Idk if you're still doing the rare pair challenge, but if you are could you do Emily and Shane. I saw a post about them, and now I'm curious about your thoughts
You might be referring to @fkapple 's comics, I LOVE them (I recommend checking them out if not)
I think if I was to write them they would be based off of that kind of dynamic. They are weirdo buddies and then maybe turn into something more when Shane gets his shit sorted.
A will-they-wont-they where they come close a couple times for various reasons. Maybe Shane comes on to her when he's drunk and she rejects him assuming he just doesn't know what he's doing. Shane is too ashamed to explain he DOES want something more with her, and just doesn't have the courage when he's sober.
Both are also worried about messing up their friendship because they make each other so happy and rely on each other. They make each other laugh more than anyone, too.
Emily is worried about it coming off as her taking on another project of a man, which her sister would roast her for. So she really wants Shane to be in a better place mentally before they get together.
They get closer and closer over time though and start to become each other's plus-ones to things where it's a little dubious, like the flower dance. They insist oh no no we're just friends, but they are the closest thing they have to a partner.
And it would continue even after Shane gets better, because they've been in denial so long there is a mile long list of excuses to not change anything. Some external factor would have to force them together.
Maybe Haley has enough of the will-they-wont-they and traps them somewhere until they talk to each other LOL I love that trope
Edit to add: hey this fic is out now! Check it out on AO3
This ask is a part of the (now closed) SDV Rarepair Challenge! Check out the other answers here, and make sure to boost your favorite so it can appear in the final fic poll! More info on that here.
