Note from author: Just some musings on how maybe I thought Bosco and Faith's first dance might go. Pure fluff so if you were expecting anything too deep and meaningful I'm afraid this fic isn't for you. The lyrics are from the song 'I'll Be' by Edwin McCain. I wrote this 'cause I was very unhappy with how they ended the show. I wasn't expecting anything big for Faith and Bosco and I understand what the writers were trying to achieve but I think after six years of partnership they deserved a bit more. (Plus Cruz kissing Bosco was a bit off base - they've hardly had any contact in two seasons...)Just my opinion though. Everything else was brilliant and by the end of it I did actually like Cruz, so the writers did a great job there! Well anywhoo, I'll let you get on with it…

Strands in your eyes,
That colour them wonderful,
Stop me and steal my breath.

The policemen's ball. An overly hyped occasion that Bosco dreaded more than spending Christmas with his family. Most men and women in precinct feared it because it meant making small talk with the superiors you hated and fellow workers that you hardly enjoyed seeing at work never mind on a night out. Every year it would come much like an avalanche – the anxiety and dismay building as the date approached at a rapid speed not slowing down to give you time to run or hide.

Because of course you couldn't just make an excuse as you were told month's in advance and it was usually on a date when you couldn't possibly have anything planned. Even emergency excuses were out of the question. Lieu believed hardly any of them. Except for Faith's. Each year she managed to wiggle out of it and Bosco wasn't sure how. Maybe Lieu put too much trust in her. But this year was an exception. This year Lieu had talked to Emily when he had called to wish her luck for her ballet recital and discovered that her 'recital' was non-existent and Faith had lied. He was now not buying any of her excuses and Bosco could tell she was pissed off.

She stomped into the locker rooms, frowning as she came face to face with him. He couldn't help but smile.

"Rough day Detective?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. She scowled, folded her arms, and pouted her full red lips.

"I have to go to the stupid ball tonight! I don't wanna go. I mean…it's just a stupid idea, made up by some stupid guy at a stupid desk who has nothin' else to do with his stupid time."

"I think that could possibly win an award for the most times the word 'stupid' has been used in a sentence," he responded. She rolled her eyes.

"I'm not in a good mood Bosco, don't test me."

"Faith, come on. You didn't think you'd get away with it forever did you?" he questioned stuffing his jacket into his gym bag.

She shrugged and toyed with a stray strand of her strawberry blonde hair that had fallen into her eyes.

"Listen, I've gone every year. Never gotten out of it. It's just somethin' we have to endure. Think of it as a day workin' with me again."

"Bosco. I don't want to go to this. I have better things to do with my time, then wear a dress and put on make-up and get my hair done."

"You own a dress?" he asked, feigning surprise. She glared at him.

"Shut up Bosco," she warned.

"And make-up?" he continued. She made an attempt to smack his head but he dodged her, making his way out the doors.

And emeralds from mountains,
Thrust toward the sky,
Never revealing their depth.

Bosco took one final look at himself in the mirror, his bandage still covering his scar from the shooting. He looked reasonably ok – the same black tucks as last year, his hair messy, and tussled but to him he looked fine. Maybe not his best but fine. And that was all he needed right now. He made a few final adjustments to his suit, pulling his bow tie into place, and ruffled his hair so it sat someway acceptable.

Pulling on the ends of his jacket, he swiped his keys off the dresser and tossed them in the air as he made his way to the front door. He had decided that this year he would be dateless, the pain and humiliation of last year still making him shudder. He had brought a girl called Melanie, who he had dated a couple of times and thought she was nice enough. Plus killer legs, so he wasn't complaining. Of course something had to go wrong.

She was drunk before they even got to the party.

The embarrassing incidents that took place after that, he had tried to wipe from his memory, but he had no such luck and they would be forever imprinted in his mind as an agonizing reminder to be dateless for any sort of formal gathering if any were to occur.

He now stood outside his 69 mustang considering whether or not to do a bonk and just face Lieu and his wrath in the morning. He sighed, defeated, realising he probably wouldn't even make it to the morning. Lieu would probably hunt him down tonight and kill him. He pulled open the heavy car door and climbed inside. Switching on the ignition, her took another glimpse in the mirror realising how much he had changed since last year. The scar that ghosted his face was a painful reminder of that. Driving down the street he had decided to switch on the radio, finding his favourite station and listened as they played some good rock and roll songs. This was the kind of stuff he liked, not the shit they'd play tonight.

His cell phone rang jerking him back to the car and he fumbled with it in the pocket of his jacket. Faith's name flashed on screen and he answered.

"What's up?"

"I'm not going," she announced like a spoilt child. He frowned.

"Yes. You are," he told her slowing down as he approached the lights.

"No. I'm not. Bosco, this is not me ok? I mean I don't even have a stupid date," she mumbled.

"Ok lets not go on the stupid rant again," he chuckled, indicating left, "And besides. I don't have a date either."

There was a stunned silence on the other end. "Really?" she said eventually.

"Really," he confirmed. More silence.

"But still…" she said. He smiled again.

"Faith. Where are you?" he asked. Silence again. And although she was silent, this spoke volumes to Bosco. "Faith," he said again, his tone menacing.

"I'm in the bathroom ok? I'm hiding from Emily."

He laughed loudly.

"She's chasing after me with all these hair products Bos. She's a danger to the environment. I'm pretty sure I could arrest her for this kind of damage. It's almost vandalism."

"Almost," he repeated, "Faith. Get your ass out to your daughter and let her do her thing. The I want you to get in your car and head straight for the hotel ok?"

He knew she didn't like orders, especially from him, so it was a gamble taking this sort of tone with her. But then he heard it. A submissive sigh.

"I'll be there in thirty minutes," she said. And with that her phone clicked off, leaving Bosco grinning at nothing in particular.

And tell me that we belong together,
Dress it up with the trappings of love.
I'll be captivated; I'll hang from your lips,
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.

Bosco entered the huge hall and took a look around. People gathered in small groups, drinking and making small talk with people they barely even knew. The air was stifling, coming down like a damp blanket, smothering your lungs, making you incapable of taking the smallest breath.

He knew it would be a long night. He scanned the crowd for familiar faces and found Sully and Davis huddled together, looking rather terrified. He pushed his way through and smiled at them.

"Hey," he said.

"Hi," Davis replied. Sully just about managed a nod. The overweight man seemed to be struggling under the intense height, wriggling uncomfortably in his suit. He constantly pulled at his collar, trying to loosen it.

"Anything good happen yet?" Bosco asked, glancing around at the many faces.

"Not yet man. But the chief's wife's here soon and you know the kind of show she puts on," Davis replied, grinning.

"Speaking of," Sully interrupted, "Where's the date tonight Boscorelli?"

He rolled his eyes, knowing Sully could never leave it alone.

"I'm goin' solo tonight."

"Shame," Davis said, "That Melanie from last year was a lot of fun."

Sully let out a throaty chuckle. "Yeah. Great fun."

"Hey never mind about me, what about you guys?" Bosco cut in, getting slightly annoyed by their teasing.

"That whole thing with me and Sasha man you know…" Davis mumbled staring down into his bottle.

"Yeah and I didn't wanna bring anyone. After what happened to you last year, I learned from your mistake," Sully finished. Bosco nodded, smirking.

"You mean neither of you could find dates," he said. Both men were unable to respond. They all stared out into the thickening crowd, desperate for someone, or something, to break the silence. They got their wish.

"Hey, there's Yokas," Davis announced pointing towards the doorway.

And I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be loves suicide,
And I'll be better when I'm older.
I'll be the greatest fan of your life.

Bosco followed his gaze, only able to see the top of her head as she pushed through to get to them. Finally she came into full view, and all three men gasped, jaws hanging open.

"Damn Yokas!" Sully exclaimed, his eyes travelling the length of her slim body. She grinned and did a little twirl for them.

"Not bad eh?" she said, shaking back her hair. She wore an ankle length midnight blue dress that clung to her body in all the right places, and trailed behind her as she walked. Black straps held it up, criss-crossing at the back revealing her creamy skin. Her hair was half tied back with a clip, the rest falling down over her shoulders, and some stray strands falling over her face.

"You scrub up good woman," Davis chuckled incredulously. She smiled at him and then glanced to Bosco for his response. He was utterly speechless, playing with his now sweaty hands as he begged God for words. Any words.

"You look nice," he managed to choke out. She looked a bit wounded by his less than enthusiastic comment and both men glared at him.

"Nice? God Bosco, is your eyesight really that bad? She looks gorgeous!" Sully said, smiling at her reassuringly. Bosco couldn't take his eyes of her, watching as she clung to her black handbag like it was some sort of lifesaver.

She was embarrassed by all the attention focused on her. No one had ever been this nice to her in all her life.

"Who wants drinks?" Sully asked suddenly.

"Please, vodka and tonic," she said, maintaining her courteous smile.

"Bosco?" Sully asked.

"Uh….I…beer," he managed still staring at her.

"Beer. Davis will you give me a hand?" Sully asked his former partner.

"Yeah sure."

They glided off to the bar, leaving Faith and Bosco alone.

And rain falls angry on the tin roof,
As we lie awake in my bed,
And you're my survival; you're my living proof,
My love is alive and not dead.

"Emily got me with the hair tongs," Faith said, breaking the awkward silence. Bosco forced a smile.

"She did a good job," he replied. She nodded.

"Yeah but still a toxic amount of hair spray was used. I think I now have the lungs of a forty-three year old smoker," she joked.

He laughed gently, watching as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"You definitely didn't bring a date then," she said, glancing around as if expecting someone to come out of the crowd. He frowned.

"I told you I didn't," he replied, leaning on a table.

"Yeah but I thought you were just sayin' that to get me to go," she said quietly looking at the carpeted floor beneath her feet. He shook his head.

"No date. Not after last year."

"What happened last year?" she questioned, happy to be falling into some comfortable conversation with her best friend.

"You don't want to know. It involves a blonde, a lot of alcohol and an encounter with a rather intoxicated Lieu," he said, smirking. She let out a loud laugh, her blue eyes twinkling in the soft lighting of the dance hall. They both fell quiet again and Bosco watched as Faith turned to the dance floor and sighed.

"I haven't been at a proper dance since high school," she informed him. He followed the curve of her back with his eyes, staring at her white skin. He wondered if it was as soft as it looked. Suddenly he felt the undeniable urge to request a dance with his former partner.

"Faith…" he choked out. She craned her neck around and he felt his breath hitch as their eyes connected. "Do you wanna…"

She looked surprised as she realised what he was trying to ask.

"Never put you down as much of a dancer Boscorelli," she replied, licking her lips nervously. He shrugged, feeling let down by her rejection. But the feel of her fingers entwining with his shocked him and he glanced up at her. "Doesn't mean to say you don't dance though does it?" she said, squeezing his hand.

He followed her out onto the dance floor.

And tell me that we belong together
Dress it up with the trappings of love.
I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips,
Instead of the gallows of heartache that hang from above.

She led him to the middle of the floor, stopping to turn to him. She gazed down at their feet, her hand snaking around his waist, gently pressing against his side, her other hand still holding his. She felt his free hand rest against the small of her back.

They stood awkwardly apart, unsure of how close to get. Bosco had to concentrate on the rhythm of his feet, praying he wouldn't make an idiot of himself and step on her toes.

They swayed gently, their bodies unconsciously drawing closer as they got more comfortable. He tried to look anywhere but at her, he was already finding it hard enough to breathe. The feel of her body pressed against his, caused his heart to skip many a beat.

He moved his hand unconsciously rubbing his fingers against her skin. The sensation sent shivers done her spine. She came just a little closer, her cheek now pressed up against his head. She had thought if she couldn't see him, it would be less awkward but now it was their close proximity that was bothering her rather than eye contact. His warm breath lapped against her shoulder, they were barely moving.

She dropped her hand from his, letting him grip her waist, as she hung of his shoulders. She pulled her head back figuring it would be better if she made some polite conversation.

"You're not so bad Boscorelli," she teased. He smiled.

"You're not so bad yourself," he responded meeting her expressive blue eyes. She chuckled. They fell back into a silence again, but this one was a lot more comfortable.

Her head was bowed to the floor, and it was all he could do not to stare at her. Soft yellow lighting outlined her face, her striking features exposed. He followed the curve of her neck with his eyes, her now bare shoulder in view. Her strap hung loosely and he didn't think she knew it had fallen. Wanting to keep the image of her innocence and virtue he reached out, entwining his fingers with the black string strap, grazing her skin. Her eyes followed his hand as he trailed the strap slowly back up to her shoulder fixing it so it sat right. He kept his gaze firmly fixed on the top of her shoulder.

She leaned up to his face. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear. He cut his eyes to hers as she stepped down of her tiptoes.

"You're welcome," he replied, "Couldn't have you exposing yourself now could I?"

She shook her head. "No. Not for that. For everything."

He felt her lean in, her soft lips brushing against his cheek. He kept his eyes shut as she lingered there for several moments, her fingers anchoring into his shoulders, his own hands gripping her back.

"You're welcome."

And I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be loves suicide,
And I'll be better when I'm older.
I'll be the greatest fan of your life.

"Hey Sul," Ty said, summoning his partner. Sully turned to him, sweat smeared across his brow.

"What?" he snapped, tugging at his collar. Ty nodded in the direction of Faith and Bosco and Sully followed his direction.

"Yeah…so?" he asked, turning back to Davis.

"So…you think…" Davis trailed off, sipping out of his glass. Sully frowned.

"Think what?"

"Think…that they might be…I dunno…" he replied, gripping his glass between his fingers.

"Oh God! No! Davis," Sully scolded, shaking his head, "They were partners. And friends."

"So…I'm your partner and your friend. And I hope to God you wouldn't dance with me like that," he said, wrinkling his nose. Sully stared at the pair. "Plus did you see the way he looked at her when she came in? He was totally checkin' her out."

"Yeah, we all were, so what?" Sully retorted staring to find it difficult to defend his colleagues' relationship.

"Yeah but we got over it, Bosco seemed to be having trouble," Davis replied perching himself on a stool, "And I know she looks pretty hot tonight, but still…"

"Listen Davis. They've known each other for years. And have you ever known them to be anything other than friends? Sure there may be some flirty banter but that's it. They'll never be anything more than friends."

"Why not man? I mean you have to admit they're well suited. She keeps him in his place and he keeps her on her toes, they make a good couple if you ask me," Davis suggested stirring his drink with his finger. Sully rolled his eyes.

"Bosco and Faith? Give me a break! They'd never get it together," he replied.

"Because…"

"Because it's not meant. If it was, it would've happened a long time ago," Sully stated matter-of-factly.

"How do you know? In fact…how do you know it hasn't already happened man?" Ty asked. Sully clenched his jaw shut, shrugging.

"I guess I don't."

"Well then…" Ty said, raising his eyebrows.

"Well then…just leave it alone Davis, it could be embarrassing for them if you brought it up."

Raising his hands defensively Ty backed down. "You're right. I'll leave it."

He walked off, joining a group of attractive women almost instantly forgetting the conversation. Sully however stood staring at the pair. It all was making sense now. The looks exchanged between them in the locker rooms, the smiles, and the body contact. Sully had noticed before but decided that he was being stupid. But now, watching them dance, it became clear. They were soul mates. At then end of they day they'd end up together, be it as friends, colleagues or something else, they'd end up together. It was inevitable. The universe had created a pair that would be loyal to each other till the very end. He would never leave her, and visa versa. They were meant.

I've been dropped out, and burned up,
I've fought my way back from the dead.
Tuned in, turned on, remembered the things that you said.

Bosco untied his bow tie, letting it hang loosely down his open collar.

"I hate those things," he told Faith. She smiled pulling at the ends so it sat even around his neck.

"You can't stay looking nice for five minutes can you?" she scolded gently.

"It's so God damn hot in here, that's why," he mumbled. True enough, sweat trickled down his tanned forehead, his skin now shining. His open necked shirt, revealed his collarbone, and Faith couldn't help but feel drawn to him because of how attractive he was tonight.

She had seen him with a lot less clothes on than this but still, standing so close to him, his hands around her waist, made her desperate to feel his lips against hers. She wanted to pull him in and kiss him, right here in front of everyone. She didn't care anymore. But rationale told her to back off, to stay away. Bosco was always going to be off-limits. A look but don't touch kind of deal. And up until tonight that had been working. She ran her hands up his chest, leaving them pressed against his muscular shoulders. She was almost sure she felt him shudder at the touch.

Suddenly she leaned in again, resting her head on his shoulder, clenching her eyes shut as they swayed to the music. Her hands gripped the back of his neck, her fingers tugging at the curls in his hair. He returned the embrace, but only for a second as she pulled back again bringing her head to his. She rested her forehead against his chin, and he brushed his lips off the top of her head. It was the most intimate moment the pair would ever share, and Faith felt a tear roll down her cheek. She prayed to God that Emily had used waterproof mascara.

"I thought I lost you," she confided in a whisper. The words broke his heart.

"You'll never lose me," he replied running his fingers through her golden locks. "Never."

And then the moment was gone. The song stopped, the pace for the next track quickening. She was already pulling away, her fingers slipping away from his. He wanted desperately to pull her back and hold her again but instead watched as she flashed him a quick smile and glided off the dance floor. He felt empty. Like God had just taken away the part that made him whole and shattered it into a million pieces. And a whole range of emotions overwhelmed him at once. Anger, sadness, emptiness, sheer bliss… and he couldn't deal with any one of them. Instead he took a deep breath, fighting back the tears that pricked his eyes. For now he would have to be content with having her just once a year, for being able to hold her just once. And for the first time he looked forward to, even anticipated, the next policemen's ball.

And for the first time she would return without argument.

And I'll be your crying shoulder,
I'll be loves suicide,
And I'll be better when I'm older.
I'll be the greatest fan of your life.
The greatest fan of your life.