"Alright, I've got you," mumbles Andy quietly, supporting Sharon's weight against his side as he shoves her key into the front door.
Exhausted after the day they'd had, and still somewhat woozy from the anaesthetic, Sharon had collapsed into the car, falling asleep the minute the engine had started. As she wasn't concussed at all, Andy had let her sleep – God knows she needed it.
With an arm around her waist, Andy pulls Sharon to the sofa, feeling her weary body sagging against his from sheer tiredness. He settles her down gently, brushing her hair away from her face as her eyes close once more, surrendering to sleep. Leaving her nestled among the couch cushions, Andy moves to the kitchen, rummaging around the fridge with the hopes of finding something suitable for dinner. Apparently, Sharon had intended on going grocery shopping after work this evening, for the fridge and cupboards are basically bare. Huffing quietly, Andy pulls his phone from his trouser pocket, scrolling through his contacts to find the number for his favourite Thai place. If they hadn't been able to go to dinner, he'd bring dinner to them.
Once he's finished placing the order, Andy pockets his phone and slides over to the couch silently, admiring Sharon's features in sleep. Reaching for the all-too-familiar blanket that is folded on the end of the sofa, Andy covers Sharon completely, tucking it about her comfortably. He smiles tenderly at the sight of her stirring under the blanket, evidently more comfortable now that she's covered. His palm finding her hair once more, Andy combs his fingers through her auburn tresses, enjoying the way her silken strands move between his fingers. Beneath his palm, Sharon stirs once more, pushing her head closer to Andy's hand as she mutters slightly in sleep. Smiling fondly at her unguarded reaction, Andy leans down and presses a kiss to Sharon's forehead, happy to let her sleep until the delivery arrives.
Half an hour later, Andy plates the food that had arrived moments before. Sharon remains asleep on the sofa, dead to the world and probably still under the effect of whatever painkillers she'd been given for her injury.
"Sharon? C'mon, love, it's dinner time," he coaxes softly, gently brushing her hair from her face with his fingertips.
She stirs beneath the blanket, her eyes fluttering open slowly. Stretching, she ignores Andy almost completely before looking up and smiling at him. "What time is it?" she asks huskily, her voice somewhat hoarse from sleep.
"Eight," replies Andy, smiling at the open vulnerability of her features. Yawning, Sharon moves to push herself up off the sofa, wincing when a bolt of pain shoots through her shoulder. Noting this, Andy moves to her aid, murmuring, "Easy does it" into her ear softly.
"Thanks," she groans, popping the joints in her legs as she stands.
They make their way to the kitchen slowly, Sharon leaning on Andy out of a desire to be close to him, more than anything else. Though still somewhat groggy, Sharon can't help the grin that overtakes her features at the sight of dinner laid out on the table, the smell of her favourite curry paired with jasmine rice wafting to her nose and causing her mouth to water. Sitting at table, Sharon allows Andy to serve her from the dishes he'd laid out before, enjoying the pride he takes in his choices. She smiles gratefully up at him before starting in on her dinner, suddenly ravenous. There is little conversation during dinner – Andy is too hungry and Sharon too tired. Still, neither particularly minds, they are happy to simply be together.
When both Sharon and Andy have eaten their fill, Andy clears the table, washing the dishes and putting the leftovers in the fridge for Rusty to eat later. Glancing at Sharon, Andy notes that she is still wearing her blood-soaked blouse, and suggests that she might want to change.
"I really liked this blouse," she says tiredly, fully aware that the blood will probably never wash out – never mind the bullet hole on the shoulder.
"As did I," intones Andy, only half joking when his tone adopts a mournful lilt.
Sharon chuckles lightly at his comment, extending her laughter into a yawn unintentionally. "I'd much rather shower," she admits tiredly, returning to the issue of her changing her clothes.
"Maybe I could help clean you up a bit?" suggests Andy, nodding with understanding.
At that exact moment, the front door can be heard opening as Rusty lets himself in, announcing his arrival. He strides into the kitchen, ready to storm the cupboards for some food. Instead, he is surprised to find Sharon sitting tiredly at the kitchen table, her head propped up on one elbow as she holds the other arm awkwardly in front of her. Behind her, Andy hovers protectively, as though waiting to defend Sharon. Rusty is unsure of what to make of whatever situation he's just walked in on, and approaches the kitchen slightly more carefully as a result.
"Hey," greets Rusty cautiously.
"Hey, Rusty," greets Sharon warmly (albeit somewhat tiredly), "how was your day?" she asks, turning slowly to face him.
"It was- Shit! Sharon, what happened?" he asks, gazing frantically at her shoulder before looking to Andy for some explanation.
"Occupational hazard," she replies, deadpan, "I'm fine, just a bit tired from all the excitement – and painkillers."
"You were shot," states Rusty wearily, understanding dawning on him. "Why didn't you call me?" he asks quietly.
"You were at school, Rusty. I didn't want to disturb you – besides, Andy's kept an eye on me since, and there wasn't much you could do for me either way," smiles Sharon kindly. "I understand you want to help – and I'm probably going to need it in the next couple of days," she concedes with reluctance, "but there wasn't much for you to do at the hospital other than wait for me to get patched up."
"I'd have driven you home, at least!" replies Rusty indignantly.
"I appreciate how much you care, Rusty, I do. However, disrupting your studies with something as small as this-"
"You were shot," he repeats, "how is that small?"
"It wasn't serious. I promise you Rusty, if ever something more serious happens, you'll be the first to know. But this time, it was something small that I didn't think was important enough to distract you from your studies," finishes Sharon firmly.
Understanding the tone of finality in Sharon's voice, Rusty shrugs quietly, glad at least that Sharon is okay and was apparently well taken care of by Andy. Rolling his eyes slightly at how obvious the pair are, Rusty returns his eyes to Sharon's, asking quietly, "have you eaten yet?"
"Just finished, actually," smiles Sharon, glad that Rusty seemed to have gotten over the initial shock of finding her injured.
"There's some food in the fridge if you want, kid," intones Andy, glad that Rusty's reaction had blown over quite quickly. He supposes that all Rusty really needs is reassurance that Sharon is fine, and that he would be told if ever anything more serious happened to her.
"Thanks," grunts Rusty quietly, happy to leave them both to whatever conversation he'd walked in on.
Moving to the refrigerator, Rusty pulls out the cartons of Thai food, plating a reasonable amount for himself before sticking it in the microwave. Glancing at Sharon once more, Rusty clears his throat and attempts to be nonchalant as he says, "you haven't changed yet – do you need some help with that?"
Chuckling quietly, Sharon replies, "it's fine – I was just going to put on a clean shirt now – I'm pretty sure I can manage, but if I can't, I'll let you know," she teases.
Glad that he'd been spared having to see his adoptive mother topless, Rusty smiles fondly at her teasing. While he had no problem helping Sharon with anything she might need, he is still somewhat uncomfortable about nudity, especially his mom's. Sharon stands from the table, straightening her strides as she moves towards her bedroom. Andy remains in the kitchen, unsure of what to do now that Rusty is home. His offer of helping to clean Sharon up somewhat still stands, but he doesn't want Rusty to get the wrong impression of his following Sharon into her bedroom. Thankfully, Andy is spared by Sharon's consideration as she calls down the corridor – "Andy, would you mind helping me with my hair?"
Smiling briefly at Rusty, Andy moves to Sharon's bedroom to help her. In the kitchen, Rusty rolls his eyes sardonically, wondering why they're even bothering to attempt hiding their relationship when he's already aware of it. Sighing into his food, Rusty continues eating, his hunger winning out over his frustration at being treated like an utterly oblivious individual.
Hey guys - sorry for the wait! I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter, and if you did, please leave a review! Special thanks to those I'm unable to PM for reviewing last chapter: Maggles and Deb57 - I appreciate it! Updates might be a bit spotty in the run up to Easter, as I've got a lot of big assignments due in the coming weeks - so please bear with me!