Disclaimer: I own nothing!

A.N. This one is a little bit different (in my opinion) than my other stories. The idea came while watching another TV show, which will be referenced in a later chapter. As usual, this chapter is really an introduction. The summary of the story will change, but I don't want to give anything away early.

I really don't like the title so as the story progresses if anyone has any suggestions just let me know. I wanted to start posting so I came up with a livable title.

This is probably going to be my last multichapter until at least the start of season 2. I have a few more in the works but I like to have most of the details worked out before I start to post. This one is kind of time bound, while all of the other ones are just "the distant (although hopefully near) future".

Enjoy!

The day after the undercover operation, Andy walked into the Parade Room yawning. After the adrenaline rush, she had not been able to sleep.

As usual, Andy was almost late. As a result, she had not been able to check the rosters. Chris, her partner, was obviously out so she wondered who she was partnered with.

She tried, and failed, to pay attention to Best during Parade. When he finished with his normal "serve, protect, and keep up the good work" she was surprised when he added "McNally, my office."

Flashback

Frank Best pulled up early the day after the undercover operation that led to one of the biggest drug busts in the history of 15th division. The newspapers were having a field day with the story and the higher ups wanted the paperwork in as quickly as possible. Frank knew he had to make sure all "t"s were crossed and all "i"s were dotted. Many of the officers who were part of the takedown had stayed late but he figured he should go in early and lend a hand. The quicker the paperwork was done, the sooner he could read the transcripts and send them off to Headquarters.

Within twenty minutes of his arrival, there was a knock on his door. He looked up, not surprised in the slightest at his visitor. "Sam, come in." As soon as Sam was seated, Frank began the praise. "Nice work last night."

Sam brushed the complement off with the wave of his hand and dropped the bomb. "We have a problem."

Frank was surprised. He had assumed that Sam came in early to lend a hand with the paperwork, but that was obviously not the case. He began to wonder why Sam arrived so early and what the urgent issue was. "We do?"

Sam sighed. "The idiots tailing me and McNally last night left the Mermaid Lounge to follow Boyd, Noelle, and Callaghan. While I get that those three had to leave, at least one team should have stayed to catch Ricky. As a result of their negligence, Ricky disappeared."

"So?" Frank didn't get what the issue was. Rick was a minor player in the operation and his photo had been sent to all officers in Toronto as well as all airports and border crossings in Canada.

"He can recognize me and McNally. McNally might be in danger."

Now Frank was really confused. "So can you."

Sam shook his head. "I have a registered gun – a means of protecting myself when I'm off duty."

"Luke –"

Sam cut him off. "Callaghan has a gun but they are not attached by the hip. How many nights do you leave before he does? Is Andy waiting for him?"

Frank sighed. "You're right."

End Flashback

Andy started to follow, wondering if the staff sergeant had caught her nodding off during Parade. Then she noticed that Sam was also making his way to Frank's office.

Once they were all seated, Frank praised Andy's work from the operation before quickly updated Andy on the situation. "I don't think you are in danger but in this case, I'd rather err on the side of caution." Frank was trying to gauge Andy's mood but she had improved her impassive face over the last few months. He knew that Sam could read the rookie better, which was why he requested Sam join him in informing her. Sam didn't look concerned, which was a good sign.

Andy nodded. She would feel safer with a gun while Rick was on the loose.

Frank looked from Sam to Andy and back. "I want you both in plainclothes. You're partners today. Sam, find her a gun that she is comfortable with. Both of you keep your badges and sidearms with you just in case there is a call and I need you to back someone up." He had noticed Andy's exhaustion and really did not want her out on the streets. He knew he could trust Sam to keep Andy safe. He had also paired them together so that Sam could talk to Andy about the undercover. He remembered Sam's first, and the nightmares after that they had talked about as partners.

The two exited Frank's office and headed to the locker rooms to change.

And so, Andy McNally became the owner of a small handgun that she was easily able to hide on her person.

Rick was caught a few days later but when Andy spoke to Sam, he suggested that she still keep the gun on her at all times since she was a registered gun-holder already.

The gun became a sore point between Luke and Andy, one of many. Eventually, Andy had enough. She made a list of all of the issues and handed the list to Luke, saying that she hoped they could still be friends. Luke was understanding, once she showed him the list, since there were certain things he was not willing to compromise on, and nor was she.

Things did not return to normal, there was still tension, but Andy felt the weight lifted from her shoulders after they broke up.

Sam waited a month and then asked her out. They agreed to take things slow but sometimes things don't go as planned and events make you realize that life is short and when you have something good, you should just go for it…

A.N. Reviews make my day so let me know what you think!