AGAINST ALL ODDS
chapter 13
by Stands With A Fic – Camima
Thanks everyone! Major Crimes S3 will return in three days! Isn't it amazing? I'm so excited! My heartfelt gratitude to my lovely beta CmemLovr!
"What did he say?" asked Andy, trying to keep the tone of his voice neutral despite the concern and irritation that entered his gaze, giving him away.
"He'll come here tomorrow, at six." Sharon sighed and put down the phone. She felt the weight of his gaze and turned to meet it, discovering that it was thoughtful and inquisitive. "Andy, he's different-" Andy couldn't help tilting his chin up and slightly rolling his eyes. He stood before Sharon, arms folded and legs slightly outstretched. "I'm not saying he's changed or...improved," she countered, shaking her head while her eyes wandered around the room.
"Sharon," Andy drew closer and unfolded his arms to put both hands on Sharon's arms, "there's nothing you can do right now." He raised his brows before continuing, "Tomorrow you will meet him and listen to what he has to say," he continued keeping a reassuring tone in spite of himself, "and if that thought doesn't help," he smiled tenderly as he looked at her doubtful expression, "just focus on the thought of me immediately coming here afterward, to give you...relief." he continued as he raised a brow and smiled intriguingly. Sharon's eyes transitioned from doubtful to pleased at Andy's response.
"Immediately?" she asked softly, confident and attentive. Andy swallowed his smile, his heart thumping in his chest as he nodded once, slowly. His eyes traveled from her eyes to her lips.
"Actually, I'd rather concentrate on here and…now," he said throatily "and on you." he added. His gaze was captivated by the sight of her waiting for his lips to capture hers as his mind entertained the thought that she might be waiting for more.
Andy drew closer and into Sharon as he pulled her into him. His lips parted to eagerly brush hers and his arms wrapped around her tightly. He was surprised at feeling Sharon's roaming hands leave his hair and go down, under his arms. Surprise left Andy as he quivered, Sharon caressing his hips lightly under his blazer and returning his kiss eagerly. He decided to take it as an invitation to explore the part of her that he had only dared to dream about. He pulled away to look at her – almost reading her expression – asking her permission to fulfill his desire. Sharon looked at him, stunned, and her expression seemed to question why he had stopped and pulled away – why he had done that to her. That certainly was more than permission to continue – rather, it was a request. Andy slowly took off her glasses as if he were undressing her and put them down next the phone. He fixed his eyes on Sharon and cupped her cheeks, looking into her eyes. He frowned apologetically and plunged his lips onto hers, causing Sharon to squeak in his mouth. He pulled back slightly as he led them to the couch. His movements were slow but eager; his hands caressed her back and waist. Andy felt as if there were no time to waste in reaching Sharon's couch as he whirled them around and pushed her down gently. Sharon backed into the wall slowly, led by Andy's soft and eager touch, stopping when she felt the wall against her head, shoulders and bottom. Andy nibbled her lower lip and looked at her. She was breathing hard and looking at him through darkened emerald slits, her lips parted and swollen. Andy saw her breast rise and fall quickly, voluptuous under the fabric of her shirt. A few strands of hair fell across her face and Andy thought she looked stunning, even with untidy hair.
"Oh Sharon, you're so beautiful it hurts." he whispered against her lips, lingering on them as he looked into her eyes. He felt her breath in his mouth as the tip of his nose grazed her colored cheekbone.
Sharon felt Andy's arms moving to caress her waist, his lips brushing against her neck and collarbone, traversing her cleavage as his hands grabbed her hips. Her body hummed with pleasure, quivering at Andy's gentle yet eager movements. Suddenly, she felt overwhelmed by the heat and speed at which they were moving and needed to stop him, or they might –
"Andy...please" her voice sounded alarmed through her excitement. He stopped and looked up at her, already knowing that she would ask him to stop.
"Alright," Andy choked, "I'm sorry. I know this is happening too quickly for you." he panted, caressing her cheek and allowing his hands to linger on Sharon's jaw and neck. He put his forehead against hers and closed his eyes to collect the inner strength required to compose himself and pull away. Sharon nodded and shook her head, causing Andy to open his eyes and pull away enough to look into hers.
"Andy," she said softly and smiled at him, surprised and grateful for the fact he could see right through her. She didn't even need to phrase her thoughts and feelings. However, she found there was more to her doubts than simply feeling that it was too soon. Somehow, she couldn't quite figure it out. She wanted him, and her body's reaction had surprised her. It'd been a long time for her, and she didn't exactly feel…hot. She blushed at her realization. Though Andy found her hot, she was surprised and thrilled by it, but felt awkward at the same time.
On Monday morning Sharon and Andy left her condo together and reached work separately. Or, at least, that had been the plan. In fact both of them drove their own cars since they needed to be very discreet and cautious. Through breakfast they agreed on behaving normally as soon as they left her apartment. The weekend had been rather intense – even discounting Jack's appearance – and had been filled with a stunning array of emotions. More than that, however, it had also been a safe heaven of cuddling and making-out (Andy's mention of this phrase had caused Sharon to blush profusely, but was quickly allayed by Andy's mention of her background as a "Catholic girl" accompanied by a sideways smirk, causing her to giggle loudly) but now they both had to return to reality and work. As a couple. Sharon had begged Andy to behave properly as they left her apartment. She explained that she needed to become familiar with the idea of them in an intimate relationship at home whilst maintaining a purely professional one at work. Sharon would probably say that she'd had Andy at "intimate relationship". His gaze had darkened and he had drawn closer, desperate to kiss her lips and muffle the rest of her words. He had hummed his consent to fulfill her request in a raspy voice as his lips nibbled her neck and caused Sharon's tone to become much less resolute and her steady voice to shake. In the elevator as they rode down to the car park he had reassured her that she had nothing to worry about with regards to his behavior. He had also explained her that he couldn't possibly restrain himself gathering up as much time with her as possible so as to make work more bearable. She had to understand that it would be pure torture to him to have her near him without being able to act as he pleased. Andy had grinned and winked at her and she had smiled, shaking her head at him as she turned to get into her car. Sharon had felt Andy's hand grab around her wrist, stopping her and forcing her to face him. He had pushed her gently against her car and kissed her senseless. Smelling her hair and neck, he had whispered in her ear, "Good-bye Sharon, see you tonight," before kissing her earlobe. He had pulled away to kiss her forehead and held the door for her as she entered her car. She had looked at him as he bent down on her to buckle her up and steal one last kiss from her slightly curved lips. Andy's heavy, fond gaze lingered on her mesmerized one. "Good-morning, Captain!" he saluted as he drew up and watched her smile then frown. Sharon was uncertain about whether to giggle amusedly or pout apologetically.
Sharon entered the murder room and glanced at Andy. He was looking at the screen of his computer.
"Good morning, every one!" Sharon greeted a little too cheerfully, her voice perhaps a little higher than necessary.
"Aye-aye, Captain! Good morning to you." Provenza mimicked her tone then rolled his eyes, frowning good-naturedly at the Captain's surprisingly good mood. The Captain was always very kind and caring with the members of her team and she had proven to be a fine and courteous woman. However, Provenza could not recollect when she had been so excitable. He realized that he couldn't because it was the first time she had ever displayed such euphoria. It was then that Provenza, mind dwelling on the Captain's mood, casually glanced at Flynn. He fixed his eyes immediately on his friend and couldn't help noticing the same kind of satisfaction reflected in his eyes and tone as he stood up and greeted the Captain.
"Good morning, Captain," Flynn greeted with a suspiciously wide grin spreading over his face. Provenza had returned his eyes to the Captain to find her blushing and frowning as she cleared her throat. He was bewildered, but suddenly remembered the Friday that both of them had disappeared – Andy not even calling him for an update on how his lunch had been with Nicole and to discuss the play-offs. It occurred to him that their mutual leave couldn't possibly have been a coincidence. The Captain also hadn't called him – even to check in – marking the second "coincidence". Both Andy and the Captain were suspiciously happy and sensitive to each other, bringing Provenza's thoughts full circle to the third coincidence, though he couldn't be sure. However, he had a nose for these things, and he was sure that there was something brewing.
Provenza would watch Andy and the Captain all day long but he had yet to collect more evidencebecause the new case they had been assigned had kept the team busy and away from the office for the whole day. When they had returned, the Captain had collected all the reports, announcing that she had to leave earlier than usual that evening. She thanked everyone for their hard work and left. Provenza glanced less-than casually at his friend and saw him fidgeting uncomfortably in his chair. Andy released a breath and leaned back, his arms folded and lips pursed. Suddenly, Andy stood and exited the murder room, following the Captain as he pulled his cell out of the pocket of his jacket.
'Coincidence?' thought Provenza smugly.
"Hi, Jack, come in," Sharon said as she opened the door. She smiled enough to be polite but not enough to make him feel welcome. She was struck by his gaze, indifferent and dim, she thought. She recognized his gaze only as it lingered on her body in a pleased manner. Sharon felt uneasy; she had spent far longer than necessary deciding what she wanted to wear for her meeting with Jack. She didn't know why exactly but she needed to feel beautiful and self-confident when dealing with him and wanted to wear something pretty yet comfortable. She had opted for a pair of black pants and a nude blouse; nude pumps with black tips and heels gracing her feet. She had even bothered to refresh her make up.
"How are you, Sharon?" Jack asked, causing Sharon to start. She'd heard correctly, then. He had asked her how she was doing.
"I'm fine thanks, Jack. And you?" She asked still trying to recollect when he last showed a sincere interest in her without an ulterior motive. She couldn't be sure but felt again that something about Jack had changed, and couldn't help but feel suspicious.
"I'm quite fine," Jack said, pursing his lips and raising his brows, "listen Sharon, I came here to talk to you and I'd rather go straight to the point if you don't mind." Jack continued. Sharon could not believe what she heard. Jack going straight to the point without the need to hide his real aim - she was shocked but still suspicious.
"Oh alright...fine. Go on, then." she went to the couch and sat down, inviting him to do the same.
"Thank you," he said, forcing a smile. Sharon nodded.
"I got a job and found an apartment," Jack said, as if afraid to give her bad news.
"Oh...you mean in L.A.?" Sharon asked, taken aback.
"Santa Monica," he nodded. Sharon released a surprised and shocked breath.
"Sharon, I know what you're thinking-" Jack said after an awkward silence.
"Oh, and what would that be?" Sharon countered, her eyes were wide and her brows raised. She couldn't repress a wave of irritation at Jack's words. "Tell me, Jack, what am I thinking? What do you expect me to think?" Sharon continued, a little harshly.
"Sharon, please don't talk to me like that. I'm trying to change. I know I've been an awful husband but-"
"No Jack! What you don't seem to understand is that you've never been a husband or a father!" Sharon spat.
"Alright, I know, but if you just let me explain..." Jack continued.
"If I...Oh my God Jack! Tell me, will this never end? You filed for divorce! We are not married anymore! And after thirty years - after all you pushed me through – now, now you show up again and ask me to let you explain to me?!" She was looking at him with wild eyes, her voice raised yet steady and metallic. "I spent my life married to you and I've been a single-married mother! Tell me Jack, did this attempt to really be different involve calling your children and try to be closer to them?" Jack looked down and sighed. "Of course not!" Sharon continued. She felt as though someone had opened the dam and now, she couldn't stop. "Why did you come back, Jack? What do you want from me?" she spat.
Jack looked up at her and as if he hadn't heard a single word she had said before speaking. "I was wondering if you could give me a chance to-". Sharon drew up and tilted her head to the side. Her mouth was open and her expression was stunned and sick.
She shook her head and then said in a soft, bitter voice that held the barest hint of pity, "I have waited for you since the day our honey moon was over and for twenty years after that. I spent another ten years telling myself that you would never come back and that we were not meant to be, even if I did love you. I spent the last years feeling sorry for you and angry at you at the same time. You can't have me anymore. It's too late. You had thirty years of chances, Jack, and God knows how hard I tried to make you want to stay with me...I was your wife, Jack and I meant my vows. I always took you back every time you returned. And every time you left, you broke my heart again and again. I certainly do not hate you, and you're my children's father, but I don't love you and I don't want you anymore." Sharon looked into his eyes, resolute and calm. Jack nodded his head regretfully and stood up. He turned and walked towards the door. Sharon watched him with surprise. She would have expected him to want to discuss the matter more, but was relieved that he was leaving – hopefully for good, this time.
Jack reached the door of Sharon's apartment and turned to her, "This has nothing to do with Lieutenant Flynn, does it?" he asked, throwing her a sly look. Sharon felt as if her heart stopped, a wave of paralysis shaking her body. She knew Jack hadn't missed her reaction and had put two and two together.
"This has to do with the fact I don't love you anymore, Jack," she replied, trying to sound steady and calm.
"Sure, and not with the fact his car remained parked here for the whole week-end," he continued, causing Sharon's jaw to drop and her eyes to widen, "but I understand, Sharon, really it's not my business. Not anymore," he said honestly as a sad expression played across his face, "though I'm not sure it's not your Chief's business". Sharon was mortified. Jack knew about Andy - he had spied on them and was now threatening her. She felt lost and couldn't speak a word. When she had recovered slightly from the shock, she looked at the door and Jack had left. She wanted Andy – needed to speak to him and to be held but couldn't tell if Jack was still spying on them. She couldn't tell Andy to meet her there, nor she could go to Andy's apartment - Jack could have her followed.
Andy couldn't sleep that night. After Sharon's call he had understood perfectly why Jack had returned. Sharon had begged him to stay home for that night. Andy was furious and was thinking of as many possible ways of dealing with that dirt bag of Sharon's ex-husband as possible. He couldn't believe that he had done that to her. He couldn't have Sharon back so he threatened her – 'like a loving gentleman,' he thought sarcastically – the creepy bastard. Andy was miserable at the thought of Sharon alone in her apartment, certainly awake to think of him and of Jack's thinly veiled threat. He was going insane. Suddenly, he got up and sat on the edge of his bed. Nothing and nobody could come between Sharon and him - he would not allow it.
Sharon looked into the peephole, stunned at the sight of Andy. He shouldn't be there but she was so glad he was. She opened the door and looked at him. Her eyes were scolding, but as he stepped into her apartment and put his hands on her waist, Andy saw Sharon's eyes fill with gratitude and relief.
"I took a cab." he said to reassure her. "How are you?" he asked, his eyes expressing concern as he looked at her tired and sick smile.
"I don't know, Andy. This situation is so crazy..." she shook her head and put a hand on her forehead, "you and me together, our job and Jack-" her voice shook as tears stung her eyes, "I'm scared," she added in a muffled cry, "we could lose everything."
"Sharon, you will always have me." He tried to reassure her but knew that it wouldn't be enough.
"Andy, " she shook her head, "I'm so grateful to have you but..." she shook her head and released a breath.
"Sharon, I know. You're scared, but...I love you I'll never let anything happen. You won't lose anything, trust me." Andy continued as he wrapped his arms around her.
"How can you be sure?" Sharon asked, pulling away so as to look at Andy.
"I am. I will never let anything happen to you." He smiled fondly and honestly, his calm voice eager to soothe her.
"What do you mean?" she asked, startled.
"Trust me, Sharon, you won't lose anything," he insisted, "and I'll always be there for you." Andy smiled and pressed his lips on hers.
"Andy, what about you? You're scaring me even more." she insisted, shaking her head repeatedly.
"As long as I have you I will always have everything I want need, Sharon. Don't worry about me." Andy whispered as he cupped her cheeks, gazing into her eyes intensely. "Now, let's go to bed." he added sweetly as he caressed her hair.
Sharon nodded once and looked at him. She was not reassured but there was nothing she could do now and all she wanted was Andy wrapped around her in a soothing embrace.