Prompt: a chapter involving Rory, maybe about why he and Audrey broke up and her being insecure about it?
This is good but I'm gonna tweak it a little if you don't mind. Thanks for the prompt anon! :D

The Blind Date AU pt. 12

The flight home from New York went by relatively quickly. Shelby gazed at Audrey, feeding her the packaged peanuts they had been given. As they drove home, their holiday almost felt like a dream. Their relationship had grown while they were away. Both Audrey and Shelby had been intimate for the first time, which seemed to open both of them up even more so. They were more comfortable with each other as well as being more confident in the strength of their relationship.

When Audrey opened the door to her apartment all the Christmas decorations were still up. "It's Christmas all over again." Shelby said with a smile, going to the couch and laying down. The flight had been exhausting.

"We can pack everything up later." Audrey said, flopping down beside Shelby. "It's good to be home."

Shelby snuggled up to Audrey, hugging her tight. "Where are you gonna put the present I got you?" Shelby asked.

"Somewhere I can see it. On my bedside table, perhaps?" Audrey replied, stroking Shelby's hair.

...

Once the pair had settled back into the apartment, they cleaned up all the Christmas decorations (although Shelby had been reluctant). Audrey was back at work before they knew it, and Shelby had started writing a lifestyle book about yoga, relaxation, meditation, and diets. She would put some of her recipes in there as well as her relaxation tips and tricks. She hadn't gone back to conducting her yoga classes. She knew that the only applicants would be the fans of 'My Roanoke Nightmare'. Shelby liked to keep busy, though, which was why she was writing her book as well as taking an online course for nutrition.

Audrey had gotten increasingly popular after the show. She still liked to take the smaller jobs, but when it came to shows that would be aired worldwide, how could she say no? Most of her January had been spent in the studio, learning her lines and assessing her character.

...

When the weekend finally came, Shelby and Audrey decided to go out for coffee. They ignored the cameras that followed them, seating themselves at the back of the coffee shop. Even though they weren't in New York anymore, it was still relatively cold. Shelby had let Audrey borrow her scarf. They both ordered hot chocolates, relaxing in the warm coffee shop.

"And how was your week?" Audrey asked. "You've been cooped up in the study almost every day. You must be a busy bee." Audrey hummed, her eyes falling to Shelby's lips before meeting her eyes again. They had both been a little too busy.

"I've been planning my book." Shelby said with a smile. "So far I've drawn up and explained all kinds of exercises." she babbled, continuing to talk about the content of her book. Audrey listened happily, taking a sip from her hot chocolate when it was brought to the table. Shelby held her mug, soaking in the warmth of her own drink as she spoke. "but yes, I hope you don't mind but there's a lot of papers floating around your study at the moment."

"My, my. You have been busy." Audrey hummed. "Will I be the first to read you finished product?" she asked, hiding a smile.

"Yes. Obviously." Shelby said with a laugh. "What about you? How's that show you're playing in?" she asked.

"Oh, it's good. I'm one of the main characters." Audrey said with a grin. They talked a while longer before Audrey's phone buzzed loudly on the table. She ignored it, continuing to chat with Shelby. When her phone buzzed with a fourth and then fifth message, Shelby frowned.

"Shouldn't you get that?" Shelby asked.

"No, no, it's probably just work. They can wait until we get home. This is our time together." Audrey said, her phone buzzing again.

"It sounds important." Shelby said. "Why don't you check them and if they are we can continue this tomorrow." she suggested, sipping at her drink.

Audrey sighed, picking up her phone. The messages were from an unnamed contact, but she recognised the number to be Rory's. Most of the messages were complete gibberish, but the ones that she did understand had made her sick. Rory was begging her to be with him again; sending drunk texts before noon.

Shelby noticed Audrey's expression and she knew it was bad. "What is it?" she asked, gently tugging at Audrey's sleeve.

Audrey just shook her head. "I think I'm going to vomit." she said, handing her phone to Shelby.

Shelby read over the texts. She barely understood the 'I love you's and 'please take me back's. "Is this...?" Shelby started. She noticed there was no contact name.

"Rory." Audrey said, clutching the edge of the table.

"How about we go home?" Shelby suggested.

Audrey shook her head. "No, I just wanted a nice time out with you. I miss you, Shelby. Please."

"We can spend time together at home." she said calmly, holding Audrey's hands to calm her down. She hadn't seen her like this before. "We can both put our phones in the other room and just... chat. We have all day. Come on, Audrey. It's cold. We can get under your quilts. Have a lazy day in."

Audrey relaxed slightly. "Okay, yes. That sounds...alright." she said, standing from her seat. She paid and tipped, pocketing her phone before taking Shelby's hand and leading her back to the apartment. They walked in silence, Audrey clearly determined to get home. Shelby couldn't help but feel a little jealous. The thought of Audrey being with anyone else always made her feel that way.

When they got home Audrey was quick to take off her jackets and scarf, tossing them onto the couch. Shelby did the same, putting her phone on the coffee table. Audrey put hers with Shelby's before wrapping them with the scarf. She didn't want to hear a single buzz. Audrey pushed Shelby's jackets off before tugging her to the bedroom. They both changed into pyjamas before slipping under the covers as planned. Audrey was clearly tense, and Shelby was sure she saw tears, but she could have been wrong. She hoped she was wrong.

"See? This was a good idea." Shelby said, pulling Audrey in a little closer. "You need to relax." she cooed.

"Relax? How can I relax?" Audrey said, shooting a look at Shelby.

Shelby sighed softly, trying not to take it personally but failing. She rubbed Audrey's back gently, keeping her close. "Tell me what happened?" she half asked, hoping Audrey would open up. Rory had always been a touchy topic.

Audrey took a deep, shaky breath. "I...it's stupid. Nothing really happened I'm just overreacting."

Shelby hushed her gently. "No, you're not. Whatever happened, it hurt you."

Audrey looked up at Shelby. Shelby had never seen Audrey like this. The older woman had tears in her eyes and her cheeks were blotchy and red. Shelby couldn't help but feel like she needed to protect her. "I... I thought I loved him. He said he loved me, and I believed him." Audrey said between sniffs. Shelby was quick to reassure Audrey, stroking her back gently. "It's not really his fault. He's young. His friends were young. They just..." Audrey held back a sob only to let out a whimper.

Shelby hugged Audrey tight, dabbing the tears from her eyes gently. "It's alright, it's alright." she cooed.

Audrey attempted to collect herself as she continued. "His friends didn't like me. They said I was old and they said some of the rudest things, but he wouldn't say anything. It's my fault, I laughed along. He thought I was okay. I just... I thought he'd be there for me. And when his friends said he was whipped and I was dragging him down..." Audrey buried her face into Shelby's chest. "He always said he'd never leave. He said he didn't see my age, but he lied. He listened to his friends. We broke it off shortly after." she said, her words slightly muffled by Shelby's shirt.

Shelby stroked Audrey's hair, hugging her tight. "I'm sorry." she said quietly. "He broke your heart." Audrey nodded against Shelby.

The texts had brought back too many memories. She just prayed that Shelby wouldn't do what Rory had done. "Do you see my age?" Audrey asked softly, meeting Shelby's eyes. Shelby hadn't seen so much vulnerability before.

"Sometimes I forget." Shelby said softly. "But I know you're older. I don't see the problem with that, though."

Audrey laughed humorlessly. "You don't see the problem? Look at me. Did you know I dye my hair? I've been thinking of getting Botox."

"Don't you dare." Shelby said, her eyes widening. "Audrey, our relationship isn't just about looks, or sex. I want to be with you. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you." she said, finding Audrey's hand. "You're my best friend, Audrey. Can't you see that?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Audrey took a deep breath and nodded. "You don't think I'm... dragging you down? That you could do better?"

"Audrey... Really? Where else am I going to find someone so passionate about what they do? Someone so strong and beautiful? How could anyone possibly be better than you?" Shelby felt Audrey's cheek gently. "You know what? Rory's an asshole. He only just figured out he missed out on the most amazing woman on the planet." she said, feeling through Audrey's hair

Audrey smiled. She felt much better. Shelby's reassurance and acknowledgement of her pain made her feel like she hadn't overreacted when it came to Rory. "I love you, Shelby. Truly." Audrey said, sniffing slightly. She regained her composure, sitting a little higher on the bed. "Thank you."

Shelby smiled to herself. "You know..." Shelby bit her lip as she hesitated.

"What?" Audrey asked, quickly looking at Shelby.

"I... no... it might still be too soon." she said, feeling her cheeks burn slightly.

Audrey looked at Shelby expectantly. "What?" she repeated.

"I just...I know a lot of my stuff is here already but... I wanted it to be official."

"You want to move in?" Audrey asked with a smile. Shelby noticed how the older woman's eyes lit up.

Shelby nodded quickly. "Is that okay? I understand if it's too early I just feel so comfortable and I wouldn't mind cause I stay over most days anyway." she babbled.

Audrey pulled Shelby in for a quick kiss. "Of course you can move in. I'll help you pack tomorrow." Audrey said with a grin. "But today is our lazy day." she hummed, pressing kisses up Shelby's jaw. "Talk to me, I miss you." she whispered, her arms wrapping around Shelby's waist.

Shelby smiled as she started to babble about her book again. Audrey listened happily, watching how excited Shelby was. She could have watched her talk forever.

...

I hope this is okay! Please leave prompts if you have any ideas for this fic! I've still got a few more prompts and I'll get to them real soon. Don't forget to follow and review for more updates!