Friends and Lovers
By Misha

Author's Notes- Okay, this chapter is 100% Shelle. I know that they've been on the back-burner for a while, but I promise that they'll get more focus in the next couple chapters. There won't be as much Phloe for a while as I deal with the fallout of the party, and how it affects Shelle and Mason. That's all for now, enjoy.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Monday, January 1st 2001, New Year's Day

Shawn woke up with a groan. His head was killing him. As he forced his eyes open and winced at the bright sunlight that was streaming in from the open window, he realized that he was not in his room.

"Where am I?"

Then everything came rushing back. The party, the large amount of alcohol he had consumed. Belle and Jason.

He groaned again with the memory. Damn, was this messy.

"What am I going to do?" He wondered out loud, as he dragged himself out of bed. He wasn't surprised to see that he was still fully dressed, just minus shoes, because given the shape he was in last night he was surprised he had even managed to get himself into bed.

Well, at least I know one thing. He thought, as he tried to clear his head. I'm never going to drink that much ever again.

This really wasn't his best morning, he mused as he debated crawling back in bed and dying. His head felt like it was going to explode and his heart was breaking as the events of the previous night kept on playing over and over in his mind. Belle and Jason. The discovery of his feelings for Belle. He loved her. Or at least he was falling in love with her. But he hadn't realized it until it was too late.

What am I going to do? He wondered silently.
* * * * *

As soon as Belle opened her eyes, all the memories of the previous night came back to her. Especially the part where she made out with Jason Welles.

Yet, she didn't regret it. Not really. She had been drunk last night, yes, but she has still known what she was doing. She had been losing herself in the moment. And it had felt good.

Oh, she knew that a relationship wasn't in the cards for her and Jason, there were too many factors on both sides. But she still didn't regret what had happened last night. She had needed it at the time.

Still, she knew that she needed to talk to Jason and tell him that she wasn't upset with him and that she understood it was a one time thing.

Belle got out of the bed and took a deep breath.

She wasn't looking forward to going downstairs. She had a feeling that Mimi would be there and she knew that that wouldn't be pleasant. Also she was a little embarrassed about her behaviour last night and wasn't sure how to face her friends.

But she had to and she wouldn't hide away or act ashamed. Because she wasn't. Embarrassed, yes, ashamed, no.

With that thought in her mind, Belle began to get dressed.
* * * * *

Shawn was waiting for Belle when she came down stairs.

"Can we talk?" He asked her.

She nodded in confusion. "Sure."

The two of them grabbed their coats and shoes and headed out the door. They wandered around the grounds of the Kiriakis estate.

"What did you want to talk me about?" Belle asked quietly.

"This." Shawn told her, grabbing her and kissing her.

Once they parted Belle stared at him in shock.

"Belle, I love you." Shawn said quietly, before she had a chance to say anything. "I realized that last night. It's not what I felt for Chloe, it's different. Don't get me wrong, I still care for Chloe. But I know now that we'll never be together and you know what? I'm okay with that, I'm moving on. I've also begun to fall in love with you."

Belle was still silent, staring up at him with wide blue eyes. "Shawn." She said finally. "You don't know how long I've waited to hear you say that. I began to fall in love with you the moment I met you. I still love you, but..."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "Shawn, last night I decided to move on and right now, I'm not sure if being with you is the right thing for me. Can you give some time?" She asked quietly.

Shawn stared at her and then nodded. "Alright." He said softly.

"Thank you." She said quietly. "I just don't know if I can do this, if it's what's meant to be."
* * * * *