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.
DLB - I'll see what I can do about the 55David site
-----
THE ONE CONSTANT
PART 13
"Dammit."
Bosco sat back and stared at the keys lying in front of him on the bed. He felt Faith edge nearer, pressing the warmth of her body to his.
"I'm sorry," he murmured.
"For what?" Faith asked softly.
"For thinking with my johnson," he replied, a small note of shame evident in his tone.
Faith leaned forward and placed a soft, lingering kiss upon his cheek. "When have you ever NOT done that?" she murmured.
A brief smile flickered across his lips. "I'm serious."
"So am I."
He leant back from her slightly and watched her grin at him cheekily. "You're not upset?"
"What about?"
Bosco indicated the chair Cruz had sat in.
"Are you kidding? Did you see the look on her face when she saw me? I'd pay real money to see that again, any time."
The smile returned to his face. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Faith nodded vigorously.
"...and so humble with it," he grinned.
Faith looked across at the now vacated chair. "So, what do you see in her anyway?"
Bosco let his eyes drift to the keys and back to Faith. "My johnson made me do it."
"We've already established that it's in control..." Faith said slowly, trying not to smile.
"She was there," he shrugged, looking away. "And you weren't."
Faith smiled at him fondly. "You can be so damn sweet when you wanna be."
He grinned at her, somewhat self-consciously. "Just don't go tellin' the whole world, OK?"
"Who the hell would believe me?" she said.
"Why wouldn't they?" he responded, smirking as Faith rolled her eyes in mock disdain.
"So, what did Cruz mean when she said you were 'throwing away the chance of a lifetime'?" Faith asked after a moment of reflection.
Bosco lifted his eyes to meet hers and shook his head. "She meant 'why are you screwing up my chance to cover myself in glory whatever the cost'," he murmured.
"She's dangerous Bos," Faith frowned. "She'll lead you to a dark place and won't think twice about just leavin' you there."
He nodded. "I know. And I'd be dumb enough to let her too, thinking I was being a real hero." He shook his head. "Still trying to prove everyone wrong in the stupidest ways possible."
Faith let her lips meet his in a tender gesture of support. "Maybe we can find better ways."
Bosco's eyes regarded her with sad intensity for some time. "It's not your job to save me," he murmured finally. "Don't go makin' me any promises you can't keep, Faith, 'cos I sure as hell can't make any to you."
He watched her nod and regarded her with quiet appreciation for a moment, considering his next words carefully. "It was really...special...to be able to wake up with you this morning, Faith."
She returned his gaze warmly, but a look of quiet sadness clouded her face. "Nice of Fred to tell me he didn't want me along visiting his folks this weekend."
Her quiet despair troubled him. "I'm sorry he...that you..." he shrugged, lost for words. "I mean it Faith. I loved waking up with you beside me."
She reached for his hand. Entwining their fingers, she brought their hands gently to her lips.
"You're right," she said softly. "It was pretty special, wasn't it?"
After a moment of companionable silence, Faith noticed a slight look of worry flit across Bosco's face.
"Faith, Cruz is probably gonna tell the entire NYPD that we're..."
She nodded.
"You OK with that?" he asked a note of uncertainty in his tone.
Faith met his intense gaze without flinching. "I'd be lyin' to you if I said I was thrilled about the idea, Bos," she said softly. "But it doesn't exactly fill me with horror either. Maybe it'd be better if things were out in the open."
"What about Fred?"
She closed her eyes for a moment, drawing in a heavy breath. "Fred deserves better than me."
Bosco quickly gathered her in his arms. "There's no one better than you Faith," he murmured.
He felt her kiss his neck. "You're biased though," she murmured.
"You bet I am," he answered softly, his hands caressing the smooth curves of her back and buttocks.
She sat back and eyed him fondly. "You were gonna cook me breakfast."
"I was gonna get something out of the freezer and heat it up," he answered coyly.
"That's close enough to cooking for a man," she smiled.
A cheeky grin played on his lips as he drew her to him once more and began to softly nibble at her neck. "Actually, I was thinking of heating something else up, but the Sarge kinda killed the moment."
"Killed it?" Faith mused, letting her hand go exploring. "Maybe it's just having a rest."
"Oh my god," he murmured.
"There, see. Just resting."
He brought his lips to hers, urgently, but stopped suddenly to ask: "Is your mobile phone switched off? 'Cos I swear to god Fred has a knack for ringing just when things start to get interestin' at this end."
Faith chuckled softly. "Want me to go get it, just in case?"
He squeezed her close. "What do you think?" he murmured, letting his hands wander appreciatively over her body.
She leaned back from him, a wicked gleam in her eyes. Placing one hand on his chest, she pushed him firmly down onto the bed and in one quick movement straddled him. Faith ran her hands across his chest then along his arms until their hands met and their fingers entwined once more.
"Now," she murmured with a playful grin. "Where are those fancy nickel-plated handcuffs of yours?"
-----
For reasons known only to her, Sgt Cruz kept quiet about what she had witnessed. But whenever she saw Bosco and Faith together a small, knowing smile played across her lips, one that made them both feel distinctly ill at ease.
-----
"C'mon Tubby, you're a good kid - give it up. All we wanna know is where's Nelson?"
The rail thin boy sat in the back of the squad with his arms firmly crossed.
"Why should I tell you where my brother is?" he pouted, glaring at Bosco's image in the rear vision mirror.
Bosco glanced across at his partner.
"'Cos we're not lettin' you out till you do," Faith informed him.
"Fine," he shrugged, settling back in quiet triumph.
"We can wait," said Bosco with a shrug.
Heavy rain was tapping out a steady beat on the roof.
"So Tubby. How old are you anyway?" Faith asked after a moment of quiet contemplation.
"Nine next Tuesday," came the sullen reply.
"Nine. Wow. Happy birthday for then," she said lightly.
The boy rolled his eyes and continued to pout.
"Tubby," Bosco chuckled. "Great name for a bean pole."
"It's ironical," snapped the boy.
"Ironical," Faith mused. "Did you hear that Bos. It's ironical."
Bosco nodded.
They lapsed into studied silence for some minutes.
"You know, this could get boring just sitting here all night," Faith said suddenly, turning to her partner with a gleam in her eye.
Bosco eyed her fondly. "Wanna make out?" he murmured.
A wide grin lit her face. "You read my mind."
"Hey tubby," Bosco grinned, turning to face their wide-eyed guest. "Ever seen two cops make out?"
"You're talkin' shit, I know you are," the boy blustered.
"Aw, ain't that sweet Faith? He thinks we're jokin'."
"So sweet," Faith replied as she removed her belt and radio.
Bosco eagerly followed suit and they were soon engulfed in each other's arms, their lips locked in breathless passion.
"Aw you gotta be kiddin' me!" howled the boy.
"Do we look as though we're kidding?" Bosco inquired briefly before reaching impatiently for his partner once more.
"Ohhhh man," Tubby whined, lunging for the door on the passenger side of the car.
"Told you, you ain't goin' nowhere till you tell us what we wanna know," Faith murmured, gasping audibly as Bosco's hand found it's way between her legs, his fingers tenderly stroking her through the fabric of her uniform.
"You ain't gonna DO it are you?" Tubby yelped in absolute disbelief.
"Where did we leave things this morning honey?" Bosco asked in a breathless voice.
"In the shower..." she purred.
"Oh yeah," he murmured appreciatively, "we gotta do that more often."
Tubby was now attempting an escape through the door on the other side of the car.
"You two are crazy!" he yelled. "I ain't tellin' you!"
"Whatever," Faith said huskily.
"Oh my god, Faith," Bosco moaned. "Oh my god, I'm gonna explode if you keep doin' that..."
"Well then help me get my pants off..."
"HE'S AT CRAZY EDDIE'S!!!"
"Dammit!" Bosco snapped, gathering Faith into his arms as she dissolved into laughter. "That was too easy."
"YOU'RE CRAZY!" Tubby wailed. "I'M GONNA TELL MY MOMMA!"
They were still enjoying the moment when they arrived back at the house later in the evening with Tubby's reluctant brother firmly in custody.
"You know, corrupting a minor like that, it was wrong of us Bos," Faith was muttering.
"I didn't hear you complainin' at the time," he smirked. He caught her trying not to grin.
"The 'oh my god, I'm gonna explode' part was particularly effective. I think you really sold it there."
"I wasn't jokin' Faith."
"Yeah?" she said.
"Oh yeah."
"You still ain't told me how the hell you knew where to find me," Nelson snarled.
Bosco pushed their collar in through the door. "Lets just say we tortured someone for the information," he grinned.
His grin slipped away quickly when he saw who stood waiting at front desk.
"Great timing," said Swersky as he looked up and saw Bosco and Faith there. "We were about to call you two back in."
Fred and Charlie turned as Faith approached them worriedly eyeing the bags they both had with them.
"I've had a call about Emily," Fred said quickly. "It's a confirmed sighting of her and that bastard. They've been seen somewhere in Miami."
Faith's eyes lit up. "Miami? Oh my god, Fred, that's great...let me see if I can..."
"I don't want you with me Faith," Fred said quickly. "I think it's best you stay here. I'm gonna drop Charlie off at your parent's place then I'm catching the next flight out."
Faith stared at him, speechless.
"You'll only make it worse," he muttered, shooting an icy glance at Bosco.
Faith glared at her husband. "Thank you for botherin' yourself to come down and tell me in person, Fred," she said archly.
"Whatever," he muttered. "I'll see you when I get back."
She watched in stunned silence as Fred departed, Charlie trailing uncertainly in his wake, repeatedly glancing back at his mother.
"Ring me," she called out.
Fred waved one hand dismissively in reply.
"Faith?" Bosco's voice was full of concern for her. "You alright?"
She turned to him and a small sense of panic began to niggle at the edges of his consciousness. There was just something about the way she was looking at him that set alarm bells ringing in his head.
"She's alive," Faith murmured. "Emily's alive."
A small frown tugged at her brow as she cast a lingering glance at the door Fred had just exited through.
"Let's get Nelson here processed," she said, turning her attention back to the job at hand.
"Faith?"
She looked at him, her face expressionless.
The small sense of panic Bosco felt quietly intensified.
-----
TBC - Sorry folks. There's rapids ahead, so hang on tight and keep a box of tissues handy...
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.
DLB - I'll see what I can do about the 55David site
-----
THE ONE CONSTANT
PART 13
"Dammit."
Bosco sat back and stared at the keys lying in front of him on the bed. He felt Faith edge nearer, pressing the warmth of her body to his.
"I'm sorry," he murmured.
"For what?" Faith asked softly.
"For thinking with my johnson," he replied, a small note of shame evident in his tone.
Faith leaned forward and placed a soft, lingering kiss upon his cheek. "When have you ever NOT done that?" she murmured.
A brief smile flickered across his lips. "I'm serious."
"So am I."
He leant back from her slightly and watched her grin at him cheekily. "You're not upset?"
"What about?"
Bosco indicated the chair Cruz had sat in.
"Are you kidding? Did you see the look on her face when she saw me? I'd pay real money to see that again, any time."
The smile returned to his face. "You're amazing, you know that?"
Faith nodded vigorously.
"...and so humble with it," he grinned.
Faith looked across at the now vacated chair. "So, what do you see in her anyway?"
Bosco let his eyes drift to the keys and back to Faith. "My johnson made me do it."
"We've already established that it's in control..." Faith said slowly, trying not to smile.
"She was there," he shrugged, looking away. "And you weren't."
Faith smiled at him fondly. "You can be so damn sweet when you wanna be."
He grinned at her, somewhat self-consciously. "Just don't go tellin' the whole world, OK?"
"Who the hell would believe me?" she said.
"Why wouldn't they?" he responded, smirking as Faith rolled her eyes in mock disdain.
"So, what did Cruz mean when she said you were 'throwing away the chance of a lifetime'?" Faith asked after a moment of reflection.
Bosco lifted his eyes to meet hers and shook his head. "She meant 'why are you screwing up my chance to cover myself in glory whatever the cost'," he murmured.
"She's dangerous Bos," Faith frowned. "She'll lead you to a dark place and won't think twice about just leavin' you there."
He nodded. "I know. And I'd be dumb enough to let her too, thinking I was being a real hero." He shook his head. "Still trying to prove everyone wrong in the stupidest ways possible."
Faith let her lips meet his in a tender gesture of support. "Maybe we can find better ways."
Bosco's eyes regarded her with sad intensity for some time. "It's not your job to save me," he murmured finally. "Don't go makin' me any promises you can't keep, Faith, 'cos I sure as hell can't make any to you."
He watched her nod and regarded her with quiet appreciation for a moment, considering his next words carefully. "It was really...special...to be able to wake up with you this morning, Faith."
She returned his gaze warmly, but a look of quiet sadness clouded her face. "Nice of Fred to tell me he didn't want me along visiting his folks this weekend."
Her quiet despair troubled him. "I'm sorry he...that you..." he shrugged, lost for words. "I mean it Faith. I loved waking up with you beside me."
She reached for his hand. Entwining their fingers, she brought their hands gently to her lips.
"You're right," she said softly. "It was pretty special, wasn't it?"
After a moment of companionable silence, Faith noticed a slight look of worry flit across Bosco's face.
"Faith, Cruz is probably gonna tell the entire NYPD that we're..."
She nodded.
"You OK with that?" he asked a note of uncertainty in his tone.
Faith met his intense gaze without flinching. "I'd be lyin' to you if I said I was thrilled about the idea, Bos," she said softly. "But it doesn't exactly fill me with horror either. Maybe it'd be better if things were out in the open."
"What about Fred?"
She closed her eyes for a moment, drawing in a heavy breath. "Fred deserves better than me."
Bosco quickly gathered her in his arms. "There's no one better than you Faith," he murmured.
He felt her kiss his neck. "You're biased though," she murmured.
"You bet I am," he answered softly, his hands caressing the smooth curves of her back and buttocks.
She sat back and eyed him fondly. "You were gonna cook me breakfast."
"I was gonna get something out of the freezer and heat it up," he answered coyly.
"That's close enough to cooking for a man," she smiled.
A cheeky grin played on his lips as he drew her to him once more and began to softly nibble at her neck. "Actually, I was thinking of heating something else up, but the Sarge kinda killed the moment."
"Killed it?" Faith mused, letting her hand go exploring. "Maybe it's just having a rest."
"Oh my god," he murmured.
"There, see. Just resting."
He brought his lips to hers, urgently, but stopped suddenly to ask: "Is your mobile phone switched off? 'Cos I swear to god Fred has a knack for ringing just when things start to get interestin' at this end."
Faith chuckled softly. "Want me to go get it, just in case?"
He squeezed her close. "What do you think?" he murmured, letting his hands wander appreciatively over her body.
She leaned back from him, a wicked gleam in her eyes. Placing one hand on his chest, she pushed him firmly down onto the bed and in one quick movement straddled him. Faith ran her hands across his chest then along his arms until their hands met and their fingers entwined once more.
"Now," she murmured with a playful grin. "Where are those fancy nickel-plated handcuffs of yours?"
-----
For reasons known only to her, Sgt Cruz kept quiet about what she had witnessed. But whenever she saw Bosco and Faith together a small, knowing smile played across her lips, one that made them both feel distinctly ill at ease.
-----
"C'mon Tubby, you're a good kid - give it up. All we wanna know is where's Nelson?"
The rail thin boy sat in the back of the squad with his arms firmly crossed.
"Why should I tell you where my brother is?" he pouted, glaring at Bosco's image in the rear vision mirror.
Bosco glanced across at his partner.
"'Cos we're not lettin' you out till you do," Faith informed him.
"Fine," he shrugged, settling back in quiet triumph.
"We can wait," said Bosco with a shrug.
Heavy rain was tapping out a steady beat on the roof.
"So Tubby. How old are you anyway?" Faith asked after a moment of quiet contemplation.
"Nine next Tuesday," came the sullen reply.
"Nine. Wow. Happy birthday for then," she said lightly.
The boy rolled his eyes and continued to pout.
"Tubby," Bosco chuckled. "Great name for a bean pole."
"It's ironical," snapped the boy.
"Ironical," Faith mused. "Did you hear that Bos. It's ironical."
Bosco nodded.
They lapsed into studied silence for some minutes.
"You know, this could get boring just sitting here all night," Faith said suddenly, turning to her partner with a gleam in her eye.
Bosco eyed her fondly. "Wanna make out?" he murmured.
A wide grin lit her face. "You read my mind."
"Hey tubby," Bosco grinned, turning to face their wide-eyed guest. "Ever seen two cops make out?"
"You're talkin' shit, I know you are," the boy blustered.
"Aw, ain't that sweet Faith? He thinks we're jokin'."
"So sweet," Faith replied as she removed her belt and radio.
Bosco eagerly followed suit and they were soon engulfed in each other's arms, their lips locked in breathless passion.
"Aw you gotta be kiddin' me!" howled the boy.
"Do we look as though we're kidding?" Bosco inquired briefly before reaching impatiently for his partner once more.
"Ohhhh man," Tubby whined, lunging for the door on the passenger side of the car.
"Told you, you ain't goin' nowhere till you tell us what we wanna know," Faith murmured, gasping audibly as Bosco's hand found it's way between her legs, his fingers tenderly stroking her through the fabric of her uniform.
"You ain't gonna DO it are you?" Tubby yelped in absolute disbelief.
"Where did we leave things this morning honey?" Bosco asked in a breathless voice.
"In the shower..." she purred.
"Oh yeah," he murmured appreciatively, "we gotta do that more often."
Tubby was now attempting an escape through the door on the other side of the car.
"You two are crazy!" he yelled. "I ain't tellin' you!"
"Whatever," Faith said huskily.
"Oh my god, Faith," Bosco moaned. "Oh my god, I'm gonna explode if you keep doin' that..."
"Well then help me get my pants off..."
"HE'S AT CRAZY EDDIE'S!!!"
"Dammit!" Bosco snapped, gathering Faith into his arms as she dissolved into laughter. "That was too easy."
"YOU'RE CRAZY!" Tubby wailed. "I'M GONNA TELL MY MOMMA!"
They were still enjoying the moment when they arrived back at the house later in the evening with Tubby's reluctant brother firmly in custody.
"You know, corrupting a minor like that, it was wrong of us Bos," Faith was muttering.
"I didn't hear you complainin' at the time," he smirked. He caught her trying not to grin.
"The 'oh my god, I'm gonna explode' part was particularly effective. I think you really sold it there."
"I wasn't jokin' Faith."
"Yeah?" she said.
"Oh yeah."
"You still ain't told me how the hell you knew where to find me," Nelson snarled.
Bosco pushed their collar in through the door. "Lets just say we tortured someone for the information," he grinned.
His grin slipped away quickly when he saw who stood waiting at front desk.
"Great timing," said Swersky as he looked up and saw Bosco and Faith there. "We were about to call you two back in."
Fred and Charlie turned as Faith approached them worriedly eyeing the bags they both had with them.
"I've had a call about Emily," Fred said quickly. "It's a confirmed sighting of her and that bastard. They've been seen somewhere in Miami."
Faith's eyes lit up. "Miami? Oh my god, Fred, that's great...let me see if I can..."
"I don't want you with me Faith," Fred said quickly. "I think it's best you stay here. I'm gonna drop Charlie off at your parent's place then I'm catching the next flight out."
Faith stared at him, speechless.
"You'll only make it worse," he muttered, shooting an icy glance at Bosco.
Faith glared at her husband. "Thank you for botherin' yourself to come down and tell me in person, Fred," she said archly.
"Whatever," he muttered. "I'll see you when I get back."
She watched in stunned silence as Fred departed, Charlie trailing uncertainly in his wake, repeatedly glancing back at his mother.
"Ring me," she called out.
Fred waved one hand dismissively in reply.
"Faith?" Bosco's voice was full of concern for her. "You alright?"
She turned to him and a small sense of panic began to niggle at the edges of his consciousness. There was just something about the way she was looking at him that set alarm bells ringing in his head.
"She's alive," Faith murmured. "Emily's alive."
A small frown tugged at her brow as she cast a lingering glance at the door Fred had just exited through.
"Let's get Nelson here processed," she said, turning her attention back to the job at hand.
"Faith?"
She looked at him, her face expressionless.
The small sense of panic Bosco felt quietly intensified.
-----
TBC - Sorry folks. There's rapids ahead, so hang on tight and keep a box of tissues handy...