"So, Bosco, you ok about yesterday?" Faith asked her partner.

"Yesterday?" He stalled. Hoping she would leave it alone. Leave him alone. But he didn't. Not really. His thoughts were drifting. Get a grip, Boscorelli.

"Yeah, remember? Do you wanna talk about it?" She didn't want to push him too hard.

"No, everything's ok. I settled it. Ok?" he said abruptly. Whoa, there, Boscorelli. Faith is your partner. She is the best thing in your life. Don't shut her out. He shoved down the thoughts that kept crowding his brain. Overwhelming him.

He couldn't believe he had been so stupid. When he went to Cruz's house the night her sister died he stayed. Why? He knew the reason now. Pity. He'd felt so sorry for her. He had been hurt a lot. Let down by his brother, his mom, most of all his dad. He couldn't stand to see anyone in pain.

"Stupid, stupid. Why do I care? Why do I bother?"

"Because that's who you are, Bosco. Get used to it. That's your best quality. Why do you think I put up with you?"

Huh? He looked up to see Faith's eyes. They were smiling.

"Did I just say that out loud? Damn."

"Don't be sorry for feeling empathy, Bos. Never. You're too good a guy." She meant it with all her heart.

"Ya think?" He smiled. Then grinned. "Ya love me, don't ya? Huh? Wanna get married now?"

Brat, thought Faith, but she was smiling. "Sure, Bos. In your dreams, sweetie."

They put on their uniforms and vests in silence. A comfortable silence.

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"Got it? 55-3. The guy only. Good. Thanks." Thomas hung up the phone.

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Please R&R!!