Disclaimer: I don't own Charmed.

Tales of December

a story by Ryeloza

Andy: December 5, 1987

He noticed Prue before he even decided to attempt a shot from across the court. She leaned casually against the fence surrounding the court wearing black leggings, a hugely oversized sweater and a bright orange knit cap that matched her scarf. Andy hadn't seen her look so beautiful—so understated—in months. Maybe that was why he went for such an impressive shot; not that he would ever want Prue to know that he sought her admiration.

Unfortunately, he missed.

As he caught up with the bouncing basketball, he dribbled a few times and this time dunked the ball successfully. "What's up?" he asked without looking at her.

"I went looking for you at your house. Your mom said she thought you were here."

"Yep." Andy shot again.

"I heard about your dad, Andy. Joey called me."

Fink, thought Andy. Just last night he'd asked Joey—pleaded with him really—to not mention to Prue how hurt he was by her. For months now she'd been wrapped up in some alternate reality where she didn't look, act, think or speak like the Prue Halliwell he'd known his entire life. The fact that his dad had been shot in the line of duty three days ago and she was only now showing up was just further proof. He wished that he simply didn't care, but the truth was that he loved Prue as much as his parents or his brother; she was just as much his family. Really, he was only just beginning to realize just how much he loved her.

"Andy, I'm really sorry. I should have been there for you. I should have been there to get your call. I should have gone over to your house after school on Thursday when you were absent. I'm—I'm just really sorry."

Finally, Andy turned to face Prue. Some part of him expected her to be biting her lip or wringing his hands, proving some sort of insincerity he now associated with her. All he found, though, was the Prue he'd always known, standing tall with only hurt and uncertainty lingering in her blue eyes. Without thinking, Andy tossed the ball away and strode across the court to speak to her directly.

"You've been a really shitty friend lately, Prue."

"I know. I've been wrapped up in my own life. And after that night last month…part of me just couldn't face you. But that's no excuse. I'm sorry."

Andy shook his head. He wondered if fixing their friendship was as easy as an apology. Seventeen years together meant it should be, didn't it? Would he really toss her aside just because he was pissed?

Sighing, Andy turned and threw an arm over Prue's shoulders, leading her away from the fence towards the court. She walked with him, turning to give him a small smile that let him know that she was well-aware that things weren't perfect yet. And then, inexplicably, Andy leaned slightly and kissed her lightly. He never would be able to explain why.

Prue looked at him with an odd expression, opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, and then finally pulled the ball from under his arm and turned away, dribbling. "Horse?" she asked.

Andy nodded.