Hi all. Yeah, I know it's been a long time since the last time I was here posting. I hope no one forgot about me. Anywho, real life cut me a little slack and I was able to get a chapter written so I thought, you know, maybe there are people out there who were wondering what the heck happened to me and thought I'd finally post. Ok, enough explaining. Onto the story.

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"This is heavy!"

"Stop moaning, Carlos. Your crap was just as heavy when I helped you move," Alex said as she carried a box up the stairs.

"It's great of you all to help. Bosco is thankful." Faith dropped the box she was carrying.

It was amazing. She had briefly mentioned to Sully and Davis how Bosco had a new apartment and the next thing she knew she had seven willing movers. Well, Carlos wasn't as willing as the others. When she told Bosco how everyone wanted to help move his stuff in so he could come home to his new apartment, he was speechless.

"When does he get released?" Jimmy asked sitting down on the couch.

"Three more days. They kept him longer than he thought they would."

"I think everything is up here. Now, you just need to set it up. I'll stop by tomorrow before my shift," Sully said.

"We better get going, we'll be late," Doc added.

"Thanks again." Faith walked Sully, Davis, Doc and Carlos to the door.

"Hey, Sully," Jimmy called. "I'll finish here. Don't worry about it."

She couldn't help but smile. All these people were willing to help Bosco. Sully, Davis, Doc and Carlos agreed to help until they had to work. Jimmy, Alex and Kim had the day off. Faith, luckily had her days off then too. Then she'd use some personal days to help Bosco.

"I'll start on the kitchen," Alex said.

"I'll take the bathroom," Kim spoke up.

"I guess that leaves us with the heavy lifting," Faith said to Jimmy. "Let's start with Bosco's room."

It had taken them awhile to get everything settled. They left Bosco's personal stuff packed, unsure of what to do with it. Noah's room was all set up after having to get some stuff out of storage.

"You look tired, Faith," Kim commented.

"Between Bosco, my kids and my upcoming divorce I'm beat."

"I can take Noah tonight if you want. I'm sure he and Joey would get along great," Kim offered.

"Thanks for the offer, but I can do it."

"I never thought the day would come that I'd be helping Bosco. Getting in fights, arguing . . . that I'm used to," Jimmy admitted.

"Tell you the truth, I think Bosco's weirded out too."

"You know though, he's not as bad as he lets on. Last few times I visited with him we actually had a good time."

"You just have to get to know him, that's all," Faith said to Jimmy.

"So, when do you move?" Alex asked as she plopped down on the couch.

"Soon. I just need to get some furniture and stuff."

Faith smiled thinking of how surprised she was when she saw the place. Cheaper rent and a nicer building than the apartment she had shared with Fred. Then again, the realtor was a high school friend of Bosco's as was the landlord. The apartment just needed some paint, but other than that the place would be great.

"Just let me know, Faith, and I'll help," Kim said.

"Thanks."

"I was mentioning to D.K. and Walsh how I was helping you paint next week and they want to help." Jimmy took a deep breath. "We all know you and Bosco say you just did your job. We don't feel that way. You put your lives on the line for Kim and Alex. Then even after all that . . . Bosco getting hurt . . . all he wanted to know was if Kimmy and Alex were fine . . .," he trailed off.

"Jimmy's trying to say that we never really paid attention to how much . . . we all put our lives at risk everyday. For once we just realized we are all one big family. At least with our houses. There shouldn't be any rivalry," Kim said.

"Oh, you mean like having a barbeque and not inviting the neighbors?" Faith grinned.

"Yeah, and having the neighbors cars towed," Jimmy laughed.

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"When are you going home, daddy?" Noah shifted in his seat.

"Soon buddy. Soon."

Bosco looked at Faith. She looked exhausted. It was as if she hadn't had a decent night's sleep in a long while. Which she probably hadn't. Kim had talked to him about that. They both decided that Faith needed some alone time. That was why Kim was waiting outside.

"Bosco?" Kim's voice called as she opened the door.

"Hey."

"Oh, hey Kim." Faith looked towards the newcomer.

"Faith. Hi Noah." Kim walked in all the way.

"So, what'd ya bring Bosco this time?" Faith asked.

"No goodies for him. I'm here for you."

"Me?"

"Faith, we all think that you need some time to yourself." Bosco blurted out.

"Excuse me?"

"What Bosco meant to say is that we all see how exhausted you seem. Now, Noah and I have talked and he wants to come home with me tonight and meet Joey."

"Noah?" Faith looked to the young boy.

"Kimmy and Joey and I are going to play games. You need to sleep. That's what Daddy told me to say."

"Noah, you weren't supposed to . . .," Bosco began.

"But I'll miss you," Noah said cutting off his father. "He didn't tell me to say that."

"You won't need to miss me. You are coming back with me like always." Faith turned to Bosco. "Do you think I haven't been taking good care of him?"

"That's not it. You just need to rest. Stay at my place. Get a break from kids, soon to be ex-husbands and your hospitalized partner. Just one night. Call Kim when you've had enough rest and relaxation. I don't think one night is enough though with all the stuff you've been dealing with."

"I could use one night from Fred . . . but not from the kids."

"Liar," Bosco laughed. "You'll do it?"

"Yes."

"Good."

"So, Noah and I are gonna get going," Kim spoke up.

"He needs clothes and stuff," Faith said.

"Covered." Kim lifted up a small bag.

"Ok." Faith kneeled down next to Noah. "Be good for Kim, and don't fib about your bed time. You tried that on your dad and it almost worked. Kim won't fall for it. Be good."

"It's only one night, Faith," Noah said as he hugged her.

"I know." She laughed nervously.

"Have fun," Bosco said as Noah hugged him goodbye.

"Don't worry Faith. He'll be fine." Kim took Noah's hand and began to lead him out the door.

"I love you Daddy!" Noah called as he walked away.

"I love you too," Bosco replied quietly knowing that his son wouldn't have been able to hear him anyway. He turned to Faith who was staring at the door. "It's just one night."

"Do you not trust me?"

"Not trust you? Faith . . . I'm trusting you with the most important thing in my life. You are doing a great job. But even a great sidekick needs her rest." Bosco smiled then got serious. "You're acting like this is a punishment."

"No I'm not." Faith lowered her head. "You are lucky, Bos. You have a wonderful son who adores you."

"So do you."

"I know." Faith looked up. "Lately I've been . . . It's just Noah . . .forget it."

"Ok."

"Ok? I say forget it and you say ok? You never say ok!" She shot him a fiery glare then softened when she saw him smile. "What?"

"You fell for him."

"What?"

"That little Romeo of mine got to you, didn't he?" Bosco teased. "He's a little young for you, don't you think?"

"Shut up." She playfully hit him on the arm. "It's wrong. I know it, but there are times when I find myself wishing . . . I've spent so much time with him and I've really grown to love him like he was . . . like he was . . .," she couldn't finish.

"Charlie?"

"No, not Charlie. Noah's his own person. Sometimes when the kids and I are out and someone says what great kids I have, I say thanks. I don't correct them and say Noah's not mine."

Bosco watched as she rambled. He knew what she was trying to get across. She thought of Noah as one of her own children to watch and protect and love. She thought it was wrong. He didn't it. In fact, for Bosco it would be the greatest thing to have Faith care that much for his son. He needed a mother figure in his life now that his real mom was gone.

"You don't have to say it. I think I know." Bosco reached for his hand.

"I don't want to replace his mom, but I find myself trying. It's wrong Bosco. He's got a mom. Sure, she's in jail, but he's got one. And you . . . you are my partner. My best friend. I shouldn't be thinking of your son as mine. But I am. Does that make me a horrible person?"

"No. Not at all."

He felt his heart fall apart. She would never care for him the way he did for her. Her words said it all. I shouldn't be thinking of your son as mine. Her words echoed in his mind. Why would that be wrong unless all that she ever wanted from Bosco was friendship. Well, then he decided. That would be what she got. He wouldn't ruin that for anything.

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"Are we going to your house now?" Noah asked Kim.

Kim walked out to the cab that was waiting. She and Noah got in. She thought back to the day she first met Noah and how all he wanted was to see the Dalmatian that most firehouses have. They did have one, but when Jerry left everyone had agreed to let him take Mantooth with him. The guys now decided it was time for a new one.

"No. Not yet." Kim smiled at Noah as the cab came to a halt. She handed the driver money then helped Noah out.

"Why are we here?" Noah asked as he looked at the firehouse.

"Joey is here. We have a surprise for the both of you." Kim led Noah up the stairs. She saw Jimmy and Noah first. After introducing the two boys, they were off playing.

"Walsh is brining her here. He had to pick some stuff up." Jimmy shot a glance at Noah. "Faith agreed?"

"Yeah, but not before thinking it was because Bosco didn't trust her."

"Hey, guys," Doc said as he came in. "I saw Walsh and D.K. downstairs. All the guys here?"

"Sure are. I can't believe how excited they are. You'd think they were kids," Jimmy replied.

"For the most part you guys act like kids," Kim joked.

Kim saw Walsh and D. K. walk up the stairs. It wasn't hard to tell that Walsh was carrying something in his arms. She motioned for him to wait. It wasn't long before all the guys who were working made their way downstairs. Noah and Joey were still playing.

"Noah. Joey," she called. She glanced back at Walsh this time motioning for him to come. "Guess what. We have a new addition to the firehouse."

"Another fireman?" Joey asked.

"Not quite," Kim said.

"Look what I found," Walsh said as he put the puppy on the floor.

"A puppy!" Noah yelled as he ran.

"Billy? Is it yours?" Joey questioned as he sat down.

"No. She's all of ours. We just need to give her a name."

Kim couldn't help but smile as she watched the two boys play with the puppy. The guys all stood by and watched as well. Soon though, the puppy was surrounded by the whole squad. They began to shout out names as they played with the little Dalmatian.

"Rover?" D. K. called out.

"Yeah, like that one's original," Lombardo shot back.

"And what do you suggest?"

"Spot."

"Talk about original," D. K. laughed.

"Patch," Noah said.

"Why Patch?" Carlos asked from behind everyone.

"The spot on her eye looks like a Pirate's eye." Noah pointed to the dog's left eye. "She's your dog though." He got up and started walking away.

"Hey, wait," Kim called but Noah walked past them. She began to follow him.

"Kim, let me," Carlos spoke. "Look, he's a kid. I won't be a jerk."

"You better not be. I'm watching," Kim warned.

Noah was sitting in front of the TV. His head was lowered and Kim couldn't help but wonder if she made a mistake letting Carlos talk to him. She moved closer so she could watch them. Carlos slowly sat down next to Noah. It was few minutes later before either of them said a word.

"Are you a friend of my daddy's?" Noah asked.

"Sometimes we work together. When he goes to help someone and they're hurt or sick, I fix them."

"Did you fix my daddy?"

"No. Kim and Alex did. Then the doctors," Carlos paused. "He's fine now. Before you know it he'll be home with you. Maybe you can introduce him to Patch."

"What if he leaves me like my mommy?" Noah's eyes began to water.

"He won't. You are stuck with him." Carlos glanced back at Kim then turned his attention back to Noah. "Don't be scared for your dad."

"Why? He got hurt and Faith has to take care of me. And she cries a lot at night. That means Daddy isn't coming back. Mommy cried a lot at night."

"It might not of been because of your dad."

"She said thinking of daddy made her sad." Noah wiped a tear away. "I don't want him to go away."

"I bet you are the best thing in his life."

"You think?"

"I know." Carlos turned to the puppy. "Like I said, you are stuck with him. And that means you are stuck with Patch and us."

"You really wanna call her Patch?" Noah wiped his eyes.

"It's got my vote." Carlos got up. "All in favor of Patch, raise your hands." Carlos turned to Noah once he saw that everyone agreed. "Patch it is. You better go join everyone else."

"Ok." Noah got up and walked towards everyone else but turned around. "Aren't you coming?"

"Nah, I'm going to stay here."

"You're stuck with us too. Daddy said you guys are a family just like him and the people he works with." Noah pulled Carlos down. "I never had a big family."

"Same here."

"You can be part of mine." Noah grabbed Carlos' hand.

Kim couldn't believe the man who she just saw was Carlos Nieto. He was actually kind and sympathetic. That was a first. She wasn't sure, but Kim thought she saw Carlos blink back a tear when Noah said he could be part of his family. That's how things should be. They were one big family of New York's finest and bravest.