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 and huge thanx to Angie (Aww, babe! Them kudos are very gratefully accepted, thank ya! And I loved the fluffy ducks too!), Helena (OMG! No tissues were harmed during the reading of 24? Damn, gotta lift my game...), Juls (*hugs review* Ahhhhhhh...dats better...oo! Where do I find those B/F scenes you mentioned? Looking forward to hearing that folk song - don't worry if it sucks - I'm tone deaf too, I wouldn't know the difference...), DreamLoveBreathe, Winterwolf (You said a mouthful, precious! Bosco IS a hottie...what more could we possibly want out of life, eh?), Lifesaver55 (haaalllloooo?), Kate Anderson (You're welcome! Yeah, that diaper bag - the mental image that accompanied that kept my small mind amused for a good half hour let me tell you...), Ljae, Deliani, Meeko, mauriceboscorelli, AnnaDelAmico (Thank you for the bonus points, babe! Heheh! You've been taking that Thesaurus of yours for an outing, haven't you?), Lauren Metal (I'm more than happy for you to feed my ego, precious, any old time you like! Truth is, I don't know what I'LL do when the story is over either!), Jazz (*watches Jazz jumping around* OK, your enthusiasm is growing on me! *starts jumping around too*), phpa, Nyna Boscorelli, Maartje (Awww, you're too kind!) Norla, Junglegirl, and jimmyschick (Babe! What a damn fine idea that is! I WISH!) for taking the time to review so kindly - please forgive me if I've missed anyone. And to everyone else who's enjoying this as much as I am writing it - Cheers!!
THE ONE CONSTANT
PART 25
"I didn't think it'd be this tough."
Bosco watched as Faith walked on in preoccupied silence, her attention focused for the most part upon the small gathering up ahead. "What wouldn't?" she asked absently.
"Saying goodbye to Gracie today," Bosco replied.
"Yeah," she murmured simply. She didn't look at him. There was no loving reassurance, no acknowledgment of his concerns. Just...distance.
A small sense of panic niggled at him. For the past couple of months there had been a genuine feeling of warmth between them, and there was no doubt in his mind Gracie was the catalyst for that. But now, as they approached the House on what was his first official day back on duty, Bosco was all too conscious of the sudden distance between them.
Bosco glanced up at the group that stood outside the House and saw that every eye was trained upon them. He flicked his gaze in Faith's direction once more and noted how she walked with her head down, her hands jammed into the pockets of her coat.
Was it his imagination or did she seem intent on walking ahead of him?
"Bos-co!" Ty Davis greeted him, extending a welcoming hand as he and Faith approached the group. "Good to see you my man."
"Good to be back," Bosco replied, casting another glance Faith's way. He half expected to see her fleeing into the House leaving him standing there to face the awkwardness alone.
Sully's greeting, while not as warm, was genuine. "You're one crazy son of a bitch, you know that Boscorelli?"
"And you're still a fat bastard Sullivan," Bosco grinned.
The others bobbed their heads in quiet acknowledgment of his return.
"Hey Wonderboy," a snide voice drawled.
Bosco turned and cast a stiff glare in Mitch Rattray's general direction.
"Didn't think you'd lower yourself to being a beat monkey again, now you've got your name in lights."
Bosco ignored him.
"How's Miss Grace?" Ty asked, smiling as a wide grin suddenly lit Bosco's face.
"She's the best," Bosco replied, glancing at Faith who stood off to one side looking decidedly ill at ease.
"So what's it like bein' a daddy?" Ty asked.
"Amazin'," he answered. Faith's eyes, he noticed, were fixed upon the pavement at her feet.
"Just can't picture you changin' diapers, my man," Davis chuckled.
"I'm tryin' not to," Sully grumbled.
Ken Harris was frowning. "Grace?" he muttered, turning to Faith. "I thought Grace was your daughter?"
"She is," Faith murmured, her discomfort plain and clear.
"So it's TRUE??" Rattray yelped. "You and Wonderboy were getting' it on??"
Bosco's heart sank as he watched Faith's eyes lower self-consciously to the ground once more.
"YOU and Boscorelli??" Rattray's incredulity began reaching new heights along with his voice.
"Never would have picked you for a cradle-snatcher Yokas," Harris said.
"We're the same age!" Faith snapped tersely.
"Physically maybe!" Rattray crowed. "But mentally and emotionally? He's 12 and you gotta be a hundred!"
Without another word Faith turned and stalked into the House.
Rattray chuckled and set his sights on Bosco. "God, you and Yokas," he mused, shaking his head. "How's that workin' out?"
"None of your goddamn business," Bosco spat, following Faith into the House.
It was probably a good thing he didn't see the knowing looks the others exchanged as he departed.
Bosco caught up with his partner at her locker.
"You OK?" he asked softly.
"Great," Faith answered stiffly. "Just great."
He watched her for a while, rifling his brain for something appropriate, even soothing, to say. But when he came up empty he simply nodded and shuffled over to his own locker. They'd been good enough to give him his old one back.
'You knew it was going to be like this,' he told himself.
But the quiet truth of it was he had hoped for something better.
As much as he resisted it, he couldn't help but be aware of an all too familiar feeling of emptiness and isolation. In its company was a small, niggling anger that called his name and taunted him.
'You never get what you want,' it purred. 'You never have...all that energy you expended tryin' to save the world, and it hasn't made a blind bit of difference to anything. Least of all to her...'
Bosco cast a glance at his partner. An air of guilty preoccupation still hung about her like a fog.
'I don't know what she wants...' he murmured inwardly.
'Fred' snarled the voice. 'You heard her crying on Isabelle's shoulder this morning, Heroboy. About that dream she had. About how much she still misses him...'
Bosco dressed quickly, intent on shutting the voice out.
"See you in role call," he said to Faith as he passed her locker. He didn't hear her reply, and didn't stop to wait for one.
As Bosco approached Lt Swerskey's office he could clearly hear Ken Harris whining protests.
"Why do I have to baby sit Bosco jnr? Can't you give him to Faith?"
Bosco jnr?
"Yokas has requested to be re-partnered with Boscorelli," Swerskey replied sourly.
"There's a DIFFERENCE?" Harris snorted. "Matsakis and Boscorelli are one and the same, Lieu! They could be twins separated at birth, for godssake!"
They call the rookie Bosco jnr? Funny, Faith never mentioned that...
"You're with Matsakis!" Bosco heard Lieu snap tetchily. "And I don't wanna hear another goddamn word about it!"
Harris all but flounced out of Swerskey's office.
In his mind Bosco recalled Faith's tales of the 'jagoff newbie' and felt his mood lower to new depths. She had rather conveniently left out the part about the others referring to the rookie as 'Bosco jnr', not to mention the fact that it was in no way a term of endearment.
An image rose in his mind of Gracie, her face a picture of trusting innocence and above all, love...
"Hey Lieu."
Swerskey extended his hand and greeted him warmly. "Its about time they reinstated you to duty," he smiled. "That was some good work you did, Boscorelli."
Bosco shrugged.
'Doesn't mean a damn thing,' murmured the voice. 'They all still think you're an idiot...'
Gracie doesn't...
'Not yet,' the voice purred. 'But just carry on being you and eventually she'll think like the rest of them...'
"I'll work with Matsakis if you want Lieu." The words were out of his mouth before he could give further thought to the consequences.
'Oh, smooth move,' murmured the voice.
Swerskey was frowning. "Faith specifically requested..."
"Faith won't mind," Bosco heard himself assure the Lieutenant.
'You know damn well she will,' the voice grumbled. 'You're trying to punish her - how mature...'
"Matsakis is a hot head," Swerskey was saying. "I'd prefer to partner him with someone more..."
"Sensible?" Bosco held Swerskey's gaze steadily. "Look Lieu, I'm offerin' to get this guy out of everyone's hair, OK? I'd even be happy to keep him as far away from any action as it's possible to get."
Swerskey was eyeing him sceptically. "You lookin' to ease back into it?"
"Somethin' like that," Bosco replied, shrugging.
Swerskey was far from convinced. "I'm probably gonna regret this," he murmured.
Role call began with Swerskey welcoming Bosco back into the fold.
"You're all undoubtedly aware of the outstanding job Officer Boscorelli did in helping to nail Benedito Ribero..."
"...and we don't wanna hear about it again either," someone called from the back.
"So keep it to yourself, Wonderboy," Rattray chimed in.
A small ripple of laughter accompanied the exchange.
As an image of his daughter's beautiful face lingered before Bosco's eyes, he could imagine Faith squirming uncomfortably somewhere in the room. He hadn't bothered to seek her out when he entered, just sat himself in the first vacant chair he'd spotted, one back from the front.
Role call dragged on. Bosco found it strange to be back after so long, yet it was comfortingly familiar at the same time. Nothing much had changed - same crimes, just different names.
Finally Lieu began the wrap up by announcing the new roster.
"There's been a few changes in the line up folks, so listen carefully," Swerskey began, shooting another sceptical glance Bosco's way. "Harris: I've no doubt you'll be delighted to hear that you're with Rattray..."
"Oh god!" Rattray exclaimed theatrically. "Dammit Lieu, just when I was getting used to Miller's BO."
"You're an ass, Rattray," Bosco heard Sully growl.
"Miller, you're flying solo," Swerskey continued, "Yokas you're with Gusler, Matsakis," he paused as if giving the idea further consideration, "you're with Boscorelli."
"What?" Faith's voice rang sharply through the room before being drowned out by a burst of laughter.
"This oughta be interesting," Bosco heard Sully chuckle.
"Take it easy out there people," Swerskey said as he dismissed them. He called
Matsakis and Bosco over to him. "Don't make me regret this, Boscorelli."
"You did this?" Faith stood at Bosco's elbow, her expression a mixture of hurt and confusion. "Why?"
Bosco stared at her. "Thought you'd had enough of being embarrassed by me for one day," he replied stiffly.
"Bosco..."
"Like you keep sayin' Faith, you need time," he said, turning to where Matsakis stood. "You ready?"
"Bos..." she began, but he was already walking away from her.
Faith watched him go, a sharp feeling of regret lodging itself in the pit of her stomach. She didn't suppose she could blame Bosco for being upset with her after she had failed to show any of solidarity with him earlier. Now he'll be even more convinced I'm ashamed of him,' she thought.
"Is it true?"
Faith turned to find Gusler behind her, noting as she did the knowing looks the others were giving her.
"Is what true?"
"That you and Bosco are...you know...involved?"
"Bos and I have a daughter," Faith answered after a moment's thought. "Grace Eve."
Gusler's eyes widened into saucers. "The baby was...his?"
"Yeah Steve," Faith replied tetchily. "Anything else you'd like to know about my private life?"
Gusler looked quickly at the floor. "I'm sorry ma'am," he murmured.
"You and me both," Faith murmured quietly.
---
Justin Matsakis, by any definition, was an insufferable little punk. The more Bosco was forced to listen to the younger man's endless tales of derring-do and lustful wenching, the more his mood dipped further into his shoes.
There simply was no mountain high enough, no river wide enough, no bad guy tough enough to cause 'Bosco jnr' any problem. He'd originally planned to join the army, but reasoned that the daily 'war' on the streets held much greater 'promise'. The ESU, of course, was really where it was at, and Matsakis mercilessly pumped his partner for details on the how's and where's and whys of getting in.
Bosco cringed inwardly. 'I am not this bad,' he told himself.
'Mirror mirror, on the wall...' crooned the voice. To reinforce it's point small pieces of paper assuring Bosco of his status amongst his colleagues loomed
before his eyes. 'Three words you would use to describe me' chuckled the voice. 'And did they ever...'
'Is THIS how they see me?'
'Mirror, mirror...' whispered the voice.
Matsakis was annoyed that Bosco didn't care to talk about his experiences while deep cover, nor was he impressed by the kinds of calls they were taking. The rookie's whining and carping were well and truly getting on Bosco's nerves by the time they pulled up outside the apartment building.
"So what's happening here?" Matsakis asked sourly.
"Nothing," Bosco replied. "Stay in the car and keep you hands off the goddamn radio."
"What?"
"You heard. You make a move without my say so and I'll blow your goddamn head off. And that's a promise."
A string of expletives erupted from the rookie. Bosco ignored him and gratefully exited the RMP.
Gracie was bathed, ready for bed and clearly delighted to see her daddy when Isabelle opened the door to him.
"How's she been?" Bosco asked as he gathered his daughter to him.
"Cranky," Isabelle replied.
Bosco regarded his little girl fondly. Gracie was red-cheeked, drooling and trying to cram his radio into her aching mouth. "Cutting teeth ain't no fun is it gorgeous?"
Having washed his hands he offered up a clean index finger for his little girl to gnaw on.
"She'll chew through to the bone, you realise that don't you?" Isabelle chuckled. "Is Faith with you?"
Isabelle could tell by the sudden sombre expression that all was not well. "What happened?"
"Got to see first hand just how ashamed Faith is of being involved with me," Bosco grumbled.
"I see," Isabelle murmured, regarding him with some sympathy. "You knew it wasn't going to be easy for her Maurice."
"Wasn't exactly a moment I'll cherish forever," he said sourly. "Nothing like realising you're your partner's dirty little secret to make your first day back on the job go real smooth."
Isabelle sighed. "I know I keep saying it, but give her time, Maurice. And don't make any rash decisions while you're angry."
"I'm not angry."
"Yes you are," she countered in her finest 'teacher knows best' voice.
Bosco smiled quietly to himself and reached for a tissue to mop up Gracie's slobbery face. "It'd be nice if for once in my life someone would have a bit of faith in me."
Isabelle pondered a moment. "Why don't you start the ball rolling?" she said quietly.
He looked at her and Isabelle returned the look with a cheeky smirk.
"Have a bit of faith in yourself is what I'm saying, Maurice. If not for your sake then for Gracie's."
Bosco gazed down at his daughter. Her sparkling blue eyes returned the look with trusting innocence.
"Do it for Gracie..." he murmured.
Gracie gazed up at her father and, as if sensing the growing resolve within him, let out a small squeal of delight.
---
TBC - awwww, Bosco/Gracie sweetness is just too addictive!
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 and huge thanx to Angie (Aww, babe! Them kudos are very gratefully accepted, thank ya! And I loved the fluffy ducks too!), Helena (OMG! No tissues were harmed during the reading of 24? Damn, gotta lift my game...), Juls (*hugs review* Ahhhhhhh...dats better...oo! Where do I find those B/F scenes you mentioned? Looking forward to hearing that folk song - don't worry if it sucks - I'm tone deaf too, I wouldn't know the difference...), DreamLoveBreathe, Winterwolf (You said a mouthful, precious! Bosco IS a hottie...what more could we possibly want out of life, eh?), Lifesaver55 (haaalllloooo?), Kate Anderson (You're welcome! Yeah, that diaper bag - the mental image that accompanied that kept my small mind amused for a good half hour let me tell you...), Ljae, Deliani, Meeko, mauriceboscorelli, AnnaDelAmico (Thank you for the bonus points, babe! Heheh! You've been taking that Thesaurus of yours for an outing, haven't you?), Lauren Metal (I'm more than happy for you to feed my ego, precious, any old time you like! Truth is, I don't know what I'LL do when the story is over either!), Jazz (*watches Jazz jumping around* OK, your enthusiasm is growing on me! *starts jumping around too*), phpa, Nyna Boscorelli, Maartje (Awww, you're too kind!) Norla, Junglegirl, and jimmyschick (Babe! What a damn fine idea that is! I WISH!) for taking the time to review so kindly - please forgive me if I've missed anyone. And to everyone else who's enjoying this as much as I am writing it - Cheers!!
THE ONE CONSTANT
PART 25
"I didn't think it'd be this tough."
Bosco watched as Faith walked on in preoccupied silence, her attention focused for the most part upon the small gathering up ahead. "What wouldn't?" she asked absently.
"Saying goodbye to Gracie today," Bosco replied.
"Yeah," she murmured simply. She didn't look at him. There was no loving reassurance, no acknowledgment of his concerns. Just...distance.
A small sense of panic niggled at him. For the past couple of months there had been a genuine feeling of warmth between them, and there was no doubt in his mind Gracie was the catalyst for that. But now, as they approached the House on what was his first official day back on duty, Bosco was all too conscious of the sudden distance between them.
Bosco glanced up at the group that stood outside the House and saw that every eye was trained upon them. He flicked his gaze in Faith's direction once more and noted how she walked with her head down, her hands jammed into the pockets of her coat.
Was it his imagination or did she seem intent on walking ahead of him?
"Bos-co!" Ty Davis greeted him, extending a welcoming hand as he and Faith approached the group. "Good to see you my man."
"Good to be back," Bosco replied, casting another glance Faith's way. He half expected to see her fleeing into the House leaving him standing there to face the awkwardness alone.
Sully's greeting, while not as warm, was genuine. "You're one crazy son of a bitch, you know that Boscorelli?"
"And you're still a fat bastard Sullivan," Bosco grinned.
The others bobbed their heads in quiet acknowledgment of his return.
"Hey Wonderboy," a snide voice drawled.
Bosco turned and cast a stiff glare in Mitch Rattray's general direction.
"Didn't think you'd lower yourself to being a beat monkey again, now you've got your name in lights."
Bosco ignored him.
"How's Miss Grace?" Ty asked, smiling as a wide grin suddenly lit Bosco's face.
"She's the best," Bosco replied, glancing at Faith who stood off to one side looking decidedly ill at ease.
"So what's it like bein' a daddy?" Ty asked.
"Amazin'," he answered. Faith's eyes, he noticed, were fixed upon the pavement at her feet.
"Just can't picture you changin' diapers, my man," Davis chuckled.
"I'm tryin' not to," Sully grumbled.
Ken Harris was frowning. "Grace?" he muttered, turning to Faith. "I thought Grace was your daughter?"
"She is," Faith murmured, her discomfort plain and clear.
"So it's TRUE??" Rattray yelped. "You and Wonderboy were getting' it on??"
Bosco's heart sank as he watched Faith's eyes lower self-consciously to the ground once more.
"YOU and Boscorelli??" Rattray's incredulity began reaching new heights along with his voice.
"Never would have picked you for a cradle-snatcher Yokas," Harris said.
"We're the same age!" Faith snapped tersely.
"Physically maybe!" Rattray crowed. "But mentally and emotionally? He's 12 and you gotta be a hundred!"
Without another word Faith turned and stalked into the House.
Rattray chuckled and set his sights on Bosco. "God, you and Yokas," he mused, shaking his head. "How's that workin' out?"
"None of your goddamn business," Bosco spat, following Faith into the House.
It was probably a good thing he didn't see the knowing looks the others exchanged as he departed.
Bosco caught up with his partner at her locker.
"You OK?" he asked softly.
"Great," Faith answered stiffly. "Just great."
He watched her for a while, rifling his brain for something appropriate, even soothing, to say. But when he came up empty he simply nodded and shuffled over to his own locker. They'd been good enough to give him his old one back.
'You knew it was going to be like this,' he told himself.
But the quiet truth of it was he had hoped for something better.
As much as he resisted it, he couldn't help but be aware of an all too familiar feeling of emptiness and isolation. In its company was a small, niggling anger that called his name and taunted him.
'You never get what you want,' it purred. 'You never have...all that energy you expended tryin' to save the world, and it hasn't made a blind bit of difference to anything. Least of all to her...'
Bosco cast a glance at his partner. An air of guilty preoccupation still hung about her like a fog.
'I don't know what she wants...' he murmured inwardly.
'Fred' snarled the voice. 'You heard her crying on Isabelle's shoulder this morning, Heroboy. About that dream she had. About how much she still misses him...'
Bosco dressed quickly, intent on shutting the voice out.
"See you in role call," he said to Faith as he passed her locker. He didn't hear her reply, and didn't stop to wait for one.
As Bosco approached Lt Swerskey's office he could clearly hear Ken Harris whining protests.
"Why do I have to baby sit Bosco jnr? Can't you give him to Faith?"
Bosco jnr?
"Yokas has requested to be re-partnered with Boscorelli," Swerskey replied sourly.
"There's a DIFFERENCE?" Harris snorted. "Matsakis and Boscorelli are one and the same, Lieu! They could be twins separated at birth, for godssake!"
They call the rookie Bosco jnr? Funny, Faith never mentioned that...
"You're with Matsakis!" Bosco heard Lieu snap tetchily. "And I don't wanna hear another goddamn word about it!"
Harris all but flounced out of Swerskey's office.
In his mind Bosco recalled Faith's tales of the 'jagoff newbie' and felt his mood lower to new depths. She had rather conveniently left out the part about the others referring to the rookie as 'Bosco jnr', not to mention the fact that it was in no way a term of endearment.
An image rose in his mind of Gracie, her face a picture of trusting innocence and above all, love...
"Hey Lieu."
Swerskey extended his hand and greeted him warmly. "Its about time they reinstated you to duty," he smiled. "That was some good work you did, Boscorelli."
Bosco shrugged.
'Doesn't mean a damn thing,' murmured the voice. 'They all still think you're an idiot...'
Gracie doesn't...
'Not yet,' the voice purred. 'But just carry on being you and eventually she'll think like the rest of them...'
"I'll work with Matsakis if you want Lieu." The words were out of his mouth before he could give further thought to the consequences.
'Oh, smooth move,' murmured the voice.
Swerskey was frowning. "Faith specifically requested..."
"Faith won't mind," Bosco heard himself assure the Lieutenant.
'You know damn well she will,' the voice grumbled. 'You're trying to punish her - how mature...'
"Matsakis is a hot head," Swerskey was saying. "I'd prefer to partner him with someone more..."
"Sensible?" Bosco held Swerskey's gaze steadily. "Look Lieu, I'm offerin' to get this guy out of everyone's hair, OK? I'd even be happy to keep him as far away from any action as it's possible to get."
Swerskey was eyeing him sceptically. "You lookin' to ease back into it?"
"Somethin' like that," Bosco replied, shrugging.
Swerskey was far from convinced. "I'm probably gonna regret this," he murmured.
Role call began with Swerskey welcoming Bosco back into the fold.
"You're all undoubtedly aware of the outstanding job Officer Boscorelli did in helping to nail Benedito Ribero..."
"...and we don't wanna hear about it again either," someone called from the back.
"So keep it to yourself, Wonderboy," Rattray chimed in.
A small ripple of laughter accompanied the exchange.
As an image of his daughter's beautiful face lingered before Bosco's eyes, he could imagine Faith squirming uncomfortably somewhere in the room. He hadn't bothered to seek her out when he entered, just sat himself in the first vacant chair he'd spotted, one back from the front.
Role call dragged on. Bosco found it strange to be back after so long, yet it was comfortingly familiar at the same time. Nothing much had changed - same crimes, just different names.
Finally Lieu began the wrap up by announcing the new roster.
"There's been a few changes in the line up folks, so listen carefully," Swerskey began, shooting another sceptical glance Bosco's way. "Harris: I've no doubt you'll be delighted to hear that you're with Rattray..."
"Oh god!" Rattray exclaimed theatrically. "Dammit Lieu, just when I was getting used to Miller's BO."
"You're an ass, Rattray," Bosco heard Sully growl.
"Miller, you're flying solo," Swerskey continued, "Yokas you're with Gusler, Matsakis," he paused as if giving the idea further consideration, "you're with Boscorelli."
"What?" Faith's voice rang sharply through the room before being drowned out by a burst of laughter.
"This oughta be interesting," Bosco heard Sully chuckle.
"Take it easy out there people," Swerskey said as he dismissed them. He called
Matsakis and Bosco over to him. "Don't make me regret this, Boscorelli."
"You did this?" Faith stood at Bosco's elbow, her expression a mixture of hurt and confusion. "Why?"
Bosco stared at her. "Thought you'd had enough of being embarrassed by me for one day," he replied stiffly.
"Bosco..."
"Like you keep sayin' Faith, you need time," he said, turning to where Matsakis stood. "You ready?"
"Bos..." she began, but he was already walking away from her.
Faith watched him go, a sharp feeling of regret lodging itself in the pit of her stomach. She didn't suppose she could blame Bosco for being upset with her after she had failed to show any of solidarity with him earlier. Now he'll be even more convinced I'm ashamed of him,' she thought.
"Is it true?"
Faith turned to find Gusler behind her, noting as she did the knowing looks the others were giving her.
"Is what true?"
"That you and Bosco are...you know...involved?"
"Bos and I have a daughter," Faith answered after a moment's thought. "Grace Eve."
Gusler's eyes widened into saucers. "The baby was...his?"
"Yeah Steve," Faith replied tetchily. "Anything else you'd like to know about my private life?"
Gusler looked quickly at the floor. "I'm sorry ma'am," he murmured.
"You and me both," Faith murmured quietly.
---
Justin Matsakis, by any definition, was an insufferable little punk. The more Bosco was forced to listen to the younger man's endless tales of derring-do and lustful wenching, the more his mood dipped further into his shoes.
There simply was no mountain high enough, no river wide enough, no bad guy tough enough to cause 'Bosco jnr' any problem. He'd originally planned to join the army, but reasoned that the daily 'war' on the streets held much greater 'promise'. The ESU, of course, was really where it was at, and Matsakis mercilessly pumped his partner for details on the how's and where's and whys of getting in.
Bosco cringed inwardly. 'I am not this bad,' he told himself.
'Mirror mirror, on the wall...' crooned the voice. To reinforce it's point small pieces of paper assuring Bosco of his status amongst his colleagues loomed
before his eyes. 'Three words you would use to describe me' chuckled the voice. 'And did they ever...'
'Is THIS how they see me?'
'Mirror, mirror...' whispered the voice.
Matsakis was annoyed that Bosco didn't care to talk about his experiences while deep cover, nor was he impressed by the kinds of calls they were taking. The rookie's whining and carping were well and truly getting on Bosco's nerves by the time they pulled up outside the apartment building.
"So what's happening here?" Matsakis asked sourly.
"Nothing," Bosco replied. "Stay in the car and keep you hands off the goddamn radio."
"What?"
"You heard. You make a move without my say so and I'll blow your goddamn head off. And that's a promise."
A string of expletives erupted from the rookie. Bosco ignored him and gratefully exited the RMP.
Gracie was bathed, ready for bed and clearly delighted to see her daddy when Isabelle opened the door to him.
"How's she been?" Bosco asked as he gathered his daughter to him.
"Cranky," Isabelle replied.
Bosco regarded his little girl fondly. Gracie was red-cheeked, drooling and trying to cram his radio into her aching mouth. "Cutting teeth ain't no fun is it gorgeous?"
Having washed his hands he offered up a clean index finger for his little girl to gnaw on.
"She'll chew through to the bone, you realise that don't you?" Isabelle chuckled. "Is Faith with you?"
Isabelle could tell by the sudden sombre expression that all was not well. "What happened?"
"Got to see first hand just how ashamed Faith is of being involved with me," Bosco grumbled.
"I see," Isabelle murmured, regarding him with some sympathy. "You knew it wasn't going to be easy for her Maurice."
"Wasn't exactly a moment I'll cherish forever," he said sourly. "Nothing like realising you're your partner's dirty little secret to make your first day back on the job go real smooth."
Isabelle sighed. "I know I keep saying it, but give her time, Maurice. And don't make any rash decisions while you're angry."
"I'm not angry."
"Yes you are," she countered in her finest 'teacher knows best' voice.
Bosco smiled quietly to himself and reached for a tissue to mop up Gracie's slobbery face. "It'd be nice if for once in my life someone would have a bit of faith in me."
Isabelle pondered a moment. "Why don't you start the ball rolling?" she said quietly.
He looked at her and Isabelle returned the look with a cheeky smirk.
"Have a bit of faith in yourself is what I'm saying, Maurice. If not for your sake then for Gracie's."
Bosco gazed down at his daughter. Her sparkling blue eyes returned the look with trusting innocence.
"Do it for Gracie..." he murmured.
Gracie gazed up at her father and, as if sensing the growing resolve within him, let out a small squeal of delight.
---
TBC - awwww, Bosco/Gracie sweetness is just too addictive!