“Fine. Something to do with Chouteau College.”

“Bing. And?”

“And a con. Oh. Wait. Like, Comic-Con?”

“Yes!” Blood rushed into North’s cheeks; Shaw could tell the blond man wanted to look away, but North kept his gaze steady, and excitement mixed with hesitation in his voice. “It’s—it’s not very big. But it’s got a killer lineup this year. I had to stand in line for three hours to get these tickets. And—” He stopped, struggling with the next part. “My favorite manga author is going to be there.” It came out in a rush, like he was telling a dirty secret.

Shaw sat up. “Really?”

North’s blush 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.