I pitched this to another writer, but it didn't work on her story, so I decided to run with it. Will be post Season 5, and AU. I keep Andrea alive in this version, because I still think her death in the show was silly.
Best Kind of Surprises
Chapter 1
Their relationship had been kind of organic. After Mayport, when Andrea had been so critically injured, she had left the Navy; planning on just recovering. She bought a little house close to the beach and started painting landscapes and took up knitting. She stayed in touch with her friends from the Navy. Andrea wasn't shocked when Mike showed up at her door with her favorite take-out and a six-pack of pop.
"I'm in town and figured I'd stop by." Mike said as she let him in. She gave him a hug, smiling into his chest because of how warm he was and how good it made her achy bones feel.
"Its great to see you. This looks good. Let's eat." Andrea said after she pulled away and grabbed two plates and silverware.
"I remembered how much you liked Chinese food. I guessed from there and got a little bit of everything." Mike said. They sat down at the kitchen island and began getting their food. It was everything Andrea liked.
"It looks really good. I don't usually treat myself too much. So, how are things?" Andrea asked.
"Good. Busy, of course. How are things with you? This place is really nice. Kara gave me your address. Hope it was okay that I just showed up?" Mike asked.
"She mentioned you might. Its fine. Things are good. Physical therapy is tough, but…fifty cals will do that." Andrea downplayed. She had actually had to learn to walk again and it was still difficult.
"I still can't believe the medic found a pulse. All the people I've seen die, and I was certain you had." Mike said.
"Its all good. There are days I am bored out of my mind. I can't work right now, and I'm not sure when I will be able to. I am studying to become a realtor, though. Just can't rest on my laurels." Andrea said.
"No, you never could. Maybe once you get your license, you can find me a place." Mike offered.
"I'd love that. You should make me a list of the things you'd like and I'll start looking. This place just fell into my lap. And best of all, I just had to hire someone to do some painting." Andrea remarked.
"I don't mind a fixer-upper. Course, right now; I don't know when I would be home to deal with it." Mike said.
"There are these people you can call. They are contractors. Most our very trustworthy." Andrea teased.
"I should specify, I'd like to do the work on my own." Mike said with a grin.
"A good thing to add." Andrea teased. She and Mike talked and laughed for a while as they ate. Something about it felt good and it was something they would have never done while she was in the Navy. Everything was permissible now. She gave him a tour of the house, showed him the paintings in her 'craft room' and it felt like they talked for hours. Later that evening, before he left; he started to give her another hug, but somehow; they ended up kissing. It shocked Andrea but Mike initiated it and Andrea was happy to lean into the kiss.
After he left, all she could think about was how the kiss felt. How warm it had been in his arms. How he smelled. The way the kiss had tasted like a delightful blend of a cigar and the Chinese food. Andrea had never thought she would want to be with anyone after Bill died, but the kiss made her wonder what it would be like. Mike was Bill's polar opposite. Bill was quiet. He had read a lot. He struggled with her career. Mike, on the other hand, was loud and boisterous, and while he was well-read; it was more Guns and Ammo. He understood her Naval career and he understood not being able to just sit at home. Andrea could see a future for the first time in months.