Author's Note: First, this chapter is rated M (because of the last two thousand words).

I keep apologizing for the long chapters, but it is coming to the end so just expect the last chapters to all be equally long. I apologize one last time for it, to all of those who don't enjoy them. Now, a special thank you to all the reviewers and those who send me private messages or brainstorm and send suggestions. To Inlovewithlife87 thank you for the suggestion but even though I could not use the song, I did use it as my inspiration for this chapter (and its title), so thank you (I agree it is the perfect song)!


He is annoyed. There is a consistent beeping and a bitter taste in his mouth that is pulling him out of his sleep. The bed is uncomfortable and the room is cold. He opens his eyes to a darkened room, but the light sneaking in through the corner of the blinds lets him know that he's slept through the night. The hospital scent he hates lingers in the room and sheets. Frustration fades when he blinks again and he makes out her silhouette. She is speaking softly, words he can't make out, with someone outside the door. A nurse or a doctor he imagines. His wife is nodding her head, arms crossed in front of herself. She is wearing the jeans and tan oversized sweater he loves. His eyes droop closed but he forces himself to open them again. A groan escapes him when he notices a small bag in the corner and several of his things.

Her voice rings softly through the room, "My love." He turns to see Sharon hurrying over to him and god she's a vision. "Are you in pain?" Her warm hand takes his and Andy shakes his head as she runs her fingers across his forehead—for fever, no doubt.

While trying to sit up he grumbles, "I'm not staying." He feels the bed being moved up to sitting position and looks over at the nurse who smiles at him warmly. It must be the person Sharon was talking too. "Where is Mary?" He asks grumpily looking over at his wife again. Sharon scolds him with a long glare. "I am ready to go home," He grunts annoyed.

"Andy, you lost consciousness." She squeezes his hand. "They are changing your medication; we need to make sure they'll work. Andy we are lucky you follow all the other doctor rules or this could have been very different." He settles back when he hears the tremor in her voice. "One or two nights." She tells him fixing the blankets around him when she realizes how cold his hands are. Then she looks over at the nurse. "Could we have an extra blanket please?"

He looks at the nurse who nods as she types something into the screen in front of her then looking at him. She does a quick work up on him before leaving them alone.

"I don't like her." He states.

Sharon chuckles and walks over to him with a cup of water. "You are a stubborn, stubborn man." He takes the straw between his lips and drinks and watches her set it down at the table.

"Where is Mary?" He asks again.

She could roll her eyes, feel exasperated with his grumpiness but instead she smiles because having him awake, alert and talking means he is alive and with her. "Well, she doesn't work in this department, but promised she'd swing by." Sharon settles beside him and takes one of his hands and intertwines their fingers. The other stroking his face, until she is cupping his cheek. "Hi," she whispers as she leans forward and kisses him.

It calms him, quickly. He meets her eyes when they pull apart and she looks tired but happy. "If I have to stay here, I should be allowed to ask for my favorite nurse." He says seriously.

He does not tell her about his dizziness and the exhaustion that is overwhelming him, that he'd be more comfortable talking to Mary about it or she would know already with one look at him. They turn as the nurse returns with a blanket and an extra pillow.

Sharon thanks her laying the blanket over him and speaking softly. "Hm," she pouts. "I thought I was your favorite nurse." That finally erases his frown and he smiles, nodding.

"That's right." He chuckles pulling her so she'll lay down with him. Sharon obliges laying on her side and curling into him, her head resting on his chest. Her hand moves to find a way to the skin of his chest. She grumbles when she finds no entry.

Now he realizes why he was cold, he didn't have his wife pressed to him, the smell of her perfume erases any terrible scent that carries through the room. He smiles when he notices she has gone still and is listening to his heartbeat. "Is it still beating?" He asks.

"Don't joke about it." She admonishes lightly. His hand moves through her hair when he can sense she's upset. Then in a hushed voice she whispers, "You scared all of us."

After coming in one by one to visit Andy and see for themselves that he was safe and resting. Nicole had gone home to her children, especially to her youngest who needed to be fed. She was still careful about taking Ella out too much, for her immune system was still building and the boys were often kept out of public places in the chance that they could catch something and take it home with them. They had all agreed to go to her house and rest for a couple of hours and have something to eat. Provenza had stayed for a few more hours until Patrice had returned and asked him to go home with her. Rusty had come early this morning and brought her and Andy some clothes, remaining in the room until just minutes ago.

They lay that way for several minutes and he feels her tapping her fingers against his chest at the rhythm of the monitor. Andy turns his head kissing her forehead when he notices his annoyance was a comfort for her. She snuggles closer, leaning into his touch bringing a smile to his lips and he repeats the gesture. The insistent beeping suddenly doesn't bother him so much.

She breaks the silence, "You know if I didn't love you so much, I'd go crazy with your stubbornness?"

He closes his eyes and lets out a long breath, then his hand stills in the locks of her hair "Beautiful about that file?" She tilts her head up to look at him when she hears his hesitation. "I'm sorry, I should have told…" She stops him by pressing her lips to his and repeating the gesture with a long hum. It had only been hours but she missed the heat from them, the way they respond to hers. The simple way they express his love for her. Her fingers run softly across his cheek and feel the stubble against her skin, then she meets his brown eyes.

"This isn't about me." When he frowns disapprovingly she shifts to get a better look at him. "I mean, I can take care of myself at work. I need you in every other part of my life—to come home too, to have someone to hold at night, to date, travel and make love to. You've been ready for months and you haven't because you don't want to leave me alone but it's not about me. It's your time my Love." He tangles his fingers in her hair and pulls her closer to deepen the kiss she started previously. Sharon smiles against his lips when he becomes breathless quickly. "The doctor said none of this for two weeks." She tugs on his bottom lip before kissing his cheek.

Andy grumbles at her offended. "I'm just kissing my wife." His fingers brush her hair behind her ear. His knuckles slowly run down her cheek, outline her jaw and he has a ping of excitement. He will never understand how he got so lucky.

She licks her lips smiling when she notices he's distracted. "The monitor say otherwise," she says resting her head against his chest again. He tilts his head back looking in the direction of the monitor.

"Traitor!" He calls at it, making Sharon chuckle where she has settled in his neck; smelling him and pressing warm kisses to his neck. His hand runs up and under her sweater, against her bare back. It feels so good to have him touching her. He was glad to have some of his energy back, but he could feel it wearing thin. "So I'm staying?" He asks.

"Yes, we are. Just," she lets out a long breath and whispers, "we can't go through this again." Her voice breaks but clutches at his side, "I thought I had lost you, was pacing these hallways thinking you were gone. You told me you felt great, that the stress wasn't an issue anymore."

He closes his eyes again when he hears the pain in her voice. The last thing he wanted was to hurt her and it was something he had caused. He had kept from retiring so he would stay by her side, instead it just caused the entire family added heartache.

"I know, I thought it wasn't. Not until yesterday. The case, leaving the team, thinking about Cole and Nick, Susan. It just became more than I could sort through." Sharon pulls back and looks him straight in the eye and smiles. "It won't happen again." They both know it doesn't have to be said out loud, he wanted to just be grandpa, dad, friend and husband now and she was happy for him. "I'm going to miss you." He says with his adoring smile.

She nods, "me too." Then rests her head on his chest again. "But, I'll be happy to have you to come home to."

Not working together is a small price to pay, for this. To have his arms around her, their conversations and the moments spent in silence. He was damn good at his job and replacing him would be nearly impossible, if not impossible. However, she loved seeing the smile on his face on days off when they were spent leisurely at home as a couple or as a family. He wanted to spend the rest of his days living with those he loved and she was elated for him.

Andy breaks the silence, "Gorgeous, can you…" She hums and looks up at him when he stops.

"What is it, hm?" Her fingertip runs down his nose. His eyes are heavy and closing on him. She had spent the entire night watching the monitor and holding his hand. The doctors had explained to her that a blackout of his magnitude had taken all his energy, they wanted to keep him under observation for a couple of days until his strength had returned.

"Do that thing you do with my hair?" He asks groggily. She smiles, pushing up, they both shift until her back is settled against the bed. He rests his head against her chest and wraps his arms around her. She hums a tune softly as she runs her fingers through his hair. It's her heartbeat that soothes him now and falls asleep against her that way.

Sharon kisses the top of his head when she feels he's sleeping again, she drops her head back against the pillows and continues running her fingers through the short strands of his hair. A shaky breath escapes her and her eyes close. We are going to be okay.

When Andy wakes for a second time he hears voices, they are distant till he finally recognizes them and a smile reaches his lips. He wavers in and out of consciousness. Then he feels a hand in his and squeezes it, he notes that he has most of his strength back and is glad he won't have to ask the nurse. The hand is not his wives, but the lips that press against his temple are and makes him release a sigh of content.

His eyes flicker open and he is pleasantly surprised when the first face he sees is his daughter, stepdaughter, Kate. She smiles at him and tightens her hold on his hand.

"Hey?" He croaks weakly.

"Hi." Her voice is delicate and emotional.

He tilts his head up and sees Sharon leaning next to him, she smiles at him before leaning forward and kissing his lips softly. Her fingers move, through the strands of his hair. "You look much better." She says happily. He smiles up at her before turning back to Kate who is wiping at her eyes.

He finds the button to move himself to sitting position, then tugs on her hand, she smiles but moves to him willingly, sitting beside him and then hugging him tightly. He is grateful he has the strength now to lift his own arms and wrap them around her. She curls into his frame easily, it is so simple to feel comforted and safe in his embrace.

"I'm sorry, I scared you." He says softly, turning his head and kissing her cheek. She pulls back and stays siting at his side. He lifts his hand and wipes away her tears. "You should have stayed in New York." He says taking her hand in his. "You are rehearsing. I want to get my money's worth on opening night."

She chuckles, her thumb stroking his palm. Her mother had chosen to spend her life with the most amazing man. He had learned her schedule, so he could call her and not interrupt her rehearsals. She knew he hated sending text messages, but did it for her. They had scheduled face time and skype calls, with her mom but often times it was only her and her stepfather because of Sharon's longer days. He had bought the entire family tickets for her show and was planning to fly them out.

"I couldn't," she shakes her head fighting the tears that are brewing, unable to say anything else.

Her mom had called her and after calling Lewis, he had encouraged her to do what she felt best. He had packed them both a bag and met her at the airport. This man, in the hospital bed—even if she's known him for such a short time, was her father. And LA was where she needed to be.

"I'm happy you are here." Andy says quickly, because he is. He misses her, just as much as Sharon does. He knows her life is in New York and she loves it but sometimes the advances technology has to offer are not enough. He knows it's crazy, she is an adult but it's as if she's grown since the last time they were together. Maybe more mature?

She wipes at her eyes and sighs. "I am happy you are okay." She says softly, as he kisses her hand in a loving gesture. "I was on the taxi over here last night and I thought…about you and Mom. And the poor taxi driver was so frightened when I started crying because I had a moment to realize that I could be losing the only father I ever really had." Andy squeezes her hand when her voice breaks, his own eyes welling up with tears. She reaches into the pocket of her coat and holds out a small box, Sharon takes it when her daughter smiles at her. Andy's eyes follow her and watches as Sharon's eyes widen and her jaw drops. There is a simple but beautiful diamond ring shinning up at her. He smiles looking over at his daughter who is watching her mother.

The change is not only maturity, she is in love.

"I wanted you and Andy," she looks at him again. "To walk me down the aisle." She takes a breath and smiles. "Will you?" She asks both tearfully and nervously.

He has to take a deep breath and nods before the tear trickles down his eye. "I'd be honored." He just barely manages it to escape his lips and pulls her in for a hug, looking at Sharon whose eyes are red rimmed and tearful. He lost two children years ago and amongst those, now he has gained five wonderful ones. A daughter, who like his biological one just needed her father's love growing up. They had both been disappointed, but he was proud he could pick up the broken pieces and try mending it for both of them.

She pulls away and smiles at him then looks at her mom, "he wanted to ask you first but, he still sees you as Captain and is terrified." Andy chuckles in bed, gaining a large smile from Kate but a deathly glare from his wife.

"Come here," Sharon calls her daughter, her hands flailing at her sides and pulling her into a tight hug. "Are you happy?" She asks so only she can hear.

This was her baby girl, her ballerina, her dancing bean and she was going to become someone's wife. A brave man, who loved her and had put everything second and Kate first. But most of all she was in a happy place in her life, it was all she ever hoped for her children—for them to be loved, to love and be happy.

"Very much, Mom." Kate closes her eyes and smiles when she feels Andy reaching her hand and squeezing it.

"Sweetheart, can I ask you to go celebrate with a cup of coffee and breakfast with your mom?" Kate nods, but Sharon darts a worried look at him as they pull apart. "I'll be perfectly fine for several minutes." He flashes her a soft smile. "We will all go out for dinner when I'm out of here." He promises Kate.

Sharon can't argue even though she knows he's sending her so she'll get some food and fresh air. Her daughter is there sharing wonderful news and right now, she knows the right decision is to give her time to Kate. Their daughter kisses his forehead before excusing herself, telling them she'll wait outside. Sharon walks over to him pulling the blanket higher up on his chest and tucking him in, then sitting down.

"Behave and don't be grumpy with the nurses." She leans forward and stops right before her lips land on his. "No stubbornness!" He grins as she kisses him softly. "I love you!" She sighs, releasing a soft breath, the last thing she wanted to do was leave him alone. "I'll be right back, okay?"

"I love you too, Beautiful." Sharon pushes up and stops before leaning down and kissing the tip of his nose.

"I'll send in some of your visitors." He nods then holds her hand.

"Can I have one more kiss?" Sharon sits down and runs a hand along his face when she notices he has something else to say. "You weren't here when I woke up." He says softly.

She sighs, when he is unable to disguise the pain in his voice. In the past while they were together, anytime he was in the hospital, she was there to help him wake up, to calm him. It hurt her not being there too.

"I wasn't allowed in the room, my love. But I was here." Her voice breaks. "I wanted to be in here. I'm sorry I wasn't at your side." His hand clutches her wrist and moves up her arm, pulling her down to him when he feels guilty about the tear that runs down her cheek. He kisses her softly.

"Just come back to me." He says softly. "I'm stubborn and selfish but I'm nothing without you." His voice is emotional and tired. She knows he is still worried and afraid, she is having the same feeling, the panic of being apart from him.

"I don't need to come back, because I'm always here, even when I'm not." She whispers, pushing up and turning to the closed door. "You have a full waiting room." She looks at their joined hands and smiles when she sees his finger running across her wedding bands.

"Rusty?" Sharon smiles and nods her head.

I'll send him first." Andy nods thanking her, kissing her hand before she walks away.

Andy closes his eyes and immediately feels empty, he needs his wife. He only opens them again when the door opens and he sees his youngest son. Worry and a frown reaches his face when the boy looks upset and pale.

Andy pushes up alarmed. "Hey Son," he says softly.

Rusty approaches him cautiously. "How are you feeling?"

"Better." He says with a smile. "I left you alone, didn't I? Sorry about that, I tried getting to you." Rusty shakes his head, handing his Dad the small Lego figurine he was carrying around since yesterday. Andy smiles squeezing it between his hands. "Thank you it's the most treasured object I carry around." He looks at it carefully for a moment and then up at his son. "Your Mom told me you saved my life." Rusty looks up surprised.

"I was supposed to be there to stop this from happening." Rusty says emotionally.

He replayed it in his mind all night. Stopping him before moving into his meeting with Susan would have gotten them back home, without everyone suffering so much. He had noticed his Dad wasn't feeling well but thought it would be okay. Now, he's in a hospital bed.

"Hey," Andy reaches for his wrist and pulls him closer when he sees all that is going through his mind. "This is not your fault, you were the only reason it didn't happen while I was driving. You saved my life. And by telling the paramedics everything you knew, they knew what immediate steps to take. Mary and Sharon told me everything." He squeezes his sons arm and then sits up, hugging him. He is surprised by the tightness of the hug.

"You're going to be okay?" Rusty asks when they pull apart.

Andy squeezes his hand, "I'm not ready to stop being your Dad, son. I missed too many years like I did with all my kids. It's not my time to go yet." Both men turn around when the door opens, Nicole standing on the other side.

Her shoulders relax, surprised to see him so alert. "Dad, you're awake." She had been sitting by his side as he slept but had gone home to check on her children. She hurries over to him leaning down and hugging him and kissing his cheek. She pulls back and smiles. "How are you feeling?" He wipes away the tear rolling down her cheek.

"Much better," he holds her hand between both of his. "Your brother saved my life." Nicole smiles nodding and looking up at Rusty, proudly.

"I know, I haven't thanked you for giving me three new siblings dad. Wonderful siblings, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to lose you."

He smiles brushing a lose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm not going anywhere. I'd like another hug though." She leans in quickly and holds him for a long moment.

They both whisper, I love you at the same time making them smile.

The room is suddenly filled with noise, they all turn to see Nick, Ana, and Ricky walking in, each one taking their turn to ask their questions and spending their time by his side. When Sharon and Kate return it's to Nicole, and Rusty sitting on either side of their father with Ricky sharing a story of Ian and Jake trying to squeeze everyone into their beds last night, making her husband laugh happily. Andy can feel his eyes drooping, his body growing heavy but he wouldn't miss this moment for anything. To have his whole family in the room together. Rusty stands as Sharon comes to Andy's side and presses a kiss to his lips. They smile at each other acknowledging what they need to tell everyone about their plans.

"Andy and I need to talk to you about something?" The room goes quiet and fear and panic washes over all of their faces. "It's not terrible news." She smiles at all of them. "Good news actually." She sits beside her husband.

Nick meets her eyes and it's with a small smile that he remembers their talk and knows what is coming.

"I've decide." Andy stops and takes his wife's hand. "We've decided it is time for me to retire." He feels Nicole take his other hand. "Not only because of this incident but because I'm ready, I have been for some time now, back to when we lost Lou." He feels Sharon intertwine their fingers and runs her other hand up and down his arm. "I want to be available for all of you." He looks over at his daughter and smiles, kissing her temple. "Cole will be going back to work in the fall and I would love to be the new baby sitter. If that's something they'd consider."

Nicole sighs, "There is no one else, I'd want." She had been struggling to find the proper person but now she feels relieved. Her dad and stepmother loved her children as if they were their own. Going back to work, didn't feel so selfish anymore.

"Kate." He meets her eyes she nods. "Well, she'll be getting married soon," he grins when she holds up her hand, flashing her ring. "I'd like to be there to help her through that and anything else she may need." The entire room turns to the young woman. "Ricky and I are getting to know each other and I am excited in having more time to do that."

He looks over at his oldest, the oldest between their children combined. He is standing next to the woman he loves as she sits comfortably in the chair, rubbing her hand along her stomach. "Nick and Ana are bringing a baby into our lives and I want a chance to finally be dad and grandpa for him." Nick smiles tearfully at his Dad, squeezing Ana's hand when she looks up at him. "And maybe have one more for me to care for while you work."

"We'd like that," Ana says softly. Their plans were still unknown, but everyone knew that Los Angeles was not out of the question. It was a perfect place for both of them to continue their careers but they needed to solve it all on their own.

"Rusty," he bows his head and Kate wraps her arm around him. "He's our youngest and it's time I honor my promise and completely be there for him. I want to witness what he does with his life, not only hear about it." They all look around the room, happy to see the smile on their parents faces. "I will tell Provenza later today and the team when I get back to work. They'll each continue being in our lives." He looks over at Sharon. "Your mother, Sharon and I we have a lot of plans and I don't want stress to stop any of it. The pills, my diet and more exercise, it should all be enough without the stress. And being part of this family has been the most exciting and enjoyable time of my life. I want to just be this." He meets each pair of eyes and smiles.

The room is silent before they all nod saying they understand and smile before turning to Kate. You are getting married, is carried through the room with congratulations.

Sharon and Andy chuckle, glad it was not a dramatized moment and smiles as Kate is surrounded by her siblings. She is surprised when she notices along with Ricky, Rusty seems to already know. She leans forward and kisses Andy's neck.

She speaks tenderly, "I can't wait to just be your wife, grandma and mom one day too." He looks down at her surprised. "It's a dream of mine too." He kisses her softly and smiles when she squeaks as he tugs her closer to himself. "So we can have our day in the lilies." He grins at her tender words, stroking her cheek. The first time those words floated between them it meant coming out in the open, no longer hiding from the world. However, in this moment it is the promise of one day living free from work and day-to-day activities. To be happy, just being Sharon and Andy.

He stops abruptly and looks over at his children, "Kids," he gets all of their attention his hand holding his wife tight and close. "I'd like to get out of this gown and someone to sneak me in some good food." They all chuckle, leaving the room, "come back in ten minutes." When the door closes behind them he turns back to his wife and kisses her again. Sharon giggles trying to push him back but he continues, his hand drifting to her hip. She hums, running her fingers up his neck.

He quickly grows out of breath and drops his forehead against hers. She smiles.

"I told you, we can't do this." She whispers. "How about, I undress you and help you get comfortable?" He grins mischievously, nodding his head against hers. "Behave!" She scolds softly.

The following several hours have Andy's room filled with visitors until Sharon sends all their children out of the room as she notices her husband forcing himself to stay awake. When they all encourage her to come have lunch, she refuses until Provenza pops into the room. She switches his pillow, making sure he's comfortable before wrapping her arm around Ana and walking away with the others.

It is more difficult to start the conversation with Provenza, than it was with his children. His family had seen to this as something positive, the Lieutenant had always frowned upon retirement. Years of being partners and friends he never expected to leave without him. The old man slumps in the chair on the corner and runs his hands through his hair.

"Retiring?" Andy nods. "Is the Captain…Sharon?" He looks up at his friend in the bed.

The older Lieutenant had expected this in the past few months. His partner looked happier than usual and his head was less in the office and more at home. He didn't blame him, his life from the outside in looks incredible. He was having his own piece of it with Patrice.

"No, she's not. But she's adamant about scheduling Friday night dinners with you and Patrice." Provenza grunts making him laugh. There had been weekly dinners whenever cases allowed them to, scheduling would never be needed but he wanted him to know they'd continue being them without Detective being a part of it. "Plus Jake, would never give up his Uncle Provenza's video game night."

"As long as she stops feeding me all that green stuff. I get enough of that from Patrice." He grumbles.

Andy laughs. "I'll let her know."

Both men go silent. What would happen? They had been through a lot in life, this was just another moment, a positive one in whatever direction you looked at it. It was good.

The older man clears his throat, "So what lounging on a barker lounger, eating out of a bag of chips, watching old games?"

Andy contemplates, his days off in the small apartment when he was single. That's exactly what he enjoyed doing and now it was the last thing he'd dream about.

"Taking care of my grandchildren when Cole returns to work, learning more about Ricky, visiting Kate, Nick and Ana wherever they may be. Not being too exhausted to stay up with Rusty through the night to help him study. Being home to make dinner for Sharon, to travel." He exhales, "It's time old man." They sit in silence and Provenza stands up.

"We still need you for carpooling." Provenza points his finger at him, Andy nods. He had seen people leave their team and slowly drift away. But no matter what the situation he considered each of them his family. He was giving up his career for family and that included them. "And tell your daughter, I can buy her son new video games as often as I'd like."

Andy nods, chuckling. Nicole was all for treating her children but not in excess with materialistic things. The older Lieutenant would have to argue this topic with her and the image makes him chuckle.

The room is filled with the entire family ten minutes later, with both Lewis and Jeff joining them. He looks thoughtfully at each of them, how months ago they would have sat separately depending who they belonged to biologically, Rusty would have found his spot in the corner but now, now they are all a blended family. Rusty is conversing with Nick, Ana with Kate and Nicole, Ricky is laughing near the door with Lewis and Jeff. He knows one person is missing—probably because his wife still doesn't know about her—and he assumes she is the one watching the kids. Ricky's girlfriend, Chloe. Sharon is talking to Patrice and Provenza, he knows this will not last long a nurse will come ask them to leave and leave only two or three people behind.

His eyes close when he feels Sharon settle beside him whispering, "I'll be here, when you wake up." Her hand takes his, his family was with him. His wife, warm and smelling delicious beside him. And that's all he needs to finally find slumber.

The following evening he is released with instructions of staying home for a week. He finds himself being fed in bed by his wife, helped in and out of the shower, dressed. He smiles at her during the night as she sleeps against his chest. He's at peace for the first time in a long time, he is not hiding anything. Happiness, that's what he is feeling.

Sharon returns to work before him. Then it is Kate and Nicole running around making sure there is nothing he'll trip over, making him food and giving him company. His grandchildren join on Kate's last day, demanding to spend time with their aunt and new uncle. Ella spends her day in and out of Andy's arms with the boys joining him in lounging around the house and in the pool. It is this kind of joy, he's searched for in his entire life. There is no void, nothing missing in his life.


After a week of recovery he finds himself at work, the retirement papers processed through Chief Taylor's office and standing in front of the team after a long case. It is three in the morning, they all have their coats, bags and files in their hands. He looks towards the back of the room meeting his wife's eyes as she is perched on the edge of his desk, smiling at him in support.

"I have recently processed all the paperwork necessary for retirement." He watches each of them take a seat on their desk or chair. "I'll be out in the following weeks, the Captain has been sorting through files for my replacement, I'll finish up my paperwork and hand over any cold cases I have to the person I deem appropriate." He wrings his hands and sighs dropping them at his sides.

There is a murmured we will miss you, and agreements that spread across the room but nothing else is said. A week goes by without another word mentioned about his decision, Sharon pulls in some candidates to help the team during the process of the investigation, testing who the team works best with. It's strange to watch someone try out for his position without them knowing or being allowed to give his opinion. Sharon surprises him by stopping him in the hall and putting her hand on his hip.

They both look around and then at each other as she steps into his space when she makes sure no one is around. "You're sad?"

"No, it's just strange…" he whispers as his fingers run between the strands of her hair.

"I'm not replacing you, your desk is getting taken out of its spot as soon as you leave." He grins at her playfulness. "You'll always be my favorite Lieutenant." She whispers into his ear before abruptly stepping away and walking back to the murder room.

"You said it was Tao." He calls after her, she turns around and grins at him but says nothing. He watches as she walks away her hips swaying with an extra bounce. "God, I love her." He calls out. He hears chuckling that he can swear on his life, is hers.


His last days are elongated by a tough case, one that has Provenza and Sharon checking on him hourly, worried about being overwhelmed by stress. He's cautious too, stepping out of the room and sitting with Sharon in her office to keep calm. He is walking back from booking, something he volunteered to do.

"His last chance to physically put the dirt bag away," he told everyone and on his return he tries counting, remembering how many of them he put away but only the number of those he couldn't remain in his mind. Even the names of those that got away float in his mind. He had split his pile of cold cases and handed them to Sykes and Julio. He knew they may never get to them, that they might file some away, but he believed them to be strong and intelligent. More than he ever was, if they kept one he was sure they would do more than he ever could.

He places his hand on his holstered gun when he notices the lights in the murder room are off. He steps in flipping the light switch ready to draw his weapon until he sees the team grinning at him while surrounded by balloons and other gifts. He chuckles scanning the room noticing each balloon is stamped with it's a boy. He looks at his partner who is staring at his crossword puzzle, the only one who remains at his desk. He pats the old man's back getting a grumble. Tao and Julio carry a large cake and set it at their desks. He spots the person he is looking for, Sharon standing at the door of her office. Her hip against the wall, he walks over to her and smiles as she grins at him. Her hair is over one shoulder allowing him to run the back of his fingers along the soft skin of her bare neck.

She grins when he struggles to find his words. "It was all Lieutenant Provenza." She whispers.

"Hmm, the balloons gave it away. But the food and the cake?" Provenza would never go that far.

"Sykes." Sharon whispers pushing him back by his chest with a smile when the young detective calls her over and walking over to the team to join them at the buffet.

It is bittersweet, leaving the place that was his home before he had one outside the LAPD. The place that gave him his family. They spend their time sharing stories about his fails, many of them involving Provenza and their mistakes together. Stories they've all heard before but give them all a bit of a rise. As the sun is setting they all spread out and find themselves closing up the case.

Andy looks around the murder room from his desk and sighs. Then looks down and sees his box packed with personal items. The team is getting ready to leave as he takes the small red bean bag out of the box and turns to look at Sharon. He watches her as she works at her desk, if there is something he is going to miss dearly it is this—being able to see her at any moment, watch her as she works and admire her from close by. Just knowing she was near made him smile and feel at ease.

He walks over to Sanchez, the one person he may have disagreed with immensely but always knew he was here for the team, saw each one of them as their family and protected them as such.

"Julio," he calls before tossing the beanbag, the young Detective catches it and looks at it surprised. "Take care of her, huh?"

"Yes Sir," he says quickly and honestly. "What's the beanbag for?" He asks.

"Reminds you not to mess with the Captain." Andy says with a grin making Julio chuckle as he examines it for a moment before placing it against the picture frames on his desk.

Andy walks over to her office and taps on the door, her head pops up and she smiles.

Leaning up against the door frame he asks, "Is there a job description that says, permission to stare at the Captain all day?" She sets her pen down and leans back against her chair looking at him carefully. His legs are crossed at his ankles, he has a grin on his face. She looks out her window, towards the murder room and sees the others are packing and getting ready to go out.

Sharon smirks. "There is one." She says as she pushes up from her chair and comes out from behind her desk, he's grinning now, "but unfortunately it also includes, talking, touching, and caring for her, amongst other things of course."

"Unfortunately?" He asks as he spins around and watches her walk to one office door and close it. The job didn't sound bad at all. "Wait." He scratches the back of his neck, frowning now. He wasn't so fond of this idea anymore. Touching? "Will you tell me what the job is because unless I'm working it, I'd prefer no one else have it."

His eyes follow her as she moves to the blinds and pulls them closed. He has lines forming from where he is thinking too hard, it makes her smile. Then she tilts her head side to side in contemplation.

"I thought you were retiring, or else this whole celebration was for nothing." She points to the murder room through the open door—where there are still balloons and streamers floating about—before she closes it. He shakes his head crossing his arms in front of himself with a grumpy look on his face. Sharon smiles walking forward and pulling his arms apart settling them on her hips. "The title is taken, by my husband." She whispers pressing her body against his.

He smiles, letting his arms wrap loosely around her waist. "Ah, that fella." His hands run smoothly down her back and cup her bottom. "I accept my retirement offer again." She smiles up at him her hands coming around his neck.

She grins, speaking softly. "Good, because as your last day Lieutenant I have a gift for you." He looks at her curiously and then he realizes how they are holding each other. The office blinds and doors are closed. When he meets her eyes again, he knows he's not off. They glimmer with something mischievous that make him tug her closer. "That is if my Lieutenant and husband are willing to share fantasies?" Her fingers skim down his collar and begin unknotting his tie.

"You're going to kill me." He swallows and can feel himself getting hard already by the mere thought of his going away gift being sex in her office. His hands start to wonder, he can hold her every night but will take any chance to explore every inch of her body. He hadn't even expected dinner much less this. His eyes drop to her mouth as she licks her lips and his tie comes undone.

His warm palm glides slowly from her shoulder blade to the small of her back. He can feel her excitement and nervousness with the feeling of her heart thrumming along his chest. He shivers against his wife's body when her hot breath brushes against his neck. It ignites something in him. She squeaks in surprise as his hands grip her behind and pull her flush against him. Their mouths jarring. Sharon quickly runs one hand down his back, tugging his shirt out from his pants and the other slips up through his hair and running her nails through his scalp. Her mouth opens to his demanding lips, it is sloppy and messy, reminiscent of their fun in the shower. The taste of her afternoon tea, still lingers on her tongue with the freshness of the peppermints he knows hide in her drawers. She pulls him closer, nipping at his bottom lip dragging it between her teeth—eliciting a groan from him.

A grin lights up his face when they pull back for a breath, "Are we really doing this?" He pants as his hands start pushing her black blazer off her shoulders.

"Are you backing out?" She asks out of breath as her jacket drops to the ground. "Because you have absolutely no idea how much I want you right now?"

It is silent for a moment where they stare into each other's eyes, his hands gripping at her hips. They were here, enjoying a moment they often joked over, that she teased him mercilessly about and now the desire in her eyes are completely lustful making him want to take her immediately. He contemplates, the door or the desk? The door is closest, but he's imagined the desk.

"God it's the desk!" He says out loud making her outright laugh. They stumble towards it, their lips claiming one another again. She moans into his mouth as she hits the edge of her desk.

She whimpers, "No one better interrupt," her words make him smirk. She wants this as much as him. He stops, his hands moving up and down her back, she can see he is debating in his mind, concerned for her things. Her voice is soft and tantalizing against his ear. "I want it, the way you've always imagined." With that he doesn't waste a second, lifting her by the back of her thighs, making her yelp, and things being pushed around as he sets her on her desk. He can see she does not care a bit.

His warm hands move up her thighs possessively, the black fabric of her pencil skirt being pushed up as her hands slowly unbutton his shirt. Sharon sucks softly on his neck, traveling up the length of his skin biting his earlobe and sucking below it, knowing how much he loves it. She feels him lean into her touch and it brings a smile to her lips. Andy finishes bunching her skirt up around her hips, her bottom touching the cold surface.

She understands his obsession for this fantasy, it is thrilling. The husky smell along his neck, makes a warm slick cover her center. His brown eyes meet hers' and there is a challenge in them, things Sharon doesn't need to hear him say. Her teeth graze the skin of her bottom lip, enjoying this more than she would have ever imagined.

She pants, "I can be quiet," silencing his questioning gaze.

He leans forward, his fingertips running down the middle of her chest, lips barely touching hers as one flat hand, moves along the tender skin on top of her thighs—her muscles fluttering beneath his touch—only stopping when he is close to her center. His thumb strokes just barely brushing the soft material of her panties. She whines for more contact, heat rushes along every inch of her body.

"Are you sure?" His hands move between her thighs slowly spreading her legs, opening her to him a bit more. Sharon bites her bottom lip, keeping her eyes on Andy. There is no way they could undress completely, but she wants some skin contact. To feel the heat of his body against hers. To taste his skin. She pushes his shirt off his shoulders and tosses it haphazardly then tugs on his undershirt, he lifts his arms allowing her to remove it and toss it in a random direction.

His hands and eyes find a new domain, landing on her breast, his lips traveling down her neck, leaving wet kisses. He pushes his palm hard against her and squeezes her breast, her nipples hard against the thin satin shirt and bra. His nimble fingers move button to button until his hands are greedily on the soft skin of her abdomen. He sighs. Her skin is hot and burning against his palms. He is distracted, sex in her office is not his only gift. She finishes removing her blouse for him while his hands run up her stomach and land on each side of her breast, his thumbs running over the red new bra she had bought just for this occasion. His eyes alight with need.

"Now Mr. Flynn, the question is how quiet can you be?"

His groan rumbles in his chest, pulling the red lace down, revealing a hardened nipple and attaching his warm lips to it. Her breath catches as she reaches behind herself unclasping the offensive material that is separating them. A loud, unconscious whimper leaves her lips as he switches, his lips closing around her previously neglected breast and his fingers taking the other.

The team is gone but...oh! "Someone can come by." He shushes her. She grumbles, bringing a smirk to his lips before he continues with his previous task.

He swirls his tongue around her nipple before tugging it between his teeth, her other being squeezed and pulled by his fingertips. Many times he's imagined this—undressing her and having her on the desk. Sharon grazes her knee over his crotch earning her a deep moan. She releases a heavy sigh when the cool air strikes her wet skin, as he pulls back standing straight, one hand rubbing her nipple with his thumb. His other hand traveling between her legs and running the back of his fingers against the inside of her thighs, she whimpers, shivers and lets her head fall back. Then her hips move, trying to get more contact. He obliges quickly, pressing his lips over hers to stop the cry he knows she is about to release as he pulls her underwear aside and moves his finger between her folds.

He releases a deep, slow moan when he notices how turned on his wife is.

She needs more. More, more, more…

"So wet," he moans into her ear, pecking a path along her jaw. Her eyelids fall heavy, moaning and pushing her hips into his hand. Her kiss becomes more heated as his thumb rubs her clit, lightly. Over, over and over. It feels incredible, so good. She is not ashamed of squirming to get better friction and does so. She pulls back from his lips, gasping as she rests her forehead against his and looks down, watching as his hand pumps inside her. Her panties are wet, so wet. The soft material causing more friction. "How long have you been planning this?" She can't respond only parts her thighs a bit more, giving him more room.

It dawns on her that even if it feels exquisite, this is not the time nor place for foreplay. She reaches for his belt and tugs on him, her fingers trembling working to unbuckle it, while he continues moving his fingers inside her. She pushes his zipper down before her hands move up his stomach and across his chest. She misses him instantly when he pulls out of her. Wet fingers trail the outside of her thigh and slip through the bands of the elastic and tug the red lace panties down her legs. He pockets them in his pants as she pushes his pants and boxers down falling down around his ankles. Their eyes meeting for a brief moment, both of them smiling. They lean forward and kiss, it is messy and breathless. She reaches for his cock and strokes him, grinning when his eyes close with a long sigh, pumping until he is fully erect.

"Fuck," he breathes out hot, against her neck as he aligns himself and pushes in to her center—slowly, very slowly. Sharon groans and jerks her hips up to the edge of the desk. Her ankles coming around his thighs, he can feel her high heels pressing against his skin. It feels illicit, it is his wife but god he's had this fantasy for years. Her nails dig into the soft skin of his back as he continues slipping in slowly. He stops. "Good?"

"Yes," she says breathlessly, her skin hot and burning. Her teeth mark his shoulder as he pulls out slowly and moves back into her. He keeps the same pace until she whispers, "faster." He does as asked earning him a squeal that she muffles by biting on her own lip. He repeats himself, the desk squeaking under them.

He turns his head pushing her hair aside and kissing along the length of her neck, "it won't break on us will it." There is a bit of sweat forming above his brow that she finds endearing but tilts her head to the side enjoying the soft brush of lips against her skin, and the satisfied look on his face. She takes in the sight of her office and smiles, feeling excitement rush through her at the thought of being in here, this way. His warm tongue runs up her neck, gathering the overwhelming taste of her one last time. She smiles her hand running down his hair and pulling him in for a kiss. Their sweaty and it already messy and sticky. His hips move deep and harder, a heavy moan escaping him. Her hands drop to her sides and hold onto the edge of the desk, giving them both a better angle. She can worry about doing this, breaking the rules, but the feeling of him sliding in out of her, the small grunts he's releasing, her own heavy breaths and the sound of flesh against flesh; it takes all that anxiety go away.

Andy moans at the new sight he has of her breast bouncing at the rhythm of his movements.

His hand grabs her left breast, squeezing it roughly. His other hand grabbing her hip so hard she knows his fingers will be imprinted against her skin. She'll leave marks too, she knows it and it makes it that much more exciting. His hand drifts from her breast down to where there bodies are meeting, his thumb finds her clit. His eyes dart up to hers, he knows exactly what he is doing to her and wants to witness it. She looks up knowing he likes looking into her eyes when they do this. He circles her clit harder. Faster, faster, faster. They rock against each other, breathing heavy, bodies shaking, their movements becoming frantic and needy.

He releases a loud, echoing groan. She chuckles quickly snapping up and placing her hand to his lips, laughing against his neck. Anyone can walk into the murder room. He doesn't stop his movements, his hand trapped between them slips out running behind her back to the sweaty skin of her back, pulling her closer. Her hands bend under his arms, nails digging into his back as she feels the perspiration between their chests. She is on the brink of coming, she is coming—so close, so close, so close. Her orgasm washes over her, abruptly but overwhelming, causing her to bite her lip and press her face into his neck to keep from screaming. Her body tenses and she clenches around him, as he calls her name. Both of their bodies trembling as they fall together and welcoming the release.

They lean forward into each other, breathing heavily to try and catch their breath. Her legs drop from around his thighs and she collapses back against her desk. God, she was going to have to wipe it down. The cold air makes her shiver, but Andy's warm hand travels up her stomach and to her breast, sending an entirely different chill through her body.

He isn't ready to stop touching. This is exactly what he envisioned. Her laying, spread out on her desk.

"Every time I see this desk..." She grunts. "I'm going to miss you…even more now." She pants taking his hand from her breast and kissing his knuckles. The taste and smell of her, lingering on his hands. There was still an insistent throbbing between her thighs, where she longed to have her husband again, touching her. They would continue at home, slow and paced in bed. She reaches for her skirt to tug it down—how they were going to strengthen up before leaving, she has no idea. Everything in the office is finished for today, she just needs to get home. And then he is all hers.

Sharon hums as his lips press against her ribs and down to her navel. Their eyes meet, making her shiver when she sees his hungry gaze. He sucks, than bites, his hand slipping out of hers as he moves down nudging her leg aside. She closes her eyes as he runs his fingers along her center causing her hips to jerk off the desk.

His name slips from her lips. "Andy, Andy, Andy…" She wants to halt him, knowing that everything that is going through his mind can't be done in the office but she doesn't have the power or want to do so, she'd allow him to do anything he wants.

He groans huskily, "Let's go home. I'm not done with you, yet."

His hand moves down her thigh, squeezing it before helping her sit up. She is a vision, a mess but an absolute vision. They smile at each other before their lips meet and it is slow, relaxed with strokes of tongues and lips, fingertips caressing gently along hot, sweaty skin and breathing heavily.

"Best retirement gift," he pants.

They both laugh happily, into the thick air of her office.