had deepened, but he was smiling. “Really.”
“That’s great.”
North shrugged.
“That’s awesome.”
North blushed harder and rolled one shoulder.
Shaw kissed him. And then kissed him a few more times. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, breaking away long enough to touch North’s blond thatch of hair and meet his eyes.
“You know.”
Shaw did know. And he knew how much it meant, North telling him now.
“I—” North stopped; his face was scarlet, and now his gaze did drop to the couch. “I got two tickets?” He framed it as a question.
“Yes.”
North’s eyes came up. Ice-rim eyes. “Really?”
“Definitely.”
“I’d really like that.”
“Plus,” Shaw said with a grin, “we’ve already got the costumes.”
North groaned and fell forward, crushing Shaw into the couch.
With a laugh, Shaw pushed North off. The big man rolled onto the floor and came up easily.
“I know it’s nerdy.”
“Who cares?”
“I know I shouldn’t be this excited.”
Shaw couldn’t stop smiling. “I think it’s great that you’re this excited.”
North bent, kissed him one more time, and then headed to the door, hopping as he tugged off one boot, and then switching feet. He dropped the boots by the door. He stood up.
Shaw realized a moment too late.
“Shaw,” North said. “Where’s the leash?”
“Uh.”
North turned around slowly.
“Well,” Shaw said. “That’s kind of a funny story.”
“Really?”
“Oh yeah, you’re going to laugh.”
“I can’t wait. Let’s hear it.”
“Well, maybe it’s not so much funny as it is endearing.”
“I love endearing stories.”
“Endearing might not be the right word.”
“I love heart-warming stories. I love cutesie stories. But most of all, Shaw? I love honest stories. A full, explicit account—”
“Explicit?” Shaw said with a suggestive wiggle of his eyebrows.
“—of what exactly happened while I was gone.”
“We just followed the instructions on the card.”
“Uh huh.”
“To a T, actually.”
“Perfect. I’m so grateful. Now, where’s the leash?”
“You know, I think I’ll save it for the morning. I want to talk more about ChouteauCon.”
“Oh no, that’s not going to work.”
North took a step toward the couch. Then, the doorbell rang.
“Oh no,” Shaw said.
“Oh no?” North said.
“You’re tired. Why don’t you go check on the puppy—”
“My puppy,” North said.
“Why don’t you go check on your puppy, and I’ll get the door?”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” North said. “I’m right here.”
“But I—”
“No, Shaw. I insist.”
North turned and opened the door.
Gus was standing there, in a tight tee and very short shorts. He was holding the leash in one hand.
“Hi,” he said. “Is Shaw here?”
“That’s an interesting question. Who the hell are you?”
“Hey, man. We’re cool. I just wanted to drop this off.”
“Thanks, Gus,” Shaw shouted. “You can close the door now, North. Just take the leash and close the door.”
“That’s my leash,” North said. “Your name is Gus?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to drop off the leash.” Gus was looking over North’s shoulder. “Hey, Shaw.”
Shaw wanted to crawl under the couch. Or melt. Melting would be preferable.
“You must have forgotten the leash when you were getting out of the car,” Gus said, still talking past North to Shaw. “I was going to bring it back tomorrow, but then I thought you might need it tonight.”
“Thanks, Gus. Thank you so much.”
“Cool.”
But Gus didn’t leave. He just stood there, looking from Shaw to North and back to Shaw.
“Very cool,” North said. “Why don’t you come in? Have a beer.”
“Nope.” Shaw launched himself off the sofa, rushing to the door and squeezing under North’s arm. “Thanks, Gus. So nice of you. Really appreciate it.”
Gus was frowning now. “Is this your boyfriend?”
“Oh,” North said. “So you at least bothered to tell him you had a boyfriend.”
“Yep,” Shaw said. “This is him. Gotta go, Gus. Not trying to be rude.” Shaw was putting his weight into the door. North was holding it open without even seeming to try. “Guess I’ll see you later.”
“Oh really?” North said.
Shaw reached up, prying at North’s fingers. “Night, Gus. Thanks again.”
Then, by some miracle, Shaw managed to get North’s hand loose, and the door slammed shut. Shaw put his back to it and, without breaking eye contact with North, reached over his shoulder to turn the deadbolt.
“He seemed nice,” North said in a deadly voice, holding the leash like a noose.
“Just hold on,” Shaw said. “I can explain everything.”
NORTH AND SHAW: OUT OF OFFICE
These vignettes take place after Declination.
1
SHAW SAT ON THE FLOOR of North’s living room, his back against the sofa, flipping channels between a QVC special on hoop earrings and a rerun of 90 Day Fiancé. North lay on the couch, a paperback of In Cold Blood folded along the spine so he could read with one hand. With