Author's Note: An update at last. I'm not sure if I'll post many more chapters for this story, had a little writers block. So let me know how you want the story to progress and we will see what happens along the way. Important to note, I know usually you only have a tattoo badge on for a couple of hours, but to make this chapter go how I wanted it to, I magically made it that they had to wear their bandages for weeks without needing to take the bandage for washing and rewrapping or anything. You'll understand why once you've read the chapter. Hope you guys enjoy it.
Freedom-In-Fantasy
Sam couldn't shake the feeling that something had been off the night before. He'd been talked into the tattoo idea way too easily. While Andy's bambi eyes could get him to do anything, he still usually gave more resistance than that. His uneasy feeling grew as he looked the place up on the police database. In the last 3 months, there had been 2 complaints and a fight between an unhappy customer and the owner, all over being coerced into paying for more than they wanted. Sam decided not to mention anything to Andy but to investigate it himself.
"Whoa." Traci declared as she declared as her and Andy got changed before their shift. "Is that a tattoo under there?"
Andy blushed. "My dad had the Toronto PD emblem tattooed to his arm and it's something I've always wanted to do too."
"So why now?" Traci asked.
Andy shrugged. "A mixture of courage and I feel like I've been here long enough that this is my life."
"Fair enough." Traci said. Then she paused. "Hang on; didn't I see something similar on Swarek's arm this morning?"
Andy turned pink. "Yeah I had to tell him since I was at his house when I had to leave for my appointment. And he decided it was a great idea and came along."
Traci looked amused. "So you got matching tattoo's; you, your dad and Swarek."
Andy threw her jeans at Traci. "Don't put it like that."
Traci grinned, "Just pointing out how weird you are."
Andy responded by throwing more clothes at Traci.
After work Sam went to visit the two people who had complained about the tattoo parlour. Their stories only made him more suspicious that something was amiss. The woman had gone in for a small simple tattoo and had ended up with a much more expensive and elaborate design that she recalled being very eager about at the time, but later felt she had been manipulated into that enthusiasm. The man had wanted his daughter's name tattooed on his arm but had been convinced he should also get a rose tattoo that was $100 more than expected on the credit card bill. Sam had a feeling these weren't the only two cases, just the two indignant enough to come forward.
Finally after days of stewing Sam confided in Oliver. Oliver leaded back thoughtfully after hearing Sam recount what he'd found. "Why don't we visit in uniform? It might be enough of a threat to stop any dodgy business and we can have a look while we're there."
Sam thought about it for a minute. "Well he already knows I'm a cop. And someone should have followed that complaint up."
"Sorted." Oliver declared with a devilish grin. "So now you can tell me about what I'm really interested to know, which is how our latest recruit talked you into getting a tattoo."
Sam glared at him. "You make it sound bad."
"Well it does look kinda suspicious." Oliver pointed out. "And out of character for you, which makes me think you like this girl."
Sam groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. "You're not going to accept bonding moment with my rookie are you?"
Oliver shook his head. "You don't bond with women unless its under the sheets Sammy."
Sam rolled his eyes.
"There's no point denying it." Oliver continued. "I may have accidently overheard Nash and McNally talking about your 'finer' assets."
Sam snorted. "Accidently my arse."
Oliver grinned nonchalantly. Then he became more serious. "Just be careful Sammy. You know you're not supposed to sleep with your rookie. Not to mention how awkward it gets once you break up. Just ask Callaghan."
Sam surprised himself by wincing at the idea of him and Andy breaking up. Oliver noticed too. "Or maybe that won't happen." He added casually then walked away, leaving Sam alone to sort out his thoughts.
Sam and Andy in the weeks that followed fell deeper into a routine that began to feel so natural it was like they'd been together forever. Sam feared that this was about to come to a screeching halt with Sam and Oliver investigating where Andy had chosen to get her tattoo done. They had come to the conclusion there was most likely opium being pushed through the air vents that then relaxed and helped in the manipulation of customers. Standing in the doorway, both men gave a sniff of the incense-filled air and shared a significant look. It looked like they were right. It only took a few minutes before they had the tattoo artist confessing. "The place wasn't making enough money and I had all this opium tempting me back to my addiction. It just seemed like a good idea." He moaned. "Are you going to arrest me now?"
Sam thought about it for a minute. He didn't want McNally finding out or feeling humiliated and he knew Oliver had his back. "Not this time." He decided. "But I get one more compliant about you and I'll chuck you in a cell and throw away the key myself." Sam threated before heading for the door.
That night he just knew the drama was going to continue when Andy turned up at his door in tears. "Oh Sam I'm so sorry for convincing you to get the second tattoo done."
"Why?" Sam asked confused.
"Have you looked at yours yet?" She asked a little wild eyed. "Haven't had a chance yet." He answered."
"I think the guy got mixed up." Andy said showing him her tattoos.
"It looks fine." Sam said puzzled.
"Look closer." Andy snapped.
Sam looked closer, there was their police emblem and her badge – wait not, that was his badge number. Sam pulled Andy inside then shrugged off his shirt and yanked the bandage off his arm. Andy sighed, yep there was her badge number glaring back at her from Sam's arm. "I'm so sorry." She whispered again. "I've messed everything up."
Sam cupped her face in his hands and looked her in the eye. "How? I've always thought you're badge number looked nicer anyway."
"But." Andy struggled for words. "While you might not mind now, what happens if we break up? Something personal like that can't be associated with anyone else."
"Guess we'll just have to make sure we don't break up then." Then he leaned down to kiss her.
"So guess I need a new T.O. then." Andy mumbled many hours later as she cuddled into Sam's chest.
"Definitely." Sam agreed, kissing the top of her head. "You're not getting rid of me now McNally."
"Wouldn't want to." She whispered.