You'd met Shawn through friends, not too long ago. It all happened pretty fast. He introduced himself at a party, you guys really hit it off, exchanged numbers, and he asked you out. You were instantly sold. You'd known it the second you locked eyes with him.

He was only home for a few months until he had to go on tour, and your time with him was coming to an end. You'd promised each other it was only a fling, you wouldn't catch real feelings. Unfortunately, this didn't really work out. You knew your feelings for Shawn were real, and you could tell he loved you by the way he stole looks at you across a room, and how he always made you text him when you got home to your apartment, or the way he held you after sex, not letting you leave while it's still dark outside. This only made everything more painful.

Shawn had given you "the talk." You know, the one where he explains that he feels bad having such a busy life, and it wouldn't be fair to you to be committed to him. As much as you insisted you'd be on board with it and you'd visit, or you'd enjoy the independence, he'd still disagree. "It's just not ideal." he'd say, quickly changing the subject.

You knew a part of him wanted to try it, though. Every now and then, he'd ask something like, "So are we spending next Christmas with my family or yours?" or "What kind of dog should we get?" only to catch himself slipping up and changing the conversation. One time, the two of you saw a middle-aged couple bickering in the park, clearly unhappy. Shawn turned to you and said, "Promise me we'll never be like that." and a part of you broke inside knowing you'll never even have the chance to be happy with him, let alone be miserable.

Geoff's sister's wedding was only a few days from Shawn's departure, so of course, he'd asked you to be his date.

You slept at Shawn's the night before and got ready at his house, loosely curling your hair and doing a darker makeup look. Shawn was completely fascinated by the process, sitting beside you with a massive hand on your knee the whole time you were putting on your makeup. He changed into a nice black suit as you slipped into a little black dress and strappy heels, tousling your hair and checking yourself out in the mirror.

"Oh my god, you're beautiful. What the fuck? Is this even allowed? How do you look like this?!" he gawked, waving his arms at you as you stood in his bathroom.

"Baby, I clean up nice, okay? C'mere, gimme a kiss." you pulled him to you by his tie, planting a smooch on his plump lips. Pulling back and looking up at him, you gave his tie a tug and breathed out, "we're using this later."

He smiled and kissed you again, giving your bum a little squeeze. "You ready, baby?" he asked, walking into his bedroom and grabbing his keys off his dresser.

The wedding was pleasant and small. Maybe about a hundred people filled the room, but all Shawn could see was you. Seated on your right, he kept leaning into your ear, whispering pick-up lines and dirty talking, trying to get a reaction out of you. He seemed to be on top of the world until you were across the room, talking to Geoff's parents about God-knows-what. You were eyeing Shawn laughing with Ian when you heard Don't Be A Fool start playing from the speakers.

You knew this song really hit home for Shawn, as it's his, and it's basically what he'd been telling you for the past few months. You saw his smile immediately fall as his face grew solemn, clearly being reminded of the relationship he was preventing you from having. He continued his conversation, only this time more seriously.

"Excuse me." you said to Geoff's mom as you slipped away, making your way over to where Shawn and Ian were standing. Your right hand reached for Shawn's left, intertwining with his and he squeezed. You could tell he was upset, trying to hide it behind a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Dance with me." you said, on your tiptoes trying to reach his ear. He dropped the fake smile and led you onto the dance floor, gripping your hips as your hands rested at the back of his neck.

The two of you began swaying to the song, Shawn pressing his forehead against yours. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry I have to leave." he said, exhaling a heavy breath and closing his eyes.

"Shh, Shawn. Don't be sorry. Listen to me." was all you said, waiting for the song to reach its chorus. You had an idea, one that might cheer him up and allow you to say how you feel.

Singing along to the song, you decided to change up the lyrics a bit.

Don't be a fool

Just wait on me darling

I know that you don't wanna hear this

But we're going on the move

Don't be a fool

Just say that you love me

'Cause you are my man and I'll stand by your side and will be there for you

His face broke into a smile, pulling you a little tighter into him. He took over, singing to you and changing the lyrics here and there to suit your emotional state. You swayed until the song ended and Shawn was crying happy tears. You stopped moving, Shawn following suit. His hands found your cheeks as he held your face to kiss you softly, pulling away after a few seconds. "Stay with me." you breathed against him, closing your eyes so you didn't have to see the expression on his face.

"Baby, you know I can't. I can't stay. But you're crazy if you think I'm not bringing you with me." he grinned, tilting your chin up so you could look at him.

You broke into a smile. "You serious?" you asked, suddenly eager.

"Yeah. I love you." he responded.

"You what?!" you asked, shocked. It's not that you didn't love him too, you just weren't expecting it.

"You said 'just say that you love me.' I'm saying it, and I mean it. I love you." he said, his chocolate eyes following yours closely.

"Shawn," you breathed, "I love you too." you smiled, pulling him in for a kiss.

Maybe you would visit his family next Christmas, or even someday get a dog. He was all yours, and no way in hell was that changing anytime soon.