The Lack of update is largely due to the fact that my computer was with geek Squad ALL week. It was agonizng.
But also, reviews aren't what they use to be. I have like, 40 people with this story on story Alert, more people add it every chapter, but I can barely get 3 reviews? That kinda sucks.
For those of you that do review, thank you so much for your input and opinions! I absolutely LOVE hearing from you.
If this chapter can't bring the review count up I don't know what will.
Juliet nearly snorted out her beer. Edwin was quiet the character; she could see why Shawn liked him. He rivaled even Shawn and Gus as a master of 80's trivia. Edwin Getty had all of them laughing, and had for the last half hour as they had made small talk.
Juliet resent Edwin for all of the trust activities he had put her through significantly less now.
She risked a glance at Shawn as the laughter died down. Her impeccably groomed charlatan was happy to see his old friend, there was no doubt, but he was also being unusually fidgety.
Edwin wiped a tear from his eye as he tried to breathe, "And after that particular incident we finally made Shawn cut off that ridiculous mop he called hair." Shawn grinned almost sheepishly.
Juliet quirked an eyebrow towards Shawn; she desperately wanted to see old pictures now.
"Jules, don't give me that," Shawn scolded, "Perfection doesn't just happen. It's learned," his grin widened, "And I am a very quick learner." She couldn't argue there.
Rolling her eyes she shot a look at Gus who nodded in confirmation, yes, he would get her some pictures of Shawn from high school.
"It's actually looking a little lack luster buddy," Edwin said with a concerned frown. Getty's face paled, "Oh, gosh, I know you were worried about premature baldness from your dad but I didn't think-"
"What? No. No no no," Shawn, laughed uncomfortably, "I'm uh, I'm not going bald Eddy," Shawn shook his head and raised a hand self consciously to his head. It was really bad if even Edwin could tell after years apart. Edwin raised an eyebrow, "I'm just having an off day."
Shawn was positive he heard Gus mutter something to the effect of "Off month," but he didn't feel like pursuing that line of conversation.
"Shawn, don't you remember what Izzie and I drilled into your head all summer?" Edwin teased, "There is no excuse not to look your best. Not at Disneyland or anywhere else."
Shawn laughed, "How is your sister doing by the way?" Shawn asked. It had been years since he had thought of Edwin or Izzie or the summer he had spent fresh out of high school working at Disneyland with them, but they had been important to him. They had been there for him in the immediate aftermath of his arrest, and had helped him get back on his feet. Edwin had been like an older brother to him.
Edwin's face fell, "She ah…she died." Shawn felt a knot twist deep in his stomach. Right out of high school, after how things had ended between him and his dad; the two siblings had become like family to him. And Shawn knew that if he hadn't been as scared and broken back then he would have easily fallen for the girl who had manned Space Mountain with him for three months; he and Izzie had bonded over their shared dream of flying the space shuttle.
"Wha…," he felt physically ill, "Edwin, I'm so sorry man. I…" He didn't even have the words, and instead he just put his arm tentatively on his old friends shoulder as Edwin nodded sadly.
"It'll actually be four years next week," Edwin smiled softly at Shawn. The mood at the table was suddenly very somber.
"To Izzie then," Gus offered quietly, raising his glass. Edwin gave Gus an appreciative nod as they tipped their glasses.
Edwin was quiet for a long moment before he spoke again, "She woulda been really impressed with what you're doing Shawn," The man grinned proudly, "We both knew if anyone would find a loophole it'd be you." Getty smacked Shawn on the back happily.
Loophole? Juliet frowned as she watched the exchange intently.
Shawn chuckled, and Juliet leaned forward as she saw his discomfort return. "Not really a loophole," Shawn frowned and waved his hand in practiced nonchalance, "Besides, I couldn't have been a cop." Shawn chuckled as if the idea were beyond absurd.
Edwin frowned, "Shawn, you would have been an amazing cop," he laughed and turned to Juliet, "You should see, he has this trick, use to do it all the time when we went to bar's after work," He glanced at Gus, "You've probably seen it!"
Gus looked alarmed, "What? No, pft, "Gus shook his head and Shawn joined him in disagreeing, "He can only do or say what the spirits tell him," Gus explained as if he was talking to a small child and not someone at least half a decade his senior.
"Yes, the spirits," Shawn nodded in agreement.
Edwin made a face again, "Right. The spirits, " He paused, "Shawn, I really don't remember you being psychic at all," Edwin sounded apologetic, but he turned to Juliet, "But you really should see this if you haven't. I've never seen him get this wrong. Shawn close your eyes," Edwin ordered enthusiastically. Shawn paled but Edwin didn't seem to notice, he was explaining to Juliet, "You should have seen it back in the day. He never walked out of a bar alone," Edwin explained, wiggling his eyebrow suggestively, his words slightly slurred as their drinks started to have their effect. Juliet nodded with false enthusiasm, trying not to let the idea of Shawn with other women all over get to her; it was years ago. The very idea that it would bother her was silly.
"I'm not gonna close my eyes," Shawn rolled them instead. After high school he'd turned his gift into a joke, he'd spited his dad and everything he'd taught him by using his skills to pick up girls. Ok…he still did that-his mind flashed to the day in the diner he'd met Jules-but he nowadays he was more subtle about it.
Edwin started to protest.
"I'd like to see this trick Shawn," Juliet said innocently.
Shawn stared at her for a moment, his mouth open slightly like he couldn't understand what she was thinking at all. His head was cocked slightly and Juliet couldn't push down the flash of memory that hit her of him staring at her in Declan's foyer right after their kiss looking completely lost. The look was momentary, replaced with a large grin so quickly she was almost sure she had imagined the entire thing.
"Fine," Shawn muttered closing his eyes tightly. This was such a bad idea.
Edwin grinned triumphantly, "Ok Shawn. How many hats?"
Shawn sighed and Juliet watched his eyes screw together even tighter, "Detective in the corner has a Chargers hat. The bartender has a green hat with the lodge's logo in his pocket. A father, who is torturing his kids if he thinks this is a good family bonding experience, has a 'World's Greatest Dad' hat. Two hunters at the table on the other side of the room; ones camo, the other is one of those weird ridiculous winter hats that look like mutton chops. And really Edwin, you didn't think I'd hear you pull out that old pair of Mickey ears?" Shawn opened his eyes.
Edwin grinned, pulling the set of ears off his head with a chuckle. Gus rolled his eyes; it had been a long time since he'd been impressed by Shawn's gift. Juliet stared at him silently. When Edwin had issued his challenge she had done a quick count, but she'd completely missed the bartenders hat.
Seeing her frown out of the corner of his eye Shawn added hastily, "All of that was the doing of the spirits," Juliet watched him, her skepticism clearly written on her face, "They like impressing people," Shawn added quietly. It had probably been a bad idea to indulge Edwin with the hat game; but not doing it would have ended just as badly. Jules knew him well enough to know he never missed the chance to show off. If he hadn't, it would have been even more suspicious. He fidgeted. He hoped that was true at least.
Edwin was silent a moment, his posture now definitely the result of the many empty bottles in front of him, "Huh. So…it was always you being psychic?" his words slurred slightly.
Shawn nodded hesitantly; the idea of lying to his old friend wasn't all that appealing, "Yes. Sorry man," he shrugged.
Edwin chuckled and raised a finger to point at Shawn, "You're a tricky-"he slipped from his chair to the floor with a thud.
Juliet gasped as Gus ran to his side. Shawn watched quietly, his lips pursed as he tried to keep from laughing. Edwin had never held his liquor well, even the light stuff.
"He's fine," Gus rolled his eyes, "just passed out."
"I'll get him back to his room," Shawn sighed, moving around the table to help.
"I got him Shawn," Gus said, already propping Edwin up.
Shawn frowned," I can do it Gus."
"I said, I got it Shawn," Gus stated, using his 'there is no room for argument voice'. Shawn ignored it of course.
"Dude, what's the big deal," he moved to take Edwin's other arm but Gus jerked the passed out man out of his reach, his friends eyes flitting briefly to Juliet before returning to Shawn. Shawn of course didn't miss the look. Gus was trying to get him and Juliet alone. Shawn swallowed; last time that had happened had been bad. He'd told her he wasn't over Abigail. Group settings were fine, but being alone with her? He couldn't do it. "Gus," he hissed.
Gus hissed back at him and an incomprehensible whispered argument ensured as Juliet watched. She was both amused and disturbed by their antics. Shawn lost the battle and sighed.
Sitting back down Shawn and Juliet watched as Gus dragged the lanky instructor away, towards the employee living accommodations.
Shawn risked a glance at Juliet, trying to laugh casually. She smiled back at him tightly. Yeah, this was awkward.
"We should probably get back to the room too," Juliet said softly, breaking the silence. She could feel Shawn's eyes were still on her, watching her intently.
"Yeah," Shawn agreed, not making any actual move to do so. She had let her hair down for their night out, and it was cascading down her shoulders, falling in her eyes. He felt his hand twitch at his side wanting to reach out and move it out of her face. He swallowed painfully, but he'd lost any right to a chance at that last week. Yin's imposing black shadow staring up at him from next to the pier flashed quickly through his head and he felt the impulse die. He'd lied to her for the right reason, but that didn't seem to stop the hollow throbbing in his chest every time he looked at her.
Juliet stood up and motioned for him to follow. Shawn did so numbly, face unusually unguarded and Juliet watched the cogs turn in his head as he was lost in thought. He looked pained. She swallowed hard, unsure of what was running through his mind.
"I guess I really shouldn't be surprised that you worked at Disneyland," she said after a minute, determined to get him out of his thoughts.
Shawn grinned reflexively, "One of the best jobs I ever had Jules," His eyes sparkled mischievously, "I got to ride Space Mountain after closing time. Over and Over and Over," he grinned.
Juliet grimaced; that sounded like an easy way to make yourself sick. "I don't really like Space Mountain," Juliet admitted.
Shawn turned to her shocked, "Jules, that's…that's just not possible. Everyone likes Space Mountain."
She shrugged, "Splash Mountain is way better."
Shawn frowned at her, "With the creepy lazy eyed frogs and the singing…" he couldn't even finish, the thought was so unappealing. Not to mention, it completely ruined your hair.
They were moving out of the bar area now. Neither of them felt like pointing out to the other how the backs of their hands were brushing up against each others with every step; if Shawn couldn't really have her he was still going to take any little moment he could get; if Shawn wasn't going to come out and say how he felt Juliet was going to enjoy every little unconscious hint he gave her about the truth.
They walked silently, almost hand in hand for a few minutes, "Shawn, what loophole was Edwin talking about?" Juliet asked thoughtfully.
Shawn stiffened almost imperceptibly next to her. He cleared his throat with a small cough and then chuckled. He'd already told her so many lies…could he ever tell her the truth? Shawn frowned. He was beginning to wonder if he even knew what that was. His mouth felt dry as he tried to speak.
"My dad wanted me to be a cop," Shawn admitted quietly. Juliet smiled softly, that wasn't a surprise at all. "Pretty badly actually. And well, you know what happened," he waved his hand.
Juliet frowned, "No, I don't know," she said slowly.
Shawn turned to her, a look of realization spreading slowly over his face. "Oh, you weren't at the department yet," he scratched his head and looked down to hide how baffled he was, he'd actually forgotten Juliet hadn't been there that first day. He, Shawn Spencer had forgotten. He shifted uncomfortably as the entire Millie Jordan case played out in a flash in his head. He'd made a mistake. Nothing else.
He was silent a long moment before he resumed speaking, "Right after graduation, I kinda borrowed my neighbors car…without telling them," he looked at her sheepishly. Juliet quirked an eyebrow at him in surprise, "There was a girl involved," Shawn waved a hand nonchalantly, Juliet grinned; of course there had been a girl. "And well, my dad arrested me," he turned slightly so he wasn't looking at Juliet. He didn't like admitting that, not one bit. Having a record had never been something that bothered him before, it was just another dent in his and his father's relationship, but with Jules it mattered; she put away criminals, she didn't associate with them; he'd checked, Jules had never even gotten a parking ticket. Suddenly he was thankful for the poorly lit dark hallways; they hid how red his face was.
Juliet felt a sinking sick feeling in her gut. She'd always respected the elder Spencer, she heard talk of how great he was around the department, and working with him had shown her that no one had been exaggerating how sharp he was, if more than a little cold, but to arrest his own son? To arrest Shawn? If Shawn had been arrested and booked then he had a record, which would have made it impossible for him to go to the Police Academy even if he'd wanted to. Working as a consultant was the loophole.
They had arrived outside the door to the Detectives bunk room without even realizing it. And now Shawn wouldn't look at her. She leaned against him slightly, nudging him. He finally looked up and met her eye.
Neither one was sure when they had started holding hands.
"It was a stupid thing to do," he acknowledged quietly.
She nodded slightly, a sympathetic smile on her face. It didn't change anything. Shawn had always been one to bend rules; she was pretty sure his entire career existed in what was at best a very large gray area. "You would have been a good cop Shawn," she assured him quietly.
Shawn chuckled and his eyes danced mischievously, "Are you kidding? I would have been horrible. Absolutely dreadful," he shivered.
She quirked an eyebrow. After seeing his hat trick she didn't quite believe that.
"I can't follow protocol," he said the word disdainfully and scoffed, "And what if they had made me Lassie's partner? The department would have been down two detectives within a week. My body would have washed up on shore and Lassie would be in jail for murder," he grinned playfully. His expression shifted slightly and he almost grimaced, "I don't get along well with cops," he mused quietly, his mind flashing through his many confrontations with both Lassiter and his father.
Juliet frowned, "Shawn," she whispered," I'm a cop," she reminded him, feeling both amused and pained by the look on his face. His brow was furrowed adorably but his eyes were unusually heavy.
She watched as the corner of Shawn's mouth twitched upwards in a small but sincere smile, "Yeah, but, you're you," he explained, his voice dangerously low, as if that explanation made perfect sense.
When had they started leaning towards each other?
"That's true," she whispered, feeling her throat tighten. Her eyes were on his lips. They were barely centimeters apart; all she had to do was lean in just a little tiny bit more. His breathing was ragged and uneven against her face. She slowly glanced up at his eyes and all thoughts of closing the distance between them vanished. He looked so confused. Torn. The fact that he wanted this was clearly written across his face, but he looked positively petrified.
"Jules," he whispered, his voice cracking, "I-we…I can't," he pulled back slightly. She blinked back tears. He turned away from her, raising his hand and running it along his mouth in what she knew was a nervous, pained gesture. He let out a long ragged breathe. "I'm sorry," he said after an agonizing silence in which neither of them trusted their voices to work properly.
"Shawn," Juliet didn't care when her voice cracked. Shawn flinched; this was killing her-he was the one hurting her. He ran a hand over his head, feeling the need to run surge through him, "Shawn, just tell me what's wrong," she sounded almost like she was begging him.
He tried to laugh, to play it off, but the sound that came out of his throat sounded more like a dry sob then anything humorous, "Nothing's wrong Jules," he paused trying to keep himself together, knowing that neither of them had believed him. A joke about an all night Die Hard marathon died on his lips, "I uh, I need to go, get some rest and…all that," he whispered, heading back down the hall.
"Shawn," She called after him, careful to not raise her voice too much given the hour of the night, "Shawn!" he was already down the hall. She sighed. "Your bunk is in here. …Next to mine," she muttered miserably.
Angst. Lots of awesome angst. Told you shules was coming.
Hopefully reviews will increase. I write much faster when I think people are excited for more!
Enjoy and Review!