A/N: Ok, so it's been awhile since I've posted anything in this section, but the promos got the wheels turning in my brain.

Disclaimer: Rookie Blue isn't mine.

Break-Up Buddies

Andy stares at the stained wallpaper in front of her, trying not to think about what she's left behind for this. After waiting for it for so long, she leaves after he finally says it. He's sitting at the Black Penny right now, waiting for her, but she's here. What was she thinking? She was thinking about her career, same as him the night he dumped her. It's worth it. She just needs to tell herself that. Maybe soon she'll believe it.

Nick stares at the stained wallpaper in front of him, trying not to think about what he's left behind for this. It doesn't matter. Gail is off to Europe without a thought about him, why shouldn't he do the same? He's only furthering his career. There's nothing wrong with that, right? She'll be there when he gets back, right? He tries not to think about what would happen if she isn't. He doesn't know how he'll deal with it if she isn't.

They sigh simultaneously, still staring straight ahead.

"What are you thinking about?" He asks.

"What could have happened. You?"

"Same," he replies.

She turns her head to look at him. "Break-up buddies?"

He turns his head to look at her, a half-grin spreading across his face that isn't quite genuine. "Always."

She smiles back in her best imitation of happiness as he loops his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side. She drops her head on his shoulder in return. It's a friendly gesture, meant to comfort each other, and it's good practice. Come tomorrow, they'll have to make this a regular thing.

Gail punched him. He hadn't gotten the voicemail she'd left, telling him she was staying. If he'd known… Well, he isn't sure if he would have done it any differently. She was ready to leave him, why shouldn't he be able to do the same? Apparently she doesn't agree.

Sam has a new girlfriend. She was gone for exactly six months and that was enough time for him to move on, apparently. It was enough time for him to forget that he said he loved her. It was enough time to forget all about her. Part of her wishes she'd done it differently, but a larger part of her knows it was the right thing to do. She can't put her life on hold because of a guy, no matter who he is. Now, she has to deal with the consequences of her decision.

When they first sit down in the bar, he places his arm around the back of her chair and she leans into him out of habit, drawing raised eyebrows. Andy notes Gail's narrowed eyes as she looks on from across the bar, and Nick watches Sam's squared jaw. Habits are hard to break, they say, laughing. Both of them try to pretend they're adjusting easily, but it's harder than they thought. It isn't long before she escapes outside for fresh air.

He sits down beside her without saying a word. They've gotten to a place in their relationship where words are no longer necessary. They both know what the other is thinking about. He loops his arm around her shoulders and she drops her head onto his shoulder. It's a comforting, familiar position. Away from all the prying eyes, they don't have to worry about it being misconstrued. They can just sit, drawing comfort from one another as they try to get back to normal, even though they aren't sure what that looks like anymore.

"Break-up buddies?" She asks into the silence.

He kisses the top of her head in platonic affection. "Always."

A/N: Ok, so it's pretty short, but I think it's a pretty good start for me to get back in the saddle! I love the whole Andy/Nick friendship dynamic. I see them more as just really close friends than anything else. I'm too much of an Andy/Sam fan for that…