Thank you again for your support for my previous stories! This one is less angsty than the last one. After Andy is injured during an incident at an AA meeting, he and Sharon use the incident to bring them closer. There's a little bit of mystery and, of course, plenty of Shandy. As usual, I welcome any/all feedback. I hope you enjoy!

As always, I do not own Major Crimes or any of the fabulous characters. That honor belongs to James Duff and co. I just enjoy writing about them.

Chapter One

After another long day, Sharon and Andy made dinner plans at one of their favorite casual restaurants. The squad's latest case had taken a toll on everyone, but none more than Andy. He wanted to hit a meeting before dinner, and Sharon had paperwork to finish anyway, so they agreed to meet at the restaurant later. That was how Sharon found herself all alone standing outside a crowded restaurant waiting for Andy. He was running late, but she wasn't too worried because she knew AA meetings often ran long. She thought about going inside and getting a table, but she wasn't sure how long Andy was going to be, and she didn't want to occupy one needlessly.

Thirty minutes later, she considered calling or sending him a text, but she knew he wouldn't be able to answer if he was still in his meeting. Finally after an hour of waiting, Sharon was starting to feel stood up and a little silly standing around outside the restaurant. She placed a to-go order and headed home once it was ready. She knew Andy wouldn't intentionally stand her up, but she couldn't help the small pity party she mentally threw herself anyway.

When she got home, she changed out of her work clothes and sat down to enjoy her dinner. Rusty was at a study group and wouldn't be home until later, so her condo felt a little empty. She, like the rest of her squad, was feeling a bit emotional after the case and had been looking forward to the distraction dinner with Andy would have brought. Andy... Why hadn't she heard from him? She was starting to get a bit worried when she heard a knock on her door. She had an idea as to who it could be, but she was still surprised when she pulled the door open. It was Andy, but he wasn't alone and he wasn't exactly in the same shape she had last seen him in at the office.

"Sharon?" She nodded slightly. "I'm Mike Reilly, Andy's sponsor. You can call me Reilly," the taller man explained while a million thoughts began running through Sharon's head. He must have picked up on some of them because he began explaining right away. "Andy here found himself on the wrong side of another member's fist. I know it looks bad, but I can assure you he's fine," he added calmly.

"Andy, what happened?" She asked, concern evident in her voice and her eyes fixed on the swelling below his right eye.

"It's a long story. Reilly was nice enough to give me a ride, but he insisted on bringing me here instead of my house, so..." Andy said annoyed.

"You know I couldn't take you home," Reilly said to the man who was partially leaning on him. He turned to Sharon. "I hope this is Ok. He just needs someone to keep an eye on his injuries," he added. Did he say injuries, as in plural? What exactly had happened to him? Sharon suddenly noticed that Andy was carrying the small duffle bag that he kept in the trunk of his car. It contained basic necessities in case he got stuck at work overnight.

"Of course it's Ok. Please bring him in," she insisted, concern evident. Reilly helped Andy into Sharon's condo and gently supported him as he sunk into the couch.

"I should probably get going. Listen, Sharon, it was great to finally meet you even if it wasn't under the best circumstances. Andy talks about you A LOT," he said with a knowing smile.

"It's nice to meet you, too, Reilly. And thank you for looking out for him," she said as she walked him to the door.

"If you need anything, Andy has my number. Goodnight," he said before exiting her condo. Sharon turned back towards the couch and turned on the light closest to it. When she sat down, she turned her body so she was facing him. She removed her glasses and gently ran her fingers over his injured face.

"Andy... Are you OK?" She asked and he could hear the worry in her voice. He nodded.

"Hurts like hell, but it looks worse than it is," he assured her.

"What happened?" She implored while fully examining his cheek. The skin beneath his right eye was red and swollen. It had the indicators of what was sure to become bad bruising, but the rest of his face looked untouched leaving her wondering what else was injured.

"Guy came in drunk off his ass and mad. Bad combination," he stated simply.

"Did he use anyone else as a punching bag?" She asked while still looking for more injuries.

"Nope. As soon as he started throwing punches, the others stopped him. He still managed to get me in the face and ribs, though," Andy explained.

"The ribs? Andy you need to see a doctor. That's where you were injured a few months ago," she began, but he interrupted her.

"Already did. Reilly took me to the hospital and then drove me here," he started and he could see the concern rising on her features. "Don't worry. Nothing's broken. Just a few bruises. Like I said, hurts like hell, but it's not that bad," he concluded and he watched her face tense up. "There is one tiny thing, though, because of that previous injury, doc doesn't want me staying by myself tonight. So... Uh... Is it Ok if I stay here?"

"Of course it is, Andy," she quickly replied.

"I don't want to kick the kid out of his room again, so I'll just stay here on the couch," Andy said. Sharon shook her head.

"Absolutely not. This couch is not fit for someone who isn't injured let alone someone suffering from bruised ribs," she insisted. Before he could protest, she continued. "And why didn't you call me? I would have come to the hospital," she asked and Andy could hear the annoyance in her voice.

"I didn't want to worry you. Besides, it's nothing, really. I'm fine," he insisted.

"I was already worried when you didn't show," she started and realization dawned on him.

"Oh my god, Sharon! I'm so sorry. I missed our dinner. How long did you wait?" He inquired worried.

"I think you had a very good excuse," she assured him. He still felt like an idiot. "But, I'm guessing you didn't eat. What can I get you?" She asked as she was getting up from the couch. He grabbed her wrist and slightly tugged on it. She turned around and gave him a puzzled look.

"Don't get up. After everything today and now tonight, I'm not really hungry anyway," he explained. She tilted her head and pursed her lips. "Really, Sharon. I'm not. If it makes you feel any better, I had some snacks at the meeting," he added and he watched as she seemed to accept it. She sat back down.

"What can I get you then, Andy? Water? Aspirin?" She tried. Andy knew her insistence on doing something, anything, to help was her way of coping.

"Nah, doc gave me something at the hospital. Since I can't take anything stronger, I think I'll just make myself comfortable right here on your couch and try to get some sleep," he answered ignoring her earlier insistence that he not sleep on it. Sharon paused a moment.

"So, you want to get some rest, then?" She asked a bit too calmly.

"That would be great," he started before she quickly interrupted.

"Then get up," she ordered. He looked a little shocked, but he complied. Sharon quickly realized that he needed her help and she leaned down to help him. Once he was standing, he tried to pull away so he could walk by himself. Sharon allowed him to move away slightly knowing that he didn't like feeling like a patient. She kept her hand on his lower back for support as they walked.

"Where are we going?" He asked while wincing. It didn't go unnoticed by Sharon.

"To bed," she answered simply. She steered him towards her bedroom. Once inside, she helped him to her bed and sat him down. She then left the room, and Andy sat on her bed a bit confused. He had never been in her room before, so he took a moment to look around. It was neat and nicely decorated. It was very Sharon. Even in his injured state, he couldn't help but acknowledge the irony of finally finding himself in here but being completely incapable of doing anything about it.

Sharon returned with his duffle bag. She put it on the bed next to him and then sat on the other side of him. He looked at her.

"You want me to sleep in your bed?" He asked gently. She nodded with a small smile.

"And where are you going to sleep?" He wondered.

"Well, I was thinking right there," she indicated her usual sleeping spot in her bed. "But if you think it will make things worse..." She started before Andy interjected.

"No, I'm pretty sure sleeping with you can only make things better," he said smiling. She returned the smile and then pursed her lips. He winced again, and Sharon felt her concern rise again.

"Since you can't take anything else for pain, you might try a hot shower," she suggested.

"That's not a bad idea," he answered honestly. She carefully helped him up and into her bathroom. She busied herself with getting him a towel and washcloth.

"Anything else I can get you?" She asked.

"No, I got it from here. Thank you, Sharon. I really appreciate you taking me in... Again," he said sincerely, but Sharon could tell his ego was taking a hit. She covered his hand with hers.

"Andy, I know you don't like feeling like a patient, but I'm happy to do this for you. And it doesn't change how I see you or how I feel about you," she assured him knowing what was really bothering him. He nodded and she started to leave the bathroom, but stopped. "I'll leave the door slightly open in case you need anything". And with that she exited. She went over to her bed and began turning it down when she heard her name. She walked back to the bathroom and slowly opened the door.

"Andy? Is everything alright?" She asked keeping the door partially closed.

"Yeah, no. I can't get this damn shirt off," he said annoyed. When she opened the door the rest of the way, he was standing there in his undershirt and boxers. She walked over to the shower and turned the water on before moving towards him.

"It takes forever to heat up. I wasn't sure if you remembered," she explained gently. He just nodded. She carefully took the edge of his undershirt and began to slowly lift it up his torso. She couldn't help but notice the bare skin it revealed. When she got to his ribs, she noticed the reddened, swollen skin and inwardly winced. "Here, give me your arm and I'll pull the shirt over it so you don't have to lift them," she instructed kindly. He complied, and watched as she did the same with the other arm. She then stood on her tiptoes to pull it the rest of the way over his head.

"This wasn't exactly how I pictured this," he whispered unexpectedly. She drew her eyes up to meet his.

"You pictured this? Me undressing you while you're injured?" She said with a knowing smile.

"Well, not exactly this, but some version of it," he tried to explain and noticed her tight smile and pursed lips. She was trying not to laugh. "You know what I mean," he added. She laughed. And then her focus moved to his underwear.

"Do you need help with..." She began, but he interrupted.

"No, I can handle that," he quickly answered. He'd be damned if this was how she saw that part of his anatomy for the first time. Her focus moved up to his injured ribs, and a realization suddenly dawned on her.

"We should get some pictures to document your injuries," she said matter-of-factly as she turned to leave. Andy grabbed her hand to stop her.

"I'm not pressing charges, Sharon," he said softly. She turned back towards him and he could see the confusion on her face.

"What? Why not?" She asked.

"Because, way I see it, the guy's got enough problems," he stated. She didn't seem satisfied with his answer. "And it's not open for discussion," he added and she reluctantly relented.

"If that's what you want. I don't agree, though," she replied.

"I know, but it's what's best for everyone," he promised. She nodded and left him alone to take his shower in privacy. She was careful to leave the door slightly ajar again just in case.

She made it as far as the other side of the door when she stopped. She heard the soothing sounds of the water running, but underneath, she could also hear Andy's quiet exhalations of pain. She thought about his words as she was removing his shirt, This wasn't exactly how I pictured this. She knew that he wanted to do this himself. He didn't want her to have to take care of him. So, she wouldn't. She would love him.

Andy hissed as the hot water hit his aching torso and face. He reached over and turned it down slightly. He wanted it hot in order to soothe his bruised ribs, but not scalding. If only there was something to soothe his bruised ego, he thought. He closed his eyes and let the water massage his battered body. He focused on it and let the gentle ministrations take away the aching pain that had consumed him since the assault.

Suddenly, he felt a soft, gentle hand across his back. He opened his eyes and saw Sharon's small hands wrapping around his torso and then he felt her smooth skin pressed up against his back. She felt amazing, and he almost pinched himself to make sure this wasn't a dream.

"I hope you don't mind the company," she whispered into his neck.

"Never," he stated simply. There were a lot of other responses that crossed his mind, but he decided that this wasn't the time or place for them. Plus, he really wasn't able to speak in more than one-word sentences with her naked body pressed against him. She held him close without putting any uncomfortable pressure on his injuries. She tugged on his side and he willingly turned around in her arms. He rested his arms loosely around her waist and kept his eyes locked on hers. He leaned in and captured her lips. It was a sweet, passionate kiss that brought a smile to both of their faces when they pulled apart.

"Am I allowed to look?" He whispered.

"Well, I think I might be offended if you didn't," she teased. He took a small step back and allowed his eyes to rake over her naked form. When he landed back on her face, he noticed that her cheeks had taken on an attractive rosy hue.

"You are so beautiful, Sharon," he declared before kissing her again. This time it was more intense than the last, and they both started to get carried away. Andy broke the kiss before things escalated. He was still injured, after all. Sharon giggled at her own boldness. She took a moment to enjoy the naked man in front of her. This had definitely been a good decision.

"Is it helping?" She asked quietly referring to the shower.

"It's definitely doing all sorts of good things," he answered with a flirty smile. She tugged her bottom lip into her mouth and returned the smile.

After a moment, she took her hands and gently caressed his stomach up to his ribs and over his chest and shoulders as he stood under the comforting spray. She wanted to take away his pain. They stayed under the hot water caressing and kissing until the water began to turn cooler.

Once they were out of the shower, they walked back into her bedroom in their towels. As they got closer to her bed, they paused and held each other's gaze. Sharing a shower and baring all to each other had been a huge step forward in their relationship. Andy was pleasantly surprised by her boldness, but he knew they wouldn't be pushing any other boundaries tonight. Not in his condition.

"Do you need anything before we go to bed?" She asked concerned. Andy thought about it for a minute.

"There is one thing you can do for me," he said with a smile.

"Whaaat?" She asked suspiciously.

"Sleep like this with me," he whispered. She looked at him and pursed her lips.

"In our towels?" She asked with a coy smile. He brought his right hand to the front of his towel and released it letting it fall to the ground. She giggled. He closed the space between them and reached for the front of her towel. He paused, and when she didn't object, he tugged hers loose as well. It fell to the ground with a soft thump.

"I like the feel of your skin on mine," he said softly leaning in to kiss her. Their lips connected, and Andy felt the shiver that ran through her body. His tongue begged entrance and she eagerly opened her mouth to him. His hands tangled in her hair and hers softly caressed his face. When they pulled apart, she turned and climbed into bed before turning off the light. Andy couldn't breathe. She was really going to allow this. He had a fleeting thought about getting injured more often, but quickly dismissed it. Instead, he carefully climbed into bed with her and spooned her from behind. He could feel her soft skin all over him, could hear her soft breath, and in the dim moonlight could see the rise and fall of her enticing cleavage. This was heaven.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you, too," he answered whispering in her ear nuzzling her hair out of his way. It wasn't the first time they had said it to each other, but somehow under the backdrop of the intimacy they had achieved tonight, it felt that much more true.

As Sharon fell asleep, her mind kept wandering to thoughts about Andy's decision not to press charges. And she wondered if there might be more to the story that he wasn't telling her. She decided to dig a little deeper tomorrow.

TBC