A/N: I feel the need to skip ahead slightly to keep this story moving. So, now we're in 4x01 where Sharon tells Andy, "Close the door. Let's talk." This is what I think happens after the door shuts.
Chapter 12: The Real Deal
"Have a seat," Sharon tells Andy.
"Okay," replied Andy a bit unsurely as he sits down in the chair.
For a few moments, there was silence until Andy said, "So…"
"So, as I stated before, I don't need you to be some knight in shining armor rushing in to save me. Especially at work. I haven't gotten to where I am by not being able to handle myself," said Sharon.
"I understand that now and I promise to back off with the macho exterior," conceded Andy.
"Thank you," replied Sharon as she smiled at Andy.
"So, that still begs the question of what you do need me for," Andy pressed.
"For now, a companion. Someone to go places with and enjoy special moments with," said Sharon.
"So, a dog?" asked Andy bluntly.
Sharon had to stifle a laugh for a moment at Andy's directness.
"Not exactly. A dog doesn't intertwine his fingers with mine or kiss my cheek sweetly, and without slobber I might add. A dog also doesn't squeeze my hand in affirmation," Sharon pointed out.
"Okay. So, not a dog. I guess I'm just confused as to what you want from whatever this is between us. Can you clarify that for me?" asked Andy.
"Well, I'm not sure I'm ready to define what this is between us yet, but I do feel like it's definitely headed towards something good. I just want things to happen naturally, you know? Kind of like they've been happening so far," said Sharon.
I think I understand what you mean. What does that mean for our physical boundaries though? Don't get me wrong, I love holding your hand and kissing your cheek, but…" Andy trailed off.
"But you're looking for something more," Sharon finished.
"Yeah. I guess that's what I'm trying to say. Although hearing the words echoed back like that makes me sound like an ass," said Andy.
"No, it doesn't, Andy. I completely understand. Lately, I've been considering moving things slightly forward as well," explained Sharon.
"Alright. So, what are our physical boundaries?" asked Andy.
"You may kiss me on the lips if the timing is right," announced Sharon confidently.
"Wow. I wasn't really expecting that," said Andy.
"Well, it seemed the next logical step," replied Sharon.
"Yeah," said Andy.
"What about your physical boundaries? I don't wanna torture you or anything," said Sharon.
"You might try not to sway your hips as you walk. Between staring at your butt and your legs, it drives me crazy. In a good way," admitted Andy.
"Well, then try not to ogle me," challenged Sharon.
"It's not that easy. You're just so damn attractive," Andy told her.
"You're not half bad to look at yourself. That's another thing I wanted to ask you. Are compliments like the one you just made okay?" asked Sharon.
"Of course. Ogle me all you want," joked Andy in all seriousness.
"Alright. Simmer down, Casanova," said Sharon as she squeezed his hand momentarily.
Andy squeezed her hand back briefly as well in agreement before letting go, sensing Sharon's hesitation.
"That's another thing. No PDA at work, please. I'd hate to think we'd made anyone uncomfortable. Plus, I don't want anyone saying I'm playing favorites," said Sharon.
Instead of squeezing her hand in agreement, Andy looked Sharon directly in the eye and said, "I can understand that."
"Good," replied Sharon as she smiled at Andy.
"But I'm your favorite secretly, aren't I?" Andy teased.
"No, actually. Between you and Provenza, you two are actually the two biggest pains in my backside," Sharon shot him down.
"Ouch. It's not our fault trouble finds us," challenged Andy.
Sharon snort laughed at that before she said, "More like the other way around."
"Okay, okay. You win. As usual," jabbed Andy gently as he smiled at Sharon.
"I am the boss, after all," said Sharon matter of factly.
"Only at work though. You gotta let me take the lead every once in a while in this companionship," said Andy.
"I'll think about it," replied Sharon as she laughed at Andy.
They sat there in relative silence for a moment as Sharon's laughter began to dissipate before she said, "That's another thing. You gotta make me laugh or this is a no go."
"It would be my pleasure. After all, you do have an infectious laugh," Andy told her seriously.
"Thanks. So, it's a deal, then?" asked Sharon.
"Yeah, it's a deal. Especially since I know how much you love them," said Andy.
"So, how do we seal this deal?" asked Sharon.
"Like this," replied Andy as he took and flipped over Sharon's hand and kissed her palm briefly.
"Andy…" Sharon trailed off warningly.
"What? Nobody's here to see us. Just this once. Please. I promise you my hands are clean," said Andy as he gave Sharon those puppy dog eyes he knew she couldn't resist.
Sharon relented and kissed Andy's palm and effectively sealed their agreement.
After that, they each gathered their things and headed downstairs to the parking garage together.
They separated once they got off the elevator and went in opposite directions to their cars to head home.
This was all becoming more real and as both Sharon & Andy left the parking garage that night, they each had the biggest grins on their faces.
Real was good and just felt right.