8-31-13-author's notes- any similarities to this story and the upcoming episode 4x12 are purely coincidental Honest I had stayed away from spoilers this season. :)

Title: Close Call
author: Cindy Ryan
pairings: Nick/Andy
summary: Andy shoots a suspect to save Nick's life but that's just the start of their troubles

Officer Nick Collins grinned as he turned to face his partner who sat in the squad's passenger seat."Twenty minutes until we're off duty."

"Been counting, have we?"Andrea 'Andy' McNally replied with a grin.

They were stopped at a red light so Nick was able to keep his eyes off the road for a few more seconds.

"Only because I've been looking forward to our date."Nick responded returning Andy's smile.

"Anniversary breakfast at the Penny."Andy commented as she glanced at the clock on the squad's dash. "Fifteen minutes."

The six months Nick had been dating Andy had flown by in a flash. The problems they thought they'd have to endure in the beginning had turned out to be non-issues. Well things had been a bit tense around Gail once the news had traveled through the 15th but had smoothed out as time went on. The working together thing had it's bumps in the road too but he and Andy were dealing with it. Most of the time their personal relationship made the professional one stronger. Nick knew how lucky he was; great job; great girl he didn't take any of it for granted.

"Now who's counting?"Nick asked with a chuckle.

"Intruder at 264 West Kingsley street."Dispatch reported as the radio crackled to life.

Nick groaned and exchanged a glance with Andy. "That's less than two blocks away."

Andy sighed. "I know."She picked up the radio mic. "1504 responding."

"Copy 1504."Dispatch acknowledged.

Arriving at the Tudor style house Andy and Nick got out of the car. Even from the street they could hear things being broken.

"Cover the back."Nick ordered as he unholstered his gun.

Andy removed her weapon and nodded. "Be careful."

"You too."Collins replied as he inched up the front walk.

Andy walked around the side of the house. Past well kept flowerbeds that were just starting to show the first signs of spring. Her flashlight illuminated the back porch as Andy crept up the steps. Andy reached the back door and found it was already open. She carefully pushed it the rest of the way open and stepped into the kitchen. A crash and a thud from the living room caught Andy's attention and she made her way across the kitchen once making sure it was empty. She entered the living room to find her partner pinned to the left wall by a large man. From where she was Andy couldn't see any more details about the assailant. His identity was concealed by his dark clothing and ski mask. He was tall and strong since he had already overpowered Nick.

"Police!"Andy shouted identifying herself.

Footsteps pounding down the stairs brought the arrival of the other intruder. This one was thinner and about an inch shorter. Same dark clothing made it impossible to see more than silhouettes.

"Freeze, police!"McNally yelled once more

The intruder by the stairs raised a gun and fired at Andy. She dove behind the sofa. The assailant attacking Nick released him and started to leave.

"1504 requesting backup."Andy said as she grabbed her radio. "Shots fired, repeat shots fired. Officer down."

"Copy 1504."

Andy rose using the sofa as cover.

"Stop! I will shoot!"Andy warned as she glanced at her partner.

Nick was slumped against the wall, dazed and breathing heavily. A large gash across his forehead was bleeding. Nick's attacker shot once more at Andy. She ducked then stood a little higher to return fire. Her shot went wide to the left hitting the living room window shattering it. The man fired once more and Andy cried out as the bullet seared her left shoulder. She dropped the flashlight but managed to hold onto her weapon. She fought against the pain as she returned fire. This time her bullet hit it's target and the assailant crumpled to the ground.

Andy quickly moved to the fallen suspect and felt for a pulse and found none. She activated her radio.

"1504 one suspect dead the other escaped and is armed."

"Understood 1504."

Andy knew she should check the rest of the house for other intruders. The pain in her arm was worse than she expected and made it difficult to concentrate. She turned to find Nick had gotten to his feet and stumbled towards her. Even in the dim light provided by her dropped flashlight Andy could see the fear and worry on her partner's handsome face.

"Andy?"Nick asked weakly as he reached for her wounded arm.

"I'm okay."Andy replied. "I think it grazed me. You okay?"

Nick nodded pressing a light kiss against her forehead.

Outside sirens screech to a halt as backup arrived along with paramedics. The house was suddenly flooded with light as Nick and Andy's colleagues and friends entered and quickly secured the scene.

"McNally, Collins!"

Andy glanced up at Sam Swarek's familiar voice. The dark haired detective was flanked by a pair of paramedics.

"You two okay?"Sam asked as the trio reached them.

"Yeah."Andy replied quietly. "What about the family that lives here? Are they..."

"On vacation."Sam reported. " Neighbor called it in when he saw the back door open."

"Good.."Andy breathed in relief then shook her head at the female red haired paramedic that began to assess her arm. "Help Nick first."

"Both of you are getting checked out."Sam interjected. "Another bus just arrived. I.A will get your statements at the hospital."

"Swarek."Nick protested hoarsely.

"Procedure, Collins."Sam replied as a brown haired male paramedic applied gauze to Nick's forehead."I don't like it any more than you do. You two will be separated until I.A is satisfied with your statements."

As the paramedics escorted Andy and Nick outside Andy caught Nick's right hand and squeezed it briefly. He smiled sadly before being taken to the second ambulance. Andy climbed into hers and slumped down on the gurney. Some anniversary this was turning into.