspaper. “Yeah and you came to my house, because you and Cory ran out of pantyhose” 

“The funny part was you weren't even shocked. You were just like ‘Yeah which shade’? When you obviously know I am a medium tan.” Y/N busts up laughing letting out a snort in the process. 

On anyone else that would be obnoxious but because it was Y/N, Shawn was in awe. 

Once the laughter died down between the two of them Shawn realised something important;

Pulling back the sleeve of his sweater covering his watch he panicked...It was ten thirty and taking the subway would take well over half an hour. 

When Y/N asked Shawn what was the matter he just showed her his watch as he ran to the counter, paid for the food and tried to think of a faster way to make sure she got home on time. 

“What am I going to do, your Dad is going to kill me if I don’t get you home before curfew. And what if he never lets me see you again that would be a terrible way to start a relationship…” shawn rambles. 

“Shawn, he would never do that over a broken curfew. Just give me a minute”. 

Y/N scans the room for anyone who could help the couple, and across the room she spots Eric, thankfully not on a date. 

“Okay I got this” Y/N says to Shawn to possibly help calm him. 

Y/N bassically sprints towards Eric, so hard in fact she runs right into him. “Woah there buttercup, whats going on” his tone goes from going to concerned quickly when he sees her face.

“Curfew is in thirty minutes and could you possibly...drive us” Y/N asks, nervous of his answer. 

Sure her family and his were close and even though Eric was the closest thing Y/N had to an older brother, that doesn’t mean he will say yes. 

With the most nonchalant attitude he says “Yeah of course let's go. I have a late anniversary present from my parents to yours anyways that I need to deliver”. 

Even though Shawn and Y/N no longer had to worry about her missing curfew there was an awkwardness in the car because Eric was giving Shawn the ole big brother talk, while she was in the vehicle. 

But to her astonishment Shawn was taking it like a champ, agreeing with practically everything Eric was saying. It was at this moment that Y/N really felt how much Shawn cared about her. I mean of course she knew it in her mind but it wasn't until now that she felt it deep inside her heart and it made her heart soar beyond words.

When they arrive at her house Shawn and Y/N race out of the car as fast as humanly possible. Rushing to the door Shawn checked his watch and it said 10:58pm. Ringing the doorbell there is no time for anything except a rushed “Goodbye” before she is ushered into the house. Before closing the door Y/N’s Dad laughs saying “See you tomorrow”.

When Y/N is in the comfort of her own room she shuts the door and slides down it, squealing with glee.  She realises that she is still wearing Shawn’s leather jacket so she brings the collar up and takes a deep breath of her Shawn and lets herself get lost in thought rewinding the night in her mind. Her hand placed over the locket that hung over where her actual heart was. *Tink* She hears not thinking much of it going back into her daydream. Then a knock against her window makes her jump. Looking over to the window she sees Shawn hanging from the large oak tree directly outside her window. Quickly she opens it then rushes back to her door and locks it, eliminating the possibility of anyone walking in unexpectedly. 

“Not that I mind but what are you doing back here” Y/N pushes her hair out of her face and behind her  ear. Shawn steps closer and puts his index finger on top of her locket “Well I remembered you never looked inside of the locket and I wanted to see your face when you did”. 

Shawn eased his finger up off of the pretty object and made eye contact with her waiting. 

 Wasting no time she did just that; and upon looking at the inside of the locket is on one side a picture of the two of them aged seven… the day they first met. And on the other a picture of her that she's never seen before, her face deep in concentration as she was reading a book. It was just a simple photo, she assumed he took it. 

Looking back up at Shawn she was so overwhelmed by emotion she said what was on her mind. “Is this how you see me” she asks and if voices could have textures hers would be a flower petal. “Yeah I do, I think you’re gorgeous Y/N and as I have said plenty of times before not only on the outside but your soul too. I don’t know why or how but our souls are meant for each other Y/N and I hope you feel the same way” Shawn says heart in his hands. 

“I do” she holds the eye contact with him as she awaits whatever he is going to say next. 

“Good cause I also forgot one more thing” he says wasting no time. 

Puts his hands on Y/N’s face leans in and closes the agonizing space between them. It takes no time for Y/N to move her lips with his, her hands placing atop of his and then moving them to his face she deepens the kiss and wishes she had done it sooner. It was a kiss filled with nine years of friendship, adoration, and something more than yearning. 

After what feels like not long enough they break apart for some air, foreheads resting against each other for support just as they did earlier that night. Words of true emotion slip from  Y/N’s mouth “I am in love with you Shawn Hunter”. He doesn’t even hesitate before replying with “I am in love with you,Y/N Y/L/N. And god I should have kissed you sooner. That was five years of torture.” She giggles before placing her lips back onto his, smiling in the process. This was right, she couldn’t explain why but she just knew. 

After many sweet kisses and hushed talking, Y/N looks at the clock, the time being a quarter past midnight. It was definitely way too late to let Shawn walk home to Turner’s apartment alone, and even though Shawn protested claiming that he can take care of himself; Y/N was not having it. 

“You aren’t leaving and that’s final. You can call Mr. Turner on my landline and tell him the truth. At least he will know you’re safe, besides it is not like this is your first time spending the night here.”

Shawn nodded deciding his response could wait until after his call. 

Shawn tells Turner what happened and that he is safe at your house for the night, the details of this impromptu little sleepover didn’t matter, at least Turner didn’t have to wait up any longer for the boy sat beside her. 

During Shawn’s phone call with Turner; Y/N went to the bathroom and grabbed some pajama pants for Shawn to sleep in.

When she returned there he was waiting silently for her, she handed him the Pj’s. Y/N went to the opposite side of the room in order to give him some privacy and turned away. 

“Done” he said to give her the okay to turn around, and when she did he looked so comfy she could have melted right through the carpet. 

There was a sting in the air, full of nervousness and uncharted territory. As they both knew they were going to sleep in the same room together, perhaps even the same bed. But neither of them would admit just how much they wanted to sleep next to the other, not in a sexual way either cause they both knew there was time for that later on in life. But in a ‘I just really want to hold you in my arms’ sort of way. 

“Just for the record this is different cause all of the other sleepovers we have had, had been in your living room on two seperate couches.” Shawn broke the silence first and Y/N’s face dropped, she hoped this didn't make him uncomfortable. But he spoke up again before she could continue the assumptions in her head “But different isn't always bad”. He reached for her hand resting on her lap and curled his fingers around her own. Instead of speaking Y/N just leaned forward and kissed him much like she had plenty of times during this night, but this kiss was different in the good way; it said ‘I trust you completely’ because she really did. 

 After getting under the covers the pair laid on the edge of each side of Y/N’s full size mattress, too scared to touch one another. As the awkward tension grew; Shawn knew neither of them could sleep like this so he scooched closer to Y/N putting a hand on her arm in the gentlest way possible as to be sure not to scare her and said “Can I hold you please”?

Y/N’s eyes twinkled with the reflection of the moonlight bouncing off some unknown source, “I was just about to ask you the same thing” soft whispers filled the air. 

Y/N tucked her head into Shawns chest as his arms wrapped around her arms and overlapped at her back. Their legs tangled together practically on their own, comfort between the two coming quickly. 

As Y/N’s breathing slowed and Shawn’s eyelids became heavier he said “Happy Sweet Sixteen, My girl”.

A smile woke its way onto her face before they fell asleep for the night.