Many thanks to Nika Dixon for the beta :)

Title: Two Words
Author: Cindy Ryan
Spoilers: Season two "Butterflies"
Pairings: Sam/Andy

Sam Swarek was surprised the words didn't lodge in his throat his adrenaline was pumping so hard.
The grip on his radio was iron clad.

"Shots fired!"Sam reported over the screams of the crowd. "Officer
down! Repeat Officer down!"

As the others stood sentry around Andy and the other young shooting
victim Sam struggled to focus. The words no officer wanted to say
echoed through his mind as he knelt next to Andy.
Officer down.
It wasn't the first time he'd said them and unfortunately Sam knew it
wouldn't be the last.

As he watched Andy struggle to breathe Sam knew he had failed her.
He wasn't her TO any more but he was still supposed to look out for
her and protect her. Sam had made that promise to himself that no
matter where their lives took them he'd protect Andy.

This woman who'd only been in his life a short time but he couldn't
picture it without her.
Even now as he frantically searched for other wounds he hadn't seen at
first glance. The vest wasn't a hundred percent coverage.

Andy's frightened gaze met his and Sam was grateful he could tell her the truth.

"You're going to be okay. Vest caught it."Sam assured her and then
repeated it more for him than for her. "You're going to be okay.

The chaos of the scene sank back in and Sam reluctantly stood one hand
lingered on her right shoulder. "I'm sorry….I have to go be boss now."

As he left her in the care of the other officers Sam felt the guilt
return. Protecting Andy was his job. Even though Sam knew she'd kill
him if she knew he was still looking out for her. She would think he
thought her weak. That was the farthest thing from the truth.
To Sam Andy McNally was one of the strongest people he knew.
One of the best cops even at this stage of her career.
He hoped he had a chance to be in her life for a long time; in whatever form.
Even if he never forgave himself for not protecting her today.

end