I truly can't even begin to express how much your support means! You guys are the best! Here is the next chapter, and as always, I welcome your feedback.

I do not own Major Crimes or any of the fabulous characters.

Chapter Nine

In the weeks that followed, things continued normally between Andy and Sharon. Once again, she acted as if nothing had happened, and this both delighted and frustrated Andy. Then again, they had made the decision to go back to being friends, so he supposed normal was the watchword in this situation. Thankfully, they had been able to keep whatever this was between them out of the murder room. And if the team noticed anything was amiss, they were kind enough not to say anything.

The problem was, their decision had yet to be tested, and Andy was itching to do so. He wanted to be her friend and spend time with her outside of work the way they used to, but he wasn't sure if they were there yet. When an opportune event presented itself, he decided to plunge in head first and test their newfound friendship boundaries. He waited until the end of the day when most of the team had already left before knocking on her open door. She greeted him with a smile and signaled for him to enter.

"Hey, Sharon. I finished that list you asked for," he said before walking over and placing it softly on her desk.

"Thank you, Andy. I really appreciate it," she replied with a warm tone. In the weeks since things had seemed to unravel between them, Sharon had done a lot of thinking. She enjoyed the fun she had shared with Andy, but she knew remaining friends - and only friends - was best. She didn't want to think about what he had been trying to tell her or what any of their misunderstandings were really about. She also didn't want to think about why she had been so tender with him on his couch. It was best to stick to the safe harbor of friendship and forget the rest ever transpired.

"Ok, well..." He trailed off, suddenly losing the courage to say what he really came in her office to say. She stared at him intently, her green eyes full of warmth. He turned to leave and took a few steps before stopping and turning back around. "It's just... Hollywood Forever Cemetery is showing To Kill a Mockingbird tonight and I know how much you like that movie. So... would you like to go?" He managed to get out before a wave of nerve-induced nausea settled in his stomach. She looked confused or maybe conflicted, Andy couldn't decide. Either way her silence was slowly killing him.

"Tonight?" She asked suddenly. It wasn't what she meant to say, but it was the first thing that came to her mind. He nodded. She seemed to be caught off guard, and the few moments she took to process his offer felt like hours to Andy. "What would we do about dinner?" She asked finally, and Andy thought it an odd question, but he also felt encouraged by it.

"I was thinking I could stop and get something on the way while you go home and change. We could just meet there," he explained. He'd rather ride with her, but he wanted to keep things as friendly as possible.

"That would work," she stated simply. "I just need to finish a few things here, and then I can head home". He nodded and they shared a smile before he left her office, hopeful smile still intact.

Andy had found the perfect spot and laid out a blanket before setting up the takeout he had stopped to pick up for him and Sharon. He texted her his location, so she wouldn't have to search through the sea of people. He had everything prepared for her arrival, everything, that is, except his heart. When he looked to his left, he saw her and it started beating out of his chest. She was beautiful. He watched as she approached in her strappy heels, tight jeans, white tank top, and oversized beige cardigan. Her hair had a gentle wave to it. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

She reached the blanket and they greeted each other before she gracefully sat down next to him. She smelled divine, and Andy felt the butterflies taking flight in his stomach. Once they began eating, he finally felt himself relaxing a bit.

"I hope this is okay," he said in between bites. She hummed her approval finishing her bite before responding. Andy found himself mesmerized by the sound.

"It's delicious. Thank you, Andy," she said with a bright smile. He returned it, and they found themselves caught in a brief moment that neither could define before he looked back down at his plate. They continued to eat in silence, but surprisingly, it wasn't awkward.

Once the movie started, they made themselves comfortable and settled in to enjoy the classic story. He stole glances in her direction, spellbound by her beauty. At some point he used a second blanket and turned it into a pillow before lying back and watching the film from the laid back position. Sharon soon joined him, and the action surprised him. She laid there next to him and seemed completely at ease. Their bodies were close enough to feel each other's warmth, but far enough to remain friendly.

As the movie continued, they both grew tired, exhaustion fueled by a tough case during the week. He turned and faced her, and she did the same. Their eyes meeting in another deeply emotional moment. He wanted to kiss her, it wouldn't take much to bring his lips to hers, but he didn't want to screw up what they were desperately trying to rebuild.

"You tired?" He asked quietly instead, and she nodded. "Yeah, me too".

They packed up their little makeshift picnic and headed towards the parking lot, the sounds from the movie playing in the background. She had parked near him, so they dropped everything off at his car and then he walked her to hers.

"This was really nice, Andy. I had a very good time," she said with a smile.

"Yeah, I did, too. Thanks for coming," he replied.

"Thank you for inviting me and bringing dinner," she added and then tilted her head, studying him. He wanted nothing more than to close the small distance between them, pull her into his arms, and kiss her until both of their lips were tired.

"I'll let you go. Drive safe," he said as he turned to go. Her hand on his arm stopped him. She leaned up and brought her lips to his, capturing them in a sweet, chaste kiss.

"Good night," she said before turning and getting into her car. As she drove off, one thought rang through his head clear as day.

He was completely, irrevocably in love with her.

TBC