Into Something More
Chapter 7

'So, while 'The Nutcracker' invitation that first year seemed harmless enough it was the second year that was truly memorable. At first I had no idea your family had been under the impression that we were dating at, after, or since Nicole's wedding. So, it was even more of a shock that second year when Nicole brought "family tickets" to the office. There are very few words to describe my confusion and embarrassment in that moment. However, those emotions were almost immediately overshadowed by my desire to throttle you. Which of course says a lot since I had spent years on the other side of your temper in FID and still had yet to inflict any physical harm on you. Well, like I said the first year was harmless enough in comparison, I mean after all I was the local "ballet expert" and my opinion was "better than Provenza." I missed the subtle clues your family dropped at ice cream after the show, but really I guess I was just focused on the boys and how much fun they had been. I should have realized something funny was going on, but I can say now that I was a bit clueless when it came to us during those years. Ultimately, the next Nutcracker adventure clarified everything and left me even more confused as to how our friendship had suddenly become so, for lack of a better term, messy…"

A year ago Sharon was worried about Andy's state of mind. He had been acting more on edge, or at least a little more vocal, with the case and the investment buddies. He had surprised the team when he yelled at the wife and son of the victim that afternoon and then stormed out of the living room. Andy obviously was not okay with how the father was assumed a failure because his endeavors had not immediately garnered results. Sharon should have realized that the case was merely accentuating his personal life and his difficulties with his own family; but it took her until after his outburst to fully make the connection. Like everyone he always got invested in a case, but in this particular case the investment was a little closer to home. While Andy had not failed his family recently he was still dealing with the repercussions of the past. These experiences made him a little more quick to defend fathers who were trying their best for their families. Sharon did not blame him for identifying with the victim, but she still felt badly for him as his Captain and his friend.

While Nicole's wedding had been a solid turning point in his relationships with his children, the relationships were still a work in progress. Sharon had overheard that the family was in therapy to learn how to move forward. She was happy that he was included and that they were all taking steps that included one another in their futures. Sharon knew the wedding had been stressful on those relationships, but the actual event had gone off relatively well. Andy had handled everything and everyone very maturely, surprising all of the guests who remembered the younger more excitable version of the man. Plus, the fact Aiden and Ethan had decided to spend much of the evening with Sharon and Andy had allowed him to bond with the boys while avoiding any potentially unkind guests.

Sharon had really enjoyed herself at the wedding as well. She had forgotten how much she had enjoyed dancing, and really she had enjoyed her partner just as much. However, Sharon may have played the part of supportive friend better than she had hoped as Nicole could not stop smiling at her all evening. Sharon did not think much of it, just that it was nice to see what a wonderful and kind young woman Nicole had grown to be. She was just glad to be there for her friend. It was in this same light that a few months later Sharon was worried about Andy and afraid something had happened with his family to depress him. Even though Provenza had assured her that nothing was wrong she still felt the need to make sure on her own. So, when she found herself agreeing to dinner and the ballet it was merely as a supportive friend. After all, Sharon was still a married woman and Andy was her Lieutenant.

A year later Sharon once again found herself sitting in seats marked off for families of the performers. She sat recounting everything that had occurred over the last few months, attempting to classify each outing and event with Andy that could possibly be construed as dating. 'Several times a month,' Rusty's words had been going through her mind on repeat since they had left the apartment. Several times a month, she thought. Sharon wondered if they had really been dating and if it were possible to be dating Andy. Ultimately, she had always assumed that surely if she were dating someone she would not be so completely unaware. So since she knew she wasn't dating him, it was likely they were just friends who enjoyed being around one another. Sharon sat between her son and her friend nervously stewing and barely able to pay attention to the performance. Her wandering mind nearly caused her to miss the two boy's small scene and Ethan's excited smile and wave from the corner of the stage.

Before she knew it the show was over and their group had moved along the side to the stage exit to collect Aiden and Ethan. Sharon positioned herself so that Rusty acted as the buffer he had volunteered to be and so that she could devote her attention to the children when they came out to greet their fans. After a few moments of waiting, excited squeaks could be heard down the hall. When they turned the corner the boys could barely contain their excitement at having such a large turnout for their performance. Both were bouncing up and down, hugging their parents and grandparents, and confirming that everyone had in fact seen them up on stage.

After the general congratulatory remarks from the adults and the excited giggles of the boys the family decided to once again go out for ice cream following the show. However, in the general chaos of sorting into vehicles Rusty found himself riding with the boys, leaving Sharon to ride along alone with Andy. While Sharon was happy the children had immediately decided Rusty was their new best friend she was a little unsure of how her solo ride with Andy would go. It was not like they had not been in the car together before, but the events of the evening were still very fresh and Sharon did not feel as though she had had enough time to properly organize her mind on how she felt about the situation. Watching as Rusty was all but dragged away by Ethan she sighed and turned to Andy, resolved to not allow her thoughts to make the evening even more awkward.

"I guess that just leaves us then," Andy let out a little uncomfortably as he shuffled his feet a little before collecting himself a little bit and moving forward. Holding out his arm to guide them along he regained his confidence and asked, "Shall we head out then?" Sharon nodded and silently led the way across the parking lot to their spot.

Once they were each settled in the car Andy broke the silence, "Listen, uh Sharon. I know this is still weird between us. Dinner did not quite clarify everything for Nicole, or maybe, I know I did not help to really clarify things with Nicole." He let out a sigh as he realized he was beginning to ramble, "Just, uh, just know that I am sorry." When Sharon did not immediately respond he went on, "Could I have maybe corrected my family sooner? Probably. Could I have talked to you about everything that was going on before Nicole came to see you at work? Sure. Did I mess up? Definitely. Would I under-"

Needing to stop the rambling Sharon sternly interrupted, "Stop, Andy. Just stop." She sighed as she closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose, "You do not need to carry on the conversation alone. Although you do seem to be accurately answering the questions." Turning to face him, "How could you let Nicole think all of that? When did this all begin? No don't answer that yet. The more important question is how could you let Nicole come to work and blindside me like that? That was so beyond unexpected I'm surprised I did not choke on the air I inhaled at the sheer shock of her questions. Balancing romance at the office?" Sharon stared at him, "Really Andy? You know I don't like to mix my personal life into the office. Yes, sometimes it has been unavoidable, but I make an effort to keep things separate." Dropping her gaze to her folded hands she continued a little more calmly, "I also pride myself on knowing how to think on my feet and to know how to anticipate what is about to happen. I never would have imagined you had allowed your family to think we were dating." Then slanting her eyes a bit more threateningly in Andy's direction, "So, of course I did not have anyway to know what Nicole was about to ask me, or why she would feel the need."

"I know, I know I'm," he sheepishly began.

"Don't apologize again. Please do not start yet, I can't handle this at the moment."

As she took the time to regain her self-control and to reorganize her thoughts Andy sat completely still not wanting to make any more mistakes. As he sat he began to truly worry for the first time that he had messed up so royally and that he was about to lose her friendship. He definitely could not handle losing her and by not being honest with everyone and her he knew it was very real possibility. Andy mentally kicked himself as he thought back to how he had accidentally allowed for a small misunderstanding to boil into this moment. He knew he did not want to lose her. While years ago he would never have thought he would be sitting here with Sharon he now could not imagine himself to be sitting anywhere else.

Just as he was about to break the unbearable silence Sharon sighed and reached out across the console to place her hand on his forearm. "Andy, I am not mad, or maybe I am. Really though, I am just upset, maybe? I am upset that I was put in this situation, but also upset in how I have been handling my reactions. I know you did not mean to have all of this happen." Andy's eyes lifted from her hand still resting on his arm to meet her gaze as she continued, "Lord knows I have known you long enough to know you probably had the best of intentions in however this story began." Andy allowed himself a small grin as she took her hand off of his arm and placed it back in her lap, "But as you can see this story got out of control. I am the first one to want you and Nicole to have a wonderful relationship, but it does not need to be based on a lie, or I am sure what was a misunderstanding that escalated quickly." Sharon slowly returned his grin, "If I had not been witness to so many of your crazy schemes I think I would be less likely to believe you did not do this maliciously. Obviously, I do know you can be an idiot at times." Smiling despite herself at her use of the word idiot once again to describe Andy. Over the years the word had become a bit of a term of endearment, even if it had started off as her way to get his attention directed at her at crime scenes back in the day.

"I know Sharon. I am an idiot. We all have learned this over the years and just about everyone will confirm it," he joked back, a little more self deprecating than Sharon wanted to hear.

"Yes, but let's not be too hard on yourself. At least you are being an idiot now because you were trying to make Nicole be proud of you." Sharon shook her head slightly before continuing, "Although, in the future I do not think getting her to believe something that is not true is the best way to regain her trust. I also think it would be good to realize she can be proud of you for a variety of your accomplishments, not just if and when you are in a relationship."

Andy nodded in agreement, "I know you're right, but thank you for not throwing me under the bus at dinner."

"Really, I think it is Rusty who you should be thanking. I may have to have a discussion with him later. He did not do much to help our case. Somehow he thinks that our dinners, movies, baseball games, and department galas are dates," Sharon reasoned a little loftily attempting to downplay the fact that the outings definitely did sound a little date-like. "He does not understand we are just very good friends."

"Yes, definitely very good friends," Andy agreed. "I would like to continue to be very good friends Sharon, so I am going to say it again. I am very sorry for jeopardizing our friendship by letting my daughter's misunderstanding get out of control."

Sighing, "Andy you do not need to apologize, this is over. I am sure Nicole understands now and I can also admit I see how the mistake was made. Let's just leave it at that." Looking around at the nearly empty parking lot, "Andy we should probably start heading out to meet the kids. They may start worrying something happened to us if we don't make it to the ice cream shop before it closes."

Laughing as he put the car in reverse and pulled out of the parking lot, "Yes, Rusty may start to think that you have actually murdered me."

"Ha-Ha, very funny Flynn," Sharon dryly drawled out as she stared out the front window. "But you had better be careful, because we haven't made it yet and there's no telling what kind of trouble you could get into between here and there," Sharon added with a smirk.

Andy held up a hand, "Noted. So, changing the subject, are ready for the kids to visit for the Christmas?"

Brightening noticeably at the mention of her older children and the upcoming holiday, "Oh yes, definitely. I am so excited to have all of them together this year. I think the kids and I are going to throw a Christmas party for the team as well. It will all be so wonderful and so, so Christmassy."

Smiling at her enthusiasm Andy agreed, "Yes, very Christmassy. You guys will also be able to share your family traditions with Rusty. Since Ricky and Emily weren't here last year they will really give him the family Christmas experience. It will be great. The kid really is incredibly lucky to be a part of your family."

Sharon nodded, "We are lucky we get to share everything with Rusty. I am so proud of him and so thrilled that Ricky and Emily are happy to bring him into the family." Smiling as she looked at the Christmas lights through town as they drove, "Even if Jack did try to turn Ricky against the idea at first. Ricky quickly saw the error of his ways and came around to the idea when I reminded him of how families worked."

"Oh I'm sure he did, you are an expert at getting people to understand how things work," Andy affirmed with a hearty laugh. "Glad Ricky came around. He seemed like he was in a good mood when he was here a couple of months ago. Though, I mean he at least was very helpful with the case and everything." Then shooting her a crooked grin, "And he finally seemed to remember that I am 'Andy' and not 'Mr. Flynn' without having to be reminded or anything."

"Yes, your early efforts to make my children treat you as a friend rather than an adult can officially be documented as a success," Sharon said as she rolled her eyes at the memories. "I tried so hard to get them to me polite and respectful children and then you would come around randomly and make them think the rules were not hard-set, but rather just suggestions depending on the situation."

"What?" Andy choked out as if shocked at the mere suggestion, "Me, not follow the rules? Definitely not something I would have implied, even covertly. And definitely not something I would have suggested to innocent children."

Sharon smiled up at him matching his sarcasm, "Oh no, definitely not you. You have always been such a rule follower. I mean that is the first thing people think when they hear your name, Andy Flynn - follower of the rules."

"Now don't by snarky Raydor, if you will notice I have been following the rules for years now."

Laughing outright now at the direction their conversation had taken, "I guess that is true. I finally have gotten you programmed. Your partner probably can't believe how well trained you are. Andy Flynn - friend of the Wicked Witch and a devout follower the rules. What has the world come to?"

Nodding in agreement as he pulled the car into the ice cream parlor lot, "Yes, crazy how this has all worked out." Andy sighed as he turned off the ignition, "So, are we sure we are still okay?"

Sharon turned to face him, "Yes, Andy, we are good. Look, like I said I can see where the misinterpretation was possible." Then taking a moment to decide what to say next, "I do not want to stop being friends. I enjoy our dinners and going to the movies. I also really love going to Dodger games and knowing that I can turn to you when I have a problem and that you will do the same." Looking down at her lap and rubbing her hands together she continued, "Andy I am not comfortable with anything else right now. I mean I just finalized my divorce. Everything in my life is really going well. A lot of that is your friendship and help, but I do not want to think about what that means right now. Is that okay? Does that make sense?"

"Yes, Sharon that makes sense." Andy reached out and stilled her nervous hands, "I am so happy to be there for you and to have you here for me. I enjoy being around you outside of work, and not just because it prevents me from having to hang out with Provenza." Sharon lifted her gaze and smiled as he continued, "Let's just keep up our friendship like it is and if for some reason we want to revisit any of this we can always have a discussion about it and see what we want to do next, deal?"

"Deal," Sharon agreed as a broad grin spread across her face, "Now let's get inside and enjoy the rest of the evening. I know the boys will want to tell you all about the ballet, and maybe you can try again to convince them to start little league this spring."

You stuck really well to our deal. Some people on the outside looking in may have thought our relationship was moving very slowly, or not at all. However, it was moving. Eventually it just felt so natural for you to be in my life that it was easy to transition our friendship into dating. However, while it made sense to state officially dating you still were able to catch me off guard that evening. I'm still a little embarrassed that I answered with 'fine' rather than something more affirmative, but that is us- me by surprised in the first moment and you just trusting I will come around. I never thought I wanted to date again, or even to get married again. Everything about relationships is so messy that I did not think I wanted to take the risk to undo everything in my life that was so nice and organized. I had worked so hard for in my normal, safe, and independent life for so many years that it just was not part of my plans to risk messing that up. Yet, here we are three years later about to get married and to embrace the mess of life together. Although, it seemed like there for a time your proclivity for passing out on me and then my imitation of it a few weeks ago could definitely have impacted today, but we worked through it.