Thank you for your wonderful reviews and story alerts. I was going to make this a one-shot, but decided to extend it and try to work my pieces around the current RB storyline without altering it too much. The theme is "Running", e.g. running from something, running to something, you get the gist. I hope this Chapter meets your expectations. Please let me know what you think. I haven't quite found my rhythm yet, so please, any critique at all will be helpful. I'm open to suggestions.

Usual disclaimers: I don't own any rights in the Rookie Blue TV series.

Sprinting to familiarity

(Set after Tommy attends his first AA meeting)

Andy relished the feel of the cool crisp breeze that had suddenly picked up as she walked the final two blocks. Three blocks ago, her gait had been measured, slow, and a little unsure. Unconsciously, she had slowly picked up the pace the closer she got. Just moments ago, Luke had dropped her off at her place. When he had tried to invite himself in, she balked and made up some unimaginative excuse about needing space after the rough day. In typical Luke fashion, he assured her that he understood, kissed her goodnight and drove off into the night, leaving her to sigh and wonder why she had seen fit to send Mr. Perfect away.

The truth was that she didn't want to be alone that night. But she wasn't comfortable enough allowing Luke in yet. It had only been less than half a day since he stared at her accusingly after discovering that she had been keeping information regarding Tommy from him and his investigation. Although he had been quick to apologize and even went above and beyond by offering to drive Tommy to the midnight AA meeting, she quietly noted that this change of heart only came after the evidence of her father's innocence had come to light. She felt bad holding it against him. After all, he was just doing his job. But she was still getting accustomed to his way of viewing the world, and after the tension today had brought, all she wanted was a little familiarity.

And so at a quarter past midnight, Andy found herself standing in front of her destination, wondering should she or shouldn't she. "He may not even be here right now," she thought. It was stupid of me to come. What was I expecting? A hug, a pat on the back and a warm welcome?

"You just going to stand there all night, McNally?" She jerked a little before spinning around to face the familiar voice. "Jesus, Sam. Not cool," she exclaimed, annoyed that she was more flustered than surprised. "Jumpy tonight, are we? The door won't bite you know," he remarked with an exasperating grin on his face as he gestured towards the doorknob where her hand had been hovering over before he had startled her.

"Uh, yeah…", she stuttered. Quickly recovering, she smiled while tossing out the following comeback. "Well, you can never to careful. I've heard the full moon does bring out the crazies," to which Sam barked out a laugh. They stood there staring at each other in silence for a few moments, the unseen but palpable tension building up between them.

Buckling under the intensity, Sam ventured to break the lull . "If you're looking for Traci, she and Jerry left ten minutes ago." Andy slowly nodded pretending to consider his words, wondering how not to be too obvious about whose company she had come searching for. "In that case, care to join me for a drink?" "I'm buying," she quickly added. "Geez, not too subtle there McNally," she quietly scolded.

After nodding at a fellow officer who had just exited Penny's, Sam turned his attention back and with a shake of the head, dangled his keys explaining, "Thanks, but I had my fill for tonight. The warning says I can't operate heavy machinery otherwise". He didn't mention it, but he had been ready to leave a little while back, lingering only to watch her from the cab of his truck, waiting and wondering while she was battling with her indecision.

"Oh, well some other time then," she replied, the tone of her voice sounding a tad odd to his ears. He noted her disappointed expression as she turned toward Penny's leaving him to stare at her retreating form with a twinge of regret. "Does a milkshake count?" Sam blurted out. Already halfway through the door, she looked back asking "What was that?". "Milkshake, McNally. My treat. You up for it?" Sam couldn't help but smile while watching her face light up as she made her way back towards him with a slight bounce in her step.

"Why, you must think I'm a cheap date Sam Swarek," she teasingly remarked. "You couldn't do any better than McDonalds?" Muttering something about this being the last time he ever bought her drinks, he hastily snapped, "Vanilla or Chocolate?" Trying hard not to laugh at the great Sam Swarek asking her if she wanted Vanilla or Chocolate, she smiled ingratiatingly and responded "Chocolate's good".

Coming out of the drive through, she reflected "I never would have pegged you for the Vanilla milkshake type of guy". "And I bet you're going to insist on telling me why even if I ask you not to," said a grumbling Sam. She continued on as if he hadn't spoken. "I guess... It may have something to do with you not being very… vanilla?" she replied before bursting into giggles. Annoyed, he growled in response and protested, "So this is how you thank me for being a nice guy?" casting her a baleful eye. Andy playfully swatted his shoulder and confidently asserted "Admit it, you're enjoying my company". Sam sighed softly, unable to stay upset.

"I hope you're fine with walking McNally." As Sam pulled his truck over to the curb, she stared at him bewilderedly, not knowing what to think. "Oh, come on Sam… you can't seriously be that mad at me for the vanilla comment," a slight whine in her voice. He gave her his best fake lopsided grin and shot back, "Don't forget your milkshake".

Andy grabbed her drink and got out of the truck in a huff, all but ready to stalk off towards home. Thinking the better of it, she turned back to the window to give him a few choice words about gentlemanly manners and leaving women in the dust in the middle of the night. "You know, you got some nerve inviting a girl out for drinks and then kicking…, " she trailed off, only to realize that he wasn't in the truck. "Sam?" Andy took a while to scan her surroundings before finally picking out his shadow heading towards the trees. Walking backwards, he called out to her, "Jumpy and slow, eh?" with hints of humor in his tone. "Better pick up the pace sweetheart. Wouldn't want my buddy here complaining about getting lost in the big scary city, " he taunted, throwing his hands back, up, and out to his sides. Seeing the white of his grin piercing through the dark, Andy blew out a frustrated breath and had to run to catch up, simultaneously agitated and disconcerted at how easily he had turned the tables on her.

Taking a drink from his milkshake, Sam noticed her relaxing with each additional step they took. It was a beautiful night out, and the gentle rustle of the trees was a calming sound if he ever heard one. The dim glow cast by the scattered lampposts shed just enough light for them to make out their path. Throwing a quick glance to the homeless person comfortably perched on one of the park benches, Andy begrudgingly admitted to herself that despite her misgivings, Sam had hit the nail on the head bringing her here. She slowly took in the various scents specifically picking up on the lilies and lilacs that the city had chosen to fill the planters with than season.

Soon they were seated shoulder to shoulder on a bench-like rock overlooking a small lake as the city provided a breathtaking backdrop. The sounds of the lightly lapping water, the crickets and the swishing from the weeping willows behind them was music to her ears. Taking another sip, she faced him and softly confessed, "I suppose I have to rethink my position on spending Summers at Parks & Recs". He returned her smile with a tease ready on his lips. "If a McDonalds milkshake and a walk in the park is all it takes McNally, yeah… you are a cheap date." "Hey," Andy protested, feigning mock outrage before breaking down in amusement.

"So how's Tommy feeling?" he asked when her melodious laughter had died down. Andy let out a deep breath. Looking out across the water, she paused a little considering how to respond. "I just dropped him off at his first AA meeting, " she admitted, conveniently leaving Luke out of it. "He's… I don't know… trying." Sam just looked at her and stayed silent, patiently waiting for her to finish.

"I mean, we talked today. Well, first I talked. I told him I couldn't do it anymore, you know. The drinking, the passing out, the whole mess with Calisiak." She drew another long breath, and Sam just put his arm around her, palm resting on the curve between her neck and shoulder, squeezing it in quiet encouragement.

"How you holding up?"

"Best I can," she snickered. Pause. "I'm just afraid that…" She broke eye contact and stopped short, unable to bring herself to complete the sentence. He gazed at her, admiring her side profile, with pride written all over his face. "Anyone ever tell you you're a fast learner?" Baffled at the sudden change of topic, she just stared stupidly at him. "You're not running anymore," he said simply, shrugging. The second her eyes narrowed, Sam knew he had made a mistake. "Great. Yay for Andy. You can buy me a henway," she muttered pulling away from his grasp.

Quick as a fox, Sam was on his feet blocking her path, one hand on her arm. "Listen to me, Andy. You can't just take a leap of faith and expect everything to immediately fall into place nice and pretty. Not with something this big." His tone was tender, but firm.

With barely contained anger, she snapped her head back giving him a challenging look. "I know that. But that's not the point. You think I came looking for you just so you could give me another one of your Sam Swarek life lessons?" The words were out of Andy's mouth before she knew it. Her jaw snapped shut and the fire in her eyes gave way to embarrassment. Sam's eyebrows raised and the expression he gave her was one of shocked confusion. "I mean… it's not like I came looking for you or anything," she lamely tried to counter, pointedly starting at her shuffling feet. At that very moment, Andy wished the ground would just open up and swallow her whole.

Sam let out a deep sigh, contemplating how best to handle to the bundle of nerves in front of him. "Here," he said shoving his drink in her hand. "I think the chocolate's in league with the full moon. You know, with the crazies? " It was a pathetic line and he knew it, but it was the best he could think up given the situation. Andy's eyes softened as she snorted and managed a low chuckle, thankful for the quick reprieve from her embarrassing slip of the tongue.

"I'm sorry, I guess I'm just a little wound up after today." Nodding understandingly, he took back his drink. "Already disregarded." Motioning with his head, he followed it up with, "Come on, let's get you home." During the walk back, in a spur of the moment thing, Andy linked her arm with his and let her head rest against his shoulder feeling quite content. Not noticing his easy smile and affectionate glances, they enjoyed the silent stretch back to the truck, loudly slurping up what was left of their drinks.

Reaching the truck, Sam opened the passenger door to let her in. Before she could get up, he tugged at her elbow to attract her attention. Giving her an intense stare, he said kindly, "He just needs time Andy. And so do you."

Facing him, her voice was small and sad. "But I'm still terrified. What if he doesn't pull out of it? What if my father's a drunk for the rest of his life? I don't know if I can live with that." Giving her his widest grin, he lightly scoffed, "Course you can. You're Andy McNally. Greatest cop that ever lived. Next to me that is." Andy's pleasant laughter filled the air. "It sure is a good thing we are friends then," she retorted, making a face.

The light breeze chose, at that very instant, to die down, and both of them suddenly realized just how close they were standing to each other. Their smiles fell away and their faces slowly came together. Sam recovered first, and pulling away he repeated "Just give it time". "Yeah," she whispered, still frazzled from the fleeting moment. He gave her his hand and gestured towards the seat saying "Milady. Friend.". Accepting his help, she pulled herself up and put her seatbelt on as Sam circled around to the driver's side and started the engine.

Pulling out of the parking space, Andy tilted her head to the side as she remembered something and with a smile on her face, turned and remarked, "Did I ever tell you, that if I was a tree, I'd be a willow?" Sam just snorted and continued driving, keeping his eyes on the road.

Please excuse my unfamiliarity with Toronto's landscapes, parks, agriculture and fast foods. For this story, I had to draw from my experiences here where we have late night McDonalds drive-thrus and parks with bodies of water. I hope the same applies for Toronto. Reviews, good, bad & in between are much appreciated!