TITLE: Shattered
AUTHOR: Liquid Thalassa
E-MAIL: liquidthalassa@yahoo.com
RATING: PG-13 (due to references of rape) and swear words here and there.
SPOILERS: 10-31's Eppy "Good Bye to All of That"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ok, wow. I never got so many reviews on a fic before! Thanks, really! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, I was debating on it and finally decided to post it. I mean if it sucks then at least I got 2 for 3 on good chapters, lol. It's more like a transition chapter- from the other two and the one's I'll be writing. Hope everyone likes it.
Here's the story:
PART THREE: The Morning after/Transition
Bosco woke up to the sound of a cell phone ringing, suppressing a curse he looked around. Where was the damn thing anyway? He didn't want to get up, not now at least, he was far too comfortable. From the look of it so was Cruz. Ignoring the last shrill ring of the phone, knowing the person probably left a message, he put his attention on other things. Like Cruz.
She seemed so peaceful sleeping there in his arms that he was almost taken aback. She looked so calm, so innocent. Like an angel. Bosco almost laughed out loud. Right, no one would believe that, he knew, fallen angel maybe but not plain ol' angel.
"Maritza?" He whispered in her ear.
She groaned.
"Maritza?" More sing-song-ey.
This time she opened her eyes, still fuzzy with sleep.
She glared at him with mock anger. "What do you want?" Her voice was choppy and husky with sleep.
"The ability to move perhaps.you're pinning me down."
And she was. She was still next to him, her legs weaving under and over his own, her head resting on his chest and her hand on his stomach. He almost considered himself lucky. Almost. If she were here under different circumstances he'd be in Heaven right now.
"Oh-" She said. Loose strands of hair falling into her eyes obscuring them, Bosco moved them out of the way. He made a mental note to buy some of those Bobby Pin things she supposedly lost. Monroe would know what the Hell she was talking about, because he didn't.
"Too bad, Officer Boscorelli. You'll just have to arrest me then." She continued, a mischievous smile playing out on her lips.
Images flooded his mind, naughty ones he quickly pushed away. This was not the time, he told himself. *Definitely* not the time. She laid her head down on his chest and took a deep breath. "Cause I'm not getting up. And neither are you." He caught a hint of an order in her tone even though it was mumbled. Smiling he relaxed. No sense arguing. Without thinking he began to caress her hair, loving the silky feel between his fingertips. Before he knew it she was asleep again.
***
"Bosco?"
"Humm?" He mumbled his eyes still closed.
"Get up, it's late. I kept calling your name, I shook you. Nothing." She stared down at him, sitting on the edge of the couch.
"What time is it?" Daylight, obviously from the light shining in from his window.
"Time it get your ass up!" she said nudging his shoulder.
"Alright, alright." He groaned really not wanting to get up. "It was your fault anyways." He rubbed his face feeling stubble.
Bosco got up, stretching. She was right, it was late. Damn, he thought, Christopher was gonna have his ass. Again. For the billionth time to be more like it. Bosco hated that jackass.
"You better hurry. I know how long it takes you." There was that mischievous smile again.
He glared at her. "Duh." He mumbled.
"You always this grumpy in the morning?" she asked while heading to the kitchen. If you could call it that. "Got any coffee?" She asked opening cupboards loudly.
"Yes and yes." He called to her. "Last cupboard on the left side." He added.
"Got it." She found the coffee. Instant. Figures, she thought, men. Filling two cups with water she put them in his microwave, which need to needed to be cleaned in a major way. Ick, she thought cringing. Oh well.
She went back into the living room. No Bosco. She walked down the hall until she found what had to be his bedroom. The door was closed. She knocked. A second later he appeared practically crashing into her. He was already dressed, uniform in all. She was impressed, Bosco did prepare.
"I keep a uniform in the closet, just in case." He offered.
"I see." She couldn't help but stare; she was only a foot or two away from him. And boy did he look good in uniform; though she heard the same about herself she believed it more when it came to him. Navy blue was his color, unlike hers. She was a fan of black herself, it went with everything plus it help with the evil-bitch rep she had going. She licked her lips, her mouth suddenly feeling dry. Navy brought out the color of his eyes, eyes that were now staring at her intently.
"Uhh, your badge is crooked. And you missed a button." She said quietly.
He swallowed. Something about the look in her eyes made his heart beat faster. He never knew what to think, not with Maritza.
He turned into his room; Cruz just leaned against the wall. Waiting. A minute later he reemerged, all buttons in order. His badge was still crooked though. She beckoned him with her hand to come closer. He took a big step. She reached her good hand to fix his badge.
A little bit to the right, down a hare. Perfect. She stared at it, tracing the embossed 'Boscorelli' with her thumb. That's when she realized it. He wasn't wearing his vest.
She looked up. "Where the Hell is your vest?" She could just see it. Bosco with out a vest, Bosco getting shot, Bosco dying. She cringed. No. That couldn't happen-wouldn't. He was all she got.
He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I learned my lesson. Trust me. My vest is at the house, I don't keep it here." He assured her. For a moment she reminded him of Faith. But no, Maritza would never be Faith. But her worry still touched him.
"You better. I didn't think you we that stupid." Even she wore a vest. Always. She liked to take her chances elsewhere.
He headed into the living room; she followed trying to ignore the hints of pain creeping up. Dios, she thought, this is going to hurt like hell. And by 'this' she meant her whole body. It was a wonder she could walk before. Shock she figured, her body must've been in shock.
"Coffee?" She shoved a cup in his face a moment later and he took a sip. It tasted awful.
"I couldn't find your sugar." She told him, watching him cringe. She seemed pleased by his disgust. She really was evil, he thought.
"I don't have any. Usually I borrow some from the neighbor." He looked around the room, finding his duffle bag. He set the cup down and went through it. Maritza sat next to him on the couch.
"Here's your purse." He said handing it to her. "Nurse left some pamphlets for you to read."
She nodded.
"Here's your gun." He handed it to her reluctantly, She would have got it with our without his help, he knew. "Safety off."
"I told you." She smirked and put the safety back on.
He didn't reply.
"Are you going to be alright?" He asked his voice an octave quieter.
"Yeah. You don't mind I stay here a little while?" She asked hesitant.
"No make yourself at home. Are you coming in today?" He rose and put the bag over his shoulder.
"No, not for a while."
There was an awkward silence.
"Well I gotta go. Christopher- and Monroe- are going to breathing down my neck. If you need anything- anything- just let me know, okay?"
"I will." She said watching him turn to go. "Thanks." She added.
"No problem."
He left. The silence engulfing her once more.
Thank you, Boscorelli. More then you'll ever know, she thought. More than you'll ever know.
***
(A few days later)
The silence engulfed her. Again. Only this time she was in her apartment. Alone. She hadn't talked to anyone save for Bosco once of twice. He gave her space yet let her know he was there for her, that he cared. She was grateful. She picked up a pack of Bobby-Pins and smiled. Boscorelli, she thought, what a guy. He told her Monroe gave him crap about it, she could only imagine. Bosco running into a salon, Bosco staring at the array of hair supplies, Bosco reduced to asked for help, Bosco walking out with Bobby-Pins in a cute little pink bag. She laughed. Setting them down she took a drink of Pepsi. Diet of course, she didn't want to loose her figure with all this sitting she was doing. She hated sitting. Hated doing nothing. She wanted to do *something*. Like call Bosco. But no, she didn't want to be too dependent on him. She didn't want him to be her crutch. He understood. Signing she rose. It was easier too, the pain was fading away. Her bruises were ever so slowly disappearing. Her spirit mending. The misplaced guilt and sorrow being replaced by anger and anxiousness. She had to do *something*.
***
(A few days later)
Bosco stopped in his tracks, midway between the main desk and the holding cell. Maritza. She looked better. A lot better actually. He walked over to her, not caring what others thought. There were already plenty of rumors about them, he didn't care anymore. People talked, always. Screw them, he thought.
"Hey."
She looked up. "Hi."
"What are you doing here?" He asked curious.
She scowled. "I just finished my date with the Union Shrink." She spat bitterly.
He knew the feeling. "I sat there thinking 'if he says another: now how does this make you feel?' I'd unload my clip in'em." He told her. Remembering the day Faith tall-tailed on him.
She nodded. "That's why I didn't bring by gun." She smirked . "So how'd it go?"
"Fine. He cleared me for duty." She said looking around, taking in all the bustle. She wore a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt under a NYPD jacket. He couldn't see any bruises but he knew they were there. Lurking beneath her clothes, like her feelings he suspected. Lurking beneath her masquerade of normalcy.
"You're coming back then? Isn't it a little too early?" He asked concerned.
She met his eyes. "Bosco, I can't stay at home. I need to do something- anything. I need to catch the guy who did this to me." She told him casually. But Bosco could see the fire in her eyes. The anger, the pain. The suble traces of vengeance.
"We've put an APB out on him, highest priority. We got the news to air a clip of video Monroe shot. Every officer is asked to bring him in if he's found." He told her, hoping that would satisfy her.
"It's not enough, Bosco." She said bitterly. "Not enough." She said before walking off.
"Where are you going?" He called to her.
"To talk to Lieu."
He signed and headed for the holding cell. He wasn't so sure it was a good idea for Cruz to be back on duty this early. It's only been a week. She was tough, he knew, but could she handle it? Handle the job with out another spiral into darkness.
"Bosco." It was Monroe. "We really got to finish these reports." She said practically throwing them on his desk.
"Nah, I don't do reports. I hate them." He said looking at his interim partner. He missed Faith. Faith was the one who did most of the reports. He just arrested everyone.
She looked at him like he was crazy. "Uh, In case you haven't noticed- no one likes doing reports. Not you, not me. No one. It's our job. Now get writing." She said, nudging at the stack of reports.
God, he thought, this sucked.
***
(An hour or two later)
His hand hurt, like seriously cramped. He hoped he wouldn't have to shoot anyone, anytime soon.
"Damn." He mumbled. Shaking his hand.
Monroe looked up. "What a baby."
"Shut up." He said scowling at her.
"Boscorelli!" Came a voice. Lieu. Great.
"Coming" He called over the noise. He walked into Lieu's office, feeling like a kid going to see the principal. He sat down and waited for his boss to speak. It took a while. He just sat in his desk and stared at him. God, Bosco thought, get on with it.
"Boscorelli, I'm going to do something I don't really want to do." He said finally.
Bosco remained silent.
"I'm placing you with Sergeant Cruz."
Bosco suppressed shock. Was he serious? After what happened before, in Anti- Crime? Sure things were different but still. Lieu was talking a chance, putting too much trust in them and the situation. Bosco just stared back. It was better to give away nothing then everything.
"Why isn't she on desk duty?" Bosco asked.
"Union psychologist cleared her, she talked to me." Lieu said, with a wave of his hand. "Plus you know Sergeant Cruz; she tends to get her way."
That was an understatement, Bosco thought. Getting out of desk duty. He wished he had that skill. Bosco wondered what she told him.
"You'll be riding together starting tomorrow. I want you to take 55-David."
"What about Monroe?"
"She'll be reassigned."
Bosco watched his boss. He seemed done. Bosco rose from the chair and headed for the door.
"Boscorelli." Lieu said sternly. "I don't want any trouble. None at all. And watch her. Like a hawk."
Bosco didn't say anything. And there was the warning, he thought, well more like a latent threat. He wasn't so sure he could promise anything. Not with the fire that burned in Maritza's eyes. He only hoped that this time would be different, that this Maritza that shared so much to him wouldn't bring them both down with her thirst for revenge. But he knew some things never changed.
TO BE CONTINUED!
**A/N: So okay, there's part three. I had mixed feelings about this one; I didn't know how to transition the story from A to B. But I think I did it well. Oh, and this will be a friendship-special bond story, so anti- bosco/cruz shippers it'll be alright. There will be stuff like the previous chapters though, I'm pretty sure. (I'm just curious why do some of you HATE the idea of Bosco and Cruz as a shipper? Why is it enough to make you sick? I don't get it.) This as I said is a transition chapter. I still wanted to show their bond but create some distance. Since Cruz is still Cruz and no matter what she allowed Bosco to see and share she's still her own person. Plus I wanted to get on with the story and not linger forever on certain things. So yeah. I posted a quick Cruz fic called 'Mea Culpa' yesterday, you should check it out too! I have a few others up my sleeve too. Anyways, I hope everyone liked this chapter. Let me know what you think! Thanks!!! Look out of part four, too.
AUTHOR: Liquid Thalassa
E-MAIL: liquidthalassa@yahoo.com
RATING: PG-13 (due to references of rape) and swear words here and there.
SPOILERS: 10-31's Eppy "Good Bye to All of That"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Ok, wow. I never got so many reviews on a fic before! Thanks, really! I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint, I was debating on it and finally decided to post it. I mean if it sucks then at least I got 2 for 3 on good chapters, lol. It's more like a transition chapter- from the other two and the one's I'll be writing. Hope everyone likes it.
Here's the story:
PART THREE: The Morning after/Transition
Bosco woke up to the sound of a cell phone ringing, suppressing a curse he looked around. Where was the damn thing anyway? He didn't want to get up, not now at least, he was far too comfortable. From the look of it so was Cruz. Ignoring the last shrill ring of the phone, knowing the person probably left a message, he put his attention on other things. Like Cruz.
She seemed so peaceful sleeping there in his arms that he was almost taken aback. She looked so calm, so innocent. Like an angel. Bosco almost laughed out loud. Right, no one would believe that, he knew, fallen angel maybe but not plain ol' angel.
"Maritza?" He whispered in her ear.
She groaned.
"Maritza?" More sing-song-ey.
This time she opened her eyes, still fuzzy with sleep.
She glared at him with mock anger. "What do you want?" Her voice was choppy and husky with sleep.
"The ability to move perhaps.you're pinning me down."
And she was. She was still next to him, her legs weaving under and over his own, her head resting on his chest and her hand on his stomach. He almost considered himself lucky. Almost. If she were here under different circumstances he'd be in Heaven right now.
"Oh-" She said. Loose strands of hair falling into her eyes obscuring them, Bosco moved them out of the way. He made a mental note to buy some of those Bobby Pin things she supposedly lost. Monroe would know what the Hell she was talking about, because he didn't.
"Too bad, Officer Boscorelli. You'll just have to arrest me then." She continued, a mischievous smile playing out on her lips.
Images flooded his mind, naughty ones he quickly pushed away. This was not the time, he told himself. *Definitely* not the time. She laid her head down on his chest and took a deep breath. "Cause I'm not getting up. And neither are you." He caught a hint of an order in her tone even though it was mumbled. Smiling he relaxed. No sense arguing. Without thinking he began to caress her hair, loving the silky feel between his fingertips. Before he knew it she was asleep again.
***
"Bosco?"
"Humm?" He mumbled his eyes still closed.
"Get up, it's late. I kept calling your name, I shook you. Nothing." She stared down at him, sitting on the edge of the couch.
"What time is it?" Daylight, obviously from the light shining in from his window.
"Time it get your ass up!" she said nudging his shoulder.
"Alright, alright." He groaned really not wanting to get up. "It was your fault anyways." He rubbed his face feeling stubble.
Bosco got up, stretching. She was right, it was late. Damn, he thought, Christopher was gonna have his ass. Again. For the billionth time to be more like it. Bosco hated that jackass.
"You better hurry. I know how long it takes you." There was that mischievous smile again.
He glared at her. "Duh." He mumbled.
"You always this grumpy in the morning?" she asked while heading to the kitchen. If you could call it that. "Got any coffee?" She asked opening cupboards loudly.
"Yes and yes." He called to her. "Last cupboard on the left side." He added.
"Got it." She found the coffee. Instant. Figures, she thought, men. Filling two cups with water she put them in his microwave, which need to needed to be cleaned in a major way. Ick, she thought cringing. Oh well.
She went back into the living room. No Bosco. She walked down the hall until she found what had to be his bedroom. The door was closed. She knocked. A second later he appeared practically crashing into her. He was already dressed, uniform in all. She was impressed, Bosco did prepare.
"I keep a uniform in the closet, just in case." He offered.
"I see." She couldn't help but stare; she was only a foot or two away from him. And boy did he look good in uniform; though she heard the same about herself she believed it more when it came to him. Navy blue was his color, unlike hers. She was a fan of black herself, it went with everything plus it help with the evil-bitch rep she had going. She licked her lips, her mouth suddenly feeling dry. Navy brought out the color of his eyes, eyes that were now staring at her intently.
"Uhh, your badge is crooked. And you missed a button." She said quietly.
He swallowed. Something about the look in her eyes made his heart beat faster. He never knew what to think, not with Maritza.
He turned into his room; Cruz just leaned against the wall. Waiting. A minute later he reemerged, all buttons in order. His badge was still crooked though. She beckoned him with her hand to come closer. He took a big step. She reached her good hand to fix his badge.
A little bit to the right, down a hare. Perfect. She stared at it, tracing the embossed 'Boscorelli' with her thumb. That's when she realized it. He wasn't wearing his vest.
She looked up. "Where the Hell is your vest?" She could just see it. Bosco with out a vest, Bosco getting shot, Bosco dying. She cringed. No. That couldn't happen-wouldn't. He was all she got.
He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, I learned my lesson. Trust me. My vest is at the house, I don't keep it here." He assured her. For a moment she reminded him of Faith. But no, Maritza would never be Faith. But her worry still touched him.
"You better. I didn't think you we that stupid." Even she wore a vest. Always. She liked to take her chances elsewhere.
He headed into the living room; she followed trying to ignore the hints of pain creeping up. Dios, she thought, this is going to hurt like hell. And by 'this' she meant her whole body. It was a wonder she could walk before. Shock she figured, her body must've been in shock.
"Coffee?" She shoved a cup in his face a moment later and he took a sip. It tasted awful.
"I couldn't find your sugar." She told him, watching him cringe. She seemed pleased by his disgust. She really was evil, he thought.
"I don't have any. Usually I borrow some from the neighbor." He looked around the room, finding his duffle bag. He set the cup down and went through it. Maritza sat next to him on the couch.
"Here's your purse." He said handing it to her. "Nurse left some pamphlets for you to read."
She nodded.
"Here's your gun." He handed it to her reluctantly, She would have got it with our without his help, he knew. "Safety off."
"I told you." She smirked and put the safety back on.
He didn't reply.
"Are you going to be alright?" He asked his voice an octave quieter.
"Yeah. You don't mind I stay here a little while?" She asked hesitant.
"No make yourself at home. Are you coming in today?" He rose and put the bag over his shoulder.
"No, not for a while."
There was an awkward silence.
"Well I gotta go. Christopher- and Monroe- are going to breathing down my neck. If you need anything- anything- just let me know, okay?"
"I will." She said watching him turn to go. "Thanks." She added.
"No problem."
He left. The silence engulfing her once more.
Thank you, Boscorelli. More then you'll ever know, she thought. More than you'll ever know.
***
(A few days later)
The silence engulfed her. Again. Only this time she was in her apartment. Alone. She hadn't talked to anyone save for Bosco once of twice. He gave her space yet let her know he was there for her, that he cared. She was grateful. She picked up a pack of Bobby-Pins and smiled. Boscorelli, she thought, what a guy. He told her Monroe gave him crap about it, she could only imagine. Bosco running into a salon, Bosco staring at the array of hair supplies, Bosco reduced to asked for help, Bosco walking out with Bobby-Pins in a cute little pink bag. She laughed. Setting them down she took a drink of Pepsi. Diet of course, she didn't want to loose her figure with all this sitting she was doing. She hated sitting. Hated doing nothing. She wanted to do *something*. Like call Bosco. But no, she didn't want to be too dependent on him. She didn't want him to be her crutch. He understood. Signing she rose. It was easier too, the pain was fading away. Her bruises were ever so slowly disappearing. Her spirit mending. The misplaced guilt and sorrow being replaced by anger and anxiousness. She had to do *something*.
***
(A few days later)
Bosco stopped in his tracks, midway between the main desk and the holding cell. Maritza. She looked better. A lot better actually. He walked over to her, not caring what others thought. There were already plenty of rumors about them, he didn't care anymore. People talked, always. Screw them, he thought.
"Hey."
She looked up. "Hi."
"What are you doing here?" He asked curious.
She scowled. "I just finished my date with the Union Shrink." She spat bitterly.
He knew the feeling. "I sat there thinking 'if he says another: now how does this make you feel?' I'd unload my clip in'em." He told her. Remembering the day Faith tall-tailed on him.
She nodded. "That's why I didn't bring by gun." She smirked . "So how'd it go?"
"Fine. He cleared me for duty." She said looking around, taking in all the bustle. She wore a pair of jeans and a black t-shirt under a NYPD jacket. He couldn't see any bruises but he knew they were there. Lurking beneath her clothes, like her feelings he suspected. Lurking beneath her masquerade of normalcy.
"You're coming back then? Isn't it a little too early?" He asked concerned.
She met his eyes. "Bosco, I can't stay at home. I need to do something- anything. I need to catch the guy who did this to me." She told him casually. But Bosco could see the fire in her eyes. The anger, the pain. The suble traces of vengeance.
"We've put an APB out on him, highest priority. We got the news to air a clip of video Monroe shot. Every officer is asked to bring him in if he's found." He told her, hoping that would satisfy her.
"It's not enough, Bosco." She said bitterly. "Not enough." She said before walking off.
"Where are you going?" He called to her.
"To talk to Lieu."
He signed and headed for the holding cell. He wasn't so sure it was a good idea for Cruz to be back on duty this early. It's only been a week. She was tough, he knew, but could she handle it? Handle the job with out another spiral into darkness.
"Bosco." It was Monroe. "We really got to finish these reports." She said practically throwing them on his desk.
"Nah, I don't do reports. I hate them." He said looking at his interim partner. He missed Faith. Faith was the one who did most of the reports. He just arrested everyone.
She looked at him like he was crazy. "Uh, In case you haven't noticed- no one likes doing reports. Not you, not me. No one. It's our job. Now get writing." She said, nudging at the stack of reports.
God, he thought, this sucked.
***
(An hour or two later)
His hand hurt, like seriously cramped. He hoped he wouldn't have to shoot anyone, anytime soon.
"Damn." He mumbled. Shaking his hand.
Monroe looked up. "What a baby."
"Shut up." He said scowling at her.
"Boscorelli!" Came a voice. Lieu. Great.
"Coming" He called over the noise. He walked into Lieu's office, feeling like a kid going to see the principal. He sat down and waited for his boss to speak. It took a while. He just sat in his desk and stared at him. God, Bosco thought, get on with it.
"Boscorelli, I'm going to do something I don't really want to do." He said finally.
Bosco remained silent.
"I'm placing you with Sergeant Cruz."
Bosco suppressed shock. Was he serious? After what happened before, in Anti- Crime? Sure things were different but still. Lieu was talking a chance, putting too much trust in them and the situation. Bosco just stared back. It was better to give away nothing then everything.
"Why isn't she on desk duty?" Bosco asked.
"Union psychologist cleared her, she talked to me." Lieu said, with a wave of his hand. "Plus you know Sergeant Cruz; she tends to get her way."
That was an understatement, Bosco thought. Getting out of desk duty. He wished he had that skill. Bosco wondered what she told him.
"You'll be riding together starting tomorrow. I want you to take 55-David."
"What about Monroe?"
"She'll be reassigned."
Bosco watched his boss. He seemed done. Bosco rose from the chair and headed for the door.
"Boscorelli." Lieu said sternly. "I don't want any trouble. None at all. And watch her. Like a hawk."
Bosco didn't say anything. And there was the warning, he thought, well more like a latent threat. He wasn't so sure he could promise anything. Not with the fire that burned in Maritza's eyes. He only hoped that this time would be different, that this Maritza that shared so much to him wouldn't bring them both down with her thirst for revenge. But he knew some things never changed.
TO BE CONTINUED!
**A/N: So okay, there's part three. I had mixed feelings about this one; I didn't know how to transition the story from A to B. But I think I did it well. Oh, and this will be a friendship-special bond story, so anti- bosco/cruz shippers it'll be alright. There will be stuff like the previous chapters though, I'm pretty sure. (I'm just curious why do some of you HATE the idea of Bosco and Cruz as a shipper? Why is it enough to make you sick? I don't get it.) This as I said is a transition chapter. I still wanted to show their bond but create some distance. Since Cruz is still Cruz and no matter what she allowed Bosco to see and share she's still her own person. Plus I wanted to get on with the story and not linger forever on certain things. So yeah. I posted a quick Cruz fic called 'Mea Culpa' yesterday, you should check it out too! I have a few others up my sleeve too. Anyways, I hope everyone liked this chapter. Let me know what you think! Thanks!!! Look out of part four, too.
