When Cameron told Shawn about the dinner his mom was planning, he imagined different scenarios of what might happen between the four.

What he didn't expect to be honest was the endless questionnaire that his mom had put Shawn through since they sat in a restaurant booth they accorded for the meeting, Cameron noticed how nervous Shawn was, it wasn't like the typical first time that someone was going to meet the mother of their partner, because Gina was indeed Shawn's mother-in-law, she just wasn't aware of it.

Karen remained immune to the tension on the dining table, she was listening to Shawn talking about his life very attentive, with a smile on her face and adding some comments about Shawn's years playing basketball or his grades at school and college.

However, something seemed off to Cameron. A part of a story not telling.

"So you didn't started your college right after you graduated from high school?" Gina asked, Cameron noted the glances between Shawn and his mom.

"Not actually, I took a year off to decide what was better for me" Shawn replied smiling, Cameron couldn't tell if it was genuine or not.

"But your mom said you got an scholarship, how did it work?"

"I got offering for the same university that Cameron is coming, yes. But at that moment I didn't feel like basketball was something I wanted in my life, that's why I didn't went to Toronto" Shawn said and looked at his mother again.

"You decided for Vancouver then?"

"He- he applied for Vancouver with his GPA and got accepted" Karen replied smiling. "He always loved history and it worked for everyone at the end"

"I started college a year later but I took advanced classes, that's why I graduated earlier" Shawn sounded really proud and Cameron couldn't help but feeling so lucky to have such an amazing boyfriend, Shawn sometimes seemed a bit secretive, something that Cameron disliked but he knew Shawn would open up when he felt it was the right time.

"That's impressive my dear"

Gina continued with her curiosity as the dinner went by, Shawn kept replying with a smile on his face. Cameron thought their meeting was going way better than expected.

And If Cameron and Shawn were holding hands under the table whilst talking with their moms was secret for the two of them only.

-

Cameron had learnt to deal with his mom constantly bringing Shawn into the conversation, ever after their dinner with the Mendes his mother always found the moment to slid a comment about Shawn in the topic.

Cameron wasn't bothered, far from that. He and Shawn discussed why or what could be the woman's intentions with her suggestions as in "You and Shawn should hang out more often" or "Shawn is such a great guy you should be friend with him" and so on. Cameron nor Shawn were sure at the beginning how to interpret those comments but they were happy with the acceptance Shawn was having from Gina.

Cameron didn't have to lie about his whereabouts anymore, being honest /or half honest/ after so long felt good for him. His mom knew about him hanging out with Shawn and some friends of his ex teacher and was okay with it. But those special nights he wanted to spend with Shawn, Cameron had to still use his friends as cover up.

However Gina always knew to push a bit farther and that was exactly what happened one day, Cameron arrived early that evening after spending few hours with Matt and Hayes.

"When are you going out with Shawn again?" Gina, out of nowhere asked him.

"I don't know mom, we haven't talked about it actually" Cameron tried to respond casually. Trying to not be much telling with his reactions.

"Do you like him?"

"What?!" Cameron felt his heart beating faster, no way to stay calm at such question.

"You hear me, do you like him? He is a good guy" Gina was looking at him attentively, Cameron felt anxious at her stare.

"N-no" Cameron cursed himself for stuttering and lying matter-of-factly. "I mean no, I haven't thought about it"

"Really? You should"

"I don't know- Why are you asking me that?" Cameron decided to ask, trying to final understand his mom's intentions.

"I think he likes you" Oh there it is.

"Well, he is 6 years older and my ex teacher" Not like those details matter before but he had to taste the waters.

"Ex teacher, you're right" Gina said firmly.

"What about his age?"

"Your father is 7 years older than me, not a big deal Cam" Oh.

Oh!

Gina changed the conversation right after, Cameron continued talking with her but his mind was in another place. Realizing the fact that his mother was more than positive about a relationship between him with Shawn turned the cards into his favour, all they had to do was pretend to start dating and keep those months of their relationship as a secret safe.

×

Shawn was looking at his view that afternoon, the Toronto Tower making contrast with the evening that was starting to set. He was waiting for Cameron to get ready in the balcony of their hotel room.

One of Shawn's dream when he was younger was to live in Toronto, studying at Uni and living in the area alongside Nick was all he ever wanted. Things changed and Nick was no part of his life and he swore back in time that he wouldn't achieve those dreams without his loved one.

That evening he felt conflicted with his own feelings about living in the big city again, this time it wasn't his dream because he was sure he loved the simplicity of Pickering, he loved his job and loved to be around his family and friends. But Cameron was part of his life now, Cameron who was only 3 weeks away from start Uni and was the happiest since they arrived to the city days ago.

What if Cameron's dream was to live in Toronto after graduating?

What if Cameron became a pro player?

Shawn wasn't sure of what to do.

Since Gina seemed accepting of the idea of them together, Shawn and Cameron took the opportunity to start actually proper dating again, they talked to Shawn's parents about their idea and with the Mendes' support, Shawn started to take Cameron to a dates again, it was absolutely amazing to re-live the first stages of their relationship all over again, it was only hard for Cameron to answer his mother's questions right after but apart from that, the couple were enjoying the dates at the fullest.

With the time for Cameron to move for college getting closer and closer, Shawn stared to help his boyfriend with the preparations for the moving, what to take and what not. Shawn even suggested Cameron to visit the campus, buildings and services nearby. And of course celebrate Shawn's birthday just the two of them, a moment together away from everyone, moment he had craved for months.

Shawn felt his heart bursting in happiness as he and Cameron walked down the streets of Toronto holding hands without having to hide or care about people's opinions. He could see the happiness in Cameron's face too.

They visited the Campus, Cam's future dormitory, classrooms, the basketball arena, training camp and more. They visited the shops near the campus, cafeterias, restaurants and shopping centres.

Cameron's eyes were radiating excitement and Shawn felt falling in love even more for him.

After two days of wandering around, Shawn decided to finally take Cameron to the Toronto Tower and a dinner after to celebrate his 25th birthday.

"I'm ready" Cameron said startling Shawn's for a moment. He looked around to see Cameron stunningly dressed just for him.

"You're beautiful Cam, Let's go".

-

"Please tell me you're not planning a kiss on the top of the tower" Cameron teased as the elevator doors opened.

"What if I do? It's my birthday, I can do whatever I want" Shawn tightened the hold of their hands, pulling Cameron to walk faster.

"People kiss at the top of the Eiffel tower and it's cheesy" Cameron bumped their shoulders and both started to laugh.

"Maybe I will take you to the real Eiffel tower someday" Shawn said smiling at Cameron. "And I like cheesy things Dallas, you know that"

"Come on Shawn" Cameron said and chuckled when Shawn pulled him closer, chest to chest, on the top of the tower, Toronto city in their panoramic view.

"Come on what, Cam? Can I have a kiss of my beautiful boyfriend? for my birthday? right here, right now just for the sake of it?" Shawn asked pulling him even more closer.

Cameron's reply was the most breathtaking, sweet and tender kiss their ever had.

Later that night Shawn got the answer he needed, He was mesmerized by Cameron moaning beneath him, they were making love on the mattress in the hotel room, Cameron was panting, sweating and asking Shawn for more and Shawn was there willing to give Cam all he wanted.

It was all he needed to realise that he was ready to follow Cameron wherever he wanted to live after college. Toronto, USA or even Japan. He was ready to give up everything for Cameron.

-

It was the day and Shawn as a bunch of nerves. Sunday, late in the afternoon at the Mendes' house. Manny was starting the fire for the barbecue, Gina and Karen were settling the outdoor table and talking about Cameron's moving.

Cameron's classes were going to start in the next 8 days, so Shawn's classes as teacher in their former highschool.

It was the day they also decided to give the good news to Cameron's family and friends, Shawn was ready to say out and loud that he and Cameron started to date,the two of them wanted to be in a relationship even in the distance.

Shawn was anxious, he wasn't sure exactly why. It wasn't the fear of rejection nor any worries about what to say, he and Cameron were sure and ready about this moment.

He felt odd, nervous and eager nonetheless.

The minutes went by and Sierra arrived with her fiance, bowls of foods in their hands. Sierra and Aaliyah started to chat right away while Brent was drinking beer with his father Manny near the grill.

Everyone were there.

Everyone except Cameron.

And the feeling of worrisome started growing in Shawn's chest.

He tried to relax, he knew exactly where his boyfriend-to-be was. Cameron and Matt went to Hayes' house to say goodbye. Nash's brother was already moving the next day since the classes start earlier for him. Cameron and Matt wanted to hang out with their childhood friend before parting their ways.

The sun was setting and everyone were feeling like home, comfortable with each other like family. Shawn was listening to Gina talking about how much she was going to miss her baby, Shawn in his thoughts was agreeing with the feeling. He was going to miss Cameron so much.

The minutes continued to pass by and Shawn decided to walk inside for a glass of water, checking his phone on the way hoping for a reply from Cameron.

There wasn't one.

With the glass of water in his hands he walked outside again.

The sound Gina's phone ringing caught the attention of everyone.

And Shawn knew it.

He was feeling it.

He just knew it.

"Matt? I can't hear you dear, why are so much noise in there?"

Shawn dropped the glass of water on the floor, his chest started to ache, Aaliyah looked at him and stood up.

"Car crash? Where are you Matt? Where's Cam?" Gina's voice raised.

Shawn was feeling weak, the air barely reaching his lungs.

"Mom, Dad!" Aaliyah screamed walking towards Shawn. Shawn's knees were giving up.

"Who's dead Matt? Where's Cameron?" Gina yelled at the phone.

"Mom!!!" Aaliyah screamed one more time.

"Not again" Shawn muttered, he felt falling and everything went black.