#shaw ling

You knew very well that Shaw’s birthday was today, but still you wanted to tease him a little bit. Maybe just to get back at him a little bit for his usual rounds of teasing you. 

MC: Maybe you should remind me what today is, since it seems I don’t know

Shaw: Or, how about we meet up? 

Shaw: With my finals I’ve haven't had the time to entertain you 

MC: Oh today? I’m not sure if I have the time…

Shaw: You can’t be that busy can you? 

MC: Shaw it’s Monday! I have a job you know 

MC: Buuuuut 

MC: It is a bit slow today, perhaps I could take the day off. 

Shaw: Meet me at the park.  Don’t be late. 

MC: Hey!!! I should be telling YOU that!!!! 

Putting your phone back down on the table you quickly rose from your seat. You had preemptively taken the day off, preparing for today weeks ago. Today was not only his birthday, but also right after his final exams for school. Both events in your eyes were worthy of a celebration. 

First, you got yourself dressed and ready, putting on the carefully chosen ensemble, an outfit more in line with Shaw’s personal style than your own, but one you knew he’d appreciate seeing you in. 

You pulled out the large picnic basket from your closet, putting it down on the table while you opened your fridge door to grab the neatly packaged and wrapped food you’d spent the night before putting together. Once you finished your personal game of picnic basket tetris you carefully snuck in a picnic blanket on top. 

The last step was the gift wrapped box sitting on the other side of your dining table, the gift was wrapped with the shark wrapping paper you’d special ordered on a whim the week beforehand. You slipped the box into your bag, trying to keep it at least a little bit hidden from view. You slipped on your shoes as you held your bag in one arm and the picnic basket in the crook of your elbow. 

The bright blue sky was the first thing you noticed when you stepped outside. The warm new summer air swaying the newly bloomed flowers on your path. The summer breeze was just warm enough that you felt a bead of sweat appear on your brow as you walked to the park you had arranged to meet at. 

Since the weather was so warm for the first time in what seemed like forever it looked like everyone in the city was outside today. Families walked into ice cream shops, groups of friends wandered into stores and restaurants. Couples holding hands walking down the sidewalk hand in hand. 

The park wasn’t any less busy, it took several rounds walking along the park to find the perfect spot to get yourself set up, after walking the perimeter for a while you found a good spot you could get yourself situated. 

Your phone rang just as you finished pulling out the last items from your picnic basket. Once the items were set down you reached out and quickly answered your phone without even really checking the caller ID. 

“Hello?”

“I’m almost there, where are you?” Shaw asked on the other end. 

“I’m sitting under one of the trees, just walk around I’ll wave when I see you” 

Shaw sighed on the other end. “You can’t just find me?” 

“Nope! You have to find me. I’m not moving.” Shaw dramatically sighed. “Just come find me. Trust me it’ll be worth it.” 

“Alright,” Shaw said. “I’ll find you, I can see the park now. Be ready.” He hung up the phone just a moment after that. 

Your eyes swept around the park looking for him. You looked for that familiar lavender hair or that patented leather jacket he seemed so very fond of. Still, it was hard to see through all the crowds of people, the way they crowded up the paths and sidewalks and made it even harder to see anyone specific. 

Once you saw that lavender hair sticking out of the crowd your hand was raised in the air, waving wildly to try and grab his attention, and as some of the people thinned out you could clearly see Shaw walking down the sidewalk, his eyes also looking around the park to try and find you. 

After waving your hands for a few more moments, Shaw's eyes met yours, a spark of recognition crossing his face, and then, his facial expression slowly changing as he noticed where you were sitting, and the assortment of food that you had put around yourself. All for him. 

He stopped just a few steps away from you, you could tell that he was trying to hide his exact facial expression. Trying to hide it with his classic cool and unbothered face, but his eyes didn't lie, and the way they seemed to be sparkling. 

"What's this?" Shaw asked as he looked down at the set up. You smiled and motioned to the blanket you had spread out on the ground. 

"Happy birthday Shaw." You said, his eyes looked like they were glowing. His pupils wide as he took it all in. His mouth was slightly open, like he couldn't quite believe what it was that he was seeing in front of him. "What are you doing just standing there! Come on, sit down." 

After a half a moment of him staring he sat down on the other end of the blanket. He still wasn't saying much, almost uncharacteristically quiet. 

"What do you think? I tried to make some things I know you like. It's no hotpot but I couldn't quite figure out how we could do hotpot in the park, but since the weather is so nice I figured that a picnic would be nice!" 

Shaw looked at you, and in the moment that he was staring at you it was like an instant change. He cleared his throat and let his usual cool and collected expression return to his face, looking cool, calm, and collected like he had been expecting this the whole entire time. 

“It doesn’t look too bad.” He finally said. You smiled at him, a comment like that from Shaw was quite the compliment. “You did all this?”

You nodded. “Yeah I made all this last night and this morning.” You handed him a can of coke and a can of pepsi, his two favorites. “Consider this a double celebration, we’re celebrating your birthday and you finishing your finals.” Shaw looked up and down at the picnic food on the blanket and you sitting on the other end of the blanket. 

Shaw’s usual smirk reappeared on his face as he popped the tab open on the can of coke, taking a long sip. “I suppose I can admit you made an okay show of pretending to forget today.” 

“I would never forget!” You said, “I’ve had the date written down on my calendar ever since I found out when your birthday was.” 

Shaw’s face was unreadable, he hid his expression by sipping on his soda. Trying to keep his face away from you, as if by looking at you it would reveal something he wasn’t ready for you to see yet. 

Maybe you would have asked if he was okay, or try to say something to make him face you again. But before you could do anything about that thought your attention was broken by the raindrops that fell right on top of your head. 

The rain started to fall faster, dark rain clouds overtaking the whole no-longer blue sky. You looked up at the sky, as the raindrops started falling faster and harder. Within seconds it was pouring down rain on the once warm soil. 

It seemed to take Shaw a bit longer to notice the rain that was soaking his hair and clothes. Once he noticed his eyes went upwards to look up at the now darkened sky. 

Although he didn't say it, and neither did you, you had a very good feeling that you knew what had caused this sudden rainstorm. 

Looking around the park, the once happy families and couples were packing up their things, running for shelter or to their cars, no one seemingly prepared for any kind of sudden rain. Even you, who should have prepared for this possibility, hadn't even considered the idea that it could rain. Especially with the person you were with. 

"Shit, the food!" You quickly tried to repackage and rewrap the food you'd brought, trying to keep it from getting wetter and ruined. 

"It's just a little rain" Shaw said looking up at the sky, he must have known the rain's origin. There's no way that he couldn't have known what caused this. 

“I would say it’s a little more than a little rain!” You tried to shove them back into the basket. "Also I don't want all this food getting wet and soggy." You pushed back some of your wet hair as the raindrops ran down your face and neck. 

Quickly you put all the food back into the basket, and motioned for Shaw to stand up, the blanket below you was already soaked, and the mud started to stick to the other side. You bit your lip and you tried to fold it up the best you could. 

“Did you bring an umbrella?” You asked him, Shaw shook his head. 

“Didn’t think it would rain.” You glared at him. “What?”

“You don’t just keep one on you in case of sudden rain? That seems to happen a lot around you.” You hugged yourself to try and keep warm as the rain soaked your clothes. 

“I didn’t think I’d need it.” Shaw said. “Besides, it’s June.” You resisted the urge to remind him that not only does it rain in June but the time of year doesn’t seem to matter when you have an Evolver who makes it rain whenever he’s in a good mood. 

Trying to hide from the rain under the tree you held the picnic basket close. “How about we go back to my place, we can eat there.” Shaw picked up your other bag, the one with his present hidden in it, biting your tongue you tried not to make clear that you didn’t want him seeing the contents just yet. But he didn’t try to look. 

“Here.” Shaw shedded his jacket and handed it over to you. You took the jacket, wrapping it around your shoulders, the arms a little too long and the jacket not quite fitting, but it was comfortable, and you could feel the lingering warmth from his body heat on it. 

“I’ll follow your lead.” Shaw said casually, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

Looking out to the rest of the now deserted park you mentally mapped the quickest way home, the two of you would be soaked, no doubt, but at least you could get back. 

Together you took off into the rain, trying to walk beneath any kind of cover you both could find on the way back. You held Shaw’s jacket close, as you did the scent of peppermint and light cologne was easy to pick up, an almost comforting smell. 

Throwing open the door to your apartment building you both breathed a sigh of relief when you were out of the rain, so filled with relief it took a few moments to realize something wasn’t right. 

“Someone turned off the lights.” You commented looking at the dark lobby. Shaw punched the up button on the elevator, to no avail. No elevator sounds, no lighting up on the button. 

“The power’s out.” He said, pushing wet hair out of his eyes. “Probably the heavy rain.” 

You withheld the groan growing in your throat. “Seriously?” You tried the elevator button 

yourself, with no better result. 

Shaw didn't seem nearly as bothered as you did, or at least he pretended like he wasn't bothered. He looked to the door leading to the stairs up. 

"Come on. I won’t carry you up the stairs." Shaw said, pushing open the door. 

You followed up, slowly trudging up the long stairwell, your socks squelching uncomfortably in your shoes. Your hair dripping with the rain, Shaw's jacket being the only thing giving you the smallest bit of comfort at the moment. 

The two of you eventually made it up to your floor, and down your hallway to your door. You couldn't waste any time with sticking in your key and getting through the door. 

Your apartment was dark, just like the lobby, no lights on, not even the stove or oven. The apartment was completely dark beyond the small amount of light coming in through the window, and completely silent without the hum of the fridge or your computer. 

You set the picnic basket down on the table, rushing to the bathroom to grab towels. Grabbing the biggest towels you had in your cupboard. Tossing one to Shaw and using your own to dry your face and hair first. 

"I'm gonna change clothes." You told him. Then looked him up and down. “I’d offer you some of mine but I’m not sure they’ll fit.”  You racked your brain, there must be something you could offer him. “I could ask my neighbor, he’s a little shorter than you but maybe-” 

Shaw shook his head. “Don’t worry about it.” 

“But-”

“I’m not that wet.” Shaw said as he dried off his hair, the lavender strands still damp when he pulled the towel away. Shaw looked you up and down, that mischievous look reappearing in his gaze “You on the other hand-” He said with that tone that could have suggested anything. 

“Shaw!” You said as your cheeks flushed red. His smirk intensified at your flustered face, and you did your best to reel it in. After all that was the reaction he was hoping for. You huffed and pulled out a set of clean clothes from your closet. 

You left him in the living room while you changed clothes, drying your hair further in the darkness of the bathroom. You probably should have predicted a result like this, but it was too late to go back now. 

In dry clothes and sufficiently put back together you ventured back into the living room. Shaw stood with his shirt in his hands as he set it on your clothes drying rack in the corner of your apartment. 

Although his back was turned to you, you quickly averted your gaze from him as the flush returned to your face. You kept your eyes on the ground as you put away your other damp clothes to be washed and dried once the power was back.

“Oi.” Shaw said, You kept yourself from looking directly at him. “Why are you staring at the floor like that? Did you break your neck putting on a shirt?” Your face turned an even brighter red color as he spoke. 

“I-” You turned your head away. “I’m just thinking.” You tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. Maybe so he wouldn’t try and pull an even more embarrassed reaction out of you. 

Shaw’s slit brow raised up, his classic playful expression returning in full force. “What could you possibly be thinking about?” He said, walking towards you. Still feeling too flustered to look at him, you grabbed the throw blanket from the couch and tossed it at him. 

“You’re probably cold right? There’s no heating right now so you must be freezing.” Your words came out faster and maybe a little more jumped than you’d typically like. Watching him out of the corner of your eye he unfolded the blanket and placed it over his bare shoulders, relieving a little bit of your embarrassment. 

The picnic basket still left on the table caught your eyes once you felt calm again. The basket was still a bit wet, raindrops clinging to the top and sides of the basket. The bag with Shaw’s present is also just as damp. Glancing from the picnic basket to the blanket around Shaw’s shoulders, an idea formed in your head. 

“What’s going on in your head?” Shaw asked, poking your arm playfully. 

You smiled and looked at him. “The rain ruined my original plan but, I think I know what we can do to still celebrate.” You picked up one of the other throw blankets on the couch, and unfolded it and spread it on the living room floor. 

Shaw caught onto your plan pretty quickly, you handed him the picnic basket and pointed to the blanket. “You get this all set up, I’m going to go and find some candles so we can have a little bit of light.” 

You arranged your candles and flashlights around the blanket so there was at least some light overlooking your picnic food, even if some of the items had become slightly soggy from the rain. 

“Nice atmosphere.” Shaw joked. 

You rolled your eyes at him. “We can always eat in the dark.” 

“Nah.” Shaw said as he took a bite of the sandwich you’d made. “The dark is for other things.” He gave you a suggestive look as he said that, making your face turn red again. 

“Don’t be gross!” 

Shaw’s suggestive smirk only intensified. “I saw how embarrassed you were when you came out here. I know what I look like. You can-”

“Shaw stop it!” You said louder, trying to hide your flustered expression in the shadows left by the candles and flashlights. “I don’t care if it’s your birthday, I will make you go back out in the rain.” 

Shaw’s expression changed, but you still saw that mischievous spark, although that was just a regular feature of Shaw’s face. “You sure do get embarrassed easily.” He said as he took another bite. You ignored his comment, not interested in humoring his dirty mind further. 

“I’m surprised you didn’t have other plans today.” You said, looking up at Shaw. “I figured you’d go to Live House or hang out with the band.” 

Shaw shrugged. “Birthdays aren’t that big of a deal.” He said, sipping on the new can of cola you’d gotten him. “Besides, I knew you had something planned.” 

“Wait, how did you know?” 

“You’re not very good at surprises.” Shaw set the can of cola down as he picked at the side dishes. “I will give you one thing though, I wasn’t expecting this.” 

A smile broke across your face. “Do you like it?” 

Shaw looked back up at you. “It’s alright, you didn’t do too bad.” 

“Well,” you sat up straighter and leaned for the closed bakery box you’d set next to the picnic basket. “I still have a few surprises left in me.” You set the bakery box between you. Shaw’s expression changed as you opened up the top. Revealing the birthday cake you’d gotten for him. A simple cake frosted in blue with a dorky looking shark frosted onto the top, Happy Birthday Shaw! Written in black frosting below it. 

Shaw’s face shifted through a variety of emotions in a few seconds, at first confusion, surprise, and then he started laughing. Covering his mouth as he laughed. 

“What is that?” Shaw said between laughter. “It looks so childish.” 

You huffed, “It’s what the bakery had! And I figured you wouldn’t want a boring cake!”

Shaw managed to get his laughter under control as he looked at the cake again. “Let’s hope it tastes good for your sake.” He said, handing him a fork you both dug into the cake, not even bothering to slice it. 

The cake was sweet, and thankfully unaffected by the rainstorm, the cake flavor was fairly basic but the sweetness was enough to make it good. Shaw also seemed pleased with the flavor, taking bite after bite of the cake without complaint. 

Once the two of you had pretty much eaten the entire frosted shark you both considered that more than enough cake for the two of you. Now, it was time for your final surprise. 

Shaw was still focused on the cake when you pulled out the two gift wrapped packages, holding them out for him. 

“Your final surprise of the day, I promise.” 

Shaw took the two boxes, setting one down and unwrapping the other. You watched him intently as he ripped away the wrapping paper. 

A slight surprised noise came from Shaw as he looked at his gift. “A children’s fossil dig kit?” He held the box in his hands, the front showing two children digging in the play sand for plastic fossils. He gave you a bizarre look. 

“I thought it’d be fun! Little field work practice.” 

“It’s for children.” Shaw said. “Do I look like a child?” 

You reached for the toy. “If you don’t want it I’ll just return it then-”

Shaw pulled the box away. “Nuh uh, you don’t get to take a gift back. This is mine.” Shaw set the box down beside him, out of your grasp. You settled back where you sat, even if he wouldn’t say it, you knew he did like the gift. He picked up the second item, much smaller than the first, barely bigger than a stack of envelopes. 

Tearing the wrapping paper away, once again he seemed a bit confused by the gift in his hands. A stack of notecards, hole punched and held together by a binder ring. Each one with slightly different writing on it. 

“This is?” Shaw asked you, giving you a look. 

“It’s a coupon book, for my time and for favors. If you want to drag me along to a concert or an antique fair, you can use those, and I can’t say no.” 

“And I can use these for any kind of favor?” 

You nodded. “Yep! Anything at all.” 

Shaw looked back at the coupon book and then at you. A particular look in his eye. As he looked at you, you watched as the blanket that had been around his shoulders started to fall. 

Opening the binder ring he handed you one of the notecard coupons. “I’m using one right now, my first request.” Shaw scooted closer to you, so close you could feel the body heat radiating from his bare torso. “I want you to spend every one of my birthdays with me.” 

“Every single one?”

Shaw nodded. “Every single one.” Your eyes were locked together, your wide eyes against his slightly troublesome gaze. Still you weren’t worried about what was going on in his head. Beyond that troublesome gaze, there was also the softness in his face, the way he looked perfectly calm, and perfectly happy. “I think I have another idea for a coupon to use right now.” 

Smiling gently at him, you reached out to hold his hand, not breaking eye contact for a second. 

“I think I’ll let this one be a freebie.” 

Shaw leaned closer, until your foreheads were practically pressed together. 

“Perfect.” He whispered, closing the small gap between you. His soft lips pressed against yours he pulled away just a centimeter after one long kiss.

“This sucks.” You whispered to yourself. Throwing yourself down on your bed after work you pressed your face into your bedspread. The conversation from earlier was still echoing in your head. 

You’d spent the rest of the day trying to think of who you could possibly ask to do this with you. Going through a mental list of every person you knew, and their likeliness of them saying yes. 

At first you’d thought about asking Kiro, the two of you got along well and you’d think he’d go for the chance to spend a couple days with you. Except, he was also an international pop star and not only would Savin never allow it, but you didn’t really want to be harassed by an army of jealous Kiro fans online. 

You then thought of Lucien, he’d always been kind enough to help you with programs in the past, but he was so busy you can’t imagine you’d be able to pull him away from his work to do this show. You also couldn’t really imagine his personality type on this time of program.

For a brief moment during a phone call earlier in the day you’d thought about asking Victor, however that idea was scrapped almost as soon as you thought of it. Victor was too high-profile for a show like this, on top of that he would never agree to pretend to date you for it. You’d have better luck getting a dead body to come on the show with you. 

There was always Gavin but. Gavin was complicated. 

On the other side of the bed your phone rang, breaking your train of thought. After a moment of groaning you pulled yourself up and propped yourself up on your elbows. “Hello?” You said, trying not to let the frustration in your mind seep into your words.  

“What’s with that tone? Not happy to hear from me?” You held back another groan. 

“No I’m just not in a great mood.” You started. On Shaw’s end you thought you could hear the sound of his skateboard on the pavement. “Are you calling me while skating right now?” 

Shaw made a “humph” sound. “So what if I am? I’m smart enough not to hurt myself.” You still were convinced it was safe but you knew better than trying to argue with Shaw. That energy would be better spent on arguing with him on something important. 

“Just be careful.” You said. “So, what do you need?” 

“Why are you assuming I need something?” Shaw asked. 

“Shaw you pretty much only call me to trick me into buying you dinner or to drag me along on whatever chaos you’ve decided on for that day.” You explained. Rolling onto your back you stared up at the ceiling. 

From Shaw’s end it sounded like he had gotten off his board. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you that the way to man’s heart is through his stomach?” 

“Who ever said I was trying to get into your heart?” 

“Just food for thought.” Shaw said. “Anyways, I’m on my way to yours right now. I’m in the mood for hotpot.” 

You sat up, gasping at this boy’s audacity. “You are just trying to get me to buy you food!” 

“I never said I wasn’t. I’ll be there in five, be ready for me.” The line went dead before you could shout at him. Finally allowing yourself to groan loudly you dragged yourself out of bed to at least put on a jacket and grab your keys and wallet. 

Leaning against the wall of your apartment building you saw Shaw’s silhouette against the sunset. As expected he was racing down the sidewalk on his skateboard, when you met his eyes his lips pulled into his typical smirk. 

“Waiting for me outside? Are you really that excited to see me?” Shaw said once he was close enough to be heard. You rolled your eyes and shook your head. 

“No! I just got ready quickly so I figured I’d get some fresh air!” You huffed. Despite your pout, Shaw’s smirk remained. “You said you wanted hotpot? There’s that place down the street. Let’s go there.” Shaw shrugged and held his board under his arm. 

You sat across from Shaw. Between you the broth was boiling as Shaw added in the first hotpot ingredients. You propped your head up on your hand, like most evenings the post-work exhaustion had hit and you could already feel yourself fading and your eyes slipping closed. . 

“Hey!” Shaw snapped his fingers in front of your face. “Stop daydreaming. Don’t waste your time with me like that.” You blinked a few times and looked back up to face him. 

You sat up straighter to try and break out of your train of thought. “Sorry. What were you saying?” 

Shaw squinted at you. “What’s with you today? You’re acting dumber than usual.” You almost wanted to throw some sarcastic comment back at him. Instead you just ended up sighing, 

“Work stuff. Doesn’t matter.” You said leaning forward to look at the hotpot Shaw was checking on. 

You needed this show to happen, you’d worked so hard to get it set up and figured out. You couldn’t let it fall apart because of this. Still, you needed someone, and you were running out of time. At this point you were about to call Minor and beg him to come with you. 

After watching the pot for a long while your eyes fluttered up to look at Shaw. He was so focused on the food that he didn’t even seem to notice you looking at him. Watching him toss some more veggies into the pot your mind seemed to pause for a moment. A strange thought going through your mind. 

“Hey Shaw.” You started. 

“What?”

“I need to ask you something, and I need you to hear me out.” You said. Shaw looked back up at you now. “So there’s this show my company is filming next week.” You started 

Shaw furrowed his brow. “What does this have to do with me?” You shot him a glare. 

“I said hear me out!” You exclaimed. “It's a challenge based game show. A bunch of couples are going to have to undergo challenges to see how strong either relationship really is.” Shaw was staring at you, like he was waiting for you to get to the point. “Last second we had one of the couples drop out and so I need-” 

Shaw rolled his eyes. “I’m not going to go on your show.” He said. “Besides, you said this is for couples. I’m not dating anyone.” 

You leaned forward. “I wasn’t finished.” Shaw went back to stirring the hotpot shaking his head. “I would try and find a real couple, but filming starts on Monday and it’s already Friday night. I already offered to go on the show, I just need someone to pretend to be my boyfriend.” Shaw kept eyeing you. 

“So you want me to be your fake boyfriend?” You nodded. “Why me?” He asked. “Why not ask your beloved Officer Gavin or something. You know he'd say yes in a heartbeat” Shaw explained dropping more vegetables into the pot. You anxiously rubbed your hands together. 

“I know he would. But-” You started. Staring at the bubbling pot as you bit your bottom lip. “I care about Gavin. A lot, he’s a kind and wonderful guy but…” Shaw raised an eyebrow. “I don’t want him to get the wrong idea. I just see him as a friend and I don’t want him to get confused.” You said, glancing up you looked back at Shaw’s face. 

You sat in silence as the hotpot cooked. You waited for Shaw to say something, look at you, anything. After a while you shook your head. “I shouldn’t have asked, forget it.” Shaw looked back up to you. 

“Hey I never said I wouldn’t do it.” Shaw said. 

“You weren’t saying anything!” 

“I was thinking.” Shaw said and leaned back in his seat. “What’s in this for me?” 

You were almost prepared for this. You sat up straighter in your seat, Shaw could be a hard sell, but he actually might be a perfect choice. His personality would add a lot of flavor to the show. 

“First of all, it’s all expenses paid. Food, boarding, all of it, plus all the cast members do get compensated.” Shaw still didn’t seem convinced, he was almost worse than Victor, at least with Victor you could usually tell right away when he hated your proposals. “You’d get to be on TV of course-” Also no reaction, but the more you talked the more you wanted to convince him. “You’ll get to mess with me the whole time, and I’ll owe you big time.” 

Shaw was still silent, as he dipped strips of meat into the broth to cook. “The show sounds kinda dumb.” 

Balling your hands into fists you bit back the urge to get angry. “If you don’t want to do it you can just say no.” Ignoring you, Shaw pulled out his phone, you couldn’t see the screen but as he turned it towards him you thought you saw a text message flash across the screen. 

A smirk pulled across Shaw’s lips. “Well today's your lucky day.” Shaw set his phone aside as your brow raised. “Sounds like Adam ate shit and sprained his wrist. Our performance this weekend is cancelled.” 

“Is he okay?”

“He’ll live.” Shaw said. “Guess I could do this silly little show of yours.”

“You’ll do it?” 

“Well I don’t have any other plans so why not, Jensen’s already elected to cancel the show.” Shaw said. You wanted to jump out and cheer. The show was going to go on, you had a replacement now. This was going to be okay, everything was going to be okay. 

From the other side of the table Shaw was watching you, his eyebrow raised in confusion by your excitement. You didn’t even care that he was judging you with this gaze, you were far too happy to try and defend yourself. 

With a subtle shake of his head, Shaw dropped the noodles into the pot, glancing back up at you he tried to hide the smirk on his face. 

This was bound to be interesting. 

--------------------------

You’d told Shaw you’d pick him up in the morning to take him to the filming location. Sitting in your car you waited for him to show up, you were more than familiar with his history of being late but of all days today was the one day you absolutely didn’t want him to be. 

Tapping your fingers against the steering wheel you considered calling him. Telling him to get a move on, you couldn’t be late. Especially since you’re supposed to be on the show too. 

Biting your nails you tried to think of when he could come out. Your eye on the clock you tried to think of how long it would take to get there, you couldn’t be late to your own show. Staring at the clock you didn’t even notice the movement in the corner of your eye. 

“Oi!” You turned towards the passenger side window. Shaw was tapping his finger against the window leaning down so his face was level with yours in the car. You gave him a look.

“What?” You shouted so he could hear you. Shaw rolled his eyes, he made a show of 

trying to open the car door to no avail. Your face turned beet red and you unlocked the door for him. Shaw plopped himself down in the passenger seat. Tossing a backpack into the backseat. 

“Sorry. I didn’t realize it was locked.” You said. 

“Do you usually keep it unlocked?” Shaw asked with a glare in your direction.  

“No!” You insisted while you rolled your eyes. 

“You shouldn’t, only an idiot would keep their doors unlocked for any stranger to get in.” Shaw said, pulling the seat belt over his chest. You wanted to try and get back at him, say something,but instead you just rolled your eyes. 

Shaw turned up the radio, he flipped through radio stations until he seemed to settle on something he liked. You kept mostly silent, conversations with Shaw usually came fairly naturally. He didn’t usually seem to have any issues when it came to finding something to talk about. 

“We should probably have a story right?” Shaw said about ten minutes into the drive. His voice threw you off for a moment, your gaze turning back to him. 

“Story?”

“For the show?” Shaw asked like it was supposed to be obvious. 

“Oh!” You said, your cheeks burned a bit. Of course he’s thinking about the show right now. “You’re right we probably should. They’re going to ask us how we met.” You focused on the road, but shot a few quick glances at Shaw. “So, what should our story be?” 

Shaw thought for a second, “We met on a bus. It’s not a lie.” 

“That’s not a good story though.” You said. “It needs to be more interesting than that!” Shaw rolled his eyes. You fell into silence again as you tried to think of a story. Something believable but also interesting enough for the show. 

“Maybe…” You said. “We met at a show at Live House. I went to blow off steam after work, you were there because you’re always there.” Shaw looked like he wanted to interject but you stopped him. “We met at the show and started talking, and that’s how we got together.”

Shaw tapped his fingers against the car door in rhythm with the music. “Seems believable enough.” 

Together you ran over the details a few more times, making sure you both were clear on the story you would tell the cameras. Once you were both sure and rehearsed the car fell back into silence. You focused on the road while Shaw hummed along to the music on the radio. You knew his voice was good, you’d heard him perform in his band more than once. Still the warm tones of his voice drew you in. You were nearly forcing yourself to breathe silently so you could hear him better. You didn’t dare interrupt him, and he continued for the rest of the trip. 

Once you’d pulled into the set you sat in the car for a moment. The closer you had gotten to set the more a knot started to grow in your stomach. You’d produced dozens of shows by this point but there was something different about actually being in the show this time. Knowing you’d have to be on camera made you feel much more nervous. Chewing on the inside of your lip you stared off into the distance, your gaze not fixating on anything in particular. Maybe offering to go on the show was a bad idea, maybe you should have just tried to find someone else to do this show. It’s too late though, you can’t back out now. You already dragged Shaw all the way here and into your mess. 

In the passenger seat Shaw stopped his humming, you hadn’t even noticed until his voice was cutting into your thoughts. 

“Weren’t you saying we were late shouldn’t we-” Shaw started. You tried to take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Shaw started to talk again, “Hey.” He said, his voice a little softer than his usual tone, you felt his warm hand rest on your shoulder. “Breathe. In for four seconds.” You didn’t have time to question him and followed his instructions. Closing your eyes you took a deep breath in. “Hold it.” He said after the four seconds were finished, you held your breath and kept your eyes closed. After about seven more seconds the grip on your shoulder loosened. “Exhale for eight.” Nodding you followed his instruction and exhaled. 

When you finished Shaw’s hand on your shoulder tightened again. “Do it again.” He said, nodding you took the breath in for four and held it for seven, then another long breath out. You did this five more times. Until the tension in your shoulders released and you could think clearly again. 

After a little while longer you let out a sigh. Shaw’s hand left your shoulder. You looked over at Shaw in the passenger seat. 

“Thank you. I’m sorry for that.” You said. Beside you Shaw shrugged. 

“Just remember to breathe and you’ll be fine.” Shaw said. 

Pulling the key out of the ignition you took another deep breath. “How did you know how to do that?” You asked him. 

Shaw reached into the backseat to grab his backpack. “It’s just a simple breathing exercise. It’s not rocket science.” Shaw looked out the window. 

Taking in the set one more time from a distance you unlocked the doors. You and Shaw both shut the car doors. Standing next to you, Shaw elbowed you. “Are we waiting for something?” 

After shaking your head you walked together into a set where production assistants rushed around to set things up. You recognized a few of the other couples from casting a few weeks ago. As you walked onto set, some people seemed to recognize you, waving at you when they saw you. You waved back greeting people as you passed. 

Shaw mostly kept quiet as you greeted everyone, you noticed the way people would look at him. Even if he wasn’t speaking much there was still something striking about him. Maybe it was the lavender colored hair he swore was natural, or the little slits in one of his eyebrows. Or maybe it was that presence that Shaw had. A presence that demanded attention, something about him that just drew people towards him. At least to look at him. 

Eventually the two of you settled into standing in a circle with some of the couples who were going to be on the show. All chattering excitedly with each other. 

“I wonder what kinds of challenges they’re going to have us do.” One person asked. The others talked amongst themselves. You already knew what challenges were set up for the show. However you also didn’t want to let them in on the challenges. You held your tongue so not to say anything. 

“Maybe it’ll be like the newlywed game?” Another person suggested. 

“That seems a little generic.” A third person said. Shaw eyed you out of the corner of his eye. He obviously knew that you knew what the challenges would look like, still you didn’t say a word. 

They discussed some of the other possible challenges. Some of their ideas were close to the truth or quite far off, still you kept quiet. You noticed that Shaw wasn’t throwing his own thoughts into the conversation. Right now, he almost seemed content to just listen right now. 

Eventually the conversation shifted to how all the couples had met, around the circle of people couples started to tell their stories. Some met at work, one couple were high school sweethearts, another couple had met on a dating app, eventually every couple had told their story until it was just You and Shaw left. 

The woman next to you turned towards you. “How about you two? You’ve been awfully quiet.” You looked at Shaw, who was smirking at you. You cleared your throat and rubbed the back of your neck. 

“We met at a concert.” You said. “I went to see this local band I was a big fan of and-” 

“I’m the bassist of the band.” Shaw interjected, you glared at him. He was actually going to alter the story? Right now? You attempted not to let your shock shine through, but the way Shaw was smirking he clearly recognized your surprise. “They had gotten themself into the front row. They kept staring at me the entire time I was on stage.” Shaw explained. 

You pressed your lips together then continued the story after Shaw took a pause. “To be fair he kept staring at me too. He was constantly trying to get my attention.” Shaw’s trademarked smile didn’t falter. “Then, after the show he kept trying to get me to come backstage to talk to him.” You continued. You opened your mouth to try and say more but Shaw stopped you. 

“Well babe it didn’t take much to get you to agree.” Shaw said leaning closer towards you. You tried not to let the newfound flush in your face show. “We went backstage and they just kept talking about how much they loved the band and how well I performed.” You held yourself back from hitting him. He was really determined to make you sound ridiculous. 

“I am a pretty big fan so of course I was pretty excited to get to talk to him.” You explained. “We talked for a few hours and by the end of the night he was practically begging to come home with me.” This time, Shaw’s smile tightened. If he was going to make you sound ridiculous, you were going to make him sound just as silly. “I didn’t want to rush things so I gave him my number instead.” 

Shaw put his arm around your shoulder pulling you close to him. He’s really trying to sell this act. “I of course accepted their number, but they just kept texting me ya’know.” 

“So were you babe.” You shot back. “We were talking constantly, and he constantly asked me out to dinner for weeks.” 

“Well I managed to wear you down eventually.” Shaw pulled you close again. “The rest is history.” Shaw finished. The circle seemed to be invested in your story. You hoped it sounded realistic enough to them, and based on their expressions. It must have been. 

The woman who originally asked you grinned. “That’s such a cute story! And you both look so good together” She said. You thanked her. The red in your face was getting worse. As you stood here you became almost painfully aware of Shaw’s arm around your waist. 

The group continued on their stories and conversations. You jumped in from time to time but didn’t still try to give away more details about you and Shaw’s fake relationship. The original story was already starting to fall apart, so you didn’t want to big yourself a hole so deep the two of you can’t explain your way out of it. 

Behind you one of the production assistants shouted towards the group to get everyone’s attention. “Alright! We’re going to start shooting here pretty soon. Make yourselves pretty, eat something whatever you need to do!” Everyone nodded and gave a thumbs up to the production assistants. The couples started to peel away from the circle to get themselves ready. 

“Aren’t you going to get ready?” Shaw asked.

“I am ready.” You said. Shaw looked you up and down twice. You crossed your arms over your chest. “I got ready before I got here. What about you?”

“What about me?” Shaw said, his smile turning more into a smirk. “I’ve never looked better.” You wanted to throw something at him, but instead you just took a long, stressed breath. Shaw’s arm dropped from your waist and leaned against the wall. Shaw shoved his hands into his jacket’s pockets. 

You left Shaw on his own for a little while while you talked with the production team. They gave you their estimated itinerary and a general run down on how things have been going so far production wise. While you talked with them you noticed Shaw out of the corner of your eye, still watching you. His gaze never leaving your direction.

The director gathered everyone into a circle to explain the plan for the day. The shoot would take place over two days, with the cast and crew staying in a hotel not far from the shooting location. 

“Alright.” The director started. “Here’s the game plan everyone. The first thing we’ll be 

doing are  introductory interviews. We’ll ask you a few questions about your histories and relationship. After that they’ll get started on the first challenge, any questions?” The whole cast glanced back and forth at one another.

The director answered a few questions but kept it brief. As he finished up, members of the production team started pulling couples aside for their interviews. 

You and Shaw were called up second to last for your first interview.

“You’re fidgeting.” Shaw said as you got into your places. You curled your hands into little fists so they would stop playing with your clothes. You avoided showing your annoyance at him. After all, you were supposed to be acting as a couple. 

The director sat up straight in his chair. “Alright you two are you ready?” You nodded, making one last check to make sure your hair looked alright. Beside you Shaw removed his hands from his pockets. He seemed rather casual about this, unlike yourself. 

“We’re ready.” Shaw said. You took one last long breath before trying to put on your best on camera expression. Shaw on the other hand, looked completely unbothered as the crew finished setting up the audio and lights. 

You watched as the director called for silence on the set. You tried to fight your shaking hands, your stage fright worse than you expected. 

Shaw seemed to notice your anxiety, beside you, you heard him click his tongue. You were about to say something when Shaw took your shaking hand in his. Holding it tight. From the corner of your eye you tried to get a glimpse at Shaw’s expression. His face was the same slightly amused but fairly serious expression as always. 

“Action!” The director called. You put a smile on for the camera and squeezed Shaw’s hand still holding yours. 

“So-” The show’s host began. “Tell us about yourselves.” 

The introductory interview went as well as it could have. You repeated the same story you’d decided on while you were on the way there. Shaw spoke with a confidence that surprised you. It reminded you of the way he looks when he performs on stage. Confident and self assured, maybe a little bit cocky, but mostly charismatic. 

On the other hand you weren’t so confident in your performance. Multiple times you had to stop yourself from stuttering or getting panicked. Still, you managed to get through it. And once the director said you were finished you sighed deeply in relief. Once the director said cut. Shaw let go of your hand to shove it back into his jacket pocket, and while it took a while to notice, you felt a bit empty without him. 

The rest of the day was just filming the show, doing games and challenges. Interspersed with more short interviews. Time seemed to move quickly, you hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed until the sun had started to go down and you realized how your body was aching. Throughout the final challenge you were fighting to keep yourself standing despite your aching legs and headache blooming behind your eyes. 

When the director called for the end of the night you really realized just how heavy your body was. Beside you Shaw seemed fine, near the end of the night he did seem to be moving a bit slower but he didn’t seem as tired, or as drained as you were. 

You dragged yourself back to the car, the thought of a warm dinner and comfortable bed propelling you forward. Shaw beside you didn’t seem to be struggling nearly as much.  

“Why are you walking so slow?” Shaw asked, raising an eyebrow at you. 

You frowned. “I’m tired. I’ve been on my feet all day.” Shaw’s expression didn’t change. You stopped in front of your car and sighed, your eyes were starting to feel heavy and your body felt like you could collapse at any moment. 

Going through your bag you tried to find your keys. Shaw watched you with his typical somewhat judgemental gaze. Once you felt the keyring between your fingers you pulled the keys from your bag with a short sigh of relief. 

But before you could unlock the car doors Shaw plucked the keys from your hand. You shot him a glare. 

“Hey!” You started. 

“You look like a dead man walking.” Shaw said. “You’ll kill us both.” Shaw slid into the driver seat. You opened and shut your mouth again, and after a moment of disbelief you sighed and got into the passenger’s seat. 

“Do you need directions to the hotel?” You asked while you settled into your seat. Shaw turned the car on, pulling it into reverse. 

“I’m hungry, let’s get food first.” Shaw said, turning to watch behind him as he backed out. 

“The company is covering room service for everyone. We can just eat at the hotel.” You explained. 

“Nah.” Shaw said. “I want to go somewhere else.” 

“Do you know the area at all?” 

“Nope.” The car pulled out of the parking spot, Shaw turned back to sit against the seat of the car. You wanted to argue with him, but you were too tired and knew better than arguing with him when you could hardly think straight. 

You let your eyes slip closed while he drove. Shaw turned the radio on, but kept the volume low for you to rest. With your cheek pressed against the cool car window, your eyes opened from time to time to check on your surroundings. 

Sneaking a glance at Shaw he was completely focused on the road. His face was blank and concentrated. You decided to trust him that he knew what he was doing, and that he wasn’t going to be crashing your car.  

You were roused from your dozing when you felt the car stop. Opening your eyes, the car was stopped in front of a small takeout restaurant, a few people lingering in front. 

Shaw glanced over at you. “Awake now?” He jeered. 

“What is this place?” You asked as you looked back at the small building hardly larger than a food truck. 

“It’s food.” Shaw said. 

“Do you know if it’s any good?” 

Shaw sighed loudly. “So many questions.” Pressing your lips together into a fine line you fought back the urge to argue with him. “Come on.” Shaw got out of the car and shut the door behind me. After taking a moment to collect yourself you got out and followed Shaw towards the building. 

Once you’d gotten your food you both sat down at a picnic table a little ways away from the restaurant. You both dug into your food with no delay, after a long day of filming it seemed the two of you were both hungrier than you’d let on. 

You watched Shaw while you ate. Something in you couldn’t help it, being around Shaw you always felt somewhat disoriented. You could rarely figure out what he was thinking, or even how he was really feeling. He always knew what to say to push your buttons, to make your face red and want to shout. Still, you found yourself spending more and more time with him, even if just to watch him. Seeing the small changes in his expressions, or the glint he got in his eye when he seemed amused or excited about something. How despite his facial expression you could always tell there was thoughts and emotions hidden under the surface that he would likely never share with you or anyone for that matter. 

“Why are you staring at me?” Shaw asked, you blinked and cleared your throat. You hadn’t realized how long you were looking at him. 

You looked down at the table and ignored the flush in your cheeks. “Sorry, I was just a little lost in thought.” You pushed some of the food around and took a few small bites. Now Shaw watched you while you tried to focus on your meal in front of you. You wondered what could possibly be going through his mind as he eyed you. The slightest bit of amusement in his eyes, his lips turned up in his signature teasing smile. 

“Shaw, can I ask you something?” You asked. Shaw raised a slit eyebrow. “Why did you agree to do this show with me? I know it’s not something you’d normally be interested in.” 

His smile shifted into a more neutral expression as he spoke. “I thought it could be entertaining.” Shaw said. “Besides, I didn’t have anything else to do so why not.” 

“Because your gig was cancelled?” You asked. 

Shaw didn’t meet your eyes, running a hand through his hair to push it from his eyes. “Yeah.” Although his answer was short, you had a feeling that it wasn’t the whole truth. That there as something else there. The issue was if you should push it or not. 

“Can I ask you another question?” 

Shaw looked you in the eyes, like he was trying to read your intentions. “What?” 

“Why do you like being around me?” You asked. Shaw’s expression was still like stone. “You’re always messing with me, making fun of me, making me run around in circles. Why?” 

He seemed to pick his answer carefully. He kept his expression guarded, yet you had a strange feeling looking at him. “It’s simple. You’re entertaining to watch.” Shaw said. 

“That’s it? I’m like a TV show for you?” You said, despite the simplicity of his answer you felt almost a little, disappointed? His answer was simple, yet somehow you hoped he’d say more. 

Shaw seemed to pick up on your disappointment. “Why do you look so upset? It makes you look uglier.” 

Trying to keep yourself calm you held your breath. You didn’t want to lose your temper with him and yet you could feel the dam starting to crack. “I’m really just entertainment for you? Or someone to buy you hotpot when you’re hungry?” 

Shaw smirked. “I like when you buy me cola too.” 

“That’s not the point!” You insisted. “Am I someone important to you?” 

The smirk on Shaw’s face fell, replaced with a slight frown. “Does it matter?” 

“Is it wrong for me to want to know what you think of me?” 

“It doesn’t matter. My opinion of you is meaningless.” Shaw said and took another bite. You pressed your lips together, again an odd feeling of disappointment took over again. Still you couldn’t quite determine why you felt that way. 

You stared down at the table. “Well.” You started. “For the record. You’re someone important to me.” You said. 

Shaw was quiet, you couldn’t quite bring yourself to look up at him. To see what his expression was. You rubbed your hands together, remembering the warmth of Shaw’s hand when he held yours during the first interview. 

The silence lasted for quite a while. Your eyes stared focused on the table, avoiding Shaw’s eyes. Your heart felt like a jackhammer in your chest and no matter what you couldn’t seem to get it to slow down. 

“I’m important to you?” Shaw said, his voice just hardly above a whisper. There was a quality in his voice, something that sounded almost vulnerable. Something that you’d never heard from him before. 

Still, you kept your head down. “You are.” You spoke in a matching quiet tone. “You’re someone I care about. I don’t always understand you, but I want to.” You kept your clammy hands clasped together tightly, and your head bowed. Your appetite left as you sat there with the tension to thick you could cut through it. 

After gathering your courage your eyes lifted to see Shaw’s face. He wasn’t looking at you, his eyes seemed focused somewhere else. His face was devoid of emotion, yet in his eyes you could catch some of that vulnerability. 

“Shaw?” You asked. He didn’t answer you, staring into the middle distance. Your gaze fell to Shaw's hand, resting on the table. Watching him you remembered how warm his hand had been when he held it. How it seemed to calm you when you felt overwhelmed. 

Moving slowly you took Shaw’s hand in yours. Shaw’s eyes broke from their trance to look at your hand. You tried to figure out what he was thinking, as you watched him the vulnerability in his eyes switched to what looked like panic, then a moment later. His expression closed off again into his usual neutral expression. 

“You like holding my hand huh?” Shaw said, his voice also returning to its usual teasing tone. You glared at him then let the tension in your shoulder relax. 

“If you don't like it you can tell me.” You snapped back. 

Shaw’s lips curled into his classic smirk. “It’s not the worst.” He pushed the last bites of his food to the side with his other hand. “But your hand is all sweaty.”

You ‘humphed’ and tried to pull your hand away, but as you tried Shaw’s hand tightened around yours keeping you there. Once you realized that he didn’t want to let go of your hand you stopped pulling away. Letting his hand hold yours. Still, you did try and avoid his gaze. Something about the way his eyes seemed to pierce you managed to make your heart nearly stop. 

“Are you done?” Shaw asked after some more time. 

“Huh?” You looked back at him. 

“With your food?” He said as if it was obvious. The tips of your ears turned red as you realized. 

“Oh.” You looked down at the table. “Yeah I’m done.” Shaw’s hand left yours as he gathered up the trash from the table to throw it away. After you watched him for a while you got up from the table too. Your heart was still racing in your chest, though it wasn’t nearly as bad as before. 

Shaw didn’t seem to mention or regard the moment that had just occurred. He threw away the trash and the two of you walked back to the car. You walked a bit behind him, your hand feeling cold without his. Clutching your hands together you tried to replicate that warmth, mostly to no avail.

This time you took the wheel to drive back to the hotel. Shaw leaned against the passenger seat and fiddled with the radio. You kept driving despite your heavy eyes, you could already imagine crawling under the bed covers to get some sleep. 

------------------------

An unfortunate part of having Shaw be your fake date was needing to share a hotel room. You’d managed to quickly switch room types so there’d be two beds still. Sharing with him was far from ideal. 

The feeling of crawling into bed was almost euphoric. The cool sheets and heavy comforter practically forced your eyes shut. You hardly cared for your surroundings as Shaw flipped through television channels. As you laid there you listened to his movements, constantly aware of his place in the room. 

Being there your mind kept wandering back to that table where you ate dinner. The way you felt sitting there, with your hands clammy and heart racing. How strangely disappointed you’d felt when Shaw didn’t tell you what he was thinking. Then the vulnerability he showed for just that short moment. Why did he make you feel that way. Why did you care so much?

However, you fell asleep, before you could find your answer. 

------------------------

When you woke up in the morning, your body was still heavy with sleep. At the sound of the alarm you and Shaw had both dragged yourselves out of bed to get ready for the second day of the film shoot. 

The drive to the set consisted mostly of the two of you desperately downing cups of coffee to prepare for the day, hoping that maybe with enough coffee your leftover exhaustion would dissipate. With not much success unfortunately. 

The second day of filing was much longer than the first day, and with the preparation from the day before everyone seemed to be moving much faster than it had the day before. By the time the two of you were on set, production assistants were moving everyone around to prepare for the first part of the day. 

Even with the long shoot day time seemed to move quickly. The challenges moved quickly and you could barely process the passage of time until you were nearly the end of the day.

Before you knew it you were wrapping up and doing the final interviews. You stood in the same place you had the day before for the introductory interviews. Still with Shaw standing by your side and getting into the right position. 

Yesterday you’d felt panicked doing that first interview. Today, your exhaustion seemed to override your anxiety and stage fright. As they prepared the cameras to shoot your hand felt cold again. Just like it had many times over the past two days. 

“You two ready?” The director asked. Your head snapped up to acknowledge the director’s question. 

“I’m ready.” Shaw said. 

“Me too.” You said, clearing your throat. The director nodded then began the final interview. You answered the question and tried to ignore the voice in your head that told you to take Shaw’s hand again. As much as you wanted to, you clasped your hands together, desperate to ignore that voice that seemed to only get louder. 

The shoot ended as the sun was going down. The last few rays of light still peaked over the horizon as the crew packed everything up and said their goodbyes. 

The final remnants of daylight faded on the drive home. Your eyes kept falling shut but you forced them open as you drove the car. In the passenger seat Shaw stared out the window. He must have been feeling tired as well because he wasn’t talking as much as he usually would. 

“Thank you.” You said as you stopped to drop Shaw off. “Thank you, again. For doing the show, I know it probably wasn’t your ideal way to spend your weekend but I hope maybe it was a little fun?” 

“It was fine.” Shaw said. “It was pretty entertaining to watch you try so hard.” 

“Well I wanted to give it a fair shot!” You explained. “But you did pretty good. I was really impressed.” 

Shaw smirked. “I put effort into all the things I do. Even dumb things like that show.” 

“Don’t you skip class like, constantly?” 

“Sure but I still have top grades and an academic scholarship.” Shaw said. “Work smarter not harder.” 

“Regardless.” You said to change the topic. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done without you, and I owe you. Big time.” 

Shaw reached into the backseat to grab his bag. Sliding out of the passenger side door he leaned down to meet your eyes through the window. His gaze held that usual teasing tone of his, but this time something about that look was making your heart race. 

“Well, I’ll keep in touch. Gotta get that big favor from you.” Shaw teased. 

“Goodnight Shaw.” You said, fighting past your racing heart. 

“Goodnight babe.” Shaw said. Your heart felt like it could break your ribs with how hard it beat, your cheeks and tips of your ears turning bright pink as he laughed and turned to walk away. Leaving you alone in your flustered state. 

You drove away, your face bright red. 

“That brat.” You hissed under your breath. 

------------------------

You got a short day to rest after the shoot before returning to work. After that you went back to the office to get through the work that had started to pile up while you were preoccupied with the couple’s program. You had new proposals to write, other ones to flesh out and rework at the risk of another lecture and possible rejection from Victor. 

The next week or so went past with little word from Shaw. You’d texted back and forth a few times. Mostly you giving him updates on the editing for the program, or him sending you some slightly teasing and maybe a little insulting jabs. Nothing out of the ordinary for the two of you. 

Yet, with every message you reacted differently to how you would have before. A month ago, those messages would have annoyed you. Make you a bit frustrated before moving on with your day. Maybe trying to think of ways to tease him back for what he’s said. 

Now though, it wasn’t like that. Every notification from him made your heart jump into your throat, every tease made you feel more flustered, the jabs even hurt at times. In a way they hadn’t before. When you responded you wanted to make him laugh, or maybe even say something nice. 

You wanted him to like you. 

The one thing you couldn’t figure out was when these feelings had started to change. When you started to care so much, when he started to mean so much to you. Had the change happened while you were filming the show? Maybe it was when you sat at that table eating dinner together, or maybe when he held your hand during that first interview. 

Maybe you realized it subconsciously even before the shoot. Maybe you started to realize how you felt when you first asked him to be on the show. Even if you couldn’t quite place when you fell, it started to weigh heavier and heavier on your mind. 

Fridays were the hardest day of the week in your opinion. Somehow they managed to be even more difficult than Mondays. You could see the weekend in sight and yet it was still so far away. The exhaustion of the week was starting to weigh on your shoulders. You’d already planned on spending most of your weekend resting and recovering. You had takeout menus set out and some television to catch up on. 

Staring at the clock you watched the later hours of the afternoon tick by. The piles of proposals and unread emails felt like they were staring you in the face. 

Your text chime threw you from your thoughts. Your eyes turned away from the brightness of your computer monitor. Pushing your desk chair away from your desk you leaned back and checked your phone. 

Shaw: Oi. Are you working late tonight? 

MC: I better not be.

Shaw: Good, come to the Live House tonight

You stared at the screen. Your tired eyes and end of the week exhaustion told you that you should just go home and sleep. Then, there was the other part of you, the part that felt excited about getting to see Shaw, and getting to spend time with him again. Even if he just ended up teasing you all night. 

MC: I’ll go but I don’t know how long I can stay 

Shaw: I’ll tell you when you can go home

Shaw: Meet me at 7. Isolated is performing tonight

MC: I’ll see you there. 

There was just barely enough time for you to change clothes at home before you had to head out towards the Live House. You put on some more casual clothes, better suited for going out to a rock club rather than an office. 

The evening air was cool against your skin. A light breeze blowing and rustling the tree branches. You walked down the sidewalk, passing others on their way to their Friday plans as you walked towards yours. 

It didn’t take long to get into Live House. You got there early enough that a line hadn’t quite formed yet. Inside, loud rock music played over the speakers, you watched staff setting up amps and microphones for Isolated’s later performance. A sizable crowd of people was already starting to grow. With patrons first flocking towards the bar to start drinking before the show starts. 

You pushed through the growing crowd of people to get to the bar. After managing to squeeze into the front of the bar you quickly tried to flag down a bartender. 

You ordered your drink quickly to try and get out from the group flocking towards the bar. Your fingers tapped against the wood anxiously until the bartender slid your drink across the bar. Once the cup was in your hand you got out of the crowd quickly circling in on the bar.

Checking the time you leaned against the wall, there was still a few minutes before the performance started. You watched as people wandered around the venue, groups of people chatting together, others dancing along to the music playing over the speakers. 

Sipping your drink you pulled out your phone. You’d hoped that maybe Shaw had texted you, even just to see if you had actually decided to come. After checking your messages and finding nothing, and after a long sip of your drink you sent Shaw a quick message. 

MC: I’m at Live House, break a leg out there!

Nursing your drink you kept checking your phone for a response. Still as the time got closer to the show time you started to doubt that he would respond before he went on stage. Finishing your drink you shoved your phone back into your bag. 

You pushed yourself through the thickening crowd near the front of the stage, and with some careful pushing and squeezing you finally managed to get into the front. 

The moment Shaw was on stage your eyes were locked onto him. At first he didn’t notice you, getting himself positioned for the performance to start. It wasn’t until his bass was in his hands that his eyes swept across the venue, his eyes finally stopping when he saw you. His lips curled up into a smile, and as your eyes met his you smiled back, raising your hand to give him the smallest of waves. His expression shifted to a look you hadn’t quite seen before, he looked happy but also like was trying to hide it. 

At the front of the stage Jensen introduced the band, the roar of the crowd breaking you from your trance. Your eyes quickly took in the rest of the stage, within a few moments of introducing the band they started the first song.  

You nodded your head along with the music. This wasn’t the first time you’d heard this song, still your heart raced like it was the first time. You watched the band as they performed, Jensen singing the lyrics with a passion and intensity you could only get from a live performance. 

While you did watch the band your eyes kept falling on Shaw as he played. Watching him perform was like nothing else. It was almost like he was a different person when he was up on stage with his bass. His guarded smirks melted away, his defenses seemed to come down, although he wasn’t really smiling up on stage he looked happier than you had almost ever seen him. Your eyes couldn’t move away from him, focused on his expression and the carefree way he moved and harmonized with Jensen’s voice. 

You could hear your pulse in your ears, unable to keep yourself from moving to the music but your eyes never moving away from Shaw, watching him perform the world seemed to disappear around you, leaving only him in your vision. 

Time had completely escaped you until the band was finishing their final song in the set. The crowd cheered loudly around you as they finished their final song. 

Shaw, upon strumming his final note lifted his gaze to meet yours once again. His carefree expression looking straight at your excited and starry eyed face. He shot you a signature grin for a moment before his gaze was turned away to focus back on the band, although your eyes never left him until he left the stage. 

Twenty minutes after Isolated finished their set, you noticed Adam and Jensen approaching the bar. Waving to you once they noticed you standing there. 

“Hey! I thought I saw you in the crowd.” Jensen said, stopping when he was standing beside you.

“I was in the front.” You said. “You all did a great job out there.” 

“Thanks, I think the crowd had a good energy tonight” Adam said. 

A memory of what Shaw had said a few weeks ago flashed through your mind. “Oh Adam how’s your wrist? Is it better?” 

Adam looked at you confused. “My wrist?”

“Yeah?” Your brows furrowed. “Shaw told me you sprained your wrist, which is why you had to cancel the show the other week.”

Jensen and Adam exchanged a look. “We didn’t cancel the performance. Shaw did.” 

You blinked in surprise. “What do you mean?” 

“He texted us a few days before the performance and said he couldn’t come. Something else came up I guess? He wouldn’t tell us. It was really weird though, even for him.” Jensen said. 

You stood in surprise for a moment or two, taking in what they had just told you. 

“Shaw’s a strange guy. It’s water under the bridge now, it’s not like we’ve haven’t had to cancel performances last minute before.” Adam shrugged. You nodded with them, although your mind still stuck on what they had said. 

Once they’d gotten their drinks Adam and Jensen slipped into the rest of the crowd away from the bar. Leaving you alone again for a few moments. 

Shaw had made up the story about Adam being hurt. All so he could be on the show with you? Even though he’d pretended not to care? You thought of the way your cheeks burned when he sent you texts, or how sad you felt when he let go of your hand, or how you couldn’t take your eyes off of him during the show. How somehow he’d managed to take over your mind. 

Your mind replayed that scene at the hotpot restaurant when you’d asked him over and over. The way you wanted to convince him to agree so badly. Had that all really been for the sake of the show? You could have found someone else, you could have convinced Minor, or bit the bullet and asked Gavin. But you didn’t, you wanted him. 

“There ya are.” Shaw said sliding in to stand beside you. You slid a glass over to him to a raised brow from Shaw. 

“I ordered you a drink. Rum and mixed cola, your favorite.” Shaw picked up the glass, taking a small sip. “You did a really good job tonight, as always.” You said. 

Shaw set the glass down on the bar. “I saw you watching me the whole show.”

“You always tell me to watch you, that I should only look at you on stage.” You reminded him. 

Shaw’s smile grew. “That’s right. I’m the most important person for you to look at.” His smile made your heart speed up again, just like it had so many times recently. 

After watching him take a few more sips you cleared your throat. “Shaw, can I ask you something? And you have to be honest.” He didn’t answer as he sipped his drink, but his expression gave you the go ahead. “Why did you agree to do the show with me?”

Shaw’s expression hardened. “Did you forget? Adam-”

“I know Adam didn’t sprain his wrist.” You interjected. “I asked him, he told me that he didn't.” Shaw was for once, seemingly silent although you could see the millions of thoughts going through his mind when you looked in his eyes. 

You waited for Shaw to speak, but he still didn’t seem to know what exactly to say. The normally smooth and quick witted Shaw was still. So you continued. “I like you Shaw, and I think it’s more than a friend type of like.” You made sure your words were spoken carefully. “And, I think.” You took a deep breath in and out. “I think you may like me too. In a more than a friend way.” 

Your heart was a lump in your throat, your hands a shaking mess as you spoke. You couldn’t even force yourself to look in Shaw’s eyes, afraid of what you’d see. 

After some time you felt the familiar feeling of Shaw’s warm hand holding yours. Your gaze shifted just enough to stare at his hand, now tightly holding to you so your hand could stop shaking.

Building up your courage you forced yourself to look up at Shaw’s face. His amber eyes were staring right into your soul, his eyes showed emotion you rarely see in him. The vulnerability was back, this time, looking at you directly. 

“Shaw?” You whispered. You knew he couldn’t hear you over the music, you couldn’t hear yourself over your racing heart. 

Shaw was saying something. Quietly, so you couldn’t hear him over the music. HIs lips moved to say words you couldn't determine. You leaned forward hoping to catch what he was saying but still couldn’t hear him. 

“Shaw I can’t hear-” Shaw cut you off, pulling you close to him, his lips hoving just beside your ear. 

“You’re important to me.” He whispered. “And I do like you.” 

Your cheeks burning, you turned your head to look in his eyes to determine his honesty. But what you found there was the same vulnerability, the same honesty, the softness you only saw in the most fleeting of moments. 

The next moments happened without a single thought. You moved your head to kiss him, one hand holding his, the other on the back of his neck. Your heart beat faster than it ever had, but now instead of anxiety, it raced out of joy. Shaw’s other hand came up to hold your face to keep you there. Wanting to kiss you again and again. 

Grinning as you put your arms around Shaw’s neck. and in your euphoria, you could hardly hear the voices of the group approaching the bar, loudly complaining about the sudden rain that had started seemingly out of nowhere, and their prediction that it wasn’t going to lighten up anytime soon.