Sorry to those who want to kill me rn, I've just realized that an entire chapter was missing because i double posted, for those interested chapter 14 is new (good god, I need to get my shit together)
_ AH _
Virginia sat with her legs crossed on the wooden bench, as she read her book. It had been years since she'd found time for reading, but as she sat in the shade, listening to the children playing around her, and the sun shining, it felt like the first time in a long time she was able to relax.
Her eyes swept up from the pages to the children swinging from the monkey bars and chasing each other around the sand pit and she felt truly at peace with where she was. Never in a million years would she have guessed that she'd be here one day with her own child. She certainly hadn't thought of the idea in a very long time.
Her eyes scanned the perimeter of the park, and she lost the feeling of content by the all-too-familiar feeling that was slowly growing like fire in the pit of her stomach. Where was the little girl with brown hair?
A group of young girls skipped by her, and neither of them were hers. Her heart was racing, as she closed the book and stood from bench to get a better view of the park.
She wanted to cry out her daughter's name, but the words got caught in her throat and her mind went blank.
She began circling the park frantically, looking for a little girl with dark brown hair in braids, wearing suspenders. Virginia couldn't remember why on earth her daughter was wearing suspenders, but assumed it was Andy's doing.
His name brought on a whole new level of stress; Andy.
How could she explain to her husband that she had lost their daughter at a play park?
Her heart was beating faster in her chest by the minute, but she was too focused on her daughter to focus on her own well-being.
Almost as if on cue, she could hear Andy's voice in her head saying, 'Virginia, it's going to be alright,' but it wasn't.
The children around her became blurry, as her vision grew clouded and she couldn't feel her hands or legs anymore. The last thing she saw was the face of a young girl that looked just like her husband.
"Virginia honey, everything's okay. I'm here."
Andy's lips met his wife's temple and her cheek as he squeezed her hand in his, hoping she would wake up before her nightmare got any worse.
The last two weeks she'd been having the worst night terrors. It rattled him that there was nothing he could do but hope to catch her in the middle of one and hold her hand until she woke up.
His fingers combed through her hair, feeling sweat form along her hairline and wished that it were him having the sleepless nights and bad dreams instead of her. Virginia was already going through enough physical hell, and the last thing she needed was to be tortured in her sleep.
Her hand tightened in his before her eyes shot open.
"Hey baby, it's me. You had another bad dream," he whispered calmingly.
He could see the devastation and fear in her eyes, and immediately thought of the baby.
"Everything is fine," he began, his hand moving to cover their child. "Just take a deep breath."
Her eyelids closed, and her face softened once she realized what was going on. Taking a deep breath in, her hand found his as she slowly let it out moments later.
"I was at the park," she recalled. "And, I was looking everywhere and I couldn't find her."
Andy rubbed small circles over her stomach. "The baby?"
"Yes," she replied. "Then all I could think about was you, and how I was letting you down."
She swallowed hard, remembering the feeling she got when Andy's face came to mind. "I'm so sorry," she whispered through tears.
His arms pulled her in, closer as he instinctively tried to hold her as tight as he could without squishing their child; It was the only way of calming her.
"Hey, you don't have to say sorry," he said with assurance, placing another kiss to her forehead.
"You told me yourself that these dreams are very common in the late stages of pregnancy, so you have absolutely nothing to worry about, Virginia. You're going to be a terrific mom and you have the nine months to prove it."
She smiled through her tears, proud that he was the one she picked to share this experience with. If Andy was going to treat their daughter half as well as he did her, then Virginia really did have nothing to worry about.
"There's only a few more days until the wedding, and then no more stress allowed," he began, smoothing over the ring on her left hand.
"You shouldn't be worried at all," he continued, "because Kate says she has it under control, and we both know that being in control is what she does best."
She giggled at his attempt to make her feel better, a clear indication that it was working.
He brought his lips to hers, capturing them in a soft yet passionate kiss, that left her completely at ease; Enough so that she was able to fall asleep shortly after, tucked into him closely.
_ AC _
"Virginia, you are the new beginning that I never thought I deserved, until I realized that the two of us being here today was meant to happen," Andy said, standing in-front of the best thing that ever happened to him in a stunning white gown.
The beautiful August evening was the perfect day for the wedding. It would have happened regardless but the falling sun shining in through the glass of the winery's windows made it all the more romantic.
Andy looked out into the small gathering of people and saw the smiles on their faces. This wedding was long-awaited not just by the bride and groom but everyone in their lives.
His eyes landed on hers as he continued. "Ever since the night I arrived in your OR, you have been saving my life and I don't know how I'll ever repay you, but this is a start."
The room was huge and echoed as he spoke, but only filled with their closest family and friends. It wasn't a big beautiful Cathedral as Andy's family had hoped, but it was perfect for them and everything Virginia wanted. All that matttered to Andy was marrying her; He would take her hand in marriage on the side of the road if he had to.
He'd done this once before, but it was different this time; He wasn't young and afraid, or nervous and unsure. It wasn't that he hadn't loved Sandra, but at the time he was way too young to know what was to come; not knowing that marriage isn't always easy. When he stood in-front of Virginia, carrying their child and holding lilacs in her hands he could easily see their future. He knew exactly what he was getting into and it was exactly what he wanted.
"I want to eat in the parking lot of Burger King at 10:00 p.m. with you for the rest of our lives." He began again, watching her smile at the memory. "I want you to straighten my tie in the morning and hear about all your crazy days at the ER when you come home. I will gladly give you and this baby the rest of my days, without hesitation; And I will love, care, and support you for better or for worse, in sickness and health, rich or poor as long as we both shall live."
No woman or man was left with a dry eye as Andy finished his vows and brought his soon-to-be wife's hands to his lips. Even Provenza swore under his breath as he held back the tears that had snuck into the corners of his eyes.
At Virginia's request, they had rented the small winery just outside of the city and only invited family and friends closest to them. It may not have been what Andy wished he could have given her for their wedding but seeing the huge smile that was plastered on her face all day made him forget all about having a big wedding; it was plain as day that she was over the moon.
"I don't know if I can top that," Virginia beamed, with tears glistening in her eyes.
She took a deep breath, cleared her throat and remembered what her brother had told her. Just pretend like it's just her and Andy and speak from the heart.
"Andy, you've been in my life for such a short time, but I feel like I've known you forever."
Her hands were clammy, but she couldn't tell if it was her nerves or the length of her dress and the California heat. She'd said these words over and over about a hundred times before that day, and knew she wasn't afraid she would mess up. The trembling hands and butterflies in her stomach must have been excitement.
She spoke with anticipation and excitement for the days that would follow. "Without you, I wouldn't have had the strength or courage that helped bring us here today. The easiest thing I've ever done was agree to marry you, because I honestly can't see my future without you in it, anymore." Seeing him smiling at her the way he was gave her strength to go on, despite all the people in the rows watching them. "You've given me so much more than I could ever tell you, including this baby which I cannot wait to raise with you. You came into my life, turned it upside down and I can't tell you how happy I am that you did."
Her hand smoothed over their growing child, which only made the moment more special. Somehow within the past couple years she had managed to find all the things she was afraid she never would.
"So yes, I would love to eat in parking lots with you," she continued, "straighten your tie every morning, put my shoes next to yours at night and raise this baby with you because there's no one I'd rather do it with. For better or worse, sickness or in health, rich or poor for as long as we both shall live."
When she heard him say 'I do' her breath caught in her throat. Looking up at him, with wet cheeks she had never felt so complete in her life. She wasn't sure if it was the hormones, or just sheer relief that he went after her that day in the hospital.
She said the two words back to him, never feeling so sure in her life. Moments later they were pronounced husband and wife and the room erupted into hooting and hollering. Her eyes were still fixated on him, hardly even aware of the excitement going on around them. They wrapped themselves around one another and sealed it with a kiss, simple and tasteful but with more passion than ever.
Once the ceremony was over, they went around the room thanking everyone for coming and accepting everyone's congratulations. The whole time Virginia remained smiling, until she started to grow hungry and told Andy it was time to move on to the reception.
Being heavily pregnant and extremely uncomfortable in the tight-fitting dress and heels, she changed into a much looser, and shorter but just as beautiful dress. Layered with sheer, cream fabric it fit just above the knee, and crossed over her chest with a halter neck, plunging just low enough to leave Andy anxiously waiting for the end of the night.
After their first dance, they gave Virginia's feet a rest and shared a few more with each other and with their family and friends before the night had come to an end and it was time to retreat back home. Kate had kindly promised to take care of everything so they could enjoy the rest of their night, knowing that Virginia wouldn't be able to if she had to stress about everyone getting back to their hotel safely.
Andy had promised they would go somewhere once the baby was born, but until then he and a few friends had prepared their bedroom for when they got back later that evening.
Candles were scattered all around the room, lit shortly upon their arrival by Provenza who had to be practically begged to do so. Roses were on their nightstands and dressers and the bed was freshly made with new satin sheets that Andy had learned were Virginia's favourite.
She complained all the way up the driveway of how sore her feet were. She giggled and kindly declined when he offered to carry her across the threshold. The last thing she wanted to do on their wedding night was put her husband's back out.
As soon as they got inside the house her hands were all over him. "Woah," he said between her kisses. "Why don't we take it in the bedroom?"
He snaked his arm around her middle and guided her toward the hall. He heard her gasp as he opened the door, revealing his surprise. "Better than the doorway?" He joked.
"Oh Andy, this is gorgeous." Her voice was soft, a clear indication the water works were returning. "I can't believe you did all this."
He took both her hands and brought them to his lips. "This is the least I could do since we can't travel too far."
He brushed the soft curls away from her face, still in awe of beautiful she looked. "It's our first night as a married couple and it should be special."
They spent the rest of the night in bed, until the early hours of the morning when they finally decided to get some sleep for the day after. Andy's family was in town and they had made plans to spend the next few days showing them around the city.
He collapsed next to her, kissing her bare shoulder as she rested her eyes and caught her breath. "I think we just made up for all those years we were apart," he panted.
She smiled in response, too exhausted to respond. "What are you thinking?" He asked, kissing up her neck. "You're not reconsidering it, are you?"
"No," she answered quickly. "I don't regret marrying you at all."
She stressed about a lot of things, but her new marriage certainly wasn't one of them at all.
"I was just thinking what this means for us," she spoke, twisting the two rings on her finger.
He pressed his lips to her temple and forehead, damp from the previous events. "What do you mean?"
She reached for his free hand and rested hers overtop of it on her stomach. "I mean, what is this going to change? Are things going to be different now that we're married?"
She sounded more curious than anxious.
"Well, naturally things are going to change whether we're married or not," He answered. "Especially with the baby on the way, but I don't think It's anything to worry about."
He could feel their daughter moving around under their hands which always brought a boyish grin to his face.
"I'm still going to be Andy, and you'll still be Virginia just with a different last name."
She smiled at the thought. Virginia Flynn.
_ AC _
Andy stepped in the house, quietly shutting the door behind himself and turning the lock. He knew that when the house was this quiet, it often meant that Virginia was sleeping or trying to. He toed out of his shoes, holding on to the fresh picked flowers he'd bought for her on his way home.
He slid into their bedroom and the bed was empty with no sign of recent occupancy. He walked down the hall to the nursery in search of his wife and found her fast asleep in the rocking chair with their sleeping infant against her chest. He smiled and walked over to them, almost not wanting to wake her. He kissed the crown of her head and she stirred awake.
A big, dorky grin crossed her face when she noticed the flowers he was holding. She was about to jump up and kiss him for being such a thoughtful husband when she remembered their daughter was finally asleep in her lap.
She held up her finger mouthing, 'one second' and stood up to take the baby to her crib. She laid her down slowly, not wanting to spend another three hours putting her to sleep and lead him into the hallway, leaving the door cracked open.
"Andy, what are these for. You didn't have to do this."
She took them from his hands and immediately brought them into the kitchen to find a vase.
"No, I did. You deserve it for being so amazing the past few weeks. Taking care of the baby while I'm at work; I know it must be hard on you, regardless of how much you adore her."
She smiled and kissed his cheek, then turned to fill an emerald vase with water that was once her mother's. "I know I've told you this before, but if my mother was still around she would absolutely love you, you know that?" She beamed.
"Well," he began, wrapping his arms around her waist as she filled the heirloom with flowers. "Don't all mothers love the men that knock-up their daughters?"
She offered him only a small laugh in return. Andy certainly wasn't wrong about her parents being displeased that everything about their relationship was unconventional, regardless of the lack of religion in her family, but she also knew that they would have gotten over it once they got to know Andy for the incredible man that he was. It brought Virginia a lot of happiness knowing that her mother would be so proud of how her life had turned out. Without a doubt she would have wanted Virginia to find a good man to spend her life with, and even more elated that they were raising a child together.
"I think she'd forgive you if she knew you were behind V's name," Virginia said, defending her husband.
The day Virginia went into labour was the most stressful day she'd experienced her whole life, and she hadn't realized until their newborn was safely in Andy's arms that they had never decided on a name. All the names they had previously discussed just didn't seem right. Once they moved on from the idea of naming her after one of their mothers, they came to the conclusion they would never agree and that was when Andy made his suggestion. 'Why don't we name her after you?' He had proposed.
Virginia being way too humble at first disagreed, but he'd managed to convince her eventually. A few hours later they signed the papers officially naming their daughter Virginia Francesca Flynn. Virginia had only given in when Andy had agreed to using his grandmother's as her middle name.
Since then her name had been shortened to V, and her father had taken a liking to referring to her as Ducky since she liked bath time and her rubber ducky so much.
"Fathers name their sons after themselves all the time, and if she's going to be named after anyone it should be you," He said, kissing her shoulder. "If she ends up being half as tough as you, I know that I'll go peacefully."
"Don't talk like that," she said, lightly swatting his arm. She couldn't bear the thought of losing him at the moment, especially now that they shared a child.
She set the flowers on the counter and admired them while her husband nibbled on her ears. She could tell by way he was gradually pulling her in closer that he had somewhere along the way developed an intention to take this nice gesture into their bedroom.
"So, tell me," she began, as he kept his lips busy down her neck and now on her exposed shoulder, "that was the only reason you brought me flowers?"
"Well yes, but If you feel the need to show your appreciation..." His words trailed off as she began laughing like she had a feeling he would say something like that.
She took him by the hand and lead them into their bedroom. The man had a way with her and they both knew it; Then again, the same could be said about him with her.
In between the holding-off and coming together, they had grown to realize they had become one another's weakest and strongest point. Virginia struggled with her fears all her life, and she knew ever since the night she laid in her bed, crying from the realization that Andy wasn't just another jerk trying to use her that she loved him, and she would be worrying about him for the rest of her life. She worried every morning she kissed him goodbye at the door that he wouldn't come home that night or that she'd see him in the ER room again, it was so much pain in her chest that the tears came as a flood. She didn't know ifs he could bear worrying about another person like And.
After her past relationships, losing friends, losing her parents and countless anxiety attacks, she feared for so long that she wouldn't be able to overcome the stress that came with all the happiness that Andy brought her.
Virginia had come to realize that even though love had brought her so much more to worry about, he helped her in more ways than not: Walking into a crowded room with her so the attention wasn't all on her; ordering the pizza so she wouldn't have to speak to a stranger; talking to her on her lunch break so she wouldn't feel pressured to talk to others she didn't feel comfortable with.
She had told herself her whole life that she didn't ever want to need someone else. As long as she was confident in herself, and her success there was nothing else she'd need, but she had a husband and an infant now that needed her, just as much as she needed them. She found her achilles heel she never knew she had.
/ The End /
_ AH _
Well. there it is.
It was very bittersweet writing this last chapter because -believe it or not- it's been over a two year journey that I never stopped to think I would miss. I tried my best to include all the feedback I received, so hopefully it didn't disappoint anyone.
When I started this ship and series (if you will) back in 2016 I literally never imagined I'd be making a sequel, let alone have so many people reading it. Achilles Heel has actually done almost twice as well as Hardest of Hearts did! If it wasn't for those who loved the first and asked for a second, this fic may never have existed, so thanks to you guys!
Over the past couple years I've subconsciously developed a playlist that I nearly always listen to when I write this pairing. If anyone is interested, I'll link it down below!
A MASSIVE thanks you to the oldest and best friend that I have in this fandom, Cass who started out as a beta for HoH and stuck around for the beginning of AH. It's been so great working with you over the years, having a tour guide for when I visit Montreal and for all those late-night post-Major Crimes facetimes, fangirling over Shandy and the characters that have become such a regular part of my life since. Thanks Cass
Another huge thanks to Rachel, who helped out a bit with the ending of AH since it was so hard to find a good way to end it, and also for basically co-creating the next fic that -yes- I've already started and will start posting soon. Hopefully she'll stick around, because I tend to work far better with a partner that can deal with my missing words, scatter brain and horrible run-on sentences.
Thanks to all the readers who have been here since the beginning. I honestly can't thank you enough for sticking around through all my late-updates and long ASF hiatuses! I really hope that you've enjoyed the ending.
Thanks to all the readers and those to come! It's hard to believe that one day fans will look back and discover this fic the same way I've discovered Battlestar Galactica fics. It's still a little too soon to be triggering myself and other fans with the ending of Major Crimes, so I'll just leave it at that.
Anyways, as always feedback is welcome so please BOMBARD me with yours thoughts on the finale, good or bad!
If anyone has fallen in love with this pairing the way I have, please feel free to write some of your own and make sure to share it with me!
Thanks again guys, take care
-Alison
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PLAYLIST: user/21ymfryoql5au3iiv2gfmv7wq/playlist/6rmhqT4yjTut5Leg9hdQsm?si=GlutMm3_SB-8DyH3vHlbKA
Hardest of Hearts: s/11439839/1/Hardest-of-Hearts
Fixing Hearts (another great Flixon fic, written by the incredibly talented Sixty Five Roses (themagicm): s/11404893/1/Fixing-Hearts
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