Take two! Thank you to all who read, reviewed, and set alerts for this story. As I mentioned in the previous chapter, I will continue writing one-shots with dialogue until I get my feet wet. With any luck, I will begin a multi-chapter story in the near future.

This scene takes place after Andy receives Sam's phone call and leaves the Penny.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Rookie Blue… I do own a bad set of Karaoke pipes.

"Candace," he said slyly, greeting her with a twinkle in his eye.

"J.D.," she nodded, attempting to conceal an ear-splitting grin, but failing miserably. "Nice wheels."

"Well, it's no truck, but you learn discipline and sacrifice in this trade. You learn to live comfortably with what you have. I'm pretty good at it, too. Except for this one thing that, you know, really matters. I can't, uh… I can't seem to go a week without her," he finished with a wry smile.

"Nice of you to call."

He waited as she fixed her seatbelt, then leaned in to brush his lips briefly against her cheek.

She hummed softly in response, turning to face him. "It's good to see you."

"Likewise." He settled back into the driver's seat, glancing in the rearview mirror before pulling away from the curb. "I wish I could take you for a night on the town, but in the interest of discretion – because we're already breaking eight or nine serious rules – how does a quiet evening in the apartment sound?"

"I like the sound of that very much. Well, actually, I should rephrase. I can't promise that I'll be quiet." She raised her eyebrows in silent challenge.

He growled lightly in response, eyes narrowing on the road ahead.

Feeling the gradual acceleration of the car, Andy giggled inwardly, and then continued. "So what brings you to these parts, anyway? Seems quite the long haul from your neighborhood."

"Oh, the usual," he said offhandedly. "After a late night in the warehouse, I had a hankering for some company. I hopped in the car, started driving, and the next thing I know, boom. I'm two blocks from an infamous cop bar, whistling a pretty tune about the universe 'having a plan.'"

"So it was fate that brought you here? Interesting."

He smiled, shaking his head. His hand sought her mittened one, pulling the glove off before linking their fingers on the center console. And there it was. Despite the rigors of this job, despite the lies, the half-truths, the appearances and facade, in this moment, all he felt was an overwhelming sense of calm.

Andy snuck a glance at the man to her left, then to their joined hands, and felt a warm glow spread through her chest. It wasn't just comfortable, it was… right.

She snuggled more deeply into the cushioned seat and sighed softly.

Twelve minutes later, Sam pulled onto the drive that marked J.D.'s residence. The ride had been quiet; their thoughts only briefly interrupted by the hum of the radio, crackling in the background. Mourning the loss of the car's heated interior, they quickly stepped out of the SUV into the cover of darkness and hurried to his apartment.

Naturally, part of the UC routine was remaining inconspicuous. Both were careful not to draw attention to themselves, but that didn't stop Sam from reaching for her hand again when they entered the lobby. It certainly didn't stop the beam from enveloping Andy's face. It had been a long time since someone had held her hand like that.

It was funny how the tiniest actions on Sam's part could leave her blissfully happy. Despite two years of working together, there was a newness, a sweetness to this facet of their relationship. She couldn't help but relish every swift, sweeping sensation of joy. Handholding sent thrills and tingles through her body. The butterflies had taken permanent residence in her stomach, flying in delighted frenzy. And she couldn't keep a grin off her face, even if she wanted. Granted, she and Sam had skipped around a bit when it came to "normal" couple stages, but her heart was truly - finally - at peace for the first time in months.

This time, there was a palpable difference when they stepped over the threshold of the apartment. Andy quickly divested of her boots, following Sam to the center of the room as he flipped a switch, turning the gas fireplace on. He fiddled with the thermostat, shrugging off his jacket in the process. After doubling-back to confirm that the door was locked, he let out a breath and approached the brunette standing in his living room.

Sam moved to take Andy's coat, and when her arms were free, he spun her toward the nearest wall. Gently leaning in, he murmured a soft "Hello," and brought his forehead to hers. Using one arm to toss the jacket toward an ottoman, he wrapped his free arm firmly around her back. She tugged him closer, and his nose greeted hers like an old friend.

"Hi," she whispered.

"Hi. I think we covered that already."

"I'm willing to be redundant if I get a proper greeting every time I see you."

"Proper, huh?"

For a few moments, all was silent in the apartment, save the soft clicking of the refrigerator and the sweet brushing of hands.

Breathing heavily, the two broke apart, moving to sit on his bed.

Sam recovered first, slipping off his own shoes. "How was your week?"

"Good. I was a little distracted… Spent days in the cruiser, thinking about a certain someone."

"Pining for your former partner, McNally? Riding with Shaw or Diaz didn't do it for you?"

"Hmmm. Despite my fondness for Oliver, somehow I don't think he would take kindly to holding hands on patrol."

"Fair," he nodded, shaking his head in affirmation. "The only thing Oliver will hold on patrol is a gun. Or a sandwich." He paused, eyes crinkling as he observed her slightly disheveled appearance. "I'm sorry to have dragged you away from the Penny tonight."

She brought her arms around his neck, her voiced laced with amusement. "You're not sorry. But that's okay, I'm not either."

"How are the good ol' officers of 15th Division these days?"

"When I left? Very inebriated. And musical."

"What?"

"Tonight was Karaoke Night at the Penny, if you can believe it. You missed a rousing rendition of "Islands in the Stream" from Noelle and Oliver. There's nothing quite like hearing Shaw belt some Kenny Rogers. I wouldn't go so far as to use the word "talented," but the man certainly has a charismatic stage presence."

"I bet."

"And right before you phoned, Traci was taking the lead on Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get it On.' It was hilarious. For the better part of the night, Gail had been quiet – absolutely refused to participate – and then all of the sudden, she's on stage perfecting her "Teenage Britney" moves. There's a part of me that was sad to miss the conclusion of such a promising performance, but you know, more important things popped up…" she trailed off, realizing his attention was elsewhere. "Sam?"

"What's that? I'm sorry; all I heard was let's get it on." He pulled her closer, nuzzling her neck.

"Of course you did," she muttered, attempting to look stern. One look into Sam's eyes, and her resolve crumbled.

"I pride myself on being a gentleman, McNally. I follow directions. If the lady insists…"

He pulled her to her feet, as his hands peeled the sweater away from her body.

"You can give me the details later, Andy, I promise."

"A promise from Sam Swarek? I'm a lucky girl."

"You will be." Tugging his own shirt off, he added, "Take some of Marvin's advice. And if you feel, like I feel, baby… Then, c'mon."

"You did not just say that!"

"What? Even we old folks have to keep with the times."

He bent forward, covering her mouth with his before her raucous giggles could escape.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I am always eager for comments or advice! Thanks bunches.