Juliet shifted her body in Shawn's arms for the third time in at least ten minutes, finally making him let go of her and sit up as he reached over to his bedside table and flicked on the lamp. They winced at the bright light filling the once dark room.
"Jules, I know we don't have to get up in the morning, but the fact that we've just made love several times means that I, personally, am exhausted. Sleep sounds pretty good right about now. So tell me what's wrong so we can actually function tomorrow without twenty pots of coffee." Juliet looked up at him guiltily, pressing a kiss to the side of his chest.
"Sorry. I guess I'm a little distracted..." she sighed, resting a hand on his stomach as she curled up to his side.
"You weren't so distracted an hour ago," his eyebrow raised suggestively and she smiled softly into his skin, nudging him playfully. "What? Am I out of line Jules? Or is the Spencer love too much for you to handle?" he laughed when she rolled her eyes at him.
"Alright stud. Let's face it, when you're doing that it's pretty hard to keep my brain from short circuiting, let alone actually thinking about something." When he grinned smugly, she giggled and leaned across to kiss his jaw. "But, I guess I've been lying here awake for so long that my mind just keeps wandering back to Daniel and how guilty I feel for making him go back to that place..."
Shawn let out a little sigh, his finger's sneaking up to wind through her hair gently. He massaged the back of her head for a few seconds before finally answering. "I guess I know how you feel Jules. I mean, I still feel like a jerk and I don't know why. I think it was the look on his face when he realized it was time to go back to the orphanage. You know, I even hate saying that word. It sounds so sad at this time of year."
Juliet listened to him speak, her thumb drawing circles on his bare chest lazily. "Do you think we could go and visit him sometime? I mean, there's no law against it," she rested her chin on him to look up at his face. A slow smile spread across it as the thought sank in.
"You know, I think I like that idea. I can teach him about pineapple and how to kick Gus' ass, and you can teach him how to be awesome and arrest people," he laughed, suddenly brightening at the idea of visiting the little boy again.
"Wow, you're really cut and dry about some things aren't you sweetie?"
"Hey. Someone has to teach the kids about fighting bad guys. Who better to do it that a beautiful bad-ass cop with a sexy psychic boyfriend?" When Juliet raised an eyebrow Shawn sighed and rolled his eyes playfully. "Fine. Fake psychic boyfriend. But it's close enough right?"
"Yes, Shawn. It's close e-nough," Juliet interrupted herself with a yawn, closely followed by Shawn doing exactly the same thing. "Okay, now I feel like sleeping..." she nuzzled him, snuggling into him even more and pulling the covers up with her free hand. Shawn grinned, leaning down to tug on her earlobe with his teeth.
"So you don't want to continue from where we left off?" The elbow in his side made him jump and groan. "I'll take that as a no then." Pressing a kiss to her hair, he leaned over and switched the lamp back off, plunging the room back into darkness. "It was a good effort though..." he murmured, his arms sliding around her to pull her even closer.
As they drifted off slowly, Shawn realized something, his eyes pulling themselves open to stare into the darkness. "Jules?" She moaned softly against him, her head tilting up to look him blearily in the eye.
"Are you kidding me, Mister Exhausted?"
"Sorry... I was just wondering something... about us I guess." He used his serious voice and Juliet shook the sleep out of her head to focus on what he was saying. "I mean, you know I love you right?" Wow, that was a surprise. She'd assumed he was going to say something about getting matching toothbrushes, not the l-word she'd been waiting to hear for the past few months. While Juliet mused, Shawn squirmed. "Jules, say something. Heart kind of on the line here..." she smiled at how nervous he was, leaning up to press a kiss to his lips.
"I know Shawn. It's probably a good thing that I love you too or I wouldn't put up with the fact you've named my ass Mr. Bounce..." Shawn's grin when she returned his gesture could have illuminated the room around them and she beamed in return. He immediately relaxed from his tense state.
"Wow. That was the scariest thing I've ever done. Hunting down psychopathic killers included," he breathed another sigh of relief, pulling her in for another kiss. As Juliet smiled against his lips, Shawn's hands splayed over her back. They pulled apart, giving Juliet the opportunity to ask what she wanted to.
"Am I that terrifying?"
"No... it's just... I kind of put my heart on the line once before," he mumbled, not quite meeting her eye. "Let's just say, the line was in front of a big ass truck. It didn't just run me over; it reversed and did it again."
"She didn't say it back?" Juliet let her hand raise up to stroke his cheek reassuringly and he grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips and pressing a kiss to her palm before he answered her question.
"Oh, she said 'love you' back. It was just preceeded by the words, 'I could never'." Juliet frowned, awful thoughts about a woman who'd broken her boyfriends heart racing through her mind. Torture had never seemed so appealing until that moment. How could anyone not see how sweet he could be under all the bravado? She turned his head to face her, smiling up at him softly.
"Shawn Spencer... I love you." He really couldn't stop himself from kissing her then.
"Love you too Jules. Wow, it really feels good saying that," he breathed, going back to her lips for more. Juliet, all thoughts of sleep long forgotten, moved to push herself upwards and further into his kiss, a little moan escaping her.
I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot no deputy, oh no! Oh!
I shot the sheriff
But I didn't shoot no deputy, ooh, ooh, oo-ooh.
They both jumped as the ring tone signaling that Lassiter was calling blared from Juliet's cell phone on the bedside table. Shawn groaned. "God Lassie. You really are a buzz kill." Juliet just slapped his chest and leaned across him to grab the singing phone. Productively, it was the best way to get the cell phone quickly. Counter-productively, it also gave Shawn great access to her neck, which he took with glee, pressing open mouthed kisses along her skin. Juliet smiled, flicking the phone open.
"Carlton, do you have any idea what time it is?" Shawn continued his assault all the while listening to the one sided conversation. Just as he was about to slip his mouth lower, Juliet stiffened in his arms and pushed herself up. Shawn watched her face in confusion, concern written all over it. "Well when did he-"
"Jules?" he asked loudly, but she shook her head and held a finger to his lips to stop him.
"Carlton- Yes, there is someone here..." She rolled her eyes to the heavens. "Will you listen Carlton- Look, if you really want to know, I'm with Shawn. Yes! At this time in the morning... We're doing things that are none of your damn business! Now will you please tell me what's happened to Daniel!"
That really made Shawn pay attention as he sat up fully to watch her finish the conversation and snap the phone shut in annoyance. "That went well I hope?" he raised an eyebrow as she groaned loudly.
"Not really the way I wanted him to find out, but since we've taken such a big step I figure it's time Carlton maned up and accepted that I can have a relationship with whoever I want. On a slightly less amusing note though... Daniel's run away again," she finished with a heavy sigh, slipping out of bed and picking up her underwear from the floor. Shawn quickly followed her lead.
"When did this happen?"
"Well from what Carlton told me, Mrs. Fallon went to check on him and he wasn't in his bed. She called the Station a few minutes ago and Lassiter called me since he knows I don't have to be up in the morning. It figures. He's probably just trying to get out of spending more time with him..." Juliet found her bra hanging over the mirror on the cabinet and she plucked it off, looking around for her jeans that had been flung away from the bed a few hours before hand.
Shawn was busy searching for a tee-shirt in his drawer, but he answered. "Yeah... Did he say anything about where Daniel might have gone?" he asked, pulling out a blue shirt from a corner. Juliet shook her head and sighed.
"No, he was as helpful as ever."
"Should I call Gus and get him out there to help?" Shawn wondered, holding up his cell phone, but Juliet shook her head. "Aww, I was looking forward to his 'I have a real job to get to,' speech. It would have been the forth one in two weeks," he chuckled, buckling the belt on his jeans and tucking the phone in his pocket. Finally pulling on a pair of trainers, Shawn slipped out of the bedroom to pick up the keys to his bike as he waited for Juliet.
She emerged a few minutes later, pulling her messy hair into a ponytail to make herself somewhat presentable. "I told Carlton that we'd check the docks and the harbor again. Then if he's not there we could check the town center. He has Buzz and some of the other officers out looking around town anyway, but I think a kid would head for the big Christmas tree. Even if he doesn't technically believe in Santa..." Shawn paused what he was doing, looking at Juliet in what could only be described as horror.
"The kid doesn't believe in Santa? What the hell have they been feeding him in that place?" he grumbled, pulling his jacket on all the way and heading for the door.
Juliet shrugged. "He just said that after he'd asked for the same thing for four years running and never gotten it, he just kind of gave up on the big fat jolly guy. His words, not mine." Shawn furrowed his brow in thought.
"What was he asking for? A pony? Because let's face it, even Santa isn't that good."
"Hmm, he didn't say. It must have been big though. Come on, let's go to the docks first, then we can circle back and head to the town center..." Juliet took the helmet that Shawn offered her gratefully, slipping it on as they reached the front doors. They both shivered involuntarily at the cool night air, unused to the cold after being in a warm bed. Shawn kicked the bike into gear as Juliet slipped on behind him, her arms curling around his waist and her head falling onto his shoulder almost instantly.
"You know, this is still one of the sexiest things ever..." Shawn chuckled over the roar of the bike. Juliet's grip tightened playfully.
"Just drive sweetie."
"Right. Let's go and find Daniel."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Shawn was really considering the phrase 'Famous Last Words' as a tattoo on his forehead as he and Juliet wandered aimlessly around the freezing docks, calling Daniel's name and watching out for even a hint that he'd been there. Shawn had asked the few stragglers that they'd seen if anyone had spotted a small boy with a suitcase, but so far they'd been unhelpful and grumpy. Juliet heaved a sigh of frustration next to him, her arms wrapped around herself.
"Let's give it up, he's definitely not here. Let's go to the town center. No kid can resist a tree that big," she bit her lip, worrying it between her teeth as she scanned the dark water one last time. Fear welled up inside of her. "You don't think he could have fallen in do you?" she suddenly asked, but Shawn was quick to console her, an arm wrapping around her shoulders and steering her away from the edge.
I shot the Sheriff
But I did not-
Juliet didn't even let the phone ring twice, before it was against her ear and she was listening intently to Lassiter on the other end. Her face was suddenly the very picture of relief, and in displaying it, Shawn relaxed beside her. "Where was he?"
"Wow, disaster averted..." Shawn chuckled beside her and she squeezed his hand reassuringly, while still listening to what ever Lassiter was saying.
"Yes, we're on our way alright? Yes of course Shawn is coming too." With that she snapped the phone shut and rolled her eyes. "Ugh, he's really getting on my nerves. Anyway, Daniel was found near, wait for it, your apartment building." Shawn's eyebrows raised slightly. "I know. He's been asking for us as the Station. He says he's not going anywhere until we get there." Shawn shook his head in amusement.
"Smart kid. He knows that if we're there, Lassie won't kill him with a blunt instrument."
"Come on, let's get down there. I'm not being soft on him this time Shawn. He really knows how to play on emotions, but not this time..." she sounded set on it and Shawn grinned, leading her past some crates and a few tarp covered boats to where he'd parked the Norton. The look of relief on Juliet's face made Shawn doubt that when they got there she would really yell at the kid. By the looks of her she would probably suffocate him in hugs.
"Alright, come on Miss. Maternal. Let's go and see the little troublemaker," he placed a hand on her back comfortingly as she turned towards him. "What?" She didn't say anything, instead leaning up to kiss him softly. Shawn pulled back with a smile. "See? I'm just that irresistible."
Juliet laughed, nudging him towards the bike with her hands. "Let's go before Carlton does something he regrets."
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It didn't take them long to get to the Station, the streets practically deserted as they sped along; slightly faster than they should have. Shawn screeched to a halt in the car park, in between Lassiter's maroon Crown Vic and another police car, probably belonging to Buzz. They dismounted quickly, leaving the helmet's on the ground next to Lassiter's car, aware that no-one would dare touch them in a Police Station parking lot.
They headed up the stairs with a purpose in their stride, the doors already open for them as they walked inside. The harsh fluorescent light from the Station was slightly painful for their eyes which had become adjusted to the dark outside. Lassiter was standing stoically at the end of the corridor, his foot tapping impatiently against the linoleum as he waited for them. When he caught sight of them, especially their hands intertwined he wrinkled his nose in disgust. Juliet stopped him before he even spoke.
"Okay. Number one, yes, Shawn and I are dating and have been for several months. Two, no I don't care what you think about it and three, yes, I am exceedingly happy with him so don't try and talk me out of it. Four, we are in love so don't pull the whole inter-office dating thing on me either," she finished with a glare and all Lassiter could do was a pretty damn good imitation of a fish.
He finally snapped out of it, shaking his head. "You know what? That's all I need to know. But I have one rule. I won't tell the Chief as long as there are no displays of public affection anywhere near me..." he grimaced at their joined hands.
"Uh Lassie? You're kind of the last one to know... The Chief was one of the first people we told..." Shawn murmured and Lassiter's face was like thunder. He was about to say something else, but Juliet held a hand up and stopped him.
"Carlton, what you think is important to me. You are my partner and I need you to be okay with this..." she looked at him pleadingly, her eyes flashing with honesty. Lassiter groaned, his head falling into his hands.
"Fine. I'm... I'm happy for you O'Hara," he grumbled grudgingly, his hands stuck into his pockets.
"Thank you Carlton. Now, where's Daniel?" Lassiter seemed to realize why they where there in the first place.
"Oh right, the kid. Uh, I may have him being held in the interrogation room again... He had this look in his eye like he was going to make another run for it. I wasn't playing a game of cat and mouse with an eight year old around Santa Barbara again tonight. We've already seen far too much of each other..." he mumbled, before walking away, his head still shaking and his eyes slightly unfocused as if he'd just been on the teacups at a carnival. Or in a car crash.
"Will he be okay?" Shawn wondered aloud, watching as Lassiter fell into his chair and downed the remains of the coffee in his mug. Juliet sighed.
"Yeah... Probably... maybe," she said uncertainly and casting one last glance at her dazed partner, they turned and headed towards the direction of the interrogation rooms.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It wasn't very hard to find who they were looking for, the first door they opened had both Daniel and Buzz McNabb. Both were intently involved in a game of snap, looks of fierce concentration on both faces. Another few cards were put down before anyone noticed their entrance. As soon as Juliet saw Daniel, the feeling of worry was replaced with one of anger at how nonchalant he seemed, after having worried them sick that night. Before Buzz could even move, Daniel's head had snapped up, his glasses sliding down his nose slightly and his face breaking out in a massive grin. "Hey you guys!" he said brightly, as if absolutely nothing had even happened hat night and they hadn't been running around town trying to find him. He was acting like it was perfectly normal to be in a Police Station at two thirty in the morning.
"I'm sorry, but is that really all you have to say for yourself Daniel?" Juliet fumed, her arms crossing in a stern fashion, mirroring Mrs. Fallon from a few hours before. Daniel's face immediately fell from the bright smile into a pouting frown at her tone of voice.
"Aww, look Ms. O'Hara, I'm real sorry for running away and all that... But you just don't understand. I couldn't stay there another night. Those other kids are so mean, and I'd totally get in trouble again if I punched another one. Not that I would mind..."
There was silence as Daniel's nervous explanation trailed off under Juliet's gaze, and it remained in place until Shawn cleared his throat loudly. "Why did Buzz here pick you up near my apartment building?" he broke in, his stance by Juliet's side just as stern as she was, even though his eyes were sparkling brightly with amusement and his mouth was twitching in the hint of a smile. The boy's eyes snapped to his at the question, and Shawn could see him fumbling for a reasonable answer that wouldn't make them even more mad.
"I kind of maybe...Well, I sort of looked you up? You're listed in the phone book you know, it wasn't that hard to find you..." Daniel mumbled. There was even more silence for a few seconds before Buzz coughed awkwardly at the scene in front of him, clearly uncomfortable in the situation. He stood up, the chair scraping loudly across the floor and the playing cards forgotten, drawing everyone's attention from the strange situation they were in.
"I think I'll go get a coffee. Does anyone want anything?" he asked, making his way towards the still open door, but both Shawn and Juliet shook their heads. Daniel didn't even lift his to look at Buzz, but he did push his glasses back up his nose miserably.
"Okay, so you looked Shawn up. But why on earth did you walk across town just to get to his apartment? Did you not realize how dangerous the city is at night Daniel? There are all sorts of awful people out there at night. Why do you think we have cops? Because the city's so safe and loving?" Juliet frowned as the boy crossed his arms and pushed his face between them, hiding his expression from view.
All they got was a muffled and somewhat untrue, "Don't know."
"How strange is it that I don't believe you?" Juliet sighed, seating herself in the chair across from him. Shawn followed her lead, pulling another chair over and settling in, his elbows resting on the desk in front of him. Daniel just shrugged, not raising his head. "You can't keep running away Daniel. Don't you understand that those people are just trying to look after you?"
"But I don't want them to look after me."
"Well buddy, they're the ones who you're stuck with. It happens. You don't always get what you want out of life. Unless what you want is pineapple, then knock yourself out. You do have to go back there, you know that don't you?" Shawn explained softly, wincing internally when Daniel's face dropped and he suddenly looked like he was about to cry.
"Look, I don't want to put you guys on the spot... but why can't you two look after me?" As soon as he'd said it, Daniel saw their expressions and began to explain himself. "I mean I know it's a big thing taking on a kid and all that, but you guys seem really cool and sort of laid back. It's not a big deal if you don't want to, I'll totally understand and all that stuff, but I was just throwing it out there..." his eyes darted around the room awkwardly, landing anywhere but their faces.
Both Shawn and Juliet looked at each other, before looking at the little boy in awkward shock, their faces giving away much more than they wanted to. Well, in all honesty, that was somewhat unexpected...