Hey, it has been an insane amount of time since I've written anything. Obviously this story isn't keeping up with where the show is now, so it's just going to continue on in its own little world.

So many apologies for not continuing this story before now. Writing this chapter was quite the struggle, but I'm going to try to get back into this as a stress releaser:) We'll see how that goes!

(Major Crimes was created by James Duff - none of it is mine)

She felt her body relax a little more as she drove into the parking garage. Home, thank God. It had not been the easiest of days. As she pulled into her parking space her eye throbbed. She let out a slow breath and leaned her head back against the seat, allowing for a moment of self-pity for the first time today. A groan escaped her as she thought about how gruesome her face must look right now. Another deep breath and she melted into the seat even further. The only thing going through her mind at the moment: "I'm getting too old for this."

The ding coming from her purse brought her little pity party to an end, they never lasted very long - she was Sharon Raydor after all. It was a text from Rusty.

"Hey mom, Gus got tonight off work, so we're going to see a movie. I'll be home later:)"

Her relief at reading the text left her feeling guilty, though just a little. She loved her youngest son dearly, but she needed some time to heal from the events of the day, get everything in order in her head and relax. This was something she would be unable to do while ensuring he was okay at the sight of his mother battered and bruised. A sight he was familiar with from his childhood. She shuddered at the darkness that always crept in when she thought of what her boy had been through, but quickly swept it aside. He had come so far, they both had.

Her love for Rusty put a smile on her face, a smile that brightened when she heard a tap on the window and turned to see Andy opening the car door. He had offered to drive her but she preferred to have her vehicle at home. She did not turn down his offer to come over however.

Her hand landed in his as he helped her out of the vehicle. Neither said anything. For a moment, they stood beside her car, her hand in his. It was almost as if they were taking a collective deep breath to get over the day.

He squeezed her hand, she felt his fingers gently trace her cheek until he tilted her face up to meet his gaze.

"Sharon."

The emotion, the love evident in his voice gave her strength and made her want to weep all at once. His lips brushed her forehead before he pulled back to look her over once more.

Oh this man. Once he decided to love you he wore his heart on his sleeve. She could see it, in the way he looked at her, the soft touches, the (mostly) chaste kisses they'd shared. In the way he'd let her steer this ship that was their relationship.

His fingers ran slowly down her neck, stopped briefly at her shoulder before continuing until he held both of her hands in his. Making sure she was there, she was okay, and everything was intact.

It was tender, it was loving and it made her feel warm and safe. She was tough. They both knew she didn't need this, didn't need to be comforted. If Andy wasn't there, she would bounce back and carry on, but by God she wanted this.

She stepped closer and freed her hands from his. Her eyes focused on his tie as she trailed her fingers down the smooth material, while one hand rest against his chest. He was so warm.

She could feel him watching her. This time she didn't need prompted. She tilted her head to meet his gaze.

"Andy."

His hands landed gently on her shoulders as she melted into his embrace. His arms wrapped around her and she held on just as tightly.

She might not need Andy Flynn, but she wanted him. And it was about time she let him know that.

Well there we go. Thanks for reading. Reviews and suggestions are welcome:)