Angel on the Streets {shiall}

18

While Niall was home alone and thinking, Shawn spent some time with Camila. She'd found herself a new place to live and seemed excited about the friends she'd made in the building. Apparently, they'd already invited her for a sleepover where they trash-talked men and drank wine, together. Girls' Night, she called it. He was happy for her, although a bit sad she didn't seem to need him, anymore. She was happy to see him, anyway and that was enough.

He dragged her out of the apartment by the hand, suddenly striking upon an idea. She began to loudly complain in Spanish, spewing a few insults as well as she slapped at his hand. She was doing so jokingly, of course, being her dramatic self but they both stopped in their tracks when they heard someone slam a door. A woman marched right out, holding a freaking knife and smiled at Shawn, very much threateningly.

"Hi, Cami. You look beautiful, today. This guy bothering you?"

"Ah, umm... No, Lauren. He's my friend, the one I told you girls about."

"Oh! So this is Shawn, hey! You're moving in, right? You're going to have to deal with all our antics but welcome to the neighbourhood!"

"Ren, I haven't asked him yet!" She replied through gritted teeth, eyes wide and a fake grin on. Lauren scratched the back of her neck, suddenly remembering to lower her knife and yelled "at least I gave you a start" as she shut the door behind her. With star eyes, Camila mumbled, "she is so cool. All of them are. They do think I like you though but other than that hetero-normative assumption, yeah, cool chicas all around. Honestly, I think you'd love it here, Shawn. These girls kind of make you feel safe and they'd love you."

"Ugh, I'd rather not meet more people Cam. Not after yesterday. I'm tired. Also, thank you for the offer but I'll stick with Niall," he said firmly, guiding her down the stairs. She smirked when he gave a light huff, muttering that man's name under his breath before he opened the door for her.

"Right. Of course, you'll stay with him. But out of curiosity, what did he do, this time?" When he blanked, she gave a bored look and replied. "You're pissed, mi hermano."

"I am not. Pissed. I just think Niall is too good at confusing me. I also think we should go around and see if anyone spots that it's us so we can take a few pictures-"

"Lemme guess. Cos you know it'll make him jealous." He flushed slightly. Was he that easy to read? Hearing it back made it sound stupid and a little arrogant so he once again gave a cute little huff, resisting the urge to whine since they were out in public.

"Well, I am hoping-"

"It will. And I agree. In fact, let's hold hands, too. Gimme it. We're going to look so freaking obsessed with each other that that fool will have no other choice but to grab your face and make out with you like I'm sure he's wanted to for decades-"

"C-Camila!"

"I could've said a hundred times dirtier things, be glad I chose kissing." Realising she was right, he nodded and clasped his hand around hers, happy despite everything that he would always have his friend at his side for support. No matter what happened, no matter how long she'd disappear sometimes to process things on her own, Shawn trusted her that much. She was a forever friend. And he would love her till the day he died. Niall was getting there at an alarming speed although, with that confession the day before, he might have just nipped their connection in the bud.

Just because he was pan, that didn't mean he would have any interest in him. Just because they cuddled and had kissed a few times, that wasn't a guarantee. Niall hadn't given him an answer but Shawn knew what it was going to be, already. And there wasn't a thing he could do about it except hope he could bear the pain gracefully and keep things between them normal; unlikely feats. He gave her hand a squeeze and she turned to him, seeing the silent torment and torrent of thoughts through his furrowed brows. She squeezed his back, garnering a smile and off they went.