So… I literally think the Universe wanted Surrera to have a gift because I started writing this story last week after seeing the preview. The idea totally came out of NOWHERE. Like seriously, pouring in. After watching tonight's episode (4X4), seeing the Miller situation and the towel scene, I just knew the fandom needed it. I apologize in advance for typos - as I'm publishing non-beta'd. Not sure how long this will go, maybe 2 or 3 parts but also #showersex - Lastly, I write the stories I want to read and invite others along the journey. I hope you'll go with me.

Toulouse Petit bar and restaurant in Seattle was the perfect place for their first night out in FOREVER. Great Big Easy style food, amazing cocktails and seating still at 50% capacity. They hadn't had a girls night in ages, but with COVID-19 restrictions loosening in Seattle, it felt necessary. Andy, Maya and Vic set out for some girl talk, good times and fun.

"This place is so cute," Andy said as she sipped on her fancy specialty cocktail.

"Is that what we're doing? Maya asked.

"What?" Andy asked, genuinely curious.

"Not talking about the fact that it's day 59? I think that's what I saw on your bathroom mirror this morning right? Are you as sexually frustrated as I would be or…" Before Maya could finish they both laughed.

"If I said I was dying that might be a little dramatic, but YESSSS, I'm dying." Andy's arms waved about just a bit for flare. "I mean obviously I miss Robert in general but the sex is... muy caliente." Andy felt her cheeks flush just as she thought about it. The actual, physical restraint it took to stay away from her hot, hot husband was unreal. Especially after the occasional run in they had in the showers.

Maya, seeing the frustration evident on her friend's face, busts out laughing. "That good, huh?"

"I mean, I'm a lady so I shouldn't give too many details but all I can say is damnnnnm..." Andy can't help her own laugh. She figured if she couldn't talk about this with her best friend, then who could she talk to.

Vic, who'd been running a few minutes late, walks up to their table and joins them. "Please, please tell me we are finally getting the juicy play by play on Andy's sex life. I'm still celibate post Jackson, sooo I need someone vicariously to live through." She flashes a huge grin.

The blush was firmly planted on Andy's face now. "OMG no!" She screamed and couldn't help putting her hands up to her face in a touch of embarrassment.

"Actually, yes!" Maya says, "Our dear friend Andy was just saying Sullivan was pretty much the best sex of her life."

Taking a long sip of her drink in hopes that the heat flowing through her body would cease, "Let me remind you both, it has been months since I've actually HAD sex with my husband. This separation while necessary has been brutal. I should take a week off after the 90 days just so I can jump his bones."

"I would approve that," Maya says with a nod. Vic gives her the side-eye. "What? A girl has needs."

The table erupts into laughter just as the waiter comes over to take Vic's drink order.

"Okay okay no gory details, Herrera, but we need something. I mean, we're all friends here but can we agree the man knows how to fill out a uniform." Vic says with a sly smile as she reaches for the ice water in front of her.

"Did you just say that about my husband?" Andy feigns incredulous. Maya and Vic both give her the sorry not sorry look. Cheeks still flushed red. She says, Okay... let's see. He's playful. Generous. Very committed to my satisfaction, skillful with his...equipment and... not believing she was going to say this last bit, blurts out, "Looks like a Greek god in his birthday suit."

Maya, not expecting that at all sprays the beer she's been sipping across the table in hysterical laughter. While Vic yells, "Yassss! Get it girl, " as she does a happy dance. Andy throws some peanuts at them both for putting her under the microscope, though she's also laughing.

A few minutes later Maya looked at her friend. She was smiling, having a good time and the light was back in her eyes. "It's good to see you happy again."

Andy smiled knowingly. It had been a long road. "It's good to be happy. Not all the time. Nothing is perfect, you know, but I'm learning to accept that. Therapy is helping and honestly, Robert is a big part of that." Both Maya and Vic share sincere looks with her as she continues. "We haven't talked much about it, because it was so complicated in the beginning. I felt like I had to protect him and both of our careers. It's hard to explain, but our chemistry is like lighting a single match in a room of combustibles. It's unbridled, uncontrollable and totally knocks me off my feet. Not being together, when we wanted to be, killed us. I mean you saw how I was." Both Vic and Maya nod in agreement. They had both known something was up with their friend even without all the details. "It was the first time I was really angry about my job as a firefighter interfering with my life."

Vic sighs loudly and takes a sip of her cocktail. "Definitely know how that feels." Her agreement and empathy felt deeply.

Andy's face softened. "Gosh, Vic I'm sorry."

Shaking her head, Vic says, "Don't be. . I loved Lucas and he loved me. It was something so beautiful and amazing. I didn't know I could feel that deeply or share what we had and sometimes it's still hard to know we never got to be a free couple out in the world. Vacations, holidays, drinks out with friends." Her eyes tear up, "Sometimes I'm okay, other times I still miss him like hell. But I know it's only because of how special it was. And it seems like that's what you have with Robert."

Maya and Andy both reach across the table and give her hand a squeeze.

"Yeah, it is special." Andy continued cautiously. "I mean, I never thought I'd get married. My job was the main event. That always came first. But something changed. He gets me, he makes me feel seen, safe, supported and loves me deeply even when I'm acting crazy which we all know happens." She chuckled a bit. "It was a total surprise, but in the best way. Throughout all the stuff with my dad and my mom, even when he was dealing with his leg and battling his own demons, he's always shown up for me." It was a heartfelt declaration, one that both friends were happy to hear. They wanted to know she was truly happy and in love.

"Okay, okay, okay... we get it, Maya says. "He's the best thing since sliced bread." The three friends share more laughs. "I kind of get it. I was literally allergic to monogamy: enter Carina and everything's changed. She's light and kind. One of those truly rare humans in the world that is pure goodness. She's not dark and twisty like me, but knows that I am and still loves me. Maybe that's why it works? It scares the crap out of me a lot of the time, but it's also amazing. I mean, I moved her into my place for god sake. Vagina art and all. I don't know, people change. You grow. You have to make room for that."

Feeling the heaviness of the mood, Vic knows something has to be done. "We have gotten depressingly adult! Enough with the mushy gushy talk, it's time for some shots!" And with that the three friends settle into the rest of their girls night out with a few more drinks, delicious apps and lots of laughs.

Several hours later Andy laid in bed, missing her husband and thinking about what she'd told her friends earlier that evening about Robert. What she kept replaying over in her head was just how despite battling his own stuff he kept showing up for her. Even in the beginning when she was still mad at him and pushing him away. She also thought about how proud she was of his progress and a conversation she'd had with him early on in his days as "probie". A weaker man might run, quit SFD all together and just waste away, but he didn't. He chose to fight. To work his way back up instead of giving up.

FLASHBACK

The beanery was barely lit. To be expected since it was the middle of the night and the rest of the crew was trying to get some precious shut eye while they could. Not, Robert though. Well, he'd tried, it just wasn't going that well. So he'd shuffled out to the beanery to make some tea. He stood gazing out into the night, mug in hand thinking about his situation.

He was actually enjoying some of the grunt work— it was hard but he could handle it. He didn't miss the paperwork. He was back in the field and seeing more action than he had while he was Battalion Chief that's for sure. He didn't realize how much he missed spending more time actually running into fires. It was reminding him why he fell in love with the job to begin with, obviously the running into fires is pretty badass, but the team, the camaraderie — that all stopped the higher up the chain he went. He wished Ripley was still here. Tonight's issue was Miller. A few weeks in and he was still being a royal ass. It didn't help that Robert understood some of his anger. He knew he'd have amends to make, he'd come to terms with that and Robert was swallowing his pride daily to keep the peace, but it wasn't easy and today he was tired.

She found him deep in thought, mug in hand staring out into the dark night. He donned a pair of black joggers and grey snug fit ribbed tank. Neither of which was doing anything to help the fact that she pretty much wanted to climb him like a tree every time she saw him. That's not what this moment was about though. She knew it had been a rough day. While she was out on calls, he'd had yet another run in with Miller — this time it was Ben who diffused it. And once again, Robert had chosen not to say anything to Maya about it. She'd checked his bunk to see if he wanted to talk and was surprised to find it empty.

"Penny for your thoughts." She said softly, not wanting to startle him. It was clear he had been so deep in thought, he hadn't heard her approach.

Robert gave his wife a small smile. No matter how shitty his day had been she was always a bright spot. "Hey." He replied back.

They were still doing their best to "be professional" and keep their distance, but Andy's gut was screaming, "Check on your husband". Robert had cleaned the kitchen quietly after dinner and went straight to his bunk. She knew something was wrong. "I went to check on you, but your bunk was empty. Do you want to talk about it?" she said.

Robert put his mug down and they now leaned against separate counters. Mindful to keep their distance and not break their own rules. He took in the sight of his wife. Hair down since she'd been headed to bed, he longed to hold her close and run his fingers through it. Her typical work pajamas — shorts, tank and station hoodie showed off her incredible body. Her face was scrubbed clean of any make up and yet she was still the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. "Honestly, not particularly. Just a long day that's all."

She looked at her husband and saw the tension in his shoulders, the frustrated look in his eyes and knew, as much as he didn't "want" to talk about it. He needed to. She waded into the conversation cautiously. "Ben told me you and Dean had another run in today…" They made eye contact and he said nothing, so she continued. "He also said, again, you opted not to loop Maya in. Saying it was fine and you'd handle it on your own."

"I don't want to make a big deal out of it. I knew when I came back, I'd have to make amends. I'm good with that, but for whatever reason Miller wants to make that difficult. I can handle it." He wasn't sharp with her, just matter of fact. Robert was willing to do whatever it took to move his career as a firefighter forward even dealing with Dean.

Andy hated to hear Robert sound sad. He wasn't defeated, but definitely beat up. "I have no doubt you can and you will, but it's also okay to admit this sucks sometimes. You spent almost 2 decades doing all the right things and making the right calls. From highschool valedictorian, to the marines to the fire academy you were pretty damn perfect and then you got hurt and made a mistake. One that makes it hard for some people to remember all the things you've done right. It would be frustrating as hell for me, if I was in your shoes. You get to be upset about that and you especially don't have to hide that from me."

"I know." He sighed long and deep. Always amazed at just how well she understood him. "I appreciate that more than I can say." He moved closer to her, wanting desperately to wrap his arms around her, even just for a few moments.

With Robert moving closer, she knew they were playing with fire. It would be a complete crock of shit to say it wasn't hard to stay apart, but Andy closed the gap anyway, standing right in front of her husband and placing gentle hands at his waist. If there was ever a time to bend the rules, this was it. He needed her. Looking up into Robert's eyes she said, "You know why I fell in love with you?"

Holding onto his wife's lower waist gently Robert said, " I have some guesses…" He smiled lightly and it was the first real one Andy had seen from him today. One that travelled all the way up to his eyes.

"It wasn't because you look hot in uniform, although that doesn't hurt. It's also not your dry sense of humor, which makes me laugh. Or even your leadership, though you're incredibly sexy taking command in crisis…" Her voice lowers and both of them could feel the electricity in the room heat up. She tilts his chin down just enough so he's making direct eye contact and cups his cheek to hold him in place. "In the beginning it was your bravery and love for the job. That passion. It was like I was seeing myself in you. But as I got to know you and saw just how much you've overcome, it became your strength, your grit, your resilience. Your willingness to make the best of the worst situations. So, I know this is hard, but you can do this." Her voice was determined. "And you're not in it alone. Just like you've been there for me and all my crazy, I'm here with you."

Robert was speechless and having a hard time choking back the emotion he felt. In a moment like this, he would normally close the distance and kiss her. Show her the feelings he couldn't actually put into words. He couldn't do that now but seeing the love and admiration in her eyes said, "Andrea Herrera, you never cease to amaze me. What did I ever do to deserve you?" He looked at her in awe and wonderment.

She shrugged her shoulders lightly, "You loved me." It was hard to break away, but feeling the intensity of the moment she started to pull back. It would only get harder the longer they talked. "Also, as much I want to, I'm not kissing you tonight." This lightened the mood considerably as they both laughed. "I love you. I believe in you. I'm proud of you. Try to get some sleep, ok?" With that she patted his cheek gently, stepped outside of his reach and headed back to her bunk. She was almost out of the beanery when a thought came to her and she pivoted, "You know, you might be fine taking Dean's attitude for now, but I'm not. I've known him a long time. He's far from perfect. He gets one more time to mess with my man and I'm coming for him." And with that she sashayed away. Andy knew her husband, he would never approve of her talking to Dean on his behalf, but that wouldn't stop her. He was the love of her life and she would protect him fiercely.

PRESENT DAY

The morning after girls night Andy woke up with a crazy idea. One she knew she'd need her friends to help pull it off but desperately wanted it to work. It was the next shift, that she pulled Maya and Vic to her bunk.

Andy was a little nervous, but a lot excited as she shared her plans with her two closest friends. "After girls night, I couldn't help thinking how much I hated that Robert and I never got to celebrate our wedding with friends. I'm glad we did it when my dad was alive. I wanted him to walk me down the aisle. But I also want something for us. A public declaration. A celebration of our love and all the shit we've overcome the past few months. I want Robert to know I'm proud to be his wife.

Maya, feeling the emotion, but unsure where she was going, "So you want…"

"To renew their vows," Vic squeals in excitement.

"Yes!" Andy was thrilled that her friend got it. "Can we do that in 30 days?"

Maya never one to back down from a challenge, "We sure as hell can."

"Did I mention I wanted it to be a surprise?" She laughs nervously taking in both Maya and Vic's faces.

With that, the three friends were off to get to work planning a vow renewal ceremony in no time flat. It was shocking just how much they were able to accomplish in such a short period of time but with so many vendors cancelling weddings because of COVID, places who owed SFD a favor, they had managed to pull off.

It's now day 89.

Andy sends Robert a picture of her packed bags. She is beyond ready to be back home in her husband's arms and over the moon about her surprise for him. She had been working in overdrive to make sure everything was perfect. And while she thought maybe he was annoyed at her busyness at times, he seemed none the wiser.

Andy via text: "Longest 3 months of my life. So ready to be home."

Robert replied: "I feel the same. Home is where you belong."

He smiled inwardly at how comfortable she felt calling what used to be his place, theirs. He wanted it to feel like theirs. Making a mental note to talk with her about it in the coming days he starts his stretches for a run. The pent up anticipation was making him antsy and he wanted to burn off the energy and collapse into bed. Andy would be there in the morning and they could finally get on with their life starting with a week away from the station.

Andy via text: "I'll see you tomorrow. I love you."

It was a few hours later Andy tapped her finger anxiously against the steering wheel of her silver crossover. The clock said 11:56p. She'd made the executive decision that arriving at midnight was a much better plan than spending another night apart. Knowing Robert's evening routine as of late, he was probably in bed and she couldn't wait to strip down and join him. Day 90 was literally minutes away and they could finally after all this time reconnect and move forward. She wanted that more than anything.

Slipping her key into the door, she was greeted by the familiar scent of Robert and the comfortable feeling of what she now called home. The living room was dark, lit up only by the streetlights. Slipping out of her shoes and hanging her jacket on a nearby door hook she took a deep breath and padded up the stairs ready to surprise him.

She passed the office, made her way to the master bedroom and was surprised to hear the shower running. "This is working out better than I planned," she thought. She took a glance at her watch confirming the clock had indeed struck midnight, shimmied out of her jeans and loose sweater and peaked through the cracked bathroom door. There he was, her real life Greek god, hands on the wall leaning into the shower spray. She gasped slightly, swooning at the sight of his muscular biceps and strong back. It wasn't long before her bra and panties joined the rest of her clothes on a nearby chair.

"Room for one more?" she said in a lazy, flirtatious tone. Opening the glass door, silently thanking god for their roomie shower.

Completely taken by surprise, "What are you... " Robert asks as he takes in the sight of her, his smile automatic. He can't get the words all the way out before Andy is pressed up against him.

A sweet, yet naughty smile crept onto her face as she answered his unfinished question and reached up to capture his lips. "It's midnight. I missed you."

Their kisses were desperate, urgent and full of desire. Quickly, soft moans and sighs of sweet relief filled the steamy glass box. Reveling in the feel of finally being together after so long, Andy cupped Robert's cheeks and stretched into him, deepening their kiss. Robert's hands slid over her shoulders, across her breasts, down her now slick sides and massaged her hips gently.

Instinctively Andy opened to him, inching her leg up towards his hip and in one smooth motion Robert lifted her, both legs wrapping snuggly around him. Her head dropped back in pleasure as his length neared the heat of her core. A barely audible, "yes," tumbled from her lips as he trailed wet, open mouthed kisses down her jawline. Reaching between their wet bodies, Andy guided Robert to her center and for the first time in months they connected. "Oh. My. God." She gasped breathlessly. His fullness was better than she remembered. "You are amazing," Robert whispered into the crook of her neck. For a moment, neither moved, both just wanting to imprint the feel of the other on their minds. It's familiar yet different, old yet new.

Her body was scorching hot, so turned on that she wondered if just the slightest touch could send her over the edge. With one arm wrapped tightly around Robert's neck, Andy slid the other to his firm ass, nudging him closer. "Move," she growled playfully into his ear. And with that, needing nothing else, he surged forward and set a determined pace.

Robert was captivated by his wife. He was unable to take his eyes off her as her skin flushed, her lids lowered and she bit her lip. They met over and over again, relearning one another. Their hearts and bodies having the only conversation necessary. With every thrust he could feel her winding tighter and tighter. Sensing the tiniest of contractions they made eye contact, he held her gaze and gained momentum as her rapid breathing and inaudible moans cheered him on. Her legs tightened around him, her body clenching and pulsing. The sensations overwhelmed her, but it was Robert's soft whisper that sent her over the edge. "Let go," he said and she did. Tumbling over into a glorious wave of pleasure and taking him with her.

They stayed connected for moments longer, sweet kisses, catching their breath, letting their hearts slow and just enjoying the feel of one another. The water had nearly lost its warmth, but it barely mattered. After slipping underneath the spray to rinse, they toweled off and made their way to bed.

With slightly damp hair, rolling to her side, Andy cupped Robert's cheek gently. "Hi." It was impossible to keep the satisfied smile off her face.

Hand resting comfortably at her naked waist, gazing deep into her eyes, Robert replied back, "Hi."

"How's your leg?" She laughs lightly. "I probably should have asked about that earlier… you distracted me."

Robert was highly amused. "Oh, I distracted you? I'm pretty sure I was the one surprised in the shower."

"How is a girl supposed to respond when she finds her hot firefighter husband naked in the shower?" She shrugs her shoulders slightly. "I make no apologies."

Thinking that he was certain he'd just had the best sex of his life to date. "You get no complaints from me and my leg is great — feels better than it has in months."

"So, question for you…" Andy asked.

Hearing the mischief in her voice, Robert replies "Mmmhmmm…"

She flushed just thinking about it. "Was the sex always that good or…"

Full on belly laugh was all Robert could do and it wasn't long before she joined in. When he finally got his wits about him he said, "It was good before…but that… I don't know. I guess distance does make the heart grow fonder?"

They chuckle some more and share a sweet kiss before settling into a comfortable silence. Robert laying on his back and Andy snuggled right up against his chest — it was her favorite place to be. The room was dim, neither was asleep, just basking in the moment and enjoying the afterglow.

"What's on your mind?" Robert asked, he knew his wife and despite their comfortable silence could hear the wheels turning in her head.

"This...us...Just how being back in your arms feels better than I remembered." Andy traced the lines of his exposed abs loving the feel of his body next to hers.

"I feel like I can breathe again…like the constant ache is gone…" Robert replies simply.

A little while longer goes by, "Also... kind of wondering what your plans are tomorrow." Andy says. She hadn't planned to do this now, but the moment felt right.

He gives a perplexed look. They had both taken a week off for the 90 day mark to reset. Spend some time at home together and he'd planned a surprise weekend at a resort a couple hours from Seattle. "Uhmmm..."

Andy cleared her throat a little, hoping that would help the nerves pass. "Let me rephrase."

Robert sensing her nervousness at this point simply said, "Okay."

Andy perches up onto her side so she can see him easily. Hair cascading over her shoulder she caresses his cheek just before kissing gently him. "I never thought I'd get married. I saw how miserable my dad was after my mom. His joy was his work. That's why I always focused on my career. But you came along this completely unexpected surprise, catching me off guard and making me feel things I never thought I would." She sighed, trying to gather her thoughts and frustrated that the words weren't coming out like she'd been rehearsing in her head. "The last few months have been crazy. I mean honestly, just the worst moments of my life. And for all of it, you were there."

Robert tries to interrupt, not sure where she was going with this. "Of course I would be..." she holds a finger up to his lips.

"You have been my rock, the place I felt the most safe and supported. I honestly don't know where I'd be without you helping me put my broken pieces back together." Taking a deep breath to anchor herself she says, "What I'm trying to say is, I am head over heels, crazy in love with you, Robert Sullivan. I can't imagine a future without you in it. Will you marry me...again?"

To say Robert was caught off guard would be an understatement. "What?"

"This is supposed to be a surprise," Andy laughs, "But I can't wait." She smiles at him and her eyes light up in happiness. "When we got married I was so happy that my dad got to be there and walk me down the aisle. It was a beautiful day and one that I will forever cherish, but we didn't get to celebrate with our friends and we didn't get to declare our love for one another in front of the people who matter. I want that. We deserve that. I want everyone to know that you are my person, the man I am wildly proud of and in love with. So, if you're up for it, I've arranged for us to renew our vows tomorrow."

Andy could barely finish her words before Robert grabbed her cheeks and kissed her deeply. When they finally did pull away she said, "I take it that's a yes?"

Robert just smiled at her. "That my amazing wife is a hell yes. And for the record, I am head over heels in love with you too Andrea Herrera. I didn't think I would ever find love again. My hopes for the future had only to do with the job. I walled up and closed myself off. But you barreled into my life... strong, persistent, passionate and gorgeous and completely took my breath away. You cracked my heart open and helped me realize that being alive isn't the same as living. I would be honored to renew my vows with you."

So that was that. Rolling his wife onto her back, Robert rained kisses on her eyelids, nose and cheeks. With so much lost time to make up for, desire stirred up quickly. It wasn't long before the dimly lit bedroom was a chorus of involuntary moans and deep sighs of pleasure. This time their love making was slow, thorough, deliberate. Refamiliarizing themselves with everything they once loved.