One Up 7

A/N: Second to last chapter and it's movie time.

Sandy had gotten home a bit later than she had expected with Chrissy in tow to find Shadow and Carol sitting on the couch with the lights off and the tv on.

"Go get changed, it's movie night," Shadow said, swallowing as Sandy dropped a kiss on his cheek as Chrissy plopped down beside Carol.

"What we watchin'?" she asked, immediately grinning as the title card came up. Sandy came back a few minutes later, leaning against Shadow's side.

"You know," Shadow started. "I've never seen The Bodyguard."

"You've never seen The Bodyguard?" All three women asked.

"Honestly, considerin' yer job, it ain't that hard to believe." Sandy joked, nudging him and grabbing a handful of popcorn as the movie started.

"I swear Bobby Brown ruined Whitney's life," Chrissy said.

"Fuck Bobby Brown lives," Sandy replied, tossing another handful in her mouth. "I'd marry Whitney if I could."

"You say that every time, think of your boyfriend," Carol said, snickering as Shadow's attention was glued to the screen.

Shadow groaned, watching Whitney and Kevin argue. "They're both foolish. You don't just say that especially after—"

"Was it like that fer y'all?" Carol asked, grinning as they both blushed.

"No," Sandy quickly answered. "We actually jus' fought a lot."

"Complete opposite," Shadow agreed. "She attacked me first."

"I did not, you were smotherin' me so I got some space."

"Sure, by kicking me into trash cans," he said, chuckling as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Wow, you get famous and your sister tries to kill you. Why haven't I seen this sooner?"

As the credits rolled, Carol yawned and stretched, checking the kitchen clock. "Well, we're gonna head to bed. Rehearsal's tomorrow anyway. Plus, guess you'll be meetin' the rest of the family by then too." She said to Shadow, patting his arm before following Chrissy upstairs.

"So, how'd I do?" Shadow asked, getting up and taking the bowl to the kitchen.

"I'da preferred more hand-holdin' but you did fine for a fake boyfriend," Sandy answered smiling.

"What happened to no PDA?"

"Doesn't mean you don't have to touch me. I know we haven't had time to lay it on thick, but at least there's the rehearsal." She said, shrugging. "'Sides it ain't like this is real."

Shadow turned to look at her, almost thrown off at how her mouth was turned down in a frown at the fact. "I can see why you would do all of this," he said, walking towards her. "You just wanted Carol to be happy. . .even if it took a small lie."

"And draggin' my best friend into it," Sandy scoffed. "After this is over," she paused, suddenly at a loss for words. Some part of her didn't want this to be over, well she wanted them to date for real and had no idea where it was coming from. "Sherry."

"Who?"

"Bridesmaid that kept askin' 'bout you. I got a bit upset at somethin' she said n Chrissy had to step in." Maybe it was then or way before that she realized she actually saw Shadow as more than a friend.

"I meant what I said earlier." He said, clearing his throat. "You did look nice."

Enough for him to set it as his lock screen. She always looked nice, Shadow just. . .never told her. Which was a mistake on his part and something Static will never let him live down. But the week was almost over and then they'd be back to being just friends.

"Shadow," Sandy started. "Bout the rules I think we can—"

"What rules?" Aunt May asked, walking into the kitchen. "I don't see a game board."

Sandy sighed, rubbing her temples. "Nothin' you need to worry about," she snapped. "I'm headed to bed."

She headed upstairs, taking them two at a time until she reached her old room. This was silly, it was just Aunt May. Then again, it was Aunt May aka the very bane of Sandy's existence with her unnecessary commentary on her life choices. Sandy really hoped the rehearsal wouldn't take long.

"Aunt Sandy!" a girl yelled, running towards her, the basket of flowers she had dragging behind her.

"Aiko," Sandy gasped, holding her arms out and wrapping her in a hug.

The girl smiled, pushing her glasses up as she looked at Shadow. "Is this your boyfriend?"

"Yup. Shadow, this is one of my nieces n Randy's youngest." She said, touching Shadow's arm.

"I'm the flower girl," she proudly declared, holding the basket up as proof.

Shadow nodded, saying, "That's great, I'm sure you'll do fine." He ruffled her hair as he kneeled in front of her.

"Mm, okay, I like him," Aiko said, running off as the rehearsal started and everyone got into place.

Rehearsal went by smoothly, and one more day out of the dress, the better Sandy felt. Then again, the wedding was tomorrow and her whole family would see her in it. It couldn't be that bad anyway, she only had to wear it for a few hours and then most likely leave it in her closet.

She looked over at Shadow as he grabbed her hand. "I swear if another one of your family members asks me if I'm going to marry you," he groused. "I'm leaving."

She chuckled, leaning against him. "Shoulda expected it. After all, we have been "dating" for five years."

Shadow rolled his eyes, briefly squeezing her hand before wandering off to grab something to drink. He needed a distraction. He answered his phone as it rang, Static's voice nearly startling him at how loud it was.

"What's wrong now?" Shadow asked, standing by the refreshments.

"One, you have to tell Sandy the truth. Two, oh I dunno, your dog ran away!" Static replied, cars passing by in the background. "He opened the door and left. What kind of Houndoom knows how to do that?"

Shadow rubbed the back of his neck. "I taught him how, but just check my house. Also, I don't have to tell her anything." He answered, moving out of the wedding room to the hall.

Static sighed. "It's been seven years. Ever since you guys met, you've had this stupid crush on her. Well, maybe after she almost kicked your ass, but still. This is the perfect time."

Shadow groaned. "Before her cousin's wedding," he started. "Maybe later and when we aren't fake dating."

"Well, she can only hold out for so long and—there you are, Rune, get over here." He soon hung up, leaving Shadow to listen to the dial tone before hanging up himself. He could only hope she felt the same way.