"Tell me about yourself."
Four little words.
Four very big, very impacting words.
What else is there to say but the truth?
How to make yourself sound better?
Sound vague.
Keep it short.
For Shawn, he always appreciated the opportunity to create this gigantic, amazing story.
One so wild and crazy it couldn't possibly be true.
He wanted to know more about Juliet.
She was 24. "5.2." Fiesty. Naivee. Knew mauy ti. Became a police detective because of her brother. Parents divorced (not married 20+ years like he previously surmised.) Had 3 cats. Doodled and chewed on pens when she was nervous. But what she knew of Shawn was mixed into truth and lies. Jokes and secrets.
In fact, no one really knew Shawn Spencer at all.
Excluding Gus.
But what we he say to her?
When it was a real question?
When they were on a date, and Juliet had to see every nook and cranny.
First dates never breached his barriers.
But he knew with the junior detective it would go so much further...
"So...Shawn...tell me about yourself," The perky blonde fiddled with a straw as she sat in front of him.
It was the same diner.
The diner where they met.
But they sat in a corner.
"Umm," his shoulder shifted, arms curling around his frame a little.
That brave mask wavered.
Juliet had never seen the man squirm.
He always seemed so care free.
So confident.
His posture now completely opposed that.
Who really was Shawn Spencer?
He exhaled.
She frowned.
"...I'm 28. I'm divorced, had a crazy sky diving experience for the wedding. She was Jewish, so the only way she would umm...is if we, were, married."
...oh.
He nodded, and continued, "I've traveled the world (which you know)...I...ran away from home when I was 16," the psychic struggled, "Wait, um, 15. My...mom...She..."
A life time of silence.
Sad soulful eyes flicked back up to her.
"She left. Her and my dad got divorced. That night it was...traumatic. I asked her not go..." a hand swiped over his mouth, voice wavering, "She did. My dad was...my dad. So...I left. I got caught. I left again. Rinse and repeat. Eventually the courts tried me a habitual run away. They forced hours of therapy and house arrest onto me. 16 I got into some trouble. Stealing cars, picking keys and wallets...I couldn't control myself."
She didn't say anything.
She knew he had to get his story out.
"My dad's...control, got worse. Our fights, got worse," Shawn slid back, "I...tried to kill myself. But I...I was a coward. Got hooked on weed, left the country, came back a few years clean. Spent that time with my mom in Europe." He cleared his throat.
Shawn wondered how much he would have to put on display.
When would she say "enough?"
When would she walk away?
When would those wide, young understanding eyes quite?
'Ask me my favourite color.'
'If I like to walk in the rain.'
Anything but this...
"Spent some time in juvie."
Now those eyes flickered.
"18 months. Next date material. So is...some things that a kid on his own quickly learns about how the world works..."
"How are you okay?"
Juliet finally spoke, "Not anyone can go through what you did. Let alone come out on the other side inscathed."
His eyes were vulnerable.
Hers were strong.
And very sure.
Sure of his strength.
"Well...thank you. Guess that was stupid...dumping that all on you on our third date."
He laughed nervously.
"Don't stop," she said, "Don't stop talking. I want to see you. Get to know the guy you hide from the world. His story sounds awesome."
Shawn smiled.
They stared.
After a few minutes he awkwardly cleared his throat, "So...Jules...tell me, about you..."
Fin.