I sincerely apologize for the incredibly long hiatus between now and the last update! My beta and I have both been crazy busy, and with this chapter being nearly 5k characters, its been a struggle and I apologize in advance for any typos, which are bound to appear.

Warning; this chapter is extremely dramatic and angst like no other I've written. I'm sorry for leaving you with his, but the next update should come much sooner.

Thank you so much for sticking around, you're all incredible!

So hereit is...

_ Chapter 4 _

Waking to the smell of coffee, she reached for him, hand landing on the empty space beside her. Disappointment returned from the reoccurring absence of the other side of their bed. She looked around the room for any signs of his occupancy, but found the room exactly as she'd left it the night before. There was a notification on her phone of a short text message he'd left, saying 'got called in early. See you soon xo'

It was as if he hadn't even been there. Her throat clenched after she'd read it over and over until she had to turn it off before she'd start sobbing. She hated him for making her feel that way. It wasn't like Andy to act like he was. Like she didn't matter to him anymore, and he couldn't make the time for her. Experience from her past of feeling useless, unwanted and not considered drove her into depression. She was happy with Andy, and he made her feel like she had a place in the world. She was beginning to wonder what to feel, since he had changed.

He'd cancelled tons of their plans that week, a handful of dinners, apple picking and now he wasn't even seeing her at night or in the morning. Why was he ignoring her?

She couldn't recall saying anything wrong that would set him off like that. Maybe something was wrong. She considered calling him to see if he was alright, but rejected the idea from the fear she had done something wrong.

She was about to give him a call when she realized he was probably working, and he rarely had his phone with him. She couldn't think of a reason why he'd been ignoring her, but she would find a way to talk to him so she could fix whatever had been broken.

_ AC _

"Ye gods, Flynn!"

The white haired lieutenant stormed down the hallway, stopping in front of Andy's desk. "You need to text your girlfriend back before she has a conniption!"

He looked up from his desk long enough to notice the older man standing in front of him with coffees and his cellphone. Provenza set the cellophane cups down on Flynn's desk and sat down at his. He pulled out his phone and showed his partner the screen. "Ten text messages from Virginia, asking me why you're not answering her calls."

Andy closed his eyes and let out a sigh. "What did you tell her?"

He felt guilty for making her worry. He knew he was being a total jerk, but he needed the time to do things properly. He couldn't text it to her over the phone.

Provenza turned the screen back towards himself and began to type. "Nothing. But I'm going to tell her I went to grab coffee and that I just told you to check your phone."

The older officer began typing before Flynn spoke up, disrupting his focus. "No! Tell her I'm… I'm busy."

"I'm not going to keep stalling for you. You need to grow a pair and call her yourself."

"I'm going to, but every time I try, something comes up and its not the right time."

Andy turned back into his desk, dismissing the conversation. No matter how much his partner's butting in was irritating, it was the only thing that was prompting him to tell her.

He could feel it slowly creating distance between them. He couldn't tell if Virginia had noticed, but it was driving Andy crazy. He couldn't spend more than ten minutes with her without feeling guilty for hiding his drinking from her. The longer he kept it from her, the more stressed he got and the more he wanted a drink

_ AC _

She heard the front door open at half passed seven and fought the urge to run to see him. She had thought it well over and came to the conclusion that whatever was bothering him would be addressed when he felt ready. She knew something was bothering him, but she couldn't put her finger on what it was.

She hated the feeling of being excluded from Andy's troubles. He had told her so many times before that her problems were his and vice versa, and she wasn't going to beg him to talk to her about them. Andy was the type of man who wouldn't share his problems with her if he felt it wasn't necessary. That part of him drove her crazy, but she knew he was too stubborn to defeat.

She turned the page of her book she'd been reading since she arrived home from work, and only looked up to check the clock. "I wasn't sure when you'd be home so I just made soup. There should be some left in the pot."

She listened for a sign that he'd heard her, but didn't hear anything back from him. She wasn't sure if she should be worried or angry with him for ignoring her. She knew he'd heard, when the clanging of bowls in the cupboard fill the small downstairs area. She let out a loud huff, half hoping he'd heard and closed her book, setting it down on the table to finish later.

She stood from the sofa and entered the kitchen, pulling out a chair and watched him prepare his supper. "I spoke to Brandon this morning and invited him, Kate and the children to dinner tomorrow night."

"Well that'll be nice," He spoke, still sounding distant.

She crossed her arms on the counter and rested her chin on them. She was hoping that Andy meeting her family would remind him that she considered their relationship to be serious. Whatever was on his mind, she was hoping to pry out of him. "Are you alright with meeting them?"

He nodded, not looking up from his task at hand. "Yeah, that sounds like a nice idea, Virginia."

The room went silent, as she watched him carry his bowl around the counter, pulling out the chair beside her to sit.

"I think you'll like them, Andy. My brothers a lot like my dad was and the children are angels. Kate can be a bit unnerving, but I've found a way of getting around it."

He sat quietly, sipping at his soup while listening to her go on about her family. He certainly couldn't drop news like that the night before he meets her family. How could he expect them to want to meet her drunk boyfriend. He wasn't quiet sure what to say, so he just listened to her go on about them with the occasional smile forming as she told cute stories about the girls. He hated the idea of having to put it off for another night, but the right time just never seemed to come. It would have to wait until the right time.

_ AC _

With fifteen minutes to spare, Virginia had dinner in the oven and the table set. She sat with her legs crossed on the sofa, finishing her book while she waited for her brother and his family to arrive. Unlike Virginia, Andy had waited last minute to get ready. He ran around the bedroom barefoot, looking for his good tie, sending her nearly over the edge. "Andy, hurry up! They're going to be here soon!"

He reached for his sock drawer, as his tie hung loosely around his neck, his hair disheveled. "I know, I'm coming honey.."

He shut all the drawers behind him, knowing if he didn't he'd get yelled at later for it and joined her in the den. "Virginia, could you…"

He didn't have to finish the sentence for her to set down her book and begin working on his tie. "Good. You're wearing the blue one."

Andy fixed the cuffs on his sleeves while she worked her magic. "I know… It's your favourite."

She smiled in agreement, pulling his tie, tightening it around his neck. She laid her hands on his chest and stole a kiss before the door sounded. Her attitude immediately changed as she took back her hands, fidgeting nervously. "Just remember what I told you earlier. I'm sure they're going to love you."

They're lips met again before she ran off to get the door. As soon as she opened the door it was all smiles, followed by a series of girlish screaming. Some coming from the children, and some from Brandon's wife.

Andy stood back, in the shadows of Virginia as he watched her transform, her nerves taking over the best of her. He could tell by the way she hugged her brother that she could be herself around him, but it was when Kate went to hug her that she appeared slightly reserved. She felt uneasy around Kate, and Andy could tell right from the start.

"Alright, now show Aunt Virginia the gifts you made for her."

Both girls brought their hands out from behind their backs and revealed the paintings of pumpkins they'd made for her. "Oh my goodness, they're gorgeous girls!"

She brought them both into a big hug, kissing their cheeks before taking the paper from them. "I'm going to hang them up right now!"

Both girls giggled, showing their proud smiles as Virginia went to hang them on the fridge.

Virginia's brother hung the young girls coats up while they ran behind their aunt, stopping dead in their tracks once they saw Andy. Virginia noticed the silence in the room immediately and spun around to introduce them to Andy.

"Girls, I'd like you to meet someone very special to me."

They both hid behind either of her legs, looking up at the strange man with big and curious eyes. "This is Andy, girls. Andy, these are my nieces Madison and Avery."

Feeling bad for the young children who appeared to be terrified from meeting their aunt's new friend, Andy bent down to appear less intimidating. "Hi there!" He smiled as friendly as he could, remembering how his own children were at that age.

The youngest, Avery smiled bashfully, burying her nose into her aunt while Madison was suddenly no stranger at all. "Hello. I'm Maddie Dixon and I'm 4 years old. Would you like to be my friend?"

They all couldn't help but find it adorable, the whole room breaking out into laughter. Soon enough the girls had started giggling along with the adults. "Maddie just started kindergarten in September," Kate said, looking down at her daughter and then to Andy.

Right from the start Andy fell in love with the little girls. He himself had a niece and a nephew living on the east coast which he never go to see, except occasionally during Christmas.

Maddie had warmed up to him pretty quickly. Within ten minutes of their visit, she had shown her new friend Andy her entire Barbie collection, and had promised a recital of the wheels on the bus after dinner. Avery hid behind Virginia for most of the night, sitting at the counter drawing pictures of flowers while she watched her aunt tend to dinner.

Once Maddie's show and tell had finished, she went off into the living room to play, while Andy shared a nice conversation with his in-laws. He understood straight away, what Virginia had meant when she asked for him to be patient with Kate. About 75% of the conversation had been her bragging about either her education, her rich family or her house. Virginia had shot Andy a look when she began her rant about how community college wasn't good enough for her or her gated community family. However, he decided it wouldn't be inappropriate if he shared the fact both his children had gone and were turning out just fine. After that shut the young blond up, he went on the share the news that Nicole was expecting and he was going to be a grandfather soon.

Brandon seemed like a nice young man, listening in on the conversation but sitting back quietly for the most part.

When Virginia called everyone to the table for dinner, everyone cam running except for Maddie who needed to be called several times after to set down her dolls and join them.

"Virginia lifted the youngest into her high chair and took a seat across from Andy. They all folded their hands and sat through Kate's thorough and extensive prayer, which Brandon made googley eyes at the girls for most of it. Even Virginia had to stifle a laugh, trying to show respect for her sister-in-law's lifestyle, which clearly hadn't rubbed off on her children.

They all said amen and began to eat. "Virginia honey, could you pass the pepper please."

Andy looked to Virginia who was clearly uncomfortable with Kate's condescending pet name that had been used twice prior that evening. She remained silent, reaching across the table to pass her the shaker. She had told her brother over and over again that she hated being spoken to in that tone; like she was a child.

Soon after came the reoccurring question from every visit. "So Virginia. How have you been doing lately?"

She always hated when she was asked that, as if her condition came and went. "I'm doing fine, thank you."

She shot Brandon a look, taking a drink from her glass. Of course with having a wife like Kate, Brandon rarely said anything to her. Always having her brother look after her, she hated when he didn't talk to her about things like that. When they were growing up together, Virginia would often brag to the bullies that her brother would beat them up if they were mean to her. And even in high school Brandon always had his sister's back, even when she got to the age she was embarrassed by her younger brother having to fend for her. She may have hated his protectiveness at the time, but now that she knew where it was coming from, it bothered her that of all people he allowed his wife to talk to her so ignorantly. Every time he made the excuse of, 'she doesn't know better,' or 'she means no harm,' as if she were a dog peeing on the neighbours lawn.

Halfway through dinner, she could tell by the look on Andy's face he wasn't liking it one bit. She could only hope that he wouldn't say anything about it. She could tell he was on his last straw when Kate cleared her throat to speak again. She shot him a look, hoping he'd stay calm and let it all go. If she could, then he would too.

"So.. How long have you two been seeing each other?"

Andy was the one to answer. "About six months now."

"And you've been living together for…?"

Andy didn't know where it was going but he didn't like it so far. "A few weeks."

The blond nodded, clearly trying to wrap her head around the whole thing. "So you must be used to living together by now."

Andy nodded his head, promising himself that he wouldn't say anything to piss anyone off.

"Was it hard getting used to?"

Andy raised his eyebrows, slightly confused by her statement and half ready to go into battle. Was she seriously referring to living with Virginia as being hard because of her having Aspergers?

"I'm sorry..?" Was all he could muster and Brandon closed his eyes and began rubbing his forehead.

You could nearly feel the tension in the room as Kate spoke again, trying to choose her words carefully but failing. "You know… Like, with Virginia?"

Brandon saw this disaster coming way before his wife had even said something. He jumped in before any daggers were drawn, reminding them there was children in the room. "Maddie, eat your carrots please hon."

His eyes bore into Kate's, as she looked back at him confused at what she'd done wrong.

After the girl's had finally finished half eating their dinner and half throwing it on the floor, Virginia cleaned up the table and reset it for dessert.

Kate had spent most of that time telling Virginia all about her mother and how she was the best baker in the world, giving Virginia no other choice but to roll her eyes until Madison had caught her, and began trying to mimic her aunt. "You'll have to tell me the recipe."

"It was actually my mother's." Virginia answered, clearly unamused.

She really wasn't interesting in divulging in conversation with this woman. It seemed like everything that came from her mouth was somehow offensive to Virginia, whether it was intentional or not. Although Virginia had eventually gotten used to the small digs directed toward her, and the annoying theory her in-law possessed of Virginia being naive and helpless because she had Aspergers, it still made her blood boil when Kate would use the all too familiar condescending tone that made her feel smaller than a parasite. Virginia had come very close to the conclusion that all the things she'd say were all harmless, and she was obvious to how arrogant she sounded at times. Brandon had told her an endless amount of times that Kate just didn't know her well enough, and she wasn't trying to hurt her feelings, but her brother's apologies weren't enough to excuse the derogatory comments his wife made.

Virginia tried to pretend as though Kate wasn't still standing in front of her, only hoping that she'd leave her alone and not embarrass her like she often did. She allowed her eyes wonder to her family relaxing in the living room.

Brandon sat on the sofa with Andy as they watched the game, as the girls played on the carpet. Virginia thought Kate had given up, until she spoke again. "Mmmm… That's right! Mom used to make the best apple and blueberry pie."

Virginia froze in the middle of the kitchen. She couldn't recall ever hearing her sister-in-law refer to her mother as her own. Her eyes scanned the room and went from Kate to her brother. There was no excuse for this one.

"Kate, why don't you take the kids outside and show them the flower garden?"

There was no mistaking Virginia's expression for anything but internal rage. Brandon shot Kate a look of warning, which she didn't appear to catch. He stood from the couch and laid his hand on his wife's back, trying to guide her into the living room, or anywhere away from his extremely pissed off sister. He usually asked Virginia to be civil with his wife, thats all he asked, but he could understand why she was reacting the way she was to the last comment his wife made. It was bad enough when they first got together and Kate first learned Virginia was a doctor. She would constantly ask Virginia pregnancy question which slowly drove her crazy until she refused to see them until the baby was born. Brandon knew it was only a matter of time until she'd blow up. He could see the pain in her eyes the first few times they'd come to visit her with the baby. Virginia had always wanted to get married and have a family, but it never ended up in her plans. Certain things like that and bringing up their mom wasn't a great idea.

Kate picked up on his sense of urgency and blatantly ignored it, like she couldn't see what the issue was. "They're happy in here, Bran. Besides, I didn't bring their coats. I don't want them getting sick."

"They wouldn't end up sick again like last year, if you'd get them vaccinated like I told you last year," Virginia spat.

This time it was Virginia throwing the punches, her words taking even Andy by surprise.

Brandon once again, tried steering his wife out of the situation that was bound to worsen, if he knew his wife and how she liked to handle things. Andy on the other hand couldn't help but smile from his girlfriend's comment, proud that she'd finally stood up for herself.

Kate looked shocked by Virginia's sudden change of attitude, but she stood down, remembering her place.

Virginia was furious that Kate thought she could waltz into her house and just because she was married to her brother, she could push her around. Her words had even taken her by surprise. She bit her lip afterward, focusing her attention back on the oven. She immediately regretted saying anything. The only reason she hadn't said anything earlier was because of the girls. The last thing they needed to see was their mother and aunt fighting over a pie recipe.

Once the pie was on the table, Virginia disappeared down the hall. Andy wasn't sure if it was because she was upset or if she just needed some time to cool down, but he decided to check on her just in case. He very rarely saw her have an outburst like that, and when she did, it usually took a lot to make her that angry and a long time to cool down.

He slipped down the hallway when everyone was busy and shut their door behind him. She was sitting on the bed, her face in her hands, not crying but clearly upset. "Brandon, I don't need to hear you say sorry for her again. And I know what I said was horrible, but she deserved it."

Andy took a few steps toward her, not wanting to upset her more. "Virginia honey, it's me, and you have every right to be upset."

Her face was red when she looked up at him and relief immediately came once she realized it was only Andy.

He read the look on her face and knew what she needed in that moment was him. He found his place next to her on the soft comforter and pulled her against him, holding her like he had a hundred times before. She took deep breaths, trying to calm herself, finding peace in his arms. Once her anger had subsided she found herself feeling guilty for making Andy feel like he had to leave their guests to tend to her. "We should go back out there. The girls have to be in bed by 8:30," She suggested, pulling back from him, fixing her hair.

"Why don't I go out there while you go fix up in the bathroom."

His hand cupped her cheek, which was burning red. "You look like you just got hit in the face."

She gave him a small smile in return and leaned in pressing her lips to his to show her gratitude for him always knowing how to make her feel better.

Once she'd put some cool water on her face and fixed her makeup, she rejoined them in the living room. She was much happier after her and Andy's encounter earlier, feeling reassured. She played hide and seek with the girls until it was time for them to go. Madison and Avery said their very teary goodbyes, holding onto there aunt until they needed to be removed by their father. "We'll come back and see Aunt Vivi soon, okay? We need to go home and so she can sleep now."

They'd even given Andy a hug on their way out, which warmed Virginia's heart to see her favourite two little girls warming up to him.

The house was suddenly so quiet, and with a ton of cleaning to do Virginia just wanted to fall into bed with Andy and leave it all for tomorrow. She laced her fingers around the back of his neck and stood on her toes to kiss him. "Why don't we leave it for tomorrow and go to bed now?"

"It isn't even 9:00, hon. If you're tired to go to sleep and I can tidy up."

His expression had turned blank and she could feel the coldness return. She slid her hands into her pockets and tried hiding her disappointment from thinking things were finally alright again. "Okay," was her simple reply.

He knew that he'd hurt her again. Watching her sulk down the hall only made him want to go after her and tell her everything that had been going on. He heard the door close and he let out his frustration on a nearby pillow. He hated leaving her to fall asleep on her own, only to wake up alone and not see him until the following evening. He hated keeping things from her and lying to himself and everyone around him about telling her. He kept letting her down more and more every day. It was an all to familiar feeling to him and he was terrified of history repeating itself.

_AC _

Surprisingly enough, Andy hadn't been called into work early, allowing him to sleep in. He felt the steady breathing of the woman lying next to him against his neck, with her arm relaxed against his chest and head tucked into his arm. She was practically clinging to him, he couldn't very well get up without waking her. He closed his eyes, trying to fall back to sleep and felt her stir. "Andy? Are you awake."

Her groggy voice came in barely a whisper, like she was trying to refrain from waking him. His answer came in a low hum.

She looked to the nightstand, reading the alarm clock. "Tell me that you don't have to go."

Her voice was so fragile, as if she were devastated by the thought of him leaving. "Soon," was his answer.

The room went silent, and she laid her head back against his chest, enjoying the closeness while it lasted. Andy managed falling back to sleep for another hour, while Virginia lay awake occupied by the highway of thoughts in her head.

The alarm sounded, sparking her anxiety. It was time for him to go. She held on to the fabric of his shirt, as if it could keep him from leaving.

Andy's hand found the snooze button, in the darkness of the room and blinked his eyes open. "I'm sorry Virginia, you know I'll be back tonight."

It was as if he'd read her mind. She let go of his shirt, allowing him to sit up and begin getting ready for work. He walked to the bathroom sluggishly and ran the water.

She pushed herself up into a sitting position, wanting to spend as much time with him as possible before he headed for work. "I couldn't sleep last night, so I cleaned up."

He reached for his toothbrush and tube of toothpaste. "You know you didn't have to."

She ignored his comment, not wanting to explain to him that she couldn't just lay in bed all night worrying about things. She often had sleeping problems when things in her life were causing her stress. She would get up and do things to keep her busy, which she found more useful than tossing and turning all night in bed.

"I found a necklace in the couch when I was cleaning and its certainly not Kate's. I think it may be Nicole's. I'll give her a call later."

It took Andy a minute to label that as a terrible idea. He spit the toothpaste into the sink immediately, turning to her from the doorway. "No!"

Virginia blinked hard, startled by his outburst. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "I can send her a text before I go to work.

She found his behaviour odd, not understanding what the issue was with her calling Nicole. It wasn't like they were estranged. She sat quietly while he finished getting ready, puzzled by the conversation they'd shared. He clearly didn't want her talking to his daughter, but why?

_ AC _

Coming home late, he shut the door softly, only making a click sound. He removed his shoes to avoid making any noise and of course to keep the floors clean. There was food on the counter, indicating she clearly hadn't cleaned up. The realization that she'd probably waited up for him again, broke his heart. He pulled his phone out from his pocket and saw the notification that he'd received three text messages from her. All three of which asking him when he was coming home and if he wanted her to save him some dinner.

He assumed she was asleep, based on the stillness of the small house. He cleared the counter and put away the dishes, to relieve her of the task the following day. He couldn't tell if she was angry with him, or used to him letting her down. He wasn't sure which was worse.

He locked up and turned off all the lights on the way to their room. He cracked the door open, just enough to notice an absence in their bed. A light shone from under the bathroom door, indicating its occupancy. For a moment he was grateful he'd caught her before she went to sleep, but the sound he heard next made him freeze in the middle of their room.

She was crying. The door was shut, and he could only hear her faintly. He felt his heart plummet as he ran to the door, trying to twist the handle but it was locked. "Virginia, are you okay?"

The cries became muffled and didn't receive an answer. His heart was racing as he tried the handle again, as if it would magically open this try. "Please, I just want to know you're alright."

"I'm fine."

Her voice broke as she spoke, but he was happy to hear her answering him. He really had no idea what was going on, but she clearly didn't want to talk to him about it. "Are you sure you don't want me to come in?"

"Andy please…"

Her voice was filled with desperation. She didn't want to argue or explain anything, she wanted to be on her own. This wasn't like how she acted when she was having a panic attack. This wasn't like her at all. Whenever she was upset, she knew she could always depend on him. He knew that she must be mad at him for her to behave like that.

He couldn't bear the thought of sitting and listening to her cry helplessly, but he also knew he couldn't fall asleep knowing she was hurting. He sat down against the wall on the floor and just waited for her to come out.

She thought a warm bath would help her feel better or relieve some stress but it hadn't. It only provided her a place to cry and be alone with her thoughts.

She was losing him, she could feel it and it didn't matter what she said to him, he kept breaking her heart. She couldn't take it anymore.

She couldn't hear any movement from the bedroom, leaving her no clue as to where he was. She assumed he'd either left or went to bed without her. It didn't seem to be hard for him to do, lately.

The thought of him leaving her like that in the tub, alone and afraid made her heart hurt even more. Heart wrenching sobs escaped her throat until she could hardly breathe.

She must have been in there for an hour when she finally pulled the plug. The warm water left her body and the cold air made her shiver as she reached for a clean towel, wrapping it around her middle. She silently prayed that he wasn't there when she stepped out of the bathroom. She couldn't handle talking to him that night.

The glow from the bathroom revealed him Andy, back against the wall, sleeping. She felt a bit better knowing he'd tried staying up for her. A little worrying couldn't hurt him after all he'd put her through.

She changed into her pyjamas and was about to get in bed when a pang of guilt hit her. Although she felt like she owed him nothing, she still loved him and couldn't leave him lying on the floor like that. She was in no mood to invite him to sleep with her in their bed, so instead she stripped the duvet from their bed and covered him with it. She knew that there wouldn't be much sleep in store for that night, so one of them might as well get a decent sleep.