Third Watch, 12 Days of Christmas 2005: Day 3: Tis the Season (1/1)
Title: Tis the Season
Authors: NYPDBosco and Xtremeroswellian
Rating: Okay for all ages
Category: AU
Storyline: This is a sequel to last year's "Home for Christmas" which can be found here:
http://www.withwritingwecan.com/archive/viewstory.php?sid=83
Summary: Money's tight for young Maurice Boscorelli and Faith "Mitch" Mitchell, and it's approaching the one year anniversary of their engagement.
Bosco finished drying his hair and tossed the towel into the hamper. He couldn't stop himself from yawning as he exited the bathroom and walked down the hall to the room he and Faith shared. It was nearly three in the morning and he knew she'd be fast asleep like she was nearly every night when he got home from working at the bar.
Even though their roommate had already left for her family's house in Jersey, Faith had still closed their bedroom door, so he opened it as slowly and quietly as he could. Clad in only a pair of sweatpants he gently lowered himself into bed, crawling under the covers with her and snuggling up behind her. Gently putting his arm around her waist he kissed her shoulder through the material of her nightshirt. "I miss you," he whispered softly.
She murmured something softly in her sleep and leaned back in his arms instinctively, subconsciously recognizing his presence and his voice.
He let out a breath and shifted slightly to kiss her cheek. It had been almost a year since he'd returned from the Army Rangers, and they'd gotten engaged. And though he thought they'd be seeing a lot of each other since they lived together and shared a bed, he'd been wrong. With her working and being enrolled in college, and his attendance at the police academy and working at the bar it was as if they never saw each other.
Stirring a little as she felt his lips against her cheek, she covered his arm with her own, lacing her fingers through his. "Welcome home," she murmured.
"Hey, Mitch." Bosco smiled softly as he gently squeezed her fingers between his. He knew he should let her go back to sleep, but it wasn't every night that he got to talk to her. "It's almost Christmas."
"Mmhmm," she said sleepily, a faint smile touching her lips. "How was work?"
"Loud. Smoky. Busy." He kissed her cheek once more. "You'd think our customers would go home and be with their families instead of gettin' wasted at the bar. I know I woulda rather been here with you."
"I guess not everybody has family," she murmured, slowly turning over so she was facing him.
"Guess you're right." He smiled at her and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hey gorgeous."
She smiled back, slowly opening her eyes. "Hey, handsome."
"I'm sorry I woke you," he whispered.
"I'm not," she whispered back, kissing him softly.
Bosco smiled against her lips. "I've missed you."
"Missed you too. But three whole days off." She snuggled up against him.
"Yes." He wrapped his arms around her. "Three glorious days of alone time. Well...minus dinner with ma and Mikey."
"Which isn't for over a day." She rested a hand against his chest.
"The things we could do in that time," he said softly, his lip turning up into a smile.
"Mmhmm." She smiled again and nibbled on his lower lip.
"When was the last time we were truly alone," he asked her in-between kisses.
"Way too long ago," she murmured.
"Is there somethin' I could do to make up for that?"
"Mmhmm."
Lifting a hand to her cheek he kissed her forehead and then her chin.
"I love you, Boz," she whispered.
He kissed her lips softly. "I love you too, Mitch," he whispered back. "And someday...someday I'm gonna be able to give you everything you've ever wanted."
"You're all I want."
"Good thing," he kidded, his voice soft. "Cause I'm broke."
"It doesn't matter," she murmured, kissing his cheek softly. "We're together. That's all I care about."
"And speaking of me being broke...I had to turn the heat down so we might have to find a way to stay warm tonight," he told her, a smile on his face.
"Oh, yeah?" She couldn't help but grin.
He nodded slightly. "Oh yeah."
"I'm sure we can figure out something."
Grinning, he held her tight and quickly rolled onto his back, pulling her with him. "I'm looking forward to the next three days."
Faith smiled. She just hoped her surprise would make him as happy as he seemed to be right now.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
Faith stood in the kitchen at the stove, stirring the pot of stuffing she was fixing to go along with the ham in the oven. The Christmas cookies were already baked and set on the counter on a large plate. The kitchen smelled of warm spices like cinnamon, reminding her of Christmas's when she was much younger and a faint smile touched her lips.
He'd spent a couple minutes pacing back and forth in their bedroom before heading down the hallway. When he got to the end of the hall he leaned against the wall and just stood there, gazing at her as she prepared dinner. When he'd gotten home from work in the wee hours of the morning the two of them had reconnected on a level they'd been missing for what seemed like forever and things had been fantastic, and the day leading up until this moment had been amazing as well. It was great spending time together and just relaxing, but now there was something he had to tell her. Something he didn't think he'd ever have to tell her, and he didn't know how.
"What's up?" she asked without even turning around.
She stirred him from the daze he had momentarily slipped into. "Huh?"
A smile still lingering on her lips, she looked at him. "What's up?"
"Oh, uh...nothing. Nothing." He pushed himself away from the wall and headed toward the kitchen. "I was just thinking about...how good it smells in here."
Her eyebrows furrowed a little and she gazed at him a moment. "Well, I'm glad you think so."
"Yeah." He nodded his head and ran a hand through his hair as he avoided her eyes.
Faith was silent for a moment. "Boz?"
"Hmm?" He slowly turned to look at her.
"What's going on?"
Closing his eyes he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "There's something I..." He swallowed hard. "Faith, there's something I have to tell you," he told her, his voice barely audible.
Her eyes filled with worry at his serious tone and her blood ran cold. She swallowed hard, trying to prepare herself for whatever he was about to say next. "Just...say it."
"I uh...I never thought I'd have to say this," he whispered.
Faith leaned against the corner, dread filling her. "What?"
He sucked in another deep breath and slowly lifted his gaze to her face. "I was gonna...I was gonna buy you a ring, give it to you for Christmas, but I...the money." He paused. "I had to pay some bills and..."
She closed her eyes as relief swept over her. "God. Bosco, you scared the hell out of me. Is that all?"
His eyes widened. "Is that all? Mitch, that's -huge-."
"I thought you were getting ready to say you were going to go back to the Rangers or something."
"What? No." He shook his head. "I wouldn't ever leave you."
Letting out a breath, she wrapped her arms around his waist.
He rested his head against hers as he returned the embrace. "I just wanted you to have a ring, and I didn't want you to be disappointed on Christmas."
"I'm not disappointed," she whispered, hugging him tightly.
"I want to be able to provide for you, Mitch. I want you to have everything you need," he told her softly as they held each other. "I want us to be able to talk about having kids, but...I'm not sure that's gonna be any time soon, ya know?"
"I know." She slowly pulled away and looked at him. "Bosco, I know that. Okay?" She reached up and touched his cheek. "And I'm okay with it. All I want is to be with you. It really is enough."
He gazed at her, his eyes somewhat uncertain.
"Really," she whispered.
"Sometimes I worry that I'm doing the wrong thing."
Her eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Maybe I shouldn't be trying to better myself. Maybe instead of being at the Police Academy I should be working full time. I should be working so we can afford to get a place of our own. So we don't have to turn the heat off to save money. So we don't have to clip so many coupons."
"No." She shook her head.
"I should be able to buy you nice things. You deserve nice things."
"Bosco, I have nice things. Stop it."
He inhaled and closed his eyes. "I love you so much."
"I love you too. And for the record...I couldn't afford to get you much this year either." Her voice was soft.
His eyes immediately opened. "You didn't have to get me anything."
"Well, it's not something...bought, per say."
"What is it?"
Faith smiled. "You'll have to wait and see."
"Oh come on," he pleaded.
"It's not Christmas yet." Her voice was light and she moved back over to the stove to stir the stuffing.
"It's close enough," he told her as he slid his arms around her from behind.
"Nope. My lips are sealed." She grinned.
"Come on." He nibbled gently on her neck. "Tell me."
Faith giggled involuntarily. "Sorry. I can't."
"You can't? Or you just won't?"
"It's against the rules."
"Rules are meant to be broken."
"Not Christmas rules. Now behave or you can't have any cookies."
Bosco chuckled softly as he kissed her neck once more.
"Mmm." She gave up on the stuffing and turned to face him, sliding her arms around his waist and tilting her head back a little.
"Can you believe it's been almost a year?" He questioned as he kissed his way up to her jaw.
"No. It's flown by," she murmured, sliding her hands down his back.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm back overseas," he told her softly. "I wake up in the morning and you've already left for work, and when I get home from my day you're already asleep. I wonder if we'll ever get to spend time together other than when we're asleep."
She sighed softly. "I know." She rested her forehead against his.
"It'll get better once I graduate. It has to."
"I know. And when I graduate too...I've only got a year left and I'll have my associate's degree."
His eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Is that all you're gonna get?"
"Well, for now."
"You know that I'm behind you going to school, right? Whatever you wanna do I'm all for it."
"I know. But I forgot how much I hate school. Believe me, when next semester's up, I'm gonna need a break."
Bosco chuckled softly. "I don't know how any one could forget how much they hate school."
She grinned and kissed the tip of his nose.
He smiled at her. "So what's on the agenda for tonight? Hot chocolate and Christmas cookies while we watch Christmas movies?"
"Something like that." She smiled and turned to look toward the door when she heard a knock. "Can you get that? I need to stir the stuffing."
"Yeah. Sure." He kissed her softly then headed for the door.
Faith bit her lip, watching as he unlocked the door and opened it.
He pulled open the door and his eyes widened. Unsure of what to say he just stood there.
Derek stood on the doorstep, wearing his dress uniform from the service and a grin. "Hey buddy. Merry Christmas."
"What...I didn't..." He turned to look at Faith then looked back at Derek before stepping forward and giving his friend a fierce hug.
Faith smiled, leaning against the counter and watching them embrace.
"God, D. What are you...It's so good to see you."
"Likewise, Boscorelli."
He pulled back to look at his friend and just shook his head slightly, giving him a once over. "When'd you get back? How'd you get here? How long before you go home?" Bosco questioned, the words coming out in a rush in his excitement.
"Took a plane, then a cab." He winked and stepped inside, following Bosco. "I go back in a week."
"God, this is so amazing." He motioned over to Faith. "Derek this is--"
"Faith." He smiled warmly as she held her hand out to shake his. "Nice to finally meet you."
"It's nice to put a face with the voice," she told him, returning his smile.
Bosco looked back and forth between the two of them. "Wait. You mean..."
Derek grinned at him, winked at Faith. "Your fiancée’s been planning this for about three months."
He turned to look at Faith. "You have?"
She smiled a little, her eyes sparkling. "Guilty."
Unable to contain himself he moved over to Faith and wrapped his arms around her, picking her up off the floor slightly. "This is so great. Thank you."
"You're very welcome," she whispered against his ear, kissing him softly.
"You're the most amazing woman," he whispered back.
"I like to think so," she joked.
He kissed her lips softly then turned back to Derek. "Isn't she amazing, D?"
Derek grinned. "And much more beautiful in person. You're a lucky man, Boscorelli."
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "I don't deserve her, but she seems to like me."
She chuckled softly, heading for the kitchen. "You guys want something to drink?"
"I'll have whatever you're having," Bosco told her as he took Derek's bag from him. "You think Cindy would mind if Derek crashed in her room?"
"Already cleared it with her." She smiled and returned holding three glasses of cider.
"You're always a step ahead of me." He took the glass of cider from her and took a sip before setting the glass on the counter. "Derek, come with me. I'll show you where you're staying."
"Sure." Derek took a drink, set his cup down beside his friend's and followed him.
Bosco lead the other young man into Cindy's room and placed his luggage on the bed. Turning to his friend he just shook his head, still shocked that his Army buddy was actually visiting.
He grinned. "Yeah, I'm a pretty amazing sight, huh?" he joked.
He laughed. "Stunning actually."
Derek grinned and turned his head, showing off his profile. "I've always thought so."
"Just stay away from my girl, okay?"
"I wouldn't even think about it, man," he said seriously.
"I know." He nodded his head. "I can't believe she arranged all of this."
"You got a good one, Boscorelli. Don't let her go."
"I'm definitely hanging on to her. We've got big plans for the future." He smiled softly then glanced toward the door, the smile slipping from his face. "I'm screwed though."
Derek's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"It's our first real Christmas together, ya know? And she goes and arranges for you to come visit and...Man, my gift for her doesn't even come close to that."
"What'd you get her?" he asked curiously.
He shoved his hands in his jean pockets and looked down at the floor. "You're gonna laugh."
Derek made a face. "You know me better than that."
Bosco looked at his friend, raising an eyebrow.
He grinned a little. "Okay, okay. Seriously, though. What'd you get her?"
"A uh...guinea pig."
"Oh, a friend for Winnie?"
He gave his friend a look. "What? How'd you--"
"Every time I talked to her on the phone, she told me about the one you guys already have."
"Oh geez, seriously?"
"Other than you, that guinea pig is her love." He chuckled a little.
"I can't believe she talked about Winnie."
"She loves that rodent. Where is the little rat, anyway?"
"She's in our bedroom, but I'll let Mitch show off our baby," he said lightly.
Derek grinned. "I probably shouldn't call her a rat around Faith, huh?"
"Right." He nodded. "And you shouldn't call Winnie little when you're around Winnie."
He raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"
"She's very sensitive about her size."
"So she's a typical woman."
Bosco chuckled. "Man, I've missed you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So did Faith tell you our plans," he asked Derek as they sat in the living room later that evening. Bosco had his arm around Faith and he pulled her a little closer. "My mom and little brother are coming over for Christmas dinner and we're gonna do the whole gift giving thing...not that there are many gifts to give out."
Derek smiled faintly. "Well that sounds like fun."
"We'll find out I guess. It's obviously the first time we're having Christmas here."
"It'll be good," Faith murmured, resting her head on his shoulder.
Bosco nodded his head slightly as he rubbed her arm. "I'm sure it will be." He looked over at Derek. "You're cool with it, right? Dinner with my family?"
"Hey, if your mom cooks half as well as your fiancée, I'll be one happy camper." He grinned and sat back against the couch.
"You'll be happy then." He kissed Faith on top of the head.
"Yeah, she cooks way better than me," she said with a smile.
"I never said that," Bosco said with a laugh.
Faith grinned and winked at him. "No, I did."
"So I was thinkin'...Maybe D would wanna go with me to take care of some last minute Christmas details tomorrow?" Bosco asked his friend.
Derek grinned. "Sure."
"Good." He nodded. "That'd be good." Letting out a happy sigh he sank a little further into the sofa, leaning his head against Faith's.
His friend stretched and yawned. "But to be honest with ya, buddy...right now? I got a major case of jet lag."
"Oh. Yeah. I totally understand." He smiled at Derek. "Sorry if we kept you up too late."
He grinned and slowly stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "I wouldn't really call 9:00 p.m. late. But I am gettin' old."
Bosco removed his arm from around Faith's shoulders and held it out to his friend to shake. "Sleep in as late as you want tomorrow. We'll head to the store when you're ready."
"Sounds good." Derek shook Bosco's hand and smiled at Faith. "Thanks for dinner. I'll see you both in the morning."
"Night, D. It's good havin' you here."
He nodded and disappeared down the hall leaving Faith and Bosco alone.
When he heard Derek shut the door to Cindy's room Bosco's grin widened and he wrapped both arms around Faith. "You are the best," he whispered.
Smiling faintly, she rested her head on his collar bone. "I just love you a lot."
"I love you a lot, too." He placed a soft kiss on her neck. "I can't believe you kept his visit a secret for so long."
"You have no idea how hard it was," she said with a chuckle.
"Did my mother know he was coming?"
Faith made the motion of locking her lips and throwing away the key. "I'll never tell."
He chuckled softly. "Doesn't matter anyway. He's here and it's great to see him. It's good to know that he's home and he's safe, ya know?"
She kissed his cheek softly. "I know."
"So I was thinkin'..."
Lifting an eyebrow, she smiled. "That's a nice change," she teased.
"Ha ha." He shook his head and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well I was thinkin' that even though it's early, and we've got company...maybe we could...head into bed?"
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "You tired already?"
"Not even close to tired," he informed her with a smile.
"Hmm...so if you don't wanna sleep, what did you have in mind?" She nibbled on his earlobe.
"Mmm." He moved his hand down to rest on her thigh. "I think you already have an idea."
Grinning, Faith wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him before slowly pulling away and rising to her feet, extending her hand to help him up.
Bosco placed his hand in hers and when he was standing in front of her he slid his arms around her waist, rested his forehead against hers. "It's been great spending the day with you, Mitch," he whispered.
She couldn't have agreed more.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bosco pulled off his winter cap as he and Derek stepped into the store. "I just gotta pick up Mitch's Christmas gift and then she said she needed a couple more things from the grocery store and we'll be done. Then we can do whatever you wanna do."
Derek nodded and glanced around the pet store, leaning down to peer into a cage with a large bunny that stuck its nose in the air and looked at him.
"Don't tell me you're a critter lover too?" He teased.
He made a face. "I'm a dog-man myself."
"Figures." Bosco grinned. "Small town Colorado boy. You musta had like acres and acres of land."
Derek smirked. "Somethin' like that."
"I wouldn't mind havin' a dog." He glanced over at the cage of puppies in the corner. "But of course our apartment isn't big enough and that's only a quarter of the problem with a dog. But that would be the life...A house with a yard. Kids. A dog."
He nodded his agreement. "Well, you got a fiancée, a couple guinea pigs and an apartment. You're gettin' there."
"Yeah. It's a slower process than I thought it would be, but that's okay." He headed toward the sales clerk in the back of the store. "So now that you're back in the States what's your plan? Goin' home and gettin' a job or what?"
Grinning, Derek looked happy. "Got a girl of my own I'm heading back to after Christmas."
Bosco turned and looked at him. "Seriously?"
He nodded. "Leanna."
"That's awesome, man. Are you guys like...really serious?"
"Well, no. Not yet anyway. Maybe one day. We'll see how it goes."
"And if it doesn't work out with Leanna...my roommate Cindy is single," he teased as he turned to speak with the clerk.
Derek couldn't help but chuckle.
"Can I help you?"
"Yeah. I'm Maurice Boscorelli. I came in about a week ago to get a guinea pig, and I'm here to pick it up."
The clerk nodded a little and disappeared into the back, returning a few moments later with a small, furry pig that squeaked in protest.
"Aw, there she is," Bosco commented as he reached out to take the guinea pig from the clerk.
The little animal squirmed but when Bosco cradled her against his chest, she calmed down.
Derek raised an eyebrow. "If the guys could see you now..."
Bosco looked at his Army buddy. "And I know you aren't gonna say a word to any of them." He carefully cradled the pig as he reached for his wallet.
He smirked, but didn't reply, watching as his friend paid for the small animal. "She's kinda cute, I guess. For a pig."
He held up the pig for his friend to get a better look. "I think Mitch'll like her, and I pray Winnie likes her too."
He grinned. "Where to now?"
"Grocery store I guess. Unless there's anywhere you wanna go first?"
"No, that's fine with me." He shoved his hands in his pockets and followed Bosco toward the door.
"I'm hoping that while you're in town I'll actually have some time to show you around a little."
"That'd be nice. Never been in the City that Never Sleeps before."
"Maybe I can get a night off of work or somethin'," he told his friend as they headed down the block.
Derek nodded. "You should come out to Denver sometime."
"Man, I'd love to. I'd really like to take Mitch somewhere. She hasn't done much traveling."
"Well, you'll always have a place to stay, so you won't have to worry about a hotel."
"Don't be surprised when we take you up on that."
"Well I wouldn'ta offered if I hadn't wanted you to."
Bosco nodded his head slowly as his attention was drawn to a nearby store window and he stopped to look.
Derek paused and looked in the window, as well, following his friend's gaze to a display of rings.
He leaned in as close to the window as he could to get a good look, glancing at the prices.
He gave Bosco a curious look.
"It kills me that I still haven't gotten her a ring," he said softly.
"Money's tight, huh?" Derek gazed into the window.
A frustrated sigh escaped him. "Tight doesn't even begin to describe it."
He was silent for a moment. "You know..."
Pulling his gaze away from the rings he glanced at his friend, waiting for him to continue.
"I could spot you some cash."
"You could?" He quickly shook his head. "I mean, thanks. But I couldn't ask you to do that."
"You didn't. I offered." He glanced at Bosco sideways. "Seriously, man. You know that whole time we were over there? How I was jumpin' on the ‘net every chance I got?"
He nodded. "Yeah. You're some kinda computer geek or somethin'."
Derek smirked. "More like a financial geek. I was investin' in online companies. Fell into some pretty good luck along the way."
Bosco's eyes widened slightly. "Wow."
"Let me loan you some money. Get her a ring...you can pay me back...whenever. You're good for it."
Swallowing hard he adjusted his stocking cap and looked from his friend to the rings on display. He bit his lip as he thought about how desperately he wanted his fiancée to have a ring.
"It's really not a big deal. And...besides that, I owe ya anyway," he said meaningfully. Bosco had saved his ass once in the field.
He looked over at his friend. "You don't owe me anything," he told him, his voice quiet. "You woulda done the same for me."
"Yeah, I woulda. Just like if our situations were reversed now."
Pressing his lips together he turned to look at the rings one more time. "It doesn't have to be an expensive one. Just something small, and I'll pay you back every penny. Once I graduate from the Academy and I get--"
"I know. This isn't charity. You're payin' me back."
Letting out a breath Bosco turned to face Derek. "You have no idea how much I appreciate this."
Derek smiled faintly. "Give me the pig. Go get your girl a ring."
Eager to get shopping for the ring Bosco quickly handed over the guinea pig, a wide smile on his face.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Derek sat at the opposite end of the sofa as Bosco, who was grinning as he stared at the television screen both knew he wasn't paying the least bit of attention to. A shriek from the bedroom caused him to chuckle and he looked at his friend. "Guess she found your first surprise."
Bosco looked over at Derek. "That was definitely a good shriek."
Seconds later, Faith emerged from the bedroom with wide eyes, the small new guinea pig cradled in her arms. "Oh my God."
Turning so he could look at her he was smiling from ear to ear. "Merry Christmas."
A wide grin across her face, she plopped down beside him, kissing his cheek. "Thank you."
"I had to go get her today cause the store wasn't going to be open on Christmas. Thought about dropping her off at ma's but figured Mikey would just torment the poor thing," he explained.
Faith smiled as the guinea pig curled up against her, burying its face in her arm. "It is a girl right?"
"Of course." He leaned in and whispered in her ear. "I wasn't gonna have Winnie gettin' more action than us."
She chuckled, studying the guinea pig and petting her soft brown fur. She had a small white patch under her chin. "Squiggles."
"Winnie and Squiggles?"
She grinned. "Yeah."
"It's cute. I like it." He leaned in and kissed Faith softly.
"Aww," Derek grinned.
Ignoring his friend he kissed Faith once again.
Squiggles squeaked loudly and Faith grinned against Bosco's lips.
Bosco chuckled and pulled away slightly. Reaching out he gently ran his fingers over Squiggles' fur. "Your Christmas gift is much cuter than mine," he joked.
"Hey," Derek protested.
He looked over at Derek with a smirk. "Right, like I'm gonna tell you you're cute."
He made a face at Bosco. "For which I'm thankful. But I'm definitely cuter than a ra--" He cut himself off at the look on Faith's face.
"Oh. Easy, buddy," Bosco chuckled.
"Maybe I should...leave you two alone." He smirked and stood up. "Or...you three."
"Yeah. Maybe you should go call Leanna."
"I think that's a good idea. Goodnight." He grinned at them and disappeared down the hallway.
"Leanna's his girl back home," he informed Faith, though he knew she'd probably already figured that out.
"I figured that or his guinea pig." Her voice was light.
He chuckled and leaned in to kiss her once again.
"Thank you," she whispered, kissing him back softly.
"You're welcome. I know it's not much, but..."
"Are you kidding? Look at her." Smiling, Faith gazed at their new "baby." She kissed Squiggles' nose lightly.
"I'm glad you like her, and Winnie seemed to like her too. I was kinda nervous about it."
"Well, female guinea pigs get along pretty well together. They are very social little babies, aren't you?" She grinned and petted Squiggles gently, causing the pig to purr like a kitten.
He smiled. "You know, if we love our guinea pigs this much just think how much we're gonna love our kids when we have 'em."
Faith looked at him and smiled softly, kissing his cheek. "I love you."
"Asking you to marry me...that's the smartest thing I've ever done," he whispered as he gazed at her.
Kissing the tip of his nose, she leaned her forehead against his. "And agreeing was mine."
"Can you believe tomorrow's our one year anniversary? It's really flown by."
"Merry Christmas, Boz," she murmured.
"Merry Christmas, Mitch," he whispered, kissing her gently.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bosco went into the kitchen to get himself and Derek another soda. Before making it to the refrigerator he wound his arms around Faith's waist from behind and kissed her cheek. "What're you makin'? It looks great."
"Green bean casserole." She smiled and turned her head to kiss his cheek.
"My favorite."
"Your brother's a good cook," she told him, nodding toward where Mikey stood at the other end of the counter, studiously working on a batch of stuffing.
He looked over at his little brother. "Well he and I both learned how important it was growing up with ma to know how to follow directions," he joked.
Mikey smirked. "You realize I can hear you?"
"Yes, I do," Bosco chuckled. "And I appreciate you helping out in the kitchen, squirt."
Faith smiled and shook her head a little, focusing her attention on the casserole once more. "How's the game?"
"It's a good game. Tie score. End of the third quarter." He kissed her cheek again then walked over to where his mother was cooking. When he reached out to stick his finger in the bowl and steal a taste Rose slapped his hand. "Oww."
She looked at him. "You know better, Maurice. We have to eat this and no one wants you stickin' your hands in it."
Mikey smirked at his older brother. "Unless you wanna help cook, get outta the kitchen."
He raised his eyebrows. "Am I gettin' kicked outta the kitchen?"
"Looks like." Faith winked at him.
"Well then, I'll just grab a couple sodas and be outta your way." He kissed his mother's cheek and then went over to Faith to kiss her.
"Boscorelli, the fourth quarter's startin'," Derek hollered from the living room.
"Go on," Faith told him, smiling softly.
He kissed her lips softly then pulled a couple sodas out of the fridge before making his way into the living room.
She glanced at Rose. "I'm almost done here."
Rose was smiling at her. "You two are so good to each other."
A faint blush touched her cheeks and she smiled. "Well, we love each other."
"I know, and I can't wait until you get married and start havin' kids." She grinned.
A short chuckle escaped her lips. "I think that's a little while down the road yet."
"Oh I know, but I'm anxious for grandbabies."
"You already have two," Mikey said wryly.
She gave her youngest son a look. "Guinea pigs don't exactly count, Michael."
He raised his eyebrows, shrugging. "Whatever, Ma."
"Oh, and while we're on the topic of grandchildren..." She looked hard at Mikey. "I'm talking about Maurice and Faith. None of us need you goin' off and gettin' your little girlfriend pregnant you hear me? You're not even allowed to think about sex until you're married."
He didn't respond to that comment, simply smirked and stirred the stuffing.
Faith glanced at him sideways, a hint of suspicion in her eyes.
"Whoa!" Bosco turned around on the sofa. "Did I just hear what I thought I heard?" He looked at his brother. "Mikey, are you..."
"Shut it, Mo."
"Come out here. I think it's time we had a talk."
"No thanks. I've had that talk already."
"Not this version."
Mikey rolled his eyes and looked at Faith for help.
Sighing softly, she looked away, shaking her head.
"Go talk to your brother, Michael. God knows I can't get through to you."
"Would you all just get the hell off my back?" he demanded.
"Michael. Living room. Now." Bosco insisted.
Pissed, Mikey shoved the bowl of stuffing away and stormed into the living room, glaring at his brother. "What?"
"If you think you're old enough to be havin' sex with your girlfriend then you're old enough to sit down with me and Derek and have the other 'talk'."
"I'm not having sex with Rayanne," he snapped.
"Watch your tone. I'm not trying to fight with you."
"Whatever." He flopped down in a chair, folding his arms across his chest in one pissed off gesture.
Bosco sighed softly, knowing he wasn‘t going to get anywhere with Mikey when they had an audience. "Come with me. I wanna show you somethin'."
Rolling his eyes, Mikey reluctantly stood up to follow his brother.
Once they were in Bosco and Faith's bedroom, Bosco closed the door. "I'm not mad at you Mikey. I wish you wouldn't get so pissed off with me."
He didn't respond, looking like the typical sullen teenager.
Walking over to his dresser he pulled open the third drawer and dug around in it until he found the small box he was looking for. Turning back to his brother he opened the box and held it out so he could see the ring inside.
Mikey's eyes widened a little. "Is that..."
He nodded his head. "Derek had to loan me the money cause I couldn't afford it."
"Wow."
"You say you're not having sex with Rayanne, and I believe you," he told his brother, his voice quiet as he shut the box. "But I just...I just want you to really think about it. Think about it hard before you decide to. I mean...look at me, Mikey. I've got the woman I love who deserves so much but I can't afford to give it to her. Not yet anyway. If you decide that Rayanne is the one then prepare yourself. Prepare yourselves to have a future together, not just a moment, ya know?"
"We're not even talkin' about it, Mo. Ray's...she's a good girl, okay? I like her, and she's not ready, so..."
Bosco smiled. "You're a good kid, Mikey."
He shrugged. "Don't let it get out. I got a reputation to keep you know."
"Yeah, I know all about reputations." He put the box back in the drawer. "Come on. I wanna watch the rest of the game and you gotta help finish dinner."
Mikey stood up. "She has no idea about the ring, huh?"
"Nope. Hell, I told her a couple of days ago she wasn't getting one cause I had to spend the money I saved to pay a couple of our bills." He pointed over at Squiggles. "As far as she knows that's the only thing she's getting this year."
"Well, she's pretty happy with that."
He nodded. "I'm hopin' she'll like the ring too."
"That? That she'll love."
*~*~*~*~*~*~
Mikey grinned at the autographed shirt of Slipknot his brother and Faith had gotten him for Christmas. "Awesome. Thanks!"
Bosco grinned. "Glad you like it. It was Faith's idea."
He smiled and glanced at her. "Thanks, Sis."
Faith smiled broadly, leaning her head against Bosco's. "You're very welcome."
"I wish we had something for you, D," Bosco told his friend.
"Hey, I'm here amongst friends. That's more than enough." He smiled sincerely, looking content and relaxed and not a bit out of place. He was just one of those guys that fit in wherever he went and everyone liked him.
"I hope you're staying in town a while longer, Derek," Rose commented.
"Til just before the new year, Ma'am," he told her, smiling.
"Well that's good, and you're more than welcome to come have dinner with me and Michael if these two are busy with school and work at night."
"That's very kind. Thank you."
Faith smiled.
Rose started to pick up the wrapping paper from the few gifts that had been exchanged. "Well I love my gifts," she told her sons and Faith as she stood up. "Now it's time to clean everything up and get outta your hair."
"There's no need to rush off," Faith started.
Mikey glanced at his brother and stood up. "We've got stuff to do at home," he said quickly.
"You uh...you guys don't have to go," Bosco told them.
He raised an eyebrow and looked at Bosco questioningly, figuring he'd want to give Faith the ring when the two of them were alone.
Bosco met Mikey's gaze and shrugged, then looked over at Derek, his eyes questioning what he should do.
Derek simply shrugged as well.
Noticing the looks that passed between the three men, Faith frowned a little. "All right, what's goin' on?"
"I just..." Starting to get a little nervous about what she'd think he stood up and took her hand. "Come with me." When she stood up, her eyes questioning he led her over to stand by the window where they had a little more privacy.
Worried, she gazed at him in confusion. "Boz? What is it?"
"I love you," he told her softly.
"Well, I love you, too, but what--"
Biting his lip he pulled the small velvet box out of his pocket and opened it for her to see.
Her eyes widened instantly. "Oh my...Bosco...what..." She quickly lifted her gaze to meet his.
He quickly glanced over at Derek and Mikey who were both watching them intently. Rose had wandered back into the living room and was also looking in their direction, her eyes questioning. "You deserve to have the best, Mitch, and I'm gonna give you the best."
"But I thought that..." She shook her head a little, slightly dazed.
"I got a loan," he told her, his voice nearly inaudible. She knew how he hated asking others for help.
"Bosco," she whispered, touching his face.
"I couldn't let you go any longer without a ring on your finger."
Wordlessly, she kissed his lips.
He returned the kiss, letting his lips linger for a moment before breaking the kiss and resting his forehead against hers. "So...will you marry me?"
Happy tears prickling at her eyes, she nodded without hesitation. "Anywhere, anytime," Faith whispered.
Smiling he took the ring out of the box and reached for her hand.
He slid the ring onto her finger and she wound her arms around his waist. "I love you."
Letting out a breath he wrapped his arms around her, returning the embrace. "I love you, too. Merry Christmas."
Rose grinned, her eyes welling up with tears. "They're so sweet together."
Derek grinned, as well, silently agreeing. He was glad that Faith had invited him to come stay with them for the holiday, and even more glad he was able to help out his friend. After all, it was the season.
Authors: NYPDBosco and Xtremeroswellian
Rating: Okay for all ages
Category: AU
Storyline: This is a sequel to last year's "Home for Christmas" which can be found here:
http://www.withwritingwecan.com/archive/viewstory.php?sid=83
Summary: Money's tight for young Maurice Boscorelli and Faith "Mitch" Mitchell, and it's approaching the one year anniversary of their engagement.
Bosco finished drying his hair and tossed the towel into the hamper. He couldn't stop himself from yawning as he exited the bathroom and walked down the hall to the room he and Faith shared. It was nearly three in the morning and he knew she'd be fast asleep like she was nearly every night when he got home from working at the bar.
Even though their roommate had already left for her family's house in Jersey, Faith had still closed their bedroom door, so he opened it as slowly and quietly as he could. Clad in only a pair of sweatpants he gently lowered himself into bed, crawling under the covers with her and snuggling up behind her. Gently putting his arm around her waist he kissed her shoulder through the material of her nightshirt. "I miss you," he whispered softly.
She murmured something softly in her sleep and leaned back in his arms instinctively, subconsciously recognizing his presence and his voice.
He let out a breath and shifted slightly to kiss her cheek. It had been almost a year since he'd returned from the Army Rangers, and they'd gotten engaged. And though he thought they'd be seeing a lot of each other since they lived together and shared a bed, he'd been wrong. With her working and being enrolled in college, and his attendance at the police academy and working at the bar it was as if they never saw each other.
Stirring a little as she felt his lips against her cheek, she covered his arm with her own, lacing her fingers through his. "Welcome home," she murmured.
"Hey, Mitch." Bosco smiled softly as he gently squeezed her fingers between his. He knew he should let her go back to sleep, but it wasn't every night that he got to talk to her. "It's almost Christmas."
"Mmhmm," she said sleepily, a faint smile touching her lips. "How was work?"
"Loud. Smoky. Busy." He kissed her cheek once more. "You'd think our customers would go home and be with their families instead of gettin' wasted at the bar. I know I woulda rather been here with you."
"I guess not everybody has family," she murmured, slowly turning over so she was facing him.
"Guess you're right." He smiled at her and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Hey gorgeous."
She smiled back, slowly opening her eyes. "Hey, handsome."
"I'm sorry I woke you," he whispered.
"I'm not," she whispered back, kissing him softly.
Bosco smiled against her lips. "I've missed you."
"Missed you too. But three whole days off." She snuggled up against him.
"Yes." He wrapped his arms around her. "Three glorious days of alone time. Well...minus dinner with ma and Mikey."
"Which isn't for over a day." She rested a hand against his chest.
"The things we could do in that time," he said softly, his lip turning up into a smile.
"Mmhmm." She smiled again and nibbled on his lower lip.
"When was the last time we were truly alone," he asked her in-between kisses.
"Way too long ago," she murmured.
"Is there somethin' I could do to make up for that?"
"Mmhmm."
Lifting a hand to her cheek he kissed her forehead and then her chin.
"I love you, Boz," she whispered.
He kissed her lips softly. "I love you too, Mitch," he whispered back. "And someday...someday I'm gonna be able to give you everything you've ever wanted."
"You're all I want."
"Good thing," he kidded, his voice soft. "Cause I'm broke."
"It doesn't matter," she murmured, kissing his cheek softly. "We're together. That's all I care about."
"And speaking of me being broke...I had to turn the heat down so we might have to find a way to stay warm tonight," he told her, a smile on his face.
"Oh, yeah?" She couldn't help but grin.
He nodded slightly. "Oh yeah."
"I'm sure we can figure out something."
Grinning, he held her tight and quickly rolled onto his back, pulling her with him. "I'm looking forward to the next three days."
Faith smiled. She just hoped her surprise would make him as happy as he seemed to be right now.
*~*~*~*~*~*~
Faith stood in the kitchen at the stove, stirring the pot of stuffing she was fixing to go along with the ham in the oven. The Christmas cookies were already baked and set on the counter on a large plate. The kitchen smelled of warm spices like cinnamon, reminding her of Christmas's when she was much younger and a faint smile touched her lips.
He'd spent a couple minutes pacing back and forth in their bedroom before heading down the hallway. When he got to the end of the hall he leaned against the wall and just stood there, gazing at her as she prepared dinner. When he'd gotten home from work in the wee hours of the morning the two of them had reconnected on a level they'd been missing for what seemed like forever and things had been fantastic, and the day leading up until this moment had been amazing as well. It was great spending time together and just relaxing, but now there was something he had to tell her. Something he didn't think he'd ever have to tell her, and he didn't know how.
"What's up?" she asked without even turning around.
She stirred him from the daze he had momentarily slipped into. "Huh?"
A smile still lingering on her lips, she looked at him. "What's up?"
"Oh, uh...nothing. Nothing." He pushed himself away from the wall and headed toward the kitchen. "I was just thinking about...how good it smells in here."
Her eyebrows furrowed a little and she gazed at him a moment. "Well, I'm glad you think so."
"Yeah." He nodded his head and ran a hand through his hair as he avoided her eyes.
Faith was silent for a moment. "Boz?"
"Hmm?" He slowly turned to look at her.
"What's going on?"
Closing his eyes he took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "There's something I..." He swallowed hard. "Faith, there's something I have to tell you," he told her, his voice barely audible.
Her eyes filled with worry at his serious tone and her blood ran cold. She swallowed hard, trying to prepare herself for whatever he was about to say next. "Just...say it."
"I uh...I never thought I'd have to say this," he whispered.
Faith leaned against the corner, dread filling her. "What?"
He sucked in another deep breath and slowly lifted his gaze to her face. "I was gonna...I was gonna buy you a ring, give it to you for Christmas, but I...the money." He paused. "I had to pay some bills and..."
She closed her eyes as relief swept over her. "God. Bosco, you scared the hell out of me. Is that all?"
His eyes widened. "Is that all? Mitch, that's -huge-."
"I thought you were getting ready to say you were going to go back to the Rangers or something."
"What? No." He shook his head. "I wouldn't ever leave you."
Letting out a breath, she wrapped her arms around his waist.
He rested his head against hers as he returned the embrace. "I just wanted you to have a ring, and I didn't want you to be disappointed on Christmas."
"I'm not disappointed," she whispered, hugging him tightly.
"I want to be able to provide for you, Mitch. I want you to have everything you need," he told her softly as they held each other. "I want us to be able to talk about having kids, but...I'm not sure that's gonna be any time soon, ya know?"
"I know." She slowly pulled away and looked at him. "Bosco, I know that. Okay?" She reached up and touched his cheek. "And I'm okay with it. All I want is to be with you. It really is enough."
He gazed at her, his eyes somewhat uncertain.
"Really," she whispered.
"Sometimes I worry that I'm doing the wrong thing."
Her eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Maybe I shouldn't be trying to better myself. Maybe instead of being at the Police Academy I should be working full time. I should be working so we can afford to get a place of our own. So we don't have to turn the heat off to save money. So we don't have to clip so many coupons."
"No." She shook her head.
"I should be able to buy you nice things. You deserve nice things."
"Bosco, I have nice things. Stop it."
He inhaled and closed his eyes. "I love you so much."
"I love you too. And for the record...I couldn't afford to get you much this year either." Her voice was soft.
His eyes immediately opened. "You didn't have to get me anything."
"Well, it's not something...bought, per say."
"What is it?"
Faith smiled. "You'll have to wait and see."
"Oh come on," he pleaded.
"It's not Christmas yet." Her voice was light and she moved back over to the stove to stir the stuffing.
"It's close enough," he told her as he slid his arms around her from behind.
"Nope. My lips are sealed." She grinned.
"Come on." He nibbled gently on her neck. "Tell me."
Faith giggled involuntarily. "Sorry. I can't."
"You can't? Or you just won't?"
"It's against the rules."
"Rules are meant to be broken."
"Not Christmas rules. Now behave or you can't have any cookies."
Bosco chuckled softly as he kissed her neck once more.
"Mmm." She gave up on the stuffing and turned to face him, sliding her arms around his waist and tilting her head back a little.
"Can you believe it's been almost a year?" He questioned as he kissed his way up to her jaw.
"No. It's flown by," she murmured, sliding her hands down his back.
"Sometimes I feel like I'm back overseas," he told her softly. "I wake up in the morning and you've already left for work, and when I get home from my day you're already asleep. I wonder if we'll ever get to spend time together other than when we're asleep."
She sighed softly. "I know." She rested her forehead against his.
"It'll get better once I graduate. It has to."
"I know. And when I graduate too...I've only got a year left and I'll have my associate's degree."
His eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Is that all you're gonna get?"
"Well, for now."
"You know that I'm behind you going to school, right? Whatever you wanna do I'm all for it."
"I know. But I forgot how much I hate school. Believe me, when next semester's up, I'm gonna need a break."
Bosco chuckled softly. "I don't know how any one could forget how much they hate school."
She grinned and kissed the tip of his nose.
He smiled at her. "So what's on the agenda for tonight? Hot chocolate and Christmas cookies while we watch Christmas movies?"
"Something like that." She smiled and turned to look toward the door when she heard a knock. "Can you get that? I need to stir the stuffing."
"Yeah. Sure." He kissed her softly then headed for the door.
Faith bit her lip, watching as he unlocked the door and opened it.
He pulled open the door and his eyes widened. Unsure of what to say he just stood there.
Derek stood on the doorstep, wearing his dress uniform from the service and a grin. "Hey buddy. Merry Christmas."
"What...I didn't..." He turned to look at Faith then looked back at Derek before stepping forward and giving his friend a fierce hug.
Faith smiled, leaning against the counter and watching them embrace.
"God, D. What are you...It's so good to see you."
"Likewise, Boscorelli."
He pulled back to look at his friend and just shook his head slightly, giving him a once over. "When'd you get back? How'd you get here? How long before you go home?" Bosco questioned, the words coming out in a rush in his excitement.
"Took a plane, then a cab." He winked and stepped inside, following Bosco. "I go back in a week."
"God, this is so amazing." He motioned over to Faith. "Derek this is--"
"Faith." He smiled warmly as she held her hand out to shake his. "Nice to finally meet you."
"It's nice to put a face with the voice," she told him, returning his smile.
Bosco looked back and forth between the two of them. "Wait. You mean..."
Derek grinned at him, winked at Faith. "Your fiancée’s been planning this for about three months."
He turned to look at Faith. "You have?"
She smiled a little, her eyes sparkling. "Guilty."
Unable to contain himself he moved over to Faith and wrapped his arms around her, picking her up off the floor slightly. "This is so great. Thank you."
"You're very welcome," she whispered against his ear, kissing him softly.
"You're the most amazing woman," he whispered back.
"I like to think so," she joked.
He kissed her lips softly then turned back to Derek. "Isn't she amazing, D?"
Derek grinned. "And much more beautiful in person. You're a lucky man, Boscorelli."
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "I don't deserve her, but she seems to like me."
She chuckled softly, heading for the kitchen. "You guys want something to drink?"
"I'll have whatever you're having," Bosco told her as he took Derek's bag from him. "You think Cindy would mind if Derek crashed in her room?"
"Already cleared it with her." She smiled and returned holding three glasses of cider.
"You're always a step ahead of me." He took the glass of cider from her and took a sip before setting the glass on the counter. "Derek, come with me. I'll show you where you're staying."
"Sure." Derek took a drink, set his cup down beside his friend's and followed him.
Bosco lead the other young man into Cindy's room and placed his luggage on the bed. Turning to his friend he just shook his head, still shocked that his Army buddy was actually visiting.
He grinned. "Yeah, I'm a pretty amazing sight, huh?" he joked.
He laughed. "Stunning actually."
Derek grinned and turned his head, showing off his profile. "I've always thought so."
"Just stay away from my girl, okay?"
"I wouldn't even think about it, man," he said seriously.
"I know." He nodded his head. "I can't believe she arranged all of this."
"You got a good one, Boscorelli. Don't let her go."
"I'm definitely hanging on to her. We've got big plans for the future." He smiled softly then glanced toward the door, the smile slipping from his face. "I'm screwed though."
Derek's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"It's our first real Christmas together, ya know? And she goes and arranges for you to come visit and...Man, my gift for her doesn't even come close to that."
"What'd you get her?" he asked curiously.
He shoved his hands in his jean pockets and looked down at the floor. "You're gonna laugh."
Derek made a face. "You know me better than that."
Bosco looked at his friend, raising an eyebrow.
He grinned a little. "Okay, okay. Seriously, though. What'd you get her?"
"A uh...guinea pig."
"Oh, a friend for Winnie?"
He gave his friend a look. "What? How'd you--"
"Every time I talked to her on the phone, she told me about the one you guys already have."
"Oh geez, seriously?"
"Other than you, that guinea pig is her love." He chuckled a little.
"I can't believe she talked about Winnie."
"She loves that rodent. Where is the little rat, anyway?"
"She's in our bedroom, but I'll let Mitch show off our baby," he said lightly.
Derek grinned. "I probably shouldn't call her a rat around Faith, huh?"
"Right." He nodded. "And you shouldn't call Winnie little when you're around Winnie."
He raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"
"She's very sensitive about her size."
"So she's a typical woman."
Bosco chuckled. "Man, I've missed you."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"So did Faith tell you our plans," he asked Derek as they sat in the living room later that evening. Bosco had his arm around Faith and he pulled her a little closer. "My mom and little brother are coming over for Christmas dinner and we're gonna do the whole gift giving thing...not that there are many gifts to give out."
Derek smiled faintly. "Well that sounds like fun."
"We'll find out I guess. It's obviously the first time we're having Christmas here."
"It'll be good," Faith murmured, resting her head on his shoulder.
Bosco nodded his head slightly as he rubbed her arm. "I'm sure it will be." He looked over at Derek. "You're cool with it, right? Dinner with my family?"
"Hey, if your mom cooks half as well as your fiancée, I'll be one happy camper." He grinned and sat back against the couch.
"You'll be happy then." He kissed Faith on top of the head.
"Yeah, she cooks way better than me," she said with a smile.
"I never said that," Bosco said with a laugh.
Faith grinned and winked at him. "No, I did."
"So I was thinkin'...Maybe D would wanna go with me to take care of some last minute Christmas details tomorrow?" Bosco asked his friend.
Derek grinned. "Sure."
"Good." He nodded. "That'd be good." Letting out a happy sigh he sank a little further into the sofa, leaning his head against Faith's.
His friend stretched and yawned. "But to be honest with ya, buddy...right now? I got a major case of jet lag."
"Oh. Yeah. I totally understand." He smiled at Derek. "Sorry if we kept you up too late."
He grinned and slowly stood up, stretching his arms over his head. "I wouldn't really call 9:00 p.m. late. But I am gettin' old."
Bosco removed his arm from around Faith's shoulders and held it out to his friend to shake. "Sleep in as late as you want tomorrow. We'll head to the store when you're ready."
"Sounds good." Derek shook Bosco's hand and smiled at Faith. "Thanks for dinner. I'll see you both in the morning."
"Night, D. It's good havin' you here."
He nodded and disappeared down the hall leaving Faith and Bosco alone.
When he heard Derek shut the door to Cindy's room Bosco's grin widened and he wrapped both arms around Faith. "You are the best," he whispered.
Smiling faintly, she rested her head on his collar bone. "I just love you a lot."
"I love you a lot, too." He placed a soft kiss on her neck. "I can't believe you kept his visit a secret for so long."
"You have no idea how hard it was," she said with a chuckle.
"Did my mother know he was coming?"
Faith made the motion of locking her lips and throwing away the key. "I'll never tell."
He chuckled softly. "Doesn't matter anyway. He's here and it's great to see him. It's good to know that he's home and he's safe, ya know?"
She kissed his cheek softly. "I know."
"So I was thinkin'..."
Lifting an eyebrow, she smiled. "That's a nice change," she teased.
"Ha ha." He shook his head and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well I was thinkin' that even though it's early, and we've got company...maybe we could...head into bed?"
Her eyes twinkled mischievously. "You tired already?"
"Not even close to tired," he informed her with a smile.
"Hmm...so if you don't wanna sleep, what did you have in mind?" She nibbled on his earlobe.
"Mmm." He moved his hand down to rest on her thigh. "I think you already have an idea."
Grinning, Faith wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him before slowly pulling away and rising to her feet, extending her hand to help him up.
Bosco placed his hand in hers and when he was standing in front of her he slid his arms around her waist, rested his forehead against hers. "It's been great spending the day with you, Mitch," he whispered.
She couldn't have agreed more.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bosco pulled off his winter cap as he and Derek stepped into the store. "I just gotta pick up Mitch's Christmas gift and then she said she needed a couple more things from the grocery store and we'll be done. Then we can do whatever you wanna do."
Derek nodded and glanced around the pet store, leaning down to peer into a cage with a large bunny that stuck its nose in the air and looked at him.
"Don't tell me you're a critter lover too?" He teased.
He made a face. "I'm a dog-man myself."
"Figures." Bosco grinned. "Small town Colorado boy. You musta had like acres and acres of land."
Derek smirked. "Somethin' like that."
"I wouldn't mind havin' a dog." He glanced over at the cage of puppies in the corner. "But of course our apartment isn't big enough and that's only a quarter of the problem with a dog. But that would be the life...A house with a yard. Kids. A dog."
He nodded his agreement. "Well, you got a fiancée, a couple guinea pigs and an apartment. You're gettin' there."
"Yeah. It's a slower process than I thought it would be, but that's okay." He headed toward the sales clerk in the back of the store. "So now that you're back in the States what's your plan? Goin' home and gettin' a job or what?"
Grinning, Derek looked happy. "Got a girl of my own I'm heading back to after Christmas."
Bosco turned and looked at him. "Seriously?"
He nodded. "Leanna."
"That's awesome, man. Are you guys like...really serious?"
"Well, no. Not yet anyway. Maybe one day. We'll see how it goes."
"And if it doesn't work out with Leanna...my roommate Cindy is single," he teased as he turned to speak with the clerk.
Derek couldn't help but chuckle.
"Can I help you?"
"Yeah. I'm Maurice Boscorelli. I came in about a week ago to get a guinea pig, and I'm here to pick it up."
The clerk nodded a little and disappeared into the back, returning a few moments later with a small, furry pig that squeaked in protest.
"Aw, there she is," Bosco commented as he reached out to take the guinea pig from the clerk.
The little animal squirmed but when Bosco cradled her against his chest, she calmed down.
Derek raised an eyebrow. "If the guys could see you now..."
Bosco looked at his Army buddy. "And I know you aren't gonna say a word to any of them." He carefully cradled the pig as he reached for his wallet.
He smirked, but didn't reply, watching as his friend paid for the small animal. "She's kinda cute, I guess. For a pig."
He held up the pig for his friend to get a better look. "I think Mitch'll like her, and I pray Winnie likes her too."
He grinned. "Where to now?"
"Grocery store I guess. Unless there's anywhere you wanna go first?"
"No, that's fine with me." He shoved his hands in his pockets and followed Bosco toward the door.
"I'm hoping that while you're in town I'll actually have some time to show you around a little."
"That'd be nice. Never been in the City that Never Sleeps before."
"Maybe I can get a night off of work or somethin'," he told his friend as they headed down the block.
Derek nodded. "You should come out to Denver sometime."
"Man, I'd love to. I'd really like to take Mitch somewhere. She hasn't done much traveling."
"Well, you'll always have a place to stay, so you won't have to worry about a hotel."
"Don't be surprised when we take you up on that."
"Well I wouldn'ta offered if I hadn't wanted you to."
Bosco nodded his head slowly as his attention was drawn to a nearby store window and he stopped to look.
Derek paused and looked in the window, as well, following his friend's gaze to a display of rings.
He leaned in as close to the window as he could to get a good look, glancing at the prices.
He gave Bosco a curious look.
"It kills me that I still haven't gotten her a ring," he said softly.
"Money's tight, huh?" Derek gazed into the window.
A frustrated sigh escaped him. "Tight doesn't even begin to describe it."
He was silent for a moment. "You know..."
Pulling his gaze away from the rings he glanced at his friend, waiting for him to continue.
"I could spot you some cash."
"You could?" He quickly shook his head. "I mean, thanks. But I couldn't ask you to do that."
"You didn't. I offered." He glanced at Bosco sideways. "Seriously, man. You know that whole time we were over there? How I was jumpin' on the ‘net every chance I got?"
He nodded. "Yeah. You're some kinda computer geek or somethin'."
Derek smirked. "More like a financial geek. I was investin' in online companies. Fell into some pretty good luck along the way."
Bosco's eyes widened slightly. "Wow."
"Let me loan you some money. Get her a ring...you can pay me back...whenever. You're good for it."
Swallowing hard he adjusted his stocking cap and looked from his friend to the rings on display. He bit his lip as he thought about how desperately he wanted his fiancée to have a ring.
"It's really not a big deal. And...besides that, I owe ya anyway," he said meaningfully. Bosco had saved his ass once in the field.
He looked over at his friend. "You don't owe me anything," he told him, his voice quiet. "You woulda done the same for me."
"Yeah, I woulda. Just like if our situations were reversed now."
Pressing his lips together he turned to look at the rings one more time. "It doesn't have to be an expensive one. Just something small, and I'll pay you back every penny. Once I graduate from the Academy and I get--"
"I know. This isn't charity. You're payin' me back."
Letting out a breath Bosco turned to face Derek. "You have no idea how much I appreciate this."
Derek smiled faintly. "Give me the pig. Go get your girl a ring."
Eager to get shopping for the ring Bosco quickly handed over the guinea pig, a wide smile on his face.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Derek sat at the opposite end of the sofa as Bosco, who was grinning as he stared at the television screen both knew he wasn't paying the least bit of attention to. A shriek from the bedroom caused him to chuckle and he looked at his friend. "Guess she found your first surprise."
Bosco looked over at Derek. "That was definitely a good shriek."
Seconds later, Faith emerged from the bedroom with wide eyes, the small new guinea pig cradled in her arms. "Oh my God."
Turning so he could look at her he was smiling from ear to ear. "Merry Christmas."
A wide grin across her face, she plopped down beside him, kissing his cheek. "Thank you."
"I had to go get her today cause the store wasn't going to be open on Christmas. Thought about dropping her off at ma's but figured Mikey would just torment the poor thing," he explained.
Faith smiled as the guinea pig curled up against her, burying its face in her arm. "It is a girl right?"
"Of course." He leaned in and whispered in her ear. "I wasn't gonna have Winnie gettin' more action than us."
She chuckled, studying the guinea pig and petting her soft brown fur. She had a small white patch under her chin. "Squiggles."
"Winnie and Squiggles?"
She grinned. "Yeah."
"It's cute. I like it." He leaned in and kissed Faith softly.
"Aww," Derek grinned.
Ignoring his friend he kissed Faith once again.
Squiggles squeaked loudly and Faith grinned against Bosco's lips.
Bosco chuckled and pulled away slightly. Reaching out he gently ran his fingers over Squiggles' fur. "Your Christmas gift is much cuter than mine," he joked.
"Hey," Derek protested.
He looked over at Derek with a smirk. "Right, like I'm gonna tell you you're cute."
He made a face at Bosco. "For which I'm thankful. But I'm definitely cuter than a ra--" He cut himself off at the look on Faith's face.
"Oh. Easy, buddy," Bosco chuckled.
"Maybe I should...leave you two alone." He smirked and stood up. "Or...you three."
"Yeah. Maybe you should go call Leanna."
"I think that's a good idea. Goodnight." He grinned at them and disappeared down the hallway.
"Leanna's his girl back home," he informed Faith, though he knew she'd probably already figured that out.
"I figured that or his guinea pig." Her voice was light.
He chuckled and leaned in to kiss her once again.
"Thank you," she whispered, kissing him back softly.
"You're welcome. I know it's not much, but..."
"Are you kidding? Look at her." Smiling, Faith gazed at their new "baby." She kissed Squiggles' nose lightly.
"I'm glad you like her, and Winnie seemed to like her too. I was kinda nervous about it."
"Well, female guinea pigs get along pretty well together. They are very social little babies, aren't you?" She grinned and petted Squiggles gently, causing the pig to purr like a kitten.
He smiled. "You know, if we love our guinea pigs this much just think how much we're gonna love our kids when we have 'em."
Faith looked at him and smiled softly, kissing his cheek. "I love you."
"Asking you to marry me...that's the smartest thing I've ever done," he whispered as he gazed at her.
Kissing the tip of his nose, she leaned her forehead against his. "And agreeing was mine."
"Can you believe tomorrow's our one year anniversary? It's really flown by."
"Merry Christmas, Boz," she murmured.
"Merry Christmas, Mitch," he whispered, kissing her gently.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bosco went into the kitchen to get himself and Derek another soda. Before making it to the refrigerator he wound his arms around Faith's waist from behind and kissed her cheek. "What're you makin'? It looks great."
"Green bean casserole." She smiled and turned her head to kiss his cheek.
"My favorite."
"Your brother's a good cook," she told him, nodding toward where Mikey stood at the other end of the counter, studiously working on a batch of stuffing.
He looked over at his little brother. "Well he and I both learned how important it was growing up with ma to know how to follow directions," he joked.
Mikey smirked. "You realize I can hear you?"
"Yes, I do," Bosco chuckled. "And I appreciate you helping out in the kitchen, squirt."
Faith smiled and shook her head a little, focusing her attention on the casserole once more. "How's the game?"
"It's a good game. Tie score. End of the third quarter." He kissed her cheek again then walked over to where his mother was cooking. When he reached out to stick his finger in the bowl and steal a taste Rose slapped his hand. "Oww."
She looked at him. "You know better, Maurice. We have to eat this and no one wants you stickin' your hands in it."
Mikey smirked at his older brother. "Unless you wanna help cook, get outta the kitchen."
He raised his eyebrows. "Am I gettin' kicked outta the kitchen?"
"Looks like." Faith winked at him.
"Well then, I'll just grab a couple sodas and be outta your way." He kissed his mother's cheek and then went over to Faith to kiss her.
"Boscorelli, the fourth quarter's startin'," Derek hollered from the living room.
"Go on," Faith told him, smiling softly.
He kissed her lips softly then pulled a couple sodas out of the fridge before making his way into the living room.
She glanced at Rose. "I'm almost done here."
Rose was smiling at her. "You two are so good to each other."
A faint blush touched her cheeks and she smiled. "Well, we love each other."
"I know, and I can't wait until you get married and start havin' kids." She grinned.
A short chuckle escaped her lips. "I think that's a little while down the road yet."
"Oh I know, but I'm anxious for grandbabies."
"You already have two," Mikey said wryly.
She gave her youngest son a look. "Guinea pigs don't exactly count, Michael."
He raised his eyebrows, shrugging. "Whatever, Ma."
"Oh, and while we're on the topic of grandchildren..." She looked hard at Mikey. "I'm talking about Maurice and Faith. None of us need you goin' off and gettin' your little girlfriend pregnant you hear me? You're not even allowed to think about sex until you're married."
He didn't respond to that comment, simply smirked and stirred the stuffing.
Faith glanced at him sideways, a hint of suspicion in her eyes.
"Whoa!" Bosco turned around on the sofa. "Did I just hear what I thought I heard?" He looked at his brother. "Mikey, are you..."
"Shut it, Mo."
"Come out here. I think it's time we had a talk."
"No thanks. I've had that talk already."
"Not this version."
Mikey rolled his eyes and looked at Faith for help.
Sighing softly, she looked away, shaking her head.
"Go talk to your brother, Michael. God knows I can't get through to you."
"Would you all just get the hell off my back?" he demanded.
"Michael. Living room. Now." Bosco insisted.
Pissed, Mikey shoved the bowl of stuffing away and stormed into the living room, glaring at his brother. "What?"
"If you think you're old enough to be havin' sex with your girlfriend then you're old enough to sit down with me and Derek and have the other 'talk'."
"I'm not having sex with Rayanne," he snapped.
"Watch your tone. I'm not trying to fight with you."
"Whatever." He flopped down in a chair, folding his arms across his chest in one pissed off gesture.
Bosco sighed softly, knowing he wasn‘t going to get anywhere with Mikey when they had an audience. "Come with me. I wanna show you somethin'."
Rolling his eyes, Mikey reluctantly stood up to follow his brother.
Once they were in Bosco and Faith's bedroom, Bosco closed the door. "I'm not mad at you Mikey. I wish you wouldn't get so pissed off with me."
He didn't respond, looking like the typical sullen teenager.
Walking over to his dresser he pulled open the third drawer and dug around in it until he found the small box he was looking for. Turning back to his brother he opened the box and held it out so he could see the ring inside.
Mikey's eyes widened a little. "Is that..."
He nodded his head. "Derek had to loan me the money cause I couldn't afford it."
"Wow."
"You say you're not having sex with Rayanne, and I believe you," he told his brother, his voice quiet as he shut the box. "But I just...I just want you to really think about it. Think about it hard before you decide to. I mean...look at me, Mikey. I've got the woman I love who deserves so much but I can't afford to give it to her. Not yet anyway. If you decide that Rayanne is the one then prepare yourself. Prepare yourselves to have a future together, not just a moment, ya know?"
"We're not even talkin' about it, Mo. Ray's...she's a good girl, okay? I like her, and she's not ready, so..."
Bosco smiled. "You're a good kid, Mikey."
He shrugged. "Don't let it get out. I got a reputation to keep you know."
"Yeah, I know all about reputations." He put the box back in the drawer. "Come on. I wanna watch the rest of the game and you gotta help finish dinner."
Mikey stood up. "She has no idea about the ring, huh?"
"Nope. Hell, I told her a couple of days ago she wasn't getting one cause I had to spend the money I saved to pay a couple of our bills." He pointed over at Squiggles. "As far as she knows that's the only thing she's getting this year."
"Well, she's pretty happy with that."
He nodded. "I'm hopin' she'll like the ring too."
"That? That she'll love."
*~*~*~*~*~*~
Mikey grinned at the autographed shirt of Slipknot his brother and Faith had gotten him for Christmas. "Awesome. Thanks!"
Bosco grinned. "Glad you like it. It was Faith's idea."
He smiled and glanced at her. "Thanks, Sis."
Faith smiled broadly, leaning her head against Bosco's. "You're very welcome."
"I wish we had something for you, D," Bosco told his friend.
"Hey, I'm here amongst friends. That's more than enough." He smiled sincerely, looking content and relaxed and not a bit out of place. He was just one of those guys that fit in wherever he went and everyone liked him.
"I hope you're staying in town a while longer, Derek," Rose commented.
"Til just before the new year, Ma'am," he told her, smiling.
"Well that's good, and you're more than welcome to come have dinner with me and Michael if these two are busy with school and work at night."
"That's very kind. Thank you."
Faith smiled.
Rose started to pick up the wrapping paper from the few gifts that had been exchanged. "Well I love my gifts," she told her sons and Faith as she stood up. "Now it's time to clean everything up and get outta your hair."
"There's no need to rush off," Faith started.
Mikey glanced at his brother and stood up. "We've got stuff to do at home," he said quickly.
"You uh...you guys don't have to go," Bosco told them.
He raised an eyebrow and looked at Bosco questioningly, figuring he'd want to give Faith the ring when the two of them were alone.
Bosco met Mikey's gaze and shrugged, then looked over at Derek, his eyes questioning what he should do.
Derek simply shrugged as well.
Noticing the looks that passed between the three men, Faith frowned a little. "All right, what's goin' on?"
"I just..." Starting to get a little nervous about what she'd think he stood up and took her hand. "Come with me." When she stood up, her eyes questioning he led her over to stand by the window where they had a little more privacy.
Worried, she gazed at him in confusion. "Boz? What is it?"
"I love you," he told her softly.
"Well, I love you, too, but what--"
Biting his lip he pulled the small velvet box out of his pocket and opened it for her to see.
Her eyes widened instantly. "Oh my...Bosco...what..." She quickly lifted her gaze to meet his.
He quickly glanced over at Derek and Mikey who were both watching them intently. Rose had wandered back into the living room and was also looking in their direction, her eyes questioning. "You deserve to have the best, Mitch, and I'm gonna give you the best."
"But I thought that..." She shook her head a little, slightly dazed.
"I got a loan," he told her, his voice nearly inaudible. She knew how he hated asking others for help.
"Bosco," she whispered, touching his face.
"I couldn't let you go any longer without a ring on your finger."
Wordlessly, she kissed his lips.
He returned the kiss, letting his lips linger for a moment before breaking the kiss and resting his forehead against hers. "So...will you marry me?"
Happy tears prickling at her eyes, she nodded without hesitation. "Anywhere, anytime," Faith whispered.
Smiling he took the ring out of the box and reached for her hand.
He slid the ring onto her finger and she wound her arms around his waist. "I love you."
Letting out a breath he wrapped his arms around her, returning the embrace. "I love you, too. Merry Christmas."
Rose grinned, her eyes welling up with tears. "They're so sweet together."
Derek grinned, as well, silently agreeing. He was glad that Faith had invited him to come stay with them for the holiday, and even more glad he was able to help out his friend. After all, it was the season.