Disclaimer: I own nothing…
Me: *gives a sheepish smile* Hey guys! Terribly sorry about the long hiatus but I had an accident a while back which made it impossible for me to continue writing. Anyway! I hope you guys can understand! *And maybe lower the bazookas…*
Shawn: It's true! One of you guys got her right in the eye in one of your shots and she lost control of her bike!
Gus: Shawn, that never happened.
Shawn: But it could have! Don't you see? First they shoot innocent pineapples and who knows! Maybe they'll start shooting smoothies or heaven forbid! Pineapple upside-down cake!
Gus: There is also the fact of her health?
Shawn: Yeah, that too.
Me: In other news, I won second place in the congressional art competition! Right now, my painting is going to be displayed at the office of Congressman Steve Rothman here in New Jersey for a whole year! I'm so exited!
Me: And thanks to maniacgirl007 I managed to fix this chapter! Thanks again my friend! Hope you like it!
While the two men watched as Gus followed his distressed friend, Henry fell onto the nearest chair clutching his head over his hands in shame. Agony and distress was clearly shown on his face as he realized what he had just done. After a few minutes of silence, Paul approached the older man and sat beside him.
"When we found out that Penny was the next victim, Shawn almost lost it completely." At this, Henry's head shot up. He appraised the young man, expecting to see hatred and disdain towards him, but instead seeing his eyes gentle and far too kind. Paul wasn't looking at Henry but instead had a distant look as he started remembering that fateful day.
"But when the chief and I tried to talk him out of the case, his eyes showed so much determination and fire, that we knew we couldn't stop him even if we tried…"
"Spencer, I'm sorry but I can't allow you to-"Harry started saying but was interrupted by a livid looking Shawn.
"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Shawn stated as he tried to keep his eyes from drawing tears. Paul approached his partner carefully as if he were a cornered animal.
"Sir, just listen to the chief. You are too close to this case now. You migh-"
"No! Don't you see! This is exactly what he wants you to do. He knows I'm getting closer to catching him. That's why he's trying to get to me through Penny!" Shawn explained roughly as his mind wonder back to his fiancé but he quickly snapped out of it and returned to the conversation.
"No one was able to make heads or tails from all his previous murders until I came along. So if you want to have the slightest chance of catching this monster, you better keep me on the case or else I'll just keep investigating on my own!" Seeing they wouldn't be able to make him step down from the case and as they acknowledge their need of his help Harry saw no other choice.
"Very well Shawn. You'll stay on the case. Just please be careful." Harry sighed in defeat as he let a glimpse of worry to slip through his face. Shawn's face softens at this and squared his shoulders.
"Oh don't worry about me Harry. If there is one thing you learn from my family…" While saying this, Shawn edges closer to the desk and leaned threatening,
"… is that you never mess with a Spencer."
"Shawn may not realize it but he was glad to be on the force. He was proud to be following in your footsteps." Paul said as he finished his tale. He then stood up and placed a comforting hand on Henry's shoulder as he stared right into his eyes.
"Your son is a good man Mr. Spencer. He is the best detective that our station ever had and he will always be my partner and mentor." As he said this Paul walked back to the desk Shawn had arranged for him. Once again, he appraised the older man and saw his eyes showing understanding as he heard about his son and how he acted in a time when many men would've caved. Paul knew Henry was a good man. But he just needs the right push.
"Now I don't mean to sound like I know what's going on between you two but at least give him a chance to explain himself." At this Henry raised his head towards the young detective and seeing his gentle eyes steeled themselves.
"I think you own him that much." Henry knew now what he had to do. He stood up and started walking towards the door but as his hand hovered on the doorknob, he turned his head slightly towards Paul.
"Detective..." Hearing this, Paul turned to see him.
"Thank you..." Henry said with a slight nod which Paul answered with one of his own. As Henry bolted down the streets hoping to find his son, inside the office Paul gave the fleeting man a slight smile, praying that his boss would be ok.
As Henry ran pass every place he could think of, he couldn't find his wayward son. With the sun continued to drop, his heart felt heavier with remorse. He needed to find his son and make things right. He couldn't loose him. Not again.
But as he's walking, he remembers a place were he always used to find Shawn when he need it to calm himself. He began running towards his house, praying he was right.
As he neared his house, he saw a lone figure sitting on the old beach bench that was right across from it. The figure sat at the edge of the bench and had one hand holding the bench as the other hung hazard at his side. His head faced the now blackened sky while his eyes were closed.
"Shawn..." Henry thinks as a breath of relief passes through him. Shawn always loved that bench. Ever since his grandfather played with him there one day Shawn always found peace there.
As Henry sat on what little space remained, Shawn just kept ignoring him and remains silent. Henry decides to break the silence.
"You know, I'm still mad that you didn't tell me about you becoming a detective..." He states gruffly but as he feels Shawn stiffen his voice became gentler.
"But…" As he says this, he rests his hand on one of Shawn's knees and squeezed comforting.
"I'm willing to listen if you're up for it..." At this, Shawn raised his head and looked at his dad to see if he was being serious. He was surprised to see sincere remorse in his face and gave him a small smile as he began to tell his story. He told Henry how he got to be a detective, how he was hired, how he came to be one of the best detectives in the NYPD. How he came to meet his Penny. How he fell in love with her and how she took his breath away each time he saw her. Not to mention, the day he proposed to her…
As a female entered the dimly lit apartment, she left her bag and sketch pad at the entrance as she make her way to the kitchen. When she crossed the hall, she was surprised to see her boyfriend placing a variety of take-out cartons at the table. When he heard her come in, he raised his head towards her and as always, she took his breath away.
"Hi Penny!" Shawn exclaimed happily at his girlfriend. Penny got an amused face seeing how easily he could retain boundless amount of energy even this late at night. While Shawn started to stand up, he gently pulled her for a light kiss.
"Hi sweetie! What are you doing up so late?" She asked gently but a little concerned that he waited for her instead of getting some rest. At this point, she realized something and broke away their embrace as she crossed her arms.
"What did you do?" She asked with a serious tone, examining the kitchen for any signs of fire or chaos. Shawn looked affronted by this and raised his hands in the air.
"What? Can't a boyfriend stay up late to make a fantastic extra special dinner for his lovely girlfriend?" He exclaimed as he showed her the dinner table. Hearing this, she suppressed the smile trying to come to the surface and remained serious.
"Well, considering said boyfriend can't exactly make a waffle without burning up the apartment, I believe I'm entitled to suspicion." She said as a matter of fact. Shawn stopped for a second and lowered his head in defeat.
"Ok. In my defense, who knew that you had to take of the plastic before putting the waffle it in the microwave?" He exclaimed, remembering how the microwave had caught on fire by his miscalculation. He suddenly smiled and began to pull out her chair.
"But, I see your point. So as to avoid a visit to the emergency room and me gaining brownie points in this relationship today I go us some extra special…! Take out!" He announced happily as he saw her give into her smile.
"Oh really? And what makes it so special?" She asked, curious as to what her boyfriend might be up to.
"Nuhuh, if I told you, it would ruin the surprise!" Shawn said as he wiggled his finger. As they ate, they started talking about their day. Penny started talking about the museum exhibit she was working on so late and Shawn talked about the newest prank he managed to pull on the chief. Even though he loved his job, he was still getting back at Harry for forcing him to it.
As they finished with dinner, Shawn stood up and got a plate containing one single fortune cookie and placed it in front of her.
"And here is desert!" He exclaimed excitedly. She didn't understand the reason for his excitement, but as she opened the cookie and read the message she was at a loss of words.
"Will you marry me?" She read in her head. Could this be real? There it was. The four words she was praying to hear from Shawn.
"Sh-Shawn?" She stuttered as she turned to see him only to find him kneeling and holding the most beautiful ring she had ever seen. Her breath seemed too stopped as she saw the intricate design. The ring was white gold and all across the band it held beautiful flower patterns, and to her delight, a small pineapple could be seen in between them. A lone diamond was incrusted in the band, making it seem as part of the design. It wasn't to flashy but it was beautiful in its simplicity.
"Well? What do you say Penny?" Shawn asked expectant and hopeful of her answer. A couple of minutes passed and Shawn became more and more anxious when Penny hadn't reacted yet. Thinking she was hesitating, Shawn immediately started to babble.
"Look! I know I can be immature most of the time, a-and I can't promise you a big fancy house like you deserve but-" The rest was interrupted as he felt Penny's lips on his. When they broke apart, Shawn was slightly dazed but thankfully managed to her words.
"You talk to much pineapple-head…" She whispered huskily as their noses touched. Suddenly Shawn's face broke into a gigantic grin.
"Is that a yes?" He asked excitedly. Hearing this she rolled her eyes.
"Of course it is! Somebody's got to keep you in line!" She exclaimed.
"You're not teasing me right?" He said in a dejected voice thinking this was to good to be true. When she saw this, she pulled him to the chairs and sat.
"Shawn, you are the most childish, hyper, thoughtful, caring, happy, lovable, frustrating man that I have ever met." Hearing this, Shawn lowered his head but was surprised when he felt her soft hands bring his head back up. His hazel eyes met with her determined stormy grey.
"And there isn't anything in the world that would make me happier, or prouder than being called your wife." As she said this, Shawn's heart started to beat faster from the excitement.
"Shawn Spencer, I love you more than I could ever think of and I will always be by your side, no matter what. So you're stuck with me ok?" As he heard this, he broke into a full blown grin, and remembered he forgot to tell her the usual rhyme every time he saw her. Well, now he can change it a little bit more.
"Heh. Find a Penny, pick it up" At this, he picked her up and started twirling her around their apartment hearing her laugh and giggle. As he stopped, he brought her closer and whispered "and now and forever, you'll be my good luck!" As he finished this they both embraced one another feeling like they were the luckiest people in the world.
"I love you…" Penny whispered.
"Love you more…" Whispered Shawn as he nuzzled her neck. After a while, Penny broke their embrace a little and looked sternly at his eyes.
"But I'll do all the cooking from now on ok?" She announced. Hearing this, Shawn broke apart and began to argue.
"Ah, come on! My cooking isn't that bad is it?" He defended.
"Shawn, we're using the fruit cake you baked last Christmas as a door stopper…" She replied as a matter of fact. A couple of moments passed as Shawn turned towards their bedroom mumbling to himself.
"Oh that's great! We haven't gotten married yet and you're already starting to win the fights!" And even though he tried, Penny still managed to hear him. Smiling to herself she followed her boyf- no, he fiancé to their bedroom.
"We were only 9 days engaged before she died." Shawn said dejectedly as he stared into the starry night. Henry looked at his son in awe and felt grief for Penelope. The way Shawn had described her he felt his son had truly loved her. Now he found himself grieving for a woman who was meant to be his new daughter-in-law. He snapped out of his thoughts as he heard Shawn continue talking.
"She wanted to meet you, you know…" Shawn said gently as he faced his dad with a bittersweet smile.
"Really?" Henry exclaimed, surprised that Penelope wanted to meet a man who was stranded with his son so long ago. Shawn saw his surprised expression as he started to understand why it was.
"Of course she did! What? Did you think I was telling her how much of a grumpy old fun killer you are?" He exclaimed, a little hurt that his dad would think he had been diminishing the good part of his childhood.
"I am NOT that old!" Henry exclaimed in jest as he saw that Shawn understood his concerns. Suddenly Shawn shot up from the bench and pointed at his face.
"So you admit to be a fun killer then!" Shawn exclaimed in victory
"Shaaawn!" Henry said threaten but Shawn could see the corner of his mouth twitching.
"Heh" Shawn laughed at their banter but soon turned his face towards the tranquil sea.
"I wish we weren't fighting back then…" He whispered.
"Me too kiddo…" Henry replied. Shawn stopped for a second and continued on.
"She loved family more than anything" He whispered at the sky. A couple of seconds passed before he lowered his head.
"It was all my fault." He muttered darkly. Henry became worried at the tone he heard his son used.
"Shawn-" He started saying but Shawn kept on talking.
"If I wasn't working on that case… if I was faster than him maybe she would still be alive." Tears started forming in his eyes but he kept them from falling. Shawn avoided watching his dad as he hugged himself to stave off the cold in his body. Henry placed his hands on Shawn's shoulders and tried to get him to look at him.
"Son, look at me." He asked gently but Shawn still refused to look at him.
"Look at me!" He said forcefully. Reluctantly, Shawn began to turn his head towards him.
"You don't know if she would have been taken or not even if you hadn't worked that case" Henry started saying "This man has a sick and twisted mind, you did the best you could have done. You're the one who caught the bastard Shawn. You did the best thing you could have done for your fiancé, you caught the man who killed her."
"You understand?" Henry would make sure Shawn was at peace with this. He may not have been able to do so before, but he damn well wasn't going to leave his son to suffer.
"You can't blame your self for her death. It wasn't your fault." He stated and for once in five years, Shawn actually started to believe that. He gave him a small smile and nodded. Seeing this Henry calmed himself a bit, knowing that Shawn was letting him help him now.
"Good." Henry said happily. A moment passed between father and son as they came to an understanding. Suddenly a loud growl was heard between the silence and the waves.
"You haven't eaten anything besides those disgusting chips the whole day have you?" Henry questioned angrily seeing in Shawn's face this to be the truth. He needed to talk to him about his eating habits.
"Well I was kind of in a hurry with the whole "serial killer on the loose" and what not!" Shawn defended himself.
"Well, I won't have you running around after this guy on an empty stomach." Henry said as he started dragging his son towards the house. Shawn gave him a confused stare but Henry just smirked.
"Come on. I have two stakes with our name on it waiting at home." Hearing this Shawn's stomach growl once more. Smiling at this, he caught up with his dad and started talking about anything and nothing. As they ate, Shawn kept talking about his time in the force and all his experiences well into the night. He stayed that night on his old room, and for the first time in week's time, there were no nightmares. Unfortunately, this could only last so long
Me: Oh, I just know how corny Shawn can be in a relationship! That plus the whole Lucky Penny thing was just too good to pass! :D
Me: So my fellow Psych-os and readers! It seems you all two new recruits for your army! littlebixuit and Wragziez have been keeping in touch with me to get me into gear. Remember, I don't bite, so you all are welcome to send me a message with any question or suggestion you may have ok? Good!
Shawn: UH OH! Quick run! Here comes their army! And they're organized! EriKaBalDeL and hypercell are leading the march!
Me: Eeep! Quick Mel, protect me!
maniacgirl007: Are you kidding me? I'm a part of them too remember? *glares*
Me: *gulps* R-right! I forgot… *runs*