TITLE: THE ONE CONSTANT
AUTHOR: MINN
DISCLAIMER: I STILL don't own nothin' - mores the pity - just playing. No character was really harmed during the typing of this nonsense. The creators of Third Watch are, of course, gods. And so are the actors who portray the characters!
I'M STILL foreign, so cut me some slack if I use a phrase or two that don't make no sense.
GREETINGS ALL! Thank you to those sticking with this little epic and taking the time to stroke the author's ego with kind words - very, very much appreciated, let me assure you.
Hey, did you know that Anthony Ruivivar (Carlos) reckons I should write for the show? It's true! Damn! I couldn't agree more! Hey Ed - how's about a job, mate?!
*******
Real people rarely need grand or noble reasons to do stupid things...
THE ONE CONSTANT
PART 11
Bosco stepped forward and peered at the black plastic sack. A large gash had been ripped in the top portion of it to reveal a glimpse of what looked like human hair.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Bosco reached out and slowly pushed the plastic aside, peeling back the matt of dark hair that obscured the features of the young girl whose body lay entombed there amongst the rotting garbage.
Faith heard him exhale audibly, and watched frozen with horror as he closed the lid to conceal what lay within.
He turned to face her, gathering her gently in his arms as she broke down. "It's not her Faith," he whispered, "it's not Emily. It's not her..."
She clung to him for some time, letting the pent up emotion she felt release itself in her tears. Bosco's face was the very image of concern when she finally pulled back from his comforting embrace.
"You OK?" he asked.
She nodded, swiping at the tears on her cheeks.
"You don't look it," Bosco said doubtfully.
"Actually," she mumbled. "I think I'm gonna throw up."
Bosco crouched by his partner's side as she leaned over the gutter, gently stroking the back of her neck as he called in their find to Central.
-----
Faith worked the rest of the shift in a state of wide-eyed preoccupation, insisting they take calls rather than hide out as Bosco suggested they do. Her partner accepted her decision quietly, but let it be known he thought she should go home.
"And do what? Jump every time the phone rings in case its someone calling to say they've found Em, but I need to sit down 'cos the news ain't good? I need to keep busy, Bos."
Bosco was supportive and concerned all through the shift. Not being one for making pretty speeches, he let her know in a host of other ways that he was looking out for her. Just small things, like making a solemn promise not to piss her off for the rest of the shift and actually keeping that promise. And swearing to refrain from making rude, sexist or inappropriate comments on any subject.
"So we're gonna sit here in silence for the rest of the watch?" she had teased.
"We'll find something to talk about," he shrugged.
It surprised Faith how intense their conversation could be when stripped of the bantering they usually indulged in. Between calls Bosco listened with quiet respect as she aired her fears about the state of her marriage and shared the agony she felt at not knowing Emily's fate, the burden of guilt she shouldered daily for what had happened. On occasion Bosco would say something to make her laugh, and while he acknowledged he didn't have the skills to make it all better with words, he let her know he felt for her and wanted to help in whatever small way he could. At one point late in the shift he took her hand and held it for some time in a silent gesture of support.
After the watch was over Bosco drove her home. They sat in his car and talked some more before Faith acknowledged it was best he go home.
"If you need anything, just call me," he told her.
Faith nodded. She stood on the kerb outside her apartment block and watched him drive away.
Fred's spot on the couch was unoccupied when Faith entered their apartment. She went to their room and stood in the middle of the floor staring at her husband as he slept.
"Fred?"
The gentle rhythm of his breathing was the only response.
"I could really use a bit of company right now."
Silence.
Faith walked slowly to her side of the bed and quietly sat down.
"We found a girl's body today," she murmured softly. "For one really horrible moment I thought it might be Emily - but it wasn't. Just another runaway."
She listened for a reply. None came.
"She can't have been much older than Em," Faith continued. "She had dark hair too. Someone had stripped her naked and taped her body into a foetal curl with packing tape. Then they stuck her in a plastic sack and crammed her into a trashcan on top of a pile of stinking refuse. No one would have known she was there except the sack had been ripped a little..."
Faith stopped and stared at her mildly trembling hands.
"No one's reported her missing. All we know about her is that she's been rounded up a couple of times for soliciting...and that she died from a single blow to the head..."
Fred stirred a little. She waited for him to speak.
"What do you want me to say Faith?" he murmured after a while. He remained lying as he was, with his back to her.
"I could really do with some company right now, Fred," she said, feeling her throat constrict painfully as she fought her emotions. "Someone to hold me and tell me it's all gonna be alright..."
There was a long pause. Faith turned and stared at her husband's back, silently begging him to turn and face her.
"I need you Fred," she whispered, feeling tears brim her eyes. "I can't stand the way things are between us right now."
He didn't answer her.
"Fred? Please?"
She heard him draw in a long, ragged breath.
"I'm sorry Faith."
Faith turned away, covering her mouth with one hand to stifle the small sob that escaped her. Taking a moment to compose herself, she slowly rose, pausing to glance back over her shoulder just once.
With nothing left to say, Faith headed for the door.
----
"What's going on Faith?"
An expression of deep concern played across Bosco's face when he saw the look of abject misery about her. It was clear she had been crying.
"Just needed some company," she answered quietly.
Bosco frowned.
"Where's Fred?"
"In bed. Asleep."
Her answer seemed to surprise him.
"I think I freaked him out with my teenage-prostitute-in-the-trash story." She shrugged. "Guess I needed to be with someone who was there."
"I'm not real good at being comforting," Bosco murmured, shrugging. "You know that."
"You did alright today, Bos. Trust me on that," Faith assured him.
He nodded and stood awkwardly wondering what to say next. "Wanna beer?" he asked finally, heading for the kitchen.
"Not really, no," she replied, shucking off her jacket as she made her way over to the couch and sank heavily into it.
"Coffee?"
"Nothing thanks Bos. I'm fine."
After a moment of hesitation he went over and sat down beside her.
"I don't think Fred needed to hear about what happened today," Faith murmured, staring fixedly into the distance. "Not after the week he's had."
"You've both had a rough week, Faith," Bosco said, "but yours just got a whole lot worse today."
"I still didn't need to load him with it," she replied quietly.
"C'mon Faith, he's your husband. Married people are supposed to support each other through crap like this - or so I've heard. The stupid bastard loves you, even if things are a bit...weird at the moment." He paused and glanced at the floor. "Look. I'm gonna take you back home and you're gonna wake sleeping beauty and talk to him about your day. OK?"
Bosco stood up and grabbed his keys from the small table beside the couch.
Faith didn't move.
"Dammit Faith," he murmured, perching himself on the coffee table in front of her. She gazed at him and the misery in her eyes haunted him.
"I really needed him to be there for me, you know? But he couldn't even look at me."
Bosco watched helplessly as fresh tears filled Faith's beautiful eyes.
"Oh god," she said, lifting her gaze upwards. "I really needed to hear him say: 'everything's gonna be just fine', that God really is gonna make it all better. But when I asked him..." She began to shake her head.
Bosco leaned forward and placed his elbows upon his knees.
"I dunno what to say Faith," he said gently. "I'm not exactly Shakespeare when it comes to stuff like this."
Faith smiled through her tears. "Nothing anyone can say can make this better, Bos. All I need is a shoulder to cry on, that's all."
"So I don't have to say anything?"
She smiled again. "You really do suck at this, don't you?"
He grinned self-consciously and glanced down. "Someone once told me I have all the love and compassion of a brick."
"Actually, I think I said fire hydrant."
Bosco smirked at her cheekily, lifting himself from his spot on the coffee table to join her on the couch.
"Tea and sympathy is your department Faith," he murmured, slipping his arm around her shoulders. "Always has been."
"Not tonight it isn't," she replied, wearily resting her head upon his shoulder, smiling as she felt him rest his cheek against her hair.
"It's not that I don't wanna be comforting," he said after a while. "It's just...I don't know how to be."
"You're doing just fine, Bos," Faith murmured, resting her hand upon his chest. It felt so good to be held. "Besides, it's not like you're the only man in the world who has a problem with a woman falling to pieces in front of them."
"So it's a guy thing?"
"Oh yeah," she nodded. "Like sports and groin scratching."
He chuckled. "You sure have a way with words."
She shrugged. "It's a gift."
Conversation was sporadic from then on. For Faith it was enough to have someone who cared hold her close when she cried, enough to feel the warmth between them.
Bosco felt the tension in Faith's body begin to ease as fatigue slowly claimed her. Once he was sure she was asleep, he gently moved away, easing her down onto the couch. After making her comfortable he fetched a spare blanket from his room and laid it across her sleeping form. Making his way to bed, he stopped once to glance at her before turning the light out.
Bosco woke with a start just after six in the morning, aware of another presence in the room with him.
"Sorry," Faith said softly. "Didn't mean to wake you."
She held the blanket he had given her in her hands.
"It's OK,' he mumbled groggily. "Sleep well?"
"OK I guess," she said, placing the blanket on the chair in the corner of his room.
"How are you feeling?"
Faith sat down on the edge of the bed near him and shrugged. "Not great."
Bosco slowly rose to a seated position and gazed at her.
"Do you want me to run you home?" He watched as Faith slowly dragged one hand through her hair.
"Not really," came the soft reply.
"Do you wanna go and get some breakfast?"
She shook her head.
Bosco averted his gaze and began a steady contemplation of his sheets. "Faith, if you stay I'm probably gonna take advantage of the fact that you're a little vulnerable right now," he said softly, lifting his eyes to meet hers. "'Cos I'm a jerk and I'd be dumb enough to do something that stupid."
She returned his gaze steadily. "Maybe I was kinda counting on that," she murmured.
"Faith..." he said softly, shaking his head as she turned and moved closer to him. "If you're expecting me to do the noble thing and discourage you..." he began, reaching out as she leaned forward to touch her lips to his.
The depth and passion of her kiss told him nobility wasn't what she was looking for. He shuddered in anticipation as he let his hands roam her body, watching mesmerised as she broke away momentarily and undressed in front of him. Reaching out he gathered her to him eagerly, intent on making her aware of the depth of his own desires.
-----
TBC - oh lord, give me a bucket! Well, at least I haven't tortured you all this time!!
AUTHOR: MINN
DISCLAIMER: I STILL don't own nothin' - mores the pity - just playing. No character was really harmed during the typing of this nonsense. The creators of Third Watch are, of course, gods. And so are the actors who portray the characters!
I'M STILL foreign, so cut me some slack if I use a phrase or two that don't make no sense.
GREETINGS ALL! Thank you to those sticking with this little epic and taking the time to stroke the author's ego with kind words - very, very much appreciated, let me assure you.
Hey, did you know that Anthony Ruivivar (Carlos) reckons I should write for the show? It's true! Damn! I couldn't agree more! Hey Ed - how's about a job, mate?!
*******
Real people rarely need grand or noble reasons to do stupid things...
THE ONE CONSTANT
PART 11
Bosco stepped forward and peered at the black plastic sack. A large gash had been ripped in the top portion of it to reveal a glimpse of what looked like human hair.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Bosco reached out and slowly pushed the plastic aside, peeling back the matt of dark hair that obscured the features of the young girl whose body lay entombed there amongst the rotting garbage.
Faith heard him exhale audibly, and watched frozen with horror as he closed the lid to conceal what lay within.
He turned to face her, gathering her gently in his arms as she broke down. "It's not her Faith," he whispered, "it's not Emily. It's not her..."
She clung to him for some time, letting the pent up emotion she felt release itself in her tears. Bosco's face was the very image of concern when she finally pulled back from his comforting embrace.
"You OK?" he asked.
She nodded, swiping at the tears on her cheeks.
"You don't look it," Bosco said doubtfully.
"Actually," she mumbled. "I think I'm gonna throw up."
Bosco crouched by his partner's side as she leaned over the gutter, gently stroking the back of her neck as he called in their find to Central.
-----
Faith worked the rest of the shift in a state of wide-eyed preoccupation, insisting they take calls rather than hide out as Bosco suggested they do. Her partner accepted her decision quietly, but let it be known he thought she should go home.
"And do what? Jump every time the phone rings in case its someone calling to say they've found Em, but I need to sit down 'cos the news ain't good? I need to keep busy, Bos."
Bosco was supportive and concerned all through the shift. Not being one for making pretty speeches, he let her know in a host of other ways that he was looking out for her. Just small things, like making a solemn promise not to piss her off for the rest of the shift and actually keeping that promise. And swearing to refrain from making rude, sexist or inappropriate comments on any subject.
"So we're gonna sit here in silence for the rest of the watch?" she had teased.
"We'll find something to talk about," he shrugged.
It surprised Faith how intense their conversation could be when stripped of the bantering they usually indulged in. Between calls Bosco listened with quiet respect as she aired her fears about the state of her marriage and shared the agony she felt at not knowing Emily's fate, the burden of guilt she shouldered daily for what had happened. On occasion Bosco would say something to make her laugh, and while he acknowledged he didn't have the skills to make it all better with words, he let her know he felt for her and wanted to help in whatever small way he could. At one point late in the shift he took her hand and held it for some time in a silent gesture of support.
After the watch was over Bosco drove her home. They sat in his car and talked some more before Faith acknowledged it was best he go home.
"If you need anything, just call me," he told her.
Faith nodded. She stood on the kerb outside her apartment block and watched him drive away.
Fred's spot on the couch was unoccupied when Faith entered their apartment. She went to their room and stood in the middle of the floor staring at her husband as he slept.
"Fred?"
The gentle rhythm of his breathing was the only response.
"I could really use a bit of company right now."
Silence.
Faith walked slowly to her side of the bed and quietly sat down.
"We found a girl's body today," she murmured softly. "For one really horrible moment I thought it might be Emily - but it wasn't. Just another runaway."
She listened for a reply. None came.
"She can't have been much older than Em," Faith continued. "She had dark hair too. Someone had stripped her naked and taped her body into a foetal curl with packing tape. Then they stuck her in a plastic sack and crammed her into a trashcan on top of a pile of stinking refuse. No one would have known she was there except the sack had been ripped a little..."
Faith stopped and stared at her mildly trembling hands.
"No one's reported her missing. All we know about her is that she's been rounded up a couple of times for soliciting...and that she died from a single blow to the head..."
Fred stirred a little. She waited for him to speak.
"What do you want me to say Faith?" he murmured after a while. He remained lying as he was, with his back to her.
"I could really do with some company right now, Fred," she said, feeling her throat constrict painfully as she fought her emotions. "Someone to hold me and tell me it's all gonna be alright..."
There was a long pause. Faith turned and stared at her husband's back, silently begging him to turn and face her.
"I need you Fred," she whispered, feeling tears brim her eyes. "I can't stand the way things are between us right now."
He didn't answer her.
"Fred? Please?"
She heard him draw in a long, ragged breath.
"I'm sorry Faith."
Faith turned away, covering her mouth with one hand to stifle the small sob that escaped her. Taking a moment to compose herself, she slowly rose, pausing to glance back over her shoulder just once.
With nothing left to say, Faith headed for the door.
----
"What's going on Faith?"
An expression of deep concern played across Bosco's face when he saw the look of abject misery about her. It was clear she had been crying.
"Just needed some company," she answered quietly.
Bosco frowned.
"Where's Fred?"
"In bed. Asleep."
Her answer seemed to surprise him.
"I think I freaked him out with my teenage-prostitute-in-the-trash story." She shrugged. "Guess I needed to be with someone who was there."
"I'm not real good at being comforting," Bosco murmured, shrugging. "You know that."
"You did alright today, Bos. Trust me on that," Faith assured him.
He nodded and stood awkwardly wondering what to say next. "Wanna beer?" he asked finally, heading for the kitchen.
"Not really, no," she replied, shucking off her jacket as she made her way over to the couch and sank heavily into it.
"Coffee?"
"Nothing thanks Bos. I'm fine."
After a moment of hesitation he went over and sat down beside her.
"I don't think Fred needed to hear about what happened today," Faith murmured, staring fixedly into the distance. "Not after the week he's had."
"You've both had a rough week, Faith," Bosco said, "but yours just got a whole lot worse today."
"I still didn't need to load him with it," she replied quietly.
"C'mon Faith, he's your husband. Married people are supposed to support each other through crap like this - or so I've heard. The stupid bastard loves you, even if things are a bit...weird at the moment." He paused and glanced at the floor. "Look. I'm gonna take you back home and you're gonna wake sleeping beauty and talk to him about your day. OK?"
Bosco stood up and grabbed his keys from the small table beside the couch.
Faith didn't move.
"Dammit Faith," he murmured, perching himself on the coffee table in front of her. She gazed at him and the misery in her eyes haunted him.
"I really needed him to be there for me, you know? But he couldn't even look at me."
Bosco watched helplessly as fresh tears filled Faith's beautiful eyes.
"Oh god," she said, lifting her gaze upwards. "I really needed to hear him say: 'everything's gonna be just fine', that God really is gonna make it all better. But when I asked him..." She began to shake her head.
Bosco leaned forward and placed his elbows upon his knees.
"I dunno what to say Faith," he said gently. "I'm not exactly Shakespeare when it comes to stuff like this."
Faith smiled through her tears. "Nothing anyone can say can make this better, Bos. All I need is a shoulder to cry on, that's all."
"So I don't have to say anything?"
She smiled again. "You really do suck at this, don't you?"
He grinned self-consciously and glanced down. "Someone once told me I have all the love and compassion of a brick."
"Actually, I think I said fire hydrant."
Bosco smirked at her cheekily, lifting himself from his spot on the coffee table to join her on the couch.
"Tea and sympathy is your department Faith," he murmured, slipping his arm around her shoulders. "Always has been."
"Not tonight it isn't," she replied, wearily resting her head upon his shoulder, smiling as she felt him rest his cheek against her hair.
"It's not that I don't wanna be comforting," he said after a while. "It's just...I don't know how to be."
"You're doing just fine, Bos," Faith murmured, resting her hand upon his chest. It felt so good to be held. "Besides, it's not like you're the only man in the world who has a problem with a woman falling to pieces in front of them."
"So it's a guy thing?"
"Oh yeah," she nodded. "Like sports and groin scratching."
He chuckled. "You sure have a way with words."
She shrugged. "It's a gift."
Conversation was sporadic from then on. For Faith it was enough to have someone who cared hold her close when she cried, enough to feel the warmth between them.
Bosco felt the tension in Faith's body begin to ease as fatigue slowly claimed her. Once he was sure she was asleep, he gently moved away, easing her down onto the couch. After making her comfortable he fetched a spare blanket from his room and laid it across her sleeping form. Making his way to bed, he stopped once to glance at her before turning the light out.
Bosco woke with a start just after six in the morning, aware of another presence in the room with him.
"Sorry," Faith said softly. "Didn't mean to wake you."
She held the blanket he had given her in her hands.
"It's OK,' he mumbled groggily. "Sleep well?"
"OK I guess," she said, placing the blanket on the chair in the corner of his room.
"How are you feeling?"
Faith sat down on the edge of the bed near him and shrugged. "Not great."
Bosco slowly rose to a seated position and gazed at her.
"Do you want me to run you home?" He watched as Faith slowly dragged one hand through her hair.
"Not really," came the soft reply.
"Do you wanna go and get some breakfast?"
She shook her head.
Bosco averted his gaze and began a steady contemplation of his sheets. "Faith, if you stay I'm probably gonna take advantage of the fact that you're a little vulnerable right now," he said softly, lifting his eyes to meet hers. "'Cos I'm a jerk and I'd be dumb enough to do something that stupid."
She returned his gaze steadily. "Maybe I was kinda counting on that," she murmured.
"Faith..." he said softly, shaking his head as she turned and moved closer to him. "If you're expecting me to do the noble thing and discourage you..." he began, reaching out as she leaned forward to touch her lips to his.
The depth and passion of her kiss told him nobility wasn't what she was looking for. He shuddered in anticipation as he let his hands roam her body, watching mesmerised as she broke away momentarily and undressed in front of him. Reaching out he gathered her to him eagerly, intent on making her aware of the depth of his own desires.
-----
TBC - oh lord, give me a bucket! Well, at least I haven't tortured you all this time!!