5th and final Chapter, please read and review. I immensely enjoy reading your feedback, and constructive criticism is always welcome.

...

Sam was just arriving at the hospital, a total wreck, but he honestly couldn't care less. His hair was a mess, his uniform un-tucked, (from his incident with Laughlin), and his eyes were completely swollen.

He walked in, not having any knowledge as to the extent of her injuries, and was directed towards a waiting room. Knowing that no one would be looking for him in the next minute or so, he made his way to the bathroom, rinsing his face with ice cold water, replaying the day's events over and over in his mind. They haunted him, and Sam couldn't bear to deal with them right now. He stormed out and proceeded to wait restlessly in one of the many extremely uncomfortable hospital chairs.

Within minutes several officers filled the other chairs in the room, not needing to say a word. They took one inquiring look at Sam, and once he shrugged his shoulders, they knew they were all in the same boat. One of them mentioned to Sam that they'd tried to get a hold of Andy's dad, but couldn't. He nodded in acknowledgement.

Hours passed, and patience not being his virtue, he put some pressure on the nurses in order to make sure he was updated on her condition as soon as anything took place. A few minutes later, a doctor had come out to brief everyone.

"As you know, sir, (directing his information towards Sam), Ms. McNally was in a very horrible incident. One of the gunshots was stopped by the vest, however, she sustained severe injuries from the other. From the angle it hit, it penetrated one of the lesser durable portions of the vest around the outside of the collar. We operated, and the bullet was successfully removed, but she will need at least three months of rest for extensive recovery before returning to work."

"When can I see her?" Sam asked intently.

"She's unconscious for the moment, still under sedation from the operation, I'd give her another hour before allowing any visitors. I'll let you know if her condition changes."

The doctor observed Sam's response as if he understood, put a hand on his shoulder, and walked away.

Sam was relieved to hear that she was okay. He sighed and sank back into his chair. Meanwhile, Detective Callaghan made his way over to him.

"Hey," Luke started.

Sam didn't respond, just looked up at him, waiting for him to continue. He never liked Luke, in fact, he began to despise him ever since he and Andy started dating.

"I'm sorry to hear about Andy, I know you two were close, like her and I, and I just wanted to give you my consolations, and let you know that I understand what you're going through."

Sam had just started to calm down, and was just beginning to forget all of the rage he had built up throughout the day, so that he could be there for Andy when she needed him the most.. But now, now Sam seemed to get the angriest he had ever been. Callaghan's nonchalant attitude and assumptions absolutely infuriated him and he had to grip the arm rests on the chair to stop from punching him right there.

Sam swallowed before he responded, "You think you understand what I'm going through, you egotistical, worthless, piece of-" He stopped himself. "You treated Andy like you did every other rookie that you slept with, you didn't really care for her! Don't you dare compare you and I, we are nothing alike and never will be. You use your pathetic charm and good looks to get into girls' pants, and let me tell you something punk," Sam stood up, causing Luke to back up, "If you ever again insinuate that the relationship that Andy and I have is anything like what you two used to have, I will slam my fist into the side of your face until someone else decides to stop me."

Luke was shocked and mortified, having just been called out in front of half the officers he worked with on a daily basis.

"You don't think I cared for her? Why, then, would I shoot the man holding a gun to her head? I saved her, and where were you, Mr. Training Officer? I don't remember seeing you anywher-"

That was a mistake. Sam lunged at Luke and shoved him back into another chair across the room. Luke got one punch in before Sam pinned his head against the wall. About five officers stood up, but did not move to stop Sam just yet.

"I had the shot, you creep, but I couldn't jeopardize her life just for the title of 'Hero.' She means more to me than your tiny brain could ever comprehend, and you're so naive you probably think that because you took the shot Andy will run back to you, begging for you to be with her again. Hah, if I didn't want to be here when Andy woke up, I would slam your face into this wall as hard as I could, and gladly suffer the consequences. It's cops like you that give us a bad name, and I am disgusted to have to call you a fellow co-worker."

Hospital security then entered and separated the two aggravated men, removing Luke from the room, after hearing Sam's plea. All of the officers in the room now turned and focused their attention on Sam. He ignored them all.

He was nauseated by the way this day had turned out, and the only thing he wanted to do now was see Andy. A nurse walked in at that time, with an ice pack, having noticed the shot Sam took to his right eye. He was somewhat embarrassed but sincerely thanked her.

…

It was at this time, about 45 minutes after the fight, that Sam was finally allowed inside. He put down the ice pack and slowly walked inside.

He saw the cloths pads placed over the area in which they operated, under her right shoulder. Andy's right arm was in a sling to limit her movement, and she had a bandage around her head. Apparently, she had taken a hit when she fell to the ground.

The nurse let Sam in and gently closed the door on her way out. He pulled the chair up beside her and gripped her left hand. For minutes, he sat quietly, resting his head on the bed, trying desperately to hold back his emotions. He did not intend on her waking up, but, even against his will, he fell asleep, still holding her hand.

…

He dreamt about her, subconsciously trying to erase everything that had happened that day, and at one point, he thought he'd heard her voice.

"Sam.." It was hoarse and weak. "Sam, hey, wake up."

Sam opened his eyes, and lifted his head in disbelief. Andy was awake, her eyes were somewhat open, and he had not known how long he'd been out.

"Andy," his voice was now weak in her presence, "I'm so sorry, I didn't think I'd fall asleep so quickl-"

"Shh," she said, gripping his hand tighter, letting all of the emotions they felt for each other set in.

"What happened? Actually, never mind, I don't want to know just yet, all I do know is that I was hoping you'd be here," Andy let out.

Sam's lips tightened, and his eyes became moist.

"Nothing could have held me back, Andy, not now, not ever."

"Sam.."

He couldn't wait any longer, and disregarded anything that would come of what he wanted to do next.

He stood up, leaned in, and kissed her gently but passionately on her lips. She deepened it, and after a few seconds, he pulled away.

There was a moment of silence then, but it wasn't awkward. There was so much depth and meaning in the pause, where all they were doing was looking into each other's eyes. Their unspoken feelings needn't be exposed now, as both of them could guess what they meant to each other and where they stood. They knew this was more than just professional. Way more.

Andy was the first to break the silence.

"I have only one question for you, Sam. What in the world happened to your face?"

(: Okay, so that's it. Like it? Hate it?

Please let me know.