Heat 24
A/N: Here's that nice little bow I was talking about. I really and truly waffled on the ending cause I wanted it to be sweet but have that kinda open-ended finality. Thanks to androgynouskittensandwich, jediannsolo, and gummibear999 for their amazing overall support, comments, and art! Also, after I get a request done, there's gonna be a small rock n roll AU one shot so look out for that if you'd like.
Von Barke was, in fact, dead in a couple of days. Shadow shoved his hands in his pockets fiddling with leftover change and a gift as he looked at the closed, cherry wood casket.
"After all that talk, you barely bit. It's kinda funny," he said, scratching at his ear. "Alright, lower him in and grab a shovel." He continued, looking at his men and rolling his sleeves up.
Funerals were supposed to be a somber affair, a loved one gone from the material world. It was ironic for the whole thing to be quick, no mourners, just an unmarked grave, and utter relief.
Shadow closed the door behind him, reaching down to pet Rune as the houndoom ran towards him. He stopped in the doorway of the kitchen, asking, "What are you doing here?"
Sandy smiled, getting up from her seat at the table. "I wanted to talk to you 'bout somethin'. Ya left the key under the mat, so I let myself in."
"Breaking and entering aside," he replied, putting his jacket in one of the chairs. "What is it?"
"Well, since we're business n romantic partners now, I kinda figured we plan out a few things." She said, picking up the clipboard he just noticed.
He took the clipboard, raising an eyebrow at the blank 'romantic' column before smiling. "We can, uh, toss out the romantic part, unless you're suddenly planning dates." He replied.
"I mean I could," Sandy said, putting her hands in her pockets. It wouldn't take her long that's for sure. There was this diner she never really had a chance to go to, it was always closed whenever she decided to visit.
Shadow nodded, a bit hopeful she was serious about that aspect. "I like the re-opening idea. Look on the bright side, you won't try to steal my customers anymore."
"I dunno that was sorta fun,"
"For you." He set the clipboard back on the table, walking towards the cabinet and pulling out two pots. "If you're going to stay then at least make yourself useful and help me cook."
After dinner, the silence of the house settled. They could do with silence.
"I should head on home," Sandy said suddenly, getting up and helping Shadow clear the table. "Knowin' my family they're probably lookin' for me 'fore they leave tomorrow."
He nodded, fully prepared for her to leave. "It's late," or not. "I'm sure they'll understand."
Sandy scoffed, folding her arms against her chest. "More like miss their flight," she picked at the loose string on her shirt before heading to the door. "Thanks fer havin' me, though."
It was entirely selfish and rude to think he could cage her in for just a few more moments, to have a bit more time with her without anyone interrupting.
"At least take this," he said, walking towards her and pressing his gift in her hands.
Sandy looked at him and then the object in her hands as if it weren't real. "You. . .got my switchblade back," she said slowly, turning the handle. "You even carved my name in the handle," she continued, laughing as she threw her arms around him, pulling away after quickly pecking his lips.
A certain pause fell over them.
"I should let you go," he said, low enough just for her to hear him as he leaned forward.
"Ya should," And yet she stayed there, seemingly rooted in her spot near the door.
Their lips met once. Twice. The third time was a bit slower, unrushed and open. Her hands on him, pulling, tugging him closer, feeling the wood of the door against her back.
He pulled away, taking her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. "Do you want this?" he asked, finally catching his breath. He wouldn't move forward if they weren't on the same page or if Sandy was uncomfortable.
"Not yet," she answered, face flushed and loosening the grip she had around his neck and on his bicep. "Best we take things slow anyway n I ain't one to act on impulse," she paused, meeting his gaze as he snorted. "I ain't one to act on impulse with these kinda situations."
"Alright," Shadow said, intensely aware of his arms around her waist as he put needed distance between them. He shouldn't keep her longer than either of them could handle and Shadow was half convinced her parents or brother were looking for her.
Sandy left, taking with her the sudden warmth they had.
"So, what happened yesterday?" Static asked, waving as Sandy's family boarded their plane.
Sandy looked at him, clearing her throat and busying herself with messing with her collar. "Not much, we jus' had dinner n then I left." She answered, feeling her face grow warm as Static stared at her. "He got my switchblade back,"
"Really?" he said, following her out of the airport. "And nothing happened, absolutely nothing. At all. Did the clipboard work? That must've started something."
She groaned, punching his shoulder. "Alright, I get it. I may or may not have kissed him, or vice versa, or any possibility of—"
"You did, didn't you?" he interrupted, watching her nod. He sniffled, putting a hand on her shoulder. "You're growing up so fast. I'm proud, honest."
"Whatever. It's a start at best." Of something new and entirely illogical no matter how many times she tried to make up some reason for the way she reacted last night.
It was the start of new business deals, emotions, and a relationship she had time to prepare for courtesy of Shadow. They had time to figure things out, to get used to each other outside of a business aspect, and to move forward when either of them were ready.
They had time and Sandy was looking forward to it.