"The Road Less Traveled"

Author: carmen085

Email: All Third Watch characters are property of the NBC corporation and its affiliates while all original characters appearing in this story belong to me.

Spoilers: Up through and including most of SEASON TWO.

Summary: A deadly arsonist threatens friendships and loyalties at the 55 while an unlikely stranger helps Bosco overcome the worst day of his life

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay in updating. I think this chapter will be worth the wait, though ! Also, just as a side note, if you can try to listen to the songs that I have posted at the beginning of each chapter as you are reading it. It makes the chapter a lot better ! Feedback is always welcome.

Chapter Four

How could this happen to me?

I've made my mistakes

Got nowhere to run

The night goes on as I'm fading away

Growing up there were a lot of things that Bosco didn't have, but above all else the one thing missing most from his childhood was a sense of trust. Early on, he learned how to conceal the emotions that would get him in trouble. Sadness did nothing but bring his mother and Mikey down while any sort of sensitivity would just add fuel to his father's alcoholic driven fire. So Bosco became tough and before long he didn't even flinch when being hit. Telling himself over and over that this was the way it had to be, Bosco slowly began to build a wall around his heart.

Then came Faith.

He never meant to get so close to her, but somehow, someway she managed to get inside of him. He never expected a friend like Faith nor did he think that he truly deserved her. She snuck up on him, flew under his radar, and before he knew it he couldn't imagine life without her. But it hadn't always been that way.

First they were strangers.

For Bosco it was hard to imagine a time when he didn't know Faith Yokas. But that time had existed, hadn't it ? Up until August 25, 1992 he could have passed her on the streets, sat next to her on the subway, or shared a cab with her and not even given her a second thought. As far as he was concerned she was just another face in the crowd…another stranger on the streets of New York. A stranger, however, whose life would eventually become intertwined with his for the rest of eternity.

Then they were enemies.

Long before they had been properly introduced, Faith had noticed Bosco, in fact, it was hard to ignore him. Always needling the other cadets, he never missed a chance to point out his obvious superiority. Usually safe from his incessant harassment, she was shocked when he approached her with a deal. As it would turn out the infallible Maurice Boscorelli wasn't such a ten when it came to book work as he offered to shoot her targets if she let him copy her exams. Not even responding to his ridiculous proposal, she gave him half a peace sign and walked away. But Bosco wasn't mad…he just smiled. She was going to be a challenge.

Next they were friends.

No matter how hard Faith tried to block him out, Bosco was persistent as hell. He wouldn't take no for answer and within a week she proposed a deal of her own. She would help him study if he helped her shoot. That was it. They would work their way through the academy as a team, and there would be no cheating. While he balked at the idea initially, Bosco eventually took her up on the offer as it was the beginning of a friendship that would often stumble but never fail.

Then they were partners.


Upon graduation from the academy, both Bosco and Faith knew that they made a great team. His strengths were her weaknesses and vice versa. Making a commitment to one another, they petitioned 1 PP to be assigned to the same house. Initially they were rejected as the department usually tries its best to randomize the station assignments. But then someone must have realize what a headache Bosco could be if paired with anyone other than Faith. A year to the date afterward, Bosco and Faith christened patrol sector 55-David as partners. They started their careers together never once thinking that they would one day end them apart.

Now they were inseparable

To trust another person with your life is perhaps the greatest gift that can ever be given. It symbolizes a level of understanding that is often dreamt of yet rarely achieved. For Bosco he had never trusted anyone with anything until he met Faith. She was everything to him. His partner, his confidant, his mentor, and most importantly his friend. There wasn't a damn thing that he wouldn't do for her as the thought of life without her was unimaginable. While they may have a stared out as complete strangers they were now inseparable in every sense of the word.

Somewhere in the recesses of his conscious world, Bosco suddenly became aware of the rhythmic pounding behind his head. Slipping free of his dream like state, he forced his eyes open. The sharp, white light hurt his head as he acknowledged the dramatic change outside. Day had steadily faded into night as rain now replaced sunshine. Hugging himself, Bosco felt a chill run down his spine.

He didn't know what to expect. Image after image flashed through his mind as he subconsciously tapped his foot on the linoleum. He was scared as hell. This was all very new to him. In situations such as these he was usually on the outside…the far outside. He was a cop and when tragedy struck it was his job to find the family and bring them to the hospital. That was it. He wasn't a social worker or a guidance counselor or a priest. His involvement terminated before the horrifying notions became tragic realities. He never had to come inside the pain…he never had to make it his own.

Springing up to his feet, Bosco had no idea what to do with himself. He couldn't sit there a second longer yet at the same time there was no where to go. The anticipation was almost unbearable as he paced back and forth. Stopping next to the window he exhaled deeply as the glass quickly clouded up. This was so much harder than he ever would have imagined. Resting his head against the cool glass he allowed his eyes to drift shut.

No matter how many times he went over the day's events, he still couldn't get a handle on what happened. Scene after scene flashed through his mind as he tried to gain better understanding of the situation. Sitting under the FDR. Chasing the perp. Dark hallways. Cold Gun. Drunk Driver. Bright lights. Pain. Fear. Anxiety. Panic.

"Still no word?" The sound of Sully's voice caused Bosco to jump. He hadn't even heard the older man come in. Taking a few deep breaths, he suddenly became aware of the sharp pain in his right side. Wincing noticeably, he stroked the tender area with his middle three fingers. That bastard perp probably bruised his ribs. Looking back up, he realized that Sullivan was staring at him.

"What?" Feigning ignorance, he hoped that the older officer wouldn't question him.

"Have you heard anything about Faith?" Moving toward Bosco, Sully pulled up a chair and sat down.

"No." Still stroking his side, Bosco avoided all eye contact. The less he had to explain the better.

Rocking back in the chair, Sully decided to leave it alone for now. Bosco was already walking a thin emotional line and he, for one, did not want to be the person to push him over the edge. "I talked to Davis. He processed your guy. No problems." Smoothly changing the subject, he hoped to lighten the mood somewhat.

Nodding his head, Bosco allowed himself a moment of detachment to think about what Sully had just said. "That's good." His deadpan voice revealed about as much emotion as his blank stare. He could care less…the only thing that mattered right now was his partner.

Grinding his teeth back and forth, Sully stared at Bosco and saw a reflection of himself. It had been fifteen years since Ty Sr. was shot, but the memories were as if it only happened yesterday. While time does heal all wounds, a part of him still hadn't gotten over what happened to his partner and friend. It was all so sudden, so unexpected. One minute they were walking through the park, the next Davis was on the ground shot in the head. Even though there wasn't much hope, they took him to the hospital anyway. And just like Bosco…Sully waited. Deep down he had known that Ty was gone, yet a part of him denied the inevitable. This was a good hospital with good doctors…they would save him…they had to save him. But they didn't….they couldn't, and even though Sully always knew it he still couldn't accept it. Not when the doctors told him his partner was gone. Not during the funeral when he carried the coffin. Not in the weeks afterward when he went out on patrol alone. Not even now when he looked at Bosco and a saw a mirror image of himself. He would never fully accept losing Ty. It would always be an open chapter of his life.

"So this is what it's like?" Bosco's abrupt comment took Sully by surprise.

"What ?"

Rocking forward so that his elbows rested on his knees, Bosco ran his index finger back and forth across his lower lip. For a moment he appeared to be lost in thought. Turning to look at Sully, he repeated his words. "So, this is what it's like to you know…lose a partner." Sully was genuinely surprised by Bosco's choice of words. Never in a million years did he think that Bosco would give up on Faith so easily. Before he could find the right response, Bosco went on with his rambling. "You know…nothing's certain but I mean we all saw the car. People…they don't survive crashes like that. Faith's strong but…she's not unbreakable…" It was almost painful to hear him talk. The emotion behind his voice was raw and caused his normal tone to fluctuate rapidly. Gesturing erratically in the air, he continued "I know I should have been there…a good partner would have been there. I just…" All the emotions that had been building inside of him were coming out as the fear in his voice was almost too much for either of them to bear. Before he could go any further Sully interjected a comment of his own.

"I don't believe this." Immediately going on the defense, Bosco shot back at him.

"What ?"

"I don't believe that you 're giving up on Faith this easily. She wouldn't give up on you…I know that."

Not even waiting for the thought to sink in, Bosco instantly attacked his comrade. "Mind your own goddamn business, Sully. Why the hell are you here anyway? Shouldn't you be off somewhere solving problems?" Jumping out of his chair, Bosco started pacing back and forth in front of Sullivan. He was too angry, too worried, too panicked, too scared to sit still any longer.

Trying to remain calm, Sully mustered his most even tone as he replied, "Bosco, you need to get a hold of yourself, sit down, and really think about what's happening here. Ok?"

Bosco was becoming more agitated by the second as the last thing he needed to hear right now was a lecture from the 55's one and only community guidance counselor. Whirling around from his position at the window, he let loose on Sully. Gesturing erratically in the air, he subconsciously allowed words that he didn't mean to come out of his mouth. "You know what, Sully ? The last thing I need right now is someone telling me what to do. I mean, if you're so smart then why didn't you save your own partner when you had the chance ?" Knowing that he had gone too far, Bosco instantly regretted his last comment.

Biting down on his tongue, Sully knew that he was backing Bosco into a corner but he never expected this. As much as he wanted to rip into the younger man, he held back knowing that this was neither the time nor the place. Standing up, Sully moved toward the door. Before leaving he turned back to face Bosco one last time. "Pull yourself together, Bosco, and don't make the same mistakes that I did. Don't let your partner down when she needs you the most." With that he was gone.

Walking across the room, Bosco watched as Sully disappeared onto the elevator. While he didn't really want to be alone, he also couldn't stand being watched. Taking off his jacket he threw it onto a nearby table. Leaning against the table, Bosco crossed his arms over his chest. Closing his eyes for just a second, he began mentally preparing himself for the task that laid ahead. In so many ways, it was almost an impossible struggle as he fought hard to keep his emotions separated from the reality of the situation.

Massaging his forehead back and forth, he froze in position for a moment before letting out a deep sigh. Fred. No one had bothered to call Fred. Reluctantly whipping out is cell phone, Bosco started dialing Faith's home phone number. As much as he hated Fred, the man had a right to be there. Faith would want him there, he was her husband after all.

1 ring. 2 rings. 3 rings. Where the hell was he? 4 rings. 5 rings. 6 rings. Becoming frustrated, Bosco was just about to punch the end button when a voice came on the other line. "Hey…"

"Fred? It's Bosco. I…" Before he could say anything else, the mechanical voice cut him short.

"….we can't come to the phone right now, so if you leave your name and…" Slamming the phone shut, he didn't wait to hear the rest of the message.

"Just great." The one time that he actually needed to get a hold of Fred, the man was no where to be found. Staring down at the numbered buttons, he contemplated calling Midnight Express. He had to do it….as much as he didn't want to face his partner's husband right now he had to call him. Begrudgingly pressing the send button, Bosco called a number that was reserved exclusively for emergencies.

"Hello ?" An annoyed voice answered almost immediately.

"Uh…yeah…Is Fred Yokas there ?"

"Who wants to know?"

"This is Officer Boscorelli…I'm his wife's partner…" On the other end of the line Bosco heard a bit of chewing before the man finally answered.

"Boscorelli, huh? Yeah…Freddy's told me about you. Always in his business…"

This was unbelievable. As if he didn't already have enough problems, and now he had to deal with some jag off who wouldn't give him a straight answer.

"Jesus Christ ! Is he there or not ?" Bosco had had about all that he could take, and after a bit of huffing the man reluctantly replied.

"No. He's not here…haven't seen him in a few days." Before he could say anything else, Bosco hung up. Glaring down at the phone with contempt, a curse was just about to roll off his tongue when Dr. Morales walked into the lounge.

Even before she opened her mouth, he was already in motion. Meeting the young doctor halfway, he stared into her eyes with a pleading expression. "Please….Please tell me you've heard something."

Nodding, Morales took a hold of Bosco's hands and led him toward a set of chairs. As calm as she was, there was something about her demeanor that caused him to become uncomfortable. Pulling away from Morales, Bosco stopped dead in his tracks. "What's going on, here?" Alarm filled his body as he suddenly realized that she was making no attempt to dissuade his fears.

"Bosco, please, come sit down." Shaking his head vigorously, Bosco began to pace back and forth.

"No. I don't want to sit down. I want to know what's going on with my partner."

Leaning forward on her knees, Morales exhaled loudly. "I just spoke with Dr. Forsythe, the surgeon, and I'm afraid that it's bad news."

Suddenly feeling weak, he leaned against the table for support. His heart felt as though it might beat right out of his chest, as his breath noticeably quickened.

"Because of the violent nature of her accident, Faith has massive internal injuries. Now Dr. Forsythe was able to repair most of the damage to Faith's spleen and liver, but she's losing more blood than we have the capabilities to replace. I'm sorry, Bosco but we've done all that we can."

Hot tears stung his eyes and he immediately covered his face with his hands. This was a nightmare. Moving across the room, Morales gently touched Bosco's arm, as she simultaneously caught a glimpse of his tear stained cheeks. "She's awake….and she wants to see you." The doctor paused for a moment as she wanted to choose her next words very carefully. "I know this is hard for you, Bosco, but there may not be much time left. You need to go to her."

Silently nodding his head, Bosco made no move to uncover his face. He couldn't believe that this was happening. His entire body felt weak as his brain struggled to comprehend the horrible truths that had just been laid out before him. Faith had massive internal injuries. The doctors tried but there was nothing more they could do. She was losing a lot of blood. No matter how many times he repeated the facts over in his mind, he still didn't believe that they were true.

Sensing that there was nothing more she could do, Morales excused herself back to the ER. While they were simple, her words had, for all intents and purposes, ended an era. After tonight there would be no more 55-David. The partnership of Bosco and Faith would fade into the past as a friendship would be lost and a man left forever changed. Bosco would never be the same person again. Sure, he would look the same and talk the same, maybe he would even act the same but a light inside of him would go out. He would lose a step, become less alert, and rarely smile. Being the police wouldn't mean as much and his shield would never again shine so bright. Bosco would soon come to dread the coming of each new day, and welcome the dark obscurity of night.

After Morales had disappeared from sight, Bosco uncovered his face. Even without looking he knew that he was probably a sight to be seen. His face felt hot as his eyes burned in their sockets. He couldn't go in to see Faith like this, it would do nothing but upset her. Hurrying out of the lounge, he made a beeline for the men's restroom across the hall. Dousing his face with ice cold water, he suddenly felt a sense of focus return to his frazzled nerves. Catching a glimpse of himself in the mirror, Bosco was shocked to discover how bad he looked. His normally tan face had suddenly taken on a sickly pallor as his bloodshot eyes reflected every bit of the day's torture. Toweling himself off hastily, Bosco left the bathroom before he had anymore second thoughts.

Faith's room was only at the end of the hallway, but as far as Bosco was concerned it might as well have been a world away. Each step was more agonizing than the last as he willingly marched toward the worst kind of unknown destiny. The hairs on the back of his neck stood up as he realized that people were watching him. While they weren't exactly staring, he could nonetheless feel their questioning glances all around him. As he neared Faith's room his heart rate began to quicken. Standing there in front of her door he swallowed the lump in his throat and took a deep breath. This was it, there was no turning back now. Carefully, pushing the door open he entered the cool, darkened room. Immediately his eyes landed on Faith. Despite the situation she looked to be at peace with herself as he watched her chest slowly raise and fall in the darkness. Moving a little closer, he was finally able to discern the details of her face. As he stood there staring at her beaten frame, a wave of guilt washed over him. It should be him instead of Faith. She had a husband who loved her and kids that needed her, and he….he had no one. Noticing that there was a bit of room on the bed, Bosco slid himself next to Faith all the while making certain that he never took his eyes off of her. Pushing the covers back a little he took her hand in his own without hesitation. The sudden movement caused Faith to stir a little before opening her eyes.

The moment that her eyes met his, Bosco knew what he had to do. Even if it killed him, he was going to be strong for her…it was, after all, the least that he could do. Pushing his own fears aside, Bosco leaned over and placed a gentle kiss her on forehead. Taken aback somewhat, Faith was surprised to receive any sort of affection from her typically insensitive partner.

Smiling a little she made light of the situation, "Oh man, I guess I really am dying." Giving his hand a squeeze she made sure that he knew she was only kidding.

Despite the seriousness of the situation Bosco allowed a small laugh to escape his lips. Straightening himself out, he gave her a reassuring smile. "C'mon, Faith. Don't talk like that. Everything's going to be ok." It was an out and out lie that he instantly regretted saying.

Tears welled up in her eyes, as she took a few deep breaths. "Don't Bosco…..Just don't." Biting down on his tongue, Bosco felt absolutely horrible for upsetting her. This was exactly what he didn't want to do, yet somehow, someway he still managed to screw up. Blinking back tears of his own, he subconsciously stroked the back of her hand with his thumb.

While she was still quite upset, Faith couldn't help but to feel comforted by her partner's small gestures. Glancing past him, she looked toward the door in hopes of seeing Fred or the children.

"I tried to get a hold of Fred but I couldn't find him anywhere. He wasn't at home or at work." Nodding, Faith seemed to understand the situation completely.

"No, you won't be able to find him," pausing for a moment she suddenly felt guilty about burdening Bosco with her family problems yet again, "He took the kids and left me."

This time the tears spilled over her cheeks as she choked back the sob rising in her throat. A pained look crossed Bosco's face as suddenly realized why Faith had been so distant the past few weeks. Watching as his partner withered in agony, he wanted nothing more than to trade places with her. Searching for the right thing to say he came up empty handed. There were no words that could ever make this better and in more ways than one it was killing him.

Lapsing into an awkward silence, Bosco allowed himself to become lost in the moment. As his senses kicked into overdrive, the conscious world began to appear more vividly than it ever had before. The steady drizzle outside had now escalated to an all out downpour as he was sure that he could hear every droplet of rain hitting the window. Above Faith's bed, the fluorescent light hummed softly as a chorus of voices echoed in the hallway. Near the window the radiator rattled loudly, though, he could still discern a muffled sob every now and then. Rearranging himself on the bed, Bosco was once again reminded of the discomfort in his right side. Being careful not to alarm his partner, he bite back wave after wave of aching pain as he tried his damnest to keep a straight face. Clutching her hand firmly in his, Bosco subtly reminded her of his support.

"You know what I was thinking about today ?" Her voice shattered the silence as Bosco was abruptly pulled from his thoughts. Smiling a sad, sweet smile he raised a questioning eyebrow in her direction.

"What's that?"

Exhaling deeply, she closed her eyes for a moment. She wanted to choose every word carefully so that once she was gone, he would have something to remember and hold onto. Without opening her eyes, she began to speak.

"Do you remember the first day we met?" Laughing a little Bosco mused at her coincidental choice of words.

"Actually, I was just thinking about it out in the waiting room." Nodding her head, Faith conveyed a sense of understanding. A small smile broke out over her beaten face as she continued to reminisce.

"You were such a pain in the ass," pausing she allowed a laugh to escape her lips. Growing serious once again, she looked him straight in the eye, "But I never could have made it with out you."

Bosco had to look away so that she wouldn't see the tears forming in his eyes. Swallowing hard, his gaze remained transfixed on the window. Nodding he appeared to be having a silent conversation with himself. "Faith…I should have been there. I…this should be me…not you."

Slipping her hand free of his grasp, Faith reached out and gently touched his face. An intense level of affection passed between them in that moment as they took comfort in their new found physical closeness. Faith was surprised with the level of truth that she discovered when she let go of the inhibitions that typically ruled her everyday actions. In all her life she had never felt so right as she had in that moment.

At first Bosco was somewhat surprised by Faith's demonstrative gesture. Physical affection had never been a part of their relationship and suddenly he wondered why. Everything about this moment was absolutely perfect. The warmth of her touch seemed to travel all throughout his body as a sweet sense of tranquility washed over him. Leaning his face into her hand, he wished that he could stay like this forever.

"Bosco, being your partner was the greatest honor of my life. I wouldn't trade a single day we spent together for anything in the world. You're my best friend and…" A deep, searing pain shot through her left side. Pinching her eyes shut she struggled to continue, "and I never could have been the person I am today without you. You challenged me to be a better cop, a better wife, a better mother, and a better person." Tears trickled down her cheeks as their eyes met for the first time. A sad smile broke out over her face as she ran her thumb back and forth across his cheek. "I'm gonna miss you, Bosco."

That was it. He couldn't take it anymore. His normally handsome face contorted with grief as the tears flowed freely down his face. Without thinking he reached up and intertwined his fingers with Faith's. "Faith…no. I should be thanking you." His voice wavered with raw emotion. "Before I met you, I didn't understand the meaning of true friendship. You were the first person I trusted. You were the first person who I worried about. You were the first person I understood, but more importantly you were the first person who understood me. You saved me, Faith, and even if I live for a hundred years, not a day will go by that I won't think of you and be grateful for what you did for me."

In all his life Bosco had never been so genuine or so sincere. He meant every single word, and was very surprised at how easily they had flowed from his mouth. The weight of his words were not lost on Faith as her gaze reflected a silent admiration. His words filled her with a comforting warmth that dulled the harsh reality of her condition. The pain in her side was increasing to a point where she could no longer hide it. Breathing raggedly, a low moan escaped her lips. Becoming instantly alarmed, Bosco stared at her with a questioning expression.

"Should I get a nurse?" There was nothing that could be done. It was only a matter of time now. Shaking her head vigorously, Faith forced a reassuring smile.

"No…I'm ok." Liar. A small internal voice berated her for her choice, though, her logical side provided reinforcement. Her last moments with Bosco needed to be perfect. Clutching the bed sheets with her free hand, Faith's knuckles turned white. Her heart was now beating more and more slowly as her breathes were increasingly shallow. Meanwhile the pain seemed to be nearing some sort of unimaginable climax. Faith's eyelids drooped a little as her vision of Bosco became more and more narrow. Was this the end ? A wave of panic shot through her body as she realized all that she would be leaving behind. She couldn't go yet, she still had things to do and people to say goodbye to. What would happen to Emily and Charlie ? Would Fred take care of them ? Would they miss her ? In some ways she wished that they were there with her now. She wanted so badly to tell them how much she loved them, but even more than that she wanted to hear how much they loved her. She needed to make sure that they would be ok without her. More than anything, though, she wanted to hold them and kiss them and be their mother for as long as God would let her. "Bosco ?"

"Yeah, Faith ?"

Swallowing hard, she mustered all her strength for one last fight. "I need you to promise me something."

His stomach sunk as he realized that this was indeed the end. "Anything." His voice sounded small and weak, though, it was clear she had heard him.

Gasping for air, Faith steeled herself against the pain. Through tears she imparted her last request upon Bosco. "Promise me…Promise me that you'll tell Emily and Charlie how much I love them," the sobbing was making it harder for her to breath but despite this she continued, "Tell them that I'll always be watching over them. Tell them that I love them, Bosco. Tell them everyday."

The tears in his eyes were blinding his visions as he nodded his head robotically. "I promise I'll tell them….don't worry, Faith…I'll tell them."

With a sense of satisfaction, she relaxed into the bed. Her pain was now subsiding and she felt completely at peace. It was amazing. Warmth flooded her body as a sensation of intense tranquility washed over her. All the violence and trauma of the past few hours had simply faded away. Reaching up, she gently wiped the tears from her partner's cheek. As her eyes began to close, Bosco leaned forward and placed a kiss on her forehead.

"Goodbye Faith."

With her last breath, Faith replied, "No, Bosco. Don't say goodbye…say goodnight so that it's never over."

Despite the tears flowing down his face, Bosco managed a slight smile. "Goodnight Faith."

As her eyes drifted shut Faith left this world with the feeling of happiness and the image of her partner's sad, sweet smile.

TBC…..

Above lyrics are from Simple Plan's "Untitled"

Faith's last words to Bosco are lyrics from Binocular's "Don't say Goodbye, Say Goodnight"