NEW DEAL
Part 2
Chapter 22
by Stands With a Fic
So, this is the last chapter of Sharon&Andy. I'm writing again at present, but I'm not sure that my new chapters are going to be a sequel to this. Maybe, they will be part of a new fan fic.
I want to thank you all from the very bottom of my heart, for following and supporting me! I'm so grateful to you all! Please if you have suggestions, prompts or criticism, PM to me!
My overwhelming gratitude and kudos to my Beta CmemLovr for the everlasting patience, talent and uniqueness! All mistakes are only mine!
If you like, feel free to join ShandyShippers on Face Book and ShandyShippers on Twitter…it will make the hiatus more bearable, hopefully! Thank you all!
"Flynn, who are you bringing to the party for Major Crimes' tenth Anniversary tonight?" Provenza asked, grinning widely as he entered the elevator.
"Real funny, Provenza," Andy grimaced.
"Come on, Flynn! You're about to be 'official'. The Captain – Sharon – and you are going to sort things out with Taylor and everything will be fine!"
"I hope so," Andy frowned, pursing his lips.
"Sure, you'll see!"
The elevator dinged as the doors opened, allowing Flynn and Provenza to leave and head towards the murder room. Sharon, who was bent over her desk, looked up at Andy's arrival, smiling stiffly as if to indicate a problem. Andy smiled sweetly at her before exhaling and turning to Provenza to excuse himself. He was taken aback by the protectiveness in his best-friend's gaze as he watched the Captain – or rather, his girlfriend.
"Uhm, excuse me," Andy said as he headed to Sharon's office. Provenza nodded archly, indicating that Andy should follow Sharon.
"Hey," Andy said quietly, shutting the door of Sharon's office as the rest of the team entered the squad room, reaching for the blinds as an afterthought. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm just a bit…disappointed. Taylor won't see us today – tomorrow, maybe." Sharon pouted slightly, rolling her eyes and huffing as Andy put his hands on her hips.
"Hey, Sharon, we've waited for months. A couple of days won't make much difference." Andy's warm reassurance calmed Sharon as he murmured in her ear, pulling her into him as he rubbed her back and caressed her hair.
"I know, but I was hoping we could… attend the party as a couple, officially," Sharon confessed, her voice growing smaller as she blushed. Andy grinned, endeared by Sharon's cuteness.
"You'll see, we'll have good time together and then...there will be home, later." Andy's shining smile lit up Sharon's face, allowing a smile to spread across her face with the awareness that Andy's love was hers alone.
"Come here," Andy whispered, his gaze darkening as he swallowed thickly.
"Where have you been?" Sharon asked as she caressed Andy's cheek with the back of her fingers in a brushing motion.
"I had to see someone for a favor," Andy said nonchalantly. Sharon looked into his eyes suspiciously but didn't ask him anything, behaving exactly as Andy had expected her to. She trusted Andy too much to need any explanation from him. Andy's gaze and smile were the sweetest she had ever experienced, a sincere display of the fact that he thanked God each day for allowing him to be with her. Her eyes became lost in his as he held her tight, approaching her lips tantalizingly.
Sharon jolted and pulled away from Andy, straightening her skirt and the hem of her blazer before shaking out her hair slightly to give it a neater appearance.
Clearing her throat, she called, "C-come in!" looking at Andy with wide eyes. Andy frowned and shook his head quizzically.
"Captain," Provenza entered, glancing at Flynn and giving an almighty sigh at the sight of him. Shutting the door, he turned to them both, addressing them, "Forgive my intrusion but – while I understand your need to stick together before meeting with Taylor, I don't think that you should necessarily follow that literally." He pulled Andy's handkerchief out of his blazer pocket, pressing it against Flynn's palm, "Y'know Flynn – that lipstick's not really your color!" Andy rolled his eyes, grinning at Sharon's surprised movements. She looked between the two men, her eyes wide as she smiled awkwardly.
"Having said that, Sharon," Provenza stood before her solemnly, "I've never seen Andy so cheerful – so happy and relaxed – so in love." A huge smile lit Sharon's face, her eyes watering from the overwhelming gratitude she felt for Andy's presence each day and for Provenza's touching words.
"Thank you, Louie," Sharon breathed softly. She knew Provenza's words were his way of displaying his support for their relationship.
Clearing his throat noisily for fear of showing any emotion, he reverted back to his usual grumpy self, nodding to the Captain and informing her that the suspect was in the interview room.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," Sharon smiled softly "Andy, please see if you can get some preliminary information from Doctor Morales and join me as soon as you can," she huffed, buttoning her blazer, "Lieutenant Provenza, would you join me, please?"
"Sure, Captain."
"Captain!" Andy called as Sharon reached the door Provenza had opened for her. She turned to him expectantly, waiting for him to continue, encouraging him with a small nod. Andy approached her silently, noting how serious and professional her face appeared. Taking her hips in his hands gently, he raised one hand and cupped her cheek, enjoying the surprise in her eyes as he pulled her closer. Provenza closed the door, his eyes widened as he looked away. A hint of a smile painted his face.
"Andy," she whispered, her expression conflicted – torn between surprised pleasure and awkwardness. Andy smiled, kissing her forehead and cheeks before pecking her smiling lips.
"Trust me, Sharon, it's going to be a great night."
Provenza kept his hand on the doorknob, looking silently at the floor before clearing his throat and urging the Captain to leave. Sharon nodded as she pulled away from Andy, her eyes fixed on his for an instant before she turned away.
"Thank you, Lieutenant," she smiled at Provenza as he held the door for her. Andy opened the blinds, watching her as she made her way out of the murder room. Returning his gaze to the murder room, he noticed the team watching him just as eagerly as he had Sharon, exchanging conspiratorial looks all the while. Julio looked almost as though his repressed smile was waiting to burst from him while Sykes hadn't even bothered to hide hers. Mike casually glanced at Buzz, used to their exchange of meaningful looks and conspiratorial smiles. Instead, he found Buzz entirely focused on his screen, jaws clenched. Glancing at him suspiciously, Mike took Buzz's odd behavior to mean that he knew something that he didn't. Andy left Sharon's office and walked out of the murder room, feeling the brunt of the team's scrutiny.
"The party is in two hours, Sharon. We have plenty of time to shower and get dressed," said Andy, sitting on the edge of Sharon's bed in his bathrobe.
"Should we go in separate cars, or-" Sharon frowned, mulling over the decision
"Well, it's up to you, beautiful," Andy replied sincerely, offering Sharon a reassuring smile.
"I think we should. It would be more appropriate."
"But, Sharon, as a Captain who is also the head of a division, you can go to an official party accompanied by one of her Lieutenants – especially if he happens to also be her friend."
"You're right; Andy, but we're not just friends..." Sharon sat next to Andy at the foot of her bed. He passed an arm behind her, pulling her against him.
"Yes and soon, very soon, we'll tell the team. Hey, look at me. Come on beautiful, look at me." Andy smiled sweetly as he lifted Sharon's chin with his fingertips, "Sharon, I'm sure Taylor will allow us to tell the team, and even if he doesn't, we can continue as we have. It's not the end of the world." Andy pouted, raising his brows before breaking into a smile.
"Of course not, Andy. While I'm concerned about the team's reaction, at this point, I'm more bothered by the fact that we're hiding and we needn't." Sharon shook her head, her voice vehement.
"Oh, yeah, this point – what point are we at, exactly?" Andy asked quizzically.
"You know..." Sharon's brow furrowed as she smiled, shrugging.
"No, I don't." Andy seemed honestly confused.
"Well, we've come to the point where we practically live together and I, we-" Sharon said softly, pausing as she was unable to voice her thoughts.
Andy's eyes widened expectantly, his inner voice tamping down his surreal desire for Sharon to officially declare their relationship. He became overwhelmed with the impulse to kiss Sharon as she explained what she meant by 'this point'. He smiled at her expectant expression as she waited for him to finish her sentence almost by reading her mind.
"Yeah," he said raspingly, unable to neutralize it before he spoke.
"It just feels like we've always been together, really," she shrugged, smiling as she blushed but kept her gaze fixed on his eyes.
"Ever since our first encounter at the Academy," smiled Andy, "do you remember?" His brows arched at Sharon's looks of surprise. Smiling in surprise at her own memory, Sharon remembered that she had noticed him on the first day that she started as a patrol agent. She'd spotted his brown eyes watching her as she entered the break room, stopped and looked back at him awkwardly. She'd felt his eyes travel along her figure, noting the wedding ring on her left hand. Casually, she glanced at his hand, watching as he grinned softly back with raised brows, almost as though he were saying, 'you're too late'. Looking away awkwardly, Sharon had all but pushed the incident from her mind until she'd seen him again when interviewing him about his conduct whilst she was an FID sergeant. She only realized now how many times they'd run into each other over the years.
"We were meant to be together," said Andy sincerely, "and in fact, at this point, we're like…husband and wife," said Andy daringly, checking her reaction.
"Something we're not ready for," Sharon smiled, swallowing hard as her heart thumped in her chest.
"Actually, I think we're getting there, Sharon. I'm happy, and that's because of you." Andy lifted Sharon's legs, placing them on his lap as he pulled her into a sitting position on his lap. He gazed for a moment at her legs before returning his eyes to hers, his hand busy feeling that which he had glanced at not a second before.
"I'm happy too, Andy," Sharon whispered, smiling as she bumped her forehead and nose against Andy's cheek and temple. "We'd better start getting ready," Sharon murmured as she turned her body slightly on Andy's lap, moving to stand. Andy watched her thoughtfully before replying in the affirmative. His mind dwelled on the idea of following her and sharing a shower to take time. He had to admit, however, that that would probably not save time but make them very late for the party. He watched Sharon's retreating back, noting that his words seemed to have stirred something in Sharon.
"Sharon," he said, reaching for her, "we'll be fine. Let's just enjoy the company of our friends tonight, okay?" Placing his hands on her shoulders, she watched as she smiled back.
"Yes," Sharon whispered, looking far more relaxed.
"Captain Sharon Raydor and Lieutenant Andy Flynn, Major Crimes Department, LAPD," stated Sharon, watching Andy slightly nervously. She noticed that he was perfectly calm, smiling brightly as he gazed at her, mesmerized.
"You look stunning, my love," Andy whispered in her ear, noting that the receptionist who had been searching for their names on the attendance list smiled. Evidently, Andy's whisper had been heard.
"Thank you," she replied sultrily, her eyes widening as she felt Andy's hand landing firmly on her waist. Sharon could not suppress the quiver that passed through her as she felt his hand slide to a stop on her hip, his other hand reaching for her stomach to cuddle her from behind, his lips grazing her bare shoulder.
"Andy..." she pleaded, blushing.
"Mmmhmm?" murmured Andy lazily, intoxicated by Sharon's scent and silken warmth, her voice pleading but also aroused, as he knew all too well.
"Madame, Sir, this way please."
Andy offered Sharon his arm, which she took with a shy smile as the concierge led them in to a room full of people. Looking across at Sharon, Andy couldn't help but admire her beauty and lament the fact that he couldn't simply pull her into him – to kiss her senseless and admit his love for her in public.
They entered a room decked with flowers and candles upon each of the tables surrounding the dance floor, lending a subtle light to the room. The team waved as they entered and they waved back heartily.
"Good evening everyone!" Sharon said as her lieutenants and detectives stood to welcome her.
"Captain, you look - wow!" exclaimed Buzz.
"If I may, ma'am," said Julio quietly, "you look stunning."
"Yes, Sharon, stunning," Flynn grinned in agreement, speaking softly as he pulled out her chair.
"Thank you," she smiled, blushing as she glanced suspiciously at Andy. Smiling at Taylor, Andy was surprised when he nodded and smiled back at him. However, Sharon's attention was claimed by Mike's wife complimenting her outfit and earrings – Andy's gift to her on their first actual date.
Dinner passed cheerfully with a relaxed mood, and no sooner had it ended than an orchestra began to play. Lieutenant Cooper invited Amy to dance and was immediately followed by Mike and his wife and Provenza and Taylor's wife. Sharon could feel Andy's gaze on her and turned to him, trying not to smile at him too fondly. As the music filled the air, Sharon watched the other couples revolving around the dance floor before hearing Julio clear his throat above her.
"Would you like to dance, Ma'am?" he smiled sincerely.
"Oh! Yes, Julio, thank you." Sharon smiled back as she glanced at Andy, who returned her smile. She took Julio's arm and let him lead her to the dance floor, noting that Andy had moved to talk to Taylor briefly. Nodding repeatedly and smiling at him, Taylor turned away from Andy as he proceeded to talk to the guitarist, who grinned widely. However, Sharon hadn't noticed Julio's amused expression upon realizing the Captain's apparent interest in Lieutenant Flynn's movements.
"Excuse me, Julio," Andy said as he was grinning dazzlingly at Sharon. Julio, who had so far managed to repress a smile three times that night, nodded once, thanking the Captain for dancing with him.
"Thank you, Julio," smiled Sharon sweetly at his expression of thanks.
Andy came up behind Sharon, encircling the small of her back with his hand as he pulled her closer, the first strains Moonlight Serenade in the air as the lights dimmed. Gazing into her eyes with a mixture of heated sweetness, Andy cupped Sharon's cheek after she had abated her concerns by glancing towards the team. Despite Sharon's attempts to appear relaxed, her natural awkwardness began to emerge, causing Andy to smile widely.
"I want you to have a great evening," murmured Andy quietly, "So, I want you to relax against me, Sharon – let yourself go in my arms." Sharon shook her head, shocked that Andy would do exactly what she had specified as 'inappropriate'. She had no idea what he was up to, but when he whispered, "trust me," she couldn't resist him.
Andy pulled her flush against him, almost causing her to rise onto her toes. He held her tightly, smiling as he felt her relax against him, circling his neck with her arms. Placing her cheek against his chest and snuggling her forehead into the crook of his neck, Sharon sighed and closed her eyes as Andy dipped his face into her hair, breathing in her scent.
"Are you alright, Sharon?" Sharon nodded as she smiled. "Doesn't this feel good? Us, in front of everybody, free to be relaxed, together?"
"Yeah," Sharon responded softly, sighing deeply against him before pulling away from Andy to look at him more closely. "I love this. I love it when you hold me tight in your arms and I love it when you talk to me with your warm, reassuring voice. I love the way you look at me, and the way that I can get lost in your eyes whilst enjoying your warmth and strength," she continued sultrily, mesmerized by Andy and the atmosphere he'd successfully created.
"I love you, Sharon," murmured Andy before swallowing hard, a smile spreading across his lips as his eyes shone with emotion, "and I want to spend the rest of my life with you."
The lights brightened, the music having faded out softly. Andy took Sharon's hand and led her to the table where the team waited with highly suspicious grins and almost expectant expressions.
"Alright. This is an update for you all," began Andy confidently, "Sharon and I've been together for about nine months now." The team smiled brightly, slightly surprised by the admission. "We love each other and…we're sorry that we haven't been able to tell you until today."
"Thanks, Russell," said Andy sincerely. Sharon looked at the Chief, agape. So far, Sharon had been the most embarrassed of the team at the revelation about her relationship.
Cupping Sharon's cheek and turning her face to his, Andy said, "Sharon, you are the most beautiful woman in the world to me. Most beautiful about you are not your features, however, but this," he rested his palm against her chest, above her heart. Then, raising his hand to her forehead he muttered, "Immediately followed by this, of course." Pulling her closer to him he said, "I love you, Sharon," before kissing her sweetly, pulling away only to smile at her. Sharon suddenly felt very shy and touched, her eyes glittering as her gaze intensified. Andy kissed her again as the team toasted their happiness. Sharon encouraged Andy, circling his neck with her arms as she cupped his cheek and felt Andy deepen the kiss.
Applause rang out from the team as they cheered as though Sharon and Andy had made a wedding announcement. Pulling away from Andy, Sharon turned to smile radiantly at her team, feeling Andy's arm circle her waist and hold her against him. With a wide smile, Andy nudged Sharon's temple with his forehead as the team gathered around them both cheerfully.
"Congratulations, Captain, Lieutenant!" Mike said.
Provenza watched Sharon smiling cutely before reaching for her and hugging her tightly, clearly moved by the evening's events.
"I'm warning you, Flynn, you treat her right! Make her happy or you'll have me to deal with!"
"Sharon is my priority. I am a gentleman and I hope to do right by her soon! I've already done so partially," Andy said as he winked and smiled at Sharon fondly, pecking her lips again before continuing, "and it may be confusing at first, but you may have to get used to Lieutenant and Captain Flynn!"
"Well, Flynn, there's no way we'd confuse the two of you – also…I've seen your legs and – no offense – but there's no comparison!"
Sharon&Andy is 'defined', for the time being…