Ok so finally another update! Enjoy! Special thanks to all reviewers. I know the style is kinda weird, dark and light passages shoved right up against each other, a bi polar fic maybe! I just don't like to be overwhelmed with sadness, as some of the story deals with some pretty serious stuff. Kim and Billy make appearances as well as our favorites from 55 David. Review if you can!

Chapter 4

Kim found the cop sitting down, curled up against a brick wall in an alley behind Mercy Hospital. The sun had not yet come up, not that it ever got completely dark in New York City. She slowed her approach, not sure exactly what she was even doing there.

The rain had slowed almost completely, causing the moisture to hang in the air. It was cool, but not cold. The day had started warm, and that warmth had not completely left yet. In a few hours, the sun would return, and the morning's chill would be completely forgotten in a new day.

Just as Kim was about to say something (anything, really) she was stopped by words coming from Billy who was staring straight ahead of her.

"Will it ever get easier?" She turned her bloodshot eyes to look at the surprised paramedic.

Kim swallowed hard. She could lie, try to be comforting…maybe it'd be the kinder way.

But, somehow, she knew she wasn't going to fool this one….not this cop who would see right through, who would know…who would feel it…

Kim made her way over to the opposite wall across from Billy and slid down the wall, down to her level. She looked at Billy, at how beaten down she looked. Her slumped shoulders, dull eyes, uniform still damp from the rain… This would hurt.

"No." there wasn't much else to add.

Billy just nodded, her eyes losing any life they had left. She rested her head in her hands and seemed to sink even farther into herself.

Kim sighed and looked up at the sky, not able to see the stars but knowing they were there.

"You never forget it…its always there. But…you learn to live with it. Even if it never leaves you. The pain is always there…always waiting for you to slip up and let down that wall that you worked so hard to build up…"

Kim realized more and more how much she missed Bobby. But then he had never really left her. God, they used to argue and bicker like an old couple, but they always made up. How he put up with her going on and on about Jimmy, or any other crap in her life she'd never know. He had the greatest smile, and he was always there.

She stood up and walked the few feet to Billy.

"Sometimes it takes everything you have just to get out of bed in the morning. But, as much as it seems like the world should stop…it doesn't. It just keeps going…"

Billy looked up at her, and Kim extended her hand, pulling Billy to her feet.

"I know you don't want to go back in there…you should try to get some sleep tonight or at least lay down. You can crash at my place, if you feel like talking or anything."

Billy looked at her a second, then back at the hospital lights in the distance. "No, thanks, Kim, I…I really appreciate it…I should…I need to think…" she really didn't know what she was saying.

Kim nodded. "Yeah, no, of course. Only, if you need anything, just don't hesitate, ok? I mean, I know its not easy." Not knowing quite what else to say, she turned to go.

"Thanks, Kim."Billy called. Kim nodded over her shoulder and headed back to the hospital.

Billy didn't feel like getting in a car with anyone, and really didn't want to face anyone else back at the hospital. She headed back through the alley. Her apartment was about a half hour walk, and she wasn't in any hurry to head back to its quiet interiors.

The walk felt like a dream, like nothing was real…his death played in head over and over like a film reel inside her head. It just wasn't…solid. She got to her apartment, not bothering to turn on the lights. She stripped off her uniform, leaving it on the floor of her living room, and headed to bed. She laid down, not expecting to be able to sleep a wink. Then, both emotionally and physically exhausted, she fell into the darkness of a dreamless sleep.

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The midmorning light of day broke gently through the blinds of Bosco's apartment, casting the living room and its occupants in bright warm shafts of gold.

An observer would note the nearly complete relaxation of the two figures stretched out on the couch, heads resting on opposite arm rests, feet tangled in the middle.

Faith had never been so grateful that she worked the third watch…to not have to wake up early…considering Bosco and her had probably dozed off somewhere around four or five in the morning, she didn't plan on getting off the couch any earlier than she had to.

They hadn't even finished the movie; it must have played through by itself, and shut off.

She lay on her back, eyes closed languidly. Yet, the head of the sun seemed harsh on her eyelids, and she lazily opened them enough to take in her surroundings.

Bosco, his curly head at the opposite end, was asleep on his stomach. He seemed so utterly relaxed; his body so flush with the contours of the couch, she thought he might just sink through the cushions. The only indication of life was brought about by the lazy, deep breaths emanating from his lungs.

So peaceful did her partner look, that Faith didn't want to move, afraid of breaking the spell that sleep had on him. It was such a rare sight, not to see him angry, bothered, annoyed, or exhausted…besides, she didn't feel like moving anyway.

Lazily lifting her watch, Faith saw it was only half past ten…plenty of time to snooze…she didn't want to think about the reality awaiting her when she would be forced to wake up in a couple of hours. Here, in this warm, soft place, there was no death, no crime, no screaming matches at home, no complications of life in general…she would enjoy it while she could.

. . . .

Bosco, waking from the best sleep he had had in a long time, gave a vocal yawn, and turned over onto his back, stretching himself out and seeing Faith with her mouth wide open in a yawn to rival his own.

He couldn't help but chuckle, and reached behind his head for the pillow he was using, and threw it at Faith, who was still trying to wake up.

"Morning, Faith!" the pillow hit her square in face.

"Son of a…!" but she was laughing, and lazily tossed it back at him. "More like afternoon." She glanced at her watch, "it's…" she sprang off the couch, blonde hair flying in all directions, "2:35! Geez Boz, we gotta be at work in like half an hour!"

She waited for him to get off the couch, expecting him to be shocked at the lack of time they had to get ready…Bosco simply moved into a sitting position, rubbing his eyes, and grinning up at her.

"Bosco! Did you hear what I said?! We have to get going!" she was getting pissed, but couldn't help the involuntary smile that spread across her face just looking at him. His ruffled hair, and that stupid grin…how can you stay mad at that? Or even annoyed? Like a damn puppy….

Bosco slowly stood up, and shuffled backwards, still looking at his partner with wide eyes and grinning.

"Bosco, what are you do—" she broke off when she saw him slinking towards the bathroom…the only bathroom in the apartment, damn he was gonna steal it…she lunged for the door…

It was too late, he jumped in and slammed the door, laughing the whole time. "I think I'll take my sweet time, Yokas!…I'd drop you off at your apartment, but I don't think we have time…hope you have a spare uniform at work!" he chuckled to himself, congratulating himself for his cleverness.

"Arrrgh!" she needed the bathroom! She was gonna look like crap at work, and he probably knew it. Oh, he wouldn't hear the end of this during their eight our shift! As there was nothing else she could do at the moment, she began to get her stuff together. Her uniform, shoved inside her bag, was wrinkled and still slightly damp. She hadn't meant to spend the night. She was pretty sure she had one at work…Bosco better pray she did…

At 2:45, Bosco exited the bathroom, freshly showered and changed into a clean uniform, whistling some stupid ass tune, in the smuggest way Faith had ever heard…so damn pleased with himself.

"Faith, I decided to change here, so I won't be late in the locker room….oh yeah" he grinned, "I guess you might though…"

"Start the car, Bosco!" he didn't argue this time. Faith ran quickly to the bathroom, put her hair up quickly, and grabbed her stuff up to head out the door.

It's amazing how fast he can actually get ready when he wants to…

As pissed as Faith thought she was, she didn't even notice she unconsciously wore a smile a smile on her face as she slammed the apartment door behind her in preparation for another eight hours with her partner.

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