(A/N: Hey guys! A little shaky about posting this fic simply because I've never written Shay or Ashley before, let alone the two of them together. Not to mention, it's been a REALLY long time since I've written any fiction at all. Not sure if I'm going to keep this as a One-Shot or turn it into a quick Two-Shot ... I guess I'll find out from the reviews! Hope you enjoy!)
7 AM. Sunrise was at its peak and I cursed under my breath as the rays shone through my hotel bedroom windows, past the sheer white curtains, and straight into my tightly squeezed shut eyelids. I only managed to sneak in 5 ½ hours of sleep considering shooting had wrapped close to midnight and with my agent calling me every 5 seconds, chances were, I wasn't sleeping any longer.
I threw the comforter off of me – displaying my frustration as it nearly came off the bed completely – put on my glasses, and grabbed my phone to return Thor's calls. Turns out, the main reason for reaching out so early was to ensure that I was awake for the events laid out for me today; all of which led to attending the Teen Choice Awards later. So, I dragged my feet into the room's kitchen determined to do nothing else but get coffee in my system. Which, thank God for five star suites and Keurig because the hot beverage was brewed, poured, and against my lips within mere minutes.
Yet, as quickly as I relaxed, I cringed, hearing my text tone fill the room with noise once again. Fighting every impulse to chuck the damn phone at the wall, I glanced at the screen:
"Rise and shine, love! Sleep isn't worth missing out on hair, nails, and makeup! Be sure you wear a cute dress for me ;)"
I couldn't help but laugh now. Shay constantly had glam and fashion ideas on her mind, even in the early hours of the morning. As a matter of fact, very rarely would you find her thinking anything less than positive, regardless of what time of day it was.
I adored her for it. She was my best friend, the main person I was looking forward to seeing tonight, and the only person who would keep me sane throughout the award show.
"I'll be thinking of you with every decision thrown my way :P"
Pressing send, I threw on a pair of shoes and met Isak downstairs for breakfast.
I stepped out of the limo onto the carpet and was immediately pulled into a familiar embrace.
"Ash! You look amazing!" Shay proclaimed, now holding me at arm's length with her hands on my slightly bare midsection, her eyes raking over my outfit, "Love the coral heels! Contrasting. Proper. Just the littlest bit of skin showing … Very me."
She smiled wide, eyes glistening, clearly proud that I kept her sense of style in mind.
"Yeah, your voice of reason just wouldn't shut up until I chose the right dress." I sarcastically chimed back.
"You love it." She boasted as she pinched my right side, grabbed my hand, spun around and pulled me towards the screams and cries of desperate photographers hungry for the perfect snapshot. "Now, pose with me so we can show everyone the two hottest, young, single women here tonight."
"And the Choice TV Show Drama is …" And without another word, our TV show's name popped up on the stage's screen, causing an uproar from the crowd. I was the first to stand up, watching as the rest of the cast followed suit; Shay the most shocked that we had won. Without thinking twice about it, I held out my hand and immediately felt confident enough to go up on stage as she reached out from her seat and secured her grasp in mine. We reached the microphone and she stood behind me, keeping contact as her hands lingered on my upper arms.
"Wow, thank you guys so much! You guys are amazing; we would not be here without you guys. This is so cool …" I drifted off, looking up at the taller tan girl whose face couldn't contain anything other than joy and happiness. No matter how many times Pretty Little Liars got recognized for its success, Shay never lost an ounce of gratitude for it.
She leaned towards the mic, her half-covered breast ghosting across my shoulder blade, sending an unexpected jolt through my body, "This is so awesome and we do have the best fans ever and we wouldn't be here without you guys."
"We love you guys. Thank you so much! This means a lot."
Keegan made a quick thank you speech and the departing music began to play. Shay grabbed my waist as we walked backstage and into the press room. We didn't stand next to each other then, but as soon as we reached outdoors, we were united once again. I posted an aftermath video to Instagram and then Shay insisted that I also post a picture of us on there – which I didn't protest.
"Buttahbenzo at its finest!" Her statement prompted my caption for the photo.
"What are your plans for tonight?" I asked her, "Want to grab a bite to eat and relax?"
She frowned slightly, "That sounds like a great idea, Ash, and I would love to. But, my friend Kristen is in town so, her, Michaela, and I are celebrating her last few days here in LA … Sorry."
"What're you apologizing for, silly? I completely understand." I reassuringly held the sides of her face, smiling and leaning in to peck both of her cheeks, "Enjoy the time off and I'll see you on set in a few days."
"I'll text you before then. We'll ride in together on Thursday."
"Sounds like a plan, darling." I agreed, emphasizing my term of endearment with our typical British accents.
"Oh, and, don't miss me too much." She teased, winking and giving me that sly smirk she does all too well.
"Because, you know, I miss you every second you're not with me, Shannon Ashley. I'm so glad you have me down to a science."
She burst into a fit of laughter and began to walk off, "I like to think I do, Ashley Victoria."
I gazed at her slim but fit body as she climbed into her limo, not bothering to fix the white suspender top that had now failed to cover her nipple. I couldn't stop the thoughts that flooded my mind. None of them could be deemed appropriate; she was basically my other half. Yet, the main question I had to ask myself was:
Did Shay Mitchell know me well enough to sense my increasing attraction to her?
Did she know that she drove me insane?