The Hug
Notice this is the first time in the post-Holly era that we actually see these two being honest about how they feel about the immediate situation, and engaging each other to those ends. If this isn't light-years from where they've been in the past, I don't know what is!
And then there's Shane speaking directly to his heart, reminding him where he can go to remember who he truly is, of his belief in "something far greater than being an O'Toole." I don't think I've ever been prouder of Shane. She really has come a long way since those early days. She really knows Oliver's heart now and treats it with such great care. Shane and Oliver have really settled into each other, and that fact was on full display in Truth Be Told.
For those of you still wondering what it was Oliver "would like to do right now" on Shane's porch right before that phone rang, the answer was a hug. If you'll remember, Shane said prior to hugging Oliver that, "Right now, in this exact moment, I want to cross this room...." Oliver was essentially echoing her exact words, which, in itself, told you what his intentions were. Now you know--- because, no, we aren't ready for them to kiss yet. But isn't it kind of incredible that Oliver was actually asking to hug her right then? He was attempting to initiate physical contact---a gentleman the whole way. This is big news, people!
Tender Touches
Overall, Kristin and Eric have created an incredible dynamic between these two and a space all their own within which to experiment and execute, and it's nothing short of a complete joy to watch!
The Song
Had my home through and through,
Had my work always to do,
Had my dreams come true,
Had my life, it was you.
In the past year, a lot of Oliver's dreams have come true. The work of the dead letter office made the newspaper, they received Dark of Night awards, and it all happened since Shane came along. Throughout his trials, Oliver has had Shane to lean on, even as they struggled to strike a balance in their own relationship. His ability to rely on her never changed.
But I think, in this post-Holly era, where Oliver is free to explore his feelings, that this chorus is his view of their relationship put to song. All of these things that are important to him: the DLO (his home), his work, his dreams---Shane has shared all of them. I don't think there's any question that means the world to him---that Shane means the world to him.
While they may not officially be courting, Oliver's intentions towards Shane are definitely becoming clearer by the minute. Now we just have to wait and see what he does next...
So, Postables, Truth Be Told was a treasure chest of post-Holly gems that we won't have to wait much longer to add to with Impossible Dream -----it's only 12 days away!
And did I mention we may have one more itty bitty road block named Steve we need to get out of the way?
About that---see you tomorrow, maybe?
#ShOliver-shipping All The Way To D.C. [And Back],
~C
Series: Part I | Part II