“Oh no,” Shaw said.

“Oh no?” North said.

“You’re tired. Why don’t you go check on the puppy—”

“My puppy,” North said.

“Why don’t you go check on your puppy, and I’ll get the door?”

“That doesn’t make any sense,” North said. “I’m right here.”

“But I—”

“No, Shaw. I insist.”

North turned and opened the door.

Gus was standing there, in a tight tee and very short shorts. He was holding the leash in one hand.

“Hi,” he said. “Is Shaw here?”

“That’s an interesting question. Who the hell are you?”

“Hey, man. We’re cool. I just wanted to drop this off.”

“Thanks, Gus,” Shaw shouted. “You can close the door now, North. Just take the leash and close the door.”

“That’s my leash,” North said. “Your name is Gus?”

“Yeah, I just wanted to drop off the leash.” Gus was looking over North’s shoulder. “Hey, Shaw.”

Shaw wanted to crawl under the couch. Or melt. Melting would be preferable.

“You must have forgotten the leash when you were getting out of the car,” Gus said, still talking past North to Shaw. “I was going to bring it back tomorrow, but then I thought you might need it tonight.”

“Thanks, Gus. Thank you so much.”

“Cool.”

But Gus didn’t leave. He just stood there, looking from Shaw to North and back to Shaw.

“Very cool,” North said. “Why don’t you come in? Have a beer.”

“Nope.” Shaw launched himself off the sofa, rushing to the door and squeezing under North’s arm. “Thanks, Gus. So nice of you. Really appreciate it.”

Gus was frowning now. “Is this your boyfriend?”

“Oh,” North said. “So you at least bothered to tell him you had a boyfriend.”

“Yep,” Shaw said. “This is him. Gotta go, Gus. Not trying to be rude.” Shaw was putting his weight into the door. North was holding it open without even seeming to try. “Guess I’ll see you later.”

“Oh really?” North said.

Shaw reached up, prying at North’s fingers. “Night, Gus. Thanks again.”

Then, by some miracle, Shaw managed to get North’s hand loose, and the door slammed shut. Shaw put his back to it and, without breaking eye contact with North, reached over his shoulder to turn the deadbolt.

“He seemed nice,” North said in a deadly voice, holding the leash like a noose.

“Just hold on,” Shaw said. “I can explain everything.”

NORTH AND SHAW: OUT OF OFFICE

These vignettes take place after Declination.

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