Birdhouse

Chapter 5- Our Time Is Here (At Last)

Epilogue- 2 years on…

"Are you ready, Shane?" Nate asked, smiling. Shane stood in front of a mirror, admiring his outfit from all angles. He looked pale, nervous, but excited.

"You know I'm ready. I can do this, Nate. We can do this."

Nate took a deep breath and took Shane's arm. "They're waiting for us. Remember to walk slowly- don't trip."

"Yeah." Shane was uncharacteristically shy, his heart beat a hundred times faster, and he felt faint. He shook himself. Why would this be so different from a concert, from performing in front of a million people? He only had to reach one person, then everything would sort itself out. Hopefully.

He closed his eyes in prayer, and stepped through the door…

*

"I do." Simplistic words, but they meant so much. A future, a home, a lover until death. Could he really commit to this? A guy like Shane phased through partners like potato chips- gorgeously wonderful at first bite, but quickly forgotten. Would this one and only person be enough to last a lifetime?

Shane glanced up. So breathtakingly beautiful, almost tragic, it took all your worries away. Shane had no doubt that he was doing the right thing now- not with his soul mate tantalisingly close.

"…Til death do you part…"

Shane breathed a soft sigh of relief. It was over. Now it would just be dancing and fun, celebrating his new hours as a married man.

"Congratulations Mr. Grey. You may now kiss-"

Shane grabbed Mitchie around the waist, flung back her veil and kissed her with all his passion and love. She had a tear glistening on her perfect cheek when he reluctantly let her go.

"I love you, Shane."

Clapping surrounded them.

"And I always will. Forever." Mitchie promised.

*

"Shane! Shane!" Jason called urgently. Shane blinked furiously.

"What, Jason?"

"Do you?" Jason asked urgently, his handsome face coming into focus.

"What are you talking about?" Shane replied, yawning.

"Do you still love Mitchie?"

There was a deadly silence. Shane looked over the double bed at Jason, and saw betrayal and regret in his face. It was the morning after their marriage. Shane could smell sea air and remembered they were honeymooning on the small private Caribbean island.

Jason sighed heavily, stretched and walked outside. He was nude, but the weather was very warm. Shane followed, cursing himself.

"I heard you, Shane. You tossed about in your sleep, shouting that you weren't ready, that she was perfect, that she loved you. I knew this wouldn't work out."

Shane watched a lonely tear crawl slowly from his eye. "Jason."

"And you know what, Shane? Even though you've broke my heart, I was glad we tried this. Made me think. Will I ever find the right person?"

Shane wrapped his arms around Jason, lying his head against Jason's bare neck. "I was only thinking about… about what things would be like if I went down another path. What marrying Mitchie would be like."

"Did you enjoy it?"

"No. Throughout, I was terrified, having second thoughts, fearful that she would love me."

"Why? You know she always has."

"Because then I'd hate it. Imagine being thrown together with a friend and set up for marriage, children- It just doesn't work. You're not meant to be together. It's one-sided." Shane stroked Jason's hair. "I couldn't love her, or even like her, if she pushed me for a future I never wanted. But… but with us, I know with one thought, I'm where I want to be."

Shane gently rubbed Jason's shoulders.

"Shane, I hope that's true. I couldn't stand to see you unhappy."

He laughed. "You're so selfless! Ever since we met, it's been all about me- never you!"

Jason gave him a sly look. "Well, maybe you should make me happy…"

"Jason!" Shane exclaimed, tickling him. He paused. "So, you forgive me?"

"Well… as long as you remain faithful, I have no problems. If you don't, Shane, then we break up and I will never see you again. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!" Shane grinned, saluting. He clung to Jason adoringly. "Last night was… memorable, Jason."

Jason winked. "It was, wasn't it?"

"Oh, and about making you happy…" Shane murmured, twisting his hands over Jason's body.

"Yes?"

"I'd say we should get started…"

Note: Well, fully complete! Hope you liked it!