~Just Another Day in February/Private Protection Detail~
A/N: To understand the dual title Just Another Day in February is Sharon's version of the story and Private Protection Detail is Andy's version. Yes, it's the same story but I think people especially these two can see the same things completely different. If you're still confused sorry hopefully by the ending it will make sense.
Just doing a one-shot side story for Valentines. It was in my head and had to get it out in order to get some sleep. Taking a quick break from my other fic but still working on it trust me.
Disclaimer: I sadly own nothin' of Major Crimes.
Happy Valentine's Day to all!
It had all started when they had a disagreement that turned into an argument over Stroh. Sharon wouldn't agree to extra protection for herself and Andy was furious that she wasn't taking it serious enough, that there was a threat to her also not just Rusty. She understood that Phillip Stroh was a horrible person and she was worried about Rusty so she had talked to Assistant Chief Taylor about giving Rusty extra protection without him knowing. Sure he would be mad when he found out but he would be alive to be mad at her and she was fine with that. Sharon didn't really think he would come after her just like the letters the threats were just to upset Rusty into not testifying.
It had been a few weeks since their argument and she hadn't talked to Andy except for very limited words at work and that was just barely to turn in paperwork. Usually, that would be when he would come in her office to talk about dinner that night then he would hand her the last of the paperwork to finalize and they would go over them together. For the last week if there was anything Andy needed to turn in it was either already on her desk when she came in the morning or it ended up being brought in with Mike's or Julio's forms. The first three days after she had tried to call or text him but he never called back or replied to any of her texts. So she stopped trying. Yes, he could be stubborn and hot-headed but she had never seen him act like this. Even after all their run-ins during her years in IA and there were a lot of those.
Sharon had been in the LAPD a long time and she could take care of herself. Who did he think she was, a damsel in distress? Whatever was going on between them, friendship or the chance for it to become something more? It obviously wasn't going to work out if this was all it took to force Andy away. What was she thinking anyway? The most they would ever be is good friends. She knew he dated a lot and liked them young, curvy and blonde. She knew she didn't fit into any of those categories. Well, maybe in the curvy part and hers were all natural but won't keep her afloat in a pool. Even with all that she really did miss their friendship though. Andy had been the first to back her up when she first took over Major Crimes. It might have taken an order and some yelling on his part but he did help her and he stood up to Taylor when their boss had the gall to say that Asst. Chief Johnson would find a way around the problems they were having with a case.
She really did miss the dinners and stuff they did together. She had forgotten what it was like to have a life outside her kids and job before Andy. He made her laugh and have fun. It wasn't as if she needed him to be happy. She was very happy with where she was in her life. She had worked hard on achieving everything she had on her own. Sure, she was married to Jack for what seemed like forever but she was basically a single mom the whole time. Even with all the heartbreak she had experienced and dreams being crushed. Sharon wouldn't change anything it's what made her who she is now. Out of it all, she got two, now three amazing kids and a job she loved. It was just that she had begun to want to share things with Andy. He was the first she wanted to call and talk to when she got home even after seeing him all day at work. If they couldn't make it to dinner or a movie they would talk on the phone until they were both falling asleep. Those were good nights.
Her inner voice spoke up, "it's fine, and you are used to being alone and are happy that way." Now Sharon just had to convince her heart of that. It was just a matter of changing her routine back into the way it used to be before Andy became such a big part of her life, basically her best friend. She wasn't completely alone Rusty was still around for now. When all this with Stroh is over and life settles down. She was sure college life will take over his and that's as it should be he shouldn't want to be hanging around with his mom at this time in his life.
Andy just couldn't handle the thought of something happening to Sharon and he knew all too well what Stroh was capable of doing. The Major Crime's team had been trying to put him away for years and they thought they had finally had him. Quite frankly he really wished Brenda would have shot and killed the dirt-bag when he had attacked her and Rusty in her own home. It would have saved them all a lot of future headaches.
He knew that she wanted to protect Rusty even if that meant stepping in front of a bullet for him and that what's scared Andy the most. Sharon Raydor wouldn't hesitate to protect her son at all costs. It infuriated him to no end that she acted like there was no danger to herself. Also that she wasn't willing to listen to him about extra protection for her. Sharon had no problem agreeing to it for Rusty. Just as she has him under guard without him knowing he figured two could play that game and Andy had done the same for her. They were in the background mostly between her condo and the office. He was sure she will be angry beyond reason at him if she found out, but oh, well she'd be alive. It would rip his heart out if anything happened to her.
The thought of losing Sharon caused Andy to think back over their years of knowing each other. They had started out as enemies. Then were working colleagues. Then each other's right hand at work. Who would have known they would work so well together? Then slowly became friends somewhere over the year maybe even best friends he would like to think. Now he didn't know, Sharon was so mad at him and he was so ticked off at her that they haven't talked in weeks. That was hard, Andy missed her but he needed time to cool off. It had been a week since he had even stepped into her office. He was afraid if he did he would grab her by the shoulders to try and shake some sense into her and then probably kiss her until they had no breath left. It was exhausting for him to keep hiding his feeling for her. He was intelligent enough to know falling in love with one's boss was crazy, but he couldn't help it.
There was no way Andy was going to let her deal with this Stroh problem on her own. He was almost as stubborn as she was. So even if that meant they would never be anything but friends. He would do what he had to do to protect her. The problem was with him trying to keep her safe now that they were barely friends. They had almost fallen back into past roles of enemies again. His hot-headed temper had cooled off some and he felt better that the team was helping watch both Sharon and Rusty without either knowing. He had time to put together a plan. Andy didn't like being her enemy.
They had been sitting around after dinner watching the late night news when Rusty said, "Sharon, really I'm fine, you should like go out and do something on your own. I know you haven't been out with Lieutenant Flynn since all this has started. Why is that anyway? I know you two like aren't dating but go have dinner and see a movie. You're more a prisoner then I am, but yours is by your own choice."
"Rusty!" Sharon exclaimed as she glared over her glasses at him. With a firm voice, she added, "you are right about one thing though, it is my choice."
Knowing that tone he gave in. "Ok, fine I'll stop, but you really should get out some. Yeah, yeah, right it's your choice." Rusty said as she continued to glare at him. "Oh, by the way, I have plans to stay at Detective Sanchez's for the weekend. His mom is going to her sister's for a visit and he could really use some guy time. He's inviting the guys from the team for a BBQ and video games and movie weekend. Buzz, Lieutenant Flynn and Lt. Tao said they'd be there. Mike said Kevin could stay the night over there too. So I'd be like surrounded by cops so you wouldn't have to worry about me. Provenza said he'd even come over but he wasn't playing no games and that he wasn't excepting to have any fun hanging around the same guys that annoy him all day at work."
Rusty was trying to tell her what the older Lieutenant said without laughing but was failing. "Then he added that there was entirely no way he was spending the night with a group of guys and that he had plans with Patrice on Saturday." They both laughed at how that was so like Provenza to play the grumpy card but always ended up making everyone laugh with his stories. Most of them were about the troubles Flynn and him have gotten into and of course, blaming it all on Andy then end up having a great time but never admitting it. Rusty could tell she was actually considering the idea of letting him go so he added to help seal the deal. "I figured it would be good for you to have me out of your hair and have a little time on your own. You hardly have any of that anymore since I've been here. Maybe you could call Andrea or Gavin have some adult time. Maybe go shopping? Gavin wouldn't pass up that chance."
Sharon sat for a minute thinking over all he had just told her. She knew when she was being maneuvered into a direction Rusty wanted, but she was impressed with all the effort he put into it and he did have some very good points. "Rusty, I love having you here and you don't have to leave for the weekend but if you want to that's fine. It would be nice to catch up with Andrea outside the office and I haven't seen Gavin in months. I agree I'm sure he couldn't resist going shopping." For once in the last few weeks, Sharon was starting to look forward to something.
"Sounds great, I'll tell them it's a go." Rusty grabbed his phone and sent a text. A few minutes later he got a reply, "Julio said to meet at the murder room Friday. After they all get off they'll meet at his house and I can catch a ride with him. That is if there's no case of course." He jumped off the couch and headed to his room, "thanks and goodnight Sharon, see ya in the morning."
"You're welcome Rusty, goodnight." It made Sharon happy to see her son happy. She was still worried, but he would be surrounded by police officers and they were, more importantly, officers that cared about him so it that calmed her stress levels some.
That was Wednesday night, it was now Friday evening and Rusty had left work with Julio after she made the detective promise to keep him safe and not get into too much trouble. She had called Andrea and Gavin the other day but they were both busy. Sharon had completely forgotten it was Valentine's Day this Saturday and they both had plans with their significant other. It was just another day in February to her. Sharon had spent a lot of February 14th alone especially over her marriage. It was all fine with her, they hadn't caught a case and Taylor said he was tired of paying her team overtime so Robbery/Homicide would handle anything that came up until Monday. So when she got home she changed into comfortable pants and wrapped herself in her favorite cashmere sweater. It would be strange being here alone in the quiet, not because of the date only since Rusty wasn't here to make noise.
Going to the kitchen she poured a glass of wine and relaxed on the couch. Sharon had turned all the light down except the one by where she was sitting so she could sit back, relax and read the new book she bought after she found out her friends were busy. Remotely turning the music on a low setting and taking a sip of wine she then settled back into the couch and opened her book. She was happy to have this time on her own though she worried about Rusty but she knew he was surrounded by the best in their business and they all cared what happened to him. They would do everything in their power to protect him.
Sharon was very slowly trying to get through the first chapter. It wasn't easy because her mind kept wondering; she really wasn't used to having downtime. She laughed at the thought of not knowing what to do with herself anymore.
Jumping a little when the doorbell rang she immediately reached for her gun which was beside her phone on the coffee table. She didn't want to be scared that Stroh was out there but she wasn't stupid either. Sharon knew she'd never really be able to put her guard down until they found the psychotic sociopath. She clipped the holster to her pants on her hip. With her gun in hand, she carefully made her way to the door when the bell rang again. She looked through the peephole and there was a delivery guy holding a vase of red roses. She lowered her gun down to beside her leg but stayed prepared for anything. Opening the door a little the young guy said, "I have a delivery for a Sharon Raydor?"
Trying to recover from her surprise she answered, "Hmmm, yes that's me."
"Ma'am, can I set these inside for you?"
"Oh no, I can take them," she said quickly. Sharon didn't want anyone in her condo but the problem was her gun. Not wanting to put it down in-case this was a decoy for Stroh.
"Are you sure they awful heavy Ma'am and there's more," he tilted his head to the side.
She leaned out her doorway to look in the direction he indicated and there was a young girl beside him with another vase with pink roses. Behind the girl was a line of deliveries not all of them with flowers. She slipped her gun into her holster and wrapped the sweater around herself. She didn't want to scare them off if they were just trying to do their jobs. "Hmmm? Yes, sure you can set them on the dining room table." She let them in but stepped back to watch the door and the deliveries. It ended up taking some time to bring in the different vases of flowers and to set up the other deliveries. She noticed most were of lilies of every color but there was an assortment of all kinds flowers, there were even rainbow colored roses. After the arrangements, there was a catered gourmet dinner set up for two.
When they had all left and she locked the door, Sharon walked around her condo smelling all the flowers wondering what the heck was going on. Who would do this? She was sure Jack had finally understood she was done with him. Maybe her kids? Rusty could have talked to Emily and Ricky, but after her talk with her older son about her ever so lonely heart, she thought he understood she was fine where she was in her life. There was Andy, but he wasn't even talking to her anymore. He wouldn't do something like this when he was so angry with her. Besides that, they were just friends. Would Stroh be this sick to think he would get away with something like this creepy? She really didn't think so. Sharon didn't think he would waste his time dealing with her. There was a knock at the door; it pulled her out of her thoughts. Taking her gun out of the holster Sharon made her way back to the door and looked through the peephole again surprised to see Andy holding a single lily.
Rolling her eyes and set her gun down on the table by the door. As Sharon opened it she asked, "Andy, what are you doing here?" It was the first personal non-work words she had spoken directly to him in weeks.
He lowered the flower and with a completely serious face he answered, "hoping you weren't out on a date."
"What are you talking about and what is all this?" Sharon questioned with a sweep of her hand at the flowers and dinner.
"Yes, I know red roses are so clique but I couldn't resist," Andy said with that sideways smile of his.
How could just an innocent smile make the butterflies in her stomach start to wake up? Sharon thought to herself. With another roll of her eyes, she dared to ask, "clique of what?"
Sharon moved aside to let him in. She didn't feel like making a scene for her neighbors. Well, at least she let him in, he thought. As he smiled broader at her Andy happily said, "Valentine's Day of course. What else do you think I meant?"
Closing the door Sharon stood with her arms crossed in a defensive manner, "but it's not today, it is tomorrow. Why are you really here and what's going on, Andy? I thought you were going to Julio's boys night?"
Looking down at his shoes, "Um yeah about that."
"Don't tell me that was all a lie to get Rusty out of the house so you could pull this?" Her voice stayed steady, but Sharon could feel herself getting mad at him again.
Andy looked at her stunned, "What? No, Sanchez is really having a BBQ boy's weekend but there was an ulterior motive behind it. So the guys could get together and blow off some steam. Sharon, you know Julio could really use help with that especially after moving in to take care of his mother." Andy walked over to smell the rainbow roses. "Though also it was to help get Kevin out of the house for Mike and Kathy to have some alone time and Julio figured you could use some down time away from Rusty."
"Rusty and I are just fine." She knew her voice carried her frustration, but she was tired of everyone thinking she needed a break.
"Don't go getting defensive about it. It was meant as a nice gesture. Can you just take it for what it is? I'm sure the kid is having a great time smack talking with Buzz and annoying Provenza." Andy pulled out a single purple flower out of one of the vases. He thought it was a violet. He liked it because that was the favorite color he liked seeing her wear. With the lily that was still in his hand, Andy slowly walked back over to Sharon. She was still standing in the entryway barely moving at all. With a shoulder shrug, he softly said, "I figured you were more a lily or wild-flower kind of girl, but as I said you can't have a Valentine's Day date without roses, right?"
How would she know, Sharon thought, it had been decades since she had received flowers or even had a date on Valentine's Day. "Wait, what? When you got here you said something about me being on a date. What date? Andy, what in the world are you going on about?"
He tried to explain, "for starters the vases of flowers are for all the times I've made you mad," he said with a laugh.
That made her smile as Sharon replied. "Well, then if that's why, I think you're a little short on vases."
"Ok, so maybe these only make up for the last few weeks. I'll have to work on that," he said with a wink.
"Though it might work out number-wise if you go by counting each flower in all the dozens." Sharon couldn't help but laugh at the fake shocked expression on Andy's face. She ended up embarrassed when she snorted.
"I really missed that laugh. Can't we agree to disagree and enjoy this quiet dinner for two before it gets too cold?" When she stood there, only her eyes moved to the gourmet food sitting next to the dozens of flowers on her table. Seeing no reaction from her he let out a deep deflated breath then quietly said, "but I can understand if you want me to leave. I've been a jerk to you lately and I'm sorry about that. I'm just stressed and worried about Rusty and you. Giving up on trying to break through her walls, Andy headed for the door. As he passed Sharon he handed her the flowers he was holding, "you can call me or text anytime. I promise I will answer them for now on."
Sharon closed her eyes. Why was it so hard for her to just open her mouth and say what she really wanted to say? She had no problem saying what she wanted in other aspects of her life. Deep down she knew she had fallen in love with her best friend and it frightened her. All she ever did was keep him at arm's length afraid to let him get to close. Telling him and anyone that asked that they were not dating. Always insisting they were just friends when she knew very well that she wanted more than that. Sharon knew she could do this, she could admit to herself what she was feeling was love and had been for a while now. When she had opened her eyes determined to tell Andy how she felt he was gone. She had been so lost in thought about him and her; she hadn't even heard the door close. Quickly turning towards the door she pulled it opened and looked down the hallway there was no sign of Andy. Let see if he'll keep his promise, she thought as she rushed to grab her phone and sent him a quick five-word text.
She let out a sigh, not realizing she was holding her breath while she stared at the phone in her hand willing him to answer her. She had messed it all up. Andy had gone through all this trouble and she blew it, again. Thinking to herself as she sat on the couch, this is what you do Sharon, you push and push until there is no way they even want to come back. The quiet knock and it sent hurrying to the door. Swinging it open to see Andy leaning up against the doorjamb smiling, "To answer your text, yes, I would love to be you're Valentine."
It was horrible that he could look so handsome when she was so stressed. Sharon yanked Andy towards her by the lapels of his leather jacket. Shutting the door with his foot he had her pinned up against the wall before she realized it. "Are you sure about this, Sharon?"
She was done talking. Right now she just wanted to feel and she really wanted to feel this man lips on hers. "Andy, just shut up and kiss me already."
They stumbled down her hallway to her bedroom. The dinner was completely forgotten about. Food was not what they were hungry for. Between kisses, articles of clothing were dropped or thrown around the room. Taking a moment between passionate kisses Andy slid his fingers through her soft hair and held her still and whispered, "Sharon wait, before this goes any farther I want you to know something. I... I love you and have for a while. You are beautiful, intelligent and amazing." His voice dropped as he continued, "I'm not sure what you see in someone like me."
Sharon stepped back to look into Andy's eyes, his hands still wrapped in her hair, making her head tingle and it sent shivers through her body. She could see the doubt in his dark eyes and that he believed what he said. He didn't think he was good enough for her. When the whole time she believed he didn't like her the way she liked him. She shook her head in shock, "no Andy, the fact is you are an amazing man who doesn't give yourself enough credit for all the things you've accomplished in your life." Sharon placed her hands on his cheeks softly, "I realized this awhile ago, but tried to deny that I was falling in love with my best friend. Andy, you are the most stubborn, hot-headed, handsome man I know and I love you, too." She leaned in and kissed him to try and convey how much she loved him.
After needing air Andy took a few deep breaths and held her away from him. "Sharon, you are the most beautiful, intelligent, and equally as stubborn women I know and I don't deserve you, but I love you too much to let you go. Tell me Beautiful, if this is going too fast let me know now or this could be over before it starts." Andy laughed and pulled her close to him again.
She looked up at the man she had denied loving for so long. "Well, I waited practically years to get you in my bedroom. Yes, I'm willing to take this slow but only while we are naked in bed."
Sharon was laughing as Andy picked her up with a growl and dropped her gently on the mattress. Andy stood at the edge smiling at her, "I think I'm in trouble."
She crawled up on her knees and unhooked her bra letting it drop to the floor, her eyes never leaving Andy's. With a soft low voice, she said, "Oh, you will be if you don't get in here with me right now."
With a bigger smile then Andy thought he was possible of having he took off the last of his clothes and joined the women he had secretly loved for years. Finally getting to get his hands on her and he made sure they were all over her. Andy took it slow as Sharon suggested. It was better that way, not to miss any part of her body.
After they both were completely physically exhausted, but it was a nice exhaustion for a change. They laid in bed, their legs entwined and Sharon's head was lying on his bare chest. Andy had his arm wrapped around her holding her close to him. They were just enjoying the aftermath of their lovemaking. His hand lazily sliding up and down her arm. Sharon was running her hand absently along his chest. He figured this was the best time to try and talk to her. "So, now that I've got worn out and exactly where I want you. Can we work out a deal? I know you love to make deals."
"Hmmm... What would this deal in-tell?" Sharon said sleepily.
"I've come to terms that you don't want extra security around you, I get that." Andy felt Sharon lifted her head to look up at him. Knowing she was about to interrupt him. He leaned down and kissed. Sliding his hand down her back until it was resting on her backside and Andy pulled her closer to him. Then he deepened the kiss until she moaned.
Sharon untangled her legs from his, lifting her head she smiled at Andy and straddled him grateful for just enough light to look down into his deep dark brown eyes, "your hushing me tactics are extremely nice I admit, but won't work." She leaned down and kissed him again, "though you have my peaked my curiosity with a deal so please, continue."
"Well, I'm a little distracted now by an absolutely stunningly beautiful woman whom happens to be completely naked and sitting on top of me." Andy reached up and threaded his fingers through her hair. Holding her there, happy to be able to see Sharon's green eyes sparkling. It had been a long time since this woman had even smiled at him. "Oh, so now you want to hear me out?" Andy jokily added.
Sharon leaned forward again until their chest touched and her face was beside his. Her hair tumbled over both of them when Andy slid his hands out of her hair and down her sides to rest her on her hips. She huskily whispered, "I have to say your earlier arguments… over and over again were pretty convincing."
Andy laughed at her boldness, "Before we get into another argument as you call them. Though I have to say they were as loud as one of our real arguments, if not louder. At least you were, Beautiful." He laughed as his hands were running up and down her spine. Even her back was soft and smooth. How did she manage to be this incredibly perfect Andy thought?
She sat back up again and swatted him on the chest. "Hey, it's not my fault. I'm blaming you for being so good at…arguing."
Andy pulled her down for another toe curling kiss then said when he got his breath back, "seriously, though I want to say that I know you can protect yourself, Sharon, this is not about that. Ok, so no extra security, but how about this. I can be your private protection detail?" He kissed her again to add to his points. "Hum? Can you handle that deal, Sharon?"
"So, Andy you are saying, you'll be my personal security and be here to protect little ole me?" Sharon asked as she sat up straight, running her hands through her hair and shaking her head.
He watched he fascinated at her movements as she sat on top of him. "Andy Flynn at your service ma'am, I'm willing to do the job 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He moved his hands along her creamy soft skin. "I can be here to personally protect your body from any harm." It was nice to see she wasn't shy about her body. He always loved her confidence.
Holding on to his hand that was moving up her ribs. Sharon watched him for a moment before deciding, "I think that's the best deal I've been offered, ever. Yes, Andy, I agree to your deal." Just then one of their stomachs growled, though it was hard to tell which one since she was sitting on him. Laughing again, she tilted her head and asked, "Do you think we could reheat the dinner you got us? Because I'm starving."
"Hey, when I agreed to be your protector, did that include feeding you too?" Andy then flipped them both over and he was now looking down at her with her hair spread out over the pillow and a surprised look on her face. He couldn't believe how lucky he was, she was absolutely gorgeous. "Though I'd be more than happy to."
"I thought that was one in the same. Am I wrong, Lieutenant?" Sharon leaned up on her elbows and nipped at his bottom lip sucking it into her mouth before completely kissing him. She loved how he made her feel. Just a look from this man made her feel beautiful, wanted, needed, loved… undoubtedly very well loved. Mostly it made her feel empowered to have the courage to take a chance to open her heart and let herself love someone else again.
"You know you might be right about that, Captain," Andy growled out as her legs wrapped around him. He could feel she was ready for him and she let out a gasp as he quickly entered her. Neither of them could take any more teasing.
In between her shallow breaths, Sharon told him, "Andy, this is the best Valentine's Day I have ever had and I do really mean ever. Thank you for everything..." She needed a few seconds to collect her thoughts as he continued to move, "and just image, I was thinking this was going to be just another day in February." She held him still with a tight grip of her legs wrapped around his waist. "Andy, I love you, and I think it's going to be pretty hard to top this one next year though," Sharon said with a smile on her face matching the one on Andy's.
There was no way to hold back the smile or the intense joy he was feeling. Andy could have finished their joining right then and there when Sharon said next year. It almost sent him over the edge to know she was thinking long term. Trying to act as if he wasn't as affected as he was Andy calmly as possible said, "That gives me a whole year to come up with something. I'm sure I can surprise you with what I capable of. Sharon, I have to say this private protection detail sure has its perks." He said as used his hands to untwine her legs from around him, "these alone are worth protecting." Causing her to laugh as he kept smoothing his hands up and down her legs. Letting go of them Andy leaned on his arms over her body, kissing her deeply as he slowly started moving within her again. Hearing her moan as he quickened the pace, Andy put a little space between their lips so he could say with the breath he had left in his lungs, "not sure if I mentioned it to you, Sharon, just how beautiful you are and how much I love you."
~The End~
I sure hope this little story idea of mine turned out all right. Now back to working on my other fic now :)
