Chapter 2: Starting over
Sam woke to a shrill ringing in his ears and a bright light in his eyes. Someone moved beside him, mumbling something about not wanting to get up yet. Turning his head Sam watched as a tousle haired Andy fumbled around in search of the alarm clock. Finally, after what seemed like forever, Andy managed to silence it, slinking back down into the bed with a huff.
Sam couldn't help but chuckle at her, Andy never was a morning person. Suddenly her flew open and met his. Andy moved up and supported herself on her forearms, turning to face Sam and matching his smile.
"Morning." She croaked, voice thick with sleep.
"Good morning." Sam smiled down at her, resisting the urge to brush a few stray hairs out of her face. "Ready for today?"
"I think so." Andy's smile faltered but she tried to hide it.
Sam saw it. "Andy, you'll be fine. Everyone is ready to have you back."
"I know…" She yawned. "It's just, getting back into the swing of things, ya know? Well of course you know, you're a pro at undercover stuff." Andy rambled on.
"We've all been there McNally, it's not that hard to readjust." Sam encouraged.
"I hope not. " Andy sighed and laid her head back down on the pillow. "I just want everything to go okay."
"Well, being on time is going to be a good start." Sam said, casting a glance at the clock. " How about you go shower and I'll find us something for breakfast."
"Um..about that, I haven't gone shopping yet. The cupboards will be stocked at a bare minimum."
"Okay. You go shower and then I'll take you to breakfast before work." Sam moved to get out of the bed. He stretched as he stood, sleeping in jeans was never comfortable.
"Deal." Andy smiled hopping out of bed.
"I'll…uh..be downstairs." Sam bolted for the door, thoughts of Andy in the shower running through his head.
"Mmk." She gave him a quick smile and moved into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.
"Oh how I missed these." Andy practically moaned over the pastry in her hand.
Sam focused on drinking his coffee, burning his mouth when he took to big of a gulp.
"Now you're all ready to start your first day back." Sam told her as they made their way back to his truck.
"Yep. Thanks for breakfast Sam." Andy climbed into the truck and looked over at him.
"Anytime." He replied, causing Andy to blush with the look he gave her.
"Ahhh!" Traci squealed as Andy walked into the locker room. She jogged over to Andy and threw her arms around Andy in a hug. "Good to finally have you back."
"Good to be back." Andy replied laughing.
"Ready to hit the streets with the rest of us?" Traci asked, walking back over to her locker.
"I guess. I'm just a little nervous to get back into a routine."
"You'll be fine babe." Traci encouraged heading for the door.
"That's what everyone keeps saying." Andy said nervously.
"Well lucky me." Oliver stated as Andy got into the squad car. "I get to ride with undercover ninja woman." He smiled at her.
"Ninja woman?" Andy laughed.
"Well yeah! It's good to have you back McNally, I know I wasn't the only one who missed you."
"Thanks Oliver. I missed you too."
"Uh huh, of course you did." He joked with her. "Ready to go out and kick some bad guy ass?"
"Mhmm. Totally." Andy mumbled.
"Hey, you'll be fine. Everyone has to adjust when they get back, but before you know it, it will be like you never left."
"I hope so…" Andy nodded, thinking how that applied to more than one part of her life.
The shift passed without much entertainment. Traffic stop after traffic stop, everyone seemed to have a lead foot today. When Oliver finally pulled the squad car back into the barn they both sighed with relief.
"See," He said as they headed towards the locker rooms. "No one blew up, no one got shot, you didn't screw up….perfect day back by my books."
"It was easier than I thought." Andy admitted.
"Told ya." Oliver grinned. "So what do you say to grabbing a drink at the Penny with the rest of us?"
"Sure, sounds great."
"See you there." He gave her a quick wave and headed into the mens locker room.
"Hey partner." Sam smiled as Andy walked up to him.
"Hey yourself." She smirked, taking a seat at the bar next to him.
"How did your first day back go?" Sam took a swig of his beer, casting her a sideways glance.
"Better than I expected actually. I guess you were right."
"Told you it wasn't that bad." Sam reached out and swung his arm over the back of Andy's stool, causing her to blush.
Soon Sam and Andy were swarmed by the rest of 15 division. Though they were eventually separated, Andy couldn't help looking around the room for Sam every few minutes. Whenever she found him Sam would meet her eyes with his and send her a smile, never failing to make Andy blush.
