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They arrived back to Antonio's fairly quickly. There wasn't much traffic. Josie didn't really worry about having a change of clothes. In the last few days, she had slept with Antonio. He always gave her his t-shirt to sleep in and tonight wouldn't be any different. She didn't like being alone at home.

"Do your parents know I'm having sleepovers here, with you, almost every night for the last week?" Josie asked as Antonio unzipped her dress.

Antonio shrugged. "Not sure. Even if they do know, I highly doubt they'll object."

"I thought..."

"The whole Catholic thing? Yeah... they probably would object if we were having sex... but since we're only sleeping... I don't think it's much an issue." He handed her his t-shirt. "Here. You finish changing and I'll set up the VCR."

"I'll do scary, just nothing so scary that I won' t be sleeping for a week. I've got some mid-terms coming up soon."

"Can you tolerate Scream?" Antonio asked as he took off his tie and undid his shirt.

Josie thought about it. "Sure."

"Good." Antonio stole a quick kiss. "Don't take too long."

Josie smirked. "I won't." She let her dress fall to the floor and her bra wasn't too far behind it.

Antonio's face burned. "Uh... yeah... VCR." He left the bedroom and went to set up the TV and VCR.

Josie giggled. She kind of enjoyed having this kind of effect on him. She pulled the t-shirt on and quickly removed her makeup. She had stored a couple of her necessities here since she spent some much time here, either with Antonio or with Gaby. She put her hair into a messy ponytail and went to join Antonio in the living room. He had set up the couch with a pile of pillows and blankets. The TV was ready and he was in the process of microwaving some popcorn. He returned with a bowl full of Josie's favourite salty treat. He handed her a bottle of soda and sat on the couch. Once he was comfortable, he pulled Josie closer to him. Josie revelled in the heat of his body. She knew she wouldn't be freezing come wintertime in Chicago. Not with Antonio next to her. Antonio grabbed the remote and hit 'play'. Josie snuggled in closely and munched on some popcorn as the slasher movie played. During the scenes that were a little too much for her, she buried her face in his chest.

When the movie was over, Antonio turned the VCR and TV off. He looked down at Josie. He figured she was asleep because she was so quiet. He went to get off the couch.

"Uh... no." Josie groaned. "You ain't going anywhere."

"I thought you were sleeping, missy."

"Nope, just relaxing. I like just being like this with you. I don't ever want this to end."

Antonio brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. "Not going to happen. "Come on, let's get to bed."

"But, I'm comfy here." She pouted.

"Pouting doesn't suit you, baby." He leaned down and kissed her.

Josie deepened the kiss, cupping his face in her hands. "Antonio." She moaned.

Antonio was as lost in the kiss as she was. Josie repositioned herself. She straddled Antonio as she kissed him, occasionally nipping at his bottom lip. Antonio pulled her in tighter, almost crushing her lips with his kisses. His hands lowered to her hips and he held on to her as she began to grind up against him. It was when Antonio's groin began to burn with passion that he realized what was going on. He broke the kiss.

Josie looked to him in shock. "Did I do something wrong?"

Antonio shook his head. "No." He answered hoarsely. "No, baby. It's not you... it's... I can't take advantage of you."

"Antonio... you can't take advantage of me when I'm willing and do know what I'm getting myself into." Josie leaned in. "I want this." Her hands slid down his chest, stopping just short of the band of his boxers.

"Jo." He breathed. "Are you sure?"

Josie nodded. "Yeah. I was going to wait until tomorrow night..." She saw the clock. "Well, technically tonight... but I can't. I've been wanting this since that night when you saved me." Her one hand slid just a tiny bit lower.

Her touch sent a shiver up his spine and made his blood surge. His heart was racing. He stroked her cheek. "I've been wanting you for a while." He kissed her gently. "I love you, Josie."

"And I love you, Antonio." She kissed him, this time more passionately.

Antonio threw caution to the wind. "Wrap your arms and legs around me."

Josie did as she was told. Antonio stood up and carried her to his bed. He kicked the door closed behind him and gently laid her on the bed. He knew what this meant. There was no turning back.

He kissed her, then trailed a line of kisses along her jawline and neck. He smiled as he heard her moan his name. His hand gently traced the curves of her body. He reached the bottom of the t-shirt. He pulled it up. Josie sat up and allowed Antonio to pull it over her head. He tossed the t-shirt to the ground. He put one hand in her hair to kiss her deeper. Josie's body arched up against his. Antonio moaned. He was rock hard and ready to go. Josie's hand ran down his chest. Her touch was enough to push him over the edge. He slid one hand down her waist and pulled her underwear off. They, too, were tossed to the ground. He slid his own underwear off and kicked it aside. He lowered his head to her chest. He kissed every inch of her skin, slowly making his way to her core. He slowly began to kiss and lick along the folds. Josie bucked beneath him. She had never felt this before. The pleasure almost sent her over the edge. He wanted to make sure she was ready for him. He slowly slid one finger, then another into her warm, wet heat.

"Antonio." She moaned. "Oh... god."

"I'm here, baby." He gently flicked his thumb against her clit. He grinned as she lifted herself off the bed. "Is that good?"

Josie nodded. She was speechless.

Antonio knew she was ready. He lifted himself over her. He lowered his lips to her ear. "If it's too much, you tell me to stop."

"Baby..." She pleaded. "Please... I need you."

Antonio kissed her. Her sweet taste intermingled on both their lips. He gently slid into her. Josie gasped at the initial intrusion. She was tight. Antonio took his time. He didn't want to hurt her. He felt a little resistance as he met her virginity and with one quick thrust, he pierced it. Josie cried out but Antonio caught it with it a kiss. "You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah. I'm okay." She nodded. She caressed his cheek. "Love me, please?"

Antonio slowly moved, allowing Josie to choose the pace. He ran one thumb across her taut nipple, causing goosebumps to cover her skin. A thin layer of sweat covered both their bodies as they upped their tempo. Antonio hadn't felt this way in a long time. He gasped as Josie clamped down around him tightly.

"Jo." He moaned.

"Antonio." Josie sighed. "Oh, Antonio... oh God!"

Antonio couldn't hold back. He came hard and fast. Josie felt his heat fill her as she gave into the throws of ecstasy. Both of them were shaking and their breathing was ragged. Antonio was careful not to collapse on top of her. He slowly pulled out and laid on the bed, pulling Josie onto him. "How are you feeling?"

"Like my legs are Jell-O." Josie whispered hoarsely. "That... was... wow."

Antonio stroked her arm. "I agree." He kissed the tip of her nose. "I love you."

"I love you." She kissed his lips gently. She snuggled up next to him. "It didn't hurt too much."

"It's just the first time." Antonio said. "It should never hurt."

"Thank you."

"For what?" Antonio asked.

"Keeping your word... being gentle... all of it."

"I would never hurt you, Jo. I love you too much." Antonio kissed her again. "You... you are everything to me."

"You are to me too." Josie said sleepily.

"Get some sleep." Antonio whispered.

"You're staying right?"

"Always." Antonio pulled the covers over them. "Always." He turned off the lamp and held her tightly. His future was right next to him and nothing was going to change that.


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When the sun shone through his bedroom window, Antonio stirred. He slowly opened his eyes to prevent himself from being blinded. He looked to the clock. It was almost 8. He looked down in his arms and smiled. Josie, his sweet Josie, was still sound asleep in his arms. He brushed her hair from her face. She stirred but didn't wake. He carefully got up and picked up the clothes from their night of passion and placed them properly. He went to the bathroom to relieve himself. He padded back to his room and slid back into bed with Josie.

"5 more minutes." Josie groaned.

Antonio kissed her shoulder. "Good morning, baby."

Josie turned over and smiled. "Good morning."

"How are you feeling this morning?"

Josie sat up a little. "A little sore, but I'll live." She kissed him. "How about you?"

Antonio kissed her a little deeper. "I haven't ever had it like that."

"It was that good?"

"It was better." Antonio smiled. "Let's make some breakfast... then I'm yours for the day."

Josie smiled. "I like the sound of that." She rolled over him to get off the bed. She stopped when she noticed something on his sheets. "Antonio..."

He looked to where she was pointing. There were minute drops of blood.

"What... did I...?"

"It's okay, Jo. That's normal."

Josie thought about it and then remember biology class. "Oh."

"Yeah." He got off the bed and hugged her. "Don't worry about it. I'll set the sheets to wash. Let's get some food first."

Josie pulled his t-shirt over her head while he pulled on a pair of sweats. Hand in hand, they headed to the kitchen to make some breakfast. Josie took control as she set up her mom's pancake recipe. Antonio sat back and watched her expertly make the batter. She got perfect little, round pancakes in two pans and worked at scrambling some eggs. She found some bacon in the freezer and quickly thawed it and put it in the oven.

"You're not pan frying the bacon?" Antonio asked.

Josie shook her head. "Nope. Baking it causes less mess and it doesn't shrivel up."

"Cool." Antonio got up and set the table and then poured them some orange juice. He put on a pot of coffee. "Do you want some?"

"I don't like coffee." Josie blushed. "It's too bitter for me."

"Fair enough." He turned the coffee machine on.

"Antonio?"

"Yeah, babe?"

"Are your parents going to be suspicious as to why you're not coming up for breakfast today?"

He shrugged. "I'm 21... I don't really think it matters anymore. If they ask, I'll be honest... without telling them about our sexual relationship."

"Okay." Josie's cheeks were still burning. She felt like a new woman now. "So, I was thinking... you like to cook Dominican and Latino food... I love Southern, Creole and Cajun... so... my plan is I want us to experiment with both types of cuisine all day. Then... I have something else planned."

"Another surprise?" Antonio arched an eyebrow.

Josie giggled. "Yeah. Oh!"

"What? You okay?" Antonio went to her side.

"Yeah... no I... I forgot to give you your birthday present." Josie ran back to his bedroom.

"Jo... you didn't need to get me anything!" He called after her.

Josie reappeared with a small bag.

"Josie... I have you... you are the best gift I could ever ask for."

"I wanted to get you this. I thought it suited you." Her eyes were sparkling.

Antonio took the bag and pulled out the tissue paper that was on top. He then pulled out a small jewelry box. He looked to her and then opened the box. In it sat a dog tag. He pulled it out of the box and read the front. It was the 'Lord's Prayer' in Spanish.

"Turn it over." Josie whispered.

Antonio flipped it over and read it. "Je t'aimes à jamais. A + J."

"You kinda gave me the idea with the necklace." Her hand instinctively went to the chain around her neck. She wouldn't have to take it off anymore, not since her dad knew about their relationship. "That and I figured that you should have some protection when you're out on the streets. I had Father O'Shea bless it at school the other day."

"It's amazing." Antonio smiled. He put the dog tag around his neck and then pulled Josie in for a kiss. "You're amazing."

"I think you're pretty amazing too." Josie said. "We should eat before everything gets cold."

They served up the food and sat at the table to discuss the different things they could make throughout the day. Antonio laughed when Josie dropped a pancake down her shirt.

"I'm all sticky!" She whined.

Antonio wiped as much of the syrup as he could. "Good news... I have a shower... works pretty good."

"Will you come in with me?" She winked mischievously.

"Sure." He laughed. "I would love to have a shower with you."

They put their dishes in the sink and headed to the bathroom. Antonio was chasing Josie. Their laughter echoed off the walls.


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After their shower, they went upstairs to spend a little time with his parents before heading to Josie's for their day together. They made a variety of empanadas and marinades that came from Antonio's heritage while they set to preparing a Creole Gumbo for supper. While the gumbo simmered, they went to Josie's room to pack some of her things. They had discussed it, and Antonio had made the suggestion that she stay with him or with his parents until her dad came back home. It was safer that way. So they packed up one of her suitcases for that. Once they had that packed, they went back to pack up the now cooled empanadas and set the rice to cook for the gumbo. Josie was a little nervous about what she had planned for today, but she had thought it through and she knew she had to go through with it.

Antonio was busy putting away dishes when Josie took a deep breath and spun him around. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him hard. His eyes widened with surprise but he quickly eased into the kiss. He moaned as she nipped at his bottom lip. She pushed her body into his, causing him to back up into a wall. He grabbed at her round derriere and pulled her into him. His blood was surging again. He could feel his erection push against the tight denim of his jeans. He didn't want to take her in the kitchen. He lifted her into his arms and carried her to her bedroom. He worked hard to focus so he wouldn't trip on the stairs as she continued to kiss and suck on his neck. He pushed her door open and went to put her on the bed. She rolled off the bed and grabbed his belt buckle. "Jo... what... what are you doing?" He asked hoarsely.

She didn't answer him. She undid his belt and pulled down his jeans and boxers. She had read about this and had learned that men loved getting it. She took his rock hard cock in her hand and put it to her lips. Antonio was so surprised; he didn't know what to do. He moaned as she pulled him into her mouth. Her lips were soft against his sensitive skin. She gently worked him in and out of her mouth. Her tongue wound around his shaft. He was in heaven. He gasped as she softly took hold of his orbs. He arched back, pushing himself deeper in her mouth. Josie gagged a little but slowed her breathing and continued to move him in and out of her mouth. Antonio could feel that he was close. He knew that some girls liked that, but Josie was new to all this. He pulled back.

Josie's eyes widened. "Didn't you..."

"Babe, I love it... but I want to have you wrapped around me... I don't like the idea of finishing that way." He pulled her up and carried her the last few steps to her bed. He fell back on to it, pulling her with him. "I want to see you."

Josie nodded. She pulled her sundress off. Antonio made quick work of her bra and sent it fluttering to the floor. He was however a little surprised to see she wasn't wearing underwear. She bent down and kissed him. He used his strength to lift her onto his hips. She could feel how hard he was. She repositioned herself to slide onto his thick shaft. They both moaned as the sensation sent them reeling. Josie slowly moved her hips while Antonio held onto her hips to control the speed and tempo of their lovemaking. Josie's back arched as she got closer to her climax. Antonio couldn't get his eyes off of her. She was beautiful.

"Anto... Antonio!" She cried out.

Antonio held onto her tightly as he climaxed. She was tight as a glove around him. He could feel her body shiver. He pulled her towards him and had her lay on his chest. He grabbed the sheet and covered them with it. He whispered how much he loved her in Spanish as he stroked her back.

"That's beautiful." Josie whispered.

"What is?"

"You speaking Spanish. It's almost musical." She kissed his cheek. "That... was..."

"Amazing?" He finished. "You're covered in goosebumps." He stroked along her rib cage.

"I get chilly after." She said. "I now understand why Cosmo has those tricks and tips articles."

"Cosmo? Really?" Antonio arched an eyebrow. "What happened to that angelic girl I met a few months ago?"

Josie's cheeks burned. "Um..."

"It's okay. I'm not going to complain. You ... you complete me Josie." He kissed her. "I never want to let you go."

"Well, you're gonna have to because the rice and gumbo should almost be done... plus... we need food... I think we just burned any energy we had left."

"Your legs Jell-O again?" He tickled her.

Josie squealed. "Hey! No fair!" She tried to roll away from him but forgot how small her bed was. She ended up rolling right off the edge and landed hard on the floor. "Ow!"

Antonio leaned over the side. "Babe! You okay?"

Josie nodded slowly. "Ow. Yeah... my butt hurts now." She slowly got to her knees. "Damn binder."

"You really shouldn't be keeping school stuff on the floor... ya never know when you'll fall out of bed." He teased her.

"Help me up? Please." She said.

Antonio helped her to her feet. "Can I kiss it better?"

Josie smacked his chest playfully. "No. Hand me the sundress... you may want to put some clothes on..."

"Why?" He asked as if he were a toddler.

"Because, the curtains aren't up right now... I was washing them... I'm not really sure I want other people to see how sexy my boyfriend is in his birthday suit." She flicked at the dog tag around his neck.

"Fair enough." He stole a kiss. "I wouldn't want my girl going into a jealous rage and I'd have to bail her out of lockup."

"You're a brat."

"I can be." He winked at her. "Race you to the kitchen!" He bolted out of the door.

"Hey! That's cheating!" Josie took off after him down the stairs.


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Late November...

"Hey! Josie!" Gaby grinned as Josie opened the door.

"Hey." Josie whispered.

"Josie... what's up?" Gaby entered the Fraser house. "You look like hell."

"I caught the flu."

"But... Thanksgiving is this week."

Josie shuddered. "Don't I know it. I promised your mom I'd come over to help make supper."

"Is your dad still...?"

"Yep." Josie nodded. "He called the other night. He said to be extra careful. The people he's trying to get suspect a rat. If they make him... they... they might come after me..."

"Have you told Antonio?"

Josie nodded. "Yeah, but Daddy beat me to it. Antonio's now on super patrol."

"Oh boy." Gaby hugged her. "You don't have a fever. You sure it's the flu?"

"What else could it be?" Josie threw her hands up in the air. "I'm nauseated... throwing up... that's the flu."

"Hmm." Gaby sighed. "Well, are you coming to school?"

"We have a Lit mid-term and a history paper... so whatta you think?"

"I think that you can cut the brave, tough girl act and stay home for one day. I'm sure Mr. Walker will let you take it another day... and if I explain to Rebecca that you're sick... she'll let you write the paper another day too."

"I don't want to drag this crap out." Josie collapsed on the loveseat.

Gaby sat next to her. "Does Antonio know you're not feeling so hot?"

Josie shook her head. "No, because if he were to find out... he'd take the day off and come take care of me. He won't make detective if he does that every time I get sick."

"Josie... this is the first time you've been sick since we met." Gaby crossed her arms. "You should tell him... or else, maybe I will."

"Gabriela Dawson don't you dare." Josie said harshly. She covered her mouth as the urge to vomit became overwhelming. She bolted to the bathroom.

"Jo?" Gaby took off after her. "Josie!" She ran to the bathroom and witnessed Josie losing her breakfast. Gaby took a facecloth and ran it under the cold water. She rang it out and handed it to Josie. "Here. This may help."

Josie leaned against the wall and put the cold cloth on her face. "Oh, that feels good."

"You still planning on going to school?" Gaby asked.

"Probably not."

"God. Stay home. I'll borrow Mami's car to go to school... and I'll bring you some chicken soup tonight. You stay in bed and lock the door. I have the emergency key."

"Promise me you won't tell Antonio." Josie pleaded.

"Sure thing." Gaby said. "But... if you aren't better by the time I get out of school... you're gonna tell him when he gets home."

"He'll make me go to a doctor."

"Maybe I should make you go to a doctor." Gaby snapped. "Sorry... it's... I'm worried about you. You haven't been yourself for a week or so now."

"Maybe it's that time of the month." Josie sighed. Her eyes widened. "Oh shit."

"What?!" Gaby exclaimed.

"Um..."

"Josie... spit it out." Gaby was impatient. She looked at the clock on the wall. "Fuck this. I'm not going either. They can have a truancy officer come look for me I don't care. My best friend needs me."

"Gaby... go to school. I'll be fine."

"Like hell you are!" Gaby shouted. "You look like hell... you don't have a fever and you're puking non-stop. This isn't PMS."

"No... probably not." Josie whispered. "Look, I'll tell you... but tell your mom I'm sick... have her call the school for both of us."

"Then you'll tell me what the hell is going on here?" Gaby questioned.

"Yeah." Josie nodded.

"Okay. I'll be right back. Don't you go anywhere." Gaby pointed to her. "I mean it."

Josie nodded weakly as she covered her face completely with the cold cloth.

Gaby ran next door to speak to her mother. "Mami."

"Gaby... why aren't you and Josie on your way to school?" Her mother asked as she was pulling on her coat to go to the market.

"Josie's sick. Like... really sick." Gaby sighed. "I'm worried about her being alone all day, and she won't let me call Antonio... can you...?"

"Si, I'll call the school. I excuse you for the rest of the week. There's only another day other than today before the holiday." Liliana Dawson did up her coat. "Go take care of her... and I will speak to Antonio... and I promise to ensure he doesn't come rushing home to take care of her."

"Good." Gaby smiled. "Thank you, Mami."

"De nada, mija." Liliana hugged her daughter tightly. "Now, make sure that Josie eats and drinks lots of fluids."

"Yes, Mami. I know." Gaby smiled. "I'm gonna bring some of the soup from the fridge."

"Good idea. Behave yourself."

"Yes, Mami." Gaby rolled her eyes. "If you want to make the market before all the good veggies are gone, you should get going."

Liliana shook her head and headed out to the market. Gaby ran to the kitchen and grabbed the pot of chicken soup that was on the middle shelf. She grabbed some gingerale and crackers and headed back to Josie's house, locking her house on the way out.


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"Dawson!" Commander Lewis shouted at him.

Antonio was coming in with a drunk and disorderly. "Yes, sir?" He asked.

"Pass that drunk off and get your ass over here."

Antonio had no clue what he had done to piss off his Commander but he did as he was told. Trudy took the drunk and Antonio went to the Commander's office. "Yes, sir?" He asked.

"You know Detective Fraser?" The Commander wasn't beating around the bush.

"Yes, sir. He's my neighbour."

"He wants to see you in his office."

"When sir?"

"Right now. Move it, Dawson. He can't be here too long... the case he's on is getting hot." Commander Lewis dismissed him and Antonio spun on his heel and left.

He headed to the Gang Unit's offices. He looked everywhere for Fraser but couldn't find him. He looked to the secretary at the front desk. "Is Detective Fraser in?"

"And you are?" She asked.

"Officer Antonio Dawson. Commander Lewis said he was looking for me."

"One moment." She said. She dialed a number. "Officer Dawson is here for Detective Fraser." She paused. "Yes sir." She hung up the phone and looked up to Antonio. "Head to the last office on the right."

"Thank you." Antonio followed her directions to the last office on the right. He looked at it and did a double take. The office wasn't Fraser's. It belonged to Hank Voight. He knocked on the door. "Officer Dawson to see Detective Fraser."

"Come in." A gruff voice responded.

Antonio opened the door. He stepped into the office. Billy Fraser wasn't there, but two other detectives were.

"Officer Dawson." The one behind the desk said. "I'm Detective Voight... this here is Detective Olinsky."

"Sirs." Antonio shook both their hands. "Where's Detective Fraser? I was told that he's been looking for me."

"He was, but this case is not going as planned." Voight said. "We suspect his cover may be blown... and if that's the case... his family is in danger."

Antonio's body went rigid at the thought of Josie's life being on the line because of her father's job. "Sir?"

"Antonio... may I call you Antonio?" Olinsky asked.

Antonio nodded.

"Antonio, Billy told us you're dating his daughter, Josephine."

"Yes, sir. I am." Antonio maintained his posture despite wanting to punch something right then.

"Can you keep a close watch on her?" Voight asked. "We'd have you detailed away from Patrol temporarily... until the threat is neutralized."

"Will Commander Lewis sign off on that?" Antonio asked in return.

Voight looked to Olinsky. "To catch this guy, Lewis will sign off on just about anything."

Antonio nodded. "Then I'll do it."

"Good. Now... this starts tomorrow... Billy doesn't want her to worry about this."

"I understand." Antonio knew that he'd have to tell her something. "What exactly will I be doing?"

"Drive her and your sister, she's Josephine's best friend, right?" Olinsky asked. When Antonio nodded, Olinsky continued. "Drive them everywhere. Spend time at the Fraser house, have her spend time at your place... when she's distracted... check for bugs and that kinda thing."

"Do I get to know who I'm supposed to be watching out for?" Antonio didn't want to push his luck, but to protect Josie, he'd need all the details.

"We're after the Outlaws. They've been running guns and girls in and out of Chicago... now they're on the brink of starting a gang war. If we can get their bosses... we can put a lot of this to bed." Voight answered gruffly. "You have an idea on what to look out for?"

Antonio nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Good." Voight handed him a piece of paper. "These are the ways to contact Al or myself. You can't reach Billy directly... but anything you need him to hear... we can relay the message. Code word is Christmas. You say that... it better be life or death... because that's calling the cavalry in."

Antonio took a deep breath. "I understand. Christmas is the life or death code."

"Good." Voight shook his hand. "You'll make a great detective one day. I can see that."

"Thank you, sir." Antonio said. "I am working to that."

"Do good here..." Olinsky shook his hand. "We'll put a good word in for you."

"Thank you." Antonio said. These men's word could definitely get him closer to being a detective in Vice or Homicide.

"Well... go wrap up your shift. Inform your partner." Voight dismissed him.

Antonio left the office, closing the door behind him. He shook his head. He had no clue as to what the hell was going on here but he went to go find Trudy. She wasn't hard to find. She was standing at the end of the Desk Sergeant's desk, tapping her foot impatiently. He put the paper Voight had handed him in his wallet and walked over to his partner. "Sorry."

"Don't apologize." She snapped. "Let's go. We've got 8 hours left in this shift and we've just been assigned to West Cermak. Someone claims to see a fight going down at a market. We're the ones who get to break it up. Move it."

Antonio grabbed the keys to their squad car and they headed out.


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Gaby got back to Josie's and heard the shower running. She put a small amount of soup on the stove and put the rest in the fridge along with the cans of Canada Dry Gingerale. She knocked on the bathroom door. "Josie... I'm back. Mami's dealing with the school stuff."

"Thanks Gaby." Josie said through the door.

Gaby heard the water shut off and the curtain open. "How you feeling?"

"Like shit." Came the answer.

"Still nauseated?"

Josie opened the door, wrapped in a towel. "Yep."

"I brought some of Mami's chicken soup and gingerale. They usually help me when I feel like that."

"Thanks, Gaby."

"So, you planning on filling me in as to why you were freaking out before I left."

"I'm late." Josie whispered. She slumped against the wall.

"You're late for what?" Gaby wasn't exactly sure of where this train of thought was headed.

"Help me up." Josie put her hands out.

Gaby helped her to her feet, then followed her to her bedroom.

"Close the door please." Josie whispered.

Gaby closed the door and sat on Josie's bed. "So... explain to me what the hell you're talking about because you sure as fuck aren't making any sense."

"Didn't you pay attention in bio?"

Gaby shrugged.

Josie didn't want to be super detailed but she didn't have a choice. "Gaby... Antonio and I had sex... have been having sex... and..."

"Your PERIOD is late?!" Gaby bolted off the bed, jaw hanging.

Josie groaned. "Yes... and you don't have to be so damned loud."

"How...what... Josie!" Gaby exclaimed. "I know I didn't pay a whole lot of attention in biology, but even I know about condoms and birth control... you sure you're late?"

"This is... the second period I've missed." Josie covered her face with a pillow.

Gaby was speechless. "Antonio didn't... oh... you gotta tell him."

"No!" Josie cried. "I can't... if Daddy finds out and I am... he's going to kill Antonio."

"It's a baby... at least it's not a STI." Gaby sat next to Josie. "Do you have a test?"

Josie shook her head. "I'm too chicken shit to buy one."

"You have to do a test... or go to a clinic or something." Gaby was in shock that Josie didn't want to know.

"I'm pretty sure I am."

"Give me your keys." Gaby put her hand out. "I'll go buy a damn test."

"Uh..."

"I don't care if people judge me. Come on, Josie. At least to find out... then you can make up what you're going to do if you are."

Josie reached for her nightstand. "Here. Don't go getting any tickets or getting into an accident." She handed the keys to her beloved car to Gaby.

"I promise. You rest." Gaby said. "And I'll continue to plan how I plan on killing my big brother for knocking up my best friend."

"Gaby!"

"Come on... even he knows better... you could end up getting kicked out of school... the consequences..."

"I'm 17. He can't be charged with anything. I initiated it the first few times... now it just happens."

Gaby shook her head. "At least I've been using protection."

"Gaby." Josie glared at her. "Just go. Please."

Gaby turned and went to get the test. She knew that Antonio would step up to the plate of fatherhood if Josie was indeed pregnant, but she also knew that Billy Fraser would flip his shit if he found out. She headed to a pharmacy away from their neighbourhood to pick up a couple different tests. It was better safe than sorry. She paid for them and rushed back to Josie's. She had to be back there before her mother came back and noticed Josie's car missing from the driveway. She ran back to Josie's room with the bag of tests. "Here."

"What on earth?" Josie asked. "Did you buy every test there was?"

"I figured if more than one comes back positive... you're pregnant... some of these things... they can have false positives."

"Ah." Josie sighed. "So how do I use one?"

Gaby laughed. "You're kidding, right?"

"No." Josie crossed her legs on the bed. "I never thought I'd have to use one before I was married."

"Ok." Gaby sighed. "You take the stick out of the wrapper... pull off the cap... pee on it... then wait 3-5 minutes for a result."

"Ok... give me two of them... I'll go take them."

Gaby handed her three different sticks. "Three times."

"Whatever, Gaby." Josie snatched them from her hand and headed to the bathroom. She partially closed the door so she could talk to Gaby while doing this. "Gabs?"

"Yeah, Jo?"

"How do you know how to do these?"

"I've done a couple in the past year." Gaby said non-chalantly.

"Seriously?" Josie laughed. "You were just chastising me and your brother for making love without protection."

"I'm a hypocrite." Gaby said. "You done?"

Josie put all three sticks on the bathroom counter, flushed the toilet and washed her hands. She poked her head out. "Now..."

"We wait." Gaby finished the sentence.

It was going to be the longest 3-5 minutes of their lives.


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"Dawson!" Platt called out. "He's on the run!"

Antonio could him take off down the alley. "I got him!"

"I'll go around back!" Trudy shouted as she took off.

The man they were chasing was a well-known crack dealer. His drugs had killed 4 college kids already and had done a number on the prostitutes of Chicago. Trudy went into the condemned house that he had been known to frequent. She was checking to see where he could possibly be hiding. She could hear Antonio shouting at him to stop. That they were the CPD. Trudy turned and came face to face with a 12-gauge shotgun. Her jaw dropped. She dove into another room. The buckshot caused an explosion of glass shards to fly. "Dawson!" She screamed. She drew her weapon and prepared to fire as the perp came through the door looking for her. "Dawson!" She pulled the trigger but nothing happened. Her gun jammed. She made a mad dash for the door into the bathroom. She heard a concussive 'boom!' echo and a piercing pain burned through her hip and ass. She screamed as she fell through the door and onto the ground.

"Platt!" Dawson's voice was distant. "Hey! Freeze! Drop the gun!" Another shot was fired off. Trudy knew it wasn't the shotgun. "Stay down! You're under arrest!" Dawson's voice was filled with anger and disgust. Platt was going in and out of consciousness. She barely heard Antonio read the prick his rights.

"Trudy!" Antonio was closer. "Damn it! This is Patrol 21-15. Officer down! Repeat officer down! I need an ambo and back up to our location." He grabbed his jacket and pushed it onto Trudy's wound. "Come on, Platt. Stay with me."

Two hours later, Antonio was sitting in interrogation with their crack dealer. "Listen, we got you in dealing and producing crack. We've got enough evidence on you to send you up for a lifetime... yet... you still had to go and shoot a cop." He was losing his patience.

"Bitch done gone and messed up my house."

Antonio lost it. He got up and decked the bastard. He could hear the dealer's jaw shatter under the impact. "You're gonna make someone a real nice bitch up in Statesville." He stormed out of interrogation and headed to the locker room.

"Dawson!"

"Fuck." Antonio muttered. He turned to see Commander Lewis in the doorway of his office.

"In here! NOW!" Commander Lewis bellowed.

Everyone in the general vicinity froze and looked at Antonio. He kept his head held high and walked confidently into the Commander's office. Sitting in the office were Detectives Voight and Olinsky. Antonio stood at attention in the corner of Lewis' office.

Commander Lewis sat in his chair. "Can you explain to me why our main crack supply dealer is on their way to Lakeshore with a busted jaw?" He clasped his hands together.

"I broke it." Antonio replied. "Sir."

"We know... we were watching." Commander Lewis growled. "Why?"

"He was being uncooperative, sir."

Commander Lewis turned to Voight and Olinsky. "You still want him to cover in the Gang Unit?"

They nodded. "He's the one that can keep Detective Fraser's daughter the safest... and he's already close to her. He blends into the neighbourhood." Voight answered.

"Well... Officer Dawson... for the sake of your cover... you're suspended... in terms only. You'll be on duty at all times." Commander Lewis turned back to Antonio. "No alcohol... and bare minimum of distractions... That girl and her safety are your sole priority. Got it?"

"Yes, sirs." Antonio said. "She is my priority."

"Now... answer me this... before I let Detectives Voight and Olinsky have you to prep you... are you in a relationship with this girl?"

Antonio gulped. "Would it change things, sir?"

"Not an answer."

"Yes, sir. We are in a relationship. Have been since July."

"I see." Commander Lewis looked between the three men in front of him. "Is it a physical relationship?"

"Sir, I don't see how my personal life or actions is going to affect me protecting Detective Fraser's daughter from harm."

"Dawson, if you're sleeping with her... that's on you." Voight said. "But... you can't let hormones distract you on a job like this."

"It won't. I take my job seriously. I won't let my emotions or feelings detract from my job of protecting Josephine Fraser." Antonio swore. "I swear it on my life."

"Good." Al Olinsky said. "He's telling the truth, Commander. If that's all, sir... respectively... we've gotta get him prepped for this."

Lewis nodded and dismissed them. Antonio followed the other two men to an empty conference room. They closed the door behind them.

Voight turned to Antonio. "I'm taking her father doesn't know about your intimacy with his baby girl?"

"No, sir. He doesn't."

"Drop the sir crap." Voight said. "Call me Voight. That's Al or Olinsky. Sir is for when we're in front of the brass."

"Okay... s... Voight." Antonio said. "No, he doesn't know we've been intimate. I'd really rather not have him find out either. He'd probably kill me."

"You're right... and we'd probably help him hide your body." Al said, pulling a banana out of his pocket and began to eat it.

"I get it. What exactly do I get to tell her? My family?"

"Use the cover that Commander Lewis just gave you. You're suspended." Voight leaned back in a chair.

"They'll flip their shit." Antonio said defensively.

Al looked to Voight. "Tell them it's a cover and that's all you can say."

Voight nodded. "We can live with that."

Antonio sighed. "Okay. So... I go home and keep you informed?"

Voight nodded. "Anything suspicious, you call in and report it... if it's an emergency... use..."

"Christmas."

"Exactly. We've heard great things about you, Dawson." Voight added. "You've got the makings of a great Vice, or Gangs detective."

"Thanks." Antonio said. He still had reservations about these two because of their role in the CPD and the rep that the Gang Unit had, but for Josie's sake, he'd do what he needed to, to keep her safe.


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Josie was pacing around her room. "Has it been 5 minutes yet?"

Gaby looked at her watch. "Yep. You ready?"

Josie shook her head. "No... but I don't have much choice... I need to know."

Gaby put her arm around Josie's shoulder. "I'm here for you."

Together they walked into the bathroom. Josie took a deep breath before picking the three sticks up and flipping them. Facing her were two sets of double pink lines and the third stick had a very blue 'plus' sign. Josie's jaw dropped. "Oh my God."

Gaby took the sticks from Josie's hand. She compared the results to the boxes. "They're all positive."

"I... oh... oh shit... I'm pregnant." Josie gasped.

Gaby help Josie sit on the closed toilet lid. "Breathe, Josie. Breathe."

"I can't... shit..." Josie began to weep. "My dad's gonna kill us... Antonio... oh shit."

Gaby didn't know what to do. She tossed the tests on the counter and hugged her friend tightly. "It's going to be okay. We can figure this out."

DING DONG!

Josie was incoherent. Gaby looked around. "Okay. Stay here. I'm gonna go see who it is." Gaby knew that it wasn't Josie's dad. He didn't have to ring the bell. She prayed that it was just a Girl Guide selling cookies or something like that. Sadly, it wasn't. "Fuck!" Gaby exclaimed as she opened the door. "What are you doing here?"

Antonio looked to his sister. "My girlfriend lives here and according to Mami... she has the flu. So thanks for watching over her... I've got it now."

"Gaby? Who is it?" Josie called from upstairs.

Gaby covered Antonio's mouth. "Shh." She had to think. "It's Antonio." She called back.

This led to a cry of hysterics coming from the bathroom. Being bigger and significantly stronger than Gaby, Antonio pushed his sister aside and ran up the stairs. Gaby was hot on his tail. She was trying to stop him. Josie needed time to process this. She needed to be able to think clearly about her choices before she told Antonio.

It was no use, Antonio burst into the bathroom, sweeping Josie into his arms. "Babe? What's wrong?"

Josie couldn't look him in the eye. It hurt too much. She was terrified of him finding out. Not as terrified though of her dad finding out. She knew that they weren't ready to be parents. She just continued to weep.

Antonio turned back to look at Gaby. "What the fuck is happening here?"

Gaby crossed her arms. "Not my place to say."

"Gaby, tell me what's going on here. She's inconsolable." He snapped. "What the hell happened when I was at work?"

"Better question... why aren't you still at work? Your shift is supposed to be over at 7. It's only 2."

Antonio sighed. "I explain that after you tell me why she's acting as if the world is going to end."

Gaby shook her head. "Nope. I'm going to go heat up some soup for her. She's the only one who can tell you."

Antonio carried Josie out of the bathroom and brought her to her bedroom. He sat on her bed, cradling her against his body. He rocked back and forth, humming softly. He had no clue as to what was going on, but whatever it was, it was serious. Slowly, Josie's sobs faded and she stopped shaking. Antonio kept rocking her. If it worked on babies, it had to have a similar effect on grown human beings too.

"Antonio." She whispered.

"Yeah, baby. I'm here, Jo. It's gonna be okay."

She shook her head. "No... no, it's not. You're gonna hate me."

"Did you kill someone?" He asked.

She stared at him. "No."

"Did you rob a bank? Deal drugs? Sell an organ on the black market?"

"No, no and no." She shook her head. "What's with the really weird questions?"

"Those are reasons for which I could hate someone I love. Since you didn't do any of those things, I don't hate you. I never could." He kissed the tip of her nose. "Ever."

"Before I tell you... can you tell me why you're home 5 hours early?"

Antonio sighed. "I got pulled off patrol to do some work with the Gang Unit."

"You're working with my dad?" She gasped.

"No, no. I'm... I've been assigned to keep a closer eye on you. The crew your dad's in with..." He took a deep breath. He knew he was violating protocol, but she needed to know. She needed to understand. "They suspect he's a rat... if they find out about his family... they'll use you to get to him."

"Oh my God!" She screamed. "It's Murphy's Law. If it can get worse... it does."

"Jo, Josie... look at me. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

"How will they know you haven't been assigned to protect me?"

"Um... I got suspended."

"You what?!" Gaby was standing in the doorway. "You've been on the job for two months and you're already suspended!?"

Antonio groaned. "Gaby... I'm not really suspended... it's a cover... to keep Josie safe. However... I probably will get written up for busting a suspect's jaw."

"Why did you...?" Josie asked.

"He shot my partner. Then he called her a bitch... so I clocked him."

Gaby groaned. "Seriously... ay yi yi."

"Look... Gaby... Josie and I need time here... can you go hide somewhere for a little bit."

"I ain't going far. When she's got the cojones to tell you what's going on, she's gonna need me nearby." Gaby glared him. "I'll be in the next room watching TV."

Antonio stared as his sister took off. "Why do you need cojones?"

Josie swallowed hard. "Um."

"Jo, we swore no secrets. I wasn't supposed to tell you the truth... but I can't lie to you." He pulled her into his arms. "There is nothing on this planet that could make me not want to be with you."

Josie touched his cheek. "Remember that in 30 seconds." She went to the bathroom and came back with something behind her back. "Um... Gaby got these for me... and umm... here." She handed him the three tests.

Antonio took the sticks and looked at the screens. "Are these...?"

Josie nodded slowly. "Pregnancy tests... all three of them... positive."

Antonio sat on the bed. "You're sure?"

"Three tests don't lie... I can do more... Gaby bought me enough..."

Antonio put them on her bedside table. "Come here." He took her hands. "It's going to be okay."

The waterworks started again. "Antonio." She stuttered. "We're not ready for a baby... we're not married... I'm still in high school... my dad... oh God..."

Antonio pulled her into his lap and held her. A baby was a huge shock, but it wasn't Josie's fault alone. He had been there too. "We're going to get through this. Okay? I'm not going anywhere." He held onto her for what seemed like hours.

There was a knock on the door. "Antonio?"

"Yeah, Gaby?"

"Is she okay?"

"She's calmed down." Antonio answered. "You can come in."

The door opened and Gaby slipped into the room. Josie was laying on her side facing her bedroom winder. Antonio was lying next to her, rubbing her back. Gaby sat on the chair in front of Josie's make-up table. "Josie?" She asked.

Josie rolled over. Her eyes were puffy and red. Tears still slid down her cheeks. Antonio brushed them away. He leaned down and whispered something in her ear. There was a small smile that crept across her face.

"Are you going to be okay?" Gaby asked.

Antonio helped Josie sit up. Josie took a tissue and blew her nose. "Yeah. I will."

"Does he...?"

"I know she's pregnant... and before you lecture me... yes, I should've used protection."

Gaby sighed. "What's the plan here?"

Antonio kissed Josie's head. "We're going to keep the baby."

"You sure, Jo?" Gaby wanted to hear it from her.

Josie nodded. "Yeah. We know it's going to be hard... but we'll make it work."

Gaby asked the million-dollar question. "Okay, phew. Now... how do we tell our parents?"

Neither Josie nor Antonio had an answer. Whatever they were going to do, they'd deal with the repercussions when the time came.


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December

Christmas was a couple days away. Josie was nervous. Antonio and her had gone to a doctor who confirmed her pregnancy and gave her a July due date. They hadn't told anyone else yet. They were going to wait until the three-month mark officially passed before telling their families.

Gaby had gone along with it, knowing that it was better that way. No one could try and force Josie to have an abortion after that point, not that anyone in the Dawson family would even contemplate that idea. Gaby also knew of Antonio's secret plan for Josie on Christmas Eve.

There hadn't been much headway made on the case that Billy was involved in. Antonio got 'reinstated' for part-time shift to guarantee Josie was safe when she wasn't at school. The school had protocols in place to ensure Josie was safe while on campus.

Antonio was headed to the locker room when Billy Fraser grabbed his arm and pulled him into the janitor's closet.

"What the hell?!" Antonio exclaimed.

"How's Josie?" Billy asked.

"She's okay." Antonio answered.

"I heard she had the flu pretty bad last month?"

"Yeah. She got over it. Gaby and I took turns taking care of her." Billy nodded. Antonio could tell he was anxious about something. Anxious or terrified. "Sir, is everything okay?"

Billy shook his head. "No. No, it's not... I've been made... I swear I've been made. They'll go after my baby... I know that... you need to get her out of that house and you need to get her somewhere safe."

"Si..."

"Now! Dawson... go... now!" Billy pounded the table.

Antonio spun around and booked it for his car. He didn't bother to change or anything. He flew through traffic and arrived to Josie's house. Everything seemed normal. He looked at his watch. The girls would be coming home soon. He pulled out his notepad and wrote a note asking Josie to come straight over to his suite when she got home. He was about to stick it to the door when Gaby called to him.

"Antonio!" She waved to him. "What are you doing?"

Antonio turned to face his sister. "Gaby? What are you doing home from school?"

"It's an early day." She said. "Didn't Josie tell you?"

Antonio shook his head. "No. Where is she?"

"At home with Mami. They're decorating the house and baking up a storm." Gaby said. "So... why does it look like you've seen a ghost?"

"Billy came to find me at work today."

"And?"

"He told me to get Josie out of the house. That she wasn't safe."

"Shit."

"He told me to get her as far away as possible. To keep her safe."

"Did you tell him about the..."

Antonio shook his head. "Hell no. I wasn't bringing that up. He needs to focus on bringing these guys down so Josie doesn't have to constantly be looking over err shoulders."

"Well, she's safe."

"Good thing she's got clothes at our house." Antonio sighed. "Let's go. You're gonna catch a cold dressed like that."

"No more than you. Geez... a leather coat and your uniform... you're the one that's gonna catch cold." She shook her head. "Come on, let's go make sure that Mami hasn't gone overboard with the decorations again this year."


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It was Christmas Eve. Everything was going better than planned. Josie was starting to not feel the morning sickness as much now that she was a little over 3 months along. She had a very small bump that she was able to conceal with the help of baggy sweaters. Once tonight was over, it wouldn't matter anymore. She and Antonio had already discussed what would happen after this semester was over for school. He had also already said that they would have to get their own house soon enough to get ready for when the baby came. Antonio had had to go with his dad to deliver some things to Tiago and Rebecca's for Christmas morning, so Josie took the chance to go home, shower and change for the Midnight Mass and supper they'd be sharing that night. She took out the ultrasound that the doctor had given her a couple days earlier. Antonio hadn't seen it yet. He had been called in. Gaby had gone with her. She looked at the black and white image. It was really happening. She smiled. She remembered when they got to hear the baby's heartbeat the week before. It was the most magical sound in the world. That sound made it all real. This baby and their future together was real and there was nothing anyone or anything could do to change that. They would get their happily ever after, just not in the order she had always planned in her mind's eye.

Antonio and Miguel had dropped off the gifts for the next day. Antonio then dropped his father off at home before rushing to the mall to pick up Josie's gift. He had gotten the call the day before saying it was ready for pickup. He was excited and nervous. He knew this next step was going to be a huge change for them, but there was no one better for him that Josephine Fraser. He ran home, showered and shaved. He got ready for Mass and was about to go pick Josie up from her house when Billy's car came barrelling down the street. Antonio froze and had to jump out of the way as Billy killed the engine and jumped out of the car.

"Where's Josephine?" Billy asked frantically. "Where is she?!"

"Inside... she... she was getting ready for Mass... Is everything okay?"

Billy was shaking. "No! They know I'm a cop... they know about my baby girl... she's in danger. You've gotta get her out of there!"

Antonio ran for the door calling her name. He saw movement in the house as he got to the steps. Suddenly an ear-piercing explosion ripped through the neighbourhood. Antonio was flung backwards into a snow bank. His ears were ringing and his vision was blurry. He tried to push himself up. He looked around him. The Fraser residence was fully engulfed in flames. Antonio tried to move but couldn't. He looked at his leg. It was twisted at a very awkward angle. He was numb. He called out into the night. "Josie! Josie!"

There was no answer. All that greeted his ears was the roaring of the flames and the distant sounds of the fire trucks that were on the way. Everything he had ever love was gone in an instant. Antonio wept for the loss of his love and their unborn child, all at the hands of a merciless gang.


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A/N: Yep... I'm leaving it there... until next time! Don't forget to vote and let me know what you think!