Disclaimer: Maria Frank is my own creation. John Munch belongs to Law and Order: SVU.

Chapter 10: Good bye and farewell!

Waking in the early morning, Maria gently woke John with a small kiss on his lips. She knew that she was going to have to get him out before Kay and Lewis showed up to help. But first, she had to convince him everything was going to be all right and get him out of the apartment, hangover or not. Sitting up a little more and gently shaking him awake, she waited until he began to move and opened his dark eyes, staring up at her. "Morning, handsome."

"Morning," He pressed the heel of his hand against his head and softly groaned, slowly moving to sit up next to her. "My head fucking hurts..."

"Well, that's what happens when you drink, silly." Her fingers gently touched his shoulder and slowly traced the every detail to memorize what he looked and felt like. "How bad is it?"

He inhaled a deep breath and squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. "Doesn't feel too bad. I'll take care of it, no worries." Opening his eyes and turning his head to look at her, he suddenly remembered what was going to happen. "Oh, great. That's right. You're leaving today for Boston."

"As much as I don't want to, but you know I have to." Maria placed her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him closer to gently kiss his temple. "I do remember last night, though. It was beyond amazing, love." She saw him smile and reach a hand out to gently touch her. "As usual, you are always amazing with me."

"I don't want you to go, Mar." He stated at a whisper, his dark eyes gazing deep into her own. "You're the only one I can act like myself and not be slapped. I know you have to go, but I don't want you to."

Biting down on her bottom lip and grasping his hands in her's, Frank was prepared to tell him something he probably didn't even what to hear. "John, you mean so much to me and you have been such a gentleman when I've needed a gentleman at my side, but I have to ask something of you; please, move on and find yourself another wonderful woman. I know you don't want hear that, but I need to ask you to do that for me. Please?"

"Mar, I-" He paused for a moment and lowered his eyes, feeling his body beginning to go numb at her request. "I love you so much..."

"And that's the reason to let me go, baby." She cupped his face gently. "Please, promise me you will move on, find another loved one and have a life with someone. Maybe even have a few kids if you want. We both know how hard it is to stay in a relationship with our jobs, but it's something we have to accept as cops. Since you love me so much, please keep my promise and let me go. Please?"

Swallowing heavily and fighting his tears that wanted to fall, Munch placed his hand over her's and squeezed her fingers firmly. "I-I promise. I'll keep your promise."

"Thank you."

M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M*M

Five minutes after John left for his place, Kay Howard and Meldrick Lewis showed up and loaded the six boxes and three suitcases into their cars for the trip to the station. Kay stood in what was left of the place and sighed. All that was left was the furniture and a little leftover food in the fridge. "So, this is all staying, correct?"

Maria looked up from picking up Alex's stuff and took a quick look around. "Yep, that was all here when I got here. I don't think the train people would allow me to put those on in the first place. Might not have room for everyone else." She gave a small smile to Kay, trying to lighten them both up.

"Hey, Munch just called." Lewis spoke up as he slide his cell phone back into his pocket. "He said he's coming over to help. Would be good since there ain't much room left for you or the mutt."

Maria couldn't help but smile as she knew he was going to call. "I'll have to really thank him for calling then. I don't want to ride on the car roof, thank you very much."

When Lewis's car had no more room, they loaded the last two boxes and one suitcase into Kay's car, then waited for John to arrive. Standing outside, they watched as John drove up, looking freshly clean and shaved. "Alright so, you and Alex go with John and we will follow you to the train station," Said Kay as she climbed into her car.

Climbing into John's car, Maria couldn't help but admire him one more time. "You look really good," She whispered as he started the car back up.

"Thanks. You do, too." He looked over at her, smiling. "So, how long is the trip going to be?" He asked, looking back over at the road.

"Should be less then four hours. Doesn't feel so bad if you fall asleep along the way." She replied, leaning her head against the window. "John, I have to thank you for calling Lewis and saying you were coming to help. I wasn't sure if you were going to do that or not, but I have to thank you for it."

He nodded slightly and gave her a small smile, reaching over and grasping her hand. "I'll keep your promise, but I want to be there to help you leave, as if doing this helps me to let you go easier."

"I hope it does," She whispered, returning the hand squeeze. "I really hope it does for you."

As the boxes and suitcases were taken away, Maria loaded Alex into a live animal crate and gave specific instructions about his care while he was transported. As Alex was lead away, Maria turned to the three detectives and saw their expressions. "Well," Kay started, pulling Maria into a hug, "It was great having you here. Thanks so much for giving us points about rape victims." Maria could only nod to Kay, giving a small smile.

Facing Lewis, she was pulled into a hug by the tall man. "I'm going to have to work on my poker skills for next time," He said, as she patted his back, laughing.

John, however, looked down when she stood in front of him. She could see his chin starting to tremble and was failing terribly at hiding what he was fighting. Maria put her hand under his chin and lifted it, forcing him to look at her. Staring into his face, she placed her hand on the back of his neck and pulled him to her, their lips colliding. Wrapping his arms around her, John completely forgot that Kay and Lewis were standing there, both stunned. Kay looked over at Lewis, who gave a low whistle as the red-haired woman turned slightly red.

Pulling back a few minutes later, Maria cupped the side of his face and slowly licked her lips. She wanted to savor what he tasted like. "Take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will," He whispered with a nod. "I'll move on, but I won't forget you."

"And I'll do the same for you," She whispered as she pressed her apartment key into his hand. "Give that back to Gee for me." Reluctantly, she stepped back and nodded her head to Kay and Lewis before giving one more longing look to John. She watched as a single tear escaped and left a wet trail down the side of his face. Swallowing, she whispered one last goodbye to him before turning and headed to the train.

To be continued...