Chapter Text
Shawn Hunter was never the settling type. The idea of him going down on one knee seemed utterly outlandish, which added to his allure. While you had been asked out by other guys in the past, you never ventured beyond the first date. To you, there seemed to be no point in pursuing anything more. Going out with a nice guy served its purpose – a chance to put on your best heels and leave the house – but multiple dates? That wasn't in your playbook. Much like Shawn, you had no intentions of settling down. Your focus was squarely on the present, not entangled with thoughts of the future.
One evening at Chubbies, Cory's voice broke through the chatter at your shared table, drawing everyone's attention to you and Shawn. "Guys, why aren't you two dating?"
Shawn, taken by surprise, nearly choked on his sip of coke, coughing to regain his composure. You, on the other hand, maintained your confident smile, your hand finding its place in Shawn’s with practiced ease. “Well,” you replied, locking eyes with Shawn, “he hasn’t asked me yet.”
It wouldn't be entirely accurate to claim you had never considered dating your best friend, but then again, your relationship was already perfect as it was. You didn't want to push it. To you, dating someone was like being friends but with the added perk of making out with them. While you enjoyed having someone to share those intimate moments with on lonely nights, you didn't want to open yourself up to vulnerability with another person. Shawn knew everything about you, and you didn't need someone else to fill that role.
"No, see," Cory continued, earning a bemused side-eye from Topanga, "it would just make sense. Shawn and y/n, me and Topanga, the four of us all being friends."
Although Cory's words might not be entirely genuine, there was a hint of truth behind them.
“No, Cory,” Topanga interjected, her tone filled with the wisdom of experience, “just because they are a boy and a girl, doesn’t mean they have to date.”
Cory countered with a grin, “We were a boy and a girl who were friends, and now we’re dating, too.”
Shawn, now more at ease, chimed in, “Well, it would make third-wheeling your dates more enjoyable.”
“And you two act like a couple anyway,” Cory added, further fanning the flames of the conversation.
Topanga couldn’t resist joining in, “That’s true. It’s the number one topic in the girls’ restroom.”
You realized that Shawn had been growing increasingly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation and decided to intervene. “Guys, stop it. Shawn and my dating lives are none of your business, whether we’re dating each other or not.”
Having had enough of the discussion and with the food finished, you stood up, gathering your belongings. “It’s time for me to head back home, anyway. Change the topic when I’m gone.”
Shawn seized the opportunity, offering, “Wait, I’ll bring you home. It’s already late.” His voice was laced with genuine concern and a hint of relief that the focus was shifting away from your personal lives.
The table talk veered into whispers, and you could barely catch Cory's hushed "dating" to Topanga. By then, you and Shawn were already halfway up the stairs, escaping the lingering curiosity left behind.
The walk home unfolded in a comforting silence, a respite from the earlier conversation at Chubbies. You sensed that Shawn still carried a bit of tension, making you appreciate his decision to step out of this conversation.
Shawn, undoubtedly attractive, crossed your mind, and the idea of refining your friendship with a kiss lingered. Yet, you held firm in your principles. While Shawn had a reputation for being popular with girls at school, you weren't inclined to push your boundaries for fleeting enjoyment. If Shawn chose to be with others, you were content exploring connections with different guys, understanding that your bond with Shawn didn't need the intimacy of a kiss to validate its strength.
“What Cory said,” Shawn broke the silence of the night.
“Don’t let it bother you too much,” you paused your walk, taking Shawn's hand to reassure him. “Cory has a knack for talking nonsense. You know that better than anyone.”
Dim streetlights cast a subtle glow, allowing you to sense Shawn's presence more than see his facial features in the moonshine.
“What if there's some truth to it?” Shawn took a step closer, narrowing the distance between you two to mere inches.
“Look, I like you y/n. You’re my best friend,” Shawn begun, his voice carrying a mix of assurance and concern. Shawn, in his typical manner, raked his fingers through his hair nervously.
“You’re the prettiest girl I know, and you’re so stern and confident,” he confessed, vulnerability tinging his words. “When something good happens in my life, I can’t wait to tell you. And when something goes miserably wrong, I just want you to cheer me up. You make my life better by just being in it. I won’t ask you out, because I don’t want to ruin what we have. But, for protocol, I really wouldn’t mind going out with you.”
You found yourself unable to contain the smile his words brought to your face. It was genuinely heartwarming to know that he viewed you in such a special light. While you both shared a strong friendship, Shawn wasn't one to openly express his feelings, making this revelation even more precious.
As you struggled to find the right words, Shawn, now regaining his confidence, took the lead. “Let’s get you home now,” he said with a warm smile, releasing your hand but replacing it by draping his arm over your shoulder as you began the walk to your house.
Sensing that Shawn didn't expect an immediate response, and wanting to avoid saying the wrong thing, you chose to let the quiet moment linger.
It was only when you reached your doorstep that you faced each other again. Breaking from your usual hug, you instead intertwined your fingers behind Shawn’s neck. “I don’t know what this means for us, but I really think we should kiss right now.”
Shawn needed no further encouragement. His casual half-smile transformed into a broad grin, which quickly gave way to the soft press of his lips against yours.
“I don’t know what this means for us, but I really think we should do this more often.”