Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The ghoul boys had planned to meet up outside the Watcher office in the early evening to travel to their latest haunted location. Shane is looking at his watch when Ryan strolls up.

"Hey Ry. Have you heard from Mike? It's not like him to be late." Shane tries to peer in through the doors in case their cameraman is inside.

"Ah crap, knew I forgot to tell you something!" Ryan gently berates himself for his poor memory. "He had a family emergency come up. A friend of mine is going to meet us there to fill in."

"Ah, fresh meat. Are they a believer or one of my kind?" Not that anyone is really one of Shane's kind, but Ryan doesn't need to know that.

"Not sure actually, I don't think I've ever asked. I do hope she's a Boogara, it would be nice to have some back up for once."

"Aw Ryan, am I not supportive enough?" Shane pouts playfully and Ryan scoffs.

"You're actively unsupportive and you know it. Let's hit the road or we'll be late."

Ryan's friend isn't there yet when they arrive so Shane goes to do a little recon around the grounds while they wait. As he wanders the area, the hair on the back of his neck starts to prickle. Hmm. Seems something supernatural actually is nearby. Maybe Ryan's right about this one?

-

As you near your destination, you start to sense something with a dark energy. The place hadn't seemed legit from the brief summary Ryan sent you, but you suppose you could have been wrong. Maybe there is something here after all.

You pull up behind Ryan's car and hop out to greet him. "Ryan! How's it going, hun?"

He looks pleased to see you. "Hey! Little anxious but that's the usual on ghost shoots. Thanks so much for coming at such short notice."

"No problem at all, you know that. Hopefully I can save you from any ghosts as well as saving your shoot." You wink at him and he chuckles a little, looking around at the sound of footsteps.

"Oh and here's Shane! Y/N, meet my co-host, Shane."

You look and almost freeze in surprise, having to quickly smooth out the shock on your face. The newcomer hasn't schooled his features so well and is visibly tense as you stare each other down.

Ryan doesn't seem to notice and continues with the introductions. "Shane, this is Y/N, our temporary camerawoman and savior of the shoot."

Shane snorts though no amusement reaches his eyes. "Savior. Funny."

"Hi." You can't quite manage a smile so you deflect instead. "Happy to help. Shall we get set up?"

Shane doesn't take his eyes off you as you start pulling camera equipment from your trunk and barely blinks when Ryan dumps a bag of cables and a stand in his arms. The three of you enter the spooky building and once you've scouted out a good place for the interview scenes you start setting up.

When Ryan dashes back out to the car for duct tape, Shane rounds on you.

"What the hell are you doing?"

You raise your eyebrows at him. "More your area I think but whatever. I am helping a friend in need."

"Why the fuck does Ryan know an angel?" He demands and you eye him, unimpressed.

"Why does he know a demon?" You counter without answering.

Shane doesn't answer that either. "I was here first!"

You laugh at his attempt to stake a claim on his territory. "You know it doesn't work like that. He invited me and there's nothing you can do about it."

Shane growls low in his throat but any argument is cut off by Ryan's return.

Watching the men interact is interesting. The demon doesn't seem to be doing anything outright evil, though it's possible he's playing some kind of long game. The teasing and banter between them seems almost brotherly. You've never seen a demon act quite like this before and though it initially has you a little on edge you find yourself getting sucked into the ridiculousness of Ghost Files. If you weren't so professional you would be shaking with laughter at their antics as they explore the supposedly haunted building. They seem to light up the surroundings, despite Ryan's constant factoids about horrible goings-on here over the last hundred years.

Shane does his solo investigation first, leaving you and Ryan in the dim interview room to wait. Ryan makes occasional scared faces and quips to the camera when you hear Shane howling in the distance but you can see his energy is fairly relaxed. He doesn't actually seem all that spooked at all.

He shrugs when you comment on it. "I dunno, I'm feeling good actually. Maybe this one isn't haunted? Or maybe I just feel safe in here with you and I'll freak out when I go out there alone."

"I'm sure you'll be fine, there's nothing out there to get you." You reassure.

To your surprise he groans. "Oh great, you're a Shaniac! Just what I need, another one."

"A what?"

"A Shaniac. You know, a skeptic, team Shane."

You wrinkle your nose in distaste. "I'm not sure I would describe myself as team Shane."

"Hey, there's always room for new Boogaras, but if you don't believe then I'm afraid you're siding with the big guy."

You're certain the big guy upstairs wouldn't be too pleased with that. Not that he has anything to worry about, you've never been tempted to rebel and this weird ghost hunting demon certainly isn't going to change that.

The demon in question bursts through the door suddenly, as if summoned by the mentions of his name, making Ryan jump and yelp in panic.

"All yours my frightened little friend! I warmed them up for you." He winks down the barrel of the camera and you roll your eyes from your place behind it.

He leans nonchalantly against the wall as you make sure Ryan is all outfitted with a go pro for his solo investigation. You give Ryan a smile and a silent blessing as he goes off, just to make sure nothing will bother him (though you're sure Shane's presence has scared off anything that may have been lurking).

Once you're alone Shane starts in. "So. How are you finding your first ghost hunt, savior?"

"We're still rolling." You point at the camera, pleased to have an excuse not to make celestial small talk, but Shane just wiggles his fingers and smirks as the little red light winks off.

"Oh no, looks like your battery died." The faux concern in his voice is irritating.

"Oh piss off demon." With a huff you start to dig in your bag for a spare battery.

"Ouch." Shane looks anything but upset. "I didn't think your kind really did insults. Love all creatures and all that."

"Creature is right..." You mutter into the bag and he laughs, surprisingly genuinely.

"C'mon, isn't it nice to talk to someone from back home just for a little bit?"

"We're not the same, demon." You relent though because it is actually a little bit nice to not have to hide your true nature. Letting your halo glow a little to help you find the batteries, you decide to humor him. "Why are you ghost hunting anyway? You could talk to a ghost whenever you want."

"It's fun." He shrugs and grins, letting you see that his fangs are now out. When he blinks his eyes flicker to black. Show off. At least your halo light is practical.

"Fun because you get to scare a human you mean?"

"Oh he scares himself just fine without my input." Shane runs his tongue along his fangs, just to make sure you've noticed them. "I won't pretend I don't have a little fear snack every now and then but mostly it's just fun. Don't you think?"

Well he's got you there. You are having fun on this shoot, despite the demonic company. It must show on your face because he crows victoriously. "I knew it! Why don't you stick around, we could use another ghoul boy."

You can't quite figure out his scheme here but for the safety of humanity you should probably keep an eye on him, right? Nodding slowly, you agree. "I guess I could join a few more shoots. Just to make sure you're not doing anything to Ryan though."

"Whatever you say, cherub." Shane winks and you scowl.

"Why would you even want me around? And I know you know I'm a Virtue!" Not that there's anything wrong with cherubs but a demon should know the different orders and you won't stand for him mislabeling you.

"So's patience, but we don't have time for that. Ryan's nearly back, get that camera rolling." He's way too comfortable ordering you around and you bristle a little.

"You're not the boss of me." You stick your tongue out and Shane flickers his forked one back at you. Scrambling to switch out the battery, you just make it in time to capture Ryan's return and Shane greeting him, back in full human form.

"Well hey buddy! How did it go? Did they pull your hair, I told them to pull your hair."

"You dick! Nobody messes with my hair, not even evil spirits." Ryan pouts in exaggerated outrage. "I didn't find anything though, didn't even get anything on the spirit box."

With a short scene to wrap up and lock the case in the Ghost Files you're all done and the three of you break down your equipment. Ryan, despite the lack of paranormal activity here, is very pleased to be allowed to turn on the lights once more as you clear up.

-

Shane claps his co-host on the shoulder once the trunk of the car is securely closed. "So! Y/N was telling me earlier that they want to join the ghoul boys. Right, cherub?"

"Not quite what I said." You shoot him a glare at your apparent new nickname. "I had fun though, I wouldn't mind doing a little more ghost hunting."

"Really?" Ryan seems delighted at this development. "Because Mike's wife is pregnant and he wasn't sure about doing night shoots in the lead up to baby's arrival. Maybe you could take over for the rest of the season?"

Shane looks way too pleased with himself as you agree to come discuss it at the office later in the week. If you find out he's orchestrated this somehow you're going to smite him. Ryan seems so happy at how everything is working out though, you definitely can't back out now.

"I'll see you boys later then. I need to get home, I'm starving." You move to head for your car but are quickly foiled once more by Shane who is sporting a cheeky smile.

"I could use some food too. Didn't I see a Denny's on the way here? Come with us, my treat." The challenge in his eyes is evident.

You can't believe he's outmaneuvered you so thoroughly but you begrudgingly agree to follow their car to the restaurant. The boys get into Ryan's car and you take a minute to kick yourself before you head off.

"Soooo, seems like someone has a cruuuush." Ryan sing-songs as the boys head for Denny's. "What did you call her? Cherub?"

Shane snorts. "Naw she just seemed sweet is all. Like a baby angel."

Ryan bursts into laughter. "Is that meant to convince me you're not into her!"

Shane brushes the thought off. "Just the vibe I got, doesn't mean anything. I don't think I'm her type anyway."

Ryan will never know just how true that is...

Chapter Text

Shane's car has broken down. You're too polite to laugh at his misfortune when Ryan calls to tell you, but you're still hit with immediate comeuppance for wanting to.

"Could you do me a huge favor?" Ryan begins and you have to mask a groan. "Could you give him a ride to the shoot? I checked maps and it's on your way if you're coming from home."

Screw you, Ryan is what you immediately think, but "sure thing Ryan" is what comes out of your mouth. Darn your helpful nature. You and Shane have managed to come to a shaky truce for Ryan's sake, but alone time with a demon is still wrong wrong wrong in your book.

Regardless, that evening you find yourself waiting outside Shane's apartment, getting frustrated at the number of 'I'm here' texts you have to send.

When he finally slides into the passenger seat (with no apology of course) you can't help but gripe at him. "Seriously? You're twenty six minutes later than agreed and you can't even reply to a text to let me know there's a delay?"

"I had to get my look right, cherub" he grins at you, unremorseful. A quick once over shows he looks exactly the same as he always does on ghost hunts - casual tee and jeans with his Ghost Files jacket over top. Not exactly a look that takes hours to achieve.

Knowing by now that he's just trying to bug you and there's little sense in arguing, you roll your eyes and start the car without further comment. Annoyingly he clearly takes that as a win. "You're speechless in the face of my beauty! Time well spent then."

You don't look over but you can hear the smug expression on his face and you huff. "No, I was just raised to believe that if you have nothing nice to say you should say nothing at all."

"You can say naughty things about me if you want to. I won't tell."

You gag exaggeratedly at his salacious tone which makes Shane laugh. Despite his demonic nature it's a nice laugh. You wish you didn't think that.

While you're too caught up in your own head to reply a brief quiet descends on the car. Not for long though as Shane, of course, cannot let you know peace. "So, you read Ryan's info packet? Haunted nightclub sounds pretty fun, I'm keen to boogie down with a ghost."

You finally look at him, askance. "Your whole thing is not believing, you'll just be dancing by yourself like an idiot."

"True true" he nods in agreement, then cracks a cheeky smile "you'll just have to dance with me instead then."

For a demon he's not very good at temptation. "Hard pass. Try Ryan."

"I will, he's got moves! Probably better than yours anyway." How very subtle.

You don't rise to the bait though, instead changing the subject. "Your life is so mundane, it's weird. How did you even meet Ryan?"

Shane smiles as he thinks back on their old times together. It almost looks genuine. "At Buzzfeed. He was in the video team, I was putting evil into the world by inventing the concept of clickbait. Ah the good old days."

You snort. "You did not invent clickbait."

"I absolutely did, cherub, it's part of my five step media scheme. Step number four will shock you." He's so pleased with himself, you can just tell.

You shrug, acting as unimpressed as you can to annoy him. "Seems human to me."

"Oh whatever. Anyway, your life is more mundane than mine, I'm internationally famous. How did you end up in LA, meeting Ryan?"

"It's the City of Angels! Where else would I be?" Your grin back to him is dazzling and he blinks a little in surprise at the warm feeling it gives him. That's not supposed to happen. You continue on, apparently oblivious. "Ryan and I actually met at a cafe. His card declined in front of me in line so I covered his coffee and we got to talking."

"Goody goody" Shane mumbles, which you ignore.

"Turned out he had a low level curse on him and didn't even know it! Easily removed though." You shoot Shane a suspicious look suddenly. "Wait, was that you?"

"Nope, not me." He tries and fails to look innocent. "Promise! Cross my heart and hope to die." When he traces his finger over his heart it leaves a fiery X hanging in the air for a second which you blow out in a puff of acrid smelling smoke.

"Hey! No smoking in my car, demon!"

"You should've picked a different outfit then." He wiggles his eyebrows at you and you're torn between retching again or just groaning at the cheesiness. You're saved from the decision when your GPS dings and steals your attention.

You pull in next to Ryan's car in the parking lot which is complete with an irritated looking Ryan leaning against the door. He throws his arms wide in a 'what gives?' gesture of annoyance once you and Shane step out of your car. "Guys, I've been here half an hour already! What happened?"

Shane cuts in before you can speak. "Sorry, we're fashionably late, someone just had to get their outfit right." He looks pointedly at you while you sputter in indignation.

If you were a violent person, you would smack him.

Chapter Text

It's hard to say whether any of Ryan's previous locations have actually been haunted, but this is certainly the first one where you've seen anything. This time you headed in first to set up some static cams that you and Ryan had already agreed on and came face to face with a ghost. Physically he's maybe in his late twenties, but based on his clothing he's much older than that. Darn, you should have read the info packet a little more carefully. What was the former owner called? Edgar? Edward? Wait, Edwin!

"My lady." He bows formally to you, and then shakes his head and mutters to himself "not that she can see you, so why bother..."

Well this should be interesting. "I, um, I can actually. Hello sir." A polite nod is the best you can manage with your hands full of equipment but the urge to curtsey is surprisingly strong.

If a ghost could turn white then this one would have. As it is, the image of him flickers a little bit as his jaw drops in shock. Unfortunately you don't really have time for him to collect himself with the boys hot on your heels, so you just launch into it.

"Hey, I'm sorry to rush this, but my friends and I are here to... well to search for ghosts. You in particular I suppose. I need to set up some equipment, is that okay?"

He's blinking in astonishment and you're not sure he knows what a camera is, but he nods regardless. "Anything you wish, my lady. May I accompany you?"

"Of course you can. It's your home."

As you head to the basement you each introduce yourselves properly and you try to explain the idea behind all of Ryan's ghost hunting equipment. "In short, we have some machines that are meant to allow us to see and hear you."

Edwin furrows his brow in confusion. "But you can see and hear me. Are your friends not like you?"

"Well... yes and no," oh dear, how far should you get into this? "Neither are quite like me, but one will be able to see you. For the show though, I think he'll pretend he can't."

"People have gotten very strange indeed since I passed..." He laments and you shrug helplessly. It's probably won't make him feel better to explain that Shane's not exactly people. Unfortunately, it turns out he can tell that for himself.

"Hellooooo?" Shane's voice sing-songs through the house (seriously, it's like he can tell when you're talking about him) and you head back upstairs with Edwin trailing behind.

As soon as you make it to the parlour where the boys have ended up, he swooshes in front of you. He's flickering again and his voice has taken on an edge. "Get behind me, good lady. That is no man."

Oh boy. You're not sure how to approach this in a way that doesn't immediately give you all away to Ryan.

Shane though, is happy to launch right in. "Hey Ryan, what was the dead guy's name again?"

"Edwin. Edwin Smythe. I wish you'd read my profiles dude, I put a lot of work into them." Ryan despairs.

"I read them!" He defends, convincing nobody. "Greetings to you, Edwin Smythe." Shane adds, looking to all the (mundane) world like he's addressing the empty home.

Shane steps towards you casually as he speaks and Edwin squares up, though he's flickering even more intensely now and is clearly terrified. "Back, devil! I will not allow you to harm the lady."

"Oh boy." Shane mutters, echoing your sentiments exactly.

He flicks his fingers towards Ryan whose phone suddenly rings. "Oh sorry guys, I'll be right back." He hurries off to answer, leaving you in the company of an amused demon and a terrified ghost.

"So! Who's your friend?" Shane asks you nonchalantly, though of course he's well aware.

"Shane, this is Edwin, and this is his home so you are going to be nice to him." He makes a face, evidently finding niceness distasteful.

"Is this the person you spoke of?" Edwin addresses you over his shoulder, unwilling to turn his back to Shane. Which is fair enough you suppose. "Dear lady, I do not wish to frighten you but this is a fiend in the guise of a man."

Shane throws his head back and laughs in delight. "A fiend! Oh that's a throwback."

You sigh. "Edwin, I know. I promise he'll do you no harm though."

He almost spins in shock, before realizing halfway through the turn he needs eyes on the demon. You step up next to him, shooting Shane a stern look before trying to give Edwin a soothing one.

Before you can try to explain, Shane cuts in again. "I didn't know ghosts could have guardian angels."

"For the last time Shane, I am a Virtue!" You throw your hands up in exasperation and at this Edwin finally turns his attention fully to you, brow furrowed.

"My lady?"

A headache starts to pinch at your temples and you sigh again, checking the doorway to make sure Ryan's still far away. "I'm an angel, Edwin. That's why I can see you."

"An angel? And you stand with this.. this beast?" He's horrified.

"Look it's complex but there's a human involved so none of us are going to do anything, alright?"

Shane tries to look innocent when Edwin stares at him suspiciously. At your encouraging smile he eventually relents and bows to you again. "As you wish lady." Phew.

"Thank you Edwin. And thank you for protecting me, that was sweet of you." Shane snorts but holds his hands up in defeat when you glare at him. "Now I have to set up, okay? Shane, play nice, and Edwin, come stand by me so the cameras don't catch you."

You bustle off to actually do some work with Edwin trailing after you. Shane's eyes are glued on the two of you as you set up, unwilling to look away even when Ryan returns and starts trying to go over the intro script with him. Even when you start rolling his gaze is on what's behind the camera instead of down the lens.

As Ryan describes pieces of the house's history and the boys banter, Edwin starts up a commentary for your benefit. He adds context and scoffs at the things history got wrong. His input is actually very interesting, if a little distracting. Shane seems annoyed by it, making jokes that are just a little too mean and being more combative towards the spirits than he usually is. Edwin stoically ignores most of the jabs though he does noticeably flicker if Shane gets too close.

When the spirit box comes out, you're not sure what to expect. It's easy to keep Edwin out of frame of the camera, but who knows what the ghostly range of the radio is. You try to motion for him to hush but he's clearly thrilled to have a listening ear after all this time and struggles to stay quiet for long. Finally it happens.

"Did you hear that!!" Ryan is absolutely delighted. "Clear as day, it said My Lady! Is this Edwin talking about his lost love? Or perhaps he's got a crush on our lovely camera operator?"

Shane snorts. "As if. She's out of this ghost's league."

Ryan cackles while you shoot Shane a glare and Edwin huffs in indignation.

"I don't know Shane, by all accounts he seemed like a decent dude, and just look at his giant house! This ghost's a catch!" He winks down the camera. "Ryan Bergara, matchmaker across the veil."

This draws a laugh out of you which you quickly muffle.

Ryan laughs along with you. "She's laughing at my new business venture folks, but I'll be the one laughing when she marries a ghost."

He turns to Shane who is clearly not amused but fakes a smile when he realizes the attention is now on him. "Perhaps a lady squatch for you, big guy. Don't worry, I don't just stop at ghosts. Love is for everyone."

"You heard it here first everyone, Ryan supports squatch marriage. What is this country coming to?" Shane lets himself be drawn into the banter but his heart clearly isn't in it. Gosh he's being weird today. Extra weird that is. Ryan had noticed too and approaches to check in once you've wrapped.

"Are you alright man? Seemed a little out of it today..."

From where he's shoving cables into a bag, Shane pulls off a very convincing flippant shrug. "Just not sold on this one I guess. Not as spooky as your usual ghost stories."

"Yeah but guy mourning for his lost fiancee? Classic! It'll be a popular one for sure."

"Eh. Lover boy doesn't do it for me." This comes with a pointed glance at Edwin who is still talking your ear off.

Before Shane can get too bitchy you jump in. "Well I enjoyed the night. I thought it was a sweet story."

"Thank you! Glad somebody on the team has taste." Satisfied, Ryan goes back to packing away his spooky accoutrements.

Edwin gives a haughty little sniff at Shane and turns to you, smiling warmly. "My lady, thank you for this evening. It has been truly heartening to talk to somebody again."

Smiling and nodding without Ryan noticing is difficult but you think you pull it off. He continues on. "Of course we were always told of Heaven, but one finds it difficult to truly know. But if you truly are an angel... Well, my dearest Lisbeth must be there. So I thank you also for that peace of mind."

Glancing over at the boys, you try to cover your words a little by rustling through your bags. "I'm sure she's waiting there for you Edwin. I hope you see her again."

"Yes. Yes I believe I will." He bows to you a final time. As he straightens up you can see a peaceful smile on his face and he seems to glow from within. In the blink of an eye he's gone.

"Oh come on!" Grumbles Shane, drawing all eyes to him. "Oh, uhh. The strap on this bag tore." The stitches pop suddenly and audibly to support his excuse. How rude, that was one of your bags.

"Shall we?" He ignores your glare and hoists the bag by the remaining strap, gesturing toward the door. You don't quite shove past him to leave but you're tempted (ew he'd be insufferable if he knew he had tempted you, even if he would have suffered for it).

As you load your bags into the trunk Shane slides in next to you, shoulder to shoulder. You take the chance to tell him off a little. "What's your deal? Why were you so rude to Edwin?"

"Demon, remember?" The 'duh' is nearly audible. "Anyway he was so gross, mooning after you the whole time."

"Are you kidding? His unfinished business was believing he would see his fiancee again! He was just excited that he could talk to me." And who can blame him? Being all alone for hundreds of years must be awful.

"Total creep. All my lady this, my lady that. Barf." His nose is wrinkled in distaste and you roll your eyes.

"He's from a different time with different rules. He was being polite unlike some people. I shouldn't expect you to understand though, politeness is probably foreign to you demons."

"Yeah well fun is probably foreign to you angels." He sticks his tongue out at you. Thousands of years old and he still has the maturity of an 8 year old.

"You're just mad you don't have free reign to bully innocent ghosts anymore." You slam the trunk shut, forcing Shane to yank his hands clear with a yelp, and turn on your heel to walk off before he can argue further.

You don't notice him staring after you but Ryan sure does.

-

"I can't believe you're jealous of a ghost." Ryan says it casually on the drive home, unaware that he's hitting a hornets nest.

"What are you talking about? They're not even real." He tries to keep the irritation out of his voice, he really does.

"Dude, I made a joke about the guy having a crush on Y/n and you turned fully green."

"I did not!" Shane bristles at Ryan's giggling and has to put a conscious effort into keeping his eyes clear and horns out of sight.

"You so did. You have nothing to worry about though, she doesn't believe in ghosts." The disappointment is heavy in his tone.

"She doesn't?"

"Nope! I asked, full Shaniac."

Why this makes him feel smug is a mystery considering he knows she does believe (and for good reason). Maybe it's just that he knows it would really annoy her to be described as a Shaniac.

Chapter Text

You're not sure about this one. Ghosts, burial grounds, demons, haunted dolls, old prisons - these are all fine. This house though is something else entirely. It's a hazard. Seriously, it's basically crumbling in front of your eyes.

You hesitate on the porch. "Ryan is this place safe?"

"I think so! They wouldn't let us film here if it wasn't, surely?" He's so chipper, despite the way the paint on the front door flakes off in his hand when he pushes it open and how the whole place seems to shudder as it closes.

Despite his initial enthusiasm, Ryan's mood descends deep into nervousness as you all explore the first floor. Everything creaks and is covered in cobwebs. It's definitely spooky even if you can't see any ghosts. Shane of course is in his element, poking at things and causing mischief.

Once he gets bored downstairs, Shane insists you all move on. He practically dashes for the staircase so he can be the first one up. As you get further up the stairs though, you can see fragments of caution tape that evidently used to block off the second floor.

"Guys, I'm not sure about going up here..." You hate to interrupt the shot and you do try to keep your voice low for the camera but you just can't push forward without at least trying to dissuade them.

Shane waves his hand nonchalantly, dismissing your concerns. "Come on, what's the worst that happens?"

"Okay... but on your own head be it..." It's mumbled but he definitely hears because he waves off your comment again and takes the rest of the stairs two at a time.

Despite your worries, the worst that happens during the walkthrough is a floorboard cracking under Ryan's foot and Shane bumping his head on a low beam.

Shane's solo investigation is largely uneventful as well. The place is small enough that you and Ryan have to set up outside to stay out of the way. You're a little concerned at the way the house creaks and the windows rattle occasionally, though Ryan dismisses that as Shane getting too excited. Either way he emerges in one piece to send Ryan on a hunt for the walkie talkie.

You let Ryan go with a final plea to be careful which Shane laughs at you for. "You are such a mother hen."

You make a face back. "Just making sure nobody dies on camera, we don't need to add any extra ghosts to these places."

"Ryan might like that actually," he points out. "If we captured him crossing over, some good solid evidence."

"He would so haunt you if he died on a shoot."

Shane shudders exaggeratedly at the thought. "Oh he'd be insufferable about it. Just following me around shouting 'ghosts are real' for eternity."

"Not all that different from now then?" You joke and Shane roars with unexpected laughter.

From your vantage point behind the camera you see it coming while Shane, from below with his eyes squeezed shut with laughter, doesn't. A chunk of roof has worked it's way free of the derelict house and is free falling on trajectory to smash Shane to pieces. You don't think, you just react, throwing yourself forward to present disaster.

When the crashing noises subside Shane blinks his eyes open and studies the scene from his new position. He finds himself knocked over and you crouched almost on top of him, wings extended and covered with dust and chips of wood and slate.

"You good? I've got to check on Ryan!" You dash off without a second glance, wings folding away as you go. Shane takes a further second to process before heaving himself up and shaking some dust from his hair.

The camera is still rolling he notices, though it's definitely been knocked to a different angle than the one you had carefully set up earlier. He should check on that probably.

When he reviews the footage he gets to see the whole scene. The debris falling, you leaping over to shove him out of the way. The camera catches you shouting 'fuck' as you go, which amuses him to no end. You've never sworn before, that he knows of. He wonders idly if you consider it a sin. When your wings come out he finds his breath catching in his throat. They're magnificent, pure white and looking as if they're gently glowing (until they're quickly covered in dust and grime). Something pangs in his chest at the sight of them.

He should destroy this really. Proof of your true nature certainly can't come back to the office with them. But he doesn't want to. Making a split second decision, Shane removes the video card and slides it into his pocket then shoves over the tripod. He regards with satisfaction as the camera comes free of the mount accompanied by many cracking noises. Without really taking notice of his own actions he slips his hand into his pocket to fiddle with the card.

Shane looks up as the door creaks open and you usher Ryan out onto the lawn. You close the door firmly behind you.

"Hey big guy. You all good, no lasting damage?" Wow isn't it sweet how much Ryan cares...

"Never better mon frere. Takes more than a bit of house to stop me." Shane brushes some more dust off of himself surreptitiously.

Ryan frowns over at the pile of roofing debris and then looks ruefully at the main house. "I guess that cuts us short tonight. Damn, do we need to pull together a backup episode?"

"That can be a tomorrow problem, I think we should all go home and recover." Attempting to cut him off before he spirals too deep into planning, you try to herd the boys towards the car, unfortunately an impossible task.

"Or!" Shane breaks away from you. "We could go get a drink instead. Come on, I'm buying."

"What? Why?" This man is so frustrating, you just want to go home.

Shane shrugs. "You saved my life, maybe I'm feeling generous."

This is oddly nice for the demon. You squint at him, trying to figure out his angle. As far as you can tell though he's completely sincere. Or he's gotten better at lying to you.

Ryan makes the decision for you in the end. "I was all geared up for a full night, I couldn't sleep now if I tried. Let's do it."

Ryan graciously offers to have just one and to be your driver for the evening, insisting that you and Shane deserve a few drinks after your near-death experience. He even refrains from pulling out his google doc of episode ideas at the table, agreeing to pick out a replacement location tomorrow.

You dont have to get drunk from the booze if you don't want to, but sometimes it's nice to feel like a proper human so you let it take effect. Plus you're sitting next to Shane and figure maybe a buzz will drown out the low level evil that radiates from him. You wonder if he's doing the same thing when you see the amount he puts away. It's surprisingly pleasant actually, the three of you hanging out together over beers.

When Ryan heads to the bathroom, Shane leans close to murmur into your ear. "I'm sturdy you know."

You burst out laughing, trying to get a baffled question out through the giggles. "Wha- sturdy? What the heck is that supposed to mean?"

"Shut up." Shane giggles too and continues without making himself any clearer. "You know I'm sturdy."

"Okay... You're sturdy!" You agree amiably.

"I just mean... What do I mean...? Oh, the roof. I could fight a roof. Wouldn't hurt me." He finishes his sentence with a flourish of the hands, as if he's said something ground breaking.

You fumble through his words for a second to pull out the meaning. "Shane are you trying to tell me off for saving you?"

"I'm saying that you didn't need to. But it was nice that you did. You're nice." This is delivered with an emphatic nod.

"Comes with the territory I guess." You trace a little circle over your head in case he doesn't get the hint. In response he absent mindedly rubs at his head where his horns are hidden under a glamour.

"Never known one of yours to be nice to one of mine."

Now is definitely not the time to get into that so you just nod and pat his hand gently. "Well you're welcome."

Ryan returns to the table at this moment to see Shane staring at where your hands are touching and obviously about to spiral. He takes charge of the situation.

"I think my adrenaline is crashing guys. Let's call it a night?" Nudging Shane to get him out of his own head, he gives the drunk man an encouraging smile.

As soon as Shane is seated in the backseat he's asleep, face pressed against the window, leaving you and Ryan to talk quietly.

"Sorry my shoot nearly killed you." The regret in his voice has you scrambling to cheer him up.

"Hey, no harm done, right? Except for Shane's hangover tomorrow."

"Hah! I've been drinking with him hundreds of times and the bastard never gets a hangover. He's so chirpy the next day, it's so annoying."

As you had suspected. "Blessed with a good metabolism I guess. Do you need a hand getting him home?"

"Nah, I got him. The Bergmeister is small but mighty." He takes one hand off the wheel to flex jokingly and you dissolve into giggles.

-

The first thing Shane does after Ryan escorts him to his door is flush the alcohol from his system. The second is to retrieve the video card from his pocket and head for his laptop.

He has the grace to feel at least a little bad about it as he speeds through to the moment he wants and loops the footage of you. The larger screen allows him to see much more than the tiny camera preview had. Details like how your height difference means you hit him right around the hips in a dramatic tackle. Details like the way your halo blinks into existence and lights up the night. In particular he sees the way you don't even try to deflect anything away from yourself, letting your wings and even your head take the full force of the debris just to keep it off him. Then of course there's your wings that he's still fixated on, huge and magnificent.

The one detail he can't puzzle out is why you did it. You must know he's not as frail as a human (he cringes as the word sturdy springs to mind again). And even if you don't, he's a demon. Why would you throw yourself into danger for a thing like him? He hadn't even asked if you were okay, or thanked you properly.

As he watches the clip again he traces the curves of his horns with a fingertip, trying to remember what his own halo had felt like.

Chapter Text

The chorus of Calling All Angels blares through your apartment and you stare at your phone in confusion. Why is Shane calling you? And when did he set himself a custom ringtone on your phone? Against your better judgement you pick up.

"Hello?"

"Um.. Hi." He sounds even less sure than you do even though he's the one calling you.

"Is everything okay? Is Ryan okay?" Because literally why else would he be calling you?

"Yeah, no Ryan's fine."

"Oh. Well good." You pause and then cautiously offer "and are you...?"

"I'm fine too." Well that's all your theories busted. Luckily Shane finds his feet somewhat because you're at a loss. "I wanted to ask you that actually. You know, after the, um, thing yesterday?"

"Yeah? Yeah I'm fine... Thanks for checking on me." In this moment you really miss the days of curly-corded phones, you'd kill for something to fiddle with right now in the face of this awkwardness.

He's obviously feeling the same way because you can practically hear him squeezing his eyes shut as he bites out the next bit. "I'm... glad. And... thank you. For doing that for me."

Well if he thought you being nice to him was weird it's nothing compared to him being nice to you. Since when are demons even capable of that? In a daze you manage a "you're welcome" before he hurries to say bye and hang up. Once he does you're left staring at your phone in confusion. Since when does Shane do politeness? Maybe you need to have a little more faith in him...

Across town, Shane looks down at his phone in absolute horror. Why did he do that? What on earth possessed him to do that... And why couldn't he speak like a normal person? Ryan would have been able to speak like a normal person he's sure. Oh crap, you're going to think he's a complete moron.

-

You don't know what kind of favours Shane has built up over the years but he's cashed one in to get you guys permission to shoot at an old prison as a short notice replacement. He had announced it so casually as well, basically rejecting all thanks from Ryan. You do think it's a little odd that he isn't insisting that Ryan owes him one. Then again, after him calling you just to check you were okay? Who knows what small kindnesses he's capable of when he feels like it.

The old building looms as you arrive, square and imposing. Even without the haunted history the architecture of this place is more than enough to fill anyone with unease.

Stepping out into the cell block for the first time, you blink in surprise. It's not full, but there's way more ghosts present than you had expected. Trust Shane to pick the most haunted place available for his very first shoot location. Maybe a dozen semi-transluscent men turn to stare at your trio from their places in the cells. You suppose it's habit more than anything else that keeps them in there.

Unfortunately for you, they're not exactly the friendly kind. Or rather, they're overly friendly. Something of a chorus starts up, aimed directly at you.

"- check out the broad, boys - give us a kiss missy - yoo-hoo girly -"

You've already decided to rise above it, but Shane has other ideas. He turns to his co-host with a sharp grin. "So Ryan, what kind of villains would have been locked up here back in the day?"

"A veritable rogues gallery, Shane! This was a maximum security prison back in the day so would be home to the worst that 1800's California had to offer."

"Well listen up scumbags!" Shane raises his voice to the room at large. "This is my town now! So don't go making trouble or you'll have me to answer to. I've killed dozens of ghosts and I'm ready to add to the list." He glares round at the incorporeal inmates and the evil buzz that normally surrounds him seems to intensify into a malevolent haze. Most of the men seem to shrink where they stand.

In the distance a door slams and Ryan jumps. "Dude I think you're pissing them off."

"Good." It's bitten out as he makes eye contact with the one spirit still leering at you. You manage to swing the shot away to Ryan just before Shane's eyes flash black and the man takes an involuntary step back, startled.

Satisfied, Shane spins back to start bantering with Ryan, smile in place again. The ghosts mumble to each other, one sticking his head clear through a wall to get to his nearest neighbor. You're left completely on the back foot once again. Did Shane just defend your honor? Either something's wrong with him or he's getting really good at being nice.

You hurry after the boys without further incident as they make their way down the cell block. Shane has evidently scared the residents quite badly as none of them will so much as come near your group as you make your way around the entire prison. You almost feel bad for them when you see the frightened looks they give Shane. Almost.

-

On your way home from the shoot you decide it's time to talk. Using a teensy bit of power just to make sure your timing is correct you call Shane once he's dropped Ryan at home.

"Hello?"

"Hey. Do you want to get breakfast?"

"... sure."

By the time Shane arrives there's two mugs of steaming hot coffee on the table. He sits and takes a sip that should probably be incredibly painful without so much as a blink. "So. What are we doing here?"

"Having breakfast?" You offer an easy smile but he rolls his eyes back at you.

"Look cherub, you protected me, I defended you. We're even aren't we? Can't we just be done?"

He sounds tired and you're a little taken aback. You'd thought he was warming to you. "We can. We can be whatever you want. But I didn't do it so you would owe me, you know that, right?"

He takes another sip of coffee as he considers this. "Then why?"

"Why did you call to check on me? Why did you threaten to commit ghost murder for me? We're friends, Shane."

You say it as a matter of fact but as you watch the thoughts play out on his face you realize that Shane did not know this. You take a second to reassess the past few weeks, but come to the same conclusion again. He's definitely your friend. Should you be offended that he doesn't think the same? Mostly you feel a little bad that he seems so shaken. After a silence long enough for the waiter to come take your orders, you give him a little nudge. "Shane? Thoughts?"

He snaps back to you and tries to argue about it on instinct (because of course he does). "Demons don't have friends."

"Then what's Ryan?"

"My..." he fumbles for a moment, "colleague."

You narrow your eyes at him. "You're an idiot."

He nods thoughtfully. "Would you believe I've been told that before?"

Chapter Text

The boys are meant to be reviewing an edit for the prison episode but Shane is mostly just thinking about you. Are the two of you really friends? Is he even allowed to be friends with an angel? Not that he's ever been much for rules, but still. He likes to know exactly what rule it is he's breaking. It's more satisfying that way. Actually now that he thinks about it, you would know the rules and he doesn't think you'd break one to be friends with him, so it must be fine. That's a shame.

Ryan nudges him, pulling him from his thoughts of rule-breaking. "Dude! I said, what do you think?"

"Of?"

"Of the cut we just watched!" Ryan gestures at the screen in exasperation. Whoops. He wasn't watching.

"It was... fine?" Shane makes a bare minimum attempt at lying, for appearances sake, before giving in. "Okay, no, I wasn't paying attention."

"You're an idiot, you know that?" Why this brings a dopey grin to Shane's face, Ryan does not understand (frankly, neither does Shane).

-

You're getting ready for the Ghost Files season finale shoot when there's a knock on your door. You figure it's a neighbor or something but you answer the door to find a grinning Shane waiting for you.

"Oh! Hey. What are you doing here, I'm not running late am I?" You're pretty sure you're on track but you check your phone with a frown just in case. Still early.

"Nope! Just thought I'd be nice and come pick you up." He lets himself into your house without further explanation and oh boy are you regretting telling him you were friends.

Shane spins in place in your living room, taking it in. "You know, I pictured your place a little more... heaven-esque? But this is nice! Homey."

You glance around at the warm tones and soft furniture with a quiet smile. Personally you had never quite loved the sharp lines and blinding whiteness of your home up above so you had been thrilled to set yourself up with a more lived-in feeling place down here. Shane drapes himself across a sofa, long legs hanging off the edge and looking totally comfortable taking over your space.

You narrow your eyes at him. "Wait. Did you actually come to be nice or did you just want to look around my house?"

Shane shrugs and tucks his hands behind his head casually. "I can have multiple reasons. I'm a complicated guy, cherub."

Of course he is. "Okay, well I'd say make yourself at home but you're way ahead of me. I'll just be five minutes getting ready, entertain yourself."

As you get yourself ready and pack up you wonder if you're being a little prejudiced to assume the worst of Shane. After all, he's shown he's capable of kindness, and you're the one who wanted to be friends. Maybe you should give him the benefit of the doubt. If Ryan had shown up to give you a ride you wouldn't even have questioned it. Shouldn't you treat Shane the same? Yeah, you decide. You'll give the demon a little grace.

Back in the other room, Shane is tempted to go snooping. Gallantly though, he holds himself back. After all, who knows what kind of demon traps you could have around the rest of the place? At the very least you'll definitely yell at him if you notice him nosing around. Instead he pokes at the things on your coffee table and tries to gauge what he can from in here. He's flicking through a handful of your mail when there's a sudden mrrp sound from below and then a weight appears on his chest. He looks down as a purring starts up and your ghostly cat vibrates into visibility.

"Oh hello little buddy." Shane abandons the mail and reaches out slowly to gently scratch behind the cats ears, smiling when he leans into it. "Well what's your name baby?"

When you return to the lounge, Shane and your cat are well on their way to being best friends. "I didn't know you had a cat!"

"Ah yeah, that's Scout, I keep him on the downlow. I can hardly show him off to people can I?"

Shane smiles down at the cat, more relaxed and soft than you've ever seen him. "I guess not with his condition. How did you get a ghost cat?"

"Well I adopted a living cat, like a normal person." You roll your eyes but you can't stop yourself from smiling fondly. "But when it was his time to go he just... kinda didn't. I honestly don't think he even knows it happened. Classic orange boy."

The ghostly cat certainly seems as happy as any living one Shane has seen. He's obsessed. "You know, I have an orange cat too. Obi."

"You do? I never pictured you as a cat person." Or any kind of animal person really.

Shane nods enthusiastically. "Cats all the way, man. They get me."

You look at him, laying on your couch like he owns the place. You look at your coffee table which is now in disarray after Shane's fiddling. The resemblance is definitely there. "You know what, I can see it. Are you ready by the way, we really are going to be late."

"Aw man." Shane looks sadly down at the cat on his chest, unwilling to move and disturb him.

"If you go through him he'll just stay there without noticing. Just go slow." You advise.

You try not to giggle as you watch him very slowly and awkwardly lever himself up, long limbs thrown out for balance. Once he's upright he turns anxiously to check on Scout. As predicted, the adorable moron is floating several inches above the sofa and still purring away with his eyes closed. You practically have to drag Shane away from fussing over him so you can get on the road. Honestly you can hardly believe he's such a secret softie.

When the two of you arrive together Ryan raises his eyebrows at you but doesn't say anything. Not to you anyway. You do notice him pulling Shane away while you're setting up for some kind of whispered discussion that you really hope is just about ghosts.

Chapter Text

You're making coffee in the kitchen when the arrival of evil is heralded by a soft 'pop' noise behind you. Quick as thought you spin into a defensive position, wings raised around you. Shane doesn't even flinch at the change or the bright light emitting from your halo. He just drops comfortably onto the couch.

"What is wrong with you??" You demand, letting your stance relax a bit.

"Hello to you too, cherub. Got a message for you, from Ryan."

"So text me." Rolling your eyes, you turn back to your task without listening to his message.

"Can I have a coffee too?" You can hear the cheeky grin from all the way across the room.

"Coffee is for guests. Invited guests." You can hear the pout too. You pour him a cup.

Making your way over to the couch you flop down, leaving your wings draped across the back. Out of the corner of your eye you can see Shane staring at them. He lets his horns and even tail appear then props his feet on the coffee table, apparently deciding to really get comfortable. You don't comment on this (really the bait is way too obvious).

"So?" You prompt him once you're settled.

Shane pauses mid sip of coffee and then blinks over at you, confused. "So what?"

Is this man serious? "You had a message? Or is this another flimsy excuse to get into my house?"

He scoffs. "As if I need an excuse."

Okay if this man has been breaking into your home when you're not there he is in so much trouble. But it's too early in the day for you to feel like threatening him so you settle for just telling him "you're the worst."

"Comes with the territory." He winks as he taps one horn with a long finger.

As you're both talking you see Scout pop his head round a corner. On seeing Shane, he scampers into the room and right into the demon's lap. Traitor. Though it is very cute the way Shane immediately stops being sarcastic to fawn over him. Once the cat is settled, Shane smiles up at you.

"So, I have a message for you." You roll your eyes at him as he presents this like new information. "Ryan wants you to come into the office."

You wait politely, certain that this can't be it, but he's definitely done. "That's it? I'm fairly certain one of you could manage to text that info."

Shane nods enthusiastically. "Oh yeah, he's going to."

"Then why, pray tell, are you here?" These idiots will be the death of you, you're sure of it.

"I wanted to warn you!"

Pinching the bridge of your nose to ward off a headache, you seek to clarify. "Let me just check that I'm following this. You wanted to warn me that Ryan is going to text me to ask me to come into the office?"

"No." Shane looks almost offended at your summary. "I wanted to warn you that he's going to offer you a job."

"Oh." Well that's definitely interesting then. "What for? Is Mike alright?"

"He's great. Had a beautiful baby girl by the way. But we could use another camera operater. And... I asked him if you could stay on."

Well that's... nice of him. Once again you wonder if you should be giving him more grace. Even though he technically broke into your house. Shane clearly feels awkward about this revelation because he hides his face in his coffee and keeps his attention on Scout.

You don't really want to embarrass him further and scare him off but you can't just let this slide without at least a little ribbing. "Aww I knew you were gonna miss me, you softie."

"Don't let it go to your head, I just want a meat shield in case another decrepit haunted house tries to kill me." He sticks his tongue out at you, long and forked. You decide to let him win this one and instead shift the conversation to ask about Obi while you mull over the incoming job offer.

-

Yawning as you finish your coffee, you stretch your arms and wings above your head. As you do so a stray feather comes loose and drifts down to rest in Shane's lap alongside the cat.

He picks it up and inspects it. "You're molting?"

"Hmm?" You look over and see his gaze fixed on the feather. "Ah shoot. Yeah, turn of the season, you know?"

You grab the feather from him and rest it on the coffee table, then reach up to comb through your wings the best you can which Shane can see is a struggle. "Do you want me to help?"

Pausing mid-reach you blink over at him. Sure you acknowledge he can do nice things for friends but something this personal is a bit beyond that. Still, you could definitely use the help. "... Yeah. That would be nice."

You settle onto the floor in front of the couch and spread your wings out for Shane to access. He sets to the task, gently combing through with his fingers and pulling free the loose feathers as he goes. You quickly relax into it. You haven't had anyone around to help you with your feathers in ages. It's nice. It reminds you of home.

You're not sure when your eyes closed but you're so relaxed you're practically asleep by the time he finishes. Shane brings you back to reality with a gentle tap on the head. "Hello? You good in there?"

"Mmm" is all you manage as you sit up straight and shake the clouds from your head gently.

"What should I do with these?" He points at the small pile amassed in front of him on the table.

"Oh, I got it." You scoop them up and stand to place them in a vase on a shelf that he hadn't taken notice of, already half full of long white feathers.

"You keep them?"

You shrug and smile. "Feels kind of weird to bin them. They're a part of me. I don't know, probably silly."

"I don't think it's silly." His voice is quiet and tinged with something almost verging on sadness. "I used to keep mine."

Oh. You never really thought about how Shane used to be like you. Until now you wouldn't have guessed Shane thought about it much either. He's definitely had you fooled with his outward delight in causing mischief. If anyone has asked, you would have said he loved being a demon. Suddenly though you're not so sure and you're struck with a need to know his story. You can't just ask someone why they fell though, can you?

"I'm sorry..." is all that comes out, after way too long of a pause. "I didn't think... I should've kept them away."

"What are you talking about? It's your house, stay comfortable." Any trace of sadness is suddenly gone from his voice and demeanor, making you almost convinced you imagined it. "Personally I love not having to cloak my shit from the humans."

He flicks his tail to emphasize the point and immediately starts cooing as Scout reaches out a paw to bat at the newly moving target. You're left off balance, not sure what to do or say now. Should you ask? Or at least offer to talk about it? Looking at him though you can just tell he isn't going to get into it right now. Maybe you need to get him drunk. Though a drunk, depressed demon cannot be fun to deal with. This is going to require some careful thought.

You've been silent again for way too long and Shane finally looks up at you, still standing by your shelves and lost in thought. "You good cherub? You look like you've seen a ghost."

He points down at Scout to highlight his punchline and you roll your eyes. Funny.

Chapter Text

Needless to say, you take the job. You can't remember having more fun on a shoot than you do with the ghoul boys. They seem to be good judges of character as well because you almost immediately click with everyone else in the office. For your first shoot as an actual permanent employee of Watcher Entertainment, you're going out to the Adventurer's Club of Los Angeles for Weird and/or Wonderful World. You're amused (but not necessarily surprised) to learn that Shane is actually a member. You're even more amused that Ryan decides to resurrect his Indiana Jones outfit for the shoot and shows up dressed in full regalia. Shane for once looks like the sensible one in comparison though you do see him eyeing the whip with a gleam in his eye that has you silently vowing to watch him like a hawk.

As the shoot starts you can immediately see why Shane came up with this series. Love for the human world shines through loud and clear with every word. Maybe you shouldn't be surprised at this point by anything he does, but you are a little. Fooled again, you suppose, by all his sarcasm and talk of putting evil out into the world.

He shows Ryan around the clubhouse with pride as if it's his own home, making you curious about what his place is actually like. Maybe you'll just show up unannounced one day to look around. It would only be fair, right? You're definitely going to picture it similar to this for now, filled with knick knacks that should belong in a museum (as Indiana Bergara says, accent and all).

"What on earth is THAT?" Ryan approaches the back wall of the lecture room which is covered in taxidermy and features a huge blackened skull in the center.

"This my little friend is a mammoth. She's been here with us since 1925." The word choice combined with the affectionate tone makes you wonder just how long Shane has been a member here.

"It's enormous! I can't believe it, finally a creature bigger than Shane." Ryan jokes.

It's awe inspiring though, dwarfing the three of you, with the single intact tusk stabbing intimidatingly out towards the room. Sadness for the loss of such a creature tugs at your ribs for a moment. Luckily Shane spins off into a bit before you can get too melancholy.

"Now Ryan, why is it that ghosts are always people? Why shouldn't our mammoth friend have a chance at the afterlife?"

-

The final scene takes places in the honest to goodness tiki bar that sits inside the headquarters, Peterman's Pub. This place is truly wild. After an initial round for the boys is captured on camera Shane orders a drink for you as well ("a Painkiller for you because I know dealing with us gives you a headache").

Though Shane manages to convince the two of you to shift to a regular bar when the Adventurer's Club closes, Ryan heads off fairly early, claiming existing plans with Mari. He gives Shane an encouraging look on his way out.

"Okay, tell me." You insist once you're alone. "How long have you been in the Adventurer's Club? And have you ever actually been on an expedition?"

"Ooh well technically I have only been a member for about 9 years. However my uncle was a member before me."

Your brow wrinkles in confusion. "Your uncle?"

"Yeah!" Shane grabs his phone to pull up the website and shows you a picture featuring a grainy old photograph of a small group of men out in the jungle. Squinting, you can just make out a familiar face. One Shane Madej, grinning like the Cheshire cat. Looking back up at the current Shane Madej, you sputter with laughter and he shakes his head.

"It's a sad story actually. Went on an expedition in the late 80's and never made it back. We think he was eaten by a lion." Shane heroically keeps a straight face as you absolutely cackle with mirth. "I was named after him you know."

Shane finally joins you in laughter at the end of this and it takes you a solid minute to pull yourself together. "Dude why didn't you tell this story in the ep?"

He feigns a disappointed look at you. "That's family business. I'm a very private guy don't you know."

You nod solemnly, mostly straight faced. "Well I'm honored you shared it with me. Let's drink to Uncle Shane!"

You hold your drink up to toast and he clinks it with his own glass. "Uncle Shane! What a guy."

He orders you both a Sex on the Beach to celebrate with, which he insists was uncle Shane's favourite drink, and you spend the next hour or two ordering each other silly retro drinks accompanied by stories of when you first tried each.

"Can I ask you something?" You ask over a Hurricane. A little nervous suddenly, you poke at the boozy fruit in your cup with a cocktail umbrella.

"Only if it's naughty." His tone is so matter of fact you almost forget to be annoyed.

"How did you fall?"

He pauses in the middle of a sip infinitesimally before smiling easily as if nothing had happened. "Oh I can hardly remember it. It's ancient history."

You nod, taking another drink to cover the gap as you consider whether to push it. "Do you ever miss it?"

"... Yeah." He lets you see some of the sadness this time, or maybe forgets to hide it. Your stomach flips somersaults of guilt suddenly at making him think about it. You can't imagine what it's like to lose your home and family in one fell swoop. He sniffs a little and then turns to look at you properly. "It is what it is though. I like the freedom anyway. I mean, look at you, you're so controlled and uptight."

"I am not!" You insist, smacking your glass down onto the bar a little too heavily.

Shane fixes you with with a challenging stare. "Okay. Say a swear word."

"What??"

"Go on, swear. Just once. Prove your free will."

You scrunch your nose at him in distaste. "Fuck off, demon boy."

His delight at hearing you swear is only outweighed by his delight at the blush that creeps over your face when you do it. "Well welcome to the wild side, cherub." He winks at you and to your absolute horror your blush deepens. Surely that's just the alcohol speaking though.

-

Shane practically dances out into the street to head back to your car. "I wanna stay drunk!"

You snort as he trips over his own feet mid-sentence. "You stay drunk then."

"I want you to stay drunk too." He spins unsteadily to point at you.

"Why...?"

He shrugs. "More fun."

"Okay." You shrug too, easily convinced. "The car can drive itself."

"Ugh, you didn't get one of those self driving Tesla things did you? Cherub, that's gotta be a sin." He looks horrified. Good to know even demons have a moral line.

You laugh and shove him lightly. "No, I didn't. I'll just-" you end the sentence with a wiggle of your fingers.

He blinks at you, surprised. "What, magic it? Surely that's against the rules."

"No it's not! It's a safety thing, I'm saving humans by not driving drunk. Duh."

You notice belatedly that he's stopped in his tracks several feet back and you have to turn back for him. He's staring at you. "What?"

Shane, in his wildly spinning brain, is seeing you in a whole new light. The rules are what did him in really. He had never quite gotten the hang of following rules that he didn't agree with. He had kind of thought that falling was the only option he had in the face of that, but here you are looking at rules and then making them work for you. Maybe you're more like him that he ever thought possible. You just found a different path.

Blissfully unaware that you're shaking his world view right now, you grab Shane's hand and drag pull him the rest of the way to the car. The second you drop his hand he misses the feeling. You turn and blink up at him, smiling almost giddily. It makes his stomach flip. Making what is probably a stupid decision he crowds in, gently, until you're pressed against the front door. Carefully, carefully he leans down, both so he doesn't fall over himself and so that he doesn't scare you off, and he presses his lips against yours. He's honestly pretty convinced you're going to smite him on the spot but you don't. Instead you reach up to grab at his jacket, anchoring yourself as you kiss back.

When he finally pulls back to take a breath (not that he strictly needs to), he's horrified to hear you huff out a short laugh. What does that mean? That's a bad thing right? You're smiling up at him though and you quickly put his fears at rest with your next sentence. "Oh boy. This is definitely against the rules."

He snorts a laugh back before he leans in for more. "Yeah? Good."