Andy stepped out of the bathroom, towel wrapped around her. She went to the mirror to start brushing her hair but she paused, staring at the scars on her chest. She ran her fingers over the word 'healer' still unfaded from the attack she'd gotten it in months before.

She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment trying to push the memories away before continuing to brush her hair. She then quickly did her makeup before getting into the long silver dress she picked out for the police ball. She wrapped the blue shawl around her shoulders before heading out of the room to where Kiba was waiting.

He was fidgeting, his blue suit creased from leaning against the wall. "I hate these damn things."

"Suits or dances?" Andy chuckled.

"Both. Too restricting and I can't dance. Plus you have to make nice with assholes who would rather stab you in the back than let you do the job."

"I'm sure it won't be too bad," she answered before smirking, "And at least this time you have a date."

He gave her a wry smile. "Only thing that's worth the hassle is you." He straightened, taking her hand and leading her to the car.

Andy watched as the big building came closer into view, "I've not had to go to one of these before. I always worked the nights they had it. But I've always wanted to check it out."

"Watered down booze, overpriced food and authority figures so slimy you feel sorry for the sewer they climbed out of. I'd rather work. Hell, I'd rather be attacked by two gangs of suckers and shifters at the same time."

"Maybe it's just the girly side of me, but they always looked so fun. Beautiful dresses, dancing..." she trailed off.

He laughed, kissing her cheek. "Well, now you're going to enjoy yourself. I do admit that you look stunning in that dress."

Andy blushed, "Thanks. Let's go. I'm sure the others are waiting."

Andy entered the room, bright lights shining everywhere. The room had a lot of marble, looking extremely elegant. Waiters walked around serving drinks and hors d'oeuvres. She looked around in amazement, feeling like she'd stepped into a fairy tale.

Kiba nudged her with a wide smile. "Close your mouth, you're catching flies."

Andy chuckled, "Shut up."

He laughed, handing her a glass of champagne from one of the waiters. "I should let you enjoy your first time, shouldn't I?"

Andy smiled, "Let's just find the others?"

Kiba scanned the room, his gaze finally landing on most of the squad huddling in a hallway nearby. He nudged Andy again.

They headed over there, "Hey guys."

Tet and Tsukasa gave her smiles, while the other shifters just looked uncomfortable.

"Can we leave yet?" Daiki whined.

"We just got here. I'm sure it can't be that bad."

"You missed the Chief's aide berating us for looking shabby and not making nice with the other squads." Tet fought laughter as Ryusei added "Never mind the fact that every other squad runs when they see us coming."

Andy rolled her eyes, "Well I think it'll be fun."

Tsukasa chuckled. "Definitely a first timer. Why don't you two go dance?"

Kiba shot him a dirty look. "Not funny."

Daiki fought a smile. "Just let her lead, bro."

Andy chuckled and took Kiba's hand, "Come on, it'll be fun."

He rolled his eyes, but let himself be led to the dance floor.

Andy started leading him as they danced. She smiled softly, "I wish there were more dances for adults. I haven't been to a dance since senior prom."

Kiba kissed her cheek softly. "I guess we'll just have to do this more often then."

After the song was done she sighed, "I won't make you dance more if you don't want to. We could get some food if you want?"

"I'll let you decide. This is your night." He gave a thumbs up to the others behind her back.

Andy smirked, "Alright, one more dance then food."

He chuckled, taking her hand and kissing it. "Your wish is my command."

After they danced, Andy led him over toward the food so they could look at the options.

Seafood was plentiful along with steak and chicken.

"It all looks so good!" Andy grinned.

"Well, it's free. So pick whatever you like." Kiba started to fill a plate.

Andy quickly filled a plate. "Free food, dancing, pretty dresses... I still don't see why you guys hate these balls."

"They'd be fine if it wasn't for the idiots throwing it and all the judgemental looks. It doesn't matter to them our record, it's still the same prejudice everywhere. We're monsters and we have to be watched so we don't kill everyone." Kiba sighed as they found seats.

"Just ignore them. We can't convince everyone they're wrong, so just focus on having fun instead."

He grinned as the others started to sit down. "They starting already?" He raised an eyebrow at Tsukasa, who nodded with a smile.

"You guys still not having fun?" Andy chuckled.

They glanced at each other, fighting smiles before focusing on the Chief now at the podium.

"I'd like to present Officer of the Year to Detective Andaka Takimoto." The Chief met her eyes and beckoned her up.

Andy's eyes widened and she looked at her friends in confusion.

They started laughing, Tsukasa pushing her towards the podium.

Andy slowly approached the podium.

"Speech! Speech!" Tet and Ryusei started shouting amid laughter from the others.

Andy chuckled and went up to the Chief.

He shook her hand and handed her the framed commendation, then sat down.

Andy looked at the crowd a moment nervously. "Thank you very much. I'm very surprised. I definitely couldn't have done everything without the help from my squad. So thank you guys." She stepped down and headed back to her seat, staring at the framed item.

Kiba kissed her cheek softly. "I had so much trouble not telling you. We're very proud of you. None of us would be here if it wasn't for you."

Andy smiled, "seriously, thank you guys."

Tsukasa gave her a salute as the others gave smiles. "Now that the festivities are over, who wants to sneak out and get a beer?"

Andy chuckled, "The champagne not your style?"

"That and the sooner I'm out of this damned suit the better." The captain grinned as the others chuckled in commiseration.

Andy rolled her eyes, "Come on then, there's a few bars nearby or you guys can come hang out at our place?"

"Our place." Kiba gave her a grin as they quickly headed for the parking lot. Once there, the team pulled out changes of clothes, much to Andy's delight.

At the house, Andy decided to stay in her dress, but went and grabbed a beer for everyone.

The squad toasted her with a smile before downing them.

She went and grabbed more out in case they wanted some. She started her second beer as she sat down next to Kiba.

After a minute, Tsukasa gave her a serious look. "Do you remember what I told you after we escaped the facility?"

Andy looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head.

He gave a small smile. "I guess it has been a while. We've been acting like a normal squad for so long. We're going after another facility. You don't have to come along, but it's up to you."

Andy nodded, "You know I'll come help."

Kiba gave Tsukasa a smile. "Told you."

Tsukasa's lips twitched before he nodded. "We're hitting it in two days. Genius here has already gotten the codes to get us in. We rescue whoever's alive and wipe the place off the map. No mercy."

Andy nodded, "Sounds good."

He nodded quietly, then finished his beer. "No need for me to tell you not to act different. Keep doing the job so no one gets suspicious. But be alert for trouble. If the government gets any ideas, we may be in danger."

The squad nodded as he sighed. "I'm going home. See you tomorrow." He headed for the door and left.

Andy sipped her beer, looking around at her friends in silence.

Tet pursed his lips, then smiled. "This is supposed to be a happy day. Let's celebrate."

Kiba chuckled and toasted Andy again. "Sweetheart, you deserve more than a commendation. You deserve a queenship."

Andy chuckled and kissed him, "Thanks."

"Not much of a speech though." Ryusei's eyes twinkled as he teased her. "Better than just standing there I guess."

"Maybe if I'd known I could have prepared something." She laughed.

"And ruin the surprise? No way." Daiki chuckled.

Andy smiled, "I really am surprised. I really wasn't expecting it to go to someone on our squad, especially me."

The guys laughed, excusing themselves and leaving.