-Hi, princess- he was happy to see Sharon awake when he got back to her room after making the calls to his stepson and his best friend. Sharon was blinking away her drowsiness and trying to smile at Andy.
-Hi, handsome. Can you please pull the shades down? My eyes still hurt a bit…and I can't see you-she smiled.
-Sure- Andy pulled the shades down and was again by her side-There she is- he was glad to see some color in her cheeks- How are you feeling? Want me to call the nurse?- he leaned over her and repeated the motion over the bridge of her nose.
-Asking her to give me a kiss would be pretty weird- Sharon smiled sweetly and only then Andy knew she was getting better.
-Can I watch?- he asked before he leaned over to kiss her. God, he needed that kiss just as much as she did and even though they were going for a sweet peck on the lips they both deepened the kiss. As soon as Sharon moaned into it Andy slowly pulled away.
-I'm sorry, I got carried away…-he was looking for signs of pain in her eyes, but all he saw was love and need.
-Honey, that was a good kind of moan- she blushed.
-Oh…sorry. I just…-Andy tried to smile, but his eyebrows knitted and he couldn't hold back the tears. He wanted to turn away, but Sharon wouldn't let go of his hand.
-Honey, look at me- she asked sweetly and he obbeyed, tears blurring his vision. Seeing him like that broke her heart because she saw fear, love and regret all over his face.
-I'm here. I'm ok. I love you. I know you're mad at me for leaving you behind, but you coming in harm's way again after…-her voice got shaky-That wasn't an option. This wasn't an option either but…I just didn't want to lose you- she breathed out.
-I know. I understand. I'm angry and confused and frustrated and thankful and…a mess. And I love you. When we get home I'll show you just how much- he kissed her hands.
-When can I go home?- Sharon's face lit up.
-In three days- he smiled to his obviously dissapointed fianceé.
-Three days?! I need to talk to the doctor- she tried to sit up.
-Sharon Isabelle O'Dwyer, lie down. Now-he ordered softly but he was serious- I already talked to the doctor and that's the earliest they can let you go. So, you are going to be a good girl and rest for the next three days. When we get home you will do as you're told because Rusty and I would also like to see you get better asap and you're gonna have to trust us to take care of you. Deal?- he extended his hand.
-Deal- she took it and snorted-Rusty…-she suddenly snapped.
-He's on his way and he'll stay with you while I go home to shower and change. I won't be long- he nuzzled her nose.
-You don't…-Sharon started, but he was leaning over her and watching her like a puppy so she gave up on telling him he should go to work. They shared a few sweet kisses before Rusty came and he couldn't let go of her hand.
-You scared us. When the bomb went off and you didn't answer us I thought…Mom, you can't go out in the field and get hurt. I'm your youngest and you still have legal obligation to take care of me. And that means you need to stay safe and in one piece. So please, next time…-Rusty tried to stay calm.
-Rusty, field work is a part of my job and the risk of getting hurt is the price of the job well done. I know this freaked you out and I understand you're mad at me. But I told you, whatever happens…-she took a deep breath.
-I know, I love you too. That's why I forbid you to get hurt or… ok?- he managed a small smile.
-I promise- she reached for his hand and flinched in pain.
-Don't move-Rusty cringed seeing tears filling her eyes.
-Just made a mental note not to, thanks-she hissed.
-Hey, sexy. Heard you pulled a Superwoman-Gavin came in with the worst joke ever, but Sharon knew it was his defense mechanism and shook her head when she saw Andy's eyes flashing with anger.
-Hey, handsome-she smiled-What are you doing here? You hate hospitals.
-But I love you. The guy over there's kinda lovable too-Gavin puckered his lips at Andy and he rolled his eyes.
-Hey, darling-Andrea peeked inside-can I come in?- she smiled at her friend.
-Hey-Sharon was glad to see both of them-Where did Rusty go?-she frowned when she realized he left the room.
-He went to pick up a bag he brought you from the nurses. He left it with them to check if he brought were ok-Andrea explained and Andy wanted to kick himself for not thinking about it. He was thankful to Rusty for his ability to stay calm in a family crisis.
-My sweet boy-Sharon smiled.
-Here I am- Rusty grinned and closed the door behind him-I just wanted to check with the nurses if this is ok for you to wear considering your broken ribbs and itching stitches-he slumped his shoulders and gave Andy the bag with her things.
-Thank you, sweetie-she kissed her son's cheek.
-Toiletries are in there too, but Andy will have to help you with those- he looked at Andy.
-Thank you, Rusty-Andy nodded-I'm Andy, your slave for life-he bowed to Sharon.
-Don't make me laugh, my ribbs still hurt-Sharon swallowed a tired smile.
-Sweetie, if there's anything we can do, tell Andy to call us and we'll be here-Andrea squeezed her hand.
-Thank you for taking care of Rusty-Sharon looked at her son-Hope he wasn't too much trouble.
-He kept me up till midnight to present a case and I must say he's a district attorney in the making- Andrea smiled when Rusty blushed.
-He rocked at closing words we acted out. The kid is good-Gavin nodded.
-The kid is in the room and I'm almost 21- Rusty narrowed his eyes at him.
-But still a kid- Andy walked up to him- And if I'm not mistaken you have a class to go to.
-Andy's right. Go, I'll see you tomorrow. You need to get some rest and see Gus -Sharon blew him a kiss.
-See you tomorrow-Andrea opened the door for Rusty and Gavin- try to rest as much as possible.
-I will. Bye- Sharon smiled a vacant smile and turned to Andy.
-Did you tell them to make it a short visit so I wouldn't get a chance to ask about Ortiz?- she rolled her eyes at him.
-Maybe- Andy smiled seeing Sharon trying her best to be mad at him-Princess, we got him. He'll do time. You'll be fine. The end- Andy got upset and Sharon knew he was still worried about her so she didn't want to push it.
-You're right. I'm sorry, I'm just….-she tried to explain.
-The Captain. And my sweet little control freak. I get it-Andy smiled and sat next to her taking her hand in his. It was so small and he kissed it gently, afraid he'll break it-Don't fight it-he saw her trying to blink away the sleep-I'll be here. Sweet dreams.
Sharon smiled and closed her eyes, getting lost in a warm and calming feeling Andy's touch provided. She slept until lunch and barely ate, but her mood instantly lightened up when the doctor said they'll be discharging her a day sooner than expected.
-Yay…-she silently cheered and Andy just had to kiss her-There's only one thing missing for this to be a very good day-she bit her lip.
-You name it and it's yours- Andy leaned over.
-Could you call the nurse? I want to ask her if I can take a shower, I really need one- Sharon batted her lashes at him.
-Sure- Andy smiled.
-Taking a shower wouldn't be a problem if it weren't for your broken ribbs. I know it would make you feel better, but you should wait one more day- the nurse explained.
-How about a sponge bath? I can help if you tell me how to do it properly and what to avoid?-Andy suggested and Sharon's sudden pout instantly turned into a hopeful smile.
-I think that would be ok. Try not to apply too much pressure to the abdomen and upper back and avoid water soaking the area around stitches. If you need another pair of hands just press the call button- the nurse nodded on her way out.
-Thank you, honey-Sharon gave him her sweetest smile and he kissed her before taking his jacket off and rolling his sleeves up.
-You tell me right away if you're uncomfortable or in pain, ok?- he warned her softly.
-I promise- Sharon took a deep breath before she sat up. It didn't hurt as much as she had expected and it was a relief. Andy caught her under her armpits and gently picked her up so she didn't have to strain her muscles to stand up.
-I'm ok- she nodded when she realized he was waiting for her to tell him they can go on.
-Good-he kissed her forehead and put his hands on her hips leaning her into his side for balance. They slowly made it to the bathroom and Andy smiled seeing Sharon's reaction when she saw herself in the mirror.
-Why are you grinning? I look like hell- she snorted.
-I'm about to undress you and give you a bath. I have absolutely no idea why I'm grinning -he shook his head and Sharon loved him for trying to make her feel better.
-You're incorrigible- she snorted.
-And you…-he slid the hospital gown off of her shoulders-are naked.
-Will you shut up if I kiss you?- she motioned him to get closer.
-I'm not promising anything- he helped her sit down and filled two small tubs with water and camomille bath gel. Andy got worried when Sharon started moaning because he tried to be as gentle as he could slowly scrubing her arms, legs and her upper back. He wanted to stop, but when he saw a smile on her lips he realized she was enjoying her bath. Unfortunatelly for him, parts of his anatomy liked seeing Sharon enjoying her sponge bath. Luckily, Sharon wasn't well enough to sit through a hair wash and Andy was thankful for that because usually, when she'd let him wash her hair, he'd get some pretty dirty ideas while running his fingers through it. Sharon also got a few idea when she felt his fingers brushing against her skin. She wanted Andy to hug her and hold her and when he dropped the sponge to give her a gentle back rub she almost whimpered in delight. Drying her up and helping her into her yoga pants and a cotton top he placed a kiss on her forehead, nose and lips.
-Thank you- she smiled and put her hands in his feeling more confident on her feet.
-There she is- Patrice smiled at her friend-Looking good, nurse Flynn- she teased Andy.
-Hi- Sharon let out a breath when Andy tucked her in-Are you here by yourself?
-The guys are outside. The nurse told me you were taking a bath so I just wanted to check with you first before I let them in- Patrice winked.
-Sure-Andy nodded when Patrice asked him for permission.
-Hey, I'm the patient- Sharon frowned.
-And Andy is your nurse at the moment- Patrice went to get the team.
-Hello Captain- Buzz was first to come in and as he walked to her he kissed her hand.
-What a suck-up- Julio teased walking in behind him and greeting his Captain with a smile.
-How are you feeling?- Amy followed with Wes, Tao and Provenza.
-I'm ok. I will be ok. Mike…-she saw a patch over his right eye.
-It's just a percaution, Captain. Don't worry- Tao explained.
-Amy, how bad is it?- Sharon saw the young detective's arm in a sling.
-I'm taking it off on Monday. It's just a couple of stitches, M'am-Amy assured her.
-Never mind them, how are you?- Provenza stepped closer.
-Louie- Patrice warned him, but Amy and Mike didn't mind.
-I'm fine, Captain-Sharon teased- I'll be fine and out of here the day after tomorrow. And I'll be back at work asap- Sharon explained and everyone smiled.
-What?-she saw Provenza and Andy rolling their eyes.
-You're not coming back to work until the doctor, your fiancé and I see fit, Sharon. You're on bed rest and under supervision till further notice- Provenza lifted his hand when she wanted to protest.
-Take your time, Captain. We want you back because Lt. Provenza doesn't miss a chance to remind us he's in charge, but you need to fully recover before you take on Davis and beat her to the job- Wes smiled.
-Det. Nolan, are you staying out of DCO Davis' way?-Sharon narrowed her eyes at him.
-Yes, M'am. It won't happen again- the young detective blushed.
-Good. Now, about the Ortiz case- Sharon wanted a briefing.
-The Ortiz case is closed. End of story. This isn't the Murder room and you can't ask questions about it outside the station. Is that understood?- Provenza leaned over her.
-Oh, fine. I guess Lt. Provenza instructed you to keep quiet- she looked at her team and they all avoided her look.
-I'm guessing this is your idea too, Andy?- she saw him grinning.
-It is. In here you're not the Captain, you're a patient and you have no authority over your visitors- Andy shook his head.
-Just…great- Sharon pouted.
-Don't worry, M'am. We got the guy and he's locked up. Major crimes got the rest of the week off and we're currently enjoying all the desk work we've been successfully avoiding so far, supervised by Lt. Provenza- Julio teased the older detective.
-So, you're basically making sure the kids are doing their homework?-Andy teased Provenza.
-Since you've put it that way guess what will be waiting for you when you get back to work? And lots of it- Provenza smirked.
-As you can see, Captain, we're all alright-Buzz smiled-We'll leave you to get some rest. Come on, guys- he looked at his colleagues and they all rolled their eyes at him.
-Buzzkiller is right, M'am. Get some rest and get better. We'll see you when we see you- Mike winked at Andy. ''Get better'' and ''See you soon'' echoed through the hallway as the team left the room.