Hey guys! Sorry it took so long, I would've got this up sooner, but I had job training all day, funfun LOL! This chapter took forever to write, and I'm still not 100% happy with it, but I hope you enjoy it anyway! PS: My muse loves reviews :)


Chapter 4

The next day, Sam walked into the precinct, bags under his eyes from a restless night. He couldn't stop thinking about Andy, although that's not new, but also his new job at Guns and Gangs. He headed towards the locker room, but is intercepted by Frank.

"Hey Sam, I'm glad you decided to accept my job offer. Boyd was very pleased to hear you'd be joining him over at Guns and Gangs."

"I'm looking forward to working with him too, sir," Sam said, with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Good. Now, I want to announce your transfer at parade today, so we can start organizing partner changes and such. Is that ok with you?"

"Not really, sir," Sam said carefully, not wanting to upset the boss. "I kinda wanted to tell everyone myself, privately."

"If you want to tell them before parade, that's fine." He looked at his watch. "You have a few minutes. But, we really need to get the ball rolling on this. Boyd wants you over there by the end of the week, as they already have an assignment for you." Frank didn't wait for approval before heading past Sam back to his office. Shit, I need to find Andy before she finds out from someone else. He rushed into the women's locker room, but saw only a few officers in there; no sign of McNally. He saw Traci over by Jerry's desk and headed towards her.

"Hey Traci, have you seen Andy?" He asked.

"Not yet. But, we were at the Penny till late last night, so she probably just slept through her alarm or something." Yeah, or something. Sam thanked her and headed back to his desk to wait for her.

Five minutes before parade, Andy still hadn't shown up. Sam had no choice but to join the other officers in the briefing room. He sat near the back with a clear sight line to the door. He saw Andy rush in just before Best appeared, her uniform a bit askew indicating she had put it on in a hurry. She took a seat next to Traci.

"Hey, didn't think you were gonna make it," Traci whispered.

"Sorry, slept through my alarm," Andy said, fixing her collar, and catching her breath. She had run all the way here, after waking up half an hour late. Luke had already left, and had forgotten to wake her up.
"Thought so, that's what I told Swarek." Andy looks at her best friend with confusion.

"Sam?"
"Yeah, he was looking for you before parade. Looked really anxious, like he had something he needed to tell you." Andy tried to catch Sam's eye, but he was talking to Oliver. Best took his spot at the front of the room and began the briefing. After he gave his obligatory morning talk, he held his hand up to quiet the room.

"Alright coppers, listen up. I have one more announcement before you go. I believe congratulations are in order. Sam," Frank indicated for Sam to stand up, and he did so reluctantly, "has decided to leave the 15th to join the Guns and Gangs division." Everyone came over to congratulate him with hugs and handshakes; well, everyone except Andy, who was still stuck to her seat in shock. He's leaving? She couldn't believe it! So, that's what's been bugging him. Whoa. I mean, I know that he wanted to join Guns and Gangs after the Anton Hill bust went south, but that was months ago, I thought... Why didn't he tell me? Best's voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

"Now, Boyd wants Sam on assignment as soon as possible, so I've fast tracked his transfer. His last shift will be tomorrow. I will reorganize the rosters and partnerships accordingly. I hope all of you will join us at the Penny after shift tomorrow night, so we can send Swarek off in style. Alright, pick up your assignments on the way out, dismissed." Everyone got up and left to their respective jobs, until only Andy and Sam remained. They both stood staring at each other awkwardly, trying to think of what to say.

"Congratulations, Sam." Andy said, trying to hide the hurt in her voice. We're partners, Sam. You should've told me. She shook his hand and tried to leave, but Sam grabbed her arm. She turned towards him and saw the pain in his eyes.

As if reading her mind, Sam said, "Andy, I'm sorry. I only made the decision last night. When Frank told me he was gonna announce it in parade, I tried to find you, but you were late, and..." he took a deep breath to calm himself. "I wanted to tell you, I really did." Andy felt tears prickling in the corners of her eyes. I can't let him see me cry; I have to get out of here.

"Its okay, Sam. It's a great opportunity and I'm happy for you. I better go; I'm on the front desk with Traci. I'll see you after shift." She walked out, leaving Sam standing there in shock. He shook his head to clear his thoughts, and headed out to meet up with his partner for the day, Epstein.

Andy headed over to the front desk where Traci was already working. She sank down into the chair next to her and put her head in her hands, trying to fight the tears that were still threatening to fall.

"Are you okay, Andy?" Traci asked, rubbing comforting circles on her back. Andy sat up, scrubbed the tears from her face and turned to her friend with a forced smile.

"I'm fine, Trace." Traci gave her "You've gotta be kidding me" look.

"Come on, Andy. I know you better than that. This is about Sam, isn't it?" Andy knew there was no point in trying to hide anything from Traci, so she nodded.

"I have to admit, I was surprised. I had no idea Sam wanted to join Guns and Gangs."
"He has for a while," Andy admitted, thinking back to her first day with him on the streets.

Sam ducked under the rapidly closing garage door, with Andy hurrying behind.

"Okay. So, I'm sure you've had the talk," Sam said. "We're partners; you back me up, no matter what, you don't move unless I tell you to, it's my car, so my rules are the rules."

"Yes sir," Andy replied.

"Good. So, here's my addendum. I'm here because I'd rather work the streets than man the wire room until a spot in Guns and Gangs opens up, and while I do like working the streets, I did not ask to train a rookie, I did not ask to have a partner, and I'm not your boyfriend; I will not be holding your hand."

"Well, that's great, 'cause I don't date cops anyway..."

Andy is pulled out of her reverie by Traci waving her hand in front of her face. Well, so much for 'not dating cops'.

"Sorry Trace. I was just thinking..."

"What were you thinking about?" Traci asked, curious.

"Oh, just about my first day on patrol with Sam. He told me that he was only here because he'd rather work the streets than be chained to a desk, at least until a spot at Guns and Gangs opened up."

"Oh," Traci said, realization washing over her. "Well, that was months ago, things change, and people change."
"Obviously not," Andy sighed. "I don't know why this bothers me so much." Traci looked at her like she'd grown a second head.

"Of course you do. It's because you care about him, Andy!" Andy's eyes widened at Traci's loud outburst. A few people in the station turned to look at them.

"Keep your voice down, will ya?" Andy whispered, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. "Of course I care about Sam; he's my partner and my friend, but that's as far as it goes, okay? I'm with Luke, I love him." Traci was getting irritated. She loved Andy like a sister, but she could not stand her lying to herself anymore.

Meanwhile, Sam was out on patrol, trying desperately to block out Dov's incessant chatter.

"I think it's so cool, you going to Guns and Gangs... not that I want to get rid of you or anything, I just think it's a great opportunity for you. It'll mean loads of undercover work, which is what you're good at... not that you're bad at everything else, it's just..." Sam had to suppress a laugh at Dov's rambling. He decided to step in and cut him off before he dug himself in any deeper.

"It's ok, Dov, I know what you mean. Thanks." Dov sighed in relief that he hadn't offended his partner.
"No worries, Sir. I'm planning to organize a spectacular leaving party for tomorrow night. It is gonna be a blast, with all the guys from 15th, drinks..." Sam tuned Dov out as he continued to ramble on about the party.

"Sir?" Sam spun round to face the rookie as he realized Dov had asked him a question. Dov, seeing Sam's confused face, repeated the question.

"Will you miss it?"

"Miss what?" Sam asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

"You know, walking the streets, working with us at the 15th?" Sam's hands tightened on the wheel, his knuckles turning white. He thought about all his friends at the 15th - Oliver, Jerry, and of course, Andy. No, I can't think about her, about missing her; I have to stay strong. I'm doing this for her; and for me, I need to move on.

"Of course I'll miss the guys at 15th." Sam said, shortly. He did not want to be having this conversation, especially with a cop who's like a 9-year old on a sugar rush.

"Even me?"

"Don't push it, Dov."

"Sorry. It's just... being undercover is a very lonely experience."

"It's not like I'm dropping off the face of the Earth, Epstein. I have been undercover before, I know how to handle it."

"Yeah, but a lot of things have changed since the Anton Hill case. You have more ties now - friends, a partner... I'm sure Andy's really upset about you leaving."

"Yeah?" She didn't seem that bothered, more surprised than anything.

"Of course, Sir." Dov couldn't believe Sam could be so dense. "She's your partner, and you know, she cares about you, a lot. I thought you took would make a good couple, but then she hooked up with Callahan... wait, that's why you're leaving right?" Sam's eyes widened. What is this kid, a mind reader? Relax; play it cool, Swarek.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Sam said, hoping Dov would get the message and drop this line of questioning. Damn, why do I let these rookies get to me?

"You're leaving because you Andy's with Luke and you can't stand to see her happy with someone else. I get it."

"Drop it, Epstein," Sam all but growled. Dov faltered a little at the sound, but stood his ground.

"I don't mean to step outta line, Sir, but Andy's like a sister to me, and I don't want to see her hurt. I know you don't either. But, Sir, you leaving would hurt her more than you realize. At least think about it." The radio crackling into life informing them of their next call-out ended Dov's mini ultimatum, for which Sam was thankful. Sam turned on the siren, pulled a quick U-turn and speeded off in the direction of the disturbance, his mind still reeling from Dov's revelations.

Back in the station, Traci was giving Andy an ultimatum about her feelings for Sam.

"Come on, Andy; be honest with yourself, if not with me. It's not working with Luke; all our late night phone calls, with you ranting about him cancelling another date, or staying all night to work; he doesn't deserve you, Andy."

"Thank-you, Dr Phil," Andy said sarcastically. Traci rolled her eyes. She turned in her seat, so she was looking straight into Andy's eyes, hoping she would get the message.

"You deserve better; you deserve to be happy." Andy tried to turn away from her friend's intense gaze, but Traci held onto her seat.

"I am happy!" Andy insisted, but they both knew it was not true.

"No, you're not, you're faking; I can see it. I know I always said, "Fake it 'til you make it," but I was talking about the job, not in your personal life."

"Says you," said Andy. She's such a hypocrite. Two can play at this game. "You're with Dex because you think that is what's best for Leo; but you're not happy either."

"That situation is completely different... Hey, don't change the subject! You keep pushing Sam away, and now you've pushed him right out the door." She's right; it's my fault Sam's leaving. I need to do something.

"Well, what do you suggest I should do about it then, if you're so wise?"

"So you're not denying it?" Traci smirked. Andy glared and Traci put her hands up in surrender. "Okay, okay. Talk to him; tell him how you feel; before it's too late." She's right; I need to talk to Sam.

"I will, as soon as he gets back from patrol. Thanks Traci." She gave her best friend a hug.

"You're welcome, sweetheart. You know, I should start charging for this stuff." They laughed, and, after refilling their coffee cups, went back to work, anxiously waiting until the end of shift.

Andy is booking in two robbery suspects when she saw Sam and Dov enter the precinct and head into the locker room. She was desperate to follow them, but did not want to leave Traci alone with the unruly suspects. As if reading her mind, Traci said, "Go; I've got this." Andy looked back at Traci.

"Are you sure? These guys could get pretty nasty," she said, trying to calm the two criminals down whilst she took their details.

"In case you've forgotten, I can get pretty nasty too if I want to. Besides, help is only a holler away." She gestured to the bustling bullpen, filled with other officers.

"Okay, thanks." Traci shrugged off her appreciation. "Not just for this, but for your advice earlier; I really needed it."

"No problem. What are friends for?" Andy left Traci with the two robbers, and headed into the men's locker room.

"Jeez, McNally," Dov said, standing there in just a towel, slung low on his hips. Andy just stood there with an amused smirk. "Don't you knock; what if I'd been naked?"

"I'd point and laugh," Andy said with a chuckle. Sam, who was watching the exchange from the other side of the room, covered his mouth as he tried not to laugh.

"Ha-ha, very funny," Dov said, his cheeks turning red. He bolted into the showers to avoid any further embarrassment.

"This is becoming a habit, McNally," Sam said as he sauntered over to her, standing a little too close for comfort. "Following people into locker rooms." Andy heart race increased at his close proximity, her breathing hitched.

"We need to talk," she said, trying to keep her voice even.

"Good, because there's something I need to tell you too."

"Do you think we could go somewhere a little more private?" Sam nodded, and she followed him out of the locker room and into a nearby empty observation room.

Andy walked over to the other side of the room, putting as much distance between her and Sam as possible, so she could clear her head for what she was about to say. After several minutes of awkward silence, Sam spoke up.

"You wanted to talk, McNally, so talk." Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I can't do this; I should just leave.

"It doesn't matter; it's stupid. I've gotta go." She tried to walk out, but he stood in front of her only exit point. He grabbed her arm, slide his hand down until he grasped onto hers, holding it tightly.

"Nothing you've ever said is stupid, Andy," Sam said, and Andy heard the sincerity in his voice. "Is this about me leaving?" Andy swallowed thickly. Sam let go of her hand and started pacing the room.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, Andy."

"It's ok, Sam, I know you tried; Traci told me you were looking for me this morning."

"Yeah, I wanted to explain why..."

"You don't have to, Sam. I get it; you've wanted to work in Guns and Gangs ever since you started working the streets."

"Yeah, but I never thought a place would open up."

"Well, it's a great opportunity; I'm happy for you," Andy lied, but she knew she'd been caught out when she saw Sam's look. "I am, Sam, it's just... you're my partner, we work well together, I don't wanna have to get used to working with someone else."

"I'm not gonna leave you hanging. I'll ask Oliver to take over as your partner for now; he knows you almost as well as I do, and you work well with him, don't you?" Andy nodded.

"Yeah, Oliver's great... but he's not you." Andy looked down at the floor, so Sam wouldn't see the tears streaking down her face. I can't let him see me cry; I need to be strong. But, it was too late. Sam's heart broke when he heard the faint sob escape her mouth. He stepped closer and placed a finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to his.

"I don't want to leave, Andy, but I don't have a choice."

"What? Is Sgt. Best forcing you to transfer?" Andy was shocked that the boss would do such a thing.

"No, I just have to get away for a while," Sam said, absently stoking his thumb across Andy's cheek, wiping away the last remnants of her earlier tears.

"Is it because of me, because of something I did?" She looked so small and vulnerable staring up at him with watery eyes, her face displaying a mixture of fear of worry.

"No, you didn't do anything wrong, Andy. It's me." Sam took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for what he was about to admit. It's now or never, kid. Here goes. He took her face in his hands, ensuring she heard every word.

"It's no secret that I have feelings for you, Andy. I have for a while. But, you're with Luke; and I respect that. At first, I thought you'd come to your senses, or Luke would throw you away like he did with all the other rookies, and I wanted to be there to pick up the pieces. But, turns out, he really cares about you, and I can see that you're happy. That's all I've ever wanted for you, Andy; to be happy, and I don't wanna get in the way of that. But, seeing with Luke, it hurts. I need a clean break; to move on."

Andy was stunned silent from the weight of Sam's words. He stepped back, letting his hands fall to his side. Please say something, Andy. Say I'm wrong; say that you care about me too, anything. Just please give me a reason to stay. Seeing no response to his heartfelt revelation from Andy, Sam turned to the door.

"Sam, wait!" Andy's voice stopped him in his tracks, his hand frozen on the door handle. He slowly turned to face her. "You're wrong. I'm not happy." She began to pace the room to shake off her nervous energy. "Yes, Luke cares about me, but his life is his work, he always puts the job before me. I'm sick of the cancelled dates, of waking up alone..."

"Then why are you still with him?" Sam said, walking towards her, stilling her frantic pacing.

"Because he is the safe choice; or at least I thought he was. I thought if my heart wasn't really in it, I couldn't get hurt..." Andy said, her voice cracking with sobs, as tears streaked her face.
"But you did." Andy nodded. Sam was now standing in front of her, his toes touching hers, looking down with concern in his eyes.

"I should've known it wouldn't work; not when my heart belonged to someone else..."

"Well, whoever that is, he's a lucky guy," Sam said with a smirk, his dimples evident. Andy chuckled, smiling through her tears. He reached up and brushed away the tears with the pad of his thumb.

"I'm sorry I pushed you away, I never wanted you to leave."

Sam backed Andy up against the one-way mirror, his hands on either side of her, penning her in, his face so close she could feel his hot breath on her cheek.

"Then, ask me to stay," Sam said, huskily, reaching up to cup her cheek with his hand. He pulled her closer, their mouths a mere whisker apart. Andy was lost in his chocolate brown eyes, her head pounding with desire. For once, Andy, follow your heart; don't over think it.

"Stay," Andy whispered as she closed the gap. The moment their lips touched, they heard a very angry voice call out,

"What the hell is going on in here?"