Title: No Mercy (21/21)

Author: X_tremeroswellian

Email: X_tremeroswellian@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: I own nothing. The characters belong to John Wells, Edward Allen Bernero, NBC and a bunch of other people I've never met before in my life.

Rating: R for language, violence and content: deals with the issues of rape

Spoilers: Up through and including "Act Brave."

Summary: When one of their own is attacked by a serial rapist, the third watch crew sets out to find him before he strikes again.

Distribution: If you want it, take it. Just let me know the link. Otherwise, its permanent home is at my site, Only Time: www.geocities.com/angel_roswell/onlytime.html.

Category: Story

Subcategories: Angst, angst, angst, drama, angst, friendship and did I mention angst?

Feedback: I crave it. And it tends to make me write faster.

Special thanks to Dem, CCA, Andorian Ice Princess, Julia and everyone else who's sent me feedback. You guys are awesome. :)

No Mercy (Epilogue)

"So what do you think?"

Faith turned to smile at Bosco, then glanced around their new apartment. They hadn't finished unpacking yet. Boxes were still set around the room and the walls were still bare. "I think it feels like home."

Bosco walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He pressed his lips to her temple as she snuggled back against him, folding her arms over his, holding him in place. "Me too."

It had been over a year since the attack. Faith still had nightmares, but they were rare these days. He was always right there to comfort her and make her feel safe when she did have one. She'd been talking to a counselor from the precinct once a week, and regularly attended a support group for survivors of sexual assault.

Her divorce from Fred had gone through months ago. Luckily Fred had kept his promise and he and Faith had joint custody of Emily and Charlie.

Bosco and Faith had both been worried that when everyone found out they were together, they'd be split up as partners on the force. They hadn't been. To everyone's surprise, their being together romantically only strengthened their working relationship. They were more cautious, more aware of what was happening around them at all times. And they were definitely more protective of each other.

They'd made love for the first time just two months ago. It had been a little scary for both of them, but they had taken things very slowly and he had let her initiate and have control over everything that happened. The words intense and incredible didn't even begin to cover it. He'd always doubted that making love to someone you were in love with was any different than having sex with some random person, but all of those doubts had been totally wiped out of his mind that night. Afterward, he lay in bed, just holding her close, stroking her hair as she fell asleep and he just watched her, listening to her breathe. He knew that night that it was time to find a bigger place to live, find a place that was their own--his and Faith's and Em and Charlie's.

It had taken them a little over a month to find a place big enough--one with three bedrooms--that they both liked and could afford. In all honestly, he didn't care where they lived as long as it made Faith happy and they were together.

Sometimes he still couldn't believe she loved him. Couldn't believe he could ever feel as content, as happy and as at peace as he felt when he was around her. He didn't know what he'd done to deserve her, but he was grateful to whatever higher power that had brought her into his life.

Bosco held her a little tighter. "I love you," he said quietly.

"I love you, too," Faith answered, turning her head to look at him with a warm smile.

He gazed into her eyes. "Marry me," he blurted out.

Her eyes widned. "What?"

He hadn't meant for it to come out like that, but it didn't matter. He wasn't taking it back. "Marry me," he repeated.

Faith stared at him. "Are you serious?"

Bosco nodded. "Yeah, I am. I've been thinking about this for awhile. The kids seem to be okay with us being together. Everyone at work already knows about us. We love each other. Let's make it official."

She held his gaze for a moment. "Okay."

"Okay?"

Faith smiled and touched his face. "Yes, I'll marry you."

He kissed her briefly, then pulled away. "Let's do this the right way."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, confused.

Bosco reached into his jeans pocket and pulled out a ring box.

"Bosco," she whispered, stunned.

He opened the box and took the ring out. "This...was my grandmother's ring. She uh...she gave it to my mother and Ma gave it to me a few weeks ago." He looked up and met her eyes. "I would have asked you sooner, but I didn't want to rush you."

"You're the most amazing man I've ever met," she said, shaking her head.

He grinned. "I am pretty incredible," he agreed, laughing when she smacked his shoulder. Then he grew serious as he took her hand. "We'll probably have to get it resized." Taking a deep breath, he slid the diamond onto her finger, surprised. "It's a perfect fit."

Faith smiled at him with sparkling eyes. "Just like us."

Bosco returned her smile. God, he loved her. "Yeah," he agreed. "Just like us."

Author's Note:

When I started writing this story, I had not planned on having any romance involved in it at all. There is nothing romantic about rape or the trauma that a survivor experiences after rape. As an SAAC member at my university (sexual assault awareness counselor), I know quite a bit about this topic.

However. The romance in this story progressed on its own and I didn't want to fight against it because when I do that, the writing always feels stilted to me. Then I realized there was nothing wrong with the romance aspect in the first place. Survivors of sexual assault fall in love just like everyone else . If anything, the Bosco/Faith relationship in this fic, at least, I hope, is an offering of hope that is based upon the belief that a survivor of sexual violence can go on to lead a normal, happy life.

I wish to thank everyone who took the time to read this story and send me your feedback. It was very helpful to me while I was working on this fic.

Sincerely,

X_tremeroswellian